Last week, IK Multimedia released a major update to its AmpliTube for iPad app, highlighted by the addition of 8-track recording as well as the availability of new stompbox models.

AmpliTube 2 for iPad is a guitar and bass amp modeling program. Plug your instrument into the iPad with a special cable adapter called the “iRig” and you can tap into a range of amplifiers and effects to customize your tone.

AmpliTube 2 adds a the ability to record yourself playing (this feature was added to the iPhone version in October). A single track comes with the 2.0 update, with the option to expand the feature to an 8-track recorder. Each track features a button for enabling recording, an insert effect, controls for volume and pan, solo and mute switches, and two send-effect level controls to add ambience and depth with reverb, chorus, and delay from the master effects section. There’s also a global equalizer and compressor in the master effects section to tweak your final sound.

In addition to the recording capabilities, AmpliTube 2 offers five new optional stompbox models-Compressor, Reverb, Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, and Limiter.

Other additions to AmpliTube 2 include the ability to import songs as backing tracks directly from the iPod library on your iPad or from a computer using file-sharing or Wi-Fi. A SpeedTrainer feature lets you slow down or speed up imported songs without affecting the music’s pitch-ideal for learning how to play particular passages of songs.

Check out this video that shows how you can use the multi-track recording feature to record a complete song with effects on your iPad!

The app costs $20 and includes a few basic effects and a single recording track. The iRig cable adapter is $40. Optionally, you can add the 8-Track recorder for $15 and several additional effect pedals for $3 each. If you buy the whole package you are in for less than the cost of a single stomp-box from Guitar Center and you have a full-on recording studio for your guitar. Personally, I think this is a steal of a deal!

Of course…there is the cost of the iPad…

For the past 22 years, Warren Haynes has coordinated his annual Christmas Jam.

Like a family reunion, the annual, one-of-a-kind, semi-structured marathon of music brings together old friends on stage and in the audience at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. for one of the countries greatest live events.

The London Times has rated it One of the Top Ten concerts in the USA.

“Christmas Jam started 22 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time. Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to.” -Warren Haynes

The show thrives on the generous support of volunteer talent and behind-the-scenes personnel, with post-production proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. In 2002, Haynes received the Key to the City from Asheville Mayor Charles Worley. In 2003, Mayor Worley proclaimed December 18th “Warren Haynes Day.” Over the last six years alone the event has donated close to a million dollars to Habitat For Humanity. Each year the concert continues to donate more than the year before. The main goal continues to be providing housing for families who are in need.

Past performers include The Allman Brothers Band, Ben Harper, Blues Traveler, Jackson Browne, Coheed & Cambria, Counting Crows, Ani Difranco, The Drive-By Truckers, DJ Logic, Peter Frampton, Michael Franti, Gov’t Mule, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, Hot Tuna, John Paul Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Phil Lesh & Friends, Little Feat, Living Colour, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Del McCoury Band, moe., Neville Brothers, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, New Orleans Social Club, North Mississippi Allstars, Joan Osborne, Phish’s Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Scofield, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart, Taj Mahal Trio, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band, Bob Weir, Widespread Panic’s John Bell, Dave Schools, John (Jo Jo) Herman & Todd Nance, and Johnny Winter.

“When your work is music, its easy and fun to give back.” – Warren Haynes

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band recorded at the Carousel in Asbury Park, NJ.

The world lost one of the all-time great bluesmen 18 years ago today on December 21, 1992. He was born on April 25, 1923, and yes…it was “Under a Bad Sign”!

Albert King Gravesite in Memphis

Albert was a large man, 6′ 4″, 250 lbs, with incredibly large hands that were perfect for playing the guitar.

Like so many other blues guitar players, Albert began singing with a family gospel group at a church when he was just a young boy. He was influenced by blues musicians Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lonnie Johnson.

King was a left-handed “upside-down/backwards” guitarist meaning that while he was left-handed, he usually played right-handed guitars flipped over upside-down so the low E string was on the bottom. The electric guitar (specifically the Gibson Flying V, which he named “Lucy”) was his signature instrument.

In later years he played a custom-made Flying V that was basically left-handed, but had the strings reversed. He also used very unorthodox tunings, often tuning as low as C — to allow him to make massive string bends.

On December 6, 1983, Albert King joined Stevie Ray Vaughan on a Canadian sound stage for the live music television series In Session. What happened was total magic.

King and Vaughan would never share a stage together again. Vaughan, 31 years King’s junior, died in a helicopter crash on the way back from a concert in 1990. King outlived him by two years, dying of a heart attack in 1992. They didn’t meet often, and their careers took different paths. But we can all be grateful for that one long day in a television studio when sparks flew and this timeless performance was forever captured.

Download a FREE BACKING TRACK to King’s “Born Under A Bad Sign”.

I must admit… I really love this time of year.  In no particular order, here are five things I love about the Holiday season.

• Trimming the tree and decorating the house. Our tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving and stays up until New Years.
• Giving gifts. I believe in the old Biblical truth… It is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE.
• People’s generosity and acts of kindness. People seem to be nicer this time of year. Even this year… when the economy has challenged so many.
• Family time. The kids are out of school and the work schedule slows down. As a result… our family is together for more hours each and every day… and I love it.
• Turkey, Ham & Cookies. My wife loves to cook, and this is her season to show off her chops in the kitchen.

So in the spirit of the Holidays, I give you Gary Hoey… Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree!
Ahh… this is the way Christmas Music is supposed to sound!

Gary Hoey Rocks!
If you like what you just heard… his Complete Collection is available from Amazon.com:

Premier Guitar's Merry AXE-Mas Guitar Giveaway

Merry AXE-Mas from Premier Guitar!

Premier Guitar is proud to feature 12 guitar giveaways during December. They have already given away a few guitars, but there is plenty of time left to enter their contest for one of the remaining guitar drawings.

The final giveaway is on December 23, 2010.

Each individual guitar giveaway runs for a two-day period with a winner being selected on the second day at 12:00 AM CST.

Winners will be notified by email and will be posted to to the Premier Guitar Facebook page at midnight and this page (in the calendar below) on the next business day.

Giveaway prizes feature guitars from B.C Rich, Carvin, Epiphone, Flaxwood, Ibanez, MusicMan, Ovation, Recording King, Schecter, Seagull, Tanglewood, and Washburn.

Giveaways are open to U.S. and Canada residents only – click on the image to the left to be redirected to the contest web site.

Guitar Center Sessions - Joe Bonamassa

Mark your calendars!

A new Guitar Center Sessions will feature Joe Bonamassa. These sessions are on Direct TV, station 101. It looks like Carmine was there with Joe, while keys and drums were filled by other musicians. It is scheduled to air on January 1st. Guitar Center posted up a preview on YouTube and full video of Woke Up Dreaming.

CREDIT: Guitar Center Sessions.

Satch walks through his full live stage setup and demonstrates some of his unique sounds.

CREDIT: MusicRadar.com

“I feel the respect and affection for him that a father feels for his son. He is one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud.” – B. B. King

Regular readers of The Guitar Buzz know that Ronnie Earl is one of the top 5 influences of my guitar playing style.

I have written several posts about Ronnie and how his music resonates with me.

Tonight, while surfing YouTube (my 2nd favorite pass-time), I came across this video by Tom Hazeltine, Ronnie’s road manager. I personally met Tom and Ronnie 2 years ago when I traveled to Boston to see Ronnie play at the Regent Theater.

This audio, video and photographic collage are the perfect example of Ronnie Earl’s music…Enjoy!

So who are GuitarDaddy’s “other 4 influential guitar players”?

1) Joe Bonamassa
2) Carlos Santana
3) Eric Clapton
4) Derek Trucks

There you have it…no more secrets!

Fender Custom Shop Calendar 2011

Everybody needs a calendar and even though I use an iPad for my personal calendar, I still want one of these!

Fender puts these out ever year and they are simply stunning.

The calendar features exquisitely crafted, one-of-a-kind, custom guitars from Fender’s custom shop. This calendar is sure to please even the most discerning guitar and music aficionado.

And of course, it would make a great holiday gift!

Order Your Fender Custom Shop Guitar 2011 Wall Calendar