Guitar Stands: Stands that Deliver

Wooden & metal guitar stands at work in Martin Guitar's Pickin' Parlor

Hercules Guitar Stand's Auto Grip levers with a Dread

While a guitar stand choice is often a personal one, I'd like to think that I'm doing all that I can to protect my investment.  I've been at an outdoor jam and watched in horror as my friend's prized dread accidentally blew off the bench.  I've also seen a beautiful Taylor 800 Series get kicked off the stand and chipped by it's owner during a performance.

As disturbing as these events are, they don't have to happen if you: 1.) Invest in a quality guitar stand  2.) Take it with you where ever you play  3.) Use it religiously

Hercules GS415B
One of the best guitar stands that I've seen has been the Hercules line.  In the photo above it is holding a huge Martin Dreadnought and here to the right it is holding a heavy Fender Stratocaster.  I did not have to change or adjust the headstock yoke.  So what ever guitar I am playing at the time fits immediately into this stand.

Some of the features I like are the automatically releasing headstock levers and padded legs.  The whole stand folds up instantly in seconds, making very portable.

I use it in the studio and when it's time to play out, it goes with me.  A carry bag is available (GSB001) so you can easily pack it on gigs or on tour.  No matter what, when I take a break, my guitar is safe and protected from falling and breakage.  I can really relax!

This is due to the fact that the whole stand itself tilts back on three legs which gives it a very stable base.

Auto Grip System levers open when you lift the guitar, close to hold it securely.  Yoke folds down for easy transport.

Comfort Grip feature quickly adjusts the height of the stand to fit a variety of guitar bodies.

Padded legs tilt back, giving the guitar a more secure resting position.

Guitar Stand & Stool
Another stand that I like is the Stage Player II combination guitar stool and stand.  This will hold both you and your guitar but just not at the same time!

Very comfy padded seat and foot rest.  This packs up like a folding chair and is easy to take along.
In fact I take it with me to most every gig, outdoor and indoor jam.  I bring the Hercules Stand also which means I can offer this stand to someone who forgot theirs.

This guitar stool-stand makes a great gift so you might want to take note of it for yourself or a strumming buddy.  the Guitar Buyer's Guide over at Gavethat.com

The Stage Player II is available now from Amazon

C.F. Martin's Gig Bag

Get your kicks on Route 66! C.F. Martin's 52BGB Dreadnought Gig Bag hits the road in this classic 1964 Mercury Caliente. Western Concho Hat by Dorfman Pacific.

Review of C.F. Martin's 52BGB Dreadnought Gig Bag. List $85.00, Street $69.00
Now that the weather is warmer, you'll be taking more road trips with your favorite acoustic guitar. The Dreadnought shape and design was actually invented by C.F. Martin & Co. Guitars and it is still a staple of many folk, country and western artists. The obvious reason why "dreads" are so popular is that they are loud enough not to require amplification. This makes them the best "unplugged" travel companions for picnics, beach parties and barbecues.

Depending on your travel arrangements, you might choose to pack your guitar in a lighter, easier to carry gig bag as shown above. The plus in using such a bag is the large outer zippered pocket that allows taking along sheet music and other larger items too big for a hardshell's storage compartment. These bags are good for traveling in a car or where you will be in control of your instrument.

Not all gig bags are alike though. I would recommend a Levy's heavy denim or leather gig bag for any solid body electric such as a Fender Strat or Gibson Les Paul. I have found Levy's to be extremely well made and richly padded.

Likewise the C.F. Martin 52BGB Logo Gig Bag is very well made. This gig bag is constructed of a tough nylon ballistics cloth exterior which resembles black denim with thick foam padding inside to protect your Dreadnought. I especially like the heavy double zipper pulls but wish they had put them on the outer pouch as well. All the same, this is a superior gig bag in style and features, worthy of your C.F. Martin or other beloved acoustic. The classic C.F. Martin logo is embroidered across the outside pocket in gold thread and the bag is reinforced at all the major stress points for extra strength. While it may not be a replacement for the safety of a hardshell case, it offers quite a bit more protection than the average gig bag being sold for acoustics.

Gig bags also give you more freedom to carry other items such as a stool or even an extra instrument. This is due to the backpack type straps. Slip the straps on your shoulders and your hands remain free or turn it on its side and tote it by the leather reinforced carrying handles. The bag is finished off with slip resistant resin feet. With a gig bag like this, you'll appreciate the lighter, breezier way to travel with your guitar this summer! For more gig bag & guitar case options, check out Eclectic Sound's BEST Gig Bags & Cases

PHOTO: C.F. Martin Special Edition Sustainable Series Dreadnought in Cherry, SWDGT. Handmade Guitar strap by Sully's Leather Straps.

Unboxing a Martin HD-28!

Unboxing my Martin HD-28 with rosewood back and sides. Catch these tips on preventing damage to guitars shipped in freezing temps so you won't have an unhappy experience when opening the box! See more on Eclectic Sound TV in HD!

Little Martin Hits the Road!

My Little Martin LX1E is the perfect travel companion. Here it is on the front porch of our cabin in the forest. On the neck is Planet Waves' NS Capo.

If you are getting ready to head off to college or guitar classes this fall, allow me to let you in on a little secret. The Little Martin LX1E is a great 3/4 sized guitar with a solid spruce top and a pickup. We took it along on vacation and its small size really was a plus when it came to packing. In fact, it will fit in a bus or plane's overhead compartment so you won't need to check it. This can save you time and give you peace of mind for the trip.


Rugged Little Guitar

If you are going to be traveling to areas of high humidity or fluctuating temperature extremes, the Little Martin will be right at home. While my other two Martins have solid wood backs and sides, the Little Martin has HPL on all but the soundboard. This high pressure laminate does not react to humidity and temperature changes the way my solid wood guitars do. It stays in tune longer because it is not affected by the wood's swelling or contracting. The well padded gig-bag, (see tent photo here), is also a plus. Very lightweight but quite protective, it sports the official C.F. Martin logo. The outer pouch has two heavy zipper pulls and is large enough to accommodate sheet music or standard sized song books. The bag also has backpack straps and a handle so you can carry it two ways.

Now after having played full sized Martin Dreadnoughts, I would have to say that I am quite spoiled when it comes to tone. The Little Martin is not a full sized guitar obviously but it does have good projection acoustically. I've played it in the company of multiple Martin D-18's, D-28's and D-42's and was not in the least embarrassed. It is after all still a Martin, only smaller. Many other Martin owners even asked if they could play it! If it sounded bad, trust me, they would have had nothing to do with it. In fact when we visited the Martin Museum, we noticed quite a few "parlor" guitars that were not much bigger than the Little Martin. Where it really shines, however is when you plug it into a good clean amp. I play it in the studio over my Tech21 Trademark 60 amp and it is hard to imagine all that full, rich sound is coming from a 3/4 sized guitar! Played through the clean channel of this solid state 60 watt amp, the pickup and preamp help reproduce the rich, woody tones Martins are known for. On the road, I perform and tour with a vintage Crate amp and this guitar can definitely keep up.

On Board Pick Up-The Fishman Mini Q

What I really like is the position of the pickup and 1/4 inch jack on the Little Martin LX1E. The Fishman Mini Q system is an under saddle piezo with the pre-amp battery compartment mounted on the side just under the strap button. Down in the lower bout of the guitar, it is out of the way making it less likely you will hit the dials during a song. I have a Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend on my Martin D-16GT so I am well acquainted with more complex preamps and pickups. The Fishman Mini Q gets the job done with a minimal amount of fuss having only tone and volume controls to adjust. The battery is easy to change as it pops out of the compartment without having to remove the strings. This is such a fantastic value as this guitar can be used for performance as well as travel.

I use SpectraFlex braided guitar cables with a silent plug feature, (see their banners), and get wonderful tone with this guitar. It comes with Medium Martin strings but on a guitar this size, you may be able to get away with Lights. I use the smaller and more compact NS Capo by Planet Waves because it fits more proportionately. The new Planet Waves Headstock Tuner is also best to use on this guitar. Other tuners often do not register the low E and other bass strings at all. The 1/4 jack means that you can also plug it into a tuner like the BOSS TU-2. Choices!


The Wrap

The Little Martin LX1E is a lot of guitar for the money. The list is $499.99 but street is around $350.00. It is the guitar that you won't mind taking out on rainy days or throwing into the back of a sun warmed car. The solid spruce top is a real plus as 90% of the guitar's tone is generated from the soundboard. Well made and sturdy this is the guitar I use in my music ministry. People love to touch your instruments and I believe instruments should touch people. The smaller size also allows me to use it while visiting in hospital rooms when a big body guitar would be awkward. It is perfect for young people and women because its smaller scale makes it easier to fret as well as hold. Made with pride in North America by the world's oldest and most respected luthiers it will be accompanying me to guitar class this September. See the complete Litttle Martin Series at:

C.F. Martin Guitar Online


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This fall we will be offering more FREE Guitar Gear Give-Aways plus our picks of Best Guitar Gear for 2010! Also, hot reviews of equipment from Audio-Technica, T.C. Helicon, Monster Cable, Planet Waves and MUCH, MUCH MORE. Be sure to check back!

Tired of Guitar Hero?

Congratulations to DAVID MACDONALD, winner of our May Guitar Gear Give-Away!

Get a real guitar!

PHOTO: Dr. M and her North American made Fender Standard Stratocaster in Chrome Red. Guitar Cable by SnapJack.

Haven't you had enough? You see these poor kids and even worse, adults buying video guitar games, trying to play like Slash. Well, if you are like me and would rather play a real instrument, don't despair. Here is our down and dirty list of what you need to get for a younger player or even yourself without selling your firstborn. In fact, buying a musical instrument will be a much better investment than any video game purchase. We're even going to recommend some great DVD's to go with that new guitar in case you're a little rusty.

What's a Good "First" Guitar for a Child?

If you want to get a child their first guitar, unless they are as big as an adult, a small sized body instrument will often work better. The child will have a easier time holding the instrument and that extra comfort level may be enough to help him or her stick with it when the going gets tough. Fender Stratocasters, namely the Squires are reasonably priced, easy to play and often come as a package which includes a small practice amp. The Strat, by design, is very easy to play and the body shape makes it quite comfortable to hold.

If you prefer not to worry about purchasing an amp, consider purchasing a Little Martin (LX Series) or small body acoustic guitar. Again, these are scaled down in size for smaller hands and are much more comfortable for a child to hold than say a full sized Dreadnought. The sound is still very good so no sacrifice there. Acoustics are a bit more delicate but you will not have to worry about amp issues as these types of guitars can go anywhere.

Get the child involved in choosing the color or style of their guitar. That way they will bond with the instrument and want to spend more time playing it. Children are generally very sensitive about colors and shapes. They may surprise you about what colors appeal to them so keep an open mind. Martin's small body LX Series come in many bright colors such as the purple shown below. Let them play the guitar first and pick the color they personally like. This way, they are part of the decision process and invested in playing that particular guitar. No one is going to benefit by having a guitar sit in the case growing old.

PHOTO: Martin LX in Purple

A lot of the appeal of the Guitar Hero games is due to the bright colors of the guitars and computer graphics. What may seem outlandish or garish to us often comes across as fun and exciting to a child. This acoustic, small bodied guitar also comes in natural, red, black, blue, pink or even decorated with cartoon themes.

The point is, real guitars aren't boring anymore! These instruments are just as attractive as their video-game counterparts. Better still, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made an investment in the child learning to play a real instrument. Musicians, especially those who go on to read notation often also excel in math. Learning time signatures, quarter, half and whole notes are all math related skills and can crossover to help your child in these areas. Can a guitar video game do that? In this tight economy, it is wise to keep a check on our investments. Most video games have a very short shelf life. Game manufacturers often discontinue game systems after about two years or less. This means that the software or game cartridges you've purchased at about $75 a pop are no longer going to work on the upgrade. Just look at the evolution of GameBoy and you'll know what I mean.

How About a Good "First" Guitar for Me?

Really, if you are just starting out or returning to playing after a number of years, you might look into purchasing a second hand instrument. North American made C.F. Martins, Taylors and Fenders are all good choices and often hold their resale value well. If you insist on new, Martin has reintroduced production of the 1-Series Dreadnought, (see it in the banner ad section). Satin finished all around it retails for under $900. The Fender Standard Stratocaster shown above is made in North America and is under $700.00 even with Fender's recent price increases.

PHOTO: Taylor 410ce acoustic/electric

If you want a more than an entry level guitar but comfort and versatility are also important, you might consider a C.F. Martin cut-away or this Taylor 410ce acoustic / electric with a Venetian cutaway as shown here. I've played this Taylor model and while I prefer the wider body and sound of a C.F. Martin, it's neck had a modern feel with the cut-away offering greater access to the frets closer to the sound hole. Now this is not going to be as comfortable as a Stratocaster but you can see how the body is more contoured to fit yours. Better still, these models, (both C.F. Martin and Taylor make acoustic / electrics with Venetian cut-aways), give you the choice to play acoustically or with an amp. This means you may only need one guitar for everything. Play it acoustically at jams and informal gatherings. Play it with an amp onstage. The choice is yours! Visit C.F. Martin Guitars online at: http://www.martinguitar.com/ and Taylor Guitars online at: http://www.taylorguitars.com/

What About an Amp?

One caveat here. A lot of companies are doing double-speak with their amps these days. They will say something like, "Designed in the U.S.A. - Manufactured in China". Guess what? Its a Chinese amp, chums. My recent experiences with Fender's line of China imports has been less than stellar. I tried one of their China-tone tube amps last summer, (Super Champ XD-something). It wouldn't even fire up on the showroom floor. It was brand new and hadn't even left the store! Real smooth. Another Fender amp I had only lasted 18 months before the power source blew up, (during a concert actually). Needless to say I'm not thrilled with them any longer. The good news is that you can still buy quality American made amps at very affordable prices.

PHOTO: Tech21 Trademark 30

If you are going to choose the Fender Strat, acoustic / electric C.F. Martin or Taylor Venetian Cutaway you'll need a decent practice amp. One that will more than do the job, won't break the bank and is proudly designed and manufactured in the good 'ol U.S.A. You should definitely look into Tech21's Trademark 30 shown in the photo.

Tech21's Trademark 30 boasts 30 watts, a 10 inch Celestion speaker, true spring reverb, and like its big brother, the Trademark 60, allows direct recording via a XLR out. The Trademark 30 is actually based on Tech21's legendary SansAmp GT2 Pedal. So the sounds you can achieve are quite similar to the Trademark 60 which we are currently using in the recording studio. The best news is it that you don't have to sacrifice tone as the Tech 21 has all the warmth of a tube amp but is a much more reliable and road worthy due to its solid state construction. Check them out at Tech21: http://www.tech21nyc.com/

DVD Lessons to Get You Going

Greg Douglass Lead Guitar DVD If you've played before, even a little, what you don't need now is to go back to square one with lessons. Oh it sounds like a good idea but believe me, the tediousness will drive you crazy and you won't stick with it. At this point you want to play your guitar already. Greg Douglass is extremely versatile and as a platinum artist, has toured with Steve Miller, Van Morrison and Eddie Money. His approach is fresh, not tedious in that you can really play what he does. My favorite section is the one on the Em Pentatonic Scale Licks. You can quickly expand your lead repertoire with this DVD. Chapters are numbered for easy access and include scale patterns, slide techniques, alternate positions, phrasing and much more. Website password included with the DVD allows you to download and print all of the lessons or just parts that you need. Sweet! Douglass also has a Fingerstyle Guitar DVD available from Icons of Rock.


Tommy Bolan Metal Primer DVD I love Tommy and after speaking with him personally, I can tell you he is a committed instructor and musician. Bolan is also a vibrant player and a passionate performer but what he unleashes in this DVD is awe inspiring. He covers speed techniques, harmonics, scales, string skipping, pendulum picking, arpeggios, tremolo tricks with live gear demos.
I think anyone will benefit from Tommy's techniques and lessons, even if you are not a metal-head. His DVD helps build speed with accuracy. You will enjoy lessons as never before with these two DVD's. See if your local music store or college offers guitar lessons or find a musician's guild that you can play with regularly. Try a style not too familiar if you really want to stretch out and expand your technique. This DVD came with a free offer for set of GHS Strings, who is also participating in our FREE May Give-Away. A really great little extra!
Both these DVD Guitar Lessons and more are available online from Icons of Rock: http://www.iconsofrock.com/

MAY GIVE-AWAY ENDS May 31st 2009!: Oh Yeah! It's our FREE May Guitar Gear Give-Away!!! Your chance to win more free goodies from C.F. Martin, GHS Strings and Planet Waves. Our happy winner will receive a gift bag of premium guitar (electric & acoustic), banjo or mandolin strings and a Planet Waves Acoustic Quick Release Padded Guitar Strap. Simply include your email address & leave a COMMENT by clicking the link below and tell us: "What was your first guitar (or stringed instrument) and do you still have it today?"

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Guitar Straps

Dr. M. & her Martin D-16GT with the super-soft premium High End Leather Guitar strap from C.F. Martin.

GUITAR STRAPS

Unlike other publications, we are looking ahead into 2009 to give you the best and most current guitar gear list to help with your holiday shopping. Since guitar straps are the accessories most intimately attached to your instrument, (and YOU), we are going to start with ones we have found to be at the top of their game:

Photo: C.F. Martin High End Leather Strap

This is the strap that I am using in the photo above with the Martin D-16GT. If you are looking for the best in luxury and quality, here it is. This guitar strap is made of the highest quality, supple, naked finish, garment weight calves leather. The underside is non-slipping suede and the core is padded with 1/4 inch of foam. The gold embroidered Martin logo finishes the design in style. This is my favorite strap for acoustic guitar. The strap holes are thick and tight enough to prevent slipping and the ultra-softness of the leather makes it a dream to wear. Other leather straps pale in comparison to this one. Available in black or brown. Made in the U.S.A. Order online at Martin's website store right here: https://www.martinguitar.com/1833/newitems.php

Levy's Leathers Ltd. Platinum Collection

Coming in at second place, another leather guitar strap we liked was one from Levy's new Platinum Collection. This long fringed strap looks great on both your guitar and you! The metallic colors of the leather Platinum Collection straps set them apart, (shown here in green), helping you to be seen and heard. Beautifully done, this strap has so many details added into the topside of the leather including a metallic inlay that Levys is so famous for. This one is a head turner, not really for wallflowers! If you are ready to make a statement on stage, go on wearing this strap. Made in Canada. Visit Levy's online at: http://www.levysleathers.com/

Photo: Planet Waves Dare Strap

Now for the electric guitar strap of choice. We've found that Planet Waves makes the most comfortable, ergonomic strap available for the electric guitar. Here's where it really counts. Solid body guitars often weigh much more than their acoustic counterparts. That extra weight can stress your back and shoulders over time. The dual strap design of the Dare Strap evenly distributes the weight of your guitar over both shoulders. Can also be used with most strap lock systems but it has been easy enough for me to simply slip my head between the straps. Fully adjustable too. Non-bulky so I don't even have to take it off my strat before putting it in the case. It folds pretty flat next to the instrument and gets neatly packed away in my leather gig-bag! You can spend more for a fancier strap but you won't find one as well made and comfortable to wear for long periods of time as this one. Another gem from Planet Waves! You might also take a look at their quick release system which can be used with most acoustic and electric guitar straps or buy one of their straps with quick release built in. Check it out online at: http://www.planetwaves.com/pgeardetails.aspx?ID=1

UPDATE! We tested Ernie Ball Super Strap Locks on our Levy's and Planet Waves guitar straps and they are fantastic! Easy to install, very secure and super quick to get your strap off and on. The low profile design helps avoid accidentally unlocking your strap in the middle of a gig. Simply depress the two curved buttons at the top of the lock and you're good to go! Available in Black, Gold and Chrome as shown here in the photo. Check out Ernie Ball Online at: http://www.ernieball.com

Also see 2009's Top Gifts for Audiophiles over at the Best Picks BLOG!!!:
http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/drmiczak/index.blog/1345195/2009s-top-gifts-for-audiophiles/

We're going to continue our most wanted list of Best Guitar Gear for 2009 with even more top picks for Christmas and beyond. Keep checking back as we count 'em off for you!