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This collection centers on the pursuit of touch, response, and musical truth—told through the builders, players, and tools that reward hands-on engagement. Anchored by an expansive exploration of Komet and the KAC30 amplifier, the issue traces Trainwreck lineage, EL84 power done right, and what it means for an amp to live on the edge of clean and broken-up tone, supported by a deep-dive review and dealer perspective from Ultra Sound Amplifier Sales. Guitar craft and component choices come into focus through the ToneQuest Triple Lindy builds, pickup philosophy with Pete Flynn, and real-world Telecaster insight from Jonn Del Toro Richardson. Design ingenuity continues with Black Mountain Picks, from spring-loaded picks to the roller volume pedal, while modern creativity and collaboration are explored with Michael Palmisano and the Teleport. Each piece is rooted in time spent playing, listening, and living with the gear—revealing how great design disappears beneath the fingers and invites players to shape sound with intention.
Komet Karma — The KAC30 Amplifier
Scott Ulrichs
A wide-ranging conversation with Mike Kennedy and Holger Notzel tracing the origins of Komet, their mentorship with Ken Fischer, and the design philosophy behind the KAC30. From transformer choices and component selection to EL84 behavior and cabinet construction, the discussion reveals why the KAC30 feels less like an amplifier and more like part of the player’s signal chain.
Ultra Sound Amplifier Sales — Twenty Years Of Dealing The Good Stuff
Scott Ulrichs
Gene Sinigalliano reflects on twenty years of Ultra Sound Amplifier Sales, sharing insights gained from working closely with builders and players at serious volume. His perspective on Komet, Trainwreck, and other boutique amplifiers underscores the importance of real experience, trust, and long-term listening.
Komet KAC30 Review — Living Inside The Amplifier
Scott Ulrichs
After living with the KAC30 daily, the review focuses on immediacy, dynamic range, and the way the amp responds to pick attack and guitar controls. Speaker pairings, volume behavior, and pedal interaction are explored, revealing an amplifier that rewards restraint, touch, and musical discipline.
The ToneQuest Triple Lindy — The Tale Of Three Stunner Guitars Born On The Bayou
Riverhorse
Three guitars—two Telecasters and a Strat—become an evolving experiment in woods, neck profiles, pickups, and hardware. Built with care and curiosity, the story documents how subtle choices affect feel and tone, and why instruments built for daily use often become lifelong companions.
Pete Flynn Interview — Bucker Sets: Duane Cherry Burst A3 & A2
Riverhorse
Pete Flynn discusses magnet materials, winding methods, and his pursuit of vintage PAF tone that retains clarity and dynamics. From Duane Allman–inspired A3 humbuckers to balanced A2 sets, the interview emphasizes listening, patience, and musical context over specifications alone.
Black Mountain Picks — The Interview — Cole McBride’s Genius Designs
Scott Ulrichs
Cole McBride shares how practical playing problems led to the development of Black Mountain’s spring-loaded picks, slides, and accessories. His designs focus on ergonomics and durability, offering thoughtful solutions that feel natural in the hand and reliable on stage.
The Black Mountain Volume Pedal — Roll Away The Dew
Scott Ulrichs
A hands-on look at Black Mountain’s roller-wheel volume pedal examines feel, control, and construction. Designed for seated or standing players, it offers smooth response and compact efficiency without the mechanical resistance of traditional rocker pedals.
Jonn Del Toro Richardson And The Tele Pickup Rambles
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Drawing on decades of touring and recording, Jonn Del Toro Richardson explores Telecaster pickup choices that deliver clarity, body, and cut on real stages. The discussion centers on presence, balance, and what actually works when volume and dynamics matter
Michael Palmisano—Guitargate —Feature Interview
Riverhorse
Michael Palmisano shares how a lifetime of playing, teaching, and adapting led to Guitargate and the Teleport—a modern creative tool designed to help players play more, play better, and connect musically. Part interview, part real-world review, this feature explores Palmisano’s philosophy of learning through feel, timing, and collaboration, and how thoughtful technology can disappear beneath the hands and serve the music rather than distract from it.
Guitargate Teleport — Review
Riverhorse
Michael Palmisano’s Teleport is examined as both a creative tool and a collaborative platform. With four tracks, integrated drums, cloud sharing, and DAW export, the review reflects on how Teleport encourages players to practice more, write songs, and connect with other musicians in meaningful ways.