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Meet the maker - Florian Bouyou of Millimetric Instruments.
The work of Florian Bouyou first came to the attention by the tip off from a friend via the visual social world of Instagram. I wanted to note this in particular as the visual aspect of that media platform is reflective of what perhaps demands your attention when first gazing upon a Millimetric Instrument. Handbuilt in Canada by Florian, A hypnotically simplistic style and design greets you, and it is clear that there are so many more influences than just the guitar world behind these instruments and the Millimetric brand aesthetic.. I was really keen to learn more about that. I've personally been infatuated ever since, keen to see more of his work and to learn more of the brand, so I knew at some point I had to get Florian involved in my Meet the maker interview series. Luckily for me, Florian was happy to speak with me! So let's delve in, as I'm itching to learn more!
The Guitar Show 2018
Back in 2015 I was lucky enough (IE nagged the organisors most likely to the point of exhaustion!) to snag a cancellation spot for a booth at the biggest guitar show in the UK. Torn & Frayed' awesome 'The Guitar Show', and ever since then it has become one of the real highlights of the year for me.
The Yellowcake lida machine - The most beautiful and informative demo you'll hear
I often get asked about Yellowcakes' Lida Machine. And rightly so, not many will have come across a resonant filter pedal, nor fancy takling a pedal with that many knobs. But believe me, if you love creating unique sounds, it's worth delving into.
I respond with the best collection of words I can string together into a sentence, but this beautiful demo released by 'Knobs' on YouTube, is quite possibly the most informative, simple and beautiful demo videos physically possible of this intriguing pedal.
If you want to know about the lida machine, this will fulfill your needs!
I respond with the best collection of words I can string together into a sentence, but this beautiful demo released by 'Knobs' on YouTube, is quite possibly the most informative, simple and beautiful demo videos physically possible of this intriguing pedal.
If you want to know about the lida machine, this will fulfill your needs!
McNelly 46/58 Jazzmaster pickup demo now up!
My latest McNelly pickup demo is out now over on YouTube! It spotlights the 46/58 set which I have featured before, but this one shows them paired with the 'recommended' 500k pots, which as you might tell from my expression at one point in this clip, sounds a bit good!
Meet the player - An interview with R.J.Ronquillo
The last few years has seen the rise of YouTube as a incredibly immersive, influential, and powerful tool in the guitar world (among others too of course!). From providing viewers with what is essentially quality weekly TV programming revolving around our gear obsessions like the brilliant 'That Pedal Show' or 'Andertons TV', to in depth lessons and incredibly vast selections of demo, almost taking away the need to get your hands on the gear to try in a store for yourself, (almost!). This strong following on a versatile platform has resulted in a large number of talented players to get the spotlight their hard work deserves, perhaps where they otherwise may have gone unnoticed. One thing YouTube has certainly done is broaden your knowledge of talented players further than the odd guy tearing it up at the local gig venue or guitar showroom on any given weekend. YouTube has firmly made it's stamp on the guitar industry.
Meet the maker - An Appetite for Perfection, John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars
Over the years of playing the guitar, one thing that has increasingly sparked my interest almost more than playing in some instances is the skill of a great luthier and the work they create.
One which really stood out to me, was UK luthier John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars. From the rough and ready 'Junk Yard Dog' model featuring a real metal coating, full of character and patina, to the absolutely stunning figured woods used on a range of his other models. John is truly a maker to watch, as already early on in his career, the quality of work is right up there with the very best and often surpasses!
In our series of Meet the Maker interviews, we caught up with John to chat about his work!
One which really stood out to me, was UK luthier John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars. From the rough and ready 'Junk Yard Dog' model featuring a real metal coating, full of character and patina, to the absolutely stunning figured woods used on a range of his other models. John is truly a maker to watch, as already early on in his career, the quality of work is right up there with the very best and often surpasses!
In our series of Meet the Maker interviews, we caught up with John to chat about his work!
We're back!
Thank you for your patience, to those that got in touch and to those that ordered during the past week. I appreciate the support, especially seeing as I couldn't dispatch...
15 Second Gear Demo!
There's an absolute wealth of gear demo accounts, pages and channels these days but Dan's for me really stands out. All are really well recorded, feature Dan's great, honest playing and they're all straight to the point!
McNelly Charlie Christian Soapbar Pickup demo!
Using traditional components, true to the original CC Pickup design but of course in typical McNelly fashion, trying to further improve on it too. This pickup is beautifully clear and very transparent, whilst also being incredibly responsive to touch and tone/volume settings. I recorded this clean demo (which also shows it mixed with a T-Bar bridge pickup for example purposes) to hopefully show what a beautiful sounding and versatile pickup this is. Charlie Christian by name and design, but a whole lot more than just a swing/jazz sound!
Thinking of swapping your pickups? - A handy guide for new tone hunters!
Changing your guitar's pickups can prove to be a brilliantly cost effective way of transforming the sound of your guitar, and also a way of bringing out the best in your instrument. For so many it has been the first port of call in modifying their guitar and changing their sound. Perhaps you're planning on tweaking a more entry level Squier for example, chances are that you love how the guitar feels and plays but it's low quality pickups just don't quite do the job. This can sometimes even be the case with higher value instruments and it's existing pickups just simply don't fit the bill for you, be it personal tastes etc.
I want to replace my guitar's wiring, would it make a difference?
Replacing, or in some cases, upgrading your guitar's wiring may be a matter of necessity if there are niggling faults like faulty switches or noisy pots where no amount of cleaning has brought them back to life. But you may also have considered replacing it as a way of improving or modifying the guitar too. So the big question is of course, would it make any difference and would I see any improvement? That's ultimately what I'm hoping to address in this post! I'm looking to touch on the various aspects of guitar wiring components, what to look for and why it would, or wouldn't positively help the guitar in question sound it's best.
Project Offset Phase four! - Headstock refin and bone nut install
Well, it's safe to say that the Squier 'Vintage Modified' Jazzmaster project guitar has fully stolen my heart. I've really enjoyed working on it, and making it into a truly great guitar. I'm hooked!