The first time I laid eyes on a Lotus electric guitar, I was transported back to the rebellious spirit of the ’70s and ’80s. With its bold curves and vibrant finishes, it stood out like a rockstar in a sea of cookie-cutter instruments. But here’s the kicker: despite their eye-catching appearance, Lotus guitars were often … Read more
The first time I heard a baritone guitar, I was mesmerized. Its deep, resonant tones sent shivers down my spine, but little did I know that my quest for the perfect strings would lead me down a rabbit hole of sonic exploration. As a luthier since 1994, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right set of … Read more
I never thought a tiny piece of metal could make or break my guitar’s performance until I discovered the hidden power of the guitar string tree. As an engineer-turned-luthier with decades of experience, I’ve delved deep into the world of these unassuming string retainers, uncovering their crucial role in shaping a guitar’s sound and playability. … Read more
The day my prized Gibson Les Paul slipped from its cheap case onto the stage floor was the day I realized the true value of a quality guitar case. That heart-stopping moment changed my perspective forever. As a luthier with decades of experience, I’ve since dedicated myself to understanding the intricate relationship between instrument protection … Read more
Did you know that a seemingly insignificant $10 tool could make or break your guitar’s playability? When I first started as a luthier, I was astounded by how much impact a properly filed nut could have on a guitar’s performance. As I honed my craft over 25 years, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate balance … Read more
The first time I heard jazz guitar, I was mesmerized. Those sultry tones and intricate rhythms seemed like an impossible dream for a beginner like me. But here’s the secret: jazz guitar isn’t as intimidating as it appears. In fact, with the right approach, anyone can start their journey into this rich musical world. As … Read more
I’ll never forget the day I first heard a guitar in C# tuning. The haunting, ethereal sound sent shivers down my spine and ignited a passion that would shape my musical journey. As someone who’s been deeply involved in guitar journalism for years, I’ve seen countless tuning techniques come and go. C# tuning, however, has … Read more
I never thought a simple change in neck profile could revolutionize my playing until I encountered my first v-neck guitar. As I wrapped my hand around that sleek, angular neck, something clicked. Suddenly, complex chord progressions felt effortless, and my solos took on a new life. But was it just beginner’s luck, or had I … Read more
I never imagined that a discarded cigar box could be the catalyst for my musical journey. Yet, here I am, strumming a 6 string cigar box guitar that I built with my own hands. The first time I heard its raw, bluesy twang, I was hooked. As an engineer turned luthier, I’ve always been fascinated … Read more
I never expected a Carlo Robelli guitar to be the instrument that reignited my passion for music. After years of playing high-end guitars, I found myself in a music store, absentmindedly strumming a Carlo Robelli acoustic. The rich, warm tones that emanated from this modestly priced instrument left me stunned. Could this be the hidden … Read more