Arguably the most famous distortion pedal of all time is the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi. With its nearly endless sustain, amazing textures, and its ability to take your solos to the next level, the Big Muff has gained fame by appearing on some of the biggest records of all time. But where did this world-changing […]
With so many of us cooped up due to self-quarantine and stay-in-place orders, we’re gaining a new appreciation for the great indoors. Musicians, producers and the like are turning to their home studios for refuge, whether starting new projects or just tidying up a bit. In this edition of Talking Shop, we’re showcasing some zZounds […]
A guitarist’s pedalboard layout and signal chain says a lot about them. Do they prefer a small board with just the essentials, or go for a massive one capable of producing any sound known to man? To complement our Pedal Board Buying Guide at zZounds, we thought to ask zZounds staffers to share pictures of […]
It’s that time again — the NAMM show is starting January 16 and the buzz is building every day. We’re compiling a list of gear announcements and rumors to help you keep track of it all. Check out our list sorted alphabetically by brand below, and be sure to keep up with our coverage live […]
September has been a busy month for pedal heads, with new releases from MXR, Walrus Audio, Boss and Dunlop building buzz among guitarists. Let’s take a look at what’s new! test paragraph Boss DD-3T and DD-8 Digital Delay Pedals Boss is expanding on its storied history in digital delay with two new pedals, one that […]
Housed in distinctly rugged metal bodies, there’s no mistaking the look of Thorpy FX pedals. Their formidable design and tone is the brainchild of Adrian Thorpe, the company’s founder and a pedal designer since the early 2000s. We had a chat with Adrian to talk about the history of his pedals, his background as an […]
At some of Chicago’s more famous museums, patrons aren’t supposed to touch the exhibits. But Synth House Chicago Museum is different. In this cozy co-working space in the West Town neighborhood, guests get their hands on an impressive collection of modern and vintage synthesizers curated by owner Marty Pelayo, who encourages museum visitors to bring […]
With NAMM 2019 fast approaching, it’s time again to sift through the rumor mill and sort out what we know is coming out, what might be coming out, and what gear heads would really like to see come out. Take a look through our roundup of the announcements and speculation that surrounds the storied show […]
Welcome to Beat Connection, a series dedicated to promoting modern and vintage dance styles the only way we know how…by providing you a musical starting point to help you create that beat. In the main bulk of our posts, we’ve been taking you on a journey to what I’d dub “foundational beats.” These foundational beats […]