“Only they who believeth in their guitar quest shall be granted passage”

Author: Bayadji

Tech 21 FlyRig Collection Review: RK5 v1, FlyRig 5 v1 & v2, Cali, and Brit

Overview of My Tech 21 FlyRig Collection

This article is a detailed review of my Tech 21 FlyRig collection, featuring the FlyRig RK5 v1, FlyRig 5 v1, FlyRig Cali, FlyRig Brit, and FlyRig 5 v2. Each FlyRig delivers a unique amp-inspired voice while sharing the same compact, pedalboard-free design that Tech 21 is known for.

FlyRigs are popular among guitarists who need portable, reliable multi-effects pedals for live gigs, rehearsals, fly dates, and direct recording. Despite their small footprint, these units provide professional-grade tones and intuitive controls.

Tech 21 FlyRig RK5 v1 Review (Richie Kotzen Signature)

The FlyRig RK5 v1 is designed around expressive playing and dynamic response. Developed with Richie Kotzen, this model focuses on touch sensitivity and amp-like feel rather than extreme gain.

The overdrive section reacts naturally to picking strength and guitar volume adjustments, making it ideal for blues, fusion, and classic rock. The boost and delay sections are voiced for lead work, allowing smooth solo transitions without external pedals.

Best for: Blues, fusion, expressive lead playing, dynamic guitarists
Key strengths: Touch sensitivity, musical overdrive, lead-friendly design

Tech 21 FlyRig 5 v1 Review

The FlyRig 5 v1 is one of the most versatile pedals in the FlyRig lineup. It delivers clean, crunch, and lead tones that work across multiple genres, making it a solid all-purpose solution.

This version is especially appealing for players who want a simple, no-nonsense setup. The effects are easy to dial in, and the overall tone remains balanced whether used with an amp or run direct into a PA or audio interface.

Best for: General-purpose gigs, rehearsals, recording
Key strengths: Versatility, simplicity, balanced tone

Tech 21 FlyRig Cali Review

The FlyRig Cali is tailored for modern high-gain guitar tones inspired by California-style amps. It offers tight low end, strong midrange focus, and plenty of saturation while maintaining clarity.

This FlyRig excels in heavier rock and metal settings where articulation under gain is critical. It also performs well for rhythm guitar, delivering punchy, controlled distortion without excessive noise.

Best for: Hard rock, metal, modern high-gain tones
Key strengths: Tight response, high gain, clarity

Tech 21 FlyRig Brit Review

The FlyRig Brit captures the character of classic British amps. It’s voiced for crunchy rhythm tones and smooth lead sounds with a pronounced midrange.

This model shines in band mixes, where its mid-forward tone helps the guitar cut through drums and bass. It pairs well with both single-coil and humbucker guitars, making it a strong choice for vintage-inspired rock tones.

Best for: Classic rock, blues-rock, British amp tones
Key strengths: Midrange presence, vintage character, mix-cutting tone

Tech 21 FlyRig 5 v2 Review

The FlyRig 5 v2 builds on the original FlyRig 5 with improved flexibility and refined voicing. It offers a more polished experience, making it easier to adapt to different playing styles and performance environments.

Compared to the v1, the v2 feels more modern and versatile, whether used for clean passages, crunchy rhythms, or lead tones. It represents the evolution of the FlyRig concept into a more refined all-in-one guitar solution.

Best for: Players needing flexibility and updated features
Key strengths: Improved usability, refined tone, adaptability

Final Thoughts on the Tech 21 FlyRig Lineup

Owning multiple FlyRig models highlights how Tech 21 has successfully created a modular tonal ecosystem within a single format. Each FlyRig maintains the same compact size and ease of use while offering a distinct amp-style voice.

From expressive blues tones to classic British crunch and modern high-gain sounds, this FlyRig collection covers nearly every real-world guitar application—without the complexity of traditional pedalboards.

For guitarists searching for portable multi-effects pedals, amp-style direct rigs, or minimalist live setups, the Tech 21 FlyRig series remains one of the most practical and tone-focused solutions available.
February 9, 2026
Bass: The Guitar That Plays Differently

If you have ever picked up a bass for the first time and thought, “This looks like a big guitar; how different could it be?” you are absolutely not alone. Many musicians start with that assumption. I did too. But the moment you plug it in and hit that first low note, you realize something instantly: the bass may look like a guitar, but it behaves like its own species. It feels different in your hands, it demands different instincts, and it occupies a totally different place in the music you play. In short, it is the guitar that plays differently—not just because of how it is built, but because of what it does.

Let us start with the physical experience. Everything about a bass feels larger: the scale length, the neck, the thicker strings. When you fret a note, you are working against more tension. When you pluck a string, there is more weight behind it. Most people find that their first few minutes on bass involve pushing harder, stretching farther, and adjusting to the sense that every note carries actual power. The instrument almost pushes back. Instead of dancing lightly across the fretboard the way you might on a guitar, you settle into the bass like you are driving a heavier vehicle. It demands a little muscle, a little patience, and a very different touch.

Those physical differences are just the surface, though. What really sets the bass apart is the role it plays. If the guitar is the storyteller of a song, the bass is the ground the story stands on. When you play bass, you are not just adding notes—you are shaping how the entire band feels. The drummer might set the beat, but you decide how the beat moves. You decide whether a song grooves, glides, or hits hard. You choose whether the music feels calm, restless, tight, or loose. Few instruments offer that kind of influence with so few notes.

This is where playing bass becomes unexpectedly personal. You start to listen to music differently. You stop focusing on the shiny lead lines or the soaring vocals and start paying attention to what is happening underneath. Suddenly, that subtle slide, that muted pluck, that one walking note between chords—those become the moments you latch onto. The better you understand those small details, the more you appreciate how much emotion lives in the low end.

And of course, there is the relationship with the drummer. Bass and drums work together so closely that they might as well be sharing a brain. When you click with a drummer, it is almost magical. You start anticipating each other’s moves. You feel the kick drum before you hear it. You lock in on a groove and suddenly the rest of the band sounds tighter, cleaner, and more confident. It is a kind of communication that only happens when you are part of the rhythm section. No matter how flashy the guitars or vocals are, the song simply does not work unless the bass and drums are in sync.

Learning bass is a lesson in listening. You pay attention to the pulse of the music, the chord changes, the energy of each section. Unlike guitar, where many players start by memorizing chord shapes or riffs, bass pushes you to understand the foundations of the song. You learn why certain notes feel right, why certain rhythms push the music forward, and why silence can be just as powerful as sound. You start to think in terms of feel. You become conscious of space. You learn how to support rather than overshadow.

And that is where many players fall in love with the instrument. Bass rewards tastefulness. It rewards timing. It rewards subtlety. You do not need to fill every gap. You do not need to show off. Some of the greatest bass lines in history are so simple that beginners can play them in their first week. But they work because they hit the right notes in exactly the right way. You begin to appreciate how satisfying it is to serve the song rather than dominate it.

That said, bass is not limited to simplicity. If you want to slap, pop, tap, or shred, there is a long line of bassists who turned the instrument into a lead voice. Players like Flea, Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, and Jaco Pastorius proved that bass can be as expressive, technical, and fearless as any other instrument. You can play supportively or you can take the spotlight. But even when you play something flashy, you still feel that grounding force behind every note.

What makes bass particularly enjoyable is that it teaches you to care about the connection between people. You become the glue that holds the band together. When everyone else starts speeding up, you are the one who keeps the heartbeat steady. When a guitarist changes chords earlier than expected, you are the one who guides everyone back. When a song starts to drift, the bassist is the subtle hand on the steering wheel. The longer you play, the more you realize how much the band depends on the low end.

And perhaps that is why the bass attracts a certain kind of musician. Not necessarily the loudest or the flashiest, but the one who values feel, coherence, and chemistry. The one who enjoys shaping a track from behind the scenes. The one who finds satisfaction in being both powerful and understated. When you play bass, you learn to pay attention not only to yourself, but to everything happening around you.

So yes, the bass looks like a big guitar. But it plays differently because it represents something different. It is the instrument that influences the music the moment you touch a string. It is the instrument that interacts with every other part of the band. It is the instrument you feel in your chest, not just in your hands. Once you experience that difference—once you hear how a simple line can change everything—you understand why the bass has its own identity, its own personality, and its own magic.

And if you have never really explored it, maybe now is a good time to pick one up, hit that low E, and feel the room shake. You might discover that the guitar that plays differently is exactly the instrument you have been waiting for.

December 21, 2025
Dara Sindhu Releases New Single “Makna Cipta” Amid Social Unrest

PRESS RELEASE

Dara Sindhu

Bali, August 29, 2025 — Indonesian singer-songwriter Dara Sindhu has finally released her long-awaited single Makna Cipta, a song born from deep concern over issues of discrimination and bullying that have been affecting society. Originally written in 2021, the track officially launched on August 29, 2025, coinciding with waves of social unrest across many major cities in Indonesia.
Makna Cipta serves as a self-reminder and a universal message to listeners: to live meaningfully, to avoid being provoked by divisive influences, and to stand together in unity as citizens of one nation.

“No matter one’s past or appearance, everyone deserves to feel beautiful. No matter caste or skin color, we are all created to be meaningful,” the lyrics declare, emphasizing the spirit behind the song.

The single was co-produced by Roby Aghani and Dara Sindhu, with contributions during the recording process from fellow musicians Galanggarang, Johan Wiharja, Eros Fiernando, Vasta, and Sam Currier.

Makna Cipta – Dara Sindhu : Available On Streaming Platforms Apps

Makna Cipta is now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Prime Music, Deezer, JioSaavn, Joox, and more.

With this release, Dara Sindhu hopes her message will resonate widely, inspiring listeners to embrace kindness and unity amidst challenging times.

September 3, 2025
Guitar technology Evolution So far
Guitar technology has evolved dramatically, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovations to enhance sound, playability, and accessibility. From electric guitars to smart instruments and software integrations, these advancements have kept guitars competitive in a tech-driven world. Below, I’ll explore the key areas of guitar technology, incorporating insights from recent developments and trends, while keeping the response concise yet comprehensive.

Electric Guitar Innovations

Electric guitars have been at the forefront of guitar technology since their rise in the 1930s. Modern advancements include:
- Active Pickups and Electronics: Brands like EMG and Fishman offer active pickups that provide higher output and cleaner signals, ideal for genres like metal and jazz. These systems often include onboard preamps for tone shaping without external gear.
- Versatile Switching Systems: Guitars like the Fender American Ultra series feature advanced switching (e.g., S-1 switching) to toggle between single-coil and humbucker tones, offering tonal flexibility in one instrument.
- Self-Tuning Systems: Gibson’s G-Force tuning system and Tronical’s Tune system use robotic tuners to automatically adjust strings to perfect pitch, reducing setup time and ensuring accuracy during performances.
Gibson Self Tuning Systems

Digital Integration and Smart Guitars

Guitars have embraced digital technology to appeal to modern musicians:
- MIDI Guitars: Instruments like the Jamstik and YouRock Guitar integrate MIDI controllers, allowing players to trigger digital sounds (e.g., synths, pianos) via DAWs like Ableton or Logic Pro. These are especially popular for home producers blending guitar with electronic music.
- Smart Guitars: The LAVA ME 3, a carbon-fiber acoustic, features a touchscreen interface with built-in effects, a looper, and practice tools. Its weather-resistant design and digital processing make it a futuristic take on the acoustic guitar.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Some guitars, like Yamaha’s TransAcoustic series, pair with apps for remote control of effects or tuning, bridging analog playability with digital convenience.
Guitar Bluetooth Connectivity

Amplification and Modeling Technology

Amplifiers have shifted from bulky tube setups to sophisticated digital solutions:
- Amp Modelers: Devices like the Line 6 Helix, Fender Tone Master, and Positive Grid Spark use digital modeling to emulate classic amps and effects. These compact units offer hundreds of tones, from vintage Fender cleans to high-gain Mesa Boogie distortion, often with USB connectivity for recording.
- AI-Driven Amps: The Positive Grid Spark Mini uses AI to analyze a player’s style and suggest tones or backing tracks, making practice sessions dynamic and personalized.
- Portable Solutions: Mini amps like the Blackstar Fly 3 or Yamaha THR series cater to home players, offering high-quality sound in compact, battery-powered designs with Bluetooth for streaming backing tracks.
Guitar Vst Plugins and Amp Modelers

Learning Tools and Apps

Technology has revolutionized how people learn guitar:
- Interactive Apps: Platforms like Yousician, Fender Play, and Justin Guitar provide gamified lessons with real-time feedback, using AI to track progress and suggest exercises. These apps lower the barrier for beginners, with subscriptions costing $10-$20/month.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Emerging AR apps project chord diagrams or fretboard guides onto a guitar via smartphone cameras, offering immersive learning experiences.
- Smart Fretboards: Devices like the FretZealot attach LED strips to guitar necks, lighting up to show chords or scales, syncing with apps for guided practice.
Fender Guitar Interactive Apps

Materials and Manufacturing

Innovations in materials and construction have improved durability and sound:
- Carbon Fiber Guitars: Brands like KLOS and Rainsong produce lightweight, weather-resistant guitars that rival traditional wood in tone and sustain, ideal for travel or outdoor gigs.
- 3D Printing: Companies like ODD Guitars use 3D printing to create custom bodies and necks, reducing waste and enabling unique designs at lower costs.
- Sustainable Woods: With rosewood and mahogany facing supply issues, manufacturers like Taylor and Martin are using sustainable alternatives like walnut or reclaimed woods, maintaining tone while addressing environmental concerns.
Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitars

Effects and Pedal Technology

Effects pedals have gone digital, offering compact, versatile solutions:
- Multi-Effects Units: Pedals like the Boss GT-1000 or Strymon Iridium combine hundreds of effects (reverb, delay, modulation) in one unit, often with cloud-based preset sharing.
- AI-Powered Pedals: The Electro-Harmonix Neural DSP series uses machine learning to emulate complex signal chains, giving players studio-quality sounds live.
- Wireless Systems: Line 6 Relay and Boss WL series offer reliable wireless setups, freeing players from cables without sacrificing sound quality.
Challenges and Future Directions

While guitar technology is thriving, challenges remain:
- Cost: High-end tech (e.g., Kemper Profiler, ~$1,800) can be prohibitive for casual players, though budget options are expanding.
- Learning Curve: Smart guitars and modelers require tech literacy, which may intimidate traditionalists.
- Future Trends: Expect more AI integration, like real-time composition aids or VR jam sessions. Companies are also exploring haptic feedback in guitars to enhance learning, and blockchain for verifying vintage guitar authenticity. There’s growing interest in AI-driven tools, with musicians sharing clips of AI-generated backing tracks or tone suggestions. DIY guitar tech, like custom pedal builds or 3D-printed parts, is trending among hobbyists, reflecting a maker culture that blends guitars with tech innovation.
The Guitar Learner believe that Guitar technology has transformed the instrument from a wooden box with strings into a versatile, tech-savvy tool that competes with modern gadgets. By blending analog craftsmanship with digital innovation—through smart guitars, AI-driven amps, and interactive apps—guitars remain relevant for beginners, pros, and tech enthusiasts alike. As manufacturers continue to innovate, guitars are poised to stay at the intersection of tradition and technology, captivating players in the digital age.
September 2, 2025