Coffee.Guitars - The Home of Tone 2019 Mind Charity fundraiser

Coffee.Guitars - The Home of Tone 2019 Mind Charity fundraiser

Each year I have tried to organise a fundraiser, for Mind Charity, a cause which has proved to mean as much to my customers as it has to myself. This year I wanted to organise a relaxed get-together and what better way to do that than over some coffee. So I'm going to be your barista for the day, apologies though, my 'latte art' leaves a lot to be desired, but it should taste good! (Other warm and cold drinks will be available of course, as well as some nibbles of which I'll do my best to ensure a mixture of foods to cater for a variety of dietary requirements).
London International Guitar Show!

London International Guitar Show!

It's felt like a long time since our last guitar show, so we're making up for it with a trip down to the big smoke for the London International Guitar Show 2018!

This is a brilliant show organised by Pete and Gail of Northern Guitar Shows, who always provide a great atmosphere and diverse range of exhibitors. My favourite shows due to the relaxed nature of the events, perfect for guitarists to indulge in some geekery. This is my first time at the London show, and myself and Emma are looking forward to heading there in October! If you're local to this show, be sure to come along and come and say hello!
Home of Tone interview by 'Squid Guitar'!

Home of Tone interview by 'Squid Guitar'!

Hal from Squid Guitar reached out about doing a written interview, was nice to share some more about the Home of Tone! Hope you enjoy reading some further insight into what I do here, and why I love doing it!

Click HERE for the interview
22 April, 2018 by James P Gascoigne
Geeking out...with The Guitar Geek!

Geeking out...with The Guitar Geek!

Just before the Guitar Show I was messaged by Andrew, who runs the brilliantly informative and varied YouTube channel, The Guitar Geek. I was really humbled to be asked to be part of his new series of videos named 'Geeking out', not only that but to be the first!

After getting chance to speak with Andrew, learn more about his channel and also now be part of his facebook group, I learnt that he has created a brilliantly supportive community for those of us that suffer with mental health issues. A place to be open, have a support network of understanding people all whilst sharing our mutual love of the guitar. It was an honour to be part of his new video series & talk about what I do here at the Home of Tone!
22 March, 2018 by James P Gascoigne

The Guitar Show 2018

Back in 2015 I was lucky enough (IE nagged the organisors most likely to the point of exhaustion!) to snag a cancellation spot for a booth at the biggest guitar show in the UK. Torn & Frayed' awesome 'The Guitar Show', and ever since then it has become one of the real highlights of the year for me.
James' Home of Tone at The Merseyside Guitar Show 2017

James' Home of Tone at The Merseyside Guitar Show 2017

It's certainly been a busy year, and we're seeing that through right up to the end! We're heading back out on the road again at the end of this month and will be exhibiting at The Merseyside Guitar Show 2017!
Thinking of swapping your pickups? - A handy guide for new tone hunters!

Thinking of swapping your pickups? - A handy guide for new tone hunters!

Changing your guitar's pickups can prove to be a brilliantly cost effective way of transforming the sound of your guitar, and also a way of bringing out the best in your instrument. For so many it has been the first port of call in modifying their guitar and changing their sound. Perhaps you're planning on tweaking a more entry level Squier for example, chances are that you love how the guitar feels and plays but it's low quality pickups just don't quite do the job. This can sometimes even be the case with higher value instruments and it's existing pickups just simply don't fit the bill for you, be it personal tastes etc.
Project Offset Phase four! - Headstock refin and bone nut install

Project Offset Phase four! - Headstock refin and bone nut install

Well, it's safe to say that the Squier 'Vintage Modified' Jazzmaster project guitar has fully stolen my heart. I've really enjoyed working on it, and making it into a truly great guitar. I'm hooked!
Project Offset Phase two - Modding & tackling common Import obstacles.

Project Offset Phase two - Modding & tackling common Import obstacles.

If you have a guitar you're planning on modifying, chances are that it will be an import instrument. There's good reason for that, they offer great quality bang for buck resulting in a great base for tweaks here and there than perhaps a more premium, pricier American made equivalent would. Let's face it, not everyone who's just spend £1500+ on a USA made instrument wants to go at it replacing bridges or pickups, so the import market offers great scope for DIY tweaking.
Meet The Maker - Social Distortion to Luthiery, a chat Drew Walsh of Walsh Guitars

Meet The Maker - Social Distortion to Luthiery, a chat Drew Walsh of Walsh Guitars

I began to notice a bit of a transition in the guitar market over over the last few years. One that saw guitar buyers yearning for something a little different to the norm. Instrument designs that perhaps break the conventional molds, and I think the times we are in at the moment, those alternative choices available have never been better.