One of the first things to do when you want to master the jazz language is to learn scales and modes. You have to memorise the fingerings, memorise their names, how they are built. You must be able to make the difference between different scales and modes as the major scale, the dorian mode, the […]
How to develop scales on the guitar Read Post »
The Yamaha Pacifica 112J. A Fender Stratocaster copy? An upgrade? or something completely different? What I’m reviewing here is my 1997 Yamaha Pacifica 112J (as opposed to the later 112v model). Originally this guitar was billed as a Squier Stratocaster killer, featuring solid body-woods as opposed to the rumoured plywood Squiers of that time. Features
Yamaha Pacifica 112J Electric Guitar Review Read Post »
I’ve been overcome with guitar buying guilt lately. Could the Gibson Les Paul Tribute series be the answer? Putting the Stratocaster to bed. Round in round in circles I go again. First I fell in love with the Strat (again) but had second thoughts. The Squier Classic Vibe series just seems too cheap: Small pots,
Gibson Les Paul Tribute: The Holy Grail of Guitars for under a Grand? Read Post »
Fender Player Stratocaster Review. In-depth review of the Fender Player Stratocaster. Is this the best value electric guitar money can buy? New video added. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel here. The preamble Before we start, know this: This latest guitar review is a long time in the making. If you’re a reader
Fender Player Stratocaster Review Read Post »
The Yamaha Revstar is, on paper, my ideal next guitar. But does it deliver on Yamaha’s promises? I’ve touched on the Yamaha Revstar and, in particular, the humbucker-equipped Yamaha Revstar RSS20 before. But now I’ve laid my hands on one, do I still want to buy one? Not any more, and here are 10 reasons
Yamaha Revstar Review: 10 Reasons to Think Again Read Post »
After 10 years of being a Les Paul man, and both lately and historically being a Fender Stratocaster devotee… Why am I gassing for a Gibson SG? So should I buy a Gibson SG? I’ve never owned one, and over the years I’ve justified that decision with many reasons, both from experience and from the
Should I Buy a Gibson SG? Read Post »
Physical dimensions rarely register as a primary concern when evaluating musical talent. Yet, instrument design assumes a highly standardized human frame, leaving outliers to manage unique mechanical adaptations. When extreme height enters the equation, a standard six-string instrument starts to resemble a mandolin, altering structural geometry and ergonomics. Uncovering the exact measurements of the tallest
How Tall Is the Biggest Guitarist in the World? Read Post »
In the world of high-end guitars, specs matter. Scale length, tonewoods, pickups, fretwire, neck profile, hardware, electronics and finish all play a role in how an instrument feels, sounds and performs. But when a guitar moves beyond “nice instrument” and enters the world of ultra-rare, one-of-one and collector-grade guitars, specs are no longer enough. A
Why Ultra-Rare Guitars Need Provenance, Not Just Specs Read Post »
If tone is your only concern. The BOSS Katana can’t compete with more expensive valve guitar amps. Let me try to explain why. I’ve been a supporter of the BOSS Katana range of amps for years. But how do they really compare with traditional valve guitar amps? I’ve already covered the benefits of the BOSS
BOSS Katana vs Valve Guitar Amps Read Post »
