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Did you know that one of the most iconic effects in history was born from a broken tube and at first barely sold at all? Fuzz appeared by accident in 1961 and gradually changed the sound of the bass, of rock and of a whole generation. See its story from the Maestro FZ-1 to the Big Muff and hear a massive test of fuzzes on bass guitar from the second episode of StompStory.

Drumsticks all look the same, but you feel the difference between 5A, 7A and 2B in the first second of playing. We explain what the numbers and letters mean, when to take a wooden and when a nylon tip, and which drumsticks are best for a beginner.

The Gibson Les Paul is one of the two guitars that defined rock music. A thick, warm tone and an unmistakable shape have made it a legend since 1952. We look at its history, how it differs from Fender and which Les Paul model to choose, from Epiphone to Gibson.

A capo is a small clamp that opens up hundreds of songs without learning new chords. We will show you how a capo works, how to put it on the guitar correctly and which type to choose. And why many guitarists will not leave home without one.

A looper records a riff and plays it back in a loop, so you layer more parts on top live. It turns one player into a whole band. We show you how a looper works, what it is good for and which model to choose, from a compact pedal to vocal stations.

Three microphones from Shure, one brand, three completely different uses. The SM58 rules the stage, the SM57 the instruments and the SM7b the studio and podcast. Although they look alike and all three are dynamic, each is built for a different job and each needs something different around it. We show you how they differ, how they sound and which one is right for you, whether you play live, record instruments or start your own podcast.

Want to play drums at home but the neighbours won't allow it? Or are you looking for a kit that looks acoustic but plays electronic? Roland V-Drums cover both needs and much more.

FL Studio or Ableton? Every aspiring music producer asks this question. Both DAWs are professional tools used by world-class producers, but they work differently, cost differently, and suit different people.

You choose studio monitors best by room size, wall distance, and your working volume.

Music develops children more than you think. Rhythm, coordination, hearing, patience: everything starts with the first instrument. Which to choose for a 2-year-old, which for a 6-year-old, and what does it mean that a guitar must be 3/4 size? Here is a concrete guide by age.