Emile Menasche

1 week ago | acousticguitar.com | Emile Menasche |Adam Perlmutter |Kate Koenig

Ernie Ball may be best known for its electric strings—especially the Slinky series, an industry stalwart for decades—but the company also has an impressive lineup of acoustic offerings. The latest is the Earthwood Bell Bronze set ($12.99), developed in collaboration with singer-songwriter John Mayer, a player as fluent on acoustic as he is on electric. Made with a proprietary alloy exclusive to Ernie Ball, these strings offer a distinct tonal character.

1 month ago | acousticguitar.com | E.E. Bradman |Emile Menasche |James Rotondi |Mark Small

As country, Americana, and bluegrass artists like the Avett Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens, Jason Isbell, Sierra Ferrell, and Billy Strings continue to shake up the national charts and rack up record crowds, a rising generation of proudly roots-faithful young players and songwriters is following in their footsteps.

Feb 2, 2025 | acousticguitar.com | Emile Menasche |Whitney Phaneuf |Anna Pulley |Karen Peterson

With a slide in his hand, 16-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas has one of the most distinctive and yet adaptable voices in the business. Whether he’s playing with Alison Krauss and Union Station, or the Earls of Leicester, or working as a producer and master session player, Douglas can make a dobro or lap steel sing. But it’s as a solo artist with his longtime ensemble of Christian Sedelmyer (violin), Daniel Kimbro (bass), and Mike Seal (guitar) where Douglas and his slide can sing their own tune.

Jan 31, 2025 | acousticguitar.com | Emile Menasche |Adam Levy |Kate Koenig |James Rotondi

With a soundhole-less top sleekly finished in its eponymous color, the Cort Modern Black makes a visual statement right out of the case. Offset by the rich browns of the walnut binding and the contrasting fretboard colors, the guitar has an after-hours look that’s elegant but informal—think turtleneck and sports jacket for a literary afterparty. Even the bronze finish of the strings fits the color scheme like a well-chosen accessory.

Dec 4, 2024 | acousticguitar.com | Greg Cahill |Emile Menasche |Doug Young

In 1974, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug founded Taylor Guitars after buying out the American Dream, a small guitar-making workshop in San Diego where they both worked as luthiers. At the time, they likely never imagined their brand would become one of the most renowned names in the guitar world. But fast-forward a half century, and Taylor Guitars has released a series of special limited-edition models to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, starting in January 2024.