October 14, 2026
What Is Gain Staging? Optimizing Your Mixes
Nobody wants to hear clipping and distortion (unless it's on purpose). That's why it's important to learn all about gain staging and how to do it properly in your recording process.
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Nobody wants to hear clipping and distortion (unless it's on purpose). That's why it's important to learn all about gain staging and how to do it properly in your recording process.
It's AMS's 40th Anniversary! And what better way to celebrate than by looking back at some of the top gear from 1986 — the year we were founded. Step back through time and remember the good ol' gear.
To celebrate 40 years of helping musicians find the right gear, let's take a look at the songs that were popular back in 1986 when AMS first got started. Bring your shoulder pads...
As an acoustic guitar player, have you ever wondered if you could channel your inner EVH on an electric guitar? Here are some tips you should know before transitioning to electric guitar.
![Best Gifts for Bassists [2026]](https://www.americanmusical.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/B/a/1200/600/Bass_gifts_resized_1.jpg)
Show your favorite bassist some much-deserved appreciation for always holding down the groove. Check out the best gifts for bassists to make any low-end lover smile.
![Best Gifts for Musicians [2026]](https://www.americanmusical.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/M/u/1200/600/Musician_gift_resized_1.jpg)
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.
![Best Gifts for Guitarists [2026]](https://www.americanmusical.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/g/u/1200/600/guitar_gifts_2026-resized_1.jpg)
Can't find the perfect gift for the guitarist on your list? Check out these hot picks from the AMS gear nerds. At least, they're what we would want to unwrap — while you're looking...
MIDI is the secret sauce behind today's music. You might even be using it without even realizing! Learn all about MIDI, how it works, and how it can make your workflow leaner, smarter, and more efficient.
Ever hear that bluesy, crunchy sound pros like Eric Clapton and John Mayer love to use and wonder how you can possibly get that for yourself? Well, it's called "Edge of Breakup," and here's how you do it.
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...
You're probably sick of hearing about AI, but could an AI-powered amp actually be a good thing in the world...? We went to find out by playing the new Positive Grid Reactor AI-powered guitar amp — and were pleasantly surprised!
Learn how to master amp settings with practical, step‑by‑step guidance that helps you shape your tone, balance EQ, control gain, and get a clean, powerful sound from any guitar amplifier.
AI is everywhere these days. But does it belong in music? There are some good arguments coming from both sides, but here's a musician's thoughts on the matter. What are yours?
Breedlove has always made good guitars. But they might have outdone themselves with their newest acoustic line: Artisan and Roots series. We got to try them out, and here's what we thought.
Ever wonder why your tone sounds muddy? It might be your effects! Luckily, there's a simple and easy fix called the four-cable method which will return that clarity and articulate sound back into your hands.
The new Empress Drive just dropped... And we got to check it out! It was a really solid overdrive pedal that gives you exactly what you'd expect with some awesome tone-shaping abilities.
You have the vision, but how do you get it out so others can enjoy it? Learn how to record and release your own song right from your bedroom — and on a budget.
Of all the acoustic guitar strings offered today, it’s difficult to find the place to start. Or maybe you’re looking to try a new set and need some new recommendations? Let's dive deeper into the world of acoustic guitar strings.
Ribbon microphones might seem like a sacred relic that'll fall apart if you so much as look at it wrong. But when used correctly, they can really take your studio to the next level. Here's everything you should know about ribbon mics — and why you probably need one!
Nothing! Or at least that's what it might sound like to the uninitiated... Once you learn about compression pedals and what they actually do, you'll never be without one on your pedalboard — trust me.
Guitarist, educator, audio engineer, and music enthusiast.