Review: Fender’s ultra-modern American Ultra II Telecaster

You could argue that the American Ultra II is a blasphemy against the purity of Leo Fender’s first masterpiece – or you could evaluate this guitar without the baggage of its heritage. Either way, it’s certainly a fascinating and inspiring instrument.Co… Continue reading Review: Fender’s ultra-modern American Ultra II Telecaster

Acoustic guitar amp pushes multi-effects through the sound hole

A little over 10 years ago, a Phoenix-based startup treated acoustic pickers to a bunch of effects directly through the sound hole courtesy of the smartphone-sized ToneWoodAmp. Now the much-improved second generation device has launched.Continue Readin… Continue reading Acoustic guitar amp pushes multi-effects through the sound hole

Skeletal travel guitar collapses small for carry-on globetrotting

When on vacation, you probably don’t want to heft around a 10-lb vintage Les Paul. A compact travel guitar could be an attractive alternative, but will you need to compromise on built-in tech? Not with the latest model from Mogabi.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Skeletal travel guitar collapses small for carry-on globetrotting

Review: Fender’s $129 dongle-amp puts half a Tonemaster Pro in your pocket

Fender’s original Mustang Micro was an impressive little headphone amplifier for silent practice and recording – but the brand-new Plus version is a remarkable upgrade that puts a ludicrous range of tone options at your fingertips.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Review: Fender’s $129 dongle-amp puts half a Tonemaster Pro in your pocket

‘Guitar capo 2.0’ gives you five different note options per string

The humble capo has graced the gig bags of performing musicians for decades, clamping down to change the overall key of a guitar in a single, swift motion. Now, a new take on the capo opens up whole new musical worlds of alternate tunings.Continue Read… Continue reading ‘Guitar capo 2.0’ gives you five different note options per string

The Stratocaster turns 70: An ode to the world’s greatest guitar design

Leo Fender’s first solid-body electric guitar design, penned in the late 40s, was an absolute plank of a thing. You could row a boat or dig a hole with a Telecaster; heck, you still can, since they remain among the most popular designs in the world. It… Continue reading The Stratocaster turns 70: An ode to the world’s greatest guitar design