Today I have received this pres release by mail and I think it would make a news of maximum interest for guitar fans all over the world: legendary guitar builder Dean Zelinsky, founder of Dean Guitars exits Dean guitars.

I will publish the press release in the form I have received it:

LEGENDARY GUITAR BUILDER DEAN ZELINSKY EXITS DEAN GUITARS

CHICAGO, IL-July 22, 2008 - Dean Zelinsky, founder of Dean Guitars, announced today that he has parted ways with the company that he founded in 1976, which still bears his name.

Having sold Dean Guitars in 1991, Zelinsky played an integral part in the brand’s recent resurgence in popularity, effectively putting Dean Guitars back in the limelight after becoming re-affiliated with the company in 2000, during the tenure of its recent owners.

Zelinsky, discussing his not yet announced new venture, stated today, “I wanted to get back to what put Dean on the map originally — building high-quality instruments that shape both the image and tone of guitar players, from the beginner to world-class professionals.”  Regarding Dean Guitars, Zelinsky says, “I can no longer attach my name to the reputation, quality and direction of Dean Guitars or its current objectives.”

Zelinsky stated the announcement with details of his new venture will be released on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.

About Dean B. Zelinsky:
Zelinsky is a pioneer in the custom high-end guitar market, and is legendary for creating stage-worthy electric instruments that have exceeded professional players’ expectations since he founded the original company in 1976.  His innovative designs have been embraced by rock and roll’s top artists spanning three decades. The spinning fur ZZ Top guitars made music video history in the ’80s along with the “ML” design, which became as much of a part of “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott as his crushing riffs and gregarious
persona and which remains a heavy metal standard today.

The roster of world-class guitarists who have relied on Dean’s craftsmanship and creativity have included the following: “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (Pantera, DamagePlan), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Leslie West (Mountain), Michael Schenker, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill (ZZ Top), Trent Rezner (Nine Inch Nails), Jerry Cantrell, Elliot Easton and Rik Ocasek (The Cars), Rik Emmett (Triumph), Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar, Kerry Livgren (Kansas), the Doobie Brothers, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and many more.

Denise Dorman
WriteBrain Media
Chicago / Destin / OC
O: 630.845.4694
C: 630.215.5623

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Could this be the end of an era? Will Dean guitars change after the founder left the company? How do you think this will influence guitar businesses?

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I was reading this morning in a local newspaper that Red Hot Chili Peppers split for about 1 year. That’s a sad news but at the same time, a good one. Good because they took a break, it is not an end. A year that will give them time to recharge their batteries and think of new things.

I think that once in a while, a break is needed, especially when you speak about a band that toured heavily. I think that the need of being close to your family starts to ask its share at one point.

I only hope they have the power to come back after one year because they really have an unique take on rock music.

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I find via PRWeb that Joe Satriani is going to teach guitar on WorkshopLive.com website.

For the moment I couldn’t find this news on WorkshopLive.com site or on Joe Satriani’s website but sounds like a good idea. Sounds to me like a “give back” thing, a man who received so much from life, trying to return something to his fans. I like that.

Ok, Satriani is well known for his guitar teaching history due to the fact that he has such famous students, no need to count them again here, so this choice may have come natural if you think about it, considering he has experience in teaching guitar.

And with his reputation and fan base, I think WorkshopLive.com has done it this time!

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Dr J posted this morning an article about an astonishing product for studio engineers, one that kind of opens so many doors that is just frightening. To make an idea about it, I will tell you this: how about if you can do with your recorded guitar tracks what you can do with a MIDI? Move notes(in an already recorded chord), tune them,shift them, etc! Tune a guitar after the tracks have been recorded!!! Curious already?

Well, this software seems kind of a Pandora’s box for some. You realize that you could just take a classic song and re-make it totally just with this tool? And, as they say in the movie, the quality of the sound remains the same!

Unbelievable! Check the post here!

Later edit: after I published the post, reading it again for mistakes, I have realized that my previous post was about how guitars can not ever be tuned. Funny, if you think about it, this post kind of fixes the problem, doesn’t it?

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I know Eddie Van Halen had problems with his health since a while, he had drinking problems and in the 90’s he was diagnosed with mouth cancer but in 2002 he announced he got well. Now he is again in hospital, for an illness that has not yet been made public. Doctors say that tests need to be done.

I don’t know, it feels like something breaks inside me every time I hear such things. Eddie Van Halen is a legend, an icon. He was one of the guitar players that influenced rock guitar playing very much, if we consider tapping techniques, beside his huge contribution to what rock means.

I am not a big fan of Van Halen, like as in having all his albums or knowing all his songs, but I appreciate his contribution to worldwide rock culture and to what guitar means.

Van Halen has postponed concerts this week as guitarist Eddie Van Halen undergoes medical testing for an undisclosed condition.

“According to Eddie Van Halen’s physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures,” according to a statement released Monday by Van Halen’s representative and the tour promoter, Live Nation.

Eddie Van Halen has had medical setbacks in recent years, including a battle with cancer and a trip to rehab. A representative for Van Halen did not return a phone message or e-mail from The Associated Press seeking further information about his ailment. (Yahoo news)

Some things in this world should never change, artists should always stay young, healthy the way we knew them in the first place. Ugly events should not take place, people should not become mean, old or…dead.

Just an utopia but what a beautiful one!

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As you probably know if you read regularly my blog, I am on a dare of reaching 5000 visitors per day in the next 6 5 months. One of my planned activities for this month and for the months to come is guest blogging.

Starting tomorrow, you will read on my blog quality posts from quest fellow guitar bloggers around the world. I guarantee you quality, not quantity.

So, first post, tomorrow, from a music teacher, Ph.D. in music education, sharing his most valuable 10 secrets gathered in 39 years of music study and performing. Curious already?

Stay close!

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A few days ago a bronze statue of local hero Bon Scott was unveiled in front of thoughts of AC/DC fans at the Aussie Rock Concert at Claremont Showgrounds.

High scratchy voice and a real presence on stage,Bon Scott died in 1980, at age 33 leaving behind an unmeasurable treasure of rock moments.

Those about to rock salute you!

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Every rock star, every guitar legend becomes a parent when time comes. Joe Perry of Aerosmith was no exception. He is the proud father of 2 out of 3 members of “TAB the band” members, namely Adrian Perry and Tony Perry. Adrian is the vocal and bass player while Tony is the one who continues the family tradition as the guitar player. “Pulling Out Just Enough To Win” is the name of the album they released.

The interesting thing (and at the same time a fact that honors them) is that,even if following a musical career, they didn’t want to use their daddy’s fame to get through this tough business and managed to built their own way. I think that it is better like this, to prove yourself that you have your own identity and that you’re not just a shadow of your famous father, because this will be something that a lot of folks will throw in your face over time.

However, when asked by Joe Perry to help him with a concert, they didn’t say no, so they’ll be together on February 8th at Fox Theatre at Foxwoods playing together. By the way, if you want to win a ticket to this show, hurry up and get one here!

You can find more about them on their website here and on their MySpace page.

By the way, here in Romania they are not known at all, how known are they in USA? Beside being daddy’s kids, I mean.

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Since GuitarNoize and Guitar Channel posted about this, it may not be news anymore, but due to the fact that I love Joe Satriani’s work so much, I just couldn’t let it go. So I point here the fact that on April 1st, 2008, Joe Satriani will release his 13th solo album under the funny name of Professor Satchafunkilus. Whatever that means…

I must admit I don’t know what the album will sound like, but after playing instrumental rock so many years, experiencing electronic sounds and later warmer jazzy touches, we could expect almost anything from him. I think the fans will be there no matter what the musical style will be.

And if we count the fact that ZZ Satriani, Joe’s son is playing the sax on this album, well…

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After Chris Broderick joined Megadeth, I was curious who will be the new guitar player of Jag Panzer so today I went to their website and, even if a bit late(he joined Jag Panzer on 14), here’s the fact: the new guitar player of Jag Panzer, replacing Chris Broderick, is Chris Lasegue of Chain of Command.

As guitarist Mark Briody comments on Jag Panzer’s website, in the official press release:

“We had set the bar pretty high for lead guitar playing with our first full-length album. There was much concern among fans and critics as to whether or not we could maintain such a high level of musicianship in the lead guitar department. Christian quelled those concerns about two seconds into his first solo. A large part of the underground popularity of ‘Chain of Command’ is easily attributed to the electrifying guitar playing of Christian Lasegue. Christian was a great guitar player back then and his chops are light years beyond that today. I’m excited to be working with him again.”

I searched the internet for a Chain Of Command website and I have found this picture on a Chain of Command website. Boy, it’d better be a mistake somewhere otherwise Jag Panzer are doomed!!
( :-)  seems that there was this band in the 80’s with the same name with these 3 guys, had nothing to do with the current band but I couldn’t resist posting this picture!!!)

So, now the facts: the guy in the main picture with the red electric guitar is Chris Lasegue, I found his MySpace page and I have listen his songs, I quite like them. As an observation, he is not a shredder. He is softer with a more profound approach, IMO, his influences include Eric Johnson, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis…I guess this is one of the reasons his licks are more jazzy sometimes. The 3rd song is on acoustic guitar.

Judging by those songs that he has on his MySpace page, I would buy his CD to listen more.

How about you?

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