“Oh you have a van? Excellent!” is the last thing I hear from Mel at the NZ Musician office before I head off to collect the SWR WorkingPro 700 amp and 4x10 cabinet. ...more

For all that rock'n'roll rebellion and boundary pushing, musicians can be a conservative lot. Although there have been many innovations over the years, the electric guitar - symbol and staple instrument of the rock revolution - has in essence remained unchanged since Fender and Gibson led the charge into a brave new plugged-in world. ...more

My first Canadian love affair had come to an end. We parted company this morning, although I took it harder than she did. I had to be cajoled to hand her back and it was with a very heavy heart that I closed the case on the Larrivée L-03MHB for the last time. ...more

I like to personify inanimate objects with human names, so that I can attach false feelings of warmth and companionship to them. Ladies and gentlemen I'd like to introduce you to my new mate 'Mo' - an achingly modern, compact lightweight party in a box that is the Yamaha MO6. He's one slick Mo-fo. Mo sleeps in a cardboard box with the words 'synthesizeur de production musicale' on the side, so he is very international. We are friends. ...more

Every once in a while a new device is launched that has the potential to change the way we work, as musicians and producers. As a regular NZM contributor, I can think of nothing more exciting when it is me that gets to review, and more importantly, play it! ...more