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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.
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 : 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 : 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 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.
Review : Fender Ultra II Telecaster
Please join me for my review of the Fender Ultra II Telecaster. Here’s a hint. It’s excellent!
Review : Fender Player Plus Meteora
The Player Plus Meteora is not your typical Fender guitar. It is a serious rock machine with excellent sounding humbucking pickups, a two post vibrato, independent volume controls and coil splitting. And you can find solid deals on them right now.
The 2024 Holiday Buying Guide for New Players
Here’s my Holiday Buying Guide for 2024. Looking for something specific that’s not here? No problem. Send me an email or post a comment and I will get back to you.
The Best Capo Analysis I Have Ever Seen
If you use or want to buy a capo, this video is a much watch. With great thanks to Robert Cassard.
Review : The Taylor T5z as an Electric Guitar
The Taylor T5z is something vey different. It’s designed and built by one of the finest acoustic guitar makers in the world, but it’s designed to be plugged into an amplifier. I’ve played lots of guitars and haven’t encountered anything quite like it.