Showing posts with label GUITAR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GUITAR. Show all posts

2.19.2016

10 AWESOME GUITAR ACCESSORIES FOR SAVVY GUITARISTS


 10 Awesome Guitar Accessories for Savvy Guitarists. #6 is a Life Changer

You have the guitar, you have the skills, and you think that’s all you need to start producing hits. However, to sound more interesting, play better and be sure that you can manage a live performance meltdown, you also need the right accessories.
So, excluding the obvious leather guitar strap, here are ten accessories that are mandatory for all sophisticated guitarists.

Flashlight

Sometimes guitars need repairing, and since some parts of them are very small or well-hidden, even if there is light in the room, it will still be difficult to spot the problem. For example, you probably won’t be able to see the broken bit of solder in the volume pedal that gives a bad connection.

String Winders

Strings are disposable, as you know by now – they can break from all sorts of reasons. So giving that, the process of replacing them will go smoother if you try to use a peg or a string winder. With it, you can wrap the strings on to the post somehow faster than if you were doing it by hand.

E-bow

If you wish to make attack-less notes and somehow emulate the sound of instruments like the cello or the violin, then you need an e-bow. Using a battery that is powered by a magnet, without having to make any contact, it can excite the string on top of which it is located. Since the attraction is magnetic, its response will be a bit delayed. That is why it is preferable if you use it on passages that are more melodic and lyrical.

Tuners

Tuners have become almost as indispensable as the guitar itself these days. And it’s not so surprising since there are many options available, from tuning forks, pitch pipes, or electronic tuners that are also very cheap. They are especially helpful for beginners because they are very accurate and fast and thus, learning how to use them is simple. The most popular types of tuners nowadays are the clip-on, pedal-shaped and the portable ones.

Metronome

If you wish to keep a steady tempo, then metronomes are what you’re looking for. They aren’t new on the musical market – they’ve been around for about two centuries now. Nowadays there are electronic models that are considerably smaller than the older ones. You can even download apps that turn into metronomes.

The Wrenches

Although there are plenty of fancy accessories in this list, the wrenches and the other tools that usually come with them are somehow indispensable and potentially life savers. The reason is that guitars will always need general maintenance and setup; somewhere along the way you will need to fix or adjust a bridge height, truss road or cut strings. Usually, you must own a couple of screwdrivers, hex wrenches and string cutters. An alternative is to get a toolkit that is guitar-oriented in which you will virtually find anything that you might need.

Cleaning Supplies and Cloths


You will need a cloth for the guitar’s body, but you will also need them for wiping the strings down. The reason for doing that once you’ve finished playing is that it keeps them fresh-sounding and lasting for a considerably longer time. It is best if you have a cloth for polishing and cleaning and another one for the wiping of the strings.
The cleaning supplies come in handy as well. You might think of getting products that focus on string cleaning, polish, but also a fingerboard conditioner.

Slides


It is inconceivable to have a guitar and not have slides, so what you need to do is figure out which type do you want. You can decide based on comfort and your tastes, but an experienced guitarist usually has a complex set of slides for different styles.

A Case

Now this might be seen as the mark of a truly dedicated guitar player. However, getting a case is optimal not only for cosmetic reasons but because it protects your instrument better, especially if it is a hard shell one. Also, you can use it to deposit other accessories as well.

Picks

Since no one plays only with their fingers anymore, you will probably want to own a selection of guitar picks. You should strive to get picks of various thicknesses and materials. Different picks give different options regarding tone and flavor also.

What other accessories for savvy guitarists would you recommend? Write them in the comments section below.


11.27.2014

GUITAR LEGEND PETER BANKS THE MARS TAPES!


Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks 'The Mars Tapes' Now Available!

London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.

Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.

Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Jez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.

Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”

Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15718
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