Woodwind Instruments: Oboe

The oboe was the most popular Baroque woodwind instrument. In the early 17th century, it saw a rapid technological advance amongst the main instrument-making families in France. These families were the Philidor’s, the Chedevilles, and the Hotteterres. Many...

Bowed String Instruments: Viola

The history of the viola relates to the development of the other instruments within the violin family. These were first made in northern Italy between 1530 and 1550. These regions include cities such as Milan, Brescia, Cremona, and Venice. The work of illustrious...

M-S Recording Technique

The “Mid/Side”, or M-S recording technique, was first designed by EMI engineer Alan Blumlein. He invented the method in 1933 and used it for some of the first stereophonic recordings. The M-S microphone recording technique is commonly used in broadcasts,...

Solid-State Guitar Amplifier

Solid-state circuits found in guitar amplifiers are often based on a transistor or semiconductor. These amplifiers are in most cases cheaper to produce and more reliable than tube-based versions. They are much lighter and less fragile than them as well. Solid-state...