Category: Gear

The Latest

Great Acoustics: Los Lobos’ Bajo Sexto and Requinto Jarocho

Two instruments belonging to Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo reflect the breadth of the band’s influences and dedication to tradition.

Charles Saufley January 14, 2024

13 Easy Ways to Troubleshoot Your Ax

Sometimes it’s the little things that keep you from enjoying your guitar. Here are 13 common problems and their typical solutions.

Frank Ford January 12, 2024

Reviews & Demos

Amps and PA Systems

Review: The Boss AC-22LX Is a Compact Acoustic Amplifier with a Variety of Compelling Features

This portable combo amp offers an impressive array of features and a surprisingly big sound considering its small size.

Doug Young December 13, 2023

Dreadnought

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

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.

Ask the Expert: Sound Advice for Making a Living in Lutherie

Thinking about a career in guitar making or repair? Here are some resources to help get you started off on the right foot.

February 9, 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.

November 26, 2023

closeup of an acoustic guitar fretboard and a tape measure being used to measure scale length

Ask the Expert: Understanding Acoustic Guitar Scale Length

Here’s a guide to understanding scale length on acoustic guitars, an often overlooked design variable that has a big impact on the sound and feel of the guitar.

March 9, 2023

All Gear Reviews and Stories

Great Acoustics: Los Lobos’ Bajo Sexto and Requinto Jarocho

Two instruments belonging to Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo reflect the breadth of the band’s influences and dedication to tradition.

Charles Saufley
January 14, 2024

13 Easy Ways to Troubleshoot Your Ax

Sometimes it’s the little things that keep you from enjoying your guitar. Here are 13 common problems and their typical solutions.

Frank Ford
January 12, 2024

John Denver's Yamaha L-53 acoustic guitar

Great Acoustics: John Denver’s Luxurious 1978 Yamaha L-53

Denver used this ornate, custom Yamaha extensively in concert and on TV (and on his album cover with the Muppets).

Teja Gerken
January 7, 2024

Review: The Boss AC-22LX Is a Compact Acoustic Amplifier with a Variety of Compelling Features

This portable combo amp offers an impressive array of features and a surprisingly big sound considering its small size.

Doug Young
December 13, 2023

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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