From a kitchen table in Texas to the highest levels of modern American guitar making, the story of Collings Guitars is one of precision, craftsmanship and relentless experimentation. We explore Bill Collings’ remarkable journey, the instruments that built the company’s reputation and the legacy that continues in Austin today.
The B-Bender is one of the most innovative guitar modifications ever created, allowing players to recreate the soaring sounds of a pedal steel on a standard electric guitar. Discover its fascinating history, the inventors behind it, and the legendary musicians who made it famous.
From humble beginnings in post-war Germany to becoming Europe’s largest guitar manufacturer, Framus built some of the most distinctive instruments of the 1950s and 1960s. Discover the history, iconic models and why vintage Framus guitars have become increasingly sought after by collectors today.
From vintage Hawaiian acoustics to some of the most prestigious custom-built electric guitars ever produced, koa has earned its place amongst the world’s most desirable tonewoods. Renowned for its stunning figured grain, rich golden hues and distinctive tonal character, Hawaiian koa offers a unique blend of beauty, rarity and musicality. In this article, we explore the history of koa in guitar building, its tonal properties and why it continues to be one of the most sought-after woods in the modern guitar world.
Kluson may not be as famous as Gibson or Fender, but its tuning machines helped define the golden age of guitar manufacturing. Explore the history of the company whose hardware appeared on countless vintage classics, from Les Pauls and Stratocasters to Martins and Rickenbackers.
Robben Ford’s tone is one of the most celebrated in modern guitar history. From vintage Fender Telecasters and Gibson semi-hollows to his legendary relationship with Dumble amplifiers, Ford has spent decades refining a sound that blends blues, jazz and fusion with remarkable sophistication. In this article, we explore the guitars, amps, pedals and studio techniques that helped shape the unmistakable voice of one of guitar’s greatest players.
Jimmy Bryant was one of the first true electric guitar virtuosos, combining lightning-fast technique with groundbreaking Fender tone in the early 1950s. From traditional archtops to pioneering Fender Broadcasters and Telecasters, Bryant’s guitars played a vital role in shaping the sound of modern country and electric guitar music.
From Leo Fender’s post-Fender innovations to iconic artist collaborations with players like Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci, and Steve Lukather, Music Man guitars have become synonymous with premium craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. In this article, we explore the history of Music Man guitars, their groundbreaking features, and the lasting impact they’ve had on modern electric guitar design.
From the legendary Mark I to the modern Mark VII, discover the history of Mesa/Boogie’s iconic Mark Series amplifiers, the famous guitarists who made them legendary, and the albums that defined generations of guitar tone.
