The High Gain

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Hosts Ed Peterson and John Kieltyka tell barely credible stories about guitars, randomly describing the people, places and events surrounding the birth of each instrument.

Ed Peterson and John Kieltyka


    • Jan 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 352 EPISODES

    4.8 from 49 ratings Listeners of The High Gain that love the show mention: beverages, guitars, pedals, hint, easy listening, gear, volume, drink, historical, history, pop culture, straight, turn, high, fresh, talk, hilarious, guys, full, subscribe.


    Ivy Insights

    The High Gain podcast is an endlessly entertaining show hosted by John and Ed, two middle-aged white dudes who are a delight to listen to. They cover a little bit of everything each week, from guitars and pedals to history and beverages. One of the standout features of the show is John's cover of the week, where he serenades the audience with his musical talents. What sets this podcast apart is its unique blend of educational content and humor, making it both informative and hilarious. Whether you're a guitar enthusiast or simply enjoy good conversation, The High Gain podcast is sure to be a solid choice for you.

    One of the best aspects of The High Gain podcast is the wealth of knowledge that John and Ed bring to each episode. They clearly know their stuff when it comes to vintage guitars and gear, providing insights that are hard to find elsewhere online. Their historical deep dives into the gear are particularly fascinating, offering listeners a chance to learn more about their favorite instruments. Additionally, the chemistry between John and Ed is evident in their banter and off-topic discussions, making for an enjoyable listening experience.

    However, there are a few aspects of the podcast that could be improved upon. Some reviewers have noted that the guitar volume in the mix tends to overpower the vocal volume at times, making it difficult to hear what the hosts are saying without adjusting the volume constantly. This can be jarring and take away from the overall listening experience. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can be distracting for some listeners who want to fully engage with the content.

    In conclusion, The High Gain podcast offers a unique blend of education and entertainment that is hard to find elsewhere. John and Ed's expertise in guitars and gear combined with their humorous banter make for an enjoyable listening experience. While there may be some minor audio issues with balancing volumes, these do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the show. If you're interested in guitars, history, and a healthy dose of humor, The High Gain podcast is definitely worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from The High Gain

    Episode 350 - The Final Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 42:45


    It's been our great pleasure to make this show for anyone who would listen, week after week, for 7 years. Knowing you were out there, and hearing from so many of you, really fed us as we pushed forward to that “next” guitar. This is the final episode of The High Gain Podcast. Enjoy! This website and our Instagram account will remain active. If you'd like to keep up with what John and Ed are up to: John Web https://www.verkstad.com Instagram @verkstad @verkstad_collage @verkstad_street Patreon https://www.patreon.com/verkstad Ed Instagram @tofuguns

    Episode 349 - Epiphone 1963 Firebird I

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 25:11


    In 1963 Gibson introduced the Firebird series of guitars. It came in multiple variations, with several options. The “lowest” model was the Firebird I, so named because of its single pickup. Now, as part of its “Inspired by Gibson Custom” series, there is an Epiphone 1963 Firebird I. In our humble opinion, its simplicity makes it somehow cooler than the rest. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 348 - Hamer Steve Stevens SS2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 25:39


    Hamer had a long history of making great guitars, especially for the metal crowd. It shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that not only did Steve Stevens have a signature model named after him, but he played it in the Top Gun Anthem video. Double cool. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 347 - Yamaha Samurai SG12A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 24:58


    Yamaha was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. Dealing primarily in keyboard instruments, it took a while to get around to designing electric guitars. But in the 1960s they did exactly that. One of the most unique shapes they came up with was known as the “Flying Samurai”. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 346 - Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 22:47


    Hello Kitty is perhaps the most recognizable character of Japan's “cute” culture. The ubiquitous cat has appeared on just about every object you can imagine, and guitars are no exception. Having debuted in 2006, the Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster is now being reissued, just in time for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 345 - Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 23:26


    When you grow up listening to classical music, and studying the violin pyrotechnics of Nicolo Paganini, you're bound to emerge as one of the most unique shredders in the world. And if you're Yngwie Malmsteen, you get your own signature Fender Stratocaster. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 344 - Dwight Guitars

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 23:46


    Man, that Dwight guitar sure does look like an Epiphone Coronet, you might be thinking. You've got a sharp eye my friends - back in the day, the fine folk from Kalamazoo badged some Coronets for Sunny Shields Music in Illinois. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 343 - Jackson Monarkh Baritone

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 28:01


    It was Danelectro that brought us the baritone electric guitar, but it's Jackson that has now released what is perhaps the doomiest version of that instrument. We tried our hand at some death metal this week (glad that's over). Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 342 - Doubleday Guitars

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 26:36


    We are truly living in a renaissance of custom guitar building. Just when you play one, another pops up to surprise and delight you. And the Doubleday Broadwing is no exception. Made in Austin, Texas by Walker Doubleday, we think these guitars would fit any bill, any place, any time. Special thanks to Superfan Alex for the gracious loan of this fantastic instrument. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 341 - Epiphone Coronet USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 26:18


    Originally introduced in 1959, shortly after Gibson bought the brand, the Coronet was the first Epiphone solidbody guitar. What started out as a student model would eventually come to be regarded as the rock and roll machine it is today. So why did it take so long to reissue a US made version of the original? Who knows, but we're sure glad it's here. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 340 - Gibson Victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 24:57


    In 1981 Gibson introduced one of its pointiest guitars yet. With an Explorer headstock and a slightly offset superstrat-style body, the team in Kalamazoo was ready to meet hair metal head-on. So they marketed the new instrument to - country musicians… It's hard to say exactly what contributed to its poor showing, but the Victory was gone almost as quickly as it had arrived. Lucky for all of us in the present day, the Victory has been reissued! We dove under the hood to see what we could see. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 339 - ESP E-II Horizon-II

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 26:33


    Once a major provider of parts, bodies and necks to brands like Kramer and Schecter (which it ended up buying), ESP now occupies valuable territory in the metal world of guitars. Admittedly, we are less-than-familiar with these beasts, but we gave it our best shot this Horizon, which ticked all the boxes. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 338 - Squier Mami Sasazaki Jazzmaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 47:09


    Scandal is a Japanese band that holds the Guinness World Record for longest-active all-female band that still has all its original members. So it's no wonder that they've all got signature guitars, including this 2014 Mami Sasazaki Jazzmaster, affectionately known as the “Stratomaster” - Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 337 - Fender Jack White Triplecaster Telecaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 30:01


    Jack White has carved out a place of distinction for himself. His approach to music is at once considered and no-holds barred. He knows what he wants to hear, and has never stopped looking for it. We're big fans over here at High Gain HQ. So when we got our hands on the new Fender Jack White Triplecaster Telecaster, we had to take it for a ride. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 336 - Greco Shrike

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 59:37


    Greco was among the many brands created to capitalize on the guitar boom of the 1960s. These instruments were mostly copies of well-known American brands, and were made in Japan by a variety of manufacturers, including Teisco and Kandai. The Shrike, however much it might have owed to Rickenbacker, was an original design. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 335 - Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 23:28


    Dan Armstrong was an original thinker. As a musician he toured with Van Morrison. He was one of the creative forces behind the Ampog SVT amplifier. Who else, then, in the late 1960s, could come up with the idea of a guitar made out of Lucite? Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 334 - Yamaha Revstar

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 26:16


    In 2013, Yamaha was looking to make a splash with a new guitar design. They wanted something that looked both old and new, but not too out there. Taking cues from their own past designs, as well as Cafe motorcycle culture, the came up with the Revstar series. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 333 - Fender Contemporary Stratocaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 22:25


    When CBS sold Fender to a consortium of employees, the US factory was not included in the sale. So, while the new owners figured out where their new home would be built, production moved to Japan. That was when the Contemporary Series of Stratocasters and Telecasters was introduced - the first set of Japanese instruments to bear the Fender name on the headstock, instead of Squier. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 332 - Guild S-50 Jet-Star

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 24:49


    When Guild decided to enter the solidbody guitar game, in 1963, they did it by introducing a series of instruments with funny headstocks and curves cut into the bottoms; some even had built-in kickstands. The least of these was the S-50 Jet-Star, a single-pickup affair targeted at the student market. It boasted a single pickup, a volume and a tone. That's it. To our modern eyes, it is a triumph. But how does it sound? Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 331 - Riggio Tango

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 24:49


    The Pacific NW is proud to call itself home to some amazing makers of guitars, pickups, effects and more - they grow well in the rain up here. For 30 years Joe Riggio has crafted guitars of singular distinction. And for those in the know, his refinish work is impeccable. We've seen guitars that Joe has brought back to life, and we are amazed every time. We got a hold of a Tango in black, and enjoyed the hell out of it. Hope you do, too! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 330 - Rivolta Combinata

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 23:06


    When guitar builder Dennis Fano was looking to expand the reach of his designs, he partnered up with Eastwood Guitars to create Rivolta. Incorporating design elements from vintage guitars, these overseas guitars are still distinctly Fano, somehow. We got our hands on a Combinata, and found it to be a pleasure to play. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 329 - Motander SM65 Ardweirdo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 26:10


    Justin Motander Jones is making some wonderfully inventive guitars down there in San Diego, CA. He's been experimenting with creating effects by controlling the pickups themselves, as opposed to simply feeding their output through an effect. He calls this idea the Ardweirdo, since the brain behind all of this is the Arduino open-source electronics platform. The guitar we got to play around on was kindly loaded with every kind of tremolo sound you could want. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 328 - Gibson J-50

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 22:23


    Gibson introduced both the J-45 and J-50 acoustic guitars in 1942. Wood was scarce, and production in Kalamazoo was severely curtailed in favor of war-related endeavors. A few “banner” J-45s were made, but the J-50 would not be reintroduced until 1947. At that time, the J-50 was little more than a J-45 without the paint job. Our example is from 1968, after many of the design “improvements” had been rolled back. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 327 - Danocaster Offset

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 26:03


    Fortunately for all of us, impeccable, handmade boutique guitars are easy to find; no one is wanting for choice. We are truly in an instrument-building renaissance. Dan Strain of Danocaster Guitars is one such builder, and his focus is all about having a guitar feel like it's been yours for years, even if you've only just picked it up. We were fortunate enough to pick up an Offset and give it a whirl. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 326 - Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 23:41


    We are torn here at High Gain HQ about the Starcaster that Fender released in 1976. All these years later, it has experienced a rehabilitation of sorts in the indie crowd. Now that the Tom DeLonge Starcaster has been introduced, will those on either side of the great Starcaster debate find common ground? If so, we smell a Nobel Peace Prize for Tom Delonge. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 325 - Silvertone 1438 Bass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 27:21


    In the immediate aftermath of WWII, the founders of Teisco would get their guitar bodies from a milkman who built instruments on the side. By the 1960s they were responsible for a large chunk of the Japanese import market, coming up with wilder designs as they went along. They mostly built for third parties; case in point this Silvertone bass, made for Sears. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 324 - Justin Abernethy of Abernethy Guitars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 25:06


    It's been 5 years since we met Justin Abernethy of Abernethy Guitars, and he's been very busy making top-shelf instruments. It seems like more and more we're seeing Justin's guitars in the hands of brilliant musicians. And there's a reason for that. Like the Sonic Baroness baritone we enjoyed while catching up with Justin. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 323 - Millimetric MGS3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 22:05


    It's been quite a while since we had the pleasure of talking to Florian at Millimetric Instruments. He's one of the most thoughtful designers out there, and his guitars reflect the care he puts into everything he does. We've been fortunate enough to play several Millimetrics, and have loved every one of them. And now, Ed has his own! We took it for a spin, and allowed ourselves to ogle all over it. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 322 - Gibson Les Paul Lite

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 23:56


    Recently, Gibson added a new Les Paul to its lineup. It's got hot pickups and slim neck, and sports a simpler, no-frills design. And, it's very light! Is all this enough to convince Ed? Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 231 - Squier Katana

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 22:38


    In the early 1980s Fender briefly found itself without a factory. The company had been bought from CBS by a consortium, and the factory wasn't included in the deal. So, they set up shop in Japan. At the same time, the Hair Metal Onslaught™ was in full bloom. What's an instrument manufacturer to do? Make a guitar shaped like a samurai sword, that's what. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 320 - Fender Mustang

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 25:35


    Ed has recently acquired one of the most uniquely beat up Fender Mustangs we've ever seen. Made in the year the model was released, every last sticker, scrape and scratch on it is perfect; character like this comes along rarely. So , naturally, we thought it best to do a review of what makes the Mustang the rock machine it is to this day. Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    mustang fender mustang
    Episode 319 - Author Nick Corasaniti

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 32:05


    Nick Corasaniti is a domestic correspondent covering national politics for the New York Times. He has covered four presidential cycles, along with countless congressional, gubernatorial and mayoral races in more than 15 years at the Times. He was once the Times's Jersey correspondent, tracking the politics, policy, people, trains, beaches, and eccentricities that give the Garden State its charm. He is a born and raised—and exceptionally proud—New Jerseyan, who splits his time between Asbury Park and Brooklyn. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 318 - Supro Kingston

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 27:32


    Thanks to people like Jack White and Dan Auerbach, budget line catalog guitars remain fondly in our conscience as the vibe-laden machines they are. Supro was/is no exception, having crafted some amazing instruments out of little more than a pickup and some fiberglass. Among them was the Kingston, with its buff sand color and swoopy good looks. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 317 - Airline Upbeat Stereo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 27:11


    Montgomery Ward produced one of the largest mail order catalogs in the US, starting way back in the 1870s. By the time the 1950s rolled around, they were including electric guitars, like the Upbeat. Our example is a stereo version, and left us scratching our heads more than we thought it would. But it sounds good, and plays well, as most budget instruments built by the Chicago Boys did in the day. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 316 - Ernie Ball Music Man Armada

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 27:50


    like, well, cool things that drop out of stuff. The Armada was the company's first guitar designed with a neck-through. The result is every bit as sonorous as you might imagine. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 315 - Fender Jaguar Thinline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 23:30


    In 2012, Fender celebrated the 50th anniversary of one its greatest instruments, the Jaguar. In the US reissues were designed to evoke the look of those original guitars. In Japan, production took a wider turn that saw a double bound thinline model hit the market. We're divided as to how successful it was at the time, or what we think of it now, but come along - we'll fill you in. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 314 - Harmony Rebel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 25:13


    Starting in the 60s, and up into the 1970s, the world was awash in earth-toned appliances; refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, you name it. Autumn Harvest and Avocado Green were at the top of the heap. No wonder, then, that Harmony would create a version of its Rebel guitar to match. Because nothing says modern convenience like the color of guacamole. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 313 - Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Inspired by Gibson Custom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 24:38


    Epiphone started life as a primarily jazz-tinged manufacturer, making some of the finest hollowbodies there were. Eventually, Gibson bought the company, and eventually moved production overseas, where the brand would be relegated to mostly budget guitars. Now, though, Gibson is ramping up the build quality of these instruments - using US-made components. So, are these “Inspired by Gibson Custom” guitars worth a look? We think so. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 312 - Knaggs Kenai-J

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 25:19


    Joe Knaggs spent many years at PRS, contributing guitar designs that came to be classics. So, of course, when he left those hallowed halls, Joe fired up his own shop and hung his shingle on a whole new family of instruments, this time bearing the name Knaggs Guitars. These are elegant, next-level machines. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    prs kenai knaggs
    Episode 311 - Gibson Map Guitar

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 25:22


    In the early 1980s, Gibson undertook an ad campaign, the slogan for which was “American made, world played”. It featured a photograph of a guitar cut into the shape of the continental United States. Visibility of that ad increased curiosity about the guitar itself, and Gibson were soon making it available for purchase. It underwent various refinements, changes in appointments, and finishes; it was even re-released a time or two in subsequent years. But it was never really outlived that initial curiosity. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 310 - Kay Barney Kessel Pro K1700V

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 25:39


    One of the venerable companies that made guitars in Chicago at the middle of the last century was Kay. Their instruments provided tremendous value at an affordable price. One such instrument was the Barney Kessel Pro. These were recently reissued, and we found our example to be a whole hell of a lot of fun to play. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 309 - Rickenbacker 330

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 25:24


    The Rickenbacker 300 series of guitars was introduced in 1958. Designed by the esteemed Roger Rossmeisl, these guitars have changed little, but withstood the test of time. Just when we thjought we knew what we were dealing with, however, a 330 in matte black shows up. We had to grab it. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Epiosde 308 - Guild S-100 Polara Kim Thayil

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 22:47


    We're pretty big fans of vintage Gretsch guitars over here at High Gain HQ. Especially the S-100, with its indispensable phase switch. If it's good enough for Kim Thayil of Soundgarden it's good enough for us. So when we got a line on the new Guild S-100 Polara Kim Thayil signature guitars, we had to try them. We were not dissappointed. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 307 - Ovation Magnum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 22:01


    When Ovation began making solidbody guitars, just about everything they came up with was full-featured, well-made and very playable. Their designs were perhaps a little forward thinking for most, however, and they didn't fare too well in a market of Teles and Les Pauls. When it came to bass guitars, they fared little better. But the Magnum bass is a beast, and it found its way into the hands and onto the records of many a top-tier player. We thoroughly enjoyed this instrument. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 306 - Castedosa Conchers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 25:24


    Carlos Lopez started his guitar-building journey on the production line at Fender. Before long he joined the Custom Shop. Not long after that he was apprenticing to become a Master Builder. You could say our man Carlos has the chops… So, it's really no surprise to see him sailing and thriving under his own banner - Castedosa Guitars. Along with his wife Stephanie (a master pickup winder!), Castedosa is turning out some of the most thoughtful, exquisite instruments we've seen, including the black Conchers model we got our hands on this week. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 305 - Godin Radium

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 24:05


    Robert Godin started his guitar-making journey in a small shop in La Patrie, Quebec, in 1972. Over the years he expanded into five factories, across six well-known brands, including, of course, Godin Instruments. The goal was/is to make quality guitars at a reasonable price. Not easily done without cutting corners somewhere, but Godin never did. No outsourcing overseas, no inferior materials, no shoddy craft. These are eminently playable instruments. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 304 - Graig Markel of Recovery Effects / Danelectro Double Neck 3923

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 27:49


    Graig Markel and Zera Marvel of Recovery Effects have been making some of our favorite effects for a long time. At any moment they can be found on our pedal boards, emitting the precise lushness Recovery has become known for. So when Graig stopped by with two of his latest, the Moonstruck reverb/delay and the Revere overdrive, we knew what we had to do. The Danelectro Double Neck 3923 proved the perfect vehicle for the time, even if it did end up receiving a (rare) triple-deny. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 303 - Ibanez Musician MC200

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 24:38


    Among the first original designs Ibanez made after the famed Gibson lawsuit was the Musician Series. These were guitar re-thought from the ground up. They are still considered sturdy workhorses, and they mark a direction that would set Ibanez on the path to being one of the world's leading guitar makers. This MC200 got a rare ‘double buy' from us. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 302 - PRS Paul's Guitar

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 27:17


    Paul Reed Smith, the man, has been creating the highest quality guitars ever since he made one for college credit, after which he dropped out to pursue the art fulltime. PRS instruments are known for their attention to detail, impeccable response, and beautiful tops. Why then, haven't we paid more attention to them? We've been remiss, and we apologize. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 301 - B.C. Rich Mockingbird

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 25:30


    Bernardo Chavez Rico grew up making classical guitars. He learned the craft from his father. Luckily for us, Bernardo decided to branch out into solidbody electrics. And the world was never the same, as musicians across all genres played his instruments at some point in their careers (Elliot Easton of The Cars? Yup…) We were fortunate enough to take this vintage Mockingbird for a spin, and decode its many knobs and switches. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

    Episode 300 - Rickenbacher Ken Roberts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 24:09


    Before Rickenbacker, there was Rickenbacher, and they pioneered electric guitars with their clever use of electronics, materials and design. But one instrument, the Ken Roberts electro-Spanish guitar, introduced in the throes of the Great Depression, and discontinued a few years later, would come to be regarded as one of the forerunners of today's modern electric guitars. A built-in pickup (as opposed to an add-on), stock tremolo, larger scale length, and more frets clear of the body combined to make an instrument that would be the jumping off point for those who followed. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com

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