Gearhead: Introducing the Gibson Theodore
Unless you’re a certified guitar nerd, the name Ted McCarty (1909-2001) probably means nothing to you. But no matter who you are, there’s little doubt … Read More “Gearhead: Introducing the Gibson Theodore”
Reviews
Gearhead: Roland Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
On April 18, 1972, the Roland Corporation was founded in Osaka, Japan. Its mission: to produce electronic instruments and accessories for musicians. Two years later, … Read More “Gearhead: Roland Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary”
Gearhead: Mapex Pays Tribute to Ralph Peterson Jr.
When drummer, bandleader, and music professor Ralph Peterson Jr. lost his six-year battle with cancer on March 1, 2021, at the age of only 58, … Read More “Gearhead: Mapex Pays Tribute to Ralph Peterson Jr.”
Gearhead: Poll Winners’ Instruments Reunite on Bruce Forman Album
Between 1957 and 1960, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Shelly Manne made four records as the Poll Winners, so named because each … Read More “Gearhead: Poll Winners’ Instruments Reunite on Bruce Forman Album”
Gearhead: The Cuíca, Here’s the Rub
The word “percussion” comes from a Latin word meaning to beat or strike, which is exactly what you do with most percussion instruments. But there’s … Read More “Gearhead: The Cuíca, Here’s the Rub”
Gearhead: The (Somewhat) Heroic Tale of the Wagner Tuba
It’s a big, heavy, low-pitched brass instrument. It can go oom-pah-pah, if that’s what you desire. But despite these familiar characteristics, and despite its name, … Read More “Gearhead: The (Somewhat) Heroic Tale of the Wagner Tuba”
Gearhead: Spotlight on the Sarrusophone
In the 21st century, intellectual property (IP) has become a hot-button issue for musicians and composers, specifically as it pertains to the distribution of music … Read More “Gearhead: Spotlight on the Sarrusophone”
Gearhead: The Bond Electraglide
In the 1980s, as synthesizers and drum machines threatened to take over popular music, electric guitar manufacturers tried to come up with instruments that were … Read More “Gearhead: The Bond Electraglide”
Gearhead: Appreciating The Optigan 50 Years Later
These days, if you’ve got the right apps, you can recreate the sound of just about any instrument on earth. In the early 1970s, when … Read More “Gearhead: Appreciating The Optigan 50 Years Later”
Gearhead: The Conn-O-Sax
It was the peak of the Roaring Twenties, and a great time to sell saxophones. More than a million of the instruments were already in … Read More “Gearhead: The Conn-O-Sax”