The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi is arguably the most used fuzz pedal in the world. It is well used by guitarists, bassists and even keyboardists the world over. The first Big Muff models went into production in 1971. Things were going alone nicely for the Big Muff until 1982 when Electro-Harmonix went out of [...]

Billy Corgan, where the f**k have you been? Zeitgeist is an album that rocks hard and clearly justifies the return of the Smashing Pumpkins. Cynics be damned, Zeitgeist bursts from the speakers and thumps you over the head.
All the classic hallmarks of the Pumpkins are present. The pounding kick drum of Jimmy Chamberlin, the Billy [...]

This is the first in what will possibly be an ongoing series detailing the gear I either own, use or lust after.
The BOSS DS-1 Distortion pedal was first released in 1978 and since then, has become the weapon of choice for a huge number of guitarists. It’s popularity underwent a massive surge in the early [...]

Previously I posted an signal flow diagram of Adam Dutkiewicz’s stage rig with Killswitch Engage. Since that diagram was produced he’s undergone a couple of changes in terms of the amplifiers he uses on stage. He moved from the Hughes and Kettner Triamps to Framus, and now I’ve just learned that he has signed on [...]

The Korg Electribe series has undergone a few changes since the first versions hit the streets. The price tag on the newer models has also bumped up a little. I’m glad to say that I picked up both the Korg Electribe ER-1 and the Korg Electribe EA-1 second (possibly even third or fourth) hand of [...]

Chevelle’s new album, Vena Sera, has been in high rotation at my place since I picked it up. Awesome tracks, great tone, heavy and melodic. With that in mind, it’s the perfect time to post Pete Loeffler’s guitar rig. For me, his is almost the perfect setup. Simple, yet bruising. Starting with PRS guitars fitted [...]

If you ask me, there just isn’t enough Soundgarden love in the world. That put out some awesome albums, and Chris Cornell still has one of the most impressive, and expressive, voices in music. With his solo album due sometime in June, I thought it was time to step back in time to see what [...]

Whether you like his style of music or not, there is no denying that when it comes to guitar, Tom Morello is one creative dude! His tone ranges from crunchy rhythm, to something more akin to a turntable. Now that it looks as though Rage Against the Machine is getting it back together, he’s sure [...]

Even though Metallica haven’t released a decent album in quite a while, they still have a massive fan base (although St Anger probably reduced that somewhat), and there is no doubt Kirk Hammett has skills. Checking out his signal flow diagram from an old Guitar World magazine, I was immediately struck by how much was [...]

Here’s a photo of Steph Carpenter’s (from the Deftones) rack. I can’t make out everything there, but it definitely includes the Marshall JMP1 pre-amp (one of the best ever in my opinion), as well as two Marshall 9200 power amps.
There is also a rack mount POD Pro in there as well as a couple [...]