Sound Equipment

Learn about the best guitar amps of all time, used by the most iconic guitarists in the history of rock, metal, blues, country, and jazz.

I was searching for an inexpensive rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with good sound and an attractive design. Hawk Li's retro-styled Bluetooth speaker system appeared to be a good option.

I was searching for an inexpensive and portable PA system with plenty of power. LyxPro's SPA-8 appeared to be the best option.

Here is a review of the MojoMjo Overdrive from TC Electronic, an affordable guitar pedal with the sound and character to handle blues, country, and rock.

Find out how to many watts you need in a bass amp for gigging, jamming at home, practicing your chops, and playing with a band.

Do you have a stack of records around, but don’t know how to properly clean and restore them? Here are some useful tips and solutions on how to restore your vinyl collection.

This is a review of the BlumWay converter. It quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format direct to a flash memory card without a computer or software.

If you want your 6-string guitar to sound like a 12-string guitar, this may just be the guitar effects pedal for you.

If you play electric guitar and want to start building a pedalboard, here are some tips on where to start.

There are a lot of distortion pedals out there, but not every one of them is a classic. These five are what I consider to be the five true classics.

In live situations, you may prefer to use a pitch-shifting pedal for drop tunings rather than bringing along an extra guitar. That’s where the DigiTech Drop Polyphonic Drop Tune Pitch-Shift Pedal comes in.

In this buying guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best guitar for extreme metal, hard rock, classic metal, and shred. Get advice on 7-string guitars, pickups, tonewoods, and more.

You’ve heard headroom is important for bass and guitar amplifiers. Find out how it affects your sound as a bassist or guitarist, when you should care about an amp’s headroom, and when you shouldn’t.

Learn the pros and cons of a modeling guitar amp when compared to a tube amp or solid-state amp and find out how digital modeling technology can help you grab the sounds you are looking for.

Check out my review of the BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal and learn why this rock classic might be exactly what you need to take your guitar sounds to another level. This article discusses the functionality, sounds, and settings of this popular pedal.

A review given after testing out the Vox Rock 50-Watt Hybrid Tube amplifier head.

Small 15 and 20-watt guitar amplifiers are popular today, but can you really use them for gigs? Maybe! Learn the best ways to do it, which useful features to look for in a low-wattage amp, and when you should really be considering a more powerful guitar amp.

This is a review of a multi-effects unit from Zoom that specializes in chorus, delay, and reverb effects.

Find out what to look for when choosing a distortion or overdrive pedal in this guide for beginners. Learn the difference between distortion and overdrive as well as what different types of pedals can do for your sound.

Find out how Marshall, Fender and Peavey, three kings of the guitar amplifier world, stack up against each other. Learn which amps are best for which genre and level of guitar player.

This article will help you choose between a combo amp and a head and cabinet setup for guitar or bass. There are pros and cons to each whether you play at home or in a band, and one or the other is likely the best option for you.

Here’s a review of the MXR M234 Analog Chorus pedal and the MXR Phase 90. Find out why these two modulation effects may be all you need to take your guitar sound to the next level. These pedals are examples of why MXR is known as one of the best effects brands in the guitar world.

Here is a list of the top Peavey guitar amps for metal and hard rock. Peavey makes some of the best high-gain amps in the world, from tube heads to combo amps to affordable solid-state amps. This is a brand that has shaped the sound of extreme metal and rock music for decades.

Learn what to look for when choosing a guitar amplifier for a beginner. Get advice on brands, speakers, wattage and more.

Many people claim that a vinyl record sounds superior to its digital counterparts. I tested four different formats to find out whether or not it is true.

Here’s a list of the 10 best rock guitar amp brands, known for producing some of the top tube and solid-state amplifiers in history. If you play classic rock, blues, heavy metal, or even country, one of these companies probably build the perfect amp for you.

Learn how to connect the Amazon Echo Dot to various types of external speakers in order to get the best sound quality and save money.

It's easier if your effects pedals are already hooked up together before you play live. All you have to do is plug the guitar into the first pedal and run a cable from the output of the last one.

Learn about the top small tube amps. They’re low-wattage combos and heads perfect for playing at home, recording, or low-volume gigs.

This article compares the Marshall DSL40C and the Peavey 6505 Plus 112 guitar amplifiers. They’re both awesome tube combos, but which is better? I'll also get into the new DSL40CR a bit, and offer a couple thoughts about how it stacks up to its elder brother.

Guitar cabs can be expensive, but they're relatively simple to make. Why not have a go at making your own?

Compare the best bass amps for practice and small gigs. They’re under $200 and made by brands you know and trust.

Check out my review of the Marshall DSL40C guitar amp. It’s a powerful, versatile tube combo from a legendary name in the guitar world.

Compare the top guitar amps under $300 from the best names in the guitar world and learn which is right for you and your playing style.

Thinking of getting some new headphones? Here's a review of the Audio Technica ATH-M50X over-the-ear headphones.

What is digital mobile radio (DMR)? What are the pros and cons of DMR?

Common problems with the JBL line of soundbars include power problems, audio issues, and subwoofer pairing challenges. Try solving your problems through troubleshooting before paying for help.

Read this review and find out why the Blackstar Fly 3 is one of the best battery-powered mini guitar amps when it comes to sound and features.

A look at the Fab Metal Distortion pedal by Danelectro. The Fab is an excellent option for guitar players on a budget or looking for new sounds.

Learn which combo guitar amps are best for toting to gigs and how to choose the right amplifier for a performing guitarist.

Discover the top acoustic guitar amps for gigs and home use. These are the best choices for performing musicians.

It shouldn't be necessary to spend your life savings to get the right tone.

An in-depth review of Orange's tiny electric guitar amp with a not-so-tiny sound.

Are tube amps really louder than solid-state guitar amps of the same power, and why? Is there something we are missing here?

Check out the top guitar amps for metal, in combo form. They are affordable, portable and perfect for gigs and rehearsals.

Find out how to arrange your effects pedals the right way, whether in-line between your guitar and amp or through your effects loop.

Every music producer has their own tricks and know-hows when it comes to vocals production. Vocals are often the most important part of a song and I'll share with you some of the tricks I've learned

Discover the Peavey TransTube Bandit 112, red-stripe version. This powerful little amp has served me well for more than a decade!

Is the cassette tape here to stay . . . again? You bet.

Learn how many watts you need for a guitar amp based on your goals. Get advice on amplifiers for home use, playing in a band, recording and more.