Guitar Walkthrus

For those of you who didn't already know, the right pickup can make a world of difference. For example, observe the Shadow Electronics NanoMAG acoustic pickup on the Epiphone Les Paul Ultra-II. As Owen O'Malley proves in this demo, that thing can really wail. Or maybe wail isn't the right word; but in any case, it sure sounds purty. Check it out please.  

The Peavey PXD Void III doesn't seem to necessarily fall into Owen's general music preferences, but that may just be a silly assumption on all our parts. It's heavy to start with, and then Peavey adds this little knob called an Afterburner that just blows Owen's mop right off his head. In fact, I think that's what happened to his beard, too.  

Owen O'Malley dons the lightning bolts to demonstrate the tones of the Gibson DSRX Reverse Explorer, and he's going to need them. If you play this video in reverse, you get a special bonus message from Satan himself!  

Set up right here in the good old U.S. of A., the Schecter Tempest Custom provides a wide variety of tone and a sweet looking beveled body that reflects light like the finest cut diamond. If you look closely at the reflection as Owen holds it to the light, you can see the solidly packed wall of boxes that form the majority of the Gearwire studio.  

The other day a tall, articulate, and somewhat cocky stranger waltzed into the Gearwire studio. We didn't know who he was, but Owen was nowhere to be found, and we desperately needed to demo the Alvarez AC60SC. The cocky stranger assured us he could play the guitar, so we allowed him to conduct a studio session under armed guard. Imagine our surprise when we discovered his actual identity.  

Obvious references to certain meat substitutes aside, the Dean Boca 12-String turns out to be a decent buy for the money. Pre-printed grillmarks are optional.  

Owen O'Malley, towering over his subordinates in the Gearwire studio, declares his impression of the Squier Vintage Modified Tele Custom II as, indeed, a good one. You might be able to buy a decent guitar for the amount of money you can find in your couch.  

As his wild mane and aggressive beard connote, Owen O'Malley is a fan of all things rustic, and that includes resonator guitars. Here, he takes a look at the Fender FR50CE, and acoustic-electric resonator from the idyllic backwoods of China.  

After eating several cans of spinach, J. Irving-Giles mustered up the strength to wear the ESP EC-1000. Alternately, after eating several bottles of mustard, J. Irving-Giles spinached up the strength to wear the ESP EC-1000. Now wouldn't that be something?  

J. Irving-Giles makes some decent "points" in this video about the ESP FX-400. Watch as his left hand inexplicably increases in size. Is it simply an illusion, or is it the cash-in on his deal with the devil to grow one mighty hand?  

Even if you already have an acoustic-electric guitar, check out this demo on the DiMarzio DP136. It's a cheap solution to possibly improving the sound of your guitar while it's plugged in.  

You've seen them all around Hollywood, peeking their headstocks out of the purses of actresses and socialites like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. Now Gearwire's Owen O'Malley was spotted with the Ovation MCS148 Celebrity, an acoustic-mandolin toted by some of today's most chic famous people because of its small size and easy carriage.  

Anybody remember Astronaut Jones?

Rocket,
We're demoing A Rocket
We're checking it's pickups
And Hearing It's Toooooooooone, yeah Rocket!
A re-issue axe
We will relate the facts
And play a tuuuuuuuuuuune!  

The newly resurrected Harmony Guitar brand -- originally liquidated in 1975 -- gets shown off in the Gearwire Studio, and despite some structural and production upgrades, this Harmony H59 Rocket retains a surprisingly vintage tonal vibe and look. So much so that it makes John Hiatt cry. Sort of.  

Roving romantic troubadour Owen O'Malley seeks to win his Mistress's fancy with a wee ditty played on the Ibanez AEF30E Acoustic Electric. Hath he chosen the appropriate instrument with which to woo? We ask you.  

We check out another brand squeaking newly arrived Ibanez guitar at Gearwire Studio. The RG350DX comes equipped with a Floyd Rose locking trem system for all of your pitch bending addictions.  

If your average daydream consists of melting faces with brutal metal solos, sweeping arpeggios and double-tapping glory, watch this video. The Ibanez Iceman ICT700 could be the majestic white steed that you ride on to shredder glory.  

Owen "Biz-Cas" O'Malley puts the newest incarnation of the always stylish Epiphone Les Paul Custom through its paces in the stately-spartan Gearwire Studio. This looker of an ax makes even the most slovenly of GW staffers look halfway respectable. Man, Owen needs a haircut.  

Welcome to the luxurious Epiphone Casino where Owen O'Malley and his gorgeous white Siberian tiger will amaze you! Ticket price includes dinner and a show, and we'll even throw in a bucket of tokens you can use on the hollowbody's built in slot machine! You think those are just F-holes? Pachinko!  

Unlike presidential hopeful Barack Obama, the Fender American Deluxe HSS Strat isn't reluctant to wear its patriotism in flag sticker form. J. Irving-Giles attempts to demo this guitar while wearing a "U.S.A. #1" novelty oversized foam finger.  

J. Irving-Giles demonstrates not only the Gibson V-Factor X in this video, but also how to fix anything with a book of matches. Conversely, if it can't be fixed with a book of matches, it can always be burnt to the ground as you run away laughing.  

You're cordially invited into J. Irving-Giles' gear-cluttered domicile to check out the Fender Standard Fat Strat. This Mexican-made Strat can be a deal so long as you get the right one.  

Take a trip back to the late-90s with Owen O'Malley and the Epiphone Tom DeLogne Signature ES333. Like the man who lent his name to it, this guitar's greatest asset is its simplicity. Yes, I just called Tom DeLonge stupid.  

The Epiphone Dot, and many of Epiphone's semi-hollowbody guitars, have earned such a reputation that fewer and fewer people are saving up thousands of dollars for their Gibson counterparts. Owen O'Malley demonstrates the Epiphone Dot Archtop to see if this rep has been well-earned.  

January -- the most devilish month of the year -- named after Janus, God of Gates and Doors! January -- the month that the Gibson SG Diablo was Gibson's Guitar of the Month. Hearken the sound of gateways and doorways to realms unknown as the SG Diablo commands its homunculus to play the most broodingly evil riffs!  

We take a look at the Fender Jaguar Bass, and Owen O'Malley is impressed with the look, feel and function of this four string. Also, treat yourself to some slap bass because research proves that starting your day off with some low end funk is part of a balanced breakfast.  

We've had such a special time in the studio with the Gibson SS Special Faded 3, that it's been a little hard to say goodbye, but all good things must come to an end. Owen O'Malley doesn't let his emotions get in the way of meting out a fair-handed final judgment on this working man's SG.  

Not all Gibson guitars will leave a legendary dent in your checking account. Owen O'Malley demonstrates the Gibson SG Special Faded 3, which is a real deal at well under a grand.  

In our last video on the Wave iGTR, Owen O'Malley gave the unit a thorough going-over, and sampled its distortion flavors. In this video, he gets high on the crazy stereo effects.  

Wait a minute. Marshall makes acoustic amps? Does Slash know about this? I bet he'd be pissed. Somebody better tell him. It's not going to be me, I'll tell you that much. Maybe Marshall AS50D reviewer Patrick Ogle is up for it.