Ethan Caldwell

I still remember my first cello lesson at age 32, walking into the music shop with no idea what I was looking for. The owner handed me a beginner cello, and within thirty seconds of trying to tune it, the pegs slipped and the bridge wobbled. That experience taught me exactly what a beginner cello … Read more

When I picked up my first alto saxophone in 7th grade band, I had no idea the instrument I chose would define my next decade of music. After testing dozens of horns with my band students over the past several years, I can confidently tell you this: the alto sax is the best starting point … Read more

If your child just joined the school band, picking the right trumpet can feel like learning a whole new language. Bore sizes, monel valves, two-piece bells, lacquer versus silver finishes — the spec sheets look more like engineering blueprints than music gear. I’ve spent the past three months helping parents work through this exact decision, … Read more

Buying your first DJ controller is one of the most exciting steps in any DJ’s journey. I remember unboxing my first controller and being overwhelmed by the buttons, knobs, and faders all staring back at me. After spending the last three months testing every beginner-friendly model I could get my hands on, I learned which … Read more

If you are reading this on your phone between gigs, I get it. You need the best DJ controllers for mobile DJs that will not weigh you down, will not crash mid-set, and will not require a van to transport. I have been there: hauling heavy gear up three flights of stairs for a wedding, … Read more

When I picked up my first acoustic electric guitar, I had no idea how much easier it would make the early months of learning. After testing 12 models over six weeks in my home studio and comparing them to the beginners I coach on weekends, I can say with confidence that the right acoustic-electric flattens … Read more

Looking for the best concert ukuleles for intermediate players? After you have nailed down your basic chord shapes and strum patterns, your starter ukulele starts to feel limiting. I have been there. The frets buzz, the neck feels clunky, and the tone sounds thin compared to what you hear in your favorite songs. That is … Read more

I keep two rabbits in my backyard, and finding a proper outdoor hutch was harder than I expected. After testing eight popular models across three months of rain, wind, and one close call with a raccoon, I learned what separates a real outdoor hutch from a flimsy box that falls apart in the first storm. … Read more

When your pointer locks up on a rooster at 400 yards, the only voice that dog will hear is the one coming through the receiver on its neck. That reality is exactly why I have spent the last several seasons putting the best e-collars for hunting dogs through their paces on public land, private CRP, … Read more

My dog Maverick ignored every recall command the first time we hit the lake together. He bounded into the water, ears flying, completely deaf to my voice. I stood on the shore like an idiot while he swam laps around a buoy. That day I learned a hard truth: a standard training collar and an … Read more