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Workshop Spotlight - Diamond Bottlenecks glass guitar slides with Ian McWee

Workshop Spotlight - Diamond Bottlenecks glass guitar slides with Ian McWee

I have known Ian McWee of Diamond Bottlenecks for many years. When I first became interested in slide guitar, I was reading an issue of Guitarist Magazine and a review of some beautiful glass slides caught my eye. After reading I realised these were made local to me, and knew I had to pay a visit. This must have been over 15 years ago now, and Ian was as enthusiastic about his slides and slide guitar in general as he is today. 
08 October, 2019 by James P Gascoigne
Tags: Diamond bottleneck Diamond Bottlenecks Diamond Bottlenecks slides in stock Diamond Bottlenecks slides in stock UK Diamond Bottlenecks Slides UK Diamond Bottlenecks UK Dealer Diamond Bottlenecks Ultimate Diamond guitar slides Diamond slides glass guitar slide glass slide Glass slide guitars glass slides guitar Guitar slide Ian McWee lead crystal lead crystal slide Slide guitar slide guitars
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Meet the... makers? - Chad & Devin of Jennings Guitars

Meet the... makers? - Chad & Devin of Jennings Guitars

Originality, and familiarity. Often something that's very hard to capture well. But it's something I've always felt Jennings Guitars have managed with their instruments. There's a real sense of familiarity with the aesthetic, they have a classic look but in no means do they replicate. They've always caught my eye for this reason, and have enjoyed following their work for some time now. 

Chad Jennings reached out to me in the early parts of this year and we spoke on the phone a number of times which was great to be able to do with someone on the other side of the world. What struck me was firstly their passion for what they do, but also through discussing methods and ideas that they have an incredibly high attention to detail which shown that the beautiful photos of their instruments, branding and way they present themselves and their work is absolutely no fluke. This is their strong vision on what they want Jennings to be, and it's been a great experience learning more about that. It got me thinking, we need to do a Meet the Maker for these guys! But, being the first 2 man team I've considered interviewing, I thought it was important to involve them both so both Chad and Devin joined me for this and share their thoughts and processes on all things Jennings!
14 October, 2018 by James P Gascoigne
Tags: Blog Californian guitar company Chad Jennings Guitar Guitar blog Guitar maker Guitar makers Interview Jennings Guitar Jennings Guitars Jennings Guitars interview Luthier interview Meet the maker Meet the makers
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Holy Grail Show Feature - Schorr Guitars - Defying convention.

Holy Grail Show Feature - Schorr Guitars - Defying convention.

I love Nicolai's opening sentence on the 'about' section of his website. "I have a strange affection for guitars. Schorr guitars is my way of dealing with it.". I think that is a perfect introduction to delving into his creative instruments and way of approaching the guitar. Nicolai's designs are inviting. I think they ignite curiosity, be it the simplistic shape, petite sizes, exposed wiring components or sliding pickups. This is surely something that can't be passed by, and to me anyway, are as much a work of art as they are a playable instrument, combining almost industrial aesthetics into such a clean style. Heading towards the Holy Grail Show, this was a luthier I was really looking forward to meeting.
14 May, 2018 by James P Gascoigne
Tags: Guitar Holy Grail Holy Grail 2018 Holy Grail Guitar Show Holy Grail Guitar Show Berlin Holy Grail Guitar Show coverage Holy Grail Show Holy Grail show coverage Schorr Schorr Guitar Schorr Guitars
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Meet the maker - An Appetite for Perfection, John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars

Meet the maker - An Appetite for Perfection, John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars

Over the years of playing the guitar, one thing that has increasingly sparked my interest almost more than playing in some instances is the skill of a great luthier and the work they create. 
One which really stood out to me, was UK luthier John Ambler of Ambler Custom Guitars. From the rough and ready 'Junk Yard Dog' model featuring a real metal coating, full of character and patina, to the absolutely stunning figured woods used on a range of his other models. John is truly a maker to watch, as already early on in his career, the quality of work is right up there with the very best and often surpasses!
In our series of Meet the Maker interviews, we caught up with John to chat about his work!
11 June, 2017 by James P Gascoigne
Tags: Ambler Custom Guitars Ambler Guitars Ambler Interview British guitar luthier british guitar maker British guitars british luthier British made guitar british made guitars Guitar Guitar Builder Guitar maker Handmade Interview John Ambler John Ambler Guitars John ambler interview Luthier Made in the UK Meet the Maker Peak District UK guitar maker
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New to James' Home of Tone - WALSH GUITARS!

New to James' Home of Tone - WALSH GUITARS!

When I look for items to offer in my store, one of the main priorities for me is whether I feel that the item, or the name, reflects my passion. I'm nearing my 29th year on this here earth, and 23 years of that time I've been absolutely encapsulated by the guitar. So I feel I've gotten to know what that passion is driven by. There are numerous factors in that, of which are queued up right behind that initial impression. That gut feeling of you will. From innovation, to pure craftsmanship. From the sound, to the detail.
This right here ticked everything, so it's with my absolute pleasure that I'd like to announce another fine addition to the Home of Tone line-up.

From Washington State, USA, comes Walsh Guitars!

All hand crafted, with some of the most wonderfully unique guitar designs at the moment. Walsh Guitars capture exactly what I love about luthier work. Innovation, creativity and the quest for the best tone possible.

We will have a Walsh Doxa model arriving soon, and it's spec is out of this world! Check out the listing for a full run down!

07 May, 2016 by James P Gascoigne
Tags: Guitar Home of Tone Doxa Home of Tone Walsh Guitar Home of Tone Walsh Guitars James' Home of Tone McNelly McNelly T-Bar Walsh Walsh DOXA Walsh Guitar Walsh Guitars Walsh Guitars Doxa Walsh Guitars Review
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