instruments and guitar tech category

The conversion process that turns continuous analog sound waves into digital data for recording or processing. An A/D converter (or interface) capt... more

String height above frets; impacts feel, buzz, intonation, and technique. more

A feature in synthesizers or DAWs that automatically plays the notes of a chord in sequence rather than together. It creates rhythmic patterns or t... more

Diatonic harmonica used in blues styles; common cross-harp (2nd position) playing. more

Amp insert point (send/return) placing time-based effects after preamp for clarity. more

Locking tremolo system enabling extreme pitch bends while maintaining tuning stability. more

Metal bars setting semitone positions; wear, size, and material influence feel and intonation. more

Full-Range, Flat-Response speakers used with amp modelers for consistent, mic’d-cab-style tone. more

Preamp/power amp and speaker system shaping electric guitar tone (tube, solid-state, modeler). more

Anchors strings to body; affects sustain, intonation, and feel (fixed, tremolo, TOM, etc.). more

Foot-operated effects (drive, modulation, delay, reverb, etc.) shaping tone before/after the amp. more

Standard unbalanced audio connector for guitars and many line-level devices. (¼") more

Protocol for musical performance/control data between devices and software. more

Digital units emulating amps, cabs, and effects with presets, IRs, and MIDI control. more

Sound reinforcement system for live venues: mixers, amps, speakers, processing, and monitoring. more

Portable board mounting multiple pedals with power and patching for live use. more

Magnetic or piezo transducers converting string vibration to electrical signal (single-coil, humbucker, etc.). more

Distance from nut to bridge on a guitar; affects tension, feel, tone (e.g., 24.75", 25.5"). more

A software or hardware tool that records, arranges, and plays back music as digital note or control data. Modern DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) ... more

Iconic double-cutaway guitar design; bright single-coil tones and versatile switching. more

A high-speed data connection developed by Intel and Apple, combining PCIe and DisplayPort. Musicians and producers use Thunderbolt for ultra-fast a... more

Gears that adjust string tension; locking variants speed string changes and improve stability. more

Analog physical format prized for tangibility, artwork, and certain tonal characteristics. more

Virtual Studio Technology plugin format for instruments and effects. more

Arm attached to trem bridges to vary pitch; colloquially “tremolo” though effect is vibrato. more

A professional three-pin connector used for balanced audio signals, especially microphones. The design locks securely to prevent accidental unplugg... more