https://acousticguitar.com lessons, music to play, and how-tos for all guitarists Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:03:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/acousticguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AG_Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 https://acousticguitar.com 32 32 103806923 https://acousticguitar.com/carved-for-sound-how-the-acoustic-archtop-guitar-keeps-swinging/ https://acousticguitar.com/carved-for-sound-how-the-acoustic-archtop-guitar-keeps-swinging/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148325 In this feature, we’ll trace the history of the acoustic archtop guitar—from its 19th-century origins and golden-era prominence to its postwar decline and modern-day revival.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/carved-for-sound-how-the-acoustic-archtop-guitar-keeps-swinging/feed/ 9 148325 https://acousticguitar.com/parlor-guitars-a-brief-history-and-a-2020-buyers-guide/ https://acousticguitar.com/parlor-guitars-a-brief-history-and-a-2020-buyers-guide/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:25:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=116106 Interest in small-bodied parlor guitars—precursors to the bulky modern dreadnought—is skyrocketing. Learn all about these guitars, why players love them, and which model could be right for you. ]]> https://acousticguitar.com/parlor-guitars-a-brief-history-and-a-2020-buyers-guide/feed/ 7 116106 https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/ https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148206 Never fear. Slacking all the strings at once is something every guitar technician needs to do every day.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/why-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-removing-all-your-guitars-strings-at-once/feed/ 4 148206 https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-iris-guitar-company-ms-00-is-a-custom-made-boutique-flattop-with-vintage-flair-and-high-end-tonewoods/ https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-iris-guitar-company-ms-00-is-a-custom-made-boutique-flattop-with-vintage-flair-and-high-end-tonewoods/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148189 The MS-00 is a guitar that’s straightforward, well-balanced, and built to be played, not pampered]]> https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-iris-guitar-company-ms-00-is-a-custom-made-boutique-flattop-with-vintage-flair-and-high-end-tonewoods/feed/ 2 148189 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148156 In July 1948, Kessel purchased this early Gibson L-5 from Smith and went on to use it for two decades of studio sessions.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/feed/ 1 148156 https://acousticguitar.com/review-martins-new-d-28-and-d-x2e-billy-strings-signature-models/ https://acousticguitar.com/review-martins-new-d-28-and-d-x2e-billy-strings-signature-models/#respond Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147739 Inspired by two of Strings’ longtime musical companions, the stage-worthy D-28 and the road-ready D-X2E reflect the flatpicker's fast rise and deep roots.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/review-martins-new-d-28-and-d-x2e-billy-strings-signature-models/feed/ 0 147739 https://acousticguitar.com/lark-street-music-owner-buzzy-levines-vintage-saga/ https://acousticguitar.com/lark-street-music-owner-buzzy-levines-vintage-saga/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147754 Loaning instruments to be used in Hollywood films is only a small part of the Teaneck music store proprietor's business, but it makes for some good stories, as the following interview shows.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/lark-street-music-owner-buzzy-levines-vintage-saga/feed/ 0 147754 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-gordon-lightfoots-1967-gibson-b-45-12-the-guitar-behind-the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-gordon-lightfoots-1967-gibson-b-45-12-the-guitar-behind-the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/#comments Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147721 Open up a copy of ‘Sundown,’ his 1974 best-selling record, and you’ll see this prized guitar by Lightfoot’s side.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-gordon-lightfoots-1967-gibson-b-45-12-the-guitar-behind-the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/feed/ 5 147721 https://acousticguitar.com/developed-with-john-mayer-ernie-balls-latest-earthwood-bell-bronze-strings-provide-bold-tone-and-solid-tuning/ https://acousticguitar.com/developed-with-john-mayer-ernie-balls-latest-earthwood-bell-bronze-strings-provide-bold-tone-and-solid-tuning/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147736 Ernie Ball may be best known for its electric strings but the company also has an impressive lineup of acoustic offerings. ]]> https://acousticguitar.com/developed-with-john-mayer-ernie-balls-latest-earthwood-bell-bronze-strings-provide-bold-tone-and-solid-tuning/feed/ 0 147736 https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/ https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/#comments Sun, 18 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147750 I recently purchased a Martin DX Johnny Cash, which is made of laminated material. What are my options for cleaning the body, neck, and fretboard?]]> https://acousticguitar.com/which-guitar-polishing-products-to-useand-which-to-avoid/feed/ 1 147750 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/#comments Sun, 20 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147246 Isbell owns some prized vintage guitars, but when it came to recording his latest solo acoustic album, the singer-songwriter turned to this smaller and plainer 0-17.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/feed/ 1 147246 https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147272 Not every shop is suited for every job, and that is perfectly fine and reasonable.Take the time to find the right fit for you and your guitar—you’ll be glad you did.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-choose-to-the-right-repairperson-for-your-guitar/feed/ 0 147272 https://acousticguitar.com/l-r-baggs-marks-50-years-of-acoustic-electronics-innovation-as-founder-lloyd-baggs-returns-to-his-lutherie-roots/ https://acousticguitar.com/l-r-baggs-marks-50-years-of-acoustic-electronics-innovation-as-founder-lloyd-baggs-returns-to-his-lutherie-roots/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147275 As his namesake company celebrates its 50th anniversary, Lloyd Baggs reflects on his fascinating career, from transforming the world of acoustic sound to crafting custom guitars.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/l-r-baggs-marks-50-years-of-acoustic-electronics-innovation-as-founder-lloyd-baggs-returns-to-his-lutherie-roots/feed/ 0 147275 https://acousticguitar.com/gear-review-musicnomads-precision-tools/ https://acousticguitar.com/gear-review-musicnomads-precision-tools/#respond Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147257 These handy tools are easy enough for the DIY tech but solid enough for a pro.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/gear-review-musicnomads-precision-tools/feed/ 0 147257 https://acousticguitar.com/review-l-r-baggs-aeg-acoutic-electric-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/review-l-r-baggs-aeg-acoutic-electric-guitar/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147260 After spending time with the AEG-1, I found it to be a well-executed blend of comfort, playability, and a remarkably natural amplified tone.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/review-l-r-baggs-aeg-acoutic-electric-guitar/feed/ 1 147260 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143157 The maple back and sides were stained into a glowing red color using cabernet sauvignon from the owner's winery.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/feed/ 1 143157 https://acousticguitar.com/joe-caruso-of-the-music-emporium-helps-guitarists-connect-with-their-perfect-instruments/ https://acousticguitar.com/joe-caruso-of-the-music-emporium-helps-guitarists-connect-with-their-perfect-instruments/#comments Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146943 You’d be hard pressed to find a better selection of top contemporary instruments—or a more inviting space in which to put your hands on them.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/joe-caruso-of-the-music-emporium-helps-guitarists-connect-with-their-perfect-instruments/feed/ 1 146943 https://acousticguitar.com/your-music-your-way-explore-the-latest-tools-techniques-and-trends-for-creating-and-sharing-your-music/ https://acousticguitar.com/your-music-your-way-explore-the-latest-tools-techniques-and-trends-for-creating-and-sharing-your-music/#respond Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147024 In this feature you’ll gain insights into current industry trends, learn tips for creating high-quality recordings at home, and discover how to maximize your reach in today’s digital world.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/your-music-your-way-explore-the-latest-tools-techniques-and-trends-for-creating-and-sharing-your-music/feed/ 0 147024 https://acousticguitar.com/positive-grids-spark-edge-compact-amp-and-pa-system-offers-portability-power-and-versatile-performance/ https://acousticguitar.com/positive-grids-spark-edge-compact-amp-and-pa-system-offers-portability-power-and-versatile-performance/#comments Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146915 The Spark Edge’s clean, warm tone and portability—and the availability of hundreds of effects and amp models—make it a strong contender for acoustic guitarists.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/positive-grids-spark-edge-compact-amp-and-pa-system-offers-portability-power-and-versatile-performance/feed/ 1 146915 https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/ https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:40:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146869 This well-used dreadnought is the original guitar of the Acoustic Guitar Project, which challenges songwriters to write and record a song in one week on a specific instrument.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/feed/ 0 146869 https://acousticguitar.com/plugging-in-acoustic-guitar-pickups-and-their-pros-and-cons/ https://acousticguitar.com/plugging-in-acoustic-guitar-pickups-and-their-pros-and-cons/#comments Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146939 There are loads of amplification options available, and it can be hard to know which will best suit your needs.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/plugging-in-acoustic-guitar-pickups-and-their-pros-and-cons/feed/ 7 146939 https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-cort-modern-black-a-contemporary-guitar-blending-bold-looks-with-great-playability-and-sound/ https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-cort-modern-black-a-contemporary-guitar-blending-bold-looks-with-great-playability-and-sound/#respond Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146923 The instrument takes a conceptual approach to guitar design that somehow balances the radical with the comfortable and practical.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/review-the-cort-modern-black-a-contemporary-guitar-blending-bold-looks-with-great-playability-and-sound/feed/ 0 146923 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/#respond Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143163 The guitar has an uncommon resonance and complexity, thanks to the harp’s extended arm, soundboard, and back]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/feed/ 0 143163 https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/ https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/#comments Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146230 It’s time to face the elephant in the room: there is a compromise built into the tuning of every fretted instrument.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/why-your-guitar-wont-play-perfectly-in-tune-and-why-thats-ok/feed/ 9 146230 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/#comments Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146188 With its 16-inch head, this oversized instrument—Dubbed Big Head Joe by its owner, Dom Flemons—has all the punch and power you could want.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/feed/ 2 146188