Category: Gear

The Latest

Acousticomp-environ_small-photo-©Steve Lasko

Review: The JangleBox Acousticomp Pedal Adds Sustain and Clarity to Your Acoustic Sound

While compression pedals for electric guitars are fairly common, the Acousticomp compressor/sustainer is voiced specifically for acoustic guitar.

Doug Young December 25, 2024

Dale Fairbanks with his F-35 1934 Jumbo. Photo ©Mathilde Sauvé

Dale Fairbanks Blends His Jazz Background with a Passion for Crafting Vintage-Inspired Guitars

The Fairbanks Guitars founder talks about his journey from being a jazz trumpeter and guitarist with coffee-shop day jobs to becoming a master luthier.

Russell Mofsky December 20, 2024

Reviews & Demos

Taylor's 50th Anniversary 614ce (whiteburst) LTD and 858e LTD

12-String

Review: Taylor 614ce LTD and 858e LTD Golden Anniversary Guitars

Taylor’s 50th anniversary lineup revisits some of the brand’s most iconic designs, blending the character of the originals with modern innovations.

Doug Young December 4, 2024

Two views of the Nakupenda GM25 Guitar Master stool

Strings and Accessories

Review: Nakupenda GM25 Guitar Master Stool Elevates the Seated Playing Experience

The GM25 Guitar Master Stool isn’t just a seating solution; it’s an ergonomic design that doubles as a guitar stand and adds a touch of style to any space.

Adam Perlmutter November 3, 2024

Ask the Expert

Martin Keith is a luthier, repair and restoration expert, and working musician based in Woodstock, New York. He’s been answering your questions about guitars and gear for Acoustic Guitar since 2019.

Testing a finish product on a piece of scrap wood before applying it to your guitar can help avoid pitfalls. Photo: Ono Kosuki

A Primer on DIY Finish Touchup for Acoustic Guitar Repairs

How can you determine what type of finish was originally used? And how can you best match it to complete the repair?

July 24, 2024

Close-up photo of an acoustic guitar’s interior kerfing

Are Some Guitars Better Suited for Certain Climates?

With proactive maintenance, your guitar should be able to work for you in whatever climate you call home.

February 4, 2024

Ask the Expert: Modifying a Standard Flattop for Lap-Style Playing

I’m thinking about converting an instrument for lap-style playing. Will I be putting the guitar at risk if I raise the nut and saddle high enough to play it with

October 2, 2024

All Gear Reviews and Stories

Review: The JangleBox Acousticomp Pedal Adds Sustain and Clarity to Your Acoustic Sound

While compression pedals for electric guitars are fairly common, the Acousticomp compressor/sustainer is voiced specifically for acoustic guitar.

Doug Young
December 25, 2024

Dale Fairbanks Blends His Jazz Background with a Passion for Crafting Vintage-Inspired Guitars

The Fairbanks Guitars founder talks about his journey from being a jazz trumpeter and guitarist with coffee-shop day jobs to becoming a master luthier.

Russell Mofsky
December 20, 2024

The Year in Gear (and More)—Acoustic Highlights of 2024

We look back at some of the year’s most exciting guitars, accessories, and amplifiers, as well as albums that captured the diverse voices of acoustic guitar music.

Adam Perlmutter
December 15, 2024

Measuring a a guitar case with a tape measure, with suitcase in background.

Ask the Expert: Flying with Your Guitar

When flying with guitars, it’s important to think outside the case. Even with careful preparation, there are many potential dangers that lurk throughout the process.

Martin Keith
December 6, 2024

Review: Taylor 614ce LTD and 858e LTD Golden Anniversary Guitars

Taylor's 50th anniversary lineup revisits some of the brand’s most iconic designs, blending the character of the originals with modern innovations.

Doug Young
December 4, 2024

Ask the Expert: What’s the Best Way to Maintain My Guitar’s Fretboard?

Products designed to improve the look and feel of your fretboard are plentiful, but some can lead to unintended problems.

Martin Keith
November 15, 2024

1949 Epiphone Emperor, Courtesy of Gryphon Stringed Instruments

Great Acoustics: A Mighty 1949 Epiphone Emperor Archtop

The Emperor pictured here was made in late 1949, and has a carved spruce top, carved maple back, and extensive inlay work befitting such a fancy guitar.

Michael John Simmons
November 6, 2024

Review: Nakupenda GM25 Guitar Master Stool Elevates the Seated Playing Experience

The GM25 Guitar Master Stool isn’t just a seating solution; it’s an ergonomic design that doubles as a guitar stand and adds a touch of style to any space.

Adam Perlmutter
November 3, 2024

Acoustic guitarist using Audigo device to record their playing

Review: Audigo Wireless Microphone/App Turns an iPhone into a Mobile Studio

Audigo lets you record and sync audio and video, use EQ and effects, and share the final product—all on your phone.

Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
October 30, 2024

Scott-Memmer-photo-Courtesy of Scott Memmer

Scott Memmer’s Charmed Life Picks Offers Handcrafted Alternatives to Tortoiseshell Plectrums

A conversation with Scott Memmer, whose cutting-edge products have brought him lots of fans in the world of acoustic instruments.

E.E. Bradman
October 25, 2024

The FT340 BS model, Courtesy of Takamine Guitars

Review: The Takamine FT340 BS—a Quality Modern Dreadnought Primed for the Stage or Studio

The Takamine FT340 BS is a versatile axe for the gigging acoustic guitarist who needs a consistent sound at a variety of volumes in a variety of venues.

Greg Ruby
October 13, 2024

Great Acoustics: A Cutting-Edge 1931 Martin OM-18 Owned by Country Legend Conway Twitty

Twitty was renowned for his voice, his hair, and songs like “It’s Only Make Believe,” but he also had excellent taste in acoustic guitars.

E.E. Bradman
October 6, 2024

Ask the Expert: Modifying a Standard Flattop for Lap-Style Playing

I'm thinking about converting an instrument for lap-style playing. Will I be putting the guitar at risk if I raise the nut and saddle high enough to play it with a bar?

Martin Keith
October 2, 2024

Review: Thomastik-Infeld Bronze IBR112T Strings

The company’s first-ever phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings are strong performers.

Emile Menasché
September 20, 2024

How the Orchestra Model Went from a Flop to Become One of the Most Popular Guitar Types

The first OMs were built by Martin in 1929, and today, almost every modern guitar builder inspired by the venerable company builds an OM of some kind.

Michael John Simmons
August 25, 2024

Cat Fox of Sound Guitar Repair Fixes and Restores Instruments for Stars and Hobbyists Alike

The acoustic instrument "health and wellness" expert talks about her training, memorable repair jobs, and her recent move to New England.

Natalia Zukerman
August 23, 2024

Review: Collings Debuts New Series with the Striking OM1A Hill Country

Designed to be "just a guitar—simply in its purest form, open and woody,” every inch of the OM1A HC speaks to lutherie at its finest.

Greg Ruby
August 14, 2024

A Primer on DIY Finish Touchup for Acoustic Guitar Repairs

How can you determine what type of finish was originally used? And how can you best match it to complete the repair?

Martin Keith
July 24, 2024

Gruhn Versitar, Photo: Eric C. Newell/Gruhn Guitars

Review: Vintage Guitar Authority George Gruhn Rewrites the Rulebook with His Bold New Versitar Design

Based on the Tacoma models that Gruhn designed back in the 1990s, the Versitar series deconstructs and reconstructs many of the touchpoints of traditional flattop design, like the neck joint, fret count, bracing, soundhole position, and more

Emile Menasché
July 3, 2024

Santa Cruz Guitar Company's Richard Hoover in the wood vault

Santa Cruz Guitar Company’s Richard Hoover Brings out His Choicest Tonewoods for the Stunning New Vault Series

Hoover enlisted the most skilled luthiers in his workshop to build a series of instruments that would represent the state of the art of the steel-string guitar.

Adam Perlmutter
June 30, 2024

Tracy Chapman’s Judy Threet Model A Parlor Guitar

Great Acoustics: Tracy Chapman’s Cherished Judy Threet Model A Parlor Guitar

“It’s probably the most exquisite acoustic guitar I’ve ever played,” says guitarist-composer Joe Gore, who has worked with Chapman for many years

David McPherson
June 28, 2024

All About Nylon Strings and Modern Steel Sets

Finding the right match between string and guitar can have a very rewarding result.

Martin Keith
June 26, 2024

Taylor Circa 74 amp on slatted wood table

Review: Taylor Branches Out with Its First Acoustic Amplifier, the Circa 74

Beyond its good looks, the Circa 74 offers a well-thought-out feature set that incorporates all the essentials without being overcomplicated.

Doug Young
June 7, 2024

The Secret to Shubb Capos’ 50 Years in Business? It’s the Little Things

Checking in with Rick Shubb, founder of Shubb Capos, on his company’s 50th anniversary.

E.E. Bradman
May 31, 2024

John Leventhal's Martin D-18 guitar once used by Johnny Cash

John Leventhal Gets a Surprise Birthday Present: Johnny Cash’s 1940 Martin D-18

Cash used this guitar in the series of critically acclaimed studio albums he made with producer Rick Rubin.

Adam Perlmutter
May 17, 2024