There’s a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the guitar world, often overlooked yet steadily making waves: Canadian guitar brands. Just imagine—decades ago, in a modest workshop in Quebec, a small team of passionate craftsmen embarked on a journey to create guitars that would rival their more famous counterparts. The rest, as they say, … Read more
Imagine transforming your guitar’s voice with just a subtle shift of your fingers—an exploration I embarked on the day I discovered the magic of the fingertip guitar slide. This seemingly modest technique opened up an entirely new dimension of sound and expression for my playing, sparking a journey that continually reshapes my relationship with the … Read more
Not too long ago, I found myself grappling with a stale practice routine, feeling the absence of the thrill that once electrified my guitar sessions. It was during this lull that a friend handed me a list labeled ‘intermediate guitar solos’, suggesting I try something new. The effect was profound. Almost immediately, I was reinvigorated, … Read more
After twenty years in the world of guitar journalism, I’ve encountered numerous instruments promising to revolutionize the music scene. Yet, few have captivated players and enthusiasts quite like the Jack Casady bass guitar. This Epiphone creation, cherished for its rich tone and distinctive build, intrigues novices and seasoned musicians alike. But here’s a bold claim: … Read more
Picture this: the gentle strum that opens Taylor Swift’s ‘Dear John’—a song as inviting as it is heart-wrenching. Capturing that melody on guitar is not just about positioning fingers on frets but also about resonating with the *emotional depth* behind those chords. As a seasoned guitar instructor, I know firsthand that truly mastering a song … Read more
Imagine standing on stage, your heart racing and your fingers poised on the strings of your beloved bass guitar. Suddenly, you hear a subtle but unsettling buzzing sound during a critical solo. That’s when you realize: it’s time to address the neck of your instrument. With years of experience in instrument design, I understand how … Read more
Imagine the moment you strum a Ventura acoustic guitar for the first time: a hidden gem unexpectedly found in the vast guitar marketplace. You feel the resonance, the quality of craftsmanship, and you know immediately that this isn’t just any guitar. But what makes Ventura guitars stand out from the rest? As a luthier with … Read more
They said it couldn’t be done—a pickup that offers both the lush warmth of vintage tones and the cutting clarity for modern riffs. Yet here I stand, a luthier with almost three decades of experience under my belt, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how Guitar Madness pickups defy expectations. My initial encounter with these pickups was … Read more
Introduction to F-Hole Acoustic Guitars Imagine strumming an acoustic guitar that resonates not only with vibrant melodies but also with a rich, intricate tonal tapestry. As a seasoned luthier, I’ve discovered that the *f-hole design* holds the key to this profound musical transformation. Shaped like elegant f’s carved into the body, these sound holes do … Read more
Can a seemingly unassuming instrument reinvent your musical journey? I’ve always been fascinated by how one piece of equipment can transform an entire sound. Enter the Rogue lap steel guitar—an instrument that might just redefine your notions about music. My exploration began years ago, led by the compelling stories of musicians who swore by its … Read more