Before Fender and Gibson dominated the electric guitar world, DeArmond was already there—creating some of the first pickups and effects that defined modern tone. Here’s the story of one of the most important yet underrated names in guitar history.
The 1960s were a pivotal decade for the Fender Telecaster. While the guitar’s core design stayed remarkably consistent, subtle changes—from slab rosewood boards and clay dots to CBS-era logos and maple cap necks—help define each era of this iconic instrument.
Few guitars are as closely tied to The Beatles as the Epiphone Casino. Used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, this fully hollow P-90-equipped guitar became a defining part of the band’s mid-to-late 1960s sound.
Few guitarists have influenced the sound of modern blues and rock quite like Eric Clapton. Across a career spanning more than six decades, Clapton’s tone has evolved alongside a remarkable collection of instruments—from the legendary “Beano” Gibson Les Paul Standard that defined the British blues boom to the iconic “Blackie” Fender Stratocaster that became his signature voice. In this article we explore the guitars that shaped Clapton’s sound and helped define some of the most important moments in guitar history.
From the workshop of a tone-obsessed repairman to one of the most respected names in guitar electronics, Seymour Duncan pickups have shaped the sound of rock, metal, blues and beyond. In this post, we explore the company’s origins, its most famous models like the JB and ’59, and the legendary players who trust Duncan to define their tone.
Founded by Leo Fender after selling Fender to CBS, G&L represents the final evolution of the electric guitar’s original blueprint. From the powerful ASAT to the refined Legacy and innovative Magnetic Field Design pickups, this is the story of Leo’s last and arguably greatest work — built in Fullerton and designed to improve on tradition.
Founded in Tokyo in 1975, ESP Guitars rose from a specialist parts supplier to one of the most influential electric guitar brands in modern music. Renowned for precision craftsmanship, cutting-edge playability, and deep roots in rock and metal culture, ESP’s journey mirrors the evolution of high-performance electric guitars themselves.
Before the electric guitar became a lead instrument, Charlie Christian proved it could sing like a horn. Armed with early Gibson electrics and the blade-style pickup that now bears his name, Christian helped invent modern electric guitar language — and a tone that still inspires players today.
Introduced in the early 1980s, the Gibson Les Paul Heritage Series marked a turning point for Gibson — a deliberate return to late-’50s design, tone, and craftsmanship. Featuring Tim Shaw humbuckers, classic tonewoods, and vintage-inspired appointments, these guitars laid the groundwork for the modern reissue era and remain highly respected by players and collectors alike.
