Music Gear Guides and Articles
Gear Guides For:
Eventide H9 Max Review
The Eventide H9 Max comes with 51 algorithms from the premium effect creator. It can fill almost any void in your pedalboard, and with its thoughtful design, the 99 onboard presets are easy to manipulate. This really is an amazing pedal that contains Eventide's best sounds and is future proof since the company keeps releasing new algorithms that can be downloaded.
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Fender Bassbreaker 15 Review
I am a big fan of the Bassbreaker. Its 15 watts is loud enough for small gigs, and still sounds warm at bedroom levels. It is a versatile all tube amp that features some of the finest gain sounds Fender has ever produced. Fender calls the Bassbreaker “sonically flexible.” I would have to agree, and it is awesome to see the company do something other than the clean sound we all know so well. While the Blues Junior is still an excellent amplifier, now folks looking for a versatile pedal platform to perform at low volume levels have another amazing option from Fender at roughly the same price.
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Fender Jimmy Page Mirror Telecaster Review
Follow along as we unbox, play test, and review the Fender Custom Shop Jimmy Page Signature Mirror Telecaster.
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The Best Guitar Chairs & Stools for Your Playing Comfort
Our resident guitarists picked the 5 best, most comfortable & durable guitar chairs and stools that withstand the rigors of daily use and gigging. We took into consideration the needs of hobbyist musicians, guitar teachers, gigging guitarists, and more.
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4 Best Reverb Delay Combo Pedals: Perfect Pairings
Combination pedals make a lot of sense with similar effects close to each other in the signal chain. They save space, you're guaranteed the pedals complement each other, and you need to power fewer pedals. We explore the best reverb-delay pedals on the market that are can't miss options.
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6 Best Guitar Humidifiers: Moisture Management for Your Guitar
Do you live or gig in a dry climate? Manage the moisture in your acoustic with a guitar humidifier.
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4 Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites in 2019
Looking for the best online guitar lessons? We did the research so you don't have to. Whether beginner, intermediate, or expert, see the go-to online lessons to take your playing to the next level.
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The Top Delay Pedals - Reviews & Recommendations
In this gear guide we recommend the best delay effect pedals for every budget and playing style. We review both analog and digital delays, and cover proven options for your pedalboard that are used by tons of artists and have great reputations.
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Top Studio Monitor Speakers for Music Production
Music producers from around the web say these are the Best Studio Monitors for Home Studios. Read on to see if you monitors made the cut.
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9 Best Reverb Pedals for Guitar
Reverb is one of the most commonly used effects in the guitar world. Here we go through what makes a great reverb, the various types of reverb (spring, hall, plate… ), and finding the best reverb for your style of playing. No matter your preferences, you can’t go wrong with these on your pedalboard!
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Funk Fragment's Julian Wolf on Gear, Gigs & More
Julian Wolf is one of the very first moderators of Equipboard. He's been around since early days of the site as an inspired Eric Clapton fan, and is releasing an album and planning an upcoming tour. In this piece, we catch up about his personal gear collection, his upcoming album release, winning the SchoolJam competition, and performing at Musikmesse.
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5 Things You May Not Know About Playing Country
As far as scales go, country uses the major and major pentatonic scale almost exclusively. Throw in some chickin' pickin' and you're all set for down home country greatness.
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The Top 5 Guitar Wall Hangers
Of the many ways to store your guitars or basses in your home or studio, none are quite as cool as hanging them on the wall. In this guide we test out and review the best guitar wall hangers.
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6 Best Kids' Guitars - Ultimate Guide for Parents
These are the best kids guitars. We show you the top picks for acoustic and electric guitars for children. Read our reviews on the best children's guitars to see which one will fit with your child's playing style and guitar goals.
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5 Best Wireless Microphones: Superior Wireless Systems
Something that many musicians don’t really think of is wire management during a live performance. Why? Because it’s boring. It’s like thinking about a gas bill. Actually, it’s more like thinking about someone else’s gas bill. With that being said, like many of the boring parts about being a musician wire management can actually be pretty important. Having a messy stage that looks like it’s covered in black spaghetti looks pretty unprofessional, as does face planting into the groupie in the front row after stumbling over your mic cord. The latter is also a good way to lose groupies, which would be a shame considering that’s why 90% of us got into music in the first place. While wire management involves the majority of your gear, an easy to clean up your stage is to invest in a wireless microphone system. The only question is, how do you go about figuring out how to select the best wireless microphone system for your needs?
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3 Best Online Bass Guitar Lessons
There’s this commonly cited mistruth that some of the best musicians in the world never received any lessons, and/or that they didn’t have any knowledge of music theory. The truth is more that they learned their instrument the hard way. Music theory is basically the science behind manipulating your instrument to get the sound you want. So anyone who can routinely play good sounding music has at least some knowledge of music theory, even if they don’t know the terminology behind what it is they’re doing. Rather than learning through trial and error, take advantage of the opportunities musicians in the internet age have available to them. Online bass lessons are a great way to get a foundational knowledge of your instrument, and they’re easily accessible by almost everyone in the world.
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Top Guitar Multi-Effects Pedals
There are a *lot* of multi-effect pedals out there, with prices and features varying drastically from model to model. With multi-effects pedals, it’s a little bit different than something like distortion pedals. With distortion, there might be 50 different manufacturers each making a distortion pedal. With multi-effects, there are only around 5 major manufacturers (Zoom, Line 6, Boss, DigiTech, TC Electronic), but they each make 10 models of multi-effect pedals...
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Top MIDI Keyboard Controllers - Updated 2019
A solid MIDI keyboard can unleash your creativity and improve your workflow dramatically. We recommend the best MIDI keyboards for various budgets in all key sizes, from portable 25-key keyboards to 88 keys.
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5 Best Crash Cymbals
The best crash cymbals are loud and explosive sounding. Crash cymbals are the quintessential cymbal used to accent a beat and this gear guide discusses how to evaluate crash cymbals and reviews the top crash cymbals.
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5 Best Ride Cymbals
Finding the best ride cymbals for your needs is critical. This is because ride cymbals are an integral part of any drummer’s kit, producing the percussive “ping” that defines the drum sound of a variety of different genres. We tell you how to evaluate and select ride cymbals as well as review some of the best ride cymbals on the market. A drummer’s choice in cymbals is also a very personal matter. Cymbals are made out of different alloys, and the craftsmen who construct them use a variety of different techniques that have an impact on the tone. Just as importantly, cymbals also come in varying levels of quality based on the price tier that they occupy.
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5 Best Bass Amplifiers
Bass amps are a fundamental aspect of any bassist’s sound. Guitars generally get the spotlight, but your choice in bass amplifier has just as much (if not more) of an impact on your sound. Because of the amount of amplifiers available it can be difficult to find the amplifier that’s the best fit for your needs, budget, and preferences. If you’ve come to this article to learn what factors influence the sound and capabilities of a bass amp, you’ve come to the right place.
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5 Best Hi-Hats: Guide to "Chck" Cymbals
There are dozens of varieties of high-hat cymbals currently available, all of which come with their own pros and cons and occupy different price points. Thankfully, if you’re unsure where to start looking for hi-hats you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision, as well as five great recommendations.
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5 Best Bass Preamps
The bass guitar has a world of options when it comes to tone shaping, and finding the best bass preamp for your needs will help you explore new tones. This article will help you decide what features you need and will review the best bass preamps on the market.
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5 Best XLR Cables: Guide to Pro Audio Cables
Microphone cables are an incredibly important addition to any musician’s rig. As a performer, your sound is made up of a million different variables. Any one thing going wrong will have an impact on your tone, and assuming that you want to sound as good as possible (which who doesn’t?) you’re going to want to make sure that you purchase equipment that doesn’t limit you. A bad microphone cable can let you down mid-show, introduce electronic interference into the P.A., and result in a lessened signal that’s devoid of rich frequencies. We’ll give you all the information that you’re going to need to make an informed purchase, and down at the end of the article we’re even going to give you a few great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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5 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars: Best of Both Worlds
The best acoustic-electric guitars can balance gorgeous organic acoustic tones and combine them with some of the versatility of electrics. In this article we go through the benefits of acoustic-electric guitars, what to consider when shopping for one, and review some of the top acoustic-electrics on the market.
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The 5 Top Audio Interfaces - Updated 2019
Choosing the best audio interface can be a daunting task. In this guide we’ll talk a bit about what you should look for in an audio interface, example uses, and make 5 audio interface recommendations for your home or mobile studio.
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5 Best Acoustic Guitar Preamps
One of the most important pieces of gear you can own as an acoustic musician is an acoustic guitar preamp, a device which can dramatically change your tone for the better. We go through the considerations you should evaluate when choosing an acoustic guitar preamp and review some of the best acoustic guitar preamps.
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3 Best Vocal Lessons: Top Singing Lessons Online
Something that many people don’t really consider is the fact that the human voice is an instrument, just the same as a guitar or a piano. It takes years of practice and dedication to learn to “play” the voice, and just like other instruments using it improperly or using poor technique can result in serious consequences. While many musician may not respect the voice as much as they do the guitar or piano, there’s still a ton of online resources dedicated to helping aspiring vocalists learn how to manipulate their voice. However, different exercises and teachers may not work for everyone. So to learn more about what you should look for in an online vocal instructor, continue reading this article.
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5 Best 8-String Guitars: The Ochos
Choosing the best 8 string guitar can be difficult, as these guitars have different fretboard radius measurement, pickups, and more. Here we review extended range guitars to play lower music without detuning, retaining a focused and aggressive tone while still being able to pump out chunky riffs on the lower strings.
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5 Best Modeling Amps: Tonal Versatility
Modeling amps can model tube amps and often come with onboard effects, making them ideal amps for beginners or for players looking for a practice amp. With improvements in the capabilities of digital effects, modeling amplifiers have become more powerful, more responsive, and more accurate. Here we talk about how to evaluate a modeling amp and review some of the best modeling amps available.
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5 Best Trumpets: Top Student to Professional Horns
From the raw and aggressive jazz playing of greats like Louis Armstrong and Chet Baker to the slick and intricate work of classical musicians playing in an orchestra, the trumpet is easily one of the most endearing and notable instruments in western music. Here we talk about what to look for in a trumpet, from student to professional models, to help you find the best trumpet for your needs.
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5 Best Guitar Picks: Perfect Plectrums
Choosing the best guitar pick for your needs is one of the best investments you can make as a guitarists. Picks are inexpensive, and having on that is comfortable and lets you attack the strings how you intent to is invaluable. In this guide, we review some things to consider when choosing picks and review some of the best guitar picks out there.
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5 Best Wireless Headphones: Huge Sounds, No Cord
Now sliced bread was a great invention, but wireless headphones might just be the best thing since. No more tangled web of wires or accidentally yanking out earphones while boogying to your favourite tunes. The latest wireless headphones provide a better sound than ever before so, while audiophiles might pick up a slight difference, for the majority of people, the sound quality is easily comparable to that of the best wired headphones.
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5 Best Classical Guitar Strings: Nice Nylons
Choosing the right string can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so many options to choose from, all of which have a drastic effect on both your tone and the feel of your instrument. We played and tested a ton of nylon stings so you don't have to. Read our reviews to learn what the best nylon guitar strings for you are.
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5 Best Vocoders: Speech Synthesizers
Among effects that you can use to add in unique elements to your songs is a vocoder. Though often confused with a talk box, a vocoder is a device where you sing into a mic and have the ability to translate the tone of your voice to an instrument, most commonly a keyboard. We break down and review the best vocoders out there in this gear guide article and talk about what to think about when selecting one.
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5 Best Music Stands: Musicians Take a Stand
The best music stands are built from quality materials, have solid components like threading mechanisms, and are the correct balance or stability and portability for your needs. These music stands are a good balance of rugged, portable, and usable. We review some of the most popular music stands on the market and give you the pros and cons of each model.
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5 Best Mic Preamps: Signal Stimulus
If you’ve had trouble selecting the best mic preamp for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. This article is going to help inform you on mic preamps, as well as reviewing some high performing proven options that you can't go wrong with.
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5 Best Looper Pedals for Guitar: 2019 Gear Guide
A looper pedal differs from a delay because the signal is repeated for as long as the musician requires, whereas a delay will only repeat a signal for a short amount of time.
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5 Best Keyboard Stands: Support Your Keys
Choosing a keyboard stand may seem like a mundane task, but when you stack up all the variables against your preferences you’ll realize that getting the right stand will directly affect your playing, regardless of the situation or venue. It is an important choice to make! Beyond that, you’ve already spent so much time finding the right set of keys, of course you want to set them up in the best possible way, so you’ll be comfortable and able to play without even thinking (or worrying) about the stand. And when you’re relaxed and feeling good, you play better and probably (if you’re like me) enjoy yourself more. To make your choice you’ll need to consider a handful of variables.
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5 Best MIDI Cables: Top Convenient Connectivity Choices
Buying the right MIDI cable seems like a simple purchase - and in many ways it is - but there is still some confusion to be had with dozens of models available on the market today. We’re here to clear up some MIDI confusion and make recommendations for the best MIDI cables for your hard earned money...
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5 Best Ukuleles: A Guide for Beginners
The ukulele is used to either provide extra texture to a song (like how modern country uses the mandolin) or to give a song a more Hawaiian feel.
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5 Best Drum Sets: Top Drum Kits for Beginners
Modern musicians are so spoiled with choice that it can feel a bit overwhelming at times to make an informed gear decision. This is especially true with drum sets because the problem is amplified because there are so many different components to a kit. You have cymbals, shells, different heads, and different choices in hardware and accessories. Kits are also modular, so you can settle for a kit with some flaws and upgrade it later. So rather than trying to decide on your own, why not let us help? This guide is going to give you all the information that you need in order to figure out how to select the best drum kit for you, as well as giving you a few great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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5 Best Drum Thrones: Beats and Seats
As musicians, the fundamental aspects of our sound rely not on our instruments but our comfort and level of strain. You’re never going to sound your best if you’re uncomfortable, because in order to play fast or difficult passages on any instrument you are going to need as much flexibility and mobility as possible. With this in mind, it’s not all that surprising that drummers are willing to spend what at first glance seems to be exorbitant sums on their preferred drum throne. When you’re a high level musician you can’t settle on products that don’t allow you to play to your full potential, so while the initial investment is high most drummers who purchase high-end drum thrones are happy with their purchase.
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5 Best Patch Cables: Guide to Guitar Patch Cables
There are a lot of parts of being a musician that you never really consider when you’re first starting out, because odds are that you’re likely to be the first musician in your immediate family. Things like cables, matching ohms between a head and a speaker cabinet, and finding the best patch cable(s) for your needs aren’t really explained to you until you run into a situation where you need to figure these things out for yourself. Luckily for you our articles are aimed at exactly that. If you’ve ever run into issues trying to figure out how to select the best patch cables for your needs you’ve come to the right place.
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5 Best Electric Guitar Strings: Guide to Wonderful Wires
Electric guitar strings - for such a seemingly simple purchase, there are a surprising amount of things to consider, and finding the right ones for you is both an art and a science. We’ll clear up all the confusing terminology, and arm you with the tools to make a great choice (or at the very least sound informed in front of your guitarist buddies). We’ll also make 5 solid recommendations.
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Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals: 5 Top Pedals for Acoustic Players
Pedals for the acoustic guitar or singer songwriters are some of the most technically impressive pieces of equipment on the market. Here we go through purpose built pedals for the acoustic player and review some of the best acoustic guitar pedals out there today.
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5 Best 12-String Guitars: When Six Isn't Enough
From the classic Beatles’ anthem “A Hard Day’s Night” to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, the 12-string guitar has been heard on some of the most famous albums the world has ever seen. The characteristic shimmer and shine of the 12-string guitar has inspired millions of musicians the world over. We review and highlight some of the best 12 string guitars available today.
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5 Best Synth VSTs
Choosing what VST synth to use is not easy. It’s a personal choice, and there are hundreds to try out. We’re here to help. In this guide, we’re talking all about VST synths - what they are, what to look for, and we’ll review some of the best VST synths out there.
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5 Best Drum Practice Pads: Practice Makes Perfect
Sometimes drumming all out isn't an option. For those times, drum practice pads are a great alternative to keep your chops. Here, we'll break down what to look for and showcase a few of best drum practice pads on the market.
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5 Best Drum Sticks: How to Pick the Perfect Stick
Your shells, heads, and cymbals all have a huge impact on your tone. While it may not be the first thing many drummers consider, drum sticks are also an incredibly important part of getting a great drum sound. Finding the best drum sticks for you also will help with comfort in addition to tone. Here are some of the best drum sticks available today.
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5 Best Electronic Drum Sets: Guide to Digital Percussion
Digital drum sets sound better than ever and offer a lot of benefits. The ability to change sounds and to practice silently (or at least at a reduced volume) are big reasons modern digital drum kits are popular. Here are some of the best options out there.
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Gear Guide to Selecting the Best Bass Drum Pedal
If you’ve ever wondered how to evaluate the best bass drum pedal for your needs, rig, and budget, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need in order to make an informed decision on which bass drum pedal will work for you, as well as recommend some proven bass drum pedals.
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5 Best Cajons: Peruvian Percussion Guide
Originating as a slave instrument from the 18th century, the cajon has quickly become a fixture in both jazz fusion genres and flamenco. It’s popularity has also started to bleed over into other genres to the point where it’s not unheard of as an accompaniment for blues, pop, rock, or even funk. While the cajon is undoubtedly pretty popular, just like any other instrument it can be pretty overwhelming for the uninitiated to try and find a model that well work for their needs without stretching their budget. If you’ve ever had a hard time figuring how to choose the best cajon for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase as well as give you five great recommendations.
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5 Best Mic Stands: Gear Guide to Capable Mic Stands
A good mic stand can make or break your vocal performance. Stability, comfort, and placement are huge factors. If you’re in the market for a mic stand, make sure you have all the information that you need to get the best microphone stand for your needs.
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5 Best Parlor Guitars: Great Sound in a Small Package
The weapon of choice for finger-style guitar players the world over, parlor guitars show that great things really do come in small packages. Parlor guitars have a couple of really specific uses, making them an invaluable addition to any musician’s rig. The question is: Which parlor guitar is right for you? Well, if you’re not sure how to choose the best parlor guitar for your needs you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make in an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search!
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5 Best Snare Drums: The Complete Guide
If you’re trying to figure out how to evaluate the best snare drum for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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5 Best DJ Turntables
If you are tossing around the idea of getting a shiny new set of decks - and with the resurgence of vinyl, we don't blame you - we've put together a shortlist of 5 of the most popular DJ turntables on the market today in different price ranges, put them through their paces, and reviewed them for your reading pleasure...
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5 Best DI Boxes: A Direct Gear Guide
If you’re a guitar player, odds are you can’t imagine a world without DI boxes. The secret weapon of recording engineers, session players, and gigging guitarists the world over, and it would definitely complicate the recording process if we didn’t have DIs. These are some of the best DI boxes on the market. The question is: How do you choose the best DI box? There’s a ton of different models on the market, and it would definitely be understandable if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with trying to figure out the best option for your rig and your budget. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.
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5 Best Pop Filters: Sonic Screens for Microphones
Hard consonant sounds are the bane of a vocalist’s existence. Countless vocal tracks have been ruined by the signature pop of a “p” or “c” sound. It’s easy to avoid, and in the long run it really will not cost you much money at all. This article will give you all the information that you need to choose the best pop filter for your microphone.
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5 Best DJ Mixers Under $600
The DJ mixer is the heart of a DJ's setup - after all, without it, you're just a person who plays songs back to back. The mixer is what truly allows you to perform. In this guide, we walk you through choosing the best DJ mixer, and make some great recommendations under $600.
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5 Best Humbuckers: Gear Guide to Amazing Pickups
As guitar players, we’ve all come to the point where we want to switch out pickups. We might be hot rodding a guitar we love, modding some piece of junk we pulled out of a pawnshop, or just chasing that ever elusive perfect tone. Unfortunately figuring out how to choose the best humbuckers is not an easy task for the inexperienced, and in all honesty it’s pretty overwhelming no matter how much you know about the subject. There’s just so many options available that it’s hard to know if you’re really getting the best pickups for your budget and your rig. Thankfully, if you’ve ever found yourself unsure which pickups you should buy in order to improve the tone of your guitar you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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5 Best DJ Speakers: Powered PA Speakers for Pro DJ Setups
No matter they type of DJ you are, there’s one piece of gear which will give you the freedom and flexibility to get out there and be heard - your speakers. Buying the best speakers for DJing for your budget and needs can be a little tricky (and a little expensive); Luckily we’re here to help with a complete guide to DJ speakers that are portable, powered, and affordable...
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5 Best Resonator Guitars: Gear Guide for Lap Steels and Resonators
From [Son House](http://equipboard.com/pros/son-house) to [Eric Clapton](http://equipboard.com/pros/eric-clapton), resonator guitars have always been at the forefront of blues music. They’ve been a companion to some of the most influential albums ever released, and though they may not have found a niche with their intended purpose you would be hard pressed to argue that that the resonator guitar hasn’t become a valid and important sub-type of the acoustic guitar. The only problem is that it’s definitely not easy figuring out how to choose the best resonator guitar for your budget, rig, and price point. Thankfully if you’re having a hard time trying to figure out what resonator guitar is right for you, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.
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5 Best Bass Strings: Choice Wires to Bring the Bass
If you’re all about that bass (and prefer a lack of treble) odds are you’ve wondered about the different types of bass guitar strings. It’s a bit hard to know what you should be using when there’s so many different types of bass string on the market that most people couldn’t even name all the brands, let alone the different lines or varients. But if you’ve ever had a hard time figuring out how to choose the best bass guitar strings, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need in order to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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10 Best Guitar Cases & Gig Bags: Check It Before You Wreck It
So you’ve finally got the axe of your dreams. You did your research (maybe you even used some of our guides, and if you didn’t you should from now on!), pined after it for a few months, then finally pulled the trigger. Now you need to know how to keep the guitar of your dreams safe. If you’re unsure how to choose the best guitar case you’ve come to right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations that you’ll be sure to love!
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5 Best Metronomes: Gear Guide to Keeping Musical Time
Tired of being unable to stay in time with your jam buddies or band? Well my friend, it’s time to break out the metronome. Once you get the hand of it, using a metronome will transform both your sense of rhythm and your overall technique as a musician. The only downside is that it’s so dang hard to figure out how to choose the best metronome. There’s a ton of different models available, and if you don’t already know what you’re looking for it can be almost impossible to know which is going to work best for you. If you’ve ever had a hard time figuring out how to choose a metronome, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision, as well as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.
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Best Acoustic Guitar Strings: A Comprehensive Gear Guide
What you string your acoustic guitar with is a fundamental aspect of your tone. Choose the right set, so your guitar can live up to its full potential. In this guide we explain acoustic guitar strings and tell you some of the best acoustic guitar strings to try on your guitar.
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Top 5 Synthesizers - Updated 2019
Choosing a first synth can be a daunting task for anyone first starting to dabble in hardware synthesizers. In recent years, the market for low-cost synths has grown tremendously, making the number of choices almost too many to count. Some options are better than others though - let's talk about those...
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5 Best Blues Guitars: Six Strings that Sing the Blues
Considering how influential and diverse the genre is, it’s no surprise that so many aspiring musicians want to try their hand at it. However, it’s no easy feat trying to figure out how to choose the best blues guitar for your needs. But fear not! If you’ve ever had a hard time trying to find your perfect blues axe, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to find your dream guitar, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.
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10 Best Hollow Body Guitars & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars
There’s never been a better time to buy a semi-hollow or hollow bodied guitar, but with all of the choices available choosing the right one for your needs can be more than a bit overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as giving you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.
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5 Best Classical Guitars: Gear Guide
Considering that most guitarists play steel string instruments, most of us find that selecting a classical guitar can be a bit overwhelming. They’re constructed differently, sound different, feel different to play etc. If you don’t have much or any experience with classical guitars (or guitars in general) it can be really hard to figure out which classical guitar will be the best investment on your part. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to choose the best classical guitar for your needs you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you some great tips that will give you the information that you need to make an informed decision, as well as giving you five great recommendations to help you start your search!
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5 Best 7 String Guitars: When 6 Wires Aren't Enough
With the advent of heavier genres of music that are utilizing increasingly low tunings, a 7-string guitar is quickly becoming a must have accessory if you want to play along with your favorite modern heavy rock acts. As guitars (and basses) with extra strings have become more popular it’s gotten harder and harder to know what brands are producing quality instruments and what brands are just trying to capitalize on the latest craze. If you’ve ever had a hard time trying to choose the best 7-string guitar for your needs, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search!
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Top 5 DJ Controllers Under $600
Choosing the best DJ controller is one of the most confusing gear purchases, considering how much prices can vary and DJ software compatibility. Luckily we're here to help clear up all confusion and narrow down your choices to 5 "can't go wrong" DJ controllers...
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Top 5 DJ Software: Options for Digital DJs.
Becoming a DJ is more accessible than ever before. The first decision you need to make is what DJ software to go with. We cover the Top 5 you should look at.
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Best Way to Learn Guitar: A Guide for Your Guitar Goals
One thing’s for sure - there are lots of different ways to become a better player, many of which are actually widely available and inexpensive. **So if you’ve ever wanted to learn to play the guitar, but you’re unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place**. Learning the guitar is fun and extremely gratifying (and, let’s face it, it makes the girls and guys swoon), and in this article we will give you all the information that you need in order to make the best decision for your needs and your budget. Welcome to the journey!
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5 Best DAWs: The Complete Guide to Choosing Your DAW
Selecting your DAW is very important - it's the start of a long-term relationship, and you'll be spending a lot of time together as you create and record music. Check out our guide to the best DAWs to ensure this relationship has the best chance of success...
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10 Best Guitars for Metal: Gear Guide
So, alongside this continued success is a long list of guitar companies, all with new models, all vying for young aspiring metal guitarists. At Equipboard, we’re going to help you cut through the noise and figure out how to decide which guitar is the best for you and your shredding needs.
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5 Best Bass Headphones: A Guide to Bass Headphones
Urban Dictionary defines a "basshead" as someone who enjoys an excess amount of bass in music. In this guide we break down what makes a bass headphone special, and review 5 basshead-approved models...
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5 Best Guitar Books
As musicians, we have a staggering amount of information available to us that can help us hone our craft. The hard part is deciding which resources are valuable and which resources aren’t. Well, not all books are created equal, and you’ve probably not been looking at the right ones. So if you’ve ever wondered how to choose a useful read, this article will give you all the information that you need to choose the best guitar book for your needs.
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Best Guitar Stands
A guitar stand lets you keep your guitar out while keeping it relatively safe. It helps keep the guitar convenient while giving you a dedicated place to safely keep the guitar. In this article, we discuss several types of guitar stands and the factors you should consider when you are looking for the best guitar stand for your needs.
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11 Best Capos for Guitar
Simply put, a capo allows you to change the key you’re playing in without changing the position of your fingers. For example, suppose you look up the chords to one of your favorite songs. You practice playing along with that song with the chords provided, but when you finally get it down you discover that the song is too high/low for you to sing along with. By capoing you can change the key to find a better fit for your register without having to relearn the song in a different position.
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5 Best Bass Distortion Pedals
Distortion is ubiquitous in rock and heavier genres like metal. In fact, if you are in search of a bass tone like legendary bands Black Sabbath, Motörhead, and other hard rock and roll hall of famers, you’re pretty much guaranteed to want to invest in a the best bass distortion pedal you can. Here, we review some of the most proven bass distortion pedals.
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Top 5 Bass Compressor Pedals
One of the first pedals a bass player needs is a good compressor. In this guide we give an overview of the effect, explain why it should be part of a bassist’s rig, and make recommendations for 5 of the best bass compressor pedals out there today.
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5 Best Uni-Vibe Pedals
The best Uni-Vibe pedals of all time. Uni-Vibe is a little-known effect to many guitarists and bassists. In this guide we shed light on this fantastic effect, and recommend 5 of the best vibe type pedals around.
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5 Best Acoustic Guitar Amps: Guide to Acoustic Guitar Amps
The aim of an acoustic guitar amp is NOT to “color” the sound, or introduce a whole lot of character. Instead, a good acoustic amp simply amplifies your acoustic guitar’s original tone and reproduces it nearly unaltered, only louder.
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5 Best Keyboard Amps
The best keyboard amps if you play keyboards, synths, and digital pianos. A keyboard amp is essential for live performances, and can also be a great companion in your home or studio to bring the best out of your keyboards.
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5 Best Small Tube Amps: Low-Watt Tube Amps Under $500
The best small tube amps will give you pushed tube tones at reasonable volumes. Guitarists who value great tube-driven sound have really come to appreciate portable lower wattage amps that can be pushed without blowing out eardrums. These awesome amps will deliver terrific tones at lower volumes than higher watt counterparts.
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Top 5 Piano VSTs
Armed with a computer and a MIDI keyboard, piano plugins let you own the sounds of legendary pianos from Steinway, Bösendorfer, Fazioli and more at a tiny fraction of the cost. Unfortunately there are so many piano VSTs out there, choosing the best one can be very confusing...
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Top 5 Digital Pianos
If you’ve had a hard time selecting the right digital piano, you’ve come to the right place. In addition to laying out our top 5 picks, this article breaks down some of the terminology associated with the instrument and gives you a guide to the general features you should look for.
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4 Best Beginner Guitars: Guide to Guitars for New Players
Choosing your first guitar can be a overwhelming process, especially for people who are unfamiliar with instruments in general. It’s hard to find quality at a price point that beginner’s feel comfortable with, and unless you spend hours doing independent research it can be incredibly easy to end up with something borderline unplayable regardless of how much you spend. So if you’ve ever wanted to start playing the guitar but you’ve been unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to choose the perfect guitar for your needs, as well as give you five great recommendations that won’t break the bank.
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Legendary Guitar Amplifiers to Rock Your World
The best amplifiers ever. The amp is a critical part of your sound, and in this article we talk about some of the most legendary amps on the planet and talk about what you should look for when evaluating a guitar amp for your needs. These amplifiers have helped defined signature tones for many players, and sound distinctive and amazing.
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8 Best Travel Guitars: Guitars on the Go
If you’re a guitar player you know how much of a hassle it can be to take your guitar anywhere. Aside from the fact that airlines have a well documented history of being jerks to musicians the world over, guitars are really just kind of awkward to travel with. It’s even worse if you’re primarily an acoustic musician.
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5 Best Condenser Microphones: Finding Your Sound
Knowing what you’re purchasing a microphone for is essential before heading into the deep sea of options you’ll find.
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5 Best Guitar Straps: A Guide to Super Straps
Guitar straps are one of the most overlooked pieces of a guitar player’s rig. However, the right strap can go a long way in your guitar playing journey. The best strap for you will keep your guitar in a comfortable position, keep it securely attached, be comfortable, and durable. We review some of the most proven straps available.
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5 Best Mandolins: A Complete Guide
There are dozens of different brands at a staggering amount of different price points, all of which have their associated pros and cons.
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5 Best Banjos: How To Choose A Banjo
Choosing the best banjo can be overwhelming, but also enjoyable. Here, we will show you the different styles of banjos and associated tunings and playing styles to help you decide which options will work for you as well as recommend some great banjos as a starting point to help you buy your first banjo.
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Top Octave Pedals
Octave pedals have been around for many years. However, since our abilities to create complex digital designs for pedals have grown, we have seen a huge advancement in the usability of Octave pedals.
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5 Best Vibrato Pedals for Guitar: Shimmers and Swells
Vibrato pedals are very fun, useful pedals to own and can be a secret weapon in your arsenal. Gibson originally started using vibrato effects on some of their old amplifiers in the 40s, which created a demand for the effect that still exists today. However, with the uprise of digital pedals, and analog pedals that are controlled with digital switching systems, the Vibrato pedals of today are much more versatile then some in the past, which we will see reading about the pedals listed in this article.
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Time Keeps on Slipping: Best Flanger Pedal Buying Guide
Beloved by everyone from shoe-gazers to professional Van Halen impersonators, flange pedals have been a feature in popular music for decades. If you’ve been looking to add this classic effect to your sonic palette you’ve come to the right place! This article will explain how a flanger functions, give you some valuable information that will help you find your perfect pedal, as well as give you five great recommendations that won’t break the bank.
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5 Best Volume Pedals & Expression Pedals: Turn It Up
Looking to add a volume or expression pedal to your board? It can really open up more capabilities, especially when paired with different combinations of effect pedals. Check out this guide and expand your possibilities.
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Top Boost Pedals - Updated 2019
Interested in taking it to 11, but don't want to color your tone or distort your sound with an overdrive? These options will allow you to cut through the noise and be heard, while giving you a distinct effect.
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5 Best Pedal Power Supplies: Proven Power Providers
Volts, milliamps, AC/DC (no, not the band)... Equipboard teaches you how to properly power your pedals & make your rig sound better than you ever thought possible. No PhD in electrical engineering needed.
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The Top DJ Headphones Reviewed - Updated 2019
The right headphones will be a DJ’s best friend. In this guide we put our expert panel of reviewers to work in testing and selecting the 5 best DJ headphones, as well as providing some info on what to look for and how to shop for them.
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5 Best Wah Pedals
The best wah pedals, period. In the this guide, we discuss how to choose the right wah pedal for you. We go through several types of wah pedals to talk about optical wahs and mechanical wahs and the pros and cons of each and recommend several proven wah pedals.
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7 Best Chorus Pedals: 2019 Top Picks and Reviews
As an effect, chorus can cover everything from beefing up your guitar’s tone to drastically changing the voice of your guitar.
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13 Best Fuzz Pedals for Guitar
So there are three main breeds of distortion: overdrive, distortion, and fuzz...
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Top USB Microphones: Mic Options for Excellent Audio
Let Equipboard guide you to finding out the best USB microphone for podcasting, recording vocals, guitar, voiceover use, and more. Some of the price-points will surprise you!
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Top Studio Headphones for Music Production
66 headphones go head-to-head for the title of Best Headphones for Electronic Music Production. Read on to see the best ones to get, and to see if yours make the cut.
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How To Make Electronic Music: The Complete Guide
So, you want to try your hand at producing electronic music. Well, we’re very glad you found your way to this guide. The world of electronic music production can be a little confusing and even a bit intimidating, especially when you have little clue as to how to get started...
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Top Guitar Cables: Quality Cables for Your Signal
Which guitar cable should I buy? Do expensive cables really sound better? You've got questions, we've got answers. We show you the Top 5 Guitar Cables...
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Top Drum Machines
The best drum machine for you will depend on what type of beats you make, your budget, and how you plan on using it. In this article, we discuss the history of drum machines and how to choose a hardware drum machine for you. Take your drum sound design and beat-making skills to the next level with the right hardware drum machine.
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Top Acoustic Guitars under $500: Budget Bargains
Choosing the best acoustic guitar for you can be complicated. You can choose body shape, tone woods, and other factors that will affect your tone. In this guide, we show you how to select the best acoustic guitar under $500 for your needs.
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5 Best Tremolo Pedals: Awesome Amplitude Adjustments
Our team of experts have selected the best tremolo pedals out of dozens of models. Don't buy a tremolo pedal before reading these reviews.
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5 Best EQ Pedals: Awesome Guitar Equalizer Effects
In addition to tone controls, an equalizer, or EQ pedal, will give you the capability to dramatically shape your tone. The more frequencies you control, the greater your ability to customize your tone. In this guide, we review the best EQ pedals on the market.
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7 Best Guitar Tuners
It doesn’t matter how great your instrument sounds if you can’t manage to tune it.
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Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Pedals
The sound of this Wah so permeates the history of rock and roll that everyone knows its timbre, even when they don't realize it.
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5 Best Headphone Amplifiers: Amped Up!
The best headphone amps for a wide range of budgets. Whether your buying you're first headphone amp, or upgrading to something high end, we've got you covered.
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17 Best Electric Guitars: Guide to Great Guitars
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with trying to find the right electric guitar for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you a guide to what you should look for in an electric guitar, as well as giving you some great recommendations!
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The Top 9 Overdrive Pedals - 2019 Edition
If you’ve always been curious as to which overdrive pedal will be the best fit for you rig you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision.
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7 Best Pedalboards: Pedal Platforms for Guitarists
You've got some pedals - now you need a pedalboard! Equipboard shows you our top choices as well as discussing the factors you should consider when shopping for a pedalboard.
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Buyers Guide: Best Bass Guitar for Beginners
We take a look at the best bass guitars. From legendary iconic basses to beginner friendly options, we'll help you decide the best bass for you and talk about what to consider when choosing your first bass guitar.
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5 Best Telecasters
How much do you really know about this instrument? In this article, we break down the history behind America's most influential guitar.
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Best Guitar Accessories
We run through some of the best guitar accessories to make guitarists' lives easier. Tuners, strap locks, slides, string winders, and other tools can really be lifesavers when you need them. Here are some of the most useful guitar accessories to include in your case or gig bag.
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4 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Picking the correct amplification system for your acoustic instrument can be intimidating. Different pickup systems have different tones, form factors, and price points. So while this list of recommendations is by no means comprehensive, hopefully you’ll find it helpful in selecting the best acoustic guitar pickups for your needs.
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5 Best Harmonicas
Harmonicas are a great way to add texture and and melody to an arrangement. Here, we look at what you need to know when selecting the best harmonica for your needs and give you some recommendations for proven can't go wrong harmonicas.
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5 Best Noise Gate Pedals
Noise gates work by silencing or reducing the levels of an audio signal once the signal drops below a certain amplitude
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Strings And Things: A Guitar String Buyer’s Guide
From phosphor bronze to brass, and with dozens of different gauges, choosing the perfect guitar string is incredibly overwhelming. This article should clear up any questions you have...
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5 Best Mini Amps: Mega Sounds from Micro Amps
Mini amplifiers are a great way to practice when you can't have larger amps. Smaller amps have also gotten much better sounding over the years and now there are some great tones from tiny amps. Here are some of the best mini amps available today.
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5 Best Guitar Pickups: Magnificent Magnets
Without the electrical assistance of a functioning pickup, a guitar makes a lovely prop. When the right pickup is installed and activated, an electric guitar becomes an instrument.
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10 Best Distortion Pedals for Guitar: Metal, Classic Rock, and Beyond
This guide will help you choose the right guitar distortion pedal, whether you are looking for just a little past overdrive or hard chugging attacks. We highlight some great pedals from quality manufacturers that are can't miss options for your pedalboard.
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Top 5 Free VST Plugins
While some might be able to afford top of the line plugins, the rest of us, who are on a budget, need to be careful where we put our money. Thankfully, there is a ton of free software available for our music production needs. From a range of great synths to a go-to compressor, as long as you have the software to host it, there is sure to be something for you.
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Essential Books for Composing, Producing, Mixing, & Mastering Electronic Dance Music
I often see professional producers and DJs asked questions like "What's you mixing process like?", "How do you get your drums sounding so crisp?", and "How do you know what sounds to pick for a track?". More often than not, their answer is...
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Top 5 Phaser Pedals
Phasers have consistently creeped in and out of popularity throughout its existence in musical history. From subtle parts in Luke Bryan’s 2015 song “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day”, to the iconic phase sound on the intro of “Ain’t Talkin Bout Love” by Van Halen, a Phaser is a surprisingly versatile effect that is a great addition to any pedal board.
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PowerBeats 3 vs. Bose SoundSport
If you’re in the market for wireless bluetooth in-ear headphones for exercise and casual listening, there’s a great chance you’ll find yourself debating between the Beats PowerBeats 3 and the Bose SoundSport. I thoroughly tested both on the grounds of fit, feel, sound, and performance. At the end of 2 weeks I picked a winner.
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Novation Peak Review
Novation called it the Peak but to me it’s the Kitchen Sink! There’s no ifs, ands or buts; Novation has created a magnificent and inspiring synthesizer with Peak. It hits a lot of the points on my wishlist and offers its 8 voices and an impressively sturdy build (I remember the original bass station, pretty flimsy) at such a reasonable price that I feel guilty asking for more. I admit the Peak is not a cheap synth, but given that it offers 8 fantastic sounding voices and huge versatility the price/performance ratio is heavily skewed in favor of performance.
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EarthQuaker Devices Transmisser Review: Reverb Pedal Review
When I saw that the mad scientists at EarthQuaker Devices had released a new reverb with a synthesizer-style resonant low-pass filter built in I was feeling excited and asked for a demo unit thinking I was the perfect guy to review this thing being a real guitar purist live but a synth and processor tinkerer in the studio. Little did I suspect that this review would turn into a fun and frustrating trip down the cavernous rabbit hole that is the Transmisser.
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The Genius of Russell Lissack
In the first episode of the series "The Genius Ff" I'm going to discuss the guitar abilities of Russell Lissack. Russell Lissack is known for being a lead guitarist in Bloc Party, as well as lead guitarist in project Pin Me Down. He also briefly joined Irish rock band "Ash" for live performances. In my opinion, he is one of the most innovative and experimental guitarists of the 2000's. In the further paragraphs, I'm going to try and defend my opinion.
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Elixir Optiweb Strings Review
I’ve been using Elixir’s acoustic strings for over a decade so when the Fed-ex guy dropped off a little box for me last week I was excited knowing that Elixir’s new Optiweb electric guitar strings were inside. For over 25 years I have used Ernie Ball 10 to 46 Slinkies and I’ve only flirted with other roundwound 10 gauges a pack or two at a time (and one of those flirtations was with Ernie Rock n Rolls). For this reason I will make reference to Slinkies throughout the article by way of comparison.
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Sewell Silverback Roar Premium Guitar Cable Review
Is the Sewell Silverback Roar Premium Guitar Cable Review studio and gig-worthy? We put it to the test and review it!
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Cyber Monday Music Gear Deals - Guitar Pedals, VSTs, DAWs & more
We're compiling the best Cyber Monday deals on music gear.
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Black Friday Music Gear Deals - VSTs, DAWs, guitar pedals & more
We're compiling the best Black Friday deals on music gear.
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Giveaway: 5 Sets of our Favorite Acoustic Guitar Strings
We're giving away 5 free sets of acoustic guitar strings to a lucky winner in November 2016. Entering to win is free and easy. Check it out!
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The Strokes' Nick Valensi Gives Advice on Forming a Rock Band, Songwriting, and Gear
Nick Valensi - lead guitarist of The Strokes and frontman of CRX - dishes out advice on forming a rock band, songwriting, and gear.
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iLoud Micro Monitor Speakers Review
IK Multimedia's iLoud Micro Monitor speakers are in a very interesting space - they are flat, honest, and detailed like a proper monitor should be, and yet they're extremely portable. But the most important question is - how do they sound?
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Novation Circuit Review
Part synth, part groovebox, part drum machine, completely portable, and 100% inspirational. Check out our complete Novation Circuit review.
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iRig HD 2 Guitar Interface Review
In this review of the IK Multimedia iRig HD 2, we’ll cover the unboxing, features, functionality, pros, and cons of this versatile digital guitar interface.
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Preparing for Disaster: Backup Plans for DJs
Booking some DJ gigs? As Murphy's Law states, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Learn how to disaster-proof your DJ gear setup.
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Best Clip-On Tuner: TC Electronic PolyTune Clip Review
Our team of experts named the TC Electronic PolyTune Clip as the best clip-on tuner out of dozens of models. We tested the PolyTune clip and were very impressed as it is the only clip-on tuner with a boutique pedal feel. In this review, we’ll cover the unboxing, features, functionality, pros, cons, and why we feel this is the top choice when shopping for a clip-on guitar tuner.
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Guide to Electric Guitar Maintenance
Like anything else you use in your daily life, your guitar requires some maintenance in order to stay in peak position. Now you could always schedule a few tune-ups for your guitar with a local luthier, but in doing so you’d be spending a lot of money that you don’t have to. Though it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, working on your guitar can be pretty painless. Most of the things the average musician can do by themselves don’t require any specialized or expensive tools, and with a little bit of research you’ll have everything you need to make the correct adjustments to your instrument.
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Country Electric Guitars, Amps, and Guitar Pedals that Sound Great
The best country guitar isn’t the one with the snappiest sound, or the best hardware, it’s the one that inspires you to play the most.
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How to Sound Like Jack White for $1,000
From the White Stripes to the Raconteurs, from Dead Weather to his solo work, Jack White has managed to balance prolific output with a very distinct sound and feel.
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5 Best Portable External Hard Drives
Your hard drive WILL fail. It's a matter of if, not when. Equipboard makes choosing your portable external drive easy...
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Giveaway: KV331 Audio - SynthMaster
We've partnered with our friends at KV331 Audio to give away a 2 licenses for SynthMaster.
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Giveaway: BOSS SD-1W Super OverDrive Waza Craft
Win a BOSS SD-1W Super OverDrive Waza Craft Pedal! Entering is free and easy.
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Giveaway: Roland MX-1 Mix Performer
We've partnered with our friends at Roland to give away a Roland MX-1 Mix Performer. One lucky Equipboard contributor will have the chance to add this incredible mixer to their gear collection with this week's giveaway.
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Giveaway: Lennar Digital Sylenth1
Win a free copy of Sylenth1! Sylenth1 is not just another synth. It was built from a producer's point of view. It was built to produce superior quality sound and music. It was built to perform.
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Giveaway: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle
Win a complete Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle! Entering is free and easy.
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Player's Guide to Buying Vintage Gear
Keep in mind that in many cases, it is better to buy a brand new guitar than to buy a similar vintage model from an off-era.
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October Giveaway: Cakewalk SONAR Professional
Win a free copy of Cakewalk's award-winning music production software, SONAR Professional.
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33 Famous Guitarists: Their First Guitar & How They Learned to Play
We look at 33 famous guitarists, their first guitar, how they learned to play, and the first song they learned.
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5 Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar
For those of you who weren’t already aware, compression is arguably the secret weapon for gigging guitarists the world over.
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Book Review – Tone Wizards: Interviews with Top Guitarists and Gear Gurus on the Quest For The Ultimate Sound
If you’re a musician, it’s important that you have a full library of material to assist in your musical journey.
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TC Electronic Viscous Vibe Review
Describing the tone of the Viscous Vibe is a bit tricky considering how flexible it is, as well as the fact the voicing of the pedal itself can be changed through the tone print technology.
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Tube Screamer Effect Pedals
Tube Screamers have come in a variety of models over the years and gained iconic status by pushing the limits of the tube amp to produce a one of a kind sound.
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Moog Minimoog Voyager Analog Synthesizer
The standard Voyager's sound sources consist of three oscillators, an external signal input system and a noise generator, a five-channel mixer which passes the sound onto the filter stage and a trio of MIDI ports.
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Phase 90 Effect Pedals
The characteristic electric vibrato twang of this pedal is immortalized on recordings from Eddie Van Halen.
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Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Effect Pedals
Since its inception, the Big Muff Pi has gone through a number of variations and reissues.
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Summer NAMM 2015: Awesome Guitar Effects Pedals
It has never been a better time to be a guitar pedal enthusiast. Check out the awesome guitar effects pedals coming out of Summer NAMM 2015.
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FL Studio 12 Review
FL Studio 12 Review – see what's new with the latest update of this powerful DAW.
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September Giveaway: Image-Line FL Studio 12
We're giving away 4 free copies of FL Studio 12 Producer Edition in September. Enter to win!
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If You Only Did 3 Things Differently On Your Next Mix...
Do you want to really see your mixes improve almost overnight? There are really only three things you need to do. They are simple, foolproof, and won't cost you a dime.
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Size Matters: A Guide To Acoustic Guitar Body Styles
This piece will give you a rundown on the most common body shapes for acoustic guitars, as well as listing the pros and cons of each.
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Gear Review: Novation Launchpad Pro & MK2
It’s time to revisit the Launchpad line as a whole and see why these new models are the go-to devices for live performance as well as studio work.
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How To Sound Like Gary Clark Jr. For $1000
You know that kid you see on YouTube whose guitar playing easily puts yours to shame, even if he/she isn’t even a teenager yet? Yeah, Gary Clark Jr. was that kid.
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Gear Review: Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
Among the pedals that have attempted to imitate the Klon Centaur, the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food has definitely been making the most waves in guitar playing circles. But the question is, how good is it?
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Reaper 5 DAW Review
With Reaper, there’s one version for everyone; No limitations, no gimmicks. Professionals looking to run hundreds of tracks with generous amounts of plugins are welcome to test their hardware to its operating limits.
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How to Stand Out: Music Software
There’s a plethora of software out there that either by its interface, DSP algorithms or functionality can aid us stretching the sonic mileage of our music that much further, sometimes without much effort.
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Your First Gig: Must Have Accessories
Would you run a marathon drunk? If not, play sober...
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How to Sound Like David Gilmour of Pink Floyd for $1000
So how would a guitar player go about recreating David Gilmour's distinctive sound? Well, beyond the obvious answer (practice, practice, and more practice... followed by more practice)...
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Analog vs. Digital Delay (Oscillation and Hold)
There are A LOT of delay pedals out there, from simple three knob analog delays up to an 8 knob, 12 mode, 3 footswitch digital foot-computers. I am going to experiment...
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Unorthodox Recording & Production Techniques
Microphone placement is key to getting the desired sound out of a guitar. Today, most studios will use...
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Headphone Giveaway: Sennheiser HD 25-SP II
For a chance to win a pair of Sennheiser HD 25-SP II headphones, add gear to your favorite artists on Equipboard in the month of August.
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Guide to the Blues on a Budget
When deciding on a guitar that’s right for you, keep in mind that the guitar by its nature is a very modular instrument. You can upgrade both pickups and hardware as often as you’d like to, and get great results doing so.
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How to Sound Like Andy Summers of The Police for $1000
So, in purely sonic terms, how can a guitarist on a tight budget capture some of the magic of Summers' highly influential work with the Police?
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Guitar Compression and Your Signal Chain
Dynamic Range Compression is one of the most heavily used effects in music. However, when it is used properly, an audience shouldn’t be able to tell that it is being used at all. This is a guide to the different uses of compression...
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How to Stand Out: Interesting Pedal & Desktop Effects
There’s a plethora of oddities and rare finds that can transform guitars, basses, synths, vocals and drums into something new and breathe life into even the most predictable of mixes or live shows.
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Guitars Used In The 50 Best Guitar Solos
Unsurprisingly, the brand most used in the top 50 guitar solos was...
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Mixing Tips
Does your track feel quiet compared to the pros? Is your mix muddy and lacking clarity? Think proper mastering will solve all problems? Think again. Check out this checklist of tips & tricks to get your mixes sounding clear, loud, and punchy.
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Lenny Kravitz Rocks Gibson '59 Les Paul Blackburst for Super Bowl XLIX Audience
Lenny Kravitz took the stage during the epic production that was the halftime show of Super Bowl XLIX, and got a chance to show off a special guitar to hundreds of millions of viewers.
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