Rogue RM-100A Mandolin Review

          For anyone even mildly interested in learning the craft of the mandolin, the RM-100A by Rogue is a great introductory instrument for an outstanding price.

Altoids Headphone Amp

          Here we have another simple LM-386 amp I made, this one made in the style of all the Altoids tin amps out there, though I used an aluminum gift card case instead of an actual Altoids tin.  I really like this one because it is so simple, sturdy and portable.

          I didn't draw out a schematic but it is pretty much another Smokey amp.  The differences are that it has no switches, power is turned on and off by the input jack, it has a 220 uF cap on the output, has a cluster of resistors on the output to reduce volume, and uses headphones instead of a speaker.

Synth of Legends

          This one is for any of you with Fender Mustangs - I spent a long time tweaking this preset for maximum over-processed electronic 80's style synthesizer sounds complete with a touch of envelope filter, tape delay, and way too much flanging and chorus.  Like it or not, here it is.  Synth of Legends on FUSE

          If you don't already have a Mustang, get one.  ;)

Greatest Guitar Riffs List

          Many different lists have been compiled of the "best guitar songs" to learn, but I thought I'd put in my 2 cents on this everlasting debate by putting out my personal list of best guitar riffs.

Note - The second edition list is now up!

Awesomeness after the break.

Works in Progress

          I am in the middle of quite a few different projects right now and I would like to let you all know about some of the projects I am currently working on.  These include a completely passive pedal, an amp made of vintage speakers, adding phase switching and clipping to my Strat, and an all new amp design, pictured above.

Schecter Omen 6 Review

          Schecter Guitar Research makes this beauty available for just $300.  Too good to be true?  It doesn't seem that way.


More after the break.

Science Fair Experimental LM386 Amp

          You may have seen my "Souped-Up" amp already - my first shot at DIY amp building, cloned from the Smokey amp.  I did mention how these projects are addictive, and now here we are with my science fair project.

          In case you have no idea what you're looking at (it is a pretty weird little amp) it is the son of a Noisy Cricket and a cigar box amp.  Put together one LM386, one 4" speaker, six potentiometers and a wooden craft box and this is what you get.

Lots more after the break.

Blank Tab Sheets

         My XL blank tab sheets I use for writing out music.  Easier to read because of the size and labeled strings on the side.  Enjoy :)

My "Souped Up" Amp

          One part of being a guitar player that can get really interesting is exploring the DIY amp and stompbox route.  As part of a science fair project I built this amp and another one coming up soon.

          Anyone familiar with DIY amps must have heard of the "Smokey Amps" by Bruce Zinky.  These incredibly simple amps are supposed to actually get pretty decent sounds.  So I decided to put my own spin on one of these.

Fender Mustang I Review

          For $120, the Mustang I is pretty much the best amp for the money on the market.  The amount of effects and sounds available through Fender Fuse make it unbeatable.

          The Mustang has an 8" speaker and a 20 watt rating, which all on its own is plenty for small performances.  I have never cranked the volume all the way - just part of the way can get surprisingly loud.  Size is a manageable 14" x 15" x 7" and the build quality is what you would expect from a Fender.