McPherson MG 4.0

I woke up today wondering about my next blog post. I already decided it to be a guitar "review" (remember I'm not reviewing the guitar, I'm simply not qualified to do so. I'm just offering the info), so now I had to find a mind blowing guitar to write about.

I was Google-ing the web in my quest when I came across a company called McPherson Guitars. It is there that I saw it. The McPherson MG 4.0, a mind blowing craftsmanship and one cool looking guitar. Specs and details are available via the links. The price tag for this particular model - $6.000.

As Afiqme wrote in his blog, I'm just overwhelmed by the amount of exceptional guitar makers and brands out there. You can easily say that making a guitar is not a trade, it's art. I mean look at this images. Loot at how every detail stands out, how much greatness each instrument has in it self. WOW!

Until next time, Tune the essence!

40 years Woodstock - An event that defined a generation

August 15th, 16th and 17th  1969. Three historical days that defined a generation.

Yes, you now what I'm talking about. Woodstock. The famous festival that your parents told stories about. 186.000 people bought the "first" tickets for the three day show. In the end half a million people witnessed the greatest music show in history!

Sex, drugs and rock n' roll! This August 2009 we celebrate the 40th anniversary. Unfortunately I was born in a different time. I couldn't be a part of it. I'll have to satisfy with the stories and dream that something like that will define my time as well.

Read the Woodstock Story and try, just try, to imagine what was it like...

The Godfather Music Theme (Acoustic )

It's time for some truly musical contribution. From time to time, I'll post chords and tabs for different songs that I have in my song book, and a lot of new ones as well.

OK. A first of many, I'm giving you The Godfather Theme tabbed for Acoustic Guitar. It's a absolutely magnificent piece. You can click on the image to view a larger version, or you can download a PDF version bu clicking on the link below.

The Godfather Theme Tab (Acoustic).

The video is the actual performance of this song by this tab, so it's a great video "lesson" to accompany the tab.

That's all for now. Have a great time practicing this one.

Ana Vidovic (Female guitarists #01)

There's something mysteriously beautiful in the girl-guitar combination. Most of the time I can't figure out what exactly that is. Probably it's a simple personal preference. Probably.

I'm not gonna rate, judge or compare the any of the artists posted here at any time. Every musician brings his/her own value and is special in a certain way.

So, what's today's pick?!

Her name is Ana Vidovic, originally from Karlovac, Croatia. She plays the classical guitar since age 5. (daaamn!) With countless prizes and recognitions behind her name, she's literally part of the guitar elite. If you're interested in more details about her life and accomplishments check out her Bio.

Although I'm not very fond of the musical style and her repertoire, I'm no less than impressed by her performance, filled with awesome technique and emotion.

I'm about to offer you a glimpse of her abilities during the performance of  Isaac Albeniz's Asturias at the New York Guitar Festival's third biennial Guitar Marathon. Enjoy!

That was lovely. I'm sure it's great to be a world class guitarist and play a custom made guitar, in this case a Jim Redgate , that's worth a small fortune! Ahhh, maybe some day :)

Benedetto, La Venezia

Every now and then I stumble upon a cool guitar. Now every guitar is special, for on reason or another. This one is special because of many things but mainly its price tag.

Personally I'm not into jazz guitars. A Benedetto is created to be "The signature of Jazz Guitar" and my preferences aside, I kinda like it.

Here's what the manufacturer has to say about it - "The La Venezia represents the pinnacle of pure acoustic archtop design, materials and craftsmanship—and is a culmination and celebration of Robert Benedetto’s experience as both a guitar and violin maker. Every aspect of this guitar has been designed, built and tuned to present the premium tonal palette for the most discriminating player. From its hand–selected European cello woods, ebony cello–style tailpiece, and finely carved re–curve in the top and back, to its aesthetically classic design—void of binding and inlays—La Venezia’s beauty is unpar alleled."

If you are interested in the specs visit www.benedettoguitars.com.

Now, back to my point. I previously mentioned the price tag. Well, it's worth mentioning. With an U.S. retail price of $26.500, it's probably the worlds most expensive production line acoustic guitar. I'll say it again - It's not a custom, signature or any other "special" model. It's a regular Benedetto. If there is anything regular about a Benedetto in the first place, and I say this in a good way.

Fire

How can you not like guitars :)
---

Ultimate Guitar

Hi people,

Today I pay my tribute to the website that's been my guide and inspiration in the past months. I can't remember the precise date (I believe it was February 2008) when I bought my first guitar and started to learn, but roughly it's about a year and a half ago and Ultimate Guitar is my companion ever since.

Ultimate-Guitar is a complete guitar utopia. It offers quite a lot... for free! I downloaded my first tabs there, and constantly get the latest news in the music world. The part I enjoy the most are the reviews, guitar reviews in particular (like I'm gonna buy them all or so... I can only dream :))

Here's the preview and that's all from me. Visit the site and let its rich content do the "talking".
Until the next time,
Tune the essence

Does it get any better?!

Hello my dear readers, if you are still following this blog. I won't blame if you don't. Despite the effort to come back here and find the inspiration, I've been absent for quite some time. Sorry for that! I'll try to stop by 2-3 times per week and give you some interesting "news" or my insights on different topics, but mainly guitars, guitar players and music.

So, lets get back to the topic! The title is "Does it get any better?!". What does?! Well I'll share my story with you, right now, right here.

This weekend was one of the best in my life, mainly because of two reasons. The first one is personal and will remain so, at least for the time being. The second one is an event. The exceptional, awesome kind of event :).
I'm pretty sure that for the foreigners (and for the most of the Macedonians as well) the name Jakov Drenkovski doesn't mean much! Well, it means a lot to me! With all due respect to the rest of the Macedonian musicians (only a few of them!!!) Jakov is probably the best ever! So this event we went to was called "Jakov and friends" and was and hour and a half acoustic performance! And WOW what a performance it was.

He sang his greatest songs and ended the night with the magical "Skitnik". Here's the music video. It's antique by the way :).

I really can't find the right words to express what I truly want to say here. Let's put it this way - "Does it get any better than to listen your favorite song ever, at a live performance by its creator?!" I don't think so! The emotions were all over the place. He was one with the songs and he was one with the crowd! His latest CD, The Best Of, is on sale so make sure you buy it! It's a piece of Macedonian music history!

His music, "Skitnik" in particular, was my inspiration to pick up the guitar in the first place. So, having that in mind, thank you Jakov, for being the musician that you are, and maybe more important, for being the one of a kind person!