I’ve got to confess—one of my biggest pet peeves is browsing a website only to find that most of the items are out of stock. I’m sure you’ve noticed supply chain challenges lately, and they might get even tougher. But there’s always a smarter way to do things, right? So, I asked my tech team to improve the user experience on our website in a way I’d personally enjoy. While they advised that designing based solely on my tastes wasn’t the best strategy, I know what I like, so I went ahead with it anyway. Here's what we've done to...

While it might seem unconventional to feature Frampton Comes Alive! as our second Iconic Album, it undeniably marks a significant moment in music history. You might have mixed feelings about it, but bear with us. For many who grew up in the 70s, this album evokes nostalgia. Ask anyone from that era, and you’re likely to hear comments like, “That was my college party album,” or “It takes me back to driving with my dad and this playing on the radio.” For a generation, Frampton Comes Alive! was more than just an album—it was a soundtrack to their formative years....

I first saw ‘Submachine’ magazine at my local coffee retailer, and was immediately taken by the quality of photography, the look and feel. “Must be a US publication” I thought to myself, but no….a very fine NZ mag with everything I love! (it needed a splash of vinyl though).    I recently sat down with Submachine magazines founder and editor, Al Best to talk about the magazine, it's origins and his philosophy. Al is a professional graphic designer and illustrator who spent ten years in advertising and another twenty as a freelancer. Born in Auckland and raised in Adelaide, he...

In French, there's a charming word for it: Flâneur. The Dictionary describes a Flâneur as “someone who strolls around without a specific purpose, observing people and society.” In modern travel parlance, this translates to the art of meandering through a city, savoring the thrill of the unknown around every corner. It’s about the joy of exploration—discovering what lies just beyond the next bend, finding unexpected gems in uncharted streets. One of the greatest pleasures in life is having the opportunity to simply wander. On our journey to Tokyo, this act of exploration becomes even more enchanting. Despite Tokyo’s bustling nature...

Let’s face it, we all love our turntables and the great sounds we get from our minty vinyl. Vinyl is a big investment, and we are always looking for ways to optimise the sound and minimise damage/wear to the surface. If Vinyl is your thing and the sound from your turntable is important then here are five ways to enhance the sound.    1. Deoxidise the cables connectors and plugs - All connecting leads can build up oxidation from the environment impacting on the 100% connection between the interconnects and the component plugs sticking out the back. Jaycar do a ‘DeoxIT...

This week we are delighted to introduce the first edition of 'Businesses we love' starting with none other than, Studio 1 Vintage Guitars. I have been lucky enough to sit down recently with Garrick Wynne who is the co-owner, along with his lovely wife Sarah, about their wonderful business ‘Studio One Vintage Guitars’ based in the Auckland Central. We love local businesses that have a similar philosophy to ours- curated range, knowledgeable team and great value. Here's the Q&A from my chat with Garrick. Enjoy.  ‘Garrick, it has been a treat to visit your lovely store and have a look at your exceptional...