Value isn’t just about paying less money—it’s about what you get for the money you pay, and how much you’d have to pay to find the same features elsewhere on the market. A professional-level mandolin that sells for only $300 would be an incredible value; an entry-level instrument selling for the same price would seem […]
Continue reading →The China cymbal was originally named for its tonal similarity to a Chinese gong, which is unique from the tones of other Western cymbals—both dark and crisp, powerful but with a gritty edge that has also earned them the nickname “trash cymbals.” Within this broad sound category you’ll find a lot of different variants, largely […]
Continue reading →Single coil P90 pickups were first developed by Gibson in the mid-1940s. These pickups are known for bringing a lot of volume and a bright, powerful treble that is excellent for blues players and also utilized by guitarists in jazz, rock, and country styles. P-90 pickups have an excellent response, as well, along with clean […]
Continue reading →The Les Paul—named for its creator and originally released by Gibson in the early 1950s—is one of the most iconic instruments in the history of popular music. It was designed to eliminate the feedback that plagued hollowbody electric guitars when their players pushed the volume and gain. The switch to a solid wood body design […]
Continue reading →Long ago, in a place far away, a genius recognized the need for a smaller guitar. He noticed that there were exceptional players that struggled with guitars of regular size, but their love of music kept them trying . . . All jokes aside, there is certainly a well-developed market for smaller guitars, mostly oriented […]
Continue reading →Beginner mandolins have become popular due to the recent influx of bluegrass and folk-influenced bands in the popular music scene. The mandolin is a unique instrument that can be fun to learn, whether you’re a guitarist who wants to expand his sound arsenal or a newcomer to playing music. The quality of the materials used […]
Continue reading →Bluegrass music has a very distinctive sound, and the make and design of the instruments in the band is key to getting the right feel and tone more so than with many other styles of music. The bluegrass tradition calls for acoustic instruments; get a six-string acoustic guitar with steel as opposed to nylon strings […]
Continue reading →If you have smaller than usual hands, it can be difficult to find an electric guitar that lets you play comfortably and make the most of your musical experience. But you needn’t forgo playing guitars; after all, they’re among the most popular, versatile, and affordable instruments you can get as either an amateur or a […]
Continue reading →Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars are named for the founder, who started the company back in 1985. This Maryland-based company is best-known for its American-built custom models, but also makes an SE line out of their Korean factory that gives you a very similar tonal palate at a lower price. With their scale length of […]
Continue reading →Getting a Squier Strat makes a lot of sense if you’re in pursuit of that iconic Fender Stratocaster tone at a cheap price. Hailed as one of the top manufacturers of beginner guitars, the company made a name for itself as an essential part of the journey for so many musicians out there. These Squier […]
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