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250k vs 500k Pots – What is the Difference?

250k vs 500k potsThe 250k vs 500k pots dilemma is one that often poses a challenge for guitar players.

250k vs 500k pots: what are the differences between these two popular types of potentiometers (pots), and how would you want to use each in your guitar?

One of the most common problems that guitar players face is a worn out Volume or Tone control. You can tell when one is becoming worn out by the loud, scratching sound that’s introduced into your guitar signal when you turn the potentiometer up or down. Continue reading “250k vs 500k Pots – What is the Difference?”

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DiMarzio IGNO Coil Splitting

DiMarzio IGNO coil splittingIn this post, we'll talk about a DiMarzio IGNO coil splitting modification.

What is Coil Splitting ?

Before we actually get into our DiMarzio IGNO coil splitting, a word or two on just what this modification is. Coil splitting is when you wire a humbucker pickup to a switch that shuts off one of its two coils. We do this because it gives us the ability to expand our sonic range and get single coil tones from our two-coil pickup.
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Dimarzio IGNO Wiring Diagram

dimarzio igno wiringIn this post, we're going to show you how to wire your new DiMarzio IGNO pickup into your guitar.

The DiMarzio IGNO is a new humbucker pickup developed for Polyphia guitarist Scott LePage, and in this post we’re going to show you DiMarzio IGNO wiring for your guitar. This pickup features DiMarzio’s patented dual-resonance design and scatter-wound coils, and it uses Alnico 8 magnets for greater output.
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ECC83 vs 12Ax7 Tubes – What is the Difference?

ecc83 vs 12ax7 tubesOne of the more confusing things about tube amps is changing them, especially when there seem to be so many different kinds available.

Changing tubes in an amp can be a particularly challenging experience, especially since there seems to be such an abundance of them. For this article, we’ll concentrate on the question of the ECC83 vs 12Ax7 tubes. The truth is, there is no difference at all between them, and each one is interchangeable with the other.

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Best Digital Modeling Combo Guitar Amplifiers – Which one is Best?

best digital modeling combo guitar amplifierLet’s take a look at the often frowned upon digital domain to see if it can yet produce a great-sounding amplifier.

Digital Modeling Combo Guitar Amps are finally becoming a much more acceptable way to amplify your guitar sound. Today’s amplifiers use much higher bitrates and frequency rates, along with higher quality analog-to-digital converters. Continue reading “Best Digital Modeling Combo Guitar Amplifiers – Which one is Best?”

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Pinnacle Deluxe v2 Overdrive from Wampler Pedals

pinnacle deluxeThe Pinnacle Deluxe features two foot switches with LED status indicators, a Bypass switch to turn the pedal on and off, and a Boost switch to engage the BOOST effect.

A second generation of the highly regarded overdrive Wampler Pinnacle Standard, the Pinnacle Deluxe v2 features the same sound as the first version but adds a ton of versatility and convenient attributes. Continue reading “Pinnacle Deluxe v2 Overdrive from Wampler Pedals”

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Express 5:50 Guitar Amp Head from Mesa/Boogie

express 5:50Available as a head, or as a combo amp, the Express 5:50 is a 50 watt all tube amplifier with five 12AXY tubes in the preamp section and two 6L6 tubes in the power amp section.

The Express 5:50 Guitar Amp Head is part of a very popular line of amplifiers from the people at Mesa/Boogie. This is a two-channel amplifier that delivers 50 watts of tube driven power. You can buy the Express 5:50 as a head, or as a combo amp. Continue reading “Express 5:50 Guitar Amp Head from Mesa/Boogie”

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Best Guitar Phase Shifter Pedals

best guitar phase shifterLet’s take a look at guitar phase shifter pedals, those often overlooked and under-discussed, but-much valued instrument effects.

Here are some of the best guitar phase shifter pedals around, and a word or two on what they’re all about. For starters, the phaser and the flanger might sound similar, but the phaser is based on frequency while the flanger is based on time. Very simply explained, the phaser splits your guitar signal into at least two signals and leaves one version unaltered. The other version is run through a tone control capacitor very similar to the Tone control on a guitar, but set to different frequencies. Continue reading “Best Guitar Phase Shifter Pedals”

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Yamaha THR10 – 10-watt 2×3″ Modeling Combo

yamaha thr10The Yamaha THR10 can be powered by an AC adapter or eight AA batteries for up to six hours of continuous playing time.

The Yamaha THR10 – 10-Watt 2×3 Modeling Combo is a new type of amplifier from Yamaha that is specialized for non live-performing musicians. The Yamaha THR10 features Volume, Gain, Master, and Tone control knobs. There is also an Amp control knob, which knob toggles between Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brit High, and Modern amp sounds. Continue reading “Yamaha THR10 – 10-watt 2×3″ Modeling Combo”