Articles

Displaying 21 - 30 of 30 Articles

From time to time we publish articles on a range of topics that we hope fellow musicians will find useful. If you're specifically looking for music gear buying guides go to our Gear Guides section.

The Different Types of Guitar Pickups Explained: Electric - Acoustic - Bass

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Dec. 5, 2017.

The pickup(s) in your guitar are what allows your instrument to be heard. They’re just as important as the wood your guitar is made from, your strings, and your amp; and they deserve an equal amount of consideration.

Best Electric Guitars - The All-Time Classics

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Oct. 10, 2017.

The history of modern music has been significantly shaped by one instrument - the electric guitar. So much of the music we love today simply wouldn't be possible without it and a large part of that is down to the all time classics featured in this list.

The Best Guitar Pedals: Eleven Essential Effects

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Sep. 20, 2017.

The guitar is unique in that its tone can be manipulated to a greater degree than just about any instrument out there. We can distort it and modulate it to our hearts content. When the right effects are used, the possibilities are endless.

Musical Instrument Amplifier Overview

Submitted by Alexander Briones on Jul. 28, 2017.

Because different instruments have different timbres, each type requires specialized amplifiers. This has given birth to the many amp types that are available today, including guitar amps (which also branch out to acoustic and electric guitars), bass amplifiers, acoustic instrument amplifiers, keyboard amplifiers, drum amplifiers and multi-purpose amps

The Different Types of Guitar Strings Explained

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Jul. 21, 2017.

Though they may not be as exciting of a topic as instruments or amplifiers, Guitar strings have different responses and different feels, and when the right type of string is used it’s a huge asset to your playing. Likewise, when the wrong type of string is used it can be incredibly detrimental.

The Different Ukulele Sizes Explained

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Jun. 9, 2017.

Unlike some other instruments, ukulele sizes aren’t named like separate instruments (violin vs. viola, and mandolin vs. mandola). This has led to confusion, and because the different body types sound and feel different to play many musicians aren’t sure which body style will be right for them - this guide will help you understand what each shape and size is.

The Different Types Of Mics And Their Uses

Submitted by Alexander Briones on Dec. 18, 2015.

This will help you understand the what the main kinds of microphones are that are used in music production, both live and recording, and what each type of mic is typically used for.

Topics covered include: Microphone Polar Patterns, Diaphragm Sizes, the 3 Main Types of Microphones used in Music, and the practical applications of each type of mic.

Extensive Home Recording Studio Equipment List

Submitted by Jason Horton on Nov. 26, 2015.

Whether you're setting up your first project studio at home, or even if you have quite a bit of experience in this area, you'll find this long list of home studio equipment will cover just about every type of gear you'll need to consider.

Live Sound Equipment - Music Gear for Live Performance

Submitted by Alexander Briones on Nov. 3, 2015.

Here is an extensive guide to the range of music equipment used in live performance and is intended for use as a reference for musicians, technicians and venue owners.

How Gearank Works

Submitted by Daniel Barnett on Oct. 31, 2015.

What is Gearank?

Gearank is a rating out of 100 for music gear that incorporates a large number ratings and reviews from around the web in one simple number for you to compare.