Gear | Acoustic Guitar

Ask the Expert: Can I Use Medium Strings on My Prewar Martin?

If the saddle has been lowered on your guitar in the last 80 years, and it likely has, then the torque on the top will have been reduced, too, which lowers the risk. This may be why you prefer the sound of the medium-gauge strings—they may put a load on the top that is comparable to what light-gauge strings would produce with a taller saddle.

James “JC” Curleigh, CEO of Gibson Guitars, seated holding an acoustic guitar

How CEO James ‘JC’ Curleigh Is Using Lessons from Levi’s to Spur Gibson Guitars’ Revival

James “JC” Curleigh is using his experience revitalizing the Levi's brand to do the same with Gibson guitars after taking the reins as CEO in 2018.

closeup of bridge, soundhole, and pickguard of jerry garcia martin D-28 acoustic guitar

Jerry Garcia’s 1943 Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar Finds a New Home—and New Players

Jerry Garcia’s Martin D-28 acoustic guitar was likely acquired by the guitarist in the late spring of 1970. Now it has a new owner to care for it.

collage of various guitar effects pedals and signal processors

How to Enhance Your Plugged-In Tone with Pedals and Preamps

Here's a guide to some of the effects pedals, preamps, and signal processors you can use to amplify and enhance the tone of your acoustic guitar.

Ask the Expert: How To Diagnose and Eliminate Common Nut Problems

Here's a guide to understanding the acoustic guitar nut, a critical area where a few thousandths of an inch can make a big difference in intonation and tuning stability

Collings CJ45 T acoustic guitar closeup showing the soundhole, strings, and sunburst finish

Review: Collings CJ-45 T Guitar

With the new CJ-45 T, Collings has delivered a new guitar that shows how much can be achieved with a mix of CNC manufacturing, handcrafting, and vision.

2021 Roundup of Acoustic Guitar Pickups and Microphones

This roundup of acoustic guitar pickups & microphones includes music gear specifically tailored to the needs of acoustic guitar players.

guitarist holds a resonator guitar and cleans it

Ask the Expert: Caring for Your Guitar Over the Long Haul

Guitar repair expert Mamie Minch gives a rundown of some basic things a guitar owner can do, and not do, to maintain the health of their guitar.

May 2021 Acoustic Guitar Auction Report

A 1943 Martin 000-18 and a 1999 custom engraved National Tricone Style 4 were among the 19 guitars sold in Acoustic Guitar’s recent online auction.

Guitar Amps and PA Systems for the Acoustic Guitarist

This roundup of acoustic guitar amplifiers includes on seven amps and PA systems that are specifically tailored to the needs of acoustic guitar players.