Gifts

  The holidays are just around the corner which means that many of us are beginning to search for gifts for our friends and family. If you need ideas for inexpensive stocking stuffers for the musicians in your life, you've come to the right place. Below, we take a look at a variety of useful items that any guitarist can use, all priced below $25. Continue reading →

[caption id="attachment_2196" align="alignright" width="300"] TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Poly-Chromatic True-Bypass Pedal Tuner[/caption] Although I can’t speak for everyone, I would say that most musicians would agree that the best gifts are the kind that we will actually end up using. And with the winter holidays in full swing, there's no better time than now to find that perfect gift! That said, the best gifts are what people actually need as much as those that they actually want. A big challenge when it comes to finding items for guitarists specifically is that music gear – especially for the highest quality gear – tends to be in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. But again, in order for it to be a great gift, it doesn’t have to break the bank. I should say right now – strings are not on this list! Sure, every guitarist uses them but they each use a very specific gauge, maybe even brand, and like their favorite drink or pair of shoes, a guitarist’s choice of strings depends on many things; most importantly, what gauge their guitar’s neck is set for (installing incorrect string gauges on a guitar can quickly offset the neck). So unless you do happen to know exactly what kind of strings to buy, I suggest you stay away from them as a gift choice. And if you already happen to know their favorite brand and gauge of strings – you probably don’t need any help in finding a present for a guitarist! So, for all those people out there who knows Johnny loves to rock but not much more, here are a few of what we feel are the best gifts for guitarists. And no – a piano tie is definitely not on the list! Continue reading →

[caption id="attachment_2216" align="alignright" width="300"] The EMG 81 Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickup is a widely known staple of metal guitarists.[/caption] There are certain pieces of equipment that just work for certain genres. Take the Telecaster for example; sure, it has a great design and very well built but the reason every other country guitarist uses it isn’t because they like copying each other (it especially isn’t true when you think about how important originality is in music), it’s simply because the twang of the Telecaster is like no other and when it comes to country music, it just works. Today we will be focusing on all things heavy metal, from the guitars most of the pros use to their favorite pickups, and while originality will ultimately separate you from the rest of the players in the race, you have to get in that race first, so take a tip from the veterans the next time you’re shopping around for the perfect gear! Continue reading →