Turning a Squier Affinity Stratocaster Into a Garage Rock Beast

Build the guitar: Search for the Strat in the finish of your choice HERE Not only is the Fender Stratocaster my favorite guitar, but it was also my first electric guitar. Crazy how that works…However, in recent years I’ve found a new love of Strats, be it Fender or knock offs, because of how easyContinue reading “Turning a Squier Affinity Stratocaster Into a Garage Rock Beast”

New Products From A Vintage Company: Guyatone Offering ACE Guitar Straps

Recently revived, the brand name of Guyatone is back in business in Chicago! This legendary Japanese company produced thousands of guitars from the 1950s until the companies formal demise in 2013. Now they are not only documenting the companies history but working on new pedals, guitars, and products including these new guitar straps! This materialContinue reading “New Products From A Vintage Company: Guyatone Offering ACE Guitar Straps”

Vox MV-50 AC 50-Watt Tube Head Review

Cost: $219.99, new but look for a deal on a new or used one on Reverb.com HERE. How it Works and Final Score: 7.8 The Vox MV50 is an interesting and unique take on the classic Vox AC30’s chime and jangle. The 50 watt head fits in the palm of your head, but provides maximumContinue reading “Vox MV-50 AC 50-Watt Tube Head Review”

Mooer Acoustikar Acoustic Simulator Pedal Review

Cost: $88.00 new, grab your own on Reverb.com or Amazon.com! How it Works and Final Score: 8.2 The Mooer Acoustikar is a fun pedal that’s small in both size and price. Sure to please most pedal heads, an acoustic simulator is far from a pedalboard staple, but provides some unexpected tonal fun. The Acoustikar hasContinue reading “Mooer Acoustikar Acoustic Simulator Pedal Review”

Fender Ultra Stratocaster Review

Cost: $1999.99 new, find your own on Reverb.com Huge thanks to Heather from Fender for sending this over for review! Overview and Final Score: 9.5 Sound: 9.5 The addition of the S1 switch adds a ton of versatility to the Ultra Stratocaster, as it cuts some of the highs on the 1 and 2 positions.Continue reading “Fender Ultra Stratocaster Review”

You Can Finally Order Harmony’s 8418 Amplifier Reissue

Harmony continues its year of strong releases with a classic reissue of the 8418 combo tube amp. Check Reverb.com to find your own before they are gone, as these are exclusively available in the US. The 8418 has a hand-wired construction with a 6″ Jensen speaker, all original circuitry, and a vacuum tubes built toContinue reading “You Can Finally Order Harmony’s 8418 Amplifier Reissue”

Ranking Four DIY Telecaster Kits From Best to Worst

I love guitar kits, they are pretty much the primary way I learned how to assemble, build, and modify guitars. Kits give you a low-risk way of developing your finishing, wiring, and modification skills without having to rip apart the gear you rely on or spent your money on. Even the highest quality kits areContinue reading “Ranking Four DIY Telecaster Kits From Best to Worst”

Building A Live Rig On A Budget: Some Thoughts/Opinions

I have written a few articles before that try to outline the best rig for metal, punk, or live shows below a certain budget. While it is a good exercise in bargain hunting, it always feels pretty useless because each player needs something different no matter what the budget is. So instead I thought I’dContinue reading “Building A Live Rig On A Budget: Some Thoughts/Opinions”

Fender Announces New American Ultra Series

Fender is getting the holiday season started early by gifting the world a new line of premium electric guitars and basses. The Fender American Ultra Series will be Fender’s most advanced and modern line of instruments yet. Featuring 6 new instruments, the Ultra line will feature new finishes, new pickups, modernized guitar designs, and muchContinue reading “Fender Announces New American Ultra Series”

Xaviere PRO845 Electric Guitar Review

Cost: $229.00 direct from Guitar Fetish or check out Reverb to find a new or used one! Overview and Final Score: 8.1 I’ve been singing the praises of GFS pickups for some time now, but I’ve never actually had the chance to try one of their Xaviere guitar products until now. The Pro845 immediately caughtContinue reading “Xaviere PRO845 Electric Guitar Review”