Dan Monaghan has been playing music for most of his life. A multi-instrumentalist with a focus on guitar, he also plays bass, drums, piano, and keys — basically anything that makes noise and isn’t nailed down. He’s currently the guitarist for Good for Gary, a well-known Twin Cities cover band with a knack for packing dance floors.
Back in the early ‘90s, Dan worked as a piano tuner, which helped sharpen his ear (and his patience). Later, he spent over a decade running his own band and business, CherryGun, with his wife Amy — managing everything from setlists to studio mixes, and frequently doubling as roadie, tech, driver, and therapist.
These days, Dan manages the Tech team at AMS, bringing his real-world experience with gear, live sound, and recording into everything he does. He’s always happy to talk shop — just don’t get him started on cable management unless you have a few hours to spare.
The audio engineer is the silent backbone of every great recording. Why not show them a little appreciation with one of these top gifts for audio engineers. They're going to love it!
In-ears are great, but they're only as good as the system they're attached to. Learn all about IEM systems to find the one that'll give you clear, rock-solid performance at every show, so you can FINALLY ditch those floor monitors.
Who needs stage monitors? Not you once you switch to IEMs! In-ear monitors are the choice for pros around the world — and there's a good reason why. Learn all about IEMs and why they should make their way into your setup.
Ready to live the unthethered life? Ditch the cable with the best wireless guitar systems, as chosen by the AMS Gear Nerds, and explore uncharted areas of the stage — and beyond...
Want to upgrade your studio without breaking the bank? Check out the AMS-approved collection of top large diaphragm condenser mics under $500, and start recording the right way!
Do you like the snap of a normal scale or the warmth of a short scale? Not sure!? We're here to help with everything you need to know about short scale bass vs. normal scale bass.
It might not be the first thing you look for, but scale length plays a huge role in the playability and tone for any guitar. What is scale length, you ask? Learn all about it right here!
You don't want to blow up your guitar amp, do you? Well then you better read this guide all about the difference between instrument cables vs. speaker cables!
Two iconic bass guitars, one legendary brand. Learn about the differences between the Fender P Bass vs. Jazz Bass to find out which one is right for your style.
Does the thickness of your guitar strings really matter? More than you think! Learn all about electric guitar string gauges and how they can affect your tone and playability.
Is your guitar not playing like it used to? It might just need a truss rod adjustment. Learn how to adjust your guitar truss rod correctly and get back your playability.
Wiki wiki what’s up!? So, you want to be a DJ but don’t know where to start? That’s okay. Whether you want to blend, mix, create, or simply play all sorts of prerecorded music, here's what you need to become the best DJ in town.
Want to get weird with your guitar tone? Here are our top 10 favorite "crazy" guitar pedals to add some wild to your tone — and some of these are REALLY crazy...
It's not easy to buy a gift for a musician. There's so much gear out there! That's why we put together ten of the best products (and most useful) that'll definitely make your favorite musician's day when they open it.
We were tired of bad recordings, so we went to visit Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios for some tips. Want to take your recordings to the next level? Here's how.
Studio time is a big deal, and it's important to be prepared. That's why we asked Kevin Antreassian, owner/producer of Backroom Studios, what he wishes his clients knew before getting into the studio. Are you ready for your studio time?
It was definitely hot when we interviewed Chris and Ryan from Hot Mulligan — the weather wasn't friendly... But we still got to talk all about their time at Warped Tour, the rebirth of emo, and of course their signature Reverend guitars.
Gibson has officially opened their vault. What treasures lay inside? All the most influential guitars of the 20th century — and we got to check it out FIRST! You won't believe what we saw.
Ever wonder what a battle between a plane, tank, and submarine would look like? So do we! That's why we caught Tigers Jaw before their show to ask them. It's a fun interview you don't want to miss.
It takes a lot to build some of the best acoustic guitars in the game? What does it take exactly? Well, we went and asked one of the top builders in the business: Bob Taylor himself! If you like acoustic guitars, you don't want to miss this interview.
Ready to rock the turntables and get everyone out on the dance floor? Check out the ultimate DJ buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know about becoming a DJ.
It’s not easy to build the perfect live sound setup, but we’re here to make it at least a little bit easier with the AMS ultimate live sound buying guide.
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