Monthly Archives: November 2012

GretschTech: “G Arrow” Control Knobs

Posted: November 27, 2012

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One of the most distinctively stylish features of Gretsch guitars past and present is the “G arrow” control knob. If you already own a Gretsch, you know what we’re referring to—the volume and tone knobs on your instrument, which are in most cases adorned with an engraved later “G” pierced by an arrow. This was an early but not original development.

Gretsch’s earliest electric guitars of the late 1940s and early 1950s—mostly Hawaiian lap steel and arch-top Electromatic models—had plain control knobs. When the original golden age of Gretsch electric guitars began in earnest in 1954, a much more distinctive control knob style was adopted, quite unlike that of contemporaries such as Fender and Gibson. 1954 saw the introduction of gold- and chrome-plated brass knobs with plain unadorned tops and a crosshatched pattern around the circumference. (more…)

Tags: Control Knobs, GretschTech, White Falcon, White Penguin
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Tim Armstrong Revs Up Solo Project – Tim Timebomb and Friends

Posted: November 20, 2012

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Last year, Tim Armstrong noted that new material from Rancid and the Transplants would be on the way, but before those records drop, fans can look forward to Armstrong’s solo project, Tim Timebomb and Friends, releasing a debut album on Dec. 11.

Armstrong has been posting tracks on his official YouTube channel over the past few weeks, offering a mix of originals and covers with several guest musicians, including Pink and Travis Barker.

“Tim Timebomb and Friends is a place for me to share with you some of my favorite songs that I’ve recorded with friends of mine,” Armstrong wrote on the Tim Timebomb website.  ”I’ve always enjoyed sharing music, whether I’m just sitting around playing acoustic guitar with my friends or breaking out old 45’s.

“I guess you could call me a music nerd. I like everything from Bob Dylan to the Ramones, to Jimmy Cliff to Cock Sparrer. I plan to bring together a great group of players to record covers as well as some originals. I hope you dig it and encourage you to pass them on.” (more…)

Tags: Blink-182, Ooh La La, Rancid, Tim Armstrong, Tim Timebomb, Travis Barker
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Gin Wigmore Featured on Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards

Posted: November 18, 2012

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Gin Wigmore recently appeared on the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards to play a track off her 2011 album Gravel & Wine.

“Man Like That” might sound familiar, as it is featured in Heineken commercials promoting the new James Bond movie Skyfall.

Watch the clip below and visit Wigmore’s official website for more information.

Tags: Gin Wigmore, Man Like That, Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards
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Tenacious D Take a Jazzy Turn on Craig Ferguson

Posted: November 16, 2012

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In honor of Record Story Day’s participation on Black Friday (Nov. 23), Tenacious D if offering 1,000 copies of a new 12″ entitled “Jazz.”

The record clocks in at a healthy 11:43 and includes a download card for a video of the band in the studio.

To demonstrate their latest direction, Tenacious D recently played part of “Jazz” on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. (more…)

Tags: Jazz, Tenacious D, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
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Watch Jerry Douglas on His Gretsch Bobtail Resonator

Posted: November 14, 2012

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Resonator master and 13-time Grammy Award winner Jerry Douglas has been out on the road in support of his latest album Traveler.

Fan-shot footage has surfaced of Douglas performing Traveler‘s opening track, ”On a Monday,” over the weekend at Stage 1 in Fairfield, Conn.

Enjoy the clip below of Douglas on his new  G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck A.E. resonator from the Gretsch Roots Collection.

Tags: gretsch, Jerry Douglas, Resonator, Roots Collection, Traveler
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