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
The first time I saw a guitar with custom inlays, I was mesmerized. The intricate patterns dancing along the fretboard told a story that words couldn’t capture. That moment ignited a passion that would shape my career for the next three decades. As a luthier with an engineering background, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate … Read more
I strummed my beloved Stratocaster, expecting the searing wail of rock ‘n’ roll. Instead, a mellow, acoustic-like twang filled the room. My electric guitar sounded acoustic, and I was baffled. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine and a seasoned electric guitarist, I’ve encountered this perplexing issue numerous times. It’s a common problem that can … Read more
The first time I heard a bajo sexto, I felt like I’d discovered a hidden treasure. Its rich, resonant tones filled the air, weaving a tapestry of sound that was both familiar and exotic. As a guitar journalist with a master’s in Contemporary Improvisation, I’ve encountered countless string instruments, but the bajo sexto stood out … Read more
As I held the small, polished stone between my fingers, I never imagined it would revolutionize my guitar playing. The moment I struck the strings with this unconventional pick, a world of sonic possibilities opened up before me. The rich, warm tones that emanated from my instrument were unlike anything I’d ever heard before. This … Read more