Max Weinberg

Zildjian Artist Biography: Max Weinberg

Band/Affiliation: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band / Late Night with Conan O’Brien

Birthday: April 03
Country: United States

Like so many drummers of his generation, it was Ringo Starr who first inspired Max to pick up drumsticks. From 1974 through 1989 Max would become part of one of the most popular musical forces in the nation: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  His powerful but controlled playing on albums such as Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A. stabilized the E Street Band sound and Weinberg became a mainstay of Springsteen’s long concert performances. Numerous albums and more than a few hits later Bruce broke up the band and Max found his way onto television as the bandleader and drummer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The Max Weinberg 7 became one of the hottest house band acts on television, with Max driving the band hard every night. Weinberg’s drums-driven jump blues sound and his role as a comic foil prospered along with the show, giving him a second career. In 1999 Bruce reunited the E Street band and Max went out once again, on a tour that was one of the most memorable in decades. Allowing Weinberg to tour for one of the highest-profile reunions in rock history was thought to be of long-term benefit to the television show’s appeal, and an arrangement was worked out, wherein Weinberg took a leave of absence from Late Night, in order to go out on this and subsequent tours

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Max Weinberg 2nd from left)

Weinberg has also had the honour of playing at two presidential inaugurations, the Grammy’s, and the 1995 dedication for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The Max Weinberg 7 released a self-titled album in 2000, on Hip-O Records; Weinberg said he waited until then because “I wanted to change my style of playing and hone my style before I committed to a record.” He was especially proud that the band had successfully backed Tony Bennett during a late 1990s appearance on Late Night: “Two years ago if you’d asked me if I could play with Tony Bennett, I would have said absolutely not. I’m not in his league. But we played with him the other night, and it was wonderful. We swung.” In 1994, Rhino Records released Max Weinberg Presents: Let There Be Drums, a three-volume set of CDs that highlighted drumming that Weinberg admired on songs from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Zildjian Avedis Medium 17 inch Thin Crash

Drumset Cymbals / Cast Bronze Cymbals / A Zildjian Series
Bright. Stronger high-end than Thin Crash.

Technical Specifications

Category: A Zildjian Series
SKU: A0231
Type: Crash
Size: 17 in. / 43.18 cm.
Weight: Medium Thin
Finish: Traditional Finish
Bell Size: Small
Profile: Medium
Pitch: Mid to High
Sound: Bright/Mid
Volume: Project
Balance: Cut
Sustain: Long
Skill level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Professional
Genre(s): Alternative, Country, Fusion, Hard Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Metal, Other, Percussion, Pop, Punk, Rock, World

Zldjian A 18 inch Medium Crash

Drumset Cymbals / Cast Bronze Cymbals / A Zildjian Series
Higher-pitched. Full bodied.

Technical specifications

Category: A Zildjian Series
SKU: A0242
Type: Crash
Size: 18 in. / 45.72 cm.
Weight: Medium
Finish: Traditional Finish
Bell Size: Small
Profile: Medium
Pitch: High
Sound: Bright/Mid
Volume: Project
Balance: Cut
Sustain: Long
Skill level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Professional
Genre(s): Alternative, Country, Fusion, Hard Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Metal, Other, Percussion, Pop, Punk, Rock, World

20 inch Zildjian A Rock Ride

Technical specifications

Category: A Zildjian Series
SKU: A0080
Type: Rides
Size: 20 in. / 50.8 cm.
Weight: Heavy
Finish: Traditional Finish
Bell Size: Large
Profile: Medium-High
Pitch: High
Sound: Bright
Volume: Loud
Balance: Cut
Sustain: Long
Skill level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Professional
Genre(s): Alternative, Country, Fusion, Hard Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Metal, Other, Percussion, Pop, Punk, Rock, World

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Weinberg

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Gene Simmons Accepts No Substitute
There is no one mightier than the God of Thunder himself, Gene Simmons. Check out the latest promotional videos coming out in 2012. Both videos feature the rock star himself telling you exactly why you need to own his signature model basses. Gene accepts no substitute. Should you?

Watch the Gene Simmons AXE-2 video

Watch the Gene Simmons Punisher-2 video

BOSS RC-30 Loop Station

Live looping has become an increasingly popular means of creative expression for musicians everywhere, and BOSS’ portable, affordable, and simple-to-use Loop Station products have played a pivotal role in the rise of this new type of performing. Now, powered by BOSS’ proprietary ESC2 DSP chip, the RC-30 and RC-3 Loop Stations offer looping musicians the most powerful and best-sounding tools yet available for recording and manipulating audio loops live and in the studio.

The RC-30 is housed in BOSS’ popular Twin Pedal chassis, just like the RC-20XL it replaces. New features include true stereo inputs and outputs, plus up to three hours of onboard stereo recording and loop storage, a marked upgrade to its predecessor’s mono I/O and 16 minutes of mono recording. Additionally, the RC-30 has a new dual phrase loop feature that lets users create and play two completely independent stereo loop phrases in perfect sync.

Included in the RC-30 is the LOOP FX feature that lets users process their loop recordings in real time, plus 99 memories for onboard loop storage and an LED memory indicator. In addition, a USB 2.0 port lets users swap and manage WAV audio loops with a computer. Holdover features from the RC-20XL include a mic input with phantom power, an AUX IN jack for connecting a portable music player, and a key selection of onboard rhythms, which now include real audio drum loops.

How to Speed Up Your Guitar Playing… the HARD Way

By ‘Fretboard Frenzy’ Winner – Duri Dhansay

 Okay, so you’ve decided you’re ready to dramatically up your BPM and blur up the fretboard with a breakneck flurry of well-placed angelic notes, but the truth is dazzling an audience with effortless-sounding, supersonic guitar lines isn’t easy. Well here are a few hints to help pass that seemingly impassable peak. It’s a gradual, and often frustrating process, but if you put in the time, the pay off is unbelievably gratifying. Time to make those digits dance…

THE WELL-OILED MACHINE

First off, make sure that before you sling on the old strap that you’re as relaxed as possible, tense shoulders or biceps can be reflected in your playing, not to mention lead to all manner of high-speed injuries. Warming up is essential: a warm muscle is a happy muscle, and this is especially important when speed training! Take at least a few minutes of slower playing before you kick it into high gear, sometimes warming up to your last top speed could even take a few hours, especially if you have big gaps between sessions. Also, do a few stretches, wrist rotations; shoulder and neck rolls etc. just to unwind a bit, even the occasional massage wouldn’t hurt! Remember, your fingertips hit the strings, but they’re just extensions of your whole body.

TOOLS… AND TOYS… OF THE TRADE

When you’re away from your Guitar, take the opportunity to do a few hand and arm strengthening exercises. Extending your fingers under a thick elastic band can improve your flexibility, and thus speed. Chinese boading balls are designed for increasing dexterity and forearm strength; try them out in both hands just before practising.

The most effective for hand-strengthening and dexterity would go beyond conventional exercise handgrips and the like. The most popular and highly effective, Planet Waves Gripmaster, being one of the most notable because it allows individual finger strengthening in a guitar oriented manner. These are even used by mountaineers and people whom also require dexterity with their strength.

Lifting a few weights now and again is a good idea, but try not to practice if your arms are too lamed out. Your most important external tool is the metronome, learn to use it properly and make it your best friend! It’s the ultimate way to keep track of your progress, but don’t rush it, speed training is a gradual process; try to keep it regular and focussed. Raise your BPM by a small amount at a time only once you’re totally comfortable with your current velocity.

THE NITTY GRITTY: ACTUAL PRACTICE

Remember: you have two hands; picking and fretting, don’t neglect either. Lets start with the fretting (left) hand. Hand ‘posture’ is incredibly important when speed training, consider this: if you lift your fingers too far off the fretboard, the milliseconds they take to return add up and steal away bigger chunks of your time, so try to keep them as close down as possible, lifting only enough for your next move. Imagine your fingertips are like magnets, always tending towards the frets. Also, think ahead. If you practiced gradually and started slowly, it’d be easier to predict your next move, so position your hand in a way that the next finger you’re going to use is already hovering over the next fret, i.e. ‘positional’ playing. Make sure ALL your left-hand fingers have good strength and dexterity, the most common weak link tends to be the left hand pinky, if it feels quite weak, spend a few weeks strengthening it, there’s no room for a freeloader! The best way to do this is actually to use it, and resist the urge to substitute a stronger finger. The individual finger dexterity and strength facilitation of the Gripmaster is optimal for this.

Now for the right hand: there are so many opinions about ‘proper’ picking techniques that the proverbial light bulb never gets changed. Try to master as many right hand techniques as you can, alternate picking, sweep picking, economy picking, string skipping etc. and develop your own style. Consider the mechanics of what happens in a pickstroke. I personally find a combination of short up and down hand movements and slight back and forth propulsion with your thumb works best.

Note-economy is key when speed picking: logic dictates that a shorter pick movement will take less time, so even when practicing slowly, try not to wander too far from the area you’re about to attack. As with the left hand, think about your next move – a downstroke to a higher numbered string (e.g. 3rd to 4th) and an upstroke to a lower numbered string will save time, that’s the principle of economy picking. Always be as analytical as possible of what happens when you play. Practising hands separately, like pianists do, may seem a bit strange to a guitarist, but it’s a good way to focus on one thing at a time before bringing them together.

WHAT TO PLAY…THE SPEED SESSION

Most people will sit hours practising mind-numbing scales and get more frustration than progress. The human mind craves stimulation, so try to sauce up your sessions a bit. As important as it is to practise a standard lateral scale run, dexterity and speed go hand in hand, so challenge yourself: practice fast exotic chord changes or harmonized scales, change the note order of a scale you’re working on, vary the rhythmic patterns to make things more musical, etc. all in correlation with your speed training. The last thing you want is ONLY to be able to do a straight, fast run. Make sure you can do fast, tricky arpeggios, combine techniques like sweep picking and alternate picking, do some quick, far out positional shifts, in other words just be creative or you might become a purely linear speedster.

THE X (PERIENCE) FACTOR

There are some things that just can’t be relayed with words or examples; but simply click into place with a bit of time and experience. Developing the ultimate ‘knack’ for speed playing takes patience and perseverance, but remember that the speed limit tends to start with ‘I can’, and end with ‘I can’t’. Don’t over do it either – consistent, regular practice in short bursts is better than shredding for ten hours, only to let your guitar gather dust for weeks on end. Happy playing, and don’t forget to breathe.

If you’d like to contact Duri: duriguitar@gmail.com

Also check out his column in http://www.saguitarmag.co.za/

Cort’s CR250 Rocks the U.K.

The good people over at Play Music Pickup magazine took the CR250 for a spin. They raved on about the sound quality, playability and price. Although it may look like many other guitars on the market today, the Cort CR250 blows the competition away and we’re sure you’ll agree. Be sure to visit Paul Bothner Music today and test drive one for yourself. Besides being built to perfection, these guitars come equipped with pickups that deliver the utmost in versatility. http://www.playmusicpickup.co.uk/

Check out this guitar and more on our site or click the link for the official Cort site…

http://cortguitars.com/_webapp_3832384/CR250

Check out a video clip…

http://vimeo.com/29227755

Bose L1 Compact

The Bose L1 Compact is a well designed, high quality, compact amplification system for both public address and personal monitoring.

Bose has always been a name associated with two descriptors: compact and quality. They are a company who has built their reputation on producing products that, despite their diminutive nature, supply clear and powerful sound that rivals the best component systems many times their size. This has made them pioneers in the home audio market where the now popular satellite/subwoofer combination systems are so ubiquitous.

But Bose is evolving. No more are they limited to the home audio market or to producing noise cancelling headphones for weary travellers in need of a quiet journey to the soundtrack of a Mozart concerto. They have now stepped into the world of public address and personal amplification. In fact, they have released a range of products which can accomplish both tasks with equal precision. Of course, I am talking about the L1 amplification systems, which come in three configurations as of this writing:

• L1 Compact
• L1 Model I Single Bass Package
• L1 Model II Single Bass Package with the ToneMatch Audio Engine

 The model I was given for review was the L1 Compact so if you would like more information on the other two versions, please visit Bose Website.

 Contunue reading the review at Muze Magazine.

Review written by Greg Bester.

Gandalf’s, R.O.A.R. & Pandemonium – 3 Legendary Bastions of Metal in One

‘Gandalf’s’ is situated in Observatory Lower main road in the mother city, Cape Town. The name was chosen as a theme based on the ‘Lord of the Rings’. The theme is emphasized by the brilliant artwork, design of the club and paintings on the walls of the ENTIRE club.

Some of the country’s most renowned musicians, from all over the land have ground their axes at this galvanized hive of metal and rock treasure…

http://www.facebook.com/groups/2528736687/

Every Tuesday between 9-11pm

• R7 double brandy/whisky/sours/vodka/cane+mix!, how awesome is that.
• 3 beers R12
• 3 shots Sours or Sumbucca R12
• Jack Daniels R10
• Tequila R10.
• Plus DJs and bands.
• Double vodka+Redbull R25 all night

Every Wednesday

• Jug Night, with trance in ROAR and Pandemonium, one cover charge for all three venues!
• jugs start at R25…
• Double Vodka+Redbull R25 all night!
• Happy Hour specials 9-11pm

Thursdays Ladies Night with FREE drinks from 9pm-2am

• Happy Hour at main bar 9-11pm double brandy/vodka/sours/cane/whisky R9
• Blacklabel/castle R8
• Jack / Tequila R10
• 3 shots sumbuca/sours R12
• Double Vodka+Redbull R25 all night!
• with DJ Rory and guests. ladies R25, Guys R50.

Fridays ONE HUGE PARTY specials 9pm-11pm with DJ Zas and guests

• Happy hour 9-11:
• Double brandy/vodka/sours/cane/whisky R9
• Black abel/castle R8
• Jack/tequila R10
• 3 shots Sumbuca/sours R12
• Double Vodka + Redbull R25 all night!

Saturday’s Student night Drinks are R5 all night with Dj Simone.

• Double Vodka+ Redbull R25 all night!

‘Pandemonium’ 

Address: 299 Lower Main Road Observatory next to Gandalf’s

• Every Friday ObzScene with DJ Verdine playing all the best alternative, requests welcome
• Every Saturday special events
• Prizes and Free shooter at the door
• Any bands or DJs interested in playing contact Antonio on 083 3300700.
• Join the Reburn fan page and win monthly prizes. Click the link below.

Check out these bands and join these groups.

Reburn http://www.facebook.com/groups/2528736687/#!/ReburnCT

Enmity http://www.facebook.com/groups/2528736687/#!/enmityband

For more info on bookings and events contact Antonio on 083 3300 700

Soweto Gospel Choir and RODE Mics

Heralded as the most exciting group to emerge in World Music in recent years, two-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir uses RODE mics. Through vibrant rhythm, movement and its renowned vocal harmonies, Soweto Gospel Choir’s inimitable performance style has become a worldwide phenomenon. Since its foundation in 2002, the Choir has performed to sell-out crowds at the greatest concert halls across the globe and alongside superstars including Bono, Queen, Celine Dion, John Legend, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. The Choir’s 26 singers, dancers and musicians deliver a flawless performance of traditional and contemporary songs infused with irrepressible spirit.

Alex Hutchings Blows the South Easter Away

Guitar maestro, Alex Hutchings was in Cape Town, courtesy of Roland and Boss, to showcase current and ’state of the art products’, to a captivated audience. Alex blew everyone away with his technical mastery and guitar skills. Especially, his ability to incorporate pedals, such as the Boss RC-30 Loop Station and Boss ME-25 Multi-efx unit into the mix.

There were no monolithic stacks. No boutique, ’one-of-a-kind’ amplifiers onstage… Alex presented his range of tonally rich, profoundly articulate ideas with the industry favourite: the Roland CUBE amplifier. This proves once again, that it’s not just the ability of the player but the clever combination of the musician’s ability and the technical skill and industry awareness of musicians’ needs, that creates masterful sounds. The old adage, ‘A poor workman blames his tools’ extends to the tight spots one can get caught in, as a musician. The better your gear, the better the performance. 

He also unveiled two new BOSS products, available soon. The first being, the Boss Feedbacker/Booster (FB-2) and the Boss Combo Overdrive (BC-2).

Read more about these at this link: www.rolandus.com

Thanks to all who managed to attend the event!! To those who missed out: you really missed an unbelievable evening of guitar mastery and technology. Special thanks to Roland and BOSS. Well done guys!!!

Reviewed by Matthew Vismer, our N1 Superstore Resident Guitar Specialist  

Big screen and television star, Gary Sinise is also a musician. While studying under the guidance of legendary bassist, Jeff Berlin, Sinise had an opportunity to play a Cort bass from Jeff’s collection. In appreciation of the work he has done to support veterans of the United States military, Cort presented Gary with a Cort Artisan A4 bass.

In appreciation of the work actor/musician Gary Sinise is doing to help support veterans of the United States military and other charitable efforts through his Gary Sinise Foundation, Cort presented Gary with Cort Artisan A4 bass. The presentation occurred during a fund raising event earlier this year, in Chicago, where Gary’s Lt. Dan Band performed. The concert, event and fundraiser benefited the United States Veterans Arts Program (USVAP).

The organization strives to provide artistic tools to wounded service members of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as Veterans Medical Service Organizations. Cort was honoured to also provide a Cort electric guitar, signed by Gary and given to a veteran. Sinise was introduced to Cort basses while studying under the guidance of legendary bassist, Jeff Berlin.

Throughout the course of lessons, Sinise had the opportunity to play instruments from Berlin’s collection. The Cort bass quickly became a personal favorite. Soon enough, he started using that bass at performances. Through a mutual friend, noted drummer and original member of the Blues Brothers, Danny Gottlieb introduced Sinise to the people of Cort.

Founded and operated by Vietnam veteran Kimo Williams and his wife Carol, the mission of the USVAP is to increase the representation of veterans in the arts community. They achieve this by providing artistic tools such as musical instruments, painting supplies, computers and cameras to wounded service members and veterans. In doing so, the USVAP creates opportunities offering encouragement and support in the power of art to bring inner solace for Americans who have sacrificed in service of their country.

Officially formed in 2010, the Gary Sinise Foundations serves the United States of America by honouring it’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. They do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. The Lt. Dan Band was founded by Sinise and Williams. The band’s name comes directly from the character Sinise portrayed in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Lieutenant Dan.

The two originally met while working on the Steppenwolf Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire. Williams composed the score while Sinise played the role of Stanley Kowalski. Through their love of music, jam sessions became the norm and these led to what is now the Lt. Dan Band. Together and through Sinise’s role with the USO, they play 30 to 40 shows a year around the world in support of U.S. troops. To learn more about Cort Guitars, visit them online at www.cortguitars.com To learn more about the United States Veterans Arts Program, visit them online at www.usvap.org

To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.

To learn more about the Lt. Dan Band, visit them online at www.ltdanband.com

About Cort Guitars:

For over 50 years, Cort has built the finest guitars and basses, representing quality and value that is unparalleled in our industry. Their mission is to exceed their customers’ expectations by utilizing cutting edge designs, hand selected materials and state of the art technology. Each Cort employee approaches his or her job with a sense of pride allowing them to work as one extended family, working towards one common goal: to endeavour to bring customers the finest quality instruments possible.

www.cortguitars.com

 Some names may be trademarks of other companies.

Gazelle - African Dance Masters

GAZELLE

From their Press Release – 2011

Avant-garde and hypnotic, the sound that is Gazelle, transcends simple notions of musical genre. Taking their infamously eclectic sound with them, on the next phase of their global music explosion, Gazelle turns traditional African music on its head. By mixing it with a fusion of funk, disco and electro their product is a mix of synth-pop, natural rhythms, and a wicked bassline. Their modern-traditional crossover genre they call LIM POP has left a permanent mark on the African music scene. Add Gazelle’s spectacular stage theatrics and you have the formula for an unforgettable experience.

The ‘Kalahari Safari’ tour saw the band performing at some of the most exclusive and trendy clubs and festivals in Europe: from Printemps de Bourges Festival, Oslolive Festival, Magazini Generali in Milan to Social Club, Neavou Casino and LeBaron in Paris , Cookies in Berlin to Sketch in London, Hive in Zurich, Copenhagen Jazz House, RUST, Sodra Teatern in Stockholm and a host of others. Gazelle have taken their sound around South Africa and beyond, setting the global stage alight. Back on the home front they have been met with critical acclaim, including a nomination at the 2010 MK awards, recent opening performance at the Red Bull World Streestyle and walking away with the championship title at the Red Bull Soundclash 2010.

Gazelle, also with Seven Raggasouljah (far Left) and Grenville Williams (far right) from Godessa, EJ Von Lyrik & Firing Squad fame

Recent collaborations have included the Electro Queen Peaches during Smirnoff Global Nightlife Exchange Project, where the band was selected to represent South Africa amongst some of the worlds top performing Artists. Another international feature, was on Dim Mak’s, Bloody Beetroots first full length album RAMBORAMA, on the track Theolonius (The Voodoo King).

It is with honor that Gazelle has negotiated their first distribution in France for their debut album Chic Afrique with Colette, Paris.

Beyond the music, Gazelle has teamed up with The Inoue Brothers to produce a clothing label for the elite Comme des Garçon Dover Street and a whole collection of the finest international design stores. They have also collaborated with The Japanese Danish duo on a summer collection of knitwear and t-shirts.

Gazelle has been featured in well-reputed media from the Italian Rolling Stone magazine, WAD magazine, QUOTATIONS Magazine Japan, TRACKS on Arte, TV5MONDO, RADIO NOVA France and Virus FM in Zurich. From being performers to clothing manufacturers, the team has employed the local communities of Cape Town, pushing for sustainable job creation. Empowering underprivileged communities has become something of a passion for the boys, using their good fortune and talent to help others, who haven’t been offered the same opportunities and, in turn, giving others the ability to help themselves and those they care for.

Hailing from a small town near the border of Mozambique, Xander Ferreira always knew that his future lay in the world of creative expression, something that he has tirelessly pushed to new limits. Growing up in the thick of political unrest and cultural divergence not only opened his mind, but also his sound, to the diversity and the originality that make Gazelle, the enfant terrible of music.

The other half of the dynamic project, Nick Matthews, also known onstage as DJ Invisible, is a musical mad scientist. His mixed beats and experimentation with unfamiliar sounds made him a perfect match in such a progressive group. With a background coming from the heart of the South African dance scene, Nick has affirmed his vision, of looking at new ways of incorporating an African ethos, with electronic music.

Gazelle is more than just a new sound; it’s a way of life. From music to theatre, fashion to politics, exploring the world of this group is a trip down the rabbit-hole to a place of the exciting unknown, the daring, and the future.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a really talented young man by the name of Salmon Fikster (18 years Old).

Let me give you some background on Salmon Fikster.

Salmon was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, making him blind since birth. Salmon’s blindness has not stopped him from expressing his musical side, playing the Piano, Guitar and Singing.

Salmon playing the guitar is what brought the two of us together. I received an e-mail from Jani Le Roux from a television programme called Hello Doctor – asking if we would like to help her by donating a guitar to Salmon.

Prior to me meeting Salmon – Jani did an insert on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – while doing the insert and chatting to the children, she met Salmon Fikster and discovered his angelic voice and his situation.

Salmon will be finishing his schooling this year, to start his new occupation in the carpentry industry. His whole plan was to save up enough money to buy his own guitar – and that’s where Paul Bothner Music came into play – we decided that Salmon waiting to save up to buy a guitar was a crazy idea for us. So we went out to his school (Pionier Skool in Worcester) with Jani and her team to present Salmon Fikster with his brand new guitar – a Cort (AD810E NS) acoustic guitar. Needless to say he was over the moon and once he took the guitar out of the bag he performed three of his favourite Afrikaans Treffers.

Salmon has been playing guitar for about a year and speaking to him about his intentions for his music career he said that he wants to perform like every other musician, and by the look of things his off to a great start.

Having met Salmon, I felt a bond towards the young man and could see that he would always treasure the guitar and play music for the rest of his life. Paul Bothner Music wishes Salmon Fikster all the best for the future and hopefully see him visiting one of our stores around Cape Town.

Please enjoy some of the photos that I took during our meeting. We will also be receiving some video coverage of Salmon Fikster, courtesy of Hello Doctor – have a look as a picture says a thousand words.

Guitar Architecture: Chord Construction Demystified…
(some assembly required)

By ‘Fretboard Frenzy’ Winner Duri Dhansay

Give a man a few chords and he’ll play a few songs. Teach a man how chords are built, and he’ll wail like a legend. Chord charts giving you a headache? Having nightmares where you’re attacked by intimidating and lengthily named extended chords? Whether you’re playing sessions, comping, laying down some mean harmonic lines, or just trying to add some flair to a straight lick, a little knowledge about the inner workings of chord-types can be quite useful.

The Major Scale

Let’s start at the beginning, the illustrious Major scale: pretty much your nuts and bolts when it comes to successful chord assembly. Let’s check out its structure: the Major scale is built on a series of intervals, namely tones (the distance of two frets on the guitar, e.g. from C to D) and semitones (one fret distance, e.g. C-C#), and the formula for the Major scale is invariably this (where T=Tone and S=Semitone):

T-T-S-T-T-T-S

In between we get the degrees of the scale, numbered 1-7, 8 being the octave of the root (starting note). Remember the first Tone is the distance BETWEEN the first two degrees of the scale, so it will have the root on the left of it and the 2nd note on the right, think of it like this:

1T2-T3-S4-T5-T6-T7-S8

This translates as 1 = first note of the scale, then there’s a T or double fret space, which you skip, which is called a whole ‘T’one on the guitar fretboard,  and then you find 2, the second note of the scale at the point one whole tone or double fret space away from the 1 or first note. Where you see ‘S’, you play one fret away from the previous note, as in you play in the consecutive fret, with no space between the two notes. ‘S’ meaning: ‘S’emi-tone or half step. 

You should get to know this scale inside out and in every key, keeping in mind that the formula above is always the same despite the pattern used. Try playing it in a straight line to see the intervals more clearly. Now with that out of the way, let’s start building some chords!

Two Note Chords or Double Stops 

Let’s kick off with two note chords (a.k.a. Double Stops), experiment with these by matching up the root of the major scale with various intervals, e.g. 1 and 2, 1 and 3 etc. and see the effect. Some sound sweet, others are undoubtedly more dissonant. Keep in mind that too much sweet stuff is likely to spoil your appetite, so a few well-placed dissonances are often agreeable. A chord consisting of notes 1 and 3 is one of the most important harmonic building blocks, this interval is known as – you guessed it – a 3rd. Flatten the 3rd by one fret and you’re moving into Minor territory – whenever you play the root and the flattened 3rd the interval is known as a Minor 3rd. Try sprinkling some Major and Minor 3rd double stops underneath your licks to add some conventional zest.

Power Chords 

Now play a 1 and 5 together… tah dah! Instant Power Chord, the basis of many Rock and Metal riffs, often adding the octave for saturation. You get the point; play around with double-stopping various intervals, and you can work out where they’d fit well or not. Now on to the three-note chord, or Triad.

Triads or 3 Note Chords

The Triad is at the heart and spine of most chord species. There are plenty of possible combinations, but let’s start with the four most common:

The Major Triad – play a standard C major chord; work out every note… notice a trend? There are only 3 notes in C major: C, E and G, the 1, 3 and 5 of the Major scale. All the other notes are just doubled up octaves of these three.

The Minor Triad – play a Minor chord now, notice how it only differs from a Major chord by one note, being the one that defines the chord or triad quality as ‘dark’ in a Minor or ‘bright’ in a Major. Yes, the aforementioned flattened 3rd. The 5th stays unchanged, until…

The Diminished Triad – this is essentially a Minor triad with a flattened 5th interval, known as a Diminished 5th, resulting in a far more dissonant feel.

The Augmented Triad – here we have a Major triad, but with a Sharpened 5th. Whew! Let’s recap the spellings of the four basic triads:

Major: 1-3-5           Minor: 1-b3-5           Diminished: 1-b3-b5           Augmented: 1-3-#5

There are plenty of triad combinations to try out, so don’t feel limited – experiment away! A common example is the suspended triad/chord: replace the 3rd in a Major triad with the 2nd or 4th, and you’ll get what’s known as a Suspended 2nd or Suspended 4th chord respectively.

Extended and Polychords

With the Triad at the foundation, you can add a note to create a Quartad (4 note chord), the most typical being the 7th Chord. Let’s check out the most classic 7th Quartads. First off, the Dominant 7th, often notated simply as 7th . This is a Major Triad with a flattened 7th note added. Dominant 7ths are found just about everywhere, but they rule the roost in Blues, where every chord in a progression may be ‘Dominated’. Next there’s a Minor 7th Quartad – a Minor Triad with a flattened 7th, and a Major 7th Quartad – a Major triad with a normal (non-flattened) 7th added. These add a more ‘jazzy’ relish to your progressions. Then we have the rebellious Half-Diminished 7th Chord, this is a Diminished Triad with an added flat 7, you can guess its sound without even trying to play it. Even though I’ve been focussing on Major Key chords, the FULL Diminished 7th found in a Minor Key deserves a mention. Naturally this one’s quite dissonant, and its ladder-like arpeggio form is commonplace amongst Shredders: it’s a Diminished Triad with an added Double-Flattened 7th. The Quartad hit list goes on and on, I wont list ‘em all.

Once again I say: go experiment. Consider adding various normal, flattened, sharpened or somehow mutated 7th notes to any of the aforementioned triads in any combination you like.

Five Note Chords and More 

On to chords comprised of 5 or more notes: next on the path is the 9th chord, where you would add a 9th (in other words a 2nd, one octave up) to one of the previous 7th Quartads to create a pentagonal puzzle, for example, adding a 9th note to a Dominant 7th will create a Dominant 9th, while adding it to a Major 7th Chord creates a Major 9th… making sense? Let’s briskly breeze over to an 11th, a six-note Chord. Same deal, you just add an 11th (a 4th an octave up) to the 9th Chord. Then there’s the 13th chord. See how easy this is getting? You just pop a 13th (a 6th an octave up) onto an 11th chord. 9th, 11th and 13th chords are as important as fingers to Jazz players.

But wait, you say you only have 6 strings and here we are discussing seven-noted chords? Unfortunately, because of that fact, coupled with some physiological limitations of the guitar, something’s got to give, and the most dispensable note is usually the 5th. I don’t need to explain the value of the other notes, just think about it for a second! Right on, now your chord cache is practically brimming. Remember you can still sharpen and flatten and alter any of these notes. A G7b9 for instance is a Dominant 7th Quartad with a flat 9 added to it. And yes, you can get Major 11ths, Diminished 13ths, Minor 9ths – any permutation and alteration you can dream of. As for arrangements and voicings, learn the standard shapes first, then go wild. Don’t get me started on Chord Progressions, that’s for another day. Go soak this up first. So many chords, so little time…

Editor’s Note: Duri Dhansay is one of our ‘Fastest Guitarist’ contest winners, officially called the Paul Bothner Music Fretboard Frenzy Competition. At this event he clocked in a blinding victory, corroborated by his highly accurate, equally blinding speed in the branch level championships, the highest in the country to date. He’s also a UCT graduate, composer, multi-instrumentalist and guitar teacher. 

For more on Duri try http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002112473392

Duri writes a column for SA Guitars, Keys & Sound.

Fender and Volkswagen Partner Together!!

It’s time to play it loud. And proud. Fender Premium Audio has finally hit the streets. The car-audio industry is describing this as “one of the best” car-audio systems. The Fender Premium Audio System, featured exclusively in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, Beetle, Jetta and Jetta GLI, is the first of its kind boasting nine speakers and 400 watts of power

The system, developed over three years by leading Fender and Panasonic sound engineers, reproduces Fender’s classic sound, highlighted by uncompromised clarity at low or high volumes, powerful bass response and detailed midrange tones that combine to recreate the raw emotion of a live performance.

http://www.fender.com/features/premiumaudio/press.php

The Fender system’s strengths are detail, dynamics and spatial rendition. Pop in any complex recording, and you will hear crystal-clear vocals, both male and female, and all the instruments independently, rather than one big smear.

To view full article click here.

—Joe Wiesenfelder
Cars.com

Adding another bit of kind-of retro flair are the classic Fender emblems on the audio system [...] It sounds great, too, especially while playing the wailing notes of a Stratocaster.

To view full article click here.

—Bob Golfen
SPEED

Fender has teamed up with VW (a first for Fender and the auto industry) to bring the Beetle a sound unlike any other Volks has ever had. And I have to say, it doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps it’s the acoustics of the Beetle (the domed shape, maybe?) but the sound was crisp with deep, clear lows and a rumbling bass that had me turning up the volume for all the best parts.

To view full article click here.

—Miranda Lightstone
Auto 123

For audiophiles, a killer Fender premium audio system is available. Developed in association with Panasonic, the eight-speaker, 400-watt system is standard on Highline and optional on Comfortline trims. Fender brings its expertise in making top-of-the-line guitars and amplifiers to the table in this system that is exclusive to Volkswagen.

To view full article click here.

—Lorne Drury
Carguide Canada

VW’s new Fender premium audio system is among the standard features on all Passat VR6′s. With crisp, clean sound biased toward the front of the interior to best replicate a live concert, this hi-fi is the best you’ll find in a non-luxury car, and one of the best overall.

To view full article click here.

—Todd Lassa
Motor Trend

We were able to spend some time inside a 2012 Jetta GLI equipped with the Fender Premium Audio System and came away impressed with both its punch and its definition. Also impressive was its ability to be played at high volumes without any undesirable vibration or rattling from either interior or exterior trim, as is so common in aftermarket stereo installations we’ve experienced.

To view full article click here.

—Rory Jurnecka
Motor Trend

Starting with the 2012 Jetta GLI, Volkswagen is rolling out its new, 400-watt premium audio system by Fender, the American brand more famous for its Stratocaster guitars than its stereo equipment. After three years of cooperative research with VW and Panasonic, Fender has delivered a nine-speaker setup that emphasizes clarity at every volume. Although the collaboration may sound like a marketing ploy, the sound doesn’t lie. For us, it’s the new standard for entry-level automotive audio, easily surpassing the Dynaudio premium systems VW traditionally offers.

To view full article click here.

—James Tate
Popular Mechanics

Seeking a recognizable American brand for its new sedan’s audio system, VW had Panasonic engineers work with the amplifier experts at Fender. The result is a system with a deeper bass response and less distortion when you crank up the volume. Plus, the Passat comes with stylish yet discreet Fender logos on the dashboard.

To view full article click here.

—Kevin A. Wilson
Popular Mechanics

At first blush, the VW-Fender mashup makes beautiful music. I can’t wait to take on the road, where the two brands have built their respective reputations.

To view full article click here.

—Doug Newcomb
Edmunds Inside Line

One of the biggest highlights of the 2012 Passat interior is its sound system. Volkswagen teamed up with Fender to create a nine-speaker audio system that pushes 400 watts of power. We aren’t certified audiophiles, but to our ears, the stereo is capable of besting anything else in the segment. While an integrated subwoofer is part of the kit, the bass is never overbearing. Instead, deeper tones are nearly seamlessly integrated into the music.

To view full article click here.

—Zach Bowman
Autoblog

After a listen in all three cars, we agree that Budiono has excellent reason for confidence – we haven’t heard a basic system this good at this price point.

To view full article click here.

—Jonathon Ramsey
Autoblog

I spent a few minutes in a Jetta listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the 400 watt system is impressive [...] No matter the volume, it is soft on the ears, never getting tinny, and maintaining a detailed midrange, and rich but not overwhelming bass.

To view full article click here.

—CarReview.com

We have to say, [the Fender Premium Audio system] is one of the best OEM systems out there. [It] is harmonically complex, [...] revealing original instrumentation timbre and harmonic richness, bringing the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience [...] This system is worth upgrading to and sounds really fantastic.

To view full article click here.

—Jamie Vondruska
VWVortex.com

It’s loud, proud, but never muddy. Want to hear the hum from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar amp in “Little Wing?” It’s there. Female vocals were breathily believable despite ear-splitting dance-oriented thumps [...] Vocals and instrumental work come from a stage at ear level. Your legs feel air pushed from the door’s speakers. Those in back get a stage-like sound field with subwoofer-induced back massage.

To view full article click here.

—Cliff Leppke
AutoShowReports.com

In a three-year collaboration with car-audio masters Panasonic, Fender lent their trained ears and driver (not that kind of driver) building expertise to a collaboration bent on recreating the live concert experience inside an automobile — minus the fog machines, strobes and ersatz psychedelics, of course. The resultant system was so impressive, none other than Volkswagen decided to feature it in select models from their 2012 line.

—Gearwire

Bass Player Magazine Raves About the Cort A5

Cort News Feed - September 2011

The Artisan series basses are their flagship models. They’re built with great pride and take extra care to insure that each one looks, plays and feels like a work of art. The latest review of their five string A5 Custom Z, in Bass Player magazine, proves once again, why Cort guitars and basses are the choice of musicians around the world. After you read the full review there, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

See: http://www.bassplayer.com/article/cort-a5-custom-z/5174

TECH SPECS

Body Mahogany with zebrawood top and back
Neck Five-piece maple/wenge
Fingerboard Rosewood
Pickups Bartolini MK5CBC
Electronics Bartolini MK-1
Controls Volume, blend, 3-band EQ, Active/passive switch
Hardware Hipshot Tuners
Scale length 34″
Fingerboard radius 15 & 3/4″
Weight 9 lbs