All About Gibson Guitars - Trivia For Guitar Players

All About Gibson Guitars - Trivia For Guitar Players
By Terry Booth

Gibson Guitars are an icon of the guitar industry. Gibson is currently a major player in both the electric guitar and acoustic guitar market. The company was originally named after Orville Gibson who made mandolins in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the end of the 19th century. Gibson used the same method to initially make the big body archtop acoustic guitars.

Gibson Guitars were one of the first to come up with the adjustable truss rod inside the neck of the guitar to give it strength. This remains in use today to also allow guitarists to impact on the neck relief.

Even today, just about every guitar has an adjustable truss-rod that runs through the neck of the guitar. This was developed by Gibson Guitars in the early days to give strength to the neck. The floating pick guard is also an innovation of Gibson.

After doing much experimenting with the amplification of the sound from the guitar in the 1930s, Gibson released the ES range of semi-acoustic guitars. The ES initials stands for "Electric Spanish". This is not a reference to the nylon string classical guitars that we know today. The term Spanish is used to separate the guitar from the Hawaiian guitars that were lap style guitars.

With the increasing popularity of electric or amplified guitars, the top end of the finger board could now be heard. Gibson Guitars had the idea to introduce the cut away style in the body shape. This was to be forever used in future electric guitars and many acoustic guitars and led to the world of the lead guitar hero.

Gibson's first majorly successful electric guitar was the es-175. It was also slightly different in that it had a pointed cut away. In 1950, with Fender's new Broadcaster guitar, Gibson was under pressure to produce it's first solid body guitar. This resulted in the issue of the Les Paul Standard electric guitar.

Gibson and Fender were not the only ones developing the solid body electric guitar. At the same time, development work was also being undertaken by Rickenbacker, National and Bigsby were also involved in testing.

Les Paul was one of the foremost guitarists of the time. His real first name was Lester. Paul had himself been tinkering with the idea of solid body guitars. His first concept model was referred to as the log guitar. He approached Gibson Guitars with his ideas in the 1940s but was rejected outright. Once Fender released the Telecaster, Gibson went back to Les Paul and asked him to work with them.

The original attraction of solid body electric guitars to Gibson and other makers was because of a number of issues. Firstly, ease of construction. Secondly, while the shape of the body of the guitar did not alter the sound, the solid body greatly increased the sustain of the natural sound. And lastly, electrifying hollow body guitars had always caused a great problem with feedback. This was virtually eliminated with the production of the solid body electric guitar.

The first Les Paul Standard guitar was released in 1952. Les Paul received an endorsement contract for a 5 year period which was worth 5% of retail sales. The first Gibson Les Paul cost $210 and was referred to as the Gold Top.

1958 was a big year for Gibson Guitars. In this year they gave the Les Paul a new cherry sunburst finish which is extremely popular among collectors today. Gibson changed the shape of the Les Paul Junior and Les Paul Special to now have a double cut away. The new style later became the SG which stands simply for Solid Guitar.

The same year Gibson Guitars also began getting radical with their body shape. They bought out the first double neck guitar. They also introduced the Flying V shape and the Explorer shape. This was a response to guitar players placing more emphasis on the look of their guitars as well as the sound and playability. Gibson Guitars were able to stamp their mark on the guitar industry for many years.

Author: Terry Booth has an interest in Gibson Guitars since being given his first electric guitar, (a Japanese Les Paul copy) as a young child. Visit his website GuitarPlayersWorld.com

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Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child

The Jimi Hendrix Experience on The Lulu Show in the sixties, doing Voodoo Child (and not Voodoo Chile, different song all together.) Class.

Classic Guitar Pedals - The Fuzz Face

Classic Guitar Pedals - The Fuzz Face
By Jon Mercer

The Fuzz Face is a classic guitar pedal, originally produced in England by Arbiter in the mid-1960s. The company was later sold and became known as Dallas-Arbiter, and they continued to produce the pedal under that name.

The original (Arbiter England) Fuzz Face pedals first began being imported into America in 1966. A strong argument could be made that it's introduction contributed greatly to the burgeoning hippie movement, and the psychedelic rock scene that first took shape in the late 60s.

So what made the original Fuzz Face so special? One of the most unique aspects of the pedal is its smooth, transistor-based fuzz sound. It produced this rich, smooth tone with the use of the (now rare) PNP germanium AC 128 transistors.

Later editions of the pedal began using more modern components, and replaced the original germanium transistors. Unfortunately, modernizing the components of the pedal also took away much of the warmth and color of its original sound. For this reason, original Arbiter England models are now considered rare finds. A unit in good condition can sell at auction for more than $1000. Pretty expensive guitar pedal, huh?

Fortunately, you can also find good deals on these vintage guitar pedals if you shop around at online auctions, or local pawn shops. Many times an individual will have an old pedal lying around and decide to sell it without knowing how rare and prized this classic stomp box actually is.

In these situations you might be able to buy one in great shape for as little as $100 or less. Of course, you have to do some shopping around to find bargains like this, but it is possible.

Tone-wise, the original is an amazing guitar effect. Legendary guitar heroes such as Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townsend have immortalized the this pedal on recordings from the 1960s and 70s. Many modern rock players also go ga-ga for its "creamy" transistor produced sustain. In fact, it is probably more popular today than ever.

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of confusion about what an original Fuzz Face pedal actually is. Various companies produce stomp boxes that use the name "fuzz face," but are in fact very different pedals, using completely different components.

For example, Jim Dunlop produces a "Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face" pedal that is quite popular, but is NOT the original. Like the Dunlop model, many manufacturers produce a reissue or "reconstruction" of the classic Arbiter English version. And although some of these "remakes" are very good, and have established solid reputations in their own right, none are as revered as the original English version.

Even the Dallas-Arbiter version is slightly different from the original English model, and lacks a certain "bite" that is difficult to describe. Mind you, they still sound pretty great -- just not quite as great as the original.

Trying to get your hands on original is not always easy, but with a little bit of persistence you can usually find one at a decent price by searching around. If the price tag of an original English model is a bit out of your league, consider one of the many high quality reissues such as the Cornell AC 128. Next to an authentic English-manufactured Fuzz Face, it's one of the sweetest sounding fuzz boxes you're likely to hear.

Bid on used Fuzz Face guitar pedals and get the latest info and reviews on used guitar effects at Soundsfat.com

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What Are The Best Jazz Guitars?

What Are The Best Jazz Guitars?
By David Smithe

In finding the best jazz guitars, it is important to look at some of the historical icons in the genre. The tone of any jazz instrument is of the utmost significance. Many famous jazz guitarists have developed signature sounds that have come to be viewed as standards in jazz music.

By looking at players who made a distinct mark on jazz with their signature tones and techniques, you can discover the reasons behind their choice of guitar, and this might influence your decision.

Charlie Christian

Charlie Christian was the first musician to make a name for the electric guitar in jazz. His work was so pivotal that jazz enthusiasts often talk about jazz "before Charlie Christian" and jazz "after Charlie Christian." He played a critical role in developing the type of jazz known as bebop. Guitar legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton followed in his footsteps and learned their craft from the efforts of Charlie Christian.

Charlie Christian was an arch-top man. He is the reason that the Gibson ES150 is such a legendary instrument. The arch-top guitar became a standard piece of equipment in jazz music. It features a hollow, resonant body, and f-holes. They are designed to produce a clear voice with little sustain that is free of distortion or feedback. If you want to focus on maintaining a traditional jazz sound, then an arch-top guitar is definitely the way to go.

Les Paul

Les Paul was not only a jazz guitarist, but he was an innovator who actually made some of the best jazz guitars. The solid body electric guitar appeared in the jazz world, much due to the efforts of Les Paul. These instruments got rid of the two things that no jazz guitarist wants - feedback and lack of sustain. Solid body electrics play an important role in jazz, and one of the most notable instruments is the Gibson Les Paul guitar. Many more affordable imitations of this instrument are also popular choices for jazz guitarists, like ESP and Heritage guitars.

Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt revolutionized the world of jazz. He was an acoustic guitar man, and he played a flat-top acoustic guitar made by Selmer, which was capable of resonating above the large bands in Europe. The instrument is commonly known as a Maccaferri, which happened to be the last name of the creator. While Selmer is not necessarily a leader in the guitar world (only about 1,000 of this particular model were manufactured), other companies have created successful models that are similar to Django Reinhardt's instrument. Typical acoustic guitars that are commonly found in jazz music include Gallato and Dell'Arte models.

The best jazz guitars are designed with the functionality of the music in mind. Jazz should not be distorted or heavy, and the guitar does not typically play a role that requires a great deal of sustain. Arch-top, solid body electric, and flat-top acoustics can all accommodate the needs of the genre, and the best instruments are the ones that have stood the test of time, yet still come out on top!

I hope you found this article useful! The right jazz guitar for you is definitely important, but not as important as gaining a deep understanding of jazz scales and chords. Without mastering these you won't be able to improvise jazz in a musical way.

So if improvising musically is important to you, and you would like some effective online guitar scale lessons, be sure to check out this website:
http://www.GuitarScaleMastery.com/letter/

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7 Reasons to Buy a Gibson Guitar

7 Reasons to Buy a Gibson Guitar
By Ryan Gloman

Buying a guitar is a big decision. Maybe you have stumbled upon this article because you are preparing to embark on a lifelong journey with guitar music and you want to pick the right instrument. Maybe you are a collector seeking to build your collection. Maybe you are a parent who is contemplating buying your child his or her first instrument. No matter how you came to this article you should know that it pays to do your research and it is my hope that this article will help you get started.

Please remember that these are only my opinions. I have no affiliation with Gibson. I am just a fan of their guitars. If you take my advice, be aware that you are doing so at your own risk and do not complain to me if you don't like your new guitar. It pays to do your research, but because you are reading this article, I think you probably already know that. Without further ado... Reasons to buy a Gibson guitar.

1. The Look. Many people say that Gibson guitars are some of the most beautifully crafted guitars in the world. This is, of course, a matter or personal preference but you cannot deny the beauty of a Les Paul.

2. Les Paul. This Jazz Guitarist/Inventor pioneered the manufacturing of electric guitars. He is now recognized as a household name because of his signature guitar which bears his name.

3. Jimmy Hendrix played a Gibson guitar. That's right. The guitar hero who is basically synonymous with the Fender Stratocaster played Gibson guitars before he played a Strat. Some of the notable models that Hendrix used were the SG Custom, the Flying V, the Les Paul Special and the Les Paul Custom.

4. Humbucker pickups. Generally described as being "warm, thick, or rich,"
these pickups give a gorgeous sound. Humbucker pickups are present on most Gibson guitars. Without getting too technical they cut out destructive interference and increase constructive interference which makes for a beautiful sound-to noise-ratio. Don't get it? Just go play one. You'll understand!

5. Fat Necks. Gibsons have notoriously fat necks. Some people like them and others don't. It is really a matter of personal preference and this author likes them! That's why they are in the "reasons to buy" section.

6. Resale Value. Gibson guitars are well-made. You can count on getting your money back for one if you ever decide to part with it. In fact, depending on how you treat it, it might actually appreciate in value.

7. If that's not enough for you, here is a list of some guitar players who have chosen Gibson guitars: Slash, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Buckethead, B.B. King, and Pat Metheny.

My name is Ryan Gloman and I have a passion for guitar and a passion for sharing information.

Buying guitar gear is exciting! Get the scoop on online dealers at this site They've got tons of useful information on prices, shipping fees, special offers and other good stuff to know.

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The Best Method to Play Pink Floyd Music on Your Guitar and to Prepare Well!

The Best Method to Play Pink Floyd Music on Your Guitar and to Prepare Well!
By Ameen Jabbar

Obtain an effective quality guitar

Obviously you have to own a guitar. The best ones are Fender because that is what David Gilmour uses (Pink Floyd guitarist). David Gilmour uses a Fender Stratocaster which are quite expensive but you can buy a Fender Strat which are cheaper, over £100 or $200.

Before you start to play, tune your guitar strings. Electronic tuners are inexpensive. Get one.

Get some guitar effects, Gilmour does why not you!

It is best to obtain some extra effects such as reverb, distortion or gain and maybe some chorus or delay. Your playing will sound more pleasing to the ear, fun and professional.

Get hold of Pink Floyd Guitar tablature

Find some Pink Floyd Guitar tabs or sheet music by searching online. To save you time, the best site is Pink Floyd Guitar because it consists of lessons and doesn't just give you the tab and leave you to it. The address is located in the Resource box below. Pick your Pink Floyd guitar tab for your chosen song and try and pick a simpler song to start off.

Get the feel for the music

Listen to the Pink Floyd song the one that you hope to play. Hear how it sounds and get the feel for it. Concentrate on different layers of music provided by the different instruments, however, you are playing the guitar parts.

Play your Pink Floyd guitar tab

Play slowly at first, gradually improving your speed. Listen to the solo slowly and learn to play along. Some media players allow you to digitally slow down the tempo of a song without changing the pitch. Start learning the tablature. Learn one measure at a time, one line at a time. You do not need to learn an entire song on your first try. Play for a minimum of 10-15 minutes per day with one day off each week.

Allow time to improve. Don't get discouraged if you play poorly on certain days. Everyone has bad days. Start simple and gradually move to complex.

Play against a backing track

Play your Pink Floyd guitar tab over a backing track. These are available from monthly guitar magazines. Also maybe online somewhere.

Record yourself playing the Pink Floyd guitar tab

You do this by downloading or purchasing music software or just use the recorder on you pc but you would need a mic, however, they are very cheap.

Why not play it in a band!!

Have fun.

Created by Ameen Jabbar. Specializes in providing Pink Floyd music playing to musicians. For further information about guitar playing, learning famous riffs or Pink Floyd guitar techniques go to http://www.pinkfloyd-guitar.com or Email: pinkfloy@pinkfloyd-guitar.com.

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How To Sound Like David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

How To Sound Like David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
By Andy Ng

David Gilmour, like his Pink Floyd predecessor Syd Barrett, played a Telecaster initially, but he soon became one of the first British rock guitar legends to favor the Fender Stratocaster and to create a signature sound with the instrument. His parents bought the Tele for David’s 21st birthday, and he played it for a year (including on the Saucerful of Secrets record) until it was lost by an airline.

Upon officially joining Pink Floyd, Gilmour purchased a custom Stratocaster (the first of many) at a Cambridge music store. During the early Pink Floyd years, Gilmour played a Strat almost exclusively, taking full advantage of its wide tonal palette and vibrato bar in his style. He used a Lewis 24-fret electric guitar on rare occasions for its extended range, as in the solo of “Money,” and continued to employ a Tele sporadically in the repertory. Gilmour strung his electric guitars with Gibson Sonomatic strings made of a customized light-top (using the standard E and B for the B and G) and heavy-bottom set gauged .010, .012, .016, .028, .038, and .050. He used a Herco heavy-gauge pick.

David Gilmour’s earliest amp setup with Pink Floyd consisted of a Selmer 50-watt head with a 4×12 speaker cabinet. By 1970, he found his signature sound with a stack made of Hiwatt 100-watt heads with WEM 4×12 cabinets. The Hiwatt/WEM combination can be heard conspicuously on Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon. In the studio, he sometimes added a Fender Twin Reverb combo amp with two 12-inch speakers to his lineup for certain parts, as on Dark Side of the Moon.

David Gilmour’s early Floyd effects consisted of a Binson Echorec tape delay (like Barrett, he used this device from his first days with the band), a Dallas-Arbiter Fuzzface fuzz box, Uni-Vibe pedal, Vox wah-wah pedal, a DeArmond volume pedal, and Leslie and Yamaha RA-200 rotating speaker cabinets. The latter were routed through the output sections of Hiwatt heads and then to WEM 4×12 cabinets. In 1972, his effects boxes were mounted in a custom cabinet, and his array of processors grew to include a second Binson Echorec and a second Fuzzface, an MXR Phase 90, a Crybaby wah-wah, an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger, Big Muff fuzz, an Orange treble and bass booster, and a custom-built tone pedal.

Additionally, Gilmour used studio effects like ADT (Automatic Double Tracking, a favorite studio processor first developed at Abbey Road Studios for the Beatles), Kepex for tremolo, various tape effects, studio echo chambers, and backwards guitar. He also employed an EMS Synthi Hi-Fi guitar synthesizer (heard on “Time” on Dark Side of the Moon), and usually played a lap steel or Fender twin neck pedal steel guitar for slide parts. He used various acoustic guitars on early Floyd tracks, later settling on Martin D-18 and D-35 models in the 1970s, and, depending on the song, alternated between fingerpicking and playing with a plectrum.

Andy Ng is a self taught guitar enthusiast. He have played guitar for the last 5 yrs and still going strong! He is also a leading expert on the art of building homemade effect pedals. Pick up tips, techniques and just plain guitar talk at his blog!
http://www.guitareffectssecrets.andy-ng.com

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