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Friday, May 29, 2009

Z Vex Effects guitar pedals roundup!



Enjoy!
Don't forget to add my on Twitter @aljonrocks

Thursday, May 28, 2009

GP2, the new free digital magazine!



GP2, the new free digital magazine from Guitar Player Magazine!

Each digital edition will include capabilities that will enable you to:

Page through articles online
Zoom in and out of articles and ads
Search issues by subject and/or company
Click items in the table of contents
Use links that take you directly to web sites for products, suppliers and other resources mentioned in articles and advertisements
Watch interactive video lessons

The technology requires no special software and loads quickly. Just click HERE to begin reading.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day


As I reflect on today I think back to some of my most cherished memories of performing for our troops. It was one of the most humbling and memorable experiences of my life. My band did several tours pre and post 9/11 and I'll never forget it. Here's to our troops! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

Here's a picture of me performing at the first "Super Supper" for the allied troops after 9/11 at Kandahar Air Force Base.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Graph Tech Announces New Partnership with Ibanez Guitars and Basses


Graph Tech Announces New Partnership with Ibanez Guitars and Basses

DELTA, B.C.; April, 2009 – Graph Tech Guitar Labs, the world’s largest guitar nut and saddle manufacturer is pleased to announce that they have established a new partnership with Ibanez Guitars. Ibanez is now using Black TUSQ® XL nuts on various basses and electric guitar models.
“The reason why we selected BLACK TUSQ XL is to improve tuning performance on our high grade models” says Ozawa Yuki, Product Manager Bass Division.

Black TUSQ XL is designed to boost guitar tone and performance. This precision engineered nut is made with a specially formulated material which couples the strings' vibrations to the neck and brings out hidden harmonics and richness in every note. It is based on the highly resonant TUSQ® man made ivory, but is impregnated with Teflon® to improve the tuning performance of the guitar.

Other nut materials have a tendency to bind the strings in their slots. Black TUSQ XL’s lubrication is impregnated throughout the material. Teflon is the slipperiest substance on earth...500 times more slippery than graphite, so this ensures the string will never bind at the nut again.

“We are very honored to be able to supply Ibanez with our Black TUSQ XL nuts for great tone and tuning performance” says Dave Dunwoodie, president of Graph Tech. “Ibanez has always been known as a true front runner in guitar innovation and design. To have Black TUSQ XL called upon to improve tone and tuning for Ibanez is a great testament to both companies involved in the best in guitar performance.”
About Ibanez

Ibanez is a guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki and is based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in the United States and Europe. The Ibanez brand name dates back to 1929 when Hoshino Gakki began importing Salvador Ibáñez guitars from Spain.
The company has grown significantly since it was established and is now known internationally as a cutting edge guitar manufacturer. In 2008 they celebrated their 100th anniversary of inauguration of business.

About Graph Tech Guitar Labs

Founded in 1983 by President Dave Dunwoodie, Graph Tech Guitar Labs manufactures more guitar nuts and saddles than any other company in the world. Focused on innovations to improve guitar tone and vibration for optimal performance, Graph Tech is the maker of TUSQ® and Black TUSQ® XL man-made ivory, String Saver™ saddles, String Saver™ Classics steel saddles, ResoMax™ Harmonic Bridge System and ghost® Modular Pickup Systems. The world’s leading retailers, luthiers, and guitar manufacturers choose Graph Tech products including: Carvin, Fender, Gibson, Godin, Hagstrom, Ibanez, Jay Turser, Lag, Larrivee, Martin Guitars, Ovation, Peavey, Samick, Schecter, Taylor Guitars, and Yamaha Custom Shop. For more information, visit www.graphtech.com or call 604-940-5353.

Founder of George L's Cable dies at 87



LEWIS, George L. Age 87 of Madison, TN, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2009. Survived by his wife, Ramona Lewis; daughters, Kimberly Lewis (Charles Williams) and Leesa Lewis Gifford; grandson, Kahler and Karrington Williams.

He was born in Bible Grove, Illinois. Mr. Lewis was a World War II veteran, serving in the central pacific campaigns. George was a marine survivor of the infamous Pearl Harbor bombing, serving on the U.S.S. West Virginia. Other campaigns include, Tulagi, Guadalcanal and Bougainville resulting in a Bronze Star. He was a sixty-four year member on the Madison Masonic Lodge #762 F.&A.M. For the past forty-six years he has been a major manufacturer in the music industry. He has been a co-owner in such businesses as Sho-Bud Steel Guitar, and GHS Strings. The last thirty-five years, George and his family have owned and operated George L's Musical Products.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Rd., Nashville, TN with Rev. Phil Martin officiating. A Masonic memorial service will also be conducted at that time by Madison Lodge # 762 F.&A.M. Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Visitation on Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 1 to 8 p.m. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Metro Christian Academy Music Department, 730 Neelys Bend Road, Madison, TN 37115, (615) 868-6674 Ext. 10. SPRING HILL FUNERAL & CEMETERY, (615) 865-1101.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Metro Christian Academy Music Department, 730 Neelys Bend Rd. Madison TN 37115. 615-868-6674 EXT 10.

http://www.georgelsstore.com/home.html

Friday, May 22, 2009

Guitar World launches new Guitar Aficionado magazine



Guitar Aficionado is an essential new lifestyle publication for the high-end luxury/vintage guitar collector and investor. In each issue, we offer a unique perspective on upscale living through topics that captivate our select readership. While Guitar Aficionado features entertaining articles about the world’s finest guitars and the people who play them, it also informs with insightful coverage of exquisite collectibles and luxury goods, the latest guitar market trends, savvy investments, fashion, exotic and opulent travel adventures, and much more.

I think it's time that a magazine like this existed. I love reading about guitar collections, high-end boutique gear and the people who make it happen. This is the "Food and Wine" version of Guitar World. I hope they continue to produce it.

Check out the LINK!

Twitter=aljonrocks

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Tom Dumont of No Doubt's tour rig 2009



One of my favorite bands, No Doubt have decided to dust off the gear and hit the road this month. Not only are they are a great live band but guitarist Tom Dumont is INCREDIBLE! He is one of my favorite guitarists of the past 10 years and is one I have modeled my playing style and writing after. Tom has kindly put up a blog for all of us gear whores detailing his custom guitars, amps and effects. Check it out for a detailed list of what he's taking on tour this time out as well as No Doubt's shenanigans on the road. Hopefully my wife and I will see them on tour at some point. Apparently they are writing on the road for a new cd to be released early next year. Welcome back Tom and No Doubt, we've missed you!

http://dumontguitars.blogspot.com/2009/05/amp-and-pedals.html


Twitter=aljonrocks

Monday, May 18, 2009



I'm a fanboy of Mad Professor amps and effects because they are so musical and extremely responsive. Here's a preview of a new overdrive they will be showing off at Summer Namm 2009. Enjoy!

The Factory Rehearsal Space Nashville


Attention local bands! You know I'm always looking out for you. Check out Goldylocks' kick ass rehearsal studio!

http://thefactorys.com/

http://www.myspace.com/thefactoryspaces

The Factory is Nashville Musicians’ 1 Stop Shop for Connivance & Affordability. We have ample rehearsal space; mojo included, at a musician friendly price. The Factory has an Exclusive On Site Professional Photography Studio where you get incredible pictures at an amazing price.

Tell her Aljon sent you and get a killer deal!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Planet Waves Headstock Tuner




Planet Waves have been leading the way in terms of guitar gizmos and accessories; however they were late in the “clip-tuner” game. Their first entry in the market is a true winner. Clip tuners are a great way to get tuned up backstage before a show or for use for an acoustic singer/songwriter gig. When I use clip tuners at a gig I have to remove it due to the tuner rattling around on stage and looking rather clunky (then I misplace them). The Planet Waves Headstock Tuner’s compact and lightweight design doesn’t make it stand out like a sore thumb when using it on stage. The tuner’s sensitive piezo transducer tuning was accurate (even in a noisy rehearsal room) and thanks to the nice backlit LCD display it was also very easy to read! The clip clamps firmly onto your headstock and I am pretty confident if I were to do some jumps or guitar throws it would remain clinging on the headstock! If you don’t have a headstock tuner yet this would be a great buy. If you already have one and hate how it performs or don’t like how bulky it is this one is a real upgrade.

VERDICT: AWESOME!

High points: Compact, easy to read display and accurate
Low points: None

LINK

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Twitter: aljonrocks

Roy Orbison Epiphone 12-String to Hit Stores This Fall




The new Epiphone “Oh, Pretty Woman” is a faithful reproduction of the 1962 original and features a solid spruce top, a solid mahogany back, a rosewood 12-string bridge and vintage tuners. For this limited edition release, the back of the guitar’s headstock includes a replica of Roy Orbison’s signature and the notation for the first measure of the world famous “Oh, Pretty Woman” introduction riff. Also included in this limited edition offer is a hard case with Roy’s signature and “sunglass” icon on it, a certificate of authenticity hand-signed by Roy’s widow, Barbara Orbison and Roy’s son, Roy Orbison, Jr., a black & white photo of Roy with his original Epiphone Bard 12-string, a “sunglass” lapel pin and a copy of the “Oh, Pretty Woman” sheet music. The certificate and photo come in a leatherette presentation binder.

The Epiphone limited edition “Oh, Pretty Woman” 12-string Bard outfit will be officially unveiled on Roy’s birthday, April 23rd, at the Gibson Guitar Studio in London, England. The Roy Orbison limited edition 12-string package has a U.S. MSRP of $1,332 and will be available at authorized Epiphone retailers in September 2009.

LINK

Twitter: aljonrocks

Paul Gilbert’s Fireman by Ibanez



Paul Gilbert, a longstanding Ibanez endorser, submitted the plans for his new custom guitar to the Ibanez L.A. Custom Shop in 2007.

For this particular model, Paul took a stock photo of the Ibanez "Iceman" model and turned it upside down using image editing software. He then tweaked the design further, for better playability and balance. This model was to be a radical departure from any of his previous signature models. Soon after Paul received the finished guitar, it quickly made its way on to recordings and stages all over the world. It was originally called the "Reverse Iceman", but soon took on the nickname of "Fireman" due to its opposite nature to the "Iceman".

In 2008, the Paul Gilbert "Fireman" quickly became a hot topic among fans, creating demand for a production version.

In 2009, Ibanez decided to release a limited number of "Fireman" guitars in tribute to Paul's adventurous creation.



LINK

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Twitter: aljonrocks

MXR Releases '76 Vintage Dyna Comp Pedal






The MXR Dyna Comp that was produced in 1976 has long been regarded as the ultimate stomp box compressor. There's something inherently musical in the way it "tightens up" a guitar signal, raising the volume of quiet notes and leveling off peaks to create rich, full bodied sustain. And now the MXR Custom Shop brings back that highly sought-after sound with the '76 Vintage Dyna Comp. Meticulously researched and superbly crafted, it features the exact same circuitry used in the original 1976 Dyna Comp, identical in its component layout, silkscreen and handmade wire harness. The key component is the old school CA3080 "metal can" integrated circuit (IC), which yields quieter operation, greater transparency and increased dynamic range. These ICs have been out of production since the '80s, but MXR has tracked down a stash of them—enough to produce a limited run of these little red boxes of compression bliss. With supplies limited, the MXR '76 Vintage Dyna Comp is destined to quickly become as ultra collectible as its noble ancestor.

The MXR '76 Vintage Dyna Comp pedal has a street price of $175.00.

For more information, visit www.jimdunlop.com.

E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: aljonrocks

The New Inspired By Robby Krieger SG from Gibson Custom





The new Inspired By Robby Krieger SG from Gibson Custom blends several features from some of Krieger’s favorite SGs into one stunning new model. Made of traditional solid mahogany, the body of the Krieger SG is typical of the thin SG bodies from the mid 1960s, complete with traditional beveled edges and the distinct dual sharp cutaway horns that give players complete access to the guitar’s full 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The body is then finished in Krieger’s personal favorite Aged Dark Heritage Cherry finish, which is very similar to the finish of his beloved 1967 SG Standard, and historically accurate right down to the tiniest scratches, dings and belt rash. The neck is also a typical SG one-piece mahogany neck, but with a hybrid neck profile modeled after the neck on a 1961 Gibson SG owned by a close friend and the neck on his personal ’67 SG Standard.

Click HERE for more info!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Nashville Amp Show Aug. 8-9


Make plans to attend the Nashville Amp Show!

Demo amps, effects, instruments and accessories at real world volume levels! A SHOW DESIGNED FOR GUITAR AND BASS GEAR SPONSORED BY CREATION AUDIO LABS!

Saturday & Sunday
August 8-9 2009

Hyatt Place
Nashville/Brentwood
202 Summit View Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027, USA

Located just 8 miles from downtown Nashville.

http://www.nashvilleampshow.com/Nashville_Amp_Show/Nashville_Amp_Show.html

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Electro-Harmonix Voice Box video demo

When I first saw a demo of the new Voice Box pedal from Electro-Harmonix I was floored by the versatility, ease of use and the price (street price $215). I knew then and there that I must get one. There is nothing worse than being in a band (especially a cover band) where you need background vocalists and have have nobody to cover. This pedal has your back. It also comes in handy beefing up your acoustic singer/songwriter performances. Check it out for yourself and see the heaven open and harmonies flow!

Twitter=aljonrocks
tonefreq(at)gmail.com






For more Voice Box product info, see:
http://www.ehx.com/products/voice-box

The Voice Box packs a multi-functional vocal synth processor into a tough and compact chassis. Sing, and you'll have a troupe of backup singers following you in perfect harmony. Or use the built-in vocoder to unleash classic synth-robot sounds.

Diana Ross had the Supremes, Brian Wilson had the Beach Boys, Kraftwerk had The Robots. You have the Voice Box.

The harmony processor creates 2- to 4-part harmonies directly from your vocals, in the same key as your accompanying instrument. Studio-quality reverb lets you independently add depth to your dry and harmony vocals.

The focused 256-band articulate vocoder, designed by the same EMS genius who made vocoding famous, features adjustable harmonic enhancement and controllable formant shift.

Plug in your mic and your instrument, and let your new voice -- or voices -- be heard!

* Harmonically matches any electric instrument you plug into it

* Professional quality pitch shifting algorithm produces realistic harmonies

* The Low & High Harmony independently produces two harmony notes: 3rd and 5th

* 9 accessible programmable presets

* Natural Glissando

* Gender Bender knob allows for male/female formant modification

* Built-In Mic Pre with Phantom Power & Gain Switch

* Balanced XLR Line Output: Interface directly with any mixing board or A/D converter

* US96DC-200BI power supply included

Friday, May 8, 2009

DigiTech RP-255 demo

The folks at ProGuitarShop.com have posted yet another wonderful demo of the DigiTech RP-255. It packs a lot of features for a street price of $149.99.

The RP255 modeling guitar processor provides complete selection and control of your tone with the onboard expression pedal. Featuring 94 amps, cabinets, stompboxes, and effects allowing you to get virtually any sound you want, the RP255 will make you sound just like the pros. With 2x2 USB streaming audio and Cubase LE4, the RP255 allows you to easily record directly to your home computer and make the music you want, the way you want it to sound.


Twitter=aljonrocks

aljonrocks(at)gmail.com


Thursday, May 7, 2009

Gibson Goes Couture!


Gibson is now selling their high-end clothing on-line. The clothes inlcude premium stiching and screening similar to couture brands like Ed Hardy, Von Dutch and Affliction. The line includes t-shirts, loungewear, dresses, pens, watches, bracelets and watches. Like most premium brands you can expect to pay a premium price - around $70+ for a shirt. Since I have seen the line in person this is not outragous considering the cost of shirts by Affliction, Juicy and Diesel. Having said that I hope that Gibson will release a more affordable line of shrits and hats to complement this one. Check out the Gibson store HERE!

Follow me! aljonrocks=Twitter

Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing


Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing on Pedals

Visual Sound has announced new lower prices on six models in their V2 Series line of effect pedals. The new pricing will remain in effect until the current economic crisis is over. According to Bob Weil, president of Visual Sound, "We recognize that although all of our pedals are reasonably priced, they're still a bit expensive for a lot of musicians during these difficult times. Now, we are offering four models for under $100, along with all our other V2 Series pedals that are still within reach of most guitar players."

The pedals affected by the stimulus pricing* are:

  • Son of Hyde (distortion) - $99.95
  • Route 808 (overdrive) - $99.95
  • Comp 66 (compression) - $99.95
  • Angry Fuzz (fuzz octave) - $119.95
  • Liquid Chorus (chorus) - $119.95
  • Double Trouble (dual overdrive) - $149.95

In addition, Visual Sound has two brand new models that are also priced to fit the budget:

  • Truetone (clean boost) - $99.95
  • Open Road (overdrive) - $119.95

LINK: www.visualsound.net

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo


Check out the review I wrote about the Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo on the Gibson.com site HERE!

Gear Trap's World's Largest Pedal Board Party 2008

As I plan to top last year's event and reveal the secrets of "The World's Largest Pedal Board" take a look at last year's party and the monstrosity known as "WLPb."


Les Paul’s Pedalboard


After doing some extensive research on Les Paul I came across this cool article by Rick Landers. It looks like Les is a “Boss” man.


REMEMBER: Les Paul doesn’t wear a watch; HE decides what time it is.


Click HERE for more on the man, myth and national treasure!

Boo-teek Stompbox?


Here's a funny picture a friend sent me. Here's something for all of you pedal snobs out there! If you don't smile or laugh out loud looking at this you take yourself WAY too seriously!

The first post.


I'm a gear freak! I could talk about guitar stuff for hours. In celebration of that fact I have decided to create my own uncensored blog about it... guitars, pedals, amps, accessories - you name it. I'll even add the occasional video and what life is like being a rocker in Music City. In the meantime please check out my Twitter feed if you Google hard enough I can be found everywhere! (Insert evil Sith laugh!)

See you at the guitar shop.

Aljon
Twitter=aljonrocks
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