Author Archive for: chickenp

Entries by chickenp

10 reasons why your guitar won’t stay in tune

Short Summary If your guitar won’t stay in tune, the cause is often easier to fix than you might think. Common reasons include old strings, improper string installation, friction at the nut, worn tuning machines, bridge issues, temperature changes, or incorrect string stretching. Identifying the real cause of tuning instability helps improve your guitar’s playability, […]

Speakers and Ohms, is it important?

Short Summary Understanding speaker impedance (Ohms) is essential for getting the best performance from your guitar amplifier and speaker cabinet. Matching the correct impedance helps your amplifier deliver power efficiently while reducing the risk of overheating or damage. Whether you’re using 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω speakers, or connecting multiple cabinets in series or parallel, knowing […]

The best lacquer for guitars

Short Summary Choosing the best lacquer for a guitar depends on the balance between tone, durability, appearance, and maintenance. Popular finishes such as nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, and polyester each have unique characteristics that influence how a guitar ages, feels, and withstands everyday use. While the finish can have a subtle effect on resonance, its biggest […]

9 Gründe für dicke Plektren

Warum sind dicke Plektren (Picks) sinnvoll – besonders für Einsteiger Gerade als Gitarrenanfänger:in kann die riesige Auswahl an Plektren ganz schön überwältigend sein. Dünn oder dick? Flexibel oder fest? Rund oder spitz? 9 Gründe für dicke Plektren ist die Antwort auf dieser Frage. In diesem Beitrag zeigen wir dir 9 Gründe, warum dicke Plektren – […]

How do tube amps work?

Short Summary Tube amplifiers have shaped the sound of electric guitar for decades thanks to their warm tone, dynamic response, and natural overdrive. They work by amplifying your guitar signal through vacuum tubes in the preamp and power amp stages before sending it to the speaker. As the tubes are driven harder, they produce the […]

What is an attenuator

Short Summary A guitar amplifier attenuator lets you enjoy the rich tone and natural overdrive of a tube amplifier at lower, more practical volume levels. Placed between the amplifier and speaker cabinet, an attenuator reduces the power sent to the speaker while allowing the amplifier to operate as if it were being driven hard. This […]

Humbuckers vs single coil

Short summary Choosing between humbucker and single-coil pickups depends on the tone, music style, and playing experience you’re looking for. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear, and articulate sound, making them popular for blues, country, funk, and classic rock. Humbuckers deliver a warmer, fuller output with reduced noise, making them ideal for rock, […]

FRFR- versus analog speakers explained

Short Summary Choosing between an FRFR (Full Range Flat Response) speaker and a traditional analog speaker cabinet comes down to whether you want transparent accuracy or natural tonal character. FRFR speakers capture the exact, uncolored tone of digital processors and impulse responses (IRs), making them the perfect lightweight companion for setups like the Line-6 Helix […]

Gripperzz for guitar picks

Short Summary Struggling with guitar picks that constantly slip, spin, or fly out of your fingers since Monstergrips went out of business? Gripperzz are premium, handmade adhesive grip stickers designed by guitar players to give you ultimate control over your pick. Featuring a unique, ergonomic 351 guitar-pick shape and soft horizontal rubber ribs, Gripperzz maximize […]

The right guitar effects pedal order

Short summary Building a pedalboard but not sure where each effect belongs? While there is no definitive right or wrong way to arrange your signal chain, understanding the common guitar pedal order helps you achieve the cleanest, most predictable tone. A standard setup positions utility pedals like tuners and dynamics (compressors/wahs) first, followed by gain-based […]

Best guitar picks for beginners

What are the best guitar picks for beginners When you are new to guitar and especially to electric guitar, there are many things related to that. Think of different kinds of guitars, amps, effects pedals, playing styles, music and more.What could be the best guitar picks for beginners, might not be the first thing to […]

Overtones and undertones in guitar sound

Short Summary Every note you play on a guitar consists of a fundamental frequency—the main, identifiable pitch—accompanied by higher secondary frequencies known as overtones. These overtones shape your instrument’s unique timbre (sound quality) and allow you to intentionally play artificial or natural harmonics at specific frets. Interestingly, guitars do not actually produce true undertones because […]

Guitar compressor pedal, how to use.

Short Summary A guitar compressor pedal is a powerful dynamic tool that evens out your tone by softening loud signal peaks and boosting quieter notes, resulting in a cohesive, professional sound. Ideal for maintaining a tight, rhythmic pocket in funk or adding sustain to country chicken pickin’ styles, compressors balance the naturally heavy transients of […]

Big Muff: First ever and best distortion pedal?

Short summary The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff is one of the most iconic guitar distortion and fuzz pedals ever made. First developed in 1969, the Big Muff has gone through many versions, including the famous Triangle, Ram’s Head and Russian models. This article explores the history of the Big Muff, its unique sound, true-bypass design, famous […]

Mandolin picks

Short Summary The right mandolin pick can make a noticeable difference in tone, volume, speed and playing comfort. This guide explains what to look for when choosing the best mandolin picks, including pick material, thickness, shape and grip. It also covers mandolin picks for beginners and why harder picks of 1.5mm or thicker can provide […]