Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Acoustic Soundboard

Galloup’s Plek tech Adam Winarski preps a Yamaha acoustic for the machine.

Photo courtesy of Galloup Guitars

Computerized processes have given repair techs the power to deliver you a better-playing guitar. But how do they work?

When we need to get our guitars fixed by a professional, a few nagging questions run through our heads: Will the repair specialist be thorough? Will their procedures ensure an optimal sounding and easy-to-play instrument, or will they merely perform cursory work to make the guitar somewhat playable without resolving underlying issues? Have they followed the tested advancements in understanding, tools, and techniques, or are they stuck in the ideas of the ’70s?

Read MoreShow less

Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, EGC Chessie in hands, coaxing some nasty tones from his Hiwatt.

Photo by Mike White

After 26 years, the seminal noisy rockers return to the studio to create Rack, a master class of pummeling, machine-like grooves, raving vocals, and knotty, dissonant, and incisive guitar mayhem.

The last time the Jesus Lizard released an album, the world was different. The year was 1998: Most people counted themselves lucky to have a cell phone, Seinfeld finished its final season, Total Request Live was just hitting MTV, and among the year’s No. 1 albums were Dave Matthews Band’s Before These Crowded Streets, Beastie Boys’ Hello Nasty, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Korn’s Follow the Leader, and the Armageddonsoundtrack. These were the early days of mp3 culture—Napster didn’t come along until 1999—so if you wanted to hear those albums, you’d have to go to the store and buy a copy.

Read MoreShow less

This Delgado 6-string tres reflects the instrument’s global history. It’s made with a Sitka spruce top, Mexican rosewood back and sides, a Macassar ebony bridge, African ebony fretboard, and African mahogany neck.

Our columnist traces the history of the 6-string Cuban tres—from Africa, to Cuba, to the top of American country music.

I love that I was taught by my father and grandfather to build a variety of string instruments. I have continued to do this—I have built so many different types, and I learn from each one. I am currently building a nanga, a rectangular, harp-like African instrument played by the Ganda people of Uganda.

Read MoreShow less
Photo courtesy of Martin

Chris Martin gives readers some key reminders about choosing and maintaining their acoustic guitar strings.

At Martin, we as builders and players understand the impact that guitar strings can have on the tone, playability, and longevity of our instruments. No matter how long you’ve been playing, selecting the right set of strings and properly caring for them can significantly enhance your experience with your guitar.

Read MoreShow less

Micah Blue Smaldone

Photo by Matthew Robbins

Our columnist asks his favorite acoustic players how their hometowns, new and old, have changed the music they make.

As musicians, we tend to put most of our mental energy into the “next thing”: that next song, show, tour, or piece of gear. The beauty of music-making is that there is always somewhere new to go, but it’s also important to remember that we all came from somewhere. In this column, I connect with some excellent acoustic players about the places that shaped their playing and their craft, where they started and where their music has taken them.

Read MoreShow less