Guitar & Gear Blog | Studio Gears

Guitar & Gear Blog

ESP Horizon FR CTM Burled Maple: Buy or Retrofit?

Retrofitting a Floyd Rose to an existing guitar sounds like the budget move. On a Custom Shop Horizon, the math tells a different story.

JBL EON, PRX and IRX Prices Just Dropped: New Lower Pricing on Portable PA (September 2026)

JBL cut prices across its portable PA line on September 8, 2026. The EON, PRX and IRX boxes are $20 to $150 less than last week, and our prices already reflect it.

Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy Black Burst: Studio Guide

The Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy in Transparent Black Burst is a baritone-scale, neck-through 7-string built around dual Lundgren M7 humbuckers. Here's what that actually means for recording.

Best Powered PA Speakers for Small Venues (2026): Solo Gigs to 200-Cap Rooms

A powered speaker is the whole PA for most small gigs. Here are the JBL boxes we would put in a coffee shop, a bar, a church and a 200-cap club, and when a column, a sub or a line array is the better answer.

Gifts for Guitarists Under $100 (2026): Pickups, Gig Bags and the Tuner They Will Actually Use

Skip the novelty pick tin. The gifts under $100 a guitarist actually uses: Seymour Duncan pickups, a padded gig bag, a tuner that charges from room light. Every one in stock, free shipping.

Signature Guitars 2026: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Synyster Gates and Zakk Wylde Models In Stock

A signature guitar is the artist's spec sheet you can buy. Here are the Hetfield, Hammett, Synyster Gates and Zakk Wylde models in stock right now, what each one actually is, and where the B-Stock deals are.

Best Guitars Under $500 and Under $1,000 (2026): Electrics, Acoustics and B-Stock Picks

The guitars we would actually recommend at each budget, not just the cheapest ones: eight electrics and four acoustics under $500, and a dozen picks under $1,000, including B-Stock units at 20% off.

Left-Handed Guitars In Stock (2026): 160+ Lefty Electrics, Basses and Acoustics

Lefties usually get three models per brand. We have more than 160 left-handed guitars and basses in stock right now. Here are the ones to look at first, by budget.

Best Baritone Guitars (2026): 27-Inch and 30-Inch Picks for Drop A and Below

A baritone is the guitar for players who live in drop A and below. Here are the baritones we would put in your hands this year, from B-Stock deals to EverTune-equipped ESP LTDs, every one in stock today.

Best B-Stock Guitar Deals Right Now: New Guitars With a Blemish, 20% Off

B-Stock is the best-kept secret in guitar buying: a brand-new instrument with one small cosmetic mark, full warranty, 20% below MAP. Here is how it works and the biggest deals in stock this week.

Best 7-String Guitars for Metal (2026): Multiscale, Baritone and EverTune Picks

Moving from six strings to seven changes more than your low end. Here are the 7-strings we would actually put in a metal player's hands this year, from an $849 multiscale to a headless signature - every one in stock today.

ESP LTD JRV-8FR Review: Is It Worth $2,299?

Javier Reyes built his sound around clean, articulate 8-string textures — and this signature LTD is engineered to deliver that in your studio. Here's our honest take on whether it's worth the price.

Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary: Worth $1,999?

The Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary isn't just a finish swap on a standard C-1. Here's what the spec actually adds up to — and whether it earns its place in a serious studio rig.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S Distressed B-Stock: $400 Off

The Schecter Synyster Custom-S Distressed in Distressed Satin Black is $399.80 off in B-Stock — a mahogany build loaded with a USA Synyster Gates signature pickup, Sustainiac neck driver, and Floyd Rose 1500. Here's what that combination actually looks like inside a session.

Soundcraft ViSB 64:32 Cat5: Is 64 Channels Worth It?

The Soundcraft ViSB 64:32 Cat5 stage box packs 64 mic/line inputs and 32 outputs into 9U — but the real question is whether your productions actually need that headroom. Here's the decision framework.

Schecter C-1 Hydro-dip: Purple Obsidian, Midnight Tide and Golden Eclipse Explained

Schecter's new C-1 Hydro-dip lands August 31: hand water-transfer finishes in Purple Obsidian, Midnight Tide and Golden Eclipse (plus a lefty), every pattern unique, on a full-spec C-1 with Hellfire humbuckers, Richlite board and TonePros TOM — $899.

Schecter Avenger FR-S Przym Vespid B-Stock: $400 Off

The Schecter Avenger FR-S Przym Vespid drops to $1,599.20 in B-Stock — nearly $400 off a mahogany build loaded with a Sustainiac, Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, and a Floyd Rose 1500. Here's how that hardware translates inside a session.

Alexandr Misko Final Boss Tour 2026: North American Dates and the Guitars He Plays

Alexandr Misko is on his Final Boss Tour across the US and Canada — here are the dates, the new $499 AR11S/JC-AM signature he is introducing on tour, and where to get the guitars he plays.

Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH B-Stock: $410 Off

The Schecter KM-7 MK-III Legacy LH in Transparent White Satin is down to $1,639.20 in B-Stock — $410 off a neck-through 7-string built around dual Lundgren M7 pickups and a 26.5" baritone scale. Here's what that actually means for studio work.

Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary LH B-Stock: $410 Off

Schecter's 50th Anniversary C-1 FR-S LH — swamp ash body, Sustainiac neck pickup, stainless frets, Floyd Rose — is $410 off in B-Stock. Here's how it holds up under studio scrutiny.

Martin MAC Viper XIP White: A Studio Gears Spec Breakdown

The Martin MAC Viper XIP White is a $15,666 outdoor-rated moving head built around a 28,000-lumen output and a 14-lens optical system. Here's what each spec decision means in practice.

Schecter E-1 FR Przym Palladium: Studio Spec Breakdown

The E-1 FR Przym Palladium is Schecter's most spec-dense single-cut — but at $2099, it needs to earn that price. Here's what the spec sheet actually delivers in a recording context.

Schecter Avenger FR Przym Palladium B-Stock: Studio-Ready?

The Schecter Avenger FR Przym Palladium in Gloss Black is $420 off in B-Stock. Here's how its active pickup system and Floyd Rose bridge actually behave in a studio context.

ESP E-II Arrow NT Burl Maple: Is It Worth $2,749?

The E-II Arrow NT Burl Maple Nebula Black Burst costs more than a standard Arrow. We break down exactly what that premium pays for — and who should skip it.

Schecter Syn Gates Custom-6 TR-S B-Stock: $460 Off

The Synyster Gates Custom-6 TR-S Headless drops to $1,839.20 in B-Stock — $460 off a guitar built around a Sustainiac neck pickup and a Hipshot headless tremolo. Here's how that spec sheet translates into recording sessions.

Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR: Do You Need Seven Strings?

The Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless is a serious piece of gear — but seven strings and a headless tremolo aren't for every session. Here's how to know if this is your guitar.

Schecter PT Classic B-Stock: What Dark Finishes Hide

Dark, figured finishes like Transparent Black Burst are unusually forgiving of the minor cosmetic wear that earns a guitar 'B-Stock' status. Here's what that means for the Schecter PT Classic specifically.

Schecter PT Classic B-Stock: Studio Value at $1,839

The Schecter PT Classic B-Stock saves you $460 on a Fujigen Custom Shop instrument with USA-wound pickups and a chambered mahogany body. Here's how that translates inside a recording session.

Takamine EF341DX-LH: Is It Worth $2,649 for Lefties?

The Takamine EF341DX-LH is one of the few serious left-handed dreadnoughts built from the ground up for southpaw players. Here's how it holds up for studio recording and whether the price is fair for what you're getting.

ESP E-II Eclipse QM Tiger Eye: What the Finish Actually Buys You

The ESP E-II Eclipse QM Tiger Eye Sunburst costs more than the solid-finish Eclipses. Here's what that premium actually gets you — and what it doesn't.

Martin ERA 600 Performance: Who Actually Needs CMY?

The ERA 600 Performance brings full CMY color mixing to a $13,437 moving head. Before you step up to the ERA 700, here's how to tell whether the color engine difference will show up in your work.

ESP EII SN-3 HT FM Tiger Eye: B-Stock Studio Value

Japan-made, Fishman Fluence-loaded, and $673.90 below MAP — here's what the ESP EII SN-3 HT FM Tiger Eye Sunburst actually brings to a recording session.

ESP E-II Eclipse EverTune: Is the Stability Worth It?

The ESP E-II Eclipse FT EverTune pairs Fishman Fluence Classic humbuckers with an EverTune F bridge on a set-thru mahogany body. Here's what that combination actually means for recording and whether it's worth $3,499.

AMX PR01-0808 8x8+4: How Many Inputs Do You Actually Need?

The AMX PR01-0808 Precis 8x8+4 is available B-Stock at $7,992 — $1,998 under new MAP. The more useful question before you pull the trigger: does your setup actually justify eight inputs?

ESP STEF T-7 Baritone Fluence: Who Actually Needs 27"?

The ESP STEF T-7 Baritone Fluence isn't just a 7-string with an extra inch of scale — it's a fundamentally different instrument than a standard 7. Here's how to decide which one your studio actually needs.

Martin MAC Viper XIP B-Stock: $3,000 Off a Pro Outdoor Fixture

The Martin MAC Viper XIP B-Stock comes in at $11,999.20 — $3,000 below MAP on a 28,000-lumen outdoor-rated moving head. Here's how to think about that savings across a multi-unit purchase.

Takamine EF450C TTT BB B-Stock: $920 Off

The Takamine EF450C TTT BB is already a serious acoustic-electric. At $920 off the MAP price, the B-Stock unit makes it one of the more compelling studio and venue guitars at this price point right now.

Martin ERA 700 Performance IP vs. ERA 700 IP: Worth It?

The ERA 700 Performance IP and the standard ERA 700 IP share the same chassis and output numbers — so what are you actually paying for? The answer depends entirely on where this fixture is going.

ESP Alexi Laiho Ripped vs. Hexed: Which Should You Buy?

ESP built two distinct Alexi Laiho signature guitars, and the choice between them isn't just cosmetic. Here's how the Ripped and Hexed actually differ — and which one belongs in your studio or on your stage.

Martin P3-275 vs. P3-300: Picking the Right Controller

The Martin P3-275 and P3-300 share the same platform but serve genuinely different installation scales. Here's how to figure out which one matches your venue without paying for headroom you'll never use.

Crown IT12000HD: All-in-One vs. Separates for Install

The Crown IT12000HD puts a serious power amp and a full BSS DSP engine in a single 2U chassis. Whether that's the smarter buy depends on what your install actually needs.

AMX DVX-3266-4K vs. Stacked Components: The Real Cost

Building a presentation system from separate components looks flexible on paper. Once you price it out, the AMX DVX-3266-4K's all-in-one approach is hard to argue with.

AMX NMX-WP-N2410: When 4:4:4 Chroma Actually Matters

The AMX NMX-WP-N2410 processes four 4K60 streams at full 4:4:4 chroma — a spec that sounds like marketing until you're in a room where it visibly matters. Here's how to know if that room is yours.

AMX NMX-WP-N3510: Do You Actually Need 9 Inputs?

The AMX NMX-WP-N3510 handles nine simultaneous video streams over IP and composites them into a single 1080p output. Whether that capability matches your actual session workflow is the real question.

Martin MAC Ultra Performance B-Stock: $4,330 Off for Touring Rigs

The Martin MAC Ultra Performance is already a serious investment at full price. At $4,330 off, the B-Stock unit raises an obvious question: what's the catch, and does it matter for touring?

Crown 4X3500HDS: Speakon Wiring Guide for Fixed Installs

The Crown 4X3500HDS ships with NL4 Speakon outputs for a reason — and if you're wiring a fixed installation, understanding exactly how to use them changes what you can get out of the amp.

Soundcraft Vi1000 vs. Vi2000: Which Should You Buy?

The Vi1000 and Vi2000 share the same Soundcraft DNA — but the right one depends on your venue size, session complexity, and whether the extra spend actually buys you anything you'll use.

AMX DGX3200-ENC Installation: Rack, Thermal & Cable Guide

The AMX DGX3200-ENC is a serious piece of infrastructure, and a rushed installation shows up fast. Here's how we think about rack placement, thermal management, and cable routing before the first board goes in.

Soundcraft Vi2000 B-Stock: Is $9,835 Off Worth It?

A $9,835 discount on a Soundcraft Vi2000 is worth a hard look — but before you pull the trigger, here's what B-Stock means at this price point and whether it fits your operation.

Crown VRACK12KFX: Buy the Bundle or Build Your Own?

The Crown VRACK12KFX bundles three IT12000HD amplifiers, integrated DSP, and a road-ready rack chassis into one pre-configured system. Here's whether that price premium actually pencils out.

Soundcraft Vi3000 vs. Vi2000: ROI for Mid-to-Large Venues

The Vi3000 and Vi2000 share the same Soundcraft pedigree, but the gap between them isn't just faders — it's workflow, expandability, and whether you'll be buying again in three years.

Soundcraft ViLR-48MO: When Multimode Optical Is the Right Call

The Soundcraft ViLR-48MO isn't the right local rack for every install — but for the venues and touring rigs where multimode optical connectivity makes sense, it's the configuration that earns its keep. Here's how to know if that's you.

AMX DGX6400-ENC B-Stock: $12,795 Off Enterprise AV

The AMX DGX6400-ENC Enova DGX 6400 Enclosure is now available as B-Stock at $51,180 — the same enterprise-grade 64x64 4K matrix infrastructure, $12,795 less than new.

ESP E-II M-II Hardtail: Why Skip the Tremolo?

The ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst is a set-thru, Bare Knuckle-loaded superstrat — minus the tremolo most players don't actually need. Here's who should buy it.

ESP KH-3 Spider vs. KH-2: Is the $1,500 Premium Worth It?

Kirk Hammett's 30th Anniversary KH-3 Spider carries a serious price premium over the standard KH-2. Here's what you actually get for the extra money — and who should pay it.

ESP Eclipse Custom Purple Peel: What You're Paying For

The ESP Eclipse Custom Purple Peel is a Japan-built, EMG Het Set-loaded single-cut at $6,899. Here's what actually separates it from a standard Eclipse — and whether that finish is the point.

ESP Arrow Black Andromeda: Is It Worth $6,199?

The ESP Arrow Black Andromeda is a $6,199 Japan-built ESP Original Series guitar with neck-thru construction, active Seymour Duncan Blackouts, and a Floyd Rose Original. Here's what justifies that price — and who it's actually built for.

ESP Vulture B-Stock: Save $1,230 on Hetfield's Signature

The ESP Vulture in Olympic White just landed in B-Stock at $4,919.20 — that's $1,230 off a James Hetfield signature that rarely shows up discounted at all.