NEW TIGER'S EYE FINISH BY FENDER EXCLUSIVE AT GUITAR CENTER!!!

CREDIT: FENDER GUITARS

NEW TIGEER'S EYE FINISH BY FENDER EXCLUSIVE AT GUITAR CENTER!!!....

Fender's Ultra Range Gets a Wild New Look - Exclusive to Guitar Center, the New Tiger's Eye Finish Looks to Be a Roaring Success

If you're a fan of Fender guitars, you might want to check out the latest exclusive offer from Guitar Center. The renowned guitar retailer has teamed up with Fender to bring you a stunning new finish for the Fender Ultra range - the Tiger's Eye.

The Tiger's Eye finish is a limited edition, available only at Guitar Center, and only on select models of the Fender Ultra series. The Ultra series is Fender's most advanced and versatile line of electric guitars and basses, featuring state-of-the-art craftsmanship, electronics, and hardware.

The Tiger's Eye finish showcases a gorgeous maple top with a natural wood grain pattern that resembles the eye of a tiger. The maple top is paired with a lightweight alder body, which has been contoured for comfort and playability. The finish is complemented by a matching headstock, chrome hardware, and a tortoiseshell pickguard.

The Tiger's Eye finish is available on three models of the Fender Ultra series: the Stratocaster, the Stratocaster HSS, and the Telecaster. Each model features a modern "D" shaped neck with a compound-radius fingerboard, which allows for smooth and fast playing across the fretboard. The neck also has a satin finish on the back and a gloss finish on the front, for a sleek and comfortable feel.

The Ultra series also boasts some of the best pickups and electronics that Fender has to offer. The Stratocaster and the Stratocaster HSS feature the Ultra Noiseless Vintage single-coil pickups, which deliver classic Fender tone without any hum or noise. The Stratocaster HSS also has an Ultra Double Tap humbucker in the bridge position, which can be split into a single-coil with a push-pull switch on the volume knob. The Telecaster features the Ultra Noiseless Hot single-coil pickups, which offer a powerful and punchy sound with plenty of clarity and definition.

All models also have a treble bleed circuit, which preserves the high frequencies when you lower the volume, and an S-1 switch, which activates different wiring options for more tonal variety. The Stratocaster and the Stratocaster HSS have a 5-way blade switch, while the Telecaster has a 3-way blade switch. The Ultra series also has a 2-point tremolo system with a pop-in arm for the Stratocaster models, and a 6-saddle American Tele bridge with chromed brass saddles for the Telecaster model.

The Tiger's Eye finish is not only limited to electric guitars, but also to the Fender Ultra Precision Bass. The Ultra Precision Bass features a maple top and an alder body with the Tiger's Eye finish, as well as a matching headstock, chrome hardware, and a 4-ply tortoiseshell pickguard. The bass also has a modern "D" shaped neck with a compound-radius fingerboard, a satin finish on the back and a gloss finish on the front, and a HiMass bridge for increased sustain and resonance.

The Ultra Precision Bass has a pair of Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass pickups, which deliver a rich and warm sound with no hum or noise. The bass also has a master volume knob, a pan pot, and a 3-band active EQ, which allows you to sculpt your tone with precision and ease. The bass also has an active/passive switch, which lets you switch between the active EQ and a passive tone control.

CREDIT: The Fender Ultra series with the Tiger's Eye finish is a rare and exclusive opportunity for guitar and bass enthusiasts who want to own a piece of Fender history and innovation. The Tiger's Eye finish is a stunning and unique addition to the Ultra series, which already offers some of the best features and performance that Fender has to offer. The Tiger's Eye finish is available only at Guitar Center, and only for a limited time, so you'll want to pounce on it while you can. Don't miss this chance to get your hands on one of the most beautiful and versatile instruments that Fender has ever made.

This blog post was written with the help of Copilot, an AI companion that can generate content on various topics. The information and specifications about Guitar Center's Exclusive new Fender Tiger's Eye finish were obtained from the official websites of Guitar Center and Fender. All rights reserved to Guitar Center and Fender. The images used in this blog post are also from Guitar Center and Fender, and are used for illustrative purposes only.

Remembering Wayne Kramer, GUITARISTS OF MC5 DEAD AT 75 YEARS OLD...

MC5: KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHERFUCKERS!!!

                                                                                      VIDEO CREDIT: WAYNE KRAMER YOUTUBE

Remembering Wayne Kramer, the revolutionary rocker who kicked out the jams!!!.....

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Wayne Kramer, the co-founder and guitarist of the MC5, one of the most influential and radical bands in rock history. Kramer died on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer. He was 75 years old.

Kramer was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1948, and grew up in a turbulent era of social unrest, racial tension, and political upheaval. He found his outlet in music, and in 1963 he formed the MC5 – short for “Motor City Five”, a tribute to their hometown – with singer Rob Tyner, guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson.

The MC5 quickly gained a reputation for their explosive live shows, which combined garage rock and blues rock with elements of psychedelia, free jazz, and radical politics. They were the house band for the White Panther Party, a militant anti-racist group that advocated for civil rights, social justice, and an end to the Vietnam War. They also performed at the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where they witnessed police brutality and riots.

The band’s debut album, Kick Out The Jams, was recorded live at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom in 1968 and released the following year. The album’s title track became their signature anthem, with its defiant “Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!” introduction. The album was controversial for its profanity and revolutionary message, and was banned by some radio stations and record stores.

The MC5 followed up with two more studio albums, Back In The USA in 1970 and High Time in 1971, both of which showcased their musical versatility and lyrical prowess. However, the band faced various challenges, such as censorship, legal troubles, drug addiction, and internal conflicts. They eventually disbanded in 1972, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire countless musicians in the punk, metal, and alternative rock scenes.

Kramer’s life after the MC5 was not easy. In 1975, he was arrested for selling drugs to an undercover federal agent and sentenced to four years in prison. During his incarceration, he learned to play piano and wrote songs. After his release, he briefly joined the funk-rock band Was Not Was, and then moved to New York, where he formed the short-lived Gang War with former New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders.

Kramer spent most of the 1980s working as a carpenter, while struggling with drug addiction and depression. He eventually got sober and resumed his musical career in the 1990s, signing with punk label Epitaph and releasing several solo albums, such as The Hard Stuff, Dangerous Madness, and Citizen Wayne. He also collaborated with artists such as David Peel, Henry Rollins, and Lemmy Kilmister.

In 2003, Kramer reunited with the surviving members of the MC5, Davis and Thompson, for a tribute concert to Tyner, who had died in 1991. Smith had also passed away in 1994. The reunion show, which featured guest vocalists such as Dave Vanian, Ian Astbury, and Lemmy, was a success and led to a series of tours under the name DKT/MC5, with singers such as Mark Arm, Lisa Kekaula, and Evan Dando.

In 2018, Kramer celebrated the 50th anniversary of Kick Out The Jams with a new project called MC50, which included Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron of Soundgarden, Brendan Canty of Fugazi, Billy Gould of Faith No More, and Don Was. The band played the entire album live, as well as other MC5 classics, to rave reviews from fans and critics.

In 2022, Kramer announced that he was working on a fourth MC5 album, titled Heavy Lifting, which would be produced by Bob Ezrin and feature a new singer, Brad Brooks. He also revealed that the album would have guest appearances from Slash, Tom Morello, Vernon Reid, William DuVall, and others. The album was supposed to be released in October 2022, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Kramer said that the album was his way of pushing back against the dark times and carrying on the MC5’s legacy.

“We’ve just barely survived four catastrophic years of a failed presidency and a devastating pandemic.” Kramer said. "Brad and I started writing new music with the express purpose of pushing back against the cruelty of it all. It had become so polarised and depressing that bringing in other writers was like a hope injection.

“Nonstop touring, especially the last decade, I’ve come to understand that the music of the MC5 is as necessary as ever. It’s definitely high time to write and record new songs and to carry a message of uncompromising hard rock to fans around the world.”

Sadly, Kramer did not live to see the release of Heavy Lifting, which is now expected to come out in spring 2024. However, he left behind a rich and remarkable body of work that will continue to inspire and challenge listeners for generations to come.

Besides his musical achievements, Kramer was also a passionate advocate for prison reform and rehabilitation programs. In 2009, he co-founded Jail Guitar Doors USA, a non-profit organization that provides musical instruments and education to incarcerated individuals as a means of personal transformation. He also wrote a memoir, The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, The MC5, And My Life Of Impossibilities, which was published in 2018.

Kramer is survived by his wife, Margaret Saadi Kramer, and his son, Francis Bean Kramer, as well as his brother, Charles Kramer, and his sister, Kathy Kelley. He will be remembered as a visionary, a rebel, and a rock and roll legend.

Rest in peace, Wayne Kramer. You kicked out the jams, and we thank you for it.

MIC'ING GUITAR CAB FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE...

 MIC'ING A GUITAR CAB 

FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE:

   When it comes to live performance, getting a great guitar tone is essential. And one of the most important factors in achieving that tone is properly miking up your guitar amp. Whether you're playing in a small club or on a big stage, getting the right sound from your guitar amp can make all the difference in your performance. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best practices for mic'ing up a guitar amp on stage, and how to get the best tone possible.

Step 1: Choose the Right Mic

The first step in mic'ing up a guitar amp on stage is selecting the right microphone for the job. There are a few different types of microphones commonly used for live performance, each with their own unique sound characteristics. Here are a few to consider:

Dynamic Mics: These mics are great for live performance, as they can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. The industry standard for guitar amp mics is the Shure SM57, which is known for its bright and punchy sound.

Condenser Mics: These mics are more sensitive than dynamic mics, and can capture more detail and nuance in the sound of your guitar amp. While they may not be as rugged as dynamic mics, they can be a great choice for more nuanced and complex performances. A popular choice for live performance is the Audio-Technica AT4053b.

Ribbon Mics: These mics are known for their smooth and warm sound, and are often used to capture the classic "vintage" tone of guitar amps. While they may not be as commonly used as dynamic or condenser mics, they can be a great choice for achieving a specific tone or sound.

Ultimately, the choice of mic will come down to personal preference and the sound you're trying to achieve. Be sure to choose a mic that can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, as guitar amps can get quite loud on stage.

Step 2: Position the Mic

Once you've selected your mic, the next step is to position it properly in front of your guitar amp. The placement of the mic can have a significant impact on the tone and sound of your performance, so it's important to take the time to get it right. Here are a few tips for mic placement:

Position the mic off-center: Placing the mic off-center of the speaker cone can yield a more interesting and complex tone. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot for your particular amp and mic.

Angle the mic: Rotating the mic slightly can help capture different parts of the guitar sound, and can help reduce unwanted frequencies or harshness. Experiment with different angles to find the right balance between brightness and warmth.

Move the mic closer or farther away: Moving the mic closer to the amp will result in a more "direct" and full-bodied tone, while moving it farther away can yield a more ambient and spacious sound. Experiment with different distances to find the right balance for your performance.

Step 3: Check for Feedback

One of the biggest challenges when mic'ing up a guitar amp on stage is feedback. Feedback occurs when the sound from the amp is picked up by the mic and amplified through the PA system, creating a loop of sound that can quickly spiral out of control. To prevent feedback, it's important to take a few precautions:

Use a feedback suppressor: A feedback suppressor is a device that can detect and eliminate feedback in real time. This can be a great tool for preventing feedback in live performance situations.

Position the amp and mic properly: Make sure the amp and mic are positioned in a way that minimizes the chance of feedback. This may require some trial and error, but it's worth taking the time to get it right.

Use a noise gate: A noise gate is a device that can automatically mute the signal when it falls below a certain threshold. This can be a great tool for eliminating unwanted noise and preventing feedback.

Step 4: Monitor Your Tone

Finally, it's important to monitor your tone throughout your performance to ensure that everything sounds great. Here are a few tips for monitoring your tone:

Use in-ear monitors: In-ear monitors can provide a more accurate and consistent representation of your tone, as they eliminate variables like room acoustics and speaker placement.

Listen to recordings of your performances: Recording your performances and listening back can be a great way to evaluate your tone and make adjustments as needed.

Work with your sound engineer: Your sound engineer can provide valuable feedback and advice on how to improve your tone. Be sure to communicate with them throughout your performance to ensure that everything sounds great.

Conclusion

Mic'ing up a guitar amp on stage is both an art and a science, and takes practice and experimentation to get right. By choosing the right mic, positioning it properly, checking for feedback, and monitoring your tone throughout your performance, you can achieve a great sound that will take your live performances to the next level. Remember to trust your ears and be willing to make adjustments as needed to get the perfect tone for your performance.