zZounds' Guitar Buying Guides: Guitars, Amps, Parts, and More!

Ever think about how strange it is that the bulk of brand-new guitars are based on designs from the 1950s and 1960s? Instead of picking up the "same old, same old" instrument that's been played for decades, start your own history with a guitar that breaks from tradition!

Sometimes, less is actually what you need. Built for players who prefer simplicity in design and tone-smithing, single-pickup electric guitars have been the choice of countless pros who remain completely satisfied with a solo voice.

Ever since the early 1960s, rock music has been powered by British-made amps bearing names like Marshall, Vox, and Orange. There are now a huge number of amplifier makers who carry the torch, adding their own flavor to these legendary designs. Check out our handpicked selection, inspired by some of music's most famous amplifiers.

For years, guitarists have been looking for ways to downsize their rigs while still retaining their sound. Companies like Victory, Orange, and Seymour Duncan have been innovating ways to bring the power of an amplifier to a bite-sized piece of gear that can be fitted to pedalboards. As long as you have access to a speaker cabinet, you can eliminate the need to use backline amps. Check out this selection of portable, yet capable amplifiers.

Specially made for those players craving the highest performance out of their instruments, Floyd Rose locking tremolo systems have been the go-to bridge for decades. Since its invention in the late '70s, the Floyd Rose tremolo has been found on a multitude of guitars, its signature sound heard on countless albums from the '80s onward. Check out our guide to Floyd Rose-equipped guitars!

Popular among musicians of the heavier persuasion, extended-range guitars offer extra reach into bass guitar territory, providing the punishing low end needed for modern metal. The realm of 7-string and 8-string guitars can be strange terrain for players used to the standard 6-string, and our guide is here to help choose your next extended-range guitar.

When your favorite gear brands and artists collaborate, amazing results are sure to happen. Generally spec'd down to the smallest detail by the artists, signature gear retains the proven quality of the manufacturer -- along with some really cool custom features that not only fit an artist's needs, but also reflect their personality.

A guitar made in America not only represents a history of proud craftsmanship, but also the history of rock 'n' roll. Each generation of new guitars builds on the last, yet remains rooted in tradition by luthiers who put decades of experience and pride in their work. Join us as we examine American-made guitars in this special buyer's guide. No matter which model interests you, from Gibson electrics to Taylor and Martin acoustics, these American-made instruments will provide a lifetime of reliability and entertainment.

For the new player, finding the right set of strings can be daunting. Between string gauges, the type of winding, what the strings are made of, and whether they're coated or not, there's a lot to consider. Check out our Strings Buying Guide as we break down the different types of electric, acoustic, and bass strings, and explain what to expect from each.