As I held my first left-handed semi-hollow guitar, a revelation struck me: these instruments aren’t just rare gems; they’re gateways to musical freedom for southpaw players. Did you know that only 10% of guitars manufactured are left-handed, and the selection narrows further for semi-hollow models? This scarcity has driven my passion as a luthier since … Read more
The moment I strummed my first chord with the D’Addario EXP12-B25 coated acoustic guitar strings, I knew something extraordinary had happened. The crisp, vibrant tone that emanated from my guitar was unlike anything I’d experienced before. As an avid guitarist and long-time editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve tested countless strings, but these were different. … Read more
The first time I laid eyes on Randy Rhoads’ polka dot guitar, I knew I was witnessing a revolution. Its striking appearance was unlike anything the rock world had seen before, but little did I know that this instrument would become the catalyst for a new era in guitar design and performance. As the former … Read more
I thought I’d seen it all in the world of bass guitar practice until I stumbled upon a game-changing discovery: the right pair of headphones can completely transform your playing experience. As a seasoned musician and editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve tested countless audio solutions, but nothing prepared me for the clarity and precision … Read more
The moment I strummed that first hot pink guitar, I knew my life as a musician would never be the same. Its vibrant hue wasn’t just a color; it was a statement, a rebellion against the sea of sunbursts and natural finishes dominating stages everywhere. As a seasoned guitarist and editor of Acoustic Guitar magazine, … Read more
Did you know that the mandolin has twice as many strings as a standard guitar, yet it’s often considered easier to play? This surprising fact caught my attention years ago when I first picked up a mandolin after decades of guitar playing. As the former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve strummed, picked, … Read more
I still remember the day I first laid eyes on a hollow body guitar kit. As a seasoned luthier, I thought I’d seen it all, but this unassuming box held the promise of something extraordinary. Little did I know that this encounter would revolutionize my approach to instrument building and spark a passion that would … Read more
As I held the left-handed Martin D-28 for the first time, its reversed strings gleaming under the workshop lights, I realized I was about to embark on a journey that would challenge everything I thought I knew about guitar craftsmanship. What if the secret to unlocking a southpaw guitarist’s full potential lay not just in … Read more
The first time I held an Okoume wood guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The instrument’s weight, or rather its lack thereof, caught me off guard. As I strummed the strings, a warm, resonant tone filled the room, defying my expectations for such a lightweight wood. That moment sparked a journey of discovery … Read more
When Machine Gun Kelly strummed his first chord on a Schecter prototype, little did he know he was about to revolutionize the guitar industry. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve witnessed countless signature models, but MGK’s collaboration with Schecter struck a chord that resonated far beyond expectation. The fusion of pop-punk aesthetics and … Read more