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Malaysia's Masters of DIY Home Recording: Two veteran DIY-yers come to mind when the talk drifts to home multi-track users in Malaysia – RS and Alex Peters.
Roland's SP-404 portable sampler: Picking up where Roland's SP-303 sampler left off, the new SP-404 offers more features, more voices, more pads, and more memory.
BOSS RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor: Employing COSM-modeling technology, the RT-20 reproduces classic rotary-speaker sounds, and beyond.
Casio Privia PX-300: This digital piano is less toy and more player's joy.
Korg Legacy Collection: Really does sound like the original instruments � except better in some ways.
DSI Poly Evolver: Really fresh, try-finding-�em-elsewhere sounds from an analogue/digital hybrid synth module.
Korg microKontrol: The microKontrol packs a wealth of control options into a very small space.
Korg D32XD & D16XD: Top-of-the-heap performers or repackaged multitrackers?
Glowing Blue Baby: All hail the arrival of the new Electribe, the EMX-1.
TableHooters: Exploring the world of small home keyboards and electronic sound toys.
Groove Thang: Roger Linn Design�s new AdrenaLinn is a multipurpose guitar effects processor unlike any yet seen or heard.
Send in the Clones: Line 6 DL4 and MM4 Stomp Box Modelerspedals will render a trunk full of vintage stomp boxes obsolete.
Peavey 258 EFX Combo: Based on Peavey�s successful TransTube emulation circuitry, the 258 EFX is an affordable ankle-biter with a rack-load of tones.
Model Citizens: Korg�s ToneWorks AX100G and DigiTech�s RP2000 are the latest modeling effects processors to offer the 'Can�t Believe It�s Not Plexi� taste challenge.
Kit Cat: Combining a powerful programmable drum machine with a built-in bass sequencer, the Zoom RhythmTrak RT-323 is designed to deliver superior backing for recording, practice and live performance.
A Stable Platform for Home Recording: Given the impressive recording setup that now forms Cam Nisbet 's home studio, it's perhaps surprising that his interest in recording technology only dates from the mid-'90s.
CDXtract 4: CDXtract 4 is a handy cross-platform utility for extracting and converting sample data from CD-ROMs.
Palm Studio: Who wants a studio in a box when you could have a studio in your pocket?
DigiTech GNX3: DigiTech has already laid down the multi-effects gauntlet with its GeNetX range, but the GNX3 goes a step further with its 8-track digital recorder.
Engl Powerball 100: A hot sounding, cool-looking new super-amp from Germany that could have you bouncing with joy when you hear it.
Tanglewood TW0SJCE & TW28STOHG: A pair of typically value-conscious new acoustics from Tanglewood featuring some vibrant looking ovangkol bodywork.
Visual Sound H20: From overdrive experts Visual Sound, this 'liquid chorus and echo' pedal offers enough sounds for even the fussiest player.
Cheep Thrills, British Steals: Marshall introduces four affordable stomp boxes with bulletproof metal casings and tone-friendly true-bypass circuitry.
Tacoma CKK9C: A little bit of koa heaven from Tacoma's innovatively designed Chief Series.
Snarl Midgets: Who says heavy-duty sounds only come in big, expensive packages? Three solid-state challengers prove size isn�t everything.
Mobile Forces Three portable amps with earth-moving output.
Peace Together: Lexicon MPX G2 Guitar Effects Processor and MPX R1 MIDI Remote Controller.
Roland XV-5080 Multitimbral Synth Module: Roland's new flagship synth module boasts 128-voice polyphony, 32 multitimbral parts, and the ability to load Roland, Akai, and WAV/AIFF sample data via SCSI.
Electronic Musician 2002 Editors Choice: The gear guys pick their favorite gizmos and gadgets.
PC Reverb Plug-ins: Choosing the right processor is essential for computer-based musicians relying on native processing.
Say Hello to Xserve: There has been an exciting Apple product announcement almost every month this year, but the new Apple 1U rackmount server may be the most exciting yet, especially for touring musicians and studio installations.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Even though it is a very real business issue packed with emotion, the blow of breaking up an act can be softened somewhat with some planning and communication between the parties.
CPU Recycling: Although your old computer may not have much resale value, it's far from worthless. With a little effort, planning, and maybe a small cash investment, you can still find plenty of uses for your aging computer.
LINE 6 Studio Modelers: The kind folks at Line 6 have applied their modeling brains to the task of rendering vintage filter, modulation and delay effects (as well as a few new ones), providing you with the latest in rackmount wizardry.
Alesis AirSynth: Step up to the orange rectangular device and wave your hand over it. A whooshy, almost alien sound wafts through the air.
SM Pro Audio FX01 Prism: A new company adds another affordable effects unit to the market.
It's the Music, Mac!:While Steve Jobs' recent Macworld keynote received a mixed reaction, there were significant demos for musicians.
Music As Software: According to Oval's Markus Popp, traditional definitions and categories are inadequate when it comes to evaluating electronic music.
Stabilising Your PC: The issue of CPU 'spikes' which have been causing problems for Pentium 4 users with particular music software and what can be done to overcome it.
Alesis CLX440 Compressor/Expander Limiter: Although it features a familiar analogue-style control interface, the CLX440 has a digital interior.
A Cobra That Doesn't Hiss: While streaming digital audio via network cables isn't as easy as you'd think, there are some interesting developments in this area that could change the way we connect our studios in the future.
Buzz Audio MIA 1.0 Musical Instrument Adaptor: This is clearly a DI box designed by people who were a little underwhelmed by many of the existing off-the-shelf solutions.
Speedy Music: As Intel and AMD continue to push the clock speeds and architectures of PC processors, music software developers are taking advantage of the optimizations possible
Go West: Singaporean singer-songwriter Phoenix J works from her home studio in Ross-on-Wye, which is situated in a soundproofed wooden building at the end of the garden.
Steinberg
Cubase SX - PC: SX is a powerful piece of software that anyone interested in MIDI or audio production should take a serious look at.
Korg PXR4 Pandora Digital Multitrack: The new PXR4 packs serious recording power into a compact, ultra-portable package.
Korg D12: Digital multi-track recording has just got better and cheaper.
MTD Kingston K5 RW & KMJ4 MG: Any bass designed and produced by Michael Tobias is bound to be something special.
Eventide Eclipse: A concession to the project studio market, the Eclipse is a sleek looking but nonetheless powerful box of tricks.
BOSS PW-10 V-Wah: With distortion, modulation, and noise-reduction effects, this stompbox is like getting the wah sounds for free.
BOSS SP-505: More than just a phrase sampler, the SP-505 approaches the power of a high-end sampling drum machine.
Blind Willie McTell and Other Seminal Atlanta
12-Stringers: During the Roaring '20s, Atlanta, Georgia, was home to a thriving community of blues guitarists whose styles were as distinctive as their counterparts' in Mississippi, Memphis, and Chicago.
The Mayallman's Back: British blues veteran John Mayall talks about his new album.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR REVIEWS
The Slide Zone: Some cool axes for bottleneckers and bluesbreakers.
Acoustic Guitars from NAMM 2000: Small trends that began in the early '90s are now pushing builders to develop new designs in the acoustic realm.
Acoustic Renaissance: Some of the finest, high-end acoustic builders have now put their energies into refining proven models.
It's the Wood, Stupid: Four new bargain-priced acoustics -- Martin D-15, Tacoma Chief, Larriv�e D-03 & Seagull Grand -- forgo flashy cosmetics in favor of quality woods and workmanship.
Taylor K-12 & W10-CE: With these beauties, Taylor allows you to indulge yourself in the world of 'large price tag equals drool-worthiness'.
Three Top-Line Japanese Acoustics: The Japanese-made Alvarez-Yairi FY-200, Takamine F-360SS-MT, and Yamaha LS-500 are top-of-the-line, handbuilt acoustics that offer pro-level tones, playability and workmanship.
Yamaha APX5A-12: This 12-string offers the kind of painless accessibility electric players will savor on an instrument that remains true to its folk-acoustic roots.
BASS AMP REVIEWS
Ashdown ABM-210-500 Bass Amp: A small portable amp that offers big, beefy tones without mud, and clear, clean highs without being brittle.
Fender Bassman Heads & Cabs: The newest Bassman amps are feature-loaded to equip working pros with the tools to get the job done in any situation.
Peavey BAM Bass Head: Driving 500 Watts at 2 Ohms, the BAM head delivers bass, mid-range, and high tone controls with mid shift.
BASS GUITAR REVIEWS
MTD Kingston K5 RW & KMJ4 MG: Any bass designed and produced by Michael Tobias is bound to be something special, but just what exactly does the Kingston range offer?
Fender Standard Precision Bass: Despite its modest cosmetics, this is an ideal instrument for those who are just getting started or on a budget.
Michael Kelly's Limited Edition Acoustic Bass: The Quilt Custom 2 features a quilt maple body, vine style inlay made from pearl, and abalone along the full length of the fingerboard.
Steinberger Spirit XT-25: It does look different, due to the headless design and small body. However, it's a very good design from a practical standpoint.
CLASSIC SYNTHESIZERS
The Yamaha DX1 & Its Spawn: A chronicle of FM's finest hour, and the heyday of what was perhaps the most successful family of synthesizers ever developed.
Yamaha GS1 & DX1: Although FM synthesis has its roots in the '60s, the instruments that popularized it were to dominate the synth scene of the '80s.
DRUM/PERCUSSION REVIEWS
Paul Wertico's Drum Kit: Equipment info for the Pat Metheny Group skinsman's live set-up.
Yamaha DTXpress Drum Kit: If your looking for a great electronic kit for not too much money, this should definitely be at the top of your list.
EFFECTS/PEDALBOARD REVIEWS
Tones on the Table: Billed as 'the ultimate guitar direct box', the Line 6 POD module emulates the sounds of 26 tube amplifiers.
Dual Personalities: These DSP-based these multitasking marvels from ART, Peavey, and Rocktron combine onboard digital-signal processing and tube (or tube emulation) preamp stages.
Custom Effects in a Box: Designed to be used with a guitar amp or as a stand-alone preamp/ processor, the Lexicon MPX G2 offers 're-creations' of classic effects boxes.
Firepower Meets Flexibility: Effects companies have maximized the power of digital and analog technology in an effort to give players more tonal and interfacing options for stage and studio.
User-Friendly Floor Show: The compact, easy-to-use RP100 features amp, pickup, cabinet, and mic modeling, 30 drum loops, and variety of effects.
DigiTech GNX1: Offering 15 amp models, eight cabinet simulations, and a chunk of other goodies, this pedalboard lets you build 'hybrid' amps.
Fishman PRO-EQ Platinum Bass: Feel like getting throaty and down in the depths? Then give yourself an extra boost with a Fishman's friend.
Line 6 Pod Pro: A rackmountable, more flexible big brother to the wildly successful Line 6 Pod digital amp modeler/effects processor.
Pedal to the Metal: Three programmable multi-effects pedalboards -- Boss GT-5, DigiTech RM20 & Zoom Super Player 8080 -- that offer substantial realtime parameter control, a variety of speaker simulators and deep editing.
Yamaha AG Stomp: The ideal multi-effects pedalboard for acoustic six-string specialists looking for a rich treasury of tones.
ELECTRIC GUITAR REVIEWS
A Little Piece of Jimi: The U.S.-made Fender VooDoo Strat offers the reversed neck and pickup configuration usually associated with Hendrix's CBS-era Strats.
Blues Solidbodies: If your bag is backwoods electric blues, these tasty treats from Gibson, Guild, PRS, and Terry C. McInturff deserve your attention.
Guitar Teacher: The Optek Music Systems SmartLIGHT features a solidly built guitar with dozens of LEDs imbedded in the fretboard.
Great Gibsons: The Les Paul Historic '58 Figuretop and Les Paul DC Standard offer vintage tones at worldly prices.
Fingertip FX: The Danelectro Innuendo looks cool, plays well, and features built-in chorus, distortion, echo, and tremolo.
Flyweight: The Parker Fly Concert, a lightweight acoustic-electric solidbody constructed from wood and carbon and glass fiber, offers superb sound, playability, and feedback resistance.
Class Reunion: As part of its American Vintage Series, Fender has reissued several of its �62 models, including the Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Custom Telecaster.
Killer Queen: The Burns Brian May Signature Model can produce all the familiar Queen sounds and help your create your own voice.
Vox Redux: Vox reintroduces some of the most striking solidbody designs (Mark III, Mark VI & Mini XII) of the '60s.
Four Ferocious Fenders: The American Deluxe Telecaster, American Deluxe Telecaster, Tele-Sonic & Deluxe Nashville Tele offer new spins on the Telecaster.
Surf Survivors: The U.S.-made Fender Jazzmaster ($1,750) and Jaguar ($1,800) are perfect replicas of the original pre-CBS models.
The Power of 7: The Brian Moore i9.7 and Ibanez RG7420 7-string solidbodies offer custom-shop appointments at production-model prices.
Super Solids: The Dean Tonic S, Fernandes Revolver Pro Sustainer, and Yamaha RGX420S Drop 6 are low-cost performers boasting a unique look, infinite sustain, or earthshaking rumble.
Cheap Chic -- Budget Guitars for Hipsters: These budget solidbodies from Danelectro, DeArmond, Epiphone, Godin, and Musicvox deliver maximum retro impact at surprisingly low prices.
Fender Paisley & Blue Flower Teles: Even if you see these instruments as tasteless abominations, they deserve high marks for build, playability, tone and value.
Five Affordable 7-Strings: The Carvin DC-747, Danelectro Mod 7, DeArmond S-67, ESP F-207, and Schecter C-7+ have much to offer players eager to explore the electric guitar's nether regions.
Italia Maranello PV & Rimini 12-String: Designed in the UK, made in Korea, Italia's cool-looking electrics are suddenly becoming rather hip.
Maverick X D-Tox & Chaos 1: The Brit-designed Maverick stable offers two more nu-metal guitars with aggressive points and sumptuous curves that never compromise playability.
PRS Santana SE: The low-cost PRS Santana SE offers the sleek playability, sturdy tones, and sexy lines that have made PRS famous.
PRS Santana SE V.2: The SE is no longer just an affordable -- some might say spurious -- way to buy into the PRS legacy; it has evolved into a great guitar in its own right.
Six New Slimline Hollowbodies: Six semi-hollowbody guitars -- DeArmond Starfire Special, Epiphone Dot, Gibson ES-446S, Hamer Newport, Tommy's Modern & Yamaha AEX 502 -- that offer a wide range of tones at prices to fit every pocketbook.
Solidbody Tone Secrets: A headstock-to-endpin guide to buying the right guitar.
Yamaha SGV800 & SGV300: The SGV800 and SGV300 revive the look of Yamaha's mid-'60s SG series, but with modern hardware and pickups.
GUITAR AMP REVIEWS
Combo Plate: These multichannel, EL34-equipped, 100-watt 2x12 combos from Egnater and Marshall offer impressive tonal range and more than enough power for any stage situation.
Blues Cruiser: The Speedster Deluxe, a 25-watt, single-channel tube amp with reverb, features a front-panel bias control and an analog meter that allows you to fine-tune the amp's response to your playing style.
From the Testosterone Zone: Two half-stack packages from Ampeg and Marshall that deliver big-amp muscle tone and combo-quality clean colors.
New Dogs, Old Tricks: The Kendrick Black Gold 35
and Groove Tubes Soul-o 45 offer tweed-flavored tones and outstanding headroom and articulation.
Tonal Consciousness: With its proprietary Dynamic Sector Modeling, the Hughes & Kettner zenTera represents a quantum leap in the world of digital amps.
Mesa Engineering F-50: It isn't cheap, but it's one of Mesa's most affordable amps with no compromise on tone or build quality.
Tiny Terrors: Three toneful combos -- Fender Pro Junior, Gibson GA-15,
& Orange AD1510 -- offer stripped-down features and superb portability.
Alnico Taste Test: 15 12" speakers go cone to cone.
Practice Mates: 11 mini-amps go grille-to-grille in this shootout.
Acoustical Energy: New acoustic amps from Fender,
High Cliff, SWR, and Trace Elliot address the problems of feedback and the harsh high-end response of piezo pickups.
Digital Dynasty: Five digital amps -- Crate's DX-212, Johnson's JT50, Line 6's Spider 112, Rocktron's RepliTone, and Yamaha's DG80-112 -- represent the cutting edge of tube-modeling technology.
Combo Carnival: The Spirit Studio Pro, Tone King Comet 20, and Traynor Custom Valve 40 are straightforward tube combos that run the gamut of power, features, and affordability.
Carr Hammerhead and
Kingsley Deluxe 30: Two different spins on class A tube amp design, these are high-end, low-wattage amps that feature hand wiring, top-quality components, and several unique features.
Fender Cyber-Twin: A bold step for Fender with a modeling amp that offers almost limitless parameter combinations, comprehensive MIDI spec, and digital implementation that's very well handled.
Fender Pro Reverb: This is yet another basically fine amp that continues the Pro Tube reputation for versatility.
Marshall Valvestate 2000 AVT150: This 100-watt AVT150 tube/solid-state hybrid combo delivers exceptional tube realism and features an acoustic simulator channel and onboard DSP effects.
Yamaha DG60FX-112: The best thing about this amp is the way it responds to your guitar's volume control and playing attack -- some other modeling amps, seem to output the same feel regardless of what's happening with your guitar.
HOME RECORDING STUDIOS
Akai DPS16 Digital Audio Workstation: Housed in a plastic case with a champagne finish and bright red endbells (the fashion police are on their way), the DPS16 looks straightforward.
Roland VS-2480: What sets the VS-2480 apart from previous incarnations is its sheer abundance of features, including 24 tracks with 16 virtual tracks each, 64 channels at mixdown, 17 motorized faders, and 24-bit recording at rates as high as 96 kHz.
The US$6000 Portable Digital Studio: A versatile studio built around a portable digital studio and synth workstation that will greatly enhance imaginative possibilities.
Suite and Loaded: The Zoom MRS-1044 Multitrack Recording Studio reflects a growing trend in workstations, wherein a relatively complete production suite is packaged into a single compact unit.
Getting Started in Digital Recording: All you need to know about rigging your own hard disk recording set-up at home.
AW4416 Digital Audio Workstation: The new AW4416 packs a recording studio, digital editor, mastering suite, and CD burner into a package small enough to fit right on your desktop.
Yamaha AW2816: Aimed specifically at the home studio market and designed for the MIDI-savvy musician, the AW2816 offers an impressive package for the budget-conscious recordist.
Yamaha AW4416 Digital Audio Workstation: The AW4416 is one serious machine. It could easily find a home in a variety of pro studios, either as a primary or secondary recorder.
Power With a Price: With the AW4416, you can literally record a radio-ready CD with a few microphones and a set of headphones.
Yamaha AW2816 Digital Audio Workstation: Minor gripes aside, the AW2816 is a very impressive achievement. It boasts much of the power of the pricier AW4416, and has refinements in its user interface to boot.
Tracks to the Max: With a little planning, you can break away from linear tape deck thinking and unlock the true potential of the Korg D-series recorders.
Creative Applications of Bouncing: The D-Series recorders offer an extensive and flexible selection of recording, mixing, and editing tools.
Mastering with the Korg D1600: Some useful tips for Korg's digital recording studio users.
Hard & Soul: The Mackie HDR24/96 24-Track Hard-Disk Multitrack Recorder is one of a new breed of machine that combine the best of computer-based andself-contained workstation.
16-Track Mind: While it may be billed as a digital recording studio, the D16 is in fact a total workstation that includes a rhythm machine, amp modeling technology and multieffects, in addition to digital recording.
Tracking Hound:
Looking at the latest 788 Portastudio it�s hard to imagine how people got so excited about four tracks of problematic analog.
CDX-1 Multitrack Recorder with CD Burner: The CDX-1 is a totally new type of workstation: part digital multitrack recorder, part phrase sampler, part CD burner.
PROFILES/INTERVIEWS
Page of Classic Rock Wisdom: Jimmy Page talks about his Yardbirds days, favorite axes, Led Zep's first four albums, and the science of microphone placement.
Filtered Sounds: Filter axemen Gene Lenardo and Richard Patrick use their contrasting approaches to push the creativity envelope.
Flavor Blenders: Collective Soul makes a strong case why a classic rock vibe and modern production values should coexist.
Tex Max: Many people predicted that Doyle Bramhall IIwould step into Stevie Ray Vaughan's shoes and become the next Texas blues king. But the widely in-demand Strat cat had no such desire.
Feast of Tones: Big Wreck's sophomore effort 'The Pleasure and the Greed' has more guitar by guitarist/singer/songwriter Ian Thornley than what many people record in a lifetime.
Sir Paul's Riff Roots: Before he had money, fame, or even a decent guitar, Paul McCartney was digging everyone from Chuck Berry and Little Richard to Elvis Presley and Fats Domino, tapping into rock and roll to inspire his budding writing, singing, and playing abilities.
Ozzy's Late Fretboard Magician: Family, friends, and fellow musicians remember Randy Rhoads (1956-1982).
Heavy Hitter: The Cult's Billy Duffy discusses doomy riffage and the importance of sounding original.
Mysterious Ways: Tool guitarist Adam Jones is a tireless genre-crosser.
From Harmolodics to Heavy Metal: High-wattage screamer Vernon Reid has a secret ambition -- to master fingerstyle ragtime guitar.
Passion and Purpose: Six albums down the road and after 20 years together, Tuck & Patti are still going strong.
The V Zone: Steve Vai, the poster boy for '80s shred excess, grows up.
Smashing the Sound Barrier: Counting Crows' 'This Desert Life' is a bona fide guitar tonefest, thanks to the efforts of David Bryson and Dan Vickrey.
Mystic Notes: Carlos Santana on spirit guides,
rainbow music and passionate guitar.
Eclectic Shredder: Joe Satriani shuns mics and cabinets and records 'Engines of Creation' direct to disc.
EC Was Here: The Eric Clapton story.
Wicked Genius: Without Frank Zappa, where would popular music be?
Staccato Stylist: Albert Lee defines the state of country-rock guitar.
Lovable Rock Scoundrels: Throughout tabloid travails, Noel Gallagher keeps Oasis rock solid.
Schizo Pop: With two new albums, 'Beautiful Creature' and 'Total System Failure', Juliana Hatfield offers two contrasting musical statements.
Raw Tones: Eric Johnson cuts loose on a rockin' live album.
Morse Code: Steve Morse shows you the way to flash-play.
Hookerblues: 'Ain't a lot of chords to it/It's just a big beat/And I sound just like a whole band/Now you dig it, and dig my feets'.
Elton's Studio Boss: Best known for his collaborations with Elton John, Gus Dudgeon is one of the most successful British record producers ever.
Larry & Steve's Spontaneous Combustion: In the late '90s, Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather set out on an intense three-week tour of Japan, playing two shows per night, six nights a week.
Legends of the Paul: The Gibson Les Paul can sing like an angel or invoke Thor's mighty thunder. Here are the 13 players who defined its classic sound.
Jeff Beck Rages into the Millennium: Though his output has been frustratingly meager, Jeff Beck never fails to deliver the goods everytime he reluctantly releases a new album.
Night Tripper: Though Dr. John found some degree of commercial success by being in the right place at the right time, Mac Rebennack the musician was a complete product of New Orleans' post-World War II music scene and its history-steeped mystique.
Smooth Operator: David Benoit helped to create the current contemporary jazz sound, and is responsible for the keyboard's central role in the music that has come to be known as 'smooth jazz'.
The Producer's Producer: Consummate studio craftsman Jay Graydon is back with a new album and a renewed hunger for success.
The Return of Mr. 335: For a generation of guitarists who tread the fuzzy lines between jazz, rock, and pop, Larry Carlton is, simply, the man.
Roy Buchanan's
Guitar Tips: His allure has little to do with stage production or cosmetic appeal; he dishes it all out with his fingers and a well-worn Fender Telecaster.
Vintage Freaks: Wilco's whirlwind of vintage sounds and catchy melodies are as much a nod to '60s Brit pop as a tribute to retro gear.
A Whiff of Winter: Johnny Winter talks about his technique and the blues tones he favors.
STOMPBOXES
Fuzz Faces: The Lovetone Ring Stinger octave fuzz/ring modulator offers mondo control options, while the Z.Vex Fuzz Probe packs an RF-projecting antenna.
The Digital Stompbox: Eight low-cost power pedals from Korg and Zoom ranging from overdrives to multi-effectors.
DigiTech's X-Series Bass Pedals: The Bass Multi-Chorus with 16 bass chorus voices, Bass Squeeze compression pedal, Bass Synth Wah envelope filter pedal with seven different bass envelope filter types, and Bass Driver overdrive pedal bring real stompbox power to bass players.
Morley Bad Horsie 2: Steve Vai's signature pedal gets a makeover to include a tunable contour control.
Roger Mayer Voodoo Boost & Spitfire: Considering the impressive rock heritage of their creator, these pedals are priced fairly competitively, especially when compared to US boutique pedals.
SYNTHESIZER/SYNTH MODULE REVIEWS
EMU B-3 Sound Module: E-MU's new B-3 sound module delivers the magical B-3 tone wheel organ sound in one rack space.
Yamaha Motif 7: Any workstation as well thought-out as this is worth checking out.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Hot Rod Mods: How to super-charge your Strat or Tele.
A History of Fender's Fabulous Telecaster: Leo Fender's so-called 'plank' ushered in the era of the commercially successful solidbody, a guitar equivalent of Ford's Model T.
Classic Blues Gear: Equipment suggestions to help you replicate the classic sounds of several major blues figures.
56 Remix Tips: Exclusive pointers on remixing from Rui Da Silva and Timo Maas to Meat Beat Manifesto and Fatboy Slim's right-hand man Simon Thornton.
Wailing with Warren: Warren Haynes of Gov�t. Mule shows you how to get started with slide guitar.
'Freebird' Secrets Revealed: Players wishing to emulate Gary Rossington's chillingly beautiful slide performance on 'Free Bird will need more than good ears and decent chops.
Bassic Instinct: Some practical tips for achieving better recorded bass guitar and bass synth sounds.
Dickey Betts's Blues Blast: The Allman Brothers Band veteran shows you how to master some classic blues licks.
Mesa Boogie's Randall Smith: With a new design that seems to be one of Mesa's most simple and easy-to-use, the tube-amp specoalist keeps forging ahead.
Practical Percussion Synthesis: Tips on how to synthesize realistic kettle drums using a Korg MS20 and a Yamaha DX7.
Recording for Naim: The UK-based hi-fi manufacturer also owns a record label, and applies the same esoteric standards to its recordings as it does to its audio equipment.
Recording Lead Vocals: A great lead vocal sound can make all the difference between an average demo and a potential single.
Setup Secrets of
Fender, Gibson & Martin: Setting action is a subtle task, and every guitar manufacturer has different specifications for correct factory setup.
OTHER GEAR/SOFTWARE REVIEWS
Pro Tools Comes Home: Digidesign's Digi 001 is an affordable Pro Tools system for Macs and PCs.
Trickle-Down Tubes: Retro recording tools at home-studio prices.
Platinum Brawn: The Emagic Logic Audio Platinum 5.0 offers 96 stereo audio tracks (or 192 with multiple audio interfaces), nearly unlimited MIDI tracks, more than 50 built-in effects plug-ins, and full automation of audio and MIDI devices.
Bottom's Up: SoundTech's C600 P.A. System is compact enough to fit into the average station wagon with room to spare, its sound resembles that of a unit much larger.
Line 6 Guitar Port: Imagine being able to jam along with a famous band in a virtual performance where you get to take the place of the guitarist.
Treasures & Turds: This Bong-Head's Guide to the Gear of the '70s revisits some of the best-loved hits and ill-conceived misses of '70s gear.
WoodenPicks.com Exotic Hardwood Guitar Picks: These exotic wood picks help you to create unique tones.