Earlier this year, Fano Guitars announced the Alt de Facto GF6 model, which is inspired by and loosely based on the Fender Starcaster models from the 70s. I finally had a chance to play one for a short period of time and have a few thoughts about it. One of the things you can't really tell based on the pictures is the size of the guitar body. I've owned a few 335-style … [Read more...]
Fender American Special Jazzmaster
Fender has introduced a lot of new guitars this year. One of the more interesting to me is the Fender American Special Jazzmaster. Unlike the traditional vintage-style Jazzmaster, the American Special model does not contain a tremolo bar, nor does it have the rhythm circuitry that most people never used anyway. Additionally, it contains humbucking pickups instead of the … [Read more...]
Fano GF6
I missed this introduction during the NAMM show in January, but Fano Guitars have created a new model called the GF6. You might notice that this model bears more than a slight resemblance to Fender's Starcaster model from the 70s. In fact, the GF6 name is an homage to the designer of the Starcaster, Gene Fields. I really dig the look of this model, and it has a few features … [Read more...]
The “Layla” Guitar
The Fender Custom Shop is introducing the Eric Clapton "Brownie" Stratocaster, modeled after Clapton's famous two-tone '50s sunburst Strat. The guitar is limited to a 100-piece run and will be made available at Guitar Center Platinum stores on March 21, 2013. Some people don't like these kind of tribute models, but I think they're an interesting way to pay homage to classic … [Read more...]
PRS Guitars Reintroduces the Custom 22
I'm not sure if this is specifically NAMM related, but PRS Guitars announced the news this month that they are reintroducing the Custom 22: Reintroduced for 2013, the Custom 22 is a classic workhorse with all the tones you’ve come to expect from your PRS and a distinctive, musical, warm midrange. Along with its standard features – maple top, mahogany back, mahogany or rosewood … [Read more...]