The Dbottino Weblog

With Glasto approaching there is one unique product that comes to mind, sky lanterns. They have, in recent years, become an integral part of any Glastonbury-goers experience. In an interview last year the headliner’s, Kings of Leon, cited the release of lanterns from the Stone Circle as their strongest memory of the festival. If you do not directly release one from the magical Stone Circle you are likely to witness their transcendental presence as they drift up and across the rolling Somerset farm land. It is no surprise that the release of the lanterns, with their connotations of peacefullness and , have become intrinsically linked with the Stone Circle. This field is where festival goers seek respite in the dark of the night, sitting around and talking together around fires in the unconfined spirit that remains at the heart of the festival. As is traditional with sky lanterns, a wish is made with each one released. It is a close to numinous experience to watch from the hillside of the Circle as the wishes float across the packed festival, oblivious to the frantic crowds beneath them, up in to the sky and out of sight. Watching the sky lanterns take this journey in to the clouds is a divine moment to reflect and escape. It is one of the reasons that in spite of its ever sprawling size, Glastonbury remains unequaled.

This is a new line of electric guitar string from the Gibson Guitar co. called Gibson Gear, Elgin, Illinois U.S.A. It’s new to me…

I’ve written articles calling the Gibson electric guitar string “the best” actually; they’re my favorite electric guitar strings. Like I’ve said before, “I’ve used most of the major string brands and I play all the time. Also, I know it’s been said time and again “that guitar strings have so much in common that there’s no discernable difference between the various brands of strings”. I can understand this sentiment, yet I’ve come to understand a few things regarding the manufacturing and the elements involved making the string do what it does.

Things like, cover to core ratio, (the gauge or diameter of the wire used for the strings). If you were to put a thicker core the string would seem to have a stiff feel, where if you’d use a thinner core wire the string would be feel loose and seem to bend more easily. Too much in either direction, and the string doesn’t work for anyone. The same for the alloys or types or metal used to make the string effects the sound and feel.

I was a die-hard steel wrapped string guy since the early eighties starting with Bill Laurence steel wrap guitar strings; I switched to The Gibson “Live Wires” and fell in love with the punch and (feel and sound) consistency not so much the gauge. Later, when the “Vintage Re-Issue” nickel wrapped string came out, I tried those and found that they felt smooth on my fingers and, the strings tended to have a different response and sound which I thought was interesting. I guess the nickel wrap with the plain steel strings made me feel like my solos kicked in the high places. And, I switched to those. You know, I liked the way those strings sounded. There was a nice decay and not too much spike compared to a shorter decay and higher spike like I felt with NPS (“Brite Wires”), yet there was a problem. The nickel cover was a very soft one so I’d encounter fret wear immediately. And, the string would lose tone.

The GIBSON HUMBUCKER strings are made to be more alive or easier for the pick-up to respond to. The package says, “The only guitar string optimized for the humbucking pickup, Gibson Humbucking guitar strings utilize a special composite core wire and a specially formulated wrap wire. This design offers a unique magnetic formulation to make the most of dual-coil high-output pickups”. They sure write purdy.

I don’t use high-output pickups; I use the Gibson ‘57 Classic” and “Classic Plus” pickups on my Gibson “Explorer” (called my Frankenfiddle). These strings felt good and the tone had a good blend and consistency between the wrapped and plain strings. I just put the strings on my guitars, the “Explorer” and 56 “Les Paul “Jr. (different pickups) forgot about it until I was on stage and rocking. I’ve been using the “Brite Wires” for the last few years Gibson has discontinued the steel wrap (“Live Wires”) because I couldn’t afford to change my strings every single show for a good while there. Which made the “Vintage Re-issue” a no go. Since then I’ve never wanted to play strings that have no sound after the show. Too much hassle. And, the “Brite Wires” sound, was a good sound, everything was there. Nothing jumped out to me and I found myself just “playing guitar”.

So here I am, playing a show and noticed the tone. Plus, my fingers felt different smacking those wires. The rest of the night was fun and “in the moment”. The next week I called Gil Pini at Gibson Gear in Elgin to ask him what was up with these “bad boys” and he hipped me to the extra iron in those “kickin’ rockers”.

I don’t have any “insider details” concerning the “Gibson Humbucker” electric guitar strings. I know they are sealed for protection from oxidization for the elements as all their (Gibson Gear) strings are. These are my immediate reflections as an experienced performing musician, guitarist, and still…. A fan!! Keep up the fantastic work, guys. You ROCK!!!!

When I find out more about the “Gibson Humbucker” electric guitar strings I’ll let you know.

Peace, and find your MUSE,

Michael Tafoya
p.s. I’m not affiliated with Gibson Guitar I’m a fan and customer.

Michael Tafoya is a two time Epic recording artist. He uses Gibson Guitars, Gibson Strings, Epiphone, Marshall, and Crate amplifiers, and Dunlop guitar Picks. www.tafoyaslostboyzz.com/

Your first drum set purchase is very exciting! You have probably waited a long time to buy your first drumset and have thought a lot about it. Even though it is exciting, it is important to be patient and do your research before you buy a drum set.

Where Do I Begin?

If you are new to drumming it can be pretty overwhelming and confusing when you start looking for a drum kit. The first thing that you need to know is that if you are just starting out, you should buy a starter drum kit. These drum sets are designed with the beginner drummer in mind because they come supplied with all of the drums that you will need to get up and running.

What Comes In A Drum Kit?

The typical starter drum kit comes with all of the drums that you will need to get started. The drums in the kit include:

* A bass drum
* A snare drum
* A floor tom
* Two mounted tom toms

You will notice that there are no cymbals included in the starter drum kit. That is generally because drum manufacturers do not usually make cymbals and vice versa. However you will want cymbals with your drum set as well, and you can also purchase a cymbal kit as well, which is usually called a pre-pack.

What Type Of Cymbals Do I Need?

When you are looking for cymbals, a good set to get you started will include a 20″ ride cymbal, a 16″ crash cymbal and a pair of 14″ high hat cymbals. This is a good set to get you started and should serve you well.

If you are just starting out drumming you can buy a combination crash /ride cymbal and combine the two cymbals into one piece of equipment. This will help you save a little bit of money at the beginning of your drumming career, however as your drumming skills advance you will want to purchase a separate ride cymbal later on.

You will want to purchase your cymbals from a reputable cymbal manufacturer, and some good manufactures that put out some pretty good pre packs are: Zildjian, Sabian and Paiste.

What Else Will I Need?

Be sure to check out the drumkit that you are purchasing to see if it includes the hardware or if you have to purchase the hardware separately. Hardware is the term that is used to describe the stands, the pedals and the “throne” or drum seat that you will need.

When you are looking for a pedal you may want to consider investing in a medium to professional quality bass drum pedal. This pedal may cost a little bit more initially, however it will save you money in the long run as it will out perform and out last more basic, beginner pedals.

Many beginning drummers think that they can save a little bit of money by not purchasing a proper “throne” or drumming chair for their new drum set. However, even a bargain basement throne is a better choice than a kitchen chair or other stool that you have around your house. You need the proper seat to support you and absorb the impact of the drumming.

Can I Buy Used Drum Sets?

You can buy a used drum set and get a good set for a reasonable price. There are a few things that you should be cautious about when you are looking at used drum kits however.

Be sure to check for quality very carefully, check that the drum plastic is firmly attached to the shell of the drum and is not lifting anywhere. Be sure to check for the plastic lifting around the bearing edges and be sure that there are no air pockets anywhere.

It is also important to be sure that there is no chipping at all along the bearing edge. The bearing edge is where the drum head comes into contact with the drum shell. It is important that this is level as well.

Also be sure to check all of the hardware to make sure that none of the rims are bent and the brackets are all able to hold the drums securely. Do not be afraid to pull on the drums and twist them a little bit. You need to be sure that the used drum set will be able to stand up to your drumming.

What Can I Expect To Pay?

When you are shopping for drum sets you should be aware that the prices will range according the region that you are living in. However you can expect to pay anywhere between $400 to $1000 for an entry level drum set. A used drum set may cost anywhere between $200 to $800.

What Brand Should I Get?

You are probably going to want to choose a drum kit that is made from a reputable manufacturer. There are a few really well known makers of drums and it is best to stick with them. They include:

* Yamaha
* Pearl
* Ludwig
* Tama
* Gretsch
* Sonar
* Mapex

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that you should take your time when you are looking at buying your first drum set. Shop around a few different stores and find a dealer that you are comfortable with. It is best to find a store that has knowledgeable sales people who will be able to help you now, and in the future.

© 2005 http://www.drum-sets-now.com

About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.drum-sets-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including drum sets, electronic drums, and other percussion instruments.

Les Paul vintage Gibson guitars were first produced
in 1952. These guitars were the first solid body electric
that Gibson had made. The 1952 version of the Les
Paul vintage guitar has a gold top nitro-cellulose
lacquer finish, and no serial number. This Gibson
was designed by Les and included Kluson tuners,
a pair of P90 pickups, and retailed for $210.

These Gibson vintage guitars were simply called
‘Les Paul’ models, and later became known as
Gold Tops because of the finish. Most Les Paul
Gibson vintage Gold Tops have a gold colored
maple top with natural back, a few guitars were
made that had the gold finished all over.

In 1954 Gibson launched the Les Paul Custom
vintage guitar. The Les Paul Custom has an ebony
fretboard, with elaborate bindings on the guitar
body and headstock. Among some guitarists this
Gibson vintage acquired the name ‘black beauty’
because of its gold plated hardware and black finish.
The Custom was the first fitted with a tune-o-matic
bridge and tailpiece.

The Les Paul Junior has a flat, uncarved mahogany
body with no binding. The Junior guitar is equipped
with a single P90 pickup, along with an old wraparound
combined bridge/tailpiece. Some Les Paul Juniors
were referred to as Les Paul TV models because of
their blond/yellow finish instead of a sunburst.
On stage live these TV models always attraction
attention.

Copyright © JJ PERSISTENT PUBLISHING, INC.

PERMISSIONS TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in its entirety free of charge, electronically or in print, provided it appears with the included copyright and author’s resource box with live website links.

Jeremy Hier is the Business Manager and Webmaster of
Best Guitar Deals
Jeremy Hier is a freelance writer and regular contributer He likes to offer his advice and tips to consumers looking to purchase acoustic guitars and electric guitars