Guitar / Bass Amplifier Info & Education

How to Work Originals Into Your Cover Band Set

November 03, 2022

The fact is, musicians are creative, and while some get all their joy from playing and none from writing, many working musicians would also like to get their own work heard. Not to mention, if you’ve got designs on creating a bigger act, playing only covers is extremely limiting. At some point, as you grow, you’ll be called upon to create your own sound.

Teaching a New Band a Song on Stage

October 28, 2022

As a singer/songwriter or solo act without a dedicated band, you may not get a lot of opportunities to rehearse and work out the “full band” version of your stuff. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t step on stage with a band and let ‘er rip. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find yourself on stage with a house band or intrepid group of pros who want to play your songs right here and now.

KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp Review

October 26, 2022

Sean Pierce Johnson reviews the KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp on Stompbox Saturday. The KOA Acoustic Preamp offers classic, natural acoustic tone with unprecedented tonal control and extended headroom.

Using Electronic Drums on Stage

October 21, 2022

For the purist, the idea of using electronic drums on stage may sound like blasphemy, but there’s plenty of reason to do it – even if you’re in a full-on traditional rock band. An electronic kit may not be the beastly instrument a real drum kit is, but it can be useful either in place of or as an adjunct to the real kit. Here we’ll go over a few reasons why.

Finding Inspiration for New Songs

October 14, 2022

Sometimes song ideas just flow. Song after song basically writes itself. Other times writer’s block sets in and there’s nothing happening. But whether you’re at one extreme or somewhere in the middle, you still need sources of inspiration to draw from. Here are a few ways to find new inspiration for songs.

KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pedal Demo Video

September 27, 2022

The KOA Acoustic Preamp offers classic, natural acoustic tone with unprecedented tonal control and extended headroom.

How to Maximize Sound Check

August 12, 2022

The soundcheck is where the magic happens – at least according to some. There’s no denying that a solid soundcheck is the best way to ensure everything works and sounds like you want come show time. But soundcheck is often an afterthought, and sometimes there’s very little time to get one in. So, it behooves any band to know how to make the most out of a short time for working out the kinks. Here are just a few ways to maximize your sound check.

Maximizing Your Carvin Extension Cabinet

Maximizing Your Sound With a Carvin Extension Cabinet

July 28, 2022

Carvin Audio’s V112E Guitar Extension Cabinet is the perfect addition to any rig, big or small. Its lightweight construction makes it portable and its 100W of power output is enough to make an impression in any situation. With such a versatile tool available, you’ll want to get the most out of it, so here are a few tips for doing just that.

BX1 Bass Preamp Pedal Demo Video

July 20, 2022

Prepping For a Solo Gig When You Haven't Been on Stage in Awhile

July 08, 2022

Whether it’s because the pandemic had you isolated, you’ve been ensconced in a new record, or you’ve just been busy with work and life, if you haven’t been on stage in a while, an invitation to play solo can be a daunting proposition. After all, without a band to back you up, it’s all on you. But even if it’s been a while since you’ve been on stage, you can still succeed in coming back strong.

Here are a few tips for getting ready for that long-awaited comeback.

The Value of Learning a New Instrument

June 17, 2022

Whether you’re an old salty master or a beginner, there may come a time when you need some new energy to keep you inspired. When that time comes, it’s not a bad idea to pick up a new instrument – preferably one in an entirely different family. There’s a world of good learning a new instrument can do, so it’s worth a shot, even if it’s not easy.

Collaborating with a Band Member Who Moves Away

June 06, 2022

Time was, if a band member moved, that was the end of the band. Serious acts might replace that member, and of course there are plenty of famous examples, but even then, things just aren’t the same. Then again, people moved around less (maybe). Now, the idea of keeping a solid group together for the long haul seems almost impossible. People move around all the time, and many successful live acts keep going by replacing or rotating pieces.

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