Tube amp sag and preamp vs power amp distortion explained

9 COMMENTS

Many of the most celebrated guitar sounds in history have been those where a tube amp is being pushed to its limits. It’s that addictive tube-driven crunch that fuels our rock star dreams and inspires us to seek out the best gear possible in that never-ending quest for tone. But what causes our amps to […]

READ MORE

The best way to control your guitar’s volume onstage: the power soak

8 COMMENTS

It’s commonly accepted knowledge among guitarists that a full stack is too loud for most stages. These days, thanks to improved technology and PA systems, a smaller amp setup will do the job in almost any circumstance – except, perhaps, if you want to look cool. But even diminutive tube amps can be too loud […]

READ MORE

Your essential Rock on Stage gig gear checklist

8 COMMENTS

When everything comes together at a show, the sound is great and the crowd’s loving your skills, there’s no better feeling. But behind every great gig is a bunch of preparation. Your guitar and amp are delicate, sensitive objects that need looking after, and there’s plenty more little bits and pieces you’ll need to succeed […]

READ MORE

Building the perfect studio guitar amp

13 COMMENTS

If you could only use one amp for all your guitar recording fun from now on, what would it be, and what features would it have? That might sound like a tough question – stupid, even, given the huge number of options there are to choose from these days – but if most of us […]

READ MORE

What’s your home amp of choice?

53 COMMENTS

We get a lot of great feedback from you Blog Of Tone readers, and one theme seems to be recurring a lot at the moment: namely, that we guitarists want smaller, lower powered tube amps that we can crank at home to get those amazing tones at manageable levels. This, as usual, got us wondering […]

READ MORE

How to approach a gig as a stand-in guitarist

14 COMMENTS

It’s happened to many a guitar player at one time or another. You’re at home one Saturday afternoon, quietly minding your own business, when suddenly the phone goes. It’s your mate, and he’s in a bind: his band’s rhythm guitarist has had to cancel the gig, and they need a last-minute replacement. So, if you […]

READ MORE

Should you record your music at home or in a ‘proper’ studio?

16 COMMENTS

Technology has given us musicians the freedom to record our masterpieces from home, and for little money. With nothing more than a guitar, amp, microphone, computer and a few connectors, it’s possible to bring whole pieces of good quality music to life from the comfort of your bedroom. What’s more, this home recording lark is […]

READ MORE