tone

  1. Why Guitar Speaker Size Matters

    Why Guitar Speaker Size Matters
    These days, it’s a becoming more widely understood by the average player just how important a role speakers play in their overall tone.  With that in mind, it's no surprise just how popular the upgrade speaker market has become. But with so many brands, styles and size combinations to choose from, it can be a difficult task trying to figure out which speaker is best for you. The most popular format is easily the 12-inch speaker, but with an increasing range of quality 10-inch and some interesting 15-inch speakers available, the best way to figure out which is best for you is by learning the role size plays in a speaker's overall tone. Continue reading →
  2. Simple But Effective Bass Tone Upgrades - Part 3

    Simple But Effective Bass Tone Upgrades - Part 3
    Welcome to the third installment of our multi-part bass tone upgrade feature! We've already covered pickups and electronics in our previous articles so now its time to move on to the next simple but effective upgrade: strings. While you should already be changing your strings regularly -- every month or so for average users or every other week if you consistently gig -- swapping out an old set for a new pair is the perfect time to experiment with the different tonal upgrade options strings can give your bass. It's actually pretty surprising just how much a different set can change your instrument's sound. Below, we'll be breaking down some individual aspects of bass strings along with some common tonal characteristics. Continue reading →
  3. Punk Rock Pickups For Guitar

    Punk Rock Pickups For Guitar
    Back when punk was still in its infancy, there wasn't any right combination of guitar, amp or pickups that you had to have in order to play  -- all you needed was a few friends and plenty of attitude. Since then, the genre that was birthed on the back going against the grain has matured and evolved into a versatile style with a wide range of sounds that are very different from one another. From the classic, single-coil tones of The Clash to the humbucker heaviness of The Misfits, if you have a certain style in mind you're going to need the right setup. While you still need plenty of attitude, these various pickups will help you get one step closer in your quest for that perfect punk tone in your head.   Continue reading →
  4. Simple But Effective Bass Tone Upgrades - Part 2

    Simple But Effective Bass Tone Upgrades - Part 2
    Last week, we began our multi-part feature on worthwhile bass upgrades for improved tone, taking a look at various pickups made to give your sound some added quality. This week, we're moving on to the next natural step: electronics. While making any changes to the inside wiring of an instrument might seem a bit intimidating to players that are not accustomed to wiring systems, it's not nearly as tough as it might seem and the potential benefits make it at least worth a look. In several cases, you don't even need a soldering iron to completely upgrade your instrument's wiring as several manufacturers sell easy install kits that require nothing more than a screwdriver. And even if you do, most electrical setups are pretty straight forward and there are plenty of guides online to help you along the way. Continue reading →
  5. Quick Tips For Better Stratocaster Tone

    Quick Tips For Better Stratocaster Tone
    Q: "I love my Stratocaster but I am always looking to enhance my tone. Aside from replacing the pickups or anything else involving a soldering iron, is there anything I can do to upgrade my Strat's tone?"   Continue reading →