Native Instruments Noire: Set the Mood
A good piano is a must-have for any serious recording space. Whether you are a bedroom producer, studio engineer, or classical musician, just about everyone is searching for the perfect piano tone and value. While there is no “one piano to rule them all,” sometimes there are diamonds that really make a mark on the […]
zZounds Live: Powering-up with Arturia KeyLab + Analog Lab Software
Arturia KeyLab Essential keyboards are versatile, high-quality MIDI controllers that spark creativity and simplify music-making. Pair Arturia keyboards with included Analog Lab software, a suite of virtual plug-in instruments that recreate iconic musical hardware, and you’ve got yourself a powerful way to orient your creative direction. Watch Justin conjure up all sorts of sound magic from […]
Chaos Audio Stratus: An Entire Pedalboard in Your Pocket
The landscape of how we make music is always changing. From the first digital recorders, to guitar rigs that fit in your pocket, there’s always something on the horizon that makes musicians’ lives easier. But what about a pedalboard on your phone? The engineers at Chaos Audio have crafted Stratus, an all-in-one (pedal) solution to […]
Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard: The Holy Grail Reborn?
Painstakingly modeled after the legendary “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard, this Gibson Custom Shop model is sure to entice any rock fan. By the time Kirk Hammett purchased the original “Greeny,” it had already been owned by two rockstars in their own right: Peter Green and Gary Moore. Thanks to Green, the neck pickup was […]
Bathe in Aurelius, EarthQuaker Devices’ Vintage-Inspired, Three-Mode Chorus
EarthQuaker Devices is helping sonic explorers embark on a magical journey for the much sought-after classic chorus tone. The Aurelius is a chorus pedal summoned by the tone wizards at EQD with three distinct modes modeled after the 1970s Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal. Imagine all the potent, lush tones from that legendary pedal tirelessly […]
Breedlove Organic Pro Wildwood Concert CE: Heavy on the Tone, Not the Planet
Breedlove has made sustainability their top priority over the last several years, and the Breedlove Organic Pro Wildwood Concert CE is an example of the guitars produced by that mindset. Sustainable guitars can (and should) sound just as good as a guitar made from lumber that isn’t as friendly to the environment. Breedlove has even […]
Bose S1 Pro Plus vs. Bose S1 Pro
The original Bose S1 Pro has long been a top choice of performers and presenters in need of a compact, battery-powered personal PA system. An easy-to-carry unit with two mic/instrument inputs, a Bluetooth receiver, and a smart tilt-back design, the S1 Pro became a hit with artists, spawning numerous competitors since its launch at the […]
How Line 6’s POD Go Saved My Band’s European Tour
Since the dawn of touring, bands have used vans to get from show to show, stuffing gear and luggage alike into trunks like a game of Tetris. In 2022 my band planned a tour that would see us traveling across Europe, but we ran into some interesting challenges along the way. Those challenges had me […]
Gibson 80s Flying V: It’s Time to Fly Back to the Future
Modeled after the Flying Vs from 1984, the Gibson 80s Explorer is a blast from the past. This Flying V comes loaded with 80s Tribute pickups that deliver an aggressive tone while keeping an even balance between the low and high end. The slim taper neck profile makes for an easy playing experience, and can […]
