Building a Guitar Part 4: Installing Pickups
Welcome back to the next installment of Building a Guitar! At this point in the build I’ve already discussed tips on choosing the right body and neck, proper hardware best suited for your needs, and given a tutorial on adding a custom neck finish. The last step to completing the body of the guitar is […]
Boss at Summer NAMM 2018
We stopped in at the Boss booth at this year’s Summer NAMM show to catch up on what the pedal and amp gurus had in store for us this year. With the introduction of their incredible wireless systems and a closer look at their flagship multieffects unit, there was plenty to see. Check it out […]
Fender at Summer NAMM 2018
Fender and Squier had plenty to show at Summer NAMM, from incredible Custom Shop models to a revamped edition of their top-selling series, to new effects and affordable, contemporary takes on classic models. Check out our video tour of some of the highlights below! Fender Player Series The new Player Series replaces Fender’s longtime best-selling, […]
A Case for the Home Studio Mixer
It’s easier than ever to create a great-sounding record in the comfort of your own home, and that’s an incredible thing. More producers are creating hits at younger and younger ages due to the wide accessibility of studio gear, which should make any seasoned musician excited for what’s to come. But one thing that technology […]
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 […]
Summer NAMM 2018
There was a ton to see at this year’s Summer NAMM, and if pictures are worth a thousand words, videos have to be worth what, a million? Check out our videos showcasing the best of what we saw from Fender, Boss, Vox, Taylor, D’Angelico, Guild and Cordoba! Plus, scroll down or click here to see […]
The Wireless MIDI Keyboard Rig
Playing keyboards is my jam, but schlepping a lot of gear around is definitely not. My main gigging board is a Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer — or a keytar, as it’s affectionately known. Besides the keytar’s distinctive look, the appeal of this board is its eminent portability. But there comes a time when you need […]
Bringing Your Guitar Back From the Dead (of Winter)
Whether it’s cars colliding with cavernous potholes, or football opponents colliding with “Bear weather,” Chicago is a city known for its winters. It is also true that instruments are not safe from the grasp of Old Man Winter, which can expose the mortality of even the “elite.” While winter has proven capable its ability to […]
A Guide to Distorted Bass Guitar
In the dark, mysterious world of heavy music, the guitar reigns supreme, sitting atop a craggy mountain on a throne of crushed skulls. If you want to riff hard, usually you grab a guitar, drop the tuning down, plug into your favorite fuzz and start chugging. If you follow conventional wisdom though, the bass guitar, sitting […]
