When guitars attack

Men arrested for beating roomante with guitars–one electric, one acoustic. Fortunately the victim escaped serious injury; no word yet on the condition of the guitars. Here.

Guitarist saved by Rock & Roll

“Usually it goes like this. A child starts listening to loud music. He moves into the basement, grows his hair long, and gets an electric guitar. He begins wearing black clothes adorned with skulls, and starts hanging around with kids of similar tastes. Adults shake their heads ruefully and wonder how this happened to such a nice boy. But they do not say that about Aaron Manley. He was saved by rock ’n’ roll…” Here.

Tommy Emmanuel again

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the most amazing guitarists and entertainers you’ll come across. Never fails to impress, whether it’s with his straight guitar playing or with his wild percussive effects. Well here he is in an impromptu stage appearance with some locals, and with a borrowed guitar.

“Spanking the plank”

The incredible guitarist Tommy Emmanuel demonstrates guitar percussion (spanking the plank):

A Budagov guitar?

Budagov? Never heard of it. “…Imagine an aspiring 14-year-old guitarist in the US or Europe making a trip to the local music store to pick out his first instrument. The display wall is jammed with shiny, colorful electric guitars of every make, size and type. Strolling wide-eyed past the legendary Fender Stratocasters and the Gibson Les Pauls, steeped in rock-and-roll history, he finally sets his eyes on the prize – a Budagov…” Read article here.

Well known Mexican Guitarist in wrong place at wrong time

“Aquiles Valdez Ortiz, whose popular classical guitar lessons inspired generations of borderland musicians, died Monday night of injuries received in a Juárez assault in late May. He was 77 years old. The musician fell victim of ongoing attacks in the city torn by violence. Family members said robbers hit him in the head on May 26 while they were trying to steal his vehicle. He spent 12 days in a hospital before he died… Valdez’s musical career included playing soundtracks for Mexican films, performing with symphony orchestras and recording albums featuring his own arrangements of classical pieces…” Read rest of article here.

Entertaining duo–Mark Eddie and Carlo Volhl

Couple of guitar duct tape thingies

Make a guitar strap out of duct tape (hey, it actually looks good). Here and here (you can also buy one for about ten bucks).

Duct tape pick holder. Here.

Personal note: would I use duct tape on a guitar, especially an expensive one? The only way I could imagine ever doing this would be, oh, say, to impress a beautiful girl who loves guys who use duct tape in a creative way on their guitars.

“Tranjocaster”

What if you splice a banjo with a Fender type Telecaster? Well evidently you get the “Tranjocaster”. Looks pretty neat.

Electric Banjo Resources

A 5-selectric banjo in amplified action

Here’s the Youtube channel.

Virtuoso on tour

“One of the names that has risen to the top of this list of young virtuoso guitarists in recent years is D.C. based Matt Palmer. Possessing enough technique for three guitarists, as well as a heightened sense of musicality and emotion, Palmer has been turning heads as he criss-crosses the nation’s concert halls. A full-time performer, Palmer has recently released his debut album, Un Tiempo Fue Italica Famosa to great praise from critics and fans alike. The album is a reflection of Palmer’s current touring program and is a showcase for his dazzling chops, gripping emotional approach and his diverse musical tastes…” Read rest of article and interview with Matt Palmer here.

Matt Palmer (Youtube channel)

The EverTune bridge

Check this new invention out–the EverTune bridge. A series of springs and tension mountings keep guitar strings in constant tune, even in suddenly changing temperatures or from playing too hard. The invention is in its final testing.

Return of the banjo

“…The organizers of the Black Banjo Gathering want to educate both blacks and whites about where the instrument and the musical tradition originated. Groups like the Carolina Chocolate Drops have reclaimed the banjo, but for them, it’s all about the music…” Here.

__________________________

More banjo playing (with guitar accompaniment)

Classical guitar reaches the masses

“…Each day, loads of individuals launch their trip on the way to master beginners guitar. This musical device has occupied and continues on conquering the hearts of tens of millions of people in each part of the globe. Why is guitar so popular? In fact, there are endless explanations to this immense reputation…” Here.