Top 10 Electric Guitars

Review On Top 10 Electric Guitars

Ever since the guitar turned electric in 1931 rock stars have been twisting, bending and distorting the traditional sounds of the guitar to create unique master pieces that remain legendary. Rock and roll would never be if it weren't for the electric guitar. The first electric guitar was made in 1931 by the Rickenbacker company and has seen little change of the basic concepts other than the addition of solid state electronics.

Tons of different electric guitars have been introduced from countless guitar companies, but there remains a top few that have been used again and again since rock and roll arrived in the early 1950s. Below are the top 10 electric guitars of the past 50 or so years that have became legendary.

10. BC Rich Warlock - An incredibly unusual shape introduced in the 1970s looks and sounds like its name. B.C Rich was a top choice and popularized by heavy metal bands in the 1980s like Megadeth, Danzig, Warrant and Poison just to name a few.

9. Gibson SG - The SG (solid guitar) created in 1961 was popularized by the Australian based heavy metal band, AC/DC and Angus Young's top electric guitar for sure.

8. Gibson Explorer - The airplane-looking shape was also a top favorite for heavy metal guitarists. The shape was so popular that it spawned numerous custom cloned from companies such as ESP. James Hetfield of Metallica was regularly on display with this top guitar.

7. Danelectro - One of the most simple, yet flashy designs, the Danelectro was pretty and sported a cylindrical pick-up nicknamed the "lipstick." Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame made this his top choice in the last few years of the band's existence.

6. Gibson SG Doubleneck - One of the strangest looking guitars, but one of the most versitile. What was tops about this guitar was that the top guitar was a twelve string and the bottom a six. This allowed for cool variations in tone and feel without the need of switching guitars during a song.

5.Gibson Flying- V - A top rock guitar for musicians who want to make a statement. Though awkward to play in a sitting position (arguable because you can't rock out sitting down), this guitar was actually a favorite of Jimi Hendrix.

4. Rickenbacker 425, 360/12 - There is no mistaking the sound of a Rickenbacker because of is resonating tone of the 12 strings. Made famous in rock and roll by George Harrison and John Lennon, this later became a top pick for bands finding a more melodic yet harmonic electric tone. Since then, bands ranging from the Byrds to R.E.M. also consider this a top pick and a staple of their unique sound.

3.Fender Telecaster - Another uniquely toned guitar made famous by Jimmy Page, this interesting single-coil pickup sound machine also sported a special "bending" device hooked to the top string that can be manipulated by pulling down on the guitar strap.

2. Fender Stratocaster - You cannot mistake the hollow, yet clear and bright sound of a Fender Stratocaster. It is amazing that a guitar this old has remained unchanged and yet still delivers the same power that Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton made famous back in the 60s. This is arguably the top choice of all Chicago-style blues players.

1. Gibson Les Paul Standard - Sexy, standard and unchanged, this top pick delivers the power and punch that has been heard by the top rock and roll bands in history. Sporting dual humbucker pickups, this guitar's sounds is like that of a 1960's muscle car. From metal, to hard rock, to punk and funk, the Les Paul Standard is arguably the most popular electric guitar in history.

Although it is nearly impossible to list these top electric guitars in any order, one can safely say that purchasing and playing any guitar on this list will certainly put a smile on your face and at the same time, conjr up fantasies of being on stage with your favorite bands. TonyRocks.com has continued this list but also reviews a number of newer guitars that didn't make it to this top list. Plus you'll be amazed at some of the guitar shreding videos posted by Paul Gilbert, famous for his Ibanez.

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Electric Bass Guitars

Special Review Electric Bass Guitars

Electric bass guitars produce a very striking sound that gives a punch to any type of music. The sound it produces is lower and deeper than normal guitars. These have a longer neck and are tuned an octave lower in pitch than a normal guitar.

Bass guitars are based on the double bass, and the sound it turns out is magical to the ears. It has a similar range as other bass instruments. The bass guitar just like a classic guitar with a bass design. Its body is made of wood, with an option of a fully hollow body, partially hollow body or completely solid body. The electric bass, in contrast to the double bass, is played while held horizontally across the body. Unlike the double bass, it is not played with a bow; instead, it is usually plucked with the fingers, thumbs or plectra. You can play the electric bass guitar sitting or standing.

The bass players generally stand while playing, although sitting is also accepted, particularly in the orchestral settings. However, it is a matter of player's preference as to which position gives him the greatest ease of playing. When sitting and playing, the instrument can easily be balanced on the thighs or legs. A bass guitar suits almost all kinds of music, like rock, jazz and pop, but it's very popular in contemporary music. Playing a guitar is fun, but the electric bass guitar definitely add that little sound and vibration to your fingers as you enjoy playing it.

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How to Adjust Your Guitars' Truss Rod - The First Step in a Professional Guitar Setup

Review On How to Adjust Your Guitars' Truss Rod - The First Step in a Professional Guitar Setup

How to Adjust your Truss

Just about every steel string guitar made these days has a truss rod inside the neck. Most often the rod is placed down the center of the neck, before the finger board is glued into place. The purpose of this steel rod is to counter the pull of the strings on the neck.

Imagine the neck like a bow, the more the strings are tightened, the more the neck will bow. The rod prevents this by applying counter force within the neck.

Every guitar is different but typically your truss rod will need adjustment when changing tuning, changing string gauge, or when becoming subject to environmental/seasonal/humidity changes. An example would be from winter to spring, summer to fall, etc. Any time your guitar's playability changes after it's been professionally setup, (for a certain tuning and string gauge) it is due to the neck needing a re-adjustment.

Generally, although there are exceptions, when the neck is setup right for you, it will not need more than a quarter turn in either direction to compensate for seasonal changes- this can change a buzzy neck to near perfect action again, or that from uncomfortably high string action back to how it was when it first left the shop. Most players agree, a near straight neck is the most comfortable to play on.

There are a few golden rules when adjusting your truss rod. First, only use the rod to keep your neck as straight as it needs to be...do not use it to adjust your action! Second, only use the proper tool. If you do not know what it is, check with the manufacturer. Truss rod nuts are easy to strip, and once they're stripped, expense to fix! Easily costing more than the guitar is worth. Finally, do not force anything; an eighth of a turn can make a drastic change. Remember, if the truss rod feels tight, take it to a professional.

If you feel the neck needs an adjustment, read below. The procedure below list how to ACCURATELY adjust the truss rod, which affects the relief in the neck. If you don't follow the outline, your results will not be measurable or accurate.

What you'll need:

An electronic tuner Truss Rod wrench A capo helps but is not mandatory An accurate steel ruler is also optional Automotive Feeler gauges if you want to take it to the Pro level.

How to:

Start by sitting with the guitar in the playing position. Tune it to the correct pitch if it is not already. Capo the first fret. If you do not own a capo, you can use your fretting hand. Next, fret the bass string with your picking hand up where the neck joins the body, usually around the 14th fret, but may be higher up with some electric guitars. Now you have a straight string held against a neck that is likely not straight. It will either bow away from the string, or against the string. This is how you determine the amount of relief in the neck. You can also use an accurate steel ruler, placed along the length of the neck, in the same manor (in playing position). Half way between the 14th fret, and the 1st we will look at the 7th fret to determine the relief in the neck. If you are fretting a higher fret, for example, the 20th, use the 10th fret as a half-way point. Looking at that half-way point, observe the distance between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string. If you have a gap between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string, you have a bowed neck. If there is no gap, it is either dead straight or back-bowed. Righty tighty, lefty loosy. Begin by adjusting the truss rod a turn at a time and measure the changes as you go along. If the neck is in bad shape, it may need considerable adjustment before you see any results. If the truss rod nut is overly loose, or tight, bring it to a professional!

How much to adjust:

The bigger the gap, the more relief in the neck. We are usually wanting just a small amount of relief in the neck for optimal playing. Some players like the way a dead straight neck feels, and this will produce fret buzz, but those players live with it.

If there is a gap, tighten the truss rod until you have a gap about the size of a standard business card, string package, or even a piece of paper for minimal relief. Go ahead and slide it in between the top of fret and bottom of string (or ruler, whichever method you are using) at your half way mark, making sure you are placing the card parallel with the string or ruler.

To get technical, you can start with around.008"-.010" for most electrics,.010"-.012" for acoustics, and.014"-.016" for bass (this is where an automotive feeler gauge comes in handy).

If there is no gap at the 6th fret, you are either dead straight or back bowed away from the pull of the strings (loosen truss rod).

If the strings are buzzing when played open, as well as the first few frets, it is a clear indication of a back bow (loosen truss rod). At this point you may easily see by sighting down the neck (from the headstock looking down to the body) that it is back-bowed.

About Relief: When a string is plucked, strummed, or picked, it vibrates in an elliptical pattern. This is why we need a slight bow (relief) in the neck to prevent buzzing, mainly in the lower register of the fretboard.

If you play hard on the strings, you will exaggerate that movement of the string and depending on preference, may need more bow in the neck, and/or a higher action.

Players with a lighter touch often have straighter necks with lower action.

This is why electrics may have less relief than acoustics (although not as a rule).

If you play bass, you will want more bow than on a guitar (the strings are that much bigger and vibrate in relativity to their size).

Please note:

Straightening the neck may make your guitar play worse! Consequently, when the truss rod is tightened, the height of the strings are lowered, which can create string buzz if your guitar isn't setup properly. String height/ playing action is controlled at the nut and saddle, not in the neck adjustment! And there is a reason for that!

Likewise, tightening the truss rod may also make a poor fret condition more noticeable. If your guitar plays worse after adjusting the neck, it is either too straight for your playing style or it is a sign that more work is needed. A well set neck is the first step in a proper set-up which will help to make your guitar play better.

Copyright 2010-2011 J.Matwiv

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Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Guitars

Best Review Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Guitars

The guitar is a musical instrument of (usually) six strings either strummed or plucked with the fingers or a pick. It has a body with a flat back and curves. Its back and ribs are made of maple, ash, or cherry-wood. Its sound board is made of pine. Its bridge is made of ebony wood and ivory. The neck and fingerboard are made of hard ebony, beech, or pear wood. The head has two parallel casks through which metal screws pass. A piece of metal is found on the fingerboard for exact positions for impeding intervals.

The six strings of the guitar are divided into two groups, bass and treble. The bass strings are thicker and have an inner nylon core wrapped with steel. They are the three lowest strings on the instrument. The trebles are thinner strings of transparent nylon or silk covered with silver wire. The thumb is assigned at the bass, while the index, middle, and ring fingers are used to strum the treble.

In playing the guitar, one has to be familiar with proper positioning of the fingers on the fret board, strumming patterns, plucking techniques, and playing guitar chords and tablatures.

There are three types of guitars: acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars can produce audible sounds without using amplifiers. Electric guitars are composed of different materials and use various gears to produce the needed sound. They are plugged in and powered by electricity. Classical guitars have a flat fingerboard and wide neck and are probably the best type for beginners because of their lighter string tension.

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Electric Bass Guitars & Amplifiers

Best Review Electric Bass Guitars & Amplifiers

Electric bass guitars require external amplification in much the same way that standard electric guitars do - and for the same reasons. There are several electric bass guitars with a hollow body, similar to that found on acoustic guitars, and this helps to provide some extra tone to the voice. However, electric bass guitars still require external amplification to be heard, and to provide the voice which is required.

There are two basic types of amplifier that can be used by those who play electric bass guitar. The first of these is the combination or 'combo' amplifier, and this has the amplifier unit and the speaker built in to one unit. Typically this is a large, often black unit with a large speaker grill at the front, and the amplifier unit built in to the top layer, with the buttons, dials and switches at the front. The second kind of amplifier is one where the speakers are entirely separate, and the amplifier connects the guitar and the speakers through its own system.

For beginners and those on lower budgets the combination amplifier unit is an excellent choice, and has proven to be very popular amongst players for many years. It offers versatility with convenience, and often these units are built to be portable, with carry handles built in to the top of the box, and allows them to be carried without fear of being easily damaged. On the other hand, for the more experienced player the separate amplifier and speakers arrangement provides the choice of each - giving more versatility and greater freedom of choice when it comes to each individual piece of equipment. Some guitarists prefer certain types of amplifier, or amplifiers that provide specific features that may not be found on the more generic combination units.

When it comes to recording electric bass guitars, this is often achieved by completely by-passing the amplifier, and instead connecting the guitar directly in to the sound recording equipment, and then providing external amplification from this. By setting the guitar up in this way, a truer sound quality is produced, rather than recording acoustically a sound which has been created electronically. This is for much the same reason as electronic keyboards are recorded in the same way, as the external speakers may hinder or reduce the eventual quality. Recording the electric bass guitar by directly connecting it to the sound recording equipment also provides the artist and the studio to create and apply extra effects, possibly digitally, by directly manipulating the original electric signal. This helps to ensure that there is no degrading of the quality, as well as providing even greater flexibility.

In addition to amplifier units there are also such items as pre-amplifiers which can also be used to apply certain effects, or alter the voice of the guitar in some specific way. For example, pre-amplifiers can sometimes be used to affect the way a guitar sounds, helping to re-create the sound of a different brand of guitar, such as older models or those used within specific branches of music.

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Acoustic Guitars - Laminated Wood Versus Solid Wood

Best Review Acoustic Guitars - Laminated Wood Versus Solid Wood

A lot has transpired through the years in the debate over acoustic guitars in the area of laminate versus solid wood construction. It is not a secret that the type of materials and craftsmanship affect the quality, durability, sound and price of acoustic guitars. However, there is probably no other discussion bigger than this.

The question that many players ask themselves is whether a solid body is worth the price? Despite the better sound, they require care and regular maintenance to prevent cracking. When using laminated you run the risk that it will separate over time. There is no clear answer to this question and as long as there is a discussion about acoustic guitars, it will always be at the forefront.

The Debate - Uncut

Laminated is several pieces of wood glued together and solid body is exactly that, one piece. There are pros and cons to both kinds. It is a fact that laminate is known to produce a 'dead' sound that does not sustain or project sound very well and the one-piece body is known for its richer tone. Laminate is more used because it is more durable and less sensitive to humidity and change in temperature. A body that is made from one-piece timber is very sensitive to humidity and climate change. The top is like a sponge that you can't let dry out.

A Bit Of History

Years ago the debate was not about sound quality or durability, it was about price. The one piece timber body guitars were very expensive so many musicians did not have a choice but to buy one made of laminate. A one piece is coveted because of its rich and beautiful tone that only seems to become better over time. However, times have changed quite a bit in the world of laminate including the craftsmanship. Better quality laminate is being used and more detailed craftsmanship has been applied so they are sounding better and better everyday.

It is evident why this debate is becoming less spectacular, but the fact will always remain the same that a laminate will never be able to sound as good.

The Main Problem

When building a guitar you want the soundboard, better known as the top, to be as lightweight and strong as possible. Creating this ratio with laminate is often difficult because in order to make it strong it ends up too heavy. The wet glue used to secure the pieces of timber together can become to heavy when too much is used. Unfortunately, when too little of the glue is used, the timber pulls apart. Recently new adhesives have been introduced that have helped to solve this problem and ensure lightness. This is one of the ways that laminated construction is becoming more popular and competitive.

Necks, Sides & Backs

Acoustic laminate necks are very common and widely accepted. This has become a popular way to make the neck stronger. Hybrid guitars are also extremely common. Many models are made with one piece body tops and laminate sides and backs. The sound quality is 90% dependent on what the top is made of, so as long as the soundboard is one piece the rich sound will be present. This is also a great way to make solid body tops affordable.

How Do You Tell The Difference?

Depending on how dark the timber or stain is, telling the difference between them can be a difficult task. First, you need to look at the inside edge of the sound hole on the top of the body. If the edge has a natural finish it is a one piece body and if it has two or more layers it is made of laminate. To determine what the back and sides are constructed with you need to first look at the back of the guitar. Next, look inside the sound hole at the same spot on the back and see if the wood grains are the same. If they are the same it is a whole body. You can do this same technique with the sides.

It's a Wrap

Everyone's opinion is different. Many believe that there is no need to buy an acoustic made of laminated timber when solid bodies are so affordable now. Others believe that the sound quality of laminate bodies on their own and in a hybrid model is comparable. Each individual needs to evaluate the pros and cons of both, and decide what makes sense for them. For example if you travel often, perhaps it makes sense to purchase a laminate model for its durability. When buying there are always a lot of questions that need to be answered, this is just another one.

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