ROCK HOUSE Spotlight: Rusty Cooley's Fretboard Autopsy

This month's spotlight title is Rusty Cooley's "Fretboard Autopsy."

Called the "leading light of the post-Malmsteen shred-volution" by Guitar Player magazine, Rusty Cooley is one of the world's most technically advanced shredders.

In this curriculum for Rock House, Rusty unveils the secret patterns, shapes and techniques that have propelled him to guitar greatness. Learn 4, 5, 6 and 7 root modes, expanded patterns spanning the neck, 3 octave modes, reverse linear patterns and modal sequences. He'll show you how to create modal chord progressions for each of the 7 modes that you can shred your own leads over. And, in addition, to lessons for six string guitarists, he has also included bonus lessons for seven string guitars as well.



On the DVDs, Rusty teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow close-up views of each hand. In conjunction, he slowly breaks down each lesson so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included videos will help you hear how the examples are supposed to sound and, most importantly, you can see how Rusty applies them in a musical context.

Jam-packed with the most complete advanced collection of arpeggios ever, this is a must have for all guitarists.

Additionally, as with each Rock House product, the purchase of Fretboard Autopsy includes a free lifetime membership to Rock House's online lesson support system where you can enhance your learning experience by downloading backing tracks and linking with instructors. You'll also be able to connect with a community of musicians around the world learning to play using The Rock House Method.

Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course

New to The Rock House family of instructional products (released January 1):
Rock House Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course

Series: Rock House

Publisher: Rock House

Format: Softcover with DVD

Author: John McCarthy

With this blues course, you will develop general guitar basics and a solid foundation for playing the blues. Learn essential blues chords, scales and lead techniques like string bending, vibrato and hammer-ons, pull-offs. John teaches full blues scales with tri-tones, the B.B. Box and how to construct a 12-bar blues progression.

John will challenge you to learn complete blues solos, riffs and syncopated rhythm progressions. You'll also learn the talk back effect, expansion on a main theme and how to fuse jazz into blues music. Master techniques such as rakes, pick & finger and advanced bending. He'll also show you blues endings, turnarounds, melodic blues, the circle of fourths, slide techniques and many blues rhythms.

On the companion high-density DVD, students will find two full programs on one one disc as John teaches and illustrates each playing example through easy-to-follow, close-up views of each hand. He'll slowly break down all the lessons so you can easily follow along to get the hand positions correct. The included video also allows you to hear how the examples are supposed to sound and, most important, how John applies them in a musical sense.

Pick up a copy of Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course at your favorite retailer or at Amazon or Hal Leonard.com

As a special bonus, each purchase of Master Blues Guitar: A Complete Course comes with a Lifetime Web Membership for Lesson Support via the Rock House Method® support system. Just enter the member number found inside the book to register for lifetime support at RockHouseMethod.com.

Once registered, you can use this fully interactive Lesson Support site to download backing tracks to play the examples over, enhance your learning experience, link with instructors and connect with a community of people around the world.

NAMM 2014 - SCHECTER ANNOUNCES NEW JEFF LOOMIS SIGNATURE FOR 2014

Jeff Loomis redesigned his main Signature 7s for 2014. Increased access and playability, lighter weight, thinner neck, Hipshot hardtail and new tones from the EMG 57/66 set make this one of the most anticipated Schecter 2014 models!

Check 'em out @ http://www.schecterguitars.com

NAMM 2014 - Schecter Guitar Research Announces Blackjack ATX Series

Sun Valley, CA (January 16, 2014) -- Schecter Guitar Research is proud to announce the New Blackjack ATX to be showcased in the spacious upstairs Room 210-D. This series is offered in with a mahogany body (Aged Black Satin Finish) and a swamp ash body (Vampyre Red Satin Finish) in 2 different body shapes: The classic C-Series shape and the brand new Solo-II shape. The Blackjack ATX is offered as 6, 7, and 8 string models all loaded with Seymour Duncan Blackout pick-ups and equipped with glow in the dark side dot inlays. The Blackjack ATX series will also include: Blackjack ATX C-1, Blackjack ATX C-1 FR, Blackjack ATX C-7, Blackjack ATX C-8, and the Blackjack ATX Solo-II.

Check 'em out @http://www.schecterguitars.com/Default.aspx

 

NAMM 2014 - Fargen Amps Launches New 2014 Products

Sacramento, CA (January 15, 2014) -- To celebrate Fargen Custom Shop's 15th year of crafting some the world’s finest USA built tube guitar amplifiers, they announced the limited edition red/white/blue High Gain Classic 50. Ben Fargen has pulled out all the stops and rolled 15 years of high-gain Custom Shop builds into this 15-piece exclusive run of amplifiers. Classic rock through pure molten metal lava only scratches the tonal surface of what this modern masterpiece can achieve. Classic 3 x 12AX7 preamp gain staging, 12AX7 tube buffered FX loop with true bypass switch, foot switchable dual master volume coupled with a 50 watt classic 2 x 6CA4/EL34 power amp makes for the ultimate powerhouse amp head. The High Gain Classic 50 is available on the Fargen website and at select authorized dealers, in red, white or blue tolex, with Fargen producing five of each color. MSRP $3,499.

Fargen also announced two new additions to its standard retail line. Its first jazz amp is presented in a lightweight grab and go combo that weighs under 25 pounds, and offers pure tube tone. Fargen has developed its first ever tube/ solid state hybrid design. The brand new Fargen Jazz Custom SE combo features a pure high voltage hand-wired tube preamp feeding an ultra-efficient lightweight 50W class D power amp, through two ultra-efficient 8" full range speakers. Now, jazz guitar players, and any player needing great clean headroom tone, can have pure boutique tube amp tones in a super lightweight and compact design. This amp brings fresh new traditional vintage & modern jazz-style tones inspired by the classic 60's blackface all-tube preamp architecture. MSRP $1,599.

The Townhouse 20 is the new "gig ready" edition to the Fargen Amps lineup for Winter 2014. Following on the success of the micro-sized class A Townhouse 5 watt head (released at Summer NAMM 2013), the Townhouse 20 sports a new 2 x 6V6 20-watt power amp in a brand new compact 1 x 12" grab-and-gig compact combo design, while offering hand-built, made in the USA boutique tube amp quality and tone. The two-way Decade Switch features a 50?s setting with vintage tweed-inspired tones, and a 60?s setting inspired by brownface tones. The Townhouse 20 is like two-amps-in-one, at a reasonable price considering its boutique essence. MSRP $1,599.

Finally, Fargen has reissued its J&J Overdrive pedal, originally marketed under the Sonic Edge brand. The new J&J is based on the same circuit as the original, and is now hand crafted in the USA. This marks the second Sonic Edge pedal reissued and branded as Fargen. MSRP $189.

"We're kicking-off our 15th anniversary year in a big way, with an exciting limited-edition high gainer and a cool, warm jazz box - two firsts for us in terms of production amps" said Ben Fargen, founder. "The Townhouse 20 is a nice extension of the 5W Townhouse, for our customers who love Townhouse but are looking for a little more, but still at a reasonable price for a boutique amp", says Ben.

Check 'em out @ http://www.fargenamps.com/

NAMM 2014 - The Rock House Method 2014 Products

Take a look and see what The Rock House Method will be bringing to the table at NAMM 2014. For those who will be attending, stop by and meet John McCarthy at the Hal Leonard Booth in Hall B Booth 5720.

Check out the products @ GoMakeMusic
Check out the website @ The Rock House Method

NAMM 2014 - B.C. Rich Announces the Mockingbird Plus FR

Hebron, KY (January 23, 2014) -- B.C. Rich debuts the latest addition to one of their bestselling lines, the Mockingbird Plus FR. The new model will make its first appearance at the 2014 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Trade show this January in Anaheim, California. Inspired by the successful Mockingbird ST, the new Mockingbird Plus FR delivers the features which attracted players at nearly half the price.

Growing demand for a Mockingbird with a Floyd Rose bridge fuels the release of the new model. As one of the most in demand body shapes in the B.C. Rich line, the Mockingbird Plus FR is designated to be a top seller. Production models are being delivered to key dealers in January 2014.

The Mockingbird Plus FR features a mahogany body with a black vapor finish to highlight and detail the figured maple top. Complementing the 25 5/8” maple set-neck is a 24 fret ebony fretboard with a 12” radius, diamond inlays and the traditional B.C. Rich three on three headstock. The new set-neck design features a contour delivering the sonic advantages of a set-neck design with a comfortable neck joint normally only seen on neck-thru designs.

Additional highlights of the new model include the traditional Mockingbird electronics configuration of dual humbuckers with a master volume control, a master tone control and a three way toggle switch for maximum tone versatility. The Floyd Rose bridge, control knobs, strap buttons, locking nut, and die-cast tuners are all finished in a high gloss black to complement the black vapor finish.

Originally released in 1976, the B.C. Rich Mockingbird is ranked as “The Coolest Guitar of All Time”. With its eye catching design, the guitar has a noted list of users that include Slash, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Chuck Schuldiner (Death), Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium) and Rick Derringer.

MSRP: $640.00 USD 

Check 'em out @ http://bcrich.com

NAMM 2014 - Ernie Ball Introduces Aluminum Bronze and M-Steel Strings

Coachella, CA (January 15, 2014) -- Ernie Ball, one of the world's leading manufacturers of guitar strings and musical instrument accessories, is proud to introduce the first significant material innovation for acoustic strings since the release of Phosphor Bronze in 1974. Following the success of the immensely popular Cobalt Slinkys, Ernie Ball continues to provide musicians with the most cutting edge tools to achieve superior tone with the release of Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings.

Extensive research over the span of 3 years lead to the development of this optimal blend of copper and aluminum specifically tailored for acoustic guitar strings. Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings feature more projection and clarity than traditional bronze strings, while also providing improved corrosion resistance. Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings are made with Ernie Ball Maraging Steel hex cores and Aluminum Bronze wrap wire which provide more pronounced lows coupled with crisp brilliant highs.

Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings were road tested by some of today's most respected acoustic guitarists from world renowned guitar virtuosos, Andy McKee and Antoine Dufour to multi-platinum and grammy-award winning artist, John Mayer. The response has been in resounding agreement that Aluminum Bronze Strings provide a shockingly clear and robust tone unlike anything else on the market. 

Officially launching mid January, the new Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings will be available in stores late Spring 2014. With a street price of $7.99 for guitar, the new strings will be available in all of the popular Acoustic gauges. This progressive innovation leads a host of new and exciting products that Ernie Ball is set to launch at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show. 

Ernie Ball is proud to introduce the next significant material innovation for electric guitar strings with M-Steel Strings. On the heels of launching Cobalt Slinkys, Ernie Ball has continued to redefine the tonal capabilities and magnetic properties of the electric guitar string. This proprietary new line of strings has been re-engineered from the ground up to further increase output, frequency response, and strength.

M-Steel, short for Maraging Steel, is a superalloy used in high stress applications for the aerospace and defense industries. The wound strings are comprised of a patented Super Cobalt alloy wrapped around a Maraging steel hex core wire, producing a richer and fuller tone with powerful low end response. M-Steel plain strings are comprised of a specially tempered steel for maximum fatigue resistance. A patented winding of steel around the ball end of the plain strings reduces slippage, breakage and stays in tune better than conventional plain strings.

M-Steel Strings were road tested by some of today's most respected musicians, including world-renowned guitarists Slash, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci. Guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert said: “Ernie Ball knows their metal... literally. I just put a new set of M-Steel Strings on, Wow! Powerful new tones came streaming out of my guitar.” Upon review, Guitar Player Magazine said “M-Steels Strings are louder and girthier than even the Cobalt Slinkys and more so when compared to nickel-plated strings.”

Officially launching mid January, the new Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings will be available in stores late Spring 2014. With a street price of $12.99, the new strings will be available in five popular Slinky gauges: Super, Regular, Hybrid, Power and Skinny Top Heavy Bottom. This progressive innovation leads a host of new and exciting products that Ernie Ball is set to launch at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show. 

Check 'em out @ http://www.ernieball.com/

NAMM 2014 - Boss Announces the DS-1X Distortion and the OD-1X Overdrive

Los Angeles, CA (January 15, 2014) -- BOSS is pleased to announce the OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion, two special edition compact pedals for guitarists with an ear for premium tone. Delivering a refined tonal experience that’s only possible with the legendary expertise of BOSS, the OD-1X and DS-1X will forever change the way players think about overdrive and distortion.

Bringing together decades of innovation in pedal design with the most advanced tone technologies, the OD-1X and DS-1X offer next-generation performance that opens up a modern era of expression for guitarists everywhere. Featuring all-new designs powered by BOSS’ cutting-edge Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP), these inspiring pedals provide superior sound, feel, and response characteristics that are impossible to achieve with traditional analog designs. 

The OD-1X and DS-1X both offer a striking appearance to match their premium tone. Each model is equipped with exclusive chrome knobs and a chrome control plate, plus a vintage silver knob for battery compartment access.

Check 'em out @ http://rolandconnect.com

NAMM 2014 - Boss Announces ME-80 Multiple Effects

Los Angeles, CA (January 15, 2014) -- BOSS is pleased to announce the ME-80 Guitar Multiple Effects, a powerful floor-based tone processor with a knob-driven interface for intuitive, stompbox-style control. Featuring an enormous selection of flagship-quality effects and COSM amps, eight multifunction footswitches, battery-powered operation, and much more, the compact ME-80 is perfect for performing guitarists of all levels. Via the BOSS TONE STUDIO editor application, ME-80 users can easily customize sounds and enjoy direct access to free patches and other great content at the newly launched BOSS TONE CENTRAL website.

BOSS TONE CENTRAL is the ultimate destination for all players that use BOSS guitar and bass gear. The initial focus of this powerful new web portal is on the ME-80, but compact pedals and other BOSS multi-effects will be included as the site evolves. Premium ME-80 content available now includes demo videos and free patches created by famous guitarists, touring pros, and session players. Users are encouraged to check back often, as the site will be continuously updated with additional patches, how-to videos, artist interviews, and much more.

The ME-80 contains a history of BOSS effects in one pedal, from overdrives and distortions to wahs, mod effects, pitch shifters, delays, and the latest MDP effects. Also included are nine updated COSM preamps derived from the flagship GT-100, with new additions such as Crunch, Metal, and an AC preamp designed for acoustic/electric guitar. The onboard expression pedal can be used for foot volume and pedal effects like wah, octave shift, and Freeze, and it’s also possible to control effects parameters such as mod rate, delay oscillation, and more.

Unlike typical multi-effects processors that are complicated and unintuitive, using the ME-80 is as easy as using a stompbox. Eight different effects categories can be active simultaneously, and the panel features a total of 30 knobs for instant access to effects selection, sound adjustment, and more. The Pedal FX category has its own dedicated knob for quickly assigning an effects type or function to be controlled by the expression pedal. Favorite settings can be saved in 36 user patch locations, letting players recall custom effects configurations at the touch of a pedal. 

The flexible ME-80 offers easily selectable modes for individual stompbox-style on/off or traditional patch-based operation. In Manual mode, the effects categories function like individual stomp effects, with direct on/off control via seven footswitches. When entering Memory mode, the footswitches are reconfigured to select user or preset patches and patch banks. One footswitch on the ME-80 is dedicated for mode switching, so users can toggle between Manual and Memory modes at any time. 

In addition, the eight multifunction footswitches provide convenient access to alternate functions such as tap tempo, tuner, looper control, and more. The newly developed footswitch style provides two switches in the space occupied by one in previous designs, allowing BOSS to outfit the ME-80 with a generous array of foot-operated controls while keeping the unit extremely compact and mobile. The expression pedal has its own integrated toe switch that toggles between foot volume and the current Pedal FX setting. 

The ME-80 is equipped with a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface for direct recording to DAW software, communication with the BOSS TONE STUDIO application, and more. Available as a free download for Mac and Windows, BOSS TONE STUDIO features an inviting graphical interface for editing and organizing ME-80 patches. If the user’s computer has Internet access, the software also provides an integrated connection to the BOSS TONE CENTRAL website, allowing them preview and download gig-ready patches created by top guitar pros directly into the ME-80. 

Check 'em out @ http://www.bossus.com/