Guitar Player articles from July 2005

Guitar Player archives from July 2005

Noize from the editor.(Editorial)
July 1, 2005... I love and respect every single person who reads Guitar Player, and I'm such a magazine hound that few other interests have a prayer of sneaking into my bandwidth, but even I realize you can't get everything from the printed page. Ya gotta gig....

Joe Perry.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... As much as I enjoy GP showcasing the newer and lesser known guitar talents, the cover of Joe Perry was well deserved [May '05]. I've followed his career from Aerosmith's first release in 1973. It's inspiring to see someone who admittedly...

Some unrelated remarks.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... Not long after reading your eulogy for prog [March '05], I happened to turn on Sex and the City just in time to catch Sarah Jessica Parker sporting $400 pumps and an old Yes concert shirt. So, who's cool now?! Also, with the recent release of...

I'm not just an artist, I'm also a reader.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank Andy Ellis, Michael Molenda, and the entire Guitar Player staff for the kind article on my new album, Daredevil [April '05]. Having played guitar for over 45 years, I am a big fan of your magazine and...

Letter of the month!(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... April Fools and the joke's on us: How pious of Allison Suter [Riffs, April '05] to worry about our guitar straps when her raw material derives from a processing industry that worldwide creates a holocaust of animals every week. Jennifer Batten...

Oops!(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... I read with great interest the article regarding how Joe Perry uses sveral amps during the recording process to get his amazing sound. I was, however, surprised that the writer did not ask about the actual process involved. In fact, Joe...

Not only did Mark Twain define American life through his classic writings and sense of humor, it turns out that he played guitar as well!(news)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Not only did Mark Twain define American life through his classic writings and sense of humor, it turns out that he played guitar as well! Twain's 1835 rosewood Martin guitar--which he purchased in 1861 for $10--has recently been valued at $15...

Debashish Bhattacharya's spellbinding slide.(CULTURE)
July 1, 2005... "Onstage, when I get deep into the raga, I forget everything," says Indian slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya. "First, I forget where I'm sitting. Then I forget what I'm doing. And, finally, I forget my name and who I am." Hailed as...

Porcupine Tree dares to be prog.(CULTURE)(Deadwing, album by Porcupine Tree)(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... "Progressive rock is a big part of Porcupine Tree," says the British group's guitarist and vocalist Steven Wilson. "And I think that bands such as the Mars Volta, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, and Tool have made it okay to use the word 'progressive'...

A prototype of Taylor's new T5 raised a happy $5,850 when it was auctioned off in January.(news)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... A prototype of Taylor's new T5 raised a happy $5,850 when it was auctioned off in January. Proceeds from the auction went to the Music for All Foundation--a partnership between NAMM and, well, us (the Music Player Network, that is). The...

Will Ray's eBay strategies.(TOOLS)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... AUCTION ITEM: '95 EPIPHONE NIGHTHAWK WINNING BID: $249 Epiphone Nighthawks were only made for a few years starting in 1994. They sport two humbuckers, a single coil in the middle, a 5-way pickup selector, a mini coil-tap switch, and...

Turn your solidbody into a lap slide!(TOOLS)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... You can score vibey lap steels for several hundred dollars, but if you have an underutilized electric guitar lying around, you can convert it to a fire-breathing lap slider for less than 20 bucks--including a new set of strings. Best of all,...

In a bizarre, briefly reported incident, it appears Zakk Wylde went a little nuts inside Boise, Idaho, club The Big Easy on April 28.(news)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... In a bizarre, briefly reported incident, it appears Zakk Wylde went a little nuts inside Boise, Idaho, club The Big Easy on April 28. Associated Press reported that Wylde--who was scheduled to play there that night--inflicted "considerable...

American Head Charge guitarist Bryan Ottoson died on April 19, apparently from an overdose of prescription drugs.(PASSING NOTES)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... American Head Charge guitarist Bryan Ottoson died on April 19, apparently from an overdose of prescription drugs. The 27-year-old guitarist was found in the band's tour bus before their North Charleston, South Carolina, gig. The band, in the...

Mike Varney's spotlight.(COMMUNITY)
July 1, 2005... No matter how old you are, where you live, or what style of music you play, this column offers you the potential to be recognized by your peers. If you're chosen for Spotlight, you'll receive an Ernie Ball tee shirt, customized EB picks with...

Cast your votes for the 2005 Guitar Player Readers' Choice Awards!(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... It's that time again--time for GP readers to shout out their fave gear finds of the past year. When we debuted the Awards in 2004, we focused on "legacy" gear (instruments released in any year) to get the ball rolling. This year, however, we're...

Nic Armstrong and the thieves.(BUZZ)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... "I don't like overweight songs," says Nic Armstrong, vocalist, guitarist, and chief tunesmith for roots rockers Nic Armstrong and the Thieves. "I strive to make my tunes as lean and catchy as possible so I can get my point across succinctly....

Dressy Bessy.(BUZZ)(John Hill (guitarist))(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... If the energetic retro-pop on Dressy Bessy's new album, Electrified [Transdreamer], sounds similar to indie rock heroes Apples in Stereo, there's a good reason: Lead guitarist John Hill is also a member of the Apples. "In the Apples, I'm...

Kaiser Chiefs.(BUZZ)(Andrew White (guitarist))(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... "When writing songs, we're very conscious of rhythms and chanting and getting the crowd involved," says Andrew "Whitey" White of the Leeds, U.K.-based Kaiser Chiefs. "I mean, if we can't dance to it, why in the hell would someone else want to?...

Out now!(Guitars, product information)
July 1, 2005... Out Now! is based on info from manufacturers. Coverage does not imply endorsement by Guitar Player. All prices and specs are subject to change. ROCKTRON GAINIAC 2 TUBE PREAMP * Two channels * More than 100dB of gain *...

David Sylvian.(CHASING THE MUSE)(Interview)
July 1, 2005... David Sylvian's musical journey is one of soul searching and constant change. The British singer/songwriter's career began in 1974 with the group Japan. Comprised of Sylvian, drummer Steve Jansen, keyboardist Richard Barbieri, and bassist Mick...

Man and superman: Steve Vai is a guitar god with a mortal coil.(Cover Story)
July 1, 2005... As far as gods go, Zeus and most of his cronies on Mount Olympus were real scumbags. They totally dug being omnipotent and all-powerful, and they took every opportunity to screw with us mortals because, in the pre-television, pre-Playstation,...

Messy relations: an embattled garbage rediscovers the bliss of imperfection and saves itself from ehtinction.(Interview)
July 1, 2005... Pain and suffering have always been hellaciously effective motivational tools. Yeah, I know that more polite types will try to massage your sorry little aura by stating that you don't have to suffer to create expressive art, but the museums of...

6 complete 48-track computer recording solutions!(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Whether you're just starting out or an advanced user, we have a pro hardware/ software package that turns your PC or Mac[R] into a 48-track recording studio. Each comes complete with Steinberg's superb Cubase LE digital audio workstation...

Who the hell is Richie Kotzen: well, he's probably one of the hottest guitarists most people have never heard of.
July 1, 2005... He regularly plays huge venues and festivals in South America, Asia, and Europe. He has been on the cover of Japan's Young Guitar magazine eight times. He has released 13 solo records, including his latest pair, Get Up and Acoustic Cuts...

What's spinning in the editors' heads this month?(RANTS AND RAVES)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... BARRY CLEVELAND Michael Manring, Soliloquy Steve Ball, Box Set John Williams, The Ultimate Guitar Collection EMILY FASTEN Teenage Fanclub, Man-Made Elliott Smith, Roman Candle Dinosaur Jr., You're Living All Over Me DARRIN FOH Jimmy...

John Scofield: That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles.(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... JOHN SCOFIELD That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles Funky instrumentals and hip vocal performances grace Scofield's groovatious tribute to the late, great Ray Charles. Backed by a deep-pocket rhythm section,...

Ernest Ranglin: Surfin'.(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... ERNEST RANGLIN Surfin' As one of ska's prime architects, Ernest Ranglin's jazz-by-way-of Jamaica heritage is as deep as the Caribbean Sea. On Surfin', the 73-year-old Ranglin's 13th solo outing, the pioneering Studio One ace plays with a...

Johan Berke: Upstairs Five.(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... JOHAN BERKE Upstairs Five Swedish composer Johan Berke debuts as a recording guitarist on this largely introspective yet energetic disc. His playing moves from dark and moody electric textures reminiscent of those heard on early ECM...

Merle Travis & Joe Maphis: Country Music's Two Guitar Greats.(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... MERLE TRAVIS & JOE MAPHIS Country Music's Two Guitar Greats The title says it all. Travis and Maphis were the best of buds for a major portion of their storied careers, from their stints on the Town Hall Party television show in the mid...

Doves: Some Cities.(Sound Recording Review)
July 1, 2005... DOVES Some Cities It's clear from the outset that Some Cities is different than Doves' previous records. Jez Williams' sweeping, atmospheric guitar textures sound more contained, as if he's playing in a room instead of standing on a...

Brett Garsed: Rock Guitar Improvisation.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... BRETT GARSED Rock Guitar Improvisation When most guitarists say, "I don't play jazz, I'm a rock musician," it's usually in defense of limited fretboard knowledge, near inability to swing, and melodic paralysis that sets in as soon as the...

Sax therapy: extreme soloing techniques your guitar teacher never showed you.(MASTER CLASS)
July 1, 2005... "It's good for guitarists to step outside their comfort zone," says saxophonist Dennis Taylor. "If you take a sax line and adapt it to guitar, you'll force yourself into new and different intervallic areas, and this is healthy for your fingers...

EZ street: deluxe moving lines.(BEGINNER)(Jazz music)
July 1, 2005... We've seen--and heard--how moving a melodic line through an otherwise static chord voicing yields a magical sound ("Moving Lines within Chords," June '05). In this lesson, we'll delve deeper into the technique, using it to create jazzy...

Prog guru: Steve Morse: slick tricks with octave harmonics.(ADVANCED)
July 1, 2005... When people hear certain harmonics-based themes I've recorded--such as, for instance, "Country Colors," from my solo album High Tension Wires--they often think that I've overdubbed two or more guitar parts on top of each other. But I haven't....

Blues guru: Robben Ford: blues a la Joe Pass.(INTERMEDIATE)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... If you've got a keen eye and a decent ear, you can snag some cool licks and chord progressions by simply watching other guitarists play. A perfect example is the cool blues vamp [below] that I picked up watching the late, great Joe Pass one...

Freedom of choice! our new song transcription downloads let you pick what you want to play--and it's free!(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Guitar Player and Musicnotes.com have partnered to offer GP readers one free song transcription download from a list of 15 options. You are no longer shackled to a single song chosen by editors each month. From now on, it's all up to you to...

How to play like ... Malcolm Young.(Beginner)(Angus Young, guitar performances)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Angus Young's lead guitar pyrotechnics may be the sparks flying from AC/DC's musical bonfire, but it's the rock-steady rhythm work of brother Malcolm that fuels the flames. For 30-plus years, the elder Young has been wielding his signature 1963...

Lessons online at guitarplayer.com.(ONLINE LESSON MENU)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... FREE * AUDIO VERSIONS AT GUITARPLAYER.COM JULY '05 GUITAR PLAYER MASTER CLASS: Sax Therapy--Extreme Soloing Techniques Your Guitar Teacher Never Showed You JULY '05 GUITAR PLAYER LESSONS: How to Play Like... Malcolm Young ...

Production strategies: uniquely Meek.(RECORDING)(Joe Meek, genius of sound recording)
July 1, 2005... Joe Meek had engineered dozens of hits for major labels in state-of-the-art London studios by the time he went independent in 1960. Along the way, he had learned the "correct" techniques for recording everything from pop groups to jazz combos...

Mic test: CAD GXL3000 stereo studio pack.(RECORDING)
July 1, 2005... Every time I think that cool microphones can't get any less expensive, some wacko cuts prices even lower. This time, the price slasher is CAD, and the model in question isn't just one mic, but three. The company's GXL3000 Stereo Studio Pack...

Hardware: presonus firepod.(RECORDING)
July 1, 2005... I used to view tracking on a computer with some serious stink-eye suspicion. Not because of the age old analog vs. digital sonic debate, but rather the learning curve and general scariness of leaving the cozy realm of 4-tracking to dive into...

Auralex ELiTE pro system EPS-168T.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Auralex Acoustics, Inc. Now Available Class A, fabric-wrapped, all-inclusive acoustical treatment solution for your studio. Comes complete with absorption, corner bass traps and diffusion in your choice of 4 fabric colors, along with...

BlueTube DP.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... PreSonus Audio Electronics Now Available Two-channel microphone/instrument preamplifier with "Dual Path" technology allowing the option to switch between vacuum tube or solid state preamplifier. Great for all microphones, guitars,...

T-Rex mudhoney distortion pedal.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... T-Rex Engineering Now Available Crunchy, fuzzy distortion pedal in a sturdy, steel housing. Hand made in Denmark for the finest tone available. SRP: $269.95 www.danabgoods.com 800-741-0109 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Power Factor Pro R.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Furman Sound, Inc. Now Available PF-PRO R is the new rack mount version of the Power Factor Pro. It offers all the same features plus 5 extra outlets and a BNC connector for an optional rear light. SRP: $349.95 ...

Mama Bear.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... D-TAR Launch Date: May 2005 Mama Bear takes your acoustic guitar's signal into the digital realm, neutralizes the pickup, and restores the natural body resonance. Choose your sonic signature from one of 16 classic guitars. SRP:...

FIREBOX: 6 x 10 FireWire recording system.(STUDIO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... PreSonus Audio Electronics Now Available The FIREBOX is a professional mobile recording system with six inputs including two Class A microphone/instrument preamps, ten outputs, 24-Bit/96k sample rate, MIDI and SPDIF I/O, and...

Soloway Swan LN6.(GEAR)
July 1, 2005... Although singers, producers, and club owners are always telling us the exact opposite, guitarists know that sometimes more is more. Jim Soloway is obviously hip to that, and he started out building guitars with more strings. His 7-string models...

DigiTech Jimi Hendrix experience and crossroads.(GEAR)
July 1, 2005... I can't look into the future any more than I can will myself to look like Johnny Depp, but here's what I think gear historians will write about DigiTech's Artist Series pedals a decade down the road: "When DigiTech deployed its Production...

Steinberger synapse SS-2FA custom and transcale ST-2FPA custom.(GEAR)
July 1, 2005... In 1979, Ned Steinberger designed the L2 guitar, a radical solidbody made from graphite-reinforced epoxy, which featured a headless neck-through design, two hum-buckers, and an innovative bridge/tailpiece that incorporated the tuning machines....

Rivera Chubster 55 and Clubster 45.(GEAR)
July 1, 2005... Paul Rivera was the mastermind behind Fender's highly successful Super Champ back in the early '80s, and since that time he's built a reputation for producing some of the best-sounding and most reliable amplifiers on the market. Rivera's...

Alesis X Guitar.(GEAR)
July 1, 2005... Alesis recently ventured to the head of the signal chain with the X Guitar--the company's first wood-and-strings offering--which comes in a familiar shape, and sports an onboard DSP processor derived from Alesis' popular GuitarFX floor unit....

T.C. Jauernig Electronics Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator.(STOMPBOX FEVER)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... From deep behind the cheddar curtain of Wisconsin comes a cool little overdrive with a funny name. The Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator ($139 retail/street N/A), the latest offering from T.C. Jauernig Electronics, was inspired by the "savage...

BBE Sonic Stomp.(STOMPBOX FEVER)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Boasting the same sonic performance as BBE's state-of-the-art fourth-generation rackmount Sonic Maximizer processors, the Sonic Stomp pedal ($180 retail/$100 street) features a rugged cast-aluminum housing, true-bypass switching, and a...

L. R. Baggs M1 Active soundhole pickup.(ACCESSORY FILE)
July 1, 2005... Amplifying a flat-top onstage can be a real bear, and those who strive to meet the challenge face tricky design tradeoffs. These include balancing sonic sensitivity against feedback resistance, and ease-of-use against tonal flexibility. With...

Big Bends Nut Sauce.(ACCESSORY FILE)(Synthetic lubricants (guitar))(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2005... Big Bends Nut Sauce ($19 retail/$14 street) is a proprietary blend of highly viscous synthetic lubricants, specifically formulated to reduce string friction when applied to guitar nuts, saddles, string trees, and other moving parts. It's...

Standback amp stand.(ACCESSORY FILE)(Metal amp stand)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Standback collapsible amp stand ($39 retail/$27 street) is a tempting alternative to more traditional--and more cumbersome--metal amp stands. Resembling a roadside-emergency reflector when assembled, its three high-density laminated...

We bet you will hear with Perfect Pitch ... with this Master Key that unlocks your natural ear for music! Learn to recognize exact tones and Chords--by ear!(The Learning Center)(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2005... Close your eyes and play a tone--any tone. Now, without peeking at the keyboard, WHAT IS THE TONE YOU HEAR? No clue? Listen to any chord at random. Listen carefully. Is it E major... A minor... F#7? Still stumped? Don't worry!...

Fretlight[R] FG-421 electric guitar.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Optek Music Systems, Inc. Now Available Optek's NEW FG-421 Fretlight[R] Guitar boasts a new Advanced Polymer Fretboard (pat. pend.) which hides 132 LED lights when not in use, increases tone, and substantially reduces fret migration....

Swan long neck guitar.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Soloway Guitars Now Available The Swan features an extended 27-inch scale length tuned to standard pitch. This results in a remarkable clarity and articulation suitable for both clean and distorted tones. Available in both 6 and...

Golden age of guitar instrumentals w/wolf marshall.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Riff Interactive Now Available An eclectic genre which borrows from a vast array of styles and sounds. Each lick comes with a jam track, video clip and tab notation synchronized to an actual audio clip. SRP: $12.95 ...

Les Paul Standard Faded.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Gibson USA Now Available With Zebra-coil Burstbucker Pros and a satin finish hand-rubbed by a Gibson craftsman, the Standard Faded has the weathered look of the Old Favorite --minus the wear and tear. SRP: $2,848 ...

Neck Sock.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Happy Necks L.L.C. Now Available The Neck Sock allows you to display your favorite guitars & basses without sacrificing tone and string life. Protects your strings & instrument from dust and oxidation while providing an alternative to...

Eastwood Savannah.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Eastwood Guitars Now Available The SAVANNAH features two Humbucker pickups, semi-hollow laminated Maple body, set neck (maple) with rosewood fingerboard. Available in Natural, Amber, Walnut and Arctic White. Order on-line today from...

Guitar Backsaver.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Leathers-n-Feathers Now Available Tired of scratched-up electric guitar and bass backs? The patented Guitar Backsaver protects your instrument from belt buckles and buttons. The leather pad slips on/off in seconds with elastic straps....

Guitar collection case (GCC-1).(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Access N Sight Now Available Handcrafted quality. Holds twelve electric guitars or six acoustic guitars, or a smaller combination of both. Safety glass, lock, hygrometer, thermometer and more. Wood options: oak, ash, maple, walnut or...

Big bends Nut Sauce.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Big Bends LLC Now Available NUT SAUCE, stops string breakage, stabilizes tuning (keeps you in tune!). No modifications needed. Easy to use, no waste, no mess pinpoint applicator. MSRP $19.95 www.guitaristonly.com ...

Burrell "Discover" Class.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Burrell Guitars Now Available Of 3, 2-1/2, and 2 octave guitars, DISCOVER is our 2 octave--17 fret instrument. DISCOVER is our smallest and loudest instrument. SRP: $1,400 www.burrellguitars.com 304-429-4848 ...

Framus Diablo Light Scotch guitar.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Framus Launch Date: December 2004 Built on a chambered swamp ash body with a stunning AAA flamed maple top, neck, and fingerboard, the new Diablo Light Scotch guitar by Framus comes loaded with Seymour Duncan pickups and a Wilkinson...

VOX wearables.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... VOX Launch Date: Spring 2005 VOX Amplification USA is now offering a selection of hats, shirts, jackets and other wearables featuring the venerable VOX logo. Visit their online store at www.voxampsusa.com to view logowear and other VOX...

PedalSnakeG2 ultimate pedal cabling solutions.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Stage Magic Inc. Now Available Patented, all-in-one cable provides noise-free lines for guitar amp input, FX send/return, footswitches, low-voltage pedal power, MIDI, and more. Setup fast! If your rig changes, easily swap plug'n'play...

TTV-2 dual tube tremolo / vibrato pedal.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Nady Systems Now Available Dual vacuum tubes design for the ultimate in tremolo and vibrato sounds, with rate and intensity controls, output control for extra boost and enhanced tone, and selectable choice of 3 classic vibratos. ...

Johnny A. on flying blind.(TESTIMONY)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... "When I was a kid, I had to overcome something that seemed like a terrible obstacle at the time, but that actually would end up helping me later on," says Johnny A. "I had scoliosis--which is a curvature of the spine--and the treatment required...