While eight-string solidbody electric guitars haven’t yet matched the popularity of their seven-string counterparts, a growing number of companies have developed eight-string models since the first mass-produced eight-string guitars hit the market in 2007.

Originally intended to mimic the sound of a muted trumpet, it didn't take long for guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa to make that sweet, sweeping "wah-wah" sound an integral part of the rock and roll lexicon.

The dreadful “must use provided backline” or “the mysterious amp at the drummer’s house” are circumstances where we hope for the best, yet fear the worst. Backline gear is usually decent, but your biggest setback is time. The band before you swore, the crowd wanted more, and now the stage director is just swearing at everyone for going overtime!

AXL Guitars has introduced the AXL USA Hand-Aged Bulldog. Each AXL USA Hand-Aged Bulldog has been aged to perfection by AXL's craftsmen to produce a one-of-a-kind instrument. Limited to a first run of 50 pieces, the Hand-Aged Bulldog has the look and feel of a guitar that's been played for years.