Gretsch G400 Synchromatic with FREE Shipping
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The Gretsch G400 Synchromatic is no ordinary acoustic guitar. As you can see it doesn't look (or feel) like you're regular dreadnaught acoustic. This is a unquely stylish acoustic guitar for those with refined taste.
That's you.
The beautiful 3-piece maple neck of the guitar is complimented by the size and shape of the body, more akin to a Gretsch hollowbody electric than a regular acoustic. It's almost like an historical relic come to life. And check out those cats eye sound holes.
There is no pickup on the guitar so you can't amplify it. I'm not sure if this is a good feature or not. I think I like it because I like the idea of having a nice light acoustic without any electronic gubbins to have to deal with.
And the Gretsch G400 Synchromatic is a nic e light guitar with a great, if slightly unconventional tone. The neck is nice and smooth and easy to play. Just as easy as an electric with a nice low action.
Gretsch G400 Synchromatic Acoustic Guitar Features
- Body Style: Jumbo
- Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Bracing: Tone-Bar
- Back And Sides: Laminated Flame Maple Body, 17" Wide, 3.5" Deep
- Neck: 3-Piece Maple
- Width At Nut: 1-11/16" (43mm)
- Fretboard: Ebony, 12" Radius (305mm)
- Bridge: Compensated Rosewood Synchromatic Bridge
- Tailpiece: Chromatic Tail-Piece
- Hardware: Gold-Plated
- Finish: Gloss Urethane
- Frets: 20 Extra Broad Frets
- Machine Heads: Grover® Imperial™ Gold-Plated Die-Cast Tuners
- Unique Features: Inlaid Pearloid Split Hump Block Position Markers, Black Headstock Overlay, Pearloid Headstock Inlay, Bound Fingerboard, Multiple Body Bindings, "Cats-Eye" Sound-Holes, Bound Tortoise Shell Streamlined Pickguard, Knurled Strap Retainer Knobs, Adjustable Truss Rod
You should be able to pick up one of these guitars for around $1500 which is probably out of the range of most beginners budgets but a real treat if you can afford it. At the time of writing, Musician's Friend are offerring free shipping and a free case with this guitar.
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind. Oh and they have free shipping too 
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Epiphone G1275 Double Neck with FREE Shipping
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The Epiphone G1275 is now available for a pretty affordable price from most online retailers.
Features 2 guitars in one: one 12-string and one 6-string maple.
Popularized in the early seventies, the classic Gibson version of this double neck model was used by bands like Led Zeppelin.
Epiphone as usual have done the right thing and brought to market a quality guitar for about a third ofthe price of the Gibson model. That means that mere mortals like us can probably afford it if we save our pennies for a few months.
And the quality difference between the Gibson and Epiphone is hardly noticeable. Indeed some reviewers have stated that they prefer the Epiphone, particularly the fret board.
Epiphone G1275 Features
The guitar sports 4 humbuckers a rosewood fingerboard and a mahogony body. The hardware is chrome. Two of the pickups are covered "Patent Applied For"-style humbuckers.
- Flamed maple top
- Mahogany body
- Set mahogany neck
- Heritage cherry finish
- 1.85" nut width
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Chrome hardware
- 24-3/4" scale
- Parallelogram inlays
- 2 Alnico Classic humbuckers
The selector switches have three settings.
If you're a little adventurous you could tune the 12 string guitar to a chromatic or open tuning and create an accompanying 'drone' while you artistically fly up and down the 6 string fret board. Just set the selector switch to the middle position and have both necks activated at the same time.
You'll most likely want to look elsewhere if you want a guitar to really shred on but if you're looking for a good quality double neck then buy this Ephiphone G1275. You should be able to get hold of this Epiphone double neck for around $1200.
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind. Oh and they have free shipping too
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Epiphone G400 SG with FREE Shipping
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Ok so most of us can't afford a Gibson Angus Young signature SG which usually go for around two grand so Epiphone have quite rightly given us a cheaper version, the Epiphone G400.
But the cheaper price tag doesn't mean cheaper quality. Most people report that the Epiphone is just as good as the Gibson model. This doesn't surprise me. Epiphone have been making quality guitars for years.
Features
The Epiphone G400 sports the same classic double cutaway SG shape with chrome hardware, a rosewood fingerboard, mahogany body and neck and 2 AINiCo humbucker pickups. Each humbucker has it's own switch so you can choose to use the bridge pick-up, neck pick-up, or both giving you total control of your sound.
The LockTone stopbar tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic bridge provide great sustain and tone, and make string changing easier.
The tone and sustain of the guitar is aided significantly by the LockTone stopbar tailpiece and the tuneomatic bridge as is the tiresome task of changing strings.
There are several colors available, the coolest I think is the cherry red one.
This is a great guitar if you're on a budget and can't afford the hefty price tag of a Gibson SG. You'll find very few failings with this Epiphone G400 guitar and it's a top choice if you're looking for a hard rock tone and a solid guitar.
You should be able to get the Epiphone G400 for under $350 on the web.
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind. Oh and they have free shipping too
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Buy Gretsch Power Jet with FREE shipping
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This single-cutaway semi-hollowbody, mahogany beauty is a power version of the Duo Jet for those wishing to rock up that 'great Gretsch sound'.
Gretsch is frequentlyif not usually associated with rockabilly, the Beatles and 50's style rock 'n' roll but it's often overlooked that many heavier rockers have been smitten by Gretsch guitars.
Consider Malcolm Young from ACDC for example or Joe Perry from Aerosmith or indeed Billy Zoom.
And I think it's fair to say that this Gretsch Power Jet is aimed fair a squarely at the rockier end of the market. Our first indication of that is the 2 TV Jones Power'Tron™ pickups. I mean any pickup called a POWERTRON is not going to be a pussy cat and is more likely to roar like a wounded lion.
The looks of the Power Jet are close to the late 1950s Duo Jet with the trademark Gretsch thumbnail fretinlays, 24.6-inch scale neck, 2 toggle switches and a 'tow tone ' body with black face.
But there has to be more to it in order to appeal to heavy rockers out there and Gretsch have done just that in order to give it a genuinely modern guitar.
So, where exactly is the attitude of this guitar?
Well, as mentioned above it's primarly in the new pickups that Gretsch have added. Yup, they look just like the vintage ones but they are of course brand new TV Jones pickups which have a much greater output, a fatter tone and a bigger damn sound, especially through a high gain amp.
The bridge is a clever combination of floating and fixed which allows it to be 'Adjustomatic' and also to have each string indivually adjustable and still float without moving when pressure is exerted on it.
The Bigsby vibrato arm can be used and abused without having the whole guitar go out of tune. This is due to the locking Sperzel tuners, a welcome feature indeed. There are also locking straplocks so you can rock out without hte fear of it flying into the audience or, more embarassingly, dropping to the ground.
The pickups give it a great fat big sound
The Gretsch Power Jet is probably not for you if you're a rockabilly fan. It's for the rockers this guitar and well done Gretsch for identifiying the demand for it. It's a great combination of vintage style and modern tone.
If you're a rocker toying with the idea of buying a Gretsch then this is the guitar for you.
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind.
Oh and they have free shipping too
Order from MusiciansFriend for the best price and FREE shipping. Click HERE >>
Fender Frontman 212R – Quick and easy review
Fender Frontman 212R
The Fender Frontman 212R is a 100W solid state amplifier. This professional grade amp comes with two 12 inch specially designed speakers. Since it has a 100W amplifier, the volume can go pretty high and it packs a formidable tone.
This means that you can now gig it up at clubs and parties without actually having to rev up the volume knob beyond 2 or 3. If you are looking for an amp without having to spend huge amounts of money, then the Fender Frontman 212R is well worth considering. It’s ideal for practicing and gigging.
(By the way you can get the best price for this amp at Amazon here)
The Fender Frontman 212R is clean and loud. The two effects channels iare adequate and ideally suited for metal and rock. It has a bullet proof construction, something similar to what Fender manufactured about three decades back. The best thing about the 212R is that it is quite lightweight and is not expensive.
This means that you don’t have to pay a fortune to own this top quality amplifier. The 212R is definitely worth a look as it packs a punch when it comes to volume and sound.
The size of the Fender Frontman 212R is 9.5.x 26 x 19.5 inches and it weighs 48 pounds which makes it comparatively not that heavy compared to many amps. It features dedicated volume and tone controls for both the channels. Some of the other features include an effects loop, IEC grounding type power cord and a footswitch jack. The 212R also includes an optional amp cover.
There are some intricate electronics that come with the Fender Frontman 212R. As mentioned above it has a ¼ inch footswitch jack for auxiliary input and it has three selectable channels. Namely: Normal, Drive and More Drive. At times the More Drive Channel may sound a bit tin like but reduce the treble a bit and you will be able to enjoy high quality sound that is clear and loud.
Its controls for the normal channel includes volume, treble and bass while for the Drive channel, the controls include drive, volume, treble, channel select switch, bass and mid contour switch. Its reverb effects are quite impressive while its effects loop comprises of a Power Amp In and a Pre Amp Out. The Fender Frontman 212 R has two inputs.
The cabinet material used for Fender Frontman 212R is a black textured vinyl covering type while the front panel comprises a blackface style control panel. It comes with a molded black handle and skirted amp knobs. Finally, the Fender Frontman 212R delivers great quality sound at a very affordable price.
This amp is currently on sale at Amazon
Who Else Wants 3 Free Guitar Song Lessons?
A couple of weeks ago I got an interesting email from a man called Guillaume.
I knew it was a man because I've known a 'Guillaume' before in my life and he was a man too. I think it's a French version of William but I may be wrong. I often am.
Anyway, he mentioned that he and his mates had set up a new website selling 'how to play' lessons for particular songs. you know like 'How to play 7 Nation Army' etc. It's called GuitarLessonLounge
I kind of like this idea and at under $9 a pop, you can learn your favourite song from a dude or dudess with a guitar and some fancy split screen camera work.
I did ask Guillaume how they do all that stuff and he said it requires long nights in the editing suite (probably some bloke's MacBook in the Uni library)
Of course this isn't the first website out there selling individual song lessons. SongPond does a similar thing but I think they charge a monthly fee. There's also a British bloke called - umm his name escapes me at the moment but maybe someone can remind me. Sorry, quite rude of me.
There are probably a ton more that I've overlooked so please let me know about them and I'll compile a list for everyone.
Anyway, head on over to GuitarLessonLounge now and you can get 3 free video song lessons:
- A Reggae version of 7 Nation Army
- Knockin on Heavens Door by Guns n Roses
- Superstision by Stevie Wonder
Currently My Favourite Amp – The Vox AD30VT Valvetronix
Vox has just released it's newest amp, the Vox Valvetronix VT30 30W, which is really just an updated and much improved version of the Vox AD30VT Valvetronix.
The valve technology that comes from Vox is combined with a hot modelling processor in this amp. This new processor lets you swap between "AC15" and "AC30" and it will reproduce the sound precisely as it would sound on one of these popular models. There are about a dozen settings along with delay, reverb and several other effects settings.
With the Vox VT30, you get preset programs in the dozens, as well as hot guitar sounds conceptualized by the classic rock-and-roll guitarists.
While I am not playing in sold out arenas to millions of people, it can still be a bit intimidating to try and play in Henry's Cellar bar. For situations like that, you can rely on the Vox AD30VT Valvetronix. It's got body, tender tone, balls and a sound that just makes you nod your head.
While the full-tilt Vox has a few more advantages to it than this simple amp, the model I am talking about can really take you far for the type of amp that it is. I want to look into the models that have a bit more wattage someday, but this is all I need right now.
With this new version, you get the precise same effects and modeling features, but you can add some reverb to it, so the effects are also getting reverberated. unusually, it also has white knobs. Um. Fair enough OK?
The Vox AD30VT Valvetronix also features a knob that will allow you to change the wattage of the amp simply and effortlessly. Personally, I find this incredibly advantageous, and I can play my blues with some excellent sounds from that amp, allowing my slides to sound perfect.
I play an old Gretsch through it and it's a cracking sound - a nice change from a Bassman. It works smashing with other popular guitar models as well - I've heard Les Paul and Strat players comment that they can really get some hot sound from this amp.
For a wondrous gutsy tone and a lot of flexibility, you'll like one of the best little amps on the market today: the Vox AD30VT Valvetronix.
Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins Solid Body with FREE shipping
Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins
This reissued Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins solid body model is an absolute beauty.
It's modeled on the Western styled Chet Atkins guitars of the 1950s and sports stunning western decoration that any cowboy would be proud of. Walk into the bar with one of these and the room will certainly fall silent with all eyes on you.
The arched maple top has a classic Gretsch G brand at the top. I'm glad they went for a semi hollow body option - it makes a difference when non-f-hole guitars aren't made of a huge chunk of solid wood. Much nicer to hold and a lot lighter on the shoulder.
Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins Features:
- Body Style: Single Cutaway
- Scale Length: 24.6" (625mm)
- Top: Arched Laminated Maple
- Back and Sides: Semi-Hollow Mahogany Body, 13.5" Wide, 1.75" Deep
- Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany
- Pickups: 2 Dynasonic™ Single-Coil Pickups
- Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle:
- Position 1. Bridge Pickup
- Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups
- Position 3. Neck Pickup
- Controls: Volume 1. (Neck Pickup),
- Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),
- Master Volume,
- Master Tone
- Width At Nut: 1-11/16" (43mm)
- Fretboard: Rosewood, 12" Radius (305mm)
- Bridge: Rosewood-Based Polished Aluminum Compensated Bigsby¨
- Tailpiece: Bigsby¨ B3gbvn Vibrato Tailpiece
- Hardware: Gold-Plated
- Finish: Gloss Urethane
- No. of Frets: 22
- Machine Heads: Gold-Plated Grover¨ V98g Sta-Tite™ Die-Cast Tuners
The Gretsch 6121 also has some notable unique features. In particular the trim around the side of the body is made of leather and fastened to the body with real brass furniture tacks. yes folks, real furniture tacks.
The fingerboard and headstock binding are both artificially aged, a practice I'm not sure I like but wouldn't put me off purchasing.
The bigsby vibrato tailpiece is the vintage narrow handle model and the bridge is a polished aluminum compensated Bigsby bridge.
This is a very cool guitar with great looks and that great Gretsch sound. If you're looking for a Duo Jet but want a little bit more character and individuality then the Gretsch 6121 Chet Atkins 1955 model is a great choice.
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind. Oh and they have free shipping too
62 Stratocaster Reissue with FREE shipping
62 Stratocaster Reissue
This 62 Stratocaster reissue is a new and improved version of the 1957 Stratocaster reissue and boasts super fast action and a clean look.
It's a guitar that emulates perfectly the classic Fender sound of the 1960s and if you have a Fender tube amp to play it through you'd think you had travelled back in time to the sixties!
It comes in five different colors - Sunburst, Black, White, Electric Blue and Turqoise.
The awesome pickups on this guitar have what can best be described as a dirty, gutsy, vintage tone and the bridge pickup in [articular is brights and can cut through any band mix. The neck and middle pickups can handle mellow and fat through to twangy and blod and can generate a great sound for blues.
The Fender American Vintage 62 Stratocaster is available from Musicians Friend >>
You might need to lower the bridge a bit when you get it but that depends on which tech sets it up for you of course.
This 62 Stratocaster reissue is extremely easy on the fingers with a rosewood fretboard and a thinner, faster neck shape that will delight any Dick Dale or surf rockers looking to emulate that tough, menacing sound of the sixties. Just turn your reverb up to eleven!
The 62 Stratocaster reissue has and alder body, maple neck, vintage pickups which we've already discussed. It's worth noting however that the guitar comes with parts that allow you to exchange the usual strat 3 way selector with a 5 way switch, something you'll probably want to do from day one.
The alder body is made of quality wood and really lets the tone sing out. You'll love the feeling from the body resonating in your hands and the sleek neck aginst your hands and fingers.
The Fender 62 Stratocaster reissue comes with the original authentic tremolo with ashtray cover although you could easily chage this if you prefer a different type of tremolo.
This is a fantastic guitar and you'll be beaming with pride when you get it.You'll LOVE it.
Whatever style you play - blues, rock, surf-rock, Link Wray garage, the 62 Stratocaster reissue will quickly become your favorite guitar.
The Fender American Vintage 62 Stratocaster is available from Musicians Friend >>
Note: I always recommend MusiciansFriend because they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee so you can shop with peace of mind. Oh and they have free shipping too .
Online Guitar Courses – Here are my top 2
Looking for online guitar courses?
It's probably one of the best ways to learn guitar these days and the quality of the following online courses are high.
Online guitar courses can open doors for you and see the realization of your dreams. If you are one of those people who want to be more than a beginner, there are things you can do to make this happen.
You can follow plans that will help you deliver all your skills as you seek to entertain crowds with your expertise. However, for you to achieve all this, you have to have the skills. Consequently, you will need to brush up to become just like a veteran in this field. Online, you will find opportunities that are remarkable.
There are services you will find offering online guitar courses for free. This can prove the best way to go as you part with just your time to achieve the knowledge required. Look for sites and services that will offer you with services that are free with no extra costs. One good place you can get some free lessons is at JamPlay and it's one of the two courses I recommend.
Click HERE to get the online guitar lessons from JamPlay now >>
Here, you will have an opportunity to connect with resources that will empower you in your endeavor. You can enroll and get beginner acoustic lesson, electric guitar lessons and learn how to play 8 songs.
With this course you will be able to undertake both lead and rhythm guitar excellently.
There are vital things that you need to learn so that you can excel in this and you need to know them well. One of these aspects includes the bending of notes which is possible as guitarist master the movement between notes. Many are the pointers and guides that will play a key role in helping you achieve all the success you want.
The other excellent online guitar course I recommend is Guitar Tricks. They offer 24 free guitar lessons online and also a paid course.
Click HERE to get the online guitar course from GuitarTricks now >>
Other aspects that will come to play include intuitive emotional expression and this will also help in molding you. Many are other things that will help you get what you are looking for in skills. One thing not to forget is that you need commitment and effort coupled with a positive attitude and you will not regret doing this and making your dreams of playing guitar come true.