The Bench
How to Spot a Refret on a Used Guitar
A refret isn't a red flag by itself — but you want to know if a used guitar has one, how well it was done, and whether the seller disclosed...
How to Spot a Refret on a Used Guitar
A refret isn't a red flag by itself — but you want to know if a used guitar has one, how well it was done, and whether the seller disclosed...
Nitro vs. Poly Guitar Finish: Does It Actually ...
The honest bench take on nitro vs. poly guitar finishes: why finish barely affects electric tone, how each ages, and whether nitro is worth the premium on a used guitar.
Nitro vs. Poly Guitar Finish: Does It Actually ...
The honest bench take on nitro vs. poly guitar finishes: why finish barely affects electric tone, how each ages, and whether nitro is worth the premium on a used guitar.
Why Coil-Splitting Almost Never Sounds Like a R...
A bench tech's honest take on coil-splitting: what the push/pull knob really does, why a split humbucker never becomes a true single coil, and when it's still worth having.
Why Coil-Splitting Almost Never Sounds Like a R...
A bench tech's honest take on coil-splitting: what the push/pull knob really does, why a split humbucker never becomes a true single coil, and when it's still worth having.
Does Gibson Weight Relief Actually Change the T...
A used-guitar tech's honest, bench-tested take on Gibson Les Paul weight relief: solid vs. Swiss-cheese vs. chambered vs. modern, what actually changes the tone, and how to shop for it...
Does Gibson Weight Relief Actually Change the T...
A used-guitar tech's honest, bench-tested take on Gibson Les Paul weight relief: solid vs. Swiss-cheese vs. chambered vs. modern, what actually changes the tone, and how to shop for it...
Are Older Korean-Made Epiphones Actually Better...
Do older Korean-made (MIK) Epiphones really beat the new ones? An honest bench take on MIK vs modern Epiphones, the Japanese Elitist mix-up, what changed in 2020, and how to...
Are Older Korean-Made Epiphones Actually Better...
Do older Korean-made (MIK) Epiphones really beat the new ones? An honest bench take on MIK vs modern Epiphones, the Japanese Elitist mix-up, what changed in 2020, and how to...
Does Weight Relief Actually Change How a Les Pa...
Swiss cheese, chambered, modern relief, or solid — here's what weight relief actually does to a used Les Paul's tone, weight, and feel, plus what to check before you buy.
Does Weight Relief Actually Change How a Les Pa...
Swiss cheese, chambered, modern relief, or solid — here's what weight relief actually does to a used Les Paul's tone, weight, and feel, plus what to check before you buy.