2017 Digital Issue 01 January

Our cover story this month looks at the intriguing story of how bizarre electric guitars came to be born behind the Iron Curtain despite the Soviet government’s ban on rock ’n’ roll, jazz, and other Western music during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. We also dive deep on gear terminology in a comprehensive shopper’s guide that clarifies nomenclature often found confusing by both newcomers and long-timers alike as they shop for instruments, amps, and effects. Meanwhile, our artist interviews this month include former Sonic Youth frontwoman Kim Gordon, Dillinger Escape Plan’s Ben Weinman, David Crosby, Doyle Bramhall II, and Margaret Glaspy. As for gear reviews, this month we take a look at Fractal Audio’s AX8, the Ernie Ball Caprice 4-string, Boss’ GT-1 multi-effector, the Tsakalis AudioWorks Ocean reverb, MXR’s Shin-Juku Drive, Vick Audio’s Hypocenter Delay, Tech 21’s Bass Fly Rig, the Batson GC22 Americana flattop, the Godin Summit Classic CT Convertible, Hartke’s TX600, Jam Pedals’ Delay Llama Supreme, B.A. Ferguson’s Classic Class Shirley, and Greenchild’s G777.