In addition to the body shaped from barn-find bald cypress, #1 is built around a Fender-licensed Jaguar neck and Korea-made P-90, which is placed exactly where the pickup sits on Lindsey Buckingham’s Rick Turner Model 1.
BODY COPY: Reader: Steve Agosto
Hometown: Jennings, Louisiana Guitar: #1
I started my journey into guitar back in the 1980s. Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac was my biggest influence because I was mesmerized by his ability and presence. I wanted to play like him, and though I could never really master his licks, I did teach myself to play guitar. It just took 30 years.
I never had the time to play much because I was in the service and worked on the road for so many years. But when I finally settled down, I was almost 50, so I got serious. I played every day, soaking up information—and, yeah, Premier Guitar was there with me every month since 2008. Over the course of my search for that mojo, I’ve had Stratocasters, Telecasters, an Epiphone Casino, a Takamine, a Firebird, SGs, and Les Pauls (a lot of ’em). I’ve lost count of all the mods I’ve done. But through those experiences, I learned that no guitar would have everything I need unless I had it custom built. So, getting near retirement (and now pretty good at playing, too), I decided I would build my own in my garage. I’m one of those guys that loves his garage.
About a year before retiring, I started educating myself by watching videos and speaking with other builders in my area. Then I started to put it all together. My father-in-law knew about my interest, and while I was visiting his farm in southwest Louisiana, he showed me something he’d kept for years, thinking I might appreciate it. Long ago, he had been to another family’s farm and discovered old-growth bald cypress hidden in the rafters of a barn. According to him, the wood had likely been there for at least a century. This wood, like some other boards that were found, was likely from a tree felled during a hurricane. Bald cypress is slow growing, and these particular pieces were probably 200-300 years old. I kept two and gave one to a coworker who had guided me through the building process.
Steve and his wife
Having owned and played so many different guitars, I learned that P-90s are my favorite pickups. I like a short scale because it keeps my elbows tucked in, which is good for my old shoulders. I also fell in love with a 7.25" radius thanks to an old Telecaster, because it was easy on the hands. Because of this, I decided to use a Fender-licensed Jaguar neck by Allparts with a bone nut. The 6-saddle bridge is a Fender-licensed component, too. The pickup is a Korea-made staple P-90, which the seller said came from a Peerless-series Epiphone. Electronics include 250k CTS pots and .047uF Orange Drop capacitors.
It’s very comfortable to play—like a parlor size guitar that’s 1 3/8" thick.
Then, of course, there’s the bald cypress body. I settled on the shape because one of my favorite acoustics is a parlor-sized guitar, but it’s also inspired by the Model 1 that Rick Turner built for Lindsey Buckingham. I literally traced my parlor and then placed the pickup where Buckingham had his. (I was always amazed at the tone he got from playing with just that one pickup, not realizing it was actually more Lindsey than the hardware). The entire body is shaped by hand, which isn’t saying much, because I love a flat top guitar like an SGs or Firebird. That made things easy. After I cut the neck pocket and cavity with a Dremel router attachment, I put it together. I darkened the body with 15 to 20 coats of Tru-Oil (I actually lost count), and it was done.
This guitar is my #1. Like my wife, there can be no other. It’s light (not even 6 pounds), and very comfortable to play—like a parlor size guitar that’s 1 3/8" thick. It’s also resonant. The P-90 is amazing—I wish I could find another just like it. It’s smooth and clean, but can get nasty when you open the volume knob. I play through a 1965 Fender Showman and a Friedman Runt 50, and they love this guitar as much as I do. When I play another guitar, I’m usually looking over my shoulder, telling myself, “This would sound a lot better on my #1.” And it always does!
I recently spoke at a webinar with pedal rental service Buy or Borrow. The topic I submitted was, “Can the dirt pedal market ever be oversaturated?” I thought it would be fun to approach the subject like a debate, take the dissenting position, and present my argument. I’d like to explore this same question here. Now, since this column isn’t an in-person debate against an opponent, there won’t be a back-and-forth dialogue and I won’t be constructing and presenting a syllogism. I’ll be keeping it more casual and outlining talking points with supporting information and examples.
Here are some reasons I believe the dirt pedal market will not become oversaturated.
Classics that transcend generations
These are the industry staples—pedals that transcend trends and feel almost like part of the public domain. They originate from large manufacturers whose advanced production capabilities and buying power enable them to scale efficiently and keep costs low, resulting in affordable, player-friendly options ideal for those just starting their pedal journey. Classic examples include the Fuzz Face, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Pro Co RAT, and Boss DS-1.
New versions
Brands that become well known for one or several dirt pedals will inevitably and subsequently release new versions with updated and/or added features. These releases help carry the lineage forward and keep it in the public eye. A classic example is the Big Muff Pi, with more contemporary counterparts like the JHS Morning Glory, Fulltone OCD, and Way Huge Green Rhino.
Brand loyalty
Customers looking for a specific dirt circuit or tonal style tend to seek out their preferred brand’s take on it. For instance, if you’re after a Tube Screamer and happen to be an EarthQuaker Devices fan, you might reach for a Plumes.
Tweaks that appeal
This category centers on the appeal of both subtle and significant tweaks to well-known circuits. Take the Tube Screamer, for example: Voodoo Lab’s Sparkle Drive adds a simple but beloved clean blend, while EarthQuaker’s Palisades takes the classic three-knob overdrive to extremes with seven knobs, two toggles, and three footswitches.
The newest thing/hype
The gear market is perpetually chasing the next new thing. Online buzz can fuel hype around both familiar formats and groundbreaking designs alike. On the classic side, there’s the 1981 DRV; on the innovative end, the Chase Bliss Automatone Preamp MKII.
“The gear market is perpetually chasing the next new thing. Online buzz can fuel hype around both familiar formats and groundbreaking designs alike.”
Artist versions
Musical artists could be categorized as the original “influencers.” For decades, they’ve partnered with guitar and amp makers, and in recent years, those collaborations have expanded into the pedal world. Fans of these artists often gravitate toward the gear that bears their name. Notable examples include the Wampler Paisley Drive with Brad Paisley, the EarthQuaker Gary with Lee Kiernan of IDLES, the Union Tube & Transistor Bumblebuzz with Jack White, and Horizon Devices, founded by Misha Mansoor of Periphery.
Collaborations
Just as artists collaborate with brands, we’ve also seen pedal companies team up with one another. These partnerships create double the exposure and broaden awareness for both brands. Notable examples include the JHS/Boss Angry Driver, Chase Bliss/Analog Man Brothers AM, Spruce Effects/Pelican Noiseworks Pelitaur GE, and MXR/Fuzzrocious Bass Distortion.
2-in-1 combos
Most brands offer multiple dirt pedals in their lineup, and many include 2-in-1 or dual-drive options. These are a great way to save space, power, and money—all while expanding tonal flexibility.
Limited editions (or colors)
Limited-edition models—and even limited finishes of standard models—have become commonplace in today’s gear world. Larger manufacturers have taken note of this boutique trend and joined in. Examples include Ibanez’s hand-wired 808 with its metal enclosure, MXR’s gold-finished Phase 90, and even JHS’s Germanium Boost.
Legacy reissues
When a brand has been around for a decade or more, it often builds a loyal fanbase that knows its entire catalog, past and present. To honor that history, some manufacturers release small-batch reissues of legacy models. Recent examples include EarthQuaker’s Dirt Transmitter and White Light, the original-format JHS Morning Glory, and the iconic EHX Ram’s Head.
Same model, different size
Whether driven by manufacturer design or consumer demand, some brands offer a “family” of a particular model. This approach provides options to suit a wide range of needs. Two companies that do this especially well are Analog Man, with the Duke, Prince, and King of Tone, and Wampler, with the Mini, Standard, and Deluxe Plexi Drive.
Multiple on boards
Simply put, dirt is an effect category that often appears multiple times on a single pedalboard. It’s not uncommon to see a setup featuring a boost, an overdrive, a distortion, and a fuzz all together.
Cost friendly and artisan
From a purely financial standpoint, boost and fuzz pedals typically have fewer components, allowing them to be sold at very appealing prices. An $80 boost that does its one job effectively solves a problem while remaining low-risk for the buyer.
At the other end of the spectrum are companies operating on a “beyond artisan” model. These makers produce small batches using rare, vintage, or unique components, often built on stripboard, tagboard, or even point-to-point wiring—a meticulous and impressive approach that draws enthusiasts. Notable examples include Reeves Electro, Elephant Pedals, and R2R Electric.
This is the condensed version of the argument, but I still find it compelling in supporting the idea that the dirt pedal market is unlikely to become oversaturated. Do you find it convincing?
The offset twins get a makeover that lends stability and a streamlined sensibility while enhancing the guitars’ classic ,’60s, surfy essence.
The American Professional Classic Jazzmaster: Under the hood, vintage-inspired Coastline ’65 Jazzmaster pickups deliver depth, punch and sparkle while the sleek Modern “C” neck provides exceptional comfort and playability. Fender Staggered ClassicGear™ tuners deliver classic looks and precise tuning stability. Boasting custom-faded vintage and signature Fender finishes, this professional-grade instrument looks as good as it sounds. From studio to stage, The American Professional Classic Jazzmaster All the soul of a golden-era Fender, evolved for today’s player. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in 3-Color Sunburst, Faded Firemist Gold, Faded Sherwood Green Metallic and Faded Dakota Red.
The American Professional Classic Jaguar: Under the hood, vintage-inspired Coastline ’65 Jaguar pickups deliver depth, punch and sparkle while the sleek Modern “C” neck provides exceptional comfort and playability. Fender Staggered ClassicGear tuners deliver classic looks and precise tuning stability. Boasting custom-faded vintage and signature Fender finishes, this professional-grade instrument looks as good as it sounds. From studio to stage, The American Professional Classic Jaguar All the soul of a golden-era Fender, evolved for today’s player. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard 3-Color Sunburst, Faded Sherwood Green Metallic and Faded Firemist Gold as well as Maple Fingerboard in Faded Lake Placid Blue.
Moth Electric has introduced their first modulation pedal, the M. stellatarum Tremolo, adding to their existing lineup of four dirt pedals.
The M. stellatarum is a multi-mode optical tremolo featuring an all-analog signal path, tap tempo with four subdivisions, an on board boost and a total of 32 sonic combinations between its four modes of operation and eight waveforms.
Features:
Four distinct modes of operation. Classic amplitude tremolo, harmonic tremolo, bass only modulation and treble only modulation.
Eight waveform selections provide a wide variety of textures, from classic to experimental. Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Square, Triangle, Sine, Hypertriangle, Reverse Hypertriangle, Random level generation.
Tap tempo with four subdivisions allows for hands free rate manipulation while playing live. Subdivisions include ½ notes, ¼ notes, ⅛ notes and 1/16 notes.
Dedicated tone knob to dial in your preferred sweet spot in each mode or to tame overly harsh or boomy amps.
Onboard pre-amp boost adds warmth without overly coloring your sound. Enough gain on tap to push your amp if desired.
D’Addario announces the John Lennon Art Series Signature Collection, a limited-edition lineup of instrument straps and picks, all honoring the imagination of a legend.
About the Series
The Collection includes two unique strap designs and two pick assortments, each featuring Lennon’s original animal illustrations, as well as drawings inspired by the life and love he shared with Yoko Ono. From playful sketches to bolder, more intimate designs, every item in this Collection honors Lennon’s vision while giving players unique, premium tools they can rely on, all backed by elite D’Addario craftsmanship. The Collection also includes the Imagine Animals small instrument strap, perfect for
kid-sized instruments or adult ukuleles and mandolins, with matching collectible picks.
Highlights
Secure & Reliable Straps. Each strap features durable leather ends for long-lasting security. That means a comfortable and dependable fit for every player.
Premium Picks for Superior Playability. Crafted from high-quality celluloid, these picks deliver a smooth feel and warm tone that’s perfect for players at any level.
Exclusive Collectible Items. These limited-edition designs put Lennon’s visual artwork on a new canvas, making them not only perfect tools for players, but one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers for collectors and fans.
D’Addario Celebrates Lennon’s Legacy “John Lennon’s art was as imaginative and honest as his music,” said Cassie Meloy, Accessories Product Manager. “This Collection celebrates Lennon’s creativity for players of all ages and introduces D'Addario’s first strap designed for kids, perfectly inspired by his playful Animals artwork.”
Availability & Pricing The John Lennon Art Series is available now through daddario.com and authorized retailers. Pick packs are priced at $7.99, with straps starting at $16.99.
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