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Guitarist Gift Guide: The Essentials
NAMM 2016: Soundcraft Digital and Analog Mixers
The Vibrant Experience of Amateur Piano Competitions
NAMM 2016: Gretsch Drums - New Kits and Snares
Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Drum & Percussion Month Livestreams
Be sure to check out our online drum clinics that will be featured throughout the month of May! Read More Comments
Gibson Month Livestreams
Check out our YouTube livestreams discussing all things Gibson! Read More Comments
Band & Orchestra Month Virtual Workshops
Find online workshops for band and orchestral instruments here! Read More Comments
Learning Series 2021 - Virtual Edition
With national and international legends poised to present these live-streamed clinics, this year's offerings will be like no other! Read More Comments
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Accordion (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Of all the instruments, the accordion is undoubtedly one of the weirdest and most wonderful. Played badly, it can be irrepressibly irritating; played well, it can be enchanting. Keep reading to find out how the accordion came to be, how to acquire one, and how to make it sing! Read More Comments
Great Gift Idea Livestream Series
Find holiday shopping ideas for all of the musicians on your list! Read More Comments
Facebook Live Clinic Series
Join us for an exciting Facebook Live clinic featuring the hottest products presented by a variety of specialists. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2020: Day 4
We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 4, we're taking a look at new products from Cranborne Audio, Denon, Numark, M-Audio, HeadRush, Drum Workshop, Pacific Drums, Gretsch Drums, Zoom, Dynaudio, EarthQuaker, Electro-Harmonix, Paiste, Remo, Korg, Vox and Solid State Logic. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2020: Day 3
We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 3, we're taking a look at new products from Martin, Empress, Sabian, Zildjian, Nord, Ernie Ball, Marshall, Pearl, Gibson, Yamaha, Line 6, Revv, Two Notes, and Tama. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2020: Day 2
We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 2, we're taking a look at new products from Roland, Mapex, A&F Drum Co., American DJ, Pioneer DJ, Sonor, Warwick Music, Dunlop, Ludwig, Hohner, D'Addario, Softube, Audio-Technica, Royer and Taylor. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2020: Day 1
We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 1, we're taking a look at new products from ART, Yorkville, Mackie, Godin, KRK, Fender, Shure, Avantone, Radial, Warm Audio, Presonus, Aston, Tascam, ESP, Focusrite and Universal Audio. Read More Comments
Learning a Song in Half the Time - Part Two
In part one of this series a “Four Across Map” was presented as an effective tool in learning the chord progression of any song in half the time. In this issue I’m presenting two more techniques that will also help. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2019: Day 4
We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 4, we're taking a look at new products from ESP, Roland, Boss, Yamaha, Diamond, JHS Pedals, EarthQuaker Devices, Empress Effects, Eventide and Line 6. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2019: Day 3
We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 3, we're taking a look at new products from Cerwin-Vega, Yorkville Sound, Dynaudio, Hughes & Kettner, HK Audio, ART, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, KRK, Stanton DJ, Allen & Heath, Radial, Tonebone, Warm Audio, Universal Audio, Cranborne Audio, Audient, Nord, Vox, Korg and Novation. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2019: Day 2
We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 2, we're taking a look at new products from Martin, Dunlop, MXR, Way Huge, Ernie Ball, Ibanez, Tama, Orange, Electro-Harmonix, Mapex, Sonor, Ludwig, Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, ProLogix, Rhythm Tech, Remo and Vic Firth. Read More Comments
The NAMM Show 2019: Day 1
We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 1, we're taking a look at new products from Taylor, Godin, PRS, Mackie, Marshall, Gibson, Epiphone, Pearl, Fender, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch, EVH, Alesis, Akai, Headrush, Denon and Technics. Read More Comments
NAMM 2018: Keyboards and Synthesizers
Here's a closer look at all the keyboards and synths coming out this year by Yamaha, Novation, Alesis, Korg and Roland from the 2018 Winter NAMM show! Read More Comments
NAMM 2018: Cymbals
Here's a closer look at the new cymbals coming out this year by Sabian, Zildjian and Paiste from the 2018 Winter NAMM show! Read More Comments
NAMM 2018: Guitars
Here's a closer look at guitars coming out this year by Ernie Ball Music Man, Godin, Charvel, Gretsch, Fender and Yamaha from the 2018 Winter NAMM show! Read More Comments
PLEK: The Best Your Guitar Can Be
Whatever your playing abilities are, if you are serious about your playing it is worth asking yourself the question: Is my instrument as good as it could be? And if the answer to that question is not a resounding “yes”, then the Plek Station might be able to help. Read More Comments
Top 10 Reasons for Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
Here are our top 10 reasons why you should start learning to play a musical instrument. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Fender Guitars
A tour of the new Fender American Elite Series lineup, including the Fender American Elite Stratocaster with noiseless pickups, American Elite Telecaster and Thinline Telecaster, Jazz Bass, Dimension Bass and more. Read More Comments
The Language of Music – Why Music Theory is Fun
If you learn to ‘speak’ music theory it lets you talk about music without having to say: “remember that bit there that went da, da, da, dum?” It lets you define the particular bit of music you are talking about and the specific component of that music. Read More Comments
What to do when your child doesn’t want to play in the recital
After shelling out big bucks and a significant amount of time, your child adamantly decides that they do not want to play in the recital. Sound like your house? Don’t worry; this happens to most children at some point. Read More Comments
Classical to Country: The Polish Man in Black
Dan is a classically trained singer who often wanders the halls singing Beatles songs and has spent his share of time rocking out. Recently we heard that Julian was commuting to Poland to sing in various venues and were curious about the connection. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Line 6 Wireless Audio System and Bluetooth Amplifier
A look at the new Line 6 Relay G10 Wireless system and Amplifi 30 Bluetooth Amplifier. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Soundcraft Digital and Analog Mixers
Soundcraft's latest SI-series 32 x 32 USB interface/digital mixer • Signature Series 10, 12, 16, and 22 analog consoles. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: KRK Rokit Desktop Monitors
Studio monitors showcased by KRK at NAMM 2016, including the 4-inch Rokit RP4 G3 and 10-inch RP10-3 G3 mid-field monitors.This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Yorkville Sound EXM70 Speakers
Today, we take a quick look at the new Yorkville Sound EXM70 70-watt active loud speaker. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Ernie Ball Expression FX Pedals
Today we take a look at Ernie Ball's latest Overdrive and Ambient Delay FX pedals. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Vocal Processors from Boss and TC Helicon
We now take a look at Boss VO-1 Vocoder Pedal with Sarah Vee and Jordan West. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New Sound Processors from ART, DBX, Manley, and Black Lion
Today we take a look at some new sound processors from ART, DBX, Manley, and Black Lion. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Computer Audio Interfaces
We now get to take a look at some brand new computer audio interfaces by Apogee, Appollo, M-audio, andPreSonus. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New Yamaha Home and Portable Grand Keyboards
Yamaha's new NP12 and NP32 Piagerro Series keyboards • PSR-A3000 Arranger Keyboard • DGX-660 Portable Grand. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New Microphones and Headphones for Stage and Studio
Let's take a look at some new microphones and headphones for stage and studio use. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Keyboards and Bluetooth Controllers from ROLI, iRig, and Alesis
Today we get to take a look at the Roli Seaboard Rise 49 multi-touch sensitive keyboard controller. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New Controllers and Turntables for DJs
A look at the new Denon DJ MCX8000 DJ System, the Pioneer DJ Nexus 2, the Denon DJ VL12 Turntable for professional DJs, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: American DJ Stage Lighting
An in-depth tour of the American DJ booth and new product lineup, including the XS 600, Stinger 2 IR, WiFly NE1 controller, the Airstream Bridge DMX, Asteroid 1200, Inno Pocket Spot, Crazy Pocket 8, and more. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Roland - New Analog and Digital Synths
Roland introduces the new Juno-DS 61 and 88 key synthesizers, Jupiter-8 analog synths, Roland A-01 Controller and Generator MIDI and analog CV (control voltage) interface and step sequencer, and more! Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Roland TD-25KV Electronic V-Drums
A quick walkthrough and demonstration of the Roland V-Drums TD-25KV electronic kit. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars and Basses
A tour of Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars at NAMM 2016, including the 40th Anniversary Stingray bass, Cutlass bass, James Valentine Signature, St Vincent Signature, JP16 John Petrucci Signature with Floyd Rose tremolo, and more! Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Gibson USA High Performance & Traditional Guitars
A tour of the Gibson USA lineup at NAMM 2016, explaining the differences between their new High Performance and Traditional lines. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Gibson Guitars
An in-depth tour of the Gibson Memphis booth and product lineup at NAMM 2016. Highlights include the ES Les Paul Special, ES-345 in Frost Blue, ES Les Paul in Pelham Blue, the ES-335 and more! Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Grestch Streamliner and Players Edition Guitars
A tour of the new Gretsch guitars lineup at NAMM 2016, including the new Streamliner and Players Edition guitars. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Charvel and Jackson Guitars
A tour of the new Charvel guitar lineup for 2016, including Pro-Mod, So Cal, Hardtails, and brilliant new finishes. A tour of the Jackson guitars lineup for 2016, including the Christian Andreu Signature Rhoads, the Monarch, the Chris Broderick Signature, and more. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Yamaha Acoustic Guitars and Active Basses
We preview the limited edition Yamaha 50th Anniversary FG180 Reissue acoustic guitar and the APX Travel Size Acoustic Guitar. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Yamaha Electric Violins, Brass, and Winds
Let's go ahead and take a look at a preview of Yamaha's latest band instruments. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New Guitar, Bass, and Drum Amps for Stage, Studio, and Home
Preview Traynor's Acoustic Master Mini Amp, Traynor DW10 Drum Amplifier, Line 6 Firehawk 1500, Fender Bassbreakers, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Roland EL Cajon
Roland's Jordan West demonstrates the new Roland electro-acoustic EL Cajon. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: New E-Drums from Alesis
Alesis unveils it's latest flagship Strike Pro electronic drum kit, Forge & Command e-drum kits, and Sample Pad 4 module. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Zildjian S Family and A Avedis Collection
A tour of the Zildjian booth at NAMM 2016 with demos of the new Zildjian S Family and Zildjian A Avedis Collection of cymbals. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Vic Firth New Products
Here is the new Signature Drum Set Drumsticks, Marching Drumsticks, the Steve Gadd Practice Pad and Keyboard Mallets. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Sabian XSR and HH Vanguard Cymbals
Product Specialist Mark Love talks about Sabian's 2016 lineup, including the new XSR pro cymbal series. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Sonor Drums
Take a look at the new Red Oyster Vintage Series kit, bass drum brackets, burnt walnut limited edition snares, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Yamaha Recording Custom kit, alloy snares, and DTX electronic drums
Sean Browne shows off Yamaha’s Recording Custom kit re-issue, as well as 7 new metal alloy snares, the new DTX-760K electronic kit with larger tom pads on the toms, and mutable three-zone cymbal pads. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Paiste Cymbals
Let's talk about the new Black Label Big Beats cymbals, Danny Carrey ride, Formula 602 crash, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Mapex Drums – Storm and Saturn V Series Kits.
David Lawrence of Mapex demos the company’s latest Storm Series poplar drums kits, which replaces the Voyager series. Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun talks about what he loves about his Mapex Saturn V drums. Read More Comments
NAMM 2016: Gretsch Drums - New Kits and Snares
Here is the new 2016 lineup, including black hammered steel, bronze, and copper models, Catalina Club and revamped Renown RN2 kits. This article features products from our latest Namm Show series. Read More Comments
Acoustic Guitars 101
Many guitar-making pioneers got their start in the cabinet-making business, raiding old furniture for their materials, and while you aren't likely to find old teacups rattling around inside, an acoustic guitar body is akin to a sealed wooden dish cabinet. Read More Comments
Classical Guitars 101
When you hear the term "acoustic guitar", it usually refers to steel string instruments, favoured by folk, blues, and rock guitarists. Nylon-string classical guitars produce a soft, smooth sound, and are used to play all sorts of genres. Read More Comments
Why The P-bass Will Never Retire
What is there to say about the Fender Precision Bass that hasn’t already been said? It’s been around since forever, and it is the stuff of legends. If there’s an industry standard for electric basses, the long, lean, P-for-Perfectly-balanced Fender is it. Read More Comments
Portable PAs: Big Sound in a Small Package
When it comes to buying or renting a PA, whether you are looking for a single microphone system for a speaking engagement, or a full rig for a wedding or dance hall dust-up, the less you have to worry about the better. Read More Comments
How To Drum Without Risking Eviction
It is 10 pm. You are bored and there is nothing on TV. You eye your drum kit that is set up in the corner. Your heart rate goes up, palms get sweaty. You grab a pair of sticks and proceed to play the groove from the song Sober, by Tool. Read More Comments
Strings Attached - A Guide to Acoustic Guitar Strings
It's important to choose the right kind of strings for your guitar. This guide is intended to help you understand the different types of strings so you can get your instrument sounding its absolute best while improving playability. Read More Comments
PAs and Sound - Powered VS Unpowered Speakers
When it comes to compact and portable PAs, the simpler the better, and most smaller systems nowadays employ powered speakers, with the amplifiers, crossovers, and other electronics neatly contained the speaker cabinet. Read More Comments
Guitar Care Guide
Guitars require adjustments on a regular basis to maintain proper playability and performance. A guitar setup is a complete adjustment and calibration of the entire instrument to ensure that it is as playable and as responsive as possible. Read More Comments
