Who's Gonna Win the Duncan Antiquity Pickups?
Young Colby here is even from Texas! But that's not a requirement. More importantly, Colby had a MINUTE TO SPARE! Can you spare a minute of your own hot Texas licks for a set of Seymour Duncan pickups or a T-Rex Tonebug pedal? Deadline is December 3, 2011!
CLICK HERE for details!
JP
11/30/11
11/29/11
Texas Hot Minute Contest Giveaway!
Win Seymour Duncan & T-Rex Gear!
JP
 |
| photo: www.flickriver.com |
Okay, so we're not giving away this car, but there is a set of Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Strat pickups and a T-Rex pedal on the line. We even have something cool for 3rd place.
Remember the deadline for our Texas Hot Minute licks video is December 3, 2011! CLICK HERE for the full scoop!
All contestants must be breathing to enter.
JP
11/28/11
Relic Guitar Evolution...
Where is Relic Guitar Headed?
(Best to read in the voice of Andy Rooney)
Last week I thought that a "Pepper Spray Relic" might be cool. A patina of orange spray swiped across an Olympic White Strat or Tele. But then Black Friday events at various Wal-Mart stores kinda killed all the romance, symbolism and just plain fun of getting pepper sprayed.
Jack Pribek recently asked me if anyone knows what happens to relic guitars after they've seen rough service, y'know, actually being played. Like, has anyone put enough extra miles on their Rory Gallagher Strat to make a difference-- and is there a "Relic 2.0" out there yet? Good question!
This caused me to ponder various things, since I really don't know the answer. I mean, does Fender warranty the finish on a relic model? You know a relic guitar costs more, right? This is correct, except I once saw a relic Tele on the Musician's Friend website listed as a "Scratch and Dent" item, and marked down-- swear to God!!!
Ever seen fat free half & half or extra butter light microwave popcorn in the supermarket? These products exist too.
I suspect that many relic guitar owners don't really put much added wear & tear on their guitars. It's even possible that a few odd types may even baby these instruments-- maybe polishing the finished sections and treating the worn areas with deck sealer or something... Keep 'em in a humidor too! Like Lenin's Tomb or something for when company comes over.
Another idea we've entertained is the "Rehab Relic", which is a trashed guitar that has then been poorly refinished-- very poorly. Rehab is cool y'know. Or how 'bout a "Botox Relic"-- this would be a guitar with small checking throughout a finish that only looks good from far away, with maybe an ever so slightly deformed pickguard, or knobs of differing sizes. A "Shedding Relic" could have several finish coats that are always flaking away like baklava. Imagine Fiesta Red chips constantly on your clothes and furniture. You bet!
Yeah, I got ideas alright. Maybe that's why Fender invited me to lunch and a tour of their new visitor center and Corona facility during the upcoming NAMM in January. It's great ideas like this that make things happen!
Stratoblogster Labs
RELIC GUITAR RESOURCES
JP
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| photo: www.mandango.eu/news |
Last week I thought that a "Pepper Spray Relic" might be cool. A patina of orange spray swiped across an Olympic White Strat or Tele. But then Black Friday events at various Wal-Mart stores kinda killed all the romance, symbolism and just plain fun of getting pepper sprayed.
Jack Pribek recently asked me if anyone knows what happens to relic guitars after they've seen rough service, y'know, actually being played. Like, has anyone put enough extra miles on their Rory Gallagher Strat to make a difference-- and is there a "Relic 2.0" out there yet? Good question!
This caused me to ponder various things, since I really don't know the answer. I mean, does Fender warranty the finish on a relic model? You know a relic guitar costs more, right? This is correct, except I once saw a relic Tele on the Musician's Friend website listed as a "Scratch and Dent" item, and marked down-- swear to God!!!
Ever seen fat free half & half or extra butter light microwave popcorn in the supermarket? These products exist too.
I suspect that many relic guitar owners don't really put much added wear & tear on their guitars. It's even possible that a few odd types may even baby these instruments-- maybe polishing the finished sections and treating the worn areas with deck sealer or something... Keep 'em in a humidor too! Like Lenin's Tomb or something for when company comes over.
Another idea we've entertained is the "Rehab Relic", which is a trashed guitar that has then been poorly refinished-- very poorly. Rehab is cool y'know. Or how 'bout a "Botox Relic"-- this would be a guitar with small checking throughout a finish that only looks good from far away, with maybe an ever so slightly deformed pickguard, or knobs of differing sizes. A "Shedding Relic" could have several finish coats that are always flaking away like baklava. Imagine Fiesta Red chips constantly on your clothes and furniture. You bet!
Yeah, I got ideas alright. Maybe that's why Fender invited me to lunch and a tour of their new visitor center and Corona facility during the upcoming NAMM in January. It's great ideas like this that make things happen!
Stratoblogster Labs
RELIC GUITAR RESOURCES
JP
Heavy Relic Roadshow LTD Strat
'61 Arctic White Over 3 Tone Burst
Wild West Guitars
currently lists this FCS Heavy Relic as new-- Aug. 2011 COA date. Arctic white over 3 tone burst is yet another skanky finish combo! Tortoise pickguard is a nice touch, although it might be interesting with a super aged mint green and a couple ciggy burns. Just sayin'. I guess Fender actually did stuff like this back in the Leo days. They'd need a custom color, and just shoot over an already finished body-- usually a burst. It was that Earl Scheib philosophy.
Our skanky '61 here features alder body with 21 fret large oval "C", 9.5 radius and 6105 frets. Pickups are Abby wound Red Hots. And most of the finish is worn off the back of the neck. Should we say "worn off"? Uhh, virtually worn off that is.
JP
Wild West Guitars
Our skanky '61 here features alder body with 21 fret large oval "C", 9.5 radius and 6105 frets. Pickups are Abby wound Red Hots. And most of the finish is worn off the back of the neck. Should we say "worn off"? Uhh, virtually worn off that is.
Current Listings - Top Sellers
JP
11/27/11
Happy Birthday Jimi Hendrix! Nov. 27, 1942
"...And I'm gonna sit up
in your bed, mama
And just a grin right in your face
And then I'm gonna eat up all your chocolates,
and say "I hope I'm not too late..."
from Belly Button Window by Jimi Hendrix
jp
in your bed, mama
And just a grin right in your face
And then I'm gonna eat up all your chocolates,
and say "I hope I'm not too late..."
from Belly Button Window by Jimi Hendrix
jp
11/24/11
Best of Friday Strat - DISNEY STRATOCASTER
Originally Featured January '08
(photos:www.gruhn.com)
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| Friday Strat #63 |
This one-of-a-kind Disney 75th Anniversary Strat at www.gruhn.com was built by Fender Custom Shop in 1998, and features graphics done by an official Disney artist. Just click on the link or the photo for more details and photos.
"Fender's George Amicay did all the carving and inlay work while Disney artist Chris Schnabel did all the painting." From Gruhn site.
!
Happy Thanksgiving From Stratoblogster!
... And What Says it Better Than This!!!
"Ma! I do believe the Reverend here would like another helpin' of yo' cornbread stuffing! And some extry gravy as well!!!"
jp
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| found at juststrings.com |
"Ma! I do believe the Reverend here would like another helpin' of yo' cornbread stuffing! And some extry gravy as well!!!"
jp
11/22/11
Suhr Classic Chambered Trans-Burgundy
Pau Ferro Neck and Fretboard
A 2010 build, on consignment from a collector, this Suhr Classic sports a strikingly beautimous pau ferro neck on a one piece chambered swamp ash body with quilt maple top, definitely custom ordered. Pickups are the Classic Fletcher-Landau's, and all the top components you expect in a Suhr.
That neck is a big "V" too. And they've really marked this one down! Comes with all paperwork and a G&G tweed case. I'm lovin' the look of this. Maybe a tortoise pickguard would work better than this black satin one though.
Seller: Elite Music Sales
- based in Montgomery, Alabama. Very cool, hi-end inventory!
JP
Click images for close-ups!
A 2010 build, on consignment from a collector, this Suhr Classic sports a strikingly beautimous pau ferro neck on a one piece chambered swamp ash body with quilt maple top, definitely custom ordered. Pickups are the Classic Fletcher-Landau's, and all the top components you expect in a Suhr.
That neck is a big "V" too. And they've really marked this one down! Comes with all paperwork and a G&G tweed case. I'm lovin' the look of this. Maybe a tortoise pickguard would work better than this black satin one though.
Seller: Elite Music Sales
Current Listings - Top Sellers
JP
Eilidh McKellar - Scottish Strat-o-Sister
Guitar Girl Covers Robben Ford Tune!
Yeah, she's not playin' a Strat-- so what! It's my blog, so I can call her Strat-o-Sister if I want.
Nice cover of Robben Ford's "Indianola"! Eilidh McKellar is from Edinburgh, Scotland and studies at Leeds College of Music. A little web surfing reveals that she was accepted at Berklee, but unable to scrape up the necessary funds to attend. We hope she persists continuing to learn and gig as best she can, because the girl is definitely a groovy player with lots of soul!
Eilidh is into Robin Ford, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, The Stones, Jimi, SRV, etc. It's all good-- the folks have raised her right!
Cool stuff at her Youtube Channel too: www.youtube.com/user/eilidhmckellar
JP
Yeah, she's not playin' a Strat-- so what! It's my blog, so I can call her Strat-o-Sister if I want.
Nice cover of Robben Ford's "Indianola"! Eilidh McKellar is from Edinburgh, Scotland and studies at Leeds College of Music. A little web surfing reveals that she was accepted at Berklee, but unable to scrape up the necessary funds to attend. We hope she persists continuing to learn and gig as best she can, because the girl is definitely a groovy player with lots of soul!
Eilidh is into Robin Ford, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, The Stones, Jimi, SRV, etc. It's all good-- the folks have raised her right!
Cool stuff at her Youtube Channel too: www.youtube.com/user/eilidhmckellar
STRAT-O-SISTERS Directory
JP
11/21/11
Jordan Cook's Strat Abuse!
Energetic Canadian Guitarist!
How 'bout this kid! Jordan Cook takes no prisoners when it comes to pushing the envelope with his Strat. This is about playin' it like you mean it! And that's all I can add, cause all his stuff is pedal to the metal punk with a dose of 1969 Hendrix Izabella vibe. Cook adds some much needed boost to our Strat-o-Brother Directory!
Get to know Jordan Cook & his release "Seven Deadly Sins":
http://www.jordancook.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/JordanCookOfficial
https://www.facebook.com/jordancookofficial
JP
How 'bout this kid! Jordan Cook takes no prisoners when it comes to pushing the envelope with his Strat. This is about playin' it like you mean it! And that's all I can add, cause all his stuff is pedal to the metal punk with a dose of 1969 Hendrix Izabella vibe. Cook adds some much needed boost to our Strat-o-Brother Directory!
Get to know Jordan Cook & his release "Seven Deadly Sins":
http://www.jordancook.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/JordanCookOfficial
https://www.facebook.com/jordancookofficial
JP
Guitar Fail and Muzicosphere Blogs
Funny & Interesting Guitar Content!
Two recent additions to our blogroll/links are Guitar Fail and Muzicosphere. GF features lots of crazy guitar-related finds from around the web. They also welcome content submissions, in case you wanna share something wacky you've found. As you see above, guitar hangers aren't always the best-- especially on hot humid days. Although short shorts are!
Muzicosphere stays on top of the G.A.S. and gear giveaway scene. Both are cool blogs we enjoy tuning into!
JP
 |
| Guitar Fail via Flickr |
Two recent additions to our blogroll/links are Guitar Fail and Muzicosphere. GF features lots of crazy guitar-related finds from around the web. They also welcome content submissions, in case you wanna share something wacky you've found. As you see above, guitar hangers aren't always the best-- especially on hot humid days. Although short shorts are!
Muzicosphere stays on top of the G.A.S. and gear giveaway scene. Both are cool blogs we enjoy tuning into!
JP
11/20/11
T-Rex Gull Wah Demo-Review
Several Wah Pedals in One!
I really like this Gull Wah pedal by T-Rex! It has lots of parameters that are easy to see, access and control. It's built like a tank, and doesn't look like other pedals. Instead of a tone pot, they use some kind of electro-magnetic thing-a-ma-jiggy that's never supposed to wear out or get noisy!
The Gull is surprisingly straightforward and uncomplicated for all its potential, thanks to its good ol' analog layout! You just need to spend time with it to tailor your ultimate wah settings, which are all in the the Gull for you to discover.
The T-Rex Gull Wah web page also features a bunch of settings suggestions to check out.
JP
I really like this Gull Wah pedal by T-Rex! It has lots of parameters that are easy to see, access and control. It's built like a tank, and doesn't look like other pedals. Instead of a tone pot, they use some kind of electro-magnetic thing-a-ma-jiggy that's never supposed to wear out or get noisy!
The Gull is surprisingly straightforward and uncomplicated for all its potential, thanks to its good ol' analog layout! You just need to spend time with it to tailor your ultimate wah settings, which are all in the the Gull for you to discover.
The T-Rex Gull Wah web page also features a bunch of settings suggestions to check out.
(Musician's Friend)
JP
11/18/11
Ultimate Relic SURF - Friday Strat #238
Fender Masterbuilt by Jason Smith
Click images for CLOSE-UP!
Okay, even if you don't have a Masterbuilt budget or believe in the morality of paying a premium for something that's been trashed-- at least these photos are a good project guideline for debauching a *Mexican Strat, especially an el cheapo used one. Surf is pretty cool skanked up like this too.
The Music Zoo has these Ultimate Relic MB's by Jason Smith and John Cruz as an exclusive special run series. High dollar skank that's not necessarily beautiful but stoned, or vice versa.
Current Listings - Top Sellers
JP
11/16/11
Mystery Guitarist #1
CAN YOU GUESS?
If you think you know who this is, let us know at Stratoblogster Facebook!
Ed note Nov 17, 2011 - We have a winner! Mr. Geoff Brown of Nashville, TN correctly identified our Mystery Artist -- DOUG RAPPOPORT. Check out more Doug at the previous link, and get his CD! Puzzle your guitar geek friends, "Who is that?!!" Give 'em a taste of "RIPP RAPP" from the tune snippets!
Today's lucky prize winner receives a fine kitchen appliance item or something else nice. Stay tuned to Stratoblogster for the next Mystery Guitarist sweepstakes! Win BIG PRIZES!
JP
If you think you know who this is, let us know at Stratoblogster Facebook!
Ed note Nov 17, 2011 - We have a winner! Mr. Geoff Brown of Nashville, TN correctly identified our Mystery Artist -- DOUG RAPPOPORT. Check out more Doug at the previous link, and get his CD! Puzzle your guitar geek friends, "Who is that?!!" Give 'em a taste of "RIPP RAPP" from the tune snippets!
Today's lucky prize winner receives a fine kitchen appliance item or something else nice. Stay tuned to Stratoblogster for the next Mystery Guitarist sweepstakes! Win BIG PRIZES!
JP
1990 Valley Arts Lukather Superstrat
Vintage USA Valley Arts!
Probably the classiest early boutique superstrats were built by Valley Arts who made signature models for Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton and others. We discovered this one at eBay on a tip from our pal Jason, who knows his Valley Arts gear. Of course this is pre Samick, Gibson, etc... The real deal. Period correct, all original and in wonderful condition per the pics. The listing includes neck pocket and butt photos for vintage verification. This is a Custom Pro Lukather by Mike McGuire. One owner.
The "Fireburst" finish still reveals plenty of swamp ash, and birdseye back of the neck. A nice addition for someone's 80's-90's superstrat collection. Gone but not forgotten!
JP
Probably the classiest early boutique superstrats were built by Valley Arts who made signature models for Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton and others. We discovered this one at eBay on a tip from our pal Jason, who knows his Valley Arts gear. Of course this is pre Samick, Gibson, etc... The real deal. Period correct, all original and in wonderful condition per the pics. The listing includes neck pocket and butt photos for vintage verification. This is a Custom Pro Lukather by Mike McGuire. One owner.
The "Fireburst" finish still reveals plenty of swamp ash, and birdseye back of the neck. A nice addition for someone's 80's-90's superstrat collection. Gone but not forgotten!
JP
11/13/11
LSL CV Special 3 Tone Burst
Carl Verheyen Signature S-type
Here's a burst LSL CV model. These are some of the finest Strat-types made. Otherwise, you wouldn't see Verheyen's name on 'em!
Martin Music Memphis
is currently listing this one. Each LSL guitar is given a women's name, which you see on the white sticker on the neck plate. This one is SONIA. This seller's LSL listing pages include all specs content as shown at the LSL website. I hope they've compiled a large data base of female names, because it looks like LSL could be in this for the long haul!
Wonder if they've done a T-Bone named Eileen yet?
Ed Note 11/14/11 - Carl V. posted on Facebook that Walter Becker just got an LSL CV Special. Considering that Becker has his own Sadowski signature model, this says something for LSL!
JP
Click images for CLOSE-UPS!
Here's a burst LSL CV model. These are some of the finest Strat-types made. Otherwise, you wouldn't see Verheyen's name on 'em!
Martin Music Memphis
Wonder if they've done a T-Bone named Eileen yet?
Ed Note 11/14/11 - Carl V. posted on Facebook that Walter Becker just got an LSL CV Special. Considering that Becker has his own Sadowski signature model, this says something for LSL!
Current listings - Top Sellers - S-types
JP
11/12/11
Taylor Marvin's Band "The Current"
A Young Guitar Wonder Progresses!
We first featured Taylor Marvin in Sept. '09 when he was 15. His Pops keeps us updated as Taylor continues to pursue gigging and some serious music education ahead. Here's his latest report supplementing the above promo clip:
"Taylor spent a week at the Berklee College of Music's Guitar Sessions. 350 guitarists from around the world attended, 80 were asked to do a live audition for scholarships to attend the school or online programs. Taylor was the recipient of the single highest award offered. He is only a junior, so he doesn't actually find out if he was accepted to the school until the end of January, but it looks like trips to Boston are in our future...
His new band, THE CURRENT, is his trio plus the addition of Tomara Conrad, a sixteen year old singer from Denver. Last month, she was featured on the Rachel Ray show in NY in a sing off judged by Nick Lachey. She was brilliant, and won a nice prize package."
We're seeing a lot of the cool guitarist - hot white chick singer combination these days.
Jeff Beck with Joss Stone, Imogen Heap & Imelda May
Joe Bonamassa with Beth Hart
Derek Trucks with Susan Tedeschi (spouse)
Daniel Lanois with Trixie Whitley
See, it's a trend-- and our young Taylor & Tomara are workin' that groove!
http://thecurrentband.com
YOUNG GUITAR WONDERS - Archive
JP
We first featured Taylor Marvin in Sept. '09 when he was 15. His Pops keeps us updated as Taylor continues to pursue gigging and some serious music education ahead. Here's his latest report supplementing the above promo clip:
"Taylor spent a week at the Berklee College of Music's Guitar Sessions. 350 guitarists from around the world attended, 80 were asked to do a live audition for scholarships to attend the school or online programs. Taylor was the recipient of the single highest award offered. He is only a junior, so he doesn't actually find out if he was accepted to the school until the end of January, but it looks like trips to Boston are in our future...
His new band, THE CURRENT, is his trio plus the addition of Tomara Conrad, a sixteen year old singer from Denver. Last month, she was featured on the Rachel Ray show in NY in a sing off judged by Nick Lachey. She was brilliant, and won a nice prize package."
We're seeing a lot of the cool guitarist - hot white chick singer combination these days.
Jeff Beck with Joss Stone, Imogen Heap & Imelda May
Joe Bonamassa with Beth Hart
Derek Trucks with Susan Tedeschi (spouse)
Daniel Lanois with Trixie Whitley
See, it's a trend-- and our young Taylor & Tomara are workin' that groove!
http://thecurrentband.com
YOUNG GUITAR WONDERS - Archive
JP
11/11/11
Kurt Cobain Telecaster Neck for Sale - AS IS!
If You Missed Out on John Lennon's Tooth...
RECORD MECCA
in Venice, CA is listing this along with full story, letters of authenticity, etc. The Tele was destroyed along with a Strat in a Jan. 1993 gig in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Nirvana shared the bill with the Chili Peppers. Kurt was having a good night. Everyone loves those crowds in Brazil! Ya just can't bring 'em down-- try as you will.
Click Here for a video clip from that very show. Cobain jams his blue Tele into a speaker cab just after the 04:00 minute mark. At some point the neck is broken inside the cab. It's history folks! It's not a Hendrix item, and it's not John Lennon's holey molar but somebody's gonna buy this neck, and be very proud.
Could make for a nifty stocking stuffer this holiday season! Making yuletide bright!
Ed note: I wrote a post a couple years ago about what if Fender came out with a Cobain Artist Series model that's smashed to bits in the case.
JP
Click pics for close-ups!
RECORD MECCA
Click Here for a video clip from that very show. Cobain jams his blue Tele into a speaker cab just after the 04:00 minute mark. At some point the neck is broken inside the cab. It's history folks! It's not a Hendrix item, and it's not John Lennon's holey molar but somebody's gonna buy this neck, and be very proud.
Could make for a nifty stocking stuffer this holiday season! Making yuletide bright!
Ed note: I wrote a post a couple years ago about what if Fender came out with a Cobain Artist Series model that's smashed to bits in the case.
JP
Molly Hatchett 1963 Strat - Friday Strat #237
Steve Holland's Black '63 Stratocaster
Currently listed by Eddie at Guitarville By Vegas
here's a Strat that's toured the world and seen a whole lot. If only it could talk! This Strat is a Rock 'n Roll road veteran if ever there was one. Original owner Steve Holland was a founding member of Molly Hatchet.
Ed really brings in the celeb Strats-- he has listed 2-3 vintage formerly owned by Eric Johnson guitars, among others.
FOR NOW, this listing page includes 2 demo videos by Ed the seller, plus a few classic Molly Hatchet performance clips featuring this Strat. Ed is legit-- do your due diligence!
Here's Video #1 with some good history, views and sounds:
JP
"Flirtin' With Disaster Stratocaster"
Currently listed by Eddie at Guitarville By Vegas
Ed really brings in the celeb Strats-- he has listed 2-3 vintage formerly owned by Eric Johnson guitars, among others.
FOR NOW, this listing page includes 2 demo videos by Ed the seller, plus a few classic Molly Hatchet performance clips featuring this Strat. Ed is legit-- do your due diligence!
Here's Video #1 with some good history, views and sounds:
CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!
JP
Hendrix - Isle of Wight, Machine Gun
Veteran's Day
Although most may prefer the magical Fillmore East performance of Machine Gun, this one has its own moments as well as some amazing close-ups. UK's August 1970, Isle of Wight festival was held on a farm like Woodstock of the previous year, and attended by even more people than Woodstock. One of the final few performances by Hendrix who would be gone from us in less than a month.
On Youtube, both Machine Gun and Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" are very popular tunes for war related videos. Many vets have uploaded footage and slide shows of sights never shown before through normal news channels. Some of it is pretty grim.
One day per year, veterans are recognized and honored with parades, marching bands and so forth. But it's not enough. "Enough" doesn't exist. Regardless of anyone's politics or beliefs about the right ways to handle world affairs, it's about young people sent out to experience extreme horror and loss when the older, wiser "leaders" of the world cannot agree. It's a sacrifice people agree to, even when it makes no sense.
So respect the war veterans with peace and sanity always. They've witnessed and been through a great deal.
www.operationhappynote.com - Music gear for soldiers
soldiersangels.org - Directory of support organizations for soldiers, veterans and military families.
JP
Although most may prefer the magical Fillmore East performance of Machine Gun, this one has its own moments as well as some amazing close-ups. UK's August 1970, Isle of Wight festival was held on a farm like Woodstock of the previous year, and attended by even more people than Woodstock. One of the final few performances by Hendrix who would be gone from us in less than a month.
On Youtube, both Machine Gun and Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" are very popular tunes for war related videos. Many vets have uploaded footage and slide shows of sights never shown before through normal news channels. Some of it is pretty grim.
One day per year, veterans are recognized and honored with parades, marching bands and so forth. But it's not enough. "Enough" doesn't exist. Regardless of anyone's politics or beliefs about the right ways to handle world affairs, it's about young people sent out to experience extreme horror and loss when the older, wiser "leaders" of the world cannot agree. It's a sacrifice people agree to, even when it makes no sense.
So respect the war veterans with peace and sanity always. They've witnessed and been through a great deal.
www.operationhappynote.com - Music gear for soldiers
soldiersangels.org - Directory of support organizations for soldiers, veterans and military families.
JP
11/10/11
Pickups, Pedal, Poster and Picks Giveaway!
Texas Hot Minute Guitar Licks Contest!
Like the video says, the hottest Texas licks squeezed into a 60 second Youtube video wins a set of Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Strat pickups. 2nd place wins a T-Rex Tonebug effects pedal. 3rd place gets a very special guitar poster and a dozen picks compliments of GearPipe.com. Shredders welcome-- just bring soul, and be thinkin' Texas!
Your video must be a Youtube video-- 60 seconds or less in total length. You must post it no later than Dec. 3, 2011 on the wall at:
All entries will be judged by a secret group of superheroes. Public voting will not be used in order to avoid spam voting issues. That's how we gotta roll, but public response will be a factor. Trolls will be ignored. The 3 winners will receive their prizes in time for the holiday season. Yippee!
Poster & picks by GearPipe.com
JP
Like the video says, the hottest Texas licks squeezed into a 60 second Youtube video wins a set of Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Strat pickups. 2nd place wins a T-Rex Tonebug effects pedal. 3rd place gets a very special guitar poster and a dozen picks compliments of GearPipe.com. Shredders welcome-- just bring soul, and be thinkin' Texas!
Your video must be a Youtube video-- 60 seconds or less in total length. You must post it no later than Dec. 3, 2011 on the wall at:
Winners will be announced Dec. 5, 2011.
All entries will be judged by a secret group of superheroes. Public voting will not be used in order to avoid spam voting issues. That's how we gotta roll, but public response will be a factor. Trolls will be ignored. The 3 winners will receive their prizes in time for the holiday season. Yippee!
Poster & picks by GearPipe.com
actual dimensions: 8.5" x 39" -- click image
JP
11/9/11
StyleSonic S-type Guitar by Red Rocket Guitars
USA Hand Built One at a Time!
Matt Nowicki of North Carolina based Red Rocket Guitars is the one man show behind his line of "Atomic Retro Customs", and a featured luthier at Destroy All Guitars. You've gotta visit both sites see links below and check out the very cool guitars Matt builds. He goes waaay beyond the typical F-type bolt-ons of so many small shops these days as you'll discover. Fans of retro Sci-fi art are also in for a treat!
StyleSonic with checkered purfling cocobolo binding
Click for close-ups!
Matt Nowicki of North Carolina based Red Rocket Guitars is the one man show behind his line of "Atomic Retro Customs", and a featured luthier at Destroy All Guitars. You've gotta visit both sites see links below and check out the very cool guitars Matt builds. He goes waaay beyond the typical F-type bolt-ons of so many small shops these days as you'll discover. Fans of retro Sci-fi art are also in for a treat!
11/5/11
Aged Finish Guitar Kits by MJT
Relic Ready Fender-types You Assemble!
Mark Jenny in Carthage, Missouri -- the "Show Me State", creates relic-style bodies, necks and hardware in kits. You provide pickups, pots and switch. That's right, kits come with fretted necks, bodies, bridges, trems, springs, claws, knobs, plates, jacks, sockets, knobs, switch tips, string trees, neck plates, pre-cut BONE nuts and even pickguards. And ya get some choices within that stuff!
You just have to load the pickguard with your favorite pickups and electronics. Headstock faces are BLANK. Go talk to Vinnie behind the barber shop.
Bodies are made by Wildwood Manufacturing in N. California. Necks are from MusiKraft and Allparts. Hardware is from Stew-Mac and Allparts. Mark does all the finish and hardware aging. He uses ReRanch finishes for standard classic colors.
Everything at MJT-Aged-Guitar-Finishes
eBay Store is available to ship NOW. Otherwise, you can custom order by contacting Mark thru his website: mjtagedfinishes.com. Their eBay Store is Top Rated, 100% with 2700 Feedback.
It don't get much better than that!
JP
Eddie Vegas's Deck? NOPE!
Nash or Rittenhouse? NOPE!
MJT Aged Body, Neck and Hardware Kits!
(All USA content folks. Don't confuse MJT with MIJ!)
Mark Jenny in Carthage, Missouri -- the "Show Me State", creates relic-style bodies, necks and hardware in kits. You provide pickups, pots and switch. That's right, kits come with fretted necks, bodies, bridges, trems, springs, claws, knobs, plates, jacks, sockets, knobs, switch tips, string trees, neck plates, pre-cut BONE nuts and even pickguards. And ya get some choices within that stuff!
You just have to load the pickguard with your favorite pickups and electronics. Headstock faces are BLANK. Go talk to Vinnie behind the barber shop.
Bodies are made by Wildwood Manufacturing in N. California. Necks are from MusiKraft and Allparts. Hardware is from Stew-Mac and Allparts. Mark does all the finish and hardware aging. He uses ReRanch finishes for standard classic colors.
Everything at MJT-Aged-Guitar-Finishes
It don't get much better than that!
Wiring diagrams, mods & supplier links
JP
11/4/11
Fender American Deluxe Cherry Burst - Friday Strat #236
Ash Body, Maple Neck and Much More!
I wanted an autumn theme for this week's Friday Strat feature. So why not a Cherry Burst, along with a generous side helping of brick wall.
Brooklyn based STREETSOUNDS-NYC
currently lists the above Strat. And they want to emphasize they are indeed a brick and mortar outfit! If you're in the neighborhood there, stop in and say hi to Rocky.
The current 2011 American Deluxe Strats are loaded with goodies like: contoured heel, locking tuners, "high mass" trem block and S1 switch. The 22 fret "C" profile neck is also a 9.5" - 14" compound radius. So where's the LSR nut? Well I guess they had to stop somewhere.
But not quite-- because Fender really lays it on thick about the N3 pickups in these Deluxe's. The N3 series replaces the SCN's (Samarium Cobalt Noiseless), bringing back the AlNiCo mags. Unlike with the SCN's, they're finally letting on that these are stacked coils. You see we were supposed to think that Samarium Cobalt had a magical way of eliminating hum. STILL, they just couldn't resist tossing in a potent dose of mojosaurus rex! Don't be sipping hot coffee as you read this snippet from the N3 pickups description:
"...The insulated metal core of each pickup position type differs in thickness and composition for enhanced tone, and Fender has fine-tuned the sized, shape, and wire gauge of the coils to balance the magnetic responsiveness essential to great tone..."
(From description provided to dealers)
So do you think the typo with "sized" is intentional for B.S. liability reasons?
Okay, all kidding aside, the American Deluxe series offers lots of refinements in a production Strat. And the Cherry Burst Ash is a bluesy way to say, "It's friggin' November already!"
JP
"You have the right to remain noiseless!"
Brooklyn based STREETSOUNDS-NYC
The current 2011 American Deluxe Strats are loaded with goodies like: contoured heel, locking tuners, "high mass" trem block and S1 switch. The 22 fret "C" profile neck is also a 9.5" - 14" compound radius. So where's the LSR nut? Well I guess they had to stop somewhere.
But not quite-- because Fender really lays it on thick about the N3 pickups in these Deluxe's. The N3 series replaces the SCN's (Samarium Cobalt Noiseless), bringing back the AlNiCo mags. Unlike with the SCN's, they're finally letting on that these are stacked coils. You see we were supposed to think that Samarium Cobalt had a magical way of eliminating hum. STILL, they just couldn't resist tossing in a potent dose of mojosaurus rex! Don't be sipping hot coffee as you read this snippet from the N3 pickups description:
"...The insulated metal core of each pickup position type differs in thickness and composition for enhanced tone, and Fender has fine-tuned the sized, shape, and wire gauge of the coils to balance the magnetic responsiveness essential to great tone..."
(From description provided to dealers)
So do you think the typo with "sized" is intentional for B.S. liability reasons?
Okay, all kidding aside, the American Deluxe series offers lots of refinements in a production Strat. And the Cherry Burst Ash is a bluesy way to say, "It's friggin' November already!"
CURRENT LISTINGS - Top Sellers - Boutique Lines!
JP
11/3/11
Fender Guitar Parts Suppliers
Strat Hardware & Electronics Resources
Picker's Parts
eBay Store is a Denver based dealer with lots of cool upgrade goodies! They've been around awhile, and are high rated at eBay with a 15K feedback score. Surprised I didn't run into these guys sooner! Lot's of Fender factory parts including bodies & necks. They also stock various pickup lines including Denver boutique winder Nico's Pickups. Check 'em!
Our Pimp Your Strat directory page features lots of resources and suppliers. Picker's joins the growing list there.
JP
Picker's Parts
Our Pimp Your Strat directory page features lots of resources and suppliers. Picker's joins the growing list there.
JP
Pete Townshend's Apple Vampire Rant
This Drunken Blogger Responds...
Wow! In a perfect world I suppose. Pete doesn't seem to grasp the enormity of bands/artists out there. Back during the British Invasion, the scale was completely different. And record companies & A&R weren't always kind, fair or ethical with their artists. No matter how savvy he may sound using contemporary digital age lingo, Pete's viewpoint is still dinosaur. I wish it weren't so-- and Townshend will always be a hero in my book, but he's out of his expertise here.
The other side of the coin is that artists aren't and never have been "entitled" to success. In spite of pirating and downloading, artists still have more tools than ever with which to communicate, share and create music. How they manage to earn a living with it depends on how well they can network, merchandise (alternative items besides CD's) and PERFORM LIVE. People can jack your tunes, but he/she who performs them the best live, and hits the road-- in other words, works hardest, wins. The days of platinum selling incomes and guitar shaped swimming pools are long gone. Way before Edison's radio and recording technology, musicians existed. They traveled and performed. Those who committed and put on a good show did better than those who didn't. Still, it was a tough life.
If you wanna be "comfortable", get a law or economics degree. Work for a pharmaceutical company. There's no entitlement for artists. I support art education and BUSINESS education. And aspiring artists need all the education and resources they can get. But ultimately it's up to the artists to make their way. They've got waaaay more channels & tools now than could ever have been imagined 3o years ago. It's not Apple's responsibility to prop up the masses of aspiring artists. Everyone has to learn the current tools & methods, and use them.
All this A&R nurturing stuff is a fairy tale. The scale of artists/bands today is too huge for it. There may be a glut of musicians, but there will never be a glut of great ones. The market wants great talent, not mediocre performers. Elvis would still make it today. He'd post a video on Youtube, it would go viral, he'd end up on the talk shows, get signed to a label-- or create his own label like Ani DiFranco if he were smart.
And copyright your tunes!!!
JP
Wow! In a perfect world I suppose. Pete doesn't seem to grasp the enormity of bands/artists out there. Back during the British Invasion, the scale was completely different. And record companies & A&R weren't always kind, fair or ethical with their artists. No matter how savvy he may sound using contemporary digital age lingo, Pete's viewpoint is still dinosaur. I wish it weren't so-- and Townshend will always be a hero in my book, but he's out of his expertise here.
The other side of the coin is that artists aren't and never have been "entitled" to success. In spite of pirating and downloading, artists still have more tools than ever with which to communicate, share and create music. How they manage to earn a living with it depends on how well they can network, merchandise (alternative items besides CD's) and PERFORM LIVE. People can jack your tunes, but he/she who performs them the best live, and hits the road-- in other words, works hardest, wins. The days of platinum selling incomes and guitar shaped swimming pools are long gone. Way before Edison's radio and recording technology, musicians existed. They traveled and performed. Those who committed and put on a good show did better than those who didn't. Still, it was a tough life.
If you wanna be "comfortable", get a law or economics degree. Work for a pharmaceutical company. There's no entitlement for artists. I support art education and BUSINESS education. And aspiring artists need all the education and resources they can get. But ultimately it's up to the artists to make their way. They've got waaaay more channels & tools now than could ever have been imagined 3o years ago. It's not Apple's responsibility to prop up the masses of aspiring artists. Everyone has to learn the current tools & methods, and use them.
All this A&R nurturing stuff is a fairy tale. The scale of artists/bands today is too huge for it. There may be a glut of musicians, but there will never be a glut of great ones. The market wants great talent, not mediocre performers. Elvis would still make it today. He'd post a video on Youtube, it would go viral, he'd end up on the talk shows, get signed to a label-- or create his own label like Ani DiFranco if he were smart.
And copyright your tunes!!!
JP
11/2/11
Seasoning Solid Body Guitars?
So What About Relic TONE??
While solid body guitar makers focused on aging the look of Strat & Tele-types, other folks have been coming up with ways to break in the tone of acoustic instruments. Pictured above is the Prime Vibe guitar seasoning device which employs 2 transducers placed on the instrument to transmit high intensity audio, music, whatever into acoustic instruments, including drums, in order to accelerate the break in period which normally takes years, into about 100 hours. A few companies are marketing similar devices. Not a new idea either as acoustic players have been known to lean their guitars on speaker enclosures for the same purpose.
But what about solid body guitars? Are they just too THICK to season?
Now, thanks to SKRILLEX, even your Strat can be seasoned quickly!
JP
While solid body guitar makers focused on aging the look of Strat & Tele-types, other folks have been coming up with ways to break in the tone of acoustic instruments. Pictured above is the Prime Vibe guitar seasoning device which employs 2 transducers placed on the instrument to transmit high intensity audio, music, whatever into acoustic instruments, including drums, in order to accelerate the break in period which normally takes years, into about 100 hours. A few companies are marketing similar devices. Not a new idea either as acoustic players have been known to lean their guitars on speaker enclosures for the same purpose.
But what about solid body guitars? Are they just too THICK to season?
Now, thanks to SKRILLEX, even your Strat can be seasoned quickly!
My kid turned me on to this stuff! Nearly fried the car speakers too. I figure it could penetrate even a 4 piece knotty alder Telecaster with a double coat of poly. But can the transducers handle it?
JP
11/1/11
Bonamassa Plays Rory Gallagher's Strat
"The thing is, this was a great guitar. If it belonged to Jerry Abrams from Peoria, Illinois, it'd still be a fantastic Strat..." Joe Bonamassa
Check out Joe Bosso's new MusicRadar.com interview with Joe Bonamassa about his recent London gig, and an opportunity to play Rory Gallagher's original '61 Stratocaster;-- RG's main favorite Strat! It's a cool story too.
Anyone reading from Peoria, might mention something to Jerry Abrams, ok!
JP
Check out Joe Bosso's new MusicRadar.com interview with Joe Bonamassa about his recent London gig, and an opportunity to play Rory Gallagher's original '61 Stratocaster;-- RG's main favorite Strat! It's a cool story too.
Anyone reading from Peoria, might mention something to Jerry Abrams, ok!
JP
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