Guitar Jam

AC-Tone Pedal: A Tribute To The Marshall Plexi

Sonic State
Following on from their Plexitone pedal which - a tribute to the sound of Marshall's 'plexi' amps, Carl Martin has a new pedal, the  AC-Tone, which they cryptically tell us "is a tribute to another British legend with its less 'boomy' low end and characteristic mids - a tone used by legendary guitarists over the years".

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Review: Martino's Tribute To Wes Montgomery

All About Jazz
When I first heard Pat Martino perform, a series of exclamation points went off in my brain. (Like wow!!! How did he do that!!!?) Like most listeners, I was blown away by his technique. Even on his earliest recordings with Willis Jackson, when Pat was just a kid starting out in the business, his rapid-fire improvisational ability stood out.

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Interview: The Duke On Groove-a-Rama

philly.com
On his new Guitar Groove-a-Rama, six-string virtuoso Duke Robillard takes his beloved axes on a breathtaking musical journey that crosses numerous stylistic boundaries, from blues to jazz to country, rock, pop, R&B, and even tango.

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99 Playing Tips From Top Guns

Guitar Player
If you’re locked away in a basement for eight hours a day with a metronome and a torturous practice book that is equal parts Mel Bay/GuantanAmo Bay, you’re still not assured of transcendent 6-string skills.

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AMP3 "iPod" For Guitars

Press Release
SoundTech Professional Audio announced the AMP3 guitar amplifier and computer music center, a versatile speaker system featuring solid wood construction, an input for iPods, other MP3 players and PCs as well as guitar amplifier features including a built in instrument tuner and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) amplifier modeling effects. With an input to connect an MP3 player, CD player or computer, the SoundTech AMP3 is for musicians who want to jam along with their favorite tracks or easily record their own creations.

The AMP3's guitar input features four amp sounds - Clean, Hot Tube, Over Drive and High Gain and a tone expander control that changes the sound of a guitar from warm and rich to bright with heavy undertones. The AMP3 includes an extension speaker for a big sound and a headphone jack for quiet "practice sessions." The AMP3 is powered by the included AC adaptor or a 9V battery for the on-the-go player.

Players can also record, layer and mix original musical creations with applications such as Apple GarageBand and Sony Acid Music Studio. The AMP3 bridges these two worlds by giving users the features and flexibility necessary to play along with songs, record their instruments or just listen to music without having to change set-ups or cables.

"Listening to music on computers and portable audio devices has become part of our everyday lives," said Larry English, senior vice president of business development at US Music Corp. "Our customers wanted a multipurpose music center that could bridge the gap between listening to their digital music and jamming along with it. The AMP3 does this and more. It's a perfect tool for creating mash-ups, practicing new riffs or just listening to your favorite music."

SoundTech AMP3 features:

- Instrument Amp, computer and MP3 speaker combo
- 4 Amp Sounds  - Clean, Hot Tube, Over Drive and High Gain
- Integrated instrument tuner
- Connect MP3 player, CD player or computer
- Ability to jam-along with MP3s and computer audio
- Tone/Expander control
- Line-out for easy recording (allows seamless integration with LightSnake)
- Includes extension speaker
- Headphone jack
- AC or DC Portable with 9V Battery
- Includes AC adaptor
- Includes 9V battery for portable use
- Amplifier dimensions: 3 3/16" W x 6 1/16" L x 5 1/4" H

Pricing and Availability

The AMP3 Portable Music Station and Guitar Amplifier is available through Musiciansfriend.com, Sweetwater.com, PCmall.com and other major music retail outlets. It will begin shipping in April 2006 with a suggested retail price of $129.99. 

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Jammys Feature Guitar Greats

MSNBC
The Jammys, now in its sixth year, have not only been defined by its jam-band music but also for the eclectic, electric performances by divergent artists. Among this year's key collaborations: Dweezil Zappa on guitar, joined by jazz legend Chick Corea, Umphrey's McGee's Jake Cinniger and others performing a tribute to Dweezil's late father, Frank Zappa, who was honored with the lifetime achievement award.

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Knopfler Set To Launch North American Tour

RockRadio.com
Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler has announced the details of his North American tour with country legend Emmylou Harris. The old friends will start things off June 19th in Toronto, and their short run together wraps up June 30th in Berkeley, California. As of now, there are nine shows booked, but more could be added.

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Martin Guitar Forum Packed With Loyal Followers

McCall.com
The forum, which marked its fifth anniversary last month, is an independent discussion place for more than 8,400 members and countless unregistered ''lurkers.'' An administrator and four moderators run day-to-day operations.

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Frampton Mends A 25-Year Split

Billboard
After a nearly 25-year split, guitarist Peter Frampton is returning to A&M Records, with which he enjoyed his biggest successes in the 1970s. The artist has inked a deal with A&M and New Door Records for the Sept. 12 release of the all-instrumental album "Fingerprint," which is the follow-up to 2003's self-released "Now."

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Lynch Collapses On Stage At Vegas Gig

Blabbermouth.com
According to a couple of eyewitness reports from last night's (April 21) George Lynch show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the former Dokken guitarist was rushed to the hospital after taking ill 30 minutes into his band's performance at the Empire Ballroom.

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