If I was building a super collection of guitars with something like 52 different models, I’d want to make sure each guitar had something unique to offer. Otherwise I’d go to my guitar den—I’m pretty sure that’s what you’d call a room with 52 guitars in it—and spend all my time trying to work out which guitar was which. That would be time wasted. I should clearly be able to walk into the guitar den—that’s now a thing—and go straight to the guitar I was thinking of playing. Something like this week’s guitar, the Musicvox Space Cadet. I doubt you’d mistake it for another guitar. … 52 Guitars, week 17—Musicvox Space Cadet 6 string
52 Guitars, week 16—FGN Expert Elan Dark Evolution
I love black guitars. I also love white guitars. Anything else … Not so much. One of the things I sometimes wonder about though is “should you take fretboards into consideration when talking about guitar colour?”
The guitar I’m adding to my weekly wishlist today—the FGN Expert Elan Dark Evolution has also thought of that it seems. They’ve given people the choice between a maple fretboard for white guitars and rosewood for black guitars. Brilliant! … 52 Guitars, week 16—FGN Expert Elan Dark Evolution
52 Guitars, week 15—Gretsch G6128T-DCM Duo Jet
With each new weekly guitar I try to add something a little bit different to the guitar from the week before. In fact I’m trying to make sure all 52 guitars are somehow unique. What’s the point of having a wishlist like this if each guitar doesn’t bring something new to the table. Wow … Imagine the size of the table that holds 52 guitars. It would be Game of Thrones big! Anyhow, this week’s guitar is unique and desirable. The perfect combination. … 52 Guitars, week 15—Gretsch G6128T-DCM Duo Jet
JamUp Pro XT adds an 8-Track recorder
The latest update to the amazing JamUp Pro XT saw the introduction of an 8-Track recorder. Now, not only can you use the built-in phrase sampler to create your own sound-over-sound recordings, but you can record yourself over imported tracks through iTunes. Or you can record yourself on eight tracks of layered brilliance*.
* This assumes you’re a brilliant guitarist. … JamUp Pro XT adds an 8-Track recorder
AmpKit update adds stereo to more effects pedals
AmpKit by Agile Partners has been updated and it now includes even more stereo effects from their existing pedal range. The D-Delay, Echology, Ensembly, Phase ’72, Phunk Phaser and The Lone Flanger effects pedals now all include stereo awesomeness. Add this impressive new addition to the other recent updates in AmpKit and it’s easy to see how time can be lost experimenting with the multiple sound effects this amazing app offers. … AmpKit update adds stereo to more effects pedals
Rock Prodigy released for Windows (plus a Fender giveaway)
The Rock Prodigy team who brought us the awesome iOS apps Rock Prodigy, The Offspring: Rock Prodigy and Dave Mustaine: Rock Prodigy, have now released Rock Prodigy for Windows. The new system includes lessons from guitar teachers professionally trained at Musicians Institute. The lessons themselves are broken up into four courses which can be purchased individually or in one of two packages.
Right now though, you can get up to 70% off thanks to the kind folks at Fender. If that’s not enough, you can also enter a draw to win a Fender DG-8S Acoustic Pack. … Rock Prodigy released for Windows (plus a Fender giveaway)
52 Guitars, week 14—LTD Snakebyte
The guitarists who have been the most influential to me over the years all have a guitar look they are known for. Eddie Van Halen, John 5, Jimmy Page and my most influential guitarist … James Hetfield. When I discovered Metallica as a teenager (many years ago) I was forced to rethink my approach to guitar playing. Since then I’ve valued a riff higher than any guitar solo. Nothing says metal to me like James Hetfield behind his white Explorer shaped guitar. The LTD Snakebyte is the modern take on that iconic look. … 52 Guitars, week 14—LTD Snakebyte
Steve Case’s latest EP—artwork by me
Recently I was given the opportunity to design the artwork (including the disc, jewel case and 16 page booklet) of Steve Case‘s latest EP Somewhere Where I’m Not. I worked to Steve’s creative brief—combine the effect types often seen in apps like Instagram with something more artistic for the cover—and was lucky enough to be able to use some of my favourite iPhone and iPad image enhancing apps in the process. The apps I used were ToonPAINT (for iPhone) and PhotoToaster (for iPad). The ToonPAINT app was used to create the CD and booklet cover image (which you can see in the iTunes store).
Woo hoo! I have designed something you can get through iTunes! … Steve Case’s latest EP—artwork by me
My custom Grover Allman guitar plectrums
Today is a good day. Not just because it’s Good Friday either. It’s also the day I get to write about the awesome Grover Allman custom plectrums I ordered recently. They arrived in the mail yesterday and came with a handy sticker of the Grover Allman logo—you’ve got to love that logo with its clever reversed plectrums (look at the whitespace between the cross patterns)—and a black Grover Allman wrist band. Personally I’m a big fan of black rubber wrist bands. They don’t damage your guitar while you’re playing hard.
The plectrums themselves? Well, I think they’re awesome! … My custom Grover Allman guitar plectrums
52 Guitars, week 13—Squier J5 Telecaster
Right when I’m getting ready to post about the next guitar I’ll add to my wishlist, I stumble across a devastating story involving a break-in at John 5’s house. I can only imagine the emotion involved when someone steals quality, high-end equipment like John 5 has. Me, I’d be over the moon if I owned his very affordable John 5 Squier Telecaster signature model. I hope to get it one day. I hope John 5 gets his stolen higher quality gear back before that. … 52 Guitars, week 13—Squier J5 Telecaster