Guitars

The Epiphone name is synonymous with the famous Gibson Les Paul Standard electric guitar style. A unique design that took a radical departure from the norm, is was made famous by some of rock n’ roll’s greats. Epiphone has released many special editions from their Les Paul line, and one of the latest is the [...]

Any Ibanez ak95 review is going to rave about the overall look of this sonic seductress, and, for very good reasons. The dark, violin sunburst finish, with matching colored pick guard, will make any guitar-slinger want to hold this guitar, or run his fingers along the bound rosewood fingerboard. Even propped in the corner of [...]

The Ibanez has a colorful past, but it became one of the most successful brands in the electric guitar category. Tracing the roots of the Ibanez Gio electric guitar, you will learn that the guitars originated from Japan and a man by the name of Hoshino Gakki is responsible for the growth and success of [...]

Originally produced in the late 1950s, the Gibson Melody Maker is enjoying a comeback while still sporting that same clean, solid sound in a sleek and sturdy body. With its slim and solid mahogany frame and excellent tone, the Melody Maker was the company’s best-selling guitar. Fortunately, Gibson has succeeded in keeping the style and [...]

This article will provide a breakdown of the Jet King Guitar series, made by Ibanez, along with an Ibanez Jet King review of the guitar series. The Ibanez Jet King Guitar is the name for a series of electric guitars made by the Ibanez Company. The Jet King series are considered a modern remake or [...]

You can find Warmoth guitars company headquarters in Puyallup, Washington. You can also find Warmoth custom guitars in the hands of stars like Jeff Loomis, or Matt Sharp, from the best-selling band Weezer. Warmoth Guitar Products, Incorporated, is an American company that specializes in making guitar parts, and guitar bodies to the exact specifications of [...]

Rickenbacker released the first Rickenbacker 325 in 1958. It was part of the instrument manufacturer’s Capri series, which consisted of hollow body guitars. Roger Rossmeisl who is a German guitar maker from a family with a long history of instrument making and design originally designed the 325. While Rickenbacker guitars have always been renowned for [...]

The Gibson ES 335 was the world’s first semi-acoustic thin line arched-top electric guitar. Released in 1958 by the Gibson Guitar Corporation, the Gibson ES335 is not classified as a hollow or solid body guitar. In 1958, Gibson designed this innovative guitar as a middle ground between hollow and solid body guitars. The result was [...]

Introduction The passing of jazz guitar legend Les Paul has reawakened many people to the long history of the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar; especially the Gibson Les Paul traditional gold top. This classic instrument has been through much iteration over the decades, but in this article, we will focus on its very earliest incarnation, [...]

Vintage electric guitars are like wine; they only seem to get better with age. Whether due to superior care in the build process in the good old days, the mysterious aging of natural materials like wood, or simply the fact that the best examples have been preserved while the rejects have been damaged or lost [...]

To get an accurate Takamine G406S review without actually owning one, I borrowed one from my favorite guitar dealer and tested it out in a few different settings. The Takamine G series G406S is a New Yorker body style, which is a fancy name for one of several Takamine acoustic guitar series. I would consider [...]

Hamer Guitars was conceived in 1973 and is known as one of the first boutique USA guitar makers. Their popular models of the era were copies of the Flying V and the Explorer, which targeted pro guitar players in general. A USA made Hamer guitar is equipped with the highest quality components, wood and the [...]

Saving your hard earned money for a Les Paul Standard can take a while without question; they aren’t cheap. Although, an Epiphone Les Paul Standard may be a suitable choice for those of you who don’t have or don’t want to spend the extra money on a Gibson model. I’ve owned different variants of the [...]

I’ve reviewed a lot of Schecter guitars over the years and I haven’t been disappointed very many times to say the least. Schecter caters to a broad range of guitarist’s needs with their different shapes, configurations, tonal variations and price points. The Schecter Damien 6 fits into the high end of the entry level class of [...]

The Ibanez GIO series is an affordable lineup of guitars with several distinct model groups: GRG/GRX, GRGA, GART and the GSA. One of my most favorite of the GIO group is the Ibanez GSA60. For several reasons, I think this is a great guitar for newcomers and the frugal types that want a really decent [...]

The Gibson SJ J series acoustic guitar is a modern set of instruments that are remakes of the classic Gibson J series. I own a couple of old Gibson acoustic guitars; the J-45 and J-50, but they are both in very rough shape. Recently I decided to look into the newer SJ series and see [...]

Rarely do I have a stroke of luck where my view of musical instruments is changed fundamentally but recently when I had a chance to borrow an Epiphone Swingster I had one of those moments. This Epiphone Swingster review will be quick and to the point regarding why I think it’s a very well put [...]

So you’re looking for the best acoustic electric guitar under $500 to buy? There are literally hundreds to choose from in this range so I understand how making a decision like this is not easy. Fortunately I have tested out many at my studio and local guitar shops in my hood. I’ve done a quick [...]

Looking for a semi-hollow body guitar that’s the size of a regular solid body? The Gibson ES 339 is a custom shop guitar that sounds like it’s big sister, the ES 335, but looks and plays like an original double cutaway Les Paul. What initially caught my eye with the ES 339 was how thin [...]

Ever driven a guitar before? Ok, that sounds a little silly but the original Gibson Firebird guitar was designed by an automotive architect in the early 1960s to look like a popular American automobile of the times with its fender fins and no lack of chrome. The original Gibson Firebird V was always my favorite [...]

The first thing you’ll notice about the Gibson Les Paul Supreme guitar is the weight, or lack thereof. Technology has come a long ways from the original goldtop of the mid fifties, and the reduced weight and improved acoustics of the Les Paul Supreme are just a couple of the new benefits of the this [...]

For the last 50 plus years, the Les Paul shape has been a favorite of some of the all time best and most recognized guitarists. Not only is the shape instantly recognizable but also the tone you get from the all mahogany Les Paul is very unique. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II takes the [...]

Ibanez has done it again with their mid-range high performance guitar from their very popular RG series: the Ibanez RG350DX. This tremolo style guitar with Edge III bridge is a lead guitarist’s dream and has rapidly become a bestseller in heavy metal guitar circles. If you are a fan of the Ibanez RG designs or Ibanez [...]

Epiphone Special-II Les PaulPlayer Pack, Ebony This is one of Epiphone’s best selling models; the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II. The body is made from mahogany as well as the set-in neck; a couple of features that Epiphone is famous for. Tone is amplified through the Epiphone designed dual humbuckers and the bridge is the classic [...]

With the world changing at a phenomenal pace, even the guitar and related instruments world is feeling this ultimate shift. With such technological advances made in amp and effects modeling, amps like the Fender Super Champ XD are becoming more and more popular, especially with the younger and more tech savvy youngsters that enter this [...]

The ES 335 was created back in 1958 and has really been a huge hit with many different styles of musician ever since. The Epiphone 335 ES is a cheaper alternative to that original version and has a huge following of guitarists as well. The semi-hollow body design, which is the construction style of the [...]

Rickenbacker has been making the 300 series since the sixties; it was hugely popular then and it has definitely taken off with the modern expectations of today’s guitarists and music. The Rickenbacker 360 is the top of the line model in their semi-acoustic series of guitars and this one is definitely a head turner. Featuring [...]

I realize how a lot of people young and old who really want to start playing the guitar may be held back by their budget. The truth is, there are many cheap electric guitars that are really great quality and more than adequate for any new guitarist to start playing and build their skills. When [...]

Recently, I was at a guitar fair that had every brand of guitars you could think of, including vintage collector’s items, modern day and futuristic prototypes. Of the current models on the market, the Ibanez RG350 lineup was one that particularly caught my eye. If you’re not familiar with the Ibanez RG, then you’ve been [...]

I tend to go to the guitar store a little more than I should but that’s just because I love guitars so much . I recently played a Schecter Omen 6 guitar for a few hours and tested it on a few different amps and across many different types of songs as well. The results [...]

Of all the kooky looking guitars of the seventies and eighties, I have to say the Gibson Flying V guitar is by far my favorite. Although originally manufactured as a prototype in 1957, the Gibson Flying V didn’t take off with a lot of popularity until the NWOBHM movement in the seventies. There are many [...]

The Ibanez RG (Roadstar Guitar) is a superstrat style, high performance guitar manufactured by Ibanez since 1987. The Ibanez RG series featured many different sub models (in fact the most out of any model they make) under the brand and are some of the most popular guitars for heavy metal and hard rock music ever [...]

If you’ve always loved the double cutaway style of the SG then you’ll love the Epiphone SG guitar. What makes the Epiphone SG so desirable for a lot of guitarists is the price tag. Epiphone makes their SG models overseas in several different countries: Japan, Korea and China. They rank in quality in that order [...]

When looking for various models of Gibson Les Paul guitars for sale, you need to determine a few different details first before you start your search, such as: 1. Are you looking for new or used? 2. What type of music do you play or plan on playing? 3. What condition does the guitar have [...]

Ibanez and Steve Vai created the masterpiece know as the Ibanez Jem guitar back in the late 1980s and the legend was born. This guitar is based on the super-strat design, which is a more aggressive version of a typical strat. The Ibanez Jem guitar is definitely classified as a high performing instrument, meaning its [...]

For many years, tube amps have been touted as being the best type of amp to use because of the sound they can produce from their vacuum tubes. The Fender Super Champ XD amplifier has taken this old school tube technology and combined it with modern solid state wiring and digital modeling to produce a [...]

My dream of owning a Rickenbacker 330 guitar recently came true. I’ve long loved the great tone and beautiful looks of the Rickenbacker models and especially the semi-hollow body guitars. The Rickenbacker 330 is a great all around sounding guitar that puts a lot of diversity into your playing style. The first thing to notice [...]

Do like your guitars to be unique in looks and sound? The Schecter Avenger Hellraiser definitely has the unique looks. I was so sick of owning a mainstream looking guitar. All you see these days are copies of LPs or Strats or SGs, etc. When I first saw the Schecter Hellraiser Avenger I was really [...]

If you’re a newer guitarist and on a bit of a tighter budget, then you’ll relate to having to look for more affordable guitars, such as the Epiphone Dot studio guitar. I was looking for a versatile guitar that could play a very wide range of music since I’m trying to get experience in all [...]

With the resurgence lately of semi-acoustic guitars as of late it brought back memories of my childhood growing up playing my Dad’s old 335. I’ve always been a big fan of Rickenbacker guitars though personally, so I decided to start doing the research and testing a few. I ended up with the Rickenbacker 330 12 [...]

The Dean Razorback V is version of the popular Dean V guitar. Sometimes coined as the Dean Dime Razorback V because it was designed with some help from Dimebag Darrell (now deceased) of Pantera and Damage Plan. The Dean Razorback V guitar has the edgy and sharp looks to it like its forefather, the original [...]

Seven string guitars weren’t always a favorite of mine until I started listening to nu-metal in the 90s and early 2000s. Schecter makes a great model called the Schecter Hellraiser C7. This is a Hellraiser model that is based on their “C” class guitar, which is available in other guitar classes. All Schecter Hellraiser models [...]

The Fender Super Champ XD is a great modern tube and solid-state combo amp that features many different options for amp and speaker models as well as effects. I recently picked one of these amps up so I thought it would be a great idea to get the word out to the public on some [...]

I’ve always been a big fan of the LP body style of guitar and that’s what first drew me to the Schecter Hellraiser Solo 6 electric guitar. There are many guitar makers out there that make have this body style in their lineup but I’ve always admired Schecter’s fantastic quality and tone of their guitars. The [...]

There are many great models of mahogany based guitars from the years gone past to present day. The Hellraiser Schecter makes is a high quality, exceptionally sounding guitar that has all the qualities of what a great heavy metal guitar should have. There are four different Schecter Hellraiser models to choose from like a strat-body [...]

I recently was playing at a local charity event with a couple of other local musicians who came equipped with their favorite semi-hollow body guitars. One of them was an Epiphone Dot studio. I quickly grabbed it a played for an hour or so before the gig to get the feel of the guitar. Here’s [...]

Semi-hollow guitars have really made a comeback in recent years and are being used in every type of music you can think of. The Epiphone Dot studio electric guitar is a simplified version of the Epiphone Dot, which makes it a more affordable guitar for those not in need of fancy finishes, complex controls and [...]

Gibson lovers will appreciate the new reissue Gibson SG classic guitar. The classic shape that made the SG so popular back in its early days is back in a fresh new package. This time around it’s equipped with P90 pickups that revisit the tones of the 50s and 60s. For single coil, the P90s are [...]

I’ll bet the first time you played an RG guitar from Ibanez you almost soiled yourself? The lightweight feel and fast neck are two very important aspects that can take a guitar from good to great. The Ibanez RG 1570 is one of those great guitars you hear about all the time and has made [...]

A very popular style of heavy metal guitar these days is the Schecter Hellraiser C 1. The Hellraiser series of guitars is designed with high output in mind and quick, easy navigation of the fretboard. If you’ve been struggling to find the right guitar for your demanding playing style then please read on! The Schecter [...]

To really get a good feel for a well rounded instrument you have to play many to see the little differences amongst them. The Ibanez S 470 is a guitar that has some very good qualities across a broad range of guitar attributes. When you hear a classic old song full of warm overdrive and [...]

I have been reviewing guitars for a good many years now and I have seen a lot of good guitars mixed with a lot of the bad ones. The Ibanez S470 guitar is one of good ones, by a long shot. Comfortable, medium weight, fast/strong neck and a beautiful crisp tone are some of the [...]

I’m a huge fan of guitars with nice wood grain and beautiful designs and paint jobs. I realize this doesn’t add to the technical aspect of the guitar but I’ll admit, I like nice looking things . One of my most favorite quilted maple guitars is the Ibanez S470 DXQM. I first came across one [...]

When I first got into guitar I didn’t know all the subtle differences from one guitar to the next. I didn’t realize that a guitar like the S470 Ibanez model would end up being my primary guitar that never leaves my side (well I do sleep without it). When I first tried an Ibanez S470 [...]

For over 20 years, the Ibanez Jem has been one of the flagship guitars in the world for guitar solos and other styles of fast and creative playing styles. The Ibanez Jem 7V is the highest-end model in a long history of these Steve Vai designed guitars. The Ibanez Jem7v is made of a very [...]

For playing Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Black Metal, etc, it’s ideal to have a guitar that can dish out the high gain tone before the distortion of the amp takes over. All models of the Schecter Hellraiser guitar are capable of this feat. The Schecter Hellraiser is a series of guitar that comes equipped with [...]

The Flying V shaped guitar has been a favorite of Heavy Metal musicians since the 70s. The Schecter Hellraiser V1 is a modern version of the old classic with 24 frets, high output pickups and the option for a whammy bar. The Hellraiser V is also available in 7-string and 8-string models. A lot of [...]

Metal Maniacs, listen up please. If you’re tired of your old guitar that just doesn’t seem to put out enough distortion or play fast enough then you might be in need of an Ibanez RG1570. The RG1570 price is typically around $1000, but for a top quality, 100% Japanese-made guitar, this is a steal. Top [...]

The Ibanez Jem was born back in the late 1980s from a collaborative effort of Steve Vai and Ibanez. The heavy demands on his guitars left him searching for an instrument that could take the abuse and still deliver his signature sound. There are a few different variants of the Jem; one of them being [...]

It’s easy to think that there are only a few types of different guitar instruments available to use, such as a six string guitar; but, how about a 7-string? The Schecter C7 Hellraiser is one of those instruments that only come along once in most people’s lifetime. With its above average output, killer good looks [...]

What Does A Schecter Hellraiser Avenger Have That My Current Guitar Doesn’t Have? There are many guitars on the market today that just don’t live up to the quality and tone standards that a Schecter Hellraiser Avenger has. Built with a unique design un-similar to other guitars, this instrument, along with the other Schecter Hellraiser [...]

The Schecter C1 Hellraiser is a 6-string model of solid body construction from Schecter guitar research. Many advocates of Heavy Metal think of the Hellraiser as the go-to guitar for the genre. It is high output, fast to play and looks/feels great. If you’re trying to find your place in the heavy metal scene then [...]

Let’s Get Started The Fender Super Champ XD is a re-birthed model of the now discontinued Super Champ, which was a 10”, 18 watt combo amp. The new school Fender Super Champ XD is also a 10” combo but is slightly powered down to 15 watts. Like its predecessor, the Champ XD uses a combo [...]

The Rickenbacker 330 is a semi-hollow body guitar that is great for acoustic and clean playing, especially in the music genres of country, bluegrass and rockabilly. I think Rickenbacker rockabilly should be a genre of music all it’s own . The Rickenbacker 330 guitar is definitely a full-bodied instrument and is equipped with a larger [...]

The Schecter Hellraiser guitar series includes a few very special models, including a 7-string and an 8-string. The natural tones that come from these guitars are very LP-like and work for a very broad range of musical genres. Only the very best wood and hardware go into the Schecter Hellraiser and the guitars are touted [...]

After you’ve owned any Gibson guitars for the first time you will appreciate what a high quality, USA made guitar is all about! The Gibson SG classic falls into this category of high end classic reissues that the company is famous for. This guitar sits in my band’s studio as a community instrument for all [...]

Some of the most beautiful instruments are the Ibanez S series guitars. Great for rhythm and lead, which makes them very versatile. I recently tried out several for an afternoon and took some notes on what I think makes them great guitars. The 1980s saw a lot of Ibanez guitars hitting the market and this [...]

The Gibson SG Faded guitar is a model that is made to look like it came right out of the 1960s. It is at a lower price point than some of the classics that Gibson guitars still churns off the assembly line. The reason for the lower price tag is because there are less layers [...]

One of the most famous tales in guitar history is the journey and evolution of the Ibanez Jem Guitar. Steve Vai, who is one of the greatest and most famous guitarists of all time, is responsible for creating and bringing this masterpiece of a guitar to the world. The Ibanez Jem is a solid body [...]

I finally found a used Ibanez S470 guitar that looked to be in good enough condition and made in Japan. The “S” or Saber series from Ibanez is a solid body made of mahogany with most models having a maple or similar top. This particular model (which by the serial number looks to be around [...]

I’ve been listening to and playing bluegrass music since I was just a little tike. My parents both played the 5 string banjo, so of course, I learned how to play as well. The Gibson 5 string banjo was the instrument of choice for our household. We had several RB250 mastertones kicking around our family [...]

Since 1960, the Fender Jazz Bass has been a favorite instrument of four string pluckers from many genres such as Metal, Blues, Funk and Jazz. The brighter tone of the vintage Fender jazz bass helped bass players cut through the mix of the band a lot better. This was especially important for smaller groups such [...]

The Ibanez RG1570 Prestige is a guitar that many fast fingered guitar players will choose for its lightning fast neck and lightweight construction. To do a proper Ibanez RG1570 review I spent an afternoon at the guitar shop in my neighbourhood and gave it a real workout. The results weren’t short of satisfying and the [...]

When choosing an acoustic bass guitar you have to determine what the most important features are going to be. I’ve reviewed many of these instruments so I’ve done quite a bit of the legwork already for you. For me it comes down to tonal quality while plugged in and unplugged, durability, looks, playability and quality. [...]

The Fender Jaguar guitar is one of those guitars that were made “Cult Famous” by a movement of musicians whose whole image was about being different. The original Fender Jaguar was intended to be Fender’s new flagship guitar back in 1962 but because of the so-called complexities that were built into it, it never really [...]

I have been an endorser of Ibanez electric guitars for close to twenty years. The mix of affordability, quality, great tone and looks make them an obvious choice for many musicians that may or may not be on a tighter budget. Straight up honest, I chose my first Ibanez electric guitar because of the quality [...]

An electric 12 string guitar is an instrument that dates back to the 1920’s. I don’t know about you but I’ve always loved the large sound that these guitars make. The versatility in the way you can tune the strings give you a lot of options. A 12 string guitar tuner is a must and [...]

An often overlooked aspect of the tone that comes out of our instruments, in this case specifically, are the electric guitar strings. We focus a lot on the wood of the body, the pickups and the amp. But what about the guitar strings? They play a big role in shaping our overall sound. First of [...]

The late 1970’s was a great time for the guitar scene. Many new brands were starting to be unveiled, such as the Dean electric guitar. 1976, to be exact, was when Dean electric guitars were released to the world and a new tradition of quality and sexy guitar instruments began. One of the most notable [...]

The Dean Razorback guitar is a custom designed axe that is modeled after the ML series. This guitar was created by the late, great, Dimebag Darrell (Darrell Lance Abbott) of Pantera and Damage Plan. The basic body shape is the same as an ML but with some significant points, curves and carve-outs. I’ve played heavy [...]

Many classic shapes of guitars have blessed us over the last century, but one that immediately comes to mind for its unique and imposing figure is the Ibanez Iceman guitar. This instrument was introduced in 1975 and can be regarded as Ibanez’ first original style guitar. The company had been replicating some of the best [...]

If you’re a fan of Heavy Metal music, then I’m sure you’re a fan of ESP guitars. Since the late 1970’s, ESP has been making quality high end electric guitars for artists of many different genres. The company actually began supplying replacement parts for guitars as early as 1975. The Kamikaze was the first notable [...]

I would would like to start off by stating that Gibson Guitars has done a fantastic job of preserving this guitar over the decades it has been in service. A reissue 1960 Gibson Les Paul special humbucker equipped model is a guitar that should be in every musicians instrument lineup. The original version of this [...]

One of my very first vintage Gibson acoustic guitar instruments was a a 1970′s model J-45. An old school “Jumbo Dreadnought” style that had a very big sound to it. I’m told that the tropical mahogany used back then played a huge part in how great the sound was in these classics. There isn’t any [...]

Over the last few years I have really taken a huge interest in Schecter guitars. Originally known for their exclusivity and high quality, there was a period through the 80’s where they experienced some growing pains. The Schecter electric guitar brand has no doubt a special quality few other guitar manufacturers can match. There are [...]

There is a definite difference in quality in the lines of Ibanez acoustic bass guitar as compared to other brands. Their 2 current lines are the AEB and the EWB models. I’ve played acoustic guitars for years but never an acoustic bass guitar. The first time I picked one up I didn’t put it down [...]

The Gibson Les Paul standard guitar has stood the test of time. Born in 1958, this magnificent creation of Gibson Guitars has grown into such a household name that they have just recently (in 2008) released the Gibson Les Paul standard 2008 as a classic remake of the original masterpiece. The standard is the true [...]

Ibanez guitars are surely Japan’s most famous and recognized guitar brand. The Ibanez brand was first started in 1929 by a company called, Hoshino Gakki. It wasn’t really until the late 1950s that Ibanez electric guitars entered the modern era of guitar catalogues. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are by far the 2 most famous [...]

Since the early 1900′s, Gibson Guitars have been supplying guitar players with quality handmade gear that ruled for many decades and still do. A few of their most famous models are the SG, ES-335, Flying V and Les Paul guitars. They also make pianos and drums but we’ll save those for other posts . Gibson [...]

There are literally thousands of guitar instruments to choose from the countless number of quality guitar makers of modern day. The once dominated market days of Gibson, Fender, Washburn and Danelectro are now gone. Younger and more technically savvy guitar players strive to raise their level of play by opting to newer and more modern guitar [...]

What are electric guitar power chords? The almighty chord of heavy metal and various genres of heavy rock. Without them our music would lack the darkness needed to achieve the heaviest growl we all love. The first time I picked up an electric guitar and learned my first guitar power chord I was fricken stunned. [...]

Gibson has a long history in the instrument business. Started in the late 1800′s by Orville Gibson (officially in 1902) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They make electric and acoustic guitar instruments, pianos and drums under various companies such as Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, Baldwin and Slingerland, to name a few. Of all the Gibson musical instruments, the [...]