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Revisiting the Ibanez S521 - Expensive is not necessarily better
Do you need to spend more, or get a specific decal or sticker to get a great guitar or bass? Not one little bit.
Review : Headrush FRFR Go
A few weeks back, I did a podcast episode talking about the lack of small, lower output FRFR speaker systems. At the time, the only one that I could find with some level of availability was the Headrush FRFR Go. At the time, I could only refer to the marketing material because I had never even seen one in the real world. A recent transaction that resulted in a returnable item provided the funding to buy one, and where I am, they are rather scarce, so I found one and bought it.
Quick Update - UAFX Sale
I just discovered a sale with massive discounts on some UA FX pedals. No idea if it is everywhere or how long it lasts.
Review : Sire Marcus Miller Z3 4 String Bass
This time I take a dive into the Sire Marcus Miller Z3 4 String Bass. It may look like a bass from your memory and that is the intention, but it’s definitely a Sire, and that means an incredible instrument at a price for normal people.
What is an FRFR Speaker Cabinet and why would you want one?
When a regular reader asked me a specific question about FRFRs it generated a podcast script but after preparing it, I realized that the episode answers the question but leaves out the what and why of FRFRs. So here we go.
Buying Used Makes Sense. And Saves Dollars
Buying used can get you a great instrument at a great price. Just avoid the vintage BS sinkhole and starting shopping!
Review : Sire Larry Carlton J3 - A Jazzmaster by an alternate name
Welcome folks. In this review, made possible by the great people at The Arts Music Store, I have a brand new Sire Larry Carlton J3. The J3 is an offset electric guitar that from a short distance looks a LOT like a Jazzmaster once you get past the logo and the differently shaped headstock. As a big fan of offsets and Jazzmasters as well as custom alternatives like the awesome Suhr JM, let’s see what we discover with this new Sire.
Review : Fender’s New Indonesia Made Guitars - Are They As Bad As People Say?
This time I take a deep dive into the new Fender Standard Stratocaster. Let’s find out what it shows
Review : PRS S2 Vela Semi Hollow Satin
In this review, I take a deep dive into another of the PRS S2 family, this time the S2 Vela Semi Hollow Satin.
Review : Universal Audio Knuckles ‘92 Rev F Dual Rectifier Amp - The Dual Rectifier That’s Easy to Carry
The Universal Audio Knuckles ‘92 Rev F Dual Rectifier Amp is truly the Mesa Dual Rec that goes in your gig bag.
Review : The PRS S2 Standard 24 - How Have I Missed These?
I have to admit, I missed the boat on the S2 Standard 24, but I’ve corrected that by arranging the one for this review. It’s fantastic and if sound and playability matter more to you than spending a lot more for fancy tops and decals, this might be the perfect guitar for you.
Review : IK Multimedia Amplitube TONEX Pedal
Is the TONEX pedal the best modeller under $1,000? Without question it is and for half that price here in Canada. Should you get one? The more relevant question is why not?
Review : Universal Audio Enigmatic ‘82 Overdrive Special Amp - The Best Dumble Amp that you can afford?
The UA Enigmatic ‘82 Overdrive Special Amp is in my opinion the closest that I have heard and will likely every come to a real Dumble Overdrive Special
My Favourites from 2024
It’s the end of 2024. Here’s my list of faves in the last 12 months.
The Best Capo for your 12 String
A good capo for a 12 string is special and it’s different from a capo for a 6 string. Read why and what I recommend here.
Review : PRS SE Silver Sky
The original PRS Silver Sky gained instant renown as it was the guitar that John Mayer switched to, from the Fendr Stratocasters that he had played for years.
The SE Silver Sky brought that style into the price range affordable by regular people. So this time, we look at the PRS SE Silver Sky
Review : The Yamaha FS820. Is this the best 000 acoustic under $1,000?
This time I review my favourite 000 acoustic under $1000. Considering that it sells for about $400, it’s a huge deal.
Review : PRS SE CE24 Standard. Is it a top option for under $700 Canadian?
This is my updated review of the PRS SE CE24 Standard. Very hard to beat at its price point, but if your amp is dark sounding, you may find this one a bit too dark in combination. With a brighter amp, it’s a blast.
Review : PRS NF3
Join me for my review of the PRS SE NF3. Here’s a hint. It’s a fantastic guitar.
Review : PRS SE Custom 24 with Piezo
Given my expressed love for piezo pickups, you might be inclined to expect harsh words out of the gate with this guitar. Not this time. With a PRS/LR Baggs piezo in the bridge and two PRS 58/15S pickups in a semi-hollow body, this is the best SE guitar that I have ever played, which is saying a lot considering how superb the SE family has been over the last few years.