A sub-$1K SE version of PRS’ imaginative T-style evolution delivers insane value via deep-dish Narrowfield pickups, an ash body, and comfort few T-Styles can match.
PG contributor Tom Butwin tries the Lutefish Stream, a desktop device that lets musicians rehearse, record, and collaborate online with ultra-low latency. Tom tours the hardware, explores the browser-based mixer, and enlists a musical collaborator to test a real-time rehearsal for an upcoming performance.
PG contributor Tom Butwin features the all-new Hotone Verbera. The dual-engine reverb pedal blends IR realism with algorithmic creativity and adds the ability to clone your favorite reverb effects.
Ever imagined your sound echoing through a sold-out stadium? Or reverberating off the metallic walls of a NASA spacecraft hangar? What if your guitar fell into a cosmic white hole… or drifted through the vaulted ceilings of a centuries-old cathedral?
Welcome to Verbera — where imagination meets reality. This is not your typical software convolution plugin. Verbera is a standalone, hardware-based convolution reverb pedal — with Instant IR loading, stunning tweakability, and boundless sonic range. Whether you’re recreating iconic spaces, vintage hardware, or crafting otherworldly reverbs never heard before, Verbera gives musicians and engineers a powerful new tool for both live and studio setups.
PG contributor Tom Butwin details four pedalboard options that can help your acoustic sound its best onstage or in the studio. From subtle enhancements to total tone control, these preamps and effects from Grace Design, LR Baggs, and Radial cover the needs of any serious acoustic player.
Grace Design’s Moxi is a powerful dual-channel preamp and blender that offers studio-level control in a surprisingly compact footprint. With independent EQ and high-pass filtering on both channels, it’s perfect for managing multiple instruments or pickups—especially in live scenarios where switching between guitars can be a headache. What sets it apart is the ability to blend two sources (like mic + pickup) or quickly toggle between instruments with different EQ profiles. Whether you’re solo or managing your own sound, the Moxy keeps your setup flexible without sacrificing tone.
The Session from LR Baggs is a smart, stage-ready pedal designed to give your acoustic guitar signal that final polish. Even if your pickup already sounds great, this pedal adds subtle compression and harmonic richness that really elevate your tone. With controls for volume, gain, saturation, and a simplified “comp EQ,” it's incredibly intuitive—especially for those of us who don't want to get lost in compressor settings. The goal here is to retain the natural sound of your acoustic while giving it a warm, studio-finished edge.
The Align Chorus by LR Baggs gives acoustic players a lush, musical modulation option without compromising their guitar’s natural tone. Instead of overwhelming your sound, the pedal preserves your guitar’s character while adding subtle to rich chorus textures. The tone knob only affects the chorus effect itself, not your dry signal, which is key if you love the core tone of your instrument. With intuitive controls for depth and size, it’s easy to dial in anything from a gentle shimmer to a more expansive chorus that still feels organic and usable.
Radial’s PZ Pre is a tone-shaping Swiss Army knife for acoustic players. With two inputs, full EQ, a notch filter, effects loop, and multiple output options (pre- and post-EQ), this pedal is all about adaptability. It excels in complex stage setups where you might need different EQ profiles for monitors and front of house, or if you’re switching between instruments. The A/B toggle makes instrument changes seamless, and the boost function is perfect for stepping out during a solo. Whether you play acoustic guitar, upright bass, or even switch between them, the PZ Pre handles it all with pro-level control.
Ever dreamed of building your own custom electric guitar from scratch? In this 8-part series, StewMac’s Brock Poling walks you through the entire process — no big workshop or expensive CNC machines required! You just need a little patience, imagination, and attention to detail to create a guitar you'll treasure for a lifetime.
T-Style Electric Guitar Kit If you're new to guitar building this kit's a great way to start: this is the classic electric guitar design that's fun to build, and you'll learn a lot.
Episode #2 - Gluing up the foundation of your guitar
Now the real fun begins! In Episode 2, we’re making all the big decisions that will define your custom electric guitar. What body shape will you choose? What types of wood will bring out the tone you want? What style hardware will complete your vision? Join Brock as he walks through his own design process of crafting a stunning rosewood tele, and sharing expert tips along the way.
Episode #3 - Cutting a tele build to its final shape
A great guitar starts with a rock-solid foundation! In Episode 3, Brock walks you through the crucial steps of prepping and gluing up your body blank. Learn how to avoid imperfections in the wood, line everything up perfectly, and clamp it all together for a super strong, stable body.
Episode #4 - Cutting a tele build to its final shape
In Episode 4, Brock walks you through the process of cutting and shaping your guitar body. You’ll learn how to accurately trace your body template, make a rough cut on the bandsaw, and then carefully route the blank to its final shape. By the end of this step, you’ll have a guitar body that looks and feels like the real deal—and you’ll be one step closer to playing your own custom build!
Episode #5 - Picking hardware and routing the neck pocket
Now it’s time to gear up! In Episode 5, we’re going shopping for all the essential hardware that will bring your custom guitar to life—pickups, bridges, ferrules, knobs, jack plates, and more! Once the parts are picked, it’s back to the build. Brock shows you how to customize and use a neck pocket template to anticipate an oil finish, then carefully route the neck pocket for a perfect fit. To wrap things up, we true up the body sides using a variety of sanding cauls for a clean, pro-level result.
Episode #6 - How to get PERFECT bridge placement on your guitar
In Episode 6, we’re focusing on one of the most critical steps in your guitar build—precisely locating and mounting the bridge. A well-placed bridge is essential for great playability, intonation, and tuning stability, so getting this right is a must! Brock walks you through his method of using a surrogate guitar neck to dial in the exact bridge position. Then, we temporarily mount the bridge to the body to determine the perfect placement for the string ferrules—a step that can be tricky, but Brock shares a game-changing tip to get it right every time.
Episode #7 - Creative routing for pickup and control cavities
In Episode 7, Brock guides you through routing the pickup and control cavities using customized templates. He covers what to consider when positioning your pickups and explains why making your own jigs is an essential skill for any guitar builder. And if you make a mistake? No problem—Brock shows how to recover from a routing slip using rosewood dust and superglue.
Episode #8 - Drilling for electronics and prep sanding for finish!
We’ve made it to the final step! In Episode 8, Brock Poling walks you through the last crucial details—drilling holes for the electronic wires, locating and drilling the jack hole, and rounding over the edges for a smooth, comfortable feel. To wrap it all up, Brock carefully sands the entire body, getting it prepped and ready for an oil finish. After this step, your guitar will be fully shaped and ready for a neck!
