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TC Electronic Polytune
I know this isn't about tone, but having a well-tuned guitar is incredibly important. I've played with enough guitarists with out-of-tune guitars and it's scary how many of them couldn't tell. I think a lot of it has to do with placing so many effects in the signal chain that they can't identify the original sound. First thing I've always suggested to them is to get a good chromatic tuner, at least a Boss TU-3. Read more »
Presents for Experienced Rock Guitarists - Part 2 - Accessories
Following on from Presents for Experienced Rock Guitarists - Part 1 - Guitars and Amplifiers, this is the second part focussing on accessories.
Strap Locks
Strap Locks are great. Can't go wrong with them, especially if there's a new guitar involved. Read more »
What else can you buy guitarists?
Following on from the gifts for rock or blues guitarists, here are some general present and gift ideas for guitarists. With some of the presents, you may have to figure out if they play an acoustic or electric guitar, most of these are best for electric guitars. Read more »
Money Is No Object: Guitars and Amplifiers
Following on from the Best Guitar Equipment article featuring the top-of-the-range in guitars, amplifiers and accessories, this article takes that concept a step further and showcases some of the guitars and amplifiers even further up the scale. I guess some of these fall more into the category of collectibles rather than instruments and it's a shame that many will not be played to their full. They didn't feature in the Best Guitar Equipment for a few reasons: Read more »
The Best Guitar Equipment
This showcases the top-of-the-range in guitars, amplifiers and some accessories including effects and even straps. Some equipment has reached legendary status to the point that nothing else will suffice. It's that equipment that I started this list with, e.g. a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, especially 57 or 56 reissue. That's how the list started, then it grew into a list of guitars, amps and accessories that show the strengths of each manufacturer.
I would consider each item featured in this article to be a workhorse, used rather than stored away, enjoyed rather than collected.
Read more »
Gifts for Experienced Blues Guitarist
Some Background
As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy experienced blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.
At this stage, they've probably changed amplifiers a few times. They've probably even changed guitars a few times, accumulating a few spares along the way unless they're one of the very few lucky guitarists who start off with their ideal guitar. Read more »
Gift Ideas for Intermediate Rock Guitarist
Some background
As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists, trying to give some ideas for what you buy intermediate rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or for any other reason. Read more »
Gifts for Intermediate Blues Guitarist
Some background
As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy intermediate blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.
Typically, these guitarists have outgrown their first, practice amps and are probably looking for something a bit more mature (typically a nice all-valve/all-tube Fender Hot Rod or similar). It's also about time for an upgrade from the basic guitar, so maybe to a Made-In-Japan Fender or even the Fender Highway Star range.
Strap Locks
Strap Locks are great. Can't go wrong with them, especially if there's a new guitar involved. Read more »
Gift Ideas for a Beginner Blues Guitarist
A bit of background first
As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy beginner blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.
Similar to the rock guitarist, this guitarist probably started out either with a guitar package from a shop (including a guitar, amp, strap, lead, plectrum and tuner) or has been given a second-hand guitar. Blues guitarists seem to have a way of ending up with used guitars - I think that's just the way of the world.
Here's what you can get either guitarist: Read more »
