Gibson SG Zoot Suit

It is rare (these days) that a guitar makes me take a second look, then salivate. The Gibson SG Zoot Suit is a little bit of awesome. What makes the Zoot so unique is that the guitar isn't painted in the traditional sense. The body of the Zoot is made up of layers of Birch wood that have been dyed then glued together. The body was then cut into the SG shape and all of the colors of the dyed wood are showing through the clear laminate. At $2000 it makes me kind of want to get a credit card. Below is info from Gibson:

Neck and Headstock
Neck Species
The neck of the Zoot Suit is also constructed using multiple birch wood laminate pieces (each one approximately .075” thick), each dyed with a different color then compressed and bonded together to form one solid block of wood. By reorienting the dyed laminates opposite from the body, you can view the pin-stripe color pattern through relief designs that have been machined out of the head veneers, which also allows maximum strength to the overall structure of the neck.
Truss Rod Truss Rod
Through the center of the neck is the same historically proven and recognized truss rod for the fine adjustments needed to ensure ultimate and personalized string action and sustain.
Joint Angle Profile
Gibson’s traditional rounded profile is hand-carved into the neck, delivering a comfortable, super-fast feel to one of the quickest necks in the industry.
Joint Angle
3.0°
Headstock Angle Headstock Angle
The headstock is carefully angled at 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.
Headstock Logo Headstock Logo
The classic Gibson logo is silk-screened onto the face of the headstock veneer. It is the most recognizable in all of music, representing more than a century of originality and excellence. There is simply no equal.
Tonal Characteristics
The angled, classical-style peg head, when matched with the larger tenon, offers enhanced sustain. Fingerboard
Average Weight
The average weight of a Zoot Suit neck is approximately 1.12 lbs.

>>MOre

Kramer NiteV

Kramer Guitars have a long history of making guitars that are performance driven. Its reign in the 80’s as one of the top guitar companies in the world is legendary. Kramer is proud to announce the upcoming release of the NiteV. This is one of the many new models Kramer will have in stores this fall. We can’t show them all at once…the extreme G.A.S. could cause health problems!

The NiteV’s stealthy scarves set off this aggressive V shape that balances great. Unlike some of the other guy’s, your neck won’t be hitting the floor when you let go while doing your best rock god pose.

GO >>

Enter To Win The "SG Gal" Title And An SG From Gibson USA!

Gibson is looking to fill the title of "SG Gal" with a girl guitarist who's got the chops and the charm to represent one of the most iconic guitars in our lineup, the Gibson SG.

If you think you fit the bill and you'd like to win a new SG from Gibson USA, all you have to do to qualify is upload an original video to YouTube that shows why you deserve to be named the ultimate "SG Girl."

Sure, you may have your pride to lose but there's an SG at stake! So get wild and go crazy, be creative and go all out! The only rule: This is a girls-only contest. Not even the prettiest boy in the silkiest wig is going to make us change our minds about that. If you are a dude, you're welcome to encourage your wife, girlfriend, mom, grandma or any other female in your life to enter the contest, but ultimately she'll get the glory and the guitar.

The participant with the most popular video, voted on by the public, will win a Gibson SG Zoot Suit brought to you by Gibson USA and received the title of "SG Gal"! Make sure you get your video submissions in by midnight on November, 13th 2009.

To enter, simply upload your video onto Gibson's YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/gibsonguitarcorp and fill out the contest entry form below!

Rock Band Fender Guitar

For the kid who has everything, Fender has created a Rock Band guitar controller made out of an actual Fender Stratocaster body. Below is the actual press release. OH and the controller will be selling for around $300 USD.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (September 3, 2009) – Fender Musical Instruments Corp. and Mad Catz®, the official third-party developer of Rock Band™ peripherals and accessories, have come together to co-develop a full-scale, wooden Stratocaster replica controller to be used in Harmonix Music Systems’ wildly-successful Rock Band™ video games.



The controller will be the only wooden replica controller compatible with the Xbox gaming platform and is sure to become an instant collector’s item. Available in Three-Color Sunburst, the controller is compatible with Rock Band, Rock Band 2, and The Beatles Game; as well as other rhythm and music video game titles.



Rock Band™, the music video game that has allowed people to live out their inner rock god fantasies on guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, alone or with their friends, was developed by Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, and distributed by Electronic Arts for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and PSP game systems. Harmonix has sold more than nine million units worldwide since its introduction in 2007.



The Rock Band Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster guitar controller for Xbox 360 (http://store.gameshark.com/catalog/9846_Sunburst.pdf) is available at Mad Catz online Rock Band Store (http://rockband.gameshark.com) and shipping now across North America in early September 2009. It will retail for an MSRP of $299.99.

Epiphone Wilshire

One of a Kind Sound from Epiphone's Glorious Past! In 1957 Gibson purchased New York's Epiphone Guitar Company and moved production to Kalamazoo, Michigan. With plans to expand retail distribution by differentiating Epiphone dealers from Gibson dealers, Gibson began production of a new line of "Kalamazoo-made and designed" Epiphones in 1959. For over a decade, Epiphone solid body guitars and basses were produced right alongside Gibsons. These Epiphone guitars represented some of the highest quality and best sounding instruments of their generation. They provided unique shapes, pickup arrangements, and tonal signatures not seen on comparable Gibson models of the day. Under appreciated at the time of their release, numerous artists through the years have recognized the unique appeal of these guitars. Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Paul Gilbert and Steve Marriot are but a few of the artists that have embraced the tone and build quality of these Kalamazoo built Epiphones. One such Epiphone instrument was the Wilshire.

John Lennon Casino

The NEW "Inspired by" John Lennon Casinos offer the professional musician the same key features of Epiphone's acclaimed John Lennon signature U.S.A. Casinos but at a more affordable price. Also based upon the "1965" Casino and the "Revolution" Casino, these two "Inspired by" versions combine the cost-effective workmanship of Epiphone's own factory in Asia with original Gibson U.S.A. electronics including classic P-90 pickups with dog-ear, nickel plated covers and a Switchcraft(tm) made toggle and output jack.

The Inspired by "1965" Lennon Casino: In 1966, during the recording of "Revolver," John Lennon and George Harrison each acquired vintage sunburst Epiphone Casino guitars. The 1965 Casino is a reproduction of the original guitar John purchased with its sunburst finish and stock hardware. Attention to detail includes the correct "burst" pattern and front and back, neck joint at the 16th fret (instead of the 17th), vintage style tuners with small metal buttons, black washer around the toggle switch and the historically accurate rectangle "blue label" inside the sound hole.

Cleveland Rocks! Presented by Gibson and Epiphone Guitar

Cleveland, OH-August 27, 2009-Cleveland Rocks!, presented by Gibson and Epiphone Guitar has announced the names of the first tier of 25 visual artists selected to take part in the public arts project to benefit local charities. Each artist selected will be given the opportunity to paint one of the playable Epiphone guitars which will later be displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and have the chance to be paired with one of the many legendary musicians who have also lent their support.

Gibson Guitar Mega Outlet Sale

On Friday, July 24, Gibson offers you an exclusive chance to purchase authentic instruments and gear from Gibson's family of brands at unbelievable prices during the first Mega Outlet Sale. All instruments and gear will be offered at specially reduced pricing, and will include demo model guitars, prototypes and samples — all offered for the first time to consumers and fans. This rare sales event will take place at the Gibson Opry Mills Retail Center in Nashville, Tenn., and at the Gibson Memphis Beale Street Retail Center in Memphis, Tenn., and will continue until Sept. 24, 2009, or until everything is sold.

Choose from Gibson USA, Epiphone, Kramer, Gibson Acoustic, Gibson Memphis, Original Acoustic Instruments, Maestro, Gibson Pro Audio, and Gibson Gear and Apparel — all at prices you won't believe. Click here for complete details.

Steinberger ZT-3 Custom

Steiberger's got a new guitar. What makes this a special axe? Well it can change keys by hitting the tremolo system. Pretty interesting.

From the site:

ZT-3 Custom: Since the introduction of the first Steinberger instruments in 1980, the Steinberger name has become synonymous with evolution, innovation, ergonomics and performance. Continuing that tradition, Steinberger announces the new ZT3™ guitar with the revolutionary new version of the TransTrem™ transposing tremolo system. As it was with the introduction of the first Steinberger’s equipped with the original TransTrem, the new ZT3 is the world’s ONLY guitar capable of transposing keys and bending chords in pitch. Simply move the tremolo arm to the un-locked playing position and dial in your key. The TransTrem can take you from standard “E” tuning up to “F” and then to “F#” or down to “Eb” or way down to “D.” Lock in the key by moving the arm back and you’re ready for anything. And, when locked, the tremolo acts much like a “fixed” bridge in that sustain is improved and should you break a string, the other strings still stay in tune. In the un-locking position, the TransTrem acts like a regular tremolo capable of extreme pitch bending with smooth and renowned Steinberger accuracy.

But the ZT3 isn’t just about the TransTrem. This new “Z” design created by Ned Steinberger is a HYBRID instrument combining the strength, rigidity and clarity of graphite with the warmth and beauty of wood. At the heart of it’s construction is our Cybrosonic™ neck featuring our patented graphite U-channel with adjustable truss rod uniquely crafted into a 3-piece, hard maple neck. We then add a smooth and durable phenolic fingerboard to create an instrument with distinctive tonal clarity, sustain, "pop" and response as well as excellent stability.

Looks pretty interesting. For the full info goto Steinberger.com

My First Earthquake

Awesome band from the LA area. A little dance, a little synth, but all fun. Song you should check out Cool in the Cool Way. It rocks.

Kind of like the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, a little like the B52's... From The Sixty One.com Bio:

Finally! We have posted "Cool in the Cool Way," from our new album, "Downstairs."

The game of "Hipper than thou" is quite a po-mo, privileged problem, huh? In the San Francisco Mission District, where the tight-panted hipster ride on their fixxie in the wild, I choose to ignore this common whoa and embrace my clumsiness.

Check out more songs and the music video for Cool in the Cool Way on www.myfirstearthquake.com.

The fools are fun. You should checkem' out for free at The Sixty One

Minipop

A dream pop band on The Sixty One.com. The music is airy and light. Very melodious. The lead singer Tricia Kane has a sound that is soothing and just really really nice. This is the type of music you might want to listen to if your riding in a train or maybe taking a walk through a medow . . . I guess. It is pretty music and worth a listen.

From The Sixtyone.com Bio:

We are Minipop, 2 girls and 2 guys creating dream-pop music with an emotional vision. We are from the bay area of California and we look forward to meeting you…


Band Members:

tricia kanne - vocals
lauren grubb - drums
matthew swanson - guitars/keyboards
nick forte- bass

Our record is available on Amazon and Itunes

Check them out for free on The Sixty One.com

OPTEK RELEASES FREE FRETLIGHT® STUDIO™ PC APPLICATION FOR THE FRETLIGHT GUITAR

RENO, Nev. — Optek Music Systems, Inc., manufacturer of the revolutionary Fretlight® guitar, announced today the release of its new Fretlight Studio application for PC. “We wanted to accomplish two things for our customers with this release,” Rusty Shaffer, president and CEO of Optek Music System said. “First, we wanted to simplify the interface for our key Fretlight applications, and second, we decided to make this software package free to our customers.” PC users can now enjoy one download and one program to access the Fretlight applications. Fretlight customers can now play songs, take video lessons, practice chords and scales or improvise a solo from one screen.

The Fretlight® guitar’s lighted learning system bridges the gap between toy guitar video games and becoming a real rock star. The patented LED learning system embedded in the Fretlight guitar provides a comprehensive visual learning experience that makes learning to play the guitar quick and easy. With the newly released Fretlight Studio Software, all educational applications are housed under one umbrella and are free, a savings of nearly $100. A wide variety of instructional content for the Fretlight Studio, such as songs, video lessons and other Lesson and Style Paks, are available for purchase from www.fretlightstore.com.

“Today’s society is full of visual learners,” continued Mr. Shaffer. “Technology has finally caught up with the vision to remove the barriers of learning to play guitar and provide players with a ‘win’ that encourages a lifetime of learning. From beginner to advanced, Fretlight now hits all targets, decreasing the learning timeframe and getting down to the important stuff…learning to rock.”

The Fretlight guitar, designed and developed by Optek Music Systems, is a real guitar comparable to a Gibson or Fender. The embedded LED lights in Fretlight’s patented advanced polymer fretboard magically show the player exactly where to place their fingers to play chords, scales, songs, solos and more. Designed for the first-time player and advanced musician alike, the Fretlight works with award-winning PC and Mac software (also now free to all customers), thereby eliminating the old-fashioned method of learning.

To download the new Fretlight Studio software or for more information on Fretlight guitars, visit www.Fretlight.com or call 800-575-6511.

Optek Music System, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in Reno, Nev. Developers of the Fretlight® Guitar, this privately-held company, manufactures and distributes six-string electric guitars that utilize a truly revolutionary patented technology through its interactive light system that allows the player to learn the guitar quicker and with better retention. Notes, scales, chords, progressions, lessons, songs, riffs and more are easily accomplished through its Video Player software. Additionally, Optek produces and sells educational products available online, through its distributors and exclusive partnerships. Optek has many U.S. and international patents as well as patents pending for its interactive guitar learning systems and musical instrument manufacturing designs.

The Sixty One.com : One of the best music sites ever

If you are in a band or just a bed room song writer you probably have looked for a place to share your music, and you've probably been let down. I know I have. Back in the day I used to love Garageband.com but just to get your music up seemed like a job, and one that didn't pay well or anything at all.

Then I found The Sixty One.com It's named after a road that is famous for something - now I feel like an idiot, but I know why I like the sixty one.com I like it because it is gratifying, addictive and it supports all the great things about music. Music isn't one song in one scale. Music is about experiences and the joy of combining a good tune with a happy moment, maybe a first kiss or a good meal in a foreign country. Music is a string of notes and words that make life better. Music is an adventure.

So What is The Sixty One? It is a place artist can post their music, then have it up on charts that are separated by genre. Users can just listen for free, but the real addiction comes from registering as a user.

Users register and get hearts. (a limited number per day, but they recharge the next day). When you listen to a song you like, you heart it. That song gets a higher rating because you liked it. Songs with high stars get featured on the front. If you heart a song that is hearted alot after you did, you get reputation points that help you level up. The higher your level, the higher your influence on the community. It sounds way more complicated than it sounds.

You get music and you get a game. The best part of the Sixtyone is all the great music, and bands that interact with their fans. It really is a community, where people share really good music. Bands can give their music away, or charge for the tracks.

Another great feature for bands and users alike is the ability to tip the artists. Have you ever listened to a song and been like , " man, that was sooo good, I wish I could show the artist how much I appreciate with a dollar right now." well you can on the Sixtyone. It is pretty interesting and new, but it puts more money in the artist's pocket and less in the music exect's/

The best way to check out the Sixtyone is to just go there and see what all the fuss is about. But it is cool....

Check out the Sixtyone.com >>>

=You heard it here. - Smelly Ray

ART MPA Gold Microphone Preamplifier: Great Deal

Looking to warm up your tracks? The Art MPA microphone preamp can give you all the tubey warmth you want at a fraction of the cost of other tube preamps. I've been a huge advocate of ART's mic preamps for years and AMS is having a sale for this one in particular. This dual channel preamp is currently priced at $259.98 and they have a dent and scratch item for $20 cheaper. Below are the details

ART MPA Gold Features

• Variable Input Impedance For Flexible Microphone Voicing (150 Ohms to 3000 Ohms)
• Selectable Tube Plate Voltage
• Large VU Meters with Range Switch
• Tube Warmth LED Meter
• Improved Discrete Class A Input Microphone Preamplifier
• Lower Noise At Low Gains, Wider Frequency Response and Lower THD Than our Pro MPA
• Front Accessible Instrument Input Jack With Very High Input Impedance
• Automatically Switches To Instrument Input When You Plug In

MPA Gold Applications

• Professional and Project Recording Studios
• FOH Sound Systems
• Multitrack to Digital Mixing/Mastering
• Bass and Keyboard Rigs – Tube Direct
• Digital Audio Workstation & Computer Recording
• MIDI Recording and Samplers
• Tube DI of Line Level Sources

Pretty cool stuff... check it here>>

Taylor 210 E

I got this bad boy right before Valentines Day 2009. It is a Taylor 210E. It is fricken awesome. I bought it from Guitar Center with a 15% off coupon bringing the price down to about $775. It came with a case.

The guitar isn't the most exciting looking. There are definitely cooler guitars. The finish is a satinish laminate body. The guitar plays really really well and sounds amazing. I've played the crap out of it since buying it and man has it reinvigorated my love for the guitar. The strings that it came with are Elixer. I've never had those before, but since this guitar I'll probably never buy another brand of strings. They feel like silk. I just love the way they sound and they last much longer than regular non-coated strings.

So I've had the guitar for about 3 months and I absolutely love it. I think Taylor's are top notch and the playability is out of this world. I love the sound, and the laminate is really scratch resistant so I'm not worried about leaving the guitar out. It is a very fun guitar and I'd definitely buy it again.

zoom H4n Review

I get emails from AMS with new products releases and deals etc. I look through them and most of the time I just end up tossing it not really coveting anything in the mag. Today, that didn't happen. I've always used quick recorders to jot down song ideas, but I've never really been happy with them. I've never had an all in one type recorder, but I think the H4n would do it for me.

I've read reviews over the the H4 and the H2. Most reviews are great for features and usability but alot of complaints were over their construction. The H4n has a rubber casing that everyone is just thrilled about.

Features that I really like are the 4 track recording as well as all the on board signal processors (compression, eq, limiters etc) as well as removable SD cards that are super cheap.

Here is the list



H4n Features

• Built-in X/Y stereo mics record at either 90° or 120°
• Four channel simultaneous recording using built-in and external mics
• Digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp for improved audio quality
• Large 1.9-Inch LCD screen and improved user interface for easy operation
• 24bit/96kHz Linear PCM recording for pristine recording
• MP3 recording for increased recording time
• Built-in reference speaker to check recordings
• Shock resistant rubberized body for improved chassis protection
• Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker
• Records on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB for maximum recording time
• Auto-record and pre-record feature so you never miss a moment
• Variable speed playback capability for phrase training
• Stamina mode enables 10 hours of continuous battery life
• Onboard mid-side matrix decoder for additional miking possibilities
• Built-in mounting joint for tripod and mic stand mounting
• USB 2.0 port for faster file transfer
• XLR mic inputs with phantom power allow recording with any mic
• Supports plug-in power type external mics
• Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass
• Studio effects onboard, including guitar and bass amp modeling
• USB audio interface capability
• Low-cut filter to reduce noise
• Normalizing and file splitting functions
• Mono mix function
• Onboard tuner and metronome
• Includes 1 GB SD card, wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software
• Optional RC4 remote control available.

All in all this is the only portable recording device you'd ever need, and at a reasonable price. I gotta say I'm seriously considering dropping the cheddar for this. AMS has it for $349.00 or 3 easy payments of $116.33. That's got me salivating.

If you like it click on a link on the side for it.