Here is a fun video that takes you “up close and personal” to watch JoeB’s hands in action on an acoustic guitar.
This was filmed at the Hard Rock in Hollywood,FL with a Go Pro Camera on Joe’s Guitar.
Watch more on Joe’s “JB TV” Channel on YouTube.
Last October, Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp, teased the media by announcing (what he called) “A Guitar Revolution”.
The anticipation, speculation and buzz was high. Unfortunately for Gibson, the disappointment was huge when all of that hoopla produced “The Firebird X”. The guitar drew a lot of attention at NAMM — watch the video below to see what you missed.
Overall, the reviews have been mixed. Read some of these comments from guitar blogs and YouTube videos:
I tend to agree with these statements. And with an MSRP of $5,570.00 (that’s five thousand, five hundred and seventy dollars!), I wonder who they are targeting this axe at? You won’t see one on my rack, that’s for sure.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK??
The Evertune Bridge
I am starting to sort through all of the stuff I brought back from this years NAMM show. One of the most amazing products was the Evertune bridge.
EverTune is a simple concept that keeps a string in tune until it needs to be changed. It is a very exciting development in stringed instrument technology.
Self-tuning guitars have been available since the late ’80s but have failed to gain traction among players because of their complexity. Gibson’s Robot Guitar system, for example, requires a rechargeable battery to power an onboard computer and motors that retune the instrument. EverTune, however, is a purely mechanical spring-and-lever system: when a string stretches or slips, the springs apply the opposing force necessary to compensate for the shift, thus maintaining the correct tension and tuning.
EverTune is a passive, all mechanical system based on trigonometry and some rudimentary physics. Hence it is a new technology that is actually old school, its main component being a spring set in a clever position. The benefits of this old school, all mechanical solution are that it is very rugged and reliable with only one moving part, and with all critical parts being made from high quality steel. It is also relatively reasonable in price, as opposed to servo-based (robotic) systems, and extremely effective.
“EverTune is the future of all guitars…” - John 5
Bridges cost $330 plus installation — which is currently being offered for $59.95 plus shipping/insurance.
For more information, visit the Evertune Web Site.
Gregg Allman talks about “Low Country Blues”, his first album in nearly 14 years.
Allman returns to the blues to producer T Bone Burnett and long time friend Dr. John. More info on this release here: http://www.greggallman.com
Eric Clapton - Crossroads Centre Auction
The auction is being held to benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua.
The sale will feature over 70 guitars and 70 amps which have helped create Clapton’s legendary sound. This is the first time the rock icon has donated his historic amplifiers to auction and gives fans a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Clapton history.
A spokesman for the Centre says, “The Crossroads Centre is very excited to be the beneficiary of Eric Clapton’s guitar and amp auction at Bonhams which will directly assist those who are in need of addiction treatment. As we know, recovery from addiction is possible and with quality treatment and support, is often lifesaving.”
The auction will be held in New York, on Wednesday 9th March 2011, with pre-sale viewing also planned at Bonhams London during January, and Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles in February.
Included in the sale are instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin, Music Man to name but a few. Some of the historic amps are associated with Clapton’s career from the 1970s to the present day. It is the first time that such a large and interesting collection of amps has ever been offered on the auction market. With estimates on amps and guitars spanning from $300-30,000, there’s something for fans and collectors within every budget range.
The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, J.J. Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.
Highlights include one of Clapton’s main stage guitars from 2005, which formed one of a pair he memorably used during the Cream Reunion Shows in London and New York – a custom built black Fender ‘Eric Clapton Signature’ Stratocaster, estimate $20,000-30,000; and a pair of circa 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used during the 1970s whilst appearing with Derek And The Dominos, estimate $8,000-10,000.
Viewings will be held on the following dates:
London
101 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1SR
Sunday 23rd January – Wednesday 26th January 2011
Los Angeles
7601 West Sunset Boulevard, CA 90046, USA
Friday 18th February – Sunday 20th February 2011
New York
580 Madison Avenue, NY 10022
Saturday 5th March – Wednesday 9th March 2011
Blues/Rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa will release his 12th full-length solo album titled “Dust Bowl” in the USA on March 22, 2011.
The album will coincide with Bonamassa’s forthcoming “Dust Bowl 2011 World Tour” that will take in cities across America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl
“I think Dust Bowl is the best album we’ve ever done,” says Bonamassa. “I’m finding more inspiration in storytelling in my 30s, in writing songs that are about something more profound than ‘my baby left me.’ I like albums that are made with the right intentions and sound organic and a little rough around the edges, like a great band playing live in the room.”
Dust Bowl is Joe Bonamassa’s sixth collaboration with producer Kevin “The Caveman” Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Black Country Communion) and features collaborations with Nashville legends Vince Gill and John Hiatt, female vocalist Beth Hart, and Joe’s Black Country Communion band-mate, Glenn Hughes.
Gill lends his signature guitar licks to the John Hiatt/John Porter-penned “Tennessee Plates,” on which Hiatt duets with Bonamassa. Gill also plays on “Sweet Rowena,” a song he composed with frequent writing partner Pete Wasner. Arlan Scheirbaum, Beth Hart and Blondie Chaplin play on the Michael Kamen/Tim Curry track “No Love On The Street,” and Glenn Hughes sings on the Paul Rodgers-penned Free classic “Heartbreaker.”
I enter a lot of contests. I never win.
But if I am ever going to win a contest, Dear God let this be the one:
Ernie Ball - Experience Clapton
For more information on the contest, CLICK HERE.
This is an inside story of the founding and growth of Taylor Guitars, one of the world’s most successful guitar manufacturers.
Bob Taylor mixes the details of his experience as a tradesman and cofounder of Taylor Guitars, a world-famous acoustic and electric guitar manufacturer, with philosophical life lessons that have practical application for building a business.
From the a-ha moment in junior high school that inspired his very first guitar, Taylor has been living the American dream, crafting quality products with his own hands and building a successful, sustainable business.
Don’t miss this! January 15th at 9pm ET/PT on DIRECTV channel 101 and in 3D on n|3D.
To see exclusive clips and more visit www.guitarcenter.com/sessions
Strattoos! Tattoos For Your Guitar!
Transform Your Guitar Into a Work of Art!
Strattoos Guitar Tattoos is creating a lot of BUZZ amongst the guitar community with a new product that is not only turning heads but also turning sales. Since the company launched the new product in May of 2010, several dealers across the country are now carrying the full-line of fully removable, non-adhesives tattoos.
Chicago, IL, December 01, 2010 –(PR.com)– Like the housing market, many guitar players are opting to extreme guitar makeover instead of buying a new guitar, especially in today’s economic climate. “Dressing up your guitar and giving it an entirely new look is almost as good as having a new guitar, just not as hard on the wallet” says lifetime guitar player and Strattoos co-founder Chris DiNaso.
Although interest from big box stores looks promising, the company is having continued success with smaller stores that have multiple locations like Chicago-based Allegro Music. “It’s a cool product, and it’s different,” says Allegro owner Tim Veurink. Veurink added, “We have our teachers displaying the product on thier own guitars while they teach, this is helping us move the product.”
“The response has been very positive because it’s about customization,” says DiNaso. “It’s like moving the furniture around in your house. When something familiar looks different or new again, it’s exciting, it’s fun and it brings back that pride of ownership that you once had. That’s what it’s all about.”
Strattoos Guitar Tattoos plans to display at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in the coming year and is making plans for a new line of tattoos.
To learn more about the Strattoos entire line of tattoos for both acoustic and electric guitars, visit the company’s website @ www.strattoos.com.
