Martin Owner's Club

Own a Martin Guitar? Join the Martin Owner's Club and receive this handsome welcoming kit: Martin Marquis Phosphor Bronze Strings, Martin Owner's Club Logo Soft Leather Guitar Strap, VIP Backstage Pass with Lanyard & a MOC Membership Certificate/Card!

If you own a Martin Guitar or are even aspiring to, you should check out this offer! When you become a member of this elite club you are entitled to backstage access to the Martin Owner's Club section of their website where you will find: FREE Guitar Workshops, invitations to member events such as Martin Owner's Club Day for you and up to 5 guests, 10% Member Discounts at the 1833 Shop and MORE! These are just some of my favorite perks and perhaps why I am the original owner of 4 Martin Guitars. The price for membership? Only $45.00 per year.

One of my favorite things to do is to take the museum tour and hang out in the Pickin' Parlor
afterward. So many great guitars to play. What a blast! There's even a Fishman acoustic amp and a cable just in case you want to plug in that Peter Frampton signature model in the photo. You can even bring your own Martin in for light repairs that day! I like to have the strings changed by the pro technicians available at the event. Come early and leave with your Martin set up right! Get all the details and register online at C.F. Martin & Co.


MARTIN OWNER'S CLUB DAY
Friday, August 6, 2010 10 am - 4 pm

I LOVE this event! You get to hear some of the best music played on Martin Guitars by top artists like Thom Bresh, (Merle Travis' son) and Kenny Sultan. You'll get a swag bag of goodies, a scrumptious buffet breakfast and luncheon. Pro workshops with a speech and signing by C.E.O. Chris Martin IV is a fantastic way to find out what's going on in the music industry.

This is more like an intimate family picnic in appreciation of all Martin guitar owners. You never know what country music stars will show up for this annual event. Want to know more about the Official Martin Owner's Club? Accept no imitations! Get all the details and sign up right here online: Martin Owner's Club
Photo: Kenny Sultan, master of Rag and Blues guitar performing on his signature model for Martin Owner's Club Day.

Photo: Dr. M. & Magda, (wearing her Martin Owner's Club Logo hat), touring the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum on Martin Owner's Club Day!

See our pictures and coverage of Martin Owner's Club Day 2009

Tonerite Working on a HD-28

Opening our series of NEW summer guitar gear videos is our on location shoot at Thompson Mansion! In this intro, see how easy it is to use the Tonerite on your guitar and what you can expect plus peep the new Hercules GS415B Guitar Stand and V-Picks. More to come!


PLUS Check out Striking Back's latest release, The Restless EP

Tommy James & the Shondells

Eclectic Sound TV kicks off our HOT Summer Video Series with Tommy James and the Shondells, (Mony Mony, Hanky Panky, Crimson & Clover, I Think We're alone Now), LIVE in concert doing Crystal Blue Persuasion! Marshall amps, Gibson Les Paul & Fender Bass on stage.

New Summer Videos!

ToneRite for Guitar, 2nd Generation Unit on a Martin SWDGT Special Edition Sustainable Series Cherry Dread. This device vibrates the soundboard to open up the guitar for better sound and tone. We've lined up new, cutting edge gear from:
C.F. Martin Guitar, ToneRite, Audio-Technica, Hercules Stands, V-Picks and a lot MORE on Eclectic Sound TV. Check out the previews in the left hand column.

Catch these upcoming VIDEOS of sizzling summer guitar goodies every player wants!

How to Get Hardtune Effects

How do you get those hardtune and rotary effects being used on today's hottest Pop and R & B tracks? Kanye shares some secrets with Dr. M! Check this video out and learn how to bring high tech studio style to your live performances. Microphone: Audio-Tecnica's AT4050 Studio Condenser. Pre-amp / vocal effects: Voicetone Create XT. Sound System: Roland SA-300 Stage Amp. Groove: BOSS DR 880

Custom Pedal Boards vs BOSS GT-10

Which is best? Stomp box effects or a multi-effector like the BOSS GT-10? If you are gigging a lot this summer, here's how to make the call. Left Keeley's Fuzz Head and Digitech's - Scott Ian Signature multi effect pedal.

One of the main travel issues bands have to contend with is portability and weight. My acoustic rig consists of: A Fender Passport PD-500, (mixer is built in), an Audio-Technica Wireless Guitar System & AE5400 condenser vocal mic, Fender Wireless Headworn Mic, BOSS Dr. 3 Drum & Bass Machine, T.C. Helicon mic preamps, Martin D-16 and HD-28 acoustic guitars with pick ups, Autoharp with pickup.

My electric rig hauls a: Tech21 NYC Trademark 60 guitar amp, Fender Stratocaster, Keeley Fuzz Head, Keeley Compressor, BOSS Digital Delay, Ibanez WD-7 Wah Pedal OR the BOSS GT-10 with the same mics and sound support systems as listed above. So you can see that I can get most of all the same effects and more in the signal chain that I wish with the BOSS GT-10.

Still there is a place for home grown pedal boards. Most bands either have them custom made or set them up themselves such as the one here below by Jon Falk, a guitarist for the band 40Winx.

Home Grown Pedal Boards

You can see here that Jon has his pedals in the order he prefers and spaced for easy access during the set. The Volume pedal is over on the left but many guitarists have their Wah / Volume pedals on the opposite side of the board on the right. Still this is the beauty of making your own. One size does not fit all and this guitarist's preferences come first. The result? Mr. Falk was hitting his switches with ease and confidence throughout the concert. This band does many classic rock covers from the Beatles to Fleetwood Mac to Neil Diamond to the Black Crowes. When you have to cover that many styles, these pedals are almost a necessity to capturing the original "tone" of the guitar leads. With out them, a cover band could not pull off the "flavor" of the song they are trying to recreate.


BOSS GT-10 Multi-Effector

The BOSS GT-10 offers some of the same options as a custom or hand made pedal board. For example, you can order the pedals in a specific sequence or allow BOSS to do it for you by using one of the factory presets. Notice too that the volume/expression pedal is over on the right. If that is not to your liking, well you're sort of stuck with it!

Another thing that I noted with the BOSS GT-10 is that while many of the 400 + presets are good, they will often vary in volume. You'll be playing Texas Crunch and then switch to another preset and have a huge drop off in volume. So switching effortlessly between presets as shown in the BOSS videos is really just hype. Some of the presets are so much hotter than the others that they can cause major feedback should you want to plug in an acoustic. This even happens when you are trying the ultra clean channels.

The Wrap

You really have to judge for yourself which option is best. I like the fact that the GT-10 is a all-in-one multi-effector with more cabinets, amps, modeling and effects than I'll ever use. Still, it has its limitations. If you can keep it clean and sweet, I would recommend building your own pedal board for the road and powering it with a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power II. This will mean, no surprises and you will most likely be more comfortable finding and hitting the switches you yourself have put in place. Read our down and dirty article on how to build your own pedal board with tips on sequencing your pedals right here: Guitar Pedals Get the Effect & check this video below showing some of the features of the BOSS GT-10.

Eclectic Sound TV's HD Video Demo of the BOSS GT-10

Martin HD-28 Review

C.F. Martin's HD-28 on stage at the Corner Cafe. Levy's Leathers Platinum Collection Guitar Strap. Hercules Tilt Base Mic Stand.

Up until now, I have been performing with my Martin D-16GT which has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Like my HD-28, I had a Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend under the saddle pickup installed at the Martin Factory. This pickup system does not require cutting into the guitar, preserving its beauty and function as an acoustic. The Matrix Blend allows you to combine and adjust the under the saddle pickup with the mic pic up to suit your playing needs. With my D-16, I switched to light Martin Acoustic strings because with my guitar amp, I found that the bassiness of the medium strings caused too much feedback.

The Martin HD-28 has a solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides. It is a full gloss guitar with beautiful herringbone binding and purfling down the back. However, where it shines is in the sound. This is a powerhouse instrument. Acoustically, it can easily fill a room without an amp. With an amp, (I use a vintage USA made Crate GX-20M on the road and a Tech21 Trademark 60 in the studio), it truly stands out with all its multi-tones. I simply choose the cleanest possible channel and adjust from there. The HD-28 is such a powerful and
loud guitar due in part to the scalloped X-bracing invented by C.F. Martin. This lighter, sculpted bracing allows the soundboard to vibrate much more freely, making the HD-28 sound quite "opened up" over its D-28 brother.

I found that on stage, I needed to back off of the strumming and picking a bit. The amp just reads that as too much gain but since I also play this guitar acoustically, changing to lighter strings is not an option. I also turned off the chorus. This guitar has plenty of "chime" without adding that effect. All in all I would recommend backing off the volume or gain on your guitar and amp for the cleanest tones. Otherwise you may end up with unwanted distortion and feedback.

I use a Medium Martin Tortoise Pick and a Planet Waves Dual Action Capo & Custom Pro Series Cables with the HD-28. I find that the PW Capo does not pull the guitar out of tune and their cables are superior for quietness. I packed the HD-28 in my Martin Gig Bag (SEE this REVIEW) which was much lighter than the hardshell case and easier to transport to the stage area. Actually, everything got carried in one trip. I was very impressed playing my Martin HD-28 for the first time in concert and am looking forward to using it again at my next gig with these adjustments. A true cannon!

MODEL	HD-28
CONSTRUCTION:	Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE:	D-14 Fret
TOP:	Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE:	Style 28
TOP BRACING PATTERN:	Standard ''X'' Scalloped
TOP BRACES:	Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL:	Solid East Indian Rosewood
BACK PURFLING:	HD Zig-Zag
SIDE MATERIAL:	Solid East Indian Rosewood
ENDPIECE:	White Boltaron
ENDPIECE INLAY:	Black/White Boltaron
BINDING:	White Boltaron
TOP INLAY STYLE:	Bold Herringbone
SIDE INLAY:	none
BACK INLAY:	Black/White Boltaron
NECK MATERIAL:	Select Hardwood
NECK SHAPE:	Low Profile
NUT MATERIAL:	Bone
HEADSTOCK:	Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
HEADPLATE:	Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil
HEELCAP:	White Boltaron
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL:	Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH:	25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR:	14
# OF FRETS TOTAL:	20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT:	1-11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET:	2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS:	Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING:	none
FINISH BACK & SIDES:	Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP:	Polished Gloss ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
FINISH NECK:	Satin
BRIDGE MATERIAL:	Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE:	Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING:	2-1/8''
SADDLE:	16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
TUNING MACHINES:	Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
RECOMMENDED STRINGS:	Martin Studio Performance Medium Phosphor Bronze (MSP4200)
BRIDGE & END PINS:	White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD:	Tortoise Color
CASE:	640 Molded
INTERIOR LABEL:	none
ELECTRONICS:	Optional
OTHER OPTIONS:	Available left-handed at no additional charge

Congratulations to ANGIE M. of N.Y. the WINNER of our MAY Guitar Gear Give-Away!!! Be sure to check our listings below for upcoming SHOWS, JAMS and OFFERS this summer!

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.

Gemini CD3600 DJ Workstation

Gemini CD3600 Dual CD DJ Workstation is a rack-table mount powerhouse for DJs and KJs!

One of the most important pieces of gear for the aspiring DJ and or KJ is a workstation mixer such as the one pictured above. The Gemini CD3600 can be used as a rack mounted or table top unit within its special flight case. Dual CD channels also offer addition inputs for outside CD or Mp3 players to interface with the CD36oo.

Cuing up your set list is very simple and fade ins are virtually a snap. We especially like the amply bright backlit LCD screens and direct track access buttons. All of these features really make a difference when you have to get your songs up in a hurry. The jog wheel is only for finding the spot in your CD, not scratching but you can plug in a real turntable for that if you like. For that we highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Turntable pictured below.








Audio-Technica AT-PL120 is a Direct Drive Stereo Turntable System with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
Selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier;
S-shaped tone arm assembly with adjustable counterweight, anti-skate adjustment, tone arm height adjustment and lock, tone arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever, tone arm rest with locking mechanism;
Stroboscopic platter speed indicator;
Forward and reverse play;
Cast aluminum record platter with slip mat;
Start/stop button with remote start/stop input;
Pop-up stylus target light;
45-RPM adapter with storage receptacle;
Receptacle for extra headshell;
Adjustable feet for leveling;
Includes professional cartridge ATP-2

Gemini CD3600 DJ Workstation Features (Pictured above in its optional padded flight case)

• Audio CD and CD-R compatible

• Anti-shock using RAM buffer memory

2 Selectable Jog modes Pitch Bend/Search
Instant-start & cue with preview
Fader-Start capability
Single /continuous play modes
One seamless loop per side with reloop
Pitch bend via jog wheel or buttons +/- 16%
Three-mode time selection
Frame accurate search
Large blue backlit LCD display
Rubber jog wheels with finger grips
Variable pitch control with a +/- 12% range
Direct track access buttons
Fully programmable with repeat function
+10 track button for quick navigation
Mixer Section:
3-band EQ w/ Gain Control
1/4" headphone output
XLR and 1/4" mic input
Auxiliary Inputs for Phono or Line devices
Balanced XLR Outputs
Dimensions: 4.3" H x 19" W x 10.2" D
Weight: 12.1 lb.
Shipping weight: 15.6 lb.

NEW Voicetone Create XT Unboxed

Back in the studio with some new gear, namely T.C. Helicon's Voicetone Create XT vocal effects processor! This is the new generation of signal processor which adds recording studio quality effects such as hardtune and reverb. Plans are to record some newly written R&B flavored tracks with the Create XT! The Voicetone Harmony G vocal processor / harmonizer joins our rig for live performances.

The Create XT offers 100 factory styles, new reverb, tone and pedal imput. The NEW Hardtune effect give you that auto-tuned sound heard on many current pop and R & B tracks. New for this line is the USB connection and Pedal Imput to connect an optional Switch 3 footswitch for individual effect block on/off. Phantom powered for use with our Audio-Technica studio conderser mics.