Viva Las Vegas - Start preparing for the 2013 event NOW!

Viva Las Vegas is revving up again for 2013. Get your friends together for a weekend of retrospective and tons of cars, music, burlesque, and fun. There are plenty of festivities for everyone's delight and this year there will be a Janis Martin tribute along with a Roy Orbison tribute and there is always a car show!

Now is the time to start preparing for attendance. Make your reservations now so you don't miss out and or get stuck in some flea bag motel.

Go straight to the source by clicking on this line to get to the Viva Las Vegas webpage!

Just because it's a vintage guitar.............

Just because it's a vintage guitar doesn't mean it plays well. Just because she's pretty doesn't mean she's flawless. I would be a rich man if I had a nickel from every person who told me they bought a vintage instrument that looked awesome; is described as awesome on Ebay, Craigslist, or Gbase but plays like scrape wood with strings attached. Try it before you buy it and buy it locally. If you don't live by wonderful vintage dealers then move because you probably live on an island where I want to live so make room and move out! If you live in Maui - LEAVE Immediately and make room for me. I digest, or digress... Er ahem - I am slightly kidding about the deserted island.

If you buy up every vintage piece you see find you've bought poorly playing instruments, this might be the universe and it's own divine way of telling you that you have too much money. I too can remedy that situation, send me your money and I'll put it to good use saving the wild life in my house. Let me be frank, play the instrument before you pay for the instrument and you'll fare better in terms of purchasing a really fancy instrument that also plays well. That leads me to look at the word, "fancy," as looks aren't everything. I've met some plain Jane guitars that are serious butt kickers in terms of tone. Better yet, I'll let you in on a little secret, I try the ugly ones first and later try my luck on the prettier guitars. This is starting to sound like advise I'd give to a teenager........ Ugly guitars sometimes are sleepers and should not be overlooked.

So, if you do have the money ( I don't) - Here are some awesome vintage guitars. I happened upon a few guitars that a fine gentleman and purveyor of quality instruments left behind as he moved on to a ever-green ethereal pasture. The following photo's are just a hint of his collection.

Get out a handkerchief as this will make you weep!

1950 Fender Broadcaster

1966 Fender MusicMaster

1964 MusicMaster

1966 Telecaster

1950 Gibson ES 150

1968 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top

1933 Gibson L7

Nice 1968 Fender Telecaster

The Fender Broadcaster is really a beauty as are most of the guitars above. I reiterate; never buy one unless you've tried it or if you trust your deal implicitly. Most of all, buy it to play it and not hang it on the wall. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Practice!!!! I know I need to practice too as I am spending too much time writing this blog instead of playing. However, my neighbors are probably happy about my blogging............. 

Travis Bean Guitars

The original Travis Bean guitar is no longer made and therefore a collectors item on the simplest of terms. Travis Bean was a luthier and machinist from California. His guitars were a compliment of beautiful exotic wood and aluminium necks. The fret boards where usually rosewood and bonded to the aluminium. The guitar that I tested was the TB1000 and frankly it was on the heavy side but the sustain was greater than any guitar I have played since. The pickups were stock and sensitive. The guitar sustain was incomparable and it's forte! This was the same guitar that Stanley Jordan, Keith Richards and Jerry Garcia used this instrument as did countless others. With high performance sustain it was easy to see why Stanley Jordon would like this instrument as it suited his style of playing well. The body shape of the TB1000 reminded me of a certain ES-335 but smaller. The neck shape was similar to the Les Paul Custom 1968 model. The pickup covers and pick guard are close to indestructible. The guitar is bomb proof but if you did ever bend the neck, you'd probably need a new neck (would need to be customer made) or you'd have to take your guitar to the nearest auto body shop (sic). The Travis Bean guitars I know of were only manufactured for about 5 years but their place is secured in history as a bold attempt to change the classic materials used during the manufacture of guitars.

The down side: since aluminum conducts heat well, at first touch the neck feels cold because it absorbs heat from your skin and gives you a chilling sensation. However, if the ambient temperature is much lower than the natural human body temperature, the neck will chill to ambient, be uncomfortable to play, and never warm to the touch. In the later years, they resolved to paint or coat the neck to eliminate the temperature issue. But the paint sort of also ruins the whole appeal and this was the Travis Bean conundrum. The guitar weight is the second problem regarding the ergonomics of this wonderful but temperamental guitar. The guitar is up there around 8 to 9 lbs. depending on the wood used. If you don't regard the aforementioned challenges as deal breakers, this might just be a perfect instrument for you.

If you find one within your price range - Buy it. These are not cheap guitars, never were and it is doubtful the price will drop on the open market. If you live in the Arctic and play outdoors - you might want to pass it by. However, the sustain is phenomenal and the pickups are a shredders dream. If you see a Travis Bean - At least try it and you will understand why some love this guitar are others pass it by.

Travis Bean sadly passed away in 2011.

RIP Eddie Bertrand surf guitar legend

Eddie Bertrand is famous for his compositions with the Bel-Airs in the early 1960's. But another generation might also know about Eddie's guitar licks from the Orange county ska/punk band Sublime who incorporated Eddie's solo into its song "Seed." Later on, Eddie play with Eddie & the Showmen. Bertrand, who died on Saturday was a surf guitar pioneer. Eddie co-founded the Bel-airs and along with the Bel-Airs wrote their famous tune Mr. Moto... Below Mr. Moto being played at a benefit for Eddie. Eddie & the Showmen biggest hit was the Bel-Airs tune, Squad Car. A song that was recorded in a grain silo, the single rips along like the musicians were being chased by Godzilla for over two minutes of ripping surf music along with Bertrands wailing riffs. Another by-product of this type of music was the involved arrangements that spanned usually less than 2 minutes yet packed a huge punch in terms of fiery, spy-"ish", yet memorable guitar riffs.

The Beach boys include Bertrands sound as one of their inspirations. Bertrand ranked high among such surf luminaries as The Ventures, Dick Dale, and Link Wray. Bertrand was the consummate surf guitar pioneer and will be sorely missed. Eddie certainly loved the inimitable tone of Fender reverb and sound of Fender Mustang's and Fender Stratocaster's. We all steal from the greats and many of us owe our dues to Eddie's artistry. Pay up by paying forward!

Sadly, cancer finally took Eddie's life. Ma-halo Eddie!







If you are looking for more information about Surf Guitar then you should check out Sound of Surf Guitar circa 2009.

Guitar Rig run down

Nice Video that gives you some insight into the rigs of your favorite Guitarist. Contrary to popular belief there often isn't some mojo or voodoo space dust used. Basic but well made audio and musical instruments will suffice as it is the musician that makes the biggest difference.

As a musician or aspiring musician it is very important to not focus on what I call hokus pokus, i.e., where the technical gymnastic side of playing the guitar is often flashy for the eye but unsavory for the ear. I am reminded of a story that the great impresario Bill Graham told about Jimi Hendrix when Jimi played The Fillmore East. Jimi asked Bill what he thought of Jimi's first show of the night, Bill told him that he saw Jimi point his guitar, swing it, play it with his teeth, behind his back and every way but with out any emotion. Jimi was incensed  he said, "Did you hear the applause....?" Bill said yeah, but you could have pissed on your guitar and they would have applauded. Jimi went out for the second show and waltzed with his guitar, played from his heart, and as Bill Graham described.... Killed the audience.

Play from the heart, play what you feel and drop the theatrics. It's not a competition. If you can play like a great singer sings (without auto-tune) then you are learning and on your way to playing like YOU.




Gretsch guitar:


Chord Substitions - Brian Setzer!


More Brian Setzer licks


For the Xmas Season....


Jingle Bells - Rockabilly style!


Los Lonely Boys - More guitar rig info - but it's still the fingers!!

Rosie Flores - Unsung hero!

Rosie Flores is one female guitarist who stands tall in a field dominated by male guitarist. Nicknamed the female Elvis (though she is much better looking) for her suave moves while playing. Born in San Antonio, Tx. she is a rockabilly and country artist. Listening to her you will hear a rich infused mixture of honky tonk, jazz,and western swing that she has developed from her her traditional Tex-Mex heritage. She's backed big names like Wanda Jackson and Janis Martin. Sadly, Martin passed away in 2007 from lung cancer. But good news is that the Janis Martin Blanco sessions featuring Rosie on guitar were just released September 2012 on Cow Island music. This album is available on CD, MP3 and Pink Vinyl (yes, PINK VINYL).

Rosie has interesting influences as her family move west to San Diego and gave Rosie exposure to surf and Blues and the Bakersfield sound. She site Elvis and Brenda Lee as her early influences.

She seems to favor the twang of Fender Guitars but you can also see her with those lovely Gretsch guitars. As a veteran player she chooses the right tool for the right song.

Rosie has appeared on Austin City Limits (ACL) (ACL festival link) and Late night with Conan O'brien

You need to check out Rosie's album - Girl of the Century recorded in 2009 on the Bloodshot label.

Check out some of Rosie's music at this Amazon link or your local music retailer.
LINK><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Rockabilly hall of fame link

Kashmir - Led Zeppelin

Have you placed your order yet? It's selling quickly so get your set for yourself or your favorite fan soon before they run out!

http://www.ledzeppelin.com

http://www.facebook.com/ledzeppelin
http://www.twitter.com/ledzeppelin