12.24.2013

Rock House Instructor/Artist Kiko Loureiro to Attend Randy Rhoads Tribute

RRR creator Brian Tichy recently took a break from attempting to learn some Randy licks from his live solo and said, "Last week we had a great time hanging and jamming at Randy's sister Kathy's D'Argenzio Winery, as well as Brent Woods and I going to Randy's Mausoleum and paying respect on his birthday, by hanging with some cool Randy fans and playing Dee. Now I am beyond excited to finally announce some of the best guitar players in the world coming together to celebrate Randy Rhoads; a guitarist who set the bar, inspired us all, was taken away far too soon, yet left such a huge mark on the world of rock guitar that he will never be forgotten! This lineup includes a myriad of insane talent, charisma, feel, technique and passion! Some of the guitarists confirmed are huge Randy fans while others influenced Randy himself! Some have studied with Randy while others have actually filled his shoes! But more importantly, all of them are badasses!   We also welcome our buds Phil Soussan on bass and Neil Turbin on vocals! The show should have been called "A Festival Of Badasses!" I want to thank the guitarists as well as the amazing Very Special Guests for jumping aboard the Rhoads Train with complete enthusiasm! The house band, dubbed "The Madmen" is now also complete!  Without musicians like this coming together with a strong passion, this show wouldn't happen! You can read it all in their quotes below! Long Live Randy Rhoads!"
Confirmed Guitarists:

Kiko Loureiro (Angra)
Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake)
Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme/Rihanna)
Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Tracii Guns
Rowan Robertson (Dio)
Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions/Electric Sun)
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses)
Brent Woods (The Moby Dicks/Vince Neil)  
And many more to come!!  

Very Special Guests:
Kelle Rhoads (vox)
Phil Soussan (Big Noize/Ozzy Osbourne) bass
Neil Turbin (Deathriders/Anthrax) vocals

The Madmen:
Stephen LeBlanc (Jason Bonham's Led Zep Exp./The Moby Dicks) keys
Robert Mason (Warrant/Lynch Mob/Ozzy Osbourne) vox
Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne / Quiet Riot/Whitesnake) bass
Brian Tichy (S.U.N./Whitesnake/Foreigner/Ozzy Osbourne)

Please visit Their Facebook page for all things related to the show at:
www.facebook.com/RandyRhoadsRemembered
 
 
 
 
 

12.23.2013

Breedlove Guitars Unveils Premier Series

The Premier series is a great American value. Made of time-tested wood sets and Breedlove’s original designs it offers all the benefits of distinctively crafted sound. With prices ranging from $1,699 - $1,999 the Premier series offers an auditorium, concert, dreadnought, and jumbo body shape with both a solid East Indian rosewood and solid Honduran mahogany back and side option. It also offers a 12-string variety. The tops are all a solid Sitka spruce. Sitka spruce is grown in the Pacific Northwest, and has been the primary top wood for U.S.A. instruments for many decades. It is strong and light with extended harmonic content, and nearly equals the power of Adirondack. The Premier series is perfect for the working musicians and serious hobbyists who play to express their emotions, and generally let their music do the talking.

Specs:
  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Solid East Indian rosewood, or Solid Honduran mahogany back and sides
  • Sapele neck with bolt on neck joint
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Ivoroid or Tortoise binding
  • AVLS Abalone ring rosette
  • Gloss finish
  • Breedlove nickel tuners
  • D’Addario EXP Strings
  • Deluxe hard-shell case included
  • Designed and handcrafted in Bend, Oregon, U.S.A
  • Limited lifetime warranty
More info at http://breedlovemusic.com/

Introducing the PRS Archon Amplifier

In the world of high-gain amplifiers, modern players demand aggressive overdriven tones and ample headroom with sparkling cleans. The new PRS Archon amplifier offers all of the above in a high-design 100/50-watt package (via a half-power switch). Greek for “ruler” or “lord,” the Archon has already earned the endorsement of several top artists, including Dustie Waring (Between the Buried and Me), Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth), Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge and Creed), Emil Werstler (Chimaira), and Zach Myers (Shinedown).

The Archon’s lead channel was designed with five gain stages before the master volume, delivering full, lush distortion, or as Frederick Åkesson of Opeth describes it, “a warm, punchy gain.” The clean channel provides ample headroom with rich clear tones that retain clarity even at high volume and are an excellent platform for pedals. Utilizing a ‘no flash or trash’ approach, the Archon’s control layout features volume and tone controls for each channel, a global depth control to add a thunderous low end, and a presence control to effect the high end chime. A footswitch controls effects loop bypass and channel selection.

“Finding the right amp can be a life-long journey. There always seems to be an imperfection in design covered up by excess features. For the multi-genre player, it is nearly impossible to find one amp for all styles until now. The Archon delivers the best clean and dirty channels I’ve ever heard in one amp. Finally, I get to just plug in and play,” Emil Werstler, Chimaira.


Features and specifications include:
Two Channels
Four 6L6GC Power Tubes
Six 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Master Volume Controls for each channel
Global Presence and Depth Controls
Series Effects Loop
Fixed Bias (Adjustable)
4, 8, 16 Ohm Selection
Black Tolex with Charcoal Burst Maple Fascia (additional optional tolex coverings and maple fascia stains can be seen on PRS’s website)

The PRS Archon, officially announced in December of 2013, will be a featured product at the 2014 Winter NAMM show. For full specifications, sound clips, and demo videos, visit www.prsguitars.com/archon.

Gibson Announces Brendon Small Snow Falcon V

Even if the hardest-rocking mayhem merchants in the world of metal might be animated, their eviscerating new guitar is extremely real. Created for the co-creator of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, Brendon Small—and the new signature guitar of character Toki Wartooth—the Snow Falcon Flying V epitomizes everything you could want in a great shred machine, from stunning looks to uncompromising tone. 

Just as real as this deadly new weapon in the Dethklok arsenal are Brendon Small’s chops as a composer and performer. Having studied music at Boston’s Berklee College of Music (during which he also took writing and comedy classes at nearby Emerson College), Small not only co-writes the animated comedy series, but voices several characters, while writing and performing all the music for the show’s star band, Dethklok. Crafted in the style of the original radical rock axe, the Brendon Small Snow Falcon Flying V is everything this versatile player needs in a high-performance metal machine—and it just might be perfect for you, too

The Brendon Small Snow Falcon Flying V is packed with classic rock tone, but its dramatic looks are likely to grab you first. The stand-out feature here is the all-white fingerboard, created by laminating white polymer to a baked-maple ’board. Joined with the high-gloss “snow burst” body finish, white plastics, a back-of-headstock Snow Falcon graphic, and chrome hardware, the result is a look that will get you noticed on any stage. Tone is assured by a pair of Gibson’s acclaimed BurstBucker humbucking pickups, with independent push-pull coil-split switching for optimum sonic versatility. Premium hardware, a sublime playing feel, and that unparalleled Gibson build quality complete the package. 

Street: Starting at $1,499

12.17.2013

Rob Balducci's Lick of The Week - The Rob Balducci Band LIVE!

I was poking around Rob Balducci's site this morning. He wanted to share with everybody two tunes from his show this past week Dec 12, 2013. The 1st one is Liquid Soul. The 2nd is Natalie Rose. The band features Andy Golba on Bass and Kenji Tajima on Drums.

Rob's rig for the songs include his Ibanez RG Prestige LAC plugged into a Soldano 50 watt plus head. Enjoy this video recorded by Michael Manulia who posted it.

Learn to play like Rob Balducci, check out his DVD Innovative Guitar - Rock Beyond The Boundaries 2-Dvd Set at the Rock House store.

 




12.16.2013

IK UltraTuner for iOS is now available

IK is pleased to announce the release of UltraTuner, the most precise digital tuner available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available as standalone app for iPhone and iPod touch or as an in-app purchase within AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad.

UltraTuner features one of the fastest, smoothest and most responsive tuning engines of all tuner apps, and is precise to well below a hundredth of a cent — far beyond human perception of pitch, making it 10 times more accurate than a mechanical strobe tuner.

UltraTuner’s precision and speed provides players and engineers with a pocket-sized professional instrument tuner always at hand and offers two basic modes of operation: Stage and Studio. When in Stage mode, UltraTuner is a straightforward, ultra-accurate instrument tuner featuring a unique, simple interface that’s very easy to see in low light conditions. In studio mode, UltraTuner provides pitch tracking - allowing players to monitor pitch over time. This is especially useful in the studio for monitoring pitch of non-chromatic instruments like vocals, violin and brass etc., on recordings over time, and very useful for vocal and instrument pitch training.

In the settings window, players can quickly calibrate the “A” note, set the temperament type, set the root key for tracking and adjust the audio sensitivity. UltraTuner can use the device’s built-in microphone for audio input, and works with all analog or digital audio interfaces for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, like IK’s iRig HD, iRig PRO and the iRig MIC series of products.

Watch the UltraTuner video:


Features:
  • Innovative patented tuning engine that provides the highest level of responsiveness and accuracy with 0.01 cent resolution
  • Dual Mode: Stage and Studio
  • Large Tuning indication visible from a distance (stage mode)
  • Tuning History to see the tuning variations over time (studio mode)
  • Temperament selection includes: Equal, Pythagorean, Just Major, 1/4 Comma Mean Tone, Kimberger III, Werckmeister III, Young and Kellner
  • Useful not only for tuning, but also for non-chromatic instrument training

Price and Availability:

UltraTuner is available now as a standalone app from the App Store for iPhone and iPod touch for $4.99/€4.49, or as an in-app purchase within AmpliTube for iPhone (Free/LE/Full versions), and AmpliTube for iPad (Free/Full versions).

More information on UltraTuner visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/ultratuner





Schecter Announces Hellraiser HybridCollection

As internet rumors run rampant, we are proud to clear the air and announce to debut of the much anticipated HELLRAISER HYBRID COLLECTION

A unique fusing of our infamous HELLRAISER and SLS models, the 'Hybrid' will be just that… a combination of the most sought after features of both!

The Hellraiser’s signature highly figured quilted Maple top is now redesigned with a more sculptured arch and is set itno the Mahogany body with an increased upper access cutaway.

All HH models will be finished in High Gloss Transparent Black Burst.

You asked, we listened…
This collection is armed with EMG’s 57/66 Active humbuckers, with Brushed Black metal-works covers.
The HH C-7 and C-8 versions also use USA made Hipshot Non-Trem bridges to accommodate progressive playing styles.

Schecter Locking tuners and GraphTech Tusq nuts are standard on the non-FR versions.

The SLS shares its popular thin, fast neck profile and satin finish. The compound radius ebony fiberboard is adorned with an ‘inverted’ dot pattern; switching to the treble side at the 15th fret. The Metal Cross, synonymous with the Hellraiser sits proudly at the 12th fret.

A newly designed ‘Carbon fiber’ binding and glow-in-the-dark side dots (great for low light live situations) add the 2014 Hellraiser Hybrid’s “class-metal’ look.

This collection will also mark the return of the Tempest!

The INITIAL debut of the Hellraiser Hybrid Collection will include:
* C-1 (MSRP $1299 / STREET $899)
* C-1 FR (MSRP $1449 / STREET $999)
* C-7 (MSRP $1449 / STREET $999 )
* C-8 (MSRP $1499 / STREET $1049)
* Tempest ( MSRP $1299 / STREET $899)

All models will also be available in left hand versions!





 

SCHECTER GUITAR RESEARCH UNVEILS SEVERAL NEW ADDITIONS TO THE BANSHEE LINE FOR 2014

Schecter Guitars will be introducing the ruthless Banshee 6, 7, and 8 string models ­available with the ever popular EMG Active 81/85 combo or the newly designed lethal Seymour Duncan pass Nazgul/ Sentient set.

The USA Hipshot Bridge (also available with a Floyd Rose bridge) makes the Banshee a definite game changer for this ever-expanding Schecter Line.

Available colors: Trans Black Burst (TBB), Trans Purple Burst (TPB), Crimson Red Burst (CRB), Faded Vintage Sunburst (FVSB).







Dean Markley Announces New Signature Series Bass Strings

Dean Markley announces the release of the new Signature Series strings for bass guitar. The Signature Series utilizes a nickel plated steel, slowly wound over a hex core with a unique core-to-wrap ratio. The new series is available in an assortment of gauge sets for four and five string players. The new line is now available through authorized retailers and distributors. 

Quality craftsmanship is a benchmark of Dean Markley and the Signature Series strings strive to exemplify this tradition. By crafting the wrap wire over a hex core, the wrap wire is able to provide 100% contact with the core insuring maximum transfer of tone and sustain. The additional benefit of a unique core-to-wrap ratio helps guitarists bend strings more easily while maintaining proper tension and staying in tune during performance.

Long preferred by the majority of rock new country players, nickel-plated steel provides highly magnetic tones by using a steel core and wrap. The wrap wire is electroplated with pure nickel. The steel allows for better output and durability while the nickel provides a softer surface to the players touch, resists oxidation better, is easier on fret wear and helps balance out the overall tone. 

More info @ Dean Markley

12.12.2013

Complete Rock Rhythm & Lead Guitar Lesson

By: John McCarthy
       Steve Gorenberg

Check out all of The Rock House Method DVD's @ The Rock House Store

Check out our web site at www.rockhousemethod.com

In this lesson, we’ll go over a complete rock rhythm and show you how to solo over it. First learn the rhythm part and play it along with the backing tracks at the bottom of the article. This is a rhythm based on barre chords in the key of A minor.

Click on the tabs to enlarge.



The following guitar solo incorporates several lead techniques and covers a few positions of the minor pentatonic scale. After you’ve got this lead down, get creative and try improvising along with the backing track in every position of the A minor pentatonic scale.






©2009 - 2013 Fred Russell Publishing, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email jm@RockHouseMethod.com

12.11.2013

Setting Your Guitar and Amp Distortion

BY: John McCarthy
There are two ways to get that full distortion sound. You can use your amplifier to get the main distortion sound or use pedals to generate the distortion sound.

A basic distortion sound from an amplifier is usually created by turning the gain knob up almost all the way and using the master volume to adjust your overall volume. The bass, treble and middle controls should be set half way to start, then raise or lower them to suit your taste.

Pedals can be used to create cool distortion sounds or to increase the distortion generated from the amplifier. Set your amp to a clean (non-distorted) sound by lowering the gain knob and raising the master volume knob, now you can add a distortion pedal to create your overall sound.

Overdrive pedals are one of my favorite's for adding more distortion to an amplifier that already has some distortion. I use my amp distortion sound mostly for rhythm then kick in the overdrive pedal for my leads, this adds more power and sustain to my sound.

John McCarthy is the creator of The Rock House Method and a leading innovator in the field of video lessons for musical instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.




Bass Guitar Basics - To Pick Or To Pluck

....And Understanding The Difference

By Chris McCarvill

How do you decide which way to learn to play? Simple question, but it can have far reaching effects. I’m sure you’ve seen videos of bass players playing with either a pick or with their fingers (which is called ‘plucking’) and wondered what the heck way you should do it. Well, let’s find out a little more about each technique before making up your mind too much, shall we?

You can pick your friends…
Yes, using a pick tends to make people think you’re playing a regular six-string guitar, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. You’re still a Bass player if you use a pick. Some folks I’ve run into over the years frown on playing bass with a pick, stating it’s “not really playing bass”. Ok, they can have their opinion, but tell that to Chris Squier of Yes, or Duff McKagan of Velvet Revolver. I definitely don’t think of either of those guys as guitar players.

Picks make your sound more edgy. More metallic. Try it. Sandwich a nice heavy pick, (or a quarter if you haven’t got a pick), between your first finger and your thumb and downpick a note on your bass. Don’t worry about technique right now. Just listen. Picks have sharper edges than fingers, so they tend to have a sharper sound.

“Plucking” tends to be more versatile for me, mainly because of the ability to be quieter and louder (dynamic) than with a pick. Some great plucking players to check out are Flea, Jaco Pastorious, Victor Wooten and Jeff Berlin.

Should you make a choice?
No, if you want to progress as a player, there’s a strong argument to understand the sounds and techniques that come from utilizing both a pick or pluck approach. In my own case, I was forced to become proficient with the pick after splitting open one of my fingers while on a tour in South America. I have the pictures, but it’ll make Gene Simmons look like a Disney character. Anyways, I had no choice but to pick up the pick ! This meant a crash course in teaching myself how to use a one and getting familiar with the techniques and different sounds a pick makes.

Here’s 3 basics I learned in about 15 minutes.

    * I found you can pick at an angle to the string, which slightly drags the pick across the string, creating a very edgy sound.

    * Then there’s flatpicking, which is a way of holding the pick so that the flat surface of it rests flat against the string resulting in a more mellow and precise sound.

    * The technique of using a pick makes it very easy to mute across the strings with the side of your picking hand. This sound isn’t easily possible with fingers. You can quickly mute your notes plucking to a similar effect, but the muting string pick sound is pretty cool.

So…what happened back on the tour?
To my surprise, the pick sounded totally great through a large amp in an bigger live stage environment. The sound guy even told me it sounded more defined with a pick than with my fingers. However, it was murder on my right arm and hand because none of the muscles were developed like my finger plucking muscles, and I had to jump in and play with a pick just as hard and for as long as my fingers. Not an easy task. The point here is to be prepared. Practice both techniques. In fact, a great exercise for developing versatility would be to try doing any of the JamPages lessons with both picking and plucking. You’ll be surprised at how different the sounds are as well as the muscles involved. So look forward to a variety of picking and plucking exercises in forthcoming lessons.

I’ve also had several gig situations where I was specifically asked me to use a pick (among some other request…). Generally this is a rock stereotype, that you need to be skinny, use a black Fender bass, must hang the thing as low as you can, sing like a bird and not play above an A on the E string. Of course, you’re expected to use a pick. If you are interested in getting a rock gig at almost any level, adhering to above formula will increase your chances very much. This is not to say that if you don’t do these things you won’t get gigs, only in my experience it sometimes feels like many rock artists expect bass players to follow this formula to the letter. The point? Want a rock gig? My advice, learn to use a pick, even if it’s not what you’re going to use the whole time. Just be able to do it.

As of today, I continue to pluck my garish, green Bass with my fingers, I use a pick when I feel like the song calls for it, while playing all over the neck and wearing it too high for most rock bands. I get rock gigs. You can too. Be yourself. Pick or Pluck? My answer is Yes! 

Give ‘em the finger…
I am primarily a plucker. I know from experience that it’s a little awkward to get comfortable plucking bass strings with your fingertips. Once I got used to it, I realized that there are many techniques involved in using your fingers like: Straight plucking, Slapping, Popping, Muting, and Smashing the strings with your fist (STSWYF), and many more that are not practical while using a pick.

12.10.2013

David Ellefson Demos New Signature Kelly Bird Bass

Megadeth’s David Ellefson has a new bass to add to his prolific arsenal.

In this video, the metal stalwart demonstrates some of the key features of the David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird Bass, with its striking body shape and red pinstripe finish.

Check out the demo below and visit Megadeth’s official website


12.09.2013

Legendary guitar amp brand Supro set for rebirth at 2014 NAMM

Absara Audio LLC, parent company to ground- breaking analog effect brand Pigtronix, is proud to announce its acquisition of the historic Supro trademark—pertaining to both amplifiers and guitars—worldwide. To accommodate this expansion, Absara Audio has constructed a new production facility in Port Jefferson Station, NY and will begin shipping a line of USA-made, vintage-inspired Supro tube amplifiers in April 2014. The rights to the Supro brand were acquired in September from former Fender amp designer and long-time Pigtronix associate, Bruce Zinky. Zinky has been retained as exclusive design engineer, and has collaborated with award-winning sound designer David Koltai to realize a modern incarnation of the Supro sound that has been out of production since the mid ‘60s.

Supro’s origins can be traced back to the early ‘30s when the National Resophonic and Dobro guitar companies merged to form a manufacturing entity called Valco. As electrified music started to emerge, Valco began producing guitars and amplifiers under the Supro name. Supro amps delivered the tone of choice for the early ‘60s south-side Chicago blues players who in turn influenced the British invasion. By the late ‘60s, Jimi Hendrix was playing a Supro Thunderbolt amp on tour with Little Richard and the Isley Brothers, meanwhile, in England, Jimmy Page, inspired by the raw tones of the Chicago blues scene, cut seminal Led Zeppelin tracks using a Supro Model 24. The Supro tone has gained enduring notoriety as a unique and commanding voice—never a copy, clone or wannabe of any other major make of amplifier.
“We are humbled by the opportunity to re-imagine the Supro product line in a way that honors its rich history and will push these classic designs to the forefront of the modern tube amplifier industry.” – Pigtronix co-founder, Brian Bethke
USA-made reissues of the most sought after Supro amps will be unveiled to the world at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, January 23-26, 2014 (booth # 5218). At that time, a press release will provide further details on the products and launch.

CONTACT

For more information, please contact David Koltai: suprousa@gmail.com | (917) 941-2861
For regular updates on the rebirth of Supro, stay tuned to:



PreSonus Introduces AudioBox Stereo Recording Kit

Recording rehearsals and performances in schools, churches, and studios is easy with the PreSonus® AudioBox™ Stereo recording kit! This special all-PreSonus system combines a USB interface with Studio One® Artist music-production software, HD7 monitoring headphones, a pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones, and all necessary cables. It's great for capturing live performances and rehearsals, songwriting, song production, podcasting, and a variety of educational applications.

AudioBox Stereo includes:

AudioBox bus-powered USB audio/MIDI interface with cable

Perfect for musicians, students, school music labs, churches, and classrooms, the ultra-mobile 2-channel AudioBox USB boasts high-performance microphone preamplifiers and professional-quality, 24-bit converters. USB bus-powered, it’s compact, easy to use, ruggedly built, and designed to work perfectly with Studio One recording software but also works fine with other audio software that supports ASIO or Core Audio.
  • 24-bit resolution, 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rate
  • 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
  • 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Zero-latency monitoring via internal mixer
  • 6-foot (1.8 meter) USB cable included

Studio One™ Artist recording and production software (DAW)

Incredibly easy to learn, Studio One Artist lets you work quickly and stay focused on your inspiration while offering features rarely found in entry-level DAWs.
  • Elegant single-window work environment
  • Powerful and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Unlimited audio tracks, MIDI tracks, virtual instruments, buses, and FX channels
  • Instantly configures to PreSonus audio interfaces
  • 26 Native Effects™ 32-bit effects and virtual instrument plug-ins
  • Compatible with Mac® and Windows®

HD7 studio monitoring headphones

PreSonus’ high-definition HD7 headphones take advantage of a patented, semi-open sound chamber to deliver exceptionally deep low frequencies with a balanced and yet powerful bass punch.
  • High-resolution neodymium drivers
  • Precision-tuned acoustic chamber
  • Extended bass response
  • Lightweight
  • Storage bag included

Pair of small-diaphragm studio condenser microphones

Record bands, choirs, rehearsals, school events, and more with this stereo pair of multi-purpose mics.
  • XY stereo microphone mounting bar
  • 2 15-foot XLR microphone cables included
More info @  http://www.presonus.com





Knaggs Guitars introducing ‘Creation Series’

Knaggs Guitars™, a Maryland USA based boutique maker of high-end, investment grade stringed musical instruments will exhibit at NAMM 2014 (Booth # 3395). In a synergistic approach to a similar customer base, Knaggs Guitars will exhibit together with Tone Merchants/Friedman amplification, David Allen pick-ups, Rock’n Roll Relic Guitars, Solo Dallas and Gravity Picks. 

Responding to numerous customer requests, Knaggs Guitars™ will introduce their ‘Creation Series™’ consisting of hand built, one-off instruments designed by master-luthier Joe Knaggs. In 2014, the ‘Creation Series ™’ will evolve into a special custom order program allowing players to fulfill their individual preferences in an entirely custom built instrument drawing upon Knaggs’ successful ‘Chesapeake’ and ‘Influence’ series. VP of Global Sales & Marketing Peter Wolf stated: “We are very excited to show our new creations in the presence of other designers and inventors who are making stellar products with the same attention to detail and care. We look forward to returning to the show floor and spending time with our Artists, dealers and distributors and making new friends and associates”. 

Knaggs Guitars have been carving a niche for themselves in the world of high-end guitar making in just a few short years and are being offered in 26 countries. Artists currently using Knaggs instruments include Grammy-Award winner Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, Kings of Chaos), Nils Lofgren (E-Street Band), Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks/John Farnham), Jared Martin (Colton Dixon), Doug Rappoport (Edgar Winter Band), two time Latin Grammy nominee Pablo Olivares and many others. 

For more information/contact: www.knaggsguitars.com





Reverend Guitars Releases the Tricky Gomez

Reverend’s tribute to an off-brand, semi-hollow body guitar from the sixties, The Tricky Gomez, is now in Reverend’s Limited Edition Metal Flake colors for 2013! Reverend Guitars is producing the model in gold, silver, blue, green, and red – all with a saturated metal flake! There are only thirteen of each color to commemorate 2013.

Routed Korina, a solid Maple top, and Reverend’s own Revtron Low-output humbuckers make the Reverend Tricky Gomez sound like a vintage guitar. The 24 3/4” Korina neck and the B70 Bigsby with a roller bridge makes it play like a modern one! Available in Gloss Black, Red Burst, and Three-Tone Burst (all with Tortoise pickguards), the Tricky Gomez is perfect for all of those heavy retro rockers! 

All Reverends have a Korina body for consistency and clarity, pin-lock tuners, and the exclusive Reverend Bass Contour, which adjusts the low frequencies in the same way that the tone control adjusts the highs. 

More info @ Reverend Guitars




 

Peavey® Announces Free Vypyr® Edit Software For Vypyr® VIP Amplifiers

Groundbreaking musical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer Peavey Electronics® is proud to announce its new, free Vypyr® Edit software for the award-winning Vypyr VIP series amplifiers. Vypyr Edit is available for both PC and Mac.
 
Containing Bass guitar, Acoustic guitar and Electric guitar amplifier models, Peavey’s Vypyr VIP series are the world’s first Variable Instrument Performance™ amps, setting an unprecedented standard for tone, versatility and affordability in the modeling guitar amplifier market. Now with the Vypyr Edit software, guitarists have the opportunity to get more in-depth with the capabilities of these amplifiers than ever before.
 
After installing the free software, guitarists can simply connect to Vypyr Edit using the Vypyr VIP’s USB bi-directional data and audio port. Once inside the software, users are provided with a complete virtual representation of their Vypyr VIP amplifier. Any adjustments made by the user within the software are directly shown on the amp, and any adjustments made to the amp are also represented in the software.
 
Guitarists can choose from a wide selection of instrument models, stompbox effects and well-known Peavey amp models to create fully customized tones. Plus, Vypyr Edit allows users to save and load their setting presets and preset banks, and even share them with the global Vypyr community. These customized presets and banks can also be saved to the user's Vypyr VIP amplifier.
 
Vypyr Edit also contains backing tracks, allowing users to play along using any of the presets they have created. While the software comes equipped with a selection of preset backing tracks, hundreds more can be purchased at GuitarInstructor.com. And for guitarists looking to brush up on their skills, Vypyr Edit includes several video guitar lessons from Rock House that range from beginner to intermediate levels. Additional lessons are provided at RockHouseMethod.com.
 
Minimum System Requirements - PC:
 
• Intel Pentium 4 processor 
• Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista 
• 512 MB of RAM 
• USB Port 
• Vypyr VIP 1, 2, or 3
 
Minimum System Requirements - Mac OS:
 
• PowerPC® G3, G4 or G5 or Intel processor 
• Mac OS X v10.4 
• 512 MB of RAM 
• USB Port 
• Vypyr VIP 1, 2, or 3
 
Vypyr Edit requires Vypyr VIP Firmware 1.62 or greater, which can be downloaded at http://www.peavey.com/vip/
 
An installation and demo video along with more information can be found at http://www.peavey.com/vip/.

12.03.2013

BFMV's "Raising Hell" Video

Rock House Instructor Artist Michael Paget and hsi band Bullet For My Valentine have released a new video of their song "Raising Hell". I got to say I like it. Great sound all the way around and a new look for Matt.






More on BFMV @ http://www.bulletformyvalentine.com/ 
Miachael Paget @ Rock House Instructor Profile 
Michael Paget's Guitar Instruction DVD Metal Rhythm




GUS G. SIGNS - NEW SOLO DEAL WITH CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS; ANNOUNCES ALBUM RELEASE

Guitar virtuoso Gus G., well known in the Metal and Rock universe for his outstanding work as member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band and as leader of his own group Firewind, has announced the signing of a new solo-artist contract with longtime international partners Century Media Records in order to co-operate on his debut solo-release entitled “I Am The Fire” for the Spring of 2014.

Gus G. comments on the newly signed deal as follows: “Loyalty is a very important thing in the music business and for me it just felt natural to trust my first solo effort to the hands of the record company that has been loyal, supportive and has helped build my career for more than 11 years now - a label that I truly feel as a family. Thank you Robert Kampf, Leif Jensen, Antje Lange, Don Robertson, Steve Joh, Jens Prueter, Nasrin Vahdani, Paul Gargano and rest of Century Family! I truly feel blessed to be a part of the CM history and looking forward to exploring new territories with this new album!”
Century Media’s founder and owner Robert Kampf checked in as well, adding: “Gus G.'s coming solo record "I Am The Fire" is going to be another display of the amazing talent Gus possesses. We at Century Media are proud to work with a player and songwriter of his class and status as well as the fantastic new album that Gus has crafted. Horns up!”

“I Am The Fire” was mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther, etc.) and was partly recorded in Los Angeles and partly in Gus’ home country of Greece during the past months. Some song titles included on the release are "Eyes Wide Open", "Redemption", "End Of The Line" and "Blame It On Me".

The album showcases a well-balanced and inspiring mixture of precise song writing, driven contemporary active rock songs, a classic Hard Rock vibe, pounding Metal cuts as well as breathtaking instrumentals. The album takes you on a diverse journey and opens the door to Gus G.’s soulful guitar playing. An exciting cast of talented guest musicians and great vocalists are also appearing on the album. The exact list of participants will be revealed throughout the coming weeks…

Gus G. has had an amazing rise within the scene and amassed an incredible body of work, both on the studio-album and worldwide touring fronts: From his early international inception as up ’n’ coming talent alongside the groups Dream Evil (Sweden), Mystic Prophecy (Germany) or also Nightrage (Greece), it was mainly the restless activity with his own band Firewind (with whom he has released a total of 7 studio albums and 2 live releases so far) as well as his invitation to join Ozzy Osbourne’s line-up ranks for the Grammy nominated “Scream” album release from 2010 and its consequent worldwide touring that fully boosted Gus G.’s reputation and profile to be now considered one of the leading guitarists in the current Metal/Rock scene, also proven via awards such as "Best Metal Guitarist" poll (Guitar Player magazine, US), "Dimebag Darrell Shredder" (Metal Hammer UK Golden Gods Awards) and 3x times poll win for "Best Guitarist" (Metal Hammer, Greece).

“I Am The Fire”, Gus G.’s long overdue solo debut album, will not only stress his skills and status, but also present interesting new facets to his range and an album as exquisite in performance as it is addictive in its catchiness. Look out for the album to street by the end of March 2014 via Century Media Records. More details will follow soon…