Grounded Gear Snob

10/14/2026

This Bruno Underground 30 with reverb on the front is not only one of the finest amps I've ever played, but it has, without a doubt, the best sounding onboard reverb l've ever heard out of any amp. This head is incredible & still amazes me after all these years!

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

Bob's amps are pure, uncompromising boutique unobtanium for serious tone purists. Not only is he funny & always interesting to speak with, but Bob is a genuine tone guru that approaches amp design unlike any other builder ever has. The 10n, or Powers of Ten, is his flagship model. It is designed specifically to be used with his Gainmaster, which is a tube driven "floating front end" unit that allows the amp to achieve massive, singing sustain and drive at any volume level. These amps truly are incredible.

10/02/2026

This SUPER RARE rig (1 of only 50 built) is currently for sale!

2009 Two Rock 10th Anniversary J-2 head & matching 1x12 cab.

- Output power is 40 watts w/ 6L6 & 30 watts w/ 6V6 power tubes.
- Dual channel (Clean & Lead) with independent masters
- All tube spring reverb circuit, post-OD tone stack (HRM circuit)
- Includes foot switch
- 1x12 cab w/ removable grill & 8 ohm Eminence K&M 65-8 speaker

Located in the northern Virginia / DC area but also willing to ship to the lower 48. Contact me for more information.

09/30/2026

In late 1966, into 1967, Gibson transitioned the pickguard on the SG Junior from the small guard, or "half guard", with a dog ear P90, to the larger "batwing" pickguard with a soap bar P90 pickup. These simple design tweaks reduced production costs & helped to optimize the manufacturing process. It also gave us a pretty cool departure from the normal aesthetic of an already classic design until the model was discontinued in 1971.

09/29/2026

The final model to be developed and produced by Jim Kelley & his company, the FACS Line Amp is one of the finest & rarest boutique amps there is. Due to the company closing in 1985, only 15 original FACS Line Amps were ever completed and sold. Both Lou Reed & Allan Holdsworth owned one of these amazing amps.

09/27/2026

The 2014 Gibson Custom Shop Benchmark '67 Flying V Reissue in Pelham Blue is an exceptionally rare build that was part of a highly limited run, exclusive only to certain dealers. These guitars shipped with Bumblebee caps & CTS pots, a 4-ply white on black pick guard, & under-wound Custom Buckers. These deliberately lower output pickups prevent the tone from turning muddy, giving the guitar it's highly sensitive dynamic response & chime. These guitars were originally spec'd with stop bar tailpieces, but according to production records, less than 15 of them left the factory with short Maestro Vibrolas.

09/25/2026

The 1959 Les Paul Junior DC is a rockroll machine: slab body, single P90, angled stop bar as a bridge, & the most basic volume & tone controls. This beautifully simple double cut design eventually morphed into the SG shape in 1961.

09/24/2026

Simply put, the Trainwreck Rocket is the ultimate refinement of the AC30 circuit, with more clarity & extra chime, even when overdriven. I'd describe the Rocket as tough, elegant, & sweet, because of the creamy, compressed overdrive that can get as nasty as you want it to be, the chime & glassiness of the three dimensional cleans, & the lead tones that just seem to jump out of it.

09/24/2026

Aside from occasional one-off experimental finishes, Shell Pink stands as the rarest custom color from Fender’s original golden era. Available for just three years at a 5% upcharge, this option was discontinued in 1963 to make room for Candy Apple Red Metallic.