Mason has played guitar since age 14 and has remained a charmingly amateurish musician ever since. Mason joined zZounds in 2014 and serves as editor of the zZounds Blog, as well as Accessories Merchandiser. Prior to zZounds, he earned a degree in journalism and worked as a newspaper editor and freelance writer. When not writing or editing for zZounds, you can find him playing his Strat, hosting bar trivia, and chasing his toddler around the house.
Gibson Acquires MESA/Boogie
Yesterday, Gibson Brands announced their acquisition of MESA/Boogie, a premier boutique amplifier brand based in Petaluma, California. “This is a perfect partnership based on our collective professional experiences and passion for sound.” Gibson CEO James Curleigh said in a statement. Known for high-powered amplifiers, MESA/Boogie has catered to tone chasers for over 50 years. Their […]
The Birth of Loud Author Ian S. Port on the Guitar’s Past and Present
You know the names Fender and Les Paul, but how much do you know about the men whose names grace so many headstocks? Author Ian S. Port spent countless hours conducting research and interviews to paint an intimate, engaging portrait of Leo Fender, Les Paul, and several other men and women behind the brands and […]
Our Top 5 Videos of 2020
As 2020 draws to a close, we’re looking back at our five most-viewed videos from the year. Check them out below! Eddie Van Halen’s Top 5 Solos We’re kicking off this Top 5 with a Top 5! When this video was made back in February, we had no clue what the rest of this year […]
Peter Hook on His Unique Playing Style and New Yamaha Signature Bass
We recently chatted with Peter Hook, the legendary bassist for Joy Division, New Order, and Peter Hook and the Light. Watch our interview above for insight into Hook’s career, how he became a bassist before learning the difference between bass and guitar, and how Yamaha synthesized the best of his much-loved BB1200S and BB734A basses […]
Tributes to Eddie Van Halen, From Those Who Knew Him Best
The music world lost a legend this week with the passing of Eddie Van Halen. With such a giant figure in guitar now gone from us, we thought it best to remember Eddie with help from those who knew him best. Read on for a selection of tributes to Eddie given by his family, bandmates, […]
Save Our Stages: Help Your Favorite Local Venues Survive
UPDATE: The Save Our Stages campaign has proved a success! Funding for independent venues and promoters was added to the COVID-19 relief bill. NIVA is not done yet, however. Learn about what comes next and how you can help here. Original story below: While we’re all bummed out about spring and summer tour dates getting […]
Gibson Launches Virtual Guitar Tech Service
Guitars need an occasional tune-up to continue to function at their best. But for those who have never performed a setup on a guitar, the process can be confusing and intimidating. Even with the wealth of tutorials available on YouTube, you’re still left to your own in figuring out whether your neck looks straight or […]
Fender Play: Get 3 Free Months of Lessons
Fender is currently running a special on their acclaimed Fender Play educational program. This is great news for new guitarists or advanced players looking to sharpen their chops! With shelter-in-place measures effective across most of the country, this offer could not have come at a better time. Sign up for these interactive video lessons today […]
Brands Host Live Streaming Events Amid Quarantine
With musicians around the world unable to gig and connect with fans in person due to shelter-in-place orders, many have turned to streaming services to host intimate performances for their followers. Now, several music brands have followed suit, offering concerts, hangouts, and instructional videos to entertain, inform and connect with their artist community and fans! […]
