The Weekend Read - Through January 31st

The Weekend Read is back. After a few weeks of reorganizing I have caught up enough to dig through The Rock House Blogs list or other cool sites and post links to some nice articles that I think you guys would like.

So in no particular order here are a few reads I found that may be of in the Almighty Blog Roll of Rock House.

Acoustic Guitarist Blog - How to Improvise on Guitar - Part 1 of 6

Guitar Lifestyle - Design Your Own Les Paul

Guitar MX Blog - Video Guitar Lesson: James Brown Funk
Guitar Noize - Waves GTR Solo free for a year!

Metal Guitar - Song Writing, Riffing and Soloing with Rob Arnold of Chimaira
Guiat PlayerZen - Using Effects to Develop Your Own Sound

Guitar Flame - How Can The Guitar Industry Face This Crisis?

JemSite - Now What is the Perfect Set Up - Part 1

The Mad Stratter - Guitar Songwriting Tip: Building Chords with Clarity

Nakash's Territory - Alexi Laiho - Metal Guitar: Melodic Speed, Shred & Heavy Riffs
Not Playing Guitar - Guitar Progress Blues

Strat-O-Blogster - Strat Pickup Replacement Demo With Seymour Duncan

Street Musician - How Much Money Can You Make Busking ?

The FREEKBASS Blog - NEW Instant FUNK PodCast

Thumbrella - How Guitar Strings Are Made

Truth in Shreding - Win a Daisy Rock Guitar

The Blues Historian - VOTE! The 2008 Blues Critic Awards!!!

And a welcome to our list of cool sites for Musical Musings a new blog that has some promising articles and music news.

Have a rockin' weekend!!

Sarge

David Ellefson and F5 Post “Nailed To The Gun” Video

Here's a video from F5's latest album The Reckoning featuring "Nailed to the Gun".

More information on F5 can be found online at www.f5theband.com and www.myspace.com/f5thebandaz. 

Music As A Weapon Tour Includes Rock House Instructor Rob Arnold and His Band Chimaira

The MAAW4 Tour has been announced. The tour that starts on March 20th 2009 will be headlined by Disturbed, along with Killswitch Engage, Laguna Coil and none other than Chimaira.

Music As A Weapon is produced by Disturbed and their manager Jeff Battaglia, along with industry veterans John Reese (President of Freeze Artist Management; co-founder and co-producer of Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and the Collegiate Get A Life Tour) and Darryl Eaton (CAA booking agent; co-producer of the Vans Warped Tour, Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival) and Bill Hardie (Producer and Founder of Hootenanny, Musink and Spare The Air Festivals).

WWW.DiNGLIFE.COM will be launching promotions with the bands and tattoo artists and bringing attendees exclusive opportunities to customize their digital lifestyle and Samsung Mobile Phone. DiNG is the world's largest artist device customization portal. Over 150 devices and over 200 musical acts, including Disturbed and Killswitch Engage, are available at www.dinglife.com.

The Music As A Weapon IV Festival will begin at 2PM daily in every city. Details about specific venues, confirmed traveling tattoo artists, sponsors and additional musical performers will be released in the coming weeks. Music As A Weapon is now taking submissions from tattoo artists and festival vendors. Go to www.musicasaweapon4.com for more information.

March 20th Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
March 21st Waterloo, IA - McCelroy Arena
March 23rd Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Center
March 25th Denver, CO - The Fillmore
March 28th Phoenix, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
March 29th Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Auditorium
March 31st Dallas, TX - Nokia Theatre
April 01st Wichita, KS - Hartman Arena
April 03rd Bossier City, LA - Centurytel Center
April 04th Little Rock, AR - Riverfest Amphitheater
April 05th New Orleans, LA - Uno Lakefront Arena
April 07th Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center
April 08th Atlanta, GA - Gwinnett
April 11th Orlando, FL - Amway Arena
April 13th Charlotte, NC - Bojangles Coliseum
April 14th Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
April 15th Lowell, MA - Tsongas Arena
April 17th State College, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
April 18th Portland, ME - Cumberland County Civic Center
April 20th Erie, PA - Erie Civic Center
April 21st Bridgeport, CT - Arena at Harbor Yard
April 22nd East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center
April 24th Fayetteville, NC - Crown Coliseum
April 25th Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
April 27th Glens Falls, NY - Glens Falls Civic Center
April 28th Pittsburgh, PA - Petersen Center
April 30th Battle Creek, MI - Kellogg Arena
May 02nd Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
May 03rd Cleveland, OH - The Wolstein Center
May 05th Columbus,OH - Value City Arena
May 06th Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center
May 08th Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
May 09th Des Moines, IA - Balloon Classic Field
May 10th Green Bay, WI - Resch Center
May 12th Lacrosse, WI - Lacrosse Center
May 13th Evansville, IL - Roberts Stadium
May 15th Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center
May 16th Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion

Children Of Bodom Nominated For Emma Awards

From The Children of Bodom web site, http://www.cobhc.com/ :

Children Of Bodom has been nominated for the Best Finnish Group, Best Metal Album (Blooddrunk) and Best Finnish artist (public vote) in the Emma gaala awards, the Finnish equivalent of the Grammys. The band was awarded with the Export Emma award in 2005 for their achievements in exporting Finnish music. Three years later the band skyrocketed to the 22nd position of the Billboard chart with their latest and most uncompromising work "Blooddrunk" (2008, Spinefarm Records), marking the second best Billboard position for any Finnish band to date. The award show is March 18, 2009.

This Friday, the band starts their full scale European assault "Blooddrunks Crawling Over Your EU 2009" from Berlin with CANNIBAL CORPSE and DIABLO.

We want wish COB good luck on the awards and on their tour!

ATREYU on Revolver Magazine Cover

Out on newsstands everywhere today, Revolver's Ultimate Fighting Issue in which Alex, Dan, and Travis of Atreyu take on UFC fighter Chuck Liddell.

The guys commented in their MySpace blog:

"We are on the cover of the current issue of Revolver Magazine.  It's dubbed their "Ultimate Fighting" issue and it rules.  Alex is on the cover with none other than Chuck Liddell.  That's right.  Chuck Liddell.  One more time... Chuck Liddell!  It is an honor.   It's also a great issue with a lot of MMA coverage and interviews with other musicians who train MMA (including Chimaira, Senses Fail, Maynard, Dragonforce and Five Finger Death Punch).  Big thanks to Tom Beaujour of Revolver for hooking this up and supporting the sport........"

Congratulations guys!

http://www.revolvermag.com/
http://www.myspace.com/atreyurock

All That Remains Videos Now on Itunes

Are you an ATR fan? If so then this is the deal you've been looking for. The Rock House Instructor Oli Herbert and his band have posted their video's on Itunes for the rediculous low price of $1.99

Click on the link below for your favorite video.

Two Weeks

Chiron

Six (live)

Air That I Breathe

This Calling

The NAMM Experience As It Happened - Part 1

This is going to take a several days to chronicle. This is part 1 of I don't know how many parts. I hope it gives you a pretty good insight into what goes on with myself and the Rock House gang at NAMM.

The NAMM experience is like no other. The massive musical industry trade show is the cream of the crop with over 1800 exhibitors there to show their wares.

After spending the previous night with our friends from Rock House, my wife and I hit the floor running after getting some breakfast and visiting with the gang for a bit. Taking off from the hotel in the rockmobile with Brian at the controls I learned that it truly is a small world. As we were getting ready to pull into traffic someone says “hey isn’t that Marc Rizzo?’ Sure enough walking down the sidewalk was Marc. After yelling at him and convincing him we weren't a group of lunatic fans he recognized everyone and jumped in for the ride to the Hilton where the trade show was being held.

The ride is about 2 blocks but takes about 10 minutes to drive. On the way Marc told us that everything was going great in his world. He has a couple of tours coming this spring and summer with INPSYCHOBLEEDIA and SOULFLY and will be working on some albums. I have to say Marc is a personable guy with a big smile on his face at all times.

We arrived at the Hilton, as I stepped out into the world of NAMM I have to admit I was a little shocked at the number of people I saw. When entering the convention center it was sort of like watching cattle getting herded in to a loading chute. The folks running the show did a nice job moving the lines along and we were inside in no time after showing passes and id’s.

John and Joe had gone a little earlier than the rest of and would not be seen until the end of the day. They are 2 busy guys and had meetings with potential artists and instrument manufacturers set all day. Our mission for the morning was to get WimBash invitations to the Rock House partner companies. There are a bunch of partner companies so everyone took a couple and split up to deliver them. As Karen and I were delivering them we realized that WimBash was a huge, huge deal. We had a ton of passes to hand out to people as we just walked around, it was incredible the amount of people that saw we had passes to the show and ask if they could have a couple. Of course we gave them out to anyone that asked for them.

Karen and I had a little time before we had to meet up with the Rock House Crew so I started looking around. Some displayers have a small space like a 10’ by 20’ booth and others have booths of about 1,000 square feet, a couple are bigger than that.

The Peavey booth sticks out like a sore thumb, you just can’t miss it. As I stood and looked at it that “kid in a candy store” feeling started. With their entire line of guitar, basses, amps and accessories on display I started mentally making a list of what I would like. I walked around saying “I want one of those and one of these and ooh……one of those. Karen stood there laughing at me as I drooled over about everything I saw. Cool thing about the Peavey booth, as well as with others, if you liked it and wanted to try it, then just pick it up and try it. No hassles, no problems. You could even take the guitars into sound rooms, plug ‘em in and play until your heart was content.

Leaving there we walked the aisles and took in as much as we could in as short of a period of time as we could. We had to meet the crew back at the Peavey booth to pick up prizes for drawings that would he held at WimBash.

Now, when I talk about prizes I’m not talking about picks and strings here. I’m talking stuff that if you won would knock you out. Peavey gave 4 guitars. Not their low end stuff either. These were customs, a real special treat for someone to win. Others that we picked prizes up from were Spector who donated a Doug Wimbish signature bass, EMG Pickups gave some autographed Zack Wilde pickups, Intellitouch tuners from Intellitouch and added to the mix was about 100 WimBash t-shirts that Rock House brought along.

With all that done it was time for me to go to work. I spent the afternoon introducing myself to more Rock House partners and gathering information that will be of good use to the Rock House Blog, The Rock House Method web site and to the readers. I won’t go into details about all that but the contacts are the reason for the slew of Ibanez announcements you have seen recently on the blog.

The end of the work day ended with me setting in my hotel room with tears in my eyes because my feet were killing me. Setting on the chair with my feet up on the bed looking at my Nike Shockz and cursing them, then looking at my watch and cursing it. I only had about an hour before we were all going out to eat.

And that my friend is another story. So as the old saying goes, to be continued……..

Ibanez AP7 Tone-Lok Analog Phaser at NAMM 2009

NEW PHASER DOESN’T SUCK…TONE

The Ibanez AP7 Analog Phaser will join the Ibanez Tone Lok Series of affordable compact effects at the 2009 NAMM musical instrument convention in Anaheim, CA. While there is no lack of phasers for musicians to choose from in the effects market, Ibanez says there are differences that set the AP7 Analog Phaser from the rest of the crowd. “The AP7 is analog so the tone is very warm as you would expect,” explains Frank Facciolo of Ibanez Electronics, “But, what you might not expect, and what sets it apart from the best known phasers is the fact the AP7 doesn’t suck tone, that is, while it adds phasing, it doesn’t subtract any of the natural tone from the equation. It lays over the intact original tone really nicely.”

The AP7 features 4, 6, and 8 stage phasing for a wide range of phasing sound. “It has broad dynamic range. The 4th stage is vintage,” says Facciolo, “a very lush sound. The 6 and 8 allow a deeper phase, often included on the very old analog phasers. With all the different controls you can a lot more sound, including almost a touch-wah.”

The AP7 lists for $99.98

The AP7 is part of the Ibanez Tone-Lok series of very affordable compact effects, so named because of their control knobs which can be pushed down into the unit after the right tones are achieved, not only locking in the desired tones, but also protecting the knobs from stray feet. The Tone-Lok group features 15 different effects including the TS7 Tubescreamer (less expensive than its famous TS9 and TS808 brethren), the best selling DE7 Delay/Echo, and the Weeping Demon Wah, as well as the new AP7 Analog Phaser.

For more info go to http://www.ibanez.com/

IBANEZ PRESTIGE BASSES TO RETURN TO JAPAN - NAMM 2009

In 2009, all Ibanez basses with the Prestige name will once more be made exclusively in Japan. The obvious question is: why is Ibanez is going against the grain of current manufacturing which seems to be always looking for new venues of cheap labor and manufacture? “It isn’t uncommon for highly expensive basses made in boutique shops, one at a time, to achieve the extreme levels of precision desired by today’s pro bassists,” explained Kiyo Yamada of Ibanez in Bensalem, PA. “But our Ibanez luthiers in Japan are some of the very few, if not the only bass makers, that can achieve that consistent level of craftsmanship from bass to bass in modern bass manufacturing. That’s especially important for our Soundgears where there’s a precise balance between the mass of the neck—which you need for tone¬—and the thinness of the neck that’s the hallmark of the Soundgear. You have to have just the right U-shape to achieve that combination, and it must be consistent from neck to neck. Our bass makers can do that.”

A prime example of the 2009 Japanese-made basses is the Soundgear Prestige SR5000 Series, available in the 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions. The SR5000 Prestige models feature 5pc wenge/bubinga necks, mahogany bodies with wenge tops and backs, the Mono-Rail IV bridge, and Bartolini Custom pickups. Of particular note is the new PWCIII Power Curve EQ with bypass switch, mid boost and cut control, and the Power Curve control which allows rapid and easy midrange fine tuning.

Model SR5000EOL 4-string
SR5005EOL 5-string
SR5006EOL 6-string
List $2533.32 4-string
$2666.65 5-string
$2799.99 6-string
Available Finish Oil
Body Material Mahogany with Wenge top and back
Neck Material 5pc Wenge/Bubinga
Neck Type/Scale SR/34”
No. Frets/Type 24/Medium
Fingerboard Wenge
Bridge Mono-Rail IV
H/W Color Gold
Neck Pickup Bartolini Custom
Bridge Pickup Bartolini Custom
EQ Power Curve 3-band
Case Hardshell Included

For more info go to http://www.ibanez.com/

Ibanez Unleashes 2009 Version of the Iconic Metal Axe

2009 will see a new, darker version of one Ibanez’s best known metal monsters, the Destroyer. The new DTT700MGS features the original classic mahogany body and shape, but adds more hard-edged updates such as Gibraltar Custom bridge with thru-body stringing and powerful DiMarzio D Activator X pickups. An especially important change from the old Destroyers to the new model is the change in the neck scale from the old version’s 24 ¾” scale to a longer 25 ½” scale for clearer articulation. The DT700MGS list price is $1066.65.

Model DTT700

List $1066.65

Available Finish MGS Metallic Gray Sunburst
Body Material Mahogany
Neck Material 5pc Maple Walnut
Neck Scale/Type 25.5”/Wizard II Neck-Thru
No. Frets/Type 24/Jumbo
Fingerboard Bound Rosewood
Inlay Pearl/Abalone Block
Bridge Gibraltar Custom
H/W Color Chrome
Neck Pickup DiMarzio D Activator H
Bridge Pickup DiMarzio D Activator H
Controls Two volume/1Tone
Case DTT100C
Case List $199.99ß

For more info go to http://www.ibanez.com/

Even Affordable GIO Models Now Offered In Single Cutaway

Responding to continued interest in single cut axes, Ibanez will greatly expand its number of single-cutaway solid bodies in 2009. “We’re not only offering new finishes and woods,” commented Mac Muranaka of Ibanez from the Bensalem PA Ibanez office, “we’re even adding single cuts to our beginner range of guitars, the Ibanez GIO line.”

A the upper end of the new Ibanez single-cuts, the 2009 single-cutaway ART420HAM (seen below), which lists for $799.99 features a spalted maple top and a mahogany body loaded with powerful Lo-Z active pickups. In the beginner price range, the new 2009 GIO GART30 models list for just $242.84.

Model ART420
List $799.99
Available Finish HAM Hone Ambert
Body Material Mahogany w/Spalted Maple Top
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Scale/Type 24.3/4”/Set-in
No. Frets/Type 22/Medium
Fingerboard Bound Rosewood
Inlay Diamond
Bridge Gibraltar
H/W Color Cosmo Black
Neck Pickup LoZ1-N Active Humbucker
Bridge Pickup LoZ1-B Active Humbucker
Case AR100C
Case List $149.99

For More info go to http://www.ibanez.com/

Ibanez Gets Even More Exotic - New From NAMM

Ibanez Adds the 1st Solid Top To Its Best Selling Exotic Wood Acoustic Guitar Series.

You’d never know there was a recession if your only marker was the Ibanez Exotic Wood line of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. The unbeatable combination of highly figured, expensive looking and sounding instruments at unexpectedly low prices has won Ibanez rave reviews and consecutive sales increases every year since the line’s debut. Another factor in its success are constant new additions to the line at nearly every NAMM Show.

The 2009 Anaheim NAMM Show will be no different in this regard says Irene Schvartsman of Ibanez in Bensalem, PA. “At this show, we have the first Exotic Wood model with a solid top. The EW50MPSENT features back and sides of monkey pod—an exotic wood similar in resonance and looks to koa—with a solid monkey pod top. With its solid top, the EW50MP’s rich, full sound will continue to improve with age.”

Two new standard top EW models, one with of a body of cocobolo wood and the other with spalted mango wood will join the EW50MPSENT at the Anaheim NAMM show. All three models feature the Ibanez SRTn preamp and the UST under saddle transducer by B-Band.

For more info go to http://www.ibanez.com/

Review of Metal Guitar - Song Writing, Riffing and Soloing with Rob Arnold of Chimaira

It looks like Guitar Noize has busy practicing with The Rock House Method DVD Metal Guitar - Song Writing, Riffing and Soloing with Rob Arnold of Chimaira

It's another excellent honest review of Rock House products.

Excerpts and high lights from the article include:

"Rob has a very fun and relaxed style kind of like how Paul Gilbert presents, he not only explains every riff and technique in precise detail but he also shares stories of how he developed his playing style."

" Rob covers some of his favorite riffs all of which have been chosen to show different techniques like pull-offs, tremolo picking, artificial harmonics etc."

"The DVD closes with some of Rob’s practice routines to build speed and dexterity which will help play his riffs with the kind of precision that he does. They are all based around alternate picking and are a good foundation for any guitarist no matter what style."

Read the entire review at Guitar Noize here - Review

You can check out more Rock House Metal Guitar DVD's here - Rock House

Rock House Method Releases Gear 411 featuring Tony Pasko

Staying on top of the learning curve Executive VP of The Rock House Method, Joe Palombo announced today that the release of their newest web feature Gear 411 is ready. Joe P was ecstatic to bring Tony Pasko on board with The Rock House Method stating that "Tony is without a doubt one of the foremost authorities on the subject of electronics and the music business. His knowledge will bring some special skills to our members and the web site."

I personally have not seen anything like this on any music site.

Tony Pasko who eats, sleeps and breathes gear brings a life of experience and knowledge to the new feature. Tony grew up in a music store and then crossed over into manufacturing and design of gear. Tony has designed products for companies such as Peavey, Washburn, Randall and Parker just to name a few. Tony has recorded, toured and studied music and live sound and brings a wealth of knowledge from real world experience. Tony is quick to add that he may not know all the answers but he has enough connections in the business that he can get the straight scoop on about anything.

ABOUT GEAR 411

Gear 411 is all about helping you with gear and studio issues. If you are in the market for a new piece of gear, need help making a decision on what to buy, aren't sure what you need, trying to hook something up, having problems making something work or just want to pick Tony's brain a little, Rock House is the place to do it.

TOPICS ON GEAR 411

Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitars

Inside the Electric Guitar section of Gear 411Tony can help with questions related to anything going on with your guitar. Strings, Fret Buzz, Pick-Ups, Wood, Electronics, Neck, Intonation, Action, How and What to Buy, Types and styles, Etc.

 
Amplification

Inside the Effects section of Gear 411Tony can help with questions related to anything going on with your guitar. Strings, Micing your Acoustic, Electric Acoustic, Using on-Board EQs, Care, Pick-Ups, Wood, Electronics, Neck, Intonation, Action types, styles of Amps, Etc.

 
Effects

Inside the Effects section of Gear 411 Tony can help with questions related to anything when it comes to using Effects to enhance the sound of your instrument. Electronics, Types, Styles, Equalization, Use, How and What to Buy, Etc.

 
Studio Tricks/ Home Recording
 

This is where you can ask Tony about all those pesky problems you have with recording.

 
General

The section of Gear 411 is for General questions related to gear.
 

As you can see it's a pretty ambitious undertaking but Tony is ready to answer you questions. Check it out at Gear 411 Avice at Rock House.

Interview With Rusty Cooley at Metal-Rules Plus Footage From Wimbash 2009

Rusty Cooley just turned me onto this interview he did with Robert Williams at Metal-Rules.com. Rusty talks about his experiences at NAMM 2009 and gives insight into what his plans are in 2009.

In the interview the master shredder talks quite a bit about The Rock House Method and why he does business with Joe and John. The best quote from Rusty about Rock House in the interview was:

"The product doesn't stop with you buying it and taking it home. You can get continued support (online) you log on, you get backing tracks, you can download additional tabs. You can interact with all of the other Rock House students and fans (and even some instructors) and that's pretty cool. They got the blog to keep you up to date with what all of the instructors are doing and tour dates...You really get in touch with the artists through Rock House. That's really pretty unheard of. As far as I know nobody else does that at all, I don't think outside of them that even exists".

Rusty also talks about his allegiance with Dean Guitars and the release of his RC7 out, which is the USA model, and then this year at NAMM the RCX debuted which is the RC7 import.


Plus insight into what's going on with Outworld.

On a personal note I'll be writing about the experiences I had with all the Rock House artists that I met at NAMM over the next few weeks.

Here's a video that was posted with the interview. It had an embed feature so I feel it was cool to post it. If your a Rusty Cooley fan you will definitely enjoy this interview.

Check it here at Metal-Rules.com

Bass Harmonics 101

A harmonic is a "bell like" tone that is produced by lightly touching a string of the bass over some specific fret bars. What we are going to be talking about in this lesson are natural harmonics. These harmonics are produced from the open strings of the bass only. There are other techniques for playing harmonics called artificial harmonics, touch harmonics, tap harmonics that you should also work to master.

First we are going to take a look at how to play harmonics, and then look a little more in depth look at what they are. For the moment just think of harmonics as notes on the electric bass that have a little different tone that normal notes.

Playing a Natural Harmonic

Go to the 3rd string, and place the tip of any finger above the 12th fret bar. Normally when you play a note at the 12th fret, you are pressing down just to the left of the 12th fret bar. When playing a harmonic, you are going to be very lightly touching the string (not pressing down) over the fret bar at the end of the fret or right side. While lightly touching pluck the 3rd string.

Right after you play the string, lift your left hand finger off. This will let the harmonic note ring louder, and more clearly. If you were to leave your finger on the string, the harmonic would sound, but would be more muffled or muted. If you lift up your left hand finger too soon, then you will hear the open string. This takes a little practice to get the right timing.

How harmonics look in tablature and standard notation

Notation for bass guitar is far from being standardized. Here are some of the ways that you will see natural harmonics written in both tablature and standard notation.

More places to play natural harmonics on the bass

The most common places to play natural harmonics, are at the 12th fret, 7th fret, and 5th fret. Practice playing the harmonics on all of the strings at these frets. There are more places to play harmonics, and you will be learning them soon enough. But work on getting a good sound on these first.

Tips on getting a better sound when playing natural harmonics

• Try to use as small a part of the tip of your left hand finger as possible.
• Flip to different pickups and see which one sounds the best with harmonics on your particular bass.

How Natural Harmonics work

OK, now you have a basic understanding of how to play natural harmonics. Now let’s take a look at how they are created, and some other places that you can get natural harmonics to ring.

Normally when you play the note at the 12th fret on any string, you are shortening the length of the string that is ringing and getting a higher pitch. The string is only ringing from the fret bar that you are pressing down at, to the bridge. On the other hand, if you are playing the 12th fret harmonic, the string is actually ringing on both sides of where you are touching. The only part of the string that is not ringing is where you were touching the string. The point of the string that is not ringing is called the node. The string is ringing in 2 divided sections.

Dividing the bass string into 3 equal parts

Now play the harmonic at the 7th fret. What is happening here is that the string is ringing in 3 equal parts. There are 2 nodes, one where you touched the string at the 7th fret, and another at the 19 fret.

 
 
 
 

If you go to the 19th fret you will notice that the harmonic is exactly the same at the 7th. After you play the harmonic at the 7th fret, try touching the string at the 19th fret. You will notice that nothing happens. This is because the string is not ringing at that point. But if you touch the string in at any point other that the 7th or 19th frets, the string will stop ringing.

Dividing the bass string into 4 equal parts

Next play the harmonic at the 5th fret. In this case the string is ringing in 4 equal parts. When you played the harmonics at the 7th and 19th frets, you got the same exact harmonic at both of these nodes. In this case, only the 5th fret and the 24th fret will sound exactly the same, and the 12th fret will sound an octave lower. So even though the 12th fret is a node, and is a part of the string that is not ringing, you can not get the same harmonic as the 5th fret to ring there. A little confusing, I know. It all has to do with physics, and I don't want to get too much into that in this lesson.

 
 
 

Article coutosy of The Rock House Method - http://www.rockhousemethod.com/

Skin Your Axe - The Guitar Guard

I was wondering around NAMM checking out all the stuff and ran across Larry Post. Larry came up with a product called Guitar Guard. This cool product is designed to protect your guitar from dings and scratches. I think it's especially ideal to put on your guitars for when your buddies come over grab your axe, and start using it. It will protect your investment from buckle and button rash. Designed to show the beauty of the front of your guitar but protect the back I think it's most useful for guitar shops, studios and of course your drunk buddies. Guitar Guard fits like a glove and won’t interfere with your instrument’s look, sound or playability.

Additional info from their web site:

User-Friendly. GuitarGuard™ comes in two styles (“Gibskin” & “Stratjacket”) and three colors (Classic Black, Obama Blue, Raging Red), allowing players to change the look of their guitar instantly with our EZ on/EZ off approach. Guitar picks fit perfectly in the binding of each GuitarGuard™, giving you easy access to picks so you can lay down some ‘smoke on the water’ at a moment’s notice. GuitarGuard-outfitted instruments will fit easily into any soft- or hard-shell case.

Eco-Friendly. Made from sustainable eco-friendly materials, GuitarGuard™ allows you to show-off your inimitable style with a clear-conscience.

Money-Back Guarantee. Everything we sell is covered by a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase, just return it within 14 days for a full refund. We even pay for shipping! Buy with confidence.

Suggested Retail: $29.95

More info at www.guitarguard.net

THE MAGNETIC COLOR OF LARS ULRICH

New Tama Orange Finish Created At The Behest of Metallica Drummer

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich wanted a new color in his life. More specifically he wanted to new orange finish for his set for the Death Magnetic tour. “And not just any orange,” said Terry Bissette of Tama. “Lars Ulrich was very specific that he wasn’t looking for something we already had, such as our Marigold Sparkle or anything like that. Our people in LA and Japan worked with Lars for a while before we came up with just the right shade to match what he was looking for.” That finish went on to grace Lars’ kit for the tour. Fortunately, for Tama and Metallica drumming fans, Lars Ulrich was willing to share.

For 2009, that special orange finish, now named “LU Magnetic Orange” for both the tour and drummer is now an available finish for Tama’s Starclassic Maple Series. Drummer’s can recreate Lar’s tour kit, or choose from any of the staggering number of diameters and depths available in the Starclassic Maple Series.

More info can be found at  http://www.tama.com/ 

FREEKBASS Slaps and Pops Madison Theatre

Reviews of FREEKBSS just never seem to end. Now he has slapped and popped his way into the hearts and souls of The Madison Theater crowd.

The writer of the article Scott Preston makes some bold observations about The Funkster. Preston writes "KY was the landing site for the legend George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic as well as the next generation of funk, Freekbass".

I've listened to FREEKBASS and he is not only carrying the torch that has been passed onto him by Bootsy Collins he he is holding it high and proud.

Preston goes onto say, "Freekbass brought his own brand of funk to the masses while keeping true to the bone shaking funk of George Clinton & Bootsy Collins" and further states "Nobody has to worry about the tradition of funk dieing out anytime soon with this band from Cincinnati".

Comments about the article include:

Freekbass, is the spirit and soul of the new funk nation! The torch has been passed and the new prince of funk has stepped out of the Wing! This day Jan. 20th we proclaim, Freekbass go forth and funk the world in the name of your Town.

The P-Master,
Bootsy Collins!!!

and

This show was done on a very cold night with snow coming in but, when Freekbass hit the stage, the night started to heat up and got hotter as the band played. Freekbass rocks!

Check the complete article @ Home Grown Music

Ibanez shows “AMBIANCE” At NAMM

NEW IBANEZ “AMBIANCE” 

Acoustic-Electric Series Features Distinctive Arched Backs,

100% Fishman Electronics and “No Competition”

(BENSALEM, PA) The 2009 NAMM Show in Anaheim will see the debut of the Ibanez Ambiance series of acoustic-electric guitars. “The new Ambiance models feature bodies with arched backs for both luthier-level looks and large, resonant sound,” commented Irene Shvartsman of Ibanez in Benaslem, PA. “All three models are equipped with 100% Fishman electronics, and the Ambiance will be the first guitar in the industry to feature the new Fishman Aero pre-amps with balanced ¼” and XLR outputs. To get that combination of construction, electronics, and sound in any other brand, you’d have to go to almost twice the price. In the Ambiance price range, there really is no other competition.”

The top model of the arch-backed Ambiance line, the AE300, features top, back and sides of quilted maple, gold Grover tuners, Fishman Sonicore bridge pickup, and the Fishman Aero Blend pre-amp with built-in microphone, notch filter and onboard tuner. The AE300’s list price is $857.13. Two different high gloss finishes are available, Vintage Violin (seen below) and Transparent Black Cherry Sunburst. 

The starting model of the series, the AE100, with arch-backed mahogany body, spruce top, and standard Fishman Aero pre-amp and Sonicore pickup, lists for just $571.42.

Model	AE300E
List	$857.13
Body Style	Ambiance Arch-Backed
Available Finishes	TCS Gloss Trans Black Cherry Sunburst EVV Gloss Vintage Violin
Top	Quilted Maple
Back and Sides	Quilted Maple
Fretboard/Bridge Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Tuners	Gold Grover
Electronics	Fishman Sonicore Pickup Fishman Aero Blend EQ w/Built in Mic
Other Features	Notch Filter Onboard Tuner
Case	AF100C
Case List	$129.99

more info can be found at www.ibanez.com

Ibanez Debuts Single-Cut ART Basses At NAMM

Ibanez Debuts Single-Cut ART Basses

(BENSALEM, PA) While Ibanez is most famous for its sleek and high tech Soundgear basses, it’s very aware that while just not everyone wants a high-tech racing machine in an automobile, there are a multitude of bass players who want something very different in a bass than a Soundgear.

A good example of that something very different is the new single cut ART bass. “The ARTB single cut is just pure rock and roll,” commented Kiyo Yamada of Ibanez in Bensalem, PA. “The ARTB features simple, traditional tone controls combined with a shorter 30” scale set-in neck that’s easy to fret and complements the full rich roots rock sound of the mahogany body—think retro! The ARTB single cutaway bass is the perfect bass for bassists who simply want to get up on stage and play.”

The Ibanez ARTB100 bass is available in both black and white finishes. The list price is $573.32.

Model	ARTB100
List	$573.32
Available Finish	BK Black WH White
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	3pc Maple/Mahogany
Neck Type/Scale	ARTB4 Set-in/30”
No. Frets/Type	22/Medium
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Bridge	Gibraltar III Bass
H/W Color	Chrome
Neck Pickup	ACHB-N2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	ACHB-B2 Humbucker
EQ	Passive
Case	JTKB100C
List	$169.99

more info can be found at www.ibanez.com

Paul Gilbert Airplane Flanger Lands At NAMM

Two-in-one Signature Pedal Features Both Traditional Flange and Gilbert’s Own “Crazy Flange”

(BENSALEM, PA) 2009 is definitely the Year of Paul Gilbert. At least, where Ibanez is concerned. Not only does the light speed guitar virtuoso debut three different Paul Gilbert Signature Model guitars at the 2009 Anaheim NAMM Show, he’ll also introduce his own signature effects pedal, the Paul Gilbert AP7 Airplane Flange.

The AF2 Airplane Flanger is described by Ibanez as being “two pedals in one package.” One section is a tradition chorus flange; the other is the “Taxi Take off” flange (hence the “Airplane” moniker), which provides Paul Gilbert’s own “crazy flange” sound, which includes shifting the pitch up and down.

The AF2 features Manual (delay time), Speed (modulation speed), Range (depth of modulation), and Enhance (feedback) controls. The list price is $214.27

More info can be found at www.ibanez.com

Ibanez Prestige Returns To Japan - NAMM 2009 Release

Once More All Ibanez Prestige Guitars Are Japanese Made

(BENSALEM, PA) In 2009, all Ibanez Prestige guitars will once more be made exclusively in Japan. Commented Mac Muranaka of Ibanez, “The consistent precision and artistry of our Ibanez luthiers is unmatched, and artists and dealers with a pro clientele have clamored for more Japanese models. In response, all 2009 Prestige models will be made in Japan.”

In addition the company has expanded its Prestige offerings. “The RG3550MZ is a great example of how Ibanez has responded to player and dealer demand with new models. Not only does the RG3550MZ feature our new 5pc titanium-reinforced Super Wizard neck with the original 1987 RG  super thin specs,” continued Muranaka,  “it’s our first RG Prestige to feature a maple fretboard. It’s also equipped with the USA-made genuine DiMarzio pickups that pros prefer and, like many of our new 2009 models, it features some of the standout colors that made the original RG’s the defining metal axe.”

The RG3550MZ (pictured in the new Roadster Metallic Orange finish features DiMarzio Air Norton, True Velvet and Tone Zone pickups. It lists for $1999.99. 

Model	RG3550MZ
List	$1999.99
Available Finishes	ROM Roadstar Orange Metallic GW Galaxy White GK Galaxy Black
Body Material	Basswood
Neck Material	5pc  Maple Walnut
Neck Scale/Type	25.5/Super Wizard Prestige 17mm
No. Frets/Type	24/Jumbo
Fingerboard	Bound Maple
Inlay	Wedge Sharktooth
Bridge	Edge Zero w/ZPS3
H/W Color	Cosmo Black
Neck Pickup	DiMarzio Air Norton H
Middle Pickup	DiMarzio True Velvet S
Bridge Pickup	DiMarzio Tone Zone H
Case	Hardshell
Case List	Included

More info can be found at www.ibanez.com