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
The first time I plugged into a 4×12 guitar cabinet, I felt the ground shake beneath my feet. The raw power and sonic depth were unlike anything I’d experienced before. That moment changed my perception of guitar tone forever. As a luthier and former engineer, I’ve spent decades exploring the intricacies of these sonic powerhouses. … Read more
The first time I strummed the Yamaha FD01S, I was transported back to my early days as a budding guitarist. The familiar dreadnought shape felt like an old friend, but there was something different about this instrument. As I explored its tones and playability, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the perfect gateway … Read more
The first time I heard a guitar tuned so low it rumbled like distant thunder, I knew I had to explore this sonic frontier. As a seasoned guitarist and editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve witnessed countless players push the boundaries of their instruments. But nothing quite compares to the primal power of the lowest … Read more
The first time I strummed a Yamaha 12-string guitar, I was transported to a world of rich, shimmering harmonies I’d never experienced before. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine since 2014, I’ve played countless instruments, but nothing quite captures the magic of a well-crafted 12-string. What makes Yamaha’s offerings stand out in this crowded … Read more
The first time I strummed a single pickup guitar, I was struck by its raw, unadulterated tone. It was like hearing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll distilled into six strings. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve explored countless guitar configurations, but single pickup guitars have always fascinated me with their simplicity and … Read more