Without giving away any juicy tidbits, "Slash" is a fantastic book
for anyone who is a fan of Slash or Guns N' Roses in general. What is
so amazing about the information in this book is that I think most of it
might actually be true. Unlike other books by famous musicians that
seem to glorify the "life on the road", "Slash" offers deeper insight
into why the band (or Axle) had major difficulties coping with extreme
levels of success.
Slash's voice is fun and present in this book
and he chronicles the birth of the bands, their rise, and what led to
their ultimate parting of ways.
It is amazing, when reading this
book, to see how much luck played into this band's early success.
Essentially, Slash and the rest of his band members did not have much
going on for them in the early years but knew how to write some
incredible music. With a chance meeting with Axle, the band knew that
his voice offered something magical that would get them notice.
"Slash"
with Anthony Bozza is not a pretentous story, nor does it focus heavily
on bashing Axle Rose and pointing to him as the cause of the band's
ultimate breakup. However, when reading it just remember that it is one
unique perspective from the inside of this band.
Are the the
facts true? We will never know. The fun in reading "Slash" is, just as
with the band, all in the journey. in a fun autobiographical form,
Slash takes the reader on an absolutely deranged ride that seems to get
crazier with each Jack Daniels spiked chapter. Again, in some chapters
the level of detail recalled by Slash seems to indicate that he must be
taking some literary embellishments (the guy was destroyed out of his
mind!)
For anyone who is a huge fan of Slash, you will read
through this book as fast as some of his insane solos! Good read of
"Slash" by Anthony Bozza.
Type: Gibson SG 61' Reissue Electric Guitar
Retail Price: $1600-$1999
Review:
The Gibson SG 61' Reissue Electric guitar is a fantastic true to life recreation of one of the most famous guitars of all time. The SG Reissue from Gibson is significant because it has an ultra light and ultra fast and slim neck (60's style) which allows for much easier playability and expression from the instrument. Gibson has gone to great lengths to make this reissue have exactly the same composition as the original SG from 1961 including:
Classic '57 humbuckers
Mahogany carved body on both sides
Grover Tuners
Classic Stop Tail Piece
The SG reissue is a fantastic recreation of one of the most popular guitars of all time for good reason. So many people come into my studio and love the sound of a Les Paul, but feel like they cannot imagine using this thing on stage considering that it weights almost 10 lbs! The SG is a great option for others who do not want to the added weight of the heavy SG but still crave hot Gibson tones and smooth finishes.
When choosing this or any Gibson there is absolutely no way of knowing what you will like before going into a music store and playing one. Basically, you may walk out with a completely different guitar than imagined if you are basing you decision, not on the look of something, but on the sound and playability of a fine insstrument.
Guitar Model: Gibson SG Standard
Price: Approx. $1200 retail
What is it:
The Gibson SG series of guitars was designed in stark contrast to the Les Paul design and popularity. In the early 1960's Leo Fender (amongst others) were selling popular light and rock oriented guitars that looked nothing like Les Paul guitars. In response to Gibson's fear that they were going to lose market share to the SG models, they introduced the SG series of instruments, which have become possibly their second most popular electric guitar model of all time. It is rumored that when Mr. Les Paul was shown this guitar he immediately hated it and thought the design was ugly.
Again, one of the leading features of the Gibson SG is the ultra lightweight but ability to retain that great Gibson tone and playability. it is easier to play in the upper frets due to the sculpted nature of the SG body. "SG" is short for Solid Guitar. Guitarists such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young love the famous Gibson SG Standard.
Electronics:
Gibson has chosen to include hot sounding Humbucker pickups for an aggressive and biting tone. Exact pickup specifics are:
- 490R humbucker in the neck position
- 498T humbucker in the bridge position
The double cutaway mahogany body is sturdy but lightweight. Gibson has included their fantastic chrome hardware and stop tailpiece on this fine instrument.
As for tone controls, you will find 2 volume knobs, 2 tone knobs, 3-way switches.
Tips: There is no way of knowing whether or not you willl like the feel, playability, and sound of a Gibson SG than playing one yourself. Much like test driving a car before buying, you absolutely need to play a Gibson before purchasing as they are expensive. Even guitars of the same model can have slight variations in feel and tone from one instrument to the next. Again, we cannot stress enough actually playing a guitar before purchasing. For example, many guitar students are interested in buying Les Paul guitars before ever using one. I have watched countless young players walk into my music shop, pick up a Les Paul, play it for a few minutes, and then end up buying either a Gibson SG, or if they are interested in jazz and blues, a Gibson ES 137 or similar. It's a vital step.
Case:
Each Gibson SG standard includes Gibson's classic hardshell case, which will last years of abuse.
There are countless websites which promise to provide free band flier templates but end up forcing you to click on a bunch of ads that ultimately gets you nowhere.
Basically, what musicians want is a source of free templates in order to quickly promote shows, which often times come at last minute notice. The problem with a bunch of band fliers that are available online right now is that they simply suck. Basically, what musicians want are creative looking templates for shows which span different genres and would appeal to their fan base. Let's face it though- does the old fashioned band flier concept even work anymore?
In the age of facebook and twitter posts, the old fashioned notion that printing up a bunch of promotional fliers about a big show you have coming up will probably not get any additional people to your show. One upshop is that is will spread the word on your band and probably increase name recognition.
So the art which bands really want to get their hands on should be templates which would be placed outside of areas close to their venues in order to drum up some interest for people wanting to go to their shows. Another way that band fliers can actually work is if you simply place then in areas of familiarity, such as a college campus or high school, where people already know who you are. Again, always go for the lowest hanging fruit and work backwards.
Another few articles on the subject http://gibson-guitar-reviews.com/free-band-flyer-downloads
http://www.wiser-rocker.com/2007/03/31/make-hang-band-flyers-promo-templates/
In a surprising story, Gibson Guitar has acknowledged today that they have a Federal tax lien of roughly $450,000 regarding 2006-2009 filings which they claim were not properly completed.
Gibson has made a public statement in which they discuss that an independent firm they hired was responsible for creating the tax liens and is no longer working with Gibson. The IRS, on the other hand, says that these arrears are do to possible price rigging allegations, a raid on rare wood stocks, and a downgrading of Gibson's financial rating.
The economy surely has hurt the famed guitar maker, as all luxury brands are having difficulty in a cost conscience marketplace
Gibson plans to pay the tax bill and is in contact with the IRS to iron out their differences. Keep jammin!
