Location, location, location: IR reverbs can make your guitar sound like it was recorded ANYWHERE! Impulse response reverbs are one of the handiest tools in the digital-audio junk drawer. If you’re new to the concept, prepare to be amazed. (And if you’re familiar with the technology, jump to the end of this post […] 
We got into a discussion about buzzing single-coil pickups over in the lipstick tube thread. Reader Matthew Seniff chimed in with some well-informed observations and remedies. I’ve moved them here so more folks will see. Another reader had written: “Every time my kids turn on my kitchen light my amp starts buzzing. It’s due […] 
This action figure not available in stores! It’s hard to discuss the Beatles without summoning their shadow: the Stones. Since posting last week about Randy Bachman solving the mystery of the “Hard Day’s Night” chord, I can’t stop thinking about another 1960s conundrum: Who played the solo on “Sympathy for the Devil?” There’s […] 
Sustain that seasonal spirit! WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS HOLIDAY MATERIAL. THOSE WITH SEASONAL MUSIC ALLERGIES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR THERAPISTS BEFORE PROCEEDING. Nothing says “Christmas morning” like an ugly piece of molded plastic with a battery inside! But unlike so many cheap plastic toys, the EBow is a treasure that can delight you for […] 
Any baritone guitar fans in the house? Let’s talk LOW! I’ve been obsessed with baritone and other low-tuned guitars for decades, but I’ve never really found a perfect method for setting up a lower-than-standard guitar, so I’m interested to hear about other players’ experiences. My main issue is pretty straightforward: I can get great tones […] 
Sadly, the Mutant Beauty Pageant ended weeks ago. But I suspect you’ll enjoy the pics I received from Lithuanian reader Dmitrij Timofejev. Dmitrij, what does that sideways humbucker sound like? BTW, the is the less radical of Dmitrij’s two guitars. […] 
Authentic and un-retouched historic photo. Okay, I’ve received this link in the last 24 hours from pretty much everyone I know who’s every held a guitar pick. Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman claims to have cracked the half-century mystery of the polychord that jump-starts the Beatles’ “Hard Day’s Night.” And I believe he’s […] 
Put more ELECTRIC in your guitar! Lately I’ve been obsessed with mounting boosters inside my electric guitars. Why bother? Especially when you can just get a clean-boost stompbox and use it on all your guitars? Because: a) certain guitars just seem to sound best with a particular boost circuit; b) you can “play” […] 
A while back a couple of readers brought up Jimmy Page’s Les Paul wiring scheme, which made me want to set up a dual-humbucker guitar with lots of those tricky series, parallel, and split-coil tricks. Meanwhile, I wanted to do a sequel to my last cheap guitar makeover, but this time with a solidbody instead […] 
My cat hates when I play distortion pedals. I don't think he especially appreciates my non-distorted playing either. Reader Derick just posted a comment on the DIY Project #1 page about his experiences with using different diodes for the Bad-Ass Distortion Pedal project. He’s inspired me to share a few cool tools […] |
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