Strat-O-Blogster Guitar Blog

More Holiday Guitar Gift Accessories

2009-11-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Graphic custom Strat pickguards and trem covers

Rockin' Billy's Guitar Parts stocks thousands of custom graphics pickguards and Strat trem covers. They probably have your favorite B movies and pin-up models. The tail fin pickguards are available for Strats & Teles, and come in black (above), red, blue and olympic white.

This kinda stuff is a great way to inexpensively enhance your Strat without permanent changes or commitments. Cool ideas for the guitar player on your holiday shopping list too!

More ideas

Gibson Rosewood "Raid" - More Thoughts...

2009-11-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

(Image: www.alliedlutherie.com)

Although there are currently no new developments on this story (see NY Times link at bottom), I've been having creepy feelings about it since hearing and posting about it a couple days ago.

I also feel kinda creepy about making light of it earlier.

Within the guitar culture, we can banter and argue Fender vs Gibson like Fords vs Chevy's, Apples vs PC's or Coke vs Pepsi. But the big picture is that unless Gibson was blatantly & overtly violating the Lacey Act and maybe even arrogantly giving authorities the finger, the bigger issue is that we are living in a police state.

Whether or not one is a fan of Gibson guitars and their colorful CEO Henry J, we're still talking about a company that's been around for over a century and is a positive American icon. So when some media sources use words like "raided" or "seized" as if reporting a meth lab bust, something more important is afoul.

We all know how news media hype is used to sensationalize and blow events out of proportion and context. News reports paint a grim picture and perception of Gov't agents storming unannounced into the Gibson facilities; grabbing files, computers and wood inventory as shocked Gibson management and employees wring their hands and look on helplessly.

I don't like that picture, regardless of what's REALLY going on.

For the sake of every American citizen, I hope that what actually transpired was conducted and coordinated in a civil and courteous manner with due consideration to people who build musical instruments for a living-- a company that gives back to artists and communities, and has for decades represented our culture in a way in which musicians and Americans can be proud. We're not talking about organized criminals or some terrorist group, although news journalism, reactionary politics and law enforcement might sometimes fit such catagories.

If the press is misrepresenting the context, scale and magnitude of this incident, then shame on them!

If Gibson is in fact and knowingly breaking the law, then appropriate investigative and justice processes should be carried forth in a professional way, with the individuals responsible held accountable if found guilty. This need not become a black eye on the Gibson company overall based upon their history, the type of product they produce and the joy guitars bring to the world. Any unethical individuals should be sorted out and handled according to the law.

Otherwise, the American people and businesses may have bigger worries than environmental concerns or endangered rosewood protection. As of yet, no charges have been filed. Keep your eye on this one kids!

NY Times: Gibson Plant is Raided

Kenny Wayne - Relic Love or Confusion?

2009-11-20T14:29:00.001-08:00

(photo: http://toledoblade.com)

Today Stratoblogster is brought to you by the letter "I" for IRONY, and the number "8" for infinite irony.

Does anyone else ever wonder why Fender's Kenny Wayne Shepherd Artist Series Strats AREN'T Relic models?

Here's some stuff to ponder:

Both the KWS and Road Worn Strats are MIM. And both go for about the same price.

Which do you think sells more? I say Road Worn, for multiple reasons.

But the weirdness continues. I just discovered at Musician's Friend, by searching "road worn strat" there, that all the product listings include options for New or USED. That's right. You can save a little over $100 by purchasing a "used" Road Worn Strat at MF. This doesn't include "Scratch and Dent", although I once saw a Scratch & Dent Relic Tele there, which was funny because of how the stock item description aligned with the S&D stuff. You get the idea.

And where does "Stupid Deal of the Day" fit in with all this?

Theoretically, MF could have marked up the S&D Relic, since building a Relic is all about scratching and denting-- and price pointing UP. They could call it a custom run relic enhancement option charge or "CRREOC".

But back to Kenny. I worry that when the KWS Jeans line comes out, they'll be stiff, dark blue, fade resistant and fade free, with the little cross logo on the back pockets.

Maybe KWS wants us to wear out our own guitars and jeans, just like he does.

Pass the Superglue!!!

Big OOPS! at Gibson

2009-11-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

(photo credit: Jesse Stern)

Feds raid Gibson facilities in Nashville?

Gibson smuggling endangered rosewood from MADAGASCAR via Germany?

Henry steps down from board position at Rainforest Alliance?

READ HERE

Sounds like Hendrix "Strat" karma to me...

Please read follow-up post

Silver Coin Guitar Picks and Holders

2009-11-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

eBay seller giantguitars is the maker of Mojo Picks, produced from pre-1964 US silver coins, as well as few PESO picks. After 1964, American silver coins switched from 90% silver to nickle clad copper. So basically, all Mojo Picks are at least 90% silver.

At first I thought it strange that someone would be doing this to old coins that should certainly have more collectible value as just coins. But you don't have to be an expert to know that what makes most old coins of this era valuable isn't their content or age, it's their condition! Old US silver coins with very little or no wear would not be ground into guitar picks. But think of all the old well circulated and worn coins that must exist. These are the ones worth more as other crafty items.

In other words, the full meaning of the term "MINT CONDITION" fundamentally applies to COINS! Relic'd, aged, distressed, reissue version coins are not in style and never will be. The mint won't be producing relic coins to increase their exchange value anytime soon in this universe or dimension. Ain't gonna happen.

Great for gifts, stocking stuffers, conversation and just generally having a cool Texas bluesman vibe, Mojo Picks come with a little velveteen bag if you use the "Buy it Now!". Purchases of 3 or more also include a key ring with nifty leather pick pouch that snaps shut. Neato!

giantguitars is a 100% rated seller with over 12K positive ratings-- which means a whole lotta silver picks & muy happy customeros!

But wait! CLICK HERE for a variety of silver chain and pendant guitar pick holders for folks who prefer regular picks but might dig a cool & snazzy way to keep 'em handy at all times. That's right-- I just used the words "snazzy & neato" in writing-- a first at this blog.

Stay tuned for more holiday gift ideas and ridiculous adjectives!

Something in a Plaid? Friday Strat #148

2009-11-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

Yamaha RGZ820R Blues Saraceno guitars

(photos: www.wikizic.org)

Food & Beverage Suggestion:
Ginger Bread Cookies
Red Hots
Egg Nog w/Laphroaig

But seriously folks...

Just try looking for a plaid Strat, and see what comes up. Not a helluva lot, that's what.

The Yamaha RGZ820R (discontinued)- Blues Saraceno guitars from the 90's are about the only guitar plaidness you're gonna find.

Obviously, and in spite of just about every other wild finish out there-- including friggin' paisley which seems to persist, the plaid guitar thing never really caught on except to Mr. Saraceno and those very most loyal amongst his fans. Otherwise, forget about it.

But before we dismiss plaid altogether, let's examine and try to understand why plaid guitars couldn't occupy a larger position in the mind of the guitar marketplace. Of course I have a theory. For why else would I go on with this? So, today I'm gonna reach into my Malcom Gladwell bag, and say it's all circumstantial.

My theory is that because the name "Saraceno" is such a glaringly non-Celtic name, people had difficulties processing the concept, thus diverting plaid guitars to the vast junk files of their subconsciousness. I know that's what happened inside my skull. And I could only conclude that maybe Blues Saraceno must be partly Scottish-- on his mother's side, before dismissing the idea altogether and moving on to other more pertinent issues of my day to day existence.

But ya gotta wonder... For instance, had the great Scottish guitarist Zal Cleminson chosen a plaid guitar finish over clown makeup, KISS may never have happened, and I coulda lived with that just fine!!! Anyone who resents that remark, having been inspired to pick up the guitar by KISS, has probably never worn KISS makeup, yet wears an unbuttoned plaid shirt most of the time.

With an AC/DC t-shirt underneath.

There's certainly nothing uncommon, rare, obscure or esoteric about plaid. Plaid is everywhere around us, except for cars, houses and ice cream. Although I'm certain that someday, someone's gonna come up with a way to produce plaid patterned multi-flavored ice cream, which will be very expensive-- at first, until the Chinese Wal-Mart mainframe gets involved.

But I digress.

Everyone has at least two plaid shirts. Has anyone EVER seen Derek Trucks wear anything BUT a plaid shirt?? He could have plaid guitars too! In fact, if his last name were "McTrucks"- actually "MacTrucks" would be pretty funny- he could play plaid SG's that match his clothing, the popularity of which would spread far & wide, over hill and dale, from sea to shining sea. Then the plaid guitar would command respect and hold its rightful place in the culture.

But alas, a plaid SG does not a plaid Strat be. Is there no proud Scottish axeman of Fender persuasion who will not boldly carry forth the tartan to the finish of his Stratocaster? Let he or they step forward and be counted that yet a Strat may be the one to lead all guitars to the dawning of a great plaid era. Where's yer pride laddies!!!

OR... we could just skip it.

Friday Strat Directory

Bonamassa's Black Clapton Strat at eBay BIN

2009-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Click this Youtube Link and check the neck grain at 1:40

Check HERE at 2:28

eBay seller rickc007 is listing this one as a Buy It Now, so first come - first serve, and no bidding wars folks!

A friend let me know about this guitar once owned by Joe Bonamassa and currently owned by Bonamassa forum member "Rick". Click Here for forum thread with additional background info. Look's like Rick has documentation, etc. Contact him via eBay or the JB forum with any questions.

Both the listing details and forum thread contain image and video links.

eBay Listing ID# 290371850814

Current Artist Strat Listings:

FENDER ERIC CLAPTON STRATS

FENDER ERIC JOHNSON STRATS

FENDER JEFF BECK STRATS

FENDER DAVID GILMOUR STRATS

FENDER JOHN MAYER STRATS

FENDER SRV STRATS

More Oz Noy & Eric Johnson Video

2009-11-18T17:55:00.000-08:00

Rich at The Guitar Channel blog found more clips of those already legendary Austin jams featuring Oz Noy, Anton Fig, Roscoe Beck and special guest Eric Johnson.

Just wait'll you see the EJ solo in this video!!! Also featured in Mike Stern's latest album, Eric J. has recently been injecting the Fusion guitar world with a healthy dose of Texas Zen for sure!

The Guitar Channel is THE blog for Fusion and Prog guitar. I urge you to tune in there regularly if you dig that stuff and wanna keep up with artists i.e. Oz Noy, Allan Holdsworth, Jimmy Herring, Greg Howe, Scott Henderson, etc...

Guitar Pulsar and Other Items

2009-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

(photo: http://arecibo.tc.cornell.edu)

I just learned about the Guitar Pulsar Nebula at Pribek blog (Jack gets around!). The Guitar Pulsar has been around awhile-- no sh!#, but I guess they've just figured out some new stuff about its origins. Maybe Les Paul signaled back some vital info. from wherever he is. Anyway, click the Pribek link for more about that.

In more of my recent travels throughout the galaxy, I've discovered some other fun items.

Hittin' the Note magazine has a great interview with Derek Trucks.

Guitar & Bass Magazine, a UK publication, has a very cool article about 50's and early 60's model Stratocasters in the current issue. Sorry, it's not in their website, but you may be able to find it in your local Borders or Barnes & Noble magazine section. How many people know that the first rosewood slab Strat necks were created to save money over plain maple ones? That's right. If you know how that could be possible, feel free to comment!

Totally unrelated to guitar-- I've been enjoying the new Superfreakonomics book and am also checking out Malcom Gladwell's stuff. These cats know how to think! Something I hope to do someday as well.

Largest Guitar Parts Dealer On eBay

2009-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Pin-Up Music REALLY is the largest guitar parts dealer on eBay. Click Here for cross referenced proof from eBay's complete guitar stores directory. Currently Pin-Up lists over 6000 items, i.e. necks, bodies, switches, pots, knobs, tons of tubes & amp parts and 1500 pickguards!

Ironically though, Pin-Up Music doesn't stock pin-up decals... So the above header logo image of Bettie Page is the only pin-up in the store--now that's funny! Check our decal dealer directory for purveyors of fine classic bomber style pin-up decals and stickers.

Tortuga's Newest - Wendigo & Martini Pedals

2009-11-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

TORTUGA has released two new pedals just in time for the holidays!

The "Wendigo"- featured in the above clip- is a serious saturation capable distortion pedal with highly imaginative and thematic settings & labeling. When dimed, the saturated fat is so dense with bacony goodness, that too much use could land you in cardiac care for an angioplasty and a coupla stints.

The "Martini" Dual Analog Chorus/Vibrato combines the two modulation effects into a single but highly versatile and blendable package. Click Here for a demo vid, and notice that these are also high quality sounding effects by themselves. Like the Wendigo, the Martini is cleverly labeled.

TORTUGA DEALERS:

TunnelVision Music
FAT TONE Guitars

McStrat-o-Burger With Cheese - Best Of Friday Strat

2009-11-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

Note: I first featured this one back in 2006 as Friday Strat #11. The photoshop job was done by a friend (credit link below) based on my original recipe.

Everyone enjoys a good burger!

(images from Popeye Kahn's lunchbox)

McStrat Specs:

100% all beef body

Jumbo Fret Fries

Toasted Baguette Neck/Breadstock

Pickle-ups by Seymour Gherkin
(HumPucker at bridge)

Cheeseguard by Kraft Singles

Strings by String Cheese Ernie Ballzarella

Knobs by 57 Varieties (ketchup cup style)

Relic Relish (optional)
Golden Arch Strap and "Pigbag" Gig bag (included)

Lardtail semi-recessed bridge
(trem not an option here)

So get ready to sink your teeth into a Classic! The McStrat! I'm Luvin' It!

67 Pro Reverb - Clean and Maintained

2009-11-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Seller: jbgood01 100% rated

Current Item ID# 250526947717

Although I wish this seller had more pics (only 3 at listing page), what pics there are show this Pro to be in pretty good shape. More important is the good, straightforward info provided:

"...In April of 2007, the following services were performed on the amp:

*replace 2 power supply caps

*replace 2 mylar caps in the pre amp circuit

* clean pots

*install new power amp tubes

*install new pre amp tubes

*rebias to specs

The tube chart for this amp shows a production code of 48 QG which dates it to July of 1967. The serial number is A 09815, which also dates to 1967. Finally the model number is AA 165 which designates a Pro Reverb.

The cabinet is in very good condition. The bottom of the amp does have some scuffing spots and the grill cloth has no snags or rips.

Comes with Fender cover and original footswitch..."

The Fender Pro Reverb is a standard tool for small club use-- especially with Blues, Roots & Country players.

More FINE Amp Listings

Posted by Stratoblogster Nov. 10, 2009.

Resnicoff's 1990 Malmsteen - McLaughlin Interview

2009-11-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

photo: Deborah Samuel

In a recent comment discussion thread at Pribek blog, Dave from Sans Direction contributed a link to an old 1990 Musician Magazine interview, just filled with nuggets of yummy guitar culture goodness! Matt Resnicoff, then editor at Musician, had managed to corral the likes of Yngwie and Mr. Mahavishnu himself into the same room for a most zany & rollicking discussion of guitar geek euphoria proportions.

Click Here for the complete interview. These guys really get into it! Sometimes you think somebody's gonna strangle the other guy, but they always manage find a point of strong agreement. At one point a frustrated Resnicoff exclaims, "There is no point! What kind of strings do you use?". But in the process a whole lotta insights are revealed! And when the name "Hendrix" inevitably comes up, things get real gushy-- as well they should. sniff.

Even if you're not a fan of classic Fusion or what Malmsteen does, artistic thinking guitar heads will still appreciate the concepts and dialogue stirred up. I laughed a lot!

Through the 80's and into the 90's, Matt Resnicoff wrote and edited for the long since departed Musician Mag, followed by writing stints at GW & GP. Surprisingly, Resnicoff no longer writes, even though he's one of the best music journalists ever; with a huge resume of major guitarist articles and interviews. He has gone on to produce recordings, write liner notes and gotten more into his own guitar playing as well.

A quick Google search turned up another interview of Resnicoff himself by Steven Ward for RockCritics.com in which we discover even more insights about early guitar journalism, and the life of a music writer in the 80's & 90's. For example, as a writer, Matt Resnicoff was part of the legendary SRV-Jeff Beck tour. He also comments about other great writers i.e. Tom Wheeler, Jas Obrecht, Tom Mulhern, Bill Milkowski, Vic Garbarini and others-- real writers, as opposed to the hacks and bloggers you're stuck with nowadays;))).

All compelling reading!

Posted by Stratoblogster Nov. 10, 2009.

PFC Michael Pearson, Fallen Strat-o-Brother R.I.P.

2009-11-09T14:38:00.001-08:00

I subscribe to Google News Alerts for the term "Stratocaster".

Today's alerts included one with the following text:

"...training to deactivate bombs and was known for his nimble fingers on his Fender Stratocaster guitar..."

The above snippet refers to Pfc. Michael Pearson of Bolingbrook, Illinois, a victim of the recent Fort Hood shooting spree.

Below are more items about Michael collected from various news stories around the web:

"...Michael Pearson, 22, enlisted in the Army more than a year ago to realize his musical dream. He hoped the military would be his path to college, where he could study musical theory, his brother Kristopher Craig told CNN affiliate WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois.

"He was a genius as far as we were concerned," Craig told WGN-TV, reeling from the news that his 21-year-old "little kid brother" was dead.

"He was really living his life playing guitar," Craig said. "When he picked up a guitar, we all understood that he was expressing himself."

"One relative said Pvt Pearson played the guitar like Jimi Hendrix, and he had taught himself to play the piano..."

"...training to deactivate bombs and was known for his nimble fingers on his Fender Stratocaster guitar..."

Dedicated to Private First Class Michael Pearson and all those recently murdered and injured at Ft. Hood.

Machine Gun
Tearing my body all apart

Machine Gun, yeah
Tearing my body all apart

Evil man make me kill ya
Evil man make you kill me
Evil man make me kill you
Even though we’re only families apart

Well I pick up my axe and fight like a farmer
(You know what I mean)
Hey! And your bullets keep knocking me down

Hey, I pick up my axe and fight like a farmer now
Yeah, but you still blast me down to the ground

The same way you shoot me down, baby
You’ll be going just the same
Three times the pain,
and your own self to blame
Hey, Machine Gun

I ain’t afraid of your mess no more, babe
I ain’t afraid no more
After a while, your, your cheap talk don’t even cause me pain,
so let your bullets fly like rain

’Cause I know all the time you’re wrong baby
And you’ll be going just the same
Yeah, Machine Gun
Tearing my family apart
Yeah, yeah, alright
Tearing my family apart

(Don’t you shoot him down)
(He’s ’bout to leave here)
(Don’t you shoot him down)
(He’s got to stay here)
(He ain’t going nowhere)
(He’s been shot down to the ground)
(Oh where he can’t survive, no, no)

Yeah, that’s what we don’t wanna hear anymore, alright?
(No bullets)
At least here, huh huh
(No guns, no bombs)
Huh huh
(No nothin’, just let’s all live and live)
(You know, instead of killin’) Jimi Hendrix, Filmore East

2010 Fender Custom Shop Calendar

2009-11-09T13:14:00.001-08:00

Available at AMAZON:

Fender Custom Shop 2010 Wall Calendar (Calendar)

Order early and avoid the holiday rush!

It's that time again! And remember, every year Fender generously provides us with 16 months, so for 4 months you can display two current Custom Shop calendars with different features! Tricky!

I like that!

Custom Engraved Strat Neck Plates

2009-11-09T12:47:00.001-08:00

GuitarHeads eBay Store has an interesting hardware assortment, including a number of engraved neck plates. You oughta see the Keef Richards neck plate-- it's really ugly... but in a special way.

They also have Wilkinson bridges and parts, knobs, ferrules, pickup mounting stuff, tuners and some electronics components too.

Also check out:

Angela Instruments - "GENUINE FENDER USA PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR STRAT, TELE, JAGUAR, JAZZMASTER, PRECISION BASS, JAZZ BASS AND FENDER AMPS! TONS OF PREMIUM N.O.S. AUDIO TUBES, TRANSFORMERS, SOCKETS, CHASSIS, CAPACITORS, RESISTORS AND A WHOLE LOT MORE! SERVING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WORLDWIDE SINCE 1977."

EJ White Blonde With FLAME NECK

2009-11-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

Eric Johnson Artist Series Strat Auction

Click images for closeups!

Here's one to watch! A very clean looking 2008 with case and all the candy, plus the bonus of some flame in that maple neck!

I've said it before, and I'm not alone-- the Eric Johnson Artist Strats are the best production line Fender product. But they're not cheap, especially after they kicked the price up 30% in Feb. 2009!

So we always stay on the lookout for clean pre-owned ones. As this is an auction- not a BIN- ya gotta work it carefully and hopefully win it within your budget.

Watch this one.

Seller: jackysan
Current Item ID# 110454930084
Location: UTAH - wholesome!!! ;)))

Find nice Strats!

Strat Replacement Neck Finds

2009-11-07T08:31:00.001-08:00

A nice replacement neck doesn't always have to cost $300 -$400. Pictured above is a Fender licensed neck, made by MightyMite, listed at Metal Shop Music (eBay Store) for $149.99 BIN- not an auction. Metal Shop has hundreds in stock in all different configs, fret sizes, radius, rosewood, ebony and natural fretboard. Most of their items are Buy It Now, which is nice for folks who don't wanna screw around with bidding situations.

The above neck is a natural birdseye with jumbo frets, abalone dots, pre-slotted nut, dual action truss, and side markers, finished in clear satin lacquer. The peg holes are 3/8", fitting most tuners except old style Klusons. The butt is NOT pre-drilled, in order to allow for optimum fitting to your Strat's pocket. Not bad for $150! Not all MightyMite birdseye necks are that inexpensive-- more highly figured wood grains are price pointed accordingly, often on a neck by neck basis. But great deals still exist!

AzGuitarParts is another eBay Store with BIN listings for new MightyMite necks.

Guitar Parts And More is a big AllParts & WD dealer with lots of necks & bodies in stock.

For those preferring original Fender factory necks The STRATosphere has a very large selection, including Eric Johnson Strat necks, bodies and other genuine Artist model components. This is NOT a bargain merchant, but *whatever they list is in IN STOCK and ships right away. An Artist Series replacement neck/body from any other Fender dealer is gonna involve a special order time frame unless they just happen to have the item by some fluke.

*eBay Stores merchants in general must stock what they list, otherwise eBay penalizes them for negative customer ratings when items don't ship right away. eBay Stores are a great way to avoid annoying back order situations "But the salesperson said there were plenty on the shelf!".

Open Jam Story by Bill Cosby

2009-11-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

The other night, Public Television aired Bill Cosby receiving the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for Humor. Above is a clip they included in the program from 1973. Too funny!

No Custom Shop 40th Anniversary Sesame Street Strat?

2009-11-06T09:43:00.001-08:00

(image credit: www.amiright.com)

Thanks to Google's main search page themes this week, pretty much everyone knows about the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. More importantly, we all care.

And that's why I'm kinda disappointed about the absence of a Fender Custom Shop/Pamelina Graphic/Sesame Street/300 Piece/40th Anniversary Commemorative Limited Edition/Available Only at Guitar Center Stratocaster.

Somebody dropped the ball!

Just imagine Oscar and Cookie Monster riding Harley's across a Sesame Street body toward a Big Bird highway neck, into the sunset. Pamelina could do that.

But NO Elmo! Because I hate friggin' Elmo!

There. I said it.

Vintage '62 Olympic White - Friday Strat #147

2009-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

EJ loved this guitar, but couldn't own it because the ciggy burns emanated too many second hand nicotine ions; making the Duracells sound like dated Energizers near a Ray-o-Vac display at Walgreens.

Food & Beverage Suggestion:
Vanilla Wafers & Flan
Baileys Irish Cream & Wild Turkey- neat
Kool non-filters

Put on Sinatra & Basie's "Summit at the Sands"

The ever effervescent Eddie of Guitarville by Vegas is listing this one these days for the ever hefty sticker. Ed tells us that although today's Strat was not actually owned by Eric Johnson, EJ had this guitar at his home in Texas where he personally set it up-- not something that happens every day, I know. However, Ed doesn't give a rat's a$$ if you believe him or not, and he's never in a hurry to sell any of his inventory, which very probably & truly IS everything he says it is. You decide... Hmmm, sell the boat?

If anything, we have a great example of the Olympic White aging process here. Click the pics for closeups! For those of you on a budget, why not try this at home: Pour a can of condensed milk into a bowl, stick it in the back of the fridge uncovered (next to the baking soda) and forget about it. Another cheap science project you can pass on to junior for his middle school science fair.

Be sure and get over to Ed's and indulge yourself in the vintage debauchery of it all! It doesn't cost to peek...

Do you really need a boat?

Friday Strat Features

Strats Seeking Relationships

"Who Knows" Octavia Jam Gettin' Jimi With It

2009-11-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a clip I found on Youtube while searching for jam tracks and loops. You know this cat's got it bad because not only is he nailing some of those classic octave infused phrases, but he's also a lefty! Probably has a velvet painting of Hendrix on his wall (I have one of those!).

He lets us know that he created this Hendrix, Band of Gypsys "Who Knows" backing track with the help of drum samples from www.betamonkeymusic.com

CLICK HERE for the real deal, and notice that Jimi's Octavia solo doesn't start until about 5:09 and lasts less than 1.5 minutes, and yet it contains more information about Who really Knows.

Find top effects dealers at www.guitargearstores.com Entering OCTAVIA in the search bar there shows current results by Fulltone, Tortuga and Roger Mayer.

Miami Music Festival, Dec. 10-12, 2009

2009-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you didn't already have reason enough to escape to Miami this Winter, the Miami Music Fest should tip the scales for that trip South!

With 25 Stages, 600 performances, conferences and sponsorship by everybody in the music business and gear industry, the MMF is all about promoting and providing resources & support for emerging artists. This is a big deal!

Dave Marvin, Dad of previously featured Young Guitar Wonder Taylor Marvin was kind enough to email us about the Fest, in which Taylor is invited to perform this year. The Marvin's hate to leave their home in Denver, especially in December, but they'll just have to grin and bear Miami I guess.

SRV #1 Re-Creations by Rocketfire Guitars

2009-11-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Click images for extreme closeups!

Currently listed at eBay by 777funk the seller account of Rocketfire Guitars.

Nick Sorenson of Rocketfire Guitars specializes in authentic vintage re-creations. He also builds the pickups. Nice looking stuff-- attention to details!

Check 'em out!

Find Boutique Strats