I’ll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on a Crimson guitar kit. As a seasoned luthier, I thought I’d seen it all, but the quality and craftsmanship of these DIY packages left me speechless. It was like discovering a hidden treasure trove of potential, waiting to be unlocked by passionate builders. That day … Read more
Have you ever wondered why some guitars sound crisp and clear while others suffer from unwanted buzz? The secret often lies in the wiring. As a guitar journalist and editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve witnessed countless instruments transformed by proper guitar wiring. One memorable instance involved a vintage Gibson that had lost its spark. … Read more
The first time I heard a mini humbucker in action, I was floored. It was like discovering a hidden passageway in a familiar house – suddenly, a whole new world of tonal possibilities opened up before me. As a guitar journalist and editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve encountered countless pickup configurations, but mini humbuckers … Read more
The first time I strummed a 12 fret acoustic guitar, I felt as if I’d discovered a hidden treasure in the world of music. The rich, resonant tones that filled the room were unlike anything I’d experienced before. As I delved deeper into its unique characteristics, I realized I was on the cusp of a … Read more
As I held the first microtonal guitar neck I’d ever crafted, a world of sonic possibilities unfolded before me. The subtle intervals between frets promised to unlock musical landscapes I’d only dreamed of exploring. Little did I know, this moment would redefine my entire career as a luthier. As a seasoned instrument designer with a … Read more
When I first laid my hands on a short scale electric guitar, I was skeptical. How could this compact instrument possibly measure up to its full-sized counterparts? Little did I know, I was about to embark on a musical journey that would challenge everything I thought I knew about guitar playing. As the editor of … Read more
The first time I laid hands on a Kramer Striker guitar, I knew I was holding something special. As the former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve played countless instruments, but the Striker’s raw energy left an indelible mark. It was like unleashing a caged beast, its snarling tone and lightning-fast playability hinting … Read more
As I stood on stage, my Taylor guitar’s weight suddenly shifted, nearly slipping from my grasp. In that heart-stopping moment, I realized the profound importance of a quality guitar strap. This experience led me down a path of discovery, unveiling the intricate world of Taylor guitar straps. As a luthier and engineer, I’ve since dedicated … Read more
When I first laid eyes on a perfectly crafted guitar body template, I knew my days of eyeballing and guesswork were over. That moment marked a turning point in my lutherie journey, transforming my approach to precision and consistency. But little did I know how deep the rabbit hole of templates would go. As a … Read more
As I strummed the first chord on the Stedman Pro guitar, a wave of unexpected delight washed over me. Could this affordable instrument truly rival its high-end counterparts? With decades of experience as the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine and a seasoned player, I’ve encountered countless guitars across the spectrum. But the Stedman Pro challenged … Read more