Strat-O-Blogster Guitar Blog

Super-Vee- The Trem for Strat Shredders!

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:02:00 +0000

If your favorite guitar is a classic Strat-- but you still like to surf with the alien, the folks at Super-Vee have just the trem for you! The Super-Vee trem system directly replaces your stock Fender trem with no routing or drilling. This is a Floyd type design with a few important refinements. The locking nut is the most invasive component, as you'll need to remove the existing nut to install it (old nut can be reinstalled). Otherwise, the bridge hardware directly replaces the original parts.

Although a locking system like "Grampa Floyd"-- including the fine tuners, unlike the Floyd, you can adjust string height, plus it utilizes your standard Strat springs. A frictionless pivot point fulcrum design guarantees the unit always returns to zero position and doesn't wear out or require lubrication. The nut incorporates 2 string clamps instead of 6, and locks the strings at the nut in a way which doesn't make them go sharp.

The parts are machined to a sleek shape in order to compliment classic Stratocaster lines. The nut is a bit large, but very sleek as well, and may provide some sustain mass. The "V" emblem engraved into the nut face resembles the Fender Custom Shop logo-- nice touch. So think of it as a retro-esque hood ornament or a Custom Strat Continental Kit.

In summary, your prized classic Strat can easily be restored to stock-- while in the meantime, the Super-Vee allows you to safely dive bomb a la EVH & Satch without tuning issues and without having to play some ridiculous 80's big hair axe; so go crazy but look classy!

Why didn't Floyd think of this configuration?? Didn't wanna leave the beach I 'spose.

GP Review
www.super-vee.com

Doug Rappoport Releases 'Bionic' Solo Guitar Debut!

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:52:00 +0000

(photo:www.dougrappoport.com)
In a world top heavy with basement shred virtuoso's-- where the terms "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Star" have been subjugated to the virtual land of toy guitar controllers, a precious few REAL rockers still manage to transcend the B.S. And sorry, I ain't talkin' about Slash.

I also ain't talkin' about that Della Vega guy, from Brazil, who is doin' Bumblebee at 320 BPM on Youtube. Rock guitar isn't about sweeping and scaling up into the highest regions of your own colon in search of the ultimate Malmsteen-Govan guitar dude ranch experience.

And that's why my '08 Summer pick is Edgar Winter guitarist Doug Rappoport's solo debut "BIONIC". No kiddin'!

If Steve Vai ever got engine grime under his nails- if Eric Johnson ever had a serious hangover- if Joe Satriani ever got himself bitch-slapped by Billy Gibbons for just overdoing things... From somewhere in all that chaos would emerge a Doug Rappoport aka "DougE Rapps". Pretty fertile ground, I'd say.

With all the humor and imagination, less the novelty and specialization of say, Mike Keneally, TJ Helmerich or Gary Hoey-- BIONIC's broader appeal comes from the knuckle busting; blood, sweat & beers school of Jeff Beck & EVH, with touches of Brian May majestic tweakery and contempo in-yo-face, NOS cylinder boostitude.

And really, what do you want in YOUR latest guitar phenoms? Especially in 2008?!

But don't just take my word... Stop by www.myspace.com/dougrappoport for an ample sampling of nuggets you really oughta taste from start to finish, as there are surprises and flavor bursts around every corner. This has that classic party DNA you played air guitar to before the industrial revolution, but with all the latest options.

Rappoport actually should be in the film score zone a la Trevor Rabin.

BIONIC is currently available in download via:

iTunes, Rhapsody, NAPSTER & Lala

www.myspace.com/dougrappoport
www.dougrapport.com

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Iron Chef - Battle- 'Old Guitar Strings!!!'

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:08:00 +0000

A recent post at IG Blog about recycling old guitar strings was probably the reason for my latest Iron Chef dream.

The individuals in this photo explained how I must save all my old strings, and boil them to make stock for soups, sauces, gravies, etc.

So, you toss the strings, but SAVE THE LIQUID!!!

Cracking the Code of Cray

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:27:00 +0000

(photo:www.highergroundmusic.com)

Listening to this "As the Years Go Passing By" performance by Albert King, it struck me that this tune could be the pattern for many of Robert Cray's tunes and singing style.

Listen to the vocal melodies and phrasing. No bad on Cray-- it's admirable how he built a niche for himself from something so basic. It's also amazing what an influence Albert King is.

SRV's "Dirty Pool" also strongly derives from this tune. Clapton cut his Blues teeth on "Born Under a Bad Sign".

A Strat for Friday #86 - ESP GL-56

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:37:00 +0000

(photo: The Music Zoo)

ESP joins the relic/artist model fray in a most aggressive fashion with this robustly distressed George Lynch 56 model. ESP also has a Vintage Series of S-type aged models.

A current listing at The Music Zoo's eBay Store, this is a pre-owned unit described as follows:

"Here is a very cool 2007 ESP GL-56 George Lynch guitar with a distressed 2 tone sunburst finish. The guitar is a strat-style piece with an alder body, one piece maple neck, Gotoh vintage bridge, Sperzel locking tuners, and a Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker. It has a distressed paint job to give a vintage vibe and that played-in look. This is a pre-owned 2007 model and it is in excellent condition. It has seen virtually no playing time. This guitar is made in Japan. It ships in the original hardshell case and includes the trem arm... We take great care in conveying the condition of each item we sell, and every instrument is inspected thoroughly prior to auction. The truss rod, electronics, frets, tuners, structural integrity, finish condition, originality, and all other parts and aspects of the instrument are addressed before the item is deemed acceptable for sale..."

Visit the Zoo for more several more pics of this unit, before they sell it.

more Friday Strats

Another Burnt Hendrix Strat to the Auction Block

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:47:00 +0000

(photo:www.urbanplanet.co.uk)

All Hendrix Strats are rare, few are well done, most are hot and some are burnt. Confusing if you're talkin' about a steak, but with Strats, anything goes! How many burnt ones exist? Who knows... The latest phoenix to arise is a '65 model used in a '67 London Astoria performance, set to hit a UK auction block in September.

A few UK based articles have just hit the web. Click here for one.

Did Dweezil ever sell his Hendrix Miami burnt Strat?? When's the Custom Shop gonna come out with a burnt Hendrix Strat? The neck plate inscription could be, "Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire".

"...And I come back to find
The stars misplaced
And the smell of a world
That is burned..."

Up From the Skies - Jimi Hendrix

Stratoblogster Meets Guitar Author Robb Lawrence!

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:49:00 +0000

(photo credit: Sean French - www.mylespaul.com)

No kidding! What are the odds??

Last Friday, while standing in line at the Amtrak train station in Seattle, I found myself right next to axe writer & connoisseur Robb Lawrence-- just heading home from a book tour promoting his latest- The Les Paul Legacy . Noticing my guitar case, Robb struck up a conversation with me. Boy! Am I ever glad I had my guitar along!

Unfortunately we only got to talk for about 15 minutes before I had to board my train, but it didn't take long to realize that Robb is a long standing guitar authority who pretty much knows everyone worth knowing. And before anyone ribs me for plugging a Les Paul book, just know that the former GP columnist is a major guitar collector across the boards, and has some serious 50's Strats of his own. Yes, 50's Strats-- one in particular which Eric Johnson is pestering him to part with.

Click Here for some juicy Strat history compiled by Robb.

All Les Paul fans should check out Robb's book, a classy presentation on the same calibre as Tom Wheeler's Stratocaster Chronicles...

And of course now, Robb is also hip to the Stratoblogster guitar blog (which he can peruse in moments of severe boredom).

Click Here for the official Gibson review on the book.

Strat-o-FATster Returns From Cruise...

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:30:00 +0000

"Have you ever been on a cruise ship experience?
Well! I have.
Let me prove it to you..."

More later. I gotta take a walk. Just lettin' everyone know I'm back.

Stratoblogster Off to Sea!

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:01:00 +0000

I hate to break it to everyone so sudden and all, but I'm headed out on a cruise tonight and won't be back till around the 12th. Too lazy to advance post anything, including any Friday Strats. I also haven't solicited for any guest bloggers out of respect for the reputations of my esteemed peer group.

It's longer than a 3 hour tour, but hopefully not longer than 7 days. That's really my boat in the photo, but it's going to Alaska instead of Hawaii. So if we strike an iceberg, just know that my heart will go on. I'm taking my white Strat along, and hopefully won't have to use it as a paddle.

Internet on the boat is like .75 cents/minute, so you're just not gonna hear from me unless it's a mayday distress signal.

Any cruise tips commenting & advice is welcome, as this is my first time. Yes, I'm a "Cruise Virgin". But comment right away, cause I'm almost outta here gang. I plan to eat lots of salmon and seafood, and build up my omega 3 fatty acids.

Bon Voyage!!!!!!

Strat-O-Brother Lowell George-- Havin' a 'Cold, Cold, Cold' One

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Colin from Chicago recently left this comment at my Strat-O-Brothers Directory:

"What? No Lowell George?! No Paul Barrere?! Blasphemy! Shame on you, Strat-O-Blogster!"

Thanks Colin for setting me straight!! Besides Duane, Ry, Lindley, Trucks, Landreth & Kottke-- LOWELL GEORGE will forever live as a Supreme Sultan of Slide! Lowell was also a very cool singer and songwriter. Little Feat lives on, but I'm partial to the Lowell George era stuff, and proudly own all of it on vinyl, including the live "Waiting for Columbus" and Lowell's solo album "Thanks I'll Eat it Here". Current Feat doesn't have that low stagger and creep groovitude. How's that for ya Colin! Lowell belatedly Joins our Strat-O-Bro' directory.

Although Lowell hailed from Burbank, CA (like Bonnie Raitt), he had a New Orleans beingness. Little Feat material spanned roots, blues, country, rock and jazz fusion. The "Time Loves a Hero" album was a real fusion trip featuring Michael McDonald on backing vocals-- about the same time McDonald was doing those duties for Steely Dan. The "Down on the Farm" LP included guitar sections by Robben Ford. One theory of mine (of many), is that if Becker & Fagan were from New Orleans, the Dan might've sounded like the Feat.

Robert Plant's "Shaken & Stirred" solo release featured Feat drummer Ritchie Hayward really stepping out into Bill Bruford meets Stewart Copeland territory. Bonnie Raitt got her slide style hangin' out with Lowell. So Little Feat's eclectism pervades the music culture much like The Allmans, The Dead, The Dan and Zappa.

My favorite album is probably "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" because of it's low stagger and creep groovitude (my description & I'm usin' hell out of it!). Our featured clip "Cold-Cold-Cold" is from that album. Check out the odd jack plate on Lowell's Strat. My favorite fantasy beer commercial would feature the opening of this tune as a sound byte over a bubbly beer pouring close-up scene. But that's just me... I don't dig silver bullet trains and bullfrogs in beer ads.

more Strat-o-Brothers

Who Really Reads Strat-o-Blogster? #2 - Triumph

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:02:00 +0000

(photo credit: AP/NBC)
Ya just never know who's out there amongst our readership!

"JP Stratoblogster,

Before I found your blog, Guitars were just another thing for me to poop on. Now, they are the ONLY thing for me to poop on!

If I had opposable thumbs, I might also play on them. So, now I am buying guitars... which I poop on. Then I sell them on eBay for big profits.

AND, I read Stratoblogster guitar blog every day-- while I am pooping on a guitar!

Your best friend,
Triumph

See me with Bon Jovi!

Who else reads Stratoblogster?

Who Really Reads Strat-o-Blogster? #1

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:16:00 +0000

(photo by Roger Ballen from his book Platteland)

Kicking off a new series here. "Who Really Reads Stratoblogster". Just another way to help connect our fine readership. Feel free to submit your own Stratoblogster experience along with a little something about yourselves.

First up, we hear from the Crawford Twins, Lloyd and Rroyd:

"Dear Stratoblogster,
My name is Rroyd Crawford. That's me on the left with the watch-- it's a Timex. When me and my brother first got on the internet, all we could do was look at them purty gurls. Then after a spell our small engin repair bizness took a nosedive. Then we stumbled onto Stratoblogster geetar blog. Since then, our ability to read is much better and we are getting to know more about culture.

Also, we our expanding our bizness empire to include 'The Relic Wrecking Yard', where we will take people's relic geetars and relic them some more. We think there's a call for that nowadays.
Lloyd will be doin the relic'in, and I'll be on the phones & web sight develuper. We hope it really takes off, and wanna thank Stratoblogster for all the help and inspirayshun!"

P.S. Me and Lloyd ain't perfict twins, bein's we wuz bornt 3 1/2 weeks apart. But we're perfict in most other ways, I figure."

Stay tuned as we meet more Stratoblogster fans!

DIRECTORY:

#2 - Triumph the Comic Insult Dog

How Hendrix Did Watchtower Live

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Jimi was pretty exhausted in his 1970 Isle of Wight performance, and this All Along the Watchtower version wasn't necessarily a high point in the show.

However, I'm posting this for the alternative way in which he plays the studio version's slide section in a live context without slide. I'm referring to the section immediately preceding the wah wah section.

Note that Hendrix is tuned 1/2 step down to Eb, making the tune's opening chord a B, which would geographically be located where "A " is when tuned in standard pitch. Unless you tune down to Eb, I recommend playing this in A in order to get the right chord voicings, drones, etc. Although you also might tune down just to learn it, then shift back to A afterwards.

Anyway, I've always wondered what to do in that section-- and this video is helping me work that out. Maybe this will help you too!

Summer NAMM Sports Headgear

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:45:00 +0000

(photo:www.modernguitars.com)

Nope, this isn't the new Billy Corgan Strat...

Modern Guitars features a cool Summer NAMM wrap up, with this photo. I actually discovered Helmet Guitars on page 202 of my July Premier Guitar rag, in a little b&w ad. I could be a proof reader-- I miss nothing!

Helmet's motto is "Practice & Play". The ad states: "Comes in 12 colors!
Includes:
Built in amp (see speaker in ear hole... clever!)
Gig Bag
Tuner
And More..."

More? Mouth guard, Jock Strap, cleats, steroids? What more do you need here?!

How 'bout a celebrity endorsement-- "O.J. Simpson says, 'Get your Helmet Guitar on... Or else I'll kill you!'"

Y'know, I have more than my fair share of new product ideas. And-- like the lazy bum that I am, I never pursue any of them. As for the Helmet Guitar- well- that's just another one I didn't dream up in time to forget. Maybe wearing a helmet in the first place prevents ideas like this. Doubtful that Fender and Gibson are in a bidding war to buy up this outfit. These guys are probably gonna have to punt.

Maybe "RELIC Helmet Guitars" could be just the gadget play necessary to really kick things off.
Tie in with NFL for merchandizing & distribution, team logo's, autographs, astro-turf pickguards, etc. These people need an agent. The Monday Night Football theme musicians could be playing these-- "Are You Ready for Some Helmet Guitars?! "SHOW ME THE MARKET!!"

If any Helmet folks read this roast, just know I wish you all the best, and seriously, try to work out something with NFL!

Don Imus Signature Relic Concept Strat

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:45:00 +0000

From our "reductio ad absurdum" dept.-- here's a concept of what a Don Imus artist series model might look like. Not playable-- it's just a concept y'know.

Don's in the news again for saying stupid stuff.

A Strat for Friday #85 - 60's Closet Classic Competition Stripe

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Martin Music Memphis currently has two of these 2007 NAMM Show Special Limited Edition, 60's Custom Shop Closet Classic Competition Stripe Strats. There's the Daphne blue pictured above, and they also have a white unit with blue stripes. The neck plates sport a NAMM Special blurb.

Yep, "2007 NAMM Show Special Limited Edition, 60's Custom Shop Closet Classic, Competition Stripe Strat" is a mouthful of a name, but nonetheless the complete official designated moniker/description. So try saying it 5 times real fast, just for fun! Go Speed Racer Go!!!

Imagine that blind guy from the Budweiser commercial hearing the bar's house band and saying: "2007 NAMM Show Special Limited Edition, 60's Custom Shop Closet Classic Competition Stripe Strat- neck/middle pickup position, D'Addario Nickle 10's, George L's 12 foot cord, Blackface Deluxe Reverb-- volume 6, treble 5, bass 3, Dunlop nylon .073 gray pick". I actually can't stand that guy...

more Friday Strats

Not Necessarily Guitar, But Beautiful...

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:26:00 +0000

If you can just get your mind around this...

Barbara Dennerlein, "Queen of the Hammond B3" is truly amazing! How does this white chick, from Germany, find herself in the modus operandi of Jimmy Smith/Jack McDuff/Jimmy McGriff??

Even more amazing is the bass player in Barb's band. She must have kicked him out-- and with that same foot she handles the bass duties herself. Talk about a walking bass line!

Watch and have your ass kicked!

Erin McKeown - Strat-o-Sister Even on a Gretch!

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:39:00 +0000

This vid is especially for IG who's workin' on those bass lines-- for Rick, who prefers to see it done without loopers.

Erin McKeown is very cool musician. When visiting her site, be sure to check out "Select Tracks" in the menu bar. This girl mashes pop, folk with old swing and plays a helluva guitar! She has a cute, smokey vocal style too!

www.erinmckeown.com/

www.myspace.com/erinmckeown
(ck the tune "Blackbirds" here)

more Strat-o-Sisters

Friday Best of... Molinelli G-Spot Spezzial - revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:07:00 +0000

(photo:www.loudguitars.it)

Better late than never-- here's one from the archive. Waaaaay back on our Friday Strat #7 (Nov. 2006), we featured the "G-Spot Spezzial" from Molinelli Guitars of Milan.

Click the above links for details and more photos. Yes, leave it to the Italians to transform that ever elusive g-spot into the convenience and easy-access of a fine guitar you can work with.

Experienced, are you, hmm? Yes, hmmm.

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:28:00 +0000

Here's something very cool! Read the clip info:

"I've taken Jimi's backwards solo from "Are You Experienced?", reversed it, and re-inserted it into the original song. The first part shows the backwards solo as it appeared on the album, followed by the forwards solo as Jimi actually played it. It's absolutely incredible in both directions! The forwards solo begins around 1 minute 30 seconds into this clip. Enjoy!"

Also check this enhanced version of "Third Stone..." with decoded vocal tracks.

Mad Stratter Returns to Blogging After Successful Truss Rod Adjustment

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:54:00 +0000

(image:www.madstratter.com)

The Mad Stratter returns to the blogosphere with this great Strat-anatomy that any guitar teacher would be proud to hand out to those guitar beginners. Learn the parts of your weapon until you can do it blindfolded-- or just do it till you go blind, and then skip the blindfold!

Madman also features a helpful post about truss rod adjustment. If I might add another tip to that, it's also good to warm up the neck with a heating pad, and slowly turn that rod a little bit at a time until you reach the desired relief point. This is especially important with older instruments.

Guitar Players Need Feng Shui to Get MOJO

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:44:00 +0000

(image:www.the-feng-shui-life.com)

In a previous post I ranted about the overuse of the term "MOJO" in the current guitar gear culture and industry.

As a commercial seduction, more often leading to GAS, the lure of Mojo may more appropriately present an acronym for "Money Obtains Justifications Only".

Another current buzz term, although strangely absent from the guitar lexicon right now, is "FENG SHUI". Guitar players are actually quite engaged in Feng Shui, however, constant interruptions for gear acquisition, usually only serve to retard the process of locking into one's own zone of tone alone.

Feng Shui is about placement, settings, direction, proportion, balance, EQ, proximity, dynamics, intonation, spacings, configurations, signal chains, etc.-- are you catching on??

Perhaps proper Feng Shui makes it possible for Mojo to occur... or appear. In other words, we often try to fix an unbalanced condition with another new thing promising instant Mojo. But consider that Mojo doesn't make Feng Shui, and that it's probably the other way around.
Or in other words, "You can't polish a turd.". What are the side effects of your effects? Is the pedal you bought for your amp's acid reflux creating dry mouth, dizziness or sleep difficulties?

Now I'm no authority on Feng Shui, but I can see direct application of the concept to guitar and music creation, performance and sound. I do have lots of experience with turd polishing-- it just can't be done and it doesn't pay-- it only costs.

The Mojo is probably our selves, and how well we put the physical universe in order determines how effectively we transmit our musical intentions. Yeah, Feng Shui IS another buzz term, but it more closely describes the steps and actions we can take with our technique and gear to create, approach and experience this Mojo thing.

Muddy Waters first got his Mojo Workin' on a cigar box guitar with a broom handle neck, screen door wire strings and wood screws for tuners. What enlightenment will Gear Acquisition Syndrome bring to you? Get your Feng Shui workin' first, then when you do upgrade and add gear, you'll be a monster and not just another turd polisher!

Brought to you by: GuitarGearStores.com "Because 'baby needs shoes' whether you can find your stupid tone or not."

Is 'MOJO' THE Latest Guitar Buzz Word?

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:22:00 +0000

Has anyone else finally reached a saturation point on the word "MOJO"?

Although "MOJO" is hardly a new word, I'm constantly noticing it an awful lot in guitar gear advertising, and guitar-speak in general. I'm about ready for a "mojo filter".

10 years ago, we were trying to get "out of the box". Nowadays we're tryin' to get MOJO! Not just with guitar related stuff either, MOJO is a hot pop culture term right now.

But next time you pick up a guitar rag, start counting up the MOJO's you see. It turns up more times than Paula Deen says "ya'll" on Food Network.

Some guy just put out a guitar book called "Guitars, A Celebration of Pure Mojo", which probably popped my cork here. Parker even makes a guitar model with Mojo in the name-- making Mojo sort of a geek accepted guitar term too.

Check the Wikipedia definition of Mojo and discover its wholesome origins. While you're there, add something clever of your own ee-mojo-nation-- Wiki lets you do that y'know...

Maybe Andy Rooney will do a thing about MOJO on 60 Minutes. Is he still on that show? Is Andy Rooney still alive??

How is FENG SHUI the path to Mojo?

Even Robots Prefer Strats

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:32:00 +0000

Meet The Trons!

No Robot Guitars for these "lads"-- it's Strats all the way!
Be their friend at: http://www.myspace.com/thtrons

Found at Neatorama.

Did Anyone Get Solidbodies, The 50 Year Guitar War?

noreply@blogger.com (Stratocat) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:56:00 +0000

I reviewed this film a little while back, but was wondering if anybody else out there bought and has watched it?

If you did, and you liked it, the film maker would love for you to post a review at Amazon. It seems that some jerk, who was sore because the DVD he recieved was defective (mine wasn't), decided to do a trash review at Amazon-- rating the film a "Garbage Product" and giving it a single star. Probably a low blood sugar issue...

The film maker actually contacted me, because of my positive blog about it. For an independent film maker & publisher, an ugly review on a site like Amazon makes a harsh impact.

Click the above image to visit the Amazon product page and post a decent review if you enjoyed the film. I liked it.

If my DVD had been defective, I wouldn't have let that carry over into trashing the film. Any defective disks are being replaced immediately. What more can they do?--sh@* happens.