Today I got the urge to install my new Moollon humbucker pickups into my all time favorite Les Paul.

I’ve always been happy with the tone of this instrument… Over the years I’ve made upgrades to the electronics, but never touched the pickups. I had no idea what I was missing. Essentially, the guitar always sounded great when on full volume but no matter what I did I always had a muddled tone when I rolled back the volume, even after upgrading all the control pots and capacitors.

So enter the new pickups and wow… clearer tone all around and super punchy when volume rolled back. The pick ups are not too loud but rather very smooth tones truer to a vintage quality. Really happy with this upgrade!
cheers
MW

Moollon pickups for my favorite Les Paul

I picked up my new classical guitar last week from builder Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars.

It might be best classical guitar I’ve ever played. I’m so thankful to Jim Holler who made it happen.  Not only a great builder, the way Jim does business is an example that others can learn from. I could not be more satisfied.

The instrument is only a week old and already is as loud as any mature instrument I’ve played which is uncommon for a spruce top. The trebles and inner voices are equally loud as the bass strings. Playing melodic passages are clear and effortless…

In addition to the tonal quality, the instrument’s ergonomic build that Jim has designed over the years allows the player to have a better posture while playing. From a frontal view the guitar looks very traditional but if you look from a profile view the instrument looks more like a Picasso painting… nothing symmetrical… Enjoy the photos.

M

Last weekend I drove to western NY to visit my guitar builder friend Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars. I’m upgrading my classical guitar to his innovative new design called the WEDGE Classical. Jim built my Bent Top Classical #70 in 2006 and it’s still amazing today. I would never sell that guitar and I’m only changing instruments to take advantage of his new ergonomic design. It allows the right shoulder to be in a more natural position and and player doesn’t have to reach over the guitar so much. ” A few pics are below. The guitar will be ready in in the next two months! Looking forward. Thanks Jim!

In Jim’s own words…

The bass bouts of the wedge guitar narrow to a thinner depth than those of a standard classical guitar, providing better ergonomics for the right arm. The Wedge design integrates the patented bent top feature and the player response second sound hole .
To maintain the ideal internal air volume, the treble bouts are wider than normal. In addition to improving shoulder and arm comfort, this design presents the strings and fretboard at a reduced angle, allowing the right hand to maintain a more neutral position.
The Wedge design also creates more string clearance while maintaining conventional string spacing. Fretboard visibility is improved, as is left-hand attack, thanks to a more neutral starting position. By  reducing the physical stresses of lengthy playing sessions, the Wedge should enhance relaxation, reduce discomfort, and allow the player to focus better on his or her playing.

Latest gear news: I’m very happy to announce a new endorsement with Engl Amps. Engl is sponsoring me for the upcoming David Garrett tour. I’ll be using the Gigmaster 15 Combo for all 18 arena shows. This amp boasts great tone and versatility in a small package. It’s pretty amazing that this little amp will be all I need for these large venues! Click on the pictures for more information about Engl and the Gigmaster 15…

Big Thanks to Michael and the rest of the Engl team!
MW

Gigmaster 15 Combo

I’ve used DR Strings on all of my electric and acoustic guitars for everything I’ve done the last 8 years! DR is always researching ways to improve their already great products. The Dragon Skin Strings with K3 coating and the DDT strings are the latest offerings from DR. I’ll be using these on the upcoming David Garrett tour as well as my own acoustic shows in Germany. Click on the pictures to be directed to the DR website for more information. Thanks DR!

MW

Dragon Skin Acoustic Strings w/ K3 coating

K3 Coating for DR strings

DR drop down tuning strings

I stumbled across this shop downtown last week in SOHO, NYC. Rudy’s Music has been a staple of the high end NYC guitar shop scene on 48th St. since 1978.

This new second location in the heart of SOHO (461 Broome) is built with an artistic mindset and obvious love for the instrument… All I can say is WOW. The owner Rudy Pensa was there and showed me many great instruments including his own Pensa Custom. Beautiful instrument!

The store is set up is aesthetically beautiful. I just wanted to hang out there all day… Guitars range from vintage D’Aquisto and D’Angelico archtops, to Gibsons of all kinds, to Froggie Bottom acoustics, AM Guitars, Pensa. It’s a good place to get lost in love for players and collectors!

I’ll be back Rudy! Get ready for the WOLF!!

A quick shout out for Hoffee Cases from Chicago… First off the case and all elements down to the latches are American made. About time for that! Jeff Hoffee is the owner and builder. He is easily reachable and attentive. His case is better than anything I’ve ever owned… The fit is so snug the foam actually learns the shape of the guitar and the instrument will never move when being banged around … It’s small enough to carry onboard a plane or gate check… It’s strong enough not to worry about if you need to check it. It has a waterproof seal and I can feel the air lock when opening… it’s light and comfortable to carry around town!

Orchard House 1st Ave & 58th St South East Corner, NYC

Saturday, October 9, 8 pm

This night is the first playing of songs from Saugerties 2, to be titled “Full Moon Saugerties”, JK and the B’s new album of original songs just recorded on September 21-24 in Saugerties, New York. We all had a great time recording it. I sang a few tracks as well as played guitar along with Joel Kaminer, Marc Ribler, Larry Cohen and Rich Mercurio.

Please join us to hear the new music. For more info see http://www.joelkaminer.com

Admission is free but we’ll be “passing the hat” at this event and at the request of Joel, all proceeds from the evening will be donated to Orchard House Cafe to help the cafe continue to host a variety of wonderful events.

On the Southeast Corner of 58th Street & First Avenue. Come visit!

Marcus

Very Cool pedal Alert…. I ordered this wah wah a few months ago from Area 51 and was well worth the wait. Has tones of Character and tone. Great. I requested mine to have a buffer (for compatibility with fuzz etc) and an led (light) so I can see when the thing is on … Dan Albrecht is the builder and has a lot of integrity. He set a high bar for detail and quality as you can see in the pix. Apparently this color was a short run and is already unavailable but the new stuff looks great too!

Area 51 Wah

Area 51 inside view