Guitar Technology

In a box in the attic, I have a big acoustic-guitar pickup that never gets used. Apart from sounding a bit brittle, it blocks most of the sound hole when installed, thereby compromising the acoustic properties of my guitars. iRig Acoustic does the same job, but takes a very different approach...

The Amplifire promises great sound, plentiful options, ease of use — and the ability to load your own cabinet impulse responses.

My pedalboard seems to be in a permanent state of being rebuilt, and this time around I decided I needed a better power supply...

Schertler are no strangers to the art of amplifying stringed instruments, and their latest designs don’t disappoint.

Designed and built in Germany, and paying tribute to the Tube Screamer sound...

Need a drum accompaniment at the flick of a switch (and the tap of a foot)? Then look no further than this crafty device!

Laney’s versatile Ironheart amps are impressive, but can you really get the same sound from a stomp box?

Designed primarily for studio home practise or even small gigs, the Laney L5 Studio Head is an extremely elegant amp.

Need a go–anywhere sound system for busking, small gigs or simply listening to music on the move? Look no further!

Is this the ultimate Swiss Army knife for bassists?

Peter Hamstead doesn’t play guitar but his unique background and no-compromise approach have led to the creation of a unique and wonderful amp...

Portability and versatility inevitably mean trade-offs. Have Roland got the balance right?

Configurable to your tastes, this handmade guitar amp caters both to studio and stage use.

Can an amp like this be all things to all people? Blackstar have tried very hard to make it so!

Finally, a truly polyphonic guitar synth that you can use with any standard electric guitar — with no need for a hex pickup!

Is the Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar the most sophisticated and versatile tremolo pedal money can buy?

Is this the most faithful imitation yet of the fabled Uni-Vibe effect?

Digital amp modelling has come a long way, but some guitarists still miss the ‘feel’ of a real amp on stage. Enter the Gemini 2.

Ogre’s Tubeholic pedal overdrive contains neither tubes nor, as far as I can tell, any alcohol. It does, however, feature 440g of barking-mad cast metal as its case.