Acoustic guitars are a different breed than electrics when it comes to innovation. Since the materials and construction are a large part of the tone (as opposed to electrics where …
Sankey Archtop: Tortoise
Archtops are in general very traditional and thus conservative in their designs. But with new woods, construction techniques, and playing styles, this guitar type is perfect for new ideas and …
Guitar Innovation
It seems that there have been far more innovations and experimentation on the acoustic guitar side than the electric side. Here are some things I have observed: Acoustic Guitars Experimentation …
Rick Toone S2
Rick Toone can be summarized in one word: innovator. He is constantly looking at ways to redefine guitar — in both construction, materials, and hardware. Common to many of his …
Holy Grail Guitar Show 2015
This show concluded at the end of October in Berlin, and as always — a spectacular array of new and innovative guitars were displayed. This is becoming the premier event …
Teuffel Antonio
Teuffel makes some unique guitars, and his newest model, Antonio, is no exception. It departs from his normal, radical headless designs in that it more closely resembles a traditional acoustic …
Sankey Guitars: Daphne
Michael Sankey’s work spans many areas: traditional electrics, acoustics, headless, 7-string, etc. But it’s in the area of archtops (typically a very conservative area) where he shines with bold ideas …
Jersey Girl Guitars: True Art
I’ve always considered the truly exceptional guitars as modern, functional art. This is clearly evident in Jersey Girl Guitars which was formed in 1991 by two luthiers in Japan, Kaz Goto & …
Yamaha THR10X
I own some high-end modelers, studio monitors and FRFR PA systems, and these are great for getting that live “in-your-face” sound at high volumes. Not to mention laying down some …
Digital Modeling of Amps: Kemper vs Fractal
The digital modeling world has advanced tremendously in the past few years. Two products have emerged at the top: the Kemper profiling amplifier (KPA), and the Fractal Audio Axe-FX. [Note …