Product Spotlight: Ibanez Electric Guitars

Ibanez started out in 1908 as sheet music and musical products distributor Hoshino-Gakki before taking on the name Ibanez in the 1930's when they started making guitars. The Ibanez name is associated with Spanish guitar maker Salvador Ibanez whose guitars Hoshino-Gakki started importing into Japan during the late 1920's.

Ibanez rose to prominence in the 1960's and 1970's borrowing from the design cues and styles of the two big American companies. Eventually Ibanez faced some legal issues given the headstock shapes they were using before a law suit concerning trademark infringements was settled out of court in 1978. These so-called 'lawsuit' era guitars are highly sought after owing to their build quality, tone, and materials used.

Ibanez were at the forefront of the guitar boom in the 1980's. Introducing the now famous RG models, these 'superstrats' were based on a Fender style guitar sporting some serious modifications. With sharp edges and pointed body horns, locking tremolo systems, 'shark-tooth' fret inlays, high output pickups, and flat, thin 24 fret necks, the RG's are designed for speed.

All throughout that decade and into the 90's, guitar wizards like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai continued to push the limits on what was possible on electric guitar and working closely with Ibanez developed their signature guitars such as the JS140 and Jem series. An innovative company, Ibanez has been a pioneer in the evolution of multi-string guitars. Such development demands the genesis of new products like new pickups and hardware that cater for guitars such as the Iron Labels, the RG7 and the RG8 range.

Many prominent players have selected Ibanez electric guitars as their guitar of choice for rock, shred, punk and metal in all its various forms and genres. These include Munky and Head from Korn, Paul Stanley from Kiss, Mick Thompson from Slipknot, Noodles from The Offspring, and Kiko Loureiro from Megadeth.

Not only have Ibanez excelled in making excellent solid body electrics, jazz masters George Benson, John Schofield and Pat Methany all choose Ibanez as their main guitar of choice showcasing the diversity, build quality, and tone of their Hollow Body, Artstar and Artcore range.

Here at The Music Spot we are proud to be the premium Ibanez dealer on the Brisbane's Southside covering all the bases from the entry level, budget friendly GIO, the excellent Premium series, the Artcore Hollow bodies, and even up to the top line Japanese made Prestige Series guitar range.

Come in and try one out today.

What Strings Do I Need? Part 2 - Electric Guitars

One of the products we are most asked for here at The Music Spot is strings. Our response is. “What sort?” which is often met with confusion or bewilderment. It's my hope this article will help you to choose the right strings for your electric guitar.

1. String Gauge and Construction

All guitar strings come in different thicknesses and sizes and are measured by the string's diameter in thousandths of an inch. The range of the set, from the thinnest to the thickest string, is referred to as the string gauge. 

Sets will range from extra light (8-38) to heavy (12-53). Jazz players may even go up to a 13-56 set for that thick, dark tone they are known for. There are sets specifically voiced for baritone guitars while altered and dropped tunings such as dropped C used in modern metal may require hybrid sets to compensate for the tuning used.

Generally speaking, the majority of guitar strings are constructed by wrapping a nickel plated wire around a steel core. However there are variations such as the use of a pure nickel wrap as opposed to a nickel plate, pure gold strings as used by Queen guitarist Brian May, stainless steel, and polymer coated nickel and steel to prolong string life. Each material offers different tonal properties, feel and overall sound for the individual player's preferences.

Another option some players go for is a flat wound string. The advantage of using a flat wound string is reduced finger noise when sliding up or down the strings. Jazz players and some bass players tend to go for this type of string.

Extra light strings such as a 7-38 set are what ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons uses and require a light touch. 8-38 is a common gauge in this category.

Light gauge string sets for electric guitar would range from 9-42 or 9-46 for a slight heavier bottom end. These gauges assist in bending strings, legato, and vibrato. They can feel fast to play too. Guys like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai use 9-42 gauge strings on their guitars.

Medium gauge string sets (10-46) is fitted to most new guitars in the shop and is a good all-round choice for most players. It is a perfect gauge for any style and for just strumming chords. If you need a bit more bottom end out of your guitar you could try a 10-52 gauge.

Heavy strings start at 11-48 and go up from there. If you're tuning down, the tension of heavier gauge strings will compensate for the looser feel. Using thicker strings on a guitar with a shorter scale length, e.g. a Les Paul or 335 style guitar, can feel the same in tension as a set of 10-46's on a Strat or Tele style guitar. It's a good idea to use heavy strings if you're drop tuning.

As a rule of thumb, thinner strings are generally easier to play, but won't sound as loud and may be prone to string breakages. Heavy gauges sound better but are harder to bend and play fast owing to their increased tension and thicker diameter across the string set.

Most string manufacturers produce a string set that covers all of these gauges. Check out Ernie Ball or D'addario for a starting point. Sometimes something as simple as changing a string gauge or brand will inspire fresh creativity and new tones.

2. Coated or Uncoated

Being made from metal, guitar strings will react with your skin and the atmosphere causing the string to corrode. Coated strings have a polymer coating that slows down the corrosion process. The result is strings that retain their tone, condition, and sound over a longer period than uncoated strings. A brand known for their coated electric guitar strings is Elixir.

3. Check the Bridge and Tremolo

There are three basic types of bridge system fitted to electric guitars: Fixed, 'Fender' style and Locking.

A fixed bridge is what a Telecaster (see left) , Les Paul or 335 (see right) style guitar will have. There is no tremolo arm or whammy bar fitted to the guitar. Generally it is possible to change between different string gauges without the guitar needing any setup work.

The second type of bridge is the Fender-style tremolo system (see left.) With this system, strings usually pass through the body of the guitar, travel over the saddles then up the neck to where they fix on the relevant machine head. Bear in mind that if you move to a different string gauge from the set the guitar was set up with in the factory it can change its feel. The increased tension of heavier strings, or the decreased tension of lighter gauge strings can cause the bridge to pull up or flatten out respectively. As a consequence the guitar will need some setup work for the new string gauge being fitted to optimise its playability.

The third variation is the locking bridge or Floyd Rose bridge (see right.) These units are specifically setup for the string gauge fitted in the factory. It is a counterbalance system whereby the string tension and the tremolo strings balance each other out to ensure tuning stability. Changing string gauges for these bridge types will require some setup work to ensure the system stays in tune and the spring/string balance is correctly balanced for best playability.

4. Choosing Your Strings

Here are some rules of thumb when asking for strings for your electric guitar.

1. What sort of guitar do you play? 
2. What type of bridge does it have - Fixed, 'Fender' style, Locking?
3. What style do you play? 
4. What is the sound I'm going for?
5. Do you drop tune?
6. What string gauge are you currently using? How does it feel?
7. Coated or uncoated?

5. When Should I Change My Strings?

To keep your guitar sounding and feeling at its best, you should change your strings every 4-6 weeks of regular use. Old strings will develop tuning issues, sound dull, and lose sustain and volume. As they corrode, some strings will begin to feel rough when you run your finger along the strings. Older strings also increase the potential for breakage during play. Keeping your strings clean by wiping them down with a clean soft cloth after every playing session with help prolong the life of your strings.

If you're still unsure of what strings to buy, bring your guitar into The Music Spot and one of our friendly staff will assist in getting the right strings fitted for your instrument.

Product Spotlight: Schecter, Tokai and Yamaha Bass Guitars

Over the past few weeks we have been focusing on Bass Guitars. This week our attention is on instruments offered by Schecter, Tokai and Yamaha.

Schecter's Nikki Sixx Signature bass with its reverse offset body shape is a pleasure to play both live and in studio. This weapon of choice designed for the flamboyant rocker of Motley Crue and Sixx A.M. fame is loaded with features. EMG X Active pickups with a kill switch are installed into a mahogany winged, neck-thru body design producing a powerful dynamic tone with sustain for days. A high mass bridge and Grover mini tuners complete this Matte Black finished rock beast.

Tokai are a Japanese company who have a reputation for building quality guitars and their basses are no exception. The VB-50-VS is modeled on the famous 'Beatle bass' as played by Paul McCartney of The Beatles. This flamed sycamore hollow body bass features similar controls to the original with independent volume controls and the ability to switch between rhythm and solo modes.

If you're looking for something a bit more classic rock, the Thunderbird SG inspired bass finished in cherry red is just the ticket. Dual pickups with separate volume and tone controls and a three way switch allow the artist to dial in a wide variety of tones. Each Tokai bass also comes with a high quality gig bag.

Yamaha is a stalwart in the music industry with the brand being associated with high quality, reliability, innovative development, and most importantly great sounding products. Their TRBX304 bass reinforces these qualities. A sleek mahogany body mated with a five piece laminated mahogany/maple bolt on neck provides a strong resonant tone, easy access to the higher frets, and a fast, easy to play action. Hum cancelling pickups and an active two band EQ supply the tones, while a clever 5 way switch with pre-selected EQ bands allow you to select from slap to finger to solo modes pending on the style you're going after. These basses are receiving excellent reviews and are definitely worth looking at if you're a semi-pro player looking to upgrade.

So that rounds out our Product Spotlight on the bass guitars available here at The Music Spot. Given our extensive range we're very confident you'll find the right bass that meets your needs and desires. 

Come on in and check them out today!

What Strings Do I Need? Part 1 - Acoustic Guitars

One of the products we are most asked for here at The Music Spot is strings. Our response is, “What sort?” which is often met with confusion or bewilderment. It's my hope this article will help you to choose the right strings for your acoustic guitar.

Acoustic guitars require no amplification to be heard and can be broken down into two basic groups – steel string acoustics traditionally used for folk, rock, blues and country music, and classical guitars with nylon strings traditionally used for flamenco or classical music styles.

Steel String Acoustic Guitars

Guitars such as the one pictured on the left require steel strings in order to produce their intended sound. These guitars typically have six die cast tuning pegs on the head stock used for tuning the instrument. Steel string acoustics also use end pins - the white or black plugs in the saddle - to lock each string into the bridge of the guitar. If your guitar has these components, it has been designed to use steel strings to produce its optimum sound.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right strings for steel string acoustic guitar.

1. String Gauge

All guitar strings come in different sizes. These various sizes are referred to as the String Gauge and is a measurement of each string's diameter in the set from the thicker bass strings to the thinner treble strings.

Light gauge strings are easier to play and better suited for older instruments where its condition may necessitate using a lighter gauge of strings owing to the lower tension they exert upon the top and neck of the guitar. Smaller body guitars may also benefit from fitting lighter strings.

Light gauge strings help beginners in their development as notes and chords are easier to fret and bend. When considering a light gauge string check out a 10-47 (extra light) or 11-52 (custom light) set for your guitar.

Some cons for using lighter strings are decreased volume, tone, and sustain and can be prone to string breakage, especially the thin high E strings.

Medium gauge strings is what is generally fitted to the new guitars in the shop. This gauge is a good all-round choice suited for most most playing styles and is great for strumming chords. A medium string gauge set is 12-53.

Heavy strings are the most difficult to play and best suited for experienced players or bigger guitars such as a Jumbo. They are a great choice for slide players, or players who tune their instrument down to dropped D or other open tunings. Bigger, thicker strings provide big tones and more volume with an increase in tension on the neck and body. Heavy gauge sets start at 13-56.

2. String Types

All steel guitar strings are traditionally made from wire wrapped around a steel core. The most commonly used material is Phosphor Bronze (PB). It provides a warm, dark tone that is still articulate. It's perfectly suited for all styles and general playing. Bronze strings tend to sound brighter but wear out quicker than PB strings. Aluminium Bronze strings have improved clarity with better bass response and a crisper sounding treble than PB. Silk and Steel strings use a different material wrapped around a steel core that feels softer on the fingers. They are a good option for beginners, folk, or finger style players.

3. Coated or Uncoated

Being a metal, steel guitar strings will react with your skin and the atmosphere causing the string to corrode. Coated strings have a polymer coating that slows down the corrosion process. The result is strings that retain their tone, condition, and sound over a longer period than uncoated strings. Examples of brands that use this coating are Elixir and D'addario's EXP range.

Classical Guitars

Classical guitars are made very differently to their steel string counterparts. They typically have an open peg head stock arrangement with the winders facing backwards from the face. Strings for these instruments look like thick fishing line on the thinner top strings while the bass strings consist of a soft nylon core wound with silver coated copper.

Putting steel string guitars on a classical guitar will damage the instrument. The neck can be severely impacted by the increased tension exerted by steel strings. Furthermore, the top of the guitar can lift or bulge because of this pressure, and even pull the bridge off the guitar.

Classical guitars are not designed to withstand the stress and tension steel strings impart. Although they have a wider neck than their steel string cousins, classical guitars are a good choice for first time players owing mainly to the strings they are fitted with. They are softer and easier on the fingers.

1. Tension

Classical string sets come in different tensions. Low tension strings are easier to play and work well on instruments that have a high action but will not have the level of tone and volume of a normal tension set. Normal tension sets are a great all round option for most players and styles offering balance across the neck. High or Hard tension sets produce better tone, note projection, and volume but can be more difficult to play on guitars with higher actions.

2. Ball or Tie End

Ball-ended strings are much easier fit as the string is fed through the bridge and locates itself via a ball end behind the saddle. Tie-ends require the string to be tied on around the bridge. This is the traditional method for attaching strings to a classical guitar.

Choosing Your Strings

So here are some rules of thumb when considering strings for your acoustic guitar:

1. What sort of guitar are you buying them for – Steel string acoustic or Nylon string classical?
2. What style do you play? Strumming, Finger style or both?
3. What string gauge is best suited for style and experience?
4. Do you want a coated or uncoated set?

When Should I Change My Strings?

To keep your guitar sounding and feeling at its best, you should change your strings every 4-6 weeks of regular use. Old strings will develop tuning issues, sound dull, and lose sustain and volume. As they corrode, some strings will begin to feel rough when you run your finger along the strings. Older strings also increase the potential for breakage during play.

Keeping your strings clean by wiping them down with a clean soft cloth after every playing session with help prolong the life of your strings.

If you're still unsure of what strings to buy for your acoustic guitar, just bring your guitar into The Music Spot and one of our friendly staff will assist in getting the right strings fitted for your instrument.

Product Spotlight: Fender Bass Guitars

Leo Fender started a revolution. In  1951 he invented a completely new instrument, the electric bass guitar, introducing to the world the Precision or 'P' bass. Since their inception, Fender basses continue to define the sound of modern music.

Fender's Jazz or 'J' Bass was the first major development from the original P bass and was released in 1960. Always an innovator, Leo's new 'J' bass featured an offset body, fast thin neck and dual single coil pickups with independent controls. Artists such as Jaco Pastorius, U2's Adam Clayton, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Geddy Lee from Rush have all relied on the J bass for their unique styles and tones.

Squier's Classic Vibe 60's James Johnson Signature model, beautifully finished in Lake Placid Blue with matching headstock builds upon this rich tradition. Fitted with a HiMass bridge and brass barrel saddles this bass offers vintage style with a modern twist, and is excellent value for money.

Fender's Modern Player Dimension Bass  features a three single coil 'Triplebucker' pickup controlled by a five-way rotary knob providing a wide variety of tonal options. It also has an easy access truss rod adjuster wheel located at the heel end of the neck and a HiMass bridge to increase sustain.

The Deluxe Jazz Bass Active V gives the extra bottom end that only five strings can. With its active 3 band eq and slap switch, the Active V is a great choice for any working musician,

Introduced in 1966 the Mustang short scale basses were designed with the student player in mind. A shorter neck and smaller body made it easier to play. Building on this tradition, Fender's Mustang Classic Series Bass features a short scale neck, single pickup and is finished in classic Vintage White with tortoise shell pickguard. Short scale basses such as this Mustang model are also a great choice for guitarists who wish to add a bass into their repertoire.

Squier's Precision, Jazz and Jaguar Short Scale Bass Packs are a great choice. Simply choose your preferred model and everything you need to 'Stop Dreaming and Start Playing!' is included to make your mark in musical history.

Leo Fender invented the bass guitar and in doing so started a legacy that continues to this day. Choosing a Fender Bass guitar puts that history and tradition into your hands to create the sounds of the future.

Product Spotlight: Ibanez Bass Guitars

This week's product spotlight focuses on Ibanez bass guitars. Started in 1908 as a sheet music and musical products distributor, Hoshino-Gakki changed its name to Ibanez after Spanish guitar maker Salvador Ibanez, whose instruments they started importing into Japan in the late 1920's. Ibanez started making their own instruments during the 1930's and continue to do so to the current day.

Ibanez bass guitars are innovative and progressive in their concepts and design. For over 40 years, Ibanez have pioneered new developments in bass guitar production conceived in their Bass Workshop. The Music Spot is proud to showcase several of these fine bass guitars in our current lineup.

The SR755 five string bass is a stunning example from the Bass Workshop. With a five piece neck, lightweight maple body with bubinga top, Nordstrand pickups, and Ibanez's Custom Electronics preamp system, this bass covers all styles and genres with the sleek, clean lines the SR series is known for. Ibanez's SR series basses all feature a smooth fast neck, lightweight bodies with well designed and thought out electronics. The SR300 is a four string bass with a sleek body made from mahogany. Its 5 piece maple and rosewood neck is fast and thin while the CAP EXF-N2 pickups and active electronics with three band eq allow you to dial in a wide range of tones.

For players looking for a completely different vibe, the Black Eagle is perfect for the alternative rocker. A limited edition reissue of the now forty year old classic, the Black Eagle brims with 70's era cool with its distinctively shaped mahogany body, striking abalone eagle inlays and F-hole shaped head stock.

The ATK series can be considered as the traditional bass turned up to 11. Ash bodies and that familiar feeling neck profile combine with active electronics and CAP humbuckers that offer three way switching modes. Our ATK800 model features Ibanez's Premium fretwork and comes with a case, while the ATK300 with its natural finish not only looks beautiful but is a pleasure to play as well.

Ibanez also provide instruments for the younger bass player in their Mikro series. Featuring a 3/4 scale length and smaller lightweight body, the SRM20GB is a scaled down version of the extremely popular SR200 series bass. This is a great model for guitarists transitioning into playing bass and comes with a heavy duty padded gig bag.

Finally, there is the PCBE12MH Acoustic bass, Featuring an open pore mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard and AEQ-2T preamp with built in tuner, this Grand Concert sized bass guitar is perfect for roots, jazz and blues music with its full round warm tone.

All of these basses offer exceptional value for money. With quality materials and well thought out designs, an Ibanez bass is an excellent choice for the seasoned professional and the beginner alike.