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Category: Classic Rock History

Classic Rock History: 

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The history of blues music in the United States is deeply rooted in the African American experience, and its evolution over the years has had a profound impact on the broader musical landscape. Blues originated in the late 19th century, with its roots in African musical traditions, spirituals, work songs, and field hollers. It grew and developed in the rural areas of the Southern United States, particularly in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and other states with large African American populations.

Early Blues

Delta Blues: Often considered the earliest form of blues, Delta blues emerged in the Mississippi Delta region. Artists like Robert Johnson, Son House, and Charley Patton played a crucial role in shaping this style, characterized by its raw sound, slide guitar techniques, and emotional expression.

Urban Blues: As African Americans moved to urban areas during the Great Migration, blues evolved, adapting to the faster pace of city life. Chicago became a major hub for urban blues, with artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf contributing to the electrification of the genre.

Classic Blues Era (1920s-1930s)

During the 1920s and 1930s, the classic blues era saw the rise of female blues singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. These artists often performed with jazz-influenced bands and laid the groundwork for future developments in blues and popular music.

Electric Blues and R&B (1940s-1950s)

The post-World War II era saw the advent of electric blues, where artists started using amplified instruments. Innovators like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf played a crucial role in this transition. This period also laid the foundation for rhythm and blues (R&B), a genre that incorporated elements of blues, jazz, and gospel.

British Invasion (1960s)

The so-called British Invasion of the 1960s had a significant impact on the popularity of blues music. British rock bands, particularly The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and The Animals, were heavily influenced by American blues. These British bands reintroduced blues music to American audiences, often covering songs by blues legends and bringing attention to the original artists.

The Rolling Stones, in particular, played a crucial role in popularizing blues among a younger audience. Their early albums, such as "The Rolling Stones" (1964) and "The Rolling Stones No. 2" (1965), featured blues covers and helped bring attention to the works of blues musicians like Howlin' Wolf and Willie Dixon.

Eric Clapton, another influential figure of the British blues scene, played a significant role in popularizing the blues guitar style. His work with bands like The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and Cream showcased his deep appreciation for blues music.

The British Invasion not only introduced American audiences to blues but also helped renew interest in the genre among a younger generation. It played a crucial role in the development of blues-based rock, which became a dominant force in the late 1960s and beyond. The fusion of blues with rock elements laid the groundwork for the emergence of various sub-genres, including blues rock and hard rock.

Classic Rock History: 

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In addition to vinyl records, a significant amount of classic rock music, in its heyday, was consumed on 8-track tapes.

The 8-track tape player, also known simply as the 8-track player, was a popular audio playback technology that gained prominence in the mid-1960s and remained popular throughout the 1970s. It was a significant development in the history of portable and in-car audio entertainment. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Invention and Development:
The 8-track tape format was developed by Bill Lear, the inventor of the Learjet and founder of Lear Incorporated. Lear, along with his team, sought to create a reliable and convenient way for people to enjoy music in their cars. The 8-track cartridge was their solution.

Introduction:
The first commercially available 8-track tape player was launched by Lear in 1965 under the name "Stereo 8." This new format was designed to provide continuous playback of music without the need to flip or rewind the tape, making it particularly well-suited for in-car entertainment.

How It Worked:

The design removed the need to wind and rewind the tape between a supply reel and a take-up reel by creating an endless loop. The coil of tape was spooled somewhat loosely around a hub on a rotating disk platform. The tape threaded from the center of the coil, out to a series of openings in the leading edge of the cartridge, then back to the outside of the coil.

A graphite coating on the back of the tape served as a dry lubricant to keep the tape and mechanism flowing as smoothly as possible. This would also necessitate the need for frequent cleaning of the tape head and drive mechanism. Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol, or commercially available head cleaning cartridges were typically used to remove the graphite deposits.

The openings on the leading edge of the cartridge accommodated contact with a track change sensor, the playback head, and the capstan roller to drive the tape.

The term "8-track" is derived from the fact that on the 1/4" wide tape, there are four pairs of left-right stereo channels, arranged (from top to bottom) L1/L2/L3/L4/R1/R2/R3/R4. This arrangement quadrupled the amount of playback time over two stereo track tapes of the same width, but at the expense of frequency response.

The ends of the tape loop were joined by a short strip of metallic adhesive tape. When this strip passed across the track change sensor, the mechanism would physically move the playback head down to read the next pair of stereo tracks. Since the mechanism and tapes could not be engineered with enough precision to match the head to the tape in every instance, an adjustment control allowed for the fine tuning of the head-to-tape contact in order to prevent "crosstalk" from one pair of tracks to the others.

A rubberized pinch roller was integrated into every tape cartridge, negating the need for it to be a part of the player mechanism, and more importantly providing the ability for the cartridge to be inserted and removed without any interaction with the player.

Car Audio Dominance:
Ford Motor Company became the first American car manufacturer to offer an 8-track tape player as an option on its 1966 Mustang, Thunderbird and Lincoln models. In conjunction, RCA Victor issued 175 Stereo-8 cartridges from their catalog of artists on its RCA Victor and RCA Camden record labels. By the 1967 model year, all Ford vehicles offered the 8-track tape player as an option.

Home 8-track players were not yet widely available, and until the format reached a level of market saturation to be offered in music stores, consumers had to visit a Ford dealership to purchase the new tapes.

Nevertheless, the 8-track player quickly gained popularity, becoming a standard feature in many automobiles during the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. It was a significant improvement over the earlier in-car record players, which were prone to skipping and damage.

Music Industry Adoption:
Major record labels embraced the 8-track format, releasing a wide range of albums on 8-track tapes. This helped boost the format's popularity, as consumers could now enjoy their favorite music on the go.

Home Audio:
In addition to car audio, 8-track players were also available for home use. They were often integrated into home phono/AM/FM stereo systems and were commonly found in living rooms across the United States during the 1970s. Home 8-track recorders would also become available, although not as popular as playback-only units.

Limitations:
Despite its popularity, the 8-track format had some limitations. The most notable was the need to split albums into four programs, which often resulted in awkward breaks between tracks. Additionally, the tape itself was prone to wear and tear, which could lead to audio quality degradation over time.

The endless loop configuration also meant the tape could not be rewound to an earlier point in a program, only played or fast-forwarded.

Decline:
By the late 1970s, newer audio formats, such as the compact cassette and eventually the Sony Walkman, began to eclipse the 8-track tape player. These formats offered better sound quality, portability, and more convenient features. As a result, 8-track sales started to decline.

Obsolescence:
By the early 1980s, the production and availability of 8-track tapes and players had significantly decreased, and the format was largely phased out. Collectors and enthusiasts still appreciate 8-track players and tapes as nostalgic artifacts of the era.

Legacy:
While the 8-track format is mostly a relic of the past, it played a crucial role in the evolution of portable and in-car audio technology. It also left a lasting mark on popular culture, with references to 8-tracks often appearing in music, films, and television shows as symbols of the 1970s.

Today, 8-track tapes and players are collectors' items, and some people still enjoy the nostalgic experience of listening to music on this vintage format. However, for mainstream audio playback, the 8-track has been replaced by more advanced and convenient technologies.

Classic Rock History: In The News: 

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The first ten videos to play on MTV the day it debuted, August 1, 1981:

1. "Video Killed the Radio Star" The Buggles
2. "You Better Run" Pat Benatar
3. "She Won't Dance With Me" Rod Stewart
4. "You Better You Bet" The Who
5. "Little Suzi's on the Up" Ph.D.
6. "We Don't Talk Anymore" Cliff Richard
7. "Brass in Pocket" The Pretenders
8. "Time Heals" Todd Rundgren
9. "Take It on the Run" REO Speedwagon
10. "Rockin' the Paradise" Styx

Of the 209 videos aired during the first 24 hours, many were run more than once. "You Better You Bet" by The Who, also the first video to be rerun, and "Just Between You And Me" by April Wine tied for the most airings at five apiece. Video number 100 was "Let's Go" by The Cars, which aired only once. "Lonely Boy" by Andrew Gold, also a one-timer, closed out the day.

Other notable first-day landmarks:

9. The REO Speedwagon video was the first live concert video to be aired on MTV, from their Live Infidelity home video release.

16. "Iron Maiden" by Iron Maiden was the first Heavy Metal song to be played on MTV.

41. "Angel of the Morning" by Juice Newton was the first country video to air.

62. "Rat Race" by The Specials was the first video featuring both black and white artists to air on MTV.

Guitar Heroes: 

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Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist, best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen. He was born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, Middlesex, England.

May began playing the guitar at the age of seven and went on to form his first band, Smile, in 1968, which later evolved into Queen with the addition of singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. Queen became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with May's distinctive guitar sound and musical contributions playing a major role in the band's success.

May is known for his unique guitar style, which features a blend of heavy distortion, melodic phrasing, and intricate harmonies. He also developed his own custom guitar, the Red Special, which he built with his father when he was a teenager, and has used it throughout his career. He is known for using a British sixpence coin as a guitar pick, and for his preference for Vox AC30 amplifiers, both of which contribute to his recognizable sound.

In addition to his music career, May is also an accomplished astrophysicist and holds a PhD in the subject. He has contributed to several scientific publications and was even appointed Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2008.

May's contributions to music and science have earned him several awards and honors, including the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005 and the honorary title of Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association in 2014. He continues to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with Queen, and remains a beloved figure in the world of rock music.

Classic Rock History: Signature Sounds of Classic Rock: 

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The Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier is considered one of the most sought-after and iconic guitar amplifiers in the history of rock music. Created by Howard Alexander Dumble, a reclusive amp builder based in California, the Dumble Overdrive Special has gained legendary status due to its unique tonal characteristics and its association with some of the world's most renowned guitarists. Let's delve into the history of this remarkable amplifier and the guitarists who have embraced it.

Origins and Development: Howard Dumble started building amplifiers in the late 1960s. He crafted each amplifier meticulously, with a strong emphasis on tone and quality. The Dumble Overdrive Special came to prominence in the mid-1970s and gained popularity due to its ability to deliver a wide range of tones, from clean and pristine to rich, harmonic overdrive. Dumble amps were hand-built in limited quantities, in various configurations, and their high price tags made them exclusive and highly coveted.

Notable Features: The Dumble Overdrive Special is known for its distinct tonal characteristics. It typically offers a three-channel configuration with separate inputs and controls for each channel. The clean channel provides a smooth, glassy tone, while the second channel delivers a mild overdrive. The third channel, the "Overdrive Special," is the amp's signature feature, offering a cascading gain structure that provides a highly responsive and touch-sensitive overdrive tone.

Dumble Peculiarities (Personal and Professional): Dumble asked prospective clients to sign contracts stipulating the purchased amp's chassis not be opened or photographed, nor the amplifier be resold without his authorization. In the 1980s, Dumble began "gooping" his preamplifier circuit boards with opaque epoxy, ostensibly to foil copying. In the 2000s, he began asking to be referred to as "Alexander", his middle name. Living largely "off the grid", he would trade repair or refurbishment work for things like needed household appliances.

Guitarists and their Dumble Amps: Numerous influential guitarists have used the Dumble Overdrive Special and other Dumble amplifiers, contributing to the amp builder's mystique and reputation. Here are some notable guitarists associated with Dumble amps:

Stevie Ray Vaughan: One of the most celebrated blues guitarists, Vaughan is often synonymous with the Dumble sound. He primarily used a Dumble Steel String Singer to achieve his iconic blues tones, and his usage of this amp greatly contributed to its popularity.

Robben Ford: Renowned for his jazz and blues fusion playing, Robben Ford has extensively used Dumble amps throughout his career. He helped showcase the versatility of the Dumble Overdrive Special in various musical contexts.

Larry Carlton: A highly regarded session guitarist, Carlton has been a longtime user of Dumble amplifiers. His distinctive jazz and fusion playing style found an ideal match in the responsive and dynamic qualities of the Dumble Overdrive Special.

John Mayer: Known for his soulful and melodic playing, John Mayer has embraced the Dumble sound, particularly in his earlier years. He utilized Dumble Overdrive Specials to achieve his expressive and smooth guitar tones.

Carlos Santana: While Santana primarily used other amplifiers like the Mesa/Boogie Mark series, he did incorporate Dumble amplifiers into his rig for specific albums and performances, including the renowned album "Supernatural."

Eric Johnson: Recognized for his virtuosic guitar playing and meticulous attention to tone, Eric Johnson has employed Dumble amplifiers in his setups. His use of Dumble amps can be heard on his iconic album "Ah Via Musicom."

It's important to note that Dumble amplifiers are extremely rare and highly sought after, leading to a limited number of musicians having the opportunity to play through them. Nevertheless, their impact on the guitar world and the distinct tones they produce have left an indelible mark on the history of guitar amplification.

Guitar Heroes: 

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Stevie Ray Vaughan, born on October 3, 1954, and tragically died on August 27, 1990, was an immensely talented American guitarist and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of blues and rock music. Known for his passionate playing style, soulful tone, and virtuosic skills, Vaughan left a lasting impact on the music world during his relatively short career.

Early Life and Musical Journey:
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in the nearby city of Oak Cliff. He grew up in a musical household, with his older brother Jimmie Vaughan, who would also become a renowned guitarist. Stevie Ray Vaughan began playing guitar at the age of seven and quickly showed great aptitude for the instrument. He was heavily influenced by blues musicians such as Freddie King, Albert King, and B.B. King, as well as rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack.

In his teenage years, Vaughan started performing in various local bands, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills. He gained recognition in the Texas music scene, and by 1982, had formed a power trio version of his band Double Trouble, consisting of himself on vocals and guitar, bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton. The trio would become Vaughan's primary band configuration for the rest of his career. They became a four-piece by 1985 after adding Reese Wynans on keyboards.

Breakthrough and Success:
Stevie Ray Vaughan's breakthrough came at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, where he caught the attention of David Bowie's guitarist, Mick Ronson. Ronson, impressed by Vaughan's talent, invited him to contribute to Bowie's album "Let's Dance." This exposure helped introduce Vaughan's music to a wider audience.

In 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble released their debut album, "Texas Flood," which received critical acclaim and established Vaughan as a guitar virtuoso. The album showcased his fiery guitar playing, soulful vocals, and a deep understanding of the blues. It included standout tracks like "Pride and Joy" and the title track "Texas Flood."

Over the next few years, Vaughan continued to release successful albums, including "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (1984) and "Soul to Soul" (1985). He gained a reputation for his electrifying live performances, often captivating audiences with his passionate playing and incredible improvisational skills.

Legacy and Influence:
Stevie Ray Vaughan's impact on the music world cannot be overstated. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the blues genre, bringing it to a new generation of listeners. Vaughan's technical proficiency, coupled with his emotional expressiveness, made him a unique and influential guitarist.

His playing style combined elements of blues, rock, and jazz, creating a signature sound that inspired countless guitarists. Vaughan's use of the Fender Stratocaster and his mastery of techniques like string bending, vibrato, and fast-paced blues licks became synonymous with his musical identity.

Tragically, Stevie Ray Vaughan's life was cut short on August 27, 1990, when he died in a helicopter crash at the age of 35. His death shocked the music community and led to an outpouring of grief from fans around the world.

In recognition of his contributions, Stevie Ray Vaughan was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. His albums continue to be celebrated, and his recordings are studied by aspiring guitarists seeking to understand his unique style.

Notable Discography:
"Texas Flood" (1983)
"Couldn't Stand the Weather" (1984)
"Soul to Soul" (1985)
"In Step" (1989)
"The Sky Is Crying" (1991)

Stevie Ray Vaughan's music remains a testament to his immense talent, and his influence continues to inspire guitarists and music lovers to this day.

Classic Rock History: Signature Sounds of Classic Rock: 

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Melody Maker Single Cut

The Melody Maker is a popular model of electric guitar produced by Gibson. It has a long history dating back to its introduction in 1959. The Melody Maker was initially designed as an affordable option for beginners and students, but it gained popularity among professional musicians as well due to its unique sound and simplicity.

Here are some key features and details about the Gibson Melody Maker:

Design and Construction: The Melody Maker features a solid body construction, typically made of mahogany or a combination of mahogany and other tonewoods. The original body had a single-cutaway design, similar to Gibson's iconic Les Paul models. It has a lightweight and sleek design, making it comfortable to play for long periods.

Neck and Fingerboard: The guitar typically has a one-piece mahogany neck with a set-in joint, providing stability and sustain. The fingerboard is usually made of rosewood or baked maple and features dot inlays or simple acrylic dot markers.

Melody Maker 3/4 Scale

Scale Length and Frets: The scale length of the Melody Maker is typically 24.75 inches, which is a common scale length found on many Gibson guitars. The number of frets varies, but it usually has 22 medium-jumbo frets. 3/4 scale versions with necks joining the body at the 12th fret to accommodate younger, smaller players were also offered.

Pickups and Electronics: The Melody Maker was known for its simplicity when it comes to electronics. It usually features one or two single-coil pickups, though some models have been equipped with humbuckers. The controls are straightforward, including volume and tone knobs, and sometimes a three-way pickup selector switch. The sold body was routed to accommodate pickups and controls, which were all mounted on the pickguard.

Bridge and Hardware: The guitar usually comes with a wraparound compensated bridge/tailpiece combination, providing simplicity and ease of string changing. The hardware, including the tuning machines and bridge, is generally basic but functional. Players often replaced the bridge with an aftermarket adjustable bridge/tailpiece unit, such as the Leo Quah "Badass" model. Replacement tuners such as those by Schaller or Grover were popular.

1965 Melody Maker D

Finishes: The Melody Maker has been produced in various finishes throughout its history, including natural, sunburst, solid colors, and more. The available finishes may vary depending on the specific model and year of production.

Evolution and Variations: Over the years, Gibson has released different versions and variations of the Melody Maker. Some notable models include the original single-cutaway models from the late '50s and early '60s, the double-cutaway models from the '60s and '70s, as well as reissued versions in recent years. The original double cut design gave way to an SG style body shape in 1966. Later reissues returned to the earlier designs.

Sound and Playability: The Melody Maker is often praised for its unique tonal character. It tends to have a bright and snappy tone, especially with the single-coil pickups, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and alternative music. The simplicity of the design and minimal electronics contribute to its raw and focused sound. The lightweight construction and comfortable neck profile make it a pleasure to play.

Notable Players: A number of artists have become known for their embrace of the Melody Maker. Jimi Hendrix is known to have owned and played a 1966 cherry finish double cut model early in his career. Joan Jett has a signature model, as does Michael Clifford of 5 Seconds of Summer, although both feature pickups and embellishments not found on original MM models.

It's worth noting that Gibson has made various changes and updates to the Melody Maker over the years, so the specific features and details can vary between different eras and models. If you're considering purchasing a Melody Maker, it's recommended to research the particular year and model you're interested in to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

Guitar Heroes: 

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Steve Lukather, born on October 21, 1957, is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Toto. Lukather's versatile playing style and exceptional guitar skills have made him one of the most respected and sought-after guitarists in the music industry.

Lukather was born in Los Angeles, California, and began playing guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by rock and blues musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. Lukather's musical career took off in the late 1970s when he co-founded Toto with his childhood friends David Paich and Jeff Porcaro.

Toto achieved great success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Hold the Line," "Rosanna," and "Africa." Lukather's distinctive guitar playing and his ability to seamlessly blend different styles, from rock to jazz to R&B, contributed to the band's unique sound. He became known for his melodic guitar solos, tasteful phrasing, and precise technique.

In addition to his work with Toto, Lukather has been an in-demand session guitarist. He has collaborated with numerous artists and played on hundreds of recordings across various genres. Some notable collaborations include sessions with Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, and many more. Lukather's guitar playing can be heard on some of the biggest hits of the 1980s and beyond.

Lukather has also released several solo albums. His debut solo effort, "Lukather," was released in 1989 and showcased his diverse musical influences. He has since released several more albums, including "Candyman" (1994), "Ever Changing Times" (2008), and "Transition" (2013). Lukather's solo work demonstrates his versatility as a musician, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, pop, and fusion.

Throughout his career, Steve Lukather has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to music. He is a five-time Grammy Award winner and has been recognized for his guitar skills by publications like Guitar Player magazine. Lukather's influence as a guitarist extends far and wide, and he continues to inspire aspiring musicians with his playing style and musicality.

In recent years, Lukather has remained active both as a solo artist and as a member of Toto. He has also participated in various tribute concerts and collaborated with other musicians on special projects. For many years, he has been a core member of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, a touring group made up of musicians from several classic rock bands, which performs Beatles hits as well as those by others who happen to be in the band's current lineup. Lukather's passion for music, his dedication to his craft, and his incredible guitar skills have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Classic Rock History: Signature Sounds of Classic Rock: 

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The Gibson EDS-1275 is a unique and iconic double-neck electric guitar produced by Gibson Guitar Corporation. It gained popularity for its distinctive design and versatility, allowing guitarists to switch between six-string and twelve-string configurations on a single instrument.

Introduction: The EDS-1275 was introduced by Gibson in 1958. The "EDS" in the name stands for "Electric Double Spanish." Catalogs called it the "Double 12". The guitar was intended to cater to the needs of guitarists seeking a versatile instrument capable of producing a wide range of sounds.

Early Design: The initial design of the EDS-1275 in 1957 featured a semi-hollow body and a 12-string/6-string neck combo, with dual PAF humbuckers for each.

Evolution in the 1960s: In the early 1960s, Gibson redesigned the EDS-1275. Starting in 1962, the guitar had a solid mahogany body and a set neck construction. Although similar in shape to the Gibson SG, the EDS-1275 body does not feature the pronounced curvature of the SG's horns. It became popular among rock guitarists looking for a single instrument capable of covering both rhythm and lead guitar duties.

Influential Performances: The EDS-1275 gained significant attention and recognition when it was used by prominent guitarists in various musical genres. One of the most notable early adopters was blues-rock legend Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, who used the double-neck guitar extensively during live performances, most notably in the song "Stairway to Heaven."

Popularity and Cultural Impact: Throughout the 1970s and beyond, the EDS-1275 continued to be sought after by guitarists in various genres, including rock, hard rock, and progressive rock. Its distinctive appearance and versatility made it an iconic symbol of rock music. Other notable artists who used the EDS-1275 include Alex Lifeson of Rush, Don Felder of Eagles, and Slash of Guns N' Roses.

Other Gibson Double-Neck Configurations:

  • As early as 1937, Gibson had made the ESH-150, a solid-body 6-string guitar/8-string lap steel combo.
  • The 1957 EMS-1235 featured an 8-string mandolin/6-string guitar duo with a semi-hollow body with double binding.
  • The EBS-1250 (1962-1968, 1977-1978) featured 4-string bass and 6-string guitar necks, The EBSF-1250 added a built-in fuzztone.
  • The EMS-1275 Octave featured two 6-string guitar necks, one with a scale short enough that it could be tuned an octave higher than the other.

Modern Production: Gibson has continued to produce the EDS-1275 in various iterations over the years. The guitar has seen refinements in its design, construction, and electronics. Modern versions often feature a solid mahogany body, mahogany necks, rosewood fingerboards, and Gibson's own humbucking pickups.

Collector's Item: Due to its historical significance and association with legendary guitarists, vintage EDS-1275 guitars have become highly collectible. Original models from the late 1950s and early 1960s, especially those in good condition, command high prices in the vintage guitar market.

The Gibson EDS-1275 remains an iconic and sought-after instrument, loved by guitarists for its unique design and ability to produce a wide range of sounds. Its place in rock music history is firmly established, and it continues to be a symbol of versatility and craftsmanship in the world of electric guitars.

Classic Rock History: Signature Sounds of Classic Rock: 

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The Korg ARP 2600 is a legendary analog synthesizer that has made a significant impact on the history of electronic music. It was developed in the early 1970s by the American company ARP Instruments in collaboration with Alan R. Pearlman, and later it was reissued by Korg in 2019.

Development and Release (1971-1972): Alan R. Pearlman, the founder of ARP Instruments, designed the ARP 2600 as a semi-modular analog synthesizer. The synthesizer was officially released in 1971, offering a portable and versatile alternative to the larger modular systems of the time. The ARP 2600 was designed to be a user-friendly and approachable synthesizer, making it popular among musicians, educators, and sound designers.

Features and Design: The ARP 2600 features a semi-modular architecture, meaning it has pre-wired connections but can also be patched manually for expanded sound possibilities. It includes three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a low-pass filter (VCF), a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), and an envelope generator (EG). The system also incorporates a ring modulator, sample and hold circuit, noise generator, spring reverb tank, and a variety of control voltage inputs and outputs. Unlike most synthesizers of the time, the ARP 2600 was housed in a self-contained portable case, which made it more accessible for live performances and studio use.

Popularity and Influence: The ARP 2600 gained popularity among musicians and sound designers due to its distinctive sound and flexible patching capabilities. It was prominently featured in numerous iconic recordings across various genres, including rock, pop, funk, and electronic music. Notable artists who used the ARP 2600 include Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Michel Jarre, The Who, Nine Inch Nails, and many others.

Its sound can be heard in famous tracks such as the bassline of The Who's "Who's Next," the lead melody in Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein," and the sound effects in the original Star Wars trilogy.

Discontinuation and Reissue: ARP Instruments faced financial difficulties in the late 1970s and eventually ceased operations in 1981. Due to its limited production run, the original ARP 2600 became a sought-after and expensive vintage synthesizer.

In 2015, Korg announced a partnership with ARP Instruments to revive the ARP brand and reissue the ARP 2600, now called the Korg ARP 2600 FS (Full Size). The reissued version closely follows the original design and sound while incorporating a few modern enhancements, such as MIDI connectivity and XLR outputs.

The Korg ARP 2600 remains highly regarded for its sound, flexibility, and historical significance in the world of analog synthesizers. Its influence on music production and its iconic status among electronic musicians make it a timeless instrument in the history of electronic music.