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Koll Guitar Company: The Superior
Designed in 1995 as a departure from the Glide series, the Superior features a solid alder body with a striking double cutaway. Also included is a set maple neck with
D’Addario is proud to introduce Jack Plugs: a fast, effective way to block unused ¼" jacks on pedals, amps, and audio gear. Touring guitarists, studio engineers, and live sound techs alike can prevent accidental connections, speed up the rig set up process, and protect their gear from dust, debris, and interference. Even better, installing these small, easy-to-use accessories is simple and requires no tools, minimum hassle, and no cleanup.
Small Solution, Big Impact
“We created the Jack Plugs to solve a problem we kept seeing on stage and experienced ourselves — accidental connections that kill your signal or worse, damage your gear.” As Product Development Manager Robert Cunningham put it, “these plugs are a simple fix that prevent mispatching, especially with speaker outputs where the wrong ohm load can be a real issue. They're small and inexpensive but they’ll save countless gigs.”
Features:
Blocks unused jacks to avoid unwanted signal paths or disruptions
Shields open ports from dust, debris, and potential damage.
Simple plug-and-play design for fast setup and removal.
Ideal for musicians, studio engineers, and live sound techs.
Maintains a clean, organized rig for optimal audio performance.
Product Info:
Street Price: $4.99
Available now at daddario.com and through participating retailers and distributors
Step into the world of colossal, meticulously crafted pedalboards that power some of the heaviest, most creative guitar tones in modern music.
In this Best Of compilation, we revisit our biggest, wildest, and most intricate metal rig rundowns to date, featuring Matt Pike (Sleep), John Baizley & Gina Gleason (Baroness), Page Hamilton (Helmet), Erik Bickerstaffe (Loathe), Will Swan (Dance Gavin Dance), Sunn O))), Reba Meyers (Code Orange), and Will Putney (END).
From boutique one-offs to vintage rarities, from precision routing to total chaos, these pedalboards redefine what’s possible in heavy guitar tone.
Sheptone announces the reissue of its coveted AB Custom humbuckers. Revered by tone chasers, professional touring musicians, and collectors alike, the AB Custom humbuckers return with all the hallmarks that made it a modern classic—and more.
Built entirely by hand, one at a time, by long-time industry figure and proprietor Josh Vittek, each Sheptone pickup reflects a relentless commitment to tone, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The AB Custom humbuckers are no exception, offering unmatched responsiveness, musical articulation, and the nuanced dynamic range players have come to expect from Sheptone. As the first variation on the original Sheptone Tribute set that launched the business back in 2007, these are considered a medium output PAF-style humbucker providing that little extra push that guitar players just love.
Featuring proprietary butyrate bobbins, 42 AWG plain enamel wire, rough cast Alnico 5 magnets, a maple wood spacer, and nickel silver baseplates, the AB Custom humbuckers are built with period-correct components and the highest-quality materials available. Measuring an average of 8.5k in the bridge and 8.0k in the neck, each set delivers vintage-inspired clarity, warmth, and punch making them a top choice for players seeking the elusive "magic" found in the most iconic recordings.
Customers can choose from double black, zebra, reverse zebra, or covered configurations with nickel or gold-plated period correct nickel steel covers, offering aesthetic versatility without compromising tone. The AB Custom humbuckers are a premium choice for discerning players who demand the best—whether in the studio, on stage, or in their personal woodshed.
Sheptone pickups have long been the secret weapon behind some of todays most beloved tones. With the return of the AB Custom, that legacy continues—one note at a time.
Epiphone's collaboration with the artisans at Gibson Custom just got a major acoustic upgrade! We’re excited to share new acoustic additions to the core lineup, updated with features that make these guitars better than ever.
With new Vintage Gloss and Full Gloss finishes, rosewood or ebony fretboards, thermally aged tops, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases, these guitars bring Custom Shop quality to players everywhere at accessible prices.
1942 Banner J-45 Reissue
This exceptional acoustic guitar has a thermally aged, solid Sitka spruce top that is reinforced with scalloped X-bracing and paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for the rich, balanced tone that has made the J-45 a longtime player favorite.
1957 SJ-200 Reissue
Meet the Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of a rare vintage icon. It features a solid figured maple back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing, and a two-piece flame maple neck.
Hummingbird Deluxe EC
The Hummingbird Deluxe EC has been upgraded and modernized with beautiful, solid rosewood used for the back and sides, giving this guitar the full and rich sound of the traditional Hummingbird, along with the added tonal nuances of rosewood, resulting in a deeper bass and even more sparkling overtones in the highs.
Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue
The Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue is replete with vintage-inspired details, including a solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn solid spruce, and more.
1963 Dove Reissue
The back and sides of the 1963 Dove Reissue are made from solid, figured maple. It delivers a bright, clear tone from the maple body, as you might expect, but it also has a bit more bass than a Hummingbird and a very balanced tone overall that works exceptionally well in a wide range of musical genres.
Josh Smith opens up about finding his voice in the blues (and beyond), crafting his signature tone, and why authenticity—not imitation—is the heart of his playing. The engaging exchange is a prime example in developing musical identity through introspective intention and detailed execution.
Being a contemporary bluesman has its pitfalls, dead ends, and challenges. Josh Smith reflects deeply on his relationship with the blues, acknowledging the cultural origins of the music and his position as modern ambassador (and interpreter) for the artform. He then discusses how switching from Strats to Teles shaped his own sound and playing style more than any other gear choice.
As the interview continues, Smith delves into the art of live performance and improvisation, valuing intent, rhythm, and connection with both the audience and bandmates. Smith talks honestly about the current challenges younger musicians face—namely the lack of live-gig opportunities—and contrasts that with his own development through hundreds of early gigs (even before the age of 18). The conversation ends with Smith detailing his ongoing experience as a producer, what he enjoys about helping artists realize their vision through his own expertise & instincts. Whether working with artists like Andy Timmons or playing in Joe Bonamassa's live band, Smith prioritizes rhythmic precision with present spontaneity and trying to be musical in every moment.
