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Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads’ short but substantial contribution to the rock and metal scene was undeniably relevant and has continued to withstand the test of time. If you need any proof, just roll the solo from “Crazy Train” and see if your face doesn’t end up in a puddle on the floor. Spoiler alert: it will. Now, with […]
Perfect Pairings: Electro-Harmonix MEL9 & Earthquaker Devices Spatial Delivery
When is a guitar not a guitar? When you plug any guitar into the Electro-Harmonix MEL9, your signal transforms into one of 9 classic tape-emulated sounds. We played an American Elite Telecaster through the pedal, choosing its Strings voice for that slightly grainy string sound you’ve heard on countless psychedelic tunes. We then took a few steps further out of the […]
Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Kirk Hammett
Having shred upon countless stages in behemoth act Metallica since 1983, Kirk Hammett knows a thing or two about what it takes to achieve blistering tone. From Kill ‘Em All to Death Magnetic, Metallica’s sound and rigs have evolved, but Hammett’s guitar work continues to cut like a knife. Watch any overview video of Kirk’s […]
Perfect Pairings: Fender American Elite Telecaster & Walrus Audio Bellwether
In this edition, we’re plugging in the Fender American Elite Telecaster and the Walrus Audio Bellwether Analog Delay for a rich soundscape of chorus-laden repeats. Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster We’d been without a Telecaster at zZounds HQ for a little while when the new American Elite line showed up. Once we pulled […]
Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Eric Clapton
Editor’s note: We selected Eric Clapton as the subject of this month’s Iconic Rigs well before the recent news broke about Eric Clapton’s difficulty in playing guitar due to peripheral neuropathy. We at zZounds were saddened by the news and wish for a full recovery for Eric. This installment of Iconic Rigs serves to pay tribute to him. There […]
Demo: Extended-Range Guitars
Are six strings not enough anymore? For guitarists playing various styles of metal, jazz, ambient and experimental music, the range of a six-string guitar (even when down-tuned) may not provide enough low end. Ever since models like the Ibanez Universe charted the course for 7-string guitars in the early ’90s, manufacturers have continued to refine these extended-range […]
Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Tony Iommi
Over the course of Black Sabbath’s long and storied history, there always remained one key component of their sound: guitarist Tony Iommi. Gilded in absolutely legendary status, he remains one of the pivotal guitarists who helped to establish and define what the true sound of metal guitar was and still is today. When delving into […]
Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Jimi Hendrix
If I asked you to name the most iconic and influential rock guitarist of the past, say, 50 years, I’d bet a considerably large sum of money that you’d say none other than Jimi Hendrix. There are several reasons why he is considered to be so important, but the most striking thing was his brazen, […]
Perfect Pairings: Fret-King Esprit I and Walrus Audio Iron Horse Distortion
This month, we’re plugging in the stripped-down Fret-King Esprit I and the gain-heavy Walrus Audio Iron Horse Distortion for a relentless riff session. This month, we’re finally pairing up two pieces of gear we’ve had our eyes on for a while now. Ever since the Fret-King Esprit I showed up at zZounds HQ a few months […]
