![Sound Shapers](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387351934/1670565237/articles/I1-A6gMRN1671004376268/SOUND-SHAPERS.jpg)
Back in the early stages of guitar amplification, in the days of the Fender Tweed amps, combos were the norm. Later, with the advent of increased power and the need for volume, the head and cab came into being. It is this period that I find most interesting as the difference between combos and head‑and‑cab amplifiers seems to go on two different paths. Here, I want to briefly explain how a few key design features can vastly change how an amp sounds in the room. The rule of thumb when pitting a combo
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Guitarist.
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This story is from the January 2023 edition of Guitarist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![BASIC INSTINCTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5213/1708933/MPMlY46Ko1716554046732/BASIC-INSTINCTS.jpg)
BASIC INSTINCTS
The sophisticated range of Swedish-designed guitars made by .strandberg* has lured thousands of players over to the headless side. But the company's new stripped-back Boden Essential model is its strongest play yet for the hearts and minds of mainstream players
![Second String](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5213/1708933/sBvIB9aL_1716553429966/SECOND-STRING.jpg)
Second String
As PRS's more affordable USA-made S2 line moves into its second decade, the series gets a revamp with - at last - USA-made pickups and electronics. What took so long?
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PABLO VAN DE POEL
When a band from The Netherlands describes themselves as 'raw, psychedelic Southern rock', it may take a little cognitive processing to work out what that might mean. One listen to DeWolff, however, and you will be duly transported to the 60s for some fuzzed-out rock 'n' roll
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THE BERNIE MARSDEN COLLECTION
With a fabulous collection of the late Bernie Marsden's guitars, amps and other highly collectable music gear going under the auctioneer's hammer on 11 June, we were thrilled to have the chance of a sneak preview
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LENNY KRAVITZ
Some 35 years since the release of his debut LP, for his 12th record, Blue Electric Light, Lenny Kravitz is back again with equal doses of vigour and vibes, using vintage guitars and the purest valve amps
![GEORGE VJESTICA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5213/1708933/PizpXRgr21716551673569/GEORGE-VJESTICA.jpg)
GEORGE VJESTICA
You may not know him at first glance, but the work of Stoke-on-Trent native George Vjestica has probably impacted some of your favourite albums and movies
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DICKEY BETTS
Emerging from the shadow of Duane to write signature hit Ramblin' Man, the Allman Brothers guitarist was a hard-living pioneer of Southern rock
![NICK GUPPY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5213/1708933/oT2xY-izl1716550275271/NICK-GUPPY.jpg)
NICK GUPPY
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our highly valued amplifier guru, who died suddenly in April
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Lucky Break
Alex Bishop blends old wood with new in an attempt to fix a severely damaged guitar headstock
![Tones Behind The Tracks](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5213/1708933/vBB5zBmVh1716549877912/TONES-BEHIND-THE-TRACKS.jpg)
Tones Behind The Tracks
Cedric Burnside learnt at the knee of his fabled grandfather, but his latest album is a hill country blues masterclass on his own terms