Studio monitors are devices designed to give an accurate, unadulterated, and transparent view of the music that one is producing.
Manufacturers today have been able to integrate high-quality components to produce sound monitors that sound great and do not compromise on the quality.
Most of the studio monitors under $1000 are able to give features and benefits such as flatter frequency response, increased volume starved of distortion, improved cabinet construction as well as port design and improved tweeter design and construction.
But given the number of brands producing studio monitors it can be daunting for a user, especially one who is unfamiliar with studio monitors and everything about them. Since your money can only go as far as you invest when it comes to studio monitors, we conducted a comprehensive research to bring you some of the best studio monitors that you can acquire for under a thousand bucks.
The Yamaha HS8 is one of the most legendary studio monitors from a legendary brand. As a big brother of HS5 and a successor of the infamous NS-10M, this studio monitor has effectively been able to continue its legacy into the present day with the HS8 studio monitor. The pair has punchy low ends, flat frequency response, and smooth mids and highs. Additionally, the stereo imaging of this device is nothing short of excellent.
Boasting a 1″ titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter, 2 way design, 49 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, RCA as well as XLR and ¼” input jacks, 140-watt amp and a 6.7-inch low-distortion driver woofer it is impossible not to fall in love with this single studio monitor from Mackie. A second generation of the originals, the HR624 is a sealed passive speaker capable of accurately handling low frequencies. Incorporating Mackie’s Zero-Edge Baffle technology to its functionality, this speaker is said to be capable of providing crystal clear imaging for a user’s audio.
The Alpha 65 is an entry-level studio monitor from French manufacturer Focal. It has a lot of features on the company’s SM series monitors but at a lower cost giving its users punchy low ends, great stereo imaging and extremely clear and defined mids. With specs such as RCA and XLR input jacks, a 1-inch aluminum inverted dome tweeter, polyglass woofer, a 2-way front-ported design, a 40 Hz – 22 kHz frequency range and a 105-watt Class AB amp it is easy to see why the Alpha 65 studio monitors would be a coveted device for many.
Neumann is one company that has been around for centuries and has always been one of the audio industry’s top brands, producing products designed for high-end studio use. The Neumann KH 80s are no exception as they are equipped with almost everything a user would need to create a high-end mix. Generally, the KH 80 provides a frequency response that is incredibly flat but with a tone completely full of life. Boasting accurate highs and a punchy, warm and rich bass these studio monitors give users a pure and true representation of the sound that they are attempting to mix or master. Similarly, the soundstage is incredibly deep, thus giving the ability to dissect any form of processing.
The Neumann KH120A may not be aesthetically pleasing, but they are certainly one of the best studio monitors under 1000. The KH 120A monitor which comes as a pair has a 1-inch titanium fabric dome tweeter, a long throw woofer, two-way monitoring design, and bi0amplified 100-watt amp. Additionally, it has a non-resonant enclosure made from aluminum that ensured that any unwanted cabinet induced colorations are eliminated. This studio monitor can produce a flatter frequency reaction; thus, many professional studios own it. The low and lower midrange sound produced by this monitor is one of the best you can think of which can be attributed to the ELFF technology (Extremely Linear Force Factor) found in the KH 120 A.
With an 8-inch Kevlar cone woofer, the Eris E8 is a nearfield studio monitor that features a 1.25-inch silk-dome, ultra-low-mass, high-frequency tweeter, 140-Watt Class AB amp, a front-firing bass port, and acoustic space setting. This studio monitor adapts to extremely treated large rooms to tiny, not well-treated rooms to function appropriately based on its settings. It is also capable of eliminating distortions and clippings thanks to its 2-way responsive inbuilt amp. Users will appreciate that this monitor provides a very precise bass reaction and an extremely clear upper end.
Identifying the right pair of studio monitors requires a lot of careful consideration down to the smallest details of everything from the music genre that you mix to the sound quality to the everything about your studio/room and beyond. There really isn’t one perfect studio monitor in the market as it all comes down to a user’s preference.
1Nevertheless, if a studio monitor ticks the boxes as far as its build, sound and versatility go then you may have just found the best studio monitor under 1000 for you. It helps if you can give the monitor a test run, but just in case this is not a possibility for you, we hope that our article was insightful enough to help you narrow down to some of the best under 1000 studio monitors that are within your budget.
Loudspeakers, subwoofers, game consoles, computers, DVD/CD players, and TV’s are all components of a great home theater or stereo system. However, none of them can get to the next level if the perfect foundation has not been set, and that is where an integrated amplifier comes in. An integrated amp is a 2-in-1 amplifier consisting of a pre-amplifier which accepts signals from your sources of choice and a power amplifier that has all the watts and ensures your speakers can pack a serious punch to deliver the perfect sound.
Integrated amps elevate your sound experience as they rid your audio of noise and disturbance that may interfere with the sound quality. An integrated amp is also great as you only require a single element to complete your stereo system or home theater. This means that you can save not only on space but also on money.
The cost of the amps can also be relatively intimidating; however, there are some great options of integrated amplifiers that cost under 1000 dollars and still deliver exceptional sound. After a comprehensive research here are some of the best-integrated amps that you can acquire for under $1000 and will not leave you with a significant dent in your bank account.
The Yamaha A-S 801BL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier is a 100-watt, two-channel audio player that uses “Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology” and is ideal for individuals who like listening to music while surfing. Using this speaker is as easy as connecting your computer to the inbuilt USB port, and you immediately begin to enjoy high-quality sound with the least amount of distortion that can only be achieved by Yamaha speakers. The speaker utilizes the USB DAC function to convert your digital audio files to analog signals. Alternatively, if you would rather connect to Blu-Ray or TV, the integrated optical and coaxial inputs are available for use. It is also equipped with fantastic features including auto power standby, rotary encoder input selector, a phono MM terminal, anti-resonance chassis, gold plated terminals, and a direct symmetrical design. Additionally, you get various input and output interfaces like a coaxial port, an optical port, 4 RCA recording outputs, one subwoofer output, and 6 RCA audio inputs.
An upgrade from its predecessor the PM6005, the PM6006 is a 45-watt amp that features two optical and one coaxial input, a Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module, an integrated headphone amp, and a Cirrus Logic CS4398 192kHz 24-bit DAC. The speaker’s design is quite impressive as are the high-quality components that can be found within the amp. Marantz’s application of a well-sized power circuit, discrete current feedback amp, and minimized signal path, aids with the delivery of the tight, crisp, controlled sound that emanates from the speaker. Other features of the PM6006 that are impressive a powerful toroidal transformer, a frequency response range of 10 to 70 hertz, dual corrosion-resistant gold-plated speaker connections, and remarkable damping power of 100. This speaker does not require an individual to do much as it is the ideal speaker that one needs when you just want to sit back and relax while you enjoy remarkable music quality.
The Dayton Audio MA1240a is a class AB, 12 channel, 40-watt amplifier that is versatile and can effortlessly be integrated with your home theater system. It is one of the few exceptional amps that allows users to do different things in different locations within the house. For example, one person can be watching TV in the bedroom while another listens to music in the kitchen. The speaker does so by sending various source signals to six different audio locations known as zones throughout the home. The speaker features a sturdy, durable steel chassis, that encloses the bridgeable channel outputs and fastening between 115V and 230V input voltage. It is also equipped with cooling fans, Multi-Stage Protection circuitry, independent gain controls, channel inputs, a frequency response range between 5Hz to 72kHz and BUS 1 and 2.
Characterized by a relaxed vintage appearance, the YAQIN MC-13S EL34 is an attractive and charming speaker that gives a terrific inimitable sound that can only be attributed to vacuum tube driven integrated amps. This Class A, push and pull amp offers better performance than its predecessor the MC-10L and delivers 40 watts per channel. The speaker is fitted with custom-made Yaqin 6CA7T vacuum tubes, two 12AU7 tubes, four EL34B tubes and two 12AX7 tubes that work alongside four corrosion resistant, gold plated RCA Jacks, and two gold plated output jacks. It is easy to assume the Yaqin because of its old school design; however, we can verify that it is not your regular outdated solid-state integrated amp. This amp applies tube technology spectacularly to give you a robust, clear, and crisp sound that will undoubtedly fill up a room.
As previously mentioned, choosing an integrated amp can be confusing as there are numerous considerations that one has to make.
These specifications include the amp’s analog Audio Inputs including RCA Audio, Balanced XLR Audio Inputs, and an RCA Phono Input, the Digital audio inputs including USB Type A/B connection, Optical, and Coaxial and an Ethernet Port, the Outputs including Speaker, Headphone and Subwoofer Outputs and the amp’s Wireless connectivity.
Choosing the right integrated amp and power for you should ideally first be guided by the size of your space/room and then by your budget. Integrated amplifiers vary depending on the construction and class and while the amp’s brand name can be a great way to choose an amp it does not always guarantee that it will live up to the brand name. Finally, remember to verify if your amp’s connectors are gold-plated as the gold plates typically extend the life of your integrated amplifier.
We recommend that you conduct your research before you commit to purchasing the amp of your dreams. Our list features integrated amps that we have personally tested and are in our books some of the best amplifiers under $1000 that you will find. We hope that it was helpful, and it has set you well on your way to identifying your ideal integrated amp.
A bookshelf speaker refers to a speaker made out of a case, driver and crossover network that was first created by Henry Kloss and Edgar Villchur and converts electrical energy into audible sound energy. Elements such as bass, pitch, volume, and sound quality can be managed on the and changed to suit a user’s preference. The bookshelf speaker is one of the irreplaceable gadgets from the 1950s and 60s that will probably never go out of style regardless of technological advances in the field. Typically, compact and designed to optimize sound in small to medium-sized spaces, bookshelf speakers have been the beating heart of the party for use in multichannel systems. There are several options of bookshelf speakers each with varying prices, but for this specific article, we look at the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars and highlight their features so you can be aware of what to purchase. So, without further ado, here are Best bookshelf speaker under 1000.
The Edifier R2000DB may be on the lower end of the under 1000 bookshelf speakers, but it is competent and can keep up with the more expensive under 1000 bookshelf speakers. Featuring an easy access side panel control and remote control, this speaker is a composite 4-inch cone woofer that produces impressive bass and has a wide frequency response and low impedance. With peak RMS of 42 watts combined, the highs of the Edifier R2000DB are handled by its 13-millimeter dome tweeter that utilizes innovative digital processing circuitry to enhance the speaker’s crossover and deliver natural sounding and well-defined audio. The speaker’s cabinet benefits from the same accurate calibration, and it is ported. Despite its lack of a sub, this speaker is great for bass lovers who crave high-quality, balanced sound
The Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker is an aesthetically pleasing speaker that expels perfectly balanced, high quality, sound that beautifully reverberates across the room to fill it. With an option of four different colors, this speaker benefits from the knowledge of an award-winning heritage and thus rivals most of its competitors. Even though the speaker is slightly bigger in depth and height than most bookshelf speakers, it boasts improved structural integrity, better bass resonance, and larger scale sound. For the 3020i, Q Acoustics opted low profile binding posts as opposed to the typical terminal cutouts. They also opted for a decoupled high-frequency driver and a new mid/bass driver that ensures the dispersion field is extended. By decoupling the tweeter, the likelihood of interference occurring is very minimal. Finally, to provide more accurate noise-free sound, they incorporated a PRP (point to point) bracing system.
The Audioengine A5+ is a well-constructed speaker with impressive custom designed components. If the charming smooth, curved edges don’t immediately draw you to this speaker, then the audio clarity certainly will. Audioengine tailor makes the design and manufactures the speaker as well as its components, and in case of the unavoidable need to outsource, the design specifications are tailored to a tee. Featuring a bass port that maintains sufficient airflows and rids the sound of any unwanted bass resonance, a cabinet optimized for audio clarity and a high-quality amplifier, and the Audioengine A5+ offers superior quality sound with an extended wireless range of 100+ feet. Unlike with competitors, the pre-amp sections are mounted vertically. Additionally, the speaker features RCA and 3.5mm inputs, subwoofer output, small speakers, and inbuilt Bluetooth that streams beautifully without numerous interferences.
Perfect tonal balance, stunning dynamics, exposed highs, and amazing low-frequency extension are some of the fantastic elements that characterize the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speaker. With 87 dB sensitivity, the SVS ultra is an extremely loud, powerful, and exquisitely tuned speaker. The sound reproduction from the SVS Ultra is super transparent, particularly for the mid-range sound spectrum. It brags a wide soundstage and a 6.5-inch driver with an unbelievably low end, a 1.7-inch acoustic port which aids with the bass, a proprietary SVS SoundMatch 2–way crossover all which work together to ensure your audio is always clear, crisp, smooth and natural sounding. Additionally, the mid-bass drivers feature composite glass-fiber cones that produce excellent stiffness to mass ratio for improved voicing and sensitivity.
A smaller version of KEF’s Q300 the Q150 is based off the HF driver and features a solitary 5.25 patented Uni-Q driver array that was developed for the reproduction of high-quality three-dimensional sound. Equipped with a central driver cone made from magnesium/aluminum alloy composite as well as a dedicated aluminum dome tweeter that offers amplified sensitivity and power handling, this speaker is rigid and perfectly manages full, balanced stereo mids. The Q150 requires between ten to a hundred watts of power for amplification. Finally, the speaker has minimal distortions as the surround is made from proprietary Z-flex material that rids the audio of interference.
Having won several “best active speaker” awards, Xeo “wireless bookshelf speaker by Dynaudio delivers an impressive sound scale reproduction that does not match its physical size. This Danish speaker is revered for its high-fidelity streaming that is unprecedented. It has a molded composite cabinet with aluminum baffle and houses a durable ultra-rigid 14 cm mid/bass driver cone and a 28-millimeter tweeter that does not disappoint. The Dynaudio Xeo 2 boasts adaptive bass technologies that extend the response from the lower frequencies besides improving the fluidity of the crossover. While the array is quite regular, the circuitry board and digital signal processing are more than regular as they apply power optimization, true time coherent phase linear FIR filters, alongside with the adaptive bass technology for sound that wows. Finally, the speaker is also equipped with analog and digital optical hookups, a remote control, a Dynaudio USB hub, and Bluetooth capabilities.
There are plenty of bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars that deliver delectable audio. If there is one thing, our list should reveal to you is that you do not have to always opt for expensive bookshelf speakers to enjoy premium quality sound. As everyone tries to compete for the best seller position as far as bookshelf speakers are concerned, you will be lucky to score a speaker that is not only good quality but offers great features without breaking the bank.
Also known as a Multi-FX device, a multi-effects processor rack is a device containing numerous electronic effects that affect loudness, modify frequency ranges, or create echoing sounds. When in the studio, it is only right that a musician is equipped with the right multi-effects processor rack so that their creativity is not limited and there is no end to what they can aspire to create musically.
In order to create or come up with new musical ideas, audio engineers and music producers need a piece of proper multi-effects rackmount equipment that is capable of producing great music. From tremolo, flangers, distortion, reverbs and chorus, Multi-effect processers facilitated the production of finished music with the different kinds of effects that we have been hearing in music since time immemorial. Multi-effects processes today have expanding DSP capabilities that can cover all tonal bases and offer you a one-stop solution for all your needed effects.
Even though there are many multi-effects processor rocks available in the market today and choosing the right one doesn’t have to be daunting. It is crucial for any audio engineer or music producer to conduct their research appropriately in order to select a processor rack that they can effortlessly work with. Below is an informed list of some of the best multi-FX racks that you should consider purchasing.
This sleek and modern processor is a combination of previous MD-500, RV-500, and DD-500 processors models. The outcome is a robust beats that boast numerous features ranging from Input Jack, main output (L/MONO, R) jacks, SEND1 jack, RETURN1 jack, SEND2 jack, RETURN2 jack: 1/4-inch phone type – Sub output (L, R) connectors: XLR type – Phones jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type – CTL4, 5/EXP2 jack, CTL6, 7/EXP3 jack, AMP CTL1, 2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type – USB port: USB B type – DC IN jack – MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors and an AC adaptor. Punching above its weight, this processor offers 116 different effects and is capable of intuitive editing. The processor rack is extremely practical and delivers clean tones that are full and rich.
Boasting 108 effects, this rack contains 99 preset and 99 user patches and is capable of drawing 27 amp/speaker sims and a 32-second looper. It comprises of three-foot switches of which one namely the (CTL1) footswitch turn on and off with a single, or a combination of effects while the other two scroll through patches. The processor is equipped with Standard input, standard outputs L(mono)/R, minijack aux input, minijack phones output, CTL/EXP socket, USB connection slots.
Featuring two input, two output, expression, USB, MIDI in, MIDI out/thru connection ports, the Eventide H9 is a mid-point priced processor capable of running all effects of Eventide’s stompbox. The effects produced by this processor are detailed and classy and can head off in sonic directions that other processor racks are incapable of.
Despite its size, the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 is a processor rack capable of delivering effects an artist would need to perform at an event. Audiophiles receive an equivalent of five stompboxes by merely stomping on the footswitch. The auto-switching adaptor lights up the six mini control knobs that deliver the level and drive knobs, three-band EQ and spring reverb. If you are looking for essentials, then look no further than the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 as you are guaranteed of the functionality.
Multi-effects processor racks were created and popularized by the mastermind guitarist and engineer Tom Scholtz of the act “Boston.” Since then, the evolution of the multi-effects processor rack has witnessed continuous growth. The multi-effects processor racks have made it possible for musicians and audiophiles to manage a lot of issues such as increased set up time, dead battery and dodgy wall warts that they previously faced while performing. Now musicians can program their sound options as they please or work with individual pedals. From the above list, you can choose a multi-effects processor rack depending on your budget as well as your needs.
With the market being flooded with numerous microphone options, finding the right microphone for recording voice-overs can be somewhat daunting. Because microphones work and sound different with different voices so finding the one that suits you is extremely important; otherwise you will find yourself at a wash. There are three major types of microphones, and they include:
Shotgun mics: refers to the mics that are mainly used when you do not require for the mic to be seen in the screenplay. They are quite popular in film and broadcasting sets because they do not capture sounds from other directions mainly because the pickup angle is very narrow.
Condenser mics: typically found in two different types, i.e., the small and large diaphragms, these are studio grade mics are what you mostly find being used by most professionals for voiceover purposes or while in the studio. The condenser mic is very omnidirectional and one of the most sensitive mics available in the market
Dynamic mics: probably the most familiar of the three different mic types, the dynamic mic is very what you typically see musicians using on stage and what makes them ideal is their reduced sensitivity to background noise.
The best voiceover mic should be one that accentuates your skills and capabilities. If you are considering buying a voiceover mic, below is a list of some of the best mics that would serve you well as you record your voiceover.
The preferred mic for most voice over professionals the Neumann TLM 103 is in our opinion one of the best XLR mics. Unlike other condenser microphones, this cardioid large diaphragm condenser mic is ideal because it minimizes background noise greatly because it is so aptly capable of rejecting off-axis sounds. Voiceovers recorded using this microphone as the microphone has a flat frequency response.
The package of the mic includes; a swivel mount, the microphone itself and a storage briefcase.
The Rode NT-1-A is a mic that delivers the best value for money. This is because the mic offers an extended dynamic range and is excellent for recording high quality natural sounding voice-overs that are warm with a high SPL competence. All these are features that are typical of mics that fall on the higher price spectrum. The mic is a cardioid XLR condenser mic, and that is why it is a pleasant surprise for many mic enthusiasts when they realize the capabilities of this microphone.
The package of the mic includes; a shock mount, a 20-inch microphone cable, dust cover, a studio-grade pop shield, and an instructional video.
Created from a partnership between Harlan Hogan and Marshall electronics, the 1-A Harlan Hogan signature series microphone is an aesthetically pleasing large diaphragm, condenser microphone. It surpassed other microphones in terms of size and was one of the first voice over mics to be developed. It can create phantom power using bipolar transistors as it also features a pair of JFET transistors that imitate the sound of tube amplification thus providing additional warmth to voiceovers.
The package of the mic includes; the microphone, a 15-foot Marshall XLR cable, a mic clip, a shock mount with replaceable bands, a fleece-lined storage pouch for protection and a foam lined travel case.
This tri-capsule array condenser mic is an excellent voiceover mic that offers bang for your buck without the complications of audio interfaces. All you need to be able to use this mic is a USB cable that you will use to plug your mic into your computer, and you should ideally be all set and ready to go.
Because it comes with multiple microphone pattern capabilities, the mic can be used for more than just voiceovers. If for example, you wanted to record conference calls, a podcast, interviews, or even a field recordings you can be able to do so merely by switching the polar pattern on the mic.
This cardioid microphone is appropriately named as it, in fact, resembles a meteor with chrome plated legs and a chrome metal body. The Samson meteor is a large diaphragm mic, that can produce natural like sounds when recording voiceovers which can be attributed to the 25mm diaphragm.
It mostly functions with iPad using Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning USB Camera Adapter which can occasionally be a limiting factor in terms of use, especially for Android device owners.
The Shure SM7B is a great dynamic voiceover mic that works perfectly in noise filled environments. Its capabilities such as the internal “air suspension” shock isolation, explosive breath eliminating pop filter and Bass roll of are the reasons why radio broadcasters mainly prefer the Shure SM7B. With its mid-price range, the mic offers some excellent value for money
To close off our list, we have the EV RE-20 cardioid mic which falls under the dynamic type of mics but is uniquely different in that it produces a sound akin to that of condenser mics. Its frequency response range is between 45Hz-18kHz. It is constructed using steel which makes it one of the durable options in the market likely to give you some good service if well taken care of.
When choosing between different mics for voice-overs and which one is best suited for your voiceover needs, there are a couple of things that you should consider. These things include but are not limited to:
You do not want to be in a rush when choosing voiceover mics, do take your time and ensure that you do proper research into what you want to purchase. We hope the above list was helpful and wish you a happy shopping.
We all appreciate good music when you hear it, but for studio professionals, there is more to music than the two to three minutes result which for some would not be possible without a good studio subwoofer. A subwoofer is essentially a speaker responsible for reproducing the low-frequency sounds we popularly known as “bass.” A subwoofer is not essential for music production, but it is recommended for those moments when one doesn’t want to compromise on the quality of the sound output required.
Deciding to purchase a subwoofer for your studio requires for you to think through your purchase and familiarise yourself with a lot of technicalities as well as the critical features of the subwoofer so you can make an informed purchase. Subwoofers can be categorized into two, the integrated subwoofers that come with the studio monitors or standalone subwoofers.
Below is a list of great subwoofers that you can consider purchasing and are likely to meet your needs while affording you an amazing musical experience while in the studio:
If there is a brand that needs no introduction, it must be JBL. The LSR range of speakers is one of the most revered speakers not only for its affordable price point but also for its capability. The LSR310S continues the series’ capability and performance legacy while still capturing those lower end frequencies flawlessly.
The Adam Audio Sub8 can be described as the perfect friend to any musician. This deceptively powerful but small subwoofer can withstand long studio sessions as it generates low heat even with its 160-Watt ICE power amplifier. Its small size also ensures that it’s easily portable which means you can be jamming to your favorite music anywhere you like.
KRK subwoofers are known for their robust build and construction, and the KRK 10S2 is no exception. If you are looking for a quality speaker that can perfectly capture musical elements like bass and the extremely low frequencies, then this is the speaker for you. At the price range of between $ 350 and $500, the KRK 10s2 is synonymous with a bang for your buck as it continues the KRK legacy of precision and performance.
The Polk Audio PSW10 is a compact all-inclusive subwoofer whose design is suitable for small to medium-sized studios. Despite its size, the PSW10 is a well-performing speaker that packs a serious punch and can play sounds at an extremely high volume to give music the life it deserves.
• The in-built amplifier of the PSW10 can be categorized as intelligent because it automatically turns off the subwoofer when not in use, which results in lower power consumption.
• The amp also ensures that you can enjoy music at high volumes as it minimizes the distortions/ interferences that may occur through superior compression.
• The subwoofer of optimized for efficient power consumptions
• It has a dense and lightweight design which make it easy to move around.
• The subwoofer has not inbuilt preset modes which means you will have to equalize and configure the speaker yourself.
• It does not have wireless connectivity which means that you will require to purchase cables if you do not have them already.
If you consider yourself an audiophile, a studio professional or you are incredibly critical and pay lots of attention to the sounds that speakers produce; then the Yamaha HS8 is the speaker for you. Where other brands in the market have failed, the Yamaha HS8 has been aptly designed to ensure your playback experience is topnotch by emphasizing the accuracy of both the bass and its low and high cut filters. The outcome of this is why the Yamaha is included here.
• The Yamaha HS8 is compatible with almost all the studio monitors in the market.
• It has frequencies that get to as low as 22 Hertz meaning you can hear the lowest range frequencies in your mix/audio.
• The subwoofer lacks a sealed enclosure. This ultimately affects the audio quality something which cannot go unnoticed to an extremely keen ear.
• If you are into aesthetics, then this subwoofer has nothing to offer on that front.
The Rockville APM10 is an Active Studio Subwoofer that delivers bass that is unbelievably great!
With an RMS power of 200 watts and a peak power of 400 watts, it’s impossible to not fall in love with these subwoofers. The enclosure is made of top-quality medium density fiber wood with a 0.7” thickness to deliver fantastic sound quality that even the most discriminative audiophile would enjoy.
Saving the best for last, we could not conclude this list without including the PreSonus Temblor T10. A favorite with studio professionals, it is easy to understand why that is the case. This subwoofer allows you to own your music as it has a transducer that lets you control your low range frequencies, as well as other controls which will enable you to manage the output of the subwoofer.
Deciding on which subwoofer to purchase for the studio can be daunting since many options are readily available in the market. However, depending on your budget, it is vital that you take note of the size, the firing option, the technical specifications and whether it is compatible with your studio monitors, power and lastly the enclosure.
All these make a big difference to your music/playback and could ultimately affect the quality of your output if you do not pay attention to them before purchasing your subwoofer. With a subwoofer, you no longer have to compromise on the quality of your productions, and you can finally stop missing out on some good bass that you need to be included in the music.
Purchasing a standalone subwoofer as opposed using the studio monitors that may not necessarily be as accurate is guaranteed to elevate your studio experience.
One of the most revered musical instruments amongst guitarist is the P Bass or precision bass. Leo Fender was the inventor of the first electrical P-Bass that revolutionized the perception of most musicians about the instrument. The initial P-Bass release by Fender featured a single coil pickup, but this later changed to a split style humbucker coil in 1957. The humbucker coil was devised to eliminate distracting background noise that emanated from previous versions. However, it is worth noting that most P bass pickups feature the one split single coil.
The P Bass is so legendary that quite a good number of past and present-day musicians such as Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Nate Mendel of The Foo Fighters, Tony Franklin and James Jamerson are considered to be the precision bass enthusiasts. The versatility of the P Bass is what makes it so high so much so that you can achieve anything literally from higher, smooth or even edgier tones, to tones that are more bass heavy.
Heavy rock and metal are the sounds that are heavily associated with the Seymour Duncan quarter pound p-bass pickup as they do not get distorted when the gain and volume are increased. However, this pickup is extremely adaptable thanks to the Alnico 5 magnets that expand the magnetic field thus extending the frequency range and the high-output coil wind which give a booming bass thud and facilitate the existence of large mid-range tones.
Designed to replicate the original 1962 Fender, the custom 62 is one of the top tier pickups that utilizes flush-mounted Alnico V magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire to achieve similar tones as its originator. This pickup surpasses most p bass pickups and offers a bright tone as well as the capability to elevate your sound from topsy-turvy to articulate and precise. The Fender custom 62 is impressive regardless of the genre of music you play as the tones retain their balance with the lows remaining tight and sturdy in the low range bass tones, forceful in the mid-range and pleasantly snappy in the highs.
With some of the most balanced, smoothest, warm yet organic tones we have heard, we had to include the Bartolini 8S in the list. It is hard to miss that Bartolini emphasized on the low to mid-range tones and avoided the high pitched trebly sounds that tend to show up as you increase the volume of your music. The Bartolini 8S features a ceramic single coil bar magnet with epoxy poles that facilitate the elimination of unwanted microphonics and feedback. You can use and EQ mix with this p bass pickup for that precise and natural signal reproduction. Sting, Dusty Hill, and Roger Waters are some of the musicians who have been known to use the Bartolini 8S.
The sheer power and attitude are what this blacked out P-Bass pick up offer you as a precision bassist. Constructed from a ceramic magnet this P-Bass pickup is ideal for the metal and hard rock genres of music as not only are they the most modern pickups we could find, but they also have an edgy cool factor to them. The DiMarzio DP122K is a hum canceling P Bass pickup that offers a vast and clear output with high gains and unmatched bass sounds with warm, balanced and fat tones. However, should you feel like this pickup is doing the most you can always bring it down a notch with an EQ for a more classical sound.
Created by Butler, Black Sabbath’s primary lyricist and bassist, the EMG Geezer is characterized as traditional, low and twangy that transport you back in time to the 70s funk phase. Despite this vintage feel the EMG Geezer meets the criteria of most bassists even the pickiest ones. This is because it is responsive and ideal for quicker plays as well as low end dropped tones.
If you are a beginner, then the EMG is ideal as it includes EMG connector technology that makes it easy to install. Even more experienced technicians will appreciate the non-existent hassle of installing these.
Not the best pickups in the market but we included them for all the beginners trying their hands at becoming guitarists or even guitarist technicians. The functionality on them is okay if you can come around to installing them.
Designed and wound in New York, the Aguilar AG 4P/J-HC pickup was initially created as a replacement for the four string P Bass and J Bass pickups by fender. It is one of the versatile P-Bass offerings both I functionality and in tonal range delivery. The Aguilar Ag can double as both a P or J pickup while still delivering roaring lows tones with most of the neck pickups and raised tones with the bridge pickup. Regardless of where you are playing the pickup, your experience remains hum-free.
If you didn’t already know, a pickup is a device that you place close to the guitar strings so it can produce an electrical field. P bass pickups tend to be unique and characteristic in composition when compared to modern-day pickups. This is because they are humbuckers that are single coil pickups.
They are also located in the middle/bridge position which is lower than the neck pickup and higher than the bridge pickup on J-Bass pickups. When purchasing P-Bass pickups, it is essential that you remember that the kind of sound you seek to achieve greatly determines the pickup that you buy. A great place to begin when choosing a pick up would be identifying your favorite musicians’ pickup and then go from there.
However, you should be aware that you’ll not necessarily achieve the same sound as there are other factors such as the guitar model, pedals, technique and amp that contribute to the artist unique sound.
When choosing a pick up opt for passive pickups as opposed to active pickups as they are far much easier to use. This is because unlike the active pickups that rely on amps and pedal boards, the passive pickups function without a battery. Ultimately a good pick should be hum canceling with the ability to keep background noise at a bare minimum. Hopefully, you found this article to be insightful for when you decide to buy your P-Bass pickup.
We can foresee a future where Jazz music takes over as the most popular musical genre, and we’re most certainly looking forward to that day. Trying to single out some of the best jazz guitars is no easy task since the guitars continue to become as multifaceted as the genre of music itself. Jazz guitars come in different forms. From the old-school archtops to hollow and semi-hollow versions, jazz guitars vary quite a bit, and the only possible unifying denominator has to be the musical end result that is jazz music.
Below some reviews of what I consider to be some of the best electric jazz guitars in no particular order that could work for your needs and budget.
Keith Richards, James Burton, Jimmy Page, Prince, Muddy Waters are but a few of the world’s most popular guitarist who plays the Telecaster. Made from a blend of alder wood for the body and maple wood for the neck, this solid body guitar is well liked and is quite popular with most guitarists. Its simplicity and versatility are what makes it popular. Because of its simplicity, you know what to expect and rarely will you find yourself thrown off the curve with this bad boy.
Epiphone is known for having a large variety of sensibly priced guitars. One of them is the ES-335 Dot which was inspired by the Gibson ES- 335. The Dot is a semi-hollow, and extremely sturdy guitar built from maple that gives you value for your money. The Dot’s playability and sound are both excellent, and we can easily conclude that based on the number of people such as George Harrison and John Lennon, the dot is an extremely versatile guitar despite the flattened C-Profile.
As a brand, Gretsch is arguably one of the best guitars making company in the world. They have perfected the art that is guitar making, and The Gretsch G6118T can easily be categorized as the best electric jazz guitars on the market. The Gretsch is a thin and light hollow body guitar that features rocking bar bridge, a Teflon-covered Tusq XL nut, and a string-through. For a while, a lot of people have argued that this guitar is not suited for Jazz music, but musicians such as Rune Gustafsson, and Cal Collins have proved otherwise.
Washburn first began making musical instruments in 1883 and if there is a company that we can say understands its craft it is them. The vintage Washburn J600 gives off vibes of a cello when you see if from the front. It sports a spruce top for its body, flame maple sides, back, and neck. The sides of the Washburn are decked out with an intricate flame design. With a Nubone nut, pearl inlays and extremely accurate Grover tuners this guitar is reasonably priced and doesn’t require one to have robbed a bank to afford it.
Bold, loud tones are what best describe this little unknown archtop guitar by the Chinese brand Loar. An adaptation of vintage classics the LH 350 VS is a guitar whose look and sound are nothing but amazing. It features a Kent Armstrong humbucker, a V-profile mahogany neck, hand-carved solid spruce top, and a treble side Florentine cutaway. Ultimately, this is one of the best guitars that you can play your jazz music from.
The Godin 5th Avenue is one of the most common jazz guitars ideal for a guitarist that considers themselves sophisticated. Built with Canadian wild cherry for the archtop top, back, and sides the 5th Avenue has a dynamic and rich tone. It has a very classic look with modern touches such as the height adjustable bridge.
Other notable features on the guitar include silver leaf neck with rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays, floating pickguard, cream binding, and F-holes.
Laminate maple back, carved spruce top, sunburst sides. Its design and features can best describe this guitar. This is because aside from having the typical looks of a guitar, it looks like a cello and features elements such as, tailpiece, ebony bridge, pickguard, and fretboard some of which are unusual for a guitar.
Playing on this guitar is quite easy, and you will notice the difference almost immediately. This is because of the 3-piece maple that constitutes the fingerboards that are designed to reduce the efforts you will need if you improvise through the neck.
Our list is just the starting point of your journey to finding the perfect electric jazz guitar. Most guitarist prefers most guitars we have mentioned but if you are unsure about which one to go with it doesn’t hurt to do a little more research. When choosing a jazz guitar, the most important things to remember are:
We hope you found our list helpful and found an electric jazz guitar for your needs.
One of the most rewarding and energizing feelings is learning how to play an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are very popular among guitar players of all levels from beginners to professionals alike hence are widely sought after. The high demand, therefore, means that they come at a higher price tag than other types of guitars.
In addition, the higher price tag can also be frustrating for a newbie given they have no past experience with a guitar making it hard when it comes to choosing one. Given this challenge, we have reviewed some of the best acoustic guitars that you can get under 1000 dollars so that you donít end up with a low-quality guitar after having coughed out 1000 dollars.
Seagull is a very popular brand in the guitar sector. Its popularity can be tied down to the fact that it produces amazing instruments that are well built and donít disappoint. The Seagull S6 Original acoustic guitar carries those traditions with an addition of several modern touches to create the utmost acoustic guitar.
There is no denying the reality that there are lots of options when it comes to choosing an acoustic guitar that is under 1000 dollars. One such other option is the Taylor 114ce 100 series guitar. Itís not only beautiful given the features, but it also produces a professional sound and is very comfortable to play.
The Yamaha FG series is considered the best-selling series from Yamaha. In fact, the FG850 is considered as one of the best in the FG series.
Another amazing guitar from the Taylor company thatís below the 1000-dollar price tag is the Taylor 214ce 200 series acoustic guitar. Itís a step up from the Taylor 114ce 100 series and comes with a couple of additions that make it a much better guitar.
If you are a guitar enthusiast, by now you know that Martin is another trusted brand when it comes to producing excellent guitars. Itís a task they have taken to heart, and the results show seeing that the Martin LX1E is a guitar that delivers superb sound.
When looking to buy an acoustic guitar under the 1000-dollar price tag, there are several factors that you should always consider. An acoustic guitar regardless of the price point is something that you want to take along with you on your musical journey. As such, you need to find one that suits your style, and you can get used to along the way.
Buying a quality guitar can feel like a gamble given that some guitar players will opt to get recommendations from friends and family. While there is nothing wrong with testimonials, people tend to recommend what works or has worked for them and not necessarily what might be suitable to you and your style of play depending on the music genre you love to play most.
Since we donít want you to experience buyerís remorse which can be both upsetting and frustrating, our guide here will help you pick the right guitar thanks to the amount of research we have put in. With the many options of acoustic guitars available, here are our top picks for best acoustic guitars under 1000 dollars that you can consider purchasing.
When making a choice on which guitar to purchase, rule number one is never to get caught up in the whole hullabaloo of ëbest brandsí, yet they donít produce any quality instruments. In fact, if possible, always stick with well-known brands that have been proven and tested like you have seen in our review above.
Before buying an acoustic guitar, ensure you know what wood has been used in making the guitar as the type of wood used affects both the sound and the durability of the guitar. In addition, ensure that your guitarís headstock is tapered enough such that it can comfortably hold the strings in place to prevent them from buzzing, going out of tune and breaking.
Also, ensure that the materials used in constructing the guitar are high-quality. Why? There are brands that like to cut corners but still charge an arm and a leg for their guitars which can lead to buyerís remorse. Ensure you do thorough research before you end up with something that youíll regret.
If you have heard songs like James Butler’s Ocean and David Bowie’s Space Oddity, then you have experienced the beauty of a 12-string acoustic guitar. Some of the world’s most excellent music have been churned out by this very underrated beauty. Playing a song from a 12-string acoustic guitar gives it so much life, the song will occasionally sound more polished and detailed something that only the player can sometimes understand.
Whether you’re looking to switch from a 6 string to a 12 string or you are a beginner seeking to learn the craft, or you are an experienced expert familiar with the instrument, below are some of our recommended 12 string acoustic guitars to get you started on your journey.
To start our list off is my personal favorite the Yamaha FG820. This is one very classic instrument as it is part of the Yamaha FG series that began in 1966. Today the FG820 is one of the most wanted 12 string guitars of all time. Producing a well-balanced mellow but warm tone that will warm your heart, this guitar’s playability is second to none.
Our favorite thing about the guitar is that even though it was first created 53 years ago, Yamaha has ensured that it stays updated including features such as the scalloped bracing that continue to make it as nifty as the newer guitar options in the market. Our second favorite thing has to be the cost of the guitar, even though it is a classic and is extremely sought after, the Yamaha FG 820 will not break/ dent your bank balance.
If there is a guitar that will have you feeling like John Butler or even Bob Dylan, it has to be the Takamine GJ72CE. Rosewood fingerboard, slim mahogany neck, maple back and sides this guitar combines different woods to create a beautiful guitar with robust sound. It certainly ticks the right boxes of things to look out for when choosing a guitar and this is the tone and playability. The GJ72CE is so sensitive that you do not need a guitar pick to make good music. A gentle strum of your bare fingers and you have a beautiful melodious harmony.
Equipped with its preamp system the Takamine TK040D, the quality of sound will not disappoint considering this baby has an inbuilt tuner that helps to relieve the tension of most 12 string guitars. Some of its key features that could not go unmentioned include its abalone rosette, a classic glossy finish, and its synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle.
By looking at the Epiphone DR-212, you can easily tell that it took some serious craftsmanship to create and put this guitar together. It comes as no surprise since the Epiphone brand is known for executing well-built instruments. Unlike your typical dreadnought guitars, the DR-212 has been designed to handle the tension of 12 string guitars and together with the right balance, cutting, and attention you get sound that can only be described as “eargasmic.” You are in for a good time mainly if the blues, rock, folk and country music are your genres of choice. The DR-212 features a rosewood fretboard and a mahogany neck and body.
Whether you are picking or strumming, the seagull coastline produces excellent sound and is pretty loud. A product of Seagull and award-winning musical instrument brand, the coastline is a guitar of top tier quality construction that features built-in Godin QI electronics, and pressure tested solid cedar top and a beautiful semi-gloss finish.
This is the perfect 12 string for achieving those low to mid-range tones that can only be described as rich and full. The Godin EP quantum system offers excellent responsiveness from the guitar while the neck provides the much-needed extra stability that is demanded by 12 string acoustics.
A people’s favorite the Ovation Elite T 2058TX is an attractive guitar featuring a deep contour bowl composite body and a beautiful black top that facilitates the production of full sound that reverberates freely. According to the maker of this guitar, it has been designed to afford its user with the ultimate comfort as they play. The guitars build consists of a hard rock maple neck, rosewood fretboard, walnut bridge, and a Deluxe AA Solid Spruce Top.
Balanced and warm tones are what you should expect from the Martin D12X1AE dreadnought. Our review wouldn’t be complete if we did not include this bad boy. Featuring mahogany grained HPL back, sides plus neck and a solid Sitka spruce top guitarist like the Martin for its full sound capabilities as well as its playability. With 25.5 body inches, the guitar is relatively easy to play and fits quite comfortably onto the guitarist’s body.
This is one expensive guitar but with good reason. It is not your typical big bodied 12 string guitar. Taylor opted to go a different route with this 24-7/8-inch small body guitar is extremely user-friendly, and its size makes it comfortable for any guitarist to play. The 362CE features a deluxe Taylor hardshell case, a mahogany top and Tasmanian blackwood back and sides.
Aside from the obvious 12 strings, the wider fretboard and neck, as well as a larger headstock, are some of the physical features that differentiate the 12 string acoustic guitars from your other guitars.
It also produces a more viable and useable sound that the 6-string guitar. It is these very features that make the 12-string guitar a thing of beauty and why musicians such a Jimi Hendrix patiently and passionately learned how to play it.
If you choose to play the 12-string acoustic guitar, you should keep in mind that it is not easy to learn and therefore requires a lot of dedication even for experienced players. It will be brutal but fret not (pun intended) you do eventually get the hang of it.
Mastering, mixing, recording, etc. regardless of what you are doing in the studio, you need a great pair of headphones. The quality of your production is mostly dependent on the quality of your audio/musical tools of trade.
When choosing studio headphones, it helps to do your research because there are numerous options with very different specs. In terms of specs, a few of the things that are incredibly vital and cannot be compromised, include the headphone drivers, the sensitivity f the headphones and finally the headphone impedance.
You also have to decide if you are going to purchase open or close back studio headphones. At the end of the day, your studio headphones should offer you maximum comfort and the freedom to move about without hindrances. We have taken the trouble to help you in your search for the perfect studio headphones.
These budget-friendly studio headphones can certainly be classified as one of the best studio headphones buys for under $100. A product by Sennheiser a German company, this product has the capability of achieving beautiful, natural and warm sounds. It offers excellent clarity and does not in any way interfere with the music. You can rely on this headphone for the reproduction of a flat and balanced sound.
Acclaimed by many of the audio industry experts, the ATH-M50 X is one of the best beginner’s studio headphones that will give you a professional vibe. Without even going into the details, the quality of the headphones is quite professional, and both the headband and earpads attest to this. This closed back studio headphones features a circa mural design and a pair of 45mm large-aperture drivers constructed with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils and rare earth magnets. These features make it great for professional use and enable its exceptional performance.
Any audiophile will appreciate these acoustic headphones as they have been designed to meet all your needs in one speaker. Whether you are talking about resonance, the frequency range or noise cancellation/ isolation, these headphones check all the right boxes to deliver a clear, well-balanced sound.
A sound test affirmed to us why the Beyerdynamic DT 990 had to be included in our list. We found that in comparison to other studio headphones it was far much easier to hear subtle notes and instruments thanks to the low-end response and the smooth extended highs. With this kind of performance, the plush memory foam ear pads, aluminum headband, and forks are just the cherry that garnishes a really yummy dessert.
We really like these closed-back MDR 7506 from Sony. And no, we are not in any way biased to the well-known and revered brand that is Sony. The MDR 7560 is excellent for two reasons; it is inexpensive and has an overall great performance. Featuring 40mm neodymium magnets and a dynamic frequency range of 10-20,000Hz the sound quality is top notch and will delight your ears. Even the most disapproving audiophiles can without a doubt appreciate the capabilities of such a headphone that takes away some of the hassles in mixing and equalizing. The construction of it is well done with nice soft ear cups that will not cause discomfort.
Most celebrity designed headphones are usually not worth their salts because they are often designed and made as just another thing under the celebrity’s belt/brand name. However, that’s not the case with the Quincy Jones sig. Implementing a less is more approach the headphones capture your attention with a simple yet appealing and dramatic design. The circumaural design of the headphone gives off the feeling of having a plush sofa placed around your ears. The sound quality of the headphone is so good because of the flat-wire voice coil technology. This technology reproduces sound that is tremendously accurate with transient response.
The Sennheiser HD 800 is what we would call the king of studio headphones. This is because these open-back headphones are reference class headphones which means they can be used to test other audio devices. Listening to audio from these headphones is so natural sounding because the driver’s steel encasing direct sound at an angle that enhances that natural vibe. Apart from the great sound the HD 800 is also great for extended wear as the ear pads which are made by hand have microfiber in them and headband is designed to ensure minimal fatigue.
I had to save my personal best for last. The Sennheiser HD 650 open back is one of my preferred studio headphones because it manages to reach the perfect balance between value for your money and great performance. With exceptional sound clarity, the HD 650 does not experience any trouble with either its treble, mids or bass, something that often plagues other headphones. The titanium build of these headphones gives it a very sexy look and feel making it stand out of the crowd.
For studio recording, the ideal headphones and what is considered to be the holy grail for most audiophiles and music engineers is the open back headphones. This is because they are great for extended wear during those intensely long studio sessions and they also emit a balanced sound of unmatched quality.
The design and construction of most open back headphones allow for the sound produced to travel in two different directions, towards the ear and outward. This is believed to create a more realistic outcome and experience. This, however, does not mean that close back headphones are not great. It all comes down to a user’s preference.
There is after all quite an infinite number of studio headphones for recording from reasonably priced ones to the ones with hefty price tags. You just have to find the right one for your needs and budget.
Gibson is a brand that is very familiar and popular among many guitar players. It’s a brand that is linked with quality, tradition and many legendary musicians. The Gibson brand is undisputed when it comes to pickups and have been known to be a revolutionary brand to that end. Back in 1955, Gibson developed the first two-coil pickups known as the PAF (Patent Applied For) which became a gamechanger in the music industry forever.
Gibson pickups come in different shapes, tones and sizes. Picking the right one can be a bit of a hassle for a newbie. As such, we’ve put together a review of some of the best Gibson pickups that you can find in the market today. Let’s dive in.
The Gibson ’57 Classic pickup is quite similar to the actual PAF specs. The only difference is that the coils for this pickup have been nicely wound to provide a balanced and rich tonal output that the original ones couldn’t achieve.
If you are looking for the perfect Gibson pickup for your electric guitar, then no doubt the Gibson Dirty Finger pickup is the right choice for you. With this pickup, you get to enjoy the good sound that is wide, clear and has more volume.
The Gibson Mini-Humbucker is also considered to one of the best pickups that Gibson has ever made. And while some may be deceived by the name, be rest assured that there is nothing minimum or mini about the sound this pickup produces.
What Gibson wanted to achieve with their BurstBucker series was to carry along the PAF to the modern day. With the Gibson BurstBucker Type 2, you still get to enjoy most of the same traits with the humbuckers that were originally made.
The Gibson Type 3 Burstbucker shares similar features with the Gibson Type 1 and 2 Burstbucker only that this one is more advanced given modern technology. Similar to other Burstbucker types, this pickup brings the PAF to the current day.
While there is so much praise for Gibson pickups in the market, there is no one Gibson pickup that is similar to another. They may have similar features and design, but each pickup is unique in its own given way. In fact, Gibson pickups can be categorized into four different categories – P-90, PAF Style, Mini Humbuckers and Modern Humbuckers.
And even at that, they didn’t stop and went on to create humbuckers of all tones, shapes, and sizes. And so, while Fender’s symbolic Stratocaster and Telecaster are well-known with single-coils, Gibson are the absolute pickup kings. To date, there are plenty of guitarists who have played not just the Gibson guitars but their great pickups as well.
This is because Gibson produces pickups that can be used in different genres and are highly-regarded. In addition, some of their pickups have also been used to create new music genres such as jazz and rock. As such, it’s only right to say that Gibson provided guitarists with an outlet for new music movements by inventing pickups that gave a voice to a new era of music.
While most professional guitar players can afford to buy a high-end Gibson and not see the need to get a pickup given how awesome they are, newbies and intermediate players may actually need to get a Gibson pickup to bring their guitar to life.
Gibson pickups are used not only for Gibson guitar series but are also an excellent fit for other brands of guitars. This is thanks to how versatile they are making them available in almost every corner of music from heavy metal and classic rock to blues and jazz. That said, it’s important to note that there is no one Gibson pickup that is a one-size-fits-all as they are broad and cover both humbucker and single-coil, high and medium output as well as modern and vintage tones.
While choosing a pickup can be an arduous task especially if you are a beginner, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You can still get a quality Gibson pickup within your budget. When looking to buy a pickup, there are a few factors that you need to consider. One of such as mentioned already is your budget. As you will see from our review above, all Gibson pickups are priced differently.
While there are some that can be purchased below 100 dollars, others cost more. When looking to buy one, ensure that it suits your needs. Secondly, consider how your guitar has been constructed and what tone you want to achieve then find a pickup that gives you just that. Given that there are different types of Gibson pickups, reading a lot of reviews and watching some videos of your top picks before you make the final decision can go a long way in ensuring you get the right pickup as they’ll help give you clarity.
With that, we hope that our guide above acts as an excellent guide when you start searching for a pickup for your guitar whether you are buying a new one or are looking to upgrade.
Whether you perform on the streets or are in search of an amp that you can carry along with you as you travel for your on-stage performances, you don’t want to be carrying around a heavy amp in and out of planes, cars, and trains. But not to worry. Portable guitar amplifiers have been designed to enable you to take your guitar playing to the next level by letting you play at home, on the road or even at the beach.
Given the different shapes, sizes, flavors, and prices they come in, choosing the best portable guitar amplifier can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. But it’s not an impossible task. That said, we’ve reviewed some of the best portable guitar amplifiers that you can get in the market today. Read on to see our choices of the best amps in the market.
Roland as a brand have been known to create some of the best guitar amps that can be used for practice and home use. The Micro Cube GX is among the smallest amplifiers that is in the Cube series, and it is indeed an awesome device.
Although the Blackstar brand may not be as famous as other amplifier brands in the market, they still continue to produce some versatile portable amplifiers such as the Blackstar Amplifier Black FLY3. The amplifier is not only designed to produce the tone you want, but it’s also quite affordable.
Vox as a brand have been known for years to produce some of the best amps given their tone. And when it comes to the MINI3 G2 amplifier, they don’t disappoint.
If you ask most guitar players, Yamaha isn’t a brand that comes to mind immediately when talking about amplifiers even though it’s known for lots of other things. However, they have still managed to design one of the most powerful and versatile amplifiers available in the market.
The thing that makes the Roland CUBE street amp stand out is the size. This amplifier is designed for not just on the road use but for the street, stage and home use. And while you may enjoy all this versatile use, it doesn’t come cheap.
If you are looking for a brand of amplifiers that are on their own level, consider getting the Pignose 7-100 Legendary amplifier. They not only have a simple design, but they are also affordable and have been used by lots of famous guitar players around the globe.
There are lots of benefits of having a portable guitar amplifier. One of such benefits is the fact that you can go anywhere with your amp. So, if you are a guitar player who is constantly on the move and wants an amplifier that you can take wherever for your practice, stage or street performance, your best bet is to buy a portable amp.
Portable guitar amplifiers come in different sizes, shapes, flavors and the price point for each amp varies depending on the amp you are getting. Some are big and powerful making them suitable for performances while others are best suited for quieter practice. Given that there are different brands of guitar amps, the prices vary. While others are a bit more affordable, others are a bit expensive.
Besides, having one means that you don’t need to constantly suffer under the weight of your heavy and more expensive amplifier. Given that most of them use batteries and AC adapters, you also don’t have to worry about a power source to plug in your amplifier when you need to use it. When it comes to buying one, consider your budget and your playing needs before buying one.
Alongside humbuckers, single coil pickups are one of the two most popular pickups in the market today. As any guitarist will tell you the name on the guitar rarely has anything to do with the tunes that will be belted out of your guitar. Hardware such as pickups is what determines whether you will be belting out great tunes or absolute garbage. When trying to figure out which tone and sound work best for you, you will have to experiment quite a bit so that you can customize your headstock, or you could hire a pro to help you out.
Single coil pickups first came to our attention in the mid-1920s and were then referred to as Gibson’s P-90 single coil. However, their popularity exploded even further in 1954 thanks to Leo Fender, and the then Fender Stratocaster.
If the blues are your cup of tea, then the Fender Tex-Mex pickup is the perfect type of pickup that will have you feeling less blue. This pickup is quite nifty for any player especially but more particularly for players who are in the blues, metal, classic or hard rock genres of music. The bass tone on this is warm and, and it balances out the intense tone of the Stratocaster. At just under one hundred dollars, this fender features an Alnico V magnet that has been overwound to minimize the humming sound that plagues most single coil pickups. The magnets also give the pickup great dynamism and focus.
This is a pick up that I would not hesitate to recommend. The high definition pickup is fantastic for genres such as Jazz, metal and rock music mainly if it is a live stage concert/ presentation. The Alumitone Deathbar is ideal for extended guitars and can produce a forceful mid-range with an unparalleled output. It features an inductance of 50 Henries, 1320 peak frequency, chrome plates, and 5.0K resistance.
The Seymour Duncan is a different pickup in that it can function with both the single coil or humbucker device. The duality of this pickup facilities the musician’s ability to combine the fullness of a humbucker and the soulfulness of the single coil. The Seymour Duncan is one of the most unconventional pickups, but it is an excellent hardware to showcase a musician’s style of playing.
Featuring a unique winding of the coil and two thin blades, the Seymour Duncan 11205 is so aptly referred to by users as the best of both worlds.
As the name suggests, this is pick up was designed as a collaboration between Eric Johnson and Fender. For most guitarist, this collaboration is are a dream come true considering how revered Eric is at his skill.
The Fender Eric Johnson features three single coils in the package that are ideally meant to help you achieve the sweet melodic tone that is synonymous with Eric. Each pick up is uniquely crafted by the master himself to reproduce different and exclusive sounds. Constructed with Alnico III magnets the neck is utterly different from the middle which is reverse wound and reminiscent of the 1963 Stratocaster. You may not turn into an Eric overnight, but you sure will be belting out some great tunes.
Designed to be used in a unique four conductor wiring configuration alongside the DiMarzio Evolution Neck and bridge pickups, this pickup is exceptionally versatile with broad tones and an even wider range of sounds. The DiMarzio ISCV2 Evolution is great on guitars with a similar nature as the Ibanez which consists of a Humbucker- Single- Single system.
There is nothing red about the Lace Sensor Red pickup which is somewhat ironic given its name. The Lace Sensor was initially one of the single coil pickups used by Leo Fender in the mid-nineties. The Lace Sensor Red features a patented lace micro comb and an innovative filed barrier system that work in unison to achieve the vast tonal range synonymous with strong low ends and pristine trebles. It is one of the few single pick coils that has attained the ability to ensure that the background noise is silent. The Red as it is popularly known is perfect for the metal and rock genres of music. This pickup beautifully and effortlessly replicates earlier fender tones.
The little 59 is a powerful and responsive pickup that has been designed to function correctly as a bridge pickup. This is because as a bridge pickup, it accentuates the upper to mid-range frequencies to provide you with smooth, warm tones reminiscent of a humbucker pickup.
The construction of single coil pickup consists of magnets that have a really thin wire wrapped around them, and it is then placed between a top and bottom plate and finally placed inside a vinyl, plastic or metal bracket. It is the simple anatomy of the single coil pickup that gives it the crispy clear tone associated with it. There are quite a good number of musicians such as Jerry Donahue, Keith Richards, and Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan who have been known to use the single coil pickups.
However, you should be aware that it is not just the pickups that made these musicians. There are a few other elements such as their technique, their guitar of choice, amps, pedals, EQ controls and not forgetting the years of practice that went into making the mentioned musicians to be the household names that they are today. The most common designs of single coil pickups include; Telecaster design, Stratocaster design, and the Gibson P-90. When purchasing a single coil pickup, you should read reviews (such as this one), attend performances or exhibitions where you know you can hear the pickups in action, and even watch videos that will give you insights into the functionality of the pickup. What we are saying is do your research before making your purchase.
Finally, be sure to remember that single coil pickups develop hums overtime. It helps if this is something you are willing to accept and work with.
If you’ve been searching for the best acoustic guitar for your gigs or practice, then you’ve come to the right place. Guitars are a worthy investment especially when you are looking to get a guitar that costs more than 1000 dollars. When looking at guitars in the 2000-dollar range, you are basically talking of high-end guitars.
In this category, you will be paying more for rarity and prestige and not necessarily excellent features that add value to your playing. Still, there is no denying that between the price range of 1000 and 2000 dollars you will get value especially for those looking to upgrade or add to their collection of guitars.
So, if you are in search for a high-end guitar regardless of whether you are a pro or an entry level, below is our review of some of the best acoustic guitars under 2000 dollars that you can get for yourself or for a loved one as a gift.
The Taylor 314ce acoustic guitar is one of the most expensive guitars in our review and for a good reason given the features. Besides, seeing that it is a Taylor with a c, it means that it has a cutway.
The Taylor brand is well-known for making high-end guitars that although may retail at a high price, are worth every dime thanks to the features they come loaded with. And one Taylor brand that never ceases to create an impression is the Taylor 214ce DLX.
The Martin’s Performing Artist guitar acoustic series is a popular model when it comes to acoustic guitars. The Martin GPCPA4 has some great features that make it a darling among the majority of guitar players.
The Martin D-15M guitar offers the perfect balance between new and old. As such, this is the perfect guitar for anyone that is looking for both worlds as well as a much lighter guitar.
By now you must know that the Martin brand doesn’t play with the guitars it produces. And the Martin 000-15M not only boasts of some superb features but it also looks pretty classy just like other models from the Martin brand.
One thing that the Blueridge BR-163 guitar is known for is its history and that it has a story to tell. So, if you’re searching for a guitar with a rich history, consider getting the Blueridge BR-163. In addition, it is also part of the Blueridge Historic Series.
Most people are always on the fence on whether to get a high-end acoustic guitar or not given that you can choose to get one under 2000 dollars or even spend more than that. When it comes to how much you should spend, it all comes down to your own budget and preference. The prices of these guitars are determined by the type of materials used in designing them.
For instance, high-end guitars are made from high-end materials that are costly compared to the materials used to make low-end guitars. Stika spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and Koa are known to offer better sound quality compared to other materials and are mainly used in making high-end guitars. Besides, the materials, the craftsmanship that goes into a high-end guitar isn’t the same as the as that for low-end guitars.
For expensive guitars, there is a lot of detail and complexity that goes into the features which force companies to invest in their production. As such, you are guaranteed that your guitar will not only sound better but that it will last longer than the low-end guitars. That said, when you decide to buy a guitar that is under 2000 dollars, ensure you do your own research and factor in what you are looking for in a guitar and whether your choice can deliver that.
One of the key tools in any modern-day recording studio is a dynamic microphone. And there is a reason why. Dynamic microphones tend to be used for different recording purposes like recording vocals, cymbals, guitar amplifiers as well as percussive snare drums.
Simply put, dynamic microphones are the real deal should you need to switch from recording your vocals to recording different types of instruments as you won’t need to buy another microphone. This makes them a good investment as they are reliable and last longer as well. Given its versatile use, dynamic microphones rank high in the most sought-after products in the market.
There are quite a number of brands to choose from when looking to purchase one. Knowing how difficult it can be making a choice, we have reviewed some of the best dynamic microphones that you can consider buying for your recording studio.
Shure is a popular brand in the microphone space and is known to make quality headphones that will last you a lifetime. The Shure SM7B is for sure a good dynamic microphone given the numerous features it comes packed with.
The Audio-Technica ATR2100 cardioid dynamic microphone is the perfect purchase for anyone that is buying their first microphone and wants a microphone that is affordable without compromising on quality.
One feature that makes the Sennheiser e845 microphone stand out is the fact that it has undergone a few tweaks from its predecessor making it the perfect microphone for vocal performance.
AKG is a popular brand in the market and is well known for its range of dynamic microphones, quality headphones and different types of microphones that are suitable for different occasions.
Choosing a dynamic microphone shouldn’t be an uphill task especially if you know what you will need the microphone for. As discussed in our microphone reviews above, some microphones are perfect for recording vocals only, other for both instruments and vocals while others are ideal for live performances and not recordings.
In addition, consider the given polar pattern of the mic you are interested in. Do you want a mic with a cardioid pattern, super-cardioid pattern or hypercardioid pattern? Out of the three, a cardioid pattern is the best as it rejects any unwanted noise, especially during recordings. Pressure level, proximity effect are other factors that you should also bear in mind when making your choice.
As a guitarist, having an instrument you can travel with is a big advantage. It vanquishes boredom and makes deep-woods (or desert-island) singalongs possible. And you’re always ready when inspiration strikes—as it often does—away from home.
When choosing an acoustic travel guitar, you have to think of it in terms of trade-offs. You’re always sacrificing something in the name of reducing the body length from the standard 48 inches. Every travel guitar negotiates these trade-offs differently. Ultimately, your needs and preferences will determine which model is right for you. How light and portable does your guitar need to be? How loud? How cheap?
Below we’ll break down some of the most popular acoustic travel guitars available to help you make this difficult (but ultimately kinda fun) decision and save you from resorting to a ukelele.
The big selling point of the Ultra-Light Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar is a clever design that produces an incredibly portable instrument without compromising scale length (the distance between the nut and the bridge). If you’ve got a Les Paul at home, this guitar should offer a similar playing experience. (If you play a Stratocaster or Telecaster or full-scale acoustic, it’s still pretty darn close!) The frets are on the same scale, and the muscle memory you’ve developed playing on a full-scale guitar will do you just fine. By that same token, this guitar is not optimized for players with smaller hands, unlike many other travel guitars. If you’re of smaller stature or you’re buying for a child, there are other models that will give you that sweet spot between portability and playability.
The Ultra-Light is marketed as an acoustic-electric and comes with an acoustic-style under-saddle piezo pickup. But that said, it’s pretty quiet when not plugged in, so it’s not ideal for all situations. And if you’ve got to carry around an amplifier to be heard, that’s going to detract from its portability.
The Cordoba Mini M takes different approach to retaining a full-size feel in a travel guitar, this time for nylon-string players. With a traditional acoustic body shape, the Mini M sacrifices scale length to hold onto better projection. If you’re used to steel-string acoustics, bear in mind that the classical guitar is a different beast—the fingerboard is flatter, the strings are more widely spaced, and the neck shape is conducive to classical fretting-hand technique. Cordoba advertises the Mini M as appropriate for children just learning to play. And the shorter scale and smaller body size are definitely kid friendly. But the full-width fingerboard may frustrate some younger players trying to fret six-string chords.
If you’re looking for a travel guitar that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, you can always go with a 3/4 student model. They won’t be as stunningly portable as some of the more innovative designs, but they’ll sound and feel like a guitar. And kids can play them too. The Martin LXK2 “Little Martin” is one great option. The company skimps a bit on materials to create an affordable beginner instrument whose sturdiness you can still trust: a great sounding and feeling guitar that you won’t be afraid to take on the road and let the kids mess around with.
The GS Mini is Taylor’s take on the 3/4-size acoustic, a scaled-down version of its popular Grand Symphony guitar. This guitar is best for the player just looking for something a little less cumbersome and more child and small-hand friendly than a standard guitar and sounds unapologetically killer.
The Yamaha SLG200S is another silent “acoustic” travel guitar. That is to say, it’s extremely quiet when played unplugged, but emulates the feel and sound (when plugged in) of an acoustic. The shape allows you to set the guitar comfortably on your lap, and the upper bout comes on and off quickly, increasing its portability. The guitar’s onboard electronics include tone controls and allow you to blend a digitally modeled guitar sound (round, beefy) with the undersaddle piezo microphone (bright, brittle). It also comes with an onboard tuner and reverb and chorus effects.
If you love the sound of it (and many do), it could be pretty handy in a live setting. You can switch to an acoustic guitar for a couple songs without needing extra mics or a whole other rig. And because there’s no resonating chamber, you don’t have to worry about unwanted onstage feedback.
Ultimately, the SLG200 would really nail it for the player who needs a guitar on the road to practice or write songs silently with a realistic acoustic tone pumping through the headphones. It’s less ideal for the campfire singalong. The Yamaha SLG models have a rabid fan base, to be sure. Likely, anyone who wasn’t completely in love with it would be turned off by the price point.
The Martin backpacker is the classic, strum-a-few-chords-at-the-peak-of-the-mountain guitar. It’s much smaller and lighter than a regular guitar but the kid-friendly scale length is not terribly short. It’s shallow, and has a little bit of that “tuna box” sound, but projects surprisingly well. And it comes in both nylon and steel-string versions.
It’s best to play with a strap, as the body design does not allow the guitar sit naturally in your lap as you play.
Ukuleles, are somewhat different from the guitars that we know. They are more fun and lovely instruments. Because they are easy to learn, ukuleles have continued to gain popularity over the years. However, just like with any product that is saturated in the market, choosing a particular one that will suit your needs can be an uphill task.
But just like with any instrument purchase that you want to make, doing a bit of research can come in handy as it’ll allow you to buy a product that best suits your needs. Because we understand that it can be a challenge choosing the best tenor ukuleles regardless of whether you’re a professional or a novice, we’ve reviewed some of the best ukuleles that are available in the market today.
We hope that with our review, you will be able to find the best tenor ukulele to suit your needs.
The Martin is one of the most recognized brand globally for producing some of the best tenor ukuleles available in the market. It’s, therefore, no doubt that the Martin T1K Tenor Ukulele had to make it on our list.
The one thing that makes the Kala LA-T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele stand out besides its affordable price is that it’s sold with almost everything that you’d need a ukulele to have.
If you re a beginner and looking for a good ukulele at a fair price, you no doubt will be making the right decision by purchasing the Kala MK-T Makala Tenor Ukulele. While it has the same quality as the Kala KA-T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele, the features are a bit different.
What makes the Oscar Schmidt OU28T a good ukulele is that it is eight string which means that the strings are close together and have been tuned to different octaves.
There are plenty of instruments that fall within the tenor ukulele category. When it comes to choosing one, it all depends on your needs, level of experience as well as budget. However, before buying one, it’s important that educate yourself on the available tenor ukuleles available and which one meets your needs.
Besides online reviews, it’s also important that you do your own review or speak to ukulele players and get to hear what draws them to certain brands and not others. Even with the feedback, you shouldn’t consider that as a green light to get a particular ukulele but should ensure that your final buy decision for a ukulele suits your own unique needs.
Whether you are looking for a ukulele to see if you’ll enjoy playing it or are a professional that wants something to take on the road for your tours, there are different products listed above that you can consider. Ensure that you factor in the pros and cons before making that final decision.
A compressor pedal is a piece of gear that helps boost different sounds. A compressor pedal can help make a loud screeching sound quieter or make louder the sound of an acoustic strumming pattern. Compressor pedals are mainly used to reduce the sound range as well as make them subsist in the same space of sound range without distorting the original sound.
Compressor pedals are very important even though their role may seem simple. As a guitarist, having a guitar that can help you improve both your sound and performance can create a huge difference no matter whether it’s a new amplifier, strings or compressor pedal. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean that their impact won’t be felt as they help enhance your play using a little effort from you. In addition, they’re easy to set up and use which makes them a must have for most guitarists.
With that, let’s take a look at some of the best compressor pedals that you can get in the market today.
The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer compressor pedal even though affordable, doesn’t compromise on its purpose and you can be sure that it’ll be an excellent add-on to your arsenal of guitar equipment.
The TC Electronic HyperGravity Compressor stands out for being a multi-band compression and comes with the Tone Print technology.
Empress Effects is known for making advanced compressor pedals than some of the pedals we have reviewed in our list. While it might seem a bit pricey, it has a few features and functions that some pedals don’t have.
The MXR M102 Dyna Comp compressor pedal seems to be a darling among many of its users as it has numerous five-star reviews from owners on Amazon.
As mentioned, compressor pedals are designed to balance all your sounds, both quiet and loud. Because of this, a compressor pedal can dampen your play which is something that works for some players and not others. As such, not every artist will opt for a compressor pedal. Some artists can swear by it while others avoid it entirely. As such, it is a matter of preference which will also determine the pedal you end up buying.
That said, compressor pedals are very easy to use and come in different sizes, color, and design. Each pedal is designed in its own unique way, and that means that each pedal will produce a different sound depending on where you place them on a signal chain. Again, where to place the compressor pedal is a matter of individual choice as long as you are able to achieve the sound that you want.
USB microphones are growing in popularity each year, and while they may not yet have reached the level of replacing the XLR condenser microphones that are connected to an audio interface setup, there are various singers, vocalists, and podcasters who have switched to professionally using USB (Universal Serial Bus) microphones.
USB microphones are becoming more prominent given their ease of use which is a simple as plugging it into your computer, and then you start recording as it is powered by your computer. In addition, they’re easy to set up and are relatively affordable. When shopping for a USB microphone, one always has a use in mind. It could either be for live streaming games, creating a podcast or recording your vocals for paid for gigs and such.
However, it’s crucial to note that what works for a podcast may not work for say, a live streaming game. That is to say that all USB mics are not the same which can make choosing a perfect one for you a bit of an arduous task. Not to worry. That’s why we are here for you. Read on to see our review of some of the best USB microphones that you can consider when looking to buy one.
The Blue Raspberry USB microphone gives a clean, DSP-free signal coupled with a brightness that will attract lots of vocalists.
The Blue Snowball Ice USB microphone is one of the most affordable mics that you can get especially if you are on a tight budget.
Sennheiser has positioned itself as one of the best brands when it comes to the microphone business and has a wide range of microphones for its customers.
The Shure MV5 microphone is another well-priced USB microphone that delivers high-quality audio, an adjustable DSP as well as EQ settings via a companion app that is free.
Just like buying any other product, there are a couple of things that you have to bear in mind. For starters, the intended use for your microphone is quite important as it’ll enable you to choose a good USB microphone for that purpose. Your budget is also another determining factor. For those looking for cheaper options, there are still affordable microphones that you can easily get while those with money to spend can consider more high-end devices.
Remember that the preferred pickup pattern also matters given that there are three main pickup patterns. Whatever your preference, ensure that you read through the pros and cons so as to make the best decision with no regrets.
Condenser microphones are the best when looking for a microphone for recording music or any audio in a studio setup. This is because condenser microphones tend to be a lot more sensitive, give a great range and have the ability to capture the smallest nuance of an acoustic instrument or human voice. This makes them common in most studios regardless of the size globally.
While condenser microphones can also be used for live performances, they are too fragile and too complex unless they have been built for stage performances. A good condenser makes a big difference especially when you are recording as it can be the difference between a bad and excellent audio. If you are in the market shopping for a good condenser microphone, then you’ve come to the right place as we’re going to take you down our list of some of the best condenser microphones that you can get in the market today.
Audio-Technica is an established brand in the microphone space and has some range of good microphones that are also affordable and are packed with great features.
The AKG C214 condenser microphone is a favorite for many people given that it has a strong build and its price point means you get all the features that you need in such a pricey microphone.
This Neumann TLM 102 condenser microphone even though expensive, it is a high-end microphone that you can be sure is built to deliver just what you need.
Blue is another well-known brand when it comes to designing good microphones that are affordable and appeal to the masses.
There are plenty of condenser microphones that are available in the market today which makes choosing one somehow a hard task to accomplish easily. Still, with proper research and the right considerations put in place, you are able to invest in a good condenser microphone. Remember, not all condenser microphones serve the same purpose. While some do a good job of recording loud sounds and vocals, others don’t. So, choose wisely what suits your needs.
In today’s marketplace, there is no shortfall of audio interfaces that you can get readily available. Every week, it feels like there are new audio interfaces that are being designed and released into the market by the different manufacturers. In most budget studios, there is usually a high chance that all the audio needs rotate around a computer.
Regardless of whether you are using a powerful PC or a small MacBook, you are definitely going to want an audio recording device for your studio instruments and microphones. While shopping for an audio interface isn’t a hard task, knowing the right audio interface under $500 to purchase can be quite the task. That said, we have reviewed some of the best models that you can consider and may be well worth your time if you’re shopping for one of the best audio interfaces under $500.
Focusrite has dominated the audio interface market for long with their Scarlett series and have continued to manufacture high-quality audio interfaces that are suitable for home studio use. The Clarett 2Pre bus-powered device features an almost zero latency and has a powerful preamp that is able to deliver a transparent and clear sound.
The Clarett 2Pre audio interface is ideal for a passionate vocalist or guitar player as it can be a real game changer thanks to its numerous features. Another amazing asset that this interface boasts of is that it is a robust and attractive device that is compatible with all DAWs and platforms. It comes with a standard USB and USB Type-C cables that both connect to a Mac or PC.
In order to provide users with a precise and ideal signal path, it operates on 24-bit/192 kHz A-D and D-A transmission conversion. It is a high headroom instrument input that works well to record hot pickups without any distortion. It comes with a discrete headphone output that has a dedicated gain control, stereo pair and balanced jack output.
The Tascam UH-7000 USB interface is a 4-input and 4-output USB audio interface that comes with a boutique-style microphone preamp. It is built with for high-quality audio and low noise. This 4-input and 4-output audio interface can be used in a DAW production environment as well as AD/DA converter and as a standalone microphone preamp.
It has an inbuilt High Definition Instrumentation Architecture (HDIA) microphone preamps for high-quality audio and low noise. The distortion ration is said to be at about 0.0009% or less with the microphones performing at 117 dB and 128dBu EIN. The sound quality is high which is attributed to the careful attention paid when choosing the parts.
The UH-7000 audio interface has a powerful TCXO clock generator installed that has a precision of +/-1ppm. Its size adds to its ease of installation at a work desk or as a studio console. It has a high stability thanks to the chunky aluminum panels found on the front and sides of the interface’s body. A great add-on is the smooth tension aluminum input knobs that allow for precise level adjustments.
With a one-year free extended warranty, the Tascam UH-7000 audio interface and microphone preamp allows musicians, recording engineers and composers to create music in their private studios at a similar level as that achieved from professional studios.
The Apogee is the first ever studio quality audio interface and microphone designed for iPad and Mac. This device operates on a 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A transmission conversion. Users also get to enjoy a direct digital connection to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It has a complete input and output control that utilizes the Apogee’s Maestro iOS and Mac software and a low latency monitoring.
The inbuilt microphone is an omnidirectional condenser that comes with a mic stand adapter. The microphone produces an award-winning sound quality and is compatible with iOS or Mac devices that have Apple’s Final Cut, GarageBand, Logic and Core Audio-compliant applications. The microphone is also perfect for those who need to record while on the move.
It has an XLR input and breakout cable that gives ¼-inch as well as an external microphone input. The preamps offer a 62 dB of gain for microphones and a 45 dB of gain for any high-impedance instruments.
The Komplete Audio 6 from Native Instruments is a USB 2.0 digital audio interface that features a four analog input, four analog output, MIDI in/out for master keyboard and a digital stereo for lossless signal transmission input and output and a detailed software package that includes Traktor LE, Cubase LE, and Komplete Elements.
The Komplete Audio 6 interface gives a 24-bit/96 kHz operation and is compatible with PCs and Macs. Channels 1 and 2 found on this interface provide a balanced microphone, instruments and line inputs that have individual gain controls as well as a 48V phantom power for active DI boxes and condenser microphones. It is able to deliver transparent sound that is pristine thanks to the Cirrus Logic converters.
The chip technology used and driver build helps keep latency at a minimum. The Komplete 6 also has a mono switch and mono knob that provides direct monitoring for zero-latency when you are recording. For DJs who need to cue tracks, the headphone output that can be switched between outputs 1-2 or 3-4 comes in handy for them. In addition, DJs also get to enjoy the Traktor LE software that is designed to offer two playback decks that enable one to spin tracks from a hard drive.
When choosing an audio interface, it’s important to consider the features that are available and find one that suits your needs. For instance, it wouldn’t make sense to buy the Apogee ONE Audio Interface if you don’t have an iPad or Mac as it’ll be a waste of money unless you are willing to invest in Apple devices as well. Factor in the design, software, internal hardware as well as connectivity to your already existing devices.
If you are interested in a Les Paul standard guitar but can’t get one, you won’t go wrong with purchasing the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar. The mahogany build means it is durable while the rosewood fretboard is a great bonus. This guitar’s pickups and tune bridge are quite similar to those enjoyed on more expensive guitars making it an excellent buy for its price.
The guitar is also available in different finishes/colors, which means you get to enjoy a broader range of options and can choose one that suits your taste and preference. The different finishes include ebony, heritage cherry sunburst, and vintage sunburst. Overall, it gives a great sound and is suitable for beginners who are keen on playing metal or rock music.
It has two Epiphone pickups which give it a boost when handling distortion compared to other electric guitars available in the market. Although it is quite limited when it comes to certain subtle tones, the guitar is well balanced, easy to set up and quite affordable.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard electric guitar is one of the few guitars that has been designed to sound like an expensive Les Paul guitar. It has high-quality craftsmanship with complete controls that ensure you won’t struggle when using it to play your first song. This guitar has a perfect price point that makes it easy for any beginner to learn how to play it.
It produces excellent high-quality sounds of a wide range and is finely crafted. The rosewood fretboard and neck have a great feel which gives much ease to fast action play. The guitar is pretty much comfortable to play and quite affordable too. The aesthetics of the guitar and finish are well-crafted with the hardware solidly set in place.
The mahogany body ensures that this Epiphone Les Paul Standard has an amazing resonance. The guitar’s build enables it to hold tune nicely without any unwanted noise coupled with great pickups. This is a guitar that you will love as it is value for your money with great sound and quality build.
Since 1982, Squier has been to Fender what Epiphone is to Gibson—a chance to compete with cheap knock-offs of their models by creating their own budget versions. A “real” Fender guitar is usually manufactured in the USA, Japan or Mexico and offered at a range of price points. Squiers are manufactured in various Far East locations, and the budget price point comes from cheaper labor, cheaper woods and cheaper components. It’s not equal to most Fender-branded guitars, but if you find the right model, a Squier can deliver a lot of value while preserving the classic feel and tone of the real thing.
The Squier Affinity Series is a notch above the bargain-basement Bullet models, with better components and a bit more consistency from instrument to instrument. On the other hand, the bodies are a bit thinner and the necks are a bit narrower than standard. Some people like that. Some don’t.
This Squier electric guitar by Fender comes in a variety of options. To begin with, it comes in six different styles: Flamed Maple Top, HSS Strat, Hot Rails, Left-Handed Stratocaster, Stratocaster, and Telecaster. If black isn’t the color you love your guitar in, you don’t have to worry. This particular guitar comes in five different colors; amber sunburst, black, antique burst, vintage blonde, and candy apple red.
In addition to the styles and colors, it also comes in three different configurations namely Laurel Fretboard, Maple Fretboard, and Rosewood Fretboard. With all the various features, the Squier series offers the best value when it comes to instrument design available in the market today. It’s also an excellent choice for an upcoming musician which makes it ideal for beginners.
The authentic Stratocaster tone that is provided by this guitar is thanks to the three single-coil pickups that have made the Fender a household name for years. It has a Vintage-style bridge that offers a classic Strat shimmer. The most valuable feature is the modern C shaped neck that it has as it provides great comfort for any style of play. Seeing that Squier instruments are made by Fender, they contain the Fender DNA that makes them iconic.
The Fender Modern Player Tele Plus Electric guitar while packed with modern features is still able to deliver some classic sounds beautifully and is a great buy as it provides any newbie guitarist player with everything that they need. Fender is one of the few brands that provide a wide range of instruments for entry-level players.
This electric guitar is not only affordable but can also be used by both beginners and experienced players. It is also flexible which comes in handy especially for a new player. It has a neck that is smooth and comfortable, and you will have no issues sliding your fingers when playing technical solos or heavy tunes.
It is a bit heavy but not quite as heavy as other makes and has a glossy finish that is smooth, glass and very attractive. While it has a classic look, it can play both modern and classical tunes quite well. The three pickups allow you to play without any hassle and are quite versatile as you can get both the classic sound as well as a wide range of other tones. You can also easily jump from one music genre to the next.
For its price tag, this guitar offers far much value for any newbie or experienced player and is a great investment.
When it comes to the best guitars for beginners, Squier has made a name for itself in designing nothing but the best. The size and shape of this Squier electric guitar feels a lot like that of a Fender Strat and allows players to explore a wide variety of sounds from Punk Rock to Jazz thanks to the three single-coil pickups, master volume, two tone controls, and the five-way pickup selector switch.
The Synchronized tremolo gives you maximum playability using the different string gauges that can be adjusted through the truss rod and the saddles. It has a basswood material that gives it a lighter and softer feel. However, the guitar’s components don’t move as smoothly as those from an expensive guitar tend to do and may need to be replaced for enhanced use. Given the affordable price point, this shouldn’t be a big issue for most players.
It has a superb look that makes it looks similar to any standard Strat coupled with the sunburst finish that this guitar boasts of. While most people think that an affordable price tag means that the sound produced is poor, that isn’t the case for this Squier guitar. The sound is well-balanced and high-quality compared to guitars that are priced in the same range. Again, just like every other guitar in our review, this guitar is a great buy for beginners not just because of how affordable it is, but because of the features it possesses.
A lot of people get overly anxious and joyful when they want to teach yourself how to play any musical instrument. These emotions may be heightened when one also has to buy a guitar. Being a novice at buying and playing the guitar, you must consider some things before buying one. It’s important to ask yourself what the purpose of your guitar will be. Is it something you need just for learning how to play and will need to upgrade after some time when you start getting gigs, recording or have joined a band?
The answer to this question is fundamentally important as it’ll act as a guide on the best guitar to choose. Next, you need to consider your budget.
Regardless of what your budget is, you’ll always be able to find a guitar that suits you. Some models sell for $100 and can allow you to learn as well as play in your band or some professional gigs. However, within that range, there are lots of guitars that can also be garbage, so one needs to be extra careful when deciding.
As always, there is a huge difference between cheap and affordable, and it’s crucial that you do proper research before rushing to buy one. Sometimes, opting for an expensive guitar may be your best choice as it likely means reliability and durability. Information and recommendations from people who have researched or used the different guitars are also essential especially when you are looking for your first guitar.
To help you make a wise decision, we have reviewed some of the best electric guitars for beginners that are available in the market today. But before that, let’s look at some of the factors to consider when buying one.
It’s quite easy to learn how to play an electric guitar than it is for an acoustic guitar. The chords of an electric guitar are much easier to hold down seeing that it has a shorter neck width. Besides, the strings are much softer compared to those of an acoustic guitar. This makes them softer on your fingertips and the guitar easier to learn. That said, you also need to consider other things. Below are some factors to consider when choosing one.
There are three different guitar body types: solid body, semi-hollow body, and a hollow body. The main differentiating factor among all three is the way they are built and the amount of resonance produced by each. The solid guitar style is ideal for guitarists who are into fast and heavy music while the semi-hollow and hollow body styles work for those who love softer music such as country, blues or jazz. For beginners, it’s advisable to go for the solid body style, which is mostly made from solid wood, as it’s easier to handle in the different scenarios.
Under the solid body shape, there are four different styles namely single-cutaway, double-cutaway, V-shape and explorer shape. When it comes to the body shape, it is up to an individual to choose one that they find attractive.
Guitars are made from different materials which determine the tone and sustain that it can produce. The materials used range from poplar, alder, basswood, paulownia to pine, swamp ash and mahogany. All these have a different tonal capability. For instance, swamp ash offers a brighter sound, mahogany is warmer, while alder and basswood are well-balanced.
When it comes to the neck, there is no right or wrong choice as it all depends on your preference as an artist. As such, ensure you choose something that is comfortable and smooth to play especially as a beginner. The neck comes in different profiles and shapes.
Two main pickup types in a guitar are ideal for a beginner: single-coil pickup and the humbucker pickup. The single-coil pickup gives a sparkly and bright sound while the humbucker pickup offers less background noise as it ‘bucks’ the hum. Both pickups are ideal for certain types of music but can still play most if not all sounds.
There are guitars that you can describe as ‘cheap’ or ‘affordable’ or ‘expensive.’ As such, when it comes to choosing a guitar, something that every buyer needs to have in mind is their budget. While there are guitars that go for $100, there are also guitars that cost more than $1,000. In addition, who are you buying it for? This question will help determine the size of guitar that you choose.
Choosing an electric guitar for a beginner can be quite a task! With tons of brands out there, you would be stuck when deciding to purchase one.
Thus, the best bet you can make for a beginner is to get a starter pack. This is a set of instruments and accessories that come with the actual guitar that are meant to make the learning phase quite easy. The starter packs are also quite inexpensive when compared to getting a regular guitar and having to purchase the accessories separately.
Electric guitars require an electric amplifier to produce sound. Without an amplifier, the guitar is barely audible. Electric guitars have electromagnetic pickups that pick up the vibrations from the strings, converts them to electronic signals then sent to the amplifier, which produces the sound. Guitars with multiple pickups mounted on them allow you to create a wide range of sounds. These pickups have controls with which you can select the output from each pickup, or you can blend the sounds from the pickups creating a wide range of sounds from one guitar.
With their smaller build, electric guitars are physically easier to handle. They have smaller bodies, thinner necks, and lighter gauges than the acoustic counterparts. With an amplifier to pick up the sounds, the electric guitar, thus can effectively produce sound from light touches on the strings. This makes it much simpler for a novice.
Electric guitars also have softer strings, allowing you to practice barre chords as well as other playing techniques. Most electric guitars also come with a headphone output port, allowing you to practice your tunes while making no (external) sound. You can practice all you want without someone complaining about the noise. This can be very helpful when taking skype or online guitar lessons. Electric guitars also come with more sound effects compared to the acoustic guitar.
Electric guitars need amplifiers to project the sound. The amplifier can cost anything from $300 which can be quite costly for beginners. This is why most people get starter packs. Also, little knowledge of amplifiers and the guitar can give wrong tones. This can be frustrating to the beginner.
It’s critical for the learner to know which style of music they aspire to perform. For example, a learner who wishes to play heavy metal tunes should not get an acoustic guitar. Instead, a guitar with multiple pickups and the right kind of amplifier. Always ask this question before settling on a particular instrument.
With the right settings, electric guitars can produce sounds ranging from country sounds to rock, jazz, blues, heavy metal and other possible sounds. This is why it is considered the versatile guitar when compared to the acoustic. The learner, however, has to learn how to adjust the sound on the amplifier to achieve these different sounds. There are essential accessories that you will get with your starter pack. For example, you will get picks for strumming the strings, a tuner, extra strings, a case, an amplifier, cables to connect with the amplifier and headphones which will come in handy for quite practice.
As a beginner, choosing a guitar can be quite an uphill task. This is because one has little to no knowledge on guitars. However, online reviews can come in handy when you are looking to buy an electric guitar as a beginner. Ensure that you do proper research so that you don’t end up making the wrong choice.
There is no greater or rewarding experience than getting one of the best tube amplifiers. Why? This is because having one enables audiophiles to achieve the quality of music that they warrant. However, since there is a growing number of available tube amplifiers available in the market that can make choosing the best tube amplifier to become an arduous task.
As such, those interested in buying one are usually advised to do a proper research before making any purchase. This can easily be done through online searches to identify the best products that are reliable as well as reviews from past customers who have bought one. In addition, you can visit your nearest store and check out their features.
To assist you to narrow down the options available in the market, we have reviewed some of the best tube amplifiers that you can consider when looking to purchase one.
The Little Dot MK2 MKII 6J1 X 2 6N6 X 2 Headphone Amp Amplifier is one of the best tube amplifiers thanks to its lightweight which makes it portable as well as the design that is durable.
This product is designed to produce a sound that is more warmer and natural and is user-friendly which means it can be used by people who have zero experience in complex sound engineering. It is suitable for tube stereo amplifier enthusiasts thanks to its decent and functional design as well as the high-grade components that make it durable.
As mentioned, it is portable thanks to its lightweight which means that you can enjoy listening to quality music on the go. It comes with several user-friendly knobs and controls coupled with an RCA input jack which can be used with compatible audio sources. Another excellent feature of the Little Dot MK2 MKII 6J1 X 2 6N6 X 2 Headphone Amp Amplifier is that is can be used for long periods of time without over-heating.
It doesn’t have a warranty and is only eligible for shipping in some countries.
The Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is another popular tube amplifier available in the market today thanks to its small size that produces high-quality sounds and gives the performance that most audiophiles deserve.
The Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is designed to power almost all headphones that are high performance. It is also comes equipped with a 3.5 mm input and output jack. The compact design that makes it lightweight is one of the features that pulls most people to buy this device. Notwithstanding its small size, it has the capacity to generate high-fidelity sounds.
This tube amplifier has a gold-plated front where the large volume control knob is found as well as the 3.5 mm input and output jack. This device also comes with a large switch button at the back that lets you easily turn it on and off. But the most outstanding factor is that it is very affordable with all the numerous features it comes with.
It isn’t sold with a warranty and doesn’t have an independent control knob for the treble and bass.
The Bravo Audio Ocean Mini Valve Class A Tube Headphone Amplifier comes with a smaller dimension and is powerful enough and matches the performance given by the larger ones.
This product has a smaller dimension, is lightweight and produces high-quality sound. It has a simple design that is functional and straightforward and comes with an aluminum casing that quells heat allowing it to work longer houses without overheating. It is also compatible with some latest audio sources.
It comes with two input ports that allow it to connect to iPhone, iPod or laptop audio sources as well as three output ports that use a 3.5mm or a 6.35 mm RCA jack to connect. It’s also quite affordable compared to other tube amplifiers in our review.
Goes out of stock quite easily and doesn’t have any applicable warranty.
The Gemtune X-1 Class-A Integrated Tube Amplifier is one of the best selling tube amplifiers all thanks to the large number of features that it has.
The Gemtune X-1 Class-A Integrated Tube Amplifier is designed to produce exquisite music that is refined and is durable enabling it to handle the challenges that come with continuous use. It’s also designed to work efficiently with vocal cords and music and has the capacity to reduce the distortion of every played sound when used.
It is quite durable thanks to the high-grade materials used in designing it which makes it functional as well. The Gemtune X-1 Class-A Integrated Tube Amplifier is 100 percent handmade and is a single-ended amplifier.
This product comes equipped with a 5Z4P, 6N9P and tow EL34-B tubes that require an input voltage of 110V. In addition, the amplifier comes with a one-year warranty while the tubes come with a two-month warranty to guarantee 100 percent customer satisfaction.
This product is heavier compared to some of its competitors, it is relatively expensive, and availability is quite limited in the market forcing customers to wait until it becomes available again.
Although the market is saturated with different brands of tube amplifiers, it doesn’t have to be a difficult task when you need to choose one especially if you know what to look for. If you put into consideration factors like size, weight, available functions, and compatibility, you will be sure to end up with a tube amplifier that is suitable to your own individual needs.
The available functions is a tube amplifier will determine if the options it has are suitable for you. In addition, if you are looking for want a tube amplifier that you can move around with, then the size and weight is the fast thing you should consider.
One of the greatest creations by Leo Fender is the Fender Stratocaster which was in 1954, introduced to the world and happens to be on of the most stylish and most iconic versatile mass-produced guitar that has ever existed. It’s also commonly known to have been used by legends such as Eric Johnson. Eric Clapton, John Fruscinate, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix just to name a few.
However, none of those mentioned above guitarists would have been able to achieve the sweet, stimulating, chiming tones without owning a set of some amazing pickups on their ax. To help you choose the best Strat pickup, we have reviewed some of the best Stratocaster pickups that are available in the market today.
Our below review is ideal if you are looking to choose a Strat pickup that can roar but is also expressive and mellow at the same time.
One of the best and secure choices that you can make when it comes to buying a Strat pickup is the Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Strat pickups. Why? Because with is you get that classic, signature, staple, golden-era Fender Strat sound that most guitarists desire to recreate.
These three Hombres produce a sound that is not only warm and organic but fuzzy as well and is in a way, gain-driven. It gives out a natural sound that doesn’t have a hint of the modern digital vibe that tends to be too clean, too plastic or too perfect.
The tone from this Vintage ’65 Strat pickup is delivered through enamel-coated magnet wires as well as a set of Alnico 5 magnets that add more focus, are dynamic and authentically express every knack of your playing style. These Strat pickups are also wax-potted, feature a period-correct cloth wire with fiber bobbin construction and the staggered polepieces that balance volume and each string’s output.
With a one-year warranty and only weighing 5.8 ounces, this pickups have aged white pickup covers and comes from a company that is known to make the best Strat pickups.
Anyone looking to add some roar and bite in their sound should definitely consider getting these Seymour Duncan Strat pickups. They are not only well-rounded and versatile, but they will give any blues player the satisfaction they need if they are seeking a modern tone that is rooted in traditional values.
This set is designed to fit like a glove, and they operate quite well with the common Stratocaster-five-way pickup switch selector giving each position a distinctive color and character. The first position is suitable for blues-rock player and locks nicely in a warm rock-driven sound.
The second position leans more towards traditional blues but still carries with it the warmth that comes from the first position. The third position is crunch-driven and perfect for rock licks. Position four gives it clear-tone blues whereas position number five is thin and bright and perfect when combined with distortion.
While the California ‘50s set is ideal for blues, it’s not the only genre that it can suit. In fact, it’s not only the best Strat pickups, but it’s also best single-coil pickups in general from Seymour Duncan.
The Fender Tex-Mex Series are perfect for those seeking to save money but also a rich sound. And just because they are affordable doesn’t mean they compromise on quality. Far from it. This Tex-Mex series stands out with increased gain. Simply put, these Strat pickups are designed for blue rocks players than for fans looking for a clean sound.
It has a bright and warm tone and is designed for use with different guitar effects and pedals. They give out a very strong audio output that results in the increased gain which is still within the limits of normal blue sound. Although these pickups come in an aged white color finish, they are also available in different patterns which are bound to fit your guitar perfectly based on your choice and needs.
Its roar and bite can be nicely felt mid-range department making it the best fit for a Mexican Fender Strat. Of importance is that you don’t have to break the bank to get the sound you desire with this set.
There are lots of guitarists that want to sound as good as Eric Johnson. There is nothing wrong with that considering that Eric Johnson is among one of the greatest guitarists to have graced this earth. So if you want to sound like him, you most definitely can’t go wrong with the Fender Eric Johnson Strat pickups as they were designed in collaboration with him.
The set has three single-coils that give the sweet, melodic tone that Johnson is famous for. The three pickups each have their own eccentric sound. This is made possible by the differing constructions as the neck utilizes oversized Alnico III magnets while the middle, when used in position 2 or 4 is a reverse wound which cancels the hum.
Its bridge has an output that is quite hot than is usually expected by most people even though it keeps the desired sparkle.
When looking to buy a Stratocaster pickup, you need to ensure that the chosen pickup matches your style of the genre. You also need to choose a Strat pickup that is durable and worth the money you’ll invest in purchasing it. If you are a newbie or play the guitar for fun, consider buying an affordable device just to see how adequate it suits your needs before upgrading to the more expensive ones.
Also, consider your budget and needs. As mentioned, a Strat pickup should be selected based on your style hence it’s not a one-fit-all kind of instrument. Ensure you do a proper research and read various reviews and forums that discuss the best Stratocaster pickups that are ideal before spending your money on one that won’t work or worse off, won’t suit your needs.
Resonator guitars have been part of some of the greatest albums ever released. They also come in different shape and forms. You can opt to buy a metal or wooden one or choose a square or round neck. Of course, the design is up to you and what pleases you. When choosing a resonator guitar, it’s important that you make a wise choice as you don’t want to invest your money and then end up regretting it.
You first need to look at you needs and what sound you want to achieve as well as the style/genre of your music. While it may not be easy choosing one considering that the market is full of resonator guitars from different manufacturers all pushing why theirs is a much better option, choosing one doesn’t have to a tedious task.
As such, if you are struggling to pick the best resonator guitar, don’t sweat it. We have reviewed some of the best ones for you below.
The Recording Kind RM-991-S resonator guitar from Recording King is a tricone guitar which means it has three small aluminum cones that are connected by a T-shaped bridge that is aluminum. This guitar is perfect for a lap steel player that is interested in buying an instrument that has good style, sound, and quality.
The entire 25.5-inch body is made from nickel-plated bell brass that give it an attractive art-deco feel. It has a Honduran mahogany neck coupled with a padauk fretboard with 19 frets. This guitar is suitable for a beginner or intermediate guitarist. The 3 by 6 cones ensure that the player gets great playability.
The six continental cones help the guitar achieve an important sound transfer through its body. There are two cones on the bass side with one on the treble side which all work together to produce a high-quality sound that is both pleasing and warm. It also has a screen cover plate and a T-shape Bridge that have an ebony and maple saddle.
The bridge is linked to the cones at the center which gives room for vibrations to go through the saddle and into the bridge giving a unique tone.
The open sound well design found in the Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Round Neck Resonator Guitar helps make it one of the best resonators that you can get. This instrument is relatively affordable compared to other Hound Dog models that are more expensive. Besides, it gets the job done with no fuss. The overall body design of the guitar and the neck are marred by remarkable designs.
This guitar has a round neck that you can change for lap slide with the use of cheap nut extender considering there you can’t get a square neck version within this given price range. The sound produced by this guitar is a sweet high and growling low end.
This guitar has a solid build as well as a delicate balance and good sustain of range. While the guitar sounds better when played using the medium gauge strings, you can still achieve a deeper bass if you get heavier strings. It comes with Epiphone Hound Dog Grover tuners that can be used for proper tone adjustment coupled with a nickel-plated tailpiece.
The fingerboard of this guitar is made from rosewood, and the truss rod has a classy bell cover that is adjustable.
If you are a guitarist that fancies a tricone style body with authentic brass bell design, then you should get the Regal RC-55 Metal Body guitar. The plates of this guitar, made from nickel, produce a rich, authoritative and luster tone.
It also comes with a 9.5 inches spun aluminum build that integrates with a biscuit bridge to give a pleasing and warm voice with great carrying power. It has 12 frets found at the neck joint with an amazing Pearloid peghead overlay that adds to the ease of playing this instrument while giving it an excellent look and style build.
The mahogany neck is not only slim, but it is also perfect for traditional and bottleneck playing styles. If you want to get a precise and fast tuning, you can use the traditional 15:1 open back tuners. This is instrument has both a good finish and fit, is reliable and gives excellent performance. Due to its heaviness, it is ideal for use when sitting.
Gretsch is among the famous brands that is well-known and is reliable thanks to their high-end products. The Gretsch G9210 is an excellent resonator guitar that gives users an opportunity to enjoy and make use of a valuable and new tonal palette.
The guitar’s top is designed from a strong mahogany wood that is durable as well as the neck and body region. The wooden build makes the guitar last longer, and it also adds to the warm and rich sound. This is a great resonator that combines affordability and high sound quality as well as playability in order to achieve an amazing feat.
This guitar from Gretsch is perfect for both beginner and experienced players. The laminated mahogany neck coupled with a high bone nut has 19 frets. This is a simple instrument except for the pretty Pearloid headstock that adds some dash to the entire look. For its price, this guitar has excellent sound and a warmth and projection to it that is unique.
A resonator guitar is a worthy investment that can be passed down from one generation to the other. That means that you shouldn’t just buy any guitar because a friend has one like that. It’s very crucial to do your research and find one that suits your needs and is easy to use as well. Also, consider what type of neck you want, style and material used in building it. These are important factors that will help you make a good choice in the end.
A guitar capo is a must-have for any guitarist as it enables one to play different chords in different positions. A capo is a clamp-like device that is fastened over the strings of a guitar. Capos are used to raise the tuning of guitars by a selected amount and changing their open pitch. As such, a capo is one of the most useful accessories a guitarist can own.
The market is, however, saturated with lots of capos from different manufacturers and it can be difficult choosing the best guitar capo. Still, if you are looking to buy a guitar capo, it’s only good that you don’t go in blind. What does this mean? If you are still undecided about which capo is right for you, we have trawled the market on your behalf and bring you some of the best capos that most guitarists swear by.
The original guitar capo, Guitarx X3, happens to be one of the most highly-rated and popular capos found in the market today. And all, for a good reason.
This capo is designed from a lightweight metal – the aircraft grade zinc alloy and has a polished finish that makes it have a sleek look.
It gives a superb performance that ensures great intonation at all frets thanks to the high-quality silicone pad holding and the memory steel spring. This means that you never have concerns of falling out of tune.
Being the original capo, it is quite easy to move especially when you need to change between frets and is a good choice for your Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, Electric, and Acoustic guitars as well as Folk guitars.
Some users say it’s too heavy and tends to clamp down a little too hard.
Shubb capos are greatly loved as Shubb was one of the innovators in the capo industry. In fact, their capos are well-known among the first c-clamp capos that achieved the usability levels found in trigger style capos.
One of the greatest features that make the Shrubb 12 – String guitar capo a good buy is the variable tension mechanism. This mechanism helps lower any possibility of you needing to re-tune your guitar when using it. In addition, its style has been adopted widely thanks to its reliability and simplicity.
However, with this design, you need to be careful not to scratch the finish of the guitar’s neck when using this capo.
Among its drawbacks is that it requires the use of two hands because of its design which makes it difficult to move mid-set when compared to other trigger style capos.
Kyser capos tend to be everywhere thanks to their affordability and the fact that they can easily be found anywhere.
One thing that makes the Kyser capos stand out is their ease of use – a great quality that most guitarists will look for in a capo – and how much of a simple design they have. This particular Kyser device most definitely fits the bill.
You can easily use this capo with just one hand, and when you don’t need it, you can clamp or clip it on your headstock. This gives you a great advantage especially if you remove or place your capo several times throughout your practice session or performance. This Kyser capo is also ideal in applying even and firm pressure across your guitar’s strings.
The Kyser capo is easy to use and excellent and is a common accessory that most guitar players of all levels use.
The real drawback in this Kyser capo is that the tension can’t be adjusted which means that some users may find that it’s too firm especially if the strings of your guitar are lighter.
The D’Addario Planet Waves NS guitar capo is a c—clamp tension style capo that has been designed for use on guitars that have curved fretboards.
It’s quite easy to fasten on your guitar as you will need to slide it to the neck and then tighten the mechanism. Should you need to remove it, all you will need to do is loosen the thumbscrew.
This D’Addario Planet Waves NS capo lets you adjust the tension – unlike the Kyser capo reviewed above – it uses on the neck which means you don’t have to re-tune it when in use.
One of the disadvantages of using this capo is that it doesn’t have a quick-release mechanism. This means that you will take longer when removing this capo than you would with one that has a quick-release mechanism or a trigger-style capo.
The G7th 6-String Performance 2 capo is essentially the most intuitive capo that we have on our list.
If you need to tighten this capo, all you need to do is grip it and squeeze it. This trait eliminates the need to fidget with it so as to get a good tone. Releasing the capo is also easy as you will just have to push it against the release mechanism.
The two features above enable you to operate the G7th 6-String Performance 2 capo single-handedly. It also comes in three different variations – 6-string guitar, 7.25 inches Vintage radius and classical guitar. As such, it’s important that you choose the right model for your guitar when making a purchase.
With a lifetime warranty it means should it fail, you can replace it for free.
It is expensive compared to other capos, and there are reports from users that it doesn’t have enough tension when used on certain guitars.
As mentioned, the market is full of different types of capos from different brands. When buying one, remember to consider the type of capo. There are currently three main types of capos – trigger/spring-loaded, partial and c-clamp/variable tension. Each capo has its advantages and disadvantages so ensure that you research on each type of capo before making a purchase.
Tuning a guitar is a necessary skill for any guitar player. Considering that the guitar is made of wood, changes in temperature and humidity can affect your instrument, knocking it off tune. Even simple movements like taking the guitar out of its case may knock some tunes off the strings.
Tuning an electric guitar, surprisingly, is exactly similar to tuning an acoustic guitar. You will not need special equipment or accessories to get your electric guitar back to tune that are any different from those that are used to tune an acoustic guitar.
Tuning your guitar takes some practice. In fact, you are encouraged to tune it as soon as you take it out of the case to play it. The more you practice, the more better you get at it. Initially, you will need about five minutes, and as you get better, you can be tuning it in a record 30 seconds! Tuning your guitar as soon as you pick it up allows you to practice this skill.
For you to begin, you need a ‘reference pitch’ from another source. The pitch could be from a digital tuning application, a tuning fork or another instrument like a keyboard. When you tune your guitar without a reference pitch, it will sound fine on its own, but when accompanying another instrument, it will sound off key. You need the notes to sound the same as the other instruments otherwise you will play out of tune.
As any good guitar instructor will tell you, tuning your guitar is the first step to being a good player. Here are 6 steps to follow for a quick and easy tuning:
After tuning the strings, you can check it against a pre-recorded MP3 file that is in perfect tune. You can adjust the strings until they sound similar to the notes in the MP3 file.
When tuning individual strings, pluck each string individually and then turn the peg to match the correct pitch. When using an electric tuner, hold it close enough to your guitar, then pluck the string repeatedly while turning the tuning peg until the pitches match. If you don’t have a tuner, you can make use of tuning examples that you can find online on YouTube.
If the pitch is too high, you lower it by loosening it by the tuning peg. If the pitch is too low (flat), you tighten the strings by the tuning peg, and the pitch will get higher as the tension increases. Continue with the process until the pitch the string emits is similar to the reference pitch.
Most beginner guitarists are torn between getting an acoustic guitar or an electric one. While the core features are exactly alike, there are a few factors that a beginner can consider before making the purchase.
These factors surprisingly have very little to do with music, but a lot to do with the beginner acquiring the guitar, and the ease of mastering the instrument.
Acoustic guitars differ from their electric counterparts in that the electric guitars can be amplified.
Beginners are normally advised to start with an acoustic guitar given that they are much simpler compared to the electric counterparts. It’s noted that the ease of learning increases significantly with the acoustic guitar due to their simplicity. Electric guitars tend to look a bit complicated due to their switchboards, and a person new to guitars will have some difficulty adjusting to the switches.
As for learning notes, both guitars can work as the core features of both guitars are exactly similar. From tuning the strings to playing them, the methods are similar.
A key factor before investing in a guitar is the cost. As a beginner who is investing several hundreds of dollars for the most effective guitar to use, one needs to make sure that the price range makes sense considering you may still need to pay for guitar lessons and other related costs. A quick guide though – anything below $100 will not last, or will be tricky to learn with.
Acoustic guitars are budget-friendly, due to their simplicity and few accessories needed to get you started. You should go for a starter pack which comes with: a guitar and its case, a tuner, spare strings and guitar picks. Most reliable brands like Yamaha and Fender will offer a starter pack guitar for between $100 to $150. A starter pack is the most cost-effective ways to start your journey.
Electric guitars cost a lot more and require more accessories. As mentioned, a starter pack will help keep the cost within budget. A regular electric guitar set will require an amplifier, guitar lead, tuner and picks. A starter pack will have these items at a subsidized price. If you choose to go for regular electric guitars, be ready to spend up to $300 on an amplifier alone.
It can be unsettling to splurge such amounts for a guitar, but if the instrument is truly your passion, you should stick with your selections as they are worth the investment.
While acoustic guitars offer great tones, electric guitars come with the versatility of sounds. Due to the external amplifier, there is a huge window for sound expansion. Most amplifiers have a clean channel and a distortion channel, giving you more options for sound as compared to the acoustic guitar. You also have the choice of enhancing the sound by adding effect pedals to your system.
Acoustic guitars offer great tones on their own, as they sound lovely whether the tunes are soft or quite loud. You also don’t need an external amplifier to be heard. Thus, if you are in the open spaces and an inspiration strikes, you simply whip out your acoustic guitar and play – no need to go back to your studio and hook up with an amplifier.
Nothing else quite captures the very essence of rock and roll than the electric guitar. Since the genre first came to be, it was characterized by riffs made on this very instrument. Yet, as generations of musicians come and go, the music they produce grows and evolves.
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