#Buying Guides
7 Best S-Style Guitars Under $1,000
What’s the first image that pops into your head when someone says the words “electric guitar”? For many of us, it’s the distinctive Strat axe. Even those who hate taking sides will admit to having a soft spot for this model. Everything from its looks to its distinct sound ensures… Read more
#New Arrivals
Swee Lee Welcomes Gravity Picks
Some labels have their feet firmly planted on the ground. They’re good at what they do and they stick with it. Others are willing to chart a different flight path for the sake of innovation, leaving earlier conventions behind. But only a select few manage to take the leap into… Read more
#Buying Guides
Choosing Your First DJ Controller
Back in the days of phonographs, DJing used to be a niche skill. Oh, how the tables have turned. Anyone who mixes music can get into the groove. From vinyl records and cassettes to digital audio files. And where there’s a DJ, there’s a DJ controller. DJ Gear for Every… Read more
#New Arrivals
Taylor Guitars: What’s New for 2022
Today’s musicians are spoiled rotten. With the number of fresh releases Taylor Guitars sends our way, how could we not be? Every time their acoustics enter the market, every guitarist updates their wishlist. This year is no different. Eight – count ‘em – eight fresh offerings are hitting Swee Lee… Read more
#Buying Guides
Ibanez AZ, AZS & AZES: Vintage Guitars for the Modern Age
Innovation. Mention the word to any guitarist and Ibanez immediately springs to mind. Even as the brand started out in the 70s, they were already setting trends for years to come. Saber (S), RG, JEM – names just as big as the superstars wielding them. When Steve Vai, Tom Morello… Read more
#Buying Guides
Squier Guitar and Bass Lineup Compared
If you’re looking to get into the electric guitar and you don’t have an unlimited budget at your fingertips, Squier is most definitely a name that would have come up during your search. Often regarded as the little brother of Fender, the Squier brand has actually been in existence since… Read more
#Gear & Tech Tips
5 High-End Delay Pedals Compared
Mark Twain once wrote, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection”. If he’d met any of these pedals, he’d have realized how wrong he was. Us contemporary performers know how indispensable time-based effects are in music. Which is why a significant chunk of your guitar budget spills into accessories. Run-of-the-mill… Read more
#Inspiration
Drax Project Answers Your Questions About Their Inspiration, Hobbies, Favourite Foods, and More!
Proving that talent and grit can take you places, Drax Project’s journey to platinum-selling stardom kicked off in Wellington’s humble busking scene. Shaan Singh and Matt Beachen cut their teeth on covers of radio-friendly bops, before teaming up with fellow members Sam Thomson and Ben O’Leary soon after. Their original… Read more
#Buying Guides
Your Guide to Hollowbody & Semi-Hollowbody Guitars
When you’re new to the world of guitars, hollow might seem like an unusual descriptor. What could it mean? Aren’t guitars supposed to be solid? How does a hollowbody differ from a semi-hollowbody? It’s fine, we’ve all been there. That’s why we’re giving you this brief rundown of hollowbody and… Read more
#Buying Guides
MIDI Controllers Guide: Keys and Pads
So you’re putting together a recording studio. Next on your purchase list? A MIDI controller. The only catch is that you're not quite sure what you should be looking out for. That’s where this article comes in. We’ll give you a brief run-through on all things MIDI. You’ll practically be… Read more
#Gear & Tech Tips
Why Everyone Should Own A Travel Guitar
Days will soon arrive when we’ll be jetting off again for one reason or another. And let’s face it. Being far away from your guitar is torture. Drowning in your loneliness, a travel guitar starts to sound like a sensible purchase. However, you’re not one to make hasty decisions. For… Read more
#Buying Guides
Studio Recording Gear: A Beginner Buyer’s Guide
In this age of DIY advocacy, you’ve no doubt seen how convenient it is to assemble your own home studio. Indie musicians, Youtube personalities, podcasters – it seems like everyone’s got one. It’s a huge 180 from how it used to be. Older studio recording gear setups once ran up… Read more