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Update : More on the Guitar Quandary
There was good feedback and requests for updates on my review of the Taylor T5z. Folks wanted to know if the gloss finish model was different. I received for a short time a Taylor T5z DLX, so I wanted to provide a quick update on my findings using the new model.
Review : Soldano SLO Mini
The Soldano SLO Mini is the most amazing amplifier that you can find for $250 USD. In fact it’s quite a bit more amazing than amplifiers costing a LOT more. You NEED one. Read more to find out why!
Review : Fender Jazzmaster Gold Foil
I’ve been wondering about gold foil pickups for a while and as I love the Jazzmaster, thought that trying this model out would make sense. It’s certainly beautiful…
A Guitar Quandary
As far as I am concerned the Taylor T5z is the best sounding and best playing of all the electric acoustic instruments in the market. Read on to learn why I think so.
Review : Vega*Trem VT1
In this article, I take readers through the thought process and steps to replace and American Standard Fender Stratocaster bridge with a Vega Tree VT-1
Review : Laney LA-Studio Amplifier
The Laney LA-Studio amplifier may be your perfect home recording and practice amplifier. Read on to learn why
Review : Bare Knuckle Pickups
There are many options when it comes to replacement pickups. In this article I will explain why my go to is Bare Knuckle Pickups in the UK, even though I live in Canada and have access to great guitar shops.
Review : Benson Germanium Fuzz
Want a fuzz that tolerates different placements? Want a fuzz where you can control it depending on the impedance of your pickups? Want a germanium transistor based fuzz that uses thermal management to keep it in the sweet spot? Then you want to learn about the Benson Germanium Fuzz.
Review : A Used Find - Gretsch Electromatic Silver Jet
In this article I review a recent find, a used Gretsch Electromatic Silver Jet
Review : Fender Brad Paisley Esquire
I’ve wanted an Esquire for some time, so tried this model out. Join me to read what I learned
Recommendations for Fretboard Treatment
The right fretboard treatment can both protect and lengthen the life of your instrument. The wrong one can dry the board out and leave it vulnerable. Why not do things the right way?
The Joy of 5 Watt Tube Amps
In this article, I write about my quest for a small, reliable tube amp of only around 5 watts output.
Review : Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb Blonde
This article is my review of the Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb in Blonde. It’s the very first digital amplifier that I liked enough to buy. It sounds amazing and if you can find one is a superb value. Read on to learn more…
Review : Taylor 512ce and Taylor 514ce
Taylor recently reintroduced their 510 series guitars now using what they call Urban Ironbark for the solid sides and backs instead of the formerly used Mahogany. I wanted to see and more importantly hear what this new tonewood would bring to the party
Review : Ibanez Q Series Headless Guitars
The Ibanez Q series are the latest releases in what I have called the resurgence of headless guitars. The idea here is that there is no traditional headstock, and the tuners are mounted to the body behind the bridge.
Review : MXR Custom Shop Duke of Tone
As I write this, the wait time for an AnalogMan King of Tone pedal is five years! A Prince of Tone is also a very long time and you have to check daily in case one has been built and not already sold. Consequently we see King of Tone pedals selling on Reverb for nearly $1000, quite a lot more than Mike Pereira (AnalogMan himself) will sell you one for when your name comes up. For those of us who would like the sound today, there is now, from the MXR Custom Shop built in cooperation with AnalogMan a pedal called the Duke of Tone. I preordered two of them and picked them up the last weekend in October. So that’s what we are going to talk about this time.
Review : Origin Effects Halycon Green Overdrive
I wrote about Tube Screamers a little while back and in that article I mentioned being curious about the Halcyon Green Overdrive from Origin Effects. It’s safe to say that there are zillions of Tube Screamer type pedals out there, so why bother with another variant. Well, I bought one based on my 100% happiness rating with other Origin Effects products and now is the time to share my findings and opinions.
Review : PRS Mary Cries Compressor
Recently, Paul Reed Smith announced their first guitar pedals. This time, I am looking at my recently purchased PRS Mary Cries Compressor. I bought it sight unseen and unplayed, partly because I have never been really let down by a PRS product and partly following seeing Paul on The Pedal Show.