March 2012
3 posts
2 tags
Rig Recommendations: Pop/Rock
While you may not always need every piece of gear under the sun, it isn’t hard to get lost in the mires of “which piece of x will help me sound like y.” There’s never one right path in this journey, but it never hurts to have a solid starting point. So, we’ll be taking a look today at what gear you can use to help you sound more like typical record sounds. Our first...
Anonymous asked: what colour is the epiphone es 339 being played
1 tag
A Declaration of Survival
Hello, everyone. It’s certainly been a little while, hasn’t it? As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting here or on my media review site for what may seem like forever. Well, allow me to reassure you: I have not abandoned these blogs in any way, shape or form.
The reality is, I’m living on my own with my girlfriend and a roommate. One of the services we were able...
February 2012
0 posts
1 tag
Gibson Releases Shred Les Paul Studio & SG Diablo...
Gibson has released two new iterations of the Les Paul and SG guitars equipped with Floyd Rose tremolos. The first, the Shred Les Paul Studio, is a jet black Les Paul Studio equipped with a Floyd Rose vibrato and locking nut, Richlite fingerboard, 50’s neck profile and 490R/498T pickups. The SG Diablo Tremolo mounts the Floyd Rose on the arched top SG body. It also features a Mahogany...
January 2012
14 posts
1 tag
Gibson Custom Announces Paul Kossoff 1959 Les...
Gibson Custom is back at the artist signature game with the Paul Kossoff Signature 1959 Les Paul. Modeled after Kossoff’s favored Les Paul, the guitar features a hand-aged Green Lemon Burst finish and a one-piece Mahogany neck shaped to that of Kossoff’s original. Internally, it is outfitted with Custom Bucker pickups, gold barrel knobs and a pickguard hole. Like all of Gibson...
1 tag
Why I'm Not Doing Play-by-Play of NAMM...
Because I’m not there. Unfortunately, I’m just updating based on websites I know. You can get NAMM 2012 coverage at sites like TheMusicZoo.com and MusicRadar.com/Guitars
1 tag
Gibson Kirk Hammett Flying V Signature Confirmed
It looks like the earlier post was on the money, as Gibson has a Kirk Hammett Flying V on display at NAMM 2012. I expect a typical 50 signed/aged, 150 total distribution plan. Looks pretty good, based on the photos.
1 tag
Gibson Releases Ace Frehley Les Paul Custom and SG...
Gibson has introduced the second half of the latest releases based around former KISS guitarist Ace “Space Ace” Frehley. This model, from Gibson Custom’s department, features similar appointments to those of the Epiphone model: a four piece Maple top, three DiMarzio humbuckers (DiMarzio PAF’s in the neck and middle, and a Super Distortion in the bridge), gold speed knobs...
1 tag
Blog Update!
So, in case you didn’t notice, I updated the layout of the blog! I like the new look, as it allows me to show off my custom header (done by yours truly!). There is one problem I’m having: This new theme doesn’t seem to have a like button. You can still reblog, but you have to click on the post itself to do that. If anyone can help me figure out how to put the like button back on...
1 tag
Rumor Alert: Gibson Planning Aged Kirk Hammett...
Not sure whether this is legit or not, but I wouldn’t doubt it. Supposedly, Gibson is planning a limited run of aged Flying V guitars based on Kirk Hammett’s. The guitar will feature authentic aging and EMG pickups. These guitars will be limited to 150 total and 50 will be signed by Hammett.
I wouldn’t put too much stock in this rumor. It seems like a cool idea (somewhat) and...
1 tag
Fender Announces Kurt Cobain Signature Mustang,...
With Winter NAMM kicking off today, Fender is strong out of the gate with a signature release from one of their greatest pioneers: Kurt Cobain. Hot on the heels of their previous release, Fender’s reproduction features a slanted single coil neck pickup coupled with a powerful Seymour Duncan JB pickup in the bridge. Each pickup also features an on-off phase switch. The guitar will come in...
1 tag
Epiphone Confirms Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul...
Epiphone updated their homepage today to put their newest artist signature on display: the Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom Outfit. The model is a faithful recreation of Frehley’s favored guitar when the band KISS sold out four nights at Budokan Theater in Tokyo, Japan.
The model features a period-correct, 3-piece body, Grover tuners and 3 DiMarzio pickups (DiMarzio...
1 tag
Fender Continues Amp Deluge With Fender Machete
Fender has (officially) revealed a new amplifier model entitled the Machete. The amp is a 50-watt, dual channel combo that is meant to be the company’s entry into high gain territory. The amp features 5 12AX7A tubes and 2 6L6 power tubes. The model is available now, and retails for $2,599.99.
While I’m not a fan of high gain amps, I think it is good to see Fender branching...
1 tag
Ibanez Unveils Glut of New Models for 2012, Jazzy,...
Ibanez has revealed quite a few new models for the Winter NAMM show. Among the models are Prestige, Art models and even a few new Jazzboxes. The pricing doesn’t look too bad at all, especially the Jem models and George Benson models. Some pictures are below, but more can be found at the Ibanez website.
1 tag
Rumor Alert: Fender Planning Two New Tube Amps
So, like other rumors, take this with a grain of salt. Allegedly, Fender is planning a release of two new small amp designs. These amps were, supposedly, on display at NAMM but I heard not a peep or whisper regarding them. However, there are pictures along with the write-ups so I’ll post those. Personally, I think these are interesting, if not my first choice. The Excelsior could be awesome,...
1 tag
Fender Welcomes 2012 with Fender Select Series
Only a few days into 2012, Fender is already celebrating by releasing a line of special designed iterations of its staple. Titled the “Select” series, the guitars feature book-matched tops and specially designed pickups. Not only are these guitars and basses beautiful to look at, they’re a joy to play and a marvel of the elegance Fender is capable of. There are multiple...
December 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Gibson Releases Les Paul Classic Custom, Nails One...
Gibson USA has released the Les Paul Classic Custom. The Classic Custom melds the best playing and style elements of the Les Paul Classic and the Les Paul Custom. The guitar features a Baked Maple fingerboard, 57 Classic/57 Classic+ pickups and a chambered Mahogany body with a Maple top. The guitar is available now and retails for $2,999.99 guitars.
Now THIS is a Gibson guitar. I think that...
1 tag
Gibson Releases Derek Trucks Signature SG, Jumps...
Gibson has released the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Derek Trucks SG electric guitar. The guitar features 57 Classic pickups, 22 frets, no pickguard and a long Lyre tailpiece. Like Trucks’ own, the guitar features no Maestro vibrola. The guitar is available now and retails (according to Guitar Center) for $1,699.99.
Gibson did this with the SG Junior, and again have done it with the...
November 2011
4 posts
1 tag
Epiphone Teases Thursday Release for ES-339
Epiphone posted this image on their blog today that showcases the previously announced Epiphone Ultra ES-339. As I said previously, I am very excited for this model, as I’ve been hoping for an Epiphone version of the 339 since the release of Gibson’s Custom Shop.
1 tag
Gibson Quietly Drops SG Junior 60's, World Wonders...
Gibson recently released a new version of the SG. Titled the Gibson SG Junior 60s guitar, the instrument is (as are all Juniors) a single P-90 equipped SG. Featuring singular volume and tone controls and a wraparound bridge, the guitar also features Gibson’s new Baked Maple fingerboards. The instrument is available now in both Heritage Cherry and Ebony, and retails (according to Guitar...
1 tag
Gibson Reissues L6S, Carlos Santana Unfazed
Gibson has reissued one of their former oddities, the L6S. Originally issued in 1970, the L6S features a natural Maple body and fingerboard, 490R and 498T pickups with coil splitting and a 6-level tone switch for various coil-taps. The guitar features Master volume control as well as Treble roll-off and Bass roll-off. The L6S retails for $2,599 and is available now.
I don’t have any...
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Making A Case For Signature Guitars
So, I’ve had a couple of editorials that have decried the reasoning and need for 99% of signature guitars. It’s no secret that I find the vast majority of them to be overpriced weights that receive an extra-large price increase simply due to an artist putting their name on it. I feel that such posts have insinuated that I dislike signature guitars as a whole. This isn’t so. The...
October 2011
3 posts
2 tags
Rumor Alert: Fender Custom Shop Outs 2012 3-pickup...
Recently, rumors of a La Cabronita sporting 3 TV Jones pickups have hit the internet. Supposedly, this instrument will be a Custom Shop outing, and feature typical La Cab stylings. The only difference will be a third TV Jones Filter’Tron centered in the body. An unconfirmed Custom Shop promo card has been spotted, but will not be posted here until confirmed on Fender Custom Shop’s...
3 tags
Fender Issues Signature Eric Clapton Amplifier...
Fender has just released a trio of historic amplifier reissues inspired by legendary blues and rock guitarist Eric Clapton. Developed closely with Clapton, the amps are variations on the Fender Champ, Twin and Deluxe. Each model is limited to 50 units, and are handmade to Clapton’s exact specifications. Thus, each model is given a new name: The Vibro-Champ, Tremolux and Twinolux. All three...
1 tag
Gibson Releases Krist Novoselic Signature RD Bass,...
In accordance with the 20th anniversary of the Nirvana record, Nevermind, Gibson has released an RD bass modeled after that of Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic. The instrument features a nitro finish, an Obeche fingerboard with dot inlays, and a pair of Seymour Duncan Hot Stack STK-J2 pickups. The Krist Novoselic RD Signature Bass is available now and retails for $2,199.
I’m not a bassist,...
September 2011
4 posts
1 tag
Gretsch Introduces New Electromatic Models,...
After a couple of years of anticipation, Gretch Guitars have released new additions to their Electromatic line. Expanding the Electromatic Jet and CVT lines, Gretsch has introduced two lower-priced alternatives that still capture that Gretsch sound.
First is the new Gretsch G4535T Pro Jet with Bigsby and G5445T Double Jet with Bigsby. These are updates of the popular Gretsch Jets of the same...
1 tag
Some Personal Life Stuff I Wanna Share
First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who has stuck by my side since I started this blog. I never once did it for money or notoriety, only the love of six-stringed instruments. I always want to bring some of the best news and editorial pieces that I can, and I hope you all continue to garner enjoyment from my writing.
I want to apologize that I’ve been slacking lately. This past...
1 tag
Tradition Expands Boundlessly, Gibson Releases...
Gibson has apparently had success with their Traditional Pro Les Paul, as they have expanded the line to include the Flying V and the Explorer. Both models come with a 4% body size reduction, 57 Classic/Burstbucker 3 pickups and bound, pickguard-less bodies. The models come in either wine red or ebony finishes.
These are great models, and while not extremely popular, found plenty of studio use...
1 tag
Fender Releases Kurt Cobain Signature Jaguar, Teen...
Just as worn as Cobain’s famous Jaguar, Fender has released a signature Kurt Cobain Jaguar for the public. The instrument features all of the main Jaguar appointments, but also includes some of Cobain’s signature modifications. The pickups are DiMarzio, with a 35th anniversary neck pickup and Super Distortion bridge pickup. The guitar also features three worn, knurled...
August 2011
8 posts
4 tags
marimbeast asked: By the way, I love your blog. Editorials, news, everything. Well done, and write on!
2 tags
How I Learned to Love Les Pauls
So, when I started playing guitar, I wanted anything but the traditional three: Les Pauls, Telecasters and Stratocasters. I felt that guitar playing was as much a visual show as it was an audible art. I felt that the axe was important to look the part, to look menacing and crazy, to look like a work of art. What would I want, after all, with a boring old Les Paul or a plain looking Strat when I...
1 tag
Gibson Release Les Paul Custom Pro, Because Normal...
Gibson has paired with Guitar Center to produce an exclusive take on the Les Paul Standard. Featuring six highly-desired finishes over highly figured tops, Burstbucker 2 & 3 pickups and a myriad of features, the Les Paul Custom Pro plays with many, many hats.
The guitar features a rounded 50’s neck and Grover kidney bean tuners, but that’s just the tip of it’s iceberg....
1 tag
Gibson Releases Dickie Betts Signature SG, Butch...
Gibson has heard the call of many fans for years and unveiled a signature SG based on that of original Allman Brothers Band guitarist, Dickie Betts. The model has been recreated from Betts’ original, down to the finish wear and modification holes.
The guitar features a transparent cherry red finish, 60’s style neck carve, “banjo” frets as on the original and Gibson...
1 tag
Gibson Reveals Sam Ash-Exclusive SG Standards in...
Gibson has released a pair of exclusive SG Standard models to be sold at Sam Ash. The two models come in high-demand finishes of Pelham Blue and Bullion Gold. In addition to the finishes, the models come with unique hardware. The Pelham Blue Standard features nickel hardware, black tophat knobs and a black selector switch plate. The Bullion Gold model features gold speed knobs, gold hardware...
2 tags
Choose Your Own Classic Albums, Or Why Coheed And...
So, during a discussion I had at work, I revealed to a co-worker that I had never listened to the song “Free Bird” all the way through. Not even in Guitar Hero, not even as background music. Needless to say, he was absolutely shocked. This got me thinking, though. Who decided that everyone should be subject to a standard of music that is regarded as classics? So, throughout the...
2 tags
Guitarist of the Month: Joe Bonamassa
It isn’t hard to see a discrepancy between the acknowledgement of classical musicians and modern musicians. Sure, sometimes the two overlap in spaces such as jazz guitarists or fusion drummers, yet musicians rarely rise to universal acclaim outside of their given fields. It is safe to say that despite these hurdles, Joe Bonamassa has come to be acknowledged as both a prodigy and a musical...
July 2011
8 posts
1 tag
Actual Tradition Notwithstanding, Gibson Releases...
Gibson has expanded its P-90 coil-tapping technology from the newly-released P-90 coil tapping into Les Paul Traditional models. The model is a standard P-90 equipped Traditional, and the volume knobs come with push-pull pots. These pots add an actual tap to the volume line, cutting the output by about 70% and producing a brighter, more focused tone.
The most notable difference between the...
1 tag
Gibson Windmills More Signatures, Releases 50th...
Gibson has released the 50th Anniversary Pete Townshend SG. This SG is a reproduction of the SG Special made infamous by Townshend during the legendary Live at Leeds concert. The instrument is a combination of Townshend’s own hardware preferences and period-correct appointments, and serves as another notable tribute to one of the great innovators of rock.
The guitar features a pre-65...
1 tag
Gibson Does Full Studio 360, Releases 2011...
Gibson’s non-Reverse Firebird has achieved a sort of legendary status as far as vintage guitars go. Therefore, it makes plenty of sense for Gibson to introduce a model with both vintage appeal and modern appointments.
The 2011 Firebird Studio Non-Reverse features three Gibson P-90s, a vintage Sunburst finish over a Mahogany body. The secret, however, is in the volume knobs. The three...
1 tag
Epiphone Press Releases New Models, Presses...
So, in the past few days, Epiphone revealed a new press release. It features the specs and promo images of several new models, including Epiphone versions of Gibson Custom Shop and Limited Edition models.
The first new model is the Epiphone Limited Edition 50th Anniversary “1961” SG Special Outfit. Echoing the Gibson SG Classic, the SG Special Outfit features the small batwing...
2 tags
Why Chris Cornell Is My Inspiration
So recently, I posted on my other blog that Chris Cornell is my hero. The truth is, he’s my hero not only musically but also as far as professionally. Chris Cornell was not the first guitarist I ever witnessed, nor is he the best or the most technical. He will never win any contests of virtuosity (in guitar playing, anyway). What makes Chris Cornell my hero is that he has truly been his...
1 tag
Fender Releases American Vintage '69 Thinline...
Fender’s Thinline Telecaster has seen a historic-spec release, this time to 1969 specifications. This model features a period-correct tophat knob for the selector switch and vintage-styled F-tuners. Beyond that, this is a standard Thinline Telecaster. It comes in an Olympic White finish as well as a two-color Sunburst. This model retails for $2, 399.9
Personally, I think that’s a...
1 tag
Gibson Introduces New Model, ES-335 Gains New...
Introducing another new design based on a classic platform, Gibson has introduced the Midtown Standard with Bigsby. Based on the ES-335, the guitar is a semi-hollow affair with a solid center block. From there, the guitar becomes its own beast with a removed pickguard, the 57 Classic/57 Classic+ pickup combination, Schaller Roller bridge and Bigsby Licensed Vibrato. The guitar also features a...
June 2011
10 posts
3 tags
Reinvention of a Legend: 5 Re-imaginings of the...
From blues icons like Freddie King to rock masters like David Gilmour, the goldtop Les Paul has been the choice for decades. For some others, such as Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde, the Les Paul Custom is king of the pile. Why wouldn’t they be, with its sparkling finish, comfortable scale, and pickups ranging from P-90s to humbuckers. Of course, success in any world breeds imitation. The...
fret12 asked: Hey we just got some pretty cool Tremonti PRS SE's in the fret12 store. You should check them out. http://fret12.com/Guitar_Gallery.html
1 tag
Gibson Releases Sammy Hagar Red Rocker Explorer,...
Man, Gibson really has been showing the Explorer quite a bit of love lately. Their latest addition is the Sammy Hagar signature. Sammy Hagar, though known as a powerful vocalist who has graced Van Halen and now fronts supergroup Chickenfoot, is also an accomplished guitarist in his own right.
The Red Rocker resembles the Thunderhorse Explorer released earlier this year, with a scarlet red...
2 tags
Historic Amplifiers: Fender Twin
Before Fender became a guitar icon, they were amplifier icons. Among their major triumphs have been many amplifiers that have found home and note on many different albums. One of their most beloved amplifiers is the Twin.
Introduced in 1952, the Twin predates the Stratocaster’s introduction by two years. Since that time, the amp has seen many variations over the years. The original entry...