Guitar Types

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

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 day I first picked up a cutaway classical guitar, I felt a surge of both excitement and trepidation. As a luthier with nearly three decades of experience, I’d always been a purist when it came to classical guitar design. But that moment marked the beginning of a journey that would challenge my preconceptions and … Read more

The first time I laid eyes on a 10-string guitar, I was certain I had stumbled upon a mythical instrument. With its imposing presence and promise of expanded sonic possibilities, it beckoned me to explore uncharted musical territories. Little did I know that this encounter would spark a decades-long obsession with extended-range instruments, forever altering … Read more

The first time I heard the deep, resonant thrum of a Mexican bass guitar, I knew I was experiencing something truly special. As I stood in a dimly lit cantina in Guadalajara, the pulsating rhythms of a mariachi band washed over me, anchored by the unmistakable sound of the guitarrón. That moment sparked a lifelong … 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

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

The moment I first laid eyes on a Les Paul bass guitar, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary. As the former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve encountered countless instruments, but the Les Paul bass has always held a special allure. Its unmistakable silhouette and rich, warm tones have captivated musicians for … Read more