Play Music

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.

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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


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!


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


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.


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


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


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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


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

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Documents

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