The AMS Blog

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. 

You can do lots of crazy things with mod pedals, so we went into the warehouse to find five of our favorite modulation pedals you didn't know you needed... until now. 

Dirt: It's what guitarists live for. Sure, you've heard of the staples like the Tube Screamer and OD-1, but here are five of our favorite lesser-known drive pedals that you definitely shouldn't sleep on. 

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. 

Looking for an acoustic guitar that sounds good AND won't break the bank. Well, have we got the list for you! Check out our picks for best acoustic guitars under $1,000. 

We stacked up the best overdrive pedals just so you don't have to! Check out our list of the best overdrive pedals for 2025 and add some tone to your life. 

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?

Ready to buy your next electric guitar but don't want to spend a fortune? We gathered all the best electric guitars under $1,000, so you don't have to scour the internet. Check it out here!

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. 

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. 

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... 

Does tonewood really matter? It's a debate as old as the guitar itself. Here's the honest scoop about tonewood and how it may or may not affect your guitar's tone, along with some of the most popular tonewoods for both acoustic and electric guitars. 

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.

Ever wonder what your voice or wind instrument would sound like through guitar effects pedals? Well wonder no more! Because we've done it, and here are all the secrets to unlocking unlimited tone — no guitar needed. 

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. 

What do you do if you have a bunch of Walrus Audio gear laying around the studio? You use it to jam on The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" of course! Check out this tasty jam and all the gear that made it possible. 

Thinking about ditching the heavy old tube amp for something a bit more portable? Here are some things I wish I knew about amp modelers before making the switch myself.