Popular
Popular videos on All Guitar Network
AGN News
News
One of Eddie Van Halen's Guitars is Being Auctioned Online by Former Fiancée.
Auction is Thursday, March 25, at 8 a.m. PDT until March 31 at Midnight PDT.
Joey House Quotes:
"Eddie Van Halen and I, Joey House, had an amazing deep incredible whirlwind relationship."
"He created these House of Petals guitars out of the love and passion we had. We would sit in the garden of House of Petals, play music, laugh and talk late into the night. I will continue to cherish these unforgettable memories forever."
"Eddie's beautiful wicked sense of humor and his passion and creativity are unmatched by anyone else I've ever met. He will always be a beautiful amazing man, musician, father, and creative genius in so many areas of life."
"We had so many fun wild adventures together. Eddie and I used to go into his 5150 studio at his house, and create music and songs late into the night and morning. It was so fun, inspiring, and creative. We would stay up late, creating beauty and magic. We didn't even care about sleeping!"
"Eddie would ask me to come over and watch him create and build guitars. It was so fascinating to watch him build and sculpt guitars from scratch. It was one of his fun creative outlets."
"Eddie's passion for music and creativity was part of his life force. He used to tell me all the time that he would let go and just channel, letting the information and inspiration come through him to create his music and magic. It was so beautiful to witness."
"These guitars are such a beautiful representation of his creativity, love, joy and passion. He will always be cherished and missed. He was such a magical human being and profound artist and musician, continuing to be alive in all of our hearts forever, cherished and missed incredibly for all of our lifetime."
Info: Visit www.eddievanhalenguitars.com or email info@eddievanhalenguitars.com.
AGN News
NewsVintage
Gibson Custom Shop Launches “The Murphy Lab Collection”.mp4
NASHVILLE, TN (March 9, 2021) Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand has announced the launch of The Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab is an all-new lab within the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville that is wholly dedicated to the art of aging guitars using the latest and most sophisticated technology, science, and tools. Explore the new Murphy Lab Collection, available worldwide now: hello.gibson.com/murphy-lab.
Led by industry pioneer Tom Murphy, each Murphy Lab artisan has been trained by Tom to an expert level by using his patented, chemical processes and specifications to provide four distinct levels of age and wear ranging from Ultra-Heavy to Ultra-Light. Each Murphy Lab guitar is a unique work of art that provides the ultimate vintage look, feel, and ownership experience. The Murphy Lab offers the new Murphy Lab Collection--which is comprised of 50 guitars--as well as a Murphy Lab Menu of aging options for Made to Measure guitars. Every Murphy Lab aged instrument takes a separate path through the Gibson Custom Shop, receiving the new Murphy Lab lacquer formula and hand-applied techniques.
For 25 years, Master Artisan Tom Murphy has been replicating the vibe and character of vintage guitars on the canvas of newly-created guitars. Tom’s technique leverages his passion for and deep knowledge of vintage guitars, adding his creative vision to add wear and natural lacquer cracking, that recreate the way a Gibson guitar ages, gracefully, over time. Tom has recreated the aging on guitars of legendary guitarists including Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Peter Frampton, Dickey Betts, Gary Rossington, and many more.
Tom was instrumental in the original formation of the world-renowned Gibson Custom Shop and developed the scientific process of aging guitars. The original Nitrocellulose Lacquer used on guitars in the 1950s and 1960s was imperfect and brittle, causing the finish to develop cracks, typically underneath the paint. In partnership with Tom, Gibson has scientifically reverse-engineered the original 1950s-1960s Gibson lacquer. Exclusively for The Murphy Lab, Tom has combined his aging skills and this new lacquer to create improved, ultra-realistic and long-lasting aging patterns.
The Murphy Lab was conceived when Tom led an initiative at the Gibson Custom Shop to test prototypes of all different body shapes, finishes and levels of aging and each guitar created, in Tom’s words was “game changing.” The Murphy Lab was then created at Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, where Tom alongside his expert team are aging guitars with more accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail than ever before. The Murphy Lab is a living tribute to Tom Murphy, his work, and his legacy, as Tom will forever have a key role in Gibson’s history.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have an opportunity to bring these instruments to the market; to have my name on them is a tremendous responsibility,” says Tom Murphy, Master Artisan of The Murphy Lab at Gibson Custom Shop. “This work has been my passion for decades and what we have achieved in The Murphy Lab in terms of the different styles of aging and the consistency of the process is truly groundbreaking. I always stack my work up against real deal vintage Gibson guitars, and the effect that we are now able to achieve, well, there's just nothing else out there like it. This is a game changer. This is the future of aging guitars.”
“The Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson’s legacy,” says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. “The Murphy Lab, one of our Gibson Labs, is where we re-imagine and implement new ways of delivering the Gibson Custom Shop historic experience. Master Artisan Tom Murphy brings his expertise, authentic style and his passion for building historically accurate guitars to the Murphy Lab Collection.”
The Murphy Lab Collection -- Gibson Custom Shop:
The Murphy Lab Collection from Gibson Custom Shop is comprised of 50 different aged Historic Reissue models, which are not just a tribute to the priceless original models--they are a clone of them. From laser-scanned dimensions to chemically--recreated plastics and color-matched shades of Gibson’s famous Sunburst, every element has been rendered in unbelievable detail. It represents the culmination of decades of work by Custom Shop's expert team -- a tireless quest to bring accuracy and authenticity into the hands of fans. The definition of cool, these guitars are the best creations since the Gibson Custom Shop began making Historic Reissues over twenty-25 years ago. The Murphy Lab Collection features the following ranges in wear Ultra Heavy-Aged, Heavy-Aged, Light Aged and Ultra-Light Aged, by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab finish treatments, paired with coordinating aged hardware, simulate decades of natural playing, giving each guitar its own unique character, vibe, and the feel of an original guitar from the Gibson Golden Era.
Michael Lemmo
MUST WATCH! $10,000 guitar gifted to Michael Lemmo from a fan at Norman's Rare Guitars
Get ready to grab your tissues because this is a good one!
This week Norm got a call from our friend Susan, and she wanted to buy Lemmo his dream guitar as a surprise. She's never been to the store, but she's a big fan of the Norman's Rare Guitars YouTube Channel, and she has a heart of gold! Susan, you're an absolute angel! Thank you for this insanely generous gift, Lemmo is freaking out!!!
Vintage Lowdown
Joe BonamassaSlashSarah RogoTim PierceBassJosh SmithNorman's Rare GuitarsUpload Of The DayDeke DickersonLessonsNewsVintageTips, Tech & RepairsKirk FletcherMorning Joe MassNorman's Rare Guitars PodcastHenny HendrexzMichael LemmoGuitar Of The DayJazzDavid BeckerCountryRockBluesAcousticMrs SmithFab's Music Café108 Rock Star GuitarsFab's Movie NightRecordingJohn 5Youtube PicksSong Writing
Part 1: amazing vintage find in Hawaii online auction
AGN's Mark Rivett recently bought a beautiful, early - mid 60s Gretsch G6131, more commonly known as the JET FIREBIRD. In episode one we take a close look at the guitar which has suffered from being in a hot humid environment for many years....in fact, the guitar has been sitting in the (original) case since 1992...!! These guitars are prized and loved by many players and collectors, none more so than the late, great Malcolm Young from ACDC who single-handedly put this particular Gretsch workhorse on the map as a heavy rockin' rhythm machine.
Griff Hamlin: Blues Guitar Lesson How To Play Hide Away by Freddie King
While this is a fun little melody to learn and a cool tune...
I have an ulterior motive for showing it to you :)
We often talk about "playing on the porch" style stuff where you will be responsible for holding down the rhythm while, at the same time, attempting to play something that resembles a melody...
Because as you probably remember, you need 3 things to make music - rhythm, harmony, and melody.
Taking a little time to learn this would be SUPER beneficial if you're more towards the beginner end of things...
And at the very least, fun if you're more advanced.
Fab's Music Café
Jas Morris of Firekind
Fab's Music Café: Jas Morris of Firekind.
Alamo Music Center
Fender American Pro II vs. American Ultra Stratocaster
"In keeping with our comparisons of Fender's new beautiful American Professional II line, we're back to take a look at the American Pro II Strat up against its modern and advanced older brother, the American Ultra. Though Fender has updated its flagship line, the American Pro II, with some more modern features, there are still a few key differences from the Ultras; namely, pickups, neck shapes, tuning machines, and finishes; however, the addition of some new pickup switching options, updated hardware, and heel contouring takes these two lines closer than ever before."
Meanwhile back At Norm's, it's Vintage Guitar Minute Time
Norman Harris Just Found One Of The Rarest FENDER STRATOCASTERS
Norman Harris Just Found One Of The Rarest FENDER STRATOCASTERS...a near mint 1958 early 3 tone sunburst in a mint condition tweed case, with original strap, wammy bar etc.
AGN News
NewsAcoustic
PRS announces Limited Edition SE parlor acoustic in Antique White.
PRS Guitars just announced a Limited Edition SE parlor acoustic in Antique White. This Limited Edition maintains all the original appointments of the PRS SE P20E with the addition of an Antique White solid-mahogany top paired with natural mahogany back and sides. The Antique White PRS SE P20E is limited to 3,500 pieces worldwide.
PRS Guitars has long been known for its solid-body electric instruments, but PRS proudly announced its first-ever Parlor acoustic guitars in May 2020. The PRS P20 and P20E are parlor-sized acoustics with big presence. Featuring PRS hybrid “X”/Classical bracing, which allows the top to freely vibrate, the SE parlors project with bold, even tone. These guitars boast all-mahogany construction, and have an organic, warm voice. Their smaller size makes playing for hours effortless and comfortable.
“The SE parlor acoustics have been received very well by players at all levels, and from their inception, we thought this would be a good platform to have a bit of fun with color,” said Jack Higginbotham, PRS COO. “From Davy Knowles to PRS Pulse Artist Sophia Gripari to thousands of players at home, these guitars offer a new and unique tool for writing, home-recording, and getting lost in playing for hours without ending up with a sore strumming shoulder.”
High-quality features include a solid mahogany top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. PRS SE Parlor acoustics come with a high-quality gig bag and are strung with 12-53 strings.
The Limited Edition PRS SE P20E Antique White also comes standard with a Fishman GT1 pickups system. Plug in, and this system delivers dynamic, organic tone. Whether writing, recording, or performing, the SE P20E is sure to impress. Parlor-sized acoustics can be miscategorized because of their size, but this electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls, which transforms what some may consider a “couch-only guitar” into a workhorse stage instrument.
Norman's Rare Guitars
Norman's Rare GuitarsNewsVintageMichael Lemmo
Omer Fedi playing a 1963 Fender Stratocaster at Norman's Rare Guitars
Omer Fedi playing a 1963 Fender Stratocaster at Norman's Rare Guitars
AGN News
NewsAcoustic
Thursday; 3/25: Special Limited-Edition Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower Acoustic Available Worldwide on Gibson.com
For 127 years, Gibson has shaped sound across generations and genres and has emerged as the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brand around the world. Gibson is proud to announce it has teamed with the family of world-renowned music icon Tom Petty to create his beloved SJ-200 Wildflower acoustic guitar. Decades in the making, the Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower acoustic guitar is handmade by the expert luthiers and artisans of Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana and is available worldwide at: www.gibson.com.
Preferred by famous musicians for decades, Gibson acoustic guitars are known on stages the world over, and in the hands of the most celebrated musicians across the globe. Gibson acoustics are cemented in the zeitgeist as the quintessential American acoustic guitar. The SJ, or Super Jumbo body shape, was first designed in 1937 and is engineered for volume even with a natural touch. The Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower is inspired by the guitar Gibson made for Tom around 1996 while he was entering a prolific period of songwriting, recording, and performing around the release of his Wildflowers album.
“It is so incredible to see the SJ-200 design our Dad worked on so long ago, lovingly brought to fruition with his long-time guitar tech and friend Alan Weidel and the craftsmen and women at Gibson guitars.
There has been much effort made to make certain this guitar lives up to Tom’s musical standards and the specs he wanted for a best-in-class instrument. Alan Weidel has put this instrument through its paces as he has with all Tom Petty signature guitar models.
Tom played the SJ-200 while writing and recording Wildflowers and to us it is an honor and a privilege to have Gibson launch this instrument to celebrate his musical masterpiece. That way others can make what my Dad called “the big jangle” a reference to that gorgeous, big, SJ-200 acoustic sound he loved.
We hope fans and members of the music community alike enjoy this beautiful instrument as much as we do. It is a beautiful tribute to him.”
-- Adria Petty
Above: the Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower in Antique Natural.
Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower photos, credit Gibson: Here.
Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower, spec sheets: Here.
Rare and collectible, this first run of the Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower acoustic guitar features the detailed SJ-200 ornamentation and beauty expected from Gibson acoustics, it is equipped with a AAA Sitka spruce top, a stunning and highly figured quilted maple back and sides and the neck is flamed maple. With gold Grover Imperial Tuners, as well as an LR Baggs VTC under-saddle pick up with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls, this SJ-200 is stage-ready, right out of its custom Wildflower case. Personalized artist touches include the Wildflower logo in Mother-of-Pearl on the headstock, the “You Belong Among the Wildflowers” lyric decal on the back of the headstock and Tom Petty’s signature engraved on the double pickguard make this a very special guitar. An acoustic masterpiece, only 100 of these SJ-200 Wildflower guitars will be available.
Both solo, and with his band The Heartbreakers, Tom Petty created some of the most beloved and enduring music of our time. Released late 2020, Tom Petty’s final project, the long-awaited Wildflowers & All The Rest, featured all 25 songs from the Wildflowers sessions as they were originally envisioned by Tom. Produced by Tom, Rick Rubin, and Mike Campbell, the Wildflowers & All The Rest collection is a complete look at one of rock music’s most unique and beloved albums allowing fans to see the entire recording process from demos, to the studio, to the stage, and more. Wildflowers & All The Rest can be streamed/purchased Here.
Finding Wildflowers (Alternate Versions) will be released on April 16 via Warner Records. The album features 16 studio recordings of alternate takes, long cuts, and jam versions of Wildflowers songs as Tom, band members and co-producer Rick Rubin worked to finalize the album in 1994. The release offers fans further deep access into the writing and recording of Wildflowers, as well as realizing the full vision of the project as Tom had always intended. The tracks on Finding Wildflowers (Alternate Versions) were previously released on the limited-edition Super Deluxe 9-LP version of Wildflowers & All The Rest and will now be available on limited edition gold vinyl for TomPetty.com and indie retail, CDs and on all digital streaming platforms for the first time. For more information on Finding Wildflowers, visit: https://tompetty.lnk.to/findingwildflowers.
The new documentary “Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free,” explores the same time period of Petty’s life; creating and touring around the Wildflowers album. Shot by Petty’s filmographer Martyn Atkins and directed by Mary Wharton, “Somewhere You Feel Free” is crafted around a treasure trove of discovered 16mm footage, as well as new interviews with Adria Petty, producer Rick Rubin and Petty’s Heartbreakers bandmates Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, and Steve Ferrone. For more information on the film “Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free,” which premiered at SXSW last week, visit: www.tompetty.com/film.
Meanwhile back At Norm's, it's Vintage Guitar Minute Time
Norman's Rare GuitarsNewsVintage
Norman Harris Just Bought Some Of The Rarest FENDER TELECASTERS & STRATOCASTERS New Additions!
Continuing our coverage of Norman Harris' vintage guitar collection-here are some of the latest additions to his guitar collection. These are guitars from recent purchases, warehouse and pulled from the back.