Ry Cooder - Daphne Blue With a P-90 Too!

ed note: Looks like the video is gone :-(
But Marc has a gear page for Ry: http://rycooder.nl/pages/ry_cooder_Instruments_gear_amps_effects.htm and apparently Ry goes into great detail on his Strats in this DVD: http://www.headstockmedia.com/thedvd.html

(thanks Mark tubenexus.com !!!)


I just found something I've been searching for in this Ry Cooder clip from waaaay back in the early 70's. Kinda blurry, but if you look close you can see Ry has a P-90 in the bridge position of that Strat. That's Russ Titelman on bass & Jim Keltner on drums. Click Here for more clips from that gig. Ry doesn't seem to have his own web site- imagine that- but the top link takes you to a great myspace tribute page with jaw dropping opening music.

Ever since reading Evan Skopp's P-90 Primer in the Feb '09 PG, I've been wonderin' why we never see P-90's at the bridge position in Strats. I been lookin' around too! Skopp concluded his article with:

"...So, whaddayathink? Are P-90s right for you? Well, if you like a big, fat, punchy tone with lots of single coil “cut,” and boosted mids, then you might be ready to take the P-90 plunge."

Seems every Strat player yearns for "big, fat, punchy tone with lots of single coil 'cut', and boosted mids", ... P-90's are getting more & more popular, and may start showing up in Strats too.

If anyone's ever put a P-90 in their Strat bridge, feel free to give us your 2 cents via the comment link below!

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BBE Two Timer, Dual Mode Analog Delay

Analog delays are hot lately! Vox just released their Joe Satriani Time Machine- also a dual mode delay, and the classic MXR Carbon Copy (single mode only) is as popular as ever. However, the biggest bang for your delay buck has got to be the TWO TIMER- a true bypass dual delay pedal- from the folks at BBE.

I see these currently selling at about the same cost as the MXR, which goes for about $149. The new Satch pedals go for around $200 and do have more control than the BBE. Also, I'm not sayin' the Two Timer is two MXR CC's for the price of one, since they spec differently, but the BBE is a value worth checking into.

Decent BBE demo vids are sparse at the moment. I did discover killer harp player Jason Ricci talkin' about the Two Timer; saying it has a warmth similar to tape units.

But best of all has to be that kookie retro graphic "two for the price of one" metaphor! Would ya just check out my man with them sportin' gals! "...That suit is you!! You'll get deLAY tonight for sure!"

Pedal Dealer Directory

(...Tell us how you do!)

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A Strat for Friday #114- D'Pergo Custom

(photos: www.dpergoguitars.com)

No name, no specs. Just a D'Pergo. We've featured these before; I discovered D'Pergo via Julien Kasper a Strat-o-Brother, fusion monster & Berklee faculty for whom D'Pergo makes a signature model. Windham, NH based D'Pergo Custom Guitars will build an S or T-type guitar for you too-- with specs & features which best suit your needs.

Visit D'Pergo and check out their galleries & other info. They're big on using beautiful & toneful old growth woods and top of the line parts.

That marble pickguard reminds me of the ice cream with carmel in it. Oh yeah. Just imagine these guys trying to decide on a custom guitar configuration:

More Friday Strats

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Tune the Rainbow With Sperzel Trim Lok Colors

Not only a great opportunity to include "purple Sperzels" in the same sentence, but I get to hack the Skittles tag line as well.

Tricked Out Guitar is blowing these out as part of their new store site grand opening. They're also featuring specials on GraphTech Supercharger Kits, Stellartone tone controls & Tremol-No units.

I just realized that Sperzel's color options happen to parallel D'Addario's ball end color codes. Yeah, you'd only need to buy 6 sets of tuners to create a color coordinated custom configuration. Then those 5 leftover sets would make nice stocking stuffers next Christmas!

That's why I'm here folks; to help you plan ahead and spot things in our environment that others miss. How lucky can ya be?!

More Cool Parts Suppliers:
The STRATosphere
Metal Shop Music 
Angela Instruments
PartsPipe

Support Small Independent Dealers!

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Ron Kirn's Strat Build TUTORIAL!

templates

(photo: www.ronkirn.com)

Ron Kirn builds super-Strats and Teles. Above, Ron shows us how he shields with copper sheet; adding solder tacks at one inch intervals. Everything is flush. Is that some serious shielding or what?!!

Kirn recently added an extensively photographed Strat Build Tutorial to his website. In fact, his site is a library of tone curriculum material! Even if you're NOT looking to build your own, there's a lot of good upgrade info. here-- such as, ohhh... SHIELDING!! -- and much, much more!

Not every builder just lays it all out for everyone free like this. A great step by step process resource!

Ron Kirn Templates

More Pimp Your Strat Resources

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Nils Lofgren On Strats

(photo: www.ket.org)

"...I like to lean into the guitar and use those five settings you can get out of a Strat. I like playing lots of different guitars, but I’ll always reach for a Strat. It’s the most beautiful electric guitar ever made..." Nils Lofgren

Any questions?

(from PG March '09 interview by Bob Cianci)

www.nilslofgren.com
www.myspace.com/nilslofgren
(check the tunes player!!)

Ed Note: For another twist on Nils Lofgren, also check Sans Direction blog where Dave focuses on Lofgren's thumbpick technique.

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Mesa-Boogie Lonestar Special Amp Auction

guitar amplifier ebay

This one's squeaky clean, kids! Kept in smoke free house, 20 hours use and a big transferable warranty. Also owned by a little old lady and only driven on Sundays... Why not? Check out the shine on that floor.

Lot's of folks ARE watching & bidding this one though. The Lonestar Special Combo has 2-12's, four EL-84's Class A-- and is switchable 5-15-30 W. Pretty toneful unit!

CLICK HERE for full listing, photos & details. Visit Mesa/Boogie page for full specs.

Seller: Feedback - 100 % Positive
End time: Feb-27-09 10:03:49 PST (3 days 11 hours)
Shipping:
US $90.00
UPS Ground
Service to United States
(more services)
Ships to: United States
Item location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

FRESH Lonestar Model Listings

eBay Boutique AMP Listings!

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Who's Opposite Vai On The Steve Guitar Spectrum?

Seasick Steve

Although you may not realize it, the name "STEVE" is the most popular name for guitar players-- by far. If you don't believe me, just start listing out all the famous Steve's who play guitar. Or better yet, check out MY Guitar Steve's LIST, and if I'm missing anyone please drop a comment, ok!

Anyway, if all the Steve's were scientifically arranged into a periodic elements table - or better yet- a spectrum for the purposes of a spectrum analysis, AND if Steve Vai was at one end of the scale, at the other end of the scale you might find Seasick Steve, who doesn't appear too concerned with state-of-the-art or economics for that matter.

Is that a Fender Coronado??



www.myspace.com/seasicksteve
www.seasicksteve.com
www.youtube.com/user/SeasickSteveOfficial

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More Youtube Channel Finds for Guitar Geeks

First off, here's previously inducted Strat-o-Brother-- Austin's Phil Brown talkin' music and promoting The Jimi Project , an album of Hendrix covers which Brown turns into more of his own thing. Get a better taste at:

www.youtube.com/user/philbrownmusic
www.myspace.com/philbrownguitar

Next, ZODIAKFV is a youtube channel with over 800 heavy metal uploads of legendary bands from the 70's to current. The archive includes live performance, music vids and audio tracks.

Termite58 features over 400 uploads which best reflect an ideal 70's free form FM- AOR format. This guy must've been in radio. Each vid begins with a picture of his wall shelves. Most of this archive is out of print stuff that's uploaded from vinyl with all the cracks & pops, but you older cats are gonna wake up plenty of lost brain cells at this channel. The list here goes on and on and on, but includes Atomic Rooster, Roy Harper, Bloodrock, Frijid Pink, Manfred Mann, Trapeze, Moby Grape, Brian Auger, Budgie, etc., etc., etc...

LivingLegendsMusic has extensive RECENT interviews with Rock music greats, including Joe Satriani, Leslie West, Ian Anderson, Edgar Winter, Yngwie Malmsteen and many more.

H3rman123 The Electric Church Music channel has some of most esoteric Hendrix stuff you're gonna find anywhere-- including interviews, jams with the darndest folks, tons of live performance stuff and even some jam tracks with the solo guitar tracks missing so that you & your axe can wank off over the original Hendrix arrangements. The panning solo bleedthroughs will sneak though just to remind you that you aren't Jimi.

Dozens more great channels are on the YT, and all are subject to the grim WMG reaper, so it's wise to procure some RAM and a downloader for yourself. Here today & gone tomorrow folks.

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Texas Mesquite Strat Build - Progress Report

Frank, our bud down in Texas just sent an update on his mesquite Strat project, which we hope to feature as a Friday Strat early next month. Nice top bout contour too!

Here are some recent progress snippets from Frank:

Feb 17:
"...We have been experiencing rain and drizzle over the past two days so I decided to resume spraying on wednesday. I'd rather be patient than use retarder in the vinyl barrier coat and increase the chance of dust getting into the finish. Attached is a picture of the body with two wash coats and grain filler.

The body had been scuff sanded and wiped with wet cloth to allow the grain to show through for the picture. It would have otherwise looked dull. At least this gives you the idea of its final color which is all natural.

It will take me three more warm and dry days to get the 8 coats of nitrocellulose lacquer on the body. Then I'll wait one week to apply a flash coat if needed followed by the buffing stage..."

Feb 19:
"...The pictures (ABOVE) were taken after the remaining vinyl sealer coats were applied. Today, I'll start putting on the lacquer clear coats..."

So stay tuned folks! And just click the "mesquite strat" tag below for all posts in this series.

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A Strat for Friday #113 - Custom Shop NOS '60 Sage

Fender Custom Shop Sage Green NOS '60 Stratocaster

ProGuitarShop.com- a Fender Custom Shop Showcase Dealer, currently lists this NOS '60, Sage Green unit. Click the photo for more details and photos. I'm diggin' the gold anodized pickguard against the metallic sage nitro, which gives the vibe that this axe was created at the mint. Check out the old school staggered pole pups too! And it's sitting atop a Vibrolux Reverb RI.

$Money$ shot!!

Friday Strat Archive

Current Hi-end Strat Listings

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Bonnie Raitt and Her Strat - Limited Edition Print

Simply titled, Bonnie Raitt
About the Artwork
© AllPosters.com

"Music photographer Richard E. Aaron has shot rock and roll’s big game for 30 years. Onstage and behind the scenes, Aaron has photographed a galaxy of superstars, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Van Halen. He also shot the cover for Peter Frampton’s smash hit, “Frampton Comes Alive,” which is the best-selling double live album of all time. Born in New York, Aaron luckily lived near the major record companies when he began his photographic career. Since then, Aaron has shot 4,000 groups on tour, and his work has been featured in more than 20,000 magazines, newspapers and books worldwide.

This numbered fine art canvas was created using a sophisticated digital printer. The canvas is stretched and ready to hang and is produced in a limited edition of 195 prints."

Bonnie Raitt Stratocasters

Strat-o-Sisters Directory

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64 Stratocaster eBay Auction

Vintage Collectible Strat Alert! 1964 Strat

Seller: Score: 542 | 100% Positive (purple star)
End time: Feb-23-09 20:00:00 PST (5 days 6 hours)
Shipping:
US $175.00
UPS Next Day Air Saver®
Service to United States
Ships to: United States
Item location: New York, New York, United States

Here's some Strat-o-Stimulus collateral (whatever that means). Not a Relic RI either kids. This is real 1964 period. CLICK HERE for full listing with lots of pics. This seller is listing other serious vintage gear, including a '52 Gold Top Les Paul.

Vintage & Hi-end Strat Directory

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Musicians On Call- Delivering the Healing Power of Music

"Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization formed in 1999, brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Musicians On Call uses music to promote and complement the healing process for patients, families and caregivers..."

MOC is having their 5th Annual Benefit Auction on line that went live February 10 and runs through March 5, 2009. Here is a partial list of some of the items up for bid:

1952 Reissued Telecaster autographed by Bruce Springsteen
Steven Van Zandt autographed electric Gibson guitar
First Act electric guitar signed by Coldplay
A Dean Vendetta electric guitar signed by Kanye West
Fender Strato autographed by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
Epiphone Dove acoustic signed by Rascal Flatts
Limited edition signed Gibson Epiphone from Alabama's farewell tour
Brooks & Dunn signed custom Epiphone acoustic guitar
Fender Squier electric guitar signed by Rob Thomas

Other autographed guitars up for bid from: Taylor Swift, The Fray, Maroon 5, Jordin Sparks, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, Jason Wade of Lifehouse, Miranda Lambert, John Michael Montgomery, Kenny Loggins, Counting Crows, Kenny Chesney, David Cook, Nickelback, Black Crowes, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Blake Shelton, Wynona Judd

Other items up for bid include:

A Guitar Workshop at the Fur Peace Ranch

A Guitar Lesson from Second Hand Serenade

The direct link to the auction can be found here:
http://moc09.charitybuzz.com/area.do?id=870

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Bruno Guitar Amps, Friend or Foe to Cows?

Although model names like "Tweedy Pie", "Pony" & "Cow Tipper" might give the impression of coming from someplace like Texas, Tony Bruno Custom Amps actually hails from the state of Taxes-- upstate New York that is, where there actually are plenty of dairy bovine to tip, if one is so inclined.

Notice the little cow on the control panel above. Bruno builds 4 Cow Tipper models in 22, 35, 45 & 90 watt strengths, kinda like skim, 2%, half & half and heavy cream. Rather than knockin' the cows over with shear punchiness, it is possible that the sweet tones of Bruno amps stimulate milk production, thus causing the cows to tip as they dance & sway to the jams with their full swinging udders. That would do it...

This is just a theory though. The quest for tone must leave no stone or cow pie unturned.

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Search Amp Deals!

Rock and Roll Does Not Take a Vacation!!

Thus sayeth this cool guitar blog I recently discovered & added to the Stratoblogster blogroll. Rock Guitar Life "RGL" has snappy reads for your favorites, bookmarks and feeds.

Good info. on gear, artists and other stuff we guitar geeks wanna know.

So check 'em out!

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'The Guitar Store' in UK - Make No Mistake!

Ya think anyone's ever walked in here saying, "Excuse me, I'm trying to find the music store that's supposed to be somewhere in this general area..."

Aptly named The Guitar Store, this Southhampton, England music shop with the Fender Super Champ facade is also a Fender dealer, as well they should be. I wonder if FMIC pitches in a little change for annual maintenance & upkeep. They sure oughta!

But seriously folks, WHERE DID THEY FIND THOSE BIG KNOBS??!!!

Dealer Directory:

Knobs 'r Us
Knob-Mart
The Knob Tree
The Knobbery
Ye Olde Knob Shoppe
Knob Stop
Bob's Knobs
Knob Job
Abercrombie, Fitch & Knobs
ACME (they have everything)
The Knob Factory
Knob Gobblins
Knob Station
Knobberators
Knobs Roebuck
Knobgomery Ward
Knob, Bath & Beyond
The Knob Snob
Knob City
McKnobs
Knob King
Knob Queen
Knob Hut
Knob-n-Suds
Best Knob
Knobway
Value Knobbage
Hart, Schaffner, Marx & Knob
Knob Mania!
The Knob Ranch
Knobco
Knob's Club
Knob Schwab
Knobs, Inc.
www.knob.com (yes, really-- and it's so well utilized too!)
www.knobs.com (taken but nothing hosted...)

You're on your own!


Thanks to Tom from The Stagemaster Project!



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Matchless Clubman 35 Reverb -- Coloriffic!

Boutique Matchless Guitar Amp

Show up to a gig with this and a pair of ostrich boots sayin', "I'm here for the Tex-Mex Surf Punk Blues thing!"-- and you'll get some mighty curious attention. The rest is up to your imagination, but this unit is sure to provide both tonal assistance and colorful inspiration. The perfect item for anyone's Strat-o-Stimulus kicker check shopping list!

The fine folks of Metro Sound & Music are listing this new Matchless at their eBay Store as a Buy It Now! item. Metro is a Power Seller with tons of hi-end boutique guitar gear & seller history.


Search Boutique Amp Deals!

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Rufus Huff & Greg Martin's Smokin' Kentucky Tone!

Here's a good will gesture- peace offering to all those Les Paul players I've pissed off in the past (just for fun).

The good ol' boys from Rufus Huff were recently kind enough to friend RQ me at myspace and introduce their brand of classic Southern Blues Rockin' deep fried tonification. Namely, the pork butt chops of Greg Martin (of Kentucky Headhunters) & his '58 LP thru a Marshall. If you're travelin' between Houston & Gainesville, Florida-- Kentucky is right there in between. And the geography of the Rufus Huff sound bears witness to that fact.

Makes me wanna cheat on my Strat with a side of mahogany humbuckshunness of the 24 3/4 scale variety. This could ruin me!

Anyhow, ya better check out the Rufus Huff! Fans of ZZ Top, Storyville, Skynnyrd, Gov't Mule, Derek Trucks & Joe Bonamassa- to name but a few, are in for a real treat. These boys are the genuine article for tone, groove, sauce & overall hell raisin' recipes!

www.myspace.com/rufushuff
(check out the tunes "SHIRLEY'S" & "High on Heaven Hill")

www.rufushuff.com

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Grammy Wrap Up On Leo Fender

(image credit: Jon Sievert/Getty Images.com)

Most folks already know that Leo Fender was honored last week with a posthumous Grammy for technical achievement.

LA Times writer Randy Lewis recently featured an article containing the thoughts of some guitar giants about Leo & his contributions.

Click here to see what they had to say.

I was very surprised to see Billy Gibbons' comments about the Stratocaster, considering we rarely see the Reverend playing one. Nonetheless, no greater compliment could be bestowed upon the Strat than Gibbons':

"...The Strat is really the global cornerstone, the reference point of the perception of the contemporary electric guitar. . . . Just about everything up till now has aimed to equal or improve upon the Stratocaster, but in the words of a dear musician buddy of mine, "How fancy do you think you really have to get?" Answer: Get a Strat and you can do it all."

Other reflections come from Dick Dale, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen & The Edge.

Very insightful stuff! A way way overdue acknowledgment for Mr. Fender, who should have received this one while he was still alive.

What would life be like today, if Leo Fender had never existed?

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'66 Blackface Pro Reverb Amp Auction

Vintage Collectible Amp Alert!

Seller: 100% rating - several other current gear items listed.
End time: Feb-18-09 19:33:07 PST (7 days 7 hours)
Shipping:
US $60.00
UPS Ground
Service to United States
Ships to: United States, Canada
Item location: Midwest, United States

Here's a great listing! CLICK HERE for all the details. Seriously, this guy has tons of photos including dissections. He painstakingly lists out nearly every #, component and tube brand living in this unit.

I'd love to peel off that nasty grill cloth, stuff it into a jug of water and make a big ol' batch of sun tea tone tonic elixir potion. Dunno if it would be much for drinkin', but maybe you could soak your hands in it.

Search Vintage Amp Listings

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Fellow Guitar Blogger, Then & Now Pics

Strat-o-Buddy Tom found a photo of himself from 1973 with his '73 Strat, and had to show me!
I met Tom in the guitar blogosphere a couple years back through his Stagemaster Project blog. Not an ongoing blog, this blog documented a guitar upgrade project which I link to in some of my DIY resource posts.

Nowadays Tom plays guitar in a little band where he lives in Florida. But he's keepin' that hair cut!

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Random Youtube Guitar Smasher

(Any caption ideas for this one?)

"An inside look at the upcoming PCP Relic Series Custom Shop..."

"I remember my first beer..."

"It's only a Squier..."

"At first, I only intended to remove the string trees..."

"It's ok, my church group is selling Krispy Kreme's to buy me a new one..."

"My Epiphone was much easier to smash than this one..."

"Another item to scratch off my bucket list..."

"I'll be replacing it with a Swiffer..."

"Oops! Little too much Finger Ease..."

"I thought it was supposed to stay in tune?!?!?!?!"

"Mandatory workplace break at the local meth lab..."

"I wanted the 24 ounce Mountain Dew!!!"

"Let's try out the new wood stove!"

"Christian Bale Artist Series Signature Model"

"Gimme a break, Gimme a break, Break me off a piece of that Kit Katocaster !"

"Warranty claim #136..."

"Help! The spiders are all over me!!!"

"RBS (Ritchie Blackmore Syndrome) is treatable. Ask your doctor if the deep purple pill is right for you-- Blackmoresexhydroxenol."

"Never mix tequila with...uhh, acetone & Nut Sauce."

"Oh, Ricky's ok. It's just his blood sugar."

"My interpretation of performance art."

"I love big frets and I cannot lie!"

"Celebrating the Economic Stimulus..."

"I would never strike my wife!"

"Next time, wipe off the friggin' strings when you're done playing my guitar!!!"

"I'd like to dedicate this next tune to Joe Pesci!"

"I still have to adjust the relief. You can pick it up on Tuesday, ok."

"Pilot clip from 'American Guitar Chopper', coming soon to Discovery Channel"

"You hang up the new OSHA poster! I did it the last goddam time!"

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Yamaha T100C Soldano Combo for Auction

Here's a current eBay estate auction item to check out. These US built by Mike Soldano Yamaha T100's are a little gem ya don't run into every day. The 100 w combo with SEVEN 12Ax7 preamp tubes & FOUR 6L6's was built for a short time in the 80's to compete with Mesa MKIV's prior to Soldano starting his own company.

CLICK HERE to see listing
Seller: 100% rated & currently lists other hi-end guitar gear.
End time: Feb-11-09 16:56:34 PST (1 day 2 hours- sorry short notice)
(2/12 - Sold for $396-- somebody scored big time!!!)
Shipping:
US $75.00
UPS Ground
Service to United States
(more services)
Ships to: United States (only)
Item location: Estate Sales / San Diego, United States
Sorry for the short notice on this one.

T100 Reviews:
HARMONY CENTRAL
MyLesPaul forum

SOLDANO LISTINGS

Hi-End Amp Searches

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Nina Attal, A Free Strat-o-Sister in Paris

Here's something to feel unfettered and alive about! Our first Strat-o-Sister from France-- and a Young Guitar Wonder as well! Nina Attal is 16-17 years old (born in '92), loves the Blues and guitar. That's all I can tell ya cuz I can't read French*. Anyone who can is urged to pitch in more data about this young lady in our comment area below! Riviera Paradise-- God almighty! She also covers Johnny Winter's "Still Alive & Well".

www.myspace.com/ninaattal
www.youtube.com/user/TVENVIE (Nina's Youtube Channel)

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Edgar Winter's Portland, Aladdin Theater Gig

Edgar Winter's guitar-ist player is Doug Rappoport
(photo:www.winternet.us/Fansite)

This photo isn't from last night's show, but it depicts the classic Tobacco Road scat-dual section of every Edgar Winter concert.

Current EWB guitarist and Stratoblogster pal, Doug Rappoport (pictured), got us on the guest list for the Feb. 8 show in Portland, Oregon.

I was honored to meet EW after the show and hang with Doug & band for awhile. They played Vancouver BC the previous nite and are headed back to LA today. In March, EWB will do some shows with Johnny Winter.

The band performed a few tunes from EW's recent "REBEL ROAD" release, along with standards including: Tobacco Road, Free Ride and a killer extended Frankenstein. Winter played a lot of great sax, as well as keyboards, timbales and that legendary voice of his. I honestly don't know how he does it. While many vocalists of the classic rock era, i.e. Daltrey, Plant, even Geddy Lee have lost much of their range, Edgar Winter still has no problems howlin' & wailin' the Blues as well as scatting guitar solo lines up & down the octaves.

If you've wondered "What ever happened to Edgar Winter?", the real questions are "What happened to you?" and/or "What happened to radio?". Edgar's been out there all along doin' his job, with no soap operas & no rock star dramas-- just takin' the music to the people and rockin' down the house night after night, year after year. And that's what it's really about!

EWB's current powerhouse rhythm section consists of bassist kOko Powell & drummer Jason Carpenter , both monster musicians with serious chops & resumes. Doug Rappoport's main Marshall & Strat infused solo spot took no prisoners; deftly interweaving a best of G3 moment into a single one man guitar package (he pays me to say this stuff). Seriously, Doug's guitar WILL kill your momma.

Opening the show was Love Trucker, a local based band of teenagers with an uncanny grasp of early 70's British Blues Rock. How does that happen? We don't know but thank God it does!

And perhaps the youngest spirit in the house was Edgar Winter!

So catch these folks when they come to your area!

EWB Tour Schedule
www.myspace.com/dougrappoport

JP Stratoblogster & Doug Rappoport 2/8/09

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Fluxtone Speakers Article in February PG

(photo: www.fluxtonespeakers.com)

Out of boredom, I finally decided to read the Fluxtone article in my Feb. '09 Premier Guitar. Yeah, just some dull piece about speakers to kill time with.

Boy, was I in for a surprise! This guy, Steve Carey (pictured) knows his electro-magnetic phenomena, and has recovered some old, almost forgotten technology which is stirring things up for the guitar tone chasers & amp builders of the world.

CLICK HERE to read the article. If PG was only a quarterly mag, and I was paying full news stand-- AND this was the only article in the current issue, it would still be more than worth it!

READ THE ARTICLE!

Then visit www.fluxtonespeakers.com and look around-- especially the video link.

2011 ed note: Eminence FDM Flux Density Modulation speakers are a much more affordable alternative. CLICK HERE for details about FDM's!

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Bryan Baker's Fusion Guitar With Steps Ahead

Intense Virtuoso Guitarist

An update on fusion Strat-o-Brother Bryan Baker; featured above during a relatively recent touring gig with Steps Ahead. Yeah, he's not playing his Strat here-- it's a custom axe by First Act, but young Bryan still has plenty of time to figure out Strats are the preferred light sabre of The Force in this sector of the galaxy.

Maybe he's buffering down in order to avoid injuring others until he's ready to wield his weapon with full wisdom. Yeah, there's always that...

Earlier post on Bryan

Check out what Bryan's up to lately:

www.bryanbakermusic.com/

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Very First Power Trio

Obviously a Fender promo pic from the early 60's. We have Larry, Curly Joe* & Moe.

*Curly Joe was a later replacement for the original Curly (Howard) who was long gone when this photo was taken.

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A Strat for Friday #112 - G&L Comanche Ash Honeyburst

This "new arrival" to the Guitar Adoptions inventory features a two piece swamp ash body and gun oil tint maple neck. The full moniker "Comanche Studio VI- Limited Edition" accounts for the six toggle switches, comprised of three 3-way coil switches & three 2-way pickup on/off switches. Standard Comanche's come with a conventional Strat 5-way switch plus one coil switch.

But, if maximum studio versatility is what you seek, AND you have a pilot's license, the Studio VI one has all the goods! I'm mainly captivated by the gorgeous ash & honeyburst finish. It's easy to ooh & ahh over a maple top, but there's a lot to love about a nice simple wide grain ash with this type of finish-- not to mention lightness & resonance.

Guitar Adoptions is THE place to check out high end G&L USA guitars.

more Friday Strats

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Hendrix at Royal Albert Hall '69 - I Don't Live Today

Let's Jam!


Everything else is bullsh*it.




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Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter's Other Hobby...

(photo: www.daylife.com & Getty Images)

I remember way back when Skunk Baxter wrote a regular column in Guitar Player magazine. For a long time I used to keep the guitar solos from Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and Doobie Brothers' "Another Park, Another Sunday" in one little ziplock baggie-- even before knowing Skunk played both solos. Cool player and teacher!

Upon discovering what else the Skunk Man has been up to, I thought the contents of another baggie must have ended up in my bran muffin! Seems that Baxter is also a top secret security clearanced defense technology expert who consults top Pentagon and State Dept. folks. And he's not giving them guitar lessons either... well, maybe on the side.

Click Here for more from our NBC Today Show correspondants.

Nugent's gotta be insanely jealous of this gig!

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Build Your Own SRV Strat, DIY Video Series

Peter at i heart guitar blog let us know about this one.

wonderhowto.com features a cool video series on building your own SRV Strat.

SRVguitar.com is another DIY site you can check out for the same kind of project.

Both these DIY links can also be found in the following Stratoblogster directories for Strat projects & resources:

Pimp Your Strat
Relic Resource Directory

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Blues Harp Player's Tweed Champ Video

This is just too good! I can't detect any German accent thru the harp!

"GOOT MORNINK LITTLE SSHKOOL FRAULEIN!"

From vid description:

"Fender "Champ-Amp" 5F1 (1958)
4-5 Watts 8"speaker
I'm using two different mics to check the amp:
1.Astatic JT-30 (all chrome Youngstown-pre1946)with Amphenol on/off switch
2.Electro Voice RE-10
i think everybody in the blues world know this amp, mine is all original but i changed the speaker to a Kendrick Black Frame to save the original in case of selling the amp."

Have a need for tweed?

EBAY VINTAGE GUITAR AMPLIFIER GUIDE

FENDER Vintage Collectible Amps



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58 Strat Auction - Appraised by Gruhn

Collectible Strat Alert!

Sold/Expired. Click Here for current listings for vintage & hi-end Strats.

CLICK HERE for listing & more photos! 100% Positive Feedback Seller with other current high end gear listings.

End time: Feb-07-09 18:57:50 PST (4 days 4 hours)
Shipping:
FREE shipping
UPS 2nd Day Air®
Service to United States
(more services)
Ships to: Worldwide
Item location: Marietta, GA, United States

Seller's Description:

"Up for bid is my all correct 1958 hard tail Stratocaster. This guitar has normal player wear, but no modifications or abuse. I love the hard tails because of the GREAT hard tail sustain. This guitar is a great player or collectible. The guitar has had a professional refret and has had the nut replaced. Please read the inspection letter by Gruhn Guitars for complete detail including any and all minor issues with the guitar. This Strat comes with a non-original (but correct vintage) hard case. This guitar weighs just barely 7 pounds - amazing!! Free shipping in the U.S. This is a straight NO reserve auction!! Happy Bidding..."

Find more hi-end Strats at www.guitargearstores.com

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Register For DOD Pedal Giveaway at Gear-Vault!

The folks at Gear-Vault.com & Gear-Monkey.com are having a drawing this month for a chance to win one of these yellow things pictured at right.

Click on the yellow thing for details!

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Sorry No Tag This Time...

Apologies to Guitar Flame and MooPig Wisdom blogs who recently tagged me on one of those "list some stuff about yourself & tag other blogs to do the same" deals.

I'm a little late on the chain this time folks, esp. having been tagged twice!

Just starting to recover from the Super Bowl party, where I was both fortunately & unfortunately a Steelers fan. Monday morning I awoke to all this black stuff under my fingernails. Eventually I remembered the BBQ chicken fire incident... cardinal size drumsticks & thighs.

I hear that it's February now!

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