Home of Tone Blog
Friendships - The real 'USP' of handmade, custom instruments? - My Odessa Deadbeat Baritone build
Lusting after the 'next' guitar rarely stops for many of us. The idea of a baritone has stuck with me for quite some time, and being without a main electric whilst I await my own Millimetric MGS3 to be built next year has had the cogs turning on the idea more than ever. My mind wandered to a Jazzmaster based parts build, 3 pickups, perhaps an extra one behind the bridge for weird sounds, a walnut long scale neck and although this notion was undeniably exciting, I couldn't help but think about supporting a luthier brand over doing a parts build which in some cases can soon see costs creep up to a similar mark.
Jennings Guitars arrive, and leave me a little speechless..
This has been a long time coming. A lot of planning, trust building, spec decisions and simply making sure that we launch Jennings in the UK in the best way possible. The result yesterday, as the beautiful custom made G&G tweed cases were opened, was something that truly took my breath away. Chad and Devin at Jennings Guitars have created something incredibly special for us, and I can't wait to share more. So here's a tease until then for you kind readers and followers of the blog....
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!
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!
Short shaft or long shaft bushing pots for my Les Paul, which will I need?
When it comes to Les Paul wiring queries, the question I probably get asked most is, "Will I need long or short shaft pots?". Unfortunately it can sometimes be a long or a short answer too, depending on your variation of Les Paul. Gibson are of course known for lots of transitional changes to specs from the golden era right up to modern day so the info can be a little cloudy as to which you'll actually need, particularly if you're not sure by physically checking them. The reason why some models require long 'shaft' pots and others require short 'shaft' so to speak is down to the maple top or cap used on that model. Some Les Pauls have a carved maple cap which is a thicker and others a flat maple cap which is thinner. ...
Home of Tone at the London International Guitar Show
It's almost time for the London International Guitar Show! I'm really looking forward to this one as it's my first time exhibiting in London, meaning hopefully I'll be able to meet some of you whom I've not had chance to meet yet from the area which is great!
I'll be bringing along Prisma Guitars, Titan Guitars, McNelly Pickups, Home of Tone wiring harnesses, Mother Mary Co straps, Ground Control Audio, Lehle, Yellowcake pedals, Gravity Picks, Bigfoot ceramic slides, D&A Stands and lots more!
I'll be bringing along Prisma Guitars, Titan Guitars, McNelly Pickups, Home of Tone wiring harnesses, Mother Mary Co straps, Ground Control Audio, Lehle, Yellowcake pedals, Gravity Picks, Bigfoot ceramic slides, D&A Stands and lots more!
Update for custom spec/requirement harnesses.
I have to unfortunately announce that, certainly in the short term anyway, I won't be continuing to offer custom spec/requirement harnesses. This is mainly due to it struggling to be a viable service to offer with time spent discussing the requirements & specs, research and development, drawing schematics and in some instances sourcing components not usually stocked. There unfortunately can't be the margin to make it a viable way to continue to run the business and now will solely be offering my selection of harnesses visible here. I am however further developing my range so that there is a wider selection of alternative options available. This only applies to custom schematics though, if you require a 335 style harness for example that isn't for a Gibson model, but perhaps say an import replica/style 335. Then this will most certainly continue to be do-able for you.
Thanks for your understanding and of course, if I can find a way to make it financially viable to offer custom requirement/spec harnesses in the future I will take on orders again.
James.
Thanks for your understanding and of course, if I can find a way to make it financially viable to offer custom requirement/spec harnesses in the future I will take on orders again.
James.
The UFO TAKEOVER 2018 Mind Charity Fundraising T-Shirts are now here!
The shipment arrived from our printers, Monster Press who have done an awesome job on the shirts for me. I shipped out all pre-orders yesterday, so those in the UK who ordered have probably began receiving your shirts today! Or certainly will early this coming week, if you have pre-ordered I want to say a special thanks to you for believing in the fundraiser and putting your name down for a shirt early, means a lot!
The shirts are now in stock and shipping straight after the point of order, so if you haven't had chance to grab one now is a great time as there is no pre-order wait! In stock and ready to go.
XL and XXL sizes have now sold out, and I have (at the point of this blog post) only 1x Small size left! I now only have a very small amount of medium and large, so if you want to grab one head to the merch collection here on the website to secure yours!
Thanks so much!
James
The shirts are now in stock and shipping straight after the point of order, so if you haven't had chance to grab one now is a great time as there is no pre-order wait! In stock and ready to go.
XL and XXL sizes have now sold out, and I have (at the point of this blog post) only 1x Small size left! I now only have a very small amount of medium and large, so if you want to grab one head to the merch collection here on the website to secure yours!
Thanks so much!
James
Meet the maker - Mike Wiltshire of Odessa Guitars
I feel this is an exciting time to be a fan of guitar design. Sure, there have been many pivotal moments in time where the guitar excelled through both technology and music generational influence too. But for me, we should be thankful for what is happening at the moment, with a rise of the 'boutique' guitar maker paving the way for outside of the box thinking which even the big name manufacturers are paying attention too.
I've highlighted a few through this interview series who have certainly began to make their mark in the modern guitar world, and have helped fueled my passion and excitement for the business and industry currently. I'm happy to say that one of them, Mike Wiltshire of Odessa Guitars, has agreed to an interview here on the Home of Tone blog!
Odessa Guitars are simplistic in their beauty, with great lines, offset inspired shapes and display Mike's obvious love for guitar making. I'm really glad we could do this interview, and looking forward to learning more about his great, UK based guitar brand!
I've highlighted a few through this interview series who have certainly began to make their mark in the modern guitar world, and have helped fueled my passion and excitement for the business and industry currently. I'm happy to say that one of them, Mike Wiltshire of Odessa Guitars, has agreed to an interview here on the Home of Tone blog!
Odessa Guitars are simplistic in their beauty, with great lines, offset inspired shapes and display Mike's obvious love for guitar making. I'm really glad we could do this interview, and looking forward to learning more about his great, UK based guitar brand!
The reason I'm obsessed with Baritone guitars recently...
Aside from playing Millimetric Instrument's beautiful MGSB3 baritone guitar at Holy Grail Guitar Show in May, which has really stuck with me. This track by Bibio has been a sound I've come back to time and time again. Wonderfully interlacing guitar parts, and here played beautifully in a live session. Enjoy
UFO TAKEOVER Shirt update!
Just a quick update on our fresh fundraising shirt for Mind Charity! Over half of all shirts arriving have been pre-ordered which is amazing, so thank you to everyone so far!
The shirts are due to arrive this week! (Week beginning 1st October) So I'll be dispatching all pre-orders first, and orders from then on will be dispatched as soon as orders are placed.
The shirts are due to arrive this week! (Week beginning 1st October) So I'll be dispatching all pre-orders first, and orders from then on will be dispatched as soon as orders are placed.
THE UFO TONE TAKEOVER! - Our 2018 Mind Charity Official Home of Tone shirt is now available for Pre-Order!
After the brilliant success of the first Mind Charity fundraising shirt, raising a total of £500 for the charity. The brilliant shirt designed by ODFU Clothing went down so well and I received so many requests to release another, so here we are with the 2nd ODFU x HoT Charity shirt.
Continuing the story of our little UFO, it's taking over your home and rig!
Continuing the story of our little UFO, it's taking over your home and rig!
Home of Tone Record of the Week - Deftones' Diamond Eyes
Deftones were a band that emerged to many in the 'Nu Metal' era around the late 90s/early 00s, with their albums Adrenaline, Around the Fur and White Pony. Their sound, for me anyway, separated them from the pack. Chino's vocal lines following unique melodies over the commanding guitar parts. I loved their sound and were one of the very few bands to stand the test of time through that era without sounded dated or defined by that breakout metal era.
Diamond Eyes, released in 2010 absolutely floored me. Hypnotic guitar parts from guitarist Stephan Carpenter armed with his array of 7 & 8 String guitars (to name a few, Stephan is known for using an array live and in the studio) simply had me hooked from the first listen and I still binge on this record until now. I've had this record in my car solidly for the past few weeks and it's such a good metal record. For me it's so much more than that, which Deftones have the habit of doing!
James.
Diamond Eyes, released in 2010 absolutely floored me. Hypnotic guitar parts from guitarist Stephan Carpenter armed with his array of 7 & 8 String guitars (to name a few, Stephan is known for using an array live and in the studio) simply had me hooked from the first listen and I still binge on this record until now. I've had this record in my car solidly for the past few weeks and it's such a good metal record. For me it's so much more than that, which Deftones have the habit of doing!
James.