Rather than do a ‘best of’ style post, every year I’m going to do a rundown of what amps I’m using for pedal platforms, and why.
Previous years: [2019] [2020] [2021]
Continue reading “2022 Review: Pedal Platform Amps”#TeleTuesday: Bridge Pickup Comparison – Part 2: The Reveal
#TeleTuesday is my occasional series where I share my own feelings and experiences with Fender’s original solid-body electric guitar … warts and all.
Last time, I ran a blind test: seven demos of bridge pickups, but only four were Telecasters. Now it’s time for the reveal, and to share my thoughts on each bridge pickup.
Continue reading “#TeleTuesday: Bridge Pickup Comparison – Part 2: The Reveal”New Arrivals: August 2022
August was shaping up to be a very quiet month, gear-wise. I had a plan: I was going to pick up just the one pedal – as long as I could find it nice and cheap.
But then something came along that I knew I’d regret if I didn’t get it …
Continue reading “New Arrivals: August 2022”First Impressions / TeleTuesday: Fender Postmodern 63 Telecaster
A couple of weeks ago, I finally found the Telecaster for me. I wasn’t even looking for it, either.
Continue reading “First Impressions / TeleTuesday: Fender Postmodern 63 Telecaster”First Impression: Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive Pedal
A couple of days ago, I finally bought a Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive pedal. It’s my first Walrus Audio pedal, and I’ve been waiting a long time to get one.
I absolutely love it. Let me explain why …
Continue reading “First Impression: Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive Pedal”#TweedTalk 4: Recording A Real Tweed Deluxe Amplifier
#TweedTalk is my occasional Tuesday column, where I talk about all things related to tweed amps and tweed-tone pedals.
This time around, I share my notes on how I’m capturing the sound of my Tweed Deluxe amplifier, and my thoughts on the experience.
Continue reading “#TweedTalk 4: Recording A Real Tweed Deluxe Amplifier”First Impression: PRS Paul’s Guitar (2020 Version)
Earlier this year, I bought a brand new PRS Paul’s Guitar.
So what do I think of it? What does it sound like? And why exactly has it taken four whole months to write up my First Impressions?
This is a lengthy post, so grab a fresh drink before you dive in 🙂
Continue reading “First Impression: PRS Paul’s Guitar (2020 Version)”First Impressions: Earthquaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Pedal
Towards the end of last month, I picked up one of these:
Read on for my First Impressions.
Continue reading “First Impressions: Earthquaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Pedal”First Impressions: Catalinbread Formula 55 Overdrive
I recently picked up another tweed-tone pedal: Catalinbread’s Formula 55 overdrive pedal.
Is this going to be the 5e3-in-a-box pedal that I can recommend to anyone who wants the sound of a Tweed Deluxe without having to buy one of these expensive amps? Or is it going to be three out of three for disappointment with Catalinbread pedals?
Read on for my First Impressions.
Continue reading “First Impressions: Catalinbread Formula 55 Overdrive”Short Term Review: Fender 57 Custom Deluxe (aka Tweed Deluxe) Re-Issue Amplifier
Last summer, I bought what is probably the bucket list amp for me: a re-issue of Fender’s legendary Tweed Deluxe amplifier.
Nine months or so later, how am I getting on with it? Was it a good decision, or do I regret paying the perceived Fender tax for an almost 70-year-old amp circuit that’s been heavily cloned?
Continue reading “Short Term Review: Fender 57 Custom Deluxe (aka Tweed Deluxe) Re-Issue Amplifier”