Happy New Year!

THANKS FOR READING!!!





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Pick Punch For DIY Guitar Picks

Make Guitar Picks out of credit cards!


Here's a nifty item that may not even be at NAMM. Nonetheless, out of all the new stuff we're starting to see, the Pick Punch really caught my attention.

Mrs. Stratoblogster insists this handy tool was inspired by scrapbooking tools which allow you to punch out all sorts of shapes. And of course, we're kicking ourselves for not thinking of this one!

Beyond just selling the punch, the Pick Punch site sells a variety of pick material in sheets and provides lots of ideas for punching picks out of stuff we already have around. I'd like to use credit cards! They even have clear polycarbonate sheet material in which you can sandwich virtually any printed or graphic material, and literally create your own unique picks at a fraction of what we pay for picks today.

Yeah, why didn't I think of this one...

NOTE: I got one! It works great!!!

Pick Punch at eBay

(Immediate shipping!)


Check out my groovy DEMO VID



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Frank Verrilli's 3 Humbucker Strat

Last August we had one of Frank Verrilli's carved art Strats in a Friday Strat feature. Besides guitar building, Verrilli is a prolific sculptor and painter with works on display internationally in some pretty high class joints.

Now, Frank seems to be getting more focused on Tone Sculpting with the introduction of his 3 HB config. demo'd above by Austin guitar groovemaster Lance Keltner. I know this isn't the first time someone's put 3 HB's in a Strat, but there's more goin' on with the switching/split configs and the ironic use of Lindy Fralin pickups. I only say "ironic" cuz, Fralin is known as a guru for single coil Strat pickups, and yet Verrilli is going with Lindy's HB's. But Keltner's demo tells the story better than my ramblings with his good Austin chops in the vibe of neighborhood players like David Grissom & David Holt.

Frank Verilli Guitars are available through boutique purveyor Destroy All Guitars

See also:

fvcustomguitars.com
frankverrilli.com - Complete art works site

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Seafoam Tom Anderson Atom Special

Click pics for BIG views!

Not necessarily Stratty, but beautiful!

Ya gotta love this clean Tom Anderson Atom Special with deep caramel colored binding against a seafoam finish. The colors, features and styling lines make for an all around classic hybrid electric guitar. The locking tuners, Buzz Feiten config, switching and pickups make it totally contempo.

Includes case, candy & cert. Which case... I'm not sure, since it's pictured with two different cases.

Seller: sandiego_postrock_soccer

Item ID# 150400352506


Find Hi-end Strats

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Catalinbread Pedal Auction for Little Kids Rock Charity

Catalinbread is currently auctioning this first run WIIO pedal at eBay. 100% of the winning bid goes to Little Kids Rock, an organization committed to supporting and revitalizing school music programs.

Get details on the pedal, the charity and eBay's Giving Works program for their users at the following listing link:

Item ID# 270507167464

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Recent Robin Trower - Jack Bruce Clip

Gibson Lifestyle blog posted this clip from a recent Netherlands performance, along with a cool article on the Bruce-Trower collaboration Seven Moons Live. In spite of their age, these cats still have IT. Jack Bruce's voice sounds great as ever, and Trower's vibrato gives me the goose bumps as always. Drummer Gary Husband more than fills the bill here, having worked in monster fusion formats with Allan Holdsworth. Great quality vid overall!

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Guitar Pedal Demo Video Library

TunnelVision Music has compiled and organized a whole lotta the web's best effects pedal demo vids into a handy data base which you can search either by pedal brand or type.

TunnelVision stocks a wide variety of boutique pedals. Now, besides just reading product reviews and sales copy, you can also watch pedal demos before deciding to order pedals online.

Also check out FAT TONE GUITARS for lots of interesting pedals and post holiday specials on effects you're not gonna find at the local GC.

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Guitar Adoptions Girls Calendar

Pre-owned Joe Strummer Road Worn Telecaster

Girl? Where?

Just a reminder to get your 2010 Guitar Adoptions calendar. And while there, be sure to check out the pre-owned pages in their Electrics menu category. Pictured above is a pre-owned Joe Strummer Tele which comes with hard shell case and all case candy, including the Art Customization Kit Fender included with the first 1500 Strummer Tele models.


Click Here to order a calendar.

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Merry Christmas from Albert King!!!

Here ya go kids! Enjoy the world's finest Christmas song. Do you hear me?

Merry Ho! Ho! from Stratoblogster!!!

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Order Fender Guitar Calendar

Available at AMAZON:

Fender Custom Shop 2010 Wall Calendar (Calendar)

Although you probably won't get it by Christmas at this point, you can still have the new Custom Shop Calendar before Jan. 1, and still be able to start 2010 on the right foot.

I thought it would be important to share this as a public service.

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Defiantly Starkly Purple Voodoo - Strats With Issues #8

This one actually has some highly redeeming points, but the cheesy listing and wacky spelling errors are a bit on the distracting side. The idea that eBay seller jalubieto's less than 100% rating may stem from a lack of proof reading skill is entirely plausible.

Otherwise, ya gotta dig that neck maple. The CS stamp and GC Anniversary neck plate pics are clear. I wish the pickups were reverse angle too, but not all Hendrix Strats had that-- even the "Voodoo" tagged models. And lastly, if purple sparkly no matter how defiantly starkly does it for you... well, maybe we've found your ultimate soul mate. But do your homework kids!

Anyway... Lately things, they don't seem the same.

more Strats With Issues

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Alex Nolan - NYC Strat-o-Sister

Guitar girls

Adam, a loyal reader & occasional contributor let me know about Alex Nolan, an NYC based Strat-o-Sister who gigs and teaches guitar in the NY area. The video above is a very respectable cover of VH's Panama! Anyone who's seen those live vids of John Mayer's sloppy Panama covers with an EVH Frankenstein Strat will especially appreciate Alex Nolan's style & execution. Another Youtube clip we found features her ripping up on slide over a cover of The Eagles' Heartache Tonight. Alex frequently performs with bassist Amanda Ruzza; also making herself known as a gal rocker with respectable chops.

Find out more about Alex Nolan:

www.alexnolan.com

www.myspace.com/alexnolanmusic

Strat-o-Sister's Directory

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Deals on John Mayer Strats

This clean lookin' leather sofa bound Mayer Strat is just one of a few good condition pre-owned JM's currently listed a eBay (sofa not included). However, if you're seeking heavy relic skank, the latest eBay John Mayer Strat Results also include another black Mayer tribute Strat by Rittenhouse Guitars down in Florida, known for their extreme work.

More new & pre-owned JM Strats:

MUSICIAN'S FRIEND

GUITAR CENTER



Take it from Stewie:

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KGC Brass Trem Block Demo Video

Guitar Bridge & Trem Parts

I've promoted KGC brass blocks before, and have one in my Strat. But since I'm such a weenie not to have yet done a demo video, here's a pretty good demo just uploaded to Youtube by Lance Olsen. Bear with the talking in the beginning-- he gets to playing, and you'll wanna hear the sustain and definition he's getting with a clean, straight signal. It would have been nice to hear a before comparison with the old block first. But just like me, in all the anxiousness to install the new one, demoing the stock block was overlooked.

My '94 - 40th Anniversary USA Strat also came with a lightweight zinc-ish type block, so a US produced model doesn't always guarantee a hefty steel block. MIM owners are definitely experiencing nice benefits from the KGC blocks. They are machined from hi-grade heavy bell brass.

Find them in-stock for immediate shipment at the Killer Guitar Components.

Stocking Stuffer Recommended!

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Custom Art Guitar Pickguards by Didier Guyote-Viviane

Our fellow blogger from muzicosphere.com let us know about these cool pickguards by an artist in France. They're also giving away two Didier pickguards that are signed and numbered on the back. Just click the above link for details on how to score your fine art pickguards!

more Custom Graphics Pickguard resources!

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Luis Metal Kid - Philippines' Young Guitar Wonder

One of our readers "Joeyboy" let us know about 9 year old Ramon Luis Galang of Quezon City, Philippines. I didn't expect the above cover of Eric Johnson's "Manhattan" to come from a 9 year old "Metal Kid". Pretty cool huh!

www.youtube.com/LuisMetalKid
Luis' Facebook Fans

Young Wonder's Directory

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Bill Nash S-67 Gilmour Look - #152 Friday Strat

Nash Signed Gilmour Tribute Guitar
 

Food & Beverage Suggestion:
Seared Ahi Steak
Black & Tan - (Guinness and Bass)

Anyone wanting a good player's S-type in a classic relic'd Gilmour theme, without Fender fru fru and cost, oughta get over to Fat Tone Guitars and check out this new Nash S-67. Signed and dated by Bill the builder (yes he can!) behind that fat 70's headstock, this unit sports special Lollar pickups, intuitive wear & tear and comes with a hardshell case.

Although Lollar makes a few Strat pickup sets, i.e. Tweed, Blackface, etc., the Lollar pups on Nash guitars are always a custom workup between Bill and Jason who live in close proximity, and go way back.

Friday Strat Archive


More Bill Nash Guitars


Hi-End Strats

Current Listings - Top Dealers

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50th Anniversary Custom Shop Gold '56 Relic

Click pics for closeups!

It's always kinda funny when they list a relic model as "MINT" condition. I mean, who's gonna know if it got dropped in a gravel driveway or tied to the roof rack for a road trip through a hail storm.

Anyway, this Aztec Gold '56 Relic looks like it's supposed to look, and as long as everything works & nothing is missing you're gettin' the real deal. It's a Time Machine Series, Team Build from a 100 piece run. The seller rates good and includes lots of photos & details, including s/n, radius and neck profile, etc. The COA, case and all case candy are clean, dry, serviceable, all present and accounted for-- as they say in the USAF.

Seller: guitargalleriaauctions (check their other items too!!!)

Current Item ID# 370306693282


More Hi-End Strats

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Stratoblogster Holiday Planning Updates

Posting will be more intermittent due to holiday travel and activities. Been busy with usual stuff just like everyone out there this time of year. We're also flying out to the Eastern US for the holidays (from Portland, OR).

We'll be in Western NY, near Buffalo & Rochester.

Buffalo has a pretty cool Blues scene, and I'll be sampling real hot wings, a regional sandwich called "Beef on Weck", great pizza, Zweigles hot dogs-- and my all time favorite, Pasta Fagioli from Santasiero's.

Any readers from the area should feel free to comment! I need recommendations on local brew products.

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"TIGERIZE" Your Strat With Multiple Pin-up Decals!!!

Why add only one pin-up decal to your axe, when 12 will do?!

*Hectic Decals stocks a variety of pin-up decal assortment packs with up to twelve different classic pin-up model decals per package. And if you still need MORE, Rockin' Billy's stocks trem covers and pickguards with pin-up graphics.

What better way is there to "Tigerize" your tone woods than with a full complement axecourt services collage that you can do yourself. And the best part is that these little two dimensional beauties don't say nuthin' to nobody! They just keep your Strat all sportin' and trim.

Top that off with some golf ball knobs & a tee selector switch and you're all set!

*Pin-up Suppliers Directory

Pimp Your Strat - Complete resource directory for mods and refinishing.

Note: In some cases, prior approval by spouse may be necessary. Possible side effects include smashed guitar, incineration, missing parts or clipped strings. Stratoblogster is not responsible for incidence of domestic violence resulting from Strat "TIGERIZATION" projects and practices.

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Gibson DUSK TIGER WOODS Guitar???

Control plate/pickguard on new Gibson Dusk Tiger Woods

(parody)

Yet another detail to leak from last month's Gibson raid. It's been disclosed that US Federal Fish & Wildlife agents also seized the metallic pickguard/control plates (above) intended for a proposed DUSK TIGER WOODS model. According to one agent, who asked not to be identified, "Fish & Wildlife can really use stuff like this! Seems like the US Forest Service and National Parks Service folks get all the cool bling-- and we just get crap..."

Along with Robot features, the Dusk Tiger Woods model is rumored to accommodate auto-texting presets, programmable spouse detection and self defense alert field protection system monitoring, compact first aid kit and a nifty ball washer.


Stratoblogster Labs

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DIY Gilmour 0001 Strat Replica - Friday #151

"Faker Startocaster"

Food & Beverage Suggestion:

Bubble & Squeak
Toad-in-the-Hole
Newcastle Brown Ale

Meet the "Faker Startocaster"; a home DIY project by Ross Edwards in London, submitted by loyal reader, Nigel. Aside from the clever headstock decals done by Ross himself, the Strat is a nod to the David Gilmour owned 0001 which is supposed to be Fender's very first production Stratocaster.

Ross's blog has lot's of details. Be sure to click all his post footer tags, as he's written various blog posts about the project under different category tags, including how the decals were created-- and how he matched the paint. Although our UK readers won't have any problems, you'll also have fun sorting through Ross's occasional British expressions and terms i.e. "dead chuffed" and "cocked up".

Thanks again to Nigel (a fine Brit name!) for contributing to this week's Friday Strat!

And NO, this Strat is not for sale or listed at eBay.

Friday Strat Archive

Fine Strats for Sale

Top Dealers

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Custom Shop Robben Ford Elite Quilt Top

For Sale Rare collector's top signature guitar

Collector Alert!


We're jumpin' off the Strat wagon for just a saturated pork fat minute to bring you this very special eBay "Buy It Now!" item from Dallas based 100% rated seller: 516608457

Current Item ID# 190356099594

The listing contains plenty of details on this Fender Custom Shop built Robben Ford Elite with rare quilted maple top. Due diligence!


Gourmet Guitar Listings

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imeem.com Over to MySpace Music

I just discovered my favorite free online music play list site is gone.

imeem users are currently being redirected to the MySpace Music site, which as of this moment doesn't provide our imeem playlist access.

According to MySpace Music in-charge Owen Van Natta, as quoted at telegraph.co.uk :

"...In the coming weeks, our team will be working to take the aspects of Imeem that users love and migrate them to MySpace Music," he said. "We'll start that transition today by redirecting Imeem users to MySpace Music to discover their favourite music. As quickly as possible, we'll be working to offer users the Imeem playlists they've created on MySpace Music...."

imeem users are supposed to receive an email notifying them when their imeem playlists have been migrated to MySpace Music. I'm kinda takin' this with a grain of salt, and not holding my breath. We shall see...

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Biennial Experience Hendrix Tour in March 2010

Guitar World just reported about the upcoming Biennial Experience Hendrix all star tour in March of 2010.

Featured guitar players will include Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, KWS, Doyle B. and Ernie Isley among others. Rhythm section includes Billy Cox and Chris "Whipper" Layton.

Find out more at the GW link above, and at www.jimihendrix.com

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Give Guitar Prints & Posters for the Holidays!

Guitar Art

David Gilmour

Wuh??

Guitar art is another cool gift idea! Sites like Art.com and AllPosters.com offer a large and varied selection of guitar/musician related posters and prints which can also be ordered framed.

The lower three prints by artist John Froehlich are available from his eBay Store FRO-ART-JAZZ-BLUES-ROCK-PAINTINGS where you'll find tons of prints. Froehlich mainly focuses on guitar players of all eras and genres, but also dishes up plenty of other music legends, pop icons and pop culture subject matter. If you really dig his style, chances are it's gonna be difficult narrowing down your choices.

The very top left SRV piece is by artist Rhonda Watson, and the 7 Strat poster is simply titled "Guitar Spectrum". Another cool SRV artist is Brenda Hurd who's work is available from Art.com and AllPosters.com.

And last but not least, I just couldn't resist posting the Froehlich print "Pool Hall Blonde".

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Steven Tyler Replacement Candidates

(photo: By George)

With the latest rumors of Lenny Kravitz as Aerosmith's possible next lead singer, let me just jump into the fray and recommend Ann- Margret!

Here's why:

Ann can sing and dance with the best of 'em. Has even worked with Elvis.

At only 6 years older than Tyler, she actually looks 6 years younger, and has a whole lot less mileage & baggage!

She's a legend and an icon.

She's hot! Aerosmith could benefit with a red head.

Ann- Margret can take a REAL fall from a stage and come back strong!
(If ya don't know what I'm talkin' about, just do your homework kidz!)

Oh yeah, she was also "ANN MARG-ROCK" on the Flintstones. Major resume item!!!

She also digs bikes, and is Sturgis-ready!

www.ann-margret.com

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Guitar Goddess Magazine Debuts!

Let's welcome the Nov/Dec 2009 debut issue of Guitar Goddess!

With all the guitar rags out there, a publication committed to featuring the ladies of guitar was way overdue.

In my quest for Strat-o-Sister's, I've discovered quite an uptrend of women who burn the fretboard. Actually, I don't know if it's an uptrend or me just becoming more aware they exist. Either way, thanks to the internet and sites like myspace and youtube, we've managed to feature and compile some great sisters over the past few years.

Finally, there's an official magazine for the women of guitar. Check out Guitar Goddess.

Found at Pribek!

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