Category: Gear

gear

ATTENTION: BILLY ZOOM, X, AND GRETSCH FANS…..

ATTENTION: BILLY ZOOM, X, AND GRETSCH FANS…..

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

A once in a lifetime opportunity to own an extremely special, one of a kind guitar. If you are a fan of Billy Zoom, the band X, or great Gretsch guitars, this one’s for you!

HAD A CRAPPY YEAR ?

This icon could generate some Holiday cheer for yourself, or someone you REALLY,  REALLY like.

This instrument is not one of the usual Great Gretsch Silver Jets, but one of the three prototypes hand crafted by Gretsch Custom Shop luthier, Stephen Stern, to Billy’s exacting specifications. Mr. Stern can tell you that it was no easy task to develop an instrument that could live up to Billy’s specifications, but after several years of development (with Billy’s constant input) Billy signed off on the three shop samples, which led to the introduction of the production model.

THIS INSTRUMENT

This instrument (shown here in the photos) is the only one of the three prototypes to feature the actual serial number of Mr. Zoom’s original 1955 Jet, as well as the only one that did NOT get the aging (relicing) treatment to resemble his original touring and recording guitar. Billy so loves the new guitars that he has retired his original vintage model, and now tours with one of the three presentation guitars!

SO….HERE’S THE SCOOP

FEATURES UNIQUE TO THE BZ SILVER JET: (Billy’s mods to his ’55 over the years)

  • 1. This guitar has the same serial number as Billy’s original 1955 model.
  • 2. chrome Grover “Futura” tuners with pearloid buttons.
  • 3. Melita bridge screwed to the top with replaced saddle locking screws.
  • 4. Bigsby B-12 vibrato tailpiece.
  • 5. It’s BZ’s guitar, damn it! (could be yours, if you like).

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Gretsch Billy Zoom Silver Jet Prototype
  • Gretsch case w/ “Billy Zoom 5” stencil
  • Letter from Gretsch  Custom Shop Master Builder, Stephen Stern
  • Certificate of Authenticity from Gretsch
  • Billy’s leather guitar strap….
  • AND, if safety allows, lunch with Mr. Zoom, photo and autograph ops!

This package is offered at : INQUIRE

Guitar must be picked up in person, and the balance paid in cash at Orange, Ca. 92866

Any questions, or to make this your own, please contact:

STEVE SOEST

SOEST GUITAR, Orange, Ca. 92866

714 538 0272

[email protected]

PayPal tag : [email protected]

STRING STRETCHA – A VERY COOL TOOL

STRING STRETCHA – A VERY COOL TOOL

A GADGET REALLY WORTH HAVING

String Stretcha is really a great little tool that any serious guitarist should have in his arsenal of guitar gadgets (unless of course, someone else changes your strings for you – then that person should have one).

 

String Stretcha – a very cool tool indeed.  I’ll be the first to admit just how much I wish that I had been the one to have the idea of String Stretcha and produce it.  It’s also common knowledge now that there are many guitar techs and players out there using the String Stretcha who have thought the same thing.  Even guitarist Randy Bachman has stated that he wishes he would have thought of it.

 

If one has played (or performed) for any considerable length of time and has several instruments which need to be maintained, this gadget is a must to own.   I’ve been playing guitar for quite some time now; long enough to say that I started learning how during that same year a world famous band from Britain arrived on U.S. shores.  (for a little more on that check out https://www.jackaboutguitars.com/guitar-bug-bit-me-big-time)  No matter how you look at it, that’s a lot of string changing over a lot of years.

Continue reading STRING STRETCHA – A VERY COOL TOOL

HOW LOW Can YOU Go? by PETE PROWN


Pete Prown is a “noted American guitaraist and music journalist” who has written many guitar books including ‘Legends of Rock Guitar’ which he co-wrote with author and guitarist HP Newquist and ‘Shred!: The Ultimate Guide to Warp-Speed Guitar’ which he co-wrote with Rich Maloof.  Pete  is the GEAR EDITOR at VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE and is also the  leader of  the “progressive rock” band Guitar Garden.  Pete’s guitar music can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/GuitarGarden.

 

HOW LOW Can YOU Go? by PETE PROWN

The Art of Drop Tunings and Heavy Strings

One of the hippest sonic innovations over the past decade or two has been the popular use of “drop” tunings, notably among heavy rock, metal, and alternative players. The advantage of drop tunings is that it pushes the range of standard-scale guitars down into lower ranges–not quite to that of the electric bass or Fender Bass VI, but roughly in the same territory as longer-scale baritone guitars.

Continue reading HOW LOW Can YOU Go? by PETE PROWN

HOT LINKS. Ummmm…

 

This page has me thinking about BBQ right off the bat.  Those smokey, spicy, Louisiana hot links are what comes to my mind.  Ummmm…  Now that I got that out of my system, this is about the other type of hot link.

These hot links are the ones that are much more time sensitive and have an expiration date that will probably be on us much quicker than the date on your edible variety.  If you have the means and can do any of these before they expire, they’ll be well worth your time!    – Jack

HERE’S ONE THAT YOU REALLY NEED TO CHECK OUT!

WreckingCrewLogo

THE WRECKING CREW FILM – FREE SCREENING

If you are one of the fortunate ones who will be able to get to the final day of Winter NAMM 2013 on Sunday, January 27th – Anaheim, California…you probably already know about the free screening of The Wrecking Crew Film.

If you don’t, it’s happening in Room 204-B @ 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Here’s a trailer just to give you a little bit of information about this fantastic movie by award winning film maker Denny Tedesco, son of the late, great guitarist, Tommy Tedesco, who was a member of The Wrecking Crew.

WHAT”S IT ALL ABOUT?

Well, if the trailer didn’t spell it out for you…

This looks to be one really cool movie.  The rights to purchase all of this great music so that this wonderful film can be released are a bit on the $$$Spendy side.  Hopefully soon though, enough money will be raised to get this great film released.

Denny Tedesco let me know that there will also be a special screening on February 9, 2013 @ 8:00 p.m. honoring drummer Hal Blaine.  He also mentioned that “Nancy Sinatra will be joining us as well as a couple of other folks of the day.”

Here’s that info:

WreckingCrewUpcoming

And here’s a link to some upcoming screenings that will be taking place:

http://wreckingcrew.tv/upcoming.html

Since I’m unable to make it to NAMM this year I’d like to give a shout out for Denny Tedesco and myself to Voyage Guitar, Beamz, and Heil Sound for all of the great support that these sponsers have given to The Wrecking Crew Film!

We all need to do what we can to help Denny Tedesco get this FANTASTIC film out there.  It would be so very cool if one (or several of you for that matter) guitarists out there with a love for what’s going on here and have been blessed to make your living from music, decide to step up to the plate and help Denny get this ultra very cool movie out there for everyone who has any music in them to enjoy.

These great musicians played a huge part in many of our lives and the time has come to get their story out.

We’ll be doing a more in depth Feature Post on The Wrecking Crew Film in the near future so keep an eye out.

Many thanks to Denny Tedesco for this great film!!!          –  Jack

 

 

“WE ARE OUR BROTHERS KEEPERS” – A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BLUES GUITARIST DAVID “KID” RAMOS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy Rand Chortkoff & Delta Groove Productions.com

 

When you think of all the great guitar playing that Kid Ramos has given us over the years, it’s just mind boggling. It’s time for us to give back to Kid as we all can, whether it be by donations to his medical fund or even just some kind encouraging words to Kid, his wife Linda, and their family.

 

Without getting too deeply into any specifics, Kid is in a fight with cancer which he’s going to battle right out of his body. It would be great if we all rally around him and cheer him and his family on through this tough ordeal. TOGETHER WE WILL WIN!!!

Continue reading HOT LINKS. Ummmm…

FAB GEAR – THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE BEATLES by Bob Mytkowicz

Here’s a really cool article written by a great friend of mine.  BOB MYTKOWICZ is a fine musician with whom I have had the pleasure of playing in a few different bands.  He’s an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, bassist, keyboard player and drummer.  He’s also valued by many as a Beatles Authority.  I believe his trips to Liverpool and London happen at least twice yearly these days.  Here’s an article that Bob did for Guitar Player Magazine and he has also given permission for me to reprint it here for those who want to be in the know about these guitars that played such a huge part in the history of the instrument.  Many thanks, Bob!  – Jack

FAB GEAR – THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE BEATLES by Bob Mytkowicz

The Beatles

I can still see Ed Sullivan standing there saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles!”  That’s how seventy three million other people and I were introduced to the Beatles.  Although I was quite young, the Beatles left an indelible impression on me.  John Lennon stood on the right.  In his straddle stance, he bounced slightly to the rhythm and strummed a small black guitar.  George Harrison in the center, almost hidden behind a large double cutaway guitar, concentrated on his playing.  Paul McCartney on the left, the most animated, played a violin-shaped guitar.  The drummer, Ringo Starr, perched on a riser behind, broke into an occasional grin.

 

It is safe to assume that most people see this picture when they envision the Beatles.  Press and photo coverage escalated when world fame struck the Beatles in 1964, and most photos show them playing the same instruments.  The Fab Four did use this same gear for most of their touring years, but they possessed and used much more.  As the Beatles’ studio experience grew, they often tried one of their ever-growing collection of instruments.  Of course they also used other equipment on stage as well. Continue reading FAB GEAR – THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE BEATLES by Bob Mytkowicz

THE GUITAR COLLECTION: George Harrison iPad App To Be Released February 23!

THE GUITAR COLLECTION: George Harrison iPad App To Be Released February 23!

This is pretty cool. An insider’s look at these guitars which were such a huge part of rock history from George Harrison’s private collection. There are photos, 360° imaging, plus audio and video. George talks about some of these great instruments and how they came to be part of his collection. There is a history of each