September 7, 2026
Best Gifts for Guitarists [2026]
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...
Articles by Nick Pappalardo
Articles by Nick Pappalardo
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![Best Gifts for Guitarists [2026]](https://www.americanmusical.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/g/u/1200/600/guitar_gifts_2026-resized_1.jpg)
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September 4, 2026What Is MIDI and How Does It Work?
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.
- July 15, 2026
What Is "Edge of Breakup?" - Finding the Sweet Spot
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.
- June 29, 2026
Top 10 Craziest Guitar Pedals to Spice Up Your Sound
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...
- June 22, 2026
Positive Grid Reactor - Is an AI Amp Actually Good?
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!
- June 12, 2026
How to Dial in an Amp - Making Sense of All Those Knobs
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.
- June 3, 2026
Does AI Belong In Music - A Musician's Take
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?
- June 1, 2026
Breedlove Releases New U.S.-Made Artisan and Roots Series Guitars
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.
- May 18, 2026
What Is the Four-Cable Method: Using Your Amp’s FX Loop
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.
- May 5, 2026
Empress Drive Pedal Review – A Solid OD
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.
- April 29, 2026
How to Record and Release Your Own Song
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.
- April 15, 2026
The Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Every Player
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.
- March 25, 2026
What Is a Ribbon Mic and How Does It Work?
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!
- March 11, 2026
What Does a Compressor Pedal Do?
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.
- March 2, 2026
What Is a Cab IR?
A speaker cabinet without a cabinet? That's the magic of a cab IR. Learn all about cab IRs, how they wor, and what they can do for your sound.
- February 16, 2026
Dobro vs. Resonator: Navigating the World of Resophonic Guitar
Confused about the difference between a Dobro and a resonator? So were we! Let's break down their history, body styles, and bridge types to help you find your perfect sound.
- January 28, 2026
Vibrato vs. Tremolo: Making Sense of Modulation Effects
We all use vibrato and tremolo interchangeably, but do we realize how different they really are? In this article we’re going to eliminate all the confusion behind these effects and show you what sets them apart from each other.
- January 7, 2026
Creating Depth: The Best Chorus Pedal for Your Pedalboard
It's not just for the '80s anymore! Chorus is back and it's better than ever. But where should you start? Check out this guide to anything and everything chorus — with a few suggestions about the best chorus pedals out there.
- December 18, 2025
Rhythm and Beats: Best Drum Machines of This Year [2025]
Rhythm makes every track better. That's why we put together a list of the best drum machines in 2025 to help you find the perfect rhythm section that won't complain, add their own fills, or play while you're trying to tune...
- December 1, 2025
Melodyne vs. AutoTune: Pitch Correction Tools Compared
When you're tired of worrying about pesky little things like staying on pitch, there are two tools that can really help you dial in your perfect sound. Here's the breakdown between the two heavyweight pitch correctors: Melodyne vs. AutoTune.
![Rhythm and Beats: Best Drum Machines of This Year [2025]](https://www.americanmusical.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/D/r/1200/600/Drum_machines_resized_1.jpg)
Featured blogs
Guitar Truss Rod Adjustment: Perfecting Your Guitar Setup (Without Messing It Up)
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.
AMS Presents: Punch In with the Pros
Find a Pro, ask them to make up a part on the spot. You never know how they'll transform a song! This is Punch In with the Pros at AMS.
How Wireless IEM Systems Work — And How to Pick the Right One
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.
Recording Tips for Beginners: How to Make Your Recordings NOT Suck
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.
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Kevin Antreassian – 10 Things I Wish My Clients Knew Before Getting in the Studio
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?
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Hot Mulligan Interview - Chris and Ryan
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.
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What’s Inside the Gibson Vault?
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.
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Lost on You - The Tigers Jaw Interview
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.
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Everything and More - The Bob Taylor Interview
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.
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The Ultimate DJ Buying Guide
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.
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The Ultimate Drum Set Buying Guide
Want to become a drummer and not sure where to start? Check out the ultimate percussion buyers guide from AMS — and we mean ULTIMATE!
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The Ultimate Live Sound Buying Guide
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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The Ultimate Guitar Buying Guide
The AMS guitar buying guide has all the information you could ever want (and perhaps a bit more) to help you find and buy the perfect guitar.
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Contributing Writer
Guitarist, educator, audio engineer, and music enthusiast.