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Tech 21: The Undisputed Brand in the Guitar Effects World with their FlyRig5 lineups

When you think about brands that have truly changed the game in the world of guitar effects, Tech 21 is always in the conversation—if not leading it. Since the late ’80s, they’ve been delivering killer tones without the need for bulky amps or complicated setups. And their most recent hit? The Fly Rig series. These compact, all-in-one units are a dream for guitarists who want tone, portability, and reliability in one sleek package.

What Makes the Fly Rig So Special?
Let’s be real—lugging a full pedalboard around can be a pain. That’s where the Fly Rig shines. Imagine a powerful rig that fits in your gig bag. Each Fly Rig includes key effects like overdrive, delay, reverb, and modulation, all built around the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator that put Tech 21 on the map.

Let’s check some of them

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi multi effects pedal
The original Fly Rig 5 was a hit right away. It gave you that crunchy Plexi-style drive, warm analog delay, a clean boost, and of course, the SansAmp. Players loved it because it was plug-and-play. No guesswork. No tone chasing. Just great sound, fast.

The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi is a compact powerhouse designed for guitarists who crave classic British amp tones without hauling a full rig. At the heart of this sleek unit is the Plexi-style overdrive, which delivers that iconic Marshall-style crunch—rich, responsive, and full of character. Combined with the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator, built-in delay with tap tempo, and a clean boost, the Fly Rig 5 Plexi offers a complete, gig-ready setup in one pedal. It’s perfect for players who want vintage rock tones in a lightweight, travel-friendly format.

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Cali multi effects pedal
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Cali is built for players who love the bold, high-gain tones of classic West Coast American amps, especially the modern punch of California-style boutique heads like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.

Check this Tech21 California Character Series Preamp Pedal video and catch the glimps of FlyRig Cali

Tech21 California Character Series Preamp Pedal
Featuring the SansAmp Cali preamp section, it delivers tight, aggressive distortion with plenty of articulation—perfect for metal, hard rock, and modern blues.

With an onboard Boost, lush Delay with tap tempo, and analog signal path, the Fly Rig 5 Cali offers massive sound in a slim, tour-ready format. It’s a go-to choice for guitarists who crave versatile American high-gain tones without the bulk.

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Brit multi effects
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Brit is designed for guitarists who crave the legendary tones of classic British amps—specifically those gritty, harmonically rich sounds associated with vintage Vox and Marshall stacks. Built around the SansAmp “Brit” preamp section, this compact rig nails those chimey cleans and crunchy overdrives with remarkable warmth and clarity.

Alongside its signature Brit-style gain, the Fly Rig 5 Brit features a powerful boost section, lush delay with tap tempo, and a robust analog signal path for authentic, amp-like response. It’s perfect for players who want British-flavored tones in a road-ready, all-in-one pedal.

Artist Models and V2 Upgrades
Tech 21 didn’t stop there. They teamed up with pro players to create custom versions. The RK5 Fly Rig (Richie Kotzen’s signature model) added a gnarly fuzz-style distortion, a tuner, and some slick tone tweaks. If you’re into heavier stuff, the Paul Landers PL1 Fly Rig has a tight, focused gain section perfect for metal and industrial tones.

Then came the Fly Rig 5 v2
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 v2 is an upgraded version of the original best-selling Fly Rig, offering even more versatility and tone-shaping control in the same ultra-compact format. Centered around the legendary SansAmp analog preamp, the v2 adds an independent reverb section, an enhanced delay with tap tempo, and a more refined Plexi-style overdrive for classic British tones. New features like a switchable clean channel, FX loop, and XLR output with ground lift make it more stage- and studio-friendly than ever. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or practicing, the Fly Rig 5 v2 delivers pro-level tone in a grab-and-go pedal.

Overall it’s an improved version on the original with more control, better speaker simulation, and even more flexible routing options. Basically, they took a great pedal and made it even better.

Why It’s Perfect for Modern Guitarists
Whether you’re touring the world, playing local gigs, or recording at home, the Fly Rig just works. It’s especially great for fly dates where space is tight, or when you need a reliable backup in case your main board fails. And yeah, you can totally record with it—just plug it straight into your interface and enjoy that rich, analog warmth.

The analog design also sets it apart from the sea of digital multi-effects. The Fly Rig responds like a real amp and sounds organic, not sterile or overly processed. If you want pro-level tone without the pedalboard hassle, Tech 21’s Fly Rig series might be your new best friend. It’s one of the smartest tools out there for modern guitarists—and that’s why Tech 21 remains the undisputed brand in the guitar effects world

July 28, 2025
Fender Custom Shop LTD ’50s Esquire – Vintage Tone, Modern Mojo

The Fender Esquire holds a special place in electric guitar history. As Fender’s first solidbody electric guitar, the Esquire has built a cult following for its raw tone and minimalist design. Now, the Fender Custom Shop LTD ’50s Esquire brings that vintage charm back with modern craftsmanship. A True Fender Classic. If you’re into vintage guitars, Tele-style tone, or classic rock and blues, this reissue is worth a closer look. (not many free pics about this guitar out there,so please bear with me with this historical story)

Back in 1950, the Esquire was priced at $139, while the Broadcaster (which included a second pickup) cost $169. That $30 difference seems small now, but it defined the Esquire’s character. Only One Pickup is exactly The Esquire’s Secret Weapon. At first glance, the Esquire may seem limited. It’s got just one single-coil bridge pickup—no neck pickup, no frills. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

With no neck pickup magnets pulling on the strings, the Esquire offers clearer ring and longer sustain makes the Esquire Unique Also the bridge pickup is full of bite and attitude, making it perfect for country, rock, and blues that loads more punchier tone. Its simplicity forces you to rely on playing dynamics and tone control—ideal for expressive guitarists and drives out more Character.

two-tone sunburst finish Esquire

Esquire Jeff Beck replica model.

even with one pickup the 3-way switch on the Esquire gives it surprising flexibility:
Forward Position – A bassy preset tone (some say it’s muddy, others love it for rhythm work).
Middle Position – Standard bridge pickup with tone control engaged.
Rear Position – Bridge pickup with tone bypassed for maximum brightness and bite.

1st prototype of 1949 (replica).

This isn’t just a tone monster—it’s a visual stunner. The Fender Custom Shop version features hand-aged relic work that gives it the look and feel of a well-loved ‘50s road warrior. Expect vintage-style tuners, nitrocellulose finish, and authentic ‘50s specs. It’s built to feel like an original, not a replica. If you’re a fan of vintage Fender guitars, crave simplicity, and want a classic tone machine that stands out in a crowd, the ’50s Esquire is a gem. It covers many needs and interest from Tone purists to Country twangers and Blues rockers whether you are Minimalist players or Fender collectors.
July 25, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness Rests at 76

John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025), the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and solo heavy metal legend, has passed away peacefully at age 76, surrounded by his family.

Ozzy Osbourne, A Legacy Forged in Metal

Born in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame in the early 1970s with Black Sabbath, releasing seminal albums like Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid and Master of Reality, and earning the nickname “Prince of Darkness”. His raw vocal power and stage theatrics—such as biting the head off a bat—pushed metal into mainstream consciousness.

After departing Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on a solo career that produced hits like “Crazy Train,” “No More Tears,” and “Bark at the Moon,” plus a Grammy‑winning album Patient Number 9 (2022).

Triumph Over Adversity

Despite a 2019 spinal injury and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020, Ozzy remained defiant. He described the past “five years of absolute hell,” yet continued to perform, including his final show in Birmingham on 5 July 2025. That legendary “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup and raised a staggering £140 million (≈ US$190 million) for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s and Acorn Hospices.

Final Reflections

In a heartfelt last interview with People, Ozzy Osbourne summed up his life: “Survival is my legacy.” He took immense pride in performing into his seventies and giving back to fans and charities. His final social media post—tiny lyrics and a backstage sign—felt like a humble farewell.

Global Tributes & Cultural Impact

News of his death prompted tributes from across the globe. Elton John called him “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” Rod Stewart, Questlove, Jason Momoa, Adam Sandler, and many more mourned his loss. Sports teams like Aston Villa and the New England Patriots honored his influence, particularly his anthem “Crazy Train”. Black Sabbath closed their tribute simply: “Ozzy Forever!”.

Enduring Influence

Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just revolutionize music—he shaped reality TV too. The Osbournes (2002–2005), which showcased his family life, became MTV’s most‑watched series and launched a modern reality format. Even today, many reality shows trace their roots back to his candid, chaotic household.

What’s Next: Memorials & Releases

History of musicians continues, A concert film of Ozzy Osbourne final show—Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow—is set for theatrical release in early 2026, followed by DVD/Blu-ray. His memoir Last Rites, due 7 October 2025, will offer a personal account of his journey.
July 23, 2025
What Happened to Fernandes Guitars? A Look Back at the Legendary Brand

If you’ve been in the guitar world for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Fernandes Guitars—or maybe you even owned one. Look at this gorgeous Fernandes FR-55 MTV guitar of mine:

Whether it was a Strat-style copy, a Burny Les Paul, or their famous Sustainer-equipped axes, Fernandes was once a serious player in the global guitar scene. But what happened to them? Where did they go? Let’s take a walk down memory lane and unpack the rise—and quiet fall—of this iconic Japanese brand.

Fernandes Brief History

Fernandes started out in Japan back in 1969, originally as a flamenco and classical guitar manufacturer. But by the 1970s, they shifted gears and dove into electric guitars just as rock was booming. They gained attention for making incredibly well-built copies of American classics—Strats, Teles, and especially Gibson Les Pauls under the Burny brand.

The craftsmanship was solid. Fernandes guitars made in Japan during the ’70s and ’80s were known for their attention to detail, great necks, and sometimes even better build quality than the originals they were mimicking.

And let’s not forget their Sustainer system—a built-in, controlled feedback device that allowed infinite sustain without cranking your amp. It was ahead of its time and used by guitarists like The Edge (U2), Steve Vai, and Robert Fripp (King Crimson). Fernandes had tech that no one else did.

Global Expansion then… Decline

By the late ’80s and early ’90s, Fernandes had become a global name. They had offices in Los Angeles and began producing guitars outside of Japan (notably in Korea and China) to keep costs down for the export market.

The U.S. division marketed unique designs like the Vertigo, Ravelle, and Monterey, and even signed some cool artists like Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day (remember his black Strat with stickers?) and Brad Gillis of Night Ranger.

But somewhere along the way—maybe in the 2010s—the brand started to lose momentum. New models stopped coming out. Distribution got spotty. Support became non-existent. Their U.S. website disappeared. And customers started asking, “Is Fernandes still in business?”

By the way, I feel so overwhelmed by this event since I am Fernandes guitar fans. I am still showing off this Fernandes FR-55 MTV guitar video to friends:

Fernandes FR 55 MTV guitar

Turns out, the company never made a formal announcement—but they quietly stopped producing new guitars in many markets. The original Japanese branch still exists in some form, mostly selling accessories and parts, but the guitar side of Fernandes seems pretty much done.

There’s no official story why Fernandes Shut Down, but a few reasons seem likely:

Intense competition – Brands like Ibanez, ESP, and Schecter dominated the mid-range and high-end Japanese market. Fernandes couldn’t keep up.

Lack of innovation – Aside from the Sustainer, Fernandes didn’t evolve their product line much in the 2000s. Some say their designs began to feel outdated BUT, I have disagree. Their designs are pretty, eternal and still scream wonderful tones:

Fernandes FR 55 MTV solo checksound

Poor global marketing – Unlike other Japanese brands, Fernandes struggled to build a consistent international presence, especially online.

Factory outsourcing – Moving some production out of Japan led to quality inconsistencies, which hurt their reputation. But, so far I collected theirs, those guitars are still superior in their price range.

Are Fernandes Guitars Still Worth Buying?

Absolutely—especially the older Japanese-made ones. If you find a Burny LP from the ’80s or a Fernandes Strat from the ’90s, chances are it’s a hidden gem. These guitars are known for killer tone, great hardware, and pro-level playability, Even their entry-level overseas products such like this one:

Fernandes strat-style guitar

The Sustainer-equipped models are also still highly sought after. In fact, the Fernandes Sustainer circuit is still considered one of the best around. Some guitarists even buy old Fernandes just to gut them for the Sustainer.

Fernandes might not be around like they used to be, but their legacy lives on. They were a huge part of the vintage Japanese guitar boom, they innovated with tech like the Sustainer, and they helped shape the sound of countless players.

If you ever see a Fernandes guitar in a pawn shop or online for a good price, don’t sleep on it. You might just score a piece of guitar history.
July 19, 2025