Furch Guitars Lets You Build Your Dream Guitar Using 160 Data Points

You no longer have to be a stadium-headlining artist to have your own custom guitar. Furch Guitars (Furch), a world-leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars, has changed the game. Furch now offers each guitarist the chance to be their own guitar builder, creating exactly the acoustic guitar they desire.

Choose from up to 160 different features, mixing and matching to your own specific needs.

The customized guitar then carries the brand RAINBOW.

How It Works

For the new modifiable RAINBOW guitar series, Furch has prepared a high-grade “basic version”: a) the cover of the sitka cage, and b) the bottom and the sack of Indian rosewood. Both of these materials belong to the so-called master grade version, which means that it applies to selected top quality wood.

On top of this basic model template, the customer can complement additional design variants. Choose from more than 160 different features including, for example:

• the shape of the guitar’s body
• the number of strings
• materials
• decorations
• lacquering
• mechanics for tuning and
• tuning sound

With these combination of available adjustments, you can build over 25,000 different guitar models.

 

Background

“The interest in customized guitars has constantly increased over the past ten years. Already last year, guitars consisted of a higher degree of ordered adjustments, six per cent of which were output and this year we expect an even higher figure.

Our new series of RAINBOW guitars is a response to the growing demand for so-called customodeller, which offers customers the greatest freedom in the construction of their dream guitars. Guitarists will no longer be bound to the standard models in our range, but will be able to design the guitar basically right from the start,” says Petr Furch, CEO of Furch Guitars.

Although each model of the RAINBOW guitars is largely unique, the quality craftsmanship remains the same.  This means that the high quality wood and unique production technology are always the foundation.  Guitar models all build on the Furch process: how the lid and bottom are customized, the unique UV lacquer with an extremely thin and resilient texture, Furch’s revolutionary neck design, and the CNR System, which prolongs the stability of the neck by up to 90%.

The combination of the highest quality materials and leading manufacturing techniques makes the RAINBOW models not only looks good but, above all, perform with Furch guitar’s characteristic high quality sound.

Price and Availability

The RAINBOW series guitars can only be ordered by authorized dealers, the list of them is available at www.furch.cz/eu-en/retailers.

The color series of acoustic guitars In addition to the RAINBOW models, the customer can choose from seven different standard colors RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, INDIGO and VIOLET.

The new color models combine an elegant look further underlined with a number of detailed features, with high-quality sound and a range of unique production techniques. The individual “color series” differ in particular with the combinations of the materials used, the type of surface treatment and the way they are decorated.

The highest standard of guitars, RED, combines the exclusive material, the capability of the lid and the bottom, distinctive and untraditional details, and the unique high-gloss finish finish Full-Pore High-Gloss Finish.

The standard series VIOLET also offers a semi-massive instrument with the Open-Pore Finish finish and significantly more dimmed decorations. More information about the new Acoustic Furch Guitars is available on the updated website www.furchguitars.com.

Prices range from 793 € – 2,895 € depending on series.

---

Furch Guitars

The Furch Guitars (Furch) company was founded in 1981 and has gradually become one of the leading manufacturers in the world of acoustic guitars and basses.

The manufacturing and company headquarters are located in Velké Němčice near Brno.

Furch has successfully combined a long-standing knowledge in the field of manual guitar production with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, technologies, as well as their own inventions. This allows them to deliver first-class instruments with outstanding acoustic and material parameters.

Furch delivers its instruments with a three-year guarantee to 32 countries in five continents, has over 60 highly qualified instrument makers and produces over 7,000 guitars annually, as used by, among others, Suzanne Vega, Per Gessle, Glen Hansard, David Koller, Vlasta Redl, Zdeněk Bína or Thom Artway.

Further information can be found on the web site www.furchguitars.com.

The post Furch Guitars Lets You Build Your Dream Guitar Using 160 Data Points appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

Best Fingerstyle Guitar Under $1,000

Looking for an acoustic guitar made for fingerstyle guitar?  Maybe even the best fingerstyle guitar possible? It’s exciting, inspiring, …aaand it can seem financially daunting.

For example…

• Do you want to play the Maton Custom Shop TE Personal 2017 Natural that Tommy Emmanuel plays? Well, that’ll be $6,250 (used)
• What about the Greenfield G4 Fanned Fret Manchinga that Andy McKee plays? Hmm, that’ll set you back $14,500 or more (if you can even get one).
• Even Sungha Jung’s Grand Concert Signature Model by Lakewood Guitars seems like a steal at $3,000!

But What If You Could Only Spend $1,000?

What acoustic guitar would you buy?

After all, this is a more realistic budget range for many guitarists. Which brand and which model would give you the best ‘bang for your buck’? We’re looking for exceptional sound, playability, features tailored for fingerstyle guitar, and, of course, some good-looking craftsmanship.

$1,000 may still feel a bit high, especially for beginners and young players.  But for the sake of argument (and round numbers), let’s use this as a cut-off point to separate the A-list from the Available-list. (And, for the record, conversations in the forums seem to support that this is a reasonable cut-off price.)

First we’ll take a look at what features make the best fingerstyle guitar.  Then we’ll look at several popular options. Finally we’ll recommend the top models.

What Makes a Great Fingerstyle Guitar?

When we’re talking about fingerstyle guitar, we’re referring to the avante-garde acoustic style popularized by folks like Michael Hedges, Igor Presnyakov, and Phil Keaggy.

In terms of exact style, we include:

• Chet Atkins thumb-pickers like Tommy Emmanuel
• Acrylic-nail sporting virtuosos like Don Ross, and
• Good ol’ fingers-on-strings players like Adam Rafferty.

When we look at the guitars they play, what do they have in common?

Smaller body

This is for two reasons: even sound and easy playability. The traditional dreadnought body-style acoustic guitar is often big sounding, and bass-heavy. For fingerstyle, though, you want even expression of all the strings.

Also, big dreadnought bodies are hard to get your arms around. They’re great for strumming away in open positions like Johnny Cash, but more difficult for the agile dynamics of someone like Ed Sheerhan.

Cutaway

The cutaway provides easier access to the strings above the 12th fret. Electric guitarists routinely use this part of the guitar neck. Many acoustic guitar models, however, ignore this because this is not where the acoustic usually sounds best.

For fingerstyle, though, you want to be able to access this for a number of reasons, including: harmonics, solos, and breadth of arrangement.

Easier action

“Action” refers to the height and tension of the strings over the fretboard. These details, of course, affect how hard you have to press to make the notes sound and how easy it is to switch positions. So, for example, we’re not looking for a Gibson Jumbo with fat strings and a big bottom end.  We want to be able to finger the fretboard easily.

Note: expensive fingerstyle-oriented guitar typically have some additional features, things like a forward scratchguard for percussive use, and picking arm cut-outs for extra comfort. We won’t be seeing those in are sub-$1,000 search, though…

 

The Best Fingerstyle Guitars: A Few Options

 

Taylor 214ce

This latest edition of Taylor’s cutaway Grand Auditorium 214ce features an aesthetic update to feature attractive layered Hawaiian koa back and sides. Under the hood, upgraded internal bracing dials up the guitar’s sonic horsepower to give the solid Sitka spruce top more dynamic range. Clean appointments include white binding, Italian acrylic dot inlays, a faux tortoise shell pickguard, an ebony peghead overlay, and satin-finish back and sides with a glossy top. Together with the onboard Taylor ES2 pickup and signature Taylor playability, this guitar delivers pro-grade stage appeal in every way.

View Price/Availability on Amazon >>

Epiphone Masterbilt EF500R

The Epiphone EF-500R is one of the new classics in our Masterbilt Collection. The Masterbilt Collection was first issued in the early 1930s and marked Epiphone’s arrival as one of the main acoustic designers and builders of the era. Timeless designs and innovation remains their mission today and this is in evidence on the Epiphone EF-500R, which features the classic “orchestra” body shape with a Solid Sitka Spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides and a mahogany “V” style neck perfect for fingerpicking.

View Price/Availability on Amazon >>

 

Breedlove Solo Concert

The trademark Breedlove concert sound combines the warm, rich overtones created by red cedar, the Breedlove Bridge Truss and East Indian rosewood back and sides. The connection player feels with their instrument is enhanced with the Side Monitor Soundhole, bringing the music directly to your ears. The Solo Concert is also available in a left handed model (LH) and with the option of a 1.75 inch nut width.

View on Price/Availability Amazon >>

 

Yamaha A Series A3M

Designed to be the ideal performance acoustic guitar, the Yamaha A-Series is crafted from the ground up to be perfectly suited to life on the road. With natural, dynamic plugged-in tone and stage-ready simplicity from the new SRT2 pickup system; played-in comfort out of the box thanks to hand-rolled fingerboard edges on a straight taper neck; a custom designed scalloped bracing pattern for a powerful, expressive acoustic tone and Yamaha’s legendary road-ready construction.

View Price/Availability on Amazon >>

 

Fender Paramount PM-3 Standard

U.S.-designed Paramount series acoustic instruments are finely crafted and specially voiced to bring music to life. Each all-solid guitar offers many legacy design elements of classic ’60s models, including checkerboard purfling and rosette, pickguard shape and abalone and mother-of-pearl “Concert Tone” fingerboard inlays. Even with this art deco look, Paramount instruments still retain their footing in modern design. All-new Fender- and Fishman®-designed PM preamp systems are specifically voiced for each body shape in the series, ensuring complete tonal control and variation.

View Price/Availability on Amazon >>

Drum Rolll….The Top Recommended Guitar Is:

Taylor 214ce

First, I should say: all these guitar are great options.  Particular qualities of one of these guitars may appeal to you so, by all means, go for that! With that being said…

My own experience would lead me to favor the Taylor 214ce as the best fingerstyle guitar under $1,000.

Taylor’s guitars have long had a history of fine craftsmanship and consistent quality across the years. This gives me confidence that you (or I) could pick up any of these model guitars and experience a great playing guitar.

The 214ce checks all the boxes on our list regarding body size, cutaway, and playable action.

Also, Taylors have a clarity that seems to compliment the complexity of fingerstyle guitar. For straight-ahead strumming, I would favor something more mellow and warm, like a Martin. But in fingerstyle guitar, I want each string to sing out and have it’s own voice. Taylor’s guitars are good at this.

Bottom line: This is a fine guitar that squeaks in under the $1,000 price tag.

View Price/Availability on Amazon >>

 

Have other recommendations on the best fingerstyle guitar under $1k?

We’d love to hear them!  Add them in the comments below.

The post Best Fingerstyle Guitar Under $1,000 appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

What Is Digital Signal Processing (DSP)? And What Does It Mean For Music?

Digital Signal Processing, or “DSP”, is often referred to as a “feature” of modern audio equipment and music gear. Why is that important? Well, two reasons. One, it tells you how they’re handling the audio signal – and the potential trade-offs which that implies. And, two, hopefully they give you confidence in how well they’re using DSP – after all, better processing equals better results.

So What is DSP? Particularly In Audio Processing?

DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing. This term is used for digital encoding of “live” signals such as audio, video, temperature, pressure, position, etc. Digital signal processing allows these live signals to be stored, manipulated, edited, replayed, and transferred much more efficiently and accurately than by using strictly analog methods. For example, think how easy it is to edit video files in iMovie (or even on your phone!) vs cutting and re-attaching film like in the old cutting room.

Sound is naturally an analog phenomenon.  Sound is a function of physical waves traveling through a medium – air or water, or even a hard surface (like putting your ear to a train track to hear the train coming).

Microphones convert this physical sound wave into an analog electronic signal. They do this by use of a small, sensitive diaphragm that vibrates when hit by audio waves. The vibrations of the diaphragm generate a very small, uinque, electronic signal. This signal is music.  Like all electrical signals, it is a flowing sine wave, moving between zero or negative voltage and some other voltage. The rate, frequency, depth, and tiny aberrations of this signal are what make this electronic signal sound uniquely like your voice, or your guitar, or your violin.

Note: Electric guitar pickups function differently. These pickups take advantage of Faraday’s discovery that moving a metal rod through a magnetic field (or a magnetic field over a metal rod.  As Einstein famously pondered… is there any difference?) produces an electric current.  It turns out that when an guitar string (a metal rod) vibrates in the magnetic field of a guitar pickup, a unique electric signal is also produced. The rate, frequency, depth, and tiny aberrations of this signal are what make it sound uniquely like your Telecaster or Les Paul.

The Ups and Downs of Analog

Analog transmission of audio signals require that power amplification and receiver sensitivity each be addressed so that the signal is communicated efficiently. This is because microphones, guitar pickups, and general audio equipment do not put out a strong enough electrical signal to drive a speaker system (such as a guitar amp).  So an electronic amplifier magnifies the signal. The amplified signal is necessary in order to drive the speaker cone to vibrate strongly enough to be heard.

Processing electronic signals like this have both advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• An analog signal transmitted this way has the highest fidelity. That is why electric guitars through traditional amps are still the “go to” for recording great guitar sounds.
• Lower system complexity. This may be arguable (especially among guitarists who have “blown” a tube on a traditional amp), but analog signals are inherently easier to deal with. Software menus, storage devices, encoding errors, OS updates…none of this affects a classic Marshall tube amp, for example.

Disadvantages

• Analog signals do not transmit easily over long distances. Amplifiers are required to continually boosted.
• Analog signals are not easily stored. Wax cylinders, vinyl records, and magnetic tape have all been used to store analog music over the years. The process of recording and retrieving the information is generally cumbersome.
• Analog storage tends to degrade over the years.
• Manipulating or editing analog audio files is difficult.  They must be played in “real time”, with effects or edits applied during playback, and re-recorded to create the new version. There are, of course, advanced methods for this process, but all are time consuming.

How DSP Handles Audio

Digital Signal Processing converts analog audio signals to a digital stream of binary bits. This digital stream can be transmitted, stored, and modified much more efficiently – with higher speed and quality.

A helpful illustration from the brilliant folks at www.analog.com.

Digital Signal Processing is generally divided into three parts: audio-to-digital conversion (ADC), digital-to-audio (DAC) conversion, and a distinct ‘digital signal processer’ (typically a single microchip).

1. Audio-to-Digital conversion (ADC) takes incoming analog signals and converts it to a series of binary data points.  In goes electric guitar cable, out comes a string of 1’s and 0’s.
2. Digital-to-Audio Conversion (DAC) takes the binary data that comprise the music signal (stored as a file), converts to analog, and outputs an analog electronic signal.  In goes 1’s and 0’s, out comes the electric guitar signal again.
3. A Digital Signal Processor actually performs several functions. This processor includes Program Memory, Data Memory, a Compute Engine, and Input/Output functions.  For our purposes, we can simply say that this is the part of the DSP technology that manipulates the file. If you want to open or close the file, if software wants to access the file, or if you want to transfer it to a hard drive, or perform any of the many the functions that we routinely perform on a computer – the digital signal processor is the part that accepts and processes these commands.

Why is DSP Better?

DSP is ubiquitous in modern audio equipment.  This is because it provides several advantages over traditional analog signal processing, with only minor tradeoffs.

Advantages

• Digital storage is better in many ways – cheaper, longer-lasting, easy to transfer, easy to duplicate, instantly accessible.
• Faster, more accurate processing than analog. No need to re-play files in ‘real-time’, and all data is edited directly without the variability of intermediary playback and re-recording equipment.
• Signals can be transmitted quickly and more efficiently from one place to another, even in real-time performance situations.
• Signals may also be enhanced or manipulated to improve their quality or provide information that is not sensed by humans.

Disadvantages

• You lose some data. Like audiophiles who prefer vinyl over mp3’s because there’s more audio “information” in the physical vinyl groove. Since DSP’s convert audio files into binary number representations, some audio fidelity can be lost in the process (the amount of loss can be minimal, depending on your file type and settings).
• Many recording enthusiasts like the idiosyncracies introduced by analog recording and editing equipment. The unique sounds, glitches, and “feel” are all part of the desired sound.

Conclusion

Digital Signal Processing has become the standard for audio processing. While audiophiles and recording enthusiasts may prefer analog methods in many (or even all) situations, the market shows that the vast majority of people prefer the ease and efficiency of DSP for playing, recording, and listening to music.

 

---

References:

http://www.analog.com/en/design-center/landing-pages/001/beginners-guide-to-dsp.html

http://www.powersoft-audio.com/en/technologies/dsp-technology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_signal_processing

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/digital-signal-processing-DSP

The post What Is Digital Signal Processing (DSP)? And What Does It Mean For Music? appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

Learn to Play Jazz Music in New York City This Summer

The New York Jazz Workshop®, one of NYC’s premier jazz music institutions, is holding their 10th Annual Music Intensive Series in July and August with a wide range of 1-4-day intensives for all instrumentalists and vocalists. The 2018 series will offer 16 different music programs for adults (age 17 and up) led by an impressive faculty of world-class musicians and educators.

Guitar-Related Sessions:

The Guitar Intensive on Aug. 16-19 with Kenny Wessel and Vic Juris is the first of two guitar-specific programs. The 4-day program cover topics such as chord voicing, improvisation, modal chord positions and much more. Don’t miss this chance to learn from two of the world’s leading jazz guitar voices.

Learn more about the Guitar Intensives >>

Three-time GRAMMY-nominated trombonist-composer-arranger Alan Ferber shares his wisdom this summer during three exciting intensives. In the Composition Intensive on Aug. 20 participants will gain new insights into the roles of melody, harmony, improvisation, and form and learn how to incorporate these concepts to their own compositions.

Ferber will be also teaching the Counterpoint and Arranging Intensives on Aug. 21 and 22. Counterpoint, a basic compositional aspect, is essential for deeper understanding of arranging and composition. The Aug. 22 Arranging Intensive will focus on big and small band writing, reharmonization and orchestration. Consider signing up for the Composition intensive, the Counterpoint intensive and the Arranging intensive as a package (for a 10% discount!).

Full Itinerary:

• July 19-23 with the Brazilian Music Intensive
• West African/Djembe Intensive with Michael Markus on July 23
• West African Grooves with Yacouba Sissoko on July 24
• Bata Intensive with David Ambrosio on July 25
• The Jazz Improvisation Intensive on July 26-29
• The Piano/Keyboard Intensive on July 30-Aug. 1
• Beginner’s Vocal Intensive on Aug. 2-5.
• Intermediate Vocal Intensive on Aug. 6-8
• Aug. 9-12 brings forth the Vocal Intensive for Intermediate/Advanced
• The All About Drums Intensive on Aug. 13-15
• Guitar Intensive on Aug. 16-19
• Composition Intensive on Aug. 20
• Counterpoint and Arranging Intensives on Aug. 21 and 22

Learn More about the Summer Intensives >>

 

The post Learn to Play Jazz Music in New York City This Summer appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

Taylor Guitars Releases ‘The Ebony Project’: Documentary of Taylor’s Responsible Ebony Wood Sourcing

Taylor Guitars, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of acoustic guitars, recently launched a multimedia, digital experience called The Ebony Project.

The eight-part video documentary takes you on a virtual journey to the African country of Cameroon. There, you learn about Taylor’s efforts to improve the ebony trade after purchasing a sawmill there in 2011.

The experience blends incredible footage of the Congo Basin Rainforest with written storytelling, video interviews, and photos, offering a deeper appreciation for the people and effort involved in sourcing ebony used for musical instruments.

Crelicam Sawmill Workers in Cameroon (PRNewsfoto/Taylor Guitars)

Ebony has been a relied on for centuries by makers of stringed musical instruments because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. Since Taylor relies on African ebony and other tropical tonewoods to craft its guitars, the company has taken the initiative to be an ethical steward of these natural resources in order to support their sustainability for future generations.

The Ebony Project traces Taylor Guitar’s path toward more sustainable ebony sourcing practices. Beginning with their decision to co-purchase the Crelicam ebony sawmill with Spanish wood supplier Madinter, all the way to the upgrading of the milling operation to the pursuit of groundbreaking research on ebony’s ecology. This research has, in turn, led to an innovative community planting program that aims to put thousands of ebony trees in the ground over the next several years.

Part of this journey is that The Ebony Project focuses on the importance of providing Taylor’s Crelicam colleagues with the tools and training to improve their economic livelihood and create a more sustainable future for both family and community.

Bob Taylor, co-founder of Taylor Guitars, serves as one of the main narrators and storytellers in the videos. He brings his perspective on the complexities of sourcing and processing ebony in Cameroon, and the importance of helping these Cameroonian colleagues, who are important partners in the ebony supply chain, improve the quality of their lives through better ebony processing capability at the mill.

“For almost 44 years I’ve invested my life into building one of the world’s best guitar companies, and now together with our Crelicam partner Madinter, we face the challenge of creating a better future for ebony,” Taylor says. “To say this is one the greatest challenges of my life would be an understatement. But it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

Taylor’s Director of Natural Resource Sustainability, Scott Paul (also a former Director at Greenpeace), appears in many video segments. He adds insights on a community-based ebony replanting initiative being developed as part of a diverse agroforestry model in Cameroon. The replanting efforts led to the recent signing of a Public-Private Partnership agreement between Taylor and the Cameroonian Ministry of Environment.

Paul notes that a product like an acoustic guitar provides a unique and compelling platform to promote sustainable practices for the future.

“The acoustic guitar is made with wood from forests from the four corners of the world that come together to make a universally beloved musical instrument,” Paul says.  “It is designed to tell stories and express human emotion.  If more people realize what goes into providing the materials for these enduring instruments, it can lead to the greater likelihood of preserving these resources for future generations.”

Taylor’s work in Cameroon was recognized by the U.S. government with the Secretary of State’s 2013 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). The annual award recognizes U.S.-owned businesses that play vital roles around the world as good corporate citizens in supporting sustainable development, respect for human and labor rights, environmental protection, open markets, transparency, and other democratic values.

Taylor hopes that sharing the story of The Ebony Project will give not only guitar players but everyone a deeper understanding of where this valued wood comes from, the lives and ecosystems that are vital to the ebony trade, and why developing replanting programs is a vital investment in a more sustainable future.

View the The Ebony Project at: taylorguitars.com/ebonyproject.

 

---

ABOUT TAYLOR GUITARS

Founded in 1974, Taylor Guitars is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium acoustic guitars. Renowned for blending an innovative use of modern technology with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered among the best sounding and easiest to play in the world. Many of today’s leading musicians make Taylor their guitar of choice, including Jason Mraz, Zac Brown and many others.

The post Taylor Guitars Releases ‘The Ebony Project’: Documentary of Taylor’s Responsible Ebony Wood Sourcing appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

Gibson Files for Bankruptcy In a Play to Renew Itself

Gibson Brands Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, May 1. Gibson Brands Inc. is the parent company of Gibson Guitars, Epiphone, and Dobro.

>> The case is Gibson Brands Inc., 18-11025, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware.

Background

Gibson guitars are iconic, gracing the famous hands of everyone from Led Zeppelin to Lenny Kravitz. The Dobro brand is iconic, as well. Originally a small brand name for a resonator guitar company, it has become the de facto term for all resonator guitars, regardless of manufacturer.

The industry has seen this move coming. Gibson has debt over $500 million and is suffering from the combined effects of stagnant guitar sales and the costs of investing in a consumer-electronics unit.

Writes Bloomberg:

The restructuring will allow the instrument business to “unburden” itself of a consumer-electronics unit that Gibson blamed for its financial woes. Gibson owes as much as $500 million, and lenders will provide a new loan of up to $135 million to keep the company in business, according to court papers.

Read full article >>

Highlights

• The company has over $500 million is debt.
• Gibson has been approaching investors about being sold.
• They sell over 170,000 guitars annually in 80 countries.
• The Gibson Innovations business (audio products like speakers, headphones, and DJ products) losses are a driving force in the bankruptcy.
• Gibson will possibly emerge with it’s instrument business intact, but it’s consumer-electronics business not intact.

Moving Forward

This is not the end for Gibson guitars. The bankruptcy proceeding is a strategic decision to “restructure debt” and create a viable path for the Gibson company to stay alive.

“The Gibson name is synonymous with quality and today’s actions will allow future generations to experience the unrivaled sound, design and craftsmanship that our employees put into each Gibson product,” says Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz, in a statement.

More Reading

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-01/gibson-files-for-bankruptcy-with-deal-to-renew-guitar-business

https://www.magneticmag.com/2018/05/iconic-guitar-maker-gibson-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection/

http://acousticguitar.com/gibson-files-for-bankruptcy/

 

The post Gibson Files for Bankruptcy In a Play to Renew Itself appeared first on The Guitar Journal.

Guitar Masters Festival Presented by Guild Hall

Guild Hall announces the first annual Guitar Masters Festival celebrating the artistry of the guitar. Some of the music world’s finest talents will be featured during the three-day gathering. The event is a celebration of music, summer, and exceptional musicianship, and features concerts, documentary films, and book signings.

Event dates are: Thursday, July 5 through Saturday, July 7, 2018.

Andy Summers, G.E. Smith, and more to headline first annual Guild Hall presents: Guitar Masters Festival

Tickets on sale at https://www.guildhall.org/programs-events/guitar-masters-festival/

Event Description

What is more memorable than the opening guitar riff from a classic like Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” or Guns ‘n Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine”? Guild Hall embraces the power of this magical instrument, introducing the first annual Guitar Masters, a three-day celebration of music, summer, film, and exceptional musicianship. Featuring concerts, documentary films and talks, Thursday, July 5 through Saturday, July 7, 2018, Guitar Masters is produced by Taylor Barton.

“Guild Hall is proud to present this varied program that will have broad appeal: Guitar Masters reaffirms our emphasis on music and innovative programming,” states Guild Hall Board Chair, Marty Cohen.

Highlighting the artistry of the guitar by some of the music world’s finest talents, the series features Andy Summers, renowned guitarist of the seminal band The Police on the same night as lauded photographer and musician Ralph Gibson; acclaimed guitarist and former SNL bandleader G.E. Smith will be joined by Richard Thompson, named by Rolling Stone as “One of the Top 20 Guitarists of All Time,” and Teddy Thompson, called “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters of his generation” by The New York Times.

Multi-Platinum Israeli musician David Broza takes the stage, along with Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad who was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the world’s top female guitarists.

Guitarcentric films curated by filmmaker Mary Jane Marcasiano will be screened prior to concerts. A talk by legendary luthier Ken Parker, and a reading and book signing with novelist Galadrielle Allman, daughter of the late Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer and Rolling Stone’s second greatest guitarist of all time, Duane Allman, will lend history, craftsmanship, and biography to the program.

Sponsorship

Sponsored in part through the generosity of Michele and Marty Cohen, with additional support from Steve and Laura Riggio, James Schainuck, public funds from Suffolk County, and corporate support from Available Light and Green Mirror Corporation. Media Sponsors: Purist magazine, WEHM. VIP Lounge and Garden Reception sponsored by: Montauk Brewing Company, Fleurs de Prairie Rosé, Lamberti Prosecco, Edinburg Fruit Liquors, and Casa Dragones Tequila.

The post Guitar Masters Festival Presented by Guild Hall appeared first on The Guitar Journal.