ESP LTD EC1000 QM Review: Active Pickups and Push/Pull

I had the chance to play and test the ESP LTD EC1000 QM with Fishman Fluence Modern PUs. Spoiler alert: it's amazing for high-gain sounds.

Just a Sample, BP-909, Tubeshifter: Free Plugins of the Week

Let's kick off 2025 with three awesome free plugins! Just a Sample is an open-source sampler, BP-909 packs a punch, and Tubeshifter delivers tasty saturation.

Motorola Synths: These Gorgeous Classic Synthesizers Are All Powered by the Same DSP Chips

These are the Motorola synths - and some are still being made today.

Advanced Chord Techniques: Adding Extra Flavour to Your Playing

Enhance your guitar skills with these advanced chord techniques. Let's add depth and flavour to your playing.

Thomann Jobs: A Workplace for Real Music Fans – A Look Behind the Scenes

At Thomann, music lovers become part of a team that integrates passion into their daily work. Find out more about Thomann Jobs now!

The 5 Best DJ Setups: Top Gear Combos for All DJs and Skill Levels

What’s the best DJ setup? Why, the one that fits you perfectly. Here are 5 example DJ rigs for everyone from the total beginner to the club king.

Best Free Plugins of 2024: Freeware Picks of the Year

It’s been a good year for free plugins! From unique effects to creative software synths, there were heaps of great freeware to discover. We check out the best free plugins of 2024!

OctoWah Stew, Resonator, Subtle Spaces: Free Plugins of the Week

OctoWah Stew fattens up your tracks with a tasty blend of octaves, overdrive, and auto wah. Check it out in this week’s round-up of the best free plugins.

Acoustic Covers: 5 Lighter Takes on Rock Classics

Experience rock classics reimagined with acoustic covers, offering stripped-down, soulful renditions that highlight the essence of each song.

7 Soft Synths Pushing the Envelope

When you need to go beyond stale virtual analog and played out wavetables, turn to these seven soft synths pushing the envelope.

Best Stage Pianos and Arranger Keyboards of 2024

Which stage pianos and arranger keyboards impressed us the most in 2024? Let’s check out the best new stage pianos and keyboards of the year.

Best Hardware Synths of 2024: 7 Synths We Went Nuts for This Year

From massive analog polys to affordable digital delights, these are truly the best hardware synths of 2024.

PSP Chamber, e::Pi Lite, Rasp: Free Plugins of the Week

PSP Chamber is a chamber reverb, e::Pi Lite is modeled after the famous Big Muff Pi, and Rasp is “not a conventional distortion effect”: Freebies of the week!

5 Pop Songs That Don’t Suck on Guitar

Pop songs of the last 20 years just don't do it for me. However, there have been a few hidden gems. Let's check out 5 of them that are fun to play on guitar.

Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2024: Our Top 6

Which new samplers and groove machines stood out from the rest in 2024? Here are the best samplers, grooveboxes, and drum machines of the year.

Best Synth Gifts Under $100: 5 Fun Synthy Stocking Stuffers 

Watch them break into a smile without having to break the bank with these five best synth gifts under $100.

Drumtastic, Alton Limiter, Seaquake Techno Rumble: Free Plugins of the Week

This week’s round-up of free plugins brings you three useful tools for your DAW: Drumtastic, Alton Limiter, and Seaquake Techno Rumble.

The Meanest Pinch Harmonics: Jaw-Dropping Guitar Screams

Pinch harmonics are notoriously challenging. Let's check out some well-known examples, along with some that you may be yet to discover.

5 of the Best Holiday Synth Gifts So Great I Wish Someone Would Buy Them for Me Too

Looking for something fun for the synthesist in your life this holiday season? These are our picks for the best holiday synth gifts.

5 of the Best Christmas Gifts for Guitarists

These guitar-related Christmas gifts could be ideal stocking fillers. From speakers to gift vouchers, let's check out a few options!

SQUASH, Bassaturator, Organic Padscapes: Free Plugins of the Week

On Black Friday, Minimal Audio released SQUASH – a free OTT compressor that couldn’t be any easier to use. Check it out in this week's roundup of free plugins!

Game-Changing Synths: 7 Modern Synthesizers That Are Transforming Music-Making

These modern game-changing synths are changing the way we make and play music.

Songs for Beginner Guitarists: Crafting Your Initial Skills

Beginner guitarists can often feel overwhelmed when learning the guitar. With these tips from 5 well-known songs, that journey just got a little bit easier!

Freeware for Black Friday: IDX Intelligent Dynamics, Multiband Filterbank, Obliterate & More!

Looking for interesting free software? It's only possible this Black Friday weekend. We have collected the best freeware plug-ins for you.