http://bit.ly/nha0GS
NAMM 2011 -- DBZ Guitars announces a new breakthrough in guitar neck design. Unveiling of DBZ's cutting edge new necks, called the Dean B Zelinsky 'Z-Glide' Reduced Friction Neck (patent pending) will take place at the 2011 NAMM show January 13 in Anaheim, California.
The Z-Glide guitar necks, which will be available as an option on DBZ USA Custom Shop Guitars, utilize a surface designed to let your hand glide effortlessly up and down the neck. Dean Zelinsky's Z-Glide necks eliminate the sticky/clammy feeling gloss lacquered necks are known to produce.
"This is likely the first real breakthrough in guitar design in many years", explained Dean B. Zelinsky, CEO of DBZ Guitars. "No other company has aggressively addressed the surface feel of guitar necks.For other companies, satin or un-finished necks is the 'solution' and has been for years… vbut neither satin or un-finished comes close to what the Z-Glide achieves in feel and playability."
"I believe the protection the finish provides is important which was part of the inspiration of developing the Z-Glide neck…the magic happens underneath the finish," concluded Zelinsky.
The Z-Glide neck will only be available as an option on USA made DBZ Guitar models for 2011. MSRP for the Z-Glide reduced friction neck option is $300.
DBZ Guitars Z-Glide Guitar Neck
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PRS SE Custom 24 Review
http://bit.ly/rcnndZ 
Ever since the mid 80's, Paul Reed Smith Guitars have earned a respectful reputation for their instruments, which are known for being excellent sounding, effortless to to play, and, all too often, high priced. Comparable to most guitar manufacturers, Paul Reed Smith have released a low-priced series of guitars to render PRS instruments more reachable to a broader crowd who may not otherwise be able to afford a Paul Reed Smith axe. With this series, the Korean-made SE Custom guitars, have been very well received by guitarists on a budget.
PRS' original axe was the Custom 24, so, of course, it's only appropriate that one of the finest SE guitar models is the SE Custom 24, a lower-cost version of the original Custom 24 flagship electric guitar. It priced nearly at a quarter of a "original" PRS Custom 24, so how do they compare?
PRS SE Custom 24 Features
Lets take a look at the guitar's construction, first. The PRS has a beautiful maple top (flame-maple veneer) and a nice mahogany back.
The guitar also comes standard with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Of course, as in the name... the 25-inch scale SE guitar features 24 frets; modeled after the original Custom 24. Chrome Nickel hardware is a standard, as are the Paul Reed Smith designed tremolo bridge and tuners. The PRS SE Custom 24 comes geared up with two zebra pickups. The fingerboard is outfitted with moon inlays.
PRS SE Custom 24 Performance
My first impression of the SE Custom 24 was how wonderful it played and felt, outstandingly for a "budget" axe. The wide-thin neck was easy and smooth to move about. Basically, It felt like any other PRS guitar I've played, including those cost 3 times as much. The smoothness of the guitar's neck made it extremely easy to sweep arpeggios and bend strings like we were playing a $2,800 guitar.
The PRS-designed tremolo bridge has an extremely comfortable feel to it, and it didn't go out of tune much... though the guitar did go out of tune with some extreme whammy action. Unlike higher priced PRS Custom 24s, the SE Custom 24 does not come equipped with locking tuners.
I was blown away with the sound of the pickups and the extensive range of tones obtainable. This is an axe you can use for blues, rock, country, or jazz with no problems. The PUPs probably do not have the deepness of its big brother counterpart, the PRS Custom 24, but they are exceedingly great pickups in their own right and certainly do not necessitate running out to buy replacement PUPs.
The Verdict on the PRS SE Custom 24
Overall, I am extremely impressed with the PRS SE Custom 24. You don't need to think of this axe as an "economical" guitar; think of it as a wonderful electric guitar for guitarists on a tight budget. With a street price of approx $650, this guitar is definitely an axe to consider when shopping for your first, next or backup guitar. It's a guitar that is for anyone looking for the 'best bang for the buck'.
PRS SE Custom 24 Hands-On Review
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Ernie Ball Music Man Rewrites Guitar History - Game Changer
http://bit.ly/oRuXif
Premier Manufacturer Announces The Game Changer, In Addition to New String Offerings, John Petrucci Guitar and Ultra-Portable Gig Bag Amplifier
NAMM 2011 -- Ernie Ball Music Man, one of the world's leading manufacturers of strings, instruments and guitar accessories, including the iconic Slinkys guitar string line, today announced that it will unveil The Game Changer, a ground-breaking, all analog pickup switching system that unlocks an extensive library of natural guitar tones previously unavailable in traditional pickup technology. Available in select Reflex guitar and bass models in 2011, this progressive innovation leads a host of new and exciting products Ernie Ball is set to launch at the 2011 Winter NAMM Show.
New Ernie Ball Music Man products are:
Ernie Ball Game Changer
The Game Changer fundamentally changes the guitar player's experience. Rather than relying on pre-set pickup configurations traditionally provided by instrument manufacturers, The Game Changer gives guitarists unrestricted access to a vast library of tones via a true analog pickup switching system. Available on select Music Man Reflex models, this patent-pending system electronically rewires a guitar or bass instantly, combining any order of pickup coils in series, parallel, and in or out of phase to create tones unique to the individual creating them. Imagine having complete tonal control of your instrument with more than 250,000 pickup configurations*, without rewiring anything. With The Game Changer, the audio signal is never digitized or modeled in any way, providing a transparent analog signal path for the absolute purist. In conjunction with The Game Changer website (www.gamechanger.music-man.com), musicians can also create, save and share their tonal selections with other players from around the world."The Game Changer is the most significant innovation our company has developed," said Sterling Ball, CEO of Ernie Ball Music Man. "I'm truly proud of this technology and am looking forward to sharing and creating new and unique tones with musicians and artists alike. This really paves the way for musicians to personalize their tonal options like never before."
The Game Changer is currently offered in Music Man H-H, H-S-H Reflex guitar models, as well as the Music Man H-H Reflex bass model.
*More than 250,000 with a 5-coil instrument
Music Man JPXI
Continuing the tremendous success of the JPX, Ernie Ball Music Man introduces the latest evolution in the John Petrucci line of signature guitars. The JPXI is the newest collaborative effort between John Petrucci and the Music Man research and development team. The JPXI features a combination of top appointments from JPX and BFR Petrucci signature instruments. Most notably, the JPXI neck has been streamlined to a symmetric, extra slim profile featuring a flatter 20-inch radius, medium jumbo stainless steel frets with a finished mahogany neck and an ebony fingerboard. Combined with a solid alder body, mahogany tone block and maple top, the JPXI has become the ultimate rock machine. Similar to that of the JP BFR line, controls include two three-way toggles perfectly wired for the Custom Dimarzio LiquiFire and Crunch Lab humbuckers, in addition to a redesigned Wide-Spread Pivot tremolo with a Music Man/Fishman piezo system bridge pickup.The JPXI guitars will be available in 6 and 7-string versions, adorned with chrome hardware, mother of pearl inlays and a new onyx finish.
Ernie Ball Gig Bag Amplifier
Powered by Marshall, the new Ernie Ball Gig Bag Amplifier is a one-of-a-kind product that provides musicians with a portable and practical way to plug and play their electric guitar. The compact, lightweight battery-powered amp comes in a convenient backpack incorporating a built-in stand, bringing live music to any location from park to street corner to train station. Each Gig Bag Amplifier features two channels with independent gain, tone and volume controls. Also included is an MP3/iPOD input for jamming along to any backing track, as well as a 1/8" headphone jack for private practice. List price: $199
New Slinkys String Sets
Ernie Ball is introducing three new Slinkys string sets to the string line trusted by musicians around the globe:
- Two Super Long Scale Bass sets for 35"+ scale length basses--a 4-string and a 5-string (45-105 and 45-130).
- A new 8-string electric guitar string set (.10-74 gauge). Increasingly popular among jazz and metal musicians, 8-string guitars expand the instrument's range and broaden its tone.
All of these bold new products can be previewed at NAMM Booth 5400.
Known worldwide for their best-selling guitar strings, the Ernie Ball Company also manufactures high-end Music Man guitars and basses and state-of-the-art tech products that are carried by more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. alone.
About Ernie Ball
In 1962, veteran player and teacher Ernie Ball created Slinkys, the iconic light gauge electric guitar strings widely revered by hundreds of guitar greats including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, The Edge and John Mayer. In addition to hand crafting high-end Music Man guitars and basses, Ernie Ball Inc. offers state-of-the-art instrument accessories that are carried in more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and 110 countries worldwide. The family-run company maintains its founder's dedication to preserving the musician's playing experience and delivering superior sound quality through the development of new products, such as the revolutionary Element Shield Packaging which hermetically seals guitar strings keeping each set as fresh as the day they were made. The company also fosters artist development through musician-focused programs such as the Golden Pick promotion featuring Slash and Eric Clapton, and the world's largest and longest running Battle of the Bands, where unsigned bands compete each year for the chance to win a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree and more.
Ernie Ball Music Man Gear
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EHX Micro POG Guitar Octave Pedal Review
http://bit.ly/qwJcSu 
The Sub Octave generator creates spot-on six-string bass tones (à la “Seven Nation Army”), while the Octave Up generator creates funky “sped up” guitar sounds (as in “Get Down Tonight”). Blend together Sub and Dry for “eight-string” bass, Up and Dry for 12-string guitar emulations, or dial in all three for fat, organ-like tones. For less than you’d pay for a cheapo bass, the Micro POG turns your guitar into several new instruments. Thanks to GuitarWorld for the full report!
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Review
Video demonstration performed by GuitarWorld
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NAMM 2011: Buddy Blaze Guitars Launches Indonesian Factory
http://bit.ly/oQQ9pn 
Buddy Blaze Fine Stringed Instruments today announced the debut of their first guitar models produced in their new Indonesian factory. The unveiling will take place during the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in Anaheim, California. The show runs January 13–16, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The new facility is a collaboration between Stranough Voicemate founder, Tommy Kaihatu, business partner Charlie Bible and owner, Buddy Blaze.
Located in Surabaya, Indonesia the facility features numerous CNC machines, computerized kilns, paint booths, UV booth and even a Plek Machine. The factory was designed to meet the needs of the most discriminating guitar companies who seek high quality, value priced production. In addition to the instruments, the factory is producing wooden hard-shell cases, thermo formed cases and gig bags for instruments.
“After several days of marathon design meetings in Hawaii, it became clear that our goals and philosophies were in sync. Seeing the tremendous opportunity in front of us, we decided to move forward together.” Blaze continues… “As owners, we have total production control of our import models, assuring both the highest quality guitars in the industry and better delivery times for our dealers and their customers.”
About Buddy Blaze Fine Stringed Guitars
Buddy Blaze started building and “hot-rodding” guitars in 1985. With an extensive background in woodworking and machining as well as music, he set out to build his own guitar. After showing his first creation to some local players, he encountered a bidding war for this guitar and has since built instruments for some of the most recognized musicians in the world.
Buddy currently makes guitars for Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard, Scott Patton of Sugarland and other well known artists. Buddy and his wife Joyce moved to Kona Hawaii in 2005 and started Buddy Blaze Fine Stringed Instruments. Their mission to make the finest professional grade guitars is being enjoyed by their customers, artists and dealers worldwide!
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Guitar, Meet Computer: From Six Strings to USB
http://bit.ly/oK1q7k 
The process almost seems to have been mastered, if you'll pardon the pun, by now. Even so, veterans of the recording industry can often be heard complaining about things like "warmth", speaking fondly of the good old days when sound was fat, not phat. And around those old pilings the river of music flows, with musicians finding the best ways to not just play, but to format, their art. After a generation's worth of exposure to Pro Tools and whatnot, guitar players and guitar makers are still adapting to the digital workplace.
Converters, in which one can plug a quarter-inch instrument cable, are able to communicate directly with music software through the USB port, bypassing the old standbys in favor of cyber-amplifiers. While it seems cold and disconnected, this removes numerous square feet (and hundreds of pounds) of gear from the recording environment, with little need for amps, pedals and the miles of cable linking them all together anymore. You want to plug in and get loud? Go home to your garage.
Keyboards and MIDI controllers can also be fed into the computer, but those are inherently digital instruments which lend themselves to such things anyhow. With guitars, it's a different story. Behringer, a company best known for its "special effects" amplifiers (like the V-Tone), has introduced a USB guitar that requires no converter - it plugs into the computer just as an MP3 player would.
The general consensus is that the iAxe393 is a beautiful instrument, but that its build quality is wanting. Tuning and intonation, in particular, come up as an issue... Complaints that "gear snobs" always raise about guitars that don't have one-piece, neck-through bodies. They would seem to be less than mindful of where we are in this dawning age, where digital and analog are still finding each other like particles in an atom smasher. Taken for what they are, USB-enabled electric guitars should find plenty of room in the realm of recording, and should attract more attention as time goes by.
iAxe393 USB Guitar
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Dillion Guitars at Gear-Search
http://bit.ly/r06CTW
Dillion Guitars are now on GEAR SEARCH--Are you looking for top quality Guitars at an affordable price? You can find them here at GEAR SEARCH. I would suggest taking a look at Dillion guitars. Dillion Guitars craft beautiful contemporary and vintage-style-instruments at an affordable price. Dillion guitars were founded in Canada and was the only place you could buy them--until now! MUSICWEEZEL is an exclusive Dillion Guitar dealer at GEAR SEARCH classifieds and auctions.
Dillion guitars are some of the best Korean made guitars on the market today with an extremely high craftsmanship and build quality. The playability on these guitars is what you would expect on more expensive guitars, making Dillion Guitars the best bang for your buck. Head on over to GEAR SEARCH and take a look at Dillion guitars from MUSICWEEZEL.
Are you a guitar dealer who would like to generate more sales? Just sign up at GEAR SEARCH, it's free!
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Check out MUSICWEEZEL auctions and classifieds for great deals! @pingfm @plerb
Vox Virage SC Guitar Review
http://bit.ly/qVC3oj
Guitarists are always on the lookout for high quality guitars that are built to rock, but are still comfortable to play. Very few of us like to lug around that 15 lb. Block of wood that we call a guitar, let alone play a one and a half hour set with it hanging around our necks, paving the way to the chiropractor's office at an early age. And while you can get a light guitar that sounds OK for dirt cheap, you still don't get the sonic perfection that only comes with a quality built instrument.
Vox, a company that is best known for its amplifiers, has concocted a wonderful guitar that blends superior comfort and playability with the high quality that professional players demand with the Vox Virage SC semi-hollow electric guitar.
The Virage SC was designed using some heavy duty 3D imaging with ergonomics in mind. The Virage SC features smooth contours and a double cutaway, which gives you unhindered access to higher notes, and an inverse heel for comfort. The Virage SC also sports Vox's exclusive new Three-90 pickup system, which is a triple-coil pickup that combines the tonality of a single-coil, a P90, and a humbucker all in one while still delivering quite performance. Also, the Three-90 system is completely analog, which means you will never have to change batteries.
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The electronics in the Vox Virage SC are all high-quality components, which deliver exceptionally pure tone, unlike cheaper guitars with cheap electronics that deliver a lot of hum and noise. Another feature that sets the Virage SC apart is the unique integral tone bar construction, which gives you the warm tone of a classic hollow body while still being able to deliver the attack of a solid bodied guitar.
With all of these appointments, the Vox Virage SC is a very nice guitar that is comfortable to play and delivers excellent tone. Also, the Three-90 pickup system gives you even more tonal diversity than most other guitars that just have a single coil/humbucker combination. The Virage SC would make a fine addition to your guitar arsenal. Go play one today! Places to Buy......................Check for Price
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