Top Ten Must – Know Rock Guitar Riffs
June 16, 2009 by Mike O'Cull · Leave a Comment
The guitar riff is central to rock and roll as we know it. A great intro riff identifies and emboldens a song and kicks the band (and the crowd) into overdrive. Rock history is filled with riffs that have changed the world and it is all of our jobs to learn to play as many of these as we can. That’s how we learn what greatness really is and how we absorb the vocabulary needed to craft our own riffs and songs. Read more
Dillion Guitars at Gear-Search
June 10, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Dillion Guitars are now on GEAR SEARCH–Are you looking for top quality Guitars at an affordable price? You can find them here at GEAR SEARCH. I would suggest taking a look at Dillion guitars. Dillion Guitars craft beautiful contemporary and vintage-style-instruments at an affordable price. Dillion guitars were founded in Canada and was the only place you could buy them–until now! MUSICWEEZEL is an exclusive Dillion Guitar dealer at GEAR SEARCH classifieds and auctions.
Dillion guitars are some of the best Korean made guitars on the market today with an extremely high craftsmanship and build quality. The playability on these guitars is what you would expect on more expensive guitars, making Dillion Guitars the best bang for your buck. Head on over to GEAR SEARCH and take a look at Dillion guitars from MUSICWEEZEL.
Are you a guitar dealer who would like to generate more sales? Just sign up at GEAR SEARCH, it’s free!
Check out MUSICWEEZEL auctions and classifieds for great deals!
Carvin Guitar – ST300
May 24, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Carvin is thrilled to introduce their latest model, the ST300. This new model offers the features and choices of Carvin’s contemporary Custom Shop guitars with the timeless body shape that they offered back in the early 1990s. The body is more circular than the legendary DC series and has a waist and forearm cutaway for playing comfort, as found on the Contour 66. The ST300 model reflects Read more
5 Best Selling Electric Guitars
May 13, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Guitars arouse my crazy obsession, therefore, I am obliged to compile 5 top selling electric and electric/acoustic guitars for our readers. Guitar companies manufacture a wide variety and styles of guitars and sometimes produce junk that’s barely worth firewood, and other times produce the ultimate guitar that we can all appreciate. However, finding that perfect guitar is not always easy, but it’s fun searching for it. If you are one of those players that is searching for a guitar that provides that sensuous feel that fills your pulse with vibrations of rhythm and melody; yet easy on the wallet, then read on. Read more
Joe Satriani announces new Chickenfoot JS1000 Guitar
April 30, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Joe Satriani announces his all-new Chickenfoot JS1000 guitar on Twitter. As being a former owner of one of the most rarest Joe Satriani’s guitars Ibanez JS2PRM Chromeboy (only 60 made), I get especially excited about Joe‘s guitars.
Pictured is Joe’s all-new one-of-a-kind Chickenfoot Ibanez JS1000. Look at how nice it is with the Chickenfoot logo stamped on it’s white JS1000 body, just looks yummy to play! Joe is an active Twitter lately, which is really cool… you can follow him too by going to twitter.com/chickenfootjoe
Don’t forget to follow GEAR-VAULT on TWITTER!
DBZ Guitars: Croc Skin Bolero Guitar
DBZ Guitars is proud to announce a guitar that will blow minds and turn heads: the Croc Skin Bolero. Straight from the mind of legendary guitar designer Dean Zelinsky, The Croc Skin Bolero combines DBZ’s legendary playability with looks so realistic Dean B. Zelinsky may soon be explaining himself to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
There’s no pattern in nature more rock n’ roll than crocodile skin, and DBZ’s Croc Skin Bolero is the first guitar in the world to wear it proudly without harming any animals. While the Croc Skin Bolero’s curvaceous body looks like it has been covered in real reptile skin, the finish is actually a never-before-seen textured maple top, produced using proprietary DBZ technologies. Of course, the Croc Skin Bolero is more than just looks; it’s made to play. A thick cut maple top gives the Croc Skin Bolero a distinct, brighter personality, and the custom-voiced DBZ pickups have been painstakingly tailored to compliment its unique body while providing a ferocious tonal palette. A custom designed and engraved DBZ tailpiece made of lightweight alloys adds to the guitar’s already incredible sustain, while the slick mahogany neck gives players a fast stable platform to express themselves on.
“DBZ Guitars is all about using technology to take our guitars to the next level. We have now harnessed that technology to realistically texture guitars and imitate the things we see in life. The Croc Skin Bolero does just that,” says CEO and founder of DBZ Guitars, Dean Zelinsky.
Made in the USA, the Croc Skin Bolero features a solid mahogany body and a 3/4″ maple top with proprietary Croc Skin finish. It also includes a slick 22-fret set mahogany neck and an ebony fingerboard, custom DBZ private label humbucking pickups, a custom-designed lightweight DBZ stop tailpiece, graphite saddles and Sperzel tuners.
Croc Skin Bolero Specifications:
- Construction/Scale: 24.75” scale set neck, 22 frets
- Neck/Fingerboard: Mahogany/Ebony
- Body: Mahogany/Maple
- Pickups: DBZB/DBZ5
- Controls: Vol/Tone/3-way
- Tuners: Sperzel
- Hardware: Gold
- Bridge: DBZ Stop Tail
- Finish: DBZ Croc Skin
- MSRP $6,220/MAP $3,999
For more information:
DBZ Guitars
Source: GuitarSite
Buy – Sell – Trade guitars at GEAR SEARCH
Vox Valvetronix Tonelab ST
April 5, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Tube power explosion! Vox ToneLab ST offers thirty-three different amp models with a versatile array of cabinets and effects to take your guitar playing to the next level – wherever you go. Introducing the Valvetronix series ToneLab ST; bringing true-tube pro-level sound for all players.
The Vox Tonelab ST is designed for mobility; made for guitarists on the go. The rugged metal body will stand up to life on the road, and the expression pedal carries on the fine tradition of VOX wah pedals
The Valvetronix series is the perfect example of VOX’s unique, cutting edge vacuum tube modeling know-how; delivering a broad range of powerful sounds. From large amp stacks to mini-combo amps and multi-effect units, the series boasts a diverse lineup, and can be seen on stage, in the studio, and in the home. The ToneLab ST maintains the sophisticated specifications of the Valvetronix series, while packaging them into a compact unit that allows anyone to easily experience true tube powered sound. In addition to both amplifier and cabinet models, there are also a wide variety of expertly modeled effects. In a compact, easy-to-use format, ToneLab ST delivers classic vintage sounds, studio-quality and high-gain amps, even new amp models created by VOX. Effect parameters can be quickly assigned to the expression pedal, ensuring a limitless range of performance power. Sophisticated extras include an auto chromatic tuner, sound management software for your PC, and convenient USB audio interface operations. The ToneLab ST is designed to deliver the ultimate in tonal dexterity to the musician in any situation, from stage to studio and everywhere in between.
True 12AX7 tube circuitry
The Valvetronix series was developed with painstaking attention to detail. The valve circuitry features a real 12AX7 vacuum tube – along with other components – to cleanly mimic the interaction that occurs in a tube amplifier in a way no digital circuit can. This distinguishes the ToneLab ST from other manufacturer’s modeling units. This fundamental difference is the basis for the awesome sonic power available in the ToneLab ST that no other multi-effect unit can obtain.
Sophisticated top-to-bottom modeling technology
Through the years, a handful of guitar amps have provided the inspiration and created the driving force behind the greatest guitar performances in history. ToneLab ST is equipped with thirty-three spot-on amp simulations, including vintage amps, coveted boutique amps, the latest high-gain amps, and entirely new amp models designed by VOX. But the ToneLab ST goes even further, adding eleven classic cabinet configurations that can be mixed and matched with any amp model. That’s 363 amp and cabinet combinations available instantly!
Multiple effects add a custom touch
A single ToneLab ST program contains amp, cabinet, pedal and modulation effect settings – even noise reduction options – providing enormous freedom and versatility for creating your own sounds. There are fifty preset programs for immediate use, covering a broad range of styles and playing styles. The preset programs include twenty song programs, able to instantly reproduce the familiar sounds of those great guitar songs that everyone will recognize. This way, you can enjoy the versatile sounds of the ToneLab SE right away – before you even consider creating your own programs. But when you’re ready, the ToneLab ST can hold fifty of your custom edited programs. Together with the preset programs, this gives you a total of one hundred programs, available on demand.
One hundred programs, including twenty song presets
The amp, cabinet, and effect settings can be saved into 120 programs locations. There are also 40 preset programs that contain classic settings for each amp model.
Unlimited expressive pedal power
The ToneLab ST provides an expression pedal that lets you control various tone shaping effects and parameters as you play. In addition to volume and wah, you can use the pedal to control realtime effect parameters – amplifier gain, tremolo speed, flanger depth, etc – providing a dramatic leap in expressive potential. The “Quick Assign” function lets you assign any effect parameter on the fly. By specifying the range of control, you can quickly create highly original performance settings.
Excellent audio integration with your computer
ToneLab ST is a complete ASIO-compatible USB audio interface. With a single USB connection, the ToneLab ST will conveniently interface with your computer DAW or sequencing software. ToneLab ST delivers the signal to your computer digitally, with no degradation in sound, for flawless recordings. Librarian software (Windows/Mac) for managing ToneLab ST programs will be available as a free download, and allows the easy exchange of data between users.
Versatile support functions
An auto-chromatic tuner featuring great visibility is built right in. Mute and bypass functions allow you to tune unnoticed while on stage. The ToneLab ST’s powerful Amp/Line switch lets you instantly apply the appropriate compensation for a guitar amp, power amp or direct recording connection, so you can take full advantage of its full sonic potential in any situation. There’s also an AUX IN jack so you can play along with the sound of your favorite band in nearly any format. Compact in size, the on-the-go ToneLab ST is big on features and huge on tone!
VOX ToneLab ST Specifications:
- Amp models: 33
- Cabinet models: 11
- Effect models : Pedal types11, Mod/Delay types 11, Reverb types 3
- Noise reduction: 1
- Programs: 100 (50 preset, 50 user)
- Audio input: INPUT jack, AUX IN jack
- Audio output: OUTPUT/PHONES jack (stereo/mono dual use), LEVEL knob, AMP/LINE switch
- USB: USB connector (Type B)
- Tuner: Detection range: A0 – E6, Calibration: A=438–445 Hz
- Other: DC12V connector, STANDBY switch
- Signal processing: A/D conversion 24-bit, D/A conversion 24-bit, Sampling Frequency 44.1kHz
- Power supply: 12V DC
- Power consumption: 540mA(12V)
- Dimensions: 270 (H) x 180(D) x 70(H) mm / 10.63”(W) x 7.09”(D) x 2.76”(H)
- Weight: 1.6 kg / 3.527 lbs.
- Included items: AC adapter (DC12V)
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EHX Announces White Finger in Small XO Diecast Chassis
April 2, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Musikmesse 2009 – Electro-Harmonix announces the release of the classic FET (Field Effect Transistor) White Finger compressor in a small, rugged XO die-cast chassis. The XO White Finger allows for easy fit for your pedal board or rig set-up.
How it works
The XO White Finger treats an incoming signal with an optically controlled attenuator (volume control) comprised of a fixed resistor and a “shunt opto-coupled photocell”. Because the attenuator is passive, opposed to the more common active AGC (Automatic Gain Control) compressor circuits, the White Finger doesn’t add an electronic signature to the signal’ this preserving the character and tone of the original sound.
The original Black Finger vacuum tube compressor was released in 2003, and quickly became the standard for quality optical compression for players. The XO White Finger uses the same optical technology but utilizes a Field Effect Transistor in place of vacuum tubes. It produces warm and articulate compression that is perfectly suitable for guitar, bass and recording.
XO White Finger Specs:
- LED opto-coupler for a faster attack compression
- Lamp opto-coupler for softer blooming compressor
- Quiet long sustains with transparent tones
- Pre-gain control lets you control how hard your instrument hits the compressor
- Sensitivity knob for control of how the compression will be hit
- Compression amount allows you to dial in the perfect ratio for your music
- Same compression theory as our professional NY-2A but uses FETs instead of tubes
- 40DC-100 power supply included
Release date: April, 2009
Visit EHX.com for additional information.
Fender Guitars lose guitar copyright case
April 1, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Legendary guitar maker, Fender Guitars, helped pave the way for electric guitars of today, but the question of today, “is Fender’s body-shape generic?”. Obviously TTAB (Trademark Trial and Appeal Board) believe so. Fender lost its case to make its Stratocaster, Telecaster and Precision guitar body shapes a trademark in the USA.
It was a battle
In the court case, Fender had targeted the companies of ESP Guitars, US Music Corporation, Sadowsky Guitars, Stuart Spector Designs, Michael Tobias, Schecter Guitar Research, Warmoth Guitar Products, Lakland Musical Instruments, Peavey Electronics and others as infringing Fenders’ designs.
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) argued:
“Fender refers to the ‘iconic’ status of these [instrument] outlines in American popular culture. However, we must resolve a narrow issue: Do consumers associate these two-dimensional outlines, depicted in the drawings, as indicators of source?”
Five years
After five years with the legal process, the litigation added over 20,000 pages of evidence demonstrating numerous guitar companies that manufacture and sell guitars which use the body design that Fender sought to trademark.
“The applicant has not established acquired distinctiveness such that these two-dimensional outlines of guitar bodies, standing alone, serve to indicate source,” the TTAB concluded. “The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that these configurations are so common in the industry that they cannot identify source.
“In fact, in the case of the [Stratocaster] body outline, this configuration is so common that it is depicted as a generic electric guitar in a dictionary.”
Below are two images. Pick out what guitar is a Fender Stratocaster and which is a copy of the Fender Strat.
Image 1
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Image 2
Click HERE to read the entire decision.
Chickenfoot Gives World Reason to Continue
March 20, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Hard rockers, retro-geeks, and shred-heads rejoice! A new super-group has formed!
I know, we all thought the days of the super-group had long since died and withered, much like the big-hair and ripped jeans that were so prevalent, as they say, back in the day.
This new musical juggernaut, is made up of some of the most formidable names ever mentioned in the hard rock circles: Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony (both of Van Halen fame), Chad Smith (drums; Red Hot Chili Peppers), and last but certainly not least, guitar-virtuoso and legendary superhero Joe Satriani (aka Satch).
According to lead singer Sammy Hagar, “We’ve written eight, nine songs… When people hear the music, it’s Led Zeppelin. It’s as good as that. I know that’s a mighty bold statement… We could rival Zep!”
Mighty bold, indeed. However with such a powerhouse lineup, anything is possible…even time travel.
Well, maybe not time travel, but rest assured this beast of a band will be marching to the sound of their own drum…and bringing a hoard of guitar-slinging shredders in tow. Keep your eyes open for Chickenfoot’s debut CD in stores (hopefully) this year.
Check out Chickenfoot on myspace to hear some of their awesome teasers: www.myspace.com/thechickenfoot
