Hendrix Machine Gun - Memorial Day Salute

The classic Band of Gypsies Fillmore East performance of Machine Gun is always the best Memorial Day salute. Especially in a time of war.

This clip is "colorized" a bit to go with the original album cover. And although the intro. and ending are chopped off, the stuff in between is priceless.

To all the soldiers!

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Eric Johnson Talks About Rosewood RW Model

Just uploaded at the Fender Youtube channel on 5/20/10, this clip of EJ discussing his RW Artist Strat continues to keep me at least in confusion about the pickup differences from the standard Maple version.

I've just gotta let it go I guess. Bottom line is that an RW is gonna sound & feel different than the maple-- and if you favor the RW's tonal characteristics, at least be sure to try a few more maples because the RW is more $$$.

Oh yeah, so check out his bridge pup adjustment in the video. There ya go!

more EJ Strat saga...


Discovered at The Guitar Column.

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Michael Landau Interview at Abstract Logix

Rich Murray of The Guitar Channel blog took major advantage of his recent L.A. trip to the Baked Potato Anniversary fest by scoring some serious interview time with Michael Landau. It's a great interview too! So great in fact, that it's featured at Abstract Logix-- click link for interview.

You'll get the latest on Landau's project with Robben Ford Renegade Creation, and lots about how they worked together.

Plus, PLENTY of juicy gear rundown!

Must read!!!

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D'Pergo Aged Vintage Limited Strat

2007 NAMM SHOW SPECIAL

Here's the first D'Pergo I've seen listed at eBay. D'Pergo is sorta like the East Coast equivalent of DeTemple. Besides the somewhat similar sounding names both lines are known for over-the-top craftsmanship, materials and pricing.

One D'Pergo trademark is the utilization of water/river recovered woods. Both the maple and swamp ash are certified old growth wood from decades at the bottom of great lakes or eastern logging runs. This body is ONE piece of swamp ash, and the neck is quartersawn. D'Pergo handwinds their own pickups Hardware is brushed nickel finish. Besides the COA pictured above the listing also includes the original fully itemized order sheet.

The Houston based seller also provides several pics showcasing this specimen in a grand Bob Guccione style that'll have you squinting and hoping the wifey doesn't suddenly walk in.

Definitely a trophy Strat for the deep of pockets, one need only visit dpergo.com and notice the menu link entitled, "acquire a D'Pergo" to get the idea.

Item ID# 130393151975

Seller: tejastubes


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Fender Custom Shop LTD Q1 '58 Relic Strat

With its candy apple red over gold undercoat nitro and gold anodized pickguard this relic Strat has a rustic regal vibe goin' on. Kinda reminds me of Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke.

The Strat is new and listed by an authorized Fender Custom Shop dealer, comes with COA, all case candy and LTD edition tweed center pocket case. The "Q1" means First Quarter for this model introduced in Jan. 2010.

The listing includes ALL specs and features in detail. Here's a brief description excerpt:

"Celebrating the 1950s look, but with modern features, this guitar is built for the working musician. It features hand-wound Abigail Ybarra pickups with a reverse-wound/reverse-pole middle pickup so that in the second and fourth switch positions the pickups cancel any hum. The guitar also has a flatter radius and taller 6105 frets for easier bending. The wiring is what we call “modern Strat” wiring, which lets the tone control for the middle pickup also work as a high-end roll-off on the bridge pickup".

Item ID# 230476976061

Seller: Wild West Guitars


Hi-end Strat Listings - New & Pre-owned.

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Eric Johnson Autographed Strat?

A Good Deal... if it's REAL!

Actual E.J. autograph?

The only reason I'm posting about this Singapore based eBay listing is because it's an eBay Stores seller with 100% rating and a 12K+ positive feedback score. Hard earned!

This 2005 Eric Johnson Artist series is marked Buy it Now at $1450.00. So if everything checks out- even with shipping - someone's gonna score an autographed EJ Strat for less than a new model. Not bad for an individual shopping a new EJ willing to trade newness for the autograph mojo.

Seller provides serial# and lets us know the pickups are Suhr V54's. Tweed case included. As part of your due diligence homework, ask seller if orig. pickups are available. Otherwise, they are being upfront about the Suhr's- a good sign- and Suhr 54's have good buzz in the gear head threads.

Eric Johnson fans might weigh this one out.

Item ID# 160437861421

Seller: My Trading Post


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Name That Guitar Player - May 29, 2010

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

Mr. Friendly's Clue: This is not John Lee Hooker. Good clue huh!

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

Leave a comment if you know!

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

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Tuscany 54 by Galeazzo Frudua - Friday #172

Frudua Guitars of Italy

The Tuscany brand guitar/bass line is produced in Italy by Galeazzo Frudua. Currently there are no USA dealers for this line. I discovered this Frudua & his stuff via his the great Strat trem set-up clips at his Youtube Channel. This guy makes nice lookin' guitars with premium wood, hdwr & electronics. Major emphasis on fit & finish!

Our feature today is the Tuscany 54 model in olympic white. It's also available in "sultan" red and "Luxor" burst utilizing a flame maple top. Frudua makes his pickups, and also has an amp line called Vibe aka The Valve.

Click Here for details on the Tuscany 54 and other models.

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Eric Johnson "Up Close" Release. How Close??

Revised Update: EARLY DECEMBER
UPDATE: Amazon indicates Nov. 9, 2010

Available now for preorder:

(also watch for Nov 22-23 release of Live in Austin TX '84 from ACL)

SUMMER 2010???

Eric tells PG Mag, "...I think it's slated to come out in July"

Fresh update: EJ's new album will feature guest spots with Steve Miller, Jonny Lang, Sonny Landreth & Jimmie Vaughan. Check out Spring 2010 PG magazine PODCAST Interview.

UPDATE: According to a fresh reader comment, NYC radio Q104.3 aired an Eric Johnson interview last night (March 28, 2010) in which EJ mentioned a Summer 2010 release of next album titled, UP CLOSE. Reader also let us know that 2 new tunes from that release were debuted on that program!

Stay tuned for more updates! Anyone with info. feel free to comment!!

Watch for CD & MP3 Pre-orders: Eric Johnson @Amazon.com

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65 Blackface Super Reverb For Sale

Vintage Fender Amp

"Buy It Now!" with set asking price.

Here's a quite respectably straight 1965 Super Reverb with a great eBay listing. The 100% Top-rated eBay Seller has lots of history and provides plenty of details on this vintage classic 4-10 combo. They've replaced the reverb tank and say everything else looks orig. Listing provides contact phone# & email, so you can call them about filter caps, etc.

Seller: Michael's Music Nassau County NY

Item ID# 270584728301


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Pedal Maker Gives Up Industry Secret

Wampler Talent Booster

Kurt Vonnegut wrote a short story called "Tom Edison's Shaggy Dog", in which it's revealed that Edison's great invention ideas were actually originated by his dog. In the story we discover that all dogs are actually far more intelligent than humans but that they're sworn to secrecy to play dumb so that we'll take care of them. Edison's dog spills the beans to Tom, and when the rest of dog society eventually catches on to this, a bunch of them show up at the Edison residence, and promptly kill Tom's dog when he steps out for a pee pee break.

Brian Wampler's decision to name this new pedal "Talent Booster" may be putting him in grave danger from all the other pedal makers out there. Guitar players weren't supposed to know about this. I'm just sayin...

Discovered at What's That Dude Play.

FAT TONE GUITARS - Wampler dealer.

I guess Tesla had cats.

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Hendrix '69 RAH Film is Surreal

Every time I check out the Royal Albert Hall clips, it just seems more and more strange to me. First of all, the lighting & film quality give off all those rust and burnt orangey hues as if the performance were in a steel mill. Then there's the crowd shots, which you can watch all day and pick up different vibes. They seem mostly conservative with mildly skeptic accents, and the stoic cops. All except for the 3 wild ones who must've found the secret candy drawer! Austin Powers shows up in there for a second too.

Compared to everyone, Hendrix looks and dresses like an alien visitor. And all the mics rigged up in front of him make it look like a press conference.

But besides all that, what's really special about this clip guitar-wise is the kind of note bending and phrasing he's doing. Really get in and check this out! He's taking Albert King into some crazy levels here. Maybe Jimi was thinking about a different Royal Albert in this hall.

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Galeazzo Frudua Shows Strat Trem Set-up

Keep Strat in tune with standard trem!

Italian Luthier/Amp Builder Galeazzo Frudua has some awesome Strat set-up videos at Youtube!!! Just watch how he whanks out a stock unit and keeps it in tune, then shows you how it's done.

The above is just a quick yet amazing overview on setting up a standard trem to stay in tune. BUT at www.youtube.com/user/FruduaTv you'll find a series of FIVE clips in his Uploads section called, "SET UP YOUR STRAT FOR BEST TREMOLO USE".

This guy breaks it all down from the very very basics!

Anyone wondering how Jeff Beck & Scott Henderson can go so trem crazy without a locking system, or how EVH did the VH#1 album withOUT a Floyd, will get all the tips, tricks and physics background from Frudua's videos.

Ed Note: Also check out Carl Verheyen's Strat Trem Set-up! Combining Carl's claw angle approach with Frudua's details should result in optimum Strat trem performance.


Pimp Your Strat Directory - more DIY resources & hardware suppliers.

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Jeff Beck Signed Auction Items to Benefit Nashville Flood Relief

Rhino Records is running an eBay auction to benefit the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Flood Relief Fund. Listing ID# 270583807602 shown above features a Jeff Beck signed Strat and signed copy of Jeff's latest Emotion & Commotion CD. Please note the Taxi Cab Yellow Strat is an MIM/HSS configured "48th St. Model" and not a Jeff Beck Artist Series.

From the listing:

"Up for auction is a Taxi Cab Yellow Fender Stratocaster signed by guitar legend, Jeff Beck. This guitar was donated by Fender Musical Instruments, signed by Jeff during the first leg of his Emotion and Commotion US tour this past April. The auction also includes a signed copy of Jeff's new CD, Emotion and Commotion. The guitar comes with a Fender Gig Bag. Free Shipping to the winner of this auction. 100% of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to aid in Nashville's Flood recovery."

This is an eBay Giving Works charitable listing (Administered by MissionFish)

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Discover Mayones Guitars & Basses

Mayones Regius model

Poland based Mayones instruments are well known throughout Europe, but just now breaking into the USA.

CustomGuitarBoutique.com is introducing Mayones to America, and is featuring a series of interviews this month at the CGB Blog with top Mayones players and the company owner Dawid Dziewulski who grew up in this business founded by his parents in '82. You think starting a business is tough, imagine attempting such in Cold War era Eastern Europe! Through shear determination & tenacity, these folks have turned a labor of love into a highly respected axe line
reflecting an obsession for premium woods, materials and fine detail.

Click Here for the CGB's interview with Dziewulski.

www.mayones.com

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Eric Gales Recording Updates

Eric Gales continues work on his upcoming album and providing related update clips at his Youtube channel.

www.youtube.com/user/EricGalesMusic

A couple days ago he posted a clip letting us know the new album titled "Relentless" should see release in August. Mixing is occurring at Memphis based Stonebridge Mastering, and Relentless will be released on Mike Varney's Shrapnel label. Primary recording took place at Prairie Sun Recording in Northern CA.

Jam clips from BB Kings in Memphis are being uploaded regularly.

Also, Eric is in the Bay Area this weekend meeting with the Two-Rock Amp people about the series they're building for him. The Youtube channel already has some cool Two-Rock demo clips from earlier.

So lots of great things keep happening for Eric Gales! Stay tuned here and to their YT channel for more cool stuff from the monster guitarist.


Strat-0-Brothers' Directory

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"Dust Radio" - Chris Whitley Bio Film In the Works

Soon Chris Whitley fans of past, present & future will get a look into the life, work and passing of a most remarkable artist, singer, poet & guitar player. The above clip is a trailer for a film currently in post production which may be finished this summer according to the official website.

Some of it looks pretty grim, because aspects of Whitley's life and the illness that took him were grim. Considered an artist's artist in some ways, Chris Whitley seemed uncompromising in his musical quest. I've listened to a lot of his stuff, and know he was capable of enormous popular success-- but that wasn't where he was at, although his art exists on many levels. Anyone looking for clues and keys for how the Blues & roots music could continue to evolve should check out the Whitley catalog.

Click Here for a live sample vid clip from 2001.

For updates on "Dust Radio" the film, stay tuned to the "Notes/News" menu link at:

www.dustradiomovie.com

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Vintage Maxon-Ibanez OD-855 Overdrive II

And you thought "OD" stood for Overdrive when all along it meant "Olive Drab"...

Actually, when new this pedal probably looked more lime greenish, but time and battlefield conditions are turning the color into those little plastic army men you get in bags of 50 that never have enough bazooka guys.

But they say that these early, old school Maxon built tube screamers had plenty of bazookas. Especially the 855's like this one currently listed as a BIN. Seller says it's unmodified and has the original JRC4558D chips. These were the Screamers Eric Johnson was probably talking out in those old 80's interviews.

Item ID# 220607270399


Pedal People

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DeTemple Strat, '56 Spirit Auction - Friday #171

Guitar by Michael DeTemple

Better living thru swamp ash & titanium!

We don't see a DeTemple guitar listed at eBay very often. Bidding is active on this one too. The listing has lots of good close-up photos and info. What a week for sweet gear listings-- it continues to be a buyer's market out there! This 2008 Spirit '56 is part of a collection including a DeTemple Tele they're also interested in selling. We featured a nearly identical pair last October listed by an L.A. based seller. The current listing is from Rhode Island, but may very well be the same instruments.

Maybe people are time sharing these like condos...

Anyway, you're looking at a one piece swamp ash body, flame maple quarter saw neck and lots of titanium hardware including DeTemple's famous tuned titanium truss rod, saddles & bridge. You can get on the 3 year waiting list for a new one, or take your chances with this rare auction.

This same seller is listing various other vintage gear including FOUR different Blackface Vibro Champ amps. That's right, FOUR of 'em-- a 1964, 65, 66 & 67!!! No kiddin'...


Seller: rareguitar- 100% feedback

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Baked Potato 40th Anniversary Fest Packs the Toppings!!!

Baked Potato 40th Anniversary Jazz Fest.

NOT THAT KINDA BAKED POTATO!!!

Sure looks good though... But even better will be this weekend's 40th Anniversary of Hollywood's legendary Baked Potato club.

I recently caught a tweet from Rich of The Guitar Channel blog-- "Can't wait for my west coast trip this weekend for the Baked Potato Jazz Fest!"

And Rich ain't kiddin' either! The roster for this gig reads like Fusion guitar royalty! GIANTS!

Allan Holdsworth
Scott Henderson
Michael Landau
Lee Ritenour
Larry Carlton
Steve Lukather

And that's not all folks. Tal Wilkenfeld & Vinnie Colaiuta will be there along with other legendary, monster Jazz Fusion musicians too numerous to mention here. If I have to use the word legendary again I'm just gonna explode that's all! No wonder Rich is makin' the trek from his Great Lakes area home base. We should all get down there to soak up both days of extraordinary sonic magnificence!

All next week is sure to include juicy reviews galore at The Guitar Channel, so you'll wanna keep an eye on that. Youtube clips should also be in great abundance.

Anyone else attending is welcome to comment here & give us your report.

CLICK HERE for the full schedule & artist lineup.

I'll just be stuck at home with a sack of russets...

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John English Masterbuild '60 Custom Shop Strat

Built in June of 2000 by the late John English, this '60 Burst Custom Shop has lived in it's case since June of 2000-- as least according to the seller. COA, OHSC and all candy are included and everything is reportedly unused, unplayed and like new.

Item ID# 290434951551

"...the pickguard has an aluminum shield plate that John has also signed and written “6-22-2000 Abby Fat 50’s...”

Bidding is brisk, and lasts for 3 more days.



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Vintage 1966 Fender Vibrolux Reverb - IMMACULATE!!!

Spotless private collection blackface amp.

Vintage Fender P*o*r*n!

Sweet Jesus!!!

Fender Blackface Collector Alert!

Seller: vghollywood (expired)

Current Vintage Vibrolux Listings!

This may be even cleaner than Michael Landau's Vibrolux we featured a few months back!

I would gladly lick every surface inside and outside of this amp, and even short the electrolytics with my tongue just to take it home. Even if I could never speak again or make most consonant sounds it would be ok! Basically, I've lost my mind over this amp folks!

Listed at eBay by Vintage Gear Hollywood from the collection of Eddie Money guitarist John Nelson. Tons of photos in & out, and details with all the codes, stamps and a full COA. They've dotted every "i" and crossed every "T" on this pristine specimen of timeless tonal testament!

Bidding is hot and heavy on this one, so put the ski boat on the back burner, get focused, get in the zone and procure yourself some sportin' tone bling that really matters! Send the wife to her mother's for the Summer, they talk on the phone all the friggin time anyway!

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Vintage, NOS, New & Matched Tube Suppliers

Web Directory of Vacuum Tube Suppliers. eBay Stores.

We've freshly updated our Amp Parts and Tube Suppliers directory with links to some good lookin' eBay Stores with plenty of vintage & NOS vacuum tubes as well as new brands too and matched sets. Most of these suppliers are hi-rated with lots of positive feedback.


Vintage Amp and Radio Tubes - Looks like these folks service the Hammond B crowd. All vintage NOS tubes are tested and warrantied by this seller. Serious!

Premium Tube - Lots of classic brands in sets i.e. RCA, GE, Mullard, Dumont, Amperex, Telefunken, Phillips, etc...

Fantastic Tubes - MATCHED PAIRS of vintage NOS tubes, including black plate RCA stuff.

We have plenty more suppliers listed in our main directory. Current lines like JJ, Groove Tubes, Sovtek, Svetlana & Ruby are also well represented.

Take your time, shop around & compare before overpaying anywhere.

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Vintage '61 Brown Fender Pro Amp Combo

All original.

5881's are same as 6L6's

"...She's a real sweet candy bar... If I could only flag her down!"

Take a look at this 1961 Brown Pro! Seller says everything original from the Astron filter caps to the power cord & footswitch. If not for this dealer being a high scoring 100% positive eBay Top-rated Seller, I'd be more skeptical. But the chassis pics look good, so this puppy has been well cared for and taken for regular walks. The listing has plenty of info. including ser# and a direct phone# for all your questions.

This era has the harmonic tremolo/vibrato circuit and a presence too.

Item ID# 370383224719

Seller - Vintage-n-Used Guitar-n-Bass by RNR - Chicago based.


Vintage & Hi-end Amps

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