We Have a WINNER - Martin Guitar String Giveaway!

Martin's NEW Lifespan SP Strings treated with Cleartone!

The WINNER of Eclectic Sound's Summer Guitar Gear Giveaway is JOHN M. of New Jersey who wrote:

"That's easy - Playing the guitar on the deck in the summer reminds me of the summer of 1976 (and who doesn't want to remember being 18 again?) when we would haul our band equipment (who doen't wish they held on to that 62 Strat?) onto our drummer's patio a few times a week and practice the entire Peter Frampton Comes Alive album until Mr. Temborelli shouted from his window and threatened to call the police."

John Wins:

1 Set 80/20 Bronze Mediums

1 Set 80/20 Bronze Custom Lights

1 Set .012 Phosphor Bronze Lights

1 Set .012 Bronze Lights

Thanks to all of you who posted your thoughtful entries.  Look for our next Guitar Gear Giveaway at Eclectic Sound!

C.F. Martin's New Cleartone Strings

Dr. M and Martin Craftsman, Dave Doll after restringing her D-16!

One of the things I have appreciated about being a Martin Guitar Owner is the excellent factory set-up all my guitars have received.  In general, most acoustics tend to have a higher action (distance between the strings and fretboard) than electrics.  This has not been a serious problem with my Martin D-16GT or SWDGT even after having them restrung at their Free String Clinics.

These new treated strings are now part of all factory set ups

Not only did I learn a lot about guitar mechanics, but these clinics gave me a chance to try out different Martin Acoustic Strings.  I recently switched from Medium Phosphor Bronze to Lights on my D-16 and was thrilled with the change.  The guitar plays like butter now!

It is worth it to experiment a bit because new strings are like giving your guitar a "voice lift".  Dead strings are just that, DOA.  New to Martin's line of acoustic strings are the Lifespans, treated with Ceartone for longer play.  I am looking forward to trying these out on my HD-28.  These are being installed on all new production Martins this year.  Oftentimes, guitar strings will sit on a wall at the music store and go dead before they can even be played.  Martin hopes to avoid this problem with the use of Cleartone strings which should be a boon to both dealers and their customers.

If you'd like to learn how to properly restring your acoustic, here is Martin Guitar's Restringing Video.
Dave Doll is the Martin Craftsman in the Video who did my D-16GT in the lead photo.  I can say that this is perhaps the best technique out there.  Simple, to the point, Dave shows you some insider tips such as how to keep your strings from slipping out of the posts and effectively seating the end pins with the ball end of the strings. Check it out and you too can get pro results on restringing your acoustic guitar!

C.F. Martin D-16GT

Fatter Sound for Acoustic Guitars

Vinni Smith, inventor of the V-Pick compares the tone of his hand made plectrums to "Brand X". We think his picks are amazing for fatter fuller tone but you be the judge!

V-Picks are unique for their thicker un-bending shape and beveled edges. V-Picks offer monster tone but if you are not quite up to the thickness, we recommend starting out with their Traditional Lite Picks. These are most like the Fender or Martin MEDIUMS but sound a LOT better. As you are able to move up and accustom yourself to the thicker varieties, you'll find your fingers slowly being able to adapt to different thicknesses quite easily. Once you hear how good you sound with a thicker pick, you'll definitely be motivated to move up! Check out all of the cool V-Picks and see our HD VIDEO featuring them by clicking the YouTube icon on the floating toolbar here below.

Coming up: Fall Recording Studio Gear, how to get it, how to use it. Autumn is a great time to finally burn that CD so let's get started with BOSS, Audio-Technica, T.C. Helicon and Hercules Mic Stands in the studio. QUIET...recording!!!!

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!

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.