-
REVIEWED: KAM KOMPACT 10, TANGLEWOOD TW138 & TW 130, SQUIER
J MASCIS JAZZMASTER, AMPEG GVT15-112, IBANEZ AW3010CE-LG, BOSS
FB-2, LEWITT LCT240, FRET-KING BLACK LABEL DBC
APRIL 2012www.playmusicpickup.co.uk, www.playmusicmag.com
New Disorder
UNSIGNED AWARDS 2012
Straight LinesGrainne Duffy
IBANEZ AW3010CE-LG
WORTH OVER 600!
SAY ANYTHING
DR DEMO:Andy WilsdonJoby FoxJunkie JokerOpinaut
ENTER NOW!SEE PAGE 16
SEE IT, HEAR IT, BUY IT!
WIN!!
TANGLEWOOD TW138 & TW130Pure Mahogany Beauties!
See page 10
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk1
Portable, Flyable, Powerful, CompactYamahas go anywhere, install
anywhere, heard from the back of the venue, dual-angle pole
mountable, built-in 3 channel mixer, hard-hitting speaker system.
You CAN take it with you when you go.
Intelligent DSPtCJUQSFDJTJPO
t4PQIJTUJDBUFE$POTUBOU%41%ZOBNJD$POUSPM
t'*393FBMUJNF1SPDFTTJOHEFTDFOEFEEJSFDUMZ
GSPNPVSnBHTIJQ%434FSJFT
Perfect fort'SPOUPG)PVTF1SJNBSZ1" t'MPPS.POJUPSJOH t*OTUBMMBUJPO
t4PMP1FSGPSNFS7PJDFPS*OTUSVNFOU t*O'JMMBOE4JEF'JMM
,17(//,*(1763($.(56)2560$57(5086,&,$16
Designed in collaboration with NEXO.
4PMJEHFBSGPSTPMJEQFSGPSNBODFT
%934FSJFTBDUJWFMPVETQFBLFSTMJLFUIFJSCJHHFSCSPUIFSTUIF%434FSJFTPGGFSTVQFSCIJHIEFmOJUJPOTPVOEBOEDMBTTMFBEJOH41-XIJMFUIFJSNPSFcompact
and extremely functional design provides a level of versatility
unmatched by any speaker in its class today.
%93%93%93%93%94%94
www.yamahaproaudio.com/dxr
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk 3
Standfirst Media Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
any medium without permission is strictly forbidden. Playmusic is
published monthly by Standfirst Media Limited (the publisher)
Whilst every effort is to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot
accept responsibility for losses resulting from publishing errors
howsoever caused. Views expressed by contributors to Playmusic do
not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Letters to
Playmusic are assumed to be for publication unless otherwise
marked. Playmusic is a registered trade mark.
ISSN 1752 1017
EditorTim SlaterTel: 01638 [email protected]
Editor Brad [email protected] Reviews
EditorHayden HewittContributorsSimon Croft, Robin Henderson, D.P.
WilsonArt DirectorTony Andrews01737
[email protected] Heasman01273
[email protected]
For all Sales Enquiries contact:PublisherNick Bryant01273
[email protected]
Published by Standfirst Media Ltd,The Mallings112 Malling
StreetLewes, East SussexBN7 2RG
And not forgetting
www.playmusicpickup.co.ukwww.myspace.com/playmusicpickupwww.playmusicmag.com
THE UNSIGNED BANDS BIBLE!
BROUGHT TO YOU BYTHE UNSIGNED BANDS BRAND -
Hi Everybody!Welcome to the April issue of Playmusic. This
month we are launching an invitation to all
unsigned bands and artists to enter our Unsigned
Awards. This year we have some awesome support
in the shape of great prizes from the likes of Line
6, Laney, John Hornby Skewes Ltd, Shure UK, Elixir
Strings and Rotosound.
The categories are: Best Overall Band, Best Live
Band, Best Solo/Acoustic, Best Metal Band, Best Indie Band and
Best Overall
Individual Performer (an outstanding guitarist and bassist from
any of the
bands that enter).
Check out page 16 of this issue for more details of how to enter
online.
Dont delay; send us your entries now. Good luck, see you next
month.
TimTim Slater, Editor
Playmusic magazine App available on iTunes. Click the icon.
-
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
www.rotosound.com
SHOPPING
4 pickup
LIST
REVIEWED
FENDER PAWN SHOP SERIES AMPSfrom 202.00This retro style
mini-tube amps belong to a huge raft of new gear from Fender for
2012. The two watt Greta is styled after a vintage tube radio
whilst the 13 watt Excelsior features dual 6V6 output tubes, a
built-in tremolo circuit and dedicated inputs for Guitar,
Microphone and even an accordion!Web: www.fender.com
FENDER BLACKTOP TELECASTER BARITONE585.00Baritone guitars always
add an exciting extra dimension to any musical style, whether it be
blues, rock, country or metal! The new 27-inch scale Fender
Blacktop Telecaster Baritone is tuned B-to-B and is available in a
choice of rosewood or maple ngerboards and two cool nishes: Ghost
Silver & Classic Copper. The versatile triple pickup array
features two single coils and a high output humbucker! Rock on!Web:
www.fender.com
ORANGE SIGNATURE #4 JIM ROOT TERROR HEAD439.00 Amp366.96 CabThe
#4 Terror Head is designed in conjunction with Slipknot & Stone
Sour guitarist Jim Root and by eck it is a little belter! Modeled
on the dirty channel of Jims favourite Orange Rockerverb 100, the
Jim Root Terror head features a 3-band EQ and tube driven FX loop.
It may be tiny but weve heard it and it rocks like a Mo-Fo!Web:
www.orangeamps.com
-
pickup5
PRS SE CUSTOM SEMI-HOLLOW BIGSBY825.00Now available in four
limited edition colours Silver Sparkle, Red Sparkle, Scarlet and
Black the PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow is tted, unsurprisingly with
Bigsby trem and has a funky new scratchplate. Just 15 guitars of
each colour will be available in the UK.
The rest of the SE Custom-Semi-Hollow Bigsbys spec remains
faithful to the original; mahogany back, maple top, 22-fret Wide
Fat mahogany neck and SE treble and bass humbuckers harnessed to a
straightforward three-way pickup selector and volume/tone controls.
Gigbag is also included.Web: www.headlinemusic.co.uk
IBANEZ JEM 70V1089.00Ibanez Premium series delivers top-notch
features at affordable prices and the new Sea Foam Green nish JEM
70V also includes really cool stuff like hand rolled fret edges as
used on the top of the range Prestige series guitarsplus it comes
fully kitted with Steve Vais DiMarzio Evolution pickupsand its Sea
Foam Green! What is there not to like?Web: www.ibanez.co.jp
LINE 6 STAGESCAPE MIXER & STAGESOURCE SPEAKERS1999.99 -
StageScape M20d1049.99 - StageScape L3t1049.99 - StageScape
L3s899.99 - StageScape L3mLine 6 has taken a typically innovate
approach with its rst step into sound reinforcement (PA).
The StageScape mixer allows touchscreen control over all of the
usual PS system parameters, EQ, volume & effects etc. and is
compatible with the Line 6 StageSource speaker system. This
promises to be one of the major talking points of 2012, so you can
rest assured that Playmusic will be reviewing one as soon as we can
get our grubby mits on one!Web: www.line6.com
ROLAND G-5 & GC-1 STRATOCASTERS1409.00 G-5939.00 GC-1If you
play a guitar synthesizer you are no doubt already aware of Rolands
superb GK-Ready Strat with the built-in Hex pickup. The latest GC-1
version continues this splendid tradition with fresh new updates
whilst the all-new updated G-5 Strat is fully loaded with Rolands
COSM modeling that offers a vast variety of built-in guitar tones
and alternative tunings. Why carry loads of guitars to your gig
when the Roland G-5 & GC-1 Strat does it all for you?Web:
www.roland.co.uk
Line 6 Stagescape M20d
Line 6 Stagesource L3t
-
6 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk
INTRO3 Editorial - VIDEOTim the Ed bids you welcome.4 Shopping
ListShopping List: Droolsome new gear hits your local music shop8
Dr DemoAndy Wilsdon, Joby Fox, Junkie Joker & Opinaut10
CompetitionsWin a brilliant Ibanez AW3010CE-LG guitar20 Win a
Vintage Guitar - VIDEOVintage guitars are the hottest affordable
brand on the block and you can win one!
REVIEWED18 Kam Kompact 10 PA system24 Squier J. Mascis
Jazzmaster - VIDEO26 Ampeg GVT15-112 Combo - VIDEO28 Tanglewood
TW138 & TW130 acoustic guitars - VIDEO30 Ibanez AW3010CE-LG
electro-acoustic32 Boss FB-2 Feedbacker/Booster - VIDEO34 Lewitt
LCT240 condenser microphone36 Fret-King Black Label DBC - VIDEO
ARTISTS42 Say AnythingUS alt-rockers re back with a new LP
Anarchy, My Dear46 Grainne DuffyHot new Irish blues musician
discusses her musical roots48 Straight LinesWelsh Indie rockers on
the rise
RIFFS12 Books & DVDNew titles from Mel Bay & more.14
Licks & Tips - VIDEOOur Shred Meister Hayden Hewitt on sweep
picking16 Playmusic Unsigned Awards 2012:Enter Now!22 Classic
AlbumsKing Crimson In the Court of the Crimson King38 Hot Mod Your
Guitar - VIDEOSimon Croft revamps an old Tokai Str*t!42
GaragelandCheck out the best of the UKs underground
contentsAPRIL 2012 ISSUE 109
LewittLCT 240
P.34
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
P.24
Straight LinesP.48
Ampeg GVT15-112P.26
Extending your tone life
in association withElixir Strings
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk1
facebook.com/rotosound twitter.com/rotosound_uk
www.rotosound.com
FIND OUT MORE
-
Opinaut - Oxygenwww.opinaut.com
This edgy dance/rock crossover is delivered with panache by
London-based band, Opinaut. There is an obvious Pendulum in uence
especially in the synth sounds but the material is delivered with
utter conviction and played to a very high standard. However, this
type of thing has been done before Muse spring to mind and the live
YouTube footage undermines the band by making them look stilted and
amateurish on stage.
A better video where you can actually see the lead singer - and
avoiding people stood at the bar ordering drinks or the band
glugging beer from bottles whilst they are working! - will create a
far more convincing impression of a band on their A game. As it
stands, Opinaut has plenty of the right ingredients but a more
professional approach to presentation wont do them any harm at this
stage.
INTRO
The Doc reviews the best of this months unsigned talentDR.
DEMO
Or post your demos to: Dr Demo, Playmusic Magazine,The Mallings,
112 Malling Street, Lewes, E. Sussex, BN7 2RG
DEMO OF THE MONTHAndy Wilsdon -
Patchworkwww.facebook.com/AndyWilsdonOf cial
Buddy Holly lookalike Andy Wilsdon is a young singer songwriter
from Kent. His stripped down approach relying purely on his voice
and an acoustic guitar can be merciless in its exposure of
weaknesses but despite some slight hesitancy in his guitar-work,
the quality of his songwriting shines through. Something
endearingly fragile about Andys music that keeps the listener
engaged; the
musics delicately woven strands recalls Syd Barretts more lucid
moments, although Andy seems less interested in whimsy,
demonstrating a more grounded approach. Some stronger guitar work
wouldnt go amiss but overall a ne effort.
Joby Fox - End of Warwww.jobyfox.com
Irish singer and musician Joby Fox has released a poignant
collection of tunes inspired by The Troubles that plagued Northern
Irelands recent history. Apparently part of a lm project, the
material slips easily between re ective acoustic-based songs and
smooth jazz funk, enhanced by a superb production that places
sweeping panoramic pedal steel guitar alongside samples of dialogue
and subtle orchestral touches that beef up, rather than overpower
the tracks. Uplifting though the music is, the simmering threat of
violence is never far away and Jobys un inching way of dealing with
the subject never fails to
touch on the human side of the unfolding tragedy. This
collection is not all doom and gloom, however, and the high
production values and great playing grace this set with a
convincing air of professionalism.
Junkie Joker - Save the Worldwww.junkiejoker.com
Junkie Joker demonstrate an incredibly strong commercial nous;
their tunes drip with hook-laden power pop and pinpoint vocal
harmonies that are bang in-line with the sound of modern rockers
like Lostprophets or Funeral for a Friend, only with the
angst-ridden screaming toned-down in favour of a more streamlined
sound. The musics adaptability suggests that it is equally
effective as the soundtrack to a soft drink commercial as it would
be pumping out of the PA at this years T-In The Park, which
either works in the musics favour or against it depending on
your point of view! This is still undeniably strong set from a
genuinely talented band and they are generously donating all funds
from sales of their self-produced LP to animal welfare charity PDSA
(pdsa.org.uk), so be sure to check em out.
Ooo, that beats
infectious!
8 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk
Sponsored by
www.daddario.com
THE DOC WANTS TO
HEAR YOUR DEMOS:
Dont forget to send a demo to the
Doc that not only sounds great but
also contains all of your contact
details, plus some decent artwork!
With no artwork or contact details
we cannot review your tracks!
Email the Doc at our contact page -
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk/contact.php
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk1
S L E D G E H A M M E RBehind virtually every great artist and
historys most enduring songs is a bass player who counts on Ampeg
to deliver the
very best tone possible. Tonys creative playing and captivating
performances make him a star on the worlds heaviest
stages. When Tony needs genuine Ampeg tone with ultimate
portability, he turns to Portaex Series amps and cabs.
From amazingly portable and value-loaded combos to
arena-rattling SVT rigs, Ampeg can help you hit the big time.
T H E R O U N D S O U N Da m p e g . c o m
Copyright 2012 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
T O N Y L E V I NPeter Gabr ie l , King Cr imson
PF-500PF-410HLF NEW!PF-115LF NEW!
Absolute Music Poole 08450 255555
Andertons Music Guildford 01483 456777
Digital Village Romford, Essex 01708 771991
Electromusic Doncaster 01302 738523
Guitar, Amp & Keyboard Centre Brighton 01273 665400
Guitar Central Southampton 02380 333468
Guitar Guitar Epsom 08004 561959
Kennys Music Dunfermline 01383 733353
Kennys Music Dundee 01382 225619
Mansons Exeter 01392 496379
PMT Birmingham 01213 595056
PMT Leeds 01132 426601
PMT Manchester (Salford) 01618 776262
PMT Norwich 01603 666891
PMT Romford 01708 746082
PMT Northampton 01604 230433
PMT Bristol 01179 349955
Red Dog Music Edinburgh 01312 298211
Sounds Live Newcastle-upon-Tyne 01912 303422
Wembley PA London 02089 029070
Photo by Sandrine Lee
-
on-line
WINWINWINWIN
WINWIN
WIN
WIN
WIN
The Ibanez AW3010CE-LG belongs to Ibanez Artwood series of
electro-acoustic guitars that bristle with cutting edge re nements
whilst preserving the time-honoured feel and tones of a traditional
acoustic Dreadnought.
The AW3010CE-LG features a solid top fashioned from nest
Engelmann Spruce, plus solid Mahogany back & sides, all nished
in a ne Low Gloss (Thats what the LG pre x stands for) Satin
Finish. The onboard LR Baggs EAS VTC preamp and LR Baggs Elements
under saddle transducer pickup deliver a stunningly realistic ampli
ed tone that re ects the guitars natural resonance and nely
balanced sound.
If you fancy winning this beautiful Ibanez guitar courtesy of
the kind and generous folks at Headstock Distribution
(www.headstockdistribution.com), simply follow the link below
There is no purchase necessary to enter these competitions.
Employees of Standfi rst Ltd, Headstock Distribution their
suppliers, distributors and employees thereof are not eligible to
enter these competitions. The winners will be picked at random from
the correct entries received by the closing date. No correspondence
will be entered into regarding this competition. There is no cash
alternative to the prize.
10 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk
WIN! An Ibanez AW3010CE-LG electro acoustic guitar
worth over 600!
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk/competitions
on-line
check our
review & vide
o
on page 30 &
31
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk1
-
12 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk
R
Teaching the world to play since 1947!
BOOKs & DVDs
This month we check out new titles from Mel Bay & Lick
Library, plus a cool live video from Ringo Starr!
LICK LIBRARY QUICK LICKS GARY MOORE VOLUME 2 Lick Library
19.99www.licklibrary.com
Gary Moore was one of the most technically accomplished rock
guitarists of his generation. Talk about commitment! Moore was
never a guitarist to hold back; the raw emotion that he poured into
every single note, allied to a blistering technique, never fails to
raise the listeners pulse a little bit and this new DVD set from
Lick Library offers guitarists an opportunity to analyse and
explore some of the techniques that helped to make Gary Moore a
legend among rock and blues guitarists.
Presented by Brian Mays current six-string protg Jamie
Humphries, Quick Licks Gary Moore Volume 2 explores two distinct
sides to Gary Moores music: his 80s hard rock phase and the
commercially successful revisiting of his blues roots with the 1990
LP Still Got the Blues. This DVD set expands on Part 1 of the Quick
Licks Gary Moore series with 30 new licks and compositions that
will help the viewer gain a better insight into how Gary Moore
constructed his most famous solos, using a wide choice of
techniques including fast pentatonic licks, whammy bar techniques
and plenty of meaty pentatonic phrases for the viewer to get their
ngers around. The high production values typically leave no stone
unturned and Humphries is a condent and capable presenter. Whether
you are a hardcore Gary Moore acionado or a rock player looking to
spice up your playing, this set will give you a massive arsenal of
techniques to weave into your own guitar playing.
FIRST LESSONS: LAP STEEL GUITARBy Jay LeachMel Bay
7.99www.melbay.com
The lap steel guitar is the progenitor of the modern electric
guitar but despite its roots in 1930s popular music it has also
become a useful part of the rock guitarists arsenal, employed by
the likes of David Gilmour, David Lindley and many other ace
guitarists to grace their tracks with swooping glissando effects
and powerhouse riffs. This book covers all of the essential basics
for developing a good lap steel guitar technique; left and right
hand positions are covered and there is also a useful CD with play
along backing tracks that genuinely conveys a sense that the player
is making progress. The chapters cover correct note choice, picking
string groups to create licks, chords and riffs; it doesnt take
long to appreciate what a cool instrument the lap steel can be when
used in the right context. At well under a Tenner this book is
great value; whether you are a beginner or maybe youre a lapsed
steel player who maybe needs an incentive to pick it up again, you
need this book.
MB22183BCD
R
D
INCLUDED D
INCLUDED
by Jay Leach
-
www.playmusicpickup.co.uk13
R
Sponsored by MEL BAYwww.melbay.com
SOUNDSTAGE: RINGO & THE ROUNDHEADS7.85 - DVD, 12.99 -
Blu-raywww.amazon.co.uk
Filmed in America back in 2005, this concert sees Ringo taking
the reigns as a true solo performer. Leaving aside his usual
celeb-stuffed All Stars backing band in favour of The Roundheads a
largely anonymous bunch of ace session musicians including former
David Lee Roth drummer, Greg Bissonette Ringo takes centre stage,
pausing only to deliver a couple of tracks from behind his beloved
drum kit.
This is a curious set; playing to a manically receptive late
middle-aged crowd who quite frankly look as if theyd be just as
thrilled if Ringo simply wandered on stage and broke wind, the
ex-Beatle comes across as an awkward and surprisingly charisma-free
frontman. Still, considering that he was 65 years old when this
concert was lmed, Ringo looks in good shape; trim of gure and dark
of beard, his vocal shortcomings are more than compensated by the
superb backing band who deliver pitch perfect interpretations of
Ringo-led Beatles material (Yellow Submarine, With a Little Help
from my Friends) and a decent selection of the singers own solo
back catalogue. Things begin to pick up when Ringo nally takes to
the drums to back guest vocalist Colin Men at Work Hay and in this
setting Ringo looks more relaxed, seemingly content to relinquish
the limelight whilst tackling the drums with in his own inimitable
fashion. A much under-rated drummer, Ringo proves that advancing
years havent dampened his feel and you cant help wishing that he
would stay behind the tubs instead of venturing back out front to
regain control of the microphone! Despite Ringos genuine status as
National Treasure & Living Legend, his notorious reputation as
a curmudgeon doesnt endear him to the viewer and the whole exercise
ultimately feels like a disappointingly vacuous vanity project.
PICKING AT PEACEFUL BEND Mel Bay 18.25www.melbay.com
Competitions for ddle, pedal steel and acoustic atpicking guitar
are very popular in the US and this DVD is a real treat, not just
for fans of country music but for anyone who appreciates good
musicianship in any form. This is a concert performance lmed at the
Peaceful Bend Americana Music Festival in Steelville, MO, features
performances three highly accomplished veterans of the National
Flatpicking Guitar Championships: Robin Kessinger (1985 champion),
Mark Cosgrove (1995 champion), and Robert Shafer (1983 and 2000
champion). There is something charmingly homespun about the
concerts intimate tone and convivial surroundings that make this
DVD feel very different to a typical live concert DVD. There is no
big production; just three guys sat down with their guitars and
they dont even seem particularly bothered to dress up for the
occasion! However, the music is what counts and come show time the
laid-back trio step up to deliver a consummate demonstration of
their skills.
There are plenty of lingering close ups on the eet ngered
pickers hands as they deliver a tour de force of epic acoustic
virtuosity; not all the pieces are lightening fast but even the
ballads offer a fascinating front row seat view of each individual
player as they effortless blend together blues, country and jazz in
a superb demonstration of the acoustic guitars versatility and
beauty. Highly recommended.
-
Ex1: Here well concentrate on ascending through the three string
/ four note arpeggio using this easy G major triad. The most common
cause for frustration with sweep picking tends to stem from the
right hand, which can often go out of sync with the left due to the
right hand moving too quickly and the exercise becoming more of a
strum than a sweep! Start slowly and try to keep them together.
Ex 2: Now we descend through the same G Major shape. Youll
notice the pull off at the beginning and the upstrokes linking the
transition between the high E and B strings. As ever, repetition
will make this feel far more natural. Descending towards the lower
strings tends to be the harder of the two directions to get to
grips with. You might feel like you lack as much control heading
towards the lower strings but this is completely normal. Take your
time & practice. Lots!
Ex 3: Here we tie both of the exercises together. Pay particular
attention to syncing the two hands together because it truly is
paramount to nailing this technique. Slowly build up your speed as
your condence increases. This is all about being smooth with your
right hand movement so analyze what you are doing carefully. The
more time you spend on the groundwork the quicker you will progress
through the upcoming lessons where we will get WAY more
adventurous. PM
14 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk
Fleet ngered Hayden Hewitt starts this new series, which breaks
down the basics of one of the shredders most essential techniques:
Sweep Picking. Tantrums on planes and tight leather pants are of
course optional!
SWEEP PICKING
LICKS & TIPS
Moderate h = 80
: 44c
k
lFi
g 1
1
(
|
B)
|
B(
|
B"!