Rock House Blog

ROCK HOUSE Spotlight: Rusty Cooley's Fretboard Autopsy

noreply@blogger.com (Rock House Method) — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:41:00 +0000

This month's spotlight title is Rusty Cooley's "Fretboard Autopsy."

Called the "leading light of the post-Malmsteen shred-volution" by Guitar Player magazine, Rusty Cooley is one of the world's most technically advanced shredders.

In this curriculum for Rock House, Rusty unveils the secret patterns, shapes and techniques that have propelled him to guitar greatness. Learn 4, 5, 6 and 7 root modes, expanded patterns spanning the neck, 3 octave modes, reverse linear patterns and modal sequences. He'll show you how to create modal chord progressions for each of the 7 modes that you can shred your own leads over. And, in addition, to lessons for six string guitarists, he has also included bonus lessons for seven string guitars as well.

On the DVDs, Rusty teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow close-up views of each hand. In conjunction, he slowly breaks down each lesson so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included videos will help you hear how the examples are supposed to sound and, most importantly, you can see how Rusty applies them in a musical context.

Jam-packed with the most complete advanced collection of arpeggios ever, this is a must have for all guitarists.

Additionally, as with each Rock House product, the purchase of Fretboard Autopsy includes a free lifetime membership to Rock House's online lesson support system where you can enhance your learning experience by downloading backing tracks and linking with instructors. You'll also be able to connect with a community of musicians around the world learning to play using The Rock House Method.

Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course

noreply@blogger.com (Rock House Method) — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 21:26:00 +0000

New to The Rock House family of instructional products (released January 1):
Rock House Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course

Series: Rock House

Publisher: Rock House

Format: Softcover with DVD

Author: John McCarthy

With this blues course, you will develop general guitar basics and a solid foundation for playing the blues. Learn essential blues chords, scales and lead techniques like string bending, vibrato and hammer-ons, pull-offs. John teaches full blues scales with tri-tones, the B.B. Box and how to construct a 12-bar blues progression.

John will challenge you to learn complete blues solos, riffs and syncopated rhythm progressions. You'll also learn the talk back effect, expansion on a main theme and how to fuse jazz into blues music. Master techniques such as rakes, pick & finger and advanced bending. He'll also show you blues endings, turnarounds, melodic blues, the circle of fourths, slide techniques and many blues rhythms.

On the companion high-density DVD, students will find two full programs on one one disc as John teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow, close-up views of each hand. He'll slowly break down all the lessons so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included video also allows you to hear how the examples are supposed to sound and, most important, how John applies them in a musical sense.

Pick up a copy of Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course at your favorite retailer or at Amazon or Hal Leonard.com

As a special bonus, each purchase of Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course comes with a Lifetime Web Membership for Lesson Support via the Rock House Method® support system. Just enter the member number found inside the book to register for lifetime support at RockHouseMethod.com.

Once registered, you can use this fully interactive Lesson Support site to download backing tracks to play the examples over, enhance your learning experience, link with instructors and connect with a community of people around the world.

NAMM 2014 - SCHECTER ANNOUNCES NEW JEFF LOOMIS SIGNATURE FOR 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:36:00 +0000

Jeff Loomis redesigned his main Signature 7s for 2014. Increased access and playability, lighter weight, thinner neck, Hipshot hardtail and new tones from the EMG 57/66 set make this one of the most anticipated Schecter 2014 models!

Check 'em out @ http://www.schecterguitars.com

NAMM 2014 - Schecter Guitar Research Announces Blackjack ATX Series

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:31:00 +0000

Sun Valley, CA (January 16, 2014) -- Schecter Guitar Research is proud to announce the New Blackjack ATX to be showcased in the spacious upstairs Room 210-D. This series is offered in with a mahogany body (Aged Black Satin Finish) and a swamp ash body (Vampyre Red Satin Finish) in 2 different body shapes: The classic C-Series shape and the brand new Solo-II shape. The Blackjack ATX is offered as 6, 7, and 8 string models all loaded with Seymour Duncan Blackout pick-ups and equipped with glow in the dark side dot inlays. The Blackjack ATX series will also include: Blackjack ATX C-1, Blackjack ATX C-1 FR, Blackjack ATX C-7, Blackjack ATX C-8, and the Blackjack ATX Solo-II.

Check 'em out @http://www.schecterguitars.com/Default.aspx

NAMM 2014 - Fargen Amps Launches New 2014 Products

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:21:00 +0000

Sacramento, CA (January 15, 2014) -- To celebrate Fargen Custom Shop's 15th year of crafting some the world’s finest USA built tube guitar amplifiers, they announced the limited edition red/white/blue High Gain Classic 50. Ben Fargen has pulled out all the stops and rolled 15 years of high-gain Custom Shop builds into this 15-piece exclusive run of amplifiers. Classic rock through pure molten metal lava only scratches the tonal surface of what this modern masterpiece can achieve. Classic 3 x 12AX7 preamp gain staging, 12AX7 tube buffered FX loop with true bypass switch, foot switchable dual master volume coupled with a 50 watt classic 2 x 6CA4/EL34 power amp makes for the ultimate powerhouse amp head. The High Gain Classic 50 is available on the Fargen website and at select authorized dealers, in red, white or blue tolex, with Fargen producing five of each color. MSRP $3,499.

Fargen also announced two new additions to its standard retail line. Its first jazz amp is presented in a lightweight grab and go combo that weighs under 25 pounds, and offers pure tube tone. Fargen has developed its first ever tube/ solid state hybrid design. The brand new Fargen Jazz Custom SE combo features a pure high voltage hand-wired tube preamp feeding an ultra-efficient lightweight 50W class D power amp, through two ultra-efficient 8" full range speakers. Now, jazz guitar players, and any player needing great clean headroom tone, can have pure boutique tube amp tones in a super lightweight and compact design. This amp brings fresh new traditional vintage & modern jazz-style tones inspired by the classic 60's blackface all-tube preamp architecture. MSRP $1,599.

The Townhouse 20 is the new "gig ready" edition to the Fargen Amps lineup for Winter 2014. Following on the success of the micro-sized class A Townhouse 5 watt head (released at Summer NAMM 2013), the Townhouse 20 sports a new 2 x 6V6 20-watt power amp in a brand new compact 1 x 12" grab-and-gig compact combo design, while offering hand-built, made in the USA boutique tube amp quality and tone. The two-way Decade Switch features a 50?s setting with vintage tweed-inspired tones, and a 60?s setting inspired by brownface tones. The Townhouse 20 is like two-amps-in-one, at a reasonable price considering its boutique essence. MSRP $1,599.

Finally, Fargen has reissued its J&J Overdrive pedal, originally marketed under the Sonic Edge brand. The new J&J is based on the same circuit as the original, and is now hand crafted in the USA. This marks the second Sonic Edge pedal reissued and branded as Fargen. MSRP $189.

"We're kicking-off our 15th anniversary year in a big way, with an exciting limited-edition high gainer and a cool, warm jazz box - two firsts for us in terms of production amps" said Ben Fargen, founder. "The Townhouse 20 is a nice extension of the 5W Townhouse, for our customers who love Townhouse but are looking for a little more, but still at a reasonable price for a boutique amp", says Ben.

Check 'em out @ http://www.fargenamps.com/

NAMM 2014 - The Rock House Method 2014 Products

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:05:00 +0000

Take a look and see what The Rock House Method will be bringing to the table at NAMM 2014. For those who will be attending, stop by and meet John McCarthy at the Hal Leonard Booth in Hall B Booth 5720.

Check out the products @ GoMakeMusic
Check out the website @ The Rock House Method

NAMM 2014 - B.C. Rich Announces the Mockingbird Plus FR

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:39:00 +0000

Hebron, KY (January 23, 2014) -- B.C. Rich debuts the latest addition to one of their bestselling lines, the Mockingbird Plus FR. The new model will make its first appearance at the 2014 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Trade show this January in Anaheim, California. Inspired by the successful Mockingbird ST, the new Mockingbird Plus FR delivers the features which attracted players at nearly half the price.

Growing demand for a Mockingbird with a Floyd Rose bridge fuels the release of the new model. As one of the most in demand body shapes in the B.C. Rich line, the Mockingbird Plus FR is designated to be a top seller. Production models are being delivered to key dealers in January 2014.

The Mockingbird Plus FR features a mahogany body with a black vapor finish to highlight and detail the figured maple top. Complementing the 25 5/8” maple set-neck is a 24 fret ebony fretboard with a 12” radius, diamond inlays and the traditional B.C. Rich three on three headstock. The new set-neck design features a contour delivering the sonic advantages of a set-neck design with a comfortable neck joint normally only seen on neck-thru designs.

Additional highlights of the new model include the traditional Mockingbird electronics configuration of dual humbuckers with a master volume control, a master tone control and a three way toggle switch for maximum tone versatility. The Floyd Rose bridge, control knobs, strap buttons, locking nut, and die-cast tuners are all finished in a high gloss black to complement the black vapor finish.

Originally released in 1976, the B.C. Rich Mockingbird is ranked as “The Coolest Guitar of All Time”. With its eye catching design, the guitar has a noted list of users that include Slash, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Chuck Schuldiner (Death), Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium) and Rick Derringer.

MSRP: $640.00 USD

Check 'em out @ http://bcrich.com

NAMM 2014 - Ernie Ball Introduces Aluminum Bronze and M-Steel Strings

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:27:00 +0000

Coachella, CA (January 15, 2014) -- Ernie Ball, one of the world's leading manufacturers of guitar strings and musical instrument accessories, is proud to introduce the first significant material innovation for acoustic strings since the release of Phosphor Bronze in 1974. Following the success of the immensely popular Cobalt Slinkys, Ernie Ball continues to provide musicians with the most cutting edge tools to achieve superior tone with the release of Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings.

Extensive research over the span of 3 years lead to the development of this optimal blend of copper and aluminum specifically tailored for acoustic guitar strings. Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings feature more projection and clarity than traditional bronze strings, while also providing improved corrosion resistance. Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings are made with Ernie Ball Maraging Steel hex cores and Aluminum Bronze wrap wire which provide more pronounced lows coupled with crisp brilliant highs.

Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings were road tested by some of today's most respected acoustic guitarists from world renowned guitar virtuosos, Andy McKee and Antoine Dufour to multi-platinum and grammy-award winning artist, John Mayer. The response has been in resounding agreement that Aluminum Bronze Strings provide a shockingly clear and robust tone unlike anything else on the market.

Officially launching mid January, the new Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings will be available in stores late Spring 2014. With a street price of $7.99 for guitar, the new strings will be available in all of the popular Acoustic gauges. This progressive innovation leads a host of new and exciting products that Ernie Ball is set to launch at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show.

Ernie Ball is proud to introduce the next significant material innovation for electric guitar strings with M-Steel Strings. On the heels of launching Cobalt Slinkys, Ernie Ball has continued to redefine the tonal capabilities and magnetic properties of the electric guitar string. This proprietary new line of strings has been re-engineered from the ground up to further increase output, frequency response, and strength.

M-Steel, short for Maraging Steel, is a superalloy used in high stress applications for the aerospace and defense industries. The wound strings are comprised of a patented Super Cobalt alloy wrapped around a Maraging steel hex core wire, producing a richer and fuller tone with powerful low end response. M-Steel plain strings are comprised of a specially tempered steel for maximum fatigue resistance. A patented winding of steel around the ball end of the plain strings reduces slippage, breakage and stays in tune better than conventional plain strings.

M-Steel Strings were road tested by some of today's most respected musicians, including world-renowned guitarists Slash, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci. Guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert said: “Ernie Ball knows their metal... literally. I just put a new set of M-Steel Strings on, Wow! Powerful new tones came streaming out of my guitar.” Upon review, Guitar Player Magazine said “M-Steels Strings are louder and girthier than even the Cobalt Slinkys and more so when compared to nickel-plated strings.”

Officially launching mid January, the new Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings will be available in stores late Spring 2014. With a street price of $12.99, the new strings will be available in five popular Slinky gauges: Super, Regular, Hybrid, Power and Skinny Top Heavy Bottom. This progressive innovation leads a host of new and exciting products that Ernie Ball is set to launch at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show.

Check 'em out @ http://www.ernieball.com/

NAMM 2014 - Boss Announces the DS-1X Distortion and the OD-1X Overdrive

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:26:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA (January 15, 2014) -- BOSS is pleased to announce the OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion, two special edition compact pedals for guitarists with an ear for premium tone. Delivering a refined tonal experience that’s only possible with the legendary expertise of BOSS, the OD-1X and DS-1X will forever change the way players think about overdrive and distortion.

Bringing together decades of innovation in pedal design with the most advanced tone technologies, the OD-1X and DS-1X offer next-generation performance that opens up a modern era of expression for guitarists everywhere. Featuring all-new designs powered by BOSS’ cutting-edge Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP), these inspiring pedals provide superior sound, feel, and response characteristics that are impossible to achieve with traditional analog designs.

The OD-1X and DS-1X both offer a striking appearance to match their premium tone. Each model is equipped with exclusive chrome knobs and a chrome control plate, plus a vintage silver knob for battery compartment access.

Check 'em out @ http://rolandconnect.com

NAMM 2014 - Boss Announces ME-80 Multiple Effects

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:22:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA (January 15, 2014) -- BOSS is pleased to announce the ME-80 Guitar Multiple Effects, a powerful floor-based tone processor with a knob-driven interface for intuitive, stompbox-style control. Featuring an enormous selection of flagship-quality effects and COSM amps, eight multifunction footswitches, battery-powered operation, and much more, the compact ME-80 is perfect for performing guitarists of all levels. Via the BOSS TONE STUDIO editor application, ME-80 users can easily customize sounds and enjoy direct access to free patches and other great content at the newly launched BOSS TONE CENTRAL website.

BOSS TONE CENTRAL is the ultimate destination for all players that use BOSS guitar and bass gear. The initial focus of this powerful new web portal is on the ME-80, but compact pedals and other BOSS multi-effects will be included as the site evolves. Premium ME-80 content available now includes demo videos and free patches created by famous guitarists, touring pros, and session players. Users are encouraged to check back often, as the site will be continuously updated with additional patches, how-to videos, artist interviews, and much more.

The ME-80 contains a history of BOSS effects in one pedal, from overdrives and distortions to wahs, mod effects, pitch shifters, delays, and the latest MDP effects. Also included are nine updated COSM preamps derived from the flagship GT-100, with new additions such as Crunch, Metal, and an AC preamp designed for acoustic/electric guitar. The onboard expression pedal can be used for foot volume and pedal effects like wah, octave shift, and Freeze, and it’s also possible to control effects parameters such as mod rate, delay oscillation, and more.

Unlike typical multi-effects processors that are complicated and unintuitive, using the ME-80 is as easy as using a stompbox. Eight different effects categories can be active simultaneously, and the panel features a total of 30 knobs for instant access to effects selection, sound adjustment, and more. The Pedal FX category has its own dedicated knob for quickly assigning an effects type or function to be controlled by the expression pedal. Favorite settings can be saved in 36 user patch locations, letting players recall custom effects configurations at the touch of a pedal.

The flexible ME-80 offers easily selectable modes for individual stompbox-style on/off or traditional patch-based operation. In Manual mode, the effects categories function like individual stomp effects, with direct on/off control via seven footswitches. When entering Memory mode, the footswitches are reconfigured to select user or preset patches and patch banks. One footswitch on the ME-80 is dedicated for mode switching, so users can toggle between Manual and Memory modes at any time.

In addition, the eight multifunction footswitches provide convenient access to alternate functions such as tap tempo, tuner, looper control, and more. The newly developed footswitch style provides two switches in the space occupied by one in previous designs, allowing BOSS to outfit the ME-80 with a generous array of foot-operated controls while keeping the unit extremely compact and mobile. The expression pedal has its own integrated toe switch that toggles between foot volume and the current Pedal FX setting.

The ME-80 is equipped with a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface for direct recording to DAW software, communication with the BOSS TONE STUDIO application, and more. Available as a free download for Mac and Windows, BOSS TONE STUDIO features an inviting graphical interface for editing and organizing ME-80 patches. If the user’s computer has Internet access, the software also provides an integrated connection to the BOSS TONE CENTRAL website, allowing them preview and download gig-ready patches created by top guitar pros directly into the ME-80.

Check 'em out @ http://www.bossus.com/

NAMM 2014 - Marshall Amp's Introduces the DSL5C

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:17:00 +0000

London, UK (January 14, 2014) -- Marshall is pleased to announce the launch of the new DSL5C 5 Watt, all-valve,1x10” combo on January 24th, 2014.

The DSL5 combo combines distinct Marshall tones with great versatility. It has an all-valve signal path with 2 footswitchable channels – Classic Gain and Ultra Gain – offering shimmering cleans, sweet crunches and saturated leads. Loaded with a 10” Celestion ‘Ten-30’ speaker, the DSL5C’s practical features make it ideal for recording and rehearsing. A Power Switch drops the output from 5 Watts to 1 Watt, maintaining rich tone at lower volumes The back panel houses an Effects Loop, Headphone/Emulated Line Out, Audio In, plus sockets for the supplied footswitch and an extension speaker.

Check 'em out @ http://www.marshallamps.com/

NAMM 2014 - ESP Guitar Unveils 2014 Models—Including James Hetfield and Alex Skolnick Signature Axes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:10:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA (January 13, 2014) -- Some of ESP’s most high-profile endorsees have helped create new ESP, E-II, and LTD Signature Series guitars and basses that are making their debut at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show.

Matt Maciandaro, ESP President, says “ESP’s artist endorsees are among the most respected and influential musicians in contemporary music, and our Signature Series models offer the look, feel, and sound that they specify in their own instruments.”

Perhaps the most highly anticipated new Signature Series model for 2014 is the James Hetfield (Metallica) Iron Cross in Snow White finish, available as both an ESP model and a more budget conscious LTD version. Metallica’s other guitar player Kirk Hammett, along with ESP and Lugosi Enterprises, adds his name to the LTD KH-WZ White Zombie, a new limited edition addition to the LTD Graphic Series. Acclaimed multi-genre virtuoso guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament, AST) has helped design the ESP Alex Skolnick and LTD AS-1 guitars, making their debut at NAMM. Both guitars are available in Silver Sunburst finish, while the LTD version is also available in Lemon Drop with a flamed maple top.

ESP is now offering the signature guitar of legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood in an affordable LTD version for the first time with the LTD Ron Wood, available in 3-Tone Burst and Black finishes. Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Ben Weinman gets his first LTD Signature model for 2014 with the BW-1, a semi-hollow guitar with a flamed maple top and an EverTune bridge. An EverTune bridge is also on the 7-string LTD signature model of Ken Susi
(Unearth), the KS-7. ESP player Will Adler (Lamb of God) has had updates to the finishes of his signature models, the ESP Will Adler Warbird and the LTD SE Warbird, and Frédéric Leclercq of DragonForce has a new signature bass, the FL-204.

ESP’s new E-II brand is coming out of the shoot with new Signature models. Bassist Doris Yeh and guitarist Jesse Liu of Chthonic have new signature models with the E-II DYD-5 and the E-II JL-7 respectively. Elias Viljanen (Sonata Arctica) also has an E-II signature model, the 7-string EV-7.
ESP’s popular line of LTD guitars and basses got a multitude of new additions for the 2014 NAMM Show.

“Since its introduction in 1996, LTD has become the bread-and-butter of many ESP dealers across the country and around the world,” says Jeff Moore, ESP Senior Vice President. “While many players aspire to own our higher-end ESP brands, our LTD models for beginning, intermediate, and advanced musicians offer the pricing that they can afford, with very little compromise in tone or playability.” For 2014, ESP is offering 20 new LTD models. The ARC Series, brand new for 2014, offers chambered bodies for acoustic/electric players, and includes the ARC-12S (12-string), ARC-6S (6-string), and ARC-6N (6-string nylon) models. The EC-200 is an affordable single cutaway model in the popular EC Series offered in Tobacco Sunburst, Black Satin, and Vintage White Satin finishes. The new EC-331 and EC-331FR models are now available in popular finish choices of Black, Snow White, and Black Satin, and include ESP-Designed active pickups. The EC-401VF and EC-1000T/CTM now include DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups, the first time that DiMarzio pickups are being offered on a standard production LTD model.

In more LTD news, the new TE-406 and TE-407 models are modern updates on a classic shape, both offered in an exciting Black Satin finish with all black components and EMG active pickups. The new MH-207 and MH-337 (Black Satin finish) offer affordable choices in 7-string guitars. Finally, a big batch of new left-handed LTD models including the EC-407 (7-string), H-308 (8-string), MH-417 (7-string), EC-1000FM, MH-103QM, MH-350NT, ST-213, and V-50 are

available for the first time.

ESP Guitars has announced that their new ESP Original and E-II brands will become available in the US in 2014. The availability of ESP Original and E-II brands in the USA also allows the company to have a consistent set of products available around the world, something that ESP customers have requested for years.

“We now have five tiers of product lines for our customers,” says Eric Oppenheimer, ESP Product Manager. “On top are our famous ESP Custom Shop guitars. Our new ESP Original line is for customers who want the level of quality found in our custom guitars, but at a price point possible with production model instruments. Our new ESP USA line is built in our new North Hollywood factory. ESP EII is a new brand built in our Japan manufacturing facility, featuring some of the new designs used in the Original line along with some classic ESP shapes. Finally, our wide range of LTD guitars and basses offer amazing value in high quality instruments.”

Nine new ESP Original models are being announced at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show: the Eclipse CTM (See Thru Black Sunburst and Reindeer Blue), FRX (Liquid Metal Silver and Black), FRX CTM (See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst and See Thru Black Sunburst), Horizon NT CTM (Tea Sunburst), Horizon FR CTM (Faded Blue), Mystique FR (Black), Mystique NT CTM (Tea Sunburst, Marine Blue, and See Thru Black Cherry), Stream (Black and 2 Tone Burst), and Stream CTM (See Thru Black Cherry and Marine Blue).

The E-II Series includes 36 new models of guitars and basses in a wide variety of finishes. Many of the E-II models offer premier-quality features and components, such as quilted and flamed maple tops, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG pickups, and original Floyd Rose bridges. Many of the E-II models are being offered in finishes that were previously only available in ESP’s international markets.

ESP has added new models to their line of high-quality basses for 2014, debuting new 4-, 5-, and 6-string instruments under their ESP Original, E-II, and
LTD brands. The debut of the new ESP Original line includes the Stream and Stream CTM basses. The ESP Original Stream is a bolt-on bass at 34” scale with a white ash body, a maple/walnut/paduak neck, and rosewood fingerboard. It includes Hipshot tuners and bridge, EMG 35J (bridge) and EMG 35P4 (neck) pickups, and is available in Black and 2-Tone Burst finishes. The Stream CTM adds a flamed maple top and comes in Marine Blue and See Thru Black Cherry.

ESP’s new E-II brand, also debuting at NAMM 2014, includes several new basses. The AP-4 (4-string) and AP-5 (5-string) are bolt-on basses at 34” scale, and offers a white ash body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. Components includes Gotoh tuners and bridge, and Seymour Duncan SMB-4d (AP-4) and SMB-5d (AP-5) pickups with active EQ. Available finishes for the AP-4 include See Thru Black, See Thru White, and Tobacco Sunburst. The ESP Stream bass is also being offered in an E-II version, with a similar specification at a more affordable price, and is available in Black and Snow White finishes. Also, the E-II Stream FM provides the bass in a flamed maple top with See Thru Black finish. The E-II Vintage-4 PJ/M (maple fingerboard, black finish) and E-II Vintage-4 PJ/R (rosewood fingerboard, 3-Tone Burst finish) are a classic bolt-on basses with alder bodies and maple necks. They includes Gotoh tuners and a Seymour Duncan SPB-2 pickup set.
In the LTD range, ESP is releasing the RB-1004, RB-1005, and RB-1006 (4-/5-/6-string, respectively) basses. Designed with the advice of legendary bass player Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), these are affordable basses with high quality and excellent versatility for almost every style and genre of music. LTD’s new Stream-204 is the most economical version of the stylish Stream bass series. LTD is also making their B-205SM and B-206SM available in left-handed versions for the first time.

Check "em out @http://espguitars.com

NAMM 2014 - Alvarez Announces Masterworks Series

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:51:00 +0000

St. Louis, MO (January 8, 2014) -- This year at the NAMM Show, Alvarez will unveil its newly designed, all-solid wood Masterworks Series. 14 new models will be showcased, with five body shapes (Dreadnought, Grand Auditorium, OM, Parlor and Classical) and two different choices of wood configurations: African Mahogany/Mahogany and Sitka/Rosewood.

“To really get the best from an acoustic guitar it ought to be all-solid wood,” says Chris Meikle, Senior VP at St. Louis Music and head of Alvarez development. “We designed the new Masterworks to get the best out of its woods both tonally and aesthetically. The 2014 guitars have a new bracing system called FST2M, and new cosmetics. Both the mahogany and Sitka models have 1.5mm Paua abalone purfling and the mahogany models come in our new finish, which we call Shadowburst. They are wickedly beautiful instruments and unbelievable value for money.”

Alvarez Masterworks Series also feature a one-piece mahogany neck, premium gold tuners with ebony buttons, ebony bridge pins and pearl and abalone inlays. All models come in a high gloss finish, with Maple and Koa bindings. They are fitted with real bone nuts and saddles and a rosewood bi-level bridge. They ship with a deluxe poly foam case and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Meikle continues, “The sound and personality of the new models is different. The FST2M bracing is very forward and we added a large solid maple bridge plate to compensate for increasing the size of the soundboard. A lot of companies these days seem to be building for more bass and are constructing guitars lighter and lighter. We’ve gone the other way and actually tightened up our tops with stronger bracing, but we still generate great bass and middle frequencies through careful scalloping. So basically we create a balanced sound, rather than a bassy sound. Masterwork’s tone has clarity, it’s clear, no

t muddy like a lot of guitars these days, and they’re dressed as eloquently as they sound”

Alvarez Masterworks Series ranges from $599.00 to $1099.00 MAP

Check "em out @ http://www.alvarezguitars.com/

NAMM 2014- Gretsch Introduces 2014 Roots Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:43:00 +0000

Scottsdale, AZ (January 8, 2014) -- Gretsch is proud to release an all new and improved lineup of banjos, mandolins, resonators and guitars in the 2014 Roots Collection, the eclectic family of instruments that transports players to a bygone era. The most distinctive features of each individual model are listed below:

G9550 New Yorker Archtop

Arched solid spruce top with laminated maple sides and arched back
Vintage-Style “V”-shaped mahogany neck profile
Rosewood fingerboard
25” scale
Compensated rosewood bridge with trapeze tailpiece
Sunburst Finish

G9515 Jim Dandy Flat Top

Agathis top and sides
“C”-shaped nato neck
Rosewood fingerboard
24” scale
Rosewood top-load bridge with compensated PPS saddle
Semi-gloss Coral Sunburst finish

G9231 Bobtail Steel Square-Neck A.E.

Steel body
Square-shaped mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
25” scale
Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Spider resonator cone and bridge
Fishman Nashville Resophonic pickup
Semi-gloss clear top coat finish

G9221 Bobtail Steel Round-Neck A.E.

Steel body
Medium “V”-shaped mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
25” scale
Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Spider resonator cone and bridge
Fishman Nashville Resophonic pickup
Semi-gloss clear top coat finish

G9212 Honey Dipper Special, Square Neck

Bell brass body top, back and sides
Square-shaped mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
25” scale
Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Biscuit resonator cone and bridge
Weathered “Delta Blue” body finish

G9202 Honey Dipper Special, Round Neck

Bell brass body top, back and sides
Medium “V”-shaped mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
25” scale
Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Biscuit resonator cone and bridge
Weathered “Delta Blue” body finish

Check 'em out @ http://gretschguitars.com/products/rootscollection

NAMM 2014 - GUILD® GUITARS INTRODUCE 2014 NEWARK ST.™ COLLECTION AND GSR SERIES GUITARS AND BASSES

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:30:00 +0000

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 15, 2014) – Guild is proud to announce new guitars and basses in the Newark St. Collection and Guitar Special Run (GSR) series.

The Guild Newark St. Collection marks the return of classic Guild electric favorites from the 1950s and ’60s—once again putting the distinctive Guild styling and voice that helped shape popular music into the hands of today’s guitarists. GSR series guitars are distinctive limited-edition versions of some of Guild guitars’ most sought after and revered models. These exceptional instruments feature special and exotic wood selections and custom appointments not available on standard models, resulting in exciting new guitars that take the Guild legacy to new heights of elegant sound and performance.

The classic Guild Starfire^™ V with Bigsby^®is a semi-hollow beauty with a graceful 16 3/8” thinline body and twin Guild “Anti-Hum” dual-coil pickups, arched top and back with dual f holes, elegant ivory white body binding, black/white purfling and center-block bracing, bound three-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck with vintage-style “soft U” profile, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with 9.45” radius and pearloid block inlays, three-way pickup selector switch, individual volume and tone controls for each pickup and master volume, Adjusto-Matic^™ bridge with rosewood base, Guild Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece, Grover^®Sta-Tite^™ tuning machines, nickel hardware and a gorgeous Transparent Cherry Red gloss finish.

Guild’s CE-100D Capri^™ with Bigsby “old world”-style 16 3/8” cutaway body makes it comfortably easy to hold and play, and its twin Guild “Anti-Hum” dual-coil pickups sing with a full, clear voice. The Capri’s all-maple body features an arched top and back with a comfortable 3 1/8” depth and sharp-looking Florentine cutaway, with dual f holes and elegant ivory white body binding and black/white purfling. Other premium features include parallel tone bar bracing, bound three-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck with vintage-style “soft U” profile, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with 9.45” radius and aged pearloid block inlays, three-way pickup selector switch and individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, Adjusto-Matic bridge with rosewood base, Guild Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece, Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines, nickel hardware and a stunning Antique Sunburst gloss finish with gloss Walnut Stain back and sides.

The limited edition M-75G Aristocrat^™ LTD Gold features a luxurious gold metallic top with lightly stained mahogany back, sides and neck offset with nickel hardware. This unique compact guitar has a gracefully sculpted hollow body designed specifically to produce the resonance of a larger sized instrument. Other features include a 17” x 3 1/8” hollow body with venetian cutaway, select spruce top, mahogany sides & back, 3-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck, twin Guild “frequency tested” single-coil pickups with individual volume and tone controls, 3-way pickup selector, rosewood bridge, Guild “harp” tailpiece and Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines.

The companion to Guild’s M-75 Aristocrat guitar, the M-85 Bass boasts authentic mid-‘60s style with a compact semi-hollow body and big “Bi-Sonic” bass pickup that together create the sonic boom of an instrument twice its size. The single-cutaway body measures 2.75” deep and a mere 13.5” across the lower bout, with an arched spruce top and maple back and sides. The body also features elegant ivory white body binding, black/white purfling, partial center-block bracing and dual finger rests. This distinctive bass also features a 30.75” scale length, bound three-piece mahogany neck with a vintage-style “soft U” profile, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with 12” radius and pearloid dot inlays, volume and tone controls, combo bridge/tailpiece with rosewood saddles, Grover tuning machines, nickel hardware and cool Jet Black gloss finish.

The limited edition run of the GSR M-75 Aristocrat is an extra-elegant take on a true Guild classic. The compact Aristocrat-style hollow body has a single cutaway and an arched laminated spruce top with parallel tone bar bracing, mahogany back and sides and stately black-and-white binding. The bound three-piece mahogany-maple-mahogany neck has a comfortable profile and a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and handsome pearl block inlays.

Strike gold with Guild’s very special limited edition run of the GSR X-500D Stuart^™ LTD. The single-cutaway hollow body has an arched laminated spruce top with parallel tone bar bracing and stylish f holes, flame maple back and sides and stately black-and-white binding and purfling. The five-piece maple mahogany neck has a comfortable profile and a 9.5”-radius ebony fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, black-and-white binding, special fingerboard purfling and pearl “V” block inlays.

The GSR X-150D Savoy offers fine appointments including a Guild Bigsby tailpiece make for a distinctively cool look, and the dual Guild humbucking pickups with three-way upper-bout toggle switching provide a distinctively cool sound. The single-cutaway hollow body has an arched laminated spruce top with parallel tone bar bracing and stylish f holes, flame maple back and sides and stately black-and-white binding. The bound three-piece mahogany-maple-mahogany neck has a comfortable profile and a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets and handsome pearl block inlays.

The compact Aristocrat-style hollowbody in the limited edition run of the GSR M-85 II Bass has a single laminated spruce arched top with parallel tone bar bracing, mahogany back and sides and stately black-and-white binding. The unbound three-piece mahogany-maple-mahogany neck has a comfortable profile and a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl dot inlays.

For more information, visit www.guildguitars.com.

ROCK HOUSE INTRODUCES John McCarthy’s Master Rock Guitar - A Complete Course

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE…..FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rock House, the leader in music instruction is announcing the release of a new guitar Book/DVD course featuring John McCarthy, the most prolific guitar instructor of this generation.

This new Book/DVD course Master Rock Guitar includes the following

98 Page Book

This course designed by John McCarthy starts with the basics by teaching the parts of the guitar, proper hand positioning, tuning, how to read chord charts, essential chords in song structures, lead patterns and exercises. Next learn multi-position lead patterns, blues scales and key lead techniques. John guides you to the next level with challenging advanced riffs, techniques, scales, pivoting and sweep arpeggios that will help you start to develop your own style. You’ll get to apply all you learn over the full band backing tracks that will give you the feel and excitement of being in your own band. On the DVDs John teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow close up views of each hand. He slowly breaks down each lesson so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included videos will also help you to hear how the examples are supposed to sound and most importantly you can see how John applies them in a musical context.

Two Full Length DVDs

On the DVDs John teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow close up views of each hand. He slowly breaks down each lesson so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included videos will also help you to hear how the examples are supposed to sound and most importantly you can see how John applies them in a musical context.

Lifetime Web Membership for Lesson Support

FREE membership to the Rock House Method support system on the web is included. With the enclosed member number inside each book, students register for lifetime membership at RockHouseMethod.com and use this fully interactive support site to download backing tracks to play with each lesson, enhance your learning experience, link with live instructors and connect with a community of people from around the world learning to play music using the Rock House Method.

Master Rock Guitar a Complete Course is available at MI retailers around the world for $29.99. All Rock House instructional products are distributed through Hal Leonard Corp.

About John McCarthy

Since 2002 John has released over 50 DVD titles and 22 Books under the Rock House, So Easy by Rock House and House of Blues brands, Guitar Method for Kids and Children’s Music Books. His lesson support site has more than 300,000 register members and grows by nearly 200 people per day. He has appeared on instructional products offered by Peavey, Washburn, Silvertone, SX, Behringer, Casio, Ovation and several other well known instrument manufacturers. John has worked on and co-written instructional programs with a list of elite musicians including Gus G, Leo Nocentelli, Oli Herbert, Doug Wimbish, Alexi Laiho, Rob Arnold, Bernie Worrell, Jerome Brailey, Marc Rizzo, David Ellefson, Dan Jacobs, Gary Hoey, Vernon Reid, Buz McGrath, Michael Padget, Kiko Loureiro and Alex Skolnick. His instructional products have sold in the millions.

For more information contact:
John McCarthy 203-934-2501

jm@rockhousemethod.com

McCarthy Publishing 52 Collis Street West Haven CT 06516

ROCK HOUSE INTRODUCES Rusty Cooley’s Fretboard Autopsy Scales, Modes & Melodic Patterns - Book and DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 08:30:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE ……FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCK HOUSE INTRODUCES

Rusty Cooley’s Fretboard Autopsy

Scales, Modes & Melodic Patterns

Rock House, the leader in music instruction is announcing the release of a new guitar Book/DVD course featuring Rusty Cooley, one of the most prolific guitar players of this generation.

This new Book/DVD course Fretboard Autopsy includes the following:

98 Page Book

Unlock the secrets to turn the neck into a roadmap! Virtuoso guitarist Rusty Cooley is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of modern guitar playing challenges you to take your own skills to new heights. Rusty shows his secrets that will give you the freedom to improvise over the entire fretboard without being locked into positions. Learn 4, 5, 6 and 7 root modes, expanded patterns spanning the neck, 3 octave modes, reverse linear patterns and modal sequences. Rusty shows you how to create modal chord progressions for each of the 7 modes that you can shred your own leads over. Rusty teaches the lessons for six string guitarists, but he has also included ALL-NEW bonus lessons for seven string guitarists as well.

Two Full Length DVDs

On the DVDs, Rusty teaches and illustrates each playing example through easyto- follow close up views of each hand. He slowly breaks down each lesson so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included videos will also help you to hear how the examples are supposed to sound and most importantly you can see how Rusty applies them in a musical context.

Lifetime Web Membership for Lesson Support

FREE membership to the Rock House Method support system on the web is included. With the enclosed member number inside each book students register for lifetime membership at RockHouseMethod.com and use this fully interactive support site to download backing tracks to play with each lesson, enhance your learning experience, link with live instructors and connect with a community of people from around the world learning to play music using the Rock House Method.

Fretboard Autopsy Scales, Modes & Melodic Patterns is available at MI retailers around the world for $29.99. All Rock House instructional products are distributed through Hal Leonard Corp.

About Rusty Cooley

Rusty Cooley is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of modern guitar playing. A world renowned musician and instructor who has influenced some of today’s most respected guitarist such as Mark Tremonti of Creed and John Petrucci of Dream Theater. He has performed on more than 15 albums and has many instructional products to his credit. Rusty has been featured in magazines such as Guitar Player, Guitar One, Guitar World, Guitar Techniques and Axe. He has had his own column in Guitar Player magazine titled “Metal Guru.” In January 2003, Rusty recently was named by Total Guitar magazine as one of the top 20 fastest shredders of all time. Rusty has his own signature model guitar with Dean, the “RC7 Xenocide”

For more information contact:
John McCarthy
203-934-2501
jm@rockhousemethod.com

McCarthy Publishing 52 Collis Street West Haven CT 06516

Particle – Freekbass Spring 2014 Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

To coincide with the release of the new album, Freekbass will be joining Particle for a Spring Tour in April. Dates are listed below:

4.10 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
4.11 – St. Louis, MO – 2720 Cherokee
4.12 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Sanctuary
4.13 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands Tavern
4.15 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
4.16 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Brewery
4.17 – LaCrosse, WI – Cavalier Theater
4.18 – Minneapolis, MN – The Cabooze
4.19 – Madison, WI – Majestic Madison
4.20 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
4.22- Milwaukee , WI – The Miramar Theatre

Freekbass is a long time instructor/artist of The Rock House Method. You can keep up with Freebass on his tour on his facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/freekbassmusic. Learn how to play funk bass featuring Freekbass at GoMakeMusic on Amazon.

Gibson Releases the Les Paul Recording

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

A major part of Les Paul’s original vision for the solidbody electric guitar was to incorporate features crucial to studio musicians, and that dream was realized in the famed Les Paul Recording Model of the 1970s. The new Les Paul Recording guitar from Gibson USA—hand-crafted, American-made, and impressively affordable—pays tribute to Les’s original concept while adding key updates for superior sound and performance.

The Les Paul Recording couples Gibson’s legendary tone and playability with the very best of today’s electronics to create a dream instrument for studio guitarists. Two versatile new pickups route through a premium, industry-standard Jensen audio transformer for a balanced low-impedance output that can go direct into pro mixers or computer audio interfaces. Or, select the High-Z out for traditional guitar amps. “Fat Tap” coil splitting on each pickup, a phase-reverse switch, and ground lift switch for the Low-Z output dramatically extend the Les Paul Recording’s versatility.

Select Grade-A mahogany and a Grade-A rosewood fingerboard, with frets over binding for extended playing surface, form an unbeatable foundation; Grover kidney-button tuners, a Tune-o-matic bridge, and a classic Bigsby B-7 vibrato tailpiece provide accurate tuning with serious sustain. The high-gloss natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish lets the wood’s natural beauty shine through, while a multi-ply bound body and headstock, “Custom” style split-diamond headstock inlay, and small pearloid block fingerboard inlays complete this first-class musical instrument.

To experience the unique recording excellence of the Les Paul Recording, visit your authorized Gibson USA dealer today.

For more info go to:Gibson

PRS Introduces a New SE Zach Myers Signature Model

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

Zach Myers, lead guitarist of the multi-platinum rock band Shinedown, picked up a PRS Custom 22 at the age of fifteen and announced his first SE signature model in 2010. As a guitarist who has rocked PRS on the stage and teched for several PRS bands, Myers has an intimate understanding of how a guitar should feel and what the build quality should be. After months of design and conversations with PRS’s SE team, Zach and PRS are pleased to introduce an all-new SE Zach Myers for 2014.

The 2014 SE Zach Myers features a chambered mahogany body with maple cap, flame maple veneer and single f-hole that provides smooth mid-range tones with a natural, resonant internal reverb. The 22-fret 24.5” scale length wide fat neck boasts a satin finish that gives the guitar a very comfortable, woody, worn-in feel. Additional appointments to the SE Zach Myers signature model include PRS adjustable stoptail bridge, vintage style tuners, and PRS SE 245 pickups paired with two volume and two tone controls and a 3-way toggle pickup switch.

"I've been with PRS guitars for 12 years. This is the best PRS I have ever played, and I'm proud that its mine," Zach Myers, Shinedown.

For more info go to PRS Guitars

NAMM 2014 - FENDER® AMPLIFIERS RELEASE NEW PAWN SHOP SPECIAL VAPORIZER™ AMP

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

Fender is proud to release the latest offering from the popular Pawn Shop Special series, the Vaporizer.

Fender's Vaporizer amp evokes the 1950s-'60s age of the Space Race, when the atom-age world became enthralled with spaceflight and spacecraft. When the wild flights of fancy it launched permeated culture everywhere from film and television to cars, guitars, appliances and more--everything was bright, colorful and flashy. Garage bands blasted off with guitar music, and legions of musicians who couldn't swing pro gear bashed away on department-store guitars and amps.

The Vaporizer amp blasts you like a ray gun back to that exciting era. Affordable and out of this world, it would've been right at home aboard a Mercury capsule and down in the backyard fallout shelter. It would've been stumbled on decades later in some pawn shop corner by an unconventional guitarist with an ear for the distinctive and an eye for the stylish.

The Vaporizer features 12 watts of all-tube output power (2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 2 x 6BQ5/EL84 power tubes) through two 10” 16-Ohm Special Design Vaporizer speakers. Additional features include a spring reverb circuit independent of amp volume control, which creates a full, wet reverb for a moody “late-night” vibe and approximates the sound of playing in a tunnel. The included single-button “wedge” footswitch selects the “vaporizer mode” (bypasses volume and tone controls for full-strength overload, indicated by a red jewel light).

For more information, go to fender.com.

NAMM 2014 - FENDER® CUSTOM SHOP INTRODUCES 2014 CUSTOM COLLECTION

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:00:00 +0000

The Fender Custom Shop presents a collection of exquisitely crafted instruments for 2014, all created with the finest materials available for the player who demands a high-end boutique instrument carrying the Fender legacy. The most distinctive features of each individual model are listed below:

2014 Custom Deluxe Stratocaster^®

Alder body with AAA quilt maple top in Purple Trans, Candy Red Trans, and Cobalt Blue Trans finishes
AAA birdseye maple neck with a 10/56 large “V” shape
Rosewood or one-piece maple fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
Custom Shop Fat ’60s single-coil Strat^®pickups (bridge and neck); reverse-wound/reverse polarity Fat ‘60s single-coil Strat pickups (middle) with five-way pickup switch and modern Stratocasterwiring
Nickel/chrome hardware with pearl button tuners
Two-point synchronized tremolo with block saddles

2014 Custom Deluxe Telecaster^®

Alder body with AAA quilt maple top in Purple Trans, Candy Red Trans, and Cobalt Blue Trans finishes
AAA Birdseye Maple neck with a NoCaster^®“U” Shape
Rosewood or Maple fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
Texas Special^™ single-coil Tele^®pickups (bridge), Custom Shop Twisted Tele single-coil pickups (neck) with three-way switch and custom Telecaster wiring
Nickel/chrome hardware with pearl button tuners
Six-saddle Custom Shop chrome-plated steel Tele bridge plate with plated solid brass saddles

1964 Closet Classic Stratocaster

Select alder body in Three-Color Sunburst finish
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Maple neck with early-’60s “C” shape
Round-lam rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets
Hand-wound single-coil Stratocaster pickups (bridge, middle, neck) with Vintage Stratocaster wiring
Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge

1964 Closet Classic Jazzmaster^®

Select alder body in Sonic Blue finish with a matching headstock
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Maple neck with an early ‘60s oval “C” shape
Round-lam rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets
Custom Vintage Jazzmaster pickups (bridge and neck) with vintage Jazzmaster^®wiring
American Vintage adjustable six-saddle bridge with floating tremolo and tremolo lock button

2014 Proto Stratocaster

Select lightweight ash body with cutaway heel in Faded Three-Color Sunburst, Black, and Arctic White finishes
AAA Birdseye Maple neck with early ‘60s oval “C” shape
Round-lam rosewood or one-piece maple fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets
Custom hand-wound Fat ‘60s Strat (bridge), Texas Special^™ single-coil Strat (middle and neck) pickups with five-way switch and custom Stratocaster wiring
Master volume and master tone controls
Two-point synchronized tremolo with block saddles

2014 Proto Telecaster

Select lightweight ash body with cutaway heel in Arctic White, Black, and Faded Three-Color Sunburst finishes
AAA birdseye maple neck with a 10/56 large “V” shape
Round-lam rosewood or one-piece maple fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
Josephina Red Hot pickups (bridge and neck) with three-way switch and Modern Telecaster wiring
Nickel/chrome hardware with research special design Telecaster bridge
Master volume and Greasebucket^™ tone circuit controls

2014 Proto Precision Bass^®

Lightweight select alder body ash body in Arctic White, Black, and Faded Three-Color Sunburst with nitrocellulose lacquer finish
One-piece quartersawn maple neck with a “C” shape
Maple fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets
TV Jones^® Thunderblade pickup with Vintage Precision Bass wiring
Volume and tone controls

1964 Heavy Relic^® Precision Bass

Select alder body with in heavy relic Three-Color Sunburst with nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Quartersawn maple neck with a “C” shape
Round-lam rosewood fingerboard with 20 vintage frets
Vintage split single-coil Precision Bass pickups with Vintage Precision Bass wiring
“L Series” neck plate
Nickel/chrome hardware with four-saddle Vintage Precision Bass bridge
Volume and tone controls

2014 ‘56 Heavy RelicStratocaster

Alder body in Black finish with Heavy Relic lacquer
One-piece maple neck with a 10/56 “V” shape
One-piece maple fingerboard with 21 6105 frets
Master-designed pickups with reverse-wound/reverse polarity middle pickup with five-way switch and Modern Stratocaster wiring

All models include case and certificate for authenticity. For more information, visit www.fendercustomshop.com.

Rock House Instructor/Artist Kiko Loureiro to Attend Randy Rhoads Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 09:00:00 +0000

RRR creator Brian Tichy recently took a break from attempting to learn some Randy licks from his live solo and said, "Last week we had a great time hanging and jamming at Randy's sister Kathy's D'Argenzio Winery, as well as Brent Woods and I going to Randy's Mausoleum and paying respect on his birthday, by hanging with some cool Randy fans and playing Dee. Now I am beyond excited to finally announce some of the best guitar players in the world coming together to celebrate Randy Rhoads; a guitarist who set the bar, inspired us all, was taken away far too soon, yet left such a huge mark on the world of rock guitar that he will never be forgotten! This lineup includes a myriad of insane talent, charisma, feel, technique and passion! Some of the guitarists confirmed are huge Randy fans while others influenced Randy himself! Some have studied with Randy while others have actually filled his shoes! But more importantly, all of them are badasses! We also welcome our buds Phil Soussan on bass and Neil Turbin on vocals! The show should have been called "A Festival Of Badasses!" I want to thank the guitarists as well as the amazing Very Special Guests for jumping aboard the Rhoads Train with complete enthusiasm! The house band, dubbed "The Madmen" is now also complete! Without musicians like this coming together with a strong passion, this show wouldn't happen! You can read it all in their quotes below! Long Live Randy Rhoads!"

Confirmed Guitarists:

Kiko Loureiro (Angra)
Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake)
Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme/Rihanna)
Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Tracii Guns
Rowan Robertson (Dio)
Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions/Electric Sun)
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses)
Brent Woods (The Moby Dicks/Vince Neil)

And many more to come!!

Very Special Guests:

Kelle Rhoads (vox)
Phil Soussan (Big Noize/Ozzy Osbourne) bass
Neil Turbin (Deathriders/Anthrax) vocals

The Madmen:

Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham's Led Zep Exp./The Moby Dicks) keys
Robert Mason (Warrant/Lynch Mob/Ozzy Osbourne) vox
Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne / Quiet Riot/Whitesnake) bass
Brian Tichy (S.U.N./Whitesnake/Foreigner/Ozzy Osbourne)

Please visit Their Facebook page for all things related to the show at:

www.facebook.com/RandyRhoadsRemembered

Breedlove Guitars Unveils Premier Series

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 09:00:00 +0000

The Premier series is a great American value. Made of time-tested wood sets and Breedlove’s original designs it offers all the benefits of distinctively crafted sound. With prices ranging from $1,699 - $1,999 the Premier series offers an auditorium, concert, dreadnought, and jumbo body shape with both a solid East Indian rosewood and solid Honduran mahogany back and side option. It also offers a 12-string variety. The tops are all a solid Sitka spruce. Sitka spruce is grown in the Pacific Northwest, and has been the primary top wood for U.S.A. instruments for many decades. It is strong and light with extended harmonic content, and nearly equals the power of Adirondack. The Premier series is perfect for the working musicians and serious hobbyists who play to express their emotions, and generally let their music do the talking.

Specs:

Solid Sitka spruce top
Solid East Indian rosewood, or Solid Honduran mahogany back and sides
Sapele neck with bolt on neck joint
Ebony fretboard
Ivoroid or Tortoise binding
AVLS Abalone ring rosette
Gloss finish
Breedlove nickel tuners
D’Addario EXP Strings
Deluxe hard-shell case included
Designed and handcrafted in Bend, Oregon, U.S.A
Limited lifetime warranty

More info at http://breedlovemusic.com/

Introducing the PRS Archon Amplifier

noreply@blogger.com (Sarge) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 09:00:00 +0000

In the world of high-gain amplifiers, modern players demand aggressive overdriven tones and ample headroom with sparkling cleans. The new PRS Archon amplifier offers all of the above in a high-design 100/50-watt package (via a half-power switch). Greek for “ruler” or “lord,” the Archon has already earned the endorsement of several top artists, including Dustie Waring (Between the Buried and Me), Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth), Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge and Creed), Emil Werstler (Chimaira), and Zach Myers (Shinedown).

The Archon’s lead channel was designed with five gain stages before the master volume, delivering full, lush distortion, or as Frederick Åkesson of Opeth describes it, “a warm, punchy gain.” The clean channel provides ample headroom with rich clear tones that retain clarity even at high volume and are an excellent platform for pedals. Utilizing a ‘no flash or trash’ approach, the Archon’s control layout features volume and tone controls for each channel, a global depth control to add a thunderous low end, and a presence control to effect the high end chime. A footswitch controls effects loop bypass and channel selection.

“Finding the right amp can be a life-long journey. There always seems to be an imperfection in design covered up by excess features. For the multi-genre player, it is nearly impossible to find one amp for all styles until now. The Archon delivers the best clean and dirty channels I’ve ever heard in one amp. Finally, I get to just plug in and play,” Emil Werstler, Chimaira.

Features and specifications include:
Two Channels
Four 6L6GC Power Tubes
Six 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Master Volume Controls for each channel
Global Presence and Depth Controls
Series Effects Loop
Fixed Bias (Adjustable)
4, 8, 16 Ohm Selection
Black Tolex with Charcoal Burst Maple Fascia (additional optional tolex coverings and maple fascia stains can be seen on PRS’s website)

The PRS Archon, officially announced in December of 2013, will be a featured product at the 2014 Winter NAMM show. For full specifications, sound clips, and demo videos, visit www.prsguitars.com/archon.