One such person is Dr Melvyn Langford a highly educated man~ (with more letters after his name than me!!) a  Chartered Engineer with a PhD in Risk and Hazard Management. Melvyn arrived at that point in his life when he contemplated priorities and playing the guitar was shuffled towards the top of the his pile of priorities, after being at the back of his mind for the last 30 years or so. As a consequence I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months ago ~ shown here with his rather nice vintage Aria AW600.

Despite his Risk and Hazard Management background, Melvyn hasn’t lost his sense of adventure, recently completing a trip with his wife through Morocco and a large part of the Sahara Desert in his Land Rover. Driving down from his North East home, meeting up with a few like minded souls at Plymouth then crossing to Northern Spain by Ferry, driving down to Gibraltar, across to Morocco, on through Marrakesh, over the snow covered Atlas Mountains and down into the Sahara. (Click on the photos for a better view)….

Now, I quite fancy going along with Melvyn on his next trip, but how might I be able to persuade my wife to sleep in one of these for three or four weeks??? I’ll just tell her about the wonderful sunsets…………

On returning from the Sahara (maybe after a bit too much of the mid-day sun!!) Melvyn’s analytical mind turned itself on understanding why certain notes sound good together and others don’t, and why major chords sound “happy” and minor chords “sad”. Well according to  Jeffrey Rosenthal in his paper entitled “The Magical Mathematics of Music” Music is as easy as 1,2 3…………………..

“The astronomer Galileo Galilei observed in 1623 that the entire universe “is written in the language of mathematics”, and indeed it is remarkable the extent to which science and society are governed by mathematical ideas. It is perhaps even more surprising that music, with all its passion and emotion, is also based upon mathematical relationships. Such musical notions as octaves, chords, scales, and keys can all be demystified and understood logically using simple mathematics.”……….. read the full article here.

Now where did I put my calculator?????…………….

“But what about practice between lessons???” asked Nick. We subsequently searched the internet for free downloadable drum loops and came across wikiloops. com ~ Thousands of great drum tracks ~ just the job I thought……..

I had another look at this site with a few other students over the next couple of days and discovered what a brilliant free resource this site actually is.

If you look at the to the top of the screen you can see an icon to add additional instruments. The site works on the basis that musicians anywhere in the world can download the basic drum track and record, say, a bass track over it and then upload it back to wikiloops. This bass and drum track can then be downloaded and then a guitar or keyboard  (or anything else) track added and then uploaded.

Well guess what ~ I just couldn’t resist it and after a few hours trying to figure out how it all works I managed to record my first session ~ let me know what you think!!!!

A brilliant resource for you to jam along with ~ let me know when you have recorded your first session!!!!

Sundance Guitars are pleased to be appointed as the sole UK and International on-line distributor of SG Percussion products.

Although the initials match our own SG Percussion is actually the brand name of Spencer Gilroy a very experienced drummer /percussionist and longtime friend of Sundance Guitars.

SG Percussion specialise in handmade Cajons designed and constructed in the UK by a drummer from a drummer’s perspective. Spencer has been a gigging drummer since 1985 and therefore has a vast experience of percussion and an ear for what sounds good!  Spencer uses his Cajon’s regularly at gigs and has incorporated numerous improvements to his designs over the last few years. SG Percussion is now in full production and offering it’s quality products to a worldwide audience.

For those new to Cajons……The Cajon is a Box drum thought to have its origins in Peru, it is a fabulously versatile instrument. With a Bass Drum, Snare and Tom sound all in one place it sounds like a drum kit in a box……..

• Fantastic for acoustic sets and busking
• Easier to set up and transport than a full drum kit
• Ideal for beginners and experienced percussionists alike
• Available in Junior and Senior sizes
• Various colours and finishes available
• Hand made in the UK
• Approved by UK Trading Standard with full Product Liability Insurance.

Full details and specifications of SG Percussion products can be seen here….

For those interested in learning more about the Cajon ~ read on……

The cajón is the most widely used Afro-Peruvian musical instrument since the late 18th century.

Slaves of west and central African origin in the Americas, specifically Peru, are considered to be the source of the cajón drum; though the instrument is common in musical performance throughout the Americas.

The cajón was most likely developed in coastal Peru during the early 19th century or before, where it is associated with several Afro-Peruvian genres. The instrument reached a peak in popularity by 1850, and by the end of the 19th century cajón players were experimenting with the design of the instrument by bending some of the planks in the cajón’s body to alter the instrument’s patterns of sound vibration.

Knowing that the cajón comes from slave musicians in the Spanish colonial Americas, there are two complementary origin theories for the instrument. It is possible that the drum is a direct descendant of a number of boxlike musical instruments from west and central Africa, especially Angola, and theAntilles. These instruments were adapted by Peruvian slaves from the Spanish shipping crates at their disposal. In port cities like Matanzas, Cuba they used cod-fish shipping crates. Elsewhere, small dresser drawers became instruments.

Another theory posits that slaves simply used boxes as musical instruments to combat contemporary Spanish colonial bans on music in predominantly African areas. In this way, cajóns could easily be disguised as seats or stools, thus avoiding identification as musical instruments. In all likelihood it is a combination of these factors – African origins and Spanish suppression of slave music – that led to the cajón’s creation.

Early usage of the Peruvian cajón was to accompany Tondero and Zamacueca (old version of Marinera) dances.

In contemporary times, the instrument became an integral part of Peruvian music and Cuban music. In Cuba, it is known as a Cuban box drum that was originally used to play Rumba Yambu and now incorporated into many other styles. The bass box drum is large enough to sit on and is played with the palm, fist and fingers. It was originally a crate from shipping cod fish in Havana. The middle drum is played with spoons and was originally a box from church candles. The solo drum started as a desk drawer but has evolved into a specialized box made for this purpose. A more recent contribution to the cajón family is a tall, tapered box resembling a square ashiko. Another is the “Batajon ” an innovative cajón invented by Fat Congas of Santa Barbara, with two heads like a Batá drum.

In the 1970s, Peruvian composer and cajón master Caitro Soto gave a cajón as a present to Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía during one of his visits to Peru. De Lucía liked the sounds of this instrument so much that before leaving the country he bought a second cajón. Later he introduced the cajón to flamenco music.

Today, the cajón is heard extensively in Cuban, Coastal Peruvian or Musica criolla musical styles: Tondero, Zamacueca and Peruvian Waltz, modern Flamenco and certain styles of modern Rumba. The cajón was introduced into flamenco in the 1970s by guitarist Paco de Lucía. While in Peru, he was given the cajón by percussionist Caitro Soto. In the Paco de Lucia sextet, the cajón is played by Brazilian percussionist Rubem Dantas.

The modern cajón is often used to accompany the acoustic guitar and is showing up on worldwide stages in contemporary music. American acoustic rock band, Boyce Avenue, uses the Cajón in some of their new covers, such as: “Here Without You” (3 Doors Down) and “Just Can’t Get Enough” (Black Eye Peas).

Convinced that you want one yet???? Read the product details here and you might just be tempted!!!

The first impression of the new Brian May Special guitar which I received last week was simply FLAWLESS.

Korean built, legendary design with top quality components ~ sounds like a formula for success to me??

Obviously an iconic design borrrowed from that young lad who designed and built an electric guitar from an old mahogany fireplace with the help of his dad back in the mists of time – then went on to use it throughout his career in one of the biggest selling bands of all time.

It was inevitable that a production model had to emerge at some point – and indeed it did first as a signature model of Guild USA then Burns of London guitars, but now as a new brand ~  ”Brian May Guitars”.

In an attempt to take a more active involvement in quality, specifications and production of the new range of guitars and to make them as affordable as possible, Brian May has taken a lead role with his own technical team to bring his design to a mass market.

Just take a few minutes to compare these specifications to any boutique brand of exotic guitar of your choice ~

Mahogany body (acoustic chambered) and Mahogany Set Neck, Ebony Fretboard with 24 frets plus “zero” fret, Graphite nut, Dual Truss Rod, Burns Trisonic Pickups with individual on / off and phase in / out switches, Brian May  designed Wilkinson bridge and 2 point blade Tremelo system, Grover locking Machine Heads, all Gold Hardware, Metallic Gold finish with Cream / Black multi binding to body.

MMmmmmm…………….Now compare the price!!!

It plays on a par with the best and has a range of tones available from the multiple pickup combinations which you will just not find on any other guitar.

All in all this guitar is top quality and at £575 it has to be regarded as great value for money.

Don’t think this will be in my hands for too long, but while it is I intend to enjoy it!!!!

The only problem is Jeff sat in on a few lessons last year and caught the guitar bug ~ then went and bought a perfectly good Squire Strat off a neighbour a few months ago. I have been keen to hear how Jeff was getting on and whether or not Charlotte was helping him out, so I asked him a couple of weeks ago how he was doing.

“Well not very well” said Jeff  ”….You see it’s Black and White…..but I’m a Sunderland supporter… so I can’t bear to look at it!!!!”

“Oh dear!!!” I thought ~ A big Slash fan who was mistaken for a “musician” whilst waiting with Charlotte  at the last round of RGT exams, Jeff really fancied a Vintage V100 Icon Series without a scratchplate and with a relic finish to look like it had been on tour with Slash for the last 30 years. Well he had a nice surprise waiting for him when he came in with Charlotte for her lesson this morning. It took him a while to spot it but when he did – that was definitely the one!!!!

Jeff standing proud with his new Vintage “Slash” Les Paul, his last Slash concert ticket and a Gibson strap in the mandatory Sunderland colours – a happy man!!!

I just hope you manage to get some time on it when you get home Jeff as I think that “Sweet Child o’ ” yours has taken a shine to it!!!!

Especially through her / your new Marshall MG30DFX amp….

I’m sure you’re both going to have a great time with your new guitar / amp set up Jeff!!!!! Enjoy!!!!

Well as a long time owner of a USA Deluxe Stratocaster I was keen to see how the Custom Shop Master Luthiers have improved on the “standard” Deluxe USA Strat.

It just so happens that my main guitar of choice is also the same colour scheme as Peter’s new baby – don’t they make a pretty picture??!!

First impressions – the grain of the wood to the body is more distinctive and the birds eye maple neck on the Custom Shop (CS) is a bit special – they have obviously saved their choicest woods for these guitars which will only improve with age.

The hardware is the same except for non locking staggered machine heads on the CS ~ the Deluxe has locking machine heads. Surprisingly the Deluxe felt quite a bit heavier than the CS explained in the manual by the “lightweight Ash” body on the CS. The main obvious difference is in the pickup dept – Noiseless on the Deluxe and “Abby Handwound” (the legendary Abigail Ybarra) on the CS. A little bit more bite and more of a raw tone from the CS.

Both played very well with the “large C” neck profile and action being similar.

A nice touch on the Deluxe which I have always liked are the abalone dot inlays, the CS being standard black inlays.

Two great guitars with the CS definitely having the edge. Does it justify the price difference?? Well Peter looks happy….

Spot the difference……

Now then Peter…mine was the one with the Birds Eye Maple neck wasn’t it???!!!!……

Footnote : Peter Westwood…..Peter has been coming for lessons now for 2 years  following in the footsteps of his son Josh. A successful Hotelier at the Family business at Stone House Hotel, Hawes, a veteran Footballer ( I went to see him playing in the cup final playing for Leyburn at Northallerton last year at the age of 48!!!), a keen Ducati rider (along with his wife Tracey who also rides a Ducati!!!) and I understand he also owns a tasty sports car!!! As you can probably gather, Peter isn’t a man who does things by half!!! Peter has always enjoyed music and saw all the classic Rock Bands of the 1970s/ 80s (Thin Lizzy,  AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac etc.) . He sings a bit and always fancied playing the guitar – but of course life got in the way – as it does!!! Now he has started lessons he is determined to catch up for lost time and he is now certainly starting to play a bit – as well as putting together a very nice collection of guitars.

Always a pleasure to see Peter on a Thursday afternoon, and if you fancy a break in the country get in touch with Peter at Stone House Hotel  and he will certainly take good care of you….. If you ask him nicely he might even let you see his Fender Custom Deluxe Stratocaster!!!

Anyway I thought you might like a glimpse of the guitars (all brand new) before I get them listed for sale. I’ll do a more detailed producr review shortly (if they haven’t sold!!!)

(More on the Stagg Gig Bags later….)

First up probably one the most beautiful looking and sounding electro-acoustic guitar I have ever played. A Richwood Artist Series RD 26 E……

Then is it a Strat?? Les Paul?? No it’s a Brian May Special in Gold with more pickup combinations switchable than any other guitar I have come across and an absolutely superb build quality……

Then a couple of very nice guitars from Vintage. First a V100 Icon for those that prefer the relic look – plays and sounds very nice too….

and finally a lovely V2 Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde (I am a recent convert!!!!)

More details to follow….enjoy!!!!

As a consequence I have a few stands, multi-stands and wall hangers to clear out starting at a fiver.

If you want one hurry up – when they are gone they are gone!!!!!

In the meantime for those not familiar with the brand have a look at this….

Well if it was good enough for Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven it’ll do for me……..

The Italian brand EKO has been revitalised recently with products (like almost everything) being produced in China. When I was presented with the opportunity of stocking these guitars a few months ago I couldn’t really resist.

Just been checking our latest delivery of a batch of EKO Ranger Vintage series guitars including :

EKO Ranger Vintage Series 6 string in Natural Gloss

EKO Ranger Vintage Series 12 string in Natural Gloss

EKO Ranger Vintage Series 6 string in Black Gloss with Fishman EQ + Tuner

EKO Ranger Vintage Series 12 string in Natural Gloss with Fishman EQ + Tuner

In addition to the top of the range EKO Ranger Custom 12 string received a few weeks ago…

A nice range of guitars which won’t break the bank. Here’s what someone else thinks of them…..

http://www.acousticmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=651

and here…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYrvPEb0TZU&feature=related

and here…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ErA91KfeDk

All models in stock and available from Sundance Guitars