Burns Guitars of London

Wow! I've always been kind of attracted to ugly beautiful elements of guitar design, and the Burns London line of retro modern cool guitars definitely fit into the category. Burns is actually well known on the other side of the pond, but not so much here in North America. But what a bunch of cool guitars! Check out the "Shadows Bass 1964", Sonic"", and the Jet-Sonic'" (all below). Cool.

Fender Pro Tube Series Super-Sonic audio samples

I really like audio and interactive displays that showcase new guitar products. The web has many unexplored possiblities to allow consumers to get a better feel for their next possible purchase. The better you're informed, the happier you'll be when you finally slap that cash down on your local music store's glass counter.
Fender has embraced macromedia technology to bring us this great interactive, sound generating device which gives me a good look at Fender's Pro Tube Series Super-Sonic Guitar amplifier. It's great. As for tones; even on my Mac's built in speakers, you can't mistake that distinct Fender twang and sparkle. What a great tone. Try the "Bassman Baltimore" for a great, pure Fender clean sound, the "Texas Tea" for SRV sting, and the "Lo-Fi Fuzz' for instant - well, for instant Lo-Fi cool.

Free guitar!

Acoustic Guitar Magazine is a great read, and now their giving away a Martin Special Edition OM-28JM John Mayer Signature Edition Guitar. This is a serious instrument; Engelmann spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, scalloped bracing, herringbone, and a Spanish cedar neck. You can enter at Stewarguitars.com/stowaway

Stewart Guitar's Stow-Away Guitar

Detachable guitar necks which fit into a special stow-away slot on the back of the body; travel guitars that fit into a carry on attache case. Cool.
Check it out at Stewarguitars.com/stowaway

Happy Birthday Fender!

Fender guitar afficiendos, the inimitable Jeff Beck, and the rockin' John Mayer - along with appearances by Eric Johnson, Train, G.Love and Special Sauce, the Gin Blossoms, and Vertical Horizon - all rocked out for the 60th Anniversary of Fender Guitars. According to Fender News, it was a great success. I'm sure it was.

"Freebird" goes into overtime

Jef Sarver in Chicago is trying to break the record for the longest Guitar Solo ever. He's been at it since 3:15pm on Wednesday, and he's picked Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird" (what else could it be?) to break the record with. I'm just wondering if there's a secound award for continuously-played-worn-out-pick award he's missing out on. Found on cbs2chicago.com

Gary Kramer TomCat Guitar

The issue of ergonomics within the realms of guitar design are regarded by and large to be epitomized in the classic (existing) guitar designs of the past. Fender got it right in a lot of ways; the body scoop, beveled forearm area, controll layout. Gibsons - even with their extra bulk - fit like a well worn pair of slippers, and are well designed with players in mind. Expanding, or redifining these standards is a tough go. Guitarists, by nature, are fairly entrenched in their use of these well worn designs, and are kind of a sticky bunch when it comes to change in design, This guitar; the TomCat, by Stewarguitars.com/stowaway, is a bit of a departure from the tried and true. The name is justified; the TomCat definitely has a "inflight" design element to it's body, and it sleek and fast looking. Maple top, medium jumbo frets, 12" radius, pair of Dimarzio 'buckers.

Guitar and Bass Plug-In Tour hosted by IK Multimedia

A free tour is being kicked off and will last all summer, and will feature known guitarists. Its called the Guitar and Bass Plug-In Tour, and is being put on by IK Mutimedia. IK are the folks who bring you the Ampeg SVX and Amplitude 2 Plug in's, and if a SVT shaking the walls isn't rock and roll, then what is?
From Mix Magazine; and if you ever feel like buying a non guitar mag - pick it up (or steal your soundman's copy!)