Gear 4
MXR Slash Octave Fuzz Pedal: The Underdog of Fuzz?
The MXR Slash Octave Fuzz is a pedal that sounds like it knows it is the underdog. It’s angry, gritty, and intimidating, and if you think you can handle it, it is well worth spicing up your chain with. Now, why do I consider this pedal an “underdog?” Well, Slash is not particularly known for using fuzz. So the […]
Guitar Parts That Made History
While most guitar enthusiasts recognize and revere the likes of Eddie Van Halen’s “Frankenstrat,” or Jimi Hendrix’s beloved Stratocasters, the individual components in these guitars have stories to tell as well. Whether a revolutionary piece of hardware designed by a technical innovator, or an inspired modification made by an artist out of necessity, these are […]
Audio Gear Makers Face the Global Chip Crunch
Call them semiconductors, microprocessors, or integrated circuits, the silicon chips found in electronics of all kinds have been in short supply since mid-2020, with chipmakers struggling to meet unprecedented demand for the high-tech devices we use to work remotely, attend classes, stay in touch, and entertain ourselves at home in a global pandemic. Now, the […]
Micro Cube GX: Small Amp, Big Surprises!
One of the best things about being a guitar player is that our rigs can be great tools for creativity. Whether it’s with larger than life amps, or large complex pedal boards, the possibilities are truly endless! But sometimes, even the best guitar players like sitting down to play without having to hook the entire […]
Concerts to Stream From Home
While we’ve been stuck at home, I’ve been getting my live music fix by watching past concerts available on streaming services as well as YouTube. It’s important that we try to support live music venues across the country through organizations like NIVA so musicians have a place to play when it’s safe to do so. […]
The Quarantined Musician, Part III: Making it Through to the Other Side
Welcome to the third and final installment of “The Quarantined Musician.” You don’t need me to tell you that this is a difficult time to be a musician. It has ravaged many of us mentally, emotionally and financially. My goal with this series was to: 1. Let you know that you are not alone in […]
The Quarantined Musician, Part II: Making the Most of a Gig-less World
At the time of writing, it has been nearly eight months since the world of live entertainment shut down. That hardly seems correct because it feels like it’s been eight years. Sure, there have been a handful of drive-in concerts, but let’s be honest — it just ain’t the same. While much of Europe goes […]
The Quarantined Musician: Navigating Music in a Gig-less World
Basketball was the beginning of the end. There are pillars in our lives that give context and support to the fragile trepidations of our day-to-day livelihood. Sports, like music, are a universal conduit of stability and hope for many people on this planet. On Wednesday March 11, 2020, we walked off stage in Atlanta, GA […]
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 […]
