The High Gain

For years, musicians have swapped out the neck pickup on their Telecasters, choosing instead something that would give them more growl when needed. Fender noticed, and in 1972 introduced the Telecaster Custom. You’ve probably seen Keith Richards playing one. Add to that, now, Ed! This one impressed him so much, it now lives with him. Beverages! Podcasting is thirsty work; it’s crucial that everyone involved stay hydrated. The following fine beverages contributed to the success of...

We go to the 1970s this week to revisit Ibanez, and their first forays into the American market, via the facy appointments of Custom Agent guitar. Beverages! Podcasting is thirsty work; it’s crucial that everyone involved stay hydrated. The following fine beverages contributed to the success of this episode: Soy lattes from Real Fine Coffee Mighty-O Donuts (non-beverage, but delicious) Songs We played pieces of the following songs to illustrate the characteristic sound of [name...

“What are we gonna do with all these leftover necks and bodies?” ”Well, there’s a bandsaw over there. I’ll think of something…” And that’s how the Fender Maverick was born. Heartwarming, isn’t it? This guitar plays wonderfully and sounds great. Join us on a journey of discovery, won’t you? Beverages! Podcasting is thirsty work; it’s crucial that everyone involved stay hydrated. The following fine beverages contributed to the success of this episode: Superfan Chris Baugh sent us...

This week we talk about the ins and outs of a short-lived but legendary guitar manufacturer. Travis Bean made aluminum-necked guitars for just a handful of years, but they have achieved cult status among players. There is nothing like the distinctive ‘ker-plack’ of an aluminum guitar, to which anyone who has ever heard Shellac will attest. Beverages! Podcasting is thirsty work; it’s crucial that everyone involved stay hydrated. The following fine beverage contributed to the success...

This week we’ve got a special guest. Eric Claesson from the West Seattle band Swinson and The Expedition joins us to talk about the history of his Kay 6535 hollowbody archtop guitar. It’s a wild ride, passing through murder hotels, Swedish naming legalities, and monkeys in space. We also play some Swinson songs, and examples of other artists who favor Kay hollowbodies. Come along, won’t you? Beverages! Podcasting is thirsty work; it’s crucial that everyone involved stay hydrated. The...

We’ve got an exquisitely reliced guitar this week, created by the fine folk at Rock N Roll Relics - the Thunder! This is a pure rock machine, meant to tear off faces and such-like. Don’t miss it! The High Gain Podcast RSS

We’ve got a full show this week. Not only are we talking about the unique Zemaitis DR-501 guitar, but our pals at Mojotone sent us an amp kit, and we built it! It sounds great, and we’re gonna play it for you!

From the mind of Dennis Fano comes this Fano JM-6. Dennis is currently the brains behind Novo Guitars, but his name also lives on in this instrument, one of his earlier designs.

It took a while for rock and roll machine, The Gibson Firebird, to catch on. But when it did, things would never be the same. John and Ed agree: two thumbs up! The High Gain Podcast RSS

This week a bass caught our eye . From Vox comes this 1960s Cougar, a super-sounding hollowbody example of Italian craftsmanship, made for a British company, for export to the US. The High Gain Podcast RSS

Welcome to the episode of death! A disproportionate number of people that crossed paths with Mosrite are no longer with us. Not from playing these sweet guitars; we’re just saying, is all… This week we’ve got a pristine example of a Mosrite Ventures model guitar, and man does it sound super-swell. Enjoy! The High Gain Podcast RSS

In light of Gibson’s recent legal adventures, we thought we’d revisit the Les Paul. We’ve got a Standard from 2018, the last year before new ownership took over. How’s it sound? Pretty good. Good enough to change Ed’s mind about the company? Uh…. The High Gain Podcast RSS

We relive the glory days of butt-rock and hair spray this week, with a beautifully pointy Guild X-79 Skyhawk guitar. Put it through a Rat pedal, add a pinch of reverb, and start tying on those bandanas… The High Gain Podcast RSS

We’re back in Gretsch-land this week for a look at the Broadkaster, a fine instrument that was Gretsch’s first foray into semi-hollowbody guitars. It was only made for two years. Go figure… PODCAST RSS

This week we’ve got one of the best jazz guitars ever made - the Gibson ES-175. But it’s not all jazz. Plenty of musicians over the years have used it in many genres. We’ve also got a pedal version of the hot seat, put together especially for Ed. The High Gain Podcast RSS

This week we’re diving into one of Fender’s flops from the late 60s, the Coronado. It’s a great hollowbody guitar, designed by Roger Rossmeisl, the legendary man behind so many Rickenbacker designs. The High Gain Podcast RSS

This week we investigate the Teisco Del Rey “Sharkfin” guitar. Lots of chrome, plenty of pickups, and a world of vibe make this instrument super-fun to womp on. The High Gain Podcast RSS

We’re talking Canada this week! We’ve got Florian Schneider of Millimetric Instruments on the horn from Montreal, and Jesse Herlitz from B.C. joins us in-studio. We’re gonna talk all about some of the most elegant guitar designs being made in lovely Canadia. Won’t you join us? Millimetric Instruments The High Gain Podcast RSS

In 1985, CBS sold Fender to an investment group led by Bill Schultz. Unfortunately, the sale didn’t include a factory, so manufacturing was sent to Japan until new accommodations could be made in the US. Caught in the crossfire of this upheaval was the Performer. This American-designed instrument never made it back from Japan, and was discontinued after only a year. The High Gain Podcast RSS

This week we explore the little-known Music Man StingRay guitar, one of Leo Fender’s first guitar designs after selling his company to CBS. We learn that Leo really, really liked treble. So, if you want a guitar capable of sounding like tinfoil, listen in… The High Gain Podcast RSS