Interviews 1
Origins of Fuzz with Mike Matthews of Electro-Harmonix
Founded in 1968 when the now legendary Mike Matthews quit his day job as an electrical engineer at IBM to build fuzz pedals, Electro-Harmonix has since become one of the most influential brands in effects pedals — and music in general. Their flagship pedal, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, has seen countless iterations — and has […]
Brian and Scott Ball on the 2018 StingRay Bass
Music Man’s 2018 incarnation of the venerable StingRay Bass incorporates the best of the instrument’s legacy and adds stunning new features, like a powerful 18-volt active preamp for ultra-high clean headroom and some extra beef in the low end. The humbucking pickups have also been upgraded with neodymium magnets for increased output. And thanks to the […]
Keyboardist Bonnie McIntosh: Roland Artist (and Role Model)
Where in the world is Bonnie McIntosh? As the live keyboardist for such pop phenoms as Selena Gomez, Madilyn Bailey, and Malia Civetz, the talented Ms. McIntosh spends a lot of time globetrotting (just peep her Instagram for photo evidence.) When she’s not on the road playing tour dates and TV gigs, you’ll find this […]
Behind the Design: Fender PureSonic Earbuds
Fender made a big splash two years ago with the introduction of their professional line of in-ear monitors. Ideal for singers, drummers and other on-stage musicians, they were praised for their clear output and ergonomic fit. Now, Fender has set their sights on the casual music fan with PureSonic. A new line of earphones, PureSonic […]
Inside Manley Laboratories
Manley Laboratories is the name behind such venerable tube-based studio gear as the Massive Passive EQ, VOXBOX channel strip, Manley Reference Cardioid microphone, and much more. Check out our photo gallery, and take a look inside the Manley Labs factory in Chino, California!
Inside Etymotic Research
Recently, I got a chance to visit Etymotic Research headquarters in Elk Grove Village, IL to learn about their product development and testing processes, and a bit of company history. While there, I also got a sneak peek at their latest release, the ER3 earphones. Read on and find out why the company lives up […]
Paul Childers: Playing by his own rules
“Guitar-slinging superhero.” That’s how the venerable Nashville venue Acme Feed & Seed describes singer-songwriter Paul Childers – although you wouldn’t guess it from listening to Childers’ self-released 2017 debut, Naked Poetry. Stacked with soulful R&B influences and horn-fueled arrangements, the album serves its hot guitar licks — like the solo on “My Love of The […]
Eric Johnson on his Thinline Stratocaster
For over 40 years, Eric Johnson has dazzled audiences with his unique style of shredding. Throughout almost his entire career, he’s has used a Fender Stratocaster as his axe of choice. While he’s had his own signature Strat and pickups for some time now, Johnson and Fender have collaborated once again with stunning results. Introduced […]
Taylor Guitars V-Class: Stillness Meets
Motion
Taylor Guitars is shaking things up for 2018 (and beyond) with a completely redesigned bracing pattern called V-Class. Developed by Master Designer Andy Powers, this unique V-shaped bracing achieves two characteristics in acoustic guitar design: rigidity for sustain and flexibility for volume. The V-Class bracing creates strength and stability through the middle of the top, […]
