Electric Guitar

Pickups are a core part of a guitar’s tone – they also happen to be a common victim of unwanted noise. Because of this, manufacturers have developed several ways to combat these issues. One such way is known as wax potting. This technique essentially consists of dipping the pickup into hot wax (although other substances such as nitrocellulose lacquer or epoxy resins can also be used). In fact, a good chunk of pickups made today feature wax potting. Below, we take a look at how wax potting combats noise along with the potential cons this technique can have on your tone.      Continue reading →

A compressor can be a versatile and powerful effect in a player’s tool bag, used by professionals on stage (usually through a pedal) and in the studio (in the form of rack gear) to further craft and control their tone. Unfortunately, many players who are inexperienced with compression are unaware of their potential benefits. Below, we’ll take a look at what exactly compressor pedals are, how they work and the number of ways they can help you enhance your tone.     Continue reading →

There are many things can cause plenty of tone problems. These tone slayers can come in different forms, some of which you might never have suspected. Luckily, you can avoid them by knowing what they are, how they can ruin your tone, and how to avoid them altogether. Below, we take a look at a few common causes of tone problems that you might not have considered and tips on how to beat them.     Continue reading →

Designs for an electric guitar body have heavily evolved over the years, the most famous of which inspired a whole slew of imitators and admirers alike. Whether they came about as a reaction to the era or simply an evolution of previous iterations, there are a great number of iconic designs in the world of electric guitars. Below, we take a look at a few famous guitar body designs that graced the music scene over the years.     Continue reading →

You have probably noticed that humbuckers are often offered with covers and without. While a big part of that definitely has to do with looks and aesthetics, does it also have an effect on their tone? While many claim that it has no impact on tone whatsoever, the truth is it does, although nowhere near as much as other humbucker design factors. In this article, we take a look at the key differences between covered and uncovered humbuckers.     Continue reading →