I saw Primus in concert once, many years ago. It was at Ozzfest at the Gorge Amphitheater in Eastern Washington. At one point during their set, Les Claypool broke out an electric upright bass. I had never seen anything like it. These days, it is much more common to see different types of bass guitars in action, thanks to Youtube. There are even videos of Claypool … [Read more...] about Different Types Of Bass Guitars (Which Is Right For Your Style?)
Guitar Tips
Are EVH Guitars Good? (What You Need To Know)
Eddie Van Halen was one of the best guitarists to ever live. We all know that. But he was also a notorious tinkerer. He modified his guitars beyond recognition to get them to do what he needed and to coax the best possible sound out of them It only makes sense that he got his own brand of guitars. Of course, not every good idea pans out. Are EVH guitars good, or … [Read more...] about Are EVH Guitars Good? (What You Need To Know)
Ernie Ball Vs D’Addario Strings (Which Are Better For Your Needs?)
You can't avoid these names. If you have any contact to the guitar world, you've certainly heard of D'Addario and Ernie Ball. They are the two brands I see recommended the most. And you honestly can't go wrong with either. But there are some key differences between Ernie Ball vs D'Addario strings. And those differences mean that one brand is probably going to be … [Read more...] about Ernie Ball Vs D’Addario Strings (Which Are Better For Your Needs?)
P90 Pickup Vs Single Coil (Which One Is Better For You?)
Yes, I know. The P90 is actually a type of single coil pickup. In that sense, they are essentially the same. But there are many types of single coil pickups. And the P90 is quite distinct from the rest. What is the biggest difference that stands out when you compare the P90 pickup vs single coil? The biggest is in the sound it produces, and with it, the … [Read more...] about P90 Pickup Vs Single Coil (Which One Is Better For You?)
What Is Scale Length On A Guitar? (Everything You Need To Know)
When I was shopping for my first guitar, there was a lot to learn. Among many other things, I remember noticing all kinds of different scale lengths. But I had no idea what that actually meant. What is scale length on a guitar? And what effect does it have on sound and playability? In the end, I got a guitar with a scale length shorter than the norm. Not because I … [Read more...] about What Is Scale Length On A Guitar? (Everything You Need To Know)
Neck Pickup Vs Bridge Pickup (Differences And When To Use Each One)
Most guitars have at least two pickups. Some have three. Whether they have two or three, they all have one pickup that is closer to the neck and one that is closer to the bridge. But their location on the guitar is not the only thing that is different. In fact, their location is the reason for the most important difference between the neck pickup vs bridge … [Read more...] about Neck Pickup Vs Bridge Pickup (Differences And When To Use Each One)
P90 Pickups Vs Humbuckers (Which Is Better For You?)
For some reason, a lot of people think humbucking pickups and P90s are similar. But they are not. Comparing P90 pickups vs humbuckers reveals far more differences than similarities. In fact, the only real similarity is that they perform the same function. The way in which they perform is is completely different. For that reason, most guitarists are far better … [Read more...] about P90 Pickups Vs Humbuckers (Which Is Better For You?)
Are PRS Guitars Good? (Enough To Justify The High Price?)
Paul Reed Smith guitars are pricey. You've undoubtedly noticed that. You may also be aware of some of the famous guitarists who use and endorse PRS guitars. But are PRS guitars good enough to justify the high price and the hype? Or is it all just marketing? Keep reading to learn whether PRS guitars are actually any good, how good they are, and the things that … [Read more...] about Are PRS Guitars Good? (Enough To Justify The High Price?)
Coil Tap Vs Coil Split (Similar But Very Different)
Coil tapping and coil splitting can seem like the same thing. If you read about one and then read about the other later, it seems like you're reading about the same thing. But coil tap vs coil split are actually two very different things, despite some similarities. When you compare them directly, the differences become apparent. So let's do that. Keep reading for an … [Read more...] about Coil Tap Vs Coil Split (Similar But Very Different)
Why Are PRS Guitars So Expensive? (And Are They Worth The Money?)
Are you considering a Paul Reed Smith guitar? It's a great choice. But not a cheap one. As you've clearly noticed, PRS guitars are quite expensive. Even their "entry-level" models cost well above $500 and their "professional" models cost several thousand. Why are PRS guitars so expensive and are they worth the high cost? Keep reading to find out. We will cover … [Read more...] about Why Are PRS Guitars So Expensive? (And Are They Worth The Money?)