Category: Gear

The Latest

Review: The Yamaha FG9 R Boasts Boutique Specs and a Vibrant Tone

This limited-edition beauty feels like a bespoke guitar, and it truly shines whether flatpicked or fingerpicked.

Emile Menasché December 6, 2023

a toothbrush being used to clean a guitar fretboard

How to Clean a Guitar Fretboard the Proper—and Safe—Way

Cleaning and maintaining your fretboard can be fun and satisfying. Here are some expert tips on how to do the job the right way.

Martin Keith November 26, 2023

Reviews & Demos

Gear Reviews

Fishman’s New AFX Mini Acoustic Pedals Are Tailored for Acoustic Guitarists

Fishman’s Pocket Blender, AcoustiVerb, Broken Record, and Pro EQ Mini pedals feature quality sound and advanced signal routing capabilities.

Emile Menasché October 13, 2023

C.F. Martin and Co. Custom Shop Super D (left) and D-18 StreetLegend acoustic guitars

Dreadnought

Review: Martin’s Super D and D-18 StreetLegend—Two Bold New Takes on Classic Dreadnoughts

Two new guitars that stretch the parameters of the models they take after without abandoning their core sonic or build qualities.

James Rotondi October 6, 2023

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.

closeup of a guitar headstock with a c-clamp attached to it

Ask the Expert: Is it Possible to Improve a Guitar’s Tone by Changing Tuners?

Considering the physics of sound in stringed instruments, let’s explore the impact that tuners can have on the tone of an acoustic guitar.

July 23, 2023

collage showing three different packages of nylon guitar strings

Ask the Expert: What’s the Deal with Nylon Strings?

Guitar repair expert Martin Keith explains the differences between steel and nylon guitar strings and shares some useful terminology.

February 2, 2023

closeup of a guitarist turning the tuning pegs on an acoustic guitar headstock.

How to Set Up a Single Guitar for Use in Multiple Tunings

When setting up a guitar for a player who uses many alternate tunings, I take a slightly different approach from the usual setup job.

October 1, 2023

All Gear Reviews and Stories

Review: The Yamaha FG9 R Boasts Boutique Specs and a Vibrant Tone

This limited-edition beauty feels like a bespoke guitar, and it truly shines whether flatpicked or fingerpicked.

Emile Menasché
December 6, 2023

How to Clean a Guitar Fretboard the Proper—and Safe—Way

Cleaning and maintaining your fretboard can be fun and satisfying. Here are some expert tips on how to do the job the right way.

Martin Keith
November 26, 2023

The Year in Gear 2023: Guitars, Amps, Pedals, and Accessories for a Wide Variety of Styles and Budgets

In this annual year-in-gear retrospective, we take you on a tour of the exciting new acoustic guitars and accessories introduced in 2023.

Adam Perlmutter
November 22, 2023

Rev. Gary Davis' 1949 Gibson SJ-200 on the workbench

Great Acoustics: Reverend Gary Davis’ 1949 Gibson SJ-200 Finds a New Home

The story behind Davis’ SJ-200 is as murky as a Louisiana swamp.

David McPherson
November 19, 2023

ToneWoodAmp inventors Helene and Ofer Webman with guitarist Larry Mitchell

ToneWoodAmp’s Helene Webman on Her Company’s Unique Gear and Mission

Webman tells the story behind one of the most intriguing pieces of guitar technology to emerge in the past decade.

Mac Randall
November 17, 2023

Martin OM BIOSPHERE acoustic guitar painted with an undersea scene

How Guitar Makers are Responding to Climate and Supply Threats by Turning to Sustainable Sources, Alternate Materials, and More

Guitar manufacturers are rethinking their processes in a world where climate change and deforestation are no longer abstract problems.

Emile Menasché
November 5, 2023

Noemi Schembri building an acoustic guitar

Sicilian Luthier Noemi Schembri Has Dedicated Herself to the Craft of Guitar Making

Her instruments, evenly divided among steel-string, nylon-string, and crossover guitars, have earned rave reviews.

E.E. Bradman
October 29, 2023

Great Acoustics: The Late Robbie Basho’s Cherished 12-String Guitar Resurfaces

Basho created an alternate universe of mystical, spiritual music using this century-old 12-string of mysterious origin.

Buck Curran
October 22, 2023

interior photo of a home recording studio

A Guide to Getting Started with Home Recording

With a relatively modest budget and a bit of time invested learning the ropes, you can make satisfying recordings at home

Doug Young
October 15, 2023

Fishman’s New AFX Mini Acoustic Pedals Are Tailored for Acoustic Guitarists

Fishman’s Pocket Blender, AcoustiVerb, Broken Record, and Pro EQ Mini pedals feature quality sound and advanced signal routing capabilities.

Emile Menasché
October 13, 2023

Review: Martin’s Super D and D-18 StreetLegend—Two Bold New Takes on Classic Dreadnoughts

Two new guitars that stretch the parameters of the models they take after without abandoning their core sonic or build qualities.

James Rotondi
October 6, 2023

How to Set Up a Single Guitar for Use in Multiple Tunings

When setting up a guitar for a player who uses many alternate tunings, I take a slightly different approach from the usual setup job.

Martin Keith
October 1, 2023

Tascam Portacapture X6 and X8 handheld recorders

Review: Tascam’s Portacapture X6 and X8 Recorders Are Ideal for Acoustic Guitar—and a Whole Lot More

Both models offer ease of use, excellent sonics, and ability to capture wide dynamic ranges

Adam Perlmutter
September 20, 2023

Greg Brandt Custom Concert Model top detail

This 2022 Greg Brandt Custom Concert Model Is a Traditional Classical Guitar with Unique Ornamentation

All of the pieces fit together for Brandt when he built this “jigsaw puzzle” guitar.

Greg Olwell
September 17, 2023

How Reuben Cox of L.A.’s Old Style Guitar Shop Came to Build and Tweak Guitars for Stars and Hobbyists Alike

Whether working on guitars for Jackson Browne, building a rubber bridge for an instrument powering a Taylor Swift hit, or setting up some kid’s cheap acoustic, Cox keeps chasing a sound—and inviting the world along for the ride.

Emile Menasché
September 10, 2023

Córdoba Stage nylon-string guitar front view

Review: The Córdoba Stage Is a Gig-Ready Nylon-String that Plays Like an Electric Guitar

With its C-shaped mahogany neck and radiused fretboard, the Stage handles more like a semi-hollow electric than a traditional classical or flamenco guitar.

Greg Ruby
August 25, 2023

Should You Repair the Crumbling Celluloid Binding on a Vintage Guitar?

Binding replacements on vintage guitars are becoming increasingly common as more and more old celluloid turns to dust

Martin Keith
August 18, 2023

Great Acoustics: John Monteleone’s Rocket Convertible Is a Standout Archtop from the Blue Guitar Collection

With is elliptical soundhole and dual soundports, the innovative Rocket Convertible is a great example of Monteleone's vision and craft.

Greg Olwell
August 11, 2023

A Guide to Commissioning the Custom Guitar of Your Dreams

Collaborating with a luthier can result in an instrument that satisfies performance needs, creative desires, or both.

Greg Olwell
July 30, 2023

Ask the Expert: Is it Possible to Improve a Guitar’s Tone by Changing Tuners?

Considering the physics of sound in stringed instruments, let's explore the impact that tuners can have on the tone of an acoustic guitar.

Martin Keith
July 23, 2023

Gibson J-45 50s Faded and Keb Mo 3.0 12 Fret J-45

Review: Gibson’s J-45 50s Faded and Keb’ Mo’ “3.0” 12-Fret J-45 Are Two New Takes on the Classic Workhorse

Both models stick to the strengths and depart from the script in terms of our preconceived ideas about the J-45 shape.

James Rotondi
July 14, 2023

John Monteleone building a guitar at his workbench

John Monteleone’s Exquisite Archtop Guitars Are Seen in the Hands of Top Players and Museum Display Cases

If there’s a living heir to the great mid-20th-century luthiers like John D’Angelico and James D’Aquisto, John Monteleone would have to be it.

Emile Menasché
July 9, 2023

steve james with his custom collings c10 acoustic guitar

Great Acoustics: Steve James’ Collings Custom C10 was His Main Steel-String Companion for 30 Years

The 1991 Collings Custom C10 (serial number 524) was James’ main flattop for three decades, and the one he considered his best.

Adam Perlmutter
July 5, 2023

Breedlove Artista Pro Series Concert CE guitar

Review: Breedlove’s Artista Pro Series Concert CE Is a Compact Acoustic-Electric with a Full Dynamic Sound

The Pro Series Concert includes some of the maker’s signature touches in a well-made instrument that’s ready for the stage or studio.

Greg Olwell
June 29, 2023

Lillian and Stan Werbin at Elderly Instruments

Checking In with Lillian Werbin, the New Co-owner and President of Elderly Instruments

Werbin talks about balancing dreams and realities at the celebrated East Lansing, Michigan, music store founded by her father, Stan Werbin, in 1972.

E.E. Bradman
June 25, 2023