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Buying Guides

The Best Cases for Electric Guitar

Looking for the best electric guitar case to protect a prized instrument? We’ve assembled a variety of top picks to ensure your guitar is safe and sound on the go, or even just at home. From Stratocaster- and Les Paul-style electrics to Flying V-type models and beyond, there’s a perfect fit for every body, no matter the shape.

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The Best Ibanez Guitars for Metal

Widely regarded as a go-to purveyor of high-performance guitars for hard rock and metal, Ibanez produces a variety of instruments with sharp lines, fast necks, hot humbuckers and striking looks.

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A Guide to the Ibanez JEM

The Ibanez JEM—legendary virtuoso Steve Vai’s signature guitar—is one of the most recognizable models in history. The JEM helped firmly establish Ibanez’s identity as a performance-oriented innovator in the late ’80s, and the brand hasn’t looked back since.

Buying Guides
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The Best Distortion Pedals for Metal

There are countless subgenres of metal with their own identifying traits, but a high-gain guitar tone permeates them all. The best distortion pedals for metal will turn any amplifier into a bludgeoning brute, letting you explore extreme styles of self-expression. For today’s aspiring metal guitar players, access to soul-rupturing high-gain tones has never been easier, as shown by our curated selection of some of the best distortion pedals for mind-melting metal.

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Labor Day 2025 Exclusive Music Gear

We’ve compiled a rundown of all our Labor Day 2025 exclusives, along with some insights from our merchants explaining the conception of each product.

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A Guide to the Martin D-28

Let's take a look at the history of the Martin D-28 and find the current D-28 variation that suits your sound.

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The Best Plug-ins for Mixing Guitar

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Exclusive Drum Event Gear

From now until August 20, our Drum Event is a time to shop serious savings all around, so you won’t want to miss out on this chance to score new drums and accessories that’ll keep the groove going.

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Top 5 Most Popular Electric Guitars

A brief look at the world’s most popular electric guitars, from the Telecaster to the Les Paul.

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Hybrid Mixers for Live Performance and Home Recording

Check out our top mixers for putting together a hybrid system for the stage and the studio.

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Best Live Sound Mixers for Compact Systems

From singer-songwriters to bands to creators, we'll help you find the right mixer for your needs.

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How to Choose the Best Fender Guitar Amplifier

From the beginning student to the seasoned veteran, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to find the perfect Fender amp for you and your guitar.

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Best Studio Headphones for Recording, Mixing and Mastering

From tracking to mixing to mastering, we break down the best headphones for the job

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Exclusive 4th of July Music Gear

We’ve got fresh electric guitars, effects, drums and more, bringing layers of creative flavor to your season of leisure.

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The Best Microphones for Recording Electric Guitar

In this article, we’re providing a list of the best choices for miking your amps, along with guidance on what each mic brings to the party and how to get the most from it.

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A Guide to Universal Audio's UAFX Pedals

UAFX pedals include models of iconic amps, compressors, reverbs, delays and more. Put spectacular, vintage and classic sounds on your pedalboard.

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A Guide to Suhr Amplifiers and Effects Pedals

Learn the story behind the amps and pedals of Suhr, a true one-stop tone shop.

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How to Choose the Best MESA/Boogie Guitar Amplifier

In this guide, we’ll take a series-by-series look at MESA’s current amp head, combo and cabinet offerings, spanning the California Tweed, Fillmore, Mark and Rectifier Series. No matter your style, whether you’re chasing the sounds of your idols in your bedroom studio or embarking on a world tour, there’s a MESA rig—or multiple (who’s counting?)—to suit your pursuit of tone.

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The Best Pedals for Shoegaze

In this guide, we’re breaking down the best reverb, delay, modulation and distortion pedals to help you build your own shoegaze sound.

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Exclusive Memorial Day Music Gear

There’s no better way to kick off our Memorial Day celebration than to share some of the latest exclusive gear you won’t find anywhere else.

Buying Guides
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