Eric Johnson's Experience Hendrix Interview

photo credit: Max Crace

The Santa Barbara Independent recently featured a cool Eric Johnson interview as he sharpens his chops for the Experience Hendrix tour which kicks off on March 4, 2010 at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theater. The tribute tour also includes Satriani, Jonny Lang, KWS, Ernie Isley, Doyle Bramhall II, Susan Tedeschi, Robert Randolf, Living Colour, Chris & Tommy from Double Trouble, Cesar & David from Los Lobos, BILLY COX and more I'm sure.

Get the full scoop at: www.experiencehendrixtour.com

Here's an interesting excerpt from the EJ interview:

SBI: "People have been doing Hendrix covers for so many years. Is it still possible to find fresh angles on his music?"

EJ: "I think so. The strongest reason is because he was a great songwriter. He wrote really great songs with really great lyrics and nice melodies. It just so happened he was a brilliant, innovative guitarist. But I think what makes him stand the test of time for many generations is the fact that he wrote great songs, great music, and great melody. It’s music that people can take in their heart and soul and be moved by it, or connect with it, or feel it and enjoy it. And that’s going to speak a lot louder than what he did on the guitar."

A great example of what Eric's talking about here is Austin guitarist Phil Brown's album of Hendrix covers with Brown's own twist, as opposed to something Randy Hansen does.

Click Here for a sample. Phil Brown - The Jimi Project @Amazon



Current Eric Johnson Strat Listings

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Katalina Gonzalez, Bogota Strat-o-Sister

Latin, Fusion, Funk Guitar Girl from Columbia

I discovered Katalina Gonzalez that Truth In Shredding blog. She's based in Bogota, Columbia.

The slapping stuff is only a little part of what she does. She's an all around fusion freak as you can hear at:

www.myspace.com/katalinaguitarra

Her myspace player tunes are killer. The tune PURE DE PEPA is kind of a Rush meets Tribal Tech. Then she's off into other directions! The bio at her myspace isn't in English. Anyone who feels like translating any interesting points is welcome to post a comment, which I can edit into this post. ed note: see comments.

www.youtube.com/user/kataguitarra


Strat-o-Sisters Directory

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CARR Rambler 112 Alligator & Matching Boots

Lucchese Classics Crocodile Belly Cowboy Boots, Mens - $839.99

There's a few Carr Ramblers floatin' around out there right now, but they ain't alligator models.
The boots may not be a perfect match, but close enough. If someone criticizes this combo, you simply place a boot where it counts and kick up the volume.

CARR Amplifiers RAMBLER 112

Custom Alligator Color

"The bluesy and buttery tone of this vintage-style amp is already garnering raves. The Rambler excels in the studio, at small to medium sized clubs, and its superb sound at low volume makes it great for playing at home. Class A cathode bias 6L6 output stage Zero feedback Single channel with reverb and tremolo Pentode-Triode power switch 28 watts pentode 14 watts triode Compact size."

Seller: Amp-Shop eBay Store, aka Bass Exchange, Sherman Oaks.

Item ID# 320478985846


Amp Listings Directory

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South Florida's Young Royal Guitar Wonder

Thirteen year old Royal Hayes is our newest Young Guitar Wonder inductee. Bout time I featured a new one of these! Royal has been playing guitar for "almost 3 years".

"Almost"... Y'know how almost doesn't count except for hand grenades, nukes, etc... I think we can add Royal Hayes to that list.

Say's Royal's mom:

"...He really loves anything with a string on it. He plays blues, bluegrass, jazz, you name it. If it sounds good he likes it. His influences are Hendrix, SRV, Duane Allman, RL Burnside, George Benson, Tony Rice, John Mayer, Jimmy Page. He is a humble kid who just loves to play acoustic or electric, fingerpick or flat pick. He has been studying with Tom Floyd for about a year..."

Another arrival from the South Saturn Delta Force. The kid is into trick gear too i.e. Swart amps and Luther Drives (built by none other than Youtube sensation, the Gearmanndude himself).

Check out Royal's eclectic video inventory at: www.youtube.com/user/Vapor40

Special kudos to the Hayes parental units and teacher Tom Floyd for fueling a young spirit!!!


Young Guitar Wonders Directory

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G&L Shoreline Gold Legacy - Lefty & Regular

Click image for big close-up!

Guitar Adoptions currently has two brand new Shoreline Legacy's in stock-- a righty & a lefty! Although Shoreline Gold is most closely associated with Fender, the term "Shoreline Gold" isn't a Fender owned color designation. Most of Fender's classic custom color options derive from 50's American automobile finishes. Specifically regarding Shoreline Gold-- according to Guitar ReRanch, "It was first seen on the '59 Pontiac and used from '60 to '65 by Fender..."

Anyway, Guitar Adoptions has a large selection of custom order G&L models as well as other cool lines like Michael Tuttle, Flaxwood & others. I'd almost wanna get the lefty Shoreline and string it righty- voodoo style. Dave at GA probably stocks more lefty and semi-hollow G&L than any other dealer.

A little tip-- when checking gear prices at Guitar Adoptions, always be sure to click their item page shopping cart button for the special discount amount. Their "MAP" pricing is NOT your actual cost!

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Happy Birthday George Harrison!

(image: www.nellieoapple.net)

Actually, a belated happy birthday. Yesterday, February 25 was George's birthday. He was born in 1943. The above photo with his "Rocky" Strat is pretty common around the net.

All things must pass...

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Vintage Fender Princeton Reverb Amp Finds

Princeton Amps for sale

Cursor over thumbnails for more info. Click image to visit full item listing.

Here's a handly little widget for checking the latest listings on Fender Princeton Reverb amps. The mid-60's Blackface models are most desirable. Vintage Princeton's are a legendary studio amp as well as a platform for other successful amp lines. Mesa Boogie founder Randall Smith established himself early on, hot-rodding Princetons.

eBay is a good place to find them. Always seek long time sellers with good ratings, and be sure to get any questions answered.

If you're not into auctions, look for "Buy It Now!" listings-- many of these are posted by established gear dealers as opposed to private sellers.

Refer to the EBAY VINTAGE GUITAR AMPLIFIER GUIDE for more valuable tips.

Check our Amp Directory for current listings results on other top make/model, boutique & vintage amps.

Click Here for info. about new 65 RI Princeton amps modded by George Alessandro.

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1983 Custom Pensa-Suhr - Friday Feature #159

Early model Rudy Pensa- John Suhr built Strat

Seller: hoznomore

A Strat for Friday #159

This is definitely a piece of guitar history, but the seller is kinda off the deep end in more ways than one. Okay, first of all he's the original owner, and he custom ordered this guitar back in '83 from John Suhr back when Suhr was with Rudy Pensa in NYC. So it's killin' this guy to part with the guitar. Hence, he's askin' lotsa $$$ for it, and the long winded listing description is charged up with so much drama that you can cut it with a chain saw.
Look's like he's re-listed it at least once, and ain't no bidders yet.

Regardless, his heart rendering essay also includes a fair amount of background on the Pensa-Suhr days. It's interesting reading if you can take the stress fest. The seller is based in NYC, so maybe folks from there will read this and wonder what's the fuss. Still, I get about 3 paragraphs deep and the voice of George Costanza in a tirade takes over, and Kramer's gonna fly through the door any second.

Friday Strat Archive

SUHR Guitar Listings

Hi-end Strats

Top Dealers

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The Strat Tones of Philip Sayce

Here's some live Philip Sayce stuff from last Summer. Philip is kinda like Canada's answer to John Mayer without all the Hollywood can't seem to shut up trip. I'd say in this case Canada be kickin' some USA a$$!

Whole lotta Philip Sayce on Youtube for those just getting acquainted with him.

One of our first Strat-o-Brother inductees.

philipsayce.com

Check out: Philip Sayce-Peace Machine @Amazon

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Guitar Vibrato Technique Demo Video

Back in October '08, I wrote the most long winded thesis about vibrato technique. Then I did a recent follow up because some commenter was tryin' to bust my balls about it.

So, here's a 3 minute video which actually shows what I was talking about. People really struggle with vibrato, and nobody actually breaks down the mechanics involved. People either get it or they don't. Those that do seem almost sworn to secrecy.

I hope this helps somebody out. I'm currently in the witness protection program with Tom Edison's dog.


Vibrato Technique Saga - Those were big caffeine days!


Here's an "expert video" about vibrato technique which manages to show you absolutely NOTHING about HOW vibrato is accomplished. This is why I rant!

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Ultimate Relic Vintage Blonde Strat - John Cruz

Fender Custom Shop

Click images for close-ups!

Mary Kaye Crack Whore?

Wouldn't it totally suck if new Custom Shop Relics also included fret wear! Cuz if they did, this guitar would definitely need a refret.

I mean, imagine if it were really like that just so everything would fit the theme-- and complete artistic reproduction took priority over function. And look at those pickups-- what if they didn't work because they were corroded to death in the Relic process. You're already spending big bucks, then if you also wanna actually play it ya gotta get a re-fret and working pickups right out of the box.

Kinda makes the new car undercoating & interior protection up-sell seem tame!

Well fortunately, it's not true. But otherwise, Masterbuilder John Cruz just got plumb medieval on this one! Looks like he pee'd in those pickups for a coupla weeks at least. Ok, I'll stop it.

Let's see... Oh yeah, this IS a NEW guitar, complete with new vintage tweed case and factory warranty. Maybe you can even purchase an extended warranty and undercoating. It's got a soft "V" 9.5" radius neck and custom 50's pickups. Body is select alder-- as opposed to non-select alder I guess.

When you own a guitar like this, you gotta have a story too. Ya can't just tell people:

"The Fender guitar company makes these nifty guitars they call Relics, which they try to replicate years and years of wear & tear, thankless gigs and the rough life of a veteran, career guitar player who has paid his dues, umm... who isn't me."

You especially don't wanna conclude that statement with a "Ya dern tootin'" a la William H. Macy in the movie FARGO.

Instead, you address any questions or comments about the Strat with more of a Sam Elliott approach, i.e. a long pause, followed by, "Just got it out of hock after meth rehab. Been divorced 5 times but the Strat is in under my skin... Have you ever had a gamma globulin shot?"

That'll be a real ice breaker.

Anyway, did I mention this new guitar is for sale?

Seller: The Music Zoo eBay Store

Current Item ID# 370336574244

Hi-end Strat Listings

 CURRENT ITEMS - TOP SELLERS

Relic Resource Links - Do this YOURSELF!

Pimp Your Strat - Rehab your Relic!

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Custom Engraved Strat - Tele Neck Plates

GuitarHeads has a large variety of all your favorites engraved on neck plates. The Keef Richards one looks like he's falling down.

Also CLICK HERE for a source of very nice photo engraved plates.

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MOJO - Definition Of

(image - www.luckymojo.com)

The term MOJO is used a lot in the guitar & guitar gear culture. It kinda adds spice and breaks up the monotony of the term TONE. Like maybe if you really have a handle on the tone thing, you graduate into MOJO class. Or maybe your tone sucks but it doesn't matter cause your attitude rules. Seems like that anyway.

Our great Blues Fathers talked about it, which is why we talk about it and use the term to sell things today.

Catherine Yronwode, an expert in Hoodoo practice gives a thorough and extensive explanation of MOJO at luckymojo.com -- Here's a short excerpt:

"...So what is a mojo? It is, in short, the staple amulet of African-American hoodoo practice, a flannel bag containing one or more magical items. The word is thought by some to be a corruption of the English word "magic" but it more likely is related to the West African word "mojuba," meaning a prayer of praise and homage. It is a "prayer in a bag" -- a spell you can carry..."

BTW, she doesn't think much of Mr. Mojo Risin' Morrison. Don't mess with her. "The monkey lives here! You just vistin'!"

Lightnin' Hopkins' Mojo Hand was probably a little bag of magical items.

The Johnny Concheroo in Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" refers to John The Conquerer Root aka High John, which as it turns out is the tuberous root of the St. John's Wort herb, used today as a natural alternative for treating depression. Sometimes this root and others resemble a hand and thus may also be referred to as a Mojo Hand.

While surfing around eBay Stores for "Voodoo Strats", I discovered a bunch of Stores for Voodoo, Hoodoo, Wiccan and other metaphysical stuff. These stores sell jewelry, potions, lotions, roots and spells. Imagine buying a friggin' SPELL on eBay! Well, a few of these stores have been selling at eBay for over 10 years, and maintain 100% ratings. In fact, one merchant in particular has nearly 20K positive ratings with ZERO negatives-- SELLING SPELLS! There are spells to help your financial situation, love life, worry, heath, weight problems, handling your boss-- y'know, all the usual stuff.

But Mojo must be real! How else could someone do thousands of transactions, selling magic spells without a single dissatisfied customer?! Maybe most people are superstitious of dealing with Voodoo merchants, and don't wanna give themselves bad karma by complaining if their spell didn't work. Some may even be Toyota drivers, some may be litigation attorneys and some may be pharmaceutical reps or expert witness psychiatrists.

Oh yeah, you're supposed to keep your Mojo Bag or Mojo Hand out of sight and completely to yourself too. If someone sees it, the magic can go away.

How this all pertains to guitars, gear and guitar playing is metaphorical. Just remember to always keep one foot in the Blues.


Stratoblogster Labs - Where the best ideas emerge only to rust.

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Who Really Reads Stratoblogster - #8 T.W.

parody

"My entire life has been devoted to Golf A$$ Success-- later de-euphemizing simply into Girl Acquisition Syndrome. But now in rehab, and with severely filtered internet access I think I may have discovered my true G.A.S. at Stratoblogster!

Guitar Gear Acquisition Syndrome is the G.A.S. that makes sense for me at this point. I've secretly always wanted to play guitar anyway, and knew that my natural golf talent would eventually earn me enough to start off on the right foot with the serious boutique gear.

In spite of recent events in my life, when things settle down I'm still gonna have more than enough money to buy the Anaheim Convention Center on NAMM week. Fact, that's probably what I'll do next January, just to have the last laugh. Then I'll hire Steve Vai & Joe Satriani for guitar lessons and Allan Holdsworth to tune my guitars and make beer. Hangin' out with John Mayer for bootycall-- Naaaah! That was a joke! I was kiddin'! That's all behind me now.

Yeah, it's gonna be sweet! And I have the Stratoblogster Guitar Blog to thank for helping me get through everything and find my new path in life! GUITARS! LOTS OF GUITARS AND GUITAR PROCUREMENT! AS MANY AS I WANT! WHENEVER I WANT 'EM TOO!

HAHAAAAAAA!!! I CAN'T WAIT!

Henry & I are already talking about the DUSK TIGER WOODS. Check out the totally bitchin' control plate/pickguard idea I came up with during my therapy. The Doc says it shows that I'm improving because sex is shifting into artistic thought. Doc knows best!










DUSK TIGER WOODS PICKGUARD/CONTROL PLATE


See ya at NAMM! My NAMM!"



Who Reads Stratoblogster Archive

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Tremol-No Your Stratocaster Bridge For Under $50 !

Block Strat Trem the Easy Way!

(image:www.tremol-no.com)
No, Mercedes Benz hasn't started making disposable shavers...

Tricked Out Guitar is still selling Tremol-No units for under $50, including free shipping! That's the best deal-- check around yourself!

T.O.G. is also a Stellartone Tonestyler dealer and can save you $ on Stellartone products too.

(Note: Sale prices are temporary & subject to change. Now is still a good time to get a Tremol-No.)

Tremol-No quickly turns your guitar into a hardtail and/or converts a floating trem to dive only mode. Whichever you need. This device requires no mods, and installs or uninstalls in seconds, permitting you to use it and not use it throughout a gig on one guitar (just keep the spring cavity cover plate off like Eric Johnson sez).

Strat-type trems, including Fender, Wilkinson & Gotoh utilize the model 2005 "pin type". For other guitar/trem types see this CHART. Tremol-No installs in the spring cavity in place of a spring. Check this VIDEO for complete details.

Tremol-No is also supposed to improve sustain since it adds resonance conducting mass between the body and the trem block. It also solves problems that expensive, odd looking "gadget" retro-fit trem units have been promising-- "What's that weird thing on your guitar?!".

Tremol-No doesn't alter your guitar's appearance.

HOT STRAT GUITAR MODS & PARTS
Strat Wiring Diagram Schematics

Find Prewired Loaded Pickguards, Pickups, Bodies, Necks, Wiring Mods, Pin-up Decals, Skins, DIY Tips and more!

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Feb. 23, 2010 - Name That Guitar Player

(image: "Blindfolded Man" by artist Tim Teebken)

Click the player below and let us know who's playing the guitar.

Clue Nazi: "No Clue for YOU!!!"

Leave a comment if you know!

Leave your answer, or check "guess status" via the comments/comment link below.

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Suhr Scott Henderson Prototype??

John Suhr Henderson Guitar Model

click images for close-up

Here's an interesting find by Clinton at The Guitar Column, whose content I chronically seem to be scamming on lately;))

This is supposed to belong to a series of early original models John Suhr was putting together for Scott Henderson. None of this is really nailed down in the eBay listing description, but you may try contacting Suhr about ser# "1554" just for giggles and verification.

A couple interesting points from the order sheet:

1) The pickup section, the bridge pup specifies "NOT HOT".

In this video clip Scott mentions a preference for keeping all 3 coils the same spec., with NO hot pickups.

2) The string spec is 11-49 Eb.

Now compare above sheet to Suhr's Henderson model PDF spec sheet.

Besides the Fletcher-Landau's replacing the JST V60 pickups, and addition of the BPSSC unit both spec sheets share key Henderson DNA.

The current listing expires Wednesday, Feb 24 at 7PM-PST, so don't mull it over too long. Do the due diligence and hit it if it's real!

Seller: dallas_craig

Current Item ID# 160405557376

Suhr Guitar Listings

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Fulltone Clyde Wah Pedal - Heavy Duty Built!

Black & White!

These are rugged pedals! Check out that bolt in the pivot area.

Trivia time: The name "Clyde" is taken from the old 60's VOX Clyde McCoy model wah pedals, named after the 1930's Jazz trumpet player who was known for using a toilet plunger to make wah wah sounds with his horn.

So, there you have the derivation of the wah pedal in one sentence.

Fulltone builds 'em tough too!


Fulltone Clyde pedals are available where better effects are sold:

TunnelVision Music

FAT TONE GUITARS

Fulltone Clyde's @eBay

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Jeff Beck's Ladies of the Bass - OR - Where's Tal?

This clip is from the Feb. 14 London show opening for Clapton, featuring two tunes; People Get Ready & Big Block. We also get a glimpse of Jeff's new bandmates including Narada Michael Walden-drums, Jason Rebello-keyboards and Rhonda Smith on bass.

Rhonda is a long time alum of Prince's New Power Generation band, as well as a few other high profile pop gigs. We're keeping our eyes peeled for more of Rhonda stepping outside a bit. I know the Tal fan club is watching to see what Rhonda can do. But ya gotta know that she can tear it up! Youtube user channel ericmiller500 above clip has the entire London O2 Arena Clapton/Beck performances on some nice quality HD.

The Guitar Channel has the latest Tal Wilkenfeld updates & links to help you keep track of Jeff's previous Bass phenomenon. Expect great future stuff from Tal!

Jeff Beck Blog

Jeff Beck Gear & Merch @eBay

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Michael DeTemple Spirit '56 Blonde S-Type

Titanium, Collectible Holy Grail Stratocaster auction

Very seldom do we see a DeTemple guitar on eBay. This is the 2nd time I've found and featured one. DeTemple's are pretty much the gourmet Strat builder's gourmet Strat. Being able to acquire one immediately, as opposed to DeTemple's 36 month typical waiting period, is a windfall in itself. Anyone seriously considering a DeTemple might do their homework* on this one and jump into the bidding if it makes good sense. Get that boat next summer.

Seller: midge5058

Current Item ID# 180472019317

DeTemple search @ebay - I'm feeling lucky...

* www.detempleguitars.com

ref: "Claude's Spirit '56"

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Fender Time Machine Series - '66 Teal Relic Strat

Custom Shop Teal Metallic Stratocaster

Click images for close-ups.

As we all go green, perhaps there's nothing more real than the feel of teal. This NEW Custom Shop Relic '66 is currently listed at Fuller's Vintage Guitar eBay Store.

Looks like Fender has reversed their no new gear on eBay policy, at least for Custom Shop guitars right now. I'm seeing new stuff at Fuller's and The Music Zoo as well. Both outfits have serious inventory!

Anyway, Fuller's has full specs and description on this '66 Relic Teal. The Strat comes with all candy, COA and case. Factory warranty too, since it's new!

Item ID# 290398004487


Hi-end Strat Listings

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Hubert Sumlin Guitar Lesson & Stories

This video is interesting on various levels. We have the legendary Hubert Sumlin backed up by Jimmy Vivino, Levon Helm and David Johansen. If that weren't enough, Hubert is showing us the correct way to play "Smokestack Lightening", with the added inset frame showing just his right hand. Sumlin's technique came into it's own when he got rid of the pick on the advice of his original boss Howlin' Wolf. True story.

Also, you gotta appreciate that the cat can dress. Check the Pork Pie Hat, double breasted coat and starched cuffs. And he's comfortable as can be.

Hubert is on the Crossroads Fest 2010 Line-up .

Another true story about Hubert Sumlin is that Eric Clapton once gave Hubert his "Blackie" Strat. Click Here for another clip with the whole story. You haven't lived until you hear Hubert imitate Clapton's English butler!

My other favorite Sumlin clip is the Coffee Story & lesson with his red Strat.


Get the entire Hubert Sumlin Homespun DVD!

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Vintage Guitar Restorer and Historian Interviewed

Collectible Guitar history

A brief jump off the Strat fashion track here talk about an interesting interview at Collector's Weekly with Richard Johnston, a co-founder of Gryphon Stringed Instruments, author and appraiser on "Antiques Roadshow".

He's really dug into some early history of American guitar design and points out some how's and why's about guitar building that are now standard. It's interesting reading for anyone curious about how certain things evolved the way they have.

Check it out! You're bound to find a few tidbits to impress your pals at that next bongo party or weenie roast.

eBay's Vintage Guitar Listing results. Display's highest priced first, so don't lose your mind-- or do.

The Chinery Collection - Rare collectible book on the legendary guitar collection of the late Scott Chinery. Current copies available via Amazon sellers.

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