Guitar Amps

Should You Gig With Your Most Valuable Instrument?

January 09, 2025

I once asked blues legend Walter Trout why he still plays his well-worn vintage Strat. The technology exists to digitally scan the guitar and make very accurate replicas. His response was he could leave it at home, but then it will never be played. Plus, someone could steal it from his home. At least the guitar is with him and he has the pleasure of playing it. But this may not be the same for everyone.

How to Achieve 1950s to Current Day Guitar Tones for Gigs

December 09, 2024

With modern day effects, it is possible to easily replicate guitar tones from early rock and roll in the 1950s to modern hard rock or metal.

Gig Rehearsal Tips

October 25, 2024

Whether you’re a solo artist or play in a band, it’s good to have a strategy when practicing for a gig. Here we'll explore some strategies and practice regimens.

Carvin LT2000 Modeling Power Amplifier Demo Video

June 28, 2024

Watch this video to see how the LT2000 will allow you to create a fully scalable guitar rig. The LT2000 2010W 2 Channel PFC Power Amplifier is a lightweight power amp which provides pure amplification of the original signal source to extreme levels, covering all frequencies without added color, which makes it ideal to power your guitar rig.

Replacing Guitar and Bass Amps With Amp Modelers On Stage

May 06, 2024

Many guitar and bass players have long held the purist attitude that no amp modeler or direct-to-sound system rig could ever replace a real amp. But with the analog and digital technology available today, more and more musicians are going direct on stage for various reasons. Let’s take a look at why, and the options available.

Unleashing the Power of Impulse Responses: Advanced Tips for Guitarists

February 02, 2024

Guitarists, maybe even more than other musicians, are always looking for new ways to innovate when it comes to tone and timbre. This used to just be about amp and guitar hardware, but now we’ve added the digital realm. Within that area, Impulse Responses (IRs) have proven revolutionary. Let’s look at how IRs can take you and your guitar to new sonic places.

Should You Record with the Amp's Reverb or Not?

January 05, 2024

Modern amps come with a dizzying array of effects options – which isn’t necessarily new – all the old classics had some sort of spring reverb built in. These effects can be amazing on stage and in general help you find new creative avenues, but when it comes time to record, should you engage the effects or record the guitar dry?

Slide Guitar 101

October 06, 2023

Slide guitar is one of the coolest things since sliced bread, especially if you’re into blues or that down-home flavor you find on muggy nights outdoors down in Austin and Nashville. There’s nothing like it, really. So, if you haven’t gotten into using a slide yet, here are a few tips to get you started.

Harnessing the Power of Feedback

September 15, 2023

Feedback may not be something FOH engineers want to deal with, but it’s a well of creative potential for guitarists. It’s not a new concept – guitarists have been tapping that well since the amp was invented, but it’s still a great way to transcend boundaries, evoke new textures, create atmospheres, and find new tone – without any new tools.

Advanced Guitar Effects for the Experimental Guitarist

August 18, 2023

It’s not like the guitar is ever boring. But sometimes you just want to branch out and see what else you can accomplish. This is true if you’re in a noise band or hyper-experimental act, but it’s also true if you’re in a straight-ahead rock band looking to add a few crazy moments to your show or record. So, let’s look at a few advanced effects you can try for that experimental vibe.

5 Effects Every Guitarist Should Try

July 31, 2023

We all know pedals are almost as much a part of a guitarist’s essentials as the guitar itself – even more so than amp cabinets, probably. And there are some pedals every guitarist should have in their arsenal as a default. Stuff like a tuner, overdrive, and chorus. But there’s also a world of creativity out there, and there are a few pedals we think every guitarist should try at least once. Here are the top five.

The Top 5 Things Every Live Guitarist Should Know

July 28, 2023

Assuming you already know how to play and you’re either just getting started gigging or you’ve been out a while – there are a few key things you might want to know in order to get your best results on stage. Here are our top five.

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