Korg Volca Series Synthesizers Kick and FM

Synthesize the Masses: Korg Volca

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

Empowering creatives who may be yet-unacquainted with the world of synths and drum programming, Korg’s Volca series offers a variety of intuitive platforms for first time users to begin their journey. 

Strymon Iridium and Walrus Audio ACS1 Amp and Cab Simulation Pedals

Simulated Sound

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

Few things feel as good as standing in front of a 100watt full stack, turned up to ten, with fuzz blasting out of it at full throttle. For the longest time, big and loud have been the go to solution for many performing artists.

A Harmonious Pair - A dynamic duo from the freshly revitalized Harmony Guitars

A Harmonious Pair - A dynamic duo from the freshly revitalized Harmony Guitars

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

Once upon a time, Harmony stood as the largest producer of musical instruments in the United States. Crafting everything from banjos and ukuleles, to violins and- most notably, guitars. 

March 27, 2021 — Carrie Bell
Grouchy Guitar or Grouchy Hands?

Grouchy Guitar or Grouchy Hands?

By Lila Karash, Local Musician and Teacher at Twin Town Guitars

Since spring is almost here, it's time to check in with your guitar and see how it's feeling. Does it have any dead or buzzy frets? Are the strings so high off of the neck that it's difficult to play?

Gretsch Falcon Guitars

Gretsch Falconry

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

A historical summary of one of the most iconic birds of prey in music history.

1834 Tonometer by Johann Heinrich Scheibler

A440 - What does standard tuning mean?

By Mark Wade, of Melismatics, Teacher and Assistant Director of Music Education at Twin Town Guitars 

When you hear something that is “in tune,” what does that really mean?

Cinematic Reverb Pedals

Cinematic Reverb Pedals

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

Reverb is a favorite effect for many when it comes to adding depth, texture, and space in their sound. Let's explore a trio of effects that take up a more painterly mantle than some of the familiar analog classics, and pull the mind to far off landscapes...

The Rule of 18 and Intonation

The Rule of 18 and Intonation

By Lila Karash, Local Musician and Teacher at Twin Town Guitars

Historically, the "rule of eighteen" is the mathematical formula used to determine the fret positions on the guitar neck, but it should really be called the "rule of 17.817, since technology has allowed for more accurate calculations.  Here is how it works...

January 31, 2021 — Carrie Bell
Tony Iommi

Find a Way to Play

By Mark Wade, of Melismatics, Teacher and Assistant Director of Music Education at Twin Town Guitars 

Most of you have probably heard of the band Black Sabbath, known for such songs as "Iron Man" and "Paranoid." But did you know that the guitarist behind those iconic riffs accidentally sawed off the tips of two of his most important fingers?

PLEK Machine at Twin Town Guitars in Minneapolis.

What in the PLEK?

By Jeb Silburn, Twin Town Guitars Staff Writer

The PLEK is like a magic salon for your instrument. It’s capable of fret dressing, nut slotting/shaping, fingerboard work, and bridge slotting. If there was such a thing as Guitar-Narnia, this would be the wardrobe.

How To Extract a Pick from Inside a Guitar or Ukulele

How To Extract a Pick from Inside a Guitar or Ukulele

By Lila Karash, Local Musician and Teacher at Twin Town Guitars

During a lesson recently, the pick slipped out of a student's fingers and went through the sound hole.  Every guitar player has probably done this at one point or another.  I know I have. It can be tricky to extract a pick once it has fallen inside the guitar. 

January 07, 2021 — Carrie Bell
Top 5 Songwriting Tips

Top 5 Songwriting Tips

By Ryan Smith, of Soul Asylum, Melismatics, Ryan and Pony & Teacher at Twin Town Guitars

"There are really three parts to the creative process. First there is inspiration, then there is the execution, and finally there is the release."  - Eddie Van Halen

Whether you are a fan of Eddie's music or not, it's undeniable that he had a serious impact on future generations of guitar players and created his own unique sound that is instantly recognizable.  He found his own voice and made his mark in a profound way!

January 07, 2021 — Carrie Bell