Let’s talk about guitars, basses, amplifiers, pedals, recording, software and plugins
Get Notified!
Sign up if you would like to be notified when a new post or podcast is made available
There are lots of articles and reviews here. To find a specific subject or topic, please use the Search box provided
If you have a question on any guitar (or bass) related subject, please click this link to send in your question

Does a DI Box improve the sound of Piezo Pickups into an Acoustic Amp?
I wanted to see if using a piezo specific DI box would improve the sound of piezo pickup when going into a quality acoustic amplifier

macOS Sonoma 14.4 Issue Update
I am happy to share an update on the issues identified with plugins in macOS Sonoma

Review : Fender Limited Edition Suona Guitars - Stratocaster & Telecaster
Hello folks. Please join me for my review of the Limited Edition Fender Suona Stratocaster ad Fender Suona Telecaster Thinline

What an S Type Guitar Can (Should?) Be; Suhr Pete Thorn Standard HSS
In this review, I spend some time with the superb Suhr Pete Thorn HSS

Is the SansAmp DI-2112 All You Need for Bass?
This time I review the Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp DI-2112 Bass Preamp. What do I think and how does it sound? For that, you will have to read more…

Act Fast Before It Goes! Awesome Used Kiesel Vader Bass
This review is based on this fabulous Kiesel Vader 4 String Bass available at The Arts Music Store in their used section. You can always order your own direct from Kiesel but this one is already her in Canada, until it is sod.

Act Fast! Free Softtube VCA Compressor plugin
Get the Softtube VCA Compressor plugin for FREE until March 31, 2024, link inside the article

An amazing pro grade S style guitar for under $2500 CAD
Is this Charvel the best one axe for everything under $2500 CAD? While I have not played every guitar in this range, I don’t know that I need to. And you may not either.

Warning! macOS Users, PACE AntiPiracy, iLok and Sonoma 14.4
Warning! The macOS Sonoma 14.4 update is causing serious issues with PACE AntiPiracy and iLok systems. Don’t upgrade if you use these tools, common to plugin makers.

The Perfect Strap Button
There is such a thing as a perfect strap button that is simple to use, always works and isn’t stupidly expensive.

Amazing! The Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E
Despite a long model name that could be hard to remember, the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E is an incredibly versatile guitar, suitable or clean or amp overdriven tones, but also in high gain situations. In my opinion, it’s awesome, but read the article for yourself.

Boss Katana 50 Mk II : My recommendation for a great inexpensive amplifier that gets loud
I’ve been recommending the BOSS Katana amps for some time as excellent sounding and inexpensive amplifiers for home use and even gigging. So it was time to do a deeper dive and here it is.

Review : Yamaha TRBX 305 Bass
In this review I look at the Yamaha TRBX 305 five string bass, an amazing instrument coming in under $500 CAD

Review : Ibanez Nita Strauss JIVA JR
Seeking a midtier electric with a great whammy for hard rock and shreddification? Look no further than Hurricane Nita Strauss’ JAVA JR.

Quick Look : Strap Lugs for Acoustics with Pickups
Here’s a brilliant solution to attach straps effectivl to acousi guitars with built in pickps

Review : Ibanez SR400 Bass
Seeking an entry to mid tier bass? The Ibanez SR400 family delivers what you need and what you want.

Review : Jackson JS32 Rhoads - Pointy Guitars Are Fun!
While I am not a point guitar person, there are lots of people who are excited by the idea, so I have done a review of a very low cost entry that is surprisingly good, the Jackson JS32 Rhoads

Review : Ibanez Pentatone Preamp
Can a single pedal replace a distortion / preamp pedal, a noise gate and a graphic EQ with parametric notch capability? Yes in fact one can and it is called the Pentatone and comes from Ibanez.

Review : Yamaha FG800J - The Best Starter Acoustic I Have Found
Seeking a superb acoustic guitar for a new or intermediate player that sound great and is super inexpensive? Look no further than the Yamaha FG800J

Review : Ibanez RG470DX A Very Shred Ready Beauty
This is the followup to my review of the Ibanez S521 that I said is a killer deal at $559 CAD but catering more to the player who wants both to shred more and add the capability of a whammy. And I mean whammy. No subtle wiggle stick on this critter.