Robbie Calvo Guitar

Even though the Eric Johnson Strat has been reviewed to death since its release in 2005, I simply couldn’t resist doing another one on my new two-color sunburst. I’ve only had this guitar for a few weeks and it has quickly become one of my favorites, and if you’ve ever had a chance to play one you’ll know exactly why I love this guitar. Eric Johnson Strats are beautifully built with deep, comfortable contours and a superbly shaped neck that is a real pleasure to play. We’re talking high-end, Fender Custom Shop quality and attention to detail here for under two grand. You just can’t beat that. Continue reading →

Planet Waves and D’Addario recently asked the tone-meister himself, Robbie Calvo, about the tone chain and his thoughts on the ingredients that make up a great guitar tone. Continue reading →

In virtually every guitar repairman’s workshop, including my own, there are remarkable similarities in some of the most basic elements that comprise an instrument repair space. I’ve noticed that although I own a varied array of woodworking and machine shop implements, that there are a select few tools that seem to get used, over and over again, during the normal course of working on instruments at the shop. I started looking closer at what I was actually using most of the time… in no particular order, here is my Top Ten List of the tools you shouldn’t live without. Continue reading →

I recently purchased one of Jim Soloway’s, of Soloway Guitars, irresistible masterpieces. A gorgeous Gosling model donning a beautiful flamed redwood trans-burst top with Soloway-logo-inspired “f-hole”… Fusing the design aesthetic of the Stratocaster with his own unique lower bout shape, Jim has produced a truly stunning new take on the classic Strat shape that most new builders rarely achieve. Continue reading →

Bill Callaham really knows tone. Having grown up with all sorts of great instruments with which to develop his ear (Lloyd Loar mandolins and ’50s Gibsons and Fenders), he has built his business on helping others reproduce quality vintage tone. With a strong background in machining, a great ear, meticulous attention to detail and a Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech, Bill and his company, Callaham Guitars, have introduced an unrivaled level of quality to the vintage guitar repro market. Continue reading →