As I strummed my beloved guitar, a startling snap pierced the air. My trusty leather strap had finally given way, sending my prized instrument crashing to the floor. In that heart-stopping moment, I realized the true importance of a reliable guitar strap. This incident sparked my quest to find the perfect balance of style and … Read more
As I ran my fingers across the fretboard of a vintage Martin, I was struck by the shimmering abalone inlays that caught the light. In that moment, I realized that guitar inlay materials are more than mere decoration—they’re the soul of an instrument’s visual appeal. With nearly three decades as a luthier and an engineering … Read more
I never imagined a Taylor guitar would change my life, but that’s exactly what happened at a NAMM show in the late ’90s. As I picked up a gleaming 814ce, its resonance sent shivers down my spine. Little did I know, this moment would spark a lifelong passion. From that day forward, my journey with … Read more
The first time I heard Steel Guitar Rag, I was transported to a smoky honky-tonk, the twangy melody weaving through the air like a time machine. Little did I know that this iconic tune would become my lifelong passion and the subject of countless hours of study and practice. As a long-time editor of ‘Acoustic … Read more
The moment I first laid hands on the S101 electric guitar, I knew I was in for a surprise. As a seasoned guitar journalist, I’ve strummed countless strings, but this instrument struck a unique chord. What makes this budget-friendly axe stand out in a sea of entry-level options? The answer lies not just in its … Read more
The first time I held a Lucero classical guitar, I was struck by an unexpected revelation. Despite its modest price tag, the instrument resonated with a warmth and clarity that rivaled guitars twice its cost. As a luthier with decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless instruments, but this moment stood out. It left me wondering: … Read more
The first time I plucked the strings of a Timberline harp guitar, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. The resonant, multi-layered sound that filled my workshop was unlike anything I’d ever heard from a single instrument. As a luthier with an engineering background, I was instantly captivated by the intricate design and acoustic … Read more
Imagine a guitar with 100 strings, its neck as wide as a piano keyboard, producing a symphony of sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard. As I stood before this musical marvel, my fingers itching to explore its vast fretboard, I realized how far the world of string guitars had come. From my first six-string at … Read more
I’ll never forget the day I watched in horror as a priceless vintage Martin guitar cracked right before my eyes. The cause? A sudden drop in humidity that wreaked havoc on its delicate wooden structure. That moment changed my perspective on guitar care forever. As a veteran guitar journalist with over two decades at Guitar … Read more
The first time I held a mahogany guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The rich, warm tones that emanated from its body were unlike anything I’d heard before. As a luthier with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve come to understand the profound impact that mahogany has on a guitar’s sound and performance. … Read more