Shred & Win! You Tube Guitar Shredding Competition!
Can you shred? If your answer is YES, why don’t you join our Randy Rhoads Guitar Shredding Competition? To mark the anniversary of his death this month, we are celebrating the life and work of this amazing guitarist, who was also one of the top shredders ever. And we’re giving away one Jackson Randy Rhoads guitar!
Randy Rhoads is one of the most influential Heavy Metal guitarists ever, as well as an accomplished shredder. Now, you have the chance to win a brand new Jackson Randy Rhoads signature guitar! All you need to do is…shred!
And to further celebrate the art of shredding, we’re also hosting Guitar Shredding events at our Dolphin Music shops in Liverpool (date TBC) and Huddersfield (4th April). Come, show off your skills and enter to win prizes! Event will be filmed and best shredders will also be automatically entered to the Randy Rhoads You Tube competition.
Back in 1968, guitar amps were intentionally engineered to keep players from experimenting with distorted sounds. Electro Harmonix changed all that. For 40 years we’ve been proud to contribute to many of the most famous recordings in music history, their circuits won’t ever constrain the color of your sound; rather, they give you the freedom to find it.
Did you know that Electro-Harmonix makes many of the world’s greatest vacuum tubes? The next time you need to re-tube your guitar, bass, or hi-fi amp, be sure to insist on getting authentic Electro-Harmonix tubes.
Founding Years (1967 – 1968)
Electro Harmonix was founded by Mike Matthews in October of 1968 in NYC, USA. Himself an R&B keyboard player, he had traded his passion of music for a job as a salesman for IBM in 1967. Shortly afterwards he realized that his job at IBM no longer suited him, and he was interested in trying once again to make career for himself as a keyboard player. Concerned he may not be able to support his (now ex) wife while being unemployed, he aspired to save some money to support her before embarking on his journey to stardom. Partnering with an acquaintance of his, an audio repairman who claimed to have his own custom circuit for a fuzz pedal, they jobbed construction of their new pedal to a contracting house, and began distributing the pedals under a deal with the Guild Guitar Company.Fuzzboxes were in demand following a trail of hits involving their sound, including (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones two years prior, and recent popularization of Jimi Hendrix. The latter connection resulted in the pedals being branded the ‘Foxey Lady’.
Following the unexpected and unexplained departure of his partner, Matthews was introduced to inventor and electric engineer Robert Myer through IBM colleagues. Together the two began conceptualizing a circuit designed to emulate Jimi Hendrix’s use of a Distortion-Free Sustain. While testing a prototype of the Distortion-Free Sustainer pedal, which Matthews did by simply plucking the strings of an electric guitar, as he did not play guitar, he noticed another small box connected to the prototype. When asked, Myer explained this box was a line booster, designed to boost the guitar’s passive signal to an appropriate level for the prototype. Matthews listened as the guitar’s volume increased greatly as the booster was turned on, and asked Myer what was involved in manufacturing the pedal. The pedal consisted of a simple circuit and used just one transistor. Shortly afterwards, Matthews founded Electro Harmonix to produce this and other pedal designs throughout 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s.
Turns out that EHX also manufacturers a huge percentage of the world’s vacuum tubes in its factory in Russia, which are then sent back to New York for testing and pairing before being sold to vintage and high-end audio fans, as well as manufacturers like McIntosh.
Gadget site boingboing had a really good time checking out the factory floor to see the hand-made vacuum tube testing machines, as well as talking to the engineers that sit around all day and try to figure out how to get the ideas for new FX processors out of their crazy boss’s head and into working hardware.
The following Electro-Harmonix video demos will help you make the most of your favorite EH gear with clear, thoughtful demonstrations by Peter Stroud, guitarist for Sheryl Crow and founder of legendary 65 Amp company. So, if you don’t know your Big muff from your Double Muff or your Wiggler from your POG ,then run the vids and wrap your ears around some of the funkiest pedals on the planet.
It’s a multi-tap delay, its an echo, it’s a reverse echo, it’s a performance looper with tap tempo, and it’s programmable… it’s got all the Hazarai! Designed for the performing musician, the new Stereo Memory Man is destined to be one of the most creative instruments on your pedalboard. (Available Late Aug.)
Reverb, Pitch Shift and Tremolo can blend with the Stain’s unique analog gilded distortion. Plutonic interaction of the controls creates ultra novel effects. (available late september)
The name says it all – what was great got even better! Generate the slithering, panoramic textures of “Axis Bold As Love.” Manually flange or freeze your sound in Filter Matrix mode. Chorus and Flanger work together seamlessly for unique stereo modulations. Colorful and seductive! (Available Early Aug.)
Make your 6-string guitar sound like a 12-string. Make your 4-string bass sound like an 8-string. Super fast tracking with glitch free polyphony. Makes a great bass using the sub octave. Polyphonic tone in a small die-cast XO enclosure. (Available Aug.)
Convert Gibson™ to Strat™ or Strat™ to Telecaster™
Give your tone the heavyweight punch it deserves. Two powerful filters are the key — make your humbuckers sound like single coils and your Strat sound like a Tele. Amazing on bass! (Available Late July)
For years the Holy Grail has been the musician’s choice for reverb. The Holy Grail+ adds Room reverb and a multi-function decay/ damping/modulation speed control. The Grail just got even more divine!
This pedal was built to produce the kind of classic ’60s-style overdrive that only a true Germanium transistor can offer, along with the added convenience of an adjustable GAIN control, BIAS control, and a circuit VOLTS knob for dialing in what E-H calls “that sweet spot found when a battery’s voltage dips.”
Three selectable attacks coupled with silky, long sustains blend in perfect harmony to create the finest compressor ever built for guitar and bass. The Soul Preacher is your tool for sonic salvation.
Introducing the Bass Big Muff Pi, a new version of the famous distorsion/fuzz/sustainer stompbox.
This XO-series sized box features a bass boost switch and was specifically designed to handle bass frequencies. It also features a “dry” output. Features: Controls for Volume – Tone – Sustain Mini Switch for Bass Boost …
The pedal that started it all The distortion countless musicians such as Hendrix, Santana and Jack White relied on for its rich, creamy, violin-like sustain. A timeless piece, the Big Muff has been defining the sound of rock guitar for the past 30 years. Like the legendary Big Muff Pi of the ’70s, the reissue Electro-Harmonix USA Big Muff…
Electro-Harmonix spent many months creating what we believe to be the best heavy metal pedal ever built. The Metal Muff utilizes three powerful EQ bands, including a midrange control designed for perfect contouring. Along with beautifully sculpted mids, the Metal Muff offers commanding bass and defined top end—coupled with user-controlled distortion from pinched-edge to totally crushing—making it a heavy metal…
After extensive research into what made the 1970 Big Muff such a special and legendary pedal, Electro-Harmonix came up with a new addition to its Big Muff family: The Little Big Muff. Housed in a compact, die-cast box with smooth corners, The Little Big Muff presents the classic, true-to-heritage, 1970 tone that falls somewhere between the…
Sophisticated modeling technology combined with the VOX Valve Reactor power amp circuit that uses a 12AX7 vacuum tube results in sound quality that overwhelms the competition. Announcing the VT series — the latest combo amps in the Valvetronix series, featuring simulation sounds of famous guitarists.
Vox VT15 £129.00 was £155.00
Vox VT30 £159.00 was £195.00
Vox VT50 £249.00 was £299.00
Vox VT100 £369.00 was £425.00
VOX Valve Reactor circuit that uses a 12AX7 to produce real tube power amp sound.
Twenty-two realistic amp models are built-in, ranging from the latest high-gain types to unobtainable legendary boutique amps and vintage amps.
Twelve high-quality effects including independent reverb, rivaling the quality of dedicated units
Three banks (basic, effected, and song) are provided for each amp model, giving you a total of sixty-six preset programs.
Twenty-two programs of “song presets” simulate the sounds of famous guitarists.
You can save eight of your own edited programs.
Power level control allows you to adjust the output wattage of the power amp, meaning that you can obtain that distinctive power amp distortion even at low output levels.
Headphone output lets you practice at home, even at night.
The VT50/100 provide an external speaker output, and the VT100 provides an effect loop for expandability.
By using the VFS5 foot switch you can use your foot to change programs or turn effects on/off.
With sound quality that overpowers its rivals, the Valvetronix series has achieved enormous support from guitarists around the world. It’s a new generation of VOX amp that fuses high-quality modeling technology with the acclaimed VOX Valve Reactor tube technology. This new and eagerly awaited VT series provides twenty-two amp models that range from the latest high-gain types to hard-to-find boutique and vintage amps, together with a full complement of effects, making this a series of combo amps that will cover the needs of a wide variety of styles and performance techniques. Sixty-six preset programs are also provided, including twenty-two song programs that simulate the guitar sounds of famous guitarists, so even beginners who aren’t familiar with guitar amps can start enjoying serious guitar sound right away. The VT series is available in four models — 15, 30, 50, or 100W — ranging from an entry-level model to units that can stand up to professional use on stage or in the studio.
VOX Valve Reactor circuit delivers true tube power amp sound
The VOX Valve Reactor circuit is the key factor that separates the Valvetronix series from other modeling amps. The 100% analog original power amp circuit actually has the same power amp circuit as a full-tube amp, using a 12AX7 miniature triode to reproduce a distinctive tube amp sound unattainable by digital technology. In other words, it replicates aspects that have an important influence on the sound of a tube amp, such as the power amp’s class A/AB operation and the interaction of the power stage with the speaker, thus reproducing not only the response of the original amp’s power amp circuitry, but also the power amp’s distortion as well as the nuances and subjective sound pressure of a full-tube amp.
Since there’s a power level control that allows you to decrease just the volume without affecting the tonal character, you can adjust the volume while enjoying the same sense of drive as when the master volume is at maximum. This means that you can obtain the exact same sound even when you’re unable to play at maximum volume, such as when you’re at home.
Twenty-two amp models use high-quality modeling technology
Another indispensible aspect of the Valvetronix series is the modeling technology that is the source of its diverse amp sounds. The sounds of twenty-two tube amps sought-after by the guitarists are built in, including vintage amps that are now hard to find, as well costly boutique amps. The coverage includes not only vintage types, but also the latest high-gain types, accommodating a wide variety of playing techniques and styles.
Twelve high-quality effects deliver the essentials with plenty of variation
Effects are an important part of creating your guitar sound. The VT series contains twelve effects with quality rivaling that of dedicated stand-alone processors, ranging from familiar standards to fresh new types. Of these, the reverb effect is always available, and three of the other eleven types are composite effects that allow up to three effects to be used simultaneously. Noise reduction can also be used at the same time. Each effect has multiple parameters that you can adjust to create the precise sound you want. There’s also a tap switch that makes it easy to set the delay time or modulation speed. Independent reverb is provided, giving you an even broader range of sound-creating possibilities.
Sixty-six preset programs including “song presets” that simulate the sounds of famous guitarists
For each amp model, the VT series provides a “song preset” that simulates the guitar sound of a famous guitarist, giving you a total of twenty-two such presets. These song presets make it easy to instantly obtain the guitar sound of well-known songs everyone has heard. Each amp model also has a “basic preset” that represents the most typical settings, as well as an “effected preset” that takes full advantage of the effects, totaling forty-four presets. Together with the song presets, you have a total of sixty-six preset programs. Of course, you can also save your own favorite edited programs as one of eight user programs.
Headphone output and expandability allows home recording and late-night practice
There’s a headphone output that can be connected to headphones or to your mixer or multi-track recorder. Since the tonal characteristics of the cabinet are applied to this output, the sound will not be impaired even if you make a direct-line recording or listen through headphones, ensuring that you continue to get that great spatial depth and character. The VT50/100 provides a speaker output that allows an external speaker to be connected, and the VT100 provides an effect loop that’s convenient for connecting an external effect, giving you the flexibility to configure your system for any situation.
Optional VFS5 foot switch lets you switch programs or turn effects on/off with your foot
By using the optional VFS5 foot switch you can switch programs, turn reverb or other effects on/off, or make speed/tap settings using your foot. This is a great advantage when you’re creating sounds or performing live.
If you act fast you have the chance of scooping up one of our exclusive bundle offers of a FREE Line 6 carry bag worth £44 to carry your amazing Line 6 POD M13 Stompbox Modeler
This deluxe custom-tailored bag features a heavily-padded compartment for your POD M13 and a front pocket with plenty of room for your power supply and Variax digital cable. The rip- and water-resistant fabric features an embroidered white Line 6 logo on the front pocket, an easy-to-carry handle and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap.
The Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler… A little information
Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler is the essential all-in-one pedal board experience that features a comprehensive collection of the most sought-after stompbox sounds, a full-featured looper and super-heavy-duty all-metal construction.
Without complicated menus or presets, Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler channels the soul and ease of a stompbox. Boasting over 75 immortal stompbox effects including distortions, reverbs, delays (including sounds from our best-selling DL4 delay pedal), and so much more, reach into Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler for access to many of history’s most celebrated sounds. Use up to four different sounds—or four of the same—simultaneously. Each stompbox model features dedicated knobs for instant tweaking.
The 28-second looper is always at the ready with dedicated footswitches for Play/Stop, Half-Speed, Reverse, Undo and more. All Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler’s metal footswitches can withstand constant stomping and rock and roll-style abuse.
Use any sound, in any arrangement, with any of the 12 footswitches. Create different pedal board setups, or “scenes”, for instant recall of an entire gig’s or song’s stompbox sounds. Save up to 12 scenes and back them up to your computer using the MIDI in/out.
Super-easy, super-solid and featuring a built-in chromatic tuner, toss Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler on stage and hit the ground running.
Features:
Over 75 stompbox effects, 4 simultaneous in any order and any combination
Dedicated knobs to control each of the parameters of each effect
Create up to 12 pedal board scenes for instant recall. (It’s like having 12 fully tricked-out pedal boards available at any time)
Universal tap tempo to sync all your time-based effects
28-second looper with dedicated footswitch controls for Undo, Record/Overdub, Play/Stop, Half Speed and more
Built-in chromatic tuner with dedicated footswitch
Lee and Thurston have always heavily modified their Jazzmaster guitars- removing all extraneous controls- simplifying and stripping them back to their essence, leaving just a 3 way switch and a volume knob. In many ways these 2 instruments are similar, yet in almost every major way (pickups, bridges, frets, pickguard) they are totally different. “After playing and slaying Fender Jazzmasterz for the last 20+ years we are totally PSYCHED and HONORED to have our very own signature axes.” – Thurston Moore / Lee Ranaldo
Each SY Jazzmaster comes with a custom sticker sheet and a full-color, 24 page ‘zine that contains photos, set lists, tuning charts, illustrations, tech info and extensive interviews. Designed and laid out by Lee himself, this is the definitive insider’s guide to all things Jazzmaster in the world of Sonic Youth. Lee and Thurston’s guitars have mostly been handled by 4 crew techs since 1990, so the SY sound guy Aaron Mullan called techs Nic Close, Eric Baecht, Jim Vincent and Matt Zivich to ask about the evolution of their guitars over that time…
“When Fender came to us with an offer to make signature models of our Jazzmaster guitars we jumped at the chance. These are the guitars that have defined the sound of Sonic Youth for more than 20 years. Although we love all guitars, Jazzmasters are the ones we’ve modified and perfected for our uses over the years. With massive input from our great road crew we’ve come up with a Thurston Jazzmaster & Lee ‘Jazzblaster’ that fully reflect the current state of the guitars we play in 2009. In fact, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on these axes – the prototypes of our Fender models have already been thrust into action during the recording of our latest album, ‘The Eternal’, and have already begun to acquire the scrapes and scarz of live performance. These guitars rock Sonic style!”
Moore and Ranaldo, canonized as two of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine in 2003, make up two-fifths of one of the most respected and influential bands in recent memory. Moore and Ranaldo have been playing Fender instruments for the lion’s share of their careers, to the point where the simple image of a Jazzmaster guitar creates an instant free-associative connection with the band. In celebration of 2008’s 50th Anniversary of the Jazzmaster, Fender had been connecting and talking to all of the icons of the instrument, and a dialogue struck up with Lee and Thurston that led to the design and creation of Fender’s latest signature model additions.
Moore and Ranaldo have always modified their Jazzmaster guitars—removing all extraneous controls—simplifying and stripping them back to their essence, leaving just a three-way switch and volume knob. In many ways, these two instruments are similar, yet in almost every major way (pickups, bridges, frets) they are totally different. Both guitars have alder bodies, “C”-shaped maple necks with rosewood fingerboards, American Vintage Jazzmaster tremolos and black anodized aluminum pickguards. Moore’s Jazzmaster features Seymour Duncan® Antiquity II for Jazzmaster pickups, an Adjusto-Matic™ bridge and 21 jumbo frets, and is available in Forest Green Transparent satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish with satin black painted headstock. Ranaldo’s guitar features re-voiced wide range humbucking pickups, Mustang®-style bridge and 21 vintage frets, and is available in Sapphire Blue Transparent satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish with satin black painted headstock.
Each Sonic Youth Jazzmaster guitar comes with a custom sticker sheet and a full-color 24-page indie rock ’zine containing photos, set lists, tuning charts, illustrations, tech info and extensive interviews. Designed and laid out largely by Ranaldo himself, this is the definitive insider’s guide to all things Jazzmaster in the world of Sonic Youth.
“We were stoked to have the opportunity to create something together, and the resultant instruments are spot-on at evoking the essence of their unique styles and preferences,” said Justin Norvell, marketing director for Fender electric guitars. “These guitars went through pretty rigorous R&D—the guys and their techs were incredibly hands-on throughout the whole process. When they were home we took their original guitars apart, re-voiced pickups against their vintage guitars, and more. When they were out on tour, we traded countless late-night e-mails, making adjustments based on their road performance. In the end we are all extremely happy with the results, and we believe that Sonic Youth fans all over the world will be as well.”
For more information on the Sonic Youth guitars, the band and a free mp3 download of new single “Sacred Trickster,” visit www.fender.com/sonicyouth.
Spider® II amps are designed from the ground up to drown out the voices inside your head.
Spider II’s are packed with essential guitar tones that go from Clean to Insane, and have built-in effects that calm even the most severe psychotic episode.
No matter what size Spider II you desire, you’ll always have enough custom tones and F.X. to add to your sonic arsenal
Spider is the amps the artist use. Now at our Best ever prices!
The Spider III 15 delivers Line 6 modeling technology in an easy-to-use format at a very easy price. With 15W of power, a Celestion 8″ guitar speaker, 4 amp models, a full effects package with Smart FX control, the Spider III 15 is versatile enough to come up with any tone in the book. The amp models have been completely rebuilt and they sound killer.
Watch Exclusive Spider III 15 demo in our Lick Library Channel!
Features
15W power
8″ Celestion speaker
4 Amp models: clean, crunch, metal, and insane
CD/MP3 in jack
Headphone jack
Tone controls
Foot control jack
Recording quality line out
Tap button lets you set delay time, access tuner, boost distortion, and activate noise gate
Easy, one-knob guitar effects control
Instantly access hundreds of killer sounds designed by the world’s most notorious rock stars.
Get your hands on the latest generation of Line 6 modeling technology for the most detailed guitar amp and effect models ever created.
If you crave the sounds you hear on stage or on your favorite albums, Spider® III is here to deliver.
Sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go. The RG Fixed series is for players who prefer a straightforward fixed bridge setup.
The gorgeous Ibanez RGR421EXFM TLB features covered EMG desigend V7 neck and V8 bridge humbucking pickups mounted in mahogany body with flame maple top a for a variety of rock.
The bridge Vintage 8 Alnico magnet humbucker provides warm, articulate lead pickup with enhanced overtones. Good harmonics without excessive brightness. The Vintage 7 ceramic magnet neck humbucker is tight, but bright and very dynamic for chording and rhythm. 5-way pickup switching.
It’s not as easy as it may look…but if you love what bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Creation and Sigur Ros have done in the past, the violin (or cello) bow can be a great trick to add to your repertoire!
Playing with the bow: Led Zeppelin, The Creation and Sigur Ros
Sure…an eBow is a really cool effect that we recommend to any guitarist interested in further sonic explorations of his instrument…but using a violin bow can produce different sounds, and be much more challenging…besides, playing an actual violin bow looks really cool onstage, too!
Basically, there’s no “correct” way to do it as a violin bow is not meant for guitar anyway, but here’s a few tips we collected, that may help you to achieve some good results:
You’ll need three things: One- An electric guitar (they sound better bowed compared to acoustic.) Two- A bow (Note: You will need rosin.) Three: an amp with more than one distortion setting (recommended reverb/delay more than any other.)
Once you have all you need to adjust your shoulder strap so that the guitar comes down below your stomach. (Adjust the strap all the way lose.) You want to hold the bow the same way you hold it as if you were playing violin. One exception- you may want to extend your finger across the bow. It makes it easier when you’re playing. Don’t let any pedantic killjoy tell you you’re holding the bow wrong- you’re not. This is completely different from playing a violin.
Set your amp to a regular tone (no freaky metal stuff yet) and set just a little bit of distortion, with added reverb/delay for best results.) Slide the bow across the strings (You’re sliding where you’d normally pick.) It may take several times for you to get a vibration. Okay around with the amount of pressure you place on the bow. It may also take you a while to find a comfortable position. You want to avoid hurting your wrist at all costs (though playing with a flat neck will hurt your wrist anyway.) There are some special guitars that have a curved neck. This allows you to play the strings more accurately.
It’s hard to play chords with a bow- but you can still try. You could make an entire 4-minute song based off of G and A with a bow. It’s also hard to hit higher notes (above fret 12.) without it sounding scratchy. I recommend watching this for technique inspiration:
You can notice the player’s body position. (Note how the back is slightly arched and one knee is up.) It may take you a while to figure out how you want to play.
Vibrato: Yes, you can do it. It’s difficult, but it can be done. You can even bend the strings; as well as hammer-on’s pull-off’s. (Play around with other guitar techniques as well. You may end up with a cool new sound!Refer to the link above for vibrato and string bending inspiration!)
Usually, it’s easier to do power chords. But there’s no list of what works with a bow and what does not. You’re gonna have to figure that out by yourself. Also refer to this other video for inspiration:
Important points
Cleaning: A rag! Get a cloth rag (preferably cotton) and wipe your strings. You need to do this after every time you play with the bow. Guitar strings weren’t made to have rosin on them- and I’m sure if you want to play Metallica later on, you don’t want sticky strings. So wipe them down with a dry cotton rag.
Rosin: All you need to do is apply it to the bow. You don’t need to place it in water or chip pieces of it off. Just slide it across the hair of the bow. (About 14 slides will do for guitar.) You’ll need a lot of rosin to make the strings vibrate. (Amount of rosin may need to increase depending on the type of your strings.)
Bow: Try tightening it to the highest it can go without ripping the hair. You don’t want it too lose, and you don’t want it too tight- so somewhere in the middle there- have it firm, that’s all.
Effects: All effects need to be tweaked from scratch based on the bow squeaky sounds. in other words your normal distortion settings won’t be good when you replace the guitar pick for a violin bow. Best results as a matter of fact may be by using the bow and only one pedal (a BOSS DD3 digital delay or a RE-20 Space Echo for instance).
Strings: Because the Bow basically rubs on the strings to produce a noise, older the strings the better, as older strings loose their smooth texture by the pickups due to the constant picking and strumming. Also using a cleaning solution for the strings before playing with the bow will help you A LOT.
Palm Muting: it will be hard to do while playing with a bow, but you could (only to try) use a little masking tape by the bridge to simulate the muting technique, it’s worth a try!
Playing: Yes- you may want to play like Jimmy Page. That’s cool. But he wasn’t the first nor the last to use a violin bow, so besides Jimmy Page, you may want to check 60’s freakbeat combo The Creation (Eddie Phillips was the first guitarist to use a violin bow) and Sigur Ros.
Dolphin Music offers some affordable violin and cello bows, so if you’re a guitarist looking to expand your horizons, why don’t you try one?
YOKO Ono, the slight 76-year-old widow of John Lennon, speaks with hesitation, guarding her words in the same way she has protected Lennon’s worldly possessions and legacy since his murder on the doorsteps of their New York City home in 1980.
Speaking to The Post from her home in the Dakota off of Central Park, Ono reveals “this was a very hard exhibit to put together.”
She wasn’t speaking about the physical objects she loaned the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s annex in SoHo, but rather reliving the memories those objects conjured.
“I’m so used to being around John’s work – his drawings, his lyrics, his things – on a daily basis. I live with them,” Ono says. Yet when the items were gathered in the one-room exhibit, telling the story of Lennon’s last decade of life in New York City, Ono became very emotional. “It shouldn’t have upset me, but it did.”
The original lyrics to ‘Imagine’, written perhaps ironically on headed paper from the Hilton
In fact, Yoko isn’t alone. At a preview of the exhibit, which opens today, a middle-age woman who had just completed viewing the final showcase was so moved that she wept openly.
Tears aren’t the point of this show, although they are part of it. Says Ono: “I hope when people leave this exhibit that they see that the John they love, and the John they believed in, was actually here in New York, walking around being himself. He didn’t separate himself from New York or the people.”
Of the hundreds of items on display, here are some highlights that show the man behind the legend:
- You might walk by them because they are on display outside the main room, but there is a pair of Lennon’s classic round-lens eyeglasses from 1971 – the year he and Ono moved to NYC. The silver frame is perfect; there are no scratches in the glass. It’s a subtle reminder to the viewer that they are about to see the world through John’s eyes. It’s a theme carried to the last photograph on view when exiting – a photo of the blood-smeared specs Lennon wore when he was gunned down.
- There are a couple of pianos in the exhibit, but it’s the trio of guitars – an antique 1930 resonator, an electric Gibson hollow-bodied six-string, and a Fender Telecaster – that command attention. The black Fender- with sweat stains still visible on its blond neck – was the guitar Lennon played during his final concert at Madison Square Garden.
Dolphin Music was treated to a day of the shreddiest guitar music by Dean guitars own Matt Speed. He worked his way through our new exotic woods range whilst flicking his way through the big book of riffs.
Keep in touch for future events from Dolphin Music.
Back in 1968, guitar amps were intentionally engineered to keep players from experimenting with distorted sounds. Electro Harmonix changed all that. For 40 years we’ve been proud to contribute to many of the most famous recordings in music history, their circuits won’t ever constrain the color of your sound; rather, they give you the freedom to find it.
James Hetfield
Matt Rubano
Tim Rice-Oxley
