Mandolin Spotlight: How The West Was Won

We're welcoming Austin Clark and Fletcher Brock to the TME family, and shining a light on longtime friends Lawrence Smart and Joseph Campanella.

A closeup view of an acoustic guitar's abalone shell inlayed rosette.

Describing the Indescribable: How We Write About Guitar Tone

This post breaks down the tonal terms we use, helping you get a better feel for an instrument before you ever pick it up.

A guitar player sits playing a Lowden acoustic guitar outside during the fall with colorful leaves around.

Understanding Lowden Guitar Body Shapes: Which One Is Right for You?

Explore the unique tonal and ergonomic qualities of Lowden’s four body shapes to find the perfect fit for your style, comfort, and sound preferences.

Red Guitar

Electric Guitar Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Your Tone and Playability for the Long Haul

Keep your electric guitar playing, sounding, and looking its best with these five essential tips for long-term care and maintenance.

Acoustic Guitar & Instrument Maintenance: Essential Tips for Long-Term Tone and Value

Proper acoustic care protects your guitar or mandolin’s tone, look, and value - these six simple tips will keep it sounding great for decades.

Two Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitar Body Shapes Explained: Find the Right Fit for Your Sound & Style

Get to know the unique tone, feel, and comfort of each Taylor body shape so you can choose the acoustic guitar that fits your playing style best.

Woman Playing guitar

More Than Specs: How to Choose the Guitar That Inspires You

Thinking about picking up the guitar? Start with what inspires you - not the specs. Here's how to find the right guitar for your musical journey.

Man holding banjo

“Life Can Change in a Second”: A Story of Resilience from Banjo Builder Bill Rickard

From a life-changing motorcycle crash to becoming a one-armed banjo builder, Bill Rickard’s story is a powerful reminder that passion and resilience go hand in hand.