I grew up in a house full of guitars, as my father was forever building electric guitars on the families kitchen table. I spent my teenage years trying to tame a 100 watt Marshall JCM 800 and matching 4 x 12 cab in a bedroom, only just large enough for a bed. I’d bought it not REALLY understanding exactly how loud 100 watts is. At this young age I started to experiment with recording and MIDI and cut my teeth on Pro 24 and Notator on an Atari synced to a Foster R8 with an MTC-1.
Playing in bands and working in recording studios for many years, I learned to mix, record and eventually worked as a sound engineer. I also worked for many of the UKs large pro audio retailers, where I helped to set up DAWs in everything from local studios, music technology colleges all the way through to world famous recording facilities like Air Studios and The Strongroom. As I couldn’t help myself, I even owned my own recording studio in London for a while. There I learnt a lot about recording guitars, dealing with bands and getting quality results anyhow.
Over the years I have acquired a very sizeable guitar collection, which includes many guitars that I have built myself. I’m a total hoarder of effect pedals and valve amps and I’m a certified guitar geek. So there are not many that I have not owned at least once. Whether Parker Fly guitars or Klon Centaur pedals, I’ve had them all. Now running the annual Analogue To Digital music show in the UK, plus the Vintage Guitar Fair, I get to be busy throughout the year and also get to rub shoulders with many other guitar lovers, luthiers, manufacturers and pro players.
My tastes in music includes everything from Dinosaur Jr to Squarepusher.
Write him: jef (at) gearnews (com)
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Mooer GE1000 and GE1000Li Intelligent Multi-Effects. Two new feature packed modeling systems, one with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery
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The new Yamaha Pacifica models contain Reflectone pickups made by Rupert Neve, and offer a Professional and Standard range
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Fulltone USA is back in business and relaunching at NAMM 2024. With a little help from Jackson Audio and a new business plan
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EHX Double Anniversary Big Muff Pi limited edition gold Big Muff in a wooden box. They may have sold out in seconds, but there is still one available
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Keeley Muse Driver is the latest collaboration between Andy Timmons and Robert Keeley. It could very well be the ultimate Blues Driver pedal
Harley Benton PB-Shorty SBK is a short scale P-style bass and comes in a stealthy matt black finish, Perfect for smaller hands
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Blackstar ID:Core v4 launches with added USB-C and a new 1-watt mode. With three new amp models available in this revamped line
These Gretsch Limited Edition Quilt Classic models are both highly quilted. The G6120TGQM-56 and G6134TGQM-59 both look stunning
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We check out EVH Gear Shark and Circles, Walrus Audio Meraki, PRS Silver Sky 2024 and a whole load of new Vox 2024 releases
New Gibson Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom limited run based on the Fade to Black model he is famous for playing live. But no EMGs?
Our favourite great savings this week over at Thomann week on a host of guitar products from Fender, Strymon, and Marshall.
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ESP LTD 2024 models are here at last and the include the highly anticipated Bill Kelliher Royal Shiva Silver doublecut in Silver Sunburst
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Vox Valvenergy Series 2 Pedals Featuring Nutube Technology are coming. With the Power Burst, Smooth Impact, Fuel Injector, and Tone Sculptor
Gibson $999 PAF pickups are now a thing. Apparently, these ones are so authentic that they come in their own little case with case candy
These Gretsch Pristine LTD series launched for 2024 look stunning with rich metallic finishes and gold hardware throughout.
These new Charvel Super-Stock DKA22 and Relic Series are total opposites in terms of styling. But which one would you buy?
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Chase Bliss Lossy is a lo-fi bit crushing effect and is a collaboration with the Goodhertz. Now available for order!
Fender Switchboard Effects Operator allows users to access the full potential of their pedalboard and favourite effects pedals
These Squier Classic Vibe Limited Editions offer some great value for money and have some great retro, classic styling from the 1960s
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The Vox APC-1 could be the ultimate travel guitar for Summer 2024 as it features built-in effects, and a rhythm section to accompany you
UwU virtual pet buffer combines a virtual Tamagotchi-style pet and a quality rock-solid buffer. Why? Well, why not?
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Mooer Harmony X2 and Tender Octaver X2 are the lates two effects to be added to the popular X2 Series of pedals.
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The Orange Glenn Hughes Purple O Bass is the new Deep Purple finished signature model for the vocalist/bassist
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Epiphone Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass fitted with a pair of ProBucker 760 pickups announced for Pantera and Down bassist