Currently Ibanez offers 19 different models in their Prestige Series which is not only moderately affordable but packs some punch in performance. From their solid shape and design to the fine glossy finish they wear, Ibanez guitars are among the best and the Prestige lines prove it.

Not many Ibanez models are stocked on shelves at rock bottom prices but, because they last forever, you get more than what you pay for. Plus Ibanez are also known for their diversity and versatility in purchasing power.

FR Prestige
The FR Prestige is only one model–a serious axe for those who just want tradition. No whammy bar, no strange shapes or special necks. Just a solid body made of Ash, 22 standard Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, a CCR1 neck pickup and a CCR2 bridge pick up. This baby comes in black or red and runs around $950 online. It’s an axe that will last a long time.

RG Prestige
The RG Prestige offers many solid body electric guitar models, mostly made of Basswood, to satisfy the differing needs of the artists who demand them. One is never better than the next–only different in price, shape, features or hardware. So here are all of them for you to decide yourself which is best for your own needs:

• RG1527: This 7 string, solid Basswood body guitar has serious sound and play in mind. It features 22 Jumbo frets and a Rosewood Fingerboard but is particularly special for its Edge Pro 7 bridge, Ibanez custom pickups; IBZ V7 and V8 neck and bridge pickups, and comes in a wicked blue color. They run around $850 online, which is a deal.
• RG1570 and RG1570L (for lefties): Another solid Basswood body style with extraordinary feel, this axe also bares the Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, an Edge Pro bridge and Ibanez custom pickups. The difference: 3 pickups–the IBZ V7 neck, IBZ S1 mid and the IBZ V8 bridge. It comes in Candy Apple, Black and Mirage Blue. You can get one online for $750 to $800.
• RG2228: This 8 string guitar is another beautiful solid body axe made of Basswood with Jumbo frets and Rosewood fingerboard. It also has, however, a Fixed Edge III-8 bridge, EMG 808 pickups and comes in black only. Magnificent. They cost between $1400 and $2000 online.
• RG2550Z: This unique solid body Basswood features a Bound Rosewood Fingerboard instead of standard, and has so much to offer. It comes with an Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. It’s a gorgeous sounding, almost vintage guitar and shines in Galaxy White and Galaxy Black. They range in price between $900 and $1800 online, some used, some new, some customized.
• RG2570Z: This is another great guitar featuring the solid Basswood and Bound Rosewood fingerboard and the Jumbo frets. Another unique feature are the Wedge sharktooth inlays instead of the pearl dots. Made for serious shredding, this axe comes with custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. The 2570Z is also very attractive and comes in both Vital Gold and Vital Silver. You can get one online for around $900.
• RG2610: Very similar to the 2570Z, the 2610Z comes in the standard Basswood body, Jumbo frets and bound Rosewood. It’s quality, however, is in it’s Edge Zero bridge and Seymour Duncan TB10 bridge pickup. Because it’s made to scream and shout, it only comes in black. They cost between $1000 and $1400 online and in stores.
• RG3520Z: For a change of pace in wood, this axe is a solid body made of Mahogany and a tripple-flamed Maple top. It sports the standard Prestige Jumbo frets, a Rosewood fingerboard, Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck and bridge. The sound of this guitar, I am told, is like wailing in the mountains. Perhaps that’s why it only comes in Himalayan Black. These axes start at $1800 online and can cost up to $2200 in stores.
• RGR1570: Another solid Basswood body with Jumbo frets and a Rosewood fingerboard, you would expect the ordinary. This awesome axe, however, features the Edge Pro bridge, custom Ibane pickups: IBZ v7 at the neck, IBZ S1 at mid and IBZ V8 at the bridge. To show that it stands out from the rest, the finish is called Suede Black because it is not a high gloss finish. Thrilling. They cost around $850 online, making them a steal.
• RGT320Z: For those who want the high end equipment but without needing 3 pickups, the T320Z is perfect. It comes in a Mahogany solid body with triple flamed Quilted Maple top, Abalone Small Dot inlays, an Edge Zero bridge and custom DiMarzio Ibanez pickups at the neck and bridge. The finish is a gorgeous red with splashes of cat-like stripes lightly scattered throughout the finish. Very nice and priced at around $2300.

RGA Prestige
This line of guitars focuses on the solid Mahogany body and offers only Gibralter bridges. Gibralter bridges are known for being sturdy, long lasting and having a very Ibanez-standard sound in tone, clarity and resonance.

• RGA121: Besides the Mahogany body and Maple top with Jumbo frets and a Rosewood fingerboard, this axe comes with the Gibralter Plus bridge and custom IBZ V7 and V8 pickups at the neck and bridge. It comes in a very interesting Natural Flat and Violin Flat color. You can find one online for $900.
• RGA121H: Another beautiful Mahogany body with Jumbo frets and the Rosewood fretboard, this axe seems normal. Then you realize it comes with a Gibralter Plus bridge, V7 and V8 IBZ pickups at the neck and bridge and sports a gorgeous burgundy color called Crushed Dark Ruby. It’s absolutely gorgeous and feels good in your hands. Most sites sell them at $950.
• RGA321F: A little fancier than it’s sister, this guitar comes with a Mahogany body, tripple flamed Maple top, a Rosewood fingerboard, Gibralter Plus bridge and custom DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck and bridge. Wow. And it only comes in Black Onyx. $1500 online.

S Prestige
The S Prestige line makes you wonder if the S is for strange. They come in incredibly interesting makes and colors which enhance the actual grain of the wood used for making the guitar. Their hardware, of course, is top notch and most of the S Prestige line come with DiMarzio custom Ibanez pickups.

• S2170FB: Equipped with a Mahogany solid body, Figured Bubinga top, Jumbo frets and bound Rosewood fingerboard, this guitar is still anything but standard. It is a beautiful auburn color and sports the grain of the wood amidst custom DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck, mid and bridge. The color is called Natural Flat. Wonderful. $1300 online.
• S2170FW: What sets this guitar apart is the Poplar Burl top that makes this Mahogany solid body with Jumbo frets and DiMarzio IBZ pickups at the neck, mid and bridge, so beautiful. The finish is still called Natural Flat. Also $1300 online.
• S2170SE: Just the same as it’s sister above, the only thing that differs in this guitar is the Swirled Ebony top. The same natural grain can be seen in the wood when looking closely at this beautiful black guitar. Sells like its sisters for $1300 online.
• S5470: The usual Mahogany body, Jumbo frets and Rosewood fingerboard are not what set this lovely piece apart. In fact, this guitar is strangely different from the rest in it’s line. It sports the natural Mahogany finish, which they call Satin Oil, though it also comes in Transparent Black Sunburst, but it doesn’t stop there. The S5470 comes with a ZR2 bridge, an HGD1 neck pickup, ST1 mid pickup and HGD2 bridge pickup. Interestingly odd but awesome nonetheless. I played on one of these at a buddies house and fell in love with it.

SV Prestige
The SV Prestige line is incredibly special because of how much amp it puts out. This is a machine made for the more serious shredder or effects player. They resonate like no other you’ve heard and sounds quite unique.

• SV5470A: This axe has a Mahogany body and natural Ash top which gives it a unique yellow wood look. It has the usual Jumbo frets with Bound Rosewood. The bridge, however is a SynchroniZR bridge and the pickups are amazing. The neck comes with an IBZ True-Duo Blast pickup, the mid comes with an ST1 and the bridge is an IBZ True-Duo Blast pickup. The finish is called Honey Gold. $1100-$1400 online and in stores.
• SV5470F: There is no real difference between these two axes than the finish and top. The F version is fitted with a flamed Maple top and a Blue finish called Natural Blue. $1300 online.

Ibanez
With so much selection and great hardware, the positive reputation of Ibanez is not surprising. What is, however, is the crisp, clear and sometimes warm sound of their amazing axes.

I admit that there are bigger, better guitars out there with a heftier price tag and a famous name on them. But nothing beats the tried and true reliability of an Ibanez guitar with your needs in mind. For more information about Ibanez or the Prestige Series, check out their site at www.ibanez.com.

His guitars are equipped with the highest quality woods, hardware and finishes and are known all over the world.

They have a hard, uniqpe and aggressive sound and have been granted many awards for different models. These guitars are also very pretty and their quality exceeds their reputation.

Paul Reed Smith

Paul Reed Smith was born on February 18, 1956 in Bowie, Maryland, where he was born and raised. While attending St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he found himself to be a decent luthier and craftsman, receiving his highest marks in his various shop classes.

After college, Paul continued making guitars one by one, sometimes feeling overwhelmed that he could never make them fast enough. To market them and get his name out, Paul would hang out at the back of concert halls and clubs to hang out with roadies of local and big bands. Persistent in his game, he was able to sell one every once in a while and eventually had a long list of orders to fill. His biggest break was when Derek St. Holmes of the Ted Nugent Band tried one out.

The PRS SC250 Electric Guitar

The SC250 is the latest in model changes for the 25 inch scale Singlecut that PRS puts out. The difference? A much more intense treble pickup, an adjustable Stoptail bridge for heavy strings and the ability to ‘tune down’ the guitar for more modern sounds and fades. It also comes in an amazing 27 colors and sports some excellent PRS custom hardware. Here are your specs:

Body

• Carved Singlecut solid Mahogany back
• Carved Singlecut solid Flamed or Quilted Maple top

Neck

• 22 frets
• Mahogany base
• Rosewood fretboard
• Wide neck for ease in string depression

Hardware

• PRS custom adjustable Stoptail
• SC 250 truss rod cover
• PRS 14:1 Low Mass locking tuners
• PRS 250 Treble and Bass pickups
• Volume and tone control on each pickup
• 3 way toggle selector

Why and Where to Get One
The PRS SC250 is an excellent machine that will last a long time. It displays an immense amount of versatility in what kind of player it is comfortable for and will take a wide range in string gauge.

It also comes in some wicked looking colors and sports some very intense hardware. I love the way it feels in my hands, though I admit that the neck is wide and I’m clumsy with it. In average sized hands, however, this machine glows.

For more information about this awesome axe, visit the Paul Reed Smith website at www.prsguitars.com. If you are interested in purchasing one, there are several that can be searched by Google and on Amazon, new and used. The PRS SC250 will run between $2000 and $3000, depending on which options you purchase. Rock on!

In the 1940s, luthier and jazz musician Les Paul experimented with his skills in electronics to improve and change the sound of his guitar. He spent years building and re-building models, not realizing that the information he was collecting in his work would eventually shape the world of Rock and Roll.

By 1945 Les finally felt that he had come up with a presentable prototype, which he called The Log because of it’s solid body. Immediately he went to his favorite guitar manufacturer with the invention, hoping to sell it’s design. When he presented it to Gibson, however, the company rejected his model.

Hope was not lost. Because the axe was so interesting and the technology for this kind of instrument was so new, a relationship between Les and the Gibson company was formed. From that point on this rocky but interesting partnership produced many high quality pieces with extraordinary features. Today you can not only find vintage re-releases of the original Gibson Les Paul Electric but you can order fancy and fully loaded custom Les Pauls as well.

Vintage

Gibson Custom makes a lot of awesome axes with great additional features. For those of us, however, who are looking for something from the past, the Gibson Custom Historic Les Paul series is pure decadence. In fact, there are 10 decadent models to choose from, each highlighting a specific piece of hardware.

• 1957 Junior: This is a beautiful solid body axe whose focus is the low price and the lovely mahogany neck. It has an aluminum tail piece to keep it light and comes in Vintage Sunburst or TV Yellow.
• 1958 Junior: The 1958 version of the Junior was still focused on cost efficiency and a double cutaway body.
• 1960 Special Single Cut: The Special Single Cut was offered in 1960 as a mid-range guitar with the price of a Junior and the custom feel of the Les Paul. It has a great sound and feel.
• 1960 Special Double Cut: A step up from the single cut, the double cut offered more options in play and sound as well as a more heftier feel to the axe. An excellent guitar and very vintage.
• 1956 Goldtop: This fancy guitar offers a toggleswitch washer and jack plate, and an ABR-1 Bridge with aluminum stopbar tailpiece for lightweight action.
• 1957 Goldtop: The amazing 1957 Goldtop is back with Burstbuckers dual coil humbucking pickups combined with the ABR-1 Bridge. Magnificent.
• 1957 Custom: Because the dual coil pickups became standard in the Custom series, all Gibson had left to do with the 57 was change the color and offer yet another pickup. Thus, this usually black (comes in other colors) guitar features 2 or 3 pickups–your choice.
• 1958 Standard: As revealed by the company itself, the 58 Standard was released the same as its original but with a sunburst cherry color around the edges of the TV yellow. Yay for color.
• 1959 Standard: Quite an interesting revelation is the 1959 Standard. Jumbo frets were added to the Standard body, giving the 59 Standard more force in bend and a new feel.
• 1960 Standard: The 60 Standard was released with a dramatic change to the beautiful Mahogany neck–it was thinned out for a different feel and sound in bend. A great guitar.

The Custom Line

The Custom line of Gibson Les Pauls are supposed to be the highest quality a guitarist can ask for. They are made with only the highest quality woods, features and hardware. Take a look:

• Class 5 Quilt Top: This excellent piece of equipment offers a highly quilted Maple top, slim tapered neck and 2 or 3 Burstbucker pickups.
• Les Paul Custom: We all know he’s a flashy guy so it’s no surprise that the Les Paul Custom features gold hardware and 490 or 498 Alnico Pickups.

Limited Historic

Rare and exotic guitars like these are hard to find so it’s a relief that there is now a custom shop to turn to for vintage high quality. The Limited Historic line for Gibson is the ultimate in guitar buying power but only offers 4 models in limited quantities.

• 1954 Goldtop: The wraparound tail piece is what sets this baby apart from others. Still the classic Les Paul Goldtop, but improved in giving the player control over his tone and sustain.
• 1954 Oxblood: Still sporting the wraparound tail piece of the 54 Goldtop, the 54 Oxblood carved maple top comes in a beautiful almost-black finish and features two Burstbucker pickups.
• 1954 Custom: Because Les appreciated his work so much, he insisted that the Custom come with gold hardware to make a statement and a black finish to show the player’s hands off easily. The 54, however, is also known for being the first solid body to feature the ABR-1 Bridge. Either way, it’s a top notch axe.
• 1957 Custom Faded Cherry: Burstbucker pickups became standard on the Customs in 1957, so naturally this beautiful cherry stained guitar has them as well. This re-make also has gold hardware, of course.

Limited Custom

The Limited Custom series at Gibson only has one model but it’s a damn good one: The Les Paul Ultima. With tons of options for the player in mind, this gorgeous guitar is equipped with either a high quality or flamed maple top. It also has gold hardware and your choice of a Nashville TOM Bridge, Stopbar or Ultima Tail piece. It comes with a set of 57 Classic Humbucking pickups and Grover Imperial Tuners for rich, warm sound and long sustain. The finish, of course is that amazing Cherry Sunburst finish.

For Your Information

Custom guitars, despite how expensive they are, have been breaking boundaries and climbing steadily in demand over the years. Perhaps that’s because when a guitarist has played long and hard, they deserve to play gold. For more information about Gibson Custom Les Pauls or any other customizable Gibson guitar, visit their websites at www.gibson.com and especially www.gibsoncustom.com. Rock on!

Home recording, especially when the subjects are music and voice, is a very complicated art and science.

An experienced recording artist knows that the appropriate PC, software and equipment are essential to great sound and quality work, as well as the right combination. However, compatibility also comes into play when choosing your guitar, along with other things to look for.

Furthermore, generally speaking, any high end guitar you might choose should sound good on any amplifier you run it through. That is not to say though that you might lose a lot by plugging a $2500 guitar into a $100 amp. Let’s be serious. Plug it into a decent Line 6 amp, Mesa Boogie, Marshall, or Fender amp to really get what you are paying for.

With that in mind, if you’ve got your home studio up and running and now need to replace or make a first purchase on a guitar, do some research and read up on what would be best for you. Do you prefer a light-weight model, something small or are you only worried about your budget?

The Best Pick
The guitar I would most like to record in my home studio with would have to be a PRS SC250. This is a beautiful electric guitar that offers the PRS standard. With PRS guitars each model has it’s own sound, which is great for selection.

The PRS SC250 sounds better than any Gibson or Fender I have had the pleasure of laying my fingers on, and that is saying a lot for someone who use to spend every day demonstrating guitars for the public in the music store I work. If you pick up one, it should sound and play exactly like the next one. No more spending an entire day playing several guitars of the same model to find the one that sounds the best. Plus the pickup choice is well done with the usual 3 selections and controls that help you play this thing which feels like playing glass.

This amazing guitar, however, comes with a price. Because it is relatively new (2007), it’s difficult to find, which is disappointing. It’s priced at $2,500 and well worth the cost but is obviously for the serious musician.

Next Best
The next best to a PRS SC250 is, hands down, a Parker Fly. The first time I ever saw one was when Dave Navarro was playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and I hated the thing. I had never seen a guitar that sounded so decent but looked so ugly. When I began working for a major guitar chain, however, I tried one out and was amazing to play. The sound is decent and the guitar is lighter than some acoustics, which makes it an awesome pick if you’re playing live, outside the home.

The Musicman Axis
Third on my list would be the Musicman Axis guitar. Musicman is a company which was begun by Ernie Ball, who has a reputation for his excellent products. These guitars have an amazing sound and are easy to play. The attention to detail and simplicity of design on the Axis is what makes it so popular.

Last but not Least
Fourth on my list would be a Gibson SG. I’ve always been a sucker for it’s evil look and after playing one, it has beaten out the Les Paul for me. Plus, the Gibson SG is lighter and you have the peace of mind knowing that your guitar has a great reputation and an industry leader that can warranty their products. A decent SG can also be purchased for under $600.

The Others
There are many different brands and custom made guitars for you to choose from, which will make the task of picking one out difficult. I have yet to find a Fender that was a must have and Ibanez makes a few that I would record with if necessary, but mostly I am only impressed by their bass guitars. The same goes for Washburn, which has some crazy designs but average sounds.

All in all, however, the best way to know what’s right for you is to make a list of what you want in your guitar, pick up to a dozen models that fit most of your requirements, and then go out and play them until your fingers bleed and you know exactly what you want.

If you’re like me and you like to give the crowd before you record at home, whether coffee shops or your little sister’s graduation party, the POD XT Live is awesome. It offers the kind of versatility you need to pick up and go or plop it down at home and flip the switch.

What It’s Made of
The Line6 POD XT Live boasts a whopping 42 amp models, like many other PODS, and the standard but awesome 24 cab models, both of which can get you soft sounds for a baby or ripping screams to scare the seniors off. The 80 effects models the XT Live uses are straight from the Vetta II amplifier and reputable stomp boxes. This, obviously, also lends to your being able to find the right range for when you record.

That versatility that I was talking about allows you to use the Line6 POD XT Live as a pedal for multi effects or you can plug the thing straight into your PA.

The Plugs
The Line6 POD XT Live can be connected to just about any computer with its USB port which is convenient because of the many software products you can get online. The XT Live comes with a USB cable and you can download free programs at www.line6.com.
Also available on the XT Live is the port that can connect you to a Variax guitar. I wouldn’t recommend this but there are some very die hard Line6 fans that truly enjoy using the Variax.

The MIDI in and out connections for the POD XT Live make for more convenience, as usual, but even more impressive is being able to plug some phones straight into the POD XT Live. In fact, the equipment automatically switches itself to a studio position whenever you plug your phones in.

Other features, besides the input where your guitar goes, include the Aux input which allows you to connect to many devices from a CD player or MP3 player or even a drum machine. Other electronic instruments can be used as well. The Output to Amp allows you to connect to an amplifier, recorder or mixer if you like. Just flip the switch in the back of the machine and rock without changing your tone!

Even crazier about the Line6 POD XT Live is the fact that you can connect another pedal to it, whether you choose a Line6 product or not. Of course, many believe that it’s simply better for the devices to use the same brand when connecting directly. For this, you could get the EX-1 which is pretty basic. The extra pedal will allow you to control volume and other functions all at once.

All in All
To conclude, the Line6 POD XT Live is an excellent piece of equipment to have if you like both sides of the coin: Home recording and live performances. If you prefer not to work live, however strange that may be as a musician, you can always go with the POD XT, which is also a superior machine without the fancy live action. Wail on.

The way that it feels in your hands. The way it wails and screams for your fingers and for your affections. Its crisp tone and coarse pulse. These are the things we come to personally love about the Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar.

The truth behind the Fender Strat’s crazy popularity, however, is far more complicated than just how damn sharp these guitars feel when you play them. It’s because of it’s rich history and its legendary performance.

The History of Fender

Fullerton, California. Orange County, 1938. The Fender company originally started out as Fender’s Radio Service. Leonidas Fender, or Leo, an electronics technician, worked as a radio and home audio equipment repair man. He also fixed PA systems, amps, and other sound related devices in his community. On the side, he also sold records in his shop and began designing and building PA systems. He apparently appreciated building custom amplifiers, some after his own designs and others were modifications of existing models.

By 1942 Leo had partnered up with Clayton Orr Kauffman and together they created K&F Manufacturing Corp. to sell Leo’s instruments and amplifers. In 1945, production began and the Hawaiian Steel Lap Guitar came out with Fender’s patented pickup. These guitars were sold as sets with the amps, which was new to customers and became a popular practice for beginners.

Around 1946, Kauffman and Fender parted ways, however, because Fender had completely lost interest in repair whereas Kauffman preferred it. This is when Leo renamed the company to Fender Electric Instrument Company and branched out on his own.

By 1948 Fender had his first wave of amps built, called the Tweed amp. The tweed amp, which was named for the fabric used to cover the amp, was the beginning of a new era in rock and roll. They were ugly but they were the cutting edge tools for aspiring artists during the music boom.

When 1960 rolled around, Fender was using Tolex to cover the amps, except for the Champ which stayed in tweed for some years. Around this time, the speaker that Fender chose for his amps were Jensen, Oxford, Utah and CTS. Some of these major companies are still around today because of their quality and decent prices in manufacturing parts.

By 1963 the Fender amps were starting to look good. They were mainly black and silver with a decent control panel in the front of the amp. And by now, Leo had also simplified his design as well as the circuitry that went into his amps, making them more reliable. Less parts means less parts to break.

The wattage hadn’t changed much but the volume could be turned way up at this point. That’s right, Fender, himself, was responsible for Rock and Roll played loudly.

The other instrument that Leo Fender brought to the world is the Precision Bass, which as you know is the standard used in the industry. Rock, country, folk, funk, jazz and many alternative bands all use the Precision Bass. Noteably, Leo was also responsible for the Jazzmaster, Stratocaster, the lap steel and the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano.

Fender’s first real guitar, however, was the Telecaster which offered a single pickup. These are still used today because of their unique tone. You know the sound. It’s twangy and kind of crisp like a good scream.

What Makes The Strat Different

The Strat offers 3 single coil pickups which give a very clean and poppy sound versus a Les Paul which has a much smoother tone. Modern Strats offer a Humbucker pickup in place of one of the single coiled pickups to add another dimension to the sound, making the Fender unique. Slightly more expensive but impressive and non-traditional.

Another excellent feature of the Stratocaster is the “whammy bar” which is a spring loaded hinge on the bridge that allows the player to bend all the strings down. Other companies have similar effects, but this is where it started, and the Strat does it best, giving you that classic, wailing sound.

In conclusion, the Stratocaster is one of those guitars that makes you realize each model is made for something different. For a warm but solid sound, you use a Les Paul. But when you want to scream and wail, you use the Fender Stratocaster.

The neck of the guitar is obviously a very important part of the instrument. It is the bridge for the musician’s hands that takes them from touch to sound.

The frets, which are the communication hub of the guitar are also located on the neck, which is why it must be sturdy, stable and dependable.

Since the neck is such an important tool in delivering sound, the construction and materials of the neck can affect tone, reverb and sustain. To better understand which type of neck is right for you, I bring you these facts about guitar necks.

Bolt-On Necks
Bolt-on necks are by far the most common necks because they are the cheapest to make and fasten to a guitar. With a Bolt-On neck, the construction is made of a solid piece of wood that fits into a pocket at the top of the guitar body. Bolts through pre-drilled holes in the neck and body hold the parts together.

You should beware of lower end guitars with Bolt-On necks because their sound is less than quality, especially after time. One of the well reputed manufacturers that uses the simple Bolt-On style neck, is Fender.

Set-In Neck
A guitar with a Set-In neck has grooves at the neck’s end that fit into grooves made in the back of the body and is sometimes permanently affixed to the guitar body with industrial strength adhesive.

The Set-In neck is becoming more sought after as it allows the guitar body to become thinner and more comfortable and has a reputation for warmer tone and more sustain than bolt on. Most acoustics use this style neck and many electric Gibsons are made with a Set-In neck as well. Beware, however. Some of the more inexpensive Set-In necks will snap if you hard rock with them.

Neck-Through or Solid Body
The Neck though design, or the Solid-Body guitar, are pretty hard to come by as they are difficult to make. Essentially, with this design, the guitar neck and body are made out of one solid piece of material OR the neck is a puzzle piece, usually in the shape of a V that fits snugly into a lower extremity on the guitar. This is a favorite design as it is very durable and has the most sustain with nothing to hold its vibration back. Watkins makes a decent Neck Through guitar.

The Mechanics of the Nuts and Bolts
Bolt-Ons have a lesser sustain rate than the Set-In and the rare Neck Through design because their fittings create a mechanical resistance to the vibration of the guitar. The Bolt-In’s bolts are literally a wrench in the machine because they dampen the guitar’s natural vibration.

Guitars with a Neck Through design are usually custom made and very pricey but their sustain is longer and their tone much warmer. Custom guitars with solid body, would be, of course, the ultimate guitar for some because of the superior design in the neck.

I suppose that a very talented guitarist with plenty of cash could greatly benefit from having a Neck Through but as a modest musician making his way in the world, I suggest a mid-range to high end Bolt-On for beginners, self starters and moderately experienced musicians.

For those who are more experienced and are looking for more detail in tone and sustain, the PRS line is one of my favorites as they are famous for their Set-In neck design. Just one more reason that PRS Guitars are some of the most favored in the industry currently.

When you want a specific tone from your guitar, the wood it’s made of can impact what you choose to play with. This is especially true when you are bound to a specific wood for the body of the guitar but need a sound that particular wood cannot offer. Budget is most often the culprit.

So here is a bit of knowledge on the subject of guitar neck woods that could be of some help to you the next time you are in the market for a lovely new piece.

Spruce

Although Spruce wood isn’t as attractive as, say, Maple or Rosewood, it is light and solid, which makes it perfect for necks on acoustic guitars with flat tops. Spruce necks offer a wide range and great resonance on acoustic guitars.

Rosewood

Rosewood is gorgeous and dense, making it perfect for acoustic guitars. It is a bit pricier than some of the other woods but is a standard for the 3/4 dark shell+neck that acoustics are known for and gives them that piano-style tone. You know the sound–it’s classy and it rings in long resonating hums.

When using Rosewood on an electric, the fret board is the only part of the neck where Rosewood works because it is heavy. Worry not, however, as Rosewood has an excellent reputation for adding base and a warm tone when used in fret boards.

Alder

Alder is a very malleable wood that is easy to work with and inexpensive to cut. This makes Alder a standard on many solid body electrics, including the Stratocaster. The same reason makes it great for the neck, especially when you want your body to be made of something else. Alder gives the electric guitar a deep, full sound but lacks in the scream or bite that Ash does. It is, however, great to use in semi-hollow electric guitar necks.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a great looking wood that doesn’t break the bank. The sound it offers isn’t as hard or rocky, rather more warm with low and mid-range frequencies when used in the neck or the body. When you’re on a budget, however, you may be able to find a guitar with a mahogany neck combined with a cheaper wood for the body.

Ash

Though it’s not used much in acoustics, Ash is a great neck wood for those who enjoy that twangy, country sound in their electric guitars. It offers a bright, brilliant sound and is very heavy and hearty, which is why it’s sometimes good to have an Ash neck with a lighter wood for the body. Specifically, the Telecaster is known for it’s Ash sound.

Ebony

Ebony is great for necks but more specifically, fret boards. Ebony is known for being strong, durable and giving off a bright sound as well as being incredibly dark. It is expensive, however, so sometimes it’s better to get a guitar body made of Walnut with an Ebony neck. Ebony is most often used in electrics.

Maple

Maple is a very popular wood for guitar necks because it is hard, strong and dense. It gives the player a great amount of support because the wood can take a great amount of stress without bowing. Maple, however, should not be used in a solid body guitar because it is so heavy. This is why many guitars, like the Les Paul, use Mahogany for the body and Maple on the neck to brighten up the sound.

Walnut

Walnut is a strong wood that offers warm sound, when used in the body but the wood should not be used for the neck because of how particular the cut must be. The wood is generally soft and also does not make a great fret wood, either.

Cedar

Though Cedar is not as awesome a wood as Spruce is for acoustic guitar necks, it’s a great alternative for it. It produces a bright and bouncy tone when used in the neck and it has a deep, red color that is very attractive.

Keep in mind that the woods listed here are the most common woods used in guitars. If the guitar you’re interested has a neck made of a wood that you don’t recognize or can’t spell, chances are it’s Pau Ferro, Bubinga or possibly Wenge. These woods are slowly gaining popularity in solid body guitars and especially basses. They are strong and have a great reputation, so give them a shot.

For any other wood not listed, check it out online, though I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a guitar with a wood that is not commonly used. Rock your wood on.

The truth of the matter is, however, the body of your electric or acoustic guitar was constructed from wood and not all woods are alike. The density and quality of the wood affects the reliability and durability of the guitar. Let’s take a closer look.

Pine
Pine is an inexpensive wood that has a reputation for drying out easily unless it is treated properly. It is used in many cheap guitars that are decent for beginners but not widely used in making pricey guitars for experienced musicians. A guitar made of pine usually has a sharp, stark sound.

Ash
Ash is a hard, sturdy wood which is known for it’s bright, cutting, lasting tone when used in guitars. It is a commonly used wood for electric guitars and has an excellent reputation. The Telecaster is made of Ash wood.

Alder
Alder is a lightweight wood with small, tight pores, making it dense. Alder also, however has a pattern in its grain where the wood is sometimes hard and brittle inside. Be cautious of brand when choosing a guitar made of Alder.

Walnut
Walnut is a dark wood with a very consistent density and rich sound, which makes it an awesome choice for a guitar. It’s also a very attractive wood for a guitar body when it’s properly treated and coated. Some of the Walnut wood used in guitars even have an Ash-like quality to their sound and feel. Avoid heavy walnut guitars, however. The weight does not improve tone or quality and the weight can be cumbersome when playing while standing.

Maple
There are two types of Maple: soft and hard. Soft Maple is most often used by Korean manufacturers and is often a bit heavy. With a decent pickup, however, a Soft Maple guitar can certainly be useful for a beginner or for those on a budget, though its sound is often stark and short.
Hard Maple has a much better reputation than soft, it resonates better and makes for a great slim bodied guitar. The wood itself, however is very hard on production equipment and can be more costly. It is not overly-used in guitar bodies for this reason though its durability has attributed to the popular use of Hard Maple in guitar necks.

Swamp Ash
Swamp Ash wood is not a consistently high quality wood. Often times there are areas of the Swamp Ash tree that are hard and dense, and others that are brittle and porous. For the best quality when buying a guitar made of Swamp Ash, choosing a high end brand name is best. The Gibson Les Paul Swamp Ash Studio Electric Guitar, for example is a quality guitar made from Swamp Ash.

Spruce
Spruce wood has a solid, hard surface and a soft core. Many believe that a high quality Spruce will greatly sharpen your resonant sound and improve frequency attack. Spruce is rarely used in guitar production, however, because it requires such a heavy finish to protect the soft wood inside. When purchasing a guitar made from Spruce, be sure that the finish on the guitar is solid, thick and incredibly shiny. Choosing a brand with a reliable reputation in warranties is another great idea.

Bass Wood
Basswood is a soft but dense wood. It is an inexpensive wood and well known for being easy to cut, shape, sand and seal. Basswood is also light despite how dense it is and can make for a very attractive guitar. Ibanez uses a lot of Basswood in their guitars because of its crisp, lasting sound and durability.

Koa
Koa is a very oily, Hawaiian wood and it’s more dense than Mahogany but it is very expensive. It is also rare that Koa is used on a guitar, but when it is, the sound that is produced is rich and bright. There once was a Special Edition Telecaster released in a Koa wood. It is more often used in tops production than body production.

Mahogany
Mahogany wood has an open faced grain and is usually very porous. It’s also very dense, which makes it sturdy and popular for many guitars. The Gibson Les Paul line and many PRS guitars are made of rich Mahogany which always makes for a very dark, beautiful looking guitar with deep, rich sounds that almost seem to curve.

Korina
Korina wood is very similar to Mahogany and though it is slightly less dense, it is a bit heavier than Mahogany because of it’s moisture content on the inside of the wood. Korina wood is high quality and very durable but it is rare and pricier than Mahogany. It’s a beautiful wood but its weight is not suggested for gentle players.

Lacewood
Lacewood is a very pretty wood. It has a rum color to it and is a grey color on the inside, like Alder. Lacewood, however is difficult to finish because the inconsistency in its moisture content causes the wood to soak in finishes unevenly. Over time, a guitar made of Lacewood will show its grains through the color and finish it is dipped in. However rare, if you can locate a guitar made of Lacewood, you are guaranteed an old, worn in sound as if you have owned the guitar for decades though it may be new.

Though every wood has its own sound and detail, in reality the differences in those sounds only come through when you are using a hollow body guitar like an acoustic or hollow body electric. Even then, some will argue that the sound is much less affected than the durability and quality of the guitar, but what is quality if it isn’t tone and sound detail?

In the end, the body of an excellent guitar is made from, in my opinion, Maple or Ash. Maple and Ash both have excellent densities, sound and are durable. Both woods are also at the mid-range price which lends to the best quality for your money. In fact, I will shortly be making my own custom solid body from Spalted Ash, which is Ash Wood that has been injected with mold and bacteria before it’s cut down. This give the wood an almost 3D effect and really boasts the grain and many layers of the wood. And now you know which wood is good. Rock on.

What We Do Know

What’s not always obvious, however, is exactly how the amplifiers work. But once again at Soundetta.com we’re here to explain the complicated workings of our favorite electronic equipment in terms that everyone can understand. Check it out.

What We Didn’t Know
When you strum your guitar, or simply pick or pluck one of the strings on your electric guitar, the vibration of the strings sends a signal through the pickup coil. The pickup coil is the metallic wrap or shield that is at the end of your audio cords.

The signal that comes out of the guitar travels through that pickup coil, through the audio wire and winds up in the amp which then makes the signal audible. It does so by boosting, or loudening it enough to shove the sound through a speaker.

Note that electric guitar amps are different from stereo amplifiers. That’s because a stereo amp is only meant to amplify sound the way that it is. There is no distortion or change in the way the sound plays. Whereas with an electric guitar amp, sometimes the point is completely about the distortion or noise that you can use to affect your sounds.
Distortion is, literally, when the signal that is being received by the amp is too powerful for the amp’s circuitry. The resulting sound or scream is the desired affect, which ultimately makes any guitar that allows the musician to control the distortion, convenient.

Lastly, a neat trick of the trade is knowing about feedback loops. A feedback loop is what happens when you strum your electric guitar, hooked into an amp, and when the correct note is hit, that sound will continue to resonate indefinitely. This can seriously change the sound of a song, which was ultimately one of the major advances in modern rock.

The Different Brands
There are several different brands of Electric guitar amps with decent reputations. Among them are Marshall and Gibson who are both well known for their quality in tone and appearance. Gibson is ahead of the curve but Fender also makes a great line of amps. With a Fender, however, be sure to take your guitar with you when picking one out. With Fenders, I play before I pay.

If you’re just starting out and looking for something that will save you some money, Epiphone makes a budget amp which is great for the beginner.
Line 6 has a line of amps but I’m not familiar with them. I have, however, noticed their growing positive reputation.

An Amp seriously worth mentioning is Ampeg which makes top of the line products that cost anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand for a system. Ampeg has a reputation for being high-quality equipment. Of course, Behringer also makes an awesome amp, though I personally feel that Behringer is best at bass though they make some inexpensive stuff that’s easy to get your hands on.

Last, but not least, is the Peavy line of amps. Peavy is an incredibly popular company who has had its ups and downs but still makes a superior product. Getting a high end Peavy is well worth the price but if you need the Peavy on a budget, shop for a used one that’s just a couple of years old.

The Amp and the Famous
To conclude, I will leave you this fun, brief list of who uses what in Hollywood. And never forget to research until you’re sick from the glow of your computer screen.

Anthony Kiedis: Peavey Bandit 112
Billy Corgan: Marshall JMP
Pete Wentz (Fallout boy): Fender 810 PRO
Beastie Boys: custom Ampeg B15
Michael Anthony: Ampeg SVT 810E
Jimmy Page: Marshall
Aerosmith: Vintage Music Man Amps