Robben Ford has announced a new album titled Into the Sun that will be released on March 31. Into The Sun, which follows last year’s critically acclaimed A Day In Nashville and 2013’s Bringing It Back Home, explores the breadth of Ford’s sophisticated, visionary writing and playing, creating a new chapter in his brilliant musical history. The album features a coterie of … [Read more...]
Weapon of Choice: Why the Stratocaster Survives
NPR recently talked about the venerable Fender Stratocaster in Weapon of Choice: Why the Stratocaster Survives: The Fender Stratocaster turned 60 last year. When it came out of the factory in 1954, it didn't sound — or look — like any other guitar. Leo Fender's small company was looking to improve the Telecaster, its groundbreaking solid-body electric, first introduced three … [Read more...]
Wampler Pedals Plexi-Drive Deluxe
Wampler Pedals unveiled the Plexi-Drive Deluxe at this year's NAMM show, and the pedal is being officially released this week on February 27. This new pedal is an updated version of Wampler's Plexi-Drive and features a three-band EQ and a foot-switchable Tubescreamer-type boost circuit. Also added is a bright switch for customizing the tone for your specific amplifier. Here … [Read more...]
Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks
Joe Bonamassa recently embarked on a short tour he called "Muddy Wolf" that culminated in a performance in front of 9,000 people at Colorado's Red Rocks amphitheater. As the name implies, the tour paid tribute to Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. The Red Rocks performance was filmed as is being released as an album and DVD on March 24: The exclusive concert experience … [Read more...]
Original Fuzz Guitar Straps
I met Lee, one of the founders of Original Fuzz, at last year's Summer NAMM show. I was walking around the edge of the show looking at all of the accessory manufacturers, and the Original Fuzz straps really stood out to me with their interesting patterns. When I asked Lee about the straps, I learned that they use hand-woven material responsibly sourced from India and Peru. … [Read more...]