New Feature!

I've been doing a lot of searching on the web for various weird pieces of gear. Ryan and I have been discussing how fun it is to see what cool, unpopular things you can discover via ebay or message boards. We talked about starting up a game where we'd look for dirt cheap effects on Ebay and buy them in hopes of discovering a completely unknown gem at a great price, because let's face it, even legends like us need to save a few bucks.

(DISCLAIMER: Ryan and I aren't really legends...yet)

So that got me thinking...which is always dangerous as the cliche goes. As mentioned on the blog many times before, the hunt for gear is one of my favorite parts. Don't get me wrong, playing it is just as fun, if not more. I look at it as two completely separate things. If I could find things on the internet and buy them all day long to have ultra cool gear, I would but I simply can't afford it even if my every day schedule allowed for me to do this. So how can I make this love for scouring the depths of the e-world worthwhile? My guitar blog!

Most people bidding or negotiating for goods on the internet don't like their auctions "blown up" but oh well. I am going to start posting up Ebay auctions, message board posts, Craigslist listings, etc... that I just find interesting or think someone should actually go for. Basically it will be things that I would love to have but don't need, can't afford, or don't want but still think is cool and someone else may like to be exposed to it. It could also do a few sellers a favor here and there.

Keep your eyes peeled for a cool listing or two. The intent is to briefly write something up on why I posted the link, but at the least you'll receive the link and go from there.

If you are looking to sell something, get in touch with us (billsguitarblog@gmail.com) and if it meets our criteria we have at that exact moment, we'll work on posting it up on the blog. Maybe it isn't much but at least it's a free advertisement for you. Also, if you happen upon anything cool you think the music e-world might finder interesting, send it our way as well and we'll work on getting it up on the blog.

So let's start with our first "listing." My latest searches led me down the path of the Crowther Audio Hotcake. There are multiple versions of this pedal (Standard, Bluesberry, and Double) and different variations of each over the years. If you do the least bit of research, you will quickly find that it is a highly revered pedal and highly sought after. I won't go into much detail about the pedal itself because I want to give it its own write up soon but Google it and have a look. You can find a few being sold on HarmonyCentral.com or TheGearPage.net as well as Ebay. The Ebay prices are a bit high, but it's a rare pedal and moderately hard to come by. The Ebay prices reflect the ease of search. They did the work for you so you have to pay the price. Hardwork in searching outside of Ebay will result in MUCH better prices. The prices still aren't terrible on Ebay considering it's a handmade pedal made by the man who invented it back in the '70s. Paul Crowther makes them all by hand in his own kitchen...in New Zealand. Good luck finding one at your local shop, and if you do, buy it on sight.

Here are some links:
Ebay
Some other pretty cool effects mixed in here in addition to the Hotcake:
Harmony Central Classified

RIP Les Paul - Legend of All Music

Today marked the death of an icon in the passing of Les Paul. Everyone made a big deal about Michael Jackson passing away and how big his impact was on music worldwide, but how much did he really contribute compared to Les Paul? Les Paul is arguably responsible for modern music as we know it.

Up until Les Paul's irritation of the lack of volume from guitars, the world did not have the machine that is the electric guitar. After having a desire for bigger volume and projection, Les Paul went to work on trying to different methods of amplifying his guitar. His final creation resulted in guitar strings on a board which ended up being the birth of the electric guitar. I could go on for days about this story, but I just want to make sure people realize he is/was more than just a signature on a Gibson guitar.

Also, do some research and you will find that Les Paul was a major player in the creation of multi-track recording and tape echo. I read the article of his passing today and they explained his method to accomplish multi-track recording and it was really quite amazing for that time. As I read, the story goes that this "invention" was born out of a tape recorder he received as a gift from Bing Crosby. There's a story for you. This man was clearly a genius, enough said.

Les Paul's legacy will obviously carry on for quite some time. He is as important to all the music that we love as the Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion...ok maybe not Celine Dion (I'm only kidding). Gibson made him the signature Les Paul in the 1950's and so many of us are still playing them to this day as a major staple in all of music. Every genre with performed music will see the Les Paul in its presence and will continue to for years to come.

Rest in peace Les Paul, we will all remember, appreciate, and honor you for years to come. If you have one, make sure to play your Les Paul tonight in his honor.