“You’re Not Playing Tennis!“—Conor Curley on Shredders & Sweatbands

First Look: Boss Space Echo RE-202

Rig Rundown: All That Remains [2022]

Hooked: Umphrey's McGee on Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone"

“You’re Not Playing Tennis!“—Conor Curley on Shredders & Sweatbands

Badge
Video

Plus, the Fontaines D.C. axeman explains why he’s reticent to fix the microphonic pickup in his ’66 Fender Coronado.

Read More Show less
fontaines d.c.
fender the big 5 videos guitarists guitar player post punk post punk music fender coronado vintage guitars conor curley fontaines d.c.

The Unadorned and Adored Wonders of the Acoustic Guitar

The emotional wallop of the acoustic guitar sometimes flies under the radar. Even if you mostly play electric, here are some things to consider about unplugging.

I have a love-hate relationship with acoustic guitars. My infatuation with the 6-string really blasted off with the Ventures. That’s the sound I wanted, and the way to get it was powered by electricity. Before I’d even held a guitar, I knew I wanted a Mosrite, which I was sure was made of fiberglass like the surfboards the Beach Boys, Surfaris, and the Challengers rode in their off time. Bristling with space-age switchgear and chrome-plated hardware, those solidbody hotrod guitars were the fighter jets of my musical dreams. I didn’t even know what those old-timey round-hole guitars were called. As the singing cowboys Roy Rogers and Gene Autrey strummed off into the sunset, the pace of technology pushed the look and sound of the electric guitar (and bass) into the limelight and into my heart. Imagine my disappointment when I had to begin my guitar tutelage on a rented Gibson “student” acoustic. At least it sort of looked like the ones the Beatles occasionally played. Even so, I couldn’t wait to trade it in.

Read More Show less
esoterica electrica
pro advice jol dantzig acoustic guitar gigging advice diy acoustic acoustic guitars acoustics playing guitar playing an acoustic guitar playing an acoustic esoterica electrica

10 Distortion Pedals Under $100

Need an affordable distortion pedal? Look no further.

We live in the golden age of boutique pedals that are loaded with advanced features—many of which were nearly unthinkable a decade or so ago. But there’s something that will always be valuable about a rock-solid dirt box that won’t break your wallet. Here’s a collection of old classics and newly designed stomps that cost less than an average concert ticket.

Read More Show less
distortion pedals
pedals tools for the task boss electro-harmonix tc electronic earthquaker devices jhs ibanez mxr dunlop nobels rat fender distortion pedals
x