November 2026

The Ice Man

By Riverhorse. Molecular biologist Sebastian Gruenburg brings scientific knowledge and extensive experience with vintage instruments to the development of Vintage Inspired Pickups. His work includes studying original PAF humbuckers, experimenting with cryogenically treated magnets and examining how winding and magnetic fields influence pickup response. Equally revealing is his research into vintage Centralab potentiometers and the development of custom controls designed around their distinctive taper. His approach offers a detailed understanding of the relationship between pickup construction, guitar electronics and the dynamics and tonal response that players associate with exceptional vintage instruments.

VIP LOVERS And TELEX Pickups, VIP Potentiometers And Harness Review

By Riverhorse. With LOVERS humbuckers installed in a Murphy Lab Les Paul and TELEX pickups fitted to a Telecaster, we put Sebastian Gruenburg's designs through extended playing and listening sessions with vintage amplifiers and effects. The evaluation includes VIP's custom potentiometers and wiring harnesses, with particular attention to pickup dynamics, volume and tone control response, and interaction with pedals. Beyond assessing the pickups individually, we consider how the complete electronic system influences the guitar's character and the degree of control available to the player.

KOMET AMBIKAB JR.

Wet/Dry In A Compact Simple Way

By Scott Ulrichs. Komet's Mike Kennedy and Holger Notzel explain the design and development of the AmbiKab Jr., a compact wet/dry solution that allows an overdriven tube amplifier to retain its dry signal while effects are amplified separately. The discussion covers signal routing, speaker selection, amplifier compatibility and practical setup considerations, including how the system eliminates the need for a second guitar amplifier. Their explanations provide a clear understanding of how the AmbiKab Jr. integrates delay, reverb and modulation into an existing rig while preserving the character of the primary amplifier.

KOMET AMBIKAB REVIEW

Atmospheric Ascension For The Mind And Soul

By Scott Ulrichs. The AmbiKab Jr. moves from design theory to firsthand evaluation with tube amplifiers, different guitars and a selection of delays, reverbs and modulation effects. We compare mono and stereo operation, examine effects placement and listen closely to how separating time-based effects from the dry signal changes the presentation of the guitar. Clean passages and heavily overdriven tones reveal different aspects of the system's response. The review focuses on the practical advantages, setup considerations and musical possibilities of adding wet/dry amplification to a familiar rig.

THE FENDER PANOVERB

Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy

By Scott Ulrichs. Developed around Jack White's preferences in Fender amplification, the Panoverb combines two amplifier circuits driving separate 10" and 15" speakers. Its unusual architecture, harmonic tremolo and tube-driven reverb provide considerable ground for evaluation, particularly the ability to direct reverb to one speaker. We examine clean headroom, dynamic response and the interaction between the circuits, speakers and effects through extended playing. The result is a detailed account of how the Panoverb's design translates into the sounds, feel and versatility available to the player.

FENDER’S JUSTIN NORVELL

On The 75th Anniversary Telecaster

By Pete Prown. Seventy-five years after its introduction, the Telecaster remains one of the most adaptable designs in electric guitar history. Fender Chief Product Officer Justin Norvell discusses the instrument's longevity, Leo Fender's practical design philosophy and the balance between traditional construction and contemporary refinements. The interview addresses selected anniversary models and the thinking behind their features, while a separate unpacking introduces all five guitars in the collection. Together, they offer a closer understanding of the differences in pickups, neck profiles, electronics and appointments, and how those choices serve different playing styles and musical preferences.

THE TONE QUEST OF JOHNNY SPAMPINATO

Southpaw Tele Master

By Tom Guerra. Johnny Spampinato's musical life spans decades of performing and recording with The Incredible Casuals, NRBQ and The Value Leaders. His story traces the influence of Chuck Berry, Freddie King, Steve Ferguson and Big Al Anderson, along with the left-handed guitars and Fender amplifiers that have accompanied his career. His preference for Telecasters, tube amplifiers and a straightforward approach to effects reflects years of developing a sound that serves his playing. Through his experiences and equipment choices, we gain a personal perspective on the influences and musical instincts behind his distinctive style.