Taylor Day

Taylor Day

Waldorf location

Saturday, November 8th

with Taylor Representative

Zachary Arntz

Below is a list of some of the special guitars that will be on hand for the Sales Event. The prices listed are just the List and there will be some ONE DAY ONLY pricing on these and others guitars already at the store. So come on down and see some eye popping Wood grain (Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see some guitars from the last Taylor Day in June). Also Zach will also be doing set-ups and restrings on Taylor's if you have one that needs a little TLC, bring it on down and let the master work his mojo. He might even have some FREE Taylor Wear for you... Maybe... if you are good.

T5-C1 premium, shaded edge top, $3898 retail

PSGC. AAAA braz, master grade Engelmann top, tobacco s/b top, $11,398 retail

SBC1 walnut electric

714-ce ltd. Koa back and sides, cedar top fall limited edition guitar.

GCCE-LTD-B. I should have two of these beauties. Only 50 made total. Brazilian back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, slotted peghead, ¼” modified, scalloped Adirondack bracing (similar to the fall limited edition guitars). These guitars are cannons, packing the sound of a GA in the body of a GC. Amazing value for a Brazilian guitar. Retail $6998.

GSCE-LTD-K. GS Koa fall limited with cocobolo binding, cutaway/electronics. See Wood and Steel for specs on the fall limited edition guitars. Retail $4998.

GSE-LTD-C. GS Cocobolo fall limited with koa binding, with electronics. Retail $4748.

Custom GS. AA grade walnut back and sides, sinker redwood top. Retail $7046.

Specs are listed below.
Nut Width: 1-3/4", 3-piece back, 900 Series f/b inlay, 900 Series pg inlay, 900 Series bridge inlay, Rosette: Abalone, Green Heart Single Ring Bound Soundhole, Nut/Saddle: Bone, Pickguard: Clear, Headstock Overlay: Ebony, Truss Rod Cover: Ebony, Ebony with Ab Dots bridge pins, Expression System, Top Finish: Gloss, Back/Sides Finish: Gloss, Neck Finish: Gloss, Peghead Finish: Gloss, Tuners: Gotoh 510 Antique Gold, Koa Binding (Body, Fretboard, Peghead), Mahogany Neck, Bound Peghead, Scale Length: Standard 25-1/2", Strap Pin, Venetian cutaway.

656-ce

T5-S in Aztec gold

GS Custom Cocobolo back and sides, Adirondack top. Retail $5906.
Nut Width: 1-11/16", 3 piece back, Abalone rosette-Single Ring with Bound Soundhole, Top: Adirondack Spruce, Bone Nut/Saddle, Back/Sides: Cocobolo (HEAVY SAP LINES), Ebony Binding (Body, Fretboard, Peghead), Ebony Headstock Overlay, Ebony Truss Rod Cover, Expression System, Top Finish: Gloss, Back/Sides Finish: Gloss, Neck Finish: Gloss, Peghead Finish: Gloss, Tuners: Gotoh 510 Antique Gold, Body Shape: Grand Symphony, Neck Wood: Mahogany, Color: Natural, No Cutaway, No Fretboard Inlay, No Pickguard, Peghead Inlay: Pelican, Neck Profile: Slim Carve, Scale Length: Standard 25-1/2", Peghead: Standard Peghead, Strap Pin

If you have any questions please give a call to our Waldorf store at 301-843-2799.

Sabian Day

This just in...

Sabian Day

Wednesday

November 5th, 2008

Special pricing all day on Sabian products.

Two Factory Representatives will be on hand all

day to help you with any questions you might

have on Sabian products.

This is happening at our Waldorf location, for questions

on the event please call 301-843-2799

How fast are your Feet?

Win a Tama HP900RSW Double Kick Pedal

Tama Fastest Feet Challenge Rules

A) No purchase necessary to win. In order to participate in the Tama Fastest Feet Challenge ("Contest") the contestant must:

1. "test drive" a Tama Starclassic Birch/Bubinga kit OR a Tama Iron Cobra Double Pedal at one of the Contest Event Locations listed below and then,
2. attempt to achieve the fastest rate of double-bass pedal playing on the Tama Double Pedal as measured on a Drumometer administered and then recorded on the entry-from by official Contest Event Location store personnel.

B) Contest begins August 15th and ends October 25th, 2008
Hot Licks Guitar Shop Contest date is Saturday, October 25th at 3:00pm

C) There will be (10) Contest Winners:

• Ten (10) 1st prize winners will each receive one (1) Tama HP200TW "Iron Cobra Jr. double pedal (estimated retail value of this prize is $382.99) One winner will be chosen at each participating location.
  
• One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive on (1) Tama HP900RSW Iron Cobra Rolling Glide double pedal (estimated retail value of this prize is $579.99)

D) Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

E) Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes.

F) Winners under 18 must have the written consent of a parent or guardian to accept the prize.

Guitar Hero competition part II

Guitar Hero Competition

When:
October 13th
to November 15th

Where:
Hot Licks Guitar Shop
924 Costley Way
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-414-9000

About:
At the end of each week the Top four scores will be chosen and placed in our Semi-finals that will be held on November 15th. November 15th is the Top 16 competing in an elimination tournament.

Prizes:
1st prize an Electric guitar package along with 4 private guitar lessons (4)
2nd prize an acoustic guitar and 2 private guitar lessons
3rd prize will receive a gift certificate, a T-shirt, a hat and 2 private lessons
4th prize will receive a T-shirt, hat and 2 private lessons.

Meet our Newest Guitar Instructor

Chris Everett is our newest guitar instructor, and teaches at both the Prince Frederick and Waldorf locations.

Chris Everett began playing guitar in middle school playing songs by Metallica and other popular groups of that era. In High School, Chris discovered Led Zeppelin which introduced him to Blues, Acoustic, Fingerstyle and Alternate tunings. Upon graduating Chris hooked up with Bob Schaller and became a permanent member in the CSM guitar club. Through Bob, Chris honed big blues skills, was introduced to jazz and caught on to the "Jam Band" scene. Chris was teaching sixty or more students a week in St. Mary's county before moving to Hot Licks in August 2008. He has studied under critically acclaimed Celtic Finger stylist Jim Tozier, and acclaimed jazz guitarist Carl Filipiak. Chris has also performed on stage with Grammy award winning artists Kanye West and Dr. Colburn (Stevie Wonder).

Some musicians that have influenced Chris are Derek Trucks, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Danny Gatton, Duane Allman, Jimmy Page, Justin King, Son House, Joe Pass, Jimmy Herring, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino. Chet Atkins, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jim Tozier, Carl Filipak and Bob Schaller.

With such a variety of influences he is a so to speak "jack of all trades" being able to switch styles in an instant. He is wonderful with all age groups and ability levels and keeps the lessons moving towards your goals.

Chris teaches at the Prince Frederick location on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He also teaches at the Waldorf location on Wednesday and Saturday. For available lessons times please contact the appropriate store location.

Prince Frederick: 410-414-9000
Waldorf: 301-843-2799

Swap Meet

Coming Soon to Hot Licks
in Waldorf...
The Swap Meet.


Where:
Hot Licks Guitar Shop
3250 Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, Maryland 20602
301-843-2799

When:
October 11th
10:ooam - 3:00pm

What to bring:
Your old gear that is unloved sitting in the corner
waiting for someone to play it!!

What to do at the Swap Meet:
Buy someone Else's used gear, trade gear with someone else
or just sell your gear outright to someone.

Inside the Store:
There are always some extra special deals inside the store
and its a great time to take advantage of a piece you
might of had your eye on.

Jem 20th

Ibanez....




Jem....





20th ....

This is a true collector's piece.

This guitar was made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Steve Vai designed JEM. Made of an acrylic body with colored veins layered inside it has a unique 3-D look. It's loaded up with custom Dimarzio pickups that were designed for the acrylic material this guitar was made of. The smooth playing five piece, 24 fret, Jem prestige neck and its vine inlay that adorns almost every JEM since its creation, just beautiful. It has the classic Edge Pro tremolo that stays in tune with every flick and flutter abuse that Steve can put it through. There are 500 of these guitars Worldwide and only 200 in the United States. Add in a custom case that is flight worthy (NO WAY the airlines could mess this guitar up in this case) and a "Ibanez, the Untold Story" book and this guitar is one can appreciate for years to come. We have some more pictures on our Myspace page located Here.

This guitar is at our Waldorf location, so if you have questions please contact Joe Turgeon at 301-843-2799

Guitar Hero Competition

By: Storm Rottman

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

GUITAR HERO!

Throughout the month of August, contestants came into Hot Licks to show what they had at Guitar Hero. With every week came a new chance at a different song to improve their score. At the end of the try outs, the top 16 were chosen to participate in the finals tournament on August 30th. As the hour for the competition drew closer, the guitar section became filled of the contestants and their fans.

So they began. Up on stage in front of many, they battled in a single elimination process, the players dueling with the winner moving on to the next round. 16 were eventually reduced to the final two as they fought for their prize. At the end of it all, there was a victor and several runner-ups. It was a good turn out, and we thank everyone for coming and showing their support. Hopefully, we look forward to continuing this in the future.

1st Place: Squire electric pack with amp (and accessories), month free of guitar lessons, t-shirt (Aaron Simon)

2nd Place: Squire acoustic (SA100) pack, two free lessons, t-shirt (Hunter Black)

3rd Place: $15 gift cert, two free lessons, t-shirt, Sam Grow CD (Jamie Ren)

4th Place: two free lessons, t-shirt (winner not pictured)

It just wouldn't be the same without the adoring fans!!!

Open Mic Night

It's that time once again at Hot Licks in Waldorf....Open mic night August 28th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Open Mic Night

Thursday August, 28th

7:00-9:00 pm

Hot Licks will provide:

PA system, Drum kit, Lighting

Musician's need to bring:

Guitar's, Effect's, Cable's, Sticks's, etc...

For more information please call

301-843-2799

Waldorf location
3250 Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20602

One of our Lucky customers

I wanted to take a moment to Thank one of our customers... he is the "Lucky Guy" who purchased the Korina McCarty PRS. Thank you Ken Sandholm!!!

He also purchased two Mesa Boogie amplifiers from us also...both Mesa's were custom. He had to wait for few month's for each of them, but just look at the result's, and boy is he happy with them.

Below is a picture of him and his PRS and two custom Mesa's.

I just love to see people and their gear, so if you have purchased some gear from Hot Licks and would like to send me a picture to post up on our Myspace account or here on the Blog please send the pictures to Harlen.hotlicksgtr@verizon.net

Please include my gear in the subject of the E-mail

Mesa Tone Workshop

Coming to the Waldorf location...
Mesa Tone Workshop
Tuesday, August 26th
6:00 - 8:00pm

Open Mic Night

It's that time once again at Hot Licks in Waldorf....Open mic night July 31st from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Open Mic Night

Thursday July 31st

7:00-9:00 pm

Hot Licks will provide:

PA system, Drum kit, Lighting

Musician's need to bring:

Guitar's, Effect's, Cable's, Sticks's, etc...

For more information please call

301-843-2799

Waldorf location
3250 Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20602

George Lynch Clinic

Coming in October
George Lynch Clinic
Date: October 28th
Time: TBA


Here is a sample from Youtube

Guitar Hero Competition

It's been a long time since I wrote anything here....I fail.

With that out of the way we are having some cool events this summer and early fall. We have a Guitar Hero competition going on from July 28th until August 23rd. At the end of each week the Top four scores will be chosen and placed in our Semi-finals that will be held on August 30th. The August 30th in the Top 16 competing in an elimination tournament. This competition is being held at our Waldorf location.

Now on to the prizes.... 1st prize an Electric guitar package along with 4 private guitar lessons (4) .... 2nd prize an acoustic guitar and 2 private guitar lessons.... 3rd prize will receive a gift certificate, a T-shirt, a hat and 2 private lessons.... 4th prize will receive a T-shirt, hat and 2 private lessons.

for questions please contact Storm Rottman: 301-843-2799

Open Mic night

It's Open Mic Night again at Hot Licks in Waldorf!!!

Thursday June 26th 7:00-9:00pm

3250 Old Washington Rd

Waldorf, MD 20602

301-843-2799

The Open Mic Night in July is Thursday the 31st 7:00-9:00pm

WALNUT SOLIDBODY!!!

A 2008 Limited production Walnut SolidBody that is featured in the Wood & Steel magazine just showed up today at the store....Ohhh Yeahhh!!! This guitar is flat awesome, the best SolidBody Taylor I have played. I don't know how Taylor will follow up this act but it will be tough, I can't wait to see what else Zach brings with him tomorrow...

You can read all about this guitar in the newest Wood & Steel, or you can come down and play it on Saturday, June 7th, 10a.m. - 4p.m. at the Prince Frederick location.

Hump day - one day late

I was working on my blog yesterday for the Taylor day on Saturday and lost my info when the storm went thru.

Booooo on tornado's and thunder storms.

Anyway my hump day guitar was this beautiful Macassar (stripped Ebony) back & sides cutaway. This is really a very unique one-of-a-kind from Taylor, so many custom options check out the packing slip. You really have to play this guitar to experience the individual sound of the instrument. Macassar Back & sides - Adirondak Spruce Top - Bone Nut & Saddle

Taylor Day is Saturday, June 7th, 10a.m. - 4p.m.

taylor 616-ce

New for 2008, a “16ce” GS cutaway joins the acoustic/electric line starting with the 500 Series and up. Built for performance, the acoustic/electrics feature the revolutionary Expression System® pickup and Venetian cutaway for unparalleled plugged-in performance.

Taylor SolidBody Electric

The oohhhhh's and aaahhhhh's have been flying around the store with the new Taylor's that showed up on Friday. We got two of the SolidBody electrics in and they are both gorgeous. I am going to post one up today and the other later this week.

SolidBody Custom

This highly figured top is just a dream....oh wait no its not, this is just an incredible piece of wood. Taylor, somehow, guitar after guitar have some of the best woods in the business. The inset top is really a great way to showcase the exotic woods that they have to offer. If you havent had a chance to try one of these unique insturments take some time this weekend and come on down.

Remember Zach will be here on Saturday, June 7th, 10a.m. - 4p.m. to help with any Taylor questions you might have. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 410-414-9000.

Taylor week =D

..........Speechless I guess is the best way to put my reaction to these new Taylor Custom Acoustics that showed up at the store on Friday. I will just let the pictures do the talking then you will have to come play them for yourself. Now no drooling on the computer monitor......ok maybe just a little but clean up later.

(above) the packing slip from Taylor with all the options on the guitar, check it out and if you have any questions give us a call 410-414-9000

(above) The Taylor tag inside the Koa....can you believe how flamed this Koa is!!!

(above) A full shot of the front of this Work of Art.....just WOW!!!

This is just the first post of many for this week building up to the Taylor day on Saturday, June 7th 10:00-4:00 at the Prince Frederick location. We are having Zach Arntz from Taylor Guitars here to help with restrings, setups and any other questions you might have about Taylor Guitars.

Zach will be giving away some Official TaylorWare at the event while supplies last, so come early and get some FREE swag from Taylor Guitars.

There will be special deals on all Taylor Guitars that day and for the month of June and July there is a special 12 month deferred interest, with monthly payments available on the 500 series and up.

Check back often this week for more photos of some incredible Taylor Guitars!

Taylor Day June 7th

Hot licks guitar Shop

Sales Event

Come to Hot Licks Guitar Shop on Saturday, June 7th and get in on lots of great deals and opportunities!

• Speical event pricing on Taylor guitars
• See custom, one-of-a-kind Taylors
• Meet Regional Sales Manager Zach Arntz from Taylor headquarters and have you questions answered
• See and play the new Taylor Solidbody electric guitars
• Official TaylorWare giveaways (while supplies last)

This event is only at our Prince Frederick location. Saturday, June 7th 10:00 - 4:00

Events

Swap Meet this Saturday...come on out and find the hidden treasures!!!

Coming next week is the Open Mic Night. Come on out and showcase your talent!

Call the Waldorf location for details @ 301-843-2799

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night

Thursday May 29th

7:00-9:00 pm

Hot Licks will provide:

PA system, Drum kit, Lighting

Musician's need to bring:

Guitar's, Effect's, Cable's, Sticks's, etc...

For more information please call

301-843-2799

Waldorf location
3250 Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20602

Can I dive in?

Just check out the Quilt on this PRS Custom 22 in Natural...almost a sin to make a guitar this pretty.

The new bird inlay's on the fingerboard - just beautiful!!!

Full body shot of the guitar in all its beauty.

This guitar is at our Waldorf location if you want to give it a test drive just ask for Josh or Joe in the guitar Department and they can help you out with it.

Swap Meet

Swap Meet (Waldorf location)

Saturday May 24th

10am - 3pm

Got a guitar laying under the bed collecting dust? Has your amplifier become a nightstand?

Well bring them up to the swap meet on May 24th and sell them for some cash or trade them for another piece of gear you will actually use. Tables will be provided, but are limited, so get there early for the best spot. This event is totally FREE for you!!!

We have specials on gear inside the store also so don't forget to head inside and see what treasure's you might find!

Hot Licks Guitar Shop

3250 Old Washington Rd.

Waldorf, MD 20602

301-843-2799

New Bass Instructor

We have a new Bass Instructor starting at Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Prince Frederick and we are very excited to have him! I would like everyone to meet......B.T. Richardson

Bassist/Composer/Lyricist/Vocalist...here's my story..........: I was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in L.A. I returned to DC after graduating from high school in '79. My first instrument was Drums, Section Leader in High School. After being 2nd chair freshman year (my older bro was section leader then), I started playing electric Bass (against my will :-)) when my brother's band needed someone to play it. I am totally self taught on Bass. The first song I learned was "That's the Way I Like It" by KC and the Sunshine Band.

I took a brief hiatus from 80-83, to study divinity/theology. These studies led me back to a full and total commitment to the obvious gift that I have in music. I vowed to NEVER quit again. To fulfill my life's mission though music, I have been Playing Music full time since 1995. My first gig with a recording Artist was with VINX after meeting him at a radio interview he did on NPR. He invited me to perform with him at the Prince Georges Playhouse with Danny Sadownick and himself. I played Double Bass on that show.

After retiring from the postal service in 1995, I landed a full time gig on the Spirit of Washington Cruises for one year and left in 1996 to tour with (then Blind Pig recording artist) Deborah Coleman and the Thrill Seekers. I toured with Deborah for 3 years. We played extensively in Europe (France, Italy, Belgium, Norway, England), the Caribbean (St.Croix, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas), the U.S. and Canada on many major stages including the Chicago Blues Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest Spectrum Hall, and more clubs and Juke than I can recall. While playing with Deborah I had the privilege of performing with the legendary Bo Diddley. We also did live performances on NPRs show "Anthem", the "Beale Street Caravan", Live from BB Kings (in Memphis)as well as "Mountain Stage" w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and live TV in Dallas TX, "Good Day Dallas", and the W.C. Handy Fest Filmed by KET TV. I then joined the James Solberg Band (from the Luther Allison Band) -2000- and toured with him for nine months in the US. While working with James we often were the back up band for the late great Son Seals and once even for A.C. Reed!! We also performed for the radio broadcast "Beale Street Caravan and The W.C. Handy Fest, which was taped for KET TV. In 2002 I met the founding brothers of "Nocturnal Rage"the Seattle Hip-Hop entrepreneurs. I have so far recorded two CDs and one Video with them, "Nocturnal Rage" and "Way Out Your Mind". We were the house band along with Hip-Hop Legend Daddy-O on turntables and Spaceman Patterson on guitar for Comedy Centrals "Premium Blend" (Season Seven hosted by D.L. Hughley). We also toured the US the summer of 2005 w/Orig Hip-Hop Drummer/Producer Bobby Simmons (i.e. Stetsasonic........etc,etc,etc. ya dig). Also in 2005 I recorded a CD with my good friend "Tyrone Shuz and His Funky Bluz" called "Funkin' A!"

In 2006 I finally finished MY DEBUT recording for my record label "PotpourriMusicWorks". It is the soundtrack for the play "Don't Sing No Blues For Me" written by my good friend Glenn Alan Brown. Its currently available from cdbaby.com and itunes as well as other digital e-music services in the US. I also currently perform as bassist for Ms. Marva Wright "the Blues Queen of New Orleans." (displaced by Katrina), and Marc Greene (formerly of the Moments). So..check me out, and HOLLA BACK the story continues ....peace/OUT.............B.T

Check out our local friends list!!

Just wanted to remind people to check out our local friends. The people on this list are doing some great things and need to be checked out.

Bill Kirchen - Grammy nominated guitarist, singer/songwriter and overall fantastic musician and Telecaster master. Guitar player for Commander Cody with the top ten hit of "Hot Rod Lincoln".


Blue Scarab Tattoo's(Keith Porter) - Tattoo master and incredible artist. Keith has quite the guitar collection going also.


Chris' Guitars(Chris Grimmett) - Specializing in semi-vintage and clean utility guitars and basses within the price range of working musicians.


Exsquisite Gowns(Alexandra Palchak) - Wonderful singer and seemstress, what else could you want? Her husband is our own Joe Palchak guitar instructor extraordinaire.


Miche Fambro - unique and incredible singer/songwriter guitarist a must see!!


Night Sky Studios(Ron Vento) - Best recording studio in Southern Maryland, recording artist of Aurora Borealis, Atlanta Institute of Music Graduate, featured in EQ magazine.


Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers (Jim Hill) - Tone and simplicity in amplifiers. Check out the Rick Derringer model or the Lindy Fralin model. Also does a wonderful repair or upgrade to current amps.

There are many more wonderful local people that need to be added to the list, so please send me some information so your talents can be shared with many more.

Martin Day

Saturday March 29th was Martin Day at Hot Licks - P.F. location with Dave Evans the Martin Mid-Atlantic Rep for Martin guitars. We didn't have a huge turnout for the event but everyone that came had a great time and got to see some really cool guitars. Dave brought down four guitars (HD-16RLSH, OOO-18 Authentic S/B, Johnny Cash Model, and OMC cherry) of which we kept the OMC cherry for stock.

JohnnyB. and Dave Evans with the OOO-18 Authentic

That OMC cherry is one sweet playing/sounding guitar!!! I had not given the Sustainable wood series much thought before, but just wow what a great sounding guitar. This one took alot of people by surprise that came to the event, it was hands down every one's overall favorite.
Let's see where to start...I guess we would need to ask a couple questions first.

Q: What is a sustainable wood guitar?
A: A guitar that is made of wood that originated in forests managed in an ecologically responsible manner.

Q: What kind of wood is the OMC cherry made of?
A: There are a few different woods on the OMC cherry...

• Neck, Back & Sides: Cherry (from Pennsylvania)
• Back center wedge & Headstock overlay: Maple
• Fingerboard & Bridge: Katalox (Central American wood)
• Top: Sitka spruce (Rescued)
• Rosette, Headstock motif & fingerboard dots: Cherry

Q: Why is Martin guitars making guitars out of these different type of woods?

A: Martin wants to be environmentally responsible while continuing to offer customers the highest level of quality instruments with whatever materials are available.

No matter what this guitar is made of its a players guitar. The action is incredible on it, low...but not to the point of any fret buzz. The tone is well rounded, balanced, not the traditional Martin boom of the low end, but a nice round low end with a smooth high end. This guitar seems to really excel at finger-picking and thumb strumming. It is equipped with the Fishman Ellipse Aura system fitted inside the sound-hole. A very nice system that has phase switch, Bass boost, blend (for the different pickups), Anti-feedback switch, four presets (Aura imager), and volume control. This guitar is a real complete package, sound, playability and price.

OMC Cherry Sustainable wood

Fender Day April 5th

Come out and join us for a Fender Day. This is at our Prince Frederick location.

Used Musicman HD-130 head

Musicman HD-130

$399.00

Musicman throughout the years have put out quality products and this amp is no different. These HD-130 were produced in the 70's and taken out of production after Ernie Ball acquired Musicman in the mid 80's.

First let me say this is a very cool amp head with lots of headroom and clean tone. It has two channels, one with volume, treble & Bass, the second with volume, treble, middle, bass, reverb, intensity, speed, master and (two switches - Bright/normal & Deep/normal), both with two inputs per channel. The amp is powered by four EL-34's which you can split the power from 130watts to 65 watts using the hi/low power switch on the front. The preamp section is Solid state, which even though I read about that in some forums I still had to take the back off to verify it. I just couldnt believe it sounds as good as it does with only tubes in the power section.

The back panel of the amp has two plugs for the Reverb & Tremolo switches, two speaker inputs, a speaker impedance switch to go between 4 or 8 ohms, ground switch, and of course the power switch. Weather you play country, jazz, blues, pedal steel or rock(if you are playing rock throw your favorite pedal in-line and let it crank) this amp will perform wonderfully. So if you are looking for a high power kicking guitar head this will fill the bill at a bargain price.

Bill Kirchen

If you have never heard Bill Kirchen you should stop over to his website I have linked on local Friends and check him out. There is a nice little bio on his site about what he has done and who he has played with so no need to go into that here, but to say the least he is a killer player.

He stops by from time to time just to chat and see what we have in guitars. Usually he will sit down a play some which is always a pleasure, and even once he brought in a guitar for me to work on (I only needed to splice some wires together). I was very happy to help with his instrument and even took some pictures of it Anyway I wanted to post up the pictures cause he had someone do a custom paint job on it, and its just cool.

Just a cool guitar from a cool player. I don't know the name of the guy who he had paint it, but I am sure I could ask and find out.

Here is Bill Kirchen playing one of his famous songs http://youtube.com/watch?v=vGpr-Zy_wRs

Taylor Solidbodies...something unique.

We got in some of the new Taylor Electric guitars this week, 0ne of each model the Classic, Standard, and Custom (From top to bottom).

I was excited to get a chance to finally play one, and with that being said, I am not sure if I really like the sound of the instrument.... While these are Electric guitars they are very different from other elecrtic guitars.

The tone is unique, almost hollow sounding, but not like a true hollowbody. This is achieved thru the use of tone chambers. I think the difference in tone is from a couple things, the way the bridge attaches to the body and the way the neck attaches to the body. If you look below at the bridge from the front and the back you will see what I am talking about.

The neck is attached by a single hex screw (T-Lock), along with the wood to wood fit that you see in the picture bleow, which I think also adds to the different tone.

They have two different types of pickups also, a mini-humbucker(Style I) and full size humbucker (Style II), these are what really started this whole solidbody craze for Taylor. They also took a little bit different approach to the electronics putting a fuse on the circut board. This is there to stop the shock of an unproperly grounded microphone.

Taylor also has taken a different approach to the exotic tops like where they inset the wood into the body so its not a thick slab of wood like you would normally see. The standard comes with a figured Tamo ash (bottom left) and the Custom with either the Walnut (bottom right) or Koa.

They have a complete different way of looking at an electric, being known as an acoustic company, and it shows here. These are some very well made instruments that play really well...but do they have that soul that guitar players are looking for??

That is a question as a player you will have to answer for yourself.