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10/31/09

This IS It for Orianthi and Guitar Women Everywhere!




Thanks to Jon at Guitar Noize for posting this clip earlier!

Yeah, she'd look better with a Strat, but in October of 2006 Orianthi became one of our first Strat-o-Sisters anyway because we couldn't ignore her skills. Even in '06, Orianthi wasn't exactly brand new to the hard core guitar geek community as she'd already released an album and performed on stage with Steve Vai and Carlos Santana, had a PRS endorsement deal and was soon to appear at the '07 Crossroads Festival.

I was privileged to receive a complimentary CD from Australia at the time, which included the best Carlos Santana impersonation ever, along with other tunes demonstrating the Vai end of the spectrum. Plus, the girl is a stand alone pop singer with the looks to boot!

So it was no surprise that after moving to LA, Orianthi would ultimately land the gig of a lifetime in Michael Jackson's band. And now with the release of the Jackson bio blockbuster This Is It, Orianthi is soon to become an overnight sensation, and set major milestones for unsung woman guitar soloists of the world.

But didn't Jennifer Batten already do this 2 decades earlier?

Not quite. And here's why... Although Jennifer is legendary in the guitar world, she's not a singer, much less a pop singer or pop musician in general, and her own earlier role with the King of Pop, although exposing her to huge audiences, couldn't market her as something she wasn't. Orianthi, on the other hand, should benefit enormously because of her pop perfect package, and because this Michael Jackson farewell flick, is gonna make him bigger than ever-- or at least seal the deal on his immortal pop icon status, just as it did-- does for Elvis.

So Orianthi wins top prize for being in the right place at the right time, looking good and showing a whole lotta people at theaters everywhere that girls can shred big time! I think she's gonna become a formidable pop artist, and even cooler for the guitar community, a huge inspiration for and mainstream acknowledgment of serious guitar playing by the female gender.

If PRS is not preparing an Orianthi signature guitar, they're stupid!

More little girls should be asking for guitars this Christmas than ever before in the history of the instrument.

Just watch and see!

Be sure to check our Strat-o-Sisters Directory for more ladies who play guitar better than you or your cousin, including: Chelesea Constable, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Lori Linstruth, Carolyn Wonderland and many more!!!

PRS GUITARS (check for Orianthi models)

MUSICIAN'S FRIEND

GUITAR CENTER



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TRICK OR TREAT!

(photo credit: Viral)
Tecate, Heineken and Moosehead... Now there's an eclectic group!


HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Stratoblogster!


Remember to check your candy for wrapper tampering, razor blades and needles! Watch out for cars too!

And get ready for all the Christmas promo that starts next, because nobody gives a damn about Thanksgiving, except for the frozen turkey selling supermarkets. Otherwise, Thanksgiving is a waste of commercial time and space.

But what does this have to do with guitars?



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10/30/09

How to Relic and Age Metal Guitar Parts




This ain't no ShamWow guy-- Billy's the real deal! The "Pennalizer"!

Here we have Billy Penn from 300Guitars.com demonstrating how to age metal guitar parts. Pay very close attention and remember that Billy's actually using water instead of MURIATIC ACID in this video demo, otherwise he would wear his goggles, respirator and rubber gloves! The above link takes you to the full post where you can and should read more details on this process.

Based on the fact that the acid does not contact the parts-- just the fumes, and how little exposure time Billy recommends, you'd better know that muriatic acid is some badass mofo sh@*!!! When our ancestors crossed the Muriatic Sea, many of them perished.

Billy Penn has been around guitar building and modding for a long time, and knows his stuff, so be sure to check his site/blog regularly for lots of regular tech tips!

I'm adding Billy's parts aging post to our expanding Relic Resource Directory.


And remember kids, no muriatic acid martinis! NO! NO! NO!




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John English Thinline Strat - BEST OF Friday #60

John English Thinline Swamp ash Strat

Today we're reaching back to November 2007 for one of my all time favorite Friday Strats. I deeply regret not getting more photos of this build by the late great John English. Below is the original listing description write-up:


"Fender Custom Shop Master Built One Of A Kind John English "Thinline" Stratocaster.

This is an incredible hand-made work of Art by the Late Great Fender Custom Shop Senior Masterbuilder John English. Johns legendary guitars are highly regarded as the best of the best from Fenders Original John Page Era Custom Shop"Dream Factory" ! The attention to detail on this guitar is nothing short of AMAZING and its playability second to none. The serial number of this magnificent instrument is 05 indicating that this is the fifth guitar John English hand-made after being certified Fender Custom Shop"Masterbuilder"! This very guitar is featured on the www.strat-central website. The large majority of Fender Masterbuilt guitars made are standard (less time consuming)Vintage reissues, and only once in a great while will the Fender brass give a builder the freedom to create whatever they'd like to express making these Custom Art guitars extremely rare!! This one-off guitar is an irreplacable piece of Fender history and John English's legacy and you will never see another....

BODY: Lightweight Swamp Ash Thinline Body with Tremolo. Fender Custom Shop label in soundhole with John's signature. date completed, and serial number.

NECK: Large C shape Maple neck / Fingerboard featuring tortoise binding and fret marker inlays with John English Masterbuilt Logo in gold on the rear of headstock.

HARDWARE: All Gold w / Vintage style Bridge, Vintage Kluson style tuners, Tortoise shell pickguard / rear cover .

ELECTRONICS: Standard Stratocaster layout with hand wound Abigale Yabarra pickups... make no mistake as beautiful as this guitar is, its no wall hanger...Its an incredible playing, extremely versatile TONE MACHINE!

CONDITION: Near MINT with original COA, case, and case candy.

More Friday Strats

Hi-end Strat Listings



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10/29/09

Landau Amp & DeTemple Guitars at eBay

Michael Landau's '67 Fender Twin


Michael Landau 1967 Fender Twin Reverb
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!


DeTemple Spirit Matching Tele and Strat

DeTemple search @ebay
(I'm feeling lucky.)


DeTemple Matched Pair Guitars


l.a.vintagegear
is at it again; listing some waaaay serious gear p*o*r*n at eBay!

They recently had Michael Landau's Vibrolux on the block, and now we see his '67 Twin listed as a Buy it Now. The listing includes lots of photos and details on this exceptionally clean Fender Twin that Landau must have only used in the studio. A clubber this old would have some nicotine tint. Amp guru Roy Blankenship has gone through it.


And while we're on a roll, ya gotta have a look see at the DeTemple pair also listed! This consecutively built matched set is patterned after the '52 Tele and '56 Strat, with DeTemple's very own enhancements which include tuned titanium truss rods, titanium saddles, meticulously selected and tap tested for pitch, woods, etc., etc., etc... DeTemple guitars just don't quit for over-the-top craftsmanship, materials and detail, and have a 36 month waiting list from the builder.

Check it all out at l.a.vintagegear, whose listings are always fully detailed for info and quality photographs. They're a 100% rated seller.

Special thanks to Clinton at The Guitar Column for spotting these listings!



Current Listings - Top Dealers




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How to Teach Guitar

Handbook Manual for Teaching Guitar Lessons

Rob's Totally Awesome Guitar Teaching Handbook


Rob's Totally Awesome Guitar Teaching Handbook

A MUST read for anyone considering a career in guitar teaching, or even if you're shopping the best lessons for yourself! Seriously insightful manual written by popular Seattle guitar teacher Rob Hampton, who specializes in teaching beginners and kids. Rob has a 5 year waiting list and makes $80 per one hour lesson. People love him because he knows his stuff! His book gives a complete outline on how to set up as a private guitar teacher, and how to get RESULTS with your students. (Full review)

BTW-- The above photo is Rob's original personal copy.





One of Rob's Students, WESLEY (Never really been to Reno...)





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Atom Amps The Metroliner by Monster Effects



Atom Amps is the result of a collaboration between John Spears of Monster Effects and Larry Rodgers of Rodgers Amplifiers.

The Metroliner above is currently listed at eBay Store Axe and You Shall Receive, an authorized Atom Amps dealer. This is an 18W Class A with 1-12 (Celestion Blue) and a tube rectifier. Sure is a lotta 18 watt gear popping up out there. Back to basics kids!

For some classy, laid back demo clips, check out luthier Tom Dodson playing The Metroliner at: www.youtube.com/user/daytonspears


Browse Boutique Amp Listings



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Tools for the Shop and Projects

Guitar Tools and Luthier Supplies
Luthier tools

ToolUp contractor supply store at eBay has deals on top tools.

They don't have specialty luthier tools per se, but still have good deals on Dremel sets, Makita Lithium drills and general stuff for home workshop use. Also check their prices on 3M respirator accessories.







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New SubWah Pedal from GIG-FX

Gig-FX SubWah Pedal for Bass
The folks at GIG-FX just released a new Wah pedal primarily for bass players. It's funky, clean, deep and wide! Let your bass buds know about it!

Click Here for more info.


Gig-Fx dealers:

TunnelVision Music
GuitarEffectsPedals-com-Store
Musician's Friend
GuitarCenter.com
ZZOUNDS
Music123.com










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Unlikely Guitar Effects Pedals Feature

(image: www.tedquarters.net)
Bizarre Guitar Pedals
Blackjack Taco Overdrive Pedal???

Imagine stepping on one of these for tonal enhancement.

Welcome to Stratoblogster's newest series feature of most Unlikely Guitar Effects Pedals.

See below link directory for upcoming & continuing UGEP's:

Sardine Can Compressor

more coming!










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10/28/09

24K Gold Plated Stratocaster Story from UK

Gold Plated Strat

Here's one from the news wire which is just another of a few custom tricks we've seen applied to one of those '94 era metal Strat bodies produced by Fender. The news story from UK's Bridgewater Mercury has some cute twists & turns, even leaving us with a mystery as to the guitar's possibly famous owner... Click the link for the full story!


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Moog Guitar Wins TEC Award


click image for closeup!

Congrats to Moog for winning the TEC Award for Musical Instrument Technology on Oct. 10, 2009! TEC, short for for Technical Excellence & Creativity, is an annual award presented by MIX Foundation whose various awards focus on hi-end audio, recording and studio technologies.

The Moog guitar, now marketed as the production model E1, contains 6 patents for supporting technology, with another 7 pending.

Although not typical of our more traditional gear content, I dig the Moog for it's classic shape (moreso than a Parker), use of beautiful woods and high craftsmanship. Aside from some surplus knobbery, this guitar retains sleek natural looks, and probably sounds like a well integrated conventional solidbody unplugged.







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Rare "Robot" Strat Up For Grabs

Tronical Powertune System for Stratocaster
Pre-Gibson Robot Tronical Powertune System for Strat
Tronical Powertune Stratocaster

Before the Gibson Robot guitar came along, German based Tronical company was pitching their "Powertune" system to a non-interested Fender. Gibson ended up buying this system, and the rest is history.

Well, sort of...

Uh yeah. That's really about it, except for the above unit and who knows how many other original Tronical configs for Strats which may happen to be floating around.

Las Vegas based eBay seller honest_action (ya gotta love that!!!) is listing this one. A week ago it was marked at $50K BIN. Currently he's got it at $39K. So this is one to monitor, if only for the amusement factor.

Seller doesn't say if this is a custom build or a Tronical built guitar. The listing includes good photos of the Tronical components though. Tronical still has a website, but it's been Gibsonized, and has no history of their Strat mock-ups. We posted about them 3 years ago or so, before they sold out.

I half expect some rich, guitar geek orthodontist to buy this and turn it into a custom chair interfaced novelty dental cleaning apparatus. It could happen.

"Cyborg... gimme that, gimme that cyborg!" FZ



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TuneCore Upload Service Gets Your Music to Market





"TuneCore is a low, flat fee service that distributes anyone's music or videos to iTunes, eMusic, AmazonMP3 and many other major download sites while taking no rights and no revenue from the sale of the music.

Artists are building careers, selling significant volumes of music and generating revenue while keeping their rights utilizing the new model created by TuneCore.

TuneCore has distributed hundreds of thousands of songs to iTunes hundreds of thousands of songs to iTunes and other digital stores including music from record labels..."





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Who Really Reads Stratoblogster? #7 - PILOTS???




WE HOPE NOT!!!

Remember to turn off all electronic devices. This means everybody!



10/27/09

Lee Garver EVH 5150 Relic Frankenstein Replica

Rock Star Guitar Replica for sale
Lee Garver EVH 5150 Baretta Headstock Replica
Garver 5150 Replica Guitar
EVH Frankenstein by Lee GarverClick Photos for EXTREME Closeups!


Guitar Collector Alert!

SoCal custom guitar builder Lee Garver of gmwguitars.com personally created this Frankenstein replica, based on the original Kramer vintage 5150 guitar. Garver's version is a one-off build made 5 years ago and kept by Garver. This NOS guitar is now for sale. It includes ciggy burns, Kramer neckplate with 5150 s/n and pick strip tape marks on the top.

Serious inquiries are invited through customguitarboutique.com where you can also view specs and more photos.

Check out gmwguitars.com to discover more about Lee Garver's work and clientele. Also refer to vintagekramer.com for additional background cross ref. info.

This one-off guitar is only available through customguitarboutique.com and is price pointed well below the popular 300 piece run, Strat platform product by FMIC/EVH.






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Tools For Guitar Teachers from Mack Amps

Guitar teaching tools and programs how to teach guitar lessons
Mack Amps Gear Guru Guitar Teacher Program
Mack Amps GEM Model


Mack Amps has a special program for guitar teachers who wanna incorporate TONE into their lesson curriculum. The Mack Amps GEM model is the newest member of Mack's "Budget Boutique" tube gear line. Guitar teachers can take advantage of discount cost, and even become a reseller for the compact GEM model.

CLICK HERE for more about the GEM how this program works.


Related item:

Rob's Totally Awesome Guitar Teaching Handbook


A must read for anyone considering a career in guitar teaching! Serious manual written by popular Seattle guitar teacher Rob Hampton, who specializes in teaching beginners and kids. Rob has a 5 year waiting list and makes $80 per one hour lesson. People love him because he knows his stuff! His book gives a complete outline on how to set up as a private guitar teacher, and how to get RESULTS with your students. Full review



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Let Marc Playle Show You How to Pick




For all those frustrated pickers out there who just can't manage to work out their picking technique issues, here's Marc Playle to help with some perspective. Basically, don't sweat the small stuff, ok.

Now get on with your playing!

Find out more about Marc Playle:

www.myspace.com/marcplayle
www.youtube.com/user/Marcplayle




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10/23/09

EVH & Holdsworth Jam from 1982




I'd love to see the actual video of this jam, if it even exists!

This is supposed to be from 1982. EVH sitting in with Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Berlin & Gary Husband. Holdsworth comes in at around 2:26. Imagine being there!

Then there's the Youtube comment thread for this clip... What a faux intellectual sh#@ fest that is! If you go there and read it, be sure to first remove any loaded firearms from your premises.

Two nights ago, our blogger pal Clinton at The Guitar Column got to see and speak with Scott Henderson in Singapore. Scott was there doing a gig with Jeff Berlin and Dennis Chambers.



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Custom Shop 67 Hendrix Strat by John Page



Custom Shop Hendrix Strat by John PageClick for closeups!


This is a 1991 early Custom Shop '67 Hendrix build by John Page. The old oval Custom Shop stamp is also behind the headstock. Netherlands based eBay Store The Fellowship of Acoustics is listing this as a BIN, and provides tons of clear photos, including extensive dissection pics and detailed info. According to the seller, "approximately 10" of these were made.

You should be able to verify this with a call to Fender Consumer Relations 1 (800) 856-9801. Just give 'em ser# VO56893.

Current listing item ID is 130329145387 otherwise refer to the seller link above.

The seller has 100% rank, several hundred positive ratings and a large hi-end vintage inventory. Do your homework and ask questions, especially when dealing offshore.


Hi-End Strats



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DeTemple '56 Zsa Zsa Black - Friday Strat #146

DeTemple '56 Strat-type

DeTemple '56 Strat in Black

Sorry only this photo. Just know that this is a DeTemple '56 custom, refinished in what Jim at Tradarama calls "Zsa Zsa Black", which could be named after Michael DeTemple's cat depending upon how you read the description.

Here's the important thing to know kids... DeTemple is pretty much the guru Strat builder's guru Strat builder-- and there's a 36 month waiting list for new DeTemple guitars. Last I checked at least. Maybe since the mortgage crisis that's changed to... oh, 48 months. I really don't know. Why don't you go check, ok.

One thing I do know for sure is that Tradarama has at least three DeTemple S-types in stock RIGHT NOW for anyone to procure RIGHT NOW!

It's really a matter of priority, see. Say you drive a BMW M6 or a Benz 500S or 600S. If you were willing to get your priorities right, you could acquire two new Camry's, all three DeTemple's and give wifey a spiffy kitchen remodel for the same money.

That kitchen thing is real important too, guys!

If you don't roll that high, consider selling a kidney. It's still worth it, and you don't have to wait 36 months! So, what's on YOUR to-do list for the upcoming week? Let's toughen up and face these decisions together. I'm available for counseling.


DeTemple search @ebay
(I'm feeling lucky.)




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Top 10 Free Internet Radio Sites


"Got work to do on the computer and need to make it go faster? Then grab a pair of headphones, the below top ten places to get online radio, and make the work fly by with your favorite music. Best of all, these stations are completely free to listen to and work with a pop up blocker..."

onlineitdegrees.org blog lists out TEN you oughta know about!

They didn't list my current favorite though...

#11 - imeem.com


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10/22/09

Fender Sonny Landreth Artist Model Coming?

(photo: http://travelerblues.blogspot.com)
Sonny Landreth Artist Strat?Attention Slidin' Strat geeks!!!

Just something I caught on the news wires, but not at Sonny's site or Fender.com, so take it for what it's worth and stay tuned in.

From a recent Sonny Landreth piece by Beth Peerless at: www.montereyherald.com

"...The Americana Music Association awarded him Instrumentalist of the Year in 2005, and he has a signature Fender Stratocaster guitar in the works, the legendary guitar maker's first model made especially for slide guitar. It's slated to come out next year..."






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1997 Sampson Matchless DC-30 For Bids

Boutique Guitar Amp Auction

Matchless DC-30 Rear View
Sampson Era Matchless DC-30 Combo Green and Black


Some serious tone amp p*o*r*n here kids!!!


I can almost hear this one resonating on that wood floor! Nice floor too.

100% rated eBay seller: vintageguitarspc is listing this very clean Matchless Sampson era DC-30. The item description is pretty straightforward, so anyone interested should do the diligence, ask the questions, decide and bid if this makes sense for you. Or just get drunk...









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Travel Guitar Reviews

travel guitars
Air travel really sucks nowadays, thanks to the effects of global terrorism and the economy.

Now more than ever is the time to consider a travel guitar. Goofy compact guitars have been around for a long time, but we're seeing a larger selection and variety to choose from these days. And with the way things are now, compact guitars just aren't so goofy anymore! The stupid airlines are real picky about what they let you carry on, they gouge you for what you have to check, they can lose or destroy what you check and you never know the carry-on policy from airline to airline. I think guitar players pretty much know to stay away from United.

All the more reason for a travel guitar!

Best Travel Guitars has assembled and reviewed a large variety of compact travel guitars in one convenient place for your research and comparison.



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eLutherie.org - Exploring the Limits of Guitar Design

Forshage Guitar
About the same time I began Stratoblogster- a little over 3 years ago- another blog called "Building the Ergonomic Guitar" was also starting up. Guitar blogger Rob Irizarry was presenting alternative and less traditional guitar/bass design concepts focusing on player ergonomics, for the sake of performance as well as player safety, and emphasizing ways to avoid Repetitive Strain Injury RSI.

That blog has evolved into eLutherie.org , a website which expands those early concepts into a collaborative think tank experience for presenting innovative builders and sharing ideas.

While I rambled on with my thing, and many other guitar blogs packed it in, Rob actually created something rich and useful! ;)))

Whether or not you're interested in funny looking guitars is actually beside the point. eLutherie.org is an important site to watch for inspiration and ideas beyond the cosmetics which can be applied to your own projects or any physical issues you may face resulting from RSI.

A parallel example could be vintage classic cars. Even though most of us dig how they look and drive, we know that current race car designs embrace state-of-the-art technology in crash safety as well as speed, handling and accident avoidance. As guitar players eventually decide to explore beyond vintage tastes, it's good to know what awaits ahead to fascinate us, inspire new music, ease our aches and pains and in some cases even restore our playing altogether!

Meet the future at eLutherie.org!


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10/21/09

Neal Fox - Take Out the Trash





Here's a nice lookin' Strat, but an even better message from Neal Fox of Wire Duck Records.

We don't get political at Stratoblogster, but I dig this! Seems like you just empty the trash can-- then you turn around, and it's full again!

Let's give Neal Fox a Nobel Prize!



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10/20/09

Sambora 64 Strat on eBay by Norman's Rare Guitars!

Rock Star Guitar Sale Auction BIN
'64 Sonic Blue Strat Sambora
Strat Collector Alert!!!

Another cool find from Clinton at The Guitar Column!

Featured above as item ID # 180416686465 is a sonic blue 1964 Strat formerly owned by Richie Sambora who actually bought it from Norman's, and recently traded it back to them. According to the listing the guitar is quite clean-- the only non-original item being a 3 to 5 position switch swap out. Otherwise it's supposed to be completely original.

Most long time guitar geeks are familiar with Norman's Rare Guitars, a long time legendary SoCal based gear dealer. Well, recently they've started listing some inventory on eBay as seller name normansguitars . Besides the '64 above, they have a few other interesting guitars listed, including an Olympic White NOS Hendrix reverse model and a brand new American Vintage '57 in White Blonde.


Hi-end Strat Listings



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