D’Angelico Electrozinc Strings: Roundtable Review
D’Angelico Electrozinc strings are technically a new product, having been released in 2016, but the truth is, their origins go back much farther. A collaboration between famed John D’Angelico and string innovator John D’Addario, Electrozinc strings were first produced in the late 1930s using “Bethanized” steel from the Bethlehem (PA) Steel Corporation. Though production stopped […]
Gibson 2018 – Video Overview & Interview
During our time in Nashville for Summer NAMM 2017, the zZounds Crew paid a visit to Gibson USA to check out the 2018 line of Gibson guitars. We were treated to any guitarists’ dream: a room full of Gibson’s finest. From classic favorites like the Les Paul and SG, to Memphis semi-hollowbody guitars to acoustic […]
Using Dynamic Microphones for Recording Vocals
For many of us, the age-old picture of a recording studio likely includes the large console with motorized faders, bass traps and sound diffusion panels mounted on the walls, and of course a large diaphragm condenser microphone equipped with pop filter. Though this isn’t a misrepresentation by any means, it muddies the waters in what […]
Top 5 Alex Lifeson Solos
This month’s Legends of Tone feature is very near and dear to me, because of who we are showcasing: Alex Lifeson of Rush. Lifeson is such an important figure in my life in regards to music, in fact, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his music and guitar playing. Simply put, I started […]
Beat Production Tool: Ableton Simpler
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 our previous post, we took an in-depth look at one of Ableton Live’s most important beat production tools: Sampler. Today, we explore […]
Building a Guitar Part 3: Applying a Custom Neck Finish
In this installment of Building a Guitar, I’d like to focus on one of the most important aspects of any guitar: the neck. The neck is the literal “feel” of the guitar, as you manipulate it most from this area as you play. Because of this, a lot of care and attention to detail is […]
Interview with Tom Jones of TV Jones
Tom “TV” Jones is one of a handful of elite luthiers and pickup winders guitarists know by name. His interpretation of the classic Filter’Tron pickups found in vintage Gretsch guitars are regarded as the best out there –Gretsch themselves commissioned Jones to develop pickups for their higher end models, and TV Jones pickups are loved by […]
Gibson Announces New Slash Les Paul in Anaconda Burst
With the recent news that Gibson had named guitarist Slash as its global brand ambassador, the timing seems perfect that the Gibson Custom Shop is releasing a new version of perhaps the most famous signature model of Les Paul’s signature model. This Gibson Custom Shop Slash Les Paul features a stunning and bold new finish […]
EHX Announces Green Russian Big Muff
As much as The Dude is synonymous with his favorite cocktail, the White Russian, fans of heavy riffage have flocked to the so-called “Green Russian Big Muff” — a variant of the famed Big Muff Pi pedal produced by Sovtek in Russia in the mid-’90s. Beloved for its low-end growl, this variant has become a […]
