Field Notes
Field Notes
Long-form writing on tone, gear, and the songs you love. Pedalboard architecture, modeler block deep-dives, vintage gear histories, signal-chain forensics.
No. 350Lead · Side A
EffectsJun 26, 2026·7 min read
Riding the Feedback Knob: Controlled Delay Self-Oscillation as an Instrument
Past 90% feedback, a delay stops repeating and starts screaming. Here's how to ride that runaway howl into a playable instrument: pitch dives, swells, and drones you control by hand.
Workflow·7 min read
Your Latency Budget: Buffer Size, Round-Trip Lag, and What You Can Hear
Quick Fixes·5 min read
Living With a 9V in Your Guitar: Battery Life and What Dies When It Drains
Gear Lab·6 min read
Active vs. Passive Ribbon Mics on a Guitar Cab: When the Extra Cost Buys You Something
Modeler Masterclass·7 min read
Reamping a Clean DI Through a Cab-Sim Pedal: Re-Cab Any Take After the Fact
The Archive
Gear LabBuilt-In Sustainers for Live Lead: Sustainiac vs. Fernandes (and Whether to Install One)Rick DaltonTone RecipesHow to Get the Bethel Music Guitar Tone on the Line 6 HelixNathan CrossEffectsCascading Delays: How Two Delay Lines Make the "Reverb" That's Actually DelayDev OkonkwoGear LabDo Ribbon Mics Need a Clean-Gain Preamp on a Guitar Cab? (Cloudlifter, FetHead, and When You Don't)Hank PresswoodEffectsThe EBow: Infinite Sustain, Violin Swells, and the One Thing It Can't DoMargot ThiessenTone RecipesHow to Get the Elevation Worship Guitar Tone on the Line 6 HelixNathan CrossTone RecipesHow to Get the Hillsong Worship Guitar Tone on the Line 6 Helix (Nigel Hendroff)Nathan CrossTone RecipesHow to Get Lincoln Brewster's Lead Tone on the Line 6 HelixNathan CrossTone RecipesHow to Get the Phil Wickham Guitar Tone on the Line 6 HelixNathan CrossModeler MasterclassLatency in Cab-Sim and IR Loader Pedals: How Much You Can Actually HearViktor KesslerGear LabOne Mic, Done: Recording a Guitar Amp With a Single SM57Carl BeckettGear LabSM57 vs. Ribbon vs. Condenser on a Guitar Cab: Which Mic for Which ToneRick DaltonGear LabClose Mic + Room Mic on a Guitar Cab: Blending Distance Without the Phase HoleDev OkonkwoModeler MasterclassIR Loader Pedals: How to Turn Any Preamp or Overdrive Into a Direct RigSean NakamuraSignal ChainPreamp Out / Power Amp In: The Forgotten Amp Jacks (and How They Differ from the Effects Loop)Hank PresswoodSettings GuidesPreamp Pedals vs. Overdrive Pedals: When You Want a Whole Front End, Not Just DirtJess KowalskiGear LabWhich Speaker Do You Mic on a Multi-Speaker Cab? (They Don't All Sound the Same)Rick DaltonQuick FixesClean Boost vs. Overdrive vs. Volume Pedal: The Right Way to Make a Solo Jump OutElena RuizSignal ChainReamping Through the Effects Loop: Capture a Preamp DI, Drive a Power Amp AloneSean NakamuraGear LabHumdinger vs. Buzzkill vs. DIY: Isolation Boxes for Multi-Amp Hum, ComparedJess KowalskiSignal ChainOverdrive in the Effects Loop vs. Front of Amp: Why One Sings and One BuzzesSean NakamuraSignal ChainThe Dream-Pop Clean Chain: The Exact Order for Compressor, Chorus, Delay, and ReverbMargot ThiessenModeler MasterclassFaking a Synth Pad on Guitar: Freeze, Hold, and Looper Tricks When There's No Keys PlayerNathan CrossEffectsModulated Reverb: How to Add Movement to a Tail Without Making It SeasickMargot ThiessenModeler MasterclassShimmer Reverb on Guitar: The Settings That Make It a Pad, Not a MessNathan CrossModeler MasterclassReverse Reverb on Guitar: How to Get the Backwards-Swell TextureDev OkonkwoQuick FixesWhy Your Tone Sounds Great in Headphones but Thin in the Room (and How to Fix It)Elena RuizModeler MasterclassGated Reverb vs. Ducking Reverb: Two Different Ways to Tame a Big TailMargot ThiessenGear LabMixed Speaker Cabs: Which Speaker Goes Nearest the Input Jack, and WhyHank PresswoodGear LabRoom Modes: Why One Bass Note Booms in Your Room (and Where the Dead Spots Are)Viktor KesslerGear LabCab Placement and the Wall: Why a Rear-Ported or Open-Back Cab's Bass Changes Across the RoomDev OkonkwoModeler MasterclassDucking Reverb: How to Keep Your Reverb Tail Out of the Way of Your PlayingNathan CrossModeler MasterclassDucking Delay: How to Sidechain Your Repeats So They Stay Out of the WayDev OkonkwoGear LabDoes a Tube Screamer Out Front Give You Preamp or Power-Amp Distortion?Rick DaltonSignal ChainLine-Level vs. Instrument-Level Effects Loops: Why Your Pedals Clip or Go WeakSean NakamuraGear LabPorted vs. Sealed Guitar Cabs: Does a Vent Actually Change Your Tone?Carl BeckettQuick FixesSidechain vs. Inline Noise Gates: When the Detector Needs Its Own SignalViktor KesslerGear LabCabinet Volume and Tone: Why a Small Sealed Box Sounds Boxy and a 4x12 Sounds HugeCarl BeckettQuick FixesCan You Mix Speakers of Different Wattage (or Type) in One Cab?Hank PresswoodGear LabPreamp vs. Power-Amp Distortion: How to Tell Which You're Actually HearingHank PresswoodSignal ChainSeries vs. Parallel Effects Loop: Which One Your Amp Has, and Why Your Pedals CareSean NakamuraQuick FixesWhere to Put a Noise Gate: Inline vs. the Send/Return (4-Cable) MethodSean NakamuraGear LabCan You Convert an Open-Back Combo to Closed-Back? Trade-offs and HowFader & Knob StaffGear LabMaster Volume vs. Non-Master-Volume Amps: Where Your Breakup Actually Comes FromFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesNoise Gate vs. Noise Suppressor: Which Do You Actually Need?Fader & Knob StaffSignal ChainDoes Reverb Belong in the Effects Loop or Out Front?Fader & Knob StaffQuick FixesSpeaker Power Handling: How Many Watts Your Cab Really NeedsFader & Knob StaffSettings GuidesClean Headroom: How to Set a Fender-Style Amp So Your Chords Don't Break UpMargot ThiessenSettings GuidesNoise Gate Settings for High Gain: Threshold and Decay Without Choking SustainFader & Knob StaffGear LabOpen-Back vs. Closed-Back Cabs: How the Cabinet Changes Your ToneFader & Knob StaffSignal ChainReverb Before or After Delay? The Chain-Order Question, AnsweredFader & Knob StaffGear LabDo Guitar Speakers Need to Break In? What Actually ChangesFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesThe Bucking Transformer: Trimming 120V to 100V for a Touring Amp AbroadRick DaltonQuick FixesGround Lift or Transformer Isolation: A Decision Tree for Wet/Dry/Wet HumFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesNut Slot Width by String Gauge: How Wide Is Too Wide, and the Clearance RuleFader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassOne BPM, Three Ambience Blocks: Delay, Predelay, and Modulation on a Single GridFader & Knob StaffGear LabQuad Cortex mini vs Nano Cortex: Which Neural DSP Box for a Genuinely Portable RigFader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassThe Three CorOS 4.0 Reverbs, Ranked by Job: Nordic Concert Hall, Studio Plate 70, BlossomDev OkonkwoQuick FixesNut Lube Showdown: Graphite vs Nut Sauce vs Big Bends — and When None of It HelpsCarl BeckettModeler MasterclassSubtracting Predelay From Decay: Timing the Reverb Tail to Land on the BeatMargot ThiessenQuick FixesV/Hz: Running a 60Hz Vintage Amp at 83% Voltage to Survive 50Hz MainsViktor KesslerModeler MasterclassWet/Dry/Wet With One Modeler and One Real Amp: The Hybrid Stereo RigJess KowalskiQuick Fixes50Hz vs 60Hz: Why Mains Frequency, Not Just Voltage, Matters for Vintage Amps AbroadHank PresswoodModeler MasterclassOne Tempo Grid: Syncing Reverb Predelay and Dotted-Eighth Delay to the Same BPMMargot ThiessenModeler MasterclassQuad Cortex mini + CorOS 4.0: What Actually Changes for Existing QC OwnersViktor KesslerQuick Fixes"My String Pings at the Nut": A Diagnostic That Separates Binding, Slot Width, and the Lubricant MythRick DaltonGear LabWet/Dry/Wet on a Budget: Building a Three-Isolated-Output Splitter for Stereo AmpsJess KowalskiGear LabThe DIY Buffered-and-Isolated Splitter: A Three-Output Rig for Under $80Jess KowalskiModeler MasterclassPredelay by Tempo: How to Sync Reverb Predelay and Decay to the SongNathan CrossModeler MasterclassQuad Cortex Phase Doctor: Aligning Dual Amps the New Way (CorOS 4.0 Walkthrough)Sean NakamuraQuick FixesSetting Nut Slot Depth With Feeler Gauges: The Fret-Rock Method, String by StringViktor KesslerQuick FixesThe Touring Guitarist's Voltage Map: Step-Up, Step-Down, and What Each Region Does to Your AmpRick DaltonModeler MasterclassEarly Reflections vs Reverb Tail: How to Split a Reverb Into Room and SpaceDev OkonkwoModeler MasterclassIR Plus a Short Reverb: The Bedroom Recipe That Closes the Room GapDev OkonkwoQuick FixesStewMac vs Hosco Nut Files: Why the Slot Matters More Than the MaterialCarl BeckettQuick FixesNut Slot Geometry 101: Back-Angle, Bottom Radius, and the Witness PointCarl BeckettModeler MasterclassPhase Cancellation in Dual-Amp Modeler Presets: Find It Before You CompressSean NakamuraQuick FixesSizing a Voltage Converter for a Touring Tube Amp: VA Rating, Not Speaker WattsHank PresswoodModeler MasterclassStereo Compressor Placement in Parallel Amp Routing: Where the Comp GoesSean NakamuraGear LabTransformer-Isolated vs Active Buffered Splitters: When the Ground Loop Forces the UpgradeNathan CrossGear LabYour Tube Amp on 100V: What Touring Japan and the UK Does to a PlexiHank PresswoodSignal ChainWiring a Three-Output Rig: Buffered Splitter to Amp, FOH, and TunerNathan CrossQuick FixesBrass and Graphite Nuts: When They Beat Black Tusq XLCarl BeckettQuick FixesHow to Measure Wall Voltage Safely With a Kill-A-WattRick DaltonSignal ChainNoise Gate Placement in a Modeler Preset: Before, After, or BothViktor KesslerGear LabTC BonaFide vs. Mooer Micro Buffer vs. JHS Mini A/B for AcousticJess KowalskiModeler MasterclassValhalla Supermassive vs. Strymon BlueSky for the Reverb After Your IRDev OkonkwoQuick FixesBone vs. Tusq vs. Graph Tech Black Tusq: Which Nut Material for Which SoundHank PresswoodModeler MasterclassWhen a Cab IR Beats a Real Cab: Bedroom Practice, Room Treatment, and Mic PlacementDev OkonkwoSignal ChainCompressor Placement in a Modeler Preset: Pre-Amp Block, Post-Amp Block, or BothViktor KesslerGear LabJHS Buffered Splitter vs. Lehle Sunday Driver vs. Boss FA-1: Three Acoustic BuffersMargot ThiessenQuick FixesLow Wall Voltage at the Venue: Why Your Tube Amp Sounds Different on TourRick DaltonSignal ChainBuffer Pedal for Acoustic Piezo: When the DI Alone Isn't EnoughSean NakamuraModeler MasterclassDisable the Cab IR for Your FRFR: A Preset Rebuild WalkthroughSean NakamuraQuick FixesHow to Recut a Binding Guitar Nut: The Real Cause of Most Tuning InstabilityHank PresswoodQuick FixesPower Conditioner vs. Isolated Power Supply: Which Fixes WhatNathan CrossGear LabThe Teenager's First Electric Rig: Guitar, Amp, and Pedalboard for $500 TotalElena RuizGear LabThe $1,000 Pedalboard Upgrade Path: When the Amp Becomes the BottleneckJess KowalskiGear LabThe $200 Pedalboard: How Far You Can Stretch Before It Stops Being a PedalboardElena RuizModeler MasterclassFRFR Cab Placement: Floor, Tilted, Raised, or On a Stand?Sean NakamuraGear LabNon-Locking Tuner Showdown: Kluson Deluxe vs. Gotoh SD91 vs. Grover Sta-TiteHank PresswoodModeler MasterclassPiezo DI for Acoustic Guitar: Why Input Impedance Decides the ToneNathan CrossModeler MasterclassWhy Your Bedroom Modeler Sounds Different Through Every Pair of Headphones — and How to Stop the Headphone LotteryDev OkonkwoGear LabBigSky MX vs. Meris MercuryX: Two Flagship Reverbs Asking Different QuestionsMargot ThiessenGear LabBoss Waza-Air vs. Vox Amplug 3 vs. Fender Mustang Micro: Headphone Amps for the 20-Minute Practice WindowElena RuizGearTube Rectifier vs. Solid-State Rectifier in Vintage Fender Amps: The Sag Story Is More Complicated Than You've HeardHank PresswoodGear LabWalrus Audio Slö vs. Strymon BlueSky: Which Smaller Reverb Replaces the BigSky on a Worship Board?Nathan CrossModeler MasterclassActive DI Shootout: Radial J48 vs. Countryman Type 85 vs. BSS AR-133 vs. Behringer DI100Sean NakamuraQuick FixesLocking Tuner Installation: Bushing Adapters, Pilot Holes, and the 30-Minute Job That Sometimes Takes Two HoursCarl BeckettGear LabMarshall SJ20H Studio Jubilee vs. SV20H Studio Vintage: The Silver Jubilee 2555 Circuit or the JCM800 2203, in 20 WattsHank PresswoodGear LabWhat to Do With Your Old Budget Pedals After You Upgrade: Reverb Resale, Pass-It-On, and Building a Backup BoardElena RuizModeler MasterclassSub-$500 FRFR Cab Roundup: Stage Right S700, Behringer FBQ Plus, Alto TS412 — Which Cheap FRFR Doesn't Suck?Viktor KesslerGear Lab$500 Pedalboard Upgrade Path: Which Pedals to Replace First as the Budget Grows From $300Jess KowalskiModeler MasterclassHeadrush FRFR-112 MkII vs. Quilter Aviator Cub: $499 vs. $999, and Whether the Upgrade Is Worth ItSean NakamuraGear LabHipshot vs. Sperzel vs. Schaller vs. Gotoh Locking Tuners: A Slip-Test ShowdownFader & Knob StaffGear LabMarshall ST20H Studio JTM vs. SC20C Studio Classic: JTM45 or Plexi Inside the Studio LineRick DaltonModeler MasterclassTransformer DI Shootout: Radial JDI vs. Countryman Type 85 vs. Whirlwind IMP 2 vs. ART CleanBox ProNathan CrossQuick FixesBuffer Pedal vs. Transformer DI for Signal-Line Ground Loops: When the $40 Box Beats the $250 BoxSean NakamuraQuick FixesLocking Tuners as a Floyd Rose Alternative: When Stability Matters More Than Dive BombsCarl BeckettGear LabMarshall SC20C Studio Classic vs. SV20H Studio Vintage: Plexi or JCM800 Inside the Studio LineRick DaltonModeler MasterclassQuilter Aviator Cub vs. Friedman ASM-12: Two Powered FRFRs With Character, MeasuredViktor KesslerGear LabComplete $300 Starter Pedalboard 2026: Eight Pedals, One Power Supply, DoneJess KowalskiQuick FixesThe 60-Cycle Hum Decision Tree: A One-Page DiagnosticDev OkonkwoModeler MasterclassCab IR Library Roundup: Ownhammer vs. York Audio vs. ML Sound Lab vs. Free OptionsMargot ThiessenQuick FixesFloyd Rose Locking Nut Height: Why Sour Chord Shapes Aren't Always the SaddlesCarl BeckettGear LabMarshall SV212 vs. SV112: When the 2×12 Earns Its WeightFader & Knob StaffGear LabTC Electronic Plethora X3 vs. Mooer Red Truck: Multi-Effects at $300 from Both CatalogsFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesFloyd Rose Intonation: Set Each Saddle in 8 Steps Without a TechMargot ThiessenModeler MasterclassFriedman ASM-12 vs. Atomic CLR Mk II: Powered FRFR With Character vs. FlatDev OkonkwoGear LabHum X vs. Radial Twin-Iso vs. EBTECH ELQ: Three Cheap Ground-Loop FixesRick DaltonGear LabMarshall SC20H Combo vs. SV20H Head + 1×12 Cab: When the Combo WinsHank PresswoodGear LabTC Electronic Tonepedal vs. Mooer Micro: The $50 Pedal ShowdownJess KowalskiModeler MasterclassBalanced Power for Guitar Rigs: Furman P-2400 IT vs. Equi=Tech ET2R, and When It's Worth ItNathan CrossQuick FixesYour First Floyd Rose String Change: Block the Trem, Set the Reference, Don't Snap the SaddlesMargot ThiessenGear LabMarshall DSL20HR vs. Origin 20: The Two Cheap Marshalls That Get ConfusedHank PresswoodGear LabMooer Pedal Catalog: The Step Up From Behringer, and Which Mooer Clones Are Worth $80Elena RuizModeler MasterclassQuilter ToneBlock 202 vs. Seymour Duncan PowerStage 200: Tube-Stage Emulation vs. Pure TransparentViktor KesslerGear LabBehringer Pedal Clones: Which $30 Boxes Are Actually Worth BuyingElena RuizQuick FixesFloyd Rose Locking Nut Maintenance: When the Strings Slip and the Bridge Is Not the ProblemCarl BeckettGear LabMarshall Origin 20 vs. SV20H: The $700 Marshall vs. the $1,500 MarshallHank PresswoodGear LabPower Conditioners and Stage Hum: Furman P-1800 vs. ETA PD-15 vs. Ebtech Hum XNathan CrossModeler MasterclassSeymour Duncan PowerStage 200 vs. Fryette Power Station Plus: Class D vs. Tube Power Amp for Modeler RigsViktor KesslerModeler MasterclassA/B Amp Switching on a Modeler: Verse-to-Chorus Tone Changes Without a Volume JumpFader & Knob StaffGear LabWay Huge Aqua-Puss vs. Behringer VD400: Does the $30 Clone Hold Up to the $150 Original?Fader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassDIY Bass Trap Build: Two Corner Traps for Under $80Fader & Knob StaffQuick FixesFloyd Rose Stud Cap Replacement: The $40 Fix Before You Replace the Whole BridgeFader & Knob StaffSettings GuidesMarshall SV20H vs. SV20MKII vs. SV2555X: The 20-Watt Reissue Lineup DecodedRick DaltonModeler MasterclassCheap Acoustic Treatment That Actually Works: The $200 Bedroom Guitar StudioFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesGround Loop Hum at the Amp: When the Pedalboard Is Fine But the Stage Isn'tNathan CrossSettings GuidesMarshall Silver Jubilee vs. JCM800: The Overlooked Middle SiblingRick DaltonSignal ChainVariable Power Amps: Rivera TBR, Fryette Power Station Plus, and the Real-World Use CaseViktor KesslerGear LabWay Huge Aqua-Puss MkIII: The Third BBD Delay Nobody Talks AboutJess KowalskiGear LabMXR Carbon Copy vs. Boss DM-2W: Two BBD Delays, Two Different Tonal ChoicesJess KowalskiGear LabFloyd Rose Knife Edge Replacement: A Step-by-Step WalkthroughCarl BeckettGear LabLR Baggs Anthem vs. Fishman Matrix Infinity Mic Blend vs. K&K Pure Mini: Which Hybrid Acoustic Pickup System Is Right for You?Elena RuizModeler MasterclassParallel Amp Routing in a Modeler: When Two Amps in Parallel Solve a Problem One Amp Can'tFader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassSetting Global EQ With Room Measurement: How to Use Room EQ Wizard for Modeler CorrectionDev OkonkwoSettings GuidesBlending an Acoustic Pickup and a Microphone: The Two-Source Recording WorkflowMargot ThiessenSignal ChainBBD vs. PT2399: What the Two Analog Delay Chips Actually Sound LikeSean NakamuraQuick FixesFloyd Rose Knife Edge Wear: How to Diagnose It and When to ReplaceCarl BeckettModeler MasterclassGlobal EQ on Your Modeler: The One Setting You're Probably SkippingDev OkonkwoSignal ChainStereo Guitar Signal Chain Architecture: What Stays Mono and What SplitsSean NakamuraSignal ChainThe EL84 Tube: Why AC30s, AC15s, and Boutique Low-Watt Amps Sound Like ThemselvesHank PresswoodWorkflowHow to Start Hybrid Picking: Four Right-Hand Moves That Work Before You Are ReadyRick DaltonGear LabBoss Katana Mini vs Vox amPlug 4: The Sub-$100 Headphone Amp DecisionJess KowalskiSettings GuidesSilent Recording With a Tube Amp: The Two Notes Captor Setup From Power-On to DAWSean NakamuraSignal ChainWhen the V30 Is Still the Right Speaker: Medium-Gain Rock and the Case Against ModernMargot ThiessenSignal Chain6V6 vs 6L6 vs EL34: What the Power Tube Actually Does to Your ToneMargot ThiessenQuick FixesAcoustic Guitar Through a Pickup Sounds Bad — Five Frequency Fixes That Save the ToneDev OkonkwoGear LabWhy Your Pedalboard Power Supply Hums (and How to Fix It Without Buying a Bigger One)Nathan CrossGear LabThe Three-Way Practice Amp Test: Mustang Micro vs Spark Mini vs HX StompElena RuizSignal ChainWhy V30s Sound Fatiguing in Modern Djent (and Three Speakers That Don't)Viktor KesslerSettings GuidesWhat the Celestion G12T-75 Actually Does (And Why Marshall Chose It Over the Greenback)Viktor KesslerSignal ChainFixed Bias Amps and the Screwdriver: What Rebiasing Is, When You Need It, and When to Call a TechHank PresswoodWorkflowHow to Start Hybrid Picking: Four Moves That Work Before You've Practiced ThemElena RuizTone RecipesSingle-Pickup Guitars and the Logic of No Selector Switch: Junior, SG Special, EsquireCarl BeckettSettings GuidesSilent Recording With a Tube Amp: The Two Notes Captor X Setup From Power-On to DAWNathan CrossSignal ChainClass A vs. Class AB: The Amp Operating Point Question Every Player Gets WrongHank PresswoodSignal ChainHybrid Picking for Rock and Blues: Ghost Notes Without the Country ContextRick DaltonTone RecipesLes Paul Junior Tone Recipe: Single P-90 Into a Clean Amp Is One of the Best Rock TonesRick DaltonSettings GuidesWhy Mesa Ships Rectifier Cabs With V30s (And When to Replace Them)Viktor KesslerSignal ChainReactive Load Box vs. Simple Resistive Attenuator: What the Circuit Difference Actually Sounds LikeNathan CrossSignal ChainCathode Bias vs. Fixed Bias: What It Means for Amp Feel (and Which Amps Use Which)Fader & Knob StaffSignal ChainCelestion Speaker Showdown: G12T-75 vs. V30 vs. Greenback vs. Blue AlnicoFader & Knob StaffSignal ChainChicken Pickin' Foundations: The Five Muting Patterns You Need Before the Gear MattersFader & Knob StaffSignal ChainP-90 Pickups and Overdrive: Why the Middle Pickup Acts Like Neither a Single-Coil Nor a HumbuckerFader & Knob StaffGear LabQuilter Tone Block vs. Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander: Two Ways to Go Truly AmplessJess KowalskiSettings GuidesWhy Your Compressor Is Ruining Your Country Tone (and How to Fix It)Fader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassHelix Cab Models Decoded: Every Stock Cabinet and Its Real-World OriginFader & Knob StaffGear LabSolid-State Amps Worth Owning in 2026: The Short List and Why Each Is on ItJess KowalskiGear LabTS808 vs. Klon vs. RAT: Which Overdrive Works Best With Humbuckers?Fader & Knob StaffSignal ChainWhat Is Amp Sag and Why Does It Make Guitar Feel Better?Fader & Knob StaffSignal ChainDotted Eighth Delay Without a Tap Tempo: A Reference Card for Live UseFader & Knob StaffQuick FixesFloyd Rose Spring Angle and Pattern: How Diagonal vs. Parallel Springs Change Feel and Return SpeedCarl BeckettModeler MasterclassWhy the Roland JC-120 Can't Be Fully Replicated in a Modeler (And What to Do About It)Sean NakamuraSignal ChainParallel Reverb Routing: Why Running Two Reverbs Side by Side Solves Problems That Series Can'tMargot ThiessenSignal ChainPower Scaling vs. Attenuator: What Actually Sounds Better and Who Each Is ForFader & Knob StaffSettings GuidesCountry Telecaster Tone: The 5 Settings Players Get WrongCarl BeckettModeler MasterclassExpression Pedal vs. Volume Pedal: When You Need Hardware Volume and When a TRS Pedal Does It BetterFader & Knob StaffModeler MasterclassHelix Amp Model Cheat Sheet: Which Block Matches Which Real AmpSean NakamuraSignal ChainWhy Your Overdrive Sounds Different With Humbuckers (and How to Fix It)Margot ThiessenSignal ChainWhy Your Tube Amp Sounds Thin at Bedroom Volume (Power Tube Threshold, Explained)Hank PresswoodSignal ChainFloyd Rose: How Spring Count and String Gauge Interact (The 2-Spring vs. 3-Spring Decision)Rick DaltonGear LabKeeley Super AT Mod: What Andy Timmons' Signature BD-2 Changes and Who It's ForMargot ThiessenGear LabTwo Reverb Pedals That Sound Great Together: The Best Hardware PairingsDev OkonkwoSignal ChainWhen an Attenuator Stops Working: The Case for a Lower-Wattage AmpViktor KesslerSignal ChainThe Volume Pedal as a Dynamics Control (Not Just for Swells)Nathan CrossQuick FixesWhy Your Compressor Is Killing Your Tone (and How to Fix It)Carl BeckettSignal ChainDialing In Drop-Tuned High Gain: A Frequency-By-Frequency GuideViktor KesslerGear LabFender Deluxe Reverb vs. Fender ToneMaster: Do the Same Settings Sound the Same?Hank PresswoodModeler MasterclassHelix Cab and IR Pairings: The Reference Table for Every Amp ModelSean NakamuraSignal ChainHow to Set Reverb for a Live Room vs. a Dead RoomNathan CrossSignal ChainHow to Calculate Delay Time by BPM (With a Reference Table for Every Tempo)Nathan CrossSignal ChainWhat Is Power Tube Saturation? (And Why It Sounds Different from Preamp Distortion)Hank PresswoodSettings GuidesRoland JC-120 Settings Guide: Getting The Cure Sound and BeyondDev OkonkwoSignal ChainWhat Happens When You Stack a TS and a Klon Together Into a MarshallRick DaltonSignal ChainWhat Does the Cut Knob Do on a Vox AC30?Nathan CrossGear LabWhat BD-2 Clones Are Actually Worth It: Keeley, Analogman, and the DIY OptionsJess KowalskiSignal ChainFloyd Rose Setup for Players Who Hate Setup: The Three Numbers That MatterRick DaltonSettings GuidesReactive vs. Resistive Attenuators: What the Difference Actually Sounds LikeViktor KesslerSignal ChainStacking Reverbs: When Two Reverb Blocks Sound Better Than OneDev OkonkwoQuick FixesVolume Swell Technique: Why Yours Sounds Wrong and How to Fix the Attack TimingNathan CrossGear LabWhat Makes the BD-2W Waza Craft Worth It (and for Whom)Jess KowalskiWorkflowIEM Mix for Guitarists: Should You Add Compression to Your Personal Monitor Mix?Nathan CrossSignal ChainLooper + Delay + Reverb Without Muddiness: Setting the Order and ParametersDev OkonkwoSettings GuidesHow to Set Your Peavey 5150 for Bedroom Volume Without Losing the ToneViktor KesslerSignal ChainTremolo Arm Techniques: Glide, Flutter, and Dive-Bomb on Different Bridge SystemsRick DaltonGear LabBoss Pedal Mods Compared: BD-2, DS-1, and SD-1. Which Is the Most Worth Modding?Jess KowalskiModeler MasterclassHow to Get Good Tone Through In-Ear Monitors: The Live Guitarist's ProblemNathan CrossSignal ChainThe Looper Pedal as a Compositional Tool (Not Just a Practice Device)Dev OkonkwoTone RecipesMy Bloody Valentine Loveless Tone: Kevin Shields' Wall of Sound BlueprintDev OkonkwoSettings GuidesPeavey 5150 / EVH 6505 Settings Guide: Every Style From Clean to CrushingViktor KesslerSignal ChainHow to Choose Between a Buffer and a True Bypass Looper (And When Each Actually Matters)Sean NakamuraSignal ChainThe DIY Pedal Starter Guide: What You Actually Need to Build Your First OverdriveCarl BeckettTone RecipesThe Great Dismal: How Nothing's Third Album Changed the Shoegaze Gain StructureDev OkonkwoGear LabBoss SD-1 Mod Guide: Three Changes That Make the Super Overdrive Actually GoodJess KowalskiGear LabWampler Tumnus Deluxe vs. Klon KTR: Is the Circuit Still Worth the Price Gap?Margot ThiessenTone RecipesAndy Timmons on a Budget: How to Get the Singing Lead Tone Without the Signature GearMargot ThiessenGear LabBoss BD-2 vs. BD-2W Waza Craft: Which Settings Suit Your Style?Rick DaltonGear LabBoss SD-1 vs. BD-2: Which Super Overdrive Wins on a Clean Amp?Jess KowalskiModeler MasterclassHX Stomp Polarity Trick: Why Two Cab Blocks Out of Phase Sound Fuller Than OneSean NakamuraModeler MasterclassMark Speer Tone on an HX Stomp: Khruangbin Clean Funk for $299Dev OkonkwoGear LabMarshall Shredmaster Clone Options: Aion FX Solstice, Five Cats Shredder, and What's Actually DifferentHank PresswoodGear LabMarshall Shredmaster vs. ProCo RAT: Can You Fake the Creep Tone?Jess KowalskiTone RecipesNeo-Shoegaze Tone: How Title Fight, Nothing, and DIIV Update the MBV BlueprintDev OkonkwoTone RecipesNothing Band Guitar Tone: *Tired of Tomorrow* Heavy Shoegaze SettingsDev OkonkwoGear LabPaul Cochrane Timmy vs. Wampler Tumnus: Low-Gain Transparency at Two Price PointsMargot ThiessenTone RecipesDavid Gilmour's Animals Era Tone: How The Wall Sound EvolvedMargot ThiessenGear LabDS-1 Modded vs. Stock: Is the Keeley Ultra Mod Worth the Price?Jess KowalskiSettings GuidesJCM800 vs. JCM900: What Actually Changed and Which Is Right for You?Rick DaltonModeler MasterclassQuad Cortex Capture Tutorial: How to Record Your Own Amp in 20 MinutesSean NakamuraQuick FixesHow to Stop Feedback on Stage Without a Gate (The Physics-First Approach)Viktor KesslerQuick FixesDoes Cavity Shielding Actually Work? A Before/After TestCarl BeckettGear LabChicken Pickin' Compressor Settings: Keeley, Wampler Ego, and Boss CS-3Carl BeckettModeler MasterclassHX Stomp vs. Helix LT for Worship: Which Should You Buy?Nathan CrossQuick FixesHow to Level-Match All Your Presets: Helix, Quad Cortex, and FractalSean NakamuraTone RecipesMalcolm Young's Rhythm Tone: The Other Half of AC/DC's SoundRick DaltonTone RecipesBig Muff vs. Hiwatt: Which One Is Doing the Work on Comfortably Numb?Margot ThiessenSignal ChainThe Buffer Myth: What Buffered Bypass Actually Does to Your Signal ChainSean NakamuraGear LabBoss DS-1 vs. MXR Distortion+: Two Classic Distortions, One AmpJess KowalskiSettings GuidesJCM800 2203 vs. 2205: What's the Difference (and Which Do You Have)?Rick DaltonModeler MasterclassQuad Cortex Scenes vs. Stomp Mode: Which Should You Build Around?Sean NakamuraGear LabBig Muff vs. Fuzz Face: Two Fuzzes, Two Completely Different CircuitsMargot ThiessenSignal ChainDelay Types Compared: Analog vs. Digital vs. Tape (Live vs. Studio)Nathan CrossSignal ChainGermanium vs. Silicon Fuzz: What's the Actual Difference and When Does It Matter?Hank PresswoodModeler MasterclassModeler EQ Guide: The 5-Band EQ Shape Every Patch NeedsSean NakamuraGear LabPRS Silver Sky vs. Fender Strat: Which Gets Closer to the Mayer Clean Tone?Margot ThiessenQuick FixesHow to Stop Pedal Hiss Without Killing Your ToneCarl BeckettGear LabWe A/B Tested 5 Overdrive Pedals: Here Are the Settings That Actually WorkedRick DaltonGear LabHow Much Does Pick Thickness Change Your Tone? We Tested ItCarl BeckettGear LabRAT vs. Tube Screamer vs. Big Muff: Three Classic Pedals, One AmpJess KowalskiSignal ChainWhy the Tube Screamer Before a High-Gain Amp Is the Best Metal TrickViktor KesslerSettings GuidesHow to Use Gain, Volume, and Master Controls Together (And Why They're Not the Same Thing)Hank PresswoodSettings GuidesBoss Katana Deep Dive: 7 Settings Most Players Never FindElena RuizTone RecipesThe Cure's Guitar Tone: Robert Smith's Chorus Settings and How to Recreate ItDev OkonkwoSettings GuidesDelay Pedal Settings: Slapback, Dotted Eighths, and Ambient Trails ExplainedNathan CrossSignal ChainEQ Pedal Placement: Before vs. After Dirt — What Actually ChangesViktor KesslerModeler MasterclassHelix IR Shootout: Stock Cabs vs. Third-Party Impulse ResponsesSean NakamuraSignal ChainImpedance and Buffers: Why Your Fuzz Sounds Different When You Move ItMargot ThiessenTone RecipesJack White's Lo-Fi Garage Tone: Settings for the White Stripes, Raconteurs, and Dead WeatherJess KowalskiQuick FixesYour Modeler Preset Sounds Different at the Gig (and How to Fix It)Nathan CrossSettings GuidesVox AC30 Settings: From Jangle to Crunch (Sweet Spots for Every Style)Nathan CrossTone RecipesBB King Blues Lead Tone Recipe: Lucille's Sound ExplainedRick DaltonGear LabDoes Cable Length Actually Affect Tone? We Measured ItViktor KesslerTone RecipesMisha Mansoor / Periphery Djent Tone RecipeViktor KesslerTone RecipesTom Morello Rage Against the Machine Tone RecipeJess KowalskiQuick FixesFix Your Fizzy High Gain in 2 MinutesViktor KesslerModeler MasterclassKemper Profiles vs. Helix Models: A Tone ComparisonSean NakamuraQuick FixesYour Reverb Sounds Washed Out: The Decay and Mix FixNathan CrossModeler MasterclassToneX Tone Models: How to Choose the Right OneDev OkonkwoGear LabTube Screamer vs. Klon vs. Blues Driver: Same Amp, Three PedalsRick DaltonModeler Masterclass10 Helix Amp Models You're Not Using (But Should Be)Sean NakamuraSettings GuidesBoss Blues Driver BD-2 Settings: Sweet Spots for Blues, Rock, and CountryRick DaltonSettings GuidesCompressor Pedal Settings: When to Use It, What It Does, and How Much Is EnoughCarl BeckettSettings GuidesFender Deluxe Reverb Settings: Finding Every Sweet Spot on a 22-Watt LegendHank PresswoodTone RecipesKhruangbin Clean Funk Tone: Mark Speer's Minimal Chain and How to Get ThereDev OkonkwoTone RecipesAC/DC Rhythm Tone Recipe: Angus Young Amp Settings, Gear Breakdown, and How to Nail ItRick DaltonTone RecipesAndy Timmons Lead Tone Recipe: Drive Stacking, Signal Chain, and SettingsMargot ThiessenGearBest FRFR Speakers for Guitar Modelers in 2026Elena RuizGearBest Guitar Modeler Under $500 in 2026Jess KowalskiSignal ChainGuitar EQ Explained: The Frequencies That Actually Matter for ToneViktor KesslerGearHelix vs Quad Cortex vs Kemper: Which Modeler Should You Actually Buy?Rick DaltonSignal ChainImpulse Responses Explained: What IRs Are and How to Use Them on Any ModelerElena RuizGearHelix Floor vs LT vs HX Stomp vs Stadium: Every Line 6 Modeler ComparedViktor KesslerTone RecipesNashville Session Clean Tone: Telecaster + Compressor SettingsCarl BeckettTone RecipesRadiohead 'Creep' Tone Recipe: Clean Verse to Distorted ChorusJess KowalskiTone RecipesShoegaze Wall of Sound: Guitar Tone Settings and Pedal RecipeDev OkonkwoGearFRFR vs Guitar Cab for Modelers: Which One Should You Use?Sean NakamuraQuick FixesHow to Remove 60-Cycle Hum Without a Noise GateCarl BeckettSettings GuidesMarshall JCM800 Settings: Sweet Spots for Every StyleRick DaltonModeler MasterclassHow to Build a Quad Cortex Preset from ScratchSean NakamuraQuick FixesThe Volume Drop Problem: Why Your Solo Patch Is Quieter Than Your RhythmNathan CrossTone RecipesModern Worship Guitar Tone on Helix: A Complete Preset WalkthroughNathan CrossWorkflowThe 20-Minute Practice Session: How to Sound Better When You Have No TimeElena RuizGearThe $500 Gigging Rig That Actually Doesn't SuckJess KowalskiGearThe $500 Rig Challenge: Two Players, Two Philosophies, One BudgetJess KowalskiSettings GuidesBig Muff Settings Guide: Every Variant, Every Sweet SpotMargot ThiessenSettings GuidesBoss DS-1 Settings for Every Style: Punk, Grunge, Classic Rock, and MetalJess KowalskiTone RecipesDavid Gilmour Tone Recipe: Pink Floyd Settings for Comfortably Numb, Time, and the WallMargot ThiessenQuick FixesFix Thin Modeler Tone: 5 Settings to Check Right NowSean NakamuraSignal ChainGain Staging for Drop Tunings: Why Your Low-End Is Muddy (and How to Fix It)Viktor KesslerTone RecipesHendrix Fuzz Tone Recipe: Fuzz Face Settings, Guitar Volume Tricks, and the Signal ChainRick DaltonTone RecipesJohn Mayer Clean Tone Settings: How to Get That Neck Pickup SoundMargot ThiessenSettings GuidesKlon Centaur Settings: Clean Boost, Mild OD, and Full DriveHank PresswoodTone RecipesMetallica Rhythm Tone Settings: Hetfield's Sound by EraViktor KesslerGearCan a Modeler Really Replace a Tube Amp? 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How Fader & Knob WorksJess KowalskiGearHelix vs Quad Cortex: Which Modeler Is Right for You?Sean NakamuraSignal ChainThe Complete Guide to Guitar Signal Chain OrderRick DaltonSignal Chain3 Signal Chains Every Beginner Guitarist Should KnowCarl BeckettEffectsTube Screamer Settings for Every Style: From Clean Boost to Full OverdriveViktor KesslerEffectsOverdrive vs Distortion vs Fuzz: The Definitive GuideMargot ThiessenArtist ToneThe Edge's Delay Settings Decoded: How U2 Gets That SoundNathan CrossWorkflowHow to Dial In a Great Tone on Any Modeler in 10 MinutesElena RuizArtist ToneHow to Get Stevie Ray Vaughan's Tone on Line 6 HelixRick DaltonWorkflowWhy Your Modeler Tone Sounds Fizzy (And How to Fix It)Dev Okonkwo
Masthead
Rick Dalton
The Analog Patriarch
Jess Kowalski
The Punk Engineer
Sean Nakamura
The Digital Architect
Margot Thiessen
The Tone Sommelier
Carl Beckett
The One-Guitar Guy
Dev Okonkwo
The Bedroom Producer
Nathan Cross
The Worship Architect
Viktor Kessler
The Metal Scientist
Hank Presswood
The Vintage Collector
Elena Ruiz
The Parent Player
Edited in the field, filed from the garage, the basement, and the tour bus.