Each month, www.guitartricks.com brings you news from the wonderful world of guitars – some good, some bad and some ugly. This month we bring you news on a new signature acoustic from Gibson, more iPhone apps, Rock 'til it stops and more...
Gibson have announced a very limited run of 100 John Hiatt signature J-45 dreadnoughts. The Hiatt J-45 features enhanced bracing, a Fishman Ellipse matrix blend and preamp system and cosmetic touches like the hand painted triple-burst finish, tiger stripe pick guard and mother of pearl inlays, this is a collector's item proper. At $4500 RRP, it may well stay with the collectors.
Gibson say: From his first hit penned for Three Dog Night while working as a Nashville songsmith (1974's Billboard No.16 "Sure As I'm Sitting Here") to his highly acclaimed new album, The Open Road, John Hiatt has long been celebrated as one of the most potent songwriters in the business, and as a solo artist in his own right, his voice is known for its unparalleled power. While his songs have been recorded and performed by Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton & B.B. King, Rosanne Cash, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, and many others, few experiences are quite as moving as sitting in a packed house while a lone Hiatt and his acoustic guitar belt out "Have a Little Faith in Me", "Perfectly Good Guitar", or "Crossing Muddy Waters".
Want to smash guitars like Pete Townshend or Kurt Cobain but lack the bank balance to support it? K's Guitar of Japan have come up with an interesting concept that might be just for you. The 'SMASH' guitar is constructed in such a way that it explodes on impact and plays a sound suited to the annihilation of an instrument. The parts can then be sent back to K to be recycled. At $60 the Telecaster styled guitar is certainly a cheaper option than smashing anything nice.... and Marty Friedman is endorsing them.
Apple's iPhone guitar app mentioned in the last GT news update has already exceeded 1 million downloads in the couple of weeks since release – featuring a chord library and chromatic tuner, it's probably a must for any iPhone wielding guitarist.
Johnny Depp has directed the music video for Babybird's 'Unloveable', and plays guitar on the track as well. The promo video was shot in secret late last year, and should be arriving across the internet any time now.
'Rock 'til it Stops' hit Cleveland on May 1st. The event exists to raise awareness of autism and to support Autism Speaks’ local and national research, education and outreach initiatives. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to support projects in the local communities. Don Felder (former Eagles guitarist) will perform at the event, and there will be a live and silent auction featuring a range of items, including the chance to play tambourine in Don Felder’s band on the night, and the actual guitar Felder plays at the concert. A guitar signed by Crosby, Stills and Nash will also be up for auction. Catch Rock 'til it Stops on May 1st at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, following Autism Awareness month.
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