You know, I get the question a lot “What are good gift ideas for a guitar player“? There are the obvious choices, like a new guitar or amp, and the often bad ones - like guitar magazines or books. Let me first state that guitar players are “very pick” about both their gear and their reading materials. Unless you know exactly what they like or want you can likely get something they will never use at all. But I think that a really cool gift idea for a guitar player that you can’t really go wrong with is a custom personalized guitar strap! How cool would a custom leather strap with either your name or initials be?! You can search google for hours, but reputable guys that sell personalized custom guitar straps for a living are already selling them on eBay. Here’s some links - place your order now so you get it in time for Christmas!

US $10.50 (4 Bids) End Date: Monday Sep-08-2008 11:10:40 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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Click to view all Custom Personalized Guitar Straps on eBay right now!

Gibson has released a new guitar from it’s Custom Shop - the Gibson ES-339. Sounds really close to the trademark ES-335 doesn’t it? That’s because it’s a very close cousin! Basically it’s a modern day version of the 335, but the 339 is smaller, more compact, has updated electronics, and a slimmer neck. It features “Memphis Tone Electronics” that keep the highs when you turn down the volume so you retain some bite at any volume through the ‘57 humbuckers. The ‘59 neck has a slim 60’s profile and the lighter guitar has a reduced weight. It even has the jack mounted on the outer rim, a first for ES style Gibson guitars. These guitars are priced very reasonably for Custom Shop axes as well.

Gibson Custom Shop ES-339 with ‘59 Rounded Profile Neck Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Antique Vintage Sunburst The ES-339 is the next generation from the Custom Shop of Gibson’s iconic ES electric guitars. It goes where no guitar has gone before with a bold, new semi-hollow tone that is rich with expressive, even stinging, overtones. The ES-3309 has some exciting enhancements including Memphis Tone electronics, outer rim output jack, and reduced dimensions and weight. Memphis Tone electronics Memphis Tone circuitry utilizes 500K audio taper pots that operate with an interactive load that preserves high end as you turn down the volume. The loading effect preserves the full-bodied tone with rich midrange and signing sustain from the ‘57 Classic humbuckers while adding a very sweet bite. Another difference is the volume is very smooth, rolling off in even increments along with the numbers on the knobs. Since they operate more like how we hear (logarithmically), the controls work the way the player thinks they should. So when the guitarist turns down the volume the highs are still there! Outer rim output jack Here’s one ES players have been wanting: The output jack is mounted on the outer rim. No more cable crossing the body, spoiling the guitar’s clean looks and and getting in your way. Reduced dimensions and weight The ES-339 builds on the success of the semi-hollowbody guitars first introduced by Gibson in 1958 with the ES-335. Lighter and more compact than a traditional semi-hollow guitar, the ES-339 retains the distinct semi-hollowbody electric tone that powered so many hit records and landmark performances. Two ‘57 Classic Humbuckers with 3-way pickup selection plus individual volume and tone controls provide the incredibly versatile sounds that make the semi-hollow electric famous for its use in jazz, rock, blues, country, and nearly every other style you can think of. Quality Kluson tuners keep retuning time to a minimum, and nickel hardware enhances the great looks. This version of the ES-339 comes with the rounded ‘59 neck profile for guitarists who prefer a chunkier neck, but still enjoy fast, smooth playing action. The new slender 30/60 neck is available on the ES-339 30/60 Neck (product #515256). To show off its vintage vibe, the ES-339 is available in a choice of three finishes: Antique Cherry, Antique Vintage Sunburst, and Light Caramel Burst. The lacquer finish is applied with a light, even touch, allowing the guitar’s wood to resonate naturally while providing a protective, mirror-like shine.The Antique Cherry and Antique Vintage Sunburst both come with aged bindings to further enhance the proud ES tradition. The ES-339 comes with a Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case and a Certificate of Authenticity.

You can usually just about find anything on eBay - maybe you can find an ES-339 on there ending soon?

US $1,799.00 End Date: Sunday Sep-14-2008 14:12:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1,799.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

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US $1,799.00 End Date: Wednesday Sep-17-2008 11:49:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1,799.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

In the Led Zeppelin Earls Court performance in 1975 video you’ll see that Jimmy Page plays a 1959 Danelectro on the song “In My Time of Dying”. This is kind of rare because Page is known for his love of Gibson guitars and particularly the Les Paul. But this song has all kinds of slide work, and the ringing twangy sound of the Danelectro ‘59 turned out to be the perfect choice for this masterpiece. Here, I’ll let you watch the video I saw on VH1 class tonight that made me think about it:

After seeing that performance I wondered if they made a reissue of that guitar today - and sure enough they do! They have it at musicians friend, and for a very reasonable $299! I just couldn’t believe it. I read the reviews, and it’s getting like 4-4.5 stars out of 5! The description says that the bridge can now be adusted (the original couldn’t) and the tuners are much better (probably stay in tune now!), but the reason that this instrument has a twangy sound is because of the aluminum nut. That and those awesome lipstick tube pickups. This is an awesome sounding (and looking) guitar for the money! Oh - did I mention that it’s awesome for open chord and slide guitar work? In addition it comes in 4 awesome colors, royal blue, green, black, and burgundy. I believe it’s on sale right now for just $249!! What a great gift idea for a guitarist you might know!

Danelectro ‘59 Dano Electric Guitar BlackThe ‘59 Dano reissue electric guitar is based on the guitar model first released in 1959 and sold through the mid-’60s. Just because this guitar is inexpensive and a tad outr‚ doesn’t mean it’s not a serious instrument. The ‘59 Dano guitar features professional-level playability, intonation, and electronics. The ‘59 Dano is a guitar that will withstand the rigors of the road and continuous stage work in addition to inviting curious glances and knowing nods of approval. The ‘59 Dano comes in finishes inspired by classic car colors of the day and have zero gloss, which helps convey the retro vibe. The glossless colors, swooshing pickguard, lipstick pickups, ridged knobs, and vertical headstock logo all help to create the immediate impression that this is an instrument from another time. The body is a double-cutaway, and features the familiar plastic tape that runs around the edge of the guitar. Originally, this was to hide the seam in the two-piece body construction. Modern Dano’s are not made using this clamshell method anymore, but the tape remains, as it is such a distinctive part of the look. The tape is affixed using a self-adhesive, and is aged with a shellac to give it a slightly brown-streaked or discolored look which adds to the vintage vibe. The pressed-particle pickguard is covered in the same material and cut precisely to fit. The Alnico pickups are the lipstick variety, and have the same design as the ones that appeared in the ’50s, when actual lipstick tubes (purchased from cosmetics makers) were used to house the electronics. One modern improvement is the bridge, which, on the reissue, is capable of being intonated. Also an improvement over the original is the tuners, which are die cast and hold the tuning well. The nut is made of aluminum and contributes to the twanginess and uniqueness of tone that the Dano’s were known for. In addition to sitting in a nut slot, the nut itself is screwed into the top edge of the fingerboard. The playability is one of the most impressive aspects of this guitar— the action is low enough for velocity playing, yet was buzz-free on every fret. The neck is not speed-demon shallow, but its depth adds to the sustain, tone, and general feeling of substance. The ‘59 Dano’s pickups are bright and sparkly, but not shrill. The manufacturer reports that the 2007 reissue features a warmer wind on the pickups, which increases the output and provides a less high-endy tone. The jangly pickups and aluminum nut work well when playing open-position chords and single lines. Very versatile is the neck pickup—mellow and strong but not dull, perhaps due to the extra windings and its placement midway down the string length. The three-position switch and volume and tone knobs are rugged and stand up well to aggressive swiping and twisting. Aside from being a definite conversation starter, the ‘59 Dano is a quality, low-priced instrument. It would be great as a

Oh - don’t forget about Musician’s Friend Free Shipping over $49!

Check out some Danelectro’s on eBay right now!

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Here’s an incredible video of B.B. King playing Sweet 16 during the Rumble in the Jungle. For those of you who don’t remember (or weren’t old enough) the Rumble in the Jungle fight was in 1974 when Muhammed Ali fought George Foreman. It was quite a spectacle (as explained below). I want young players to take note at this performance and the way that it builds. It starts out so slow and quietly, and then just builds, and builds with emotion, and you don’t even really hear the horns and keyboard until almost the very end. This is an absolutely incredible performance!

*UPDATE*
I did some checking, and this performance is indeed from the documentary “When We Were Kings”, which is about the 2 weeks before the George Foreman, Muhammed Ali boxing match in South Africa - otherwise known as the “Rumble in the Jungle”. Don King, who of course promoted the event, put on quite a spectacle before the fight. The “pre-show” before the fight was actually a show all until itself with performances from The Spinners, James Brown, and B.B. King. This documentary received very high reviews on Amazon. The video was released in 2002, and the Rumble in the Jungle was in 1974.
When We Were Kings DVD

The B.B. King Sweet 16 video, which was released in 2002 - is actually the full 48 minute performance from the “Rumble in the Jungle”, and also received rave reviews. This would make the PERFECT gift idea for that guitar player or blues enthusiast in your life!

Sweet 16: B.B. King at the Rumble in the Jungle

The new Line 6 POD X3 Live has come out in the last few weeks, and I have to say I’m pretty excited about it. I’ve been looking at “guitar processors” for quite some time, but none of the all-in-one guitar boards really caught my fancy. I have a small digitech pedal with a couple of dozen amp models and the usual array of stomp effects. I play through a Marshall Valvestate 100w head with a 4×12 bottom, and I use the pedal through the amp, usually driving a Fender HotRod type signal through the Marshall at about 60%, using an Yngwie Overdrive stomp box for lead. I use a few other pre-set sounds I’ve custom created - but I’ve never been completely happy with the thing.

I play through my rig with a PRS Santana Custom as well as an Ibanez Semi-Hollow body Artcore (my favored one out of the 2). Both guitars are dual humbucker setups. I had purchased an SRV custom Strat earlier this year, but it sounded like total crap through this rig. Rather than buy an additional (or new) amp - I sold the Strat. I have kind of toyed around with the notion of getting a second head for my rig and an A/B switch ala Eric Johnson or SRV. Probably a fender head. Or maybe a Mesa Boogie or other type Class A boutique amp. We’re probably talking about a serious outlay of cash here, and then all the trials and tribulations of getting used to taking care of a tube amp - when I’d been really used to my solid state Marshall that’s been very, very good to me.

Enter the Pod X3 Live guitar processor! It has 78 guitar amp models, and 98 stompboxes. It has two inputs, and you can run in stereo with two outputs. You can run 2 guitars through it at the same time, with different processing for each one. It has a mic input and preamp, in addition to headphone out. You can direct out to a PC and record, or you can forgo an amp altogether, and output your signal right to a powered board! Imagine the possibilities of this thing. I can keep 2 guitars plugged in at once, plug in my mic and add an effect before outputting it to the board, and if for some reason my amp dies, I can direct out to the board completely at any time! Oh - and I didn’t even mention the built in tuner and volume pedal. I definitely have to get one of these for Christmas, and once I do - you can bet I’ll write you a more detailed review of what I’ve been up to with it! Check out the Line 6 Pod X3 Live, it’s some real cool new guitar gear.

Line 6 POD X3 LIVE Guitar Multi-Effect PedalPOD X3 Live will inspire and amaze you with the most complete collection of POD-quality guitar amp and effect models ever. This arsenal of rare vintage treasures, modern boutiques, and perennial classics offers nearly unlimited creative possibilities. Built with working musicians in mind, POD X3 effects processor was designed to fit right in wherever you play, whether that’s on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans or in the studio steadily churning out hits. For those in search of greater tonal possibilities, the Line 6 POD X3 Live gives you more power than ever before to create entirely new sounds. Split your guitar signal and play it through two guitar amp and effect signal chains at once. Use the built-in expression pedal to smoothly change the blend between the two tones, or use it for wah or volume. Add bass or vocals using the bass amp and high-end mic preamp models now included in POD X3 Live. You can even plug in two instruments at once, each with its own independent tone processing. POD X3 Live pedal includes all of the inputs and outputs you need to practice, perform and record. Use the 1/4″ instrument input for guitar or bass and the XLR microphone input for vocals and more. During practice, use the stereo headphones output to keep the noise down. For performances, plug in front of your amp or directly into the P.A. Use the stereo effect loop to add in your favorite stompboxes and other effects as well. When you connect a Line 6 Variax® guitar via the Variax input on your POD X3 Live, you can instantly recall POD X3 Live’s amp, cab, and effect model settings matched with the perfect electric or acoustic guitar model all by stepping on a single footswitch. When you’re ready to record, use the stereo balanced line outputs or digital S/PDIF output for traditional recording. Or use the USB 2.0 connection for pro-level multi-channel computer recording. Whether you choose to recreate the sounds of the past or turn tradition on its ear, POD X3 Live multi-effect guitar pedal comes fully-loaded with the most inspiring collection of POD-quality amps and effects for your live performances, studio recordings, and everywhere in between. Features & Benefits Electric Guitar POD X3 Live offers a whole new level of control over your guitar tone. Plug straight into any one of the 78 ear-shattering guitar amp models for pure, unadulterated guitar tone. Combine amp and cab models with the mouth-watering collection of 98 stompbox and studio effect models to build out your rig. Take your sound to the next level by blasting your guitar through two guitar rigs at once to create a massive wall of sound that even guitar heroes of the past would respect. Or plug the Line 6 POD X3 Live in front of your favorite stack or combo to pile on up to nine simultaneous effects, including vintage overdrive, scorching distortion, beefy fuzz, vibey delay, lush reverb, ethereal chorus, irrev

So I’m listening to Howard Stern yesterday and he has a 45-50 minute interview with Slash from Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver. He’s written an auto-biography of his life with writer Anthony Bozza in a new 480 page epic book. I listened intently to the interview, and Slash is a very down to earth guy. He told story after story in vidid details, from his very first days of heroin use to going to rehab for Oxycontin addition in 2006. I think some of the most interesting parts of this book (once I get mine) will be his youthful days running the streets of Hollywood. Slash had a black mother and white father - who split up when he was 8 or 9. Then his mother dated rock legend David Bowie for about 18 months, and the way he described it to Howard he “probably hated him at the time for being the guy that followed his dad”. He smoked crack at 12 for the first time and partied endless nights around town with his mom’s boyfriend (unbeknonwst to here), and basically quit giving a rat’s ass about school in about the 8th grade in favor of playing guitar 12 hours a day. He took lessons at the local music school just long enough to figure out how to put the leads and chords together and teach himself songs by ear. From that point in, he just woodshedded all himself into the moder guitar virtuoso he is today. If you need a good gift for a guitarist this season or just want a good read for yourself - pickup a copy of “Slash”. It’s only about $15-$16 on Amazon and well worth the money

This is a classic performance of SRV doing Hendrix’s classic Little Wing and a little bit of Third Stone from the Sun. The thing about watching Stevie Ray Vaughan play this live in a video, it’s much different than just hearing it on the radio or a CD. The visual effect of his facial expressions, watching him grab, jab, and crank the whammy bar, his fingers run up and down the fingerboard, seeing how he made the chords and the vibrato he used - it makes it all come together in a way you just can’t hear or describe to someone else. Pay attention young bucks - this is the blues master at work, you only wish you could one day be 10% of what this guitar master was (and still is).

I’ve seen a lot of new gear come out, and it’s not that it all sucks or anything….but there’s so many things that I want, and only so much money to go around. So most times I get what I need, and not exactly what I “want” if you know what I need. Here’s something new that is both, and I don’t know why somebody didn’t think of it before. It’s the ‘1 Spot’ and this adapter cable can power up to 8 guitar pedals. You want more? It powers vintage stompboxes too. It will power Boss, DOD, Danelectro, Ibanez, and many other guitar pedals as well. You even get a converter for EH pedals, in addition to Line 6 pods too. For what this thing does - it’s so totally worth $35 I can’t even tell you. Why? Well, batteries suck for one. Ever try playing a show with a weak battery? I’ve bought an old stompbox for $50 thinking it was a great bargain. Only to find out that the adapter is another $20. With this one adapter you can power 8 stomp boxes and it only takes up ONE spot on the strip. Save money, save space - get one of these for your rig, it’s a great deal!

Visual Sound 1 Spot Combo Pack At a fraction of the cost, the 1 SPOT is more powerful than competitive products and takes up NO space on your pedalboard! With the new 8-plug cable included in this Combo Pack, you can power up to 8 pedals. And by linking additional Multi-Plug cables, you can power a virtually unlimited number of pedals! The L6 Converter allows the 1-SPOT to power Line 6 modeling pedals, while the 3.5mm and Battery Clip Converters allow you to power vintage style pedals. The Visual Sound 1 SPOT Combo Pack consists of a 1 SPOT Power Adapter, Multi-Plug 8 Cable, (2) Battery Clip Converters, (2) 3.5mm (1/8″) Converters and an L6 Converter for Line 6 modeling pedals. The 1 SPOT is the original 9V DC adapter that only takes up one spot on your power strip. With the ability to handle up to 1700mA, the 1 SPOT can power your entire pedalboard. The 1 SPOT makes compatibility, polarity, plug size, voltage, etc. easy by providing a guaranteed list of adapters it can replace: Boss PSA, Boss ACA, DOD PS-200R, Morley 9V, Danelectro DA-1, Dunlop ECB-03, Ibanez AC109, and Zoom AD-0006. If your pedal takes one of these adapters (90% of the time), the 1 SPOT is for you. You can even use the 1 SPOT anywhere in the world without a voltage converter because it automatically converts voltage worldwide. No need to worry about AC hum coming through an adapter - the 1 SPOT is one of the quietest power sources you can buy.