Photo credit: Wildwood Guitars Last year Gibson introduced the ES-390 model, which a smaller-bodied version of its fully hollow ES-330 guitar. The ES-390 shares the same body size as the ES-339, which is a smaller-bodied version of the ES-335 model. I own a ES-339 and find it much more comfortable than the larger body size of the ES-335 and the ES-330. At roughly the same … [Read more...]
The Song or the Gear?
I have a confession to make. When I hear a song I like on the radio or online, I oftentimes become more interested in the gear being used than the song itself. As a gear hound, it's almost instinctive. I'm not proud of this. In some ways, learning about the gear can be inspiring. It may open up new possibilities in your mind about gear you already own or help you find the … [Read more...]
Carter Vintage Guitars
This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Carter Vintage Guitars here in Nashville. The shop was opened last year by Walter and Christie Carter, both longtime employees of Gruhn Guitars, so they bring a vast amount of experience with vintage instruments to Carter Vintage Guitars. The shop is a welcoming place with some incredible guitars hanging on the walls and on … [Read more...]
The Gibson Les Paul: The Illustrated History of the Guitar that Changed Rock
Voyageur Press has recently released a new book about the Les Paul by Dave Hunter, titled The Gibson Les Paul: The Illustrated History of the Guitar that Changed Rock: Starting with the Les Paul’s history and origins, the book traces the history and evolution of the guitar, from its 1952 introduction to the present day. In addition to the Standards and Customs that guitarists … [Read more...]
Anthony Stauffer Demos the Wampler Velvet Fuzz
My Internet pal Anthony Stauffer of Texas Blues Alley posted a video demo of the Wampler Velvet Fuzz pedal earlier this week. I first heard and saw the Velvet Fuzz pedal at last year's Summer NAMM show, and it's been on my radar ever since. It seems like a really versatile fuzz pedal that can also get fairly smooth. Check out Anthony's demo below. I think he does a good job … [Read more...]