Category: guitars

CONGRATULATIONS FIVE STAR GUITARS

CONGRATULATIONS FIVE STAR GUITARS

logo

FIVE STAR GUITARS NAMED IN THE TOP 100 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT RETAILERS WORLDWIDE BY NAMM

That is CORRECT.  Five Star Guitars is named in the top 100 musical retailers worldwide by NAMM.  Yep, you read it right here!  Talk about a GRAND ACHIEVEMENT.  Congratulations Five Star Guitars.

COOL NEWS FROM GEOFF METTS OF FIVE STAR GUITARS

Last week as I was packing and getting all set to head out with the family to St. Paul, Minnesota for my daughter Julia’s Graduation from Macalester College, I figured I’d check thru my 600 plus daily emails one last time before going to bed.  (By the way I just have to say how proud I am of Julia for her perseverance in getting her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.  I better stop here though or I’d be going on about how proud I am of all my kids and their achievements for the next 20 minutes.)

When you have three web sites it’s amazing how much garbage email you attract and you really do have to sift thru all that trash on a daily basis just to find the important stuff.  Everyday I sift…otherwise if I miss a couple of days, there are literally a thousand plus emails…just for two days of not checking.

It was very cool to find the email from Geoff Metts of Five Star Guitars, my local Portland area guitar shop that makes everyone feel right at home as soon as one walks through their doorway.

I did a little piece a few months ago on Five Star Guitars.  If you missed it you can check it out here: Jackaboutguitars/Five Star Guitars.  Great shop, great people, great prices on great gear!

 

store_front

FIVE STAR GUITARS…HANDSDOWN…A GREAT GUITAR SHOP!

FIVE STAR GUITARS is such a GREAT GUITAR SHOP that they have been recognized by NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants) as one of the TOP 100 Music Retailers in THE WORLD.

FiveStarGuitars-3 for press release         Five Star Guitars’s Owners Jeep Simonet, Geoff Metts, & Jeremie Murfin

Continue reading CONGRATULATIONS FIVE STAR GUITARS

THE WRECKING CREW FILM: ONE OF THE COOLEST MUSIC FILMS TO COME ALONG…EVER

MY DINNER WITH DENNY TEDESCO (WELL, NOT REALLY…JUST PICKING THE MIND OF THE MAN BEHIND ONE OF THE COOLEST MUSIC FILMS TO COME ALONG EVER…THE FILM “THE WRECKING CREW”) by ED HUERTA

WreckingCrewLogo

WELL, THE TIME IS AT HAND, AND THE WAY COOL MUCH ANTICIPATED WRECKING CREW FILM IS ALMOST HERE…

KICKSTARTER IS IN PLACE AND NOW IT’S TIME FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE TO DO WHAT EACH OF US CAN

 

That’s right.  It’s  finally almost here.  Getting close to the release of THE WRECKING CREW FILM.  Many of you have heard the buzz.  Filmmaker Denny Tedesco, son of the late, great guitarist, Tommy Tedesco, is getting very close to releasing his “labor of love“, The Wrecking Crew Film.  Talk about excitement building…

This is the story that has needed to be told and it’s time for the final push for funds to get this amazing film up on the BIG SCREEN for all to see and enjoy, to be WOWED and AMAZED.  And what a story it is…

Let’s all help Denny Tedesco to get this story out to the masses.  Kent Hartman,  thank you so much for writing “The Wrecking Crew” Book (“The Inside Story of Rock and Roll’s Best Kept Secret)!  I just wish that I would have discovered it before writing this article as I would have certainly asked your permission to draw from it.  What a GREAT read!

To date, many dollars have been raised as the film contains over a hundred songs of which the music rights and licensing had to be worked out and paid for.  The process is almost complete which will allow the film to be released.

Read on and find out how you can become a part of all this through the Kickstarter Program.  You can actually help in a very modest (or generous) way to get this fantastic film launched onto the big screen!!!  There are so many ways to help out from attending screenings, giving a small or large donation, and even getting an actual dedication that will appear on the DVD.

You can even contribute to the effort by purchasing way cool Wrecking Crew merchandise like Bowling shirts, Tee-shirts and tank tops, baseball caps, coffee mugs, posters, and even special bottles of red wine, all with The Wrecking Crew Logo on them.  Great memorabilia to own, wear, and display in your home or music room.  See: Wrecking Crew Merchandise.

For those guitarists, musicians, and readers out there who aren’t too familiar with or don’t know much about all of this Wrecking Crew business in the air, relax.  It’s okay.  Really.

Continue reading THE WRECKING CREW FILM: ONE OF THE COOLEST MUSIC FILMS TO COME ALONG…EVER

SOEST GUITAR CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT THE TOP OF THE GUITAR INDUSTRY

SOEST GUITAR CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT THE TOP OF THE GUITAR INDUSTRY

FROM THE BARN TO THE BARN

Anyone who knows anything guitar, especially down Southern California way, either has heard the name Steve Soest, heard the stories of Steve Soest, has had an instrument repaired by Steve Soest, has bought a guitar or amp from Steve Soest, knows Steve Soest, has seen Steve Soest play, or has been in a band with Steve Soest. Whew!!! I just realized I have done all of the above. It’s no wonder I’m so tired all of the time (heh, heh). The name Steve Soest is pretty much synonymous with the word guitar – period!

 

 

This year Steve Soest is celebrating 40 years in business. His business started out in a barn 40 years ago and now he’s back with his latest shop set up in a barn. 40 years in the guitar business combined with being right up there at the top is quite an accomplishment.

Continue reading SOEST GUITAR CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT THE TOP OF THE GUITAR INDUSTRY

CAPO 2 FOR MAC FROM SUPER MEGA ULTRA GROOVY

WHAT A WAY TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR – YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO READ MUSIC…MY KIND OF LEARNING TOOL

Chris Liscio has come up with a great software program that is just PURE GENIUS.  No, it’s not brand new as it’s been out for a little while, but I’ve got the latest version, Capo 2 for Mac, and have heard more than just a few times how cool it really is.  Capo can actually help musicians to learn how to play by ear.  Without a doubt, I believe CAPO could be called a guitarist’s best friend.

 

This is so cool that I had to borrow this from the CAPO website: “Along the way, we’ve received many accolades, including two Apple Design Awards for our products Capo and FuzzMeasure. Our software is recognized as some of the best in the industry, and we strive to maintain that reputation.”  That says plenty.

 

Most players, even if they have never played with a physical capo, pretty much know how one works.  The idea is that one can raise the key of a song by simply moving the capo up the neck.

 

For those who are just starting out and don’t know what a physical capo does, it’s kind of like this: playing a song in the key of G is a pretty basic kind of deal.  If one wants to play that same song in the key of A without going through all of the hassle of transposing the chords to make the song work in the key of A, it’s as simple as putting the capo on at the second fret, and playing the song the same way as if one were playing in the key of G.  However, the song is now in the key of A as the capo has done all of the work for you and made everything that much easier.

 

With CAPO from SUPER ULTRA MEGA GROOVY, Chris Liscio has in a sense, managed to do the same type of thing with software, but it really kind of isn’t the same thing at all, and, oh yeah, and did I mention it’s only about a thousand times better!  This program is unbelievable.  Before I get into the meat of it, (or even better, certified organic, non GMO, Vegan great stuff – much healthier for you than the meat with what they feed the animals these days – unless your talking free range, but that’s another story altogether) about CAPO, I’m going to run you back a few decades when I was coming up on guitar to help put things a little more in perspective for people who may be coming from a different place & time, like I did.  You see, not everyone who is a guitar player came up with the internet.

Continue reading CAPO 2 FOR MAC FROM SUPER MEGA ULTRA GROOVY

TIME FOR JUST A BIT O’ FUN…

WHAT DID NATHAN DANIEL, SAM THE SHAM, AND CARNAC ALL HAVE IN COMMON?  EXACTLY.  I DON’T THINK ANYONE KNOWS FOR SURE.

BUT CHECK THIS OUT.  YOU JUST DON’T SEE THIS MANY DANOS ON STAGE AT ONCE ANYMORE.  MY HAT TURBAN’S OFF TO THESE GUYS.

TIME FOR JUST A BIT O’ FUN…

Here’s 2 minutes of fun from NAMM 2011? ( I’ll trust the place and date until I hear differently from someone.)

The title on the video says it’s from DEKE

100 GUITAR RIFFS – A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL

ALEX CHADWICK OF CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE

100 GUITAR RIFFS – A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL

Here’s a cool little video sent in by a good friend, Carol Douthitt, who is ‘quite the vocalist’ in her own right.  She and her husband, Chris, escaped the land of the Port many moons ago to the wondrous Island of Whidbey.  Many thanks, Carol, for this little gem.

Alex Chadwick of Chicago Music Exchange plays 100 guitar riffs in a single take.  My hat’s off to you Alex.  Quite a feat and well

BRAIN FOOD

THIS is the BIRTH of BRAIN FOOD.

I will continue to add titles to the BRAIN FOOD section of the blog as time permits.  Some of the resources might help you to play even better than you do now and others will help you to even want to play better, no matter how skillful you may be at your craft.  I hope that you’ll take advantage of some of these fabulous reads.  –  Jack

HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR YOUR READING AND VIEWING PLEASURE

Brain Food will be offering a selection of guitar delicacies from time to time which will be most gratifying to your cerebral palette.  You’ll be pointed in directions that will soothe your consciousness, indoctrinate your faculties, and perhaps even assist you in embracing this excellent instrument even more than you do now.  In JackTalk that means you’re gonna love it…

Continue reading BRAIN FOOD

NEEDING/GETTING BY THE BAND OK GO…280 GRETSCH GUITARS @ 2:28

GUITARS BLAZING @ 2:28

 

This is quite different but very cool.  It’s a video by the band OK GO of their song NEEDING/GETTING.  Oh yes, and that’s the band in the car playing the music.  A different way of playing music while in your car, or should I say with your car?

 

You may wonder at about 2 minutes in, what the heck is this doing here?  What guitars?  I see it starts out with a ukelele. I thought that this was jackaboutguitars.com?  Am I gettin’

ED VAN HALEN’S BIG GUITAR SECRET REVEALED…

ED VAN HALEN’S BIG GUITAR SECRET REVEALED…

Ed Van Halen is already making his second appearance at Jackaboutguitars in just two weeks time.  That’s quite an accomplishment for anyone.  ED VAN HALEN’S BIG GUITAR SECRET REVEALED!

The Scoop

I can really appreciate it when someone has the ability and just goes for it – goes that extra mile because that’s what he’s all about.  That’s the case with Ed Van Halen.  My hat is off to him.

 

I’m not speaking of his incredible ability as a lead guitar player.  Anyone who has heard the name Van Halen knows what Ed is all about on guitar.  That’s a given.  What I’m referring to is the selfless act of generosity which he put forward a few short weeks ago.

Continue reading ED VAN HALEN’S BIG GUITAR SECRET REVEALED…

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

PETER FRAMPTON’S LES PAUL Returned After 32 Years

PETER FRAMPTON’S LES PAUL Returned After 32 Years

What a GREAT story.  If you have ever lost a guitar or had one stolen, this story is for you.

 

Peter Frampton’s Les Paul returned after 32 years.  Who can even believe this!  Peter Frampton’s 1954 black Les Paul Custom which was given to him by a fan named Mark Mariana at a Humble Pie gig back in 1970, and made famous during his solo days, has been returned by two of his fans who tracked it down after some serious investigating. It went missing and was presumed lost after a 1980 cargo plane crash.  See the story here:

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/peter-frampton-axe-0103-2012%5C

PFw:LesPaulPhoto by Gregg Roth

After seeing this story a little bit of hope has been rekindled within me.  It was 1985, and although it wasn’t anything as cool as a 1954 Les Paul

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

LES PAUL – The Legend Behind The Legend -1995 Interview By H P Newquist

H P NEWQUIST  is a gifted writer and guitarist whose works have made there way across the planet more times than anyone can even begin to guess at. He has received numerous awards and citations for his works. A former Editor in Chief at Guitar Magazine, HP Newquist is the man responsible for The National GUITAR Museum  and serves as the Executive Director. He has also written many guitar books including Legends of Rock Guitar which he co-wrote with author and guitarist Pete Prown  as well as articles for Billboard, Guitar Shop, and Guitar Player Magazine.

He has conducted interviews with many of the “greats” in the guitar world. He is also responsible for The Way They Play books, which teach “guitarists how to play and sound like their favorite artists“. His co-writer on the series is RichMaloof, author, guitarist, and editor. Newquist’s works are truly a pleasure to read! Many thanks HP for all of your contributions to this fine instrument which we all treasure.

LES PAUL – The Legend Behind The Legend -1995 Interview By H P Newquist

Les Paul is the only man whose entire name is completely synonymous with electric guitar. Born Lester Polfus in 1915, Les Paul first made a name for himself in the middle of the century as a lightly swinging jazz musician backing artists like Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, and later had a hugely successful duo with wife Mary Ford. But beyond his talents as a musician, Les was a dyed-in-the-wool experimenter who sought ways to get more sounds — and better sounds — from his guitar and from the studio. Continue reading LES PAUL – The Legend Behind The Legend -1995 Interview By H P Newquist

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT…how the guitar bug bit me BIG TIME

 A LITTLE BIT ABOUT…how the guitar bug bit me BIG TIME

Yeah guitars….. There’s not too many things on the planet that are as cool as these guys.  I’m going to rattle on a little bit here about my introduction to guitars and the effect that they have had on me.  I’m goin’ way back.  I suspect that there’s a few of you out there that will understand the following and may remember similar times.

 

As a 5 year old kid, I had already ”kind of figured out” just how special this instrument would be to me.  The lure of it dangled right out there in front of me, was almost intoxicating, and seemed as if it was there just for me.  I was destined to discover the magic which the guitar was and is, so readily available to share with me, as I got closer to it.  I think most young kids, if put into the same room as a guitar, can’t help but be drawn to it, almost as if there was some type of magnetic attraction.  There really is a strong desire to want to get their hands on it.  I’ve witnessed this more times than I can count.

 

I remember the excitement of the first guitar that I actually touched… It wasn’t an expensive guitar by any means.  It belonged to one of my uncles who was living with us at the time.  He would always warn me when he was getting ready to leave the house.  “Whatever you do, don’t touch my guitar.”  I knew it wasn’t locked up, but so readily accessible and inviting.  The guitar lay on its back, without a case, underneath his bed, calling me, to come, just a little bit closer… the forbidden fruit. Continue reading A LITTLE BIT ABOUT…how the guitar bug bit me BIG TIME

GETTIN’ JACKED UP ABOUT… WELCOME TO JACKABOUTGUITARS

THAT’S RIGHT – GETTIN’ JACKED UP ABOUT…WELCOME TO JACKABOUTGUITARS

What is Jackaboutguitars?  Well, I’m Jack, and this is just my fun little site about guitars.  Guitars have always been one of the huge “it” things in my life.  That’s what we’re gettin jacked up about.  Just recently I decided that I wanted to have some real fun, so I decided to create this site about guitars as a place for guitar lovers to check in once in a while, relax a moment, take a few deep breaths, and hopefully go away with something from here that might help chill & tune up their souls.

Now that you’re here, whether on purpose or simply by accident, don’t let it be said that you don’t know “jackaboutguitars“.

You might realistically say that the site is more of an informational type of site that is guitar related…stuff kind of about guitars or jack about guitars.  You might even say that it doesn’t even focus on guitars but yet it does.  Very confusing.

Continue reading GETTIN’ JACKED UP ABOUT… WELCOME TO JACKABOUTGUITARS