Jeff Beck talks guitars – showing some of his collection and telling some really interesting stories on the way. About the fate of his legendary Fender Esquire he played so much with the Yardbirds, and the many other vintage (and newer) guitars he still has.

Jeff shows off some of his favourite guitars: his Gibson L5, 1954 Stratocaster, 1954 Telecaster, Gretch Rancher and a Maccaferri given to him by Led Zeppelins Jimmy Page. Jeff Beck clearly has great affection for his guitars, and talks about the other players that influenced his sound – mostly rock and roll guitarists like Cliff Gallup and Scotty Moore, but also the likes of Django Reinhardt.

And he treats us to a few choice licks in a different style for each guitar – even when not plugged in the tonal differences are really apparent. From twanging teles to soulful strats – check this clip out!

FENDER JEFF BECK STRATOCASTER GUITAR CREATE LEGENDS AD

US $8.99 End Date: Sunday Sep-04-2011 10:36:30 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $8.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Jeff’s guitar tech Steve Prior gives an in depth interview about Jeff’s guitars and beyond. A lot more interesting stories for all us gear heads. Steve talks pickups, strings and broken bodies!

Video Rating: 5 / 5

JEFF BECK FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR PRINT AD

US $6.99 End Date: Sunday Sep-04-2011 17:08:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $6.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

View post:
Jeff Beck Guitar Collection

A gemstone guitar pick may seem like a luxury, but tonally stone guitar picks are just as different as nylon and metal picks. Typically semi-precious stones are not exorbitantly priced, compared to more valuable jewels, but they will cost around thirty to fifty times as much as the standard nylon or plastic guitar picks. So is the price worth it?

Figure 1 - Agate Stone Plectrum

To many guitarists, the answer is a resounding yes! Not only are they longer-lasting, easy gripping, and better sounding; they are also very appealing items to own.

Those who have used stone picks often prefer the crisp tone  – more defined even than even metal picks. Common materials used are Agate, Jasper, Jade and Turquioise; all highly polished.

STONE PICK 1A GUITAR AND BASS PICK RED AGATE

US $47.70 End Date: Saturday Sep-03-2011 6:14:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $47.70 Buy it now | Add to watch list

While the picks are indeed much more durable- they won’t harm guitar strings. Thanks to finely smoothed edges, stone picks should be just as safe as plastic picks to use- given you bought them from a store, and haven’t decided to use your rock collection as picks. Needless to say, you might not get any use out of using your wedding ring either- sorry, guys.

Essentially, stone picks give a unique tone because of a few characteristics such as density, flexibility, and durability. Imagine striking a large bell with a plastic hammer- it will be much different than striking the same bell with a rock. From this example, many different specialty stores have started to sell such picks as a new way to control precise tones. Interestingly, plastic will absorb part of the tone when struck against a string- while stone will not.

Figure 2 - Black Brasilian Stone Pick

Gemstone picks will last a very long time, and offer good grip control- even more so than Tortex picks. The only problem with a gemstone pick is losing it. If you are like most guitar enthusiasts, losing picks around the room or house- even in pockets- can be a common nuisance. With single picks costing upwards of around $30 each, there is obviously a need to reform old habits. In fact, some companies will try and tell you that a stone guitar pick is the last one you will ever need to buy. While this is indeed possible, it is much more likely it will be lost long before it breaks.

If you are indeed looking to acquire a stone pick, you will most likely have to go on-line, or visit a rather large music retail shop. They are much harder to find than the dozens of boxes of plastic, nylon, and metal picks littering musician shops. While $30 may seem a little high, the “cool” factor gained through bragging to friends and fellow musicians is sometimes well worth the money, and extra tonal clarity can be priceless. Different shapes, gems, translucencies, and sizes can all be crafted from many types of stones – as well as customizations and extra gripping features. If you are looking for extra tonal clarity, this could be a good upgrade to your collection.

Guitar Pick, Hand Made Brazilian Agate

US $25.00 End Date: Saturday Sep-03-2011 10:59:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $25.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Guitar Pick History and Information
• Tortex Picks
• Weird Guitar Picks 

Read more here:
Stone Guitar Picks

A gemstone guitar pick may seem like a luxury, but tonally stone guitar picks are just as different as nylon and metal picks. Typically semi-precious stones are not exorbitantly priced, compared to more valuable jewels, but they will cost around thirty to fifty times as much as the standard nylon or plastic guitar picks. So is the price worth it?

Figure 1 - Agate Stone Plectrum

To many guitarists, the answer is a resounding yes! Not only are they longer-lasting, easy gripping, and better sounding; they are also very appealing items to own.

Those who have used stone picks often prefer the crisp tone  – more defined even than even metal picks. Common materials used are Agate, Jasper, Jade and Turquioise; all highly polished.

STONE PICK 1A GUITAR AND BASS PICK RED AGATE

US $47.70 End Date: Saturday Sep-03-2011 6:14:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $47.70 Buy it now | Add to watch list

While the picks are indeed much more durable- they won’t harm guitar strings. Thanks to finely smoothed edges, stone picks should be just as safe as plastic picks to use- given you bought them from a store, and haven’t decided to use your rock collection as picks. Needless to say, you might not get any use out of using your wedding ring either- sorry, guys.

Essentially, stone picks give a unique tone because of a few characteristics such as density, flexibility, and durability. Imagine striking a large bell with a plastic hammer- it will be much different than striking the same bell with a rock. From this example, many different specialty stores have started to sell such picks as a new way to control precise tones. Interestingly, plastic will absorb part of the tone when struck against a string- while stone will not.

Figure 2 - Black Brasilian Stone Pick

Gemstone picks will last a very long time, and offer good grip control- even more so than Tortex picks. The only problem with a gemstone pick is losing it. If you are like most guitar enthusiasts, losing picks around the room or house- even in pockets- can be a common nuisance. With single picks costing upwards of around $30 each, there is obviously a need to reform old habits. In fact, some companies will try and tell you that a stone guitar pick is the last one you will ever need to buy. While this is indeed possible, it is much more likely it will be lost long before it breaks.

If you are indeed looking to acquire a stone pick, you will most likely have to go on-line, or visit a rather large music retail shop. They are much harder to find than the dozens of boxes of plastic, nylon, and metal picks littering musician shops. While $30 may seem a little high, the “cool” factor gained through bragging to friends and fellow musicians is sometimes well worth the money, and extra tonal clarity can be priceless. Different shapes, gems, translucencies, and sizes can all be crafted from many types of stones – as well as customizations and extra gripping features. If you are looking for extra tonal clarity, this could be a good upgrade to your collection.

Guitar Pick, Hand Made Brazilian Agate

US $25.00 End Date: Saturday Sep-03-2011 10:59:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $25.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Guitar Pick History and Information
• Tortex Picks
• Weird Guitar Picks 

See original here:
Stone Guitar Picks

Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar,Worn Brown Satin

Gibsons are expensive. We all know. So how about this? A fantastic SG, at a great price – the satin finish is not as shiny as a regular finish. But that’s it. it’s still a fantastic sounding SG, with it’s trademark bite. With the full pickguard it’s very much late sixties style. Think Pete Townsend on Live at Leeds, or Carlos Santana at Woodstock.

• Powerful, intense, and affordable 6-string electric guitar with solid mahogany body and ’50s rounded neck profile
• 490T and 490R pickups–”T” for treble, and “R” for rhythm
• Swirl acrylic inlays for classic “pearl” look
• Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge; 2 volume and 2 tone controls plus 3-way toggle
• Worn brown finish with chrome hardware; comes with Gibson Deluxe Gig Bag

The Gibson Faded SG Special is an electric guitar that maintains the tradition of looks, functionality, and value for which the SG guitar is known. Under its attractive faded finish, the Faded Special SG is still the traditional SG, with mahogany body and neck, Tune-O-Matic/stopbar bridge, and alnico 490 pickups. The guitar’s faded finish gives it the look of an electric that started its rockin’ days in the ’60s.

The Gibson SG range was first popular in the mid 1960s . Very influential guitarists such as George Harrison of the Beatles, Eric Clapton of Cream, and Robbie Kreiger of the Doors all played Gibson SGs. But this  model, the full-scratchplate Gibson SG Special is most associated with Pete Townsend of the Who around 1969-1970.  

Gibson SG Faded Special Electric Guitar

US $599.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-28-2011 19:25:22 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

A Little SG History In 1961, the Les Paul was redesigned with a thinner body and 2 sharp cutaway horns that made the upper frets more accessible while lowering production costs. The new guitar was popular, but Les Paul the guitarist behind the original Les Paul did not like it and asked to have his name removed. Gibson renamed the model the “SG” which was short for “solid guitar”. Though Les Paul’s name was officially removed from the model in 1961, the plastic Les Paul nameplates (positioned between the rhythm pickup and fingerboard) were in abundance in the Gibson factory and SG models having these nameplates were built and sold by Gibson up to the end of 1963. SGs have been the choice of world-class artists such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young.

Key Features

’50s Rounded Neck Profile

No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional ’50s neck profile on the SG Special is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson’s rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest–including the final sanding–is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.

Click here for a larger image (black finish shown).

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/gibson-sg-special-electric-guitarworn-brown-satin/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/gibson-sg-special-electric-guitarworn-brown-satin/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/gibson-sg-special-electric-guitarworn-brown-satin/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:32:16 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/gibson-sg-special-electric-guitarworn-brown-satin/

Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar,Worn Brown Satin

Gibsons are expensive. We all know. So how about this? A fantastic SG, at a great price – the satin finish is not as shiny as a regular finish. But that’s it. it’s still a fantastic sounding SG, with it’s trademark bite. With the full pickguard it’s very much late sixties style. Think Pete Townsend on Live at Leeds, or Carlos Santana at Woodstock.

• Powerful, intense, and affordable 6-string electric guitar with solid mahogany body and ’50s rounded neck profile
• 490T and 490R pickups–”T” for treble, and “R” for rhythm
• Swirl acrylic inlays for classic “pearl” look
• Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge; 2 volume and 2 tone controls plus 3-way toggle
• Worn brown finish with chrome hardware; comes with Gibson Deluxe Gig Bag

The Gibson Faded SG Special is an electric guitar that maintains the tradition of looks, functionality, and value for which the SG guitar is known. Under its attractive faded finish, the Faded Special SG is still the traditional SG, with mahogany body and neck, Tune-O-Matic/stopbar bridge, and alnico 490 pickups. The guitar’s faded finish gives it the look of an electric that started its rockin’ days in the ’60s.

The Gibson SG range was first popular in the mid 1960s . Very influential guitarists such as George Harrison of the Beatles, Eric Clapton of Cream, and Robbie Kreiger of the Doors all played Gibson SGs. But this  model, the full-scratchplate Gibson SG Special is most associated with Pete Townsend of the Who around 1969-1970.  

Gibson SG Faded Special Electric Guitar

US $599.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-28-2011 19:25:22 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

A Little SG History In 1961, the Les Paul was redesigned with a thinner body and 2 sharp cutaway horns that made the upper frets more accessible while lowering production costs. The new guitar was popular, but Les Paul the guitarist behind the original Les Paul did not like it and asked to have his name removed. Gibson renamed the model the “SG” which was short for “solid guitar”. Though Les Paul’s name was officially removed from the model in 1961, the plastic Les Paul nameplates (positioned between the rhythm pickup and fingerboard) were in abundance in the Gibson factory and SG models having these nameplates were built and sold by Gibson up to the end of 1963. SGs have been the choice of world-class artists such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young.

Packing the same power and intensity as the SG Standard, but without all the trimmings, the Gibson’s SG Special electric guitar retains the heart and soul of the SG–solid mahogany body and ’50s rounded neck profile–while adding dot inlays, silk-screened logo, a pair of Gibson’s hot 490 humbuckers and a deluxe gig bag.

The Gibson SG Special in worn brown. Click here for a larger image.

Key Features

’50s Rounded Neck Profile

No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional ’50s neck profile on the SG Special is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson’s rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest–including the final sanding–is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.

Click here for a larger image (black finish shown).

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/gibson-sg-special-electric-guitarworn-brown-satin/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:06:36 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/

Guitar picks, as it is likely everyone knows, are used to pluck guitar strings to improve sound, and reduce injury on fingers. However, there are many types of guitar picks to choose from- from materials, to shapes, and as well as sizes and colors. Some guitar picks are even used for special purposes, such as a double-sided pick for “double plucking.”

Guitar picks are commonly made out of plastic, but also rubber, felt, tortoiseshell, wood, stone, metals, and even gemstones. Each of the materials has a separate sound or grip from the other. For instance, metal has a very unique sound when plucked against a guitar string- but offers little grip. Tortoiseshell is one of the best for gripping, although an international ban led to the creation of Tortex picks. Choosing the right material is a matter of trying them all out, and deciding on which sound and grip works for you playing style- whether it be metal, bues, or jazz. If all else fails, weird guitar picks aren’t unheard of- from bone, to an Allen wrench- just about anything can become a good plectrum!

Figure 1 - Traditional picks, a thumb pick, and a triangle pick example

The thickness of a guitar pick is very important. For instance, a thicker pick will give a harder sound, with more attack, and more control in tone, while a thinner pick will give more of a random and uncontrollable sound, but allows faster picking. Hard rock or metal players usually prefer thin picks – especially if they like to play fast riffs. These guitarists usually favour thinner strings, but players who use thicker gauges will often need thicker picks. Likewise, bass guitarists usually use thick picks. Thinner picks give less power, and have less durability- especially with complex techniques such as tremolo picking.

24 Vintage NOS D’Andrea Heavy Bass Guitar Picks RARE

US $32.00 End Date: Wednesday Sep-07-2011 13:21:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $32.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

There are a few shapes and sizes to picks, as well. A shark’s fin pick will allow the use of pick scraping to be much easier. A sharp edged pick will give an edgier sound to one’s playing style. The equilateral pick is perfect for beginners- as it has no special qualities to master, and each corner can be used to play the guitar with. Some picks even wrap around an entire finger- such as the thumb pick that is available.

D’Andrea picks were the first to actually offer things such as custom imprinting, and developed many of the shapes and materials of picks that are still in use today. D’Andrea picks are still available today, since 1922. From the customization D’Andrea picks started, other companies have followed suit. Today, there are hundreds of styles, shapes, colors, and sizes of picks. In fact, picks made of precious gems are available toda. Of course, these picks don’t flex or bend- but they offer a unique sound and are very durable.

50 CELLULOID GUITAR PICKS SOLID ORANGE 351 MEDIUM

US $9.90 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-21-2011 19:32:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $10.90 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Guitar picks are plentiful, and usually only cost a few dollars for a dozen of them. Some of the most mainstream picks are offered by Fender, and some less mainstream picks such as the Joe Satriani line of picks are available- although they cost more money. Choosing the guitar pick is the first step in mastering the guitar, and the next step would be to master picking techniques. It should be noted that if a more extravagant pick is desired, such as the gemstone picks, that you should make sure you don’t lose them- consider it a piece of good advice, picks are usually lost before they are broken.

• Tortex Picks
• Gem Stone Picks
• Weird Guitar Picks

View post:
Guitar Picks

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:06:36 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/

Guitar picks, as it is likely everyone knows, are used to pluck guitar strings to improve sound, and reduce injury on fingers. However, there are many types of guitar picks to choose from- from materials, to shapes, and as well as sizes and colors. Some guitar picks are even used for special purposes, such as a double-sided pick for “double plucking.”

Guitar picks are commonly made out of plastic, but also rubber, felt, tortoiseshell, wood, stone, metals, and even gemstones. Each of the materials has a separate sound or grip from the other. For instance, metal has a very unique sound when plucked against a guitar string- but offers little grip. Tortoiseshell is one of the best for gripping, although an international ban led to the creation of Tortex picks. Choosing the right material is a matter of trying them all out, and deciding on which sound and grip works for you playing style- whether it be metal, bues, or jazz. If all else fails, weird guitar picks aren’t unheard of- from bone, to an Allen wrench- just about anything can become a good plectrum!

Figure 1 - Traditional picks, a thumb pick, and a triangle pick example

The thickness of a guitar pick is very important. For instance, a thicker pick will give a harder sound, with more attack, and more control in tone, while a thinner pick will give more of a random and uncontrollable sound, but allows faster picking. Hard rock or metal players usually prefer thin picks – especially if they like to play fast riffs. These guitarists usually favour thinner strings, but players who use thicker gauges will often need thicker picks. Likewise, bass guitarists usually use thick picks. Thinner picks give less power, and have less durability- especially with complex techniques such as tremolo picking.

24 Vintage NOS D’Andrea Heavy Bass Guitar Picks RARE

US $32.00 End Date: Wednesday Sep-07-2011 13:21:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $32.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

There are a few shapes and sizes to picks, as well. A shark’s fin pick will allow the use of pick scraping to be much easier. A sharp edged pick will give an edgier sound to one’s playing style. The equilateral pick is perfect for beginners- as it has no special qualities to master, and each corner can be used to play the guitar with. Some picks even wrap around an entire finger- such as the thumb pick that is available.

D’Andrea picks were the first to actually offer things such as custom imprinting, and developed many of the shapes and materials of picks that are still in use today. D’Andrea picks are still available today, since 1922. From the customization D’Andrea picks started, other companies have followed suit. Today, there are hundreds of styles, shapes, colors, and sizes of picks. In fact, picks made of precious gems are available toda. Of course, these picks don’t flex or bend- but they offer a unique sound and are very durable.

50 CELLULOID GUITAR PICKS SOLID ORANGE 351 MEDIUM

US $9.90 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-21-2011 19:32:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $10.90 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Guitar picks are plentiful, and usually only cost a few dollars for a dozen of them. Some of the most mainstream picks are offered by Fender, and some less mainstream picks such as the Joe Satriani line of picks are available- although they cost more money. Choosing the guitar pick is the first step in mastering the guitar, and the next step would be to master picking techniques. It should be noted that if a more extravagant pick is desired, such as the gemstone picks, that you should make sure you don’t lose them- consider it a piece of good advice, picks are usually lost before they are broken.

• Tortex Picks
• Gem Stone Picks
• Weird Guitar Picks

Read the original:
Guitar Picks

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/guitar-picks/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:40:00 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass/

There are a lot of great Epiphone bass guitars, and hopefully this review will show you why we think this is one of the best.

A very good looking bass for sure; black on black is the classic rock look, and they simply sound just as good as they look. Perfect for rock, punk, metal…

Epiphone Les Paul Special Electric Bass Guitar, Black Satin

• Les Paul bass guitar in satin black. Serious Les Paul sustain
• Mahogany body with set (glued in) mahogany neck
• Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays; long scale (34″)
• Specially designed Alnico bass Humbucker pickups
• Width at nut: 1.65 inches
• All black hardware

List Price: $ 499.00

An amazing sounding bass that is amazingly affordable too. The Les Paul Special Bass from Epiphone takes it’s styling from the original Gibson Les Paul guitars of the 1950s. All-Mahogany construction, including the set, mahogany neck gives great sustain; every note is warm and lasting. Great bass tone comes from a pair of 442R Alnico bass humbucker pickups. The Pitch Black finish and blacked-out hardware complete the attitude.

Price: $ 299.00

USED GIBSON EPIPHONE BLACK 4-STRING BASS

US $40.90 (18 Bids) End Date: Monday Aug-08-2011 12:58:45 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Epiphone GT-820 Intelli Tuner – guitar and bass tuner

US $4.25 (3 Bids) End Date: Monday Aug-08-2011 14:36:50 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

More Epiphone Bass Products

Read the rest here:
Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass-2/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass-2/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:40:00 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass-2/

There are a lot of great Epiphone bass guitars, and hopefully this review will show you why we think this is one of the best.

A very good looking bass for sure; black on black is the classic rock look, and they simply sound just as good as they look. Perfect for rock, punk, metal…

Epiphone Les Paul Special Electric Bass Guitar, Black Satin

• Les Paul bass guitar in satin black. Serious Les Paul sustain
• Mahogany body with set (glued in) mahogany neck
• Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays; long scale (34″)
• Specially designed Alnico bass Humbucker pickups
• Width at nut: 1.65 inches
• All black hardware

List Price: $ 499.00

An amazing sounding bass that is amazingly affordable too. The Les Paul Special Bass from Epiphone takes it’s styling from the original Gibson Les Paul guitars of the 1950s. All-Mahogany construction, including the set, mahogany neck gives great sustain; every note is warm and lasting. Great bass tone comes from a pair of 442R Alnico bass humbucker pickups. The Pitch Black finish and blacked-out hardware complete the attitude.

Price: $ 299.00

USED GIBSON EPIPHONE BLACK 4-STRING BASS

US $40.90 (18 Bids) End Date: Monday Aug-08-2011 12:58:45 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Epiphone GT-820 Intelli Tuner – guitar and bass tuner

US $4.25 (3 Bids) End Date: Monday Aug-08-2011 14:36:50 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

More Epiphone Bass Products

Read the rest here:
Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

]]> http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/epiphone-les-paul-special-bass-2/feed/ 0 http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/what-is-intonation/ http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/what-is-intonation/#comments Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:37:30 +0000 admin http://www.guitarlessonsmagazine.com/2011/08/what-is-intonation/

What is intonation on a guitar, and is it important? Well, yes, it could be very. If your guitar is poorly intonated it could play horribly out of tune! It may sound fine down low playing open chords, but suddenly, when the solo starts, up at the fifteenth fret… aaaahhhhgg!

Figure 1 - Strings passing over the saddles of  a Fender Jaguar guitar.

I’ve known young guitarists change out tuning keys, and even buy new guitars because their old guitar would never stay in tune. In many instances it was just a matter of a poor setup, with nothing wrong with the guitar or any of it’s components.

But don’t worry, adjusting intonation is really very easy. All you need is a guitar tuner and a screwdriver. This article tells you how.

Plug your guitar into an electric guitar tuner, and tune the first string. Once it is perfectly in tune, play the same string at the octave (12th fret). What does the tuner say? Sharp? Flat? If it is not in tune, your guitar needs an intonation adjustment.

This is done by moving the relevant saddle by a very small amount. If the note was sharp, it needs to travel away from the bridge; if flat, towards the bridge. This is usually accomplished by turning a bridge screw.

This process of tuning the open string, testing at the twelfth fret, and adjusting where necessary should be repeated until each string is perfectly in tune up and down the fretboard.

In some instances, no matter how hard you try to intonate a string, it will never keep tune adequately. Old or damaged strings can cause such problems, as can incorrect strings, and silk windings extending too far onto the string, and onto the saddle.

Many older electric guitars from the 1950s and early 1960s have no means of intonation adjustment. Some have a one-piece bridge that  is not attached to the guitar top, and must be moved in entirety to make adjustments.

In short: learn how to intonate your guitar, it’s incredibly easy. Spend 10 minutes, and make sure you sound at your very best!

See the rest here:
What is Intonation?

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