Norm's band Katmandu presented by Little Richard poster from 1971 Norman's Rare Guitars

Duration: 03:32

New

GIBSON TV ANNOUNCES NEW DOCUSERIES TO STREAM THIS FALL: “IOMMI: THE GODFATHER OF HEAVY METAL”

LONDON, UK — This week, the Gibson hosted a very special event to celebrate Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, and launch the return of his Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker™ out now from the Gibson Pickup Shop. Music fans gathered at the Gibson Garage London for an intimate interview with Tony Iommi—moderated by Liz Barnes (BBC Radio 2)—which was followed by a brief performance, and a screening of the “first look” trailer for “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal,” a new limited docuseries from Gibson Films, which will stream worldwide this fall on Gibson TV. In the late 90s, Gibson teamed up with Tony to create their very first signature pickup. Now, that original Gibson signature humbucker has made its long-awaited return. The Gibson Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker honours Tony’s legendary guitar work, powerful sound, and groundbreaking albums, which laid the foundation for heavy metal and inspired countless other genres. The Tony Iommi Humbucker features an exclusive configuration of powerful ceramic and Alnico 2 magnets, along with unique windings, which give it the incredible tone and sustain that have helped make Tony’s work with Black Sabbath instantly recognizable. Thunderous tone and incredible sustain, with crystal clarity, even in full distortion, the Tony Iommi Humbucker is fully wax-potted and epoxied for absolute protection against unwanted feedback. The 4-conductor wiring allows for series, parallel, and split coil operation. On collaborating with Gibson, his love of the SG™, and the creation of the Tony Iommi Humbucker, Tony says: “When we were recording the first album, on the song ‘Wicked World,’ I had been using a Strat™, and the pickup went out. I grabbed the Gibson SG, and liked the sound of it, and from that day on, that first album, I have always used a Gibson SG.” Tony adds, “We first made these pickups 28 years ago, to solve the interference from the volume we were using and the turbo booster, and they have continuously evolved since to be better. I hope my pickup will help the guitar players of today get my sound; it is the Sabbath sound off of these pickups, and with the right combination and amp, they are fantastic.” Parents hated it. Their kids loved it. After the Summer of Love began to fade, an ominous new sound emerged from the smokestacks of Birmingham, England. Tony Iommi was the architect of that sound—the man responsible for the genre-defining riffs of Black Sabbath and a sound that would take over the world. More than just a new style of music, heavy metal became a way of life—connecting millions through a spirit of rebellion, passion, and a relentless sound that refuses to fade. Coming this autumn on Gibson TV, “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal,” the new limited series from Gibson Films, will take a career-spanning deep dive into Tony’s music history and his massive influence on countless other luminaries of heavy music. The star-studded, limited documentary series will feature in-depth interviews with Tony himself, as well as Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Dave Mustaine, Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, Scott Ian, Rex Brown, and many more. “Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal. Through his iconic riffs and uncompromising vision, he gave birth to a sound that was rooted in darkness and became the foundation for generations of musicians,” says Todd Harapiak, Media Director at Gibson and Producer for the new series. “‘The Godfather of Heavy Metal’ not only celebrates the story of Lord Iommi and Black Sabbath but also shines a light on the stories of the countless bands who carried their torch forward.” About Gibson: Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.

03:552 months ago

News & latest Releases

Blood Sweat and Gear - 25 Years of Mojotone

Manufacturer celebrates silver jubilee with major website makeover, retrospective video interview BURGAW, NC, August 12, 2025 – Mojotone, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, has just launched a refreshed website design that comprehensively presents its vast catalogue of vintage reproduction parts, amplifier kits, and custom cabinet, speaker, and pickup offerings. The company has also released a retrospective video interview with co-founders Michael McWhorter and Andy Turner that explores the company’s history from its founding in the early 2000s as a small, print catalogue-driven enterprise to its current status as one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality, hand-crafted goods in the pro audio/MI industry. For more information, please visit: https://mojotone.com/ Vintage supply, modern approach Mojotone initially began as an extension of Turner’s instrument and amplifier repair shop in Winston-Salem, NC, supplying vintage and reproduction parts for guitars and amplifiers. Upon realizing the size and enthusiasm of the market, they quickly adopted a more ‘full-service’ vision that put their experience and expertise to the forefront in an industry that was well on its way to an analog revival. “The boutique amplifier and pedal market was just starting to take off and there was a real need for suppliers and educators who understood vintage-style circuits,” Turner explains. “We decided to put this knowledge at the forefront of everything we did and prioritize educating the market while also providing them with the best possible parts..” In addition to serving vintage enthusiasts, Mojotone quickly made themselves an ally to manufacturers, supplying OEM cabinets, parts and expertise to major brands such as Gibson as well as burgeoning boutique amplifier makers like Budda, Germino, Swart, Victoria, and more. These efforts naturally led to collaborations with artists as well as touring techs for Weezer, Green Day, Neil Young, Phish, Jack White, John Mayer. “It all comes back to that mindset of offering the best equipment we can and trying to solve issues that we felt hadn’t been solved,” McWhorter states. “It’s driven us to develop these new product lines for our own satisfaction, and ultimately attracted interest from some of our most exciting artist partners.” One of the most notable has been Lerxst – a cooperative effort with Rush’s Alex Lifeson that has resulted in a line of amplifiers, guitars, pickups, and effects inspired by the influential guitarist’s tone journey. The high-profile partnership provides insight into the next leg of Mojotone’s plans. “It's a different way for an artist to have ‘signature’ equipment – more holistic with a larger focus on the artist’s involvement and catering directly to their fans, rather than trying to appeal too broadly,” McWhorter explains. “They get 100% control of what happens, and we get to enjoy that collaboration and create something fresh and interesting for the market.” The next generation of Mojo Expanding the company’s product lines and artist relationships has also provided Mojotone with continued opportunities to expand their education and community-engagement efforts. The company now provides regular classes on amp manufacturing and pickup winding, as well as outreach efforts to local educational institutions. All of these efforts serve to seed the next generation of passionate craftspeople in the industry.“We really want to change the perception of manufacturing in this country and show how it can lead to meaningful, exciting careers built on craftsmanship and innovation,” explains Turner. “We have such a passion for all of this, and being able to share that with the youth guarantees that this knowledge will be passed on and continue to develop and grow.” “Over the past 25 years, we’ve helped so many people realize their dreams, start businesses, and create great music – all of this stems from that initial desire to share our experience and knowledge of musical instruments,” concludes McWhorter. “We’ve very proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we can safely say that there is much more to come in the next 25 years!” About MOJOTONE Mojotone was founded in 2000 by partners Michael McWhorter and Andy Turner as a full-service manufacturer and supplier of modern and vintage-reproduction amplifier and guitar parts. In addition to serving as one-stop-shop parts supplier, the brand also manufactures its own lines of USA-made amplifiers, cabinets, pickups, and guitar pedals, as well as signature equipment for artists such as Alex Lifeson, Johnny Winter, Bill Kelliher, Rene Martinez, and many more. For more information about MOJOTONE, please visit: https://mojotone.com/ (https://)

02:582 months ago

Joe Mass

Morning Joe_2012 Gibson Les Paul

Morning Joe_2012 Gibson Les Paul https://www.instagram.com/mass59lespaul

02:272 months ago

New Releases - Guitars/Bass/Gear

Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue – Epiphone Inspired by Gibson

Dinesh demos the new Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom collection – new for 2025! ▶ Get YOUR Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue HERE: https://bit.ly/4flzYTb ▶ Shop the FULL Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection: https://bit.ly/45kZovB Watch as Dinesh demos the new Epiphone Pre‑War SJ‑200 Rosewood Reissue acoustic guitar from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, featuring a thermally aged solid spruce top, solid rosewood back, and a two‑piece maple neck with a rosewood stringer and round‑D profile, presented here in a Vintage Sunburst finish. After the Gibson SJ-200 was introduced in 1937, it quickly earned the title “The King of the Flat-Tops” thanks to its majestic appearance, superior sound, and exceptional projection. The earliest models featured rosewood back and sides, later replaced by maple in 1947. Due to limited post-Depression demand, very few pre-war SJ-200s were made — making rosewood-bodied originals highly prized by today’s collectors. Now, Epiphone and Gibson Custom have partnered to create the Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of this rare vintage icon. It features solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn spruce, and a two-piece maple neck with a rosewood stringer and Round D profile, attached via a glued-in dovetail joint. The ebony fretboard features mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays and 20 standard frets. Additional vintage-style appointments include an SJ-200-style pickguard with traditional graphics and an ebony open two-bar Moustache™ bridge with mother-of-pearl inlays. The nut, saddle, and bridge pins are all bone. The Gibson “open book” headstock features a vintage Epiphone logo and Gibson Crown in aged mother-of-pearl, along with a stinger and Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond logo etched on the rear. For modern stage and studio needs, it comes equipped with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup and preamp, with soundhole-mounted controls — all housed in a Red Line-inspired hardshell case featuring Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics.

02:232 months ago

Guitar Of The Day

1967 Gibson LG-1 Sunburst with Pickup Guitar of the Day

Beautiful guitar for today's new #FlatTopFriday episode of #GuitarOfTheDay with ‪@mikelemmo‬ playing a 1967 Gibson LG-1 Sunburst with Pickup available here at #NormansRareGuitars! For any questions you may have or price inquiries about this #Gibson #LG1 #AcousticGuitar give us a call at 818-344-8300. https://normansrareguitars.com

06:552 months ago

New Releases - Guitars/Bass/Gear

Death By Audio Announces Triple Release: Crossover Fuzz In Black & Limited White, Plus The Photo Modulator

QUEENS, NEW YORK, AUGUST 2025 - Death By Audio, the Queens-based noise-wranglers responsible for some of the world’s most radical effects, are kicking down the doors with not one, but three new product releases: the Crossover Fuzz in standard black, a limited Reverb-exclusive white edition (150 units worldwide), and the Photo Modulator, a light-sensitive expression controller. CROSSOVER FUZZ: Fuzz So Heavy, It Had to Be Split The Crossover Fuzz is more than a fuzz box - it’s a dual-band fuzz engine with linked resonant filters, independent gain and volume controls for highs and lows, and a reactive LED display that shows you where your sound is being torn apart. By splitting your signal into highs and lows, the Crossover Fuzz allows you to sculpt frequencies, annihilate them, or sling them across amps in stereo for massive, spatial tone. CV/expression control enables you to sweep the crossover in real time, turning EQ into an instrument of its own. From subtle tone-shaping to oscillating chaos, this is fuzz re-engineered for the future. "At first I was just psyched about fuzzing out different frequencies with this thing. But once we pushed the design further and further, I realized it had become the ultimate fuzz destroyer - massive, mean, and alive." Oliver Ackermann, Founder & CEO of Death By Audio KEY FEATURES Dual-Band Fuzz - Separate gain and volume for highs and lows. Dual Linked Filters - Sweepable high-pass and low-pass filters with resonance. Flexible Routing - Mono, stereo, or multi-amp setups with unique ins/outs. Expression/CV Input - Modulate the crossover frequency in real time. Reactive LED Display - Stage-ready visuals that shift with your filter position. TECH SPECS Dimensions - 5.73” x 5.2” x 2.37” (including hardware) Weight - 18.5 oz Power - Standard 9V DC (2.1mm, center-negative). Optimized for use with Death By Audio’s Raw Power power supply. Current Draw - 120 mA Lifetime Warranty USA Retail Price - $320 The standard black edition will be available through Death By Audio dealers and deathbyaudio.com, while the limited white edition drops exclusively via Reverb, capped at just 150 units. Both variations will be available worldwide beginning Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 11AM EST. PHOTO MODULATOR: Turn Light Into Control The Photo Modulator is an ultra-compact expression accessory that swaps your foot for light. Plug it into any expression-compatible pedal, aim the sensor at a light source, and watch as brightness sweeps your parameters like an invisible hand on the treadle. Bright light = toe down. Darkness = heel down. Using a passive photoresistor circuit, the Photo Modulator is compatible with DBA staples like the Rooms, Evil Filter, and the new Crossover Fuzz, as well as countless other expression-ready pedals. No batteries required, no fuss - just pure, reactive chaos in a device the size of a right-angle jack. KEY FEATURES Light-Sensitive Expression - Control pedals using any light source. Ultra-Compact Form - Built directly into a ¼” right-angle jack. Passive Circuit - No power required. Wide Compatibility - Works with most expression inputs. TECH SPECS Dimensions - 2.6” x 1.9” x 0.6” Weight - 0.9 oz Power - None required (passive circuit) Warranty - 30-day return policy (not covered under lifetime warranty) Regulatory Restrictions - Not available for sale, shipping, or distribution in the European Union, United Kingdom, China, Korea, or Taiwan. USA Retail Price - $39 The Photo Modulator will also be available beginning Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 11AM EST. info@deathbyaudio.com (https://)

03:222 months ago

Guitar Of The Day

2021 Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Reissue Daphne Blue Guitar of the Day.

Beautiful guitar for today's new #Straturday episode of #GuitarOfTheDay with ‪@mikelemmo‬ playing a 2021 Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Reissue Daphne Blue available here at #NormansRareGuitars! For any questions you may have or price inquiries about this #Fender #Stratocaster #ElectricGuitar give us a call at 818-344-8300. https://normansrareguitars.com

12:332 months ago

New Releases - Guitars/Bass/Gear

Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue – Epiphone Inspired by Gibson

Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom collection – new for 2025! ▶ Get YOUR Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue HERE: https://bit.ly/3Hgjy1P ▶ Shop the FULL Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection: https://bit.ly/3Hgjz5T Watch as Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1957 SJ‑200 Reissue acoustic guitar from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, boasting a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top, solid figured maple back and sides and a two‑piece flame maple neck with a walnut stringer in a comfortable C profile, presented here in Antique Natural finish. The Gibson SJ-200™ was introduced in 1937 and quickly earned the nickname “The King of the Flat-Tops” for its size, projection, high-quality sound, and stage presence. Early models featured rosewood, but by 1947, maple became the standard wood for the back and sides. Used by everyone from cowboy crooners to rock icons, vintage SJ-200s remain highly sought after by collectors. Now, Epiphone, in collaboration with Gibson Custom, proudly introduces the 1957 SJ-200 Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of the iconic 1957 Super Jumbo model. It features all-solid wood construction, with a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top reinforced with scalloped X-bracing, solid figured maple back and sides, and a two-piece flame maple neck with a walnut stringer and comfortable C profile. The Indian rosewood fretboard is bound and inlaid with mother-of-pearl graduated Crown inlays, and includes 20 standard frets. The body has multi-ply top and back binding, while the SJ-200-style pickguard showcases vintage-style graphics. The rosewood open two-bar Moustache™ bridge includes mother-of-pearl inlays, and the nut, saddle, and bridge pins are made of bone. The bound Gibson-style “open book” headstock features the Epiphone logo and Gibson Crown inlaid in mother-of-pearl. A stinger is present on the rear of the Antique Natural model’s headstock (not on the Vintage Sunburst), along with the Inspired by Gibson Custom Double Diamond logo. Stage- and studio-ready, it comes equipped with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC under-saddle piezo pickup and active preamp with soundhole-mounted controls. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case is also included.

02:532 months ago

New Releases - Guitars/Bass/Gear

Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Reissue – Epiphone Inspired by Gibson

Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom collection – new for 2025! ▶ Get YOUR Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Reissue HERE: https://bit.ly/3UQYtxX ▶ Shop the FULL Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection: https://bit.ly/3HirxeI Watch as Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1960 Hummingbird Reissue acoustic guitar from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, built with a thermally aged solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides and a thermally aged one‑piece mahogany neck with a rounded profile, presented here in a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. Originally introduced in 1960 as Gibson’s first square-shoulder acoustic, the Hummingbird™ has been played by icons like Keith Richards, J Mascis, Thom Yorke, and Joe Bonamassa. Known for its versatility, it delivers rich tone whether fingerpicked, strummed, or used for lead. This Inspired by Gibson Custom model features traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn solid spruce, a 24.75” scale neck with a bound rosewood fretboard, and mother-of-pearl split parallelogram inlays. It also includes a belly-up rosewood bridge with bone saddle, a bone nut and bridge pins, and the signature Hummingbird pickguard. The headstock features Kluson®-style tuners, aged mother-of-pearl inlays, and the Inspired by Gibson Custom double diamond logo on the rear. Equipped with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system and a Red Line-inspired hardshell case, the 1960 Hummingbird Reissue is stage and studio ready from day one. A Red Line-inspired hardshell case, which features the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo on the exterior, is also included to keep this beautiful acoustic guitar safe when you’re traveling to your next performance.

02:372 months ago

New Releases - Guitars/Bass/Gear

1942 J-45 Banner Reissue – Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom.

NASHVILLE, TN. For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design, inspiring some of the most beloved music artists on the planet. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. The game-changing Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, developed in close collaboration with the skilled luthiers at Gibson Custom Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana, continues to expand, establishing a new tier of premium Epiphones for every player. Featuring world-renowned Gibson “open book” headstocks, rosewood fretboards, and vintage gloss finishes, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection brings Gibson Custom designs to the masses, adding to Epiphone’s full array of instruments for all player levels. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, the Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and on [Epiphone.com] Epiphone, in collaboration with Gibson Custom, proudly unveils the 1942 Banner J-45 Reissue—an inspired recreation of the iconic “Workhorse” acoustic that defined a generation. Originally introduced in 1942, the J-45™ became Gibson’s best-selling acoustic, celebrated for its warm tone, elegant simplicity, and legendary reliability. This reissue features a thermally aged solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and vintage-style appointments including a teardrop pickguard, open-back tuners, and the classic Gibson “open book” headstock. The V-shaped mahogany neck is topped with an Indian rosewood fretboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays. Modern performance is ensured with an L.R. Baggs™ Element Bronze VTC pickup system, making it stage and studio ready. Each guitar ships with a Red Line-inspired hardshell case, proudly bearing the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo.

02:352 months ago

Guitar Of The Day

1966 Fender Telecaster Guitar of the Day

Vintage guitar for today's new #TeleTuesday episode of #GuitarOfTheDay with ‪@mikelemmo‬ playing a beautiful 1966 Fender Telecaster available here at #NormansRareGuitars! For any questions you may have or price inquiries about this #Fender #Telecaster #ElectricGuitar give us a call at 818-344-8300 ALL GUITARS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE: https://reverb.com/shop/normans-rare-... https://normansrareguitars.com

09:302 months ago

Joe Mass

Morning Joe_1969 Gibson SG

Morning Joe_1969 Gibson SG https://www.instagram.com/mass59lespaul

01:442 months ago