GUITARISM

New Column on Guitar Media Magazine

2012-03-02T17:46:00.000+02:00

Hi There,

I've got some fresh news; since this month i'll begin to write for Guitar Media Magazine, too.

You can reach the latest issue via this link;

http://www.joomag.com/magazine/mag/0881232001330477122

Guitar Media magazine is the free online guitar magazine for guitarists around the globe. 100% free to read, we have interviews, reviews, tabs, news, competitions, link and much more... Don't hesitate to check it out...

For this issue, i re-reviewed Nash S-57 for Guitar Media Mag.

http://guitarmedia.co.uk/

Hope we can meet every month on Guitar Media ;)

Baris

March 2012 Issue of Sound Mag

2012-02-28T17:30:00.001+02:00

Hi there,

Brand new issue for a fresh month! In this issue you will read;

Totally new Guthrie Govan Interview on Guitarism Colomn. It has done just before his equipment had been stolen! We had a nice chat about his gears, Aristocrats, recording process of their album, Rasmus Guitars etc. etc.

Sound, also has great articles about the amps of SRV by Dr.Barlo, don't miss it!

AMT Electronic presents STONEHEAD-50-4 (50W 4 Channel Solid State Guitar Amp)

2012-02-28T03:55:00.002+02:00

AMT Electronics presents their latest development - Stonehead 50-4, 50-watt 4-channel solid-state guitar amplifier.

All 4 channels of the amplifier's preamp section are built on the proprietary JFET technology which effectively emulates vacuum tubes-based devices. The increased power voltage allowed to reveal the channels' dynamic characteristics to their maximum while preserving the "correctness" of the guitar signal spectral enrichment.

Stonehead 50-4 power amplifier is based on well-established Tube Cake series of amplifiers, which ensures its correct behavior with the guitar signal and when loaded by end amplifier.

Architecture
• Clean. Channel 1 has a classic "clean" tone with the possibility of enetring a light crunch mode CL.MID.BOOST
• Crunch. Channel 2 provides a richer crunchy sound enriched with harmonics and BRIGHT button to increase your sound brightness.

Both channels have separate controls adjusting the channels' output levels and separate TREBLE controls. MIDDLE and BASS controls are common for both channels.

• Lead-1 channel features high gain and thick elastic sound.
• Lead-2's sound is heavy, dense and substantial.
Channels Lead-1 and Lead-2 have common tone controls with separate TR.SHIFT switches. In addition Lead-1 has an individual L1.VOICING control which allows better channel tonal balance in accordance with the needs of the musician.
• Parallel-serial adjustable FX Loop with BYPASS.
• External control interface with various modes for the four channels of Stonehead 50-4 preamp
• The power amplifier has two knobs - MASTER VOLUME A, B (switchable by means of foot switch) and RESONANCE and PRESENCE controls similar to tube amplifiers'. The amplifier provides a "tube" interaction with the speaker and is designed to operate with 8 ohms load.
• Power 220 V
• Weight 4,9 kg.
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 260x160x170mm

http://www.amtelectronics.com/news/amt_stonehead-50-4_sh-50-4/

Interview with Ian Anderson of IA Guitars (2011)

2012-02-23T03:41:00.005+02:00

Hi Ian. This is Baris and welcome to the Guitarism Section of Sound Magazine, TR. It really is a cliche but i think i should ask this. Can you please give us a brief information about yourself?

Hi Baris, Thank you! It is a pleasure to do this interview. I have made some wonderful friends in Turkey and it’s an honor to be presented to that audience. First and formost, I am a music fan. I grew up in the '70s and '80s listening to classic rock and roll like Zeppelin, Hendrix, Cream, AC/DC, and some of the current stuff like Van Halen, Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, et al. That led me back to the blues. The catalyst was when a friend took me to see Stevie Ray Vaughan. Thats would have been in 1984. I wormed my way up to the front row and my life was changed forever. From there it was, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and Robert Johnson. Then it expended into alternative, jazz, classic metal, and just about anything else with good guitar.

Can you tell us the story behind being a guitar builder?

I have been working on guitars almost as long as I have been playing them. I was 14 and had saved up some money, and bought my first guitar. A Kramer inspired by Van Halen. I got it home and admired it for a few minutes. It looked like a pretty smple machine, and I though it would be alot easier to build one than to play one. So I took it apart to see how it worked! When I put it back together properly I proceded to learn how to play. After a few years of building parts guitars, modding, and doing repairs for friends, I met Scott Lentz when looking for someone to paint a guitar body I had built. A lefty strat made from mahogany with a lacewood top and a Floyd Rose. This was in the early '90s. He painted that guitar and when I asked him to make a neck for my next project he told me to make my own! So that was really a turning point. Over the next 6 or 8 years I built a bunch of strat and les paul inspired stuff. He was a big help and inspiration. In those days, he would paint all my stuff. Until one day when he finally told me to "Paint your own guitars"

Ian himself, in his own workshop

A major turning point came in 1990 when I quit my day job and enrolled in a trade school to learn machining. I built a guitar in that class using their CNC software and machinery which won an award. When I got my cetificates, I got a job working at Taylor Guitar. Meanwhile, I was working in my shop building guitars, and with Lentz part time. Around '05 I formally started "IanAnderson Guitars" and introduced my "Standard" model.

What has Scott Lentz gain to you as a builder or restorator or luthieria? How deep impact, impression does he has on you? How kind of person or builder would you be if you havent met him?

Scott has been a huge influence on me as a builder. The most important thing I learned from him is to have paitence! Also, I have always thought you need to know what a great guitar is, to make a great guitar. I am blessed to have been around all the great vintage instruments hat come through the shop for restoration, refinishing, and repairs. Where else are you going to get to take apart a '50s Les Paul or thouroughly inspect a black guard tele or '50s strat? Scott has been around the So Cal. guitar building scene for decades and knew many of the old timers that were at Fender, Rickenbacker in the '50s to current times. He has shared many wonderful stories, anectdotes, tips and techniques from the old days. He is also knew John Dopera and Grover Jackson, so his roots run deep. It is a real privelage to be witness to that and to carry on the traditions of southern California guitar making.

Two words; “Taylor Guitars” and same question. What do you say?

Taylor is an amazing place full of incredibly talented people. It's a state of the art facility that is among the best in the world. I learned an incredible amount about guitar building, production, tooling, machinery, fixtures and many of the periphial aspects of the guitar business. I learned an incredible amount from many great poeple.

Ian Anderson "Standard" with A'la Turka Finish on

How did you design your standard model form? Do repair and restoration jobs have role or effect on creation?

“The Standard” was inspired by '50s Les Pauls. The Design came from working on the old guitars and having the appreciation for their classic lines. I wanted to take myself out of the guitar and create somthing that is timeless and classic. I drew from a deep well to come up with the Standard. I wanted to build the guitar in the spirit of the originals as closely as possible.

Your model “Standard” reminds Tele in appearance but technically it is much more of a Les Paul type guitar with its wood choice, scale, construction… What are the best aspects, the most significant advantages of your design?

The idea for the Standard model was to have a Les Paul inspired guitar with better ergonomics and fret access. I took the proportions of a tele which moves the waist back and the upper bout out which gives you more access to the upper frets and sits the guitar on your knee like a tele. It's incredibly comfortable to play.

How do you choose woods for certain custom guitar projects? What specifications do you look for a great guitar? And how is your drying/seasoning period of your woods?

My woods are sourced from all over the world. Maple is not maple, and mahogany is not mahogany! Geographical location, along with the species plays a key role in the woods I use. After that is is all about color, grain, weight, and the fundamental tone of the wood. My customers often want a specific look, color or grain pattern, which I try to provide if I can. I build guitars the way I know how with tone being the most important factor.

How long does it take to make a typical “Standard” Ian Anderson guitar? Can you tell us with stages of production?

The typical Standard takes many months to build. Using hide glue I often have to wait a week or more for it to dry and acclimate. The nitrocellulose lacquer process takes up to 3 months depending on the weather. The finish needs to cure for a month before buffing. I like to let the guitar hag out around the shop a bit after it's been strung up to acclimate to being a guitar and settle in. Using modern urethanes and glues I could cut the whole process down to 2 weeks if I wanted to. This guitar is not intended for the mass market. Nor is it for the faint of heart!

What kind of pickup choices do you get to your customers? Do you wind the pickups by hand yourself or evaluate the best configuration for each guitar, decide which one sounds cool and buy?

For pickups that is up to the customer. I will often use their supplied pickups. I also work with Wolfetone who has always made me great pickups! I also make my own pickups these days. As a builder I am always searching for more control, and I guess that is why I started building in the first place.

Who are your favourite luthiers, guitar builders?

My favorite modern builders are Scott Lentz, Max, Michael Stevens, Saul Koll, Tom Ribbecke. My favorites from the old days are Gibson, Fender, and National.

It is mostly known that nitrocellulose allows woods keep dring over the years and very suitable for resonating with the wood itself, less vibration absorbing. But some people have clear opposing ideas and according to them those parameters are nothing but a myth. What are your opinions about nitrocellulose laquers and their most beloved dring and resonating properties?

I don't use lacquer for the tone, that is really an afterthought. I think an equally thin modern finish will sound as good, in fact I have made some guitars finished in urethane that sound outstanding. I like lacquer because of it's organic qualities. I can melt the coats together so the colors will bleed into one another. It has a different look, and over the years will aquire the patina of age. Time has proven instruments made with timeless classic natural materials are the ones that stand the test of time and have value. In 50 years I want my Standard to look like a vintage Les Paul looks today. My guitar is about feel and vibe, and I think a lacquer finish is a big part of that. Also it is what my customers want and expect. I just like it all around despite the time it takes to do right.

What kind of machine heads do you prefer for strat/tele type projects and why? Heavy, sealed or locking ones like Sperzel, Grover etc. or much lighter vintage ones like Kluson, Gotoh etc.?

I prefer the classic vintage kluson style tuners because of the light weight and vintage vibe. They sound good and reduce the chance of breaking the headstock should a mishap happen. However the modern tuners like the hipshot or sperzels have a much improved mechanical feel and action to them that I really like. They can also accentuate a more modern look which can be really cool.

What kind of fixed bridge and metal material type do you like most? Fender type, Gibson LP type tune-o-matic, PRS type wraparound etc.?

Scott Lentz has done alot of experimenting with bridges and materials which has helped me out. He was good friends with Steve at Pigtail Music who had made his bridges and saddles with various materials. I fgot to try out aluminum and zinc on my standard and they both offer different tones. The ABR1 which is also an option has an influence on the tone. Callaham offers a steel ABR1 which I hear is outstanding and will be trying out in the future. My personal favorits is the intonatable stoptail offered by Pigtail. Tone Pros makes a real nice one as well, however it has to have steel studs and anchors.

What kind of oil or material do you recommend for oiling/cleaning rosewood and ebony fretboards? What do you say about using mineral oils, petroleum oils or baby oils (liquid vaseline) or using natural plant oils like lemon?

For cleaning and conditioning fretboards and other unfinished hardwoods, I would recommend what we used at Taylor which is bore oil. Bore oil is made to coindition the bores of woodwind instruments. Some oils have polyurethane as an ingredient. Some get rancid and will make your guitar stink like dead fish. Others can gum up and plug the wood. Roche Thomas is my preferred brand.

What is your thoughts and experiences with basswood, especially Tilia Americana? Many companies use it on their low budget guitars, so it is known by some as bad tonewood. Actually, for me it may be good choice for some certain needs?

I like basswood and have used in in the past. Since it is so soft It needs a hard finish like polyester resin to add a hard outer shell. I would not use it on a traditional style guitar though. It's worthy of more experimentation.

What are your opinions about active pickups? You know, many people, including me, don’t prefer them because of lacking overtones, compressed sounds etc.

I like my pickups and electronics to be as simple as possible. The less junk the signal has to go through the better. Active pickups are not my style although they may be for others. I wind vintage style pickups that are as true to what they did back in the day as I can get, and the materials they used as closely as possible.

I’m asking this quesiton to you because everyone may have spesific answers for that question and i like to learn yours; What is a good electric guitar for you? What do you expect from a good electric guitar?

A good electric guitar has to have a good tone first. Then a good feel and vibe. It also has to have a classic timeless look. And, be well constructed. Everything has to harmoniously exist from the wood to the colors to the tone and feel.

What do you think about todays far eastern electric guitars? Korea, China and Indonesia have extremely huge production numbers. Over 4000 guitars are made just in Korea per day (with two huge factories (Cort and Samick) and several small business builders). Can you please give us a general evaluation about standards of those guitars in fret-wise, sound and playability-wise, finish job-wise, quality-wise?

I don't pay too much attention to those types of guitars. I really don't know whats going on in that regard. All I do know is they seem to be alot better than they were 20 years ago. I suppose they are good for supplying new and casual players with instruments.

What do you foresee the future of electric guitar? You know, the technology brings many improvements like auto tuning gears, carbon fiber bodies… On the other hand, there is still undeniable group of people desires vintage gears with vintage specs…

The future will always bring new technologies and innovations to the instrument. Which can be interesting and alot of fun! Anything that engages players is a good thing. However some of us will still slog away on the vintage styled instruments. Classic and timeless instruments made from traditional materials will always be around and desired as time has proven.

What are your opinions about reliced, aged instruments which are very popular these days? Why are people crazy about them?

Aged instruments provide people with a replica of the real thing which is in short supply and expensive. Everybody wants to capture some of the magic. Generally, I am ambivalent towards it. It can be fun, but on my personal guitars I take pride in the honest wear I have put on them from playing!

There are certain periods on electric guitars. 80’s were the years of crazy colors, floyd rose, thin necks. If you have dings on your guitar or if your guitar is sunburst, then you werent cool. 90’s were transition from “80’s crazy” to “back to the roots” years. 2000’s were kindo wierd stuff but vintage type gears gained huge popularity year by year. Today, as former question above, people adore reliced guitars, Fender Custom Shop constantly making relic guitars, released Mexican “Road Worn” models with low budget, so does Gibson and there some small business reliced guitar producers around the world. Thats ok! But what about the next step? What guitar trend will be popular in the next few years?

I think in the future, the guitar will keep splintering off like it has been. From the relics, to vintage guitar mash ups, to smaller builders pushing the boundaries in design and craftsmanship. I think more and more new woods will continue to be used. Some of the vintage type stuff will keep getting better and better. If people keep playing them, they will keep evolving. Also, it is great to see the electric guitar expanding throughout the world. If you told me 20 years ago there would be intrest in the type of guitars I am building I would be pleasantly suprised!

IA Standard that Demir owns

You have built a marvellous guitar for a Turkish customer, Demir Uyar a few years ago. Can you summerize the whole process, please. How did he reach you, how did you decide&choose the woods, hardware etc. how was the building period etc.?

Demir is a great friend! It was a pleasure and honor to build a guitar for him. He approached me and to build him a guitar. He is very knowledgable about guitars, tone and what he wanted, and how to get it. I was really impressed! He is friends with another friend of mine, Can Moray. I am not sure of exactly how he heard about me. You might want to let him embellish the story. Anyway, we atarted the build. He selected the woods he wanted. He sent me an absolutly stunning piece of Turkish Walnut. It was really cool to use a piece of wood from his country in his guitar. Especially such a beautiful piece. Demir sent me a pictoral book featuring some of Turkeys historical landmarks. Some of the outstanding photos were of bookmatched stone in the blue mosque which was inspiring consideing the bookmatched maple top we used. Demirs created my A'La Turka model in which I use this wood on the pickguard, headstock, and truss rod cover. Overall it was a great experience and I made a great friend in the process.

I know you are familiar to Turkiye and made guitars for some people which are incredibly wonderful. Have you ever been here before? Do you know anything about Turkish guitar scene, players?

I have never been to Turkey. Demir sent me a great book and some CDs of turkish music, which I really love. I love to travel and am a big fan of architecture and art. I hope to see it sometime!

Workshop of Ian Anderson

Its time for a game. I’m pretty sure how to play. I’ll give you a word and then you will tell us shortly what does it recall firstly;

Les Paul - How High the Moon. les and Mary ford tearing it up on their Les Pauls.

Stratocaster - 1954 California, the orange groves, country music. A bunch of locals creating a leged in a better time gone by.

Soccer - Hooligans

Lutieria - Guitar building and repairing

Mahogany - Visual recollections of sights and memories of great wood I have worked with.

CNC - digital -vs- analogue

Warren Haynes - Thinking back to the times I have seen him play with Govt. Mula and the Allmans. Hard working great player.

Poplar - Bought some to make a strat with and used it to make a work bench.

Lynrd Skynrd - "Play some Skynrd man" often heard shouted at cover band gigs because of a classic rock comp album that was advertised on television in the '80s.

Exotic Woods - Makes exotic guitars

CITIES - Govt. Bureauocracy

Chambering - Can cut out entire chunks of the frequency range

NAMM - Lots of fun meet and greet with friends and see all the new gear.

Steve Morse - Dreggs

Endorsement - Big companies paying well known players to play their gear. Part of big business.

A'La Turca burst. My good friend Demir and a killer guitar!

Scott Lentz - The master!

Mineral Stains - Character

Humbucker - Patent applied for tone.

Yngwie - Unleash the fookin fury! Riding my bike in a slushy snow storm 5 miles to get the record the week it came out when I was about 13 or 14 and being totally blown away.

Hide Glue -vs- Titebond - They both have their place.

Amps - My vintage JMI AC30 and '67 plexi marshall are what I test the guitars with.

Barack Obama - dont get me started... :)

Blues - The start of it all.

Family - The love and support to make it all happen.

Crossroads - Robert Johnson standing at the crossroads. I want to travel there to see it one day.

Eric Johnson - Supreme taste and tone. Amazing player.

I’m done Ian. I’ve come to my end of questions. Hope you like it, too. Thank you a lot. I request you to give a ending message to all of Sound Magazine readers & Take care ;)

I would like to express my gratitude to Sound Magazine readers for reading this interview. It is a thrill to have been exposed to Turkish culture and to see the mash up and spread of our music. For that I am grateful. Keep rocking and rolling!

http://www.iaguitars.com

Published on March 2011 Issue of Sound Magazine, TR.

Save Brazilian Natural Habitat

2012-02-14T02:21:00.002+02:00

Yes, yes this is a guitar oriented blog, i publish things. Okay, but this time i have an alternate topic. Our world "needs" our help. Please read the info below and sign the petition. It wont waste your time more than watching porn or silly youtube videos. But this means a "lot" for creatures of Brazil and free people who are belong to the wild. Brazil may seem so far from the certain place you are in but please remember we are all connected somehow, no matter where you are...

Please sign Raoni's pétition against the Belo Monte dam project

"While newspapers and television talk about the lives of celebrities, the chief of the Kayapo tribe received the worst news of his life: Dilma, "The new president of Brazil, has given approval to build a huge hydroelectric plant (the third largest in the world). It is the death sentence for all the people near the river because the dam will flood 400,000 hectares of forest. More than 40,000 Indigenous Indians will have to find another place to live. The natural habitat destruction, deforestation and the disappearance of many species is a fact." What moves me in my very bowels , making me ashamed of being part of Western culture, is the reaction of the chief of the Kayapo community when he learned of the decision—his gesture of dignity and helplessness before the advance of capitalist progress, modern predatory civilization that does not respect the differences . . . But we know that a picture is worth a thousand words, showing the reality of the true price of our bourgeois "quality of life". Here is the Official link to petition the damn: http://raoni.fr/signature-petition-against-belo-monte.php And here is the link to "Earth. We are one." Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-We-are-one/149658285050501 It is time to wake up. It is time to live in Peace and Harmony with Earth.

Rotosound Launch Guitar and Bass String Cleaners

2012-02-07T17:01:00.000+02:00

Rotosound is proud to launch its new, patented string cleaner for guitar and bass. This unique tool has a revolutionary 360° degree cleaning process that revitalises your strings, helping to maintain that crisp new sound.

Cleaning strings has never been so easy. Simply open the Rotosound String Cleaner, slide it underneath the strings, close and secure it and slide it back and forth. It only takes a few seconds and cleans all the strings and the fretboard at the same time.

The microfibres of the pads in the Rotosound String Cleaner get into all the nooks and crannies of the strings and removes dead skin, dirt, oil, and other debris and contaminates on them. There is no need to use any solutions or chemicals that could cause your fingerboard to dry out or ruin the finish of your guitar. The microfibre pads are easy to maintain, simply wash them in warm water with a little liquid soap making the Rotosound String Cleaner very environmentally friendly.

Regular use each time you play your guitar will ensure your strings last three or four times longer, keep your strings neat, tidy and shiny and preserve the tone. It certainly beats buying a new set of strings every few weeks.

The Rotosound Guitar String Cleaner (GSC1, RRP £12.95 inc.vat) is suitable for all guitars; the Rotosound Bass String Cleaner (BSC1, RRP £17.95 inc.vat) is suitable for four and five string basses. Both are small enough to keep in your guitar case, ready to use after every play to ensure optimum performance.

The Rotosound String Cleaner is the no hassle, no mess way to clean you guitar and bass strings, small investment with a big return.

To find our more about the Rotosound String Cleaners visit http://www.rotosound.com/

February Issue of Sound Mag is out!

2012-02-01T19:27:00.001+02:00

Hi there,

February Issue of Sound Mag is out! In this issue, Guitarism has a very special interview with Tim Mills of Bare Knuckle Pickups. He told great stories about their models; the origins, techical details etc. Spoiler alet; you will be impressed about his ultimate Peter Green model...

Thanks to Tim Mills & Mike Cahen

TC Electronic Announces John Petrucci Signature Pedal - The Dreamscape

2012-02-01T14:50:00.000+02:00

TC Electronic Announces John Petrucci Signature Pedal – The Dreamscape

John Petrucci was one of the first artists to join TC’s revolutionary TonePrint concept. In total, John created 5 personal TonePrints in early 2011 – two for Corona Chorus, two for Shaker Vibrato and one for the Vortex Flanger. John loved having access to all effect parameters so much that he instantly agreed to develop a signature pedal together with TC – one that was based on his own TonePrints. And so The Dreamscape was born.

John wanted to gather all of his TonePrints into a single pedal even though his original TonePrints are for three different pedals in the series. Therefore, his new signature pedal contains no less than three mind-blowing modulation effects that have been painstakingly tailored with an eye on even the tiniest detail by the master himself. To take this pedal over the top, John even created a brand new TonePrint for Vortex Flanger taking the total amount of custom-tweaked tones up to six – 2 x chorus, 2 x flanger and 2 x Vibrato.

Further, there is a TonePrint setting for uploading or beaming other TonePrints to the pedal. In short, for all John Petrucci and Dream Theater fans, this pedal is a must-have, and for anybody else, it is a clever way of getting three top-notch modulation effects in a compact pedal that will only take up a minimum of real estate on their pedal boards.

The Dreamscape has four knobs: Speed, Depth, FX Level and one that chooses between the six integrated signature tones and one additional TonePrint. Further, the pedal has a three-way switch for toggling between Bright, Normal and Dark, which is an overall tonal shaping feature chosen by Petrucci. Finally, The Dreamscape also contains all of the great features included in other TonePrint pedals such as true bypass, one-screw-battery-access and a sturdy design made for life on the road.

John Petrucci – The Dreamscape Tour

John Petrucci will be visiting three Guitar Center stores in Manhattan (March 30th), Central Chicago (March 31st) and San Francisco (April 1st), introducing The Dreamscape. These in store appearances will give musicians the opportunity to hear Petrucci unlock the power of The Dreamscape, take a photo and also get The Dreamscape signed by Petrucci. The Dreamscape is exclusively available at Guitar Center in the US, and can be pre-ordered at www.guitarcenter.com in early February. and will also be available in the three stores mentioned above on March 16th. For die-hard Petrucci fans, picking up The Dreamscape online or at one of these exclusive Guitar Center locations ahead of time or online, is a must as Petrucci will only be signing The Dreamscape at these in store appearances. In Canada, Long & McQuade will be the exclusive dealer for The Dreamscape. In the rest of the world, Dreamscape will be available February 2012.

The Dreamscape Main Features
• Six Signature Tones Tailored by John Petrucci
• One Brand New Flanger TonePrint
• Three Mind-blowing Modulation Effects in One Pedal: Chorus, Flanger and Vibrato
• Corona Chorus TonePrints Are Available as The Dreamscape TonePrints

Price: USD 249 / EUR 249

Yamaha Pacifica 1511 Mike Stern Review

2012-01-31T01:25:00.002+02:00

Yamaha Pacifica 1511 Mike Stern

Since I became a Mike Stern fan I’ve always wanted to buy a 1511 MS. I’ve already tried it a couple of times to be sure but I couldn’t spare enough budget. First I’ve bought the Blackstar S1-50 and there were the new pickups for my Ibanez… I’ve been thinking to put the Yamaha in my 2012 budget, then I’ve learned that my friend Ulas from gitarpedal forum is thinking of selling it at a very fair price…

I’m a big Mike Stern fan and that was the main reason for my desire to buy this guitar. I’ve discovered Mike Stern a bit late with the John Coltrane tribute album called “A Guitar Supreme: Giant Steps in Fusion Guitar” (2004). With his performances on “My Favorite Things” and “Equinox” he quickly became one of my favorite guitar players. His sound was the main attraction as well as his phrases.

In early days of his career Stern’s main guitar was a hybrid 1950s/1960s Fender Telecaster. Unfortunately this guitar was stolen from him in an armed robbery. This was the basis for a custom-made guitar built by luthier Michael Aronson which has a Telecaster style body with an original 1950's Broadcaster neck. There was a Seymour Duncan humbucker in the neck position (referred as PAF style) and a Bill Lawrence single coil in the bridge. He used this guitar until mid 90’s then he signed an endorsement deal with Yamaha (see the photo of Stern with E.Johnson during the recording sessions of his latest album Big Neighborhood) and his custom tele is in turn the basis for the Yamaha Pacifica 1511MS, the Mike Stern signature model.

Yamaha is first seen on the cover of 1997 album "Give and Take".

Specifications;

- 2 Piece Swamp Ash Body and Top

- 7.25" Radius

- Unfinished Maple Neck and Maple Fretboard

- 25.5" Scale

- 22 Frets Medium Jumbo

- Seymour Duncan 59 neck and Hot Rails bridge pickups

- Tone, Volume and 3 way switch

Stern uses a fairly basic setup. I had the chance to see him live this year; his equipment consists of Boss Tuner, Ds-1, Boss Delay pedals, Yamaha rack stereo chorus and two Fender Twin amps for the stereo sound.

This simplicity reflects on the guitar itself. I can’t claim that it is a pretty guitar but it has (in my opinion) a raw beauty. It does not have too many gadgets on and this makes you focus on your playing. I really liked this simple guitar thing.

I can confidently say that this guitar (mine and all the examples that I had the opportunity to try) is a well-built instrument that deserves its price tag. I can also say that Yamaha generally offers a good quality for money and remain as an underrated brand.

Before buying this guitar I’ve tried two other examples. The first thing that I have noticed is the guitar feels like a one solid piece. No body, no neck, controls or pickups but one single piece. When I’ve checked the serial number I’ve discovered that mine is a 2004 guitar. Although the specifications remained the same throughout the years mine seemed significantly lighter than the ones that I’ve tried in Do-Re Music Store (previous owner Ulas had the same remark) Body is a two piece swamp ash and there is a top with the same wood. You can see the connection of these two pieces on the sides. (See strap pin photo) Even with its relatively big body the guitar is pleasingly light and this makes it a joy to play. There is a cream binding which looks good. In closer shots you can see some minor imperfections. Seven years old unfinished neck felt comfortable and reassuring. It was a bit strange to skip strings with 7,25" radius after my Ibanez’s fretboard which was flat like pool table. After a few minutes I loved this feeling, it makes me play differently. Medium jumbo frets are pure joy to play.

This guitar can switch its identity at the hands of a different player. It can cover a large ground from jazz to rock. Its creator Mike Stern is generally known as a jazz player but he is not a straight ahead jazz guitarist. With clean to distorted sounds he is more on the fusion side I believe. He often says that his roots are rock and blues and you can feel this in his guitar. Neck pickup is dark and mellow. You don’t hear the pick attack very much and that makes you sound smooth. It is criticized to be very dark but it sounds ok to me, and even sometimes my hand reaches out to the tone control to cut the treble. The mid position is a bit shinier but still mellow. The bridge Hot Rails is a powerful pickup with lots of upper mids. It’s ok for the dirty stuff but I had to tame it with the volume and tone controls for the clean sounds. Volume control is quite good for cleaning the crunch channel of my amp. The bridge material is different than a typical telecaster, it is non-magnetic. That means a clearer and fatter sound. I can say that both pickups and three positions make this guitar very versatile. I’ve read negative reviews about the electronics especially the pickup selector switch, this not case with my guitar. It works perfectly and most importantly there is no noise.

My intention was to buy Mike Stern’s guitar not a Telecaster. Therefore I cannot recommend this guitar to someone looking for a typical Telecaster. But if you are looking for a Tele to modify you have to try this one; quality parts, well built, Seymour Duncan pickups and Made in Japan tag makes it a very strong alternative.

This review has made by Gurkan Ildas. Thanks to him and his wisdom ;)

Ernie Ball Announces New Luke III & JPXII

2012-01-26T23:57:00.001+02:00

Ernie Ball Music Man has announced new Steve Lukather and John Petrucci signature models on Winter NAMM 2012; the new Luke III and JPXII signature guitars...

The Luke III features a larger Alder body, (3% larger profile than the standard model Luke guitar), 22 fret full rosewood neck and new passive Dimarzio pickups with custom Music Man active preamp.

New electronics include a dual Humbucking or H-S-S pickup configuration, volume control and a passive tone control with a new Push/Push switch for an adjustable 12 db Volume boost.

Similar in style, the Luke III exhibits a broader, more defined tone while retaining the familiar shape and feel as the original Luke model. Other standard features include a Music Man Vintage tremolo and 5 way pickup selector switch. Available in Black or Olive Gold finishes, the new Luke III retails for $2500 for HH or $2550 for HSS option.

And new Petrucci JPXII, we can see John returns to basswood.

New JPXII has Basswood body, maple cap, mahogany tone block, mahogany neck. Stainless steel frets on a 20" radius. Available in both 6 and 7 string models, and priced the same as the JPX and JPXI...

Seymour Duncan Releases Joe Bonamassa Signature Pickup Set

2012-01-23T00:17:00.000+02:00

Cool news from Scott Olson, the social media coordinator of Seymour Duncan and read what he is talking about;

The Seymour Duncan Custom Shop has teamed up with blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to produce the Joe Bonamassa Signature Pickup Set. This immaculately crafted and calibrated dual-humbucker set accurately replicates the P.A.F. pickups in Joe’s beloved 1959 sunburst Les Paul®. Their rich, dynamic, and nuanced voice will appeal to all tone connoisseurs who cherish the passion and power of the original humbucker.

Wound on the historic Leesona machine that created humbuckers for Gibson back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the set features an Alnico 2 magnet in the neck pickup and Alnico 3 in the bridge. Period-correct butyrate bobbins, lightly antiqued nickel covers, wooden spacer, and retro-style “Bonamassa” P.A.F. stickers heighten the vintage vibe.

The Joe Bonamassa Signature dual-humbucker set accurately replicates the P.A.F. pickups in Joe’s beloved 1959 sunburst Les Paul®. Their rich, dynamic, and nuanced voice will appeal to all tone connoisseurs who cherish the passion and power of the original humbucker. Wound on the historic Leesona machine that created humbuckers for Gibson back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the set features an Alnico 2 magnet in the neck pickup and Alnico 3 in the bridge. Period-correct butyrate bobbins, lightly antiqued nickel covers, wooden spacer, and retro-style “Bonamassa” P.A.F. stickers heighten the vintage vibe. Only 1,959 Custom Shop sets will be sold. Each will be hand signed by Seymour Duncan and Joe Bonamassa and include a special USB flash drive with video interviews, special features, and more. Contact the Custom Shop for ordering information.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/joeb/

JPXI from Music Man

2012-01-22T21:11:00.000+02:00

Continuing the tremendous success of the JPX, Ernie Ball Music Man introduces the latest evolution in the John Petrucci line of signature guitars. The JPXI is the newest collaborative effort between John Petrucci and the Music Man research and development team. The JPXI features a combination of top appointments from JPX and BFR Petrucci signature instruments. Most notably, the JPXI neck has been streamlined to a symmetric, extra slim profile featuring a flatter 20" radius, medium jumbo stainless steel frets with a finished mahogany neck and an ebony fingerboard. Combined with a solid alder body, mahogany tone block and maple top, the JPXI has become the ultimate rock machine. Similar to that of the JP BFR line, controls include two three-way toggles perfectly wired for the Custom Dimarzio LiquiFire and Crunch Lab humbuckers, in addition to a redesigned Wide-Spread Pivot tremolo with a Music Man/Fishman piezo system bridge pickup.

The JPXI guitars will be available in 6 and 7-string versions, adorned with chrome hardware, mother of pearl inlays and a new onyx finish.

Budda Announces New Baby Budda Amplifier Head

2012-01-21T17:59:00.000+02:00

Budda Amplification was born on the premise that 18 watts could change the world. That legacy has grown into a full line of hand-made boutique guitar amplifiers, enclosures and effects, but we haven't forgotten our roots. The newest addition to the family, the Baby Budda, encapsulates more than a decade and a half of Budda tone in a dynamic amplifier with an incredibly straightforward format.

The lunchbox-style Baby Budda amplifier head squeezes a wealth of tones between its intuitive Bass, Treble and Volume controls and Normal and Hi Gain inputs. With the Baby Budda, fewer controls means more control at your fingertips: the lively interplay between a guitar's output, pickups and volume control and the amplifier's two inputs gives players a wide tapestry of gain and tone to keep the inspiration rolling.

Completely hand-wired in the U.S.A. with high-grade audio components, the Baby Budda features a hybrid layout that combines a brass-eyelet board hand-wired 12AX7 preamp and an 18-watt, point-to-point hand-wired EL84 power amp with a 5U4 rectifier. The Baby Budda's simple, plug&play feature set is augmented by two inputs—Normal and Hi Gain—that feed separate tube stages for a multitude of gain characteristics.

The Baby Budda is housed in a metal chassis and includes a 4-ohm/8-ohm output switch for connecting loudspeaker enclosures, as well as an Effects Loop. An onboard Slave Outputcontains the full complement of preamp and power amp characteristics of your amp, and is connected in parallel to the speaker outputs. The Slave Output sends a padded, non-powered signal that can be used as a direct output for live or studio recording, or to send the signal to a power amplifier connected to additional speaker cabinets to make the amplifier even louder.

The Baby Budda will be available in Q1 2012 from authorized Budda Amplification retailers.

Features & Specifications

Completely hand wired in the U.S.A.
Point-to-point power section
Brass-eyelet board preamp section
Two high-grade EL84 power tubes
Two high-grade 12AX7 preamp tubes
5U4 rectifier tube
Class AB power section
Cascading preamp design
Custom-wound transformers
4/8-ohm impedance switch
Normal and High Gain inputs
Treble, Bass and Volume controls
Effects loop
Slave output
Metal chassis and housing
Made in the U.S.A.
U.S. MSRP $1499.99

Seymour Duncan Releases 59/Custom Hybrid

2012-01-21T17:39:00.003+02:00

New in 2012: The 59/Custom Hybrid. The lush vintage warmth of the '59 model with the hotter crunch of our Custom series humbuckers. It combines the best qualities of both pickups because it is both pickups. Expect crisp, clear highs, ample lows, and aggressive midrange growl in humbucking mode. Splitting the coils yields the strong, full sound of the Custom coil with its 7.1k dc resistance.

More will come :)

Ibanez Releases Limited EVO Replica

2012-01-19T23:33:00.002+02:00

Ibanez Jem-Evo 25th Anniversary

Hi Folks,

I, sometimes, like to say "i told you so". Ibanez did excatly what i suggested for a few time ago on jemsite! They got a reliced replica jem of Steve Vai to built to Sugi Guitars.

It can clearly seemed its pretty close to well-known Steve Vai guitar named EVO that has many dings, scratchs, alterations and even a huge neck crack (this crack is simulated on this replica). Not truely as same as EVO like Fenders masterbuilder John Cruz did on Malmsteens "Duck" or "Play Loud" Strat. It was just as same as what Yngwie has. But spesifications and craftmanship are awesome as i can see. Ibanez trademark treaded fret ends, hi grade woods are breath taking.

Ibanez announced that EVO replica will be produced limited run of 100. Each guitar will be signed by Steve Vai and price will be (RRP) about $10000... Wanna see more?
Rich from Ibanez Rules says;

JEMEVO - EVO is arguably the most iconic JEM of all and has been Steve's first choice for recording and touring since 1993. It has recently been retired to the studio to save it from road demolition, but is about to be resurrected from the grave. Steve will be getting a new EVO, and 100 more will find their way into the hands of those willing to drop the coin. The 25th Anniversary of the JEM will be celebrated by exacting recreations of the most recognized JEM in history. Built by Sugi, these will also be the finest JEM's built to date, and as true to the originals as possible, right down to "reproducing" the neck joint crack that has sent her into retirement. [It is just simulated, there will be no worry your EVO will break into 2 pieces!!}. Steve will be signing the back of each "Steve Vai - 1 of 100", and writing "EVO" beside the claw, just like the original. The necks will bear the correct serial number sticker of the original, as Sugi impresses the actual serial numbers into the end of the fretboard. I miss the green "KNOX" tape on the neck pickup from previous tours, but it is a recreation of EVO as it is currently and not from any other recognizable previous incarnation.

Exact recreation of EVO's current neck
430mm Radius Rosewood board
21st through 24th frets scalloped
18mm 1st - 20mm 12th fret
43mm nut width - 56mm last fret
Warmoth 6105 Frets
Alder body with basswood laminate
Edge bridge
Dimarzio Evolution neck p/u
Dimarzio Custom mid p/u
Dimarzio Evolution bridge p/u
Mixed color hardware exactly like EVO
WH - White - Relic
Limited to 100 worldwide
List price $10370.36, includes special case and case candy

Note: Last four photos taken from i heart guitar blog

2012 Line of ESP and LTD

2012-01-13T04:28:00.000+02:00

ESP announced their new models for 2012 just before NAMM 2012

Company says;

The always-popular ESP Eclipse-II has some brilliant new finishes to choose from. In 2012, check out the brand new Volcano Red (VR), Mystic Black (MYBLK), and Silver Sunburst (SSB) finishes... theyʼre all guaranteed to stand out from the crowd! The Eclipse-II QM also offers two new finishes over its beautiful quilted maple top, with Reindeer Blue (RDB) and Black Aqua (BLKAQ) being added to the list. If youʼre really into making a splash (and are into passive pickups), the new Eclipse-II w/Duncans has an amazing new Silver Sparkle (SSP) finish that canʼt help but draw everyoneʼs attention!

As long as weʼre talking about Eclipses, we should mention that the LTD EC-1000 also has a brand new look, with the hot Metallic Gold Sunburst (MGOSB) finish.

Over the Horizon
The Eclipse-II isnʼt the only ESP model with hot new looks. By popular demand, ESP has great new finishes for the Horizon line as well. The Horizon FR is now available in Mystic Black (MYBLK) and Volcano Red (VR), while the Horizon FR-II has three new finishes: Black Aqua (BLKAQ), Reindeer Blue (RDB), and See Thru Black (STBLK). For you passive pickup lovers, the Horizon FR-II w/Duncans now comes in Dark Brown Sunburst (DBSB), Black Aqua (BLKAQ), Reindeer Blue (RDB), See Thru Black Cherry (STBC), and See Thru Black (STBLK). The Horizon NT-IIʼs new colors include Reindeer Blue (RDB), See Thru Black Cherry (STBC), See Thru Black (STBLK), and Black Aqua (BLKAQ).

But the ESP Horizon line has expanded with more just just good looks. For instance, the Horizon FR-27 is a new model that features a 27-fret neck (with scalloped frets from 12-27), and neck-thru construction, Seymour Duncan Custom 5 (bridge) and Hot Rails (neck) pickups, and an original Floyd Rose bridge. Also new is the Horizon FR-7, which, like the name implies, adds a Floyd Rose bridge to this seven-string beast.

New: ESP HRF

The HRF is a new design from ESP that combines the body styling of the Horizon with the headstock of the F-Series (aka Forest) guitar. Available in Black, the HRF NT offers neck-thru construction, ebony fingerboard, and Seymour Duncan Blackout AHB-1 active pickups. The HRF NT-II adds a great-looking quilted maple top, and comes in See Thru Black Cherry (STBC), Black Aqua (BLKAQ), and Reindeer Blue (RDB).

New Kirk Hammett Signatures

Celebrating his 25th year as an ESP player, Metallicaʼs Kirk Hammett has three new models for you. The ESP KH-DC and LTD KH-DC are a brand new double-cutaway body style based on the Eclipse/EC, with a set neck design at 24.75” scale, and an attractive STBC (See Thru Black Cherry) finish on its flamed maple top. Like other EC models, the guitar offers a mahogany body and mahogany neck, with a rosewood fingerboard. The KH-DC features gold hardware, including gold-covered EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) active pickups, and a Tonepros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece. The ESP version of the new Kirk Hammett model includes Sperzel locking tuners, while the LTD version offers ESP locking tuners.

The limited-edition LTD KH-25 has black distressed finish and graphics designed to emulate Kirkʼs famous KH-2 Vintage model. The KH-25 has bolt-on construction at 25.5" scale, with a basswood body, maple neck, and a Floyd Rose Special bridge. The guitar also features ESPʼs new ALH-200 active pickups.

New Jeff Hanneman Signatures and Slayer-2012

Another long-time ESP player, Slayers Jeff Hanneman, is getting new signatures as well. The ESP Jeff Hanneman EC and LTD JH-600EC are customized versions of the Eclipse model, with a traditional thick body, black finish, and custom red upside-down star inlays on the neck. Also, a new limited edition model, the LTD SLAYER-2012, is being offered this year only, with graphics celebrating the 25th anniversary of Slayers “South of Heaven” album. Its a must-have for players and collectors alike.

Anthrax: Rob Caggiano and Frank Bello Signature Guitars and Basses

Say it with us: itʼs about time that Rob Caggiano -- a great player and supporter of ESP -- got his own Signature Series models! Based on his customized ESP Horizon, the ESP Rob Caggiano and LTD RC-600 are being offered in a STP (See Thru Purple) finish. The guitars use a bolt-on construction at 25.5” scale, and have an ash body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard with custom inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers. The instruments also feature two DiMarzio humbucking pickups, Tonepros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece, and Dunlop straplok hardware (the ESP version also includes Sperzel locking tuners, while the LTD version comes with ESP Locking tuners).

New from Richard Z (Rammstein) and Michael Wilton (Queensrÿche)

The wait is over: the new Richard Z Kruspe (Rammstein) model is available! The ESP RZK-II Burnt is a true one-of-a-kind guitar with an outstanding distressed/burnt finish. Features include neck-thru-body construction, an alder body, mahogany neck, Gotoh tuners, Floyd Rose original bridge, and EMG 81 active pickups.

Whitechapels New Guitars and Bass

Nearly everyone in the entire band Whitechapel got new LTD Signature Series models for 2012. The LTD AW-7 (Alex Wade) is a 7-string model based on the M Series, with a neck-thru-body design, alder body with flamed maple top with a Blood Red Sunburst finish. The guitar also features DiMarzio pickups and a fixed bridge with string-thru-body and locking tuners. The LTD BS-7 (Ben Savage) is a 7-string custom version of the MH Series guitar, with a neck-thru-body design, a See Thru Black finish on an alder body with flamed maple top, a teardrop-shaped headstock, maple fingerboard, EMG active pickups, Floyd Rose bridge, and locking tuners. Zach Householders new signature model, the LTD ZH-7, is also a 7-string guitar based on the MH Series. It features a mahogany body with quilted maple top with a See Thru Black Satin finish, large block inlays, EMG active pickups, a Tonepros bridge, and locking tuners. Bassist Gabe Crisp also gets a signature model with the LTD GC-4, a customized Viper bass with neck-thru body design, a mahogany brown finish, ebony fingerboard and an EMG pickup set.

Suicide Silence and Unearth Signatures

Two members of Suicide Silence now have new LTD Signature Series models coming out in 2012. The LTD MKH-7 is the signature model for guitarist Mark Heylmun. Based on the LTD EC Series, the MKH-7 is a 7-string model with neck-thru-body design, and a Black Satin finish. The guitar offers EMG active pickups, a Tonepros bridge and locking tuners. Suicide Silence Bass player Dan Kenny has designed the LTD DK-5, a new bass created from the LTD F Series. Itʼs a 5-string neck-thru-body bass with a unique Dark See Thru Green Sunburst finish over its mahogany body with flamed maple top and custom pyramid inlays.

The new LTD BUZ-7 is the first signature series model for Unearth guitarist Buz McGrath. Based on the MH-Series, this 7-string guitar has a newly-designed slim MH body contour with a maple fingerboard, reverse headstock, and alder body, and comes in a Snow White Sunburst finish. The guitar features EMG 707 active pickups and a Floyd Rose bridge.

Orange Amps Launches Micro Terror and PPC108 cab

2012-01-11T20:25:00.002+02:00

Orange Amplification Launch Micro Terror and PPC108 cab

Orange Amplification launches at Winter NAMM the Micro Terror – their smallest Terror ever! Building on the winning recipe of the rest of the popular Terror series, the Micro Terror retains the beautiful unpretentious design, delivering a classic Orange sound way bigger than it looks, with a size and weight making it the most portable Terror yet!

The Micro Terror has a single 12AX7 pre-amp tube with 20 watts RMS of solid-state output. It is powered via a 15 volt DC supplier (international PSU included), features auxiliary input for MP3 player or CD, and can be plugged into to any cabinet with 4Ohm or greater handing (even a 4 x 12) and you will be ready to rock.

With a high tensile steel case is it built to the same rugged specifications as the other members of the Terror family and is incredibly compact and highly portable. This is a true Orange Amp classic, with masses of vintage British character, clean crunch and full-on overdrive sounds.

Matching the new Micro Terror is the launch of the new PPC108 cab, ideal for building your own mini-terror stack and a perfect partner for the Micro Terror. The scaled down cab, is available to purchase separately and its 8”speaker delivers a punchy tone and sound that has to heard to be believed. Like all Orange speaker cabs it is built to last using extremely rugged construction and manufacturing techniques and uses our legendary basketweave tolex grill cloth, Orange crest and badge.

Are You Ready for a New Jem and 2012 Ibanez Models?

2012-01-06T03:26:00.002+02:00

Hi there,

At last new models and new European catalog appeared.

We have a new Jem; Jem70V SFG. It is finished in famous fender color "sea foam green", Edge bridge, DiMarzio Evolution pickups and wizard neck... But the most significant aspect about this new jem is its belonged line. It is not made in Japan and not belong to prestige line but its a premium which masterfully made in Indonesia.

Prestige 5 piece maple/walnut JEM Premium neck
430mm Radius Walnut bound Rosewood board
18mm 1st - 20mm 12th fret
43mm nut width - 58mm last fret
Jumbo Frets with ball fret ends and rolled fretboard edge
Basswood body
Original Edge bridge
Dimarzio Evolution neck p/u
Dimarzio Evolution mid p/u
Dimarzio Evolution bridge p/u
Chrome hardware
SFG - Sea Foam Green
List price $1866.65, includes Premium gig bag

And, best news for me is to see new S Premiums and RG&S 25th Models;

There is new fixed bridge announced on the catalog;

Meshuggah Fans will be happy;

Be patient for the news from 2012 Ibanez line...

Eminence Announces Eric Johnson EJ1250 Signature 12" Speaker

2012-01-05T02:38:00.002+02:00

According to the PGs leaks Eminence Speaker LLC is proud to announce the addition of a signature 12” alnico guitar speaker developed with legendary guitarist Eric Johnson, the EJ1250.

Eminence knows a thing or two about vintage tone, having made guitar speakers for the biggest amplifier brands in the industry since the late '60s. But one guitarist is known the world over for defining vintage tone. Working with Eric and George Alessandro, Eminence has designed the first speaker worthy of Eric’s name.

Available in both 8- and 16-ohm impedances, the EJ1250 is a 50 watt, 12” guitar speaker featuring vintage alnico tone with a modern twist. With both American and British characteristics, the EJ1250 delivers punchy lows, warm throaty mids, and articulate highs. “I’m excited that for the first time in many years there’s a new speaker that I love the sound of,” said Johnson.

“No other guitarist’s name has become synonymous with vintage tone,” said Eminence President Chris Rose. “We’re very excited to be collaborating with him, and the fact he has chosen Eminence to deliver his signature sound is testament to our own reputation for building the highest quality products on the market.”

Orange Amps Launches Signature Jim Root Terror Head and Cab

2012-01-04T16:02:00.003+02:00

Orange Amps Launches Signature #4 Jim Root Terror Head and Cab

Slipknot’s Jim Root to launch his signature gear on the Orange Booth at NAMM

Orange Amplification is proud to announce the Signature #4 Jim Root Terror Head and cab, developed in association with the famed guitarist.

Jim Root has the incredible honour of showcasing his skilful playing with two of today’s best in American hard rock– the multi-Grammy nominated Stone Sour and the Grammy winning Slipknot. He has a wide range of playing styles, which come together to create a unique, uncompromising sound and tone.

The Signature #4 Jim Root Terror Head is modelled after the dirty channel on the same amp that Jim Root plays in the studio and on the road: the Orange Rockerverb 100. This all-tube, 15-watt amp is capable of far more than high gain rock and metal though. With a full 3-band EQ players will find it easy to dial in everything from vintage rock, blues and beyond. The addition of a tube-driven FX loop allows the user to take the tone in any direction they want.

His new Signature #4 Jim Root PPC212 cab has been developed alongside the head to bring you Jim’s full tone! The new cab is finished in black vinyl with a specially developed black version of the Orange basket grill cloth and proudly features the signature #4 plate on the front. With a closed back design, the cab has a tight bottom end and delivers Jim’s signature Orange tone.

Said Jim of the name on the signature head, "With this amp, simply giving it the number I use in Slipknot seemed logical. I've not been to apt to splash either band logo or artwork all over things, but this will be the beginning of the end of that...maybe"

To complement Jim’s own style and image, the Signature #4 Terror Head is formidable and attention grabbing, featuring the vintage ‘Pics Only’ logo in white on a black chassis. The rear of the amp has both the Slipknot and Stone Sour logos.

Specifications

Volume, Gain, Bass, Mid and Treble Controls

12AT7-Driven FX Loop

1 x 16 Ohm and 2 x 8 Ohm Outputs

Switchable Between 15/7 Watts

This is a simply essential tool for any guitarist from any playing background. Quality built for the huge sound, lush tones and high gain necessary for rock and metal music, but versatile enough to be useful in any situation!

Fender Announced New Select Series

2012-01-03T22:55:00.001+02:00

Fender Announced a new series of electric and bass guitars called "Select Series". The motto of the company is "SELECT INSTRUMENTS for SELECT INDIVIDUALS"

There are two Strat, three Tele and two bass guitar models in Select Series as;

The Fender Select Stratocaster
The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS
The Fender Select Carved Koa Top Telecaster
The Fender Select Telecaster
The Fender Select Carved Maple Top Telecaster

Official info from Fender says;

Select instruments for select individuals. Introducing Fender Select series guitars and basses-true players’ instruments that put more than six decades of Fender experience and expertise on outstandingly appointed display and bring a wealth of high-end features and elegant design options to discerning musicians everywhere. With choice tone woods, figured tops, strikingly beautiful finishes, figured and quartersawn maple necks with compound-radius fretboards, specially voiced Fender Select pickups that deliver masterful tone, and other first-rate features, the U.S.-made Select Series puts Fender’s top-line best in capable hands-yours.

The Fender Select Stratocaster is the sonic embodiment of tone-machine elegance, featuring a stunning Dark Cherry Burst gloss-lacquer finish and natural binding on a sleek flame maple-top body. Its modern “C” shaped flame maple neck has a comfortable contoured heel, Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius flame maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish black pearloid position inlays and gloss lacquer finish. Pure and singing signature sound comes from new Fender Select Stratocaster single-coil neck, middle and bridge pickups with five-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed.

Body Material:Alder with Flame Maple Top
Body Shape:Stratocaster®
Neck Shape:Modern "C" Shape
Number of Frets:22
Fret Size:Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays:Black Pearloid
Fingerboard Radius:9.5" (24.1 cm)
Fretboard:Flame Maple
Neck Material:Flame Maple
Neck Finish:Satin Lacquer on back, Gloss Lacquer on front
Nut Width:1.685" (42.8 mm)
Scale Length:25.5" (64.8 cm)
Neck Plate:4-Bolt Neck Plate with Micro-Tilt™
Truss Rods:Bi-Flex™ Truss Rod System
Truss Rod Nut:1/8" American Series Nut

Pickup Configuration:S/S/S
Bridge Pickup:Fender® Select Single Coil Pickup (Bridge)
Middle Pickup:Fender® Select Single Coil Pickup (Middle)
Neck Pickup:Fender® Select Single Coil Pickup (Neck)
Pickup Switching:5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
Special Electronics:No-Load Tone Control
Controls:Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. No-Load Tone Control (Middle and Bridge Pickups)

Hardware Finish:Nickel/Chrome
Bridge:2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Vintage Style Bent Steel Saddles
String Nut:Synthetic Bone
Strings:Fender® USA, NPS, (.009-.042 Gauges)
Unique Features:Natural Binding, Contoured Heel Fender, Fender Select Medallion

The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS takes the refined elegance of its triple-single-coil brother and amps it up through the roof with the extra power of a humbucking bridge pickup. Features include a striking Antique Burst gloss-lacquer finish and natural binding on a sleek flame maple-top body. Its modern “C” shaped birdseye maple neck has a comfortable contoured heel, Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius rosewood fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets and stylish white pearloid position inlays. Full-throated sound roars from the Fender Select Stratocaster humbucking bridge pickup, with singing tone from new Fender Select Stratocaster single-coil neck and middle pickups-all combined with five-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the humbucking bridge pickup when dimed.

Model Name:Fender® Select Stratocaster® HSS
Series:Fender® Select
Color: Antique Burst
Body Material:Alder with Flame Maple Top
Body Shape:Stratocaster®

Neck Shape:Modern "C" Shape
Number of Frets:22
Fret Size:Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays:White Pearloid Dot Position Inlays
Fingerboard Radius:9.5"-14" Compound Radius (24.1 cm-35.56 cm)
Fretboard:Rosewood
Neck Material:Birdseye Maple
Neck Finish:Satin Lacquer on Back, Gloss Lacquer on Headstock Front with Buffed Fingerboard
Nut Width:1.685" (42.8 mm)
Scale Length:25.5" (64.8 cm)
Neck Plate:4-Bolt Neck Plate with Micro-Tilt™
Truss Rods:Bi-Flex™ Truss Rod System
Truss Rod Nut:1/8" American Series Nut

Pickup Configuration:H/S/S
Bridge Pickup:Fender® Select Humbucking Pickup (Bridge)
Middle Pickup:Fender® Select Single Coil Pickup (Middle)
Neck Pickup: Fender® Select Single Coil Pickup (Neck)
Pickup Switching:5-Position Blade: Postion 1. Bridge Humbucking Pickup; Position 2. Middle Pickup and Bridge Humbucking Pickup; Position 3. Middle Pickup; Position 4. Neck and Middle Pickup; Position 5. Neck Pickup
Special Electronics:No-Load Tone Control
Controls:Master Volume (with S-1™ Switch), Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. No-Load Tone Control (Middle and Bridge Pickups)

Hardware Finish:Nickel/Chrome
Bridge:2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Vintage Style Bent Steel Saddles
String Nut:Synthetic Bone

Strings:Fender® USA, NPS, (.009-.042 Gauges)
Unique Features:Natural Binding, Contoured Heel Fender, Select Medallion

The Fender Select Carved Koa Top Telecaster is a finely crafted, artfully captivating and sonically potent take on our first legendary guitar model, with a stunning Sienna Edge Burst gloss-lacquer finish on a lightweight empress body with a carved koa top. Its modern “C” shaped flame maple neck has a Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius rosewood fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish white pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Crisp, clear signature sound comes from Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed.

The Fender Select Telecaster elevates our very first legendary guitar model to the epitome of elegant style and formidable sonic substance, with a stunning Violin Burst gloss-lacquer finish and natural binding on a resonant honeycomb-chambered ash body with a solid flame maple top. Its modern “C” shaped birdseye maple neck has a comfortable contoured heel, Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius birdseye maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish black pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Crisp, clear signature sound comes from new Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed.

The Fender Select Carved Maple Top Telecaster is an elegantly crafted and sonically superior take on our first legendary guitar model, with a stunning Amber gloss-lacquer finish on a lightweight empress body with a carved flame maple top. Its modern “C” shaped flame maple neck has a Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius flame maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets and stylish black pearloid position inlays. Crisp, clear signature sound comes from Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed.

Other premium features include a three-ply pickguard (parchment-black-parchment), two-point synchronized tremolo bridge with vintage-style bent steel saddles, deluxe staggered cast/sealed locking tuners and nickel-chrome hardware. Custom G&G Fender Select case, strap, cable and polishing cloth included.

Interview with Mike Spalt, the Bass Guitar Extraordinaire

2012-01-03T05:18:00.000+02:00

Interview with Mike Spalt

Bill Bartolini and Mike Spalt

How did you start building instruments and decided to launch Spalt Instruments?

I had always enjoyed tinkering with guitars and basses, since I was a teenager. So when I needed to do something with my hands while I was writing screenplays I started to build - at first it was just a hobby, but over the space of a year or two it turned into my main occupation. I simply ended up enjoying this more than the writing. So now I had to make a living at it. It took a little longer to set up as a business and to begin working on instruments full-time.

How did you you come up with the idea for the Hybrid concept?

I wanted to reduce the instrument to its essentials and also to create a modular design which would offer the musician easily interchangeable parts. The interchangeable part did not happen - it was before CNC machines were widely available and to make these parts by hand would have been too difficult - There also was too little interest to justify the expenditure and risk of a full-scale production. I might get back to it now that machining has become simpler and the design has garnered some interest.

Can you describe the Hybrid models?

There are three basic models, a 4-string and a 5-string with conventional pickups (Matrix, Terminator) and 4,5,6-string models with the LightWave pickup system (Magma). The basic premise is the aluminum center plate which anchors the neck and body parts. However there really isn't a Standard version. All the basses I've made are single custom constructions and each varies a little from the other since they are all completely made by hand. I've used a lot of different wood varieties for the body and neck parts as well as different pickup types and manufacturers. There are also variations in scale length, fretted/fretless, fingerboard radius, bridges, headless, etc..

How did you you come up with the idea for the vViper sliding pickup?

I'm always looking for ways to do interesting things. I had made a hybrid with sliding pickups along a track in the body. This seemed to work well for the aluminum center plate, but on a wood body it wasn't really very practical. I also noticed that the variation in tone achieved by moving the pickup seemed greater on the high strings. The wiping motions addresses this. It's the simplest most trouble-free way of achieving a workable moving pickup.

How can you describe the sound of the vViper sliding pickup?

Steve Lawson tried the bass and had a lot of fun quickly "wiping" the pickup back and forth. It created a kind of "wah-wah" sound. It is different from the conventional 2-pickup sound in that A) it has infinite variations, which can be very subtle or rather dramatic, and B) there is no phase cancellation which happens when 2 pickups are used simultaneously. So it is a clear sound with good definition. It ranges from a P-Bass type tone in the forward position through a Music Man to a Jazz Bridge type sound - it still does have its own specific tone though.

How can you compare the sound of the Hybrid basses to that of the more conventional basses? What are the adventaged or drawbacks of hybrid basses?

In general the sound is clearer - a bit like a piano. The aluminum has a very warm sound, so it's well suited to a bass. The variations in woods and pickup systems etc. are just as great as with conventional basses - so there are similarities to various conventional designs. The advantages are a more ergonomic shape (although you do have to get used to the difference), and definitely the "WOW-factor". Drawbacks have been (for me) the limited acceptance of anything outside the conventional realm by musicians...

What are your plans for the future? Do you have any other interesting concepts that you are working on?

I'm currently working on setting up shop in Vienna, Austria - we are going to have a larger facility, with more products coming down the pipe. The financial crisis has hit the business just as everyone else and there is some catching up to do. I'd like to introduce lines which are more affordable and which can be sold through shops - at this time there is no way I could sell a hybrid through a shop at a reasonable price and still be able to make a living at it. That of course severely limits availability. But with some streamlining and outsourcing of the metal work I might be able to do that. Quality has always been very important to me, so that remains at the top of the requirements.

Thank you for your time. What would you like to say to the readers of the Sound Magazine as your closing comments?

Try something a little different - it might lead you down some interesting creative paths musically. There has always been an interaction between instrument technology and the direction music has taken. There's still a lot of unexplored territory to discover!

Click HERE to read this interview in Turkish!

New Pedals from AMT

2012-01-01T17:06:00.002+02:00

Well respected Russian pedal maker AMT have two new model to improve your tone; AMT WH-1 and AMT "CHAMELEON CAB" CN-1

AMT WH-1

AMT WH-1 is an optical version of a classic "WAH-WAH" effect with bandpass filter range selection (3-way switch). Optical frequency control increases the service life of the effect eliminating frequent replacements of maintenance and replacement of the control potentiometer.

AMT WH-1 features low noise and expanded frequency tuning range due to the use of original JFET-based circuit design. AMT WH-1 boasts great versatile sound and processes both clean guitar sound and Ultra high gain overdrive equally well. AMT WH-1 features:

• 100% analog WAH-WAH effect;
• Fixed switching among bandpass filter ranges: 0.2-1kH, 0.3-1,5 kH, 0.4-2kH;
• True bypass;
• Fixed effect selection by pressing the movable front end part of the pedal;
• Removable support feet (the option is useful when you install the AMT WH-1 on the pedal board);
• Effect monitoring by using blue LEDs on both pedal sides (visible engaged AMT WH-1 mode);
• AMT WH-1’s steel heavy body is stable and confidently responds to foot control;
• Adjustable pedal movement by means of an axial screw;
• Powered by DC adapter or 9-12V 9V battery;
• Low power consumption;
• Small size: 110mm \ 62mm \ 58mm (fits easily into your guitar case);
• Weight (without battery) 0.45 kg.

AMT«CHAMELEON CAB» CN-1

Guitar Cabinet Emulator

Historically the use of tube amplifier loaded on the speaker system with one or several special guitar-intended speakers for guitar channel has been a standard. The frequency response of such a system is much more limited in frequency range compared to broadband acoustic systems used in home stereo systems or headphones. The main feature of a "guitar" speaker is the lack of high frequencies (above 5 kHz) because the distorted (overloaded) sound of the guitar is very unpleasant when you play it via broadband loudspeakers.

Purpose

AMT «CHAMELEON» CN-1 is designed to simulate the limited frequency response of guitar speakers picked by a microphone that lets you play distorted guitar sound using broadband acoustic systems.

The features of the simulator AMT «CHAMELEON» CN-1

universality based on the broad possibilities offered by parameters controls;

complexity of the simulation, since the characteristics of the virtual cabinet are emulated within the power-cabinet-microphone chain.

Connection of external audio devices (MP3 player, etc.) for guitar practice. The use of devices similar to AMT «CHAMELEON» CN-1 is, as a rule, is a forced measure, due to the circumstances restricting the freedom of guitar equipment choice. Since to completely reproduce the entire sound palette of real guitar speakers and tube amplifiers you can only need a real guitar system.

Due to many factors the absolute sound identity of the simulation is practically unattainable; in case of AMT «CHAMELEON» CN-1 we can only say about close approximation. But given the wide opportunities of CN-1 whose parameters can give you satisfactory sounds, and in cases where the use of a real system, for whatever reasons, is impossible or impractical.

Connecting mp3 player or a metronome to AUX and headphones to PHONE, you can immerse yourself in individual practice without disturbing people around you.

Guitarism on January Issue of Sound Mag

2011-12-27T17:31:00.001+02:00

January issue is about to be on stores.

This month on Guitarism;

Widely misunderstood Ibanez model : JS1000 Review
Hacettepe University Electric Guitar Days
And from the Doc; The Fender Telecaster

Dont miss out ;)

Baris

Guitarism on "Electric Guitar Days" of Ankara

2011-12-23T22:27:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone,

As i've said before i had a seminar in Ankara as a part of the organisation called "Electric Guitar Days" by Hacettepe University Alternative Music Society. Well, i had a very nice seminar about electric guitar modifications. I devided the concept behind "modifications" into three; "Tonal Modifications", "Functional Modifications" and "Aesthetic Modifications". What i've mentioned were tremolo block modifications, saddle modifications, pickup swaps, pickup modifications including magnet swap, neck modifications including fingerboard modifications, scalloping, fret changes etc. etc.

At the last part of my seminar i had a Nash S-57 demo section which was great. Audience approved ;)

Other than me some friends were there on stage; Dr.Barlo and Emre Balkan of Alen Geere Effects were there to do their own seminar topics.

Dr.Barlo played Nash S-57 with Joy

At the end of the seminars

After seminars, we went to the sponsor studio called "Retro Studios" and let everyone to try out what we had;