The Seymour Duncan SHPR-1s P-Rails is a P-90 and a Strat Pickup in a Humbucker-Sized Package. So, first things first: If you’re looking for a full-fledged humbucker, go out and buy a full-fledged humbucker. Just wanted to put the whole “…well, it’s not really a real humbucker” argument aside. This pickup is meant for folks […]
To understand the relationship between relative major and relative minor keys, we’ll start with Western tonality, in which we use a system of “keys.” Each key has a number of associated sharps or flats that comprise the overall seven-note structure of the key. The exception is C-Major, which has no sharps or flats. An easy […]
Telecasters are great… probably my favorite guitar of all. But when your Tele is stock, chances are it came loaded with vintage-style pickups. Depending on your rig and your style of playing, this may translate to noise (i.e. the dreaded 60-cycle hum), or in the case of the bridge pickup, a somewhat brittle tone, and […]
It’s hard to believe that Fender Texas Specials recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. They made their debut in January 1992 as the stock pickups in the Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster. Not too long after, Fender Texas Special Stratocasters became available as standalone products. Since then, they have become quite popular.
Catching That Wave The “Holy Grail” of overdrive pedals is a lot like that perfect wave that a surfer desperately seeks. Well, good news folks; I think I may have found it! The Fulltone OCD is one hell of a little pedal. Granted, there are others out there that offer an actual 12AX7 tube, and […]
Although Telecaster bridge pickups are best known for their famous “twang,” more and more, guitarists are looking to coax an increased array of sounds out of their instruments. If you need to extend what your Telecaster can do, consider upgrading your bridge and neck pickups. Even if you simply want to improve the quality of […]
If you are embarking on a project that involves upgrading or building a Tele, these links might help you find some of the Telecaster guitar parts you need. All of these companies offer some pretty good stuff at fairly reasonable prices. Warmoth, for example, is probably best and offers the most options for bodies and […]
Buying a Stratocaster? Well, we have good news and bad news. The Good News: There are so many models to choose from. The Bad News: There are so many models to choose from! 🙂
HBS READER QUESTION: Can you please tell me the whats and hows of the claw mounting screws on the tail of the bridge? That is, when you’re putting a screw in and the thread of the screw is facing the neck and the head of the guitar, and the head of the screw is facing […]
A reader has asked about problem sounds with his Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker. HBS READER QUESTION: I have a Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker, which has a really high output of 9K!! It’s NOT a Classic+, which I know. I installed it in the bridge position, with the selector on treble, and it sounds thin, very […]
If you’re considering a 2007 Takamine ef508kc, be assured, it’s a good choice — it’s not only a top-ranking guitar, but it’s also a genuine beauty! George writes: I am considering purchasing a 2007 Takamine ef508kc. In researching it I saw your comments in Bestcovery. What do you think of the ef508kc? Thanks for your […]
Power tubes can have a dramatic effect on your amplifier’s sound. At low volumes, the difference between one tube and another can be difficult to distinguish; for many listeners, it’s almost not worth talking about. Once you start to push a little air, however, your amplifier will show off what it can do and the […]