Get hip to the latest equipment for players and listeners alike in our Gearhead and Audio Files columns.
Over his 50-plus years on the world stage, John McLaughlin has never been afraid to explore uncharted territory. Yet, as the 78-year-old guitarist jovially admitted … Read More “Gearhead: John McLaughlin Makes MiGiC”
Because audio technology just keeps marching on, every year sees success and failure. Some manufacturers, through skill or luck, are able to master the latest … Read More “Audio Files: Best Audio Gear of 2019”
Choosing holiday gifts for the musicians in your life is always a bit tricky. We in the Gearhead department have been known to deliver some … Read More “Gearhead: The Stocking Stuff of Legend”
When your résumé includes recording and touring with the likes of the Pat Metheny Group, John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Manhattan Transfer, and many others, … Read More “Gearhead: Danny Gottlieb’s Hot Sticks”
For most music fans, the ability to stream practically any tune you want in seconds through the Internet is a dream come true. Audiophiles have … Read More “Audio Files: Darn That Stream”
Audio’s most contentious debate began about the time Wynton and Branford Marsalis joined the Jazz Messengers. It’s the argument about whether various accessories can improve … Read More “Audio Files: Can Exotic Accessories Improve Your Sound?”
In 1909, Chicago was the site for two events that would forever change the role of percussion in popular music: The brothers Ludwig launched their … Read More “Gearhead: How Gene Krupa Kicked the Drum Kit into the Jazz Age”
With headphone jacks disappearing from all Apple phones and many Android phones, listening to audio on the go often demands that you use wireless Bluetooth … Read More “AudioFiles: Beating the Bluetooth Blues”
For nearly 30 years, Dave Stryker has been nearly inseparable from his Gibson ES-347s. “I saw Marvin Horne playing one at the Village Vanguard with … Read More “Gearhead: Dave Stryker’s Plex-able Guitar Mods”
Music’s always going to have occasional throwbacks—who would have expected that in 2019 we’d be seeing a renaissance in tubas and tenor guitars? In the … Read More “Audio Files: Why Are Ultra-Low-Power Amps All the Rage Among Audiophiles?”
