Kurt Cobain Jaguar

Nirvana was a very strong cultural phenomenon back in my younger years so everyone my age was either influenced by their songs directly or indirectly.

Now Fender is giving fans a chance to try the guitar that Kurt Cobain was using. Even with it’s above average price, I have a feeling that a lot of young people will still get this guitar for simply being a replica of what Kurt Cobain used. Read more about this tribute guitar at Guitarsite.com

Radio Guestings

I was asked to help promote the 2nd National Elements Singing and Songwriting Camp last Saturday, and I just said yes out of sheer gratitude for what the camp has helped me experience and learn. What I did not know was that the promotion was really special, I will be playing with no less than the super talented main man of South Border – Mr. Jay Durias. He is a very popular musician, singer, songwriter and was lately a musical director for a noon time TV show.

When I found out that he will come with me for the radio guestings, at first I didn’t think we would jam, I thought they’d let me play something and then let Jay play something after the interviews and promo spiels. But while he was setting up at our first radio guesting (Dig Radio), he asked if we would jam, and ofcourse I obliged! And that was a very inspiring spur of the moment jam, he played keys on my song, and I backed him up on his song. I just realized how much of a technical and emotional difference he has over me, but that only fired me up to play and hopefully add something nice to his already beautiful music.

The best part of all this is that we also jammed on the 2nd Radio station which was Jam 88.3. Too bad that Noel Cabangon had to leave – if not, I probably would have had the chance to also back him up! All in all it was such a wonderful and uplifting experience. Hope I get more opportunities like this in the future!

Music against flood?

Recently my son have this notion that when he plays christian music – heavy rains will stop pouring. He probably developed this belief due to his first hand experience of flooding. We already explained to him the importance of rain for other people, for plants and animals, but he still insists. And I’m starting to believe as well – every time heavy rain falls, he would crank up the volume on the ipod touch speakers and play some christian music. And like a miracle – the rain would slow down to a drizzle. It maybe coincidence to us but to my son, it’s his daily miracle. Here is a pic of his recent favorite song: Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster:

Nicki Minaj Interview at BlackBook Magazine

How to Take Care of your Electric Guitar

I spent my Saturday afternoon repairing this old guitar.  My friend asked for my help because his electric guitar got damaged. He left it under the sun and now it doesn’t sound right anymore.  I tried my best to get it back in its original condition but to no avail.  I’m sad over this damaged guitar. Its sad because I liked the guitar. Now  I have to tell my friend that I did my best but unfortunately, I couldn’t fix this, and that he will have to bring the guitar to a luthier for expensive repairs.

So for proper electric guitar care, here are some basic tips I got from www.cs.utah.edu on how to take care of your guitar:

* Clean and polish the top, sides and back of your guitar regularly. You can use a top-of-the line furniture polish to apply to your guitar, or your can buy any number of polishes offered by guitar companies specifically for the guitar application. If you establish a regular clean and polish regimen, your guitar will always look good. The beauty of the woods will be enhanced, and if you should ever decide to part with your guitar, it will bring a premium price because of your efforts.

* Dress the frets every time you change strings. If you play often, a lot of dirt, grime and oils from your hands can build up on the fret board. This isn’t good for the strings and probably affects the sound also. I use a very soft-bristled toothbrush and a little soapy water, and I make sure to wipe the fret dry after cleaning. Use this routine when your change strings and your fret board won’t ever have that “soft” feel.

* Wipe down the neck with a dry cloth after every use to protect your fret board and to prolong string life. Sweat, oils, dirt and grime can accumulate very quickly, and if you wipe the fret board frequently, you can make dressing the frets a much simpler task. You will also prolong string life by removing some of the elements that cause strings to deteriorate.

* Never expose your instrument to excessive heat or cold for prolonged periods of time. Heat and sunlight can cause premature finish checking, and can make the finely crafted woods in your guitar look old and faded almost overnight. Cold weather might not affect the finish so much, but it can cause damage to binding, inlays and the neck, often requiring unnecessary work with the truss rod. Guitars need a cool, dry environment, so try to keep your guitar in that type of setting.

* Protect your guitar when it’s stored in the case. I’m talking about humidity here, and it can be one of the most insidious enemies to the health of your guitar. You can buy a capsule from your local guitar store that will stabilize the humidity in the case; just put it in your case and it will provide the protection that you need.

* Regularly check and tighten all screws, strap-pins and tuning machines. This just makes good sense, because you don’t want any unneeded rattling or jingling when you’re playing your instrument, either at a gig or at home for your own pleasure.

* Make it a point to regularly clean all metal parts of your guitar with a good metal cleaning compound. Chrome and nickel are notorious for corrosion and tarnish, particularly in certain environments, so setting up a regimen to clean your pickup covers, bridge, and tuning buttons will help in maintaining the visual appeal of your instrument.

* Avoid things that can cause scratches, dings and other scars on your instrument. Don’t wear a belt with a buckle when you have your guitar strapped on; I have seen many beautiful vintage instruments which have been ruined by belt-buckle scratches on the back. Also, buy a stand! Never leave your guitar propped up against the wall or your amplifier-I’ve seen irreparable damage done to some quality instruments because they fell from being propped up. Spend the money and buy a stand–consider it an investment.

* At least once a year, carry your instrument to your local guitar technician for a complete look-over. No matter how well you take care of your instrument, the truss rod will need adjusting regularly, and the intonation screws on the pickups will need to be adjusted to ensure that your are getting the balanced sound that you want from your guitar. Your guitar may need bridge adjustments also, so it’s always good to take it in annually to let the expert make the fine adjustments that will give you the maximum in playability.

* My last tip-PLAY YOUR GUITAR!!! There is no better way to keep your guitar in tip-top shape than to play it every day. I have always been dismayed to see how they “go down” from lack of use. Play your guitar, take care of it, and it will take care of you.

GAS

If you’re a musician then you probably know what GAS means. GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I am a musician therefore I have one and this is my latest acquisition, a Line 6 POD HD400.

Guitar Effects

One of the surprises I got from the recently concluded songwriting camp I attended was the 30% discount on JB products.  It will expire this December so I hurriedly went in their Alabang Branch to check their guitar effects.  I found one I wanted that costs P16k.  I know it’s pricey but this is one of a guitarist’s must have items and I have been wanting one for years now.  When I get my 13th month pay, I will definitely go back there to buy it.

Guitar-less

One sad thing about the coming National Songwriting Camp, is that I won’t be able to bring my trusted guitar “Martina” to the site. If only there was a cheap insurance for fragile items like guitars on planes. And much better if I could hand carry my guitar on the plane! Anyway, there will be instruments available on the site, I hope we will have enough to go around for all the applicants. The other sad thing about the camp is sleeping alone without my loving wife and kid, I haven’t been by myself for that long in a long time! I’m excited and at the same time wishing that it could have been a bring your family affair