The 12AX7 is one of the most influential and popular vacuum tubes used for guitar amplifiers and other audio-related equipment. This small device has played a major role in shaping many iconic electric guitar tones since it was first used many decades ago. Known for its high-gain design and warm, immersive sound, the 12AX7 is …
If you have recently bought a new guitar, you will want to get a great guitar strap to go with it. Guitar straps are necessary for playing guitar while standing and they also provide an attractive look that is important to many guitarists. As soon as you start looking for guitar straps, you will see …
The pickups in your bass are the magnetic heart of the instrument. Out of all the characteristics of your bass, they have the most significant influence on your tone. And because of their relatively low cost when compared to the price tag of a new instrument, many bass players choose to first upgrade their pickups …
Acoustic guitar pedals are often overlooked in comparison to their electric guitar equivalents. Over the years I’ve tested dozens of them, and in this article, I’ll be sharing my favorites at each price point. The list is broken down into effects categories, and there are options to suit all playing styles and budgets. Let’s get …
Soundproofing a room is no easy task, as many homeowners and musicians already know. With so many products out there claiming to be effective at preventing sound from being transmitted to the outside world, it can be difficult to know where to start. Soundproof curtains are one of the simplest solutions, however, their effectiveness varies …
The electric guitar was originally used to produce bright and clean tones by jazz musicians. Distortion was seen as something to be avoided in those formative years, but the advent of rock and blues in the 1950s marked a change in attitude towards distortion as an effect. Fast forward to the present day, and distortion, …
The Gibson Les Paul has built a legendary reputation since it was first introduced to the masses in the 1950s. Despite the advancements in production techniques and guitar components, the pickups used in this iconic solid body guitar have remained relatively consistent. Just as the single-coil pickups used in Fender’s Telecaster and Stratocaster defined the …