Guitar Workbench 102
Big Little Victories
Victory amplifiers are some of my favorites as of late. Most amps can’t beat their versatility, raw tone, and ease of use. When the UK brand began releasing compact pedal versions of their amps I knew I had to try them, and they did not disappoint. If you’re curious about the differences (and similarities) of […]
Martin DJr-10E Review
One of Martin’s newest offerings is the compact and comfortable DJr-10E. Don’t be fooled by its size — this guitar sounds a lot like its bigger counterparts in the Martin dreadnought range. The DJr-10E is given the Streetmaster treatment with a broken-in feel, which inspires you to play a little differently from how you’d play […]
MXR Dyna Comp: Get the Most From Your Compressor Pedal
Before buying the MXR Dyna Comp compressor pedal, I did what any musician would do: I scoured the Internet for reviews of all kinds. I came across a few demo videos on YouTube and noticed something interesting: This pedal was only being shown in one light. The people demoing the Dyna Comp were using it […]
Analog vs Digital – Is It Time To Make the Jump?
The prevalence of digital guitar amp and effects processors has exploded over the last few years. Although the technology is not brand new, it’s clear that manufacturers have really locked in on the quality and sound that professional musicians require in both live and studio settings. Like many guitarists, I recently found myself at the […]
How to Install PRS SE Locking Tuners
Paul Reed Smith SE Series guitars are a great value for the price, and many owners choose to upgrade their hardware and electronics to bring them even closer to the quality level of American-made PRS models. I recently picked up a set of PRS SE locking tuners which are a direct drop-in replacement on PRS […]
Victory Countess + Gibson Les Paul: A New Take on Classic British Tone
If you’re a guitarist, you know how important it is to pair the right amp with the right guitar, and the time it takes to find the right combination. While there are many guitar/amp pairings that are legendary in many ways, for rock guitarists, there’s one iconic pairing that has stood above many, if not all […]
A Bass DI Might Save Your Mix: Here’s How
In today’s world of recording, there are a million-and-one options for tracking your bass guitar. From “direct-in,” (DI) to amp simulation software, or even traditional miking of a bass cabinet, you’ve got options. Each option has its own pros and cons, so why not limit the cons list and combine two of these techniques into […]
Line 6 HX Stomp: The Ultimate Idea Machine
Today it’s easier than ever to get a musical idea from your head bounced out to a great-sounding recording in a hurry. And as the quality of gear climbs higher and higher each year, that means good news for all. This is where the Line 6 HX Stomp comes in. An all-in-one stompbox, interface and […]
Five Go-To Universal Audio Guitar Amp Models
With a marketplace full of great audio interfaces, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Most of us recording demos or full projects at home probably only need an interface with a few inputs at a time, and there are dozens of options to choose from. For me, the decision was a no-brainer: […]
