Recently, Gruene Guitars shipped Guitar International one of its newer dreadnaughts for review, a prototype D-18 model named a “Saratoga”. Upon arrival I let it acclimate to its new surroundings, after its flight from San Antonio, Texas, the headquarters of the guitar company.
JOI Guitars only produces a handful of instruments a year with some of the most unique, rare and unorthodox materials in the world. Each has a one-of-a-kind story to match. He’s crafted acoustic guitars using a legendary mahogany called “The Tree”, hempwood, and even wooden boards handpicked from Jimi Hendrix’s dismantled childhood home.
The upcoming release of The Benefit Concert Volume 20 by Warren Haynes includes a spectacular highlight: the first-ever–and only to date–performance of Dave Grohl’s 23-minute instrumental epic, “Play,” which extends to an extraordinary 36 minutes in its live rendition. This live performance is now available, offering fans the opportunity to witness “Play” being brought to life on that unforgettable evening.
After the lead track, other standouts show off Durwood’s impressive range and versatility, including an original take on “Marshmallow World” with a trap-infused back beat, a more somber, indie rock cover of The Killers’ “Christmas In L.A.,” and a gorgeous, stirring version of the Irving Berlin ballad, “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep).”
This album is a gift to my wife, Virginie, who loves Christmas and Christmas music as much as I do. The idea was to do something different and fresh, with a bluesy twist, instead of just a “traditional” approach to some of the Christmas classics. It was the “Christmas with Chet Atkins” album that inspired me…
Today Gretsch is expanding the Professional Collection with two Limited Edition models. This collection sets the bar with modern, professional-grade features designed to power classic Gretsch tones and bold, dynamic sound. The Gretsch Limited Edition models elevate the brand’s most celebrated designs with striking finishes and upgraded features and appointments.
For the tenth album to bear his name, guitarist, bandleader, and educator, Oz Noy, opted for the most demanding possible context: An absolutely unvarnished concert recording, capturing his trio with virtuosi Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Dennis Chambers (drums) without the benefit of overdubs or post-production sweetening.
Today’s guitar review is of the Limited Edition G5622T-140 Electromatic®, a mid-range guitar that should be a welcome addition to any guitar player’s gathering of stage ready guitars. The guitar draws design features, functional electronic and hardware components, and inspiration from such masterful Gretsch guitars as those cool Country Gentleman and White Falcon instruments, that we’ve seen in the hands of George Harrison, Gene Vincent, Brian Setzer, Michael Nesmith, Neil Young and many more legendary play
The Gruene OG-30 is very similar to an orchestra style Martin with a sound that matches and craftsmanship that’s on par. The Gruene has more bling in the form of natural abalone snowflakes, up and down the fretboard and two that accentuate the bridge. The Gruene name up top at the headstock is also real abalone, no fake stuff here…
Lauren Calve has been undergoing a metamorphosis in her life, a massive shift. You can hear it seeping through every song, oozing out of every lyric, and feel the shedding of her skin with every note on her first full-length album, Shift, out September 1. The subtle and understated yearning in her voice, the intonation in her haunting vocals and delivery, Calve is longing for something more.
