7 questions to Luke Green (Marshall Amps)

7 questions toIn 2008 I met Jim Marshall at the Musikmesse Frankfurt in Germany. His amps changed the musical world and I guess all of you know and love the Marshall amps. But these days, people wonder who is the face behind the legendary amplifiers.
Thus, I would like to present the “7-questions-to-interview” with Luke Green. Working as product director, he is one of the guys behind the absolute magnificent Marshall Amps. Continue reading “7 questions to Luke Green (Marshall Amps)”

1×12, 1×10, 2×12, 4×12 – about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of speakers

Tips & tricksIf you own a combo amp, means an amplifier with an in-built speaker, it mostly has a 1×12 or 1×10 speaker.
Looking for a sonic variation, most guitarists start with replacing the speaker of one manufacturer by a suitable model from another brand.
But the alteration of the speaker sizes can also effect decisive sonic changes. Continue reading “1×12, 1×10, 2×12, 4×12 – about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of speakers”

Lunchbox Tube Amps Part III

Ask the DudeIn the first part of this series, I presented some budget tube combos. In the second part, I started a small overview of several heads. And finally, I would like to end up this series with some last recommendations. Continue reading “Lunchbox Tube Amps Part III”

Lunchbox Tube Amps Part II

Frag den DudeIn the first part of this series, I presented some budget tube combos. Here, I would like to give a small overview of several heads.
They are even more handy and you can connect every speaker you like.
Mini heads are pretty functional and flexible. Besides, they are (mostly) cost-effective and fit in almost every gig bag. Continue reading “Lunchbox Tube Amps Part II”

7 questions to Dave Fruehling (Strymon)

7 questions toI love Strymon effects and the Strymon Volante is one of my favorite delay pedals.
Therefore, I am proud to present this interview with Dave Fruehling, Co-Founder of Strymon. Continue reading “7 questions to Dave Fruehling (Strymon)”

Lunchbox Tube Amps

Ask the DudeSmall tube amps are pretty popular at the moment. And mostly, they are not much quieter than their big brothers. But of course, they offer a little less clean headroom.
They can be carried easily and they are so much more than just a little toy. Perfect for a jam-session at home or for recording.
In the Studio, even Led Zeppelin did not use a Marshall full stack but a small Supro amp.
Mostly, the prices of these little amps are comparable with the effort for a good effect pedal.

In this three-part series, I would like to present a small overview of well-priced 5Watts tube heads and amps. Continue reading “Lunchbox Tube Amps”

Sound like: Balthazar

Sound likeTo me, Balthazar have been one of the major discoveries for the past years. First, I joined one of their concerts as a supporting- act of the Editors and I must confess: I was totally amazed.
The sound as well as the style of this band is unique and hard to describe – therefore, just click here and listen.
In this article, I would like to present the bands’ equipment which is so decisive for their sound. Continue reading “Sound like: Balthazar”

Tips & Tricks: Songwriting Rig

Tips & tricksFor songwriting, as well as for practicing, every source of inspiration is important. I already wrote about a songwriting pedalboard, and in this second part I would like to add some ideas that might promote creativity. Continue reading “Tips & Tricks: Songwriting Rig”

Strymon Iridium

NewsAlmost surprisingly, Strymon put the Iridium – an amp and IR cab simulator – on the market.
The Iridium emulates three classical amplifiers: The options called round, chime and punch are no less than the sounds of the Fender Deluxe Reverb, the Vox AC30 and a Marshall Plexi. Continue reading “Strymon Iridium”

News +++ Guitar Summit 2019 +++ News

NewsFor the third time, the Guitar Summit opens the doors from the 27th to the 29th of September in Mannheim (Germany). Continue reading “News +++ Guitar Summit 2019 +++ News”

Tone Tipp – Stratocaster Springs

Tips & tricksIn the world of guitars, the Fender Stratocaster is still a classic.
No guitar model has been built and copied more often.
To change the sound of a Strat, guitarists mostly think of changing the pickups. But today, I would like to make you learn more about the “sonic” function of the vibrato springs. Continue reading “Tone Tipp – Stratocaster Springs”

+++ Guitars & amps Summer NAMM 2019 News +++

NewsCompared to the Winter NAMM most musicians perceive the Summer NAMM somehow inconspicuous. Nevertheless, some interesting innovations have been presented this summer.
Here, I would like to present a list of my highlights regarding the world of guitars and amps. Continue reading “+++ Guitars & amps Summer NAMM 2019 News +++”

Fluctuating mains voltage = different sound?

Ask the DudeAlmost every guitarist knows this phenomenon: in the rehearsal room the sound of the guitar was absolutely perfect, and the amp has been situated right in the sweet spot. But live on stage, the magic has disappeared. Continue reading “Fluctuating mains voltage = different sound?”

Effect pedals interacting with the whole setup

Ask the DudeOne loves the Tubescreamer, the other hates it. It is impossible to keep everyone happy. While to one guitarist the overdrive pedal sounds perfect, stresses the mids in an optimal way and creates the ultimate range of distortion, the same pedal seems hollow with the bass cut quite too much to another guitar player. Continue reading “Effect pedals interacting with the whole setup”

+++ NAMM 2019 News Part 2+++

NewsBefore the NAMM 2019 opens the doors for guitar geeks from all over the world, the first information about new pedals, amps and instruments are announced. Here I would like to present the second selection of interesting news: Continue reading “+++ NAMM 2019 News Part 2+++”