Gear Reviews
REVIEW: Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar
MIDI and guitar sometimes don’t mix well; Jamstik figured out how to make an electric guitar with a modern aesthetic, along with full MIDI functionality that can open up new sonic doors to six stringers, without a lot of hassle. Enter the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar....
REVIEW: Indio by Monoprice 66SB DLX Plus Guitar
At first glance the Indio by Monoprice 66SB DLX (what a mouthful) looks like classic Kalamazoo, with the gold top, P90’s and inlays, but the modern headstock and sharp cutaway add a contemporary twist. It’s not far from its Michigan roots, with a mahogany back and...
Mackie Acquires Babelson Audio Plug-Ins
Mackie, a leader in high-quality, easy-to-use, and innovative professional audio designs, has announced the acquisition of Babelson Audio’s catalog of highly acclaimed processing plug-ins. With an innovative range of products including vintage tube EQ and saturation,...
How To
Qobuz expands “Gimme Shelter” program to include streaming revenues
Qobuz, the music service with the world’s largest HD music catalog, is expanding its “Gimme Shelter” artist relief program by returning 100% of commissions made on new customers’ first paid month of streaming back to rightsholders, for all new subscribers who join...
Summer NAMM 2020 is Canceled
News from our friends at NAMM: Dear NAMM Family, After speaking with so many of you and closely following the latest news regarding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Summer NAMM, scheduled for July 9–11 in Nashville....
Los Angeles-Based Organization Equal Sound Launches Coronavirus Relief Fund
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating effect on the artistic community, the Los Angeles-based organization Equal Sound launched the Corona Relief Fund (CRF) on March 12, 2020. Through the fund, musicians can apply for an initial grant up to $500...
Buying Guide
REVIEW: Coppersound Strategy Two-Channel Preamp and Overdrive V2
Back in March of 2021 we reviewed Coppersound’s Strategy pedal. The cool Strat-inspired design is as unique as the sound, and now Coppersound has updated it with an additional overdrive mode. Enter the Strategy V2. Again, the blend of Stratocaster and stompbox design...
The Difference Between TRUE BYPASS and BUFFERED BYPASS
It’s impossible to shop around for effects pedals without noticing claims of “true bypass” coming from a wide range of manufacturers. Like many things in the guitar effects world, there is some disagreement about the benefits of true bypass, with some players...
Practical Tips and Tricks for Stacking Gain and Overdrive Pedals
In the guitar world, especially when it comes to tone, everyone has an opinion on what’s “right.” However, between the blurred lines of audio science and the endless chatter of gear forums finding what’s best tonally for yourself can be a challenge. With seemingly...
Industry News
How to Release a “Single” in 2023
I posted, “Few things make me as sad as seeing: ‘I just dropped my new song today.’” Within one minute of posting that, I got flooded with countless direct messages. “What does that mean?,” “Why wouldn’t I promote myself?,” and many other comments along the same...
Christmas in July – Tips for Holiday Song Placements
It’s 97 degrees outside, fireworks are exploding outside my window, and here I am sitting in an air-conditioned studio, with a floppy Santa hat on, trying to nail this glockenspiel part. Why? Because this is July, when many in the industry are producing and recording...
Clearing up the Most Common Misconception About Musician Insurance
When it comes to the life of your band, or your solo career, we understand that insurance topics might not be the sexiest thing to cover. That said, it’s oftentimes a misunderstand, and crucial part of your business plan. Look, we don’t wish for the worst or...