Features 109
D’Angelico Electrozinc Strings: Roundtable Review
D’Angelico Electrozinc strings are technically a new product, having been released in 2016, but the truth is, their origins go back much farther. A collaboration between famed John D’Angelico and string innovator John D’Addario, Electrozinc strings were first produced in the late 1930s using “Bethanized” steel from the Bethlehem (PA) Steel Corporation. Though production stopped […]
Studio Take: Fender American Elite Telecaster
With the American Elite series, Fender took it upon themselves to create a modern take on their classic models that would fit in with the ever-changing “pro-level” tier of guitars. The Fender American Elite Telecaster is the latest incarnation of a true American classic, updating virtually all of its components, starting from the pickups and ending […]
zZounds Studio Take: Taylor GS Mini-e Bass
Today we are taking a look at the highly anticipated darling of NAMM 2017, the Taylor GS Mini-e Bass guitar. Four strings on a GS Mini has long been a dream for many bass players, and now they can rejoice, because now they can have the best of both “travel” and “full-sized” worlds! This shrunken […]
zZounds Studio Take: Ernie Ball Music Man Valentine
In studio today we’ve got the Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Guitar. Valentine is the guitarist for Maroon 5, a very eclectically voiced band with tracks ranging from R&B to pop to rock. Released last year by Ernie Ball Music Man, the Valentine Signature is one of the most comfortable signature guitars I’ve ever had the […]
Sterling and Music Man Signature Models Comparison
Ernie Ball Music Man and Sterling by Music Man have been known for nearly 40 years as “player guitar” brands. Both offer high-performance instruments fit for the touring and studio musician alike. The biggest differences between the brands are country of origin — Music Man instruments are American-made in San Luis Obispo, California, while Sterling is made […]
zZounds Studio Take: Supro Westbury
Recently in the zZounds studio I had the pleasure of noodling around on a blast from the past made modern again: the Supro Westbury. This guitar jumped out at me from the first glance with its gorgeous looks coupled with a fast satin neck and vintage-toned gold-foil pickups; let’s get into it. The Look The first […]
zZounds Studio Take: Paul Reed Smith McCarty 594
Recently, John Mayer has been generating some hype on the “PRS Stratocaster” he wore on stage in Boston, MA. Though it seems like PRS just went ahead and made a body style for Mayer that he’s comfortable with, many are feeding the rumor mill (including Mayer himself) with claims that a new PRS signature is on […]
Ernie Ball Paradigm Strings: Roundtable Review
We’ve been stoked to try out Ernie Ball’s new Paradigm line of strings ever since we first heard about them at Winter NAMM this year. And after seeing Ernie Ball’s videos featuring guitarists trying to break their Paradigm strings, and explaining the plasma technology behind Paradigm, we got really curious. Thankfully, we didn’t have to […]
The Gear of 2016
To close out 2016, we’re taking a look at some of the gear we think made a big impact among musicians this year. We’re not saying this gear was the “best” of the year, but whether they intrigued us personally or stirred up a bunch of discussion on forums and Facebook groups, this gear definitely made […]
