Gibson Guitars, the guitarists who use a Gibson

Gibson Guitars, the musicians who use them…Part 1 From A to M

Source: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an alphabetized list of musicians who have made notable use of Gibson Guitar models in live performances or studio recordings. Because of the great popularity of these models, musicians are listed here only if their use of these instruments was especially significant — that is, they are musicians with long careers who have a history of faithful Gibson use, or the particular instrument they used was unique or of historical importance, or their use of the Gibson model contributed significantly to the popularization of that particular instrument.

• Duane Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)- used a 1957 Les Paul Goldtop with PAF pickups, a 1959 cherry sunburst Les Paul, a 1958 tobacco sunburst Les Paul and a 1968 cherry SG.
• Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) – Uses several vintage 1950’s Les Paul Junior models, SG’s, ES 335’s, and a J-45. He also used a Les Paul Standard for recording the lead guitar parts on the album “American Idiot.” Gibson has produced a Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Les Paul Junior model.
• Carl Barât (Dirty Pretty Things) – uses a Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway.

• Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) has used numerous Gibson models over the course of his career including: a sunburst ES-330, a 1958 Les Paul Special and a 1959 Les Paul Standard.
• Jeff Beck – used a Les Paul Standard while a member of The Yardbirds. A different Les Paul Standard, purchased from Rick Neilson, was used while with the Jeff Beck Group. And an “Oxblood” coloured 1954 Les Paul Standard, with PAF pickups, from 1972-1976.
• Chuck Berry – used an ES-350T early in his career later switching to ES-345s and ES-355s.
• Dickey Betts (The Allman Brothers Band) – uses a variety of Gibson models including a 1961 SG and a 1957 Les Paul.
• Ritchie Blackmore – played an ES-335 but switched to a Fender Stratocaster after seeing Jimi Hendrix playing one in concert. Well-known solo on Child in Time played with ES-335.
• Marc Bolan (T. Rex) – used Les Paul Customs and Flying Vs and a Hummingbird. His main Les Paul model was refinished in a translucent amber finish to resemble the Gibson guitars played by his idol Duane Eddy.
• Creed Bratton (The Grass Roots) – has used various Gibsons including recordings with a Black Beauty on early Grass Roots albums.
• Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown – has used various Gibsons including: ES-335s and L-5s. His main guitar was a late-60s non-reverse Firebird.
• Jack Bruce (Cream) – used several EB-3 basses during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Used a 1950s-vintage EB bass during the 2005 Cream reunion concerts.
• Buckethead – uses 2 white customized Les Pauls and an SG.
• Lindsey Buckingham – used a white Les Paul during his early years with Fleetwood Mac.
• Larry Carlton – uses a sunburst 1968 ES-335 along with occasional use of a 1956 Les Paul Special and a 1963 L5. A Larry Carlton Signature Model has been produced by Gibson for the man they call “Mr ES-335″.
• Manny Charlton (Nazareth) – used a Les Paul.
• Eric Clapton – used a Les Paul while with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. While with Cream, Clapton used a 1965 SG painted by Dutch artists collectively known as The Fool. Also, while with Cream, Clapton used a cherry 1964 ES-355,a Les Paul Black Beauty and a Firebird I. A 1958 Explorer was used during recording for his 461 Ocean Boulevard and EC Was Here albums. Clapton still makes occasional use of an ES-335 model during live performances.
• Steve Clark (Def Leppard) – used a Les Paul and a Firebird.
• Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – used a Firebird, and later switched to the Explorer.
• Sheryl Crow – uses a Country Western model, Hummingbird, L-00 Blues King, J-200 Western Classic, 96 Advanced Jumbo, 96 Southern Jumbo, J45, ES-120, ES-125, ES-335 and various Les Pauls.

• Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) – used a Les Paul Special for the majority of guitar work on early Weezer albums, and uses a Les Paul, an SG, a Flying V and an Explorer onstage in late 2001 and throughout parts of 2002.
• Dave Davies (The Kinks) – has used numerous Gibson models over the years including: a 1958 Flying V(prototype model), a 1960 Goldtop Les Paul and a 1978 Artisan.
• Tom DeLonge (Angels and Airwaves, Blink 182) – has a Signature model ES-335.
• Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult) – uses a 1974 Les Paul Deluxe and a 1969 SG.
• K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) – used a Flying V and an SG.
• Bob Dylan – uses a variety of Gibson models including: a J-50, a J-200, a J-180 and a J-45.
• Don Felder (Eagles) – uses a Les Paul and an EDS-1275.
• Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails/Guns N’ Roses) – uses a variety of Les Paul models.
• John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival and a solo artist) – uses a variety of Les Paul models.
• Marc Ford (The Black Crowes) uses an SG and a Les Paul.
• Peter Frampton (Humble Pie and a solo artist) – uses a 3 pickup Les Paul Custom. Gibson has produced 2 completely different Signature models for him.
• Lars Frederiksen (Rancid, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards) – uses cherry sunburst SG Specials and a polaris white 1965 SG Special.
• Ace Frehley (Kiss) – used a 3 pickup Les Paul Custom as well as an Ace Frehley Signature Model^[18] and a an EDS-1275. He also used a Les Paul Standard.
• John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – uses an SG, and has recently been seen live with a vintage black Les Paul Custom.
• Steve Gaines (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – used a Les Paul.
• Noel Gallagher (Oasis) – uses a variety of Les Paul models, a cherry ES-355, a Firebird and a J-200.
• Simon Gallup (The Cure) – uses a Thunderbird IV bass.
• Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) – used a Les Paul Custom and an SG early in his career.
• Hank Garland (Nashville guitarist who worked with Elvis Presley among others) – used a “Byrdland” guitar
• Billy Gibbon ZZ Top) – has used several different Gibson models over the course of his career including Goldtop Les Pauls, Flying Vs, Explorers, ES-5 Switchmasters and Les Paul Juniors. His main guitar is a 1959 Les Paul Standard nicknamed “Pearly Gates”.
• David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) – known for playing Fender Stratocaster, but uses a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop with a Bigsby tailpiece on his solo albums and few Pink Floyd’s song, such as Fat Old Sun and Careful with That Axe, Eugene.
• Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) – used a Les Paul Standard and a Les Paul Deluxe with mini humbuckers.
• Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) – has used several Les Pauls models.
• Barry Goudreau (Boston) – uses an SG
• Peter Green – most notable for his 1959 Les Paul that had the pick-ups accidentally wired out of phase. The guitar used to be owned by Gary Moore, but it was sold to a private owner in 2006.
• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) – uses many different Gibson models including: Explorers, SGs, ES-335s, Firebirds, and a 1970s Trini Lopez Standard.
• Steve Hackett (Genesis,GTR) – uses numerous Les Paul models. His main guitar for many years was a 1957 Goldtop. He had other Les Paul models fitted with a Fernandes Sustainer.
• Kirk Hammett (Metallica) uses a Flying V and a variety of Les Paul models.
• Emmylou Harris – uses a Dove, a variety of J-200’s and a J-200 Western Classic.
• George Harrison – used a Les Paul Standard, SG Standard, ES-345-TD, J-160E and a J-200.
• Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule) – uses a Les Paul Custom, Les Paul Standard, an ES-335 and a non-reverse Firebird.
• Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues) – uses an ES-335.
• Jimi Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) – while generally regarded as an iconic Stratocaster player, Jimi used several Gibson models including an SG and a Flying V. Gibson has released a replica model of his Flying V.
• James Hetfield (Metallica) – used a white Explorer and also a Les Paul Custom.
• Joshua Homme (Kyuss) – used a cream coloured SG and a Les Paul on the Blues for the Red Sun tour. Also used the SG on tour with the Screaming Trees.
• Steve Howe (Yes, Asia, GTR) – uses an ES-175. and the EDS-1275.
• James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) – Used a black Les Paul Custom frequently, and occasionally used a Yellow SG.
• Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)- has used an SG throughout most of his career but also owns other Gibson models. Currently his collection includes: a rare “Barney Kessel” a red SG nicknamed “monkey”, a red Gibson Custom Shop SG, a black Gibson Custom Shop SG and a black SG Standard Gibson has produced a Tony Iommi Signature SG. left-handed model,
• Daniel Johns (Silverchair) – has used a Firebird, an SG and a Les Paul.
• Eric Johnson – used an ES-335 for the recorded version of “Cliffs of Dover”. Also uses the ES-335 during live performances.
• Robert Johnson used an L-1 acoustic. A Robert Johnson Signature Model is also available.
• Adam Jones (Tool) – uses a Les Paul Custom with a “Silverburst” finish.
• Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones) – used an ES-330, a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop and various Firebirds both reverse and non-reverse.
• Mick Jones (The Clash, Carbon/Silicon)) – used Les Paul, now mostly uses Les Paul Junior Double Cut
• Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) – Firebird, Les Paul.
• B. B. King – has used many different Gibson models including: an ES-5 and an ES-175 early in his career. Later he would use several thinline semi-acoustic models such as: an ES-330, ES-335, ES-345. King’s Signature ES-355, nicknamed Lucille, has been his main guitar for many years
• Ed King* (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – used SG’s as an alternate guitar to his Fender Strats while with Skynyrd.
• Freddie King* – used a Goldtop Les Paul with P-90 pickups. Also used an ES-355 in some live performances.
• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits and solo) – uses original 1958 and 1959 Les Paul models. He also uses ES-335 and Super 400s.
• Erkin Koray – uses a 1961 Les Paul Custom.
• Paul Kossoff (Free) – “Kossoff was a passionate Les Paul player able to say in a few notes what many would dozens attempting.” Kossoff used several late-50s Les Paul models as well as an ES-335 for occasional studio use.
• Robby Krieger (The Doors) – uses an SG, an ES-335 and a Melody Maker.
• Lenny Kravitz – uses a Flying V, a Les Paul and a white SG Custom.
• Kirk Hammett – Played some song with black Les Paul especially for the song Fade to Black & Nothing Else Matters
• Albert Lee – uses a Les Paul Custom, a J-200 and Everly Brothers Model.
• Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) – used a customized ES-335 nicknamed “Big Red”. The Gibson Custom shop now produces a reissue of Lee’s guitar.
• John Lennon – used a J-160E extensively while with the Beatles. Lennon also used a Les Paul Special and a modified Les Paul Junior.
• Alex Lifeson (Rush) – Has used many different Gibson models over the course of his career including: a sunburst ES-335, a black ES-345, a white ES-355, a white EDS-1275, a cherry SG, a sunburst Howard Roberts Fusion III, a variety of Les Paul models and a J-150 acoustic.
• Steve Lukather – owns many guitar models; has an original ‘59 Les Paul. Seen in many videos/interviews
• Bob Marley (Bob Marley and The Wailers) – used a Les Paul Custom. The guitar is buried with him in his mausoleum.
• Johnny Marr (The Smiths/solo) – Uses an SG.
• Jeff Martin (The Tea Party/solo) – uses a 1964 J-50, a Les Paul Classic 1960 reissue, an EDS-1275 and an Explorer.
• Dave Mason – used a Firebird throughout the 1970s, notably on his Certified Live album.
• Tak Matsumoto (B’z) – uses a Les Paul and has had 4 separate Les Paul Signature Models.
• Brian May (Queen)- used a Flying V.
• John Mayer- uses a Les Paul Double Cut and a ES-345
• Paul McCartney – owns a rare left-handed 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Like many players, McCartney has replaced the fragile original tuning machines with a more modern sturdy set. and uses a left handed 1960 Les Paul Standard as his main stage guitar. McCartney also uses a C-5 in the studio.
• Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) – uses a Les Paul, an SG, an ES-335 and a Flying V.
• Jimmy McCulloch (Wings) – used an SG,a Les Paul and EDS 1275 on the “Band on the run tour”
• John McLaughlin – has used many different models over the years, including:Les Pauls, an EDS-1275, ES-335s, Byrdlands, a sunburst dual-pickup Johnny Smith model, an ES-345 as well as Hummingbird acoustics.
• Ralph McTell – uses a J-45 acoustic.
• Pat Metheny – uses a humbucker-equipped ES-175, both live and on many of his mainstream jazz recordings. Has used a Les Paul on occasion, notably on Zero Tolerance for Silence.
• Wes Montgomery – used an ES-175 early in his career as well as an L-5CESs. Gibson currently produces a Wes Montgomery Signature Model L-5CES.
• Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy/Skid Row/solo) – uses a Les Paul Standard. Previously had a Les Paul Signature Model. Regularly uses a 1959 Les Paul Standard once owned by Peter Green. Also used a white Explorer in the 2003 DVD release “Gary Moore: Live at Monsters of Rock”.
• Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley’s original lead guitarist) – While with Presley, Moore initially played an ES-295, before switching to an L5 and subsequently a Super 400.
• Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave) – Uses a number of new Les Paul standards. The latest album “Revelations” was recorded with a Les Paul emblazened with the Budwieser logo, which Morello removed with lighter fluid and wire wool while on Audioslave’s 2005 tour. Fitted with DiMarzio pickups, this has now become his main guitar. Also uses a EDS-1275 in live performances of the goast of Tom Joad while with Rage against the machine

Visit again soon……Part 2 will posted from N to Z

 

Gibson Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck

Gibson Guitar recently announced they’ve partnered with legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to produce a limited-edition replica of Page’s iconic double-neck guitar. The guitar was created through a partnership with Page and the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tenn. and is based on the specifications of Page’s original ’71 Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck model that boasted a 12-string electric on top and a six-string electric on bottom.

Throughout Led Zeppelin’s golden years in the 70s, Page’s majestic double neck was a fixture of the band’s legendary live shows; just the sight of the iconic, distinctive SG Double Neck, slung around Page’s neck spellbound audiences and elicited their howling approval.

The replica took a little over a year to create with hands-on analysis throughout the process from Page himself. The discussion between Page and Gibson Guitar started back in 2004 when Gibson introduced his signature Les Paul Standard. Gibson revisited the idea again in 2005, following the overwhelming success of his Signature Les Paul, and the project began to evolve. The Gibson Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck is a precise duplicate of Page’s original EDS-1275 guitar. Gibson has made only 25 Limited Edition Aged Double Necks that replicate every detail of Page’s iconic guitar “ding for ding,” featuring 20-fret rosewood fingerboards on both necks, period-correct headstock style for 12-string with a Page profile neck, master volume and tone controls for each neck, a “master” three-position pickup selector switch, as well as a three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necks.

The replicas also feature a weathered Heritage Cherry finish that is unique to the new model and will be enhanced on the 25 Limited Edition Aged models with authentic custom aging by Gibson Custom. Each of the 25 Limited Edition Aged guitars will feature Page’s signature on the rear of the headstocks, plus a certificate of authenticity signed by Page, as well as, a specially designed Custom Shop case, the acclaimed two-DVD Led Zeppelin box set and a copy of a private interview with Page regarding the Double Neck. These 25 exact replicas will list for $33,500. Gibson has also produced 250 Vintage Original Spec Signature Double Necks that don’t feature the same aging or a signature on the headstock but will be accompanied by a standard certificate of authenticity which will retail for $10,000-$12,000.

“Working with Jimmy Page has proven, once again, to be a wonderfully rewarding experience,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We are thrilled to be able to offer fans the replica of his legendary double-neck guitar which will put his unique sound and style right at his fan’s fingertips.”

Gibson’s Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck specifications:

Model: Aged Limited Edition Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck
- Pickups: Jimmy Page Pickups (Unique to his Custom Shop signature models)
- Hardware: Chrome
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale: 24 ¾”
- Nut Width: 1.687” for six-string, 1.715” for 12-string
- Nut: Corian
- Bridge: Chrome ABR
- Neck Material: One-Piece Mahogany
- Body Material: Period-Correct Solid Mahogany
- Controls: Master volume and tone controls for each neck A “master” three-position pickup selector switch Three-position toggle switch for engaging the pickups on either or both necks
- Colors: Dark Cherry

Article Source: http://www.guitarsite.com/news

 

The Roland Micro-Cube Guitar Amp

With 2 young boys and 4 guitar players in our home we are always on the move and the boys never leave the house without their guitars. Bringing an amp is always a problem because we just can’t do it. When we first saw the roland micro-cube we didn’t pay it much attention, what a mistake that was on our part. This little baby is simply awesome, we purchased the roland micro-amp and the boys just love it. I just wanted to share some of the specs on this amp, this is directly from the roland website, to read more there is a link at the bottom of my post.

With the new Micro Cube, guitarists get a genuine Roland Cube amp in an ultra-compact package that even runs on batteries. Weighing in at just few pounds, the Micro Cube packs a big punch and comes with six DSP effects, COSM® Amp Modeling and a new Digital Tuning Fork—giving guitarists everything they need for killer tone on the go.

Rock for 20 Hours on Batteries
The Micro Cube is the first Cube amplifier that runs on battery or AC power. Using six “AA” alkaline batteries, you can play for up to 20 hours—thanks to the Micro Cube’s high-efficiency amplifier. A carrying strap is also included, allowing you to be heard just about anywhere you want. And the sound? It’s a Cube, so you know it sounds great!
7 Classic and Modern Amp Models
Looking for the sound of Roland’s JC-120 Jazz Chorus or your favorite British combo amp? You’ll find those and more in the Micro Cube, thanks to seven COSM® amp models. Roland’s COSM technology is the only modeling method that captures every nuance of the original amps—from the preamp and circuits to the speaker. All you need is the Micro Cube for perfect tone.
High-Quality BOSS Effects
There’s no need to lug around pedals when the Micro Cube comes with six DSP effects. All the essentials are included—from chorus and flanging to a phaser and tremolo effect. A separate Delay/Reverb processor lets you dial in anything from slapback and long delays to reverb and more (in addition to using one of the aforementioned modulation effects).
New Digital Tuning Fork and More
Tuning up is a snap using the new Digital Tuning Fork. Just press the Tuning Fork button (the harder you hit it the louder the sound) and you get an instant reference tone with support for flat tunings up to two semitones. The Micro Cube also comes with a choice of 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stereo Auxiliary inputs—great for connecting a CD player or line-level instrument—plus a Recording/Headphones output. Take a Cube anywhere you go!

Check out the Roland website for more info. www.roland.com

 

Best Guitar Solos Ever?

Rock fans, especially those of the male persuasion, love to obsess about the greatest guitar solos. (It’s kind of the musical equivalent of baseball fans’ endless debates over who was the greatest home run hitter.) There have been lists galore, as critics and fans try to somehow rank the best solos, and now there’s another one. The current issue of Guitar One magazine features a staff-assembled list of 101 all-time rock solos (jazz, country and blues were omitted in an attempt to make an impossible task a little more conceivable).
I’ve added YouTube links to some of my favorite solos aswell…enjoy

1. Jimi Hendrix/Machine Gun
2. Pink Floyd/Comfortably Numb (David Gilmour, axemeister)
3. Dire Straits/Sultans of Swing (Mark Knopfler)
4. Led Zeppelin/Stairway to Heaven (Jimmy Page)
5. Jimi Hendrix/All Along the Watchtower
6. Lynyrd Skynyrd/Free Bird (Allen Collins, Gary Rossington)
7. Eagles/Hotel California (Don Felder, Joe Walsh)
8. Ozzy Osbourne/Crazy Train (Randy Rhoads)
9. Stevie Ray Vaughan/Texas Flood
10. Van Halen/Hot for Teacher (Eddie Van Halen)
11. Cream/Crossroads (Eric Clapton)
12. Jeff Beck/Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
13. Steve Vai/For the Love of God
14. Guns N’ Roses/November Rain (Slash)
15. Pink Floyd/Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 (David Gilmour)
16. Deep Purple/Highway Star (Ritchie Blackmore)
17. AC/DC/You Shook Me All Night Long (Angus Young)
18. Van Halen/Jump (Eddie Van Halen)
19. Eric Johnson/Cliffs of Dover
20. Jimi Hendrix/Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
21. Led Zeppelin/Heartbreaker (Jimmy Page)
22. Allman Bros. Band/Statesboro Blues (Duane Allman)
23. Beatles/Something (George Harrison)
24. Pantera/Cemetery Gates (Dimebag Darrell)
25. Jeff Beck/’Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers
26. Allman Bros. Band/Jessica (Dickey Betts)
27. Bill Haley & The Comets/Rock Around the Clock (Danny Cedrone)
28. White Lion/Wait (Vito Bratta)
29. Metallica/Fade to Black (Kirk Hammett)
30. Joe Satriani/Satch Boogie
31. Beatles/While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Eric Clapton)
32. Yes/I’ve Seen All Good People (Steve Howe)
33. Guns N’ Roses/Sweet Child o’ Mine (Slash)
34. Steely Dan/Reelin’ in the Years (Elliot Randall)
35. Yngwie Malmsteen/Black Star
36. Michael Jackson/Beat It (Eddie Van Halen)
37. Living Colour/Cult of Personality (Vernon Reid)
38. Doors/Light My Fire (Robby Krieger)
39. Aerosmith/Walk This Way (Joe Perry)
40. Gene Vincent & the Blue Caps/Race With the Devil (Cliff Gallup)
41. Queen/Bohemian Rhapsody (Brian May)
42. Stevie Ray Vaughan/Crossfire
43. Free/All Right Now (Paul Kossoff)
44. Heart/Magic Man (Roger Fisher)
45. Led Zeppelin/Since I’ve Been Loving You (Jimmy Page)
46. Boston/Hitch a Ride (Tom Scholz)
47. Gary Moore/Shapes of Things
48. Ozzy Osbourne/Mr. Crowley (Randy Rhoads)
49. Ozzy Osbourne/No More Tears (Zakk Wylde)
50. Chuck Berry/Too Much Monkey Business

By Ken Barnes

 

The Fender “Splato” Stratocaster Guitar

I know I’m going a bit off topic here with this one, but I truly do love Fender….What do the rest of you think of this one: The Fender “Splato” Statocastor Guitar.

This is the write up on it from Fender’s website:

This is the Fender “Splato” Stratocaster guitar. Pardon the slightly inelegant name, but you simply have to see this unbelievable instrument to believe it. Wrought in aluminum and colored fluid, it’s a work of art. And even that might be an understatement.The guitar was designed by—and will soon belong to—Jimmy Stout of Palmdale, Calif., who entered Guitar World magazine’s 2004 “Design Your Dream Guitar” contest. He submitted an idea he had several months earlier for a radically customized Stratocaster guitar design. He won, which meant that his guitar would actually be built in Fender’s famous Corona, Calif., Custom Shop.Revered 20-year Custom Shop veteran Scott Buehl, often referred to without hyperbole as a Fender “Uber Builder,” accepted the daunting task of building Stout’s guitar. He began in January 2005; the instrument was completed 18 months and a good portion of his sanity later.“I’ve done a lot of crazy stuff in my years here at Fender,” Buehl said affably. “But this is the most difficult guitar I’ve ever done.”Working solely from a “cartoon” that Stout had sent to him, Buehl spent long hours developing the fluid, fluid chambers and body long before he started actual construction.
“Uber” builder: Scott Buehl and his creation. Photo by Jane EspositoFor the psychedelically swirling colored fluids that are the instrument’s most brilliantly distinctive feature, Buehl eventually arrived at a combination of paraffin oil, hydrophobic dye, distilled water, a biocide to ward off impurities, and plain-old grocery store food coloring. “It took me a long time to come up with that particular cocktail,” he said. “I’d say that was one of the hardest parts about building this guitar.”The fluid chambers are made of Lexan, a highly durable polycarbonate thermoplastic resin (wouldn’t you just know it)—a superhero version of Plexiglas used in bulletproof glass. And if you don’t think heating and forming it was a bear, think again.The body itself has a formed exterior—formed, that is, by Buehl beating a sheet of 5052 aluminum alloy with a hammer until he had a Stratocaster-shaped front and back he could weld together. The strutted interior is made of aircraft-grade 6061 structural aluminum. “It even looks like the inside of an aircraft in there,” Buehl said.The maple neck has an ebony fingerboard with stainless steel inlays, topped by a large chrome-plated 5052 aluminum headstock. Throw on hardware including a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickup and two Fender Noiseless Stratocaster pickups with modified lipstick covers, and the magnificent job was done.Buehl was amazed at the response there in the factory. One person backed away from it in awe. A couple others actually got a little misty-eyed. The good-natured Buehl, simply relieved to have finished such a demanding task, found it all a mite excessive and a tad amusing. “A few were so over the top it was funny,” he said. “I wish I had it all on video.”Stout is very eager to receive the finished work; he kept in frequent contact with Buehl throughout construction and can’t wait to see his guitar. “I had it in my head exactly how I wanted it,” he said. “Scott says it looks just like my original drawing.”