The Snark SN-1 is a reasonably-priced chromatic tuner built to tune virtually any stringed instrument. This little all-in-wonder was created using a simple clip-on design and features pitch calibration from 415-466 Hz, the ability to to tune your guitar even while using a capo, as well as a built-in metronome that ranges from 40 to 250 BPM. The SN-1 is compact (perfect for bringing along wherever your instrument takes you), pivots in any direction for optimal ease of use and has a bright LED screen that allows you to tune in the dark. Being that it is a battery-powered clip-on, there are a few advantages here! For example, there is no need for cables. All you have to do is turn it on and start tuning. The really cool thing about this tuner, however, is that it has a built-in piezo pickup that tracks vibrations that resonate through your instrument when you pluck a string. This means that the SN-1 tunes your instrument by vibration instead of sound, so you no longer have to worry about other noises interfering with your tuning sessions (think about how handy this feature will be during a gig!)
After purchasing my own SN-1 to try on my guitar, I found it much easier and faster to tune than it was by ear, and it's also totally accurate. I then decided to try this tuner with my up-right bass. The shocker was that, not only did it work, but it actually tuned my low E string which most tuners are not able to do. This is the first clip-on tuner I've ever used that has actually worked with my low E string on my up-right bass!
I do have one bone to pick with the SN-1: the metronome feature does not emit sound. Instead, it is a blinking light, so you would have to keep your eye on the tuner instead of your instrument, IMO rendering the metronome useless. Hopefully Snark have advanced this feature by now, but until then, the SN-1 will make any string player a really great tuner.
The Peavey Grind four-string is a gnarly-looking bass that features a neck-thru-body design laminated from mahogany and maple with Imbuya side wings topped with a rosewood fingerboard. It feels light and comfortable on the shoulders with two passive humbucking pickups, 24 frets and a 35" scale.
The Peavey Grind has a beautiful natural finish that is colored nicely by the mahogany and maple parts, though it is also available in a wicked shiny black. In this case, because the finish is raw, you don't need to ever use pricey guitar cleaner; just wipe on some line seed oil and it looks good as new.
If you're looking for bright, poppy tone, then look elsewhere or plan on a pickup change; the tone of this bass is deep and heavy with a jazzy growl and loads of sustain (even with factory strings). It plays nice and loud, even unplugged, the sustain making hammer-ons and pull-offs practically effortless. Thanks to the thin, sleek neck and small spacing between frets, it feels possible to play at lightning speed. In the lower wing you will find a scalloped bottom horn that increases the distance between the strings and body, making slap-style playing and high-fret access much easier. This is a very sturdy bass - from the construction and electronics to the bridge, nut and tuners - but if it is handled too roughly it will scratch up.
If you're looking for a Fender-quality bass for a fraction of the price, then the Peavey Grind is a great option that should not be overlooked. I bought mine for $350, and it is easily the finest bass I've ever owned. In my experience, it's about the best you can get for this price, whether it's going to be your first bass or an addition to your existing collection. Whatever your level of experience, it is well worth the purchase!
LOXX USA is a guitar and bass strap lock company based in the U.S. who claim on their Facebook page that they manufacture the "World's best strap lock system."
A bold statement. Let's take a look...
I bought my set of LOXX after seeing a review of them at Guitar Noize. While I really wanted the skull-themed locks, money was tight and I went for the standard nickel design. Basically, what sets LOXX apart from any other strap lock manufacturer currently on the market, is the simple, intuitive design. Installation takes literally less than five minutes. All it really takes is unscrewing and replacing your existing strap locks with the LOXX buttons by using a spanner tool that the company so thoughtfully provides with each purchase. There are two less pieces required than there are with Schaller and there are many more teeth on the underside of each head to grip your strap for optimal security. Based off of a simple pinch-and-pull release system, you can fasten and release LOXX with your eyes closed in a matter of seconds (see video below!)
LOXX strap locks date back to the late 1920s when they were used in the automotive industry to fasten and lock convertible tops to cabriolets using a similar system. That means these little guys are incredibly strong; LOXX claims that they can withstand pull-out force upwards of 220 lbs. The idea to use them on basses came when the current owner’s son was playing a gig and dropped his bass due to the poor lock system he had been using. The owner whipped out an extra Tenax he'd had in his pocket and installed it on his son's bass. Thus, LOXX USA was born! These locks will look attractive on any guitar or bass as the lock heads sit very close to the wood, so it doesn't appear bulky. They are about ~1/2 the distance from your guitar as they would be with Schallers or Dunlops, and because LOXX sit so close to the body of the guitar, the force exerted on the screws in your guitar body is lowered about one half as well, greatly reducing the chance of a screw pulling loose.
LOXX are sold in a wide range of designs and finishes (in fact, they are giving away killer hand-painted Halloween-themed locks this month only!) These locks surpass any other system I have ever used, including Schaller. If you still aren't sold, you'll definitely want to check out their product comparison page which shows in vivid detail how they beat out Schaller in every possible way!
