Guide for Frugal Guitarists: Power Amp Pedals

So, you've been dreaming about a particular cab and head, but don't have enough money to drop down for both. The Solution? Consider a pedal based amp, such as the Electro-Harmonix 22 Caliber Power Amp. Not only is it a much lighter solution for travelling, it's much cheaper and can substitute very Read more [...]

The Most Essential Pedals

Chronicling pedalboards, as I do, I tend to see some of the same pedals over again. These staples are the perfect choices for anyone starting to build on their pedalboard. They cross genres. They keep their value. They apply to many different artists. Which one lead the pack of the most essential? Read more [...]

Bass Effect on the Raconteurs’ “Salute Your Solution”

Jack White's solo on the Raconteurs' "Salute Your Solution" has a distinct effect. This effect is provided by his Electroharmonix Nano Bassballs, a leftover on his pedalboard from his 2-piece band days. Not to be outdone, Jack's Bassballs is customize, with snazzy copper finish, courtesy of Analog Read more [...]

Trey Anastasio’s Guitar Rack

Much of Trey Anastasio's sound resides not on the floor, but behind him, in his amps and in his rack. In his rack, you can find more functional devices like the power conditioner and tuner, but also some very important effects, such as a delay, tremolo, vibe, and reverb. Here is the list: Furman Read more [...]

John Mayer’s Guitar: Fender Strat

While John Mayer's acoustic chops are what impress me the most, John has now spent most of his career displaying his other chops: blues-based songs. His tone is very distinct, and while our past pedalboard profile gave the essentials needed get that sound, the buck does not stop there. John mostly Read more [...]

John Mayer’s Boost Pedal: Keely Katana

Another secret to John Mayer's sound can be found in his Keely Katana boost. The boost pedals helps keep the volume up during solos. With John Mayer mostly playing his own rhythm and solos, this pedal comes in handy, which is why it's one of the pedals that shows up the most consistently on his pedalboard. Read more [...]

John Mayer’s Delay Effect: Aqua-Puss

This past December, John Mayer tweeted the return of the Way Huge Aqua-Puss Analog Delay, citing it as one of his "tone secrets". Here's the tweet. Way Huge Electronics Aqua-Puss MkII Analog Delay Guitar Effects Pedal The Way Huge Electronics Aqua-Puss MkII Analog Delay pedal offers bold analog Read more [...]

Save Money on Guitar Gear: Buy Strings in Bulk

Here's a tip for you frugal guitarists out there; buy your strings in bulk. Many online retailers feature 12 packs of strings of a single size. Buy six different sizes for a full dozen sets, and double up on the strings that tend break often, such as the high E. That way, you won't have to open up a Read more [...]

Coldplay songs using Jonny Buckland’s ProCo Rat

Jonny Buckland most used distortion pedal is the ProCo Rat. Unfortunately, the model he uses is currently discontinued (although the ProCo Rat 2 is available in stores). According to an essential Jonny Buckland fan site, the Buckland Religion, Jonny has uses the ProCo Rat on, but not limited to, Read more [...]

How to Solo like Noel Gallagher: Digital Delay Effects

One of Noel Gallagher's distinct sounds comes from his layering "Wall-of-Sound" techniques. Prime among this technique is using a delay pedal to beef up his solos. He used the DD3 Boss Delay model, followed by the RV-3 model, however, it has since been discontinued (The RV-5 is however available). Read more [...]