Not surprisingly, Eastwood SOLD OUT of the initial March 2012 release of their Bass VI model in the first week of availability. The good news is they are back in stock this week, and can be yours for only $649 plus shipping.

Eastwood Sidejack Bass VI Guitar (Vintage Cream)

All orders in the month of May will receive a free Green Room gigbag (value $29).

Three things make the Bass VI better than anything else on the market,

1. The tremolo makes for a much more versatile instrument
2. The P-90 pickups allow for a much brighter tone, most competitors use humbuckers and have a muddy tone
3. The price. This is a solid gig-worthy workhorse of an instrument at an unbeatable price.

Here are a couple of demos showing the versatility of the Bass VI:

New Sidejack Bass VI from Eastwood Guitars! from MyRareGuitars.com

1. Sami Yaffa – Classic 4 Bass

Sami Yaffa with the Eastwood Classic 4 Bass Guitar

2. Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Airline MAP

Rev Peyton (Big Damn Band) with the Airline Map Guitar

3. The Trouble with Monkeys – Michael Molenda – Airline ’59 Coronado

That’s right folks, when Editor in Cheif of Guitar Player Magazine decides to review a guitar, he really DOES take it for a test drive!

4. Beyond Veronica – Nessie Doss – Classic 4 Bass

Nessie Doss (Beyond Veronica) with the Eastwood Classic 4 Bass

5. Dennys Iuras – Brazil – Eastwood Mandocaster

Dennys Iuras (Brazil) with the Eastwood Mandocaster

6. Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma – Airline MAP

Adrian Quesada (Grupo Fantasma) with the Airline Map Electric Guitar

7. Kepi Ghoulie / Dog Party – Airline 2P and Eastwood Rocket Bass

8. Devin Hoff – Sidejack BASS VI

Devin Hoff with the Eastwood Sidejack Bass VI Guitar

9. Tippi – Eastwood Stormbird

10. Jimmy Vivino – Conan Show – Airline Tuxedo

Jimmy Vivino (Basic Cable Band on Conan O'Brien's show) with the Airline Tuxedo Guitar

11. Silver Seas – Lex Price – Airline MAP Bass

Lex Price (Silver Seas) with the Airline Map Bass Guitar

12. Rob McNelley – Airline H44 STD

Rob McNelley with the Airline H44 STD Electric Guitar

13. Miles Holmwood – Stereos – Airline 2P

Miles Holmwood (Stereos) with the Airline 2P Electric Guitar

Eastwood Celebrity Sightings (April 2012) from MyRareGuitars.com

I don’t remember what drove me to my first lap steel. Maybe I needed a new sound for a song my band was working on, or perhaps I just felt like my guitar playing was in a rut. Whatever the reason, once I discovered it I was instantly hooked.

I started with an old Electromuse (it looked like a boat paddle), and then had to figure out what to do with it, and so I commenced the seemingly endless quest for the right tuning, picks, bar, and tone. Now, this was before we all had the Interwebs at our fingertips (back when I’d visit the library once a week to review the three emails I’d acquired since last login), so how-to videos via youtube simply were not an option. I was left to my own devices.

Electromuse Lap Steel Guitar Pickup

I plunked away on my steel, but I was missing something. My sound was thin, and noisy, and out of tune…nothing like what I was hearing in my head. I chipped away at it without much luck, until I met Spider Webb Welten.

Willbern “Spider Webb” Welten owned a music store in Sparta, IL (also noteworthy as the film-shooting locale for some scenes from the original movie version of In The Heat Of The Night). Welton’s was a small, quirky store that shared its quarters with a wig shop/hair salon run by his wife, and it featured a few glass counters, about twelve guitars wrapped in plastic (for that cozy, backwoods, Invasion of the Body Snatchers ambiance), and some miscellaneous cases which, I would soon find out, housed lap steels and pedal steels.

Upon my first visit I took in the air, tainted with the chemical aroma of hair product, as a skinny, elderly man came out from the back and asked how he could help me. As soon as I told him I was looking for a set of steel strings, the old man perked up. ” C6TH, E9TH or both?” he inquired, and I could already tell I was in way over my head. “Uh…it’s for a lap steel?” The old man frowned and corrected me, “it’s not a ‘lap steel,’ it’s a straight steel, son” and he walked behind the counter and pulled out a pack of 6-string “straight steel” strings. Then he took out a card and scratched down A/C#/E/A/C#/E, with the words ” Top A Tuning ” underneath. As I paid for my strings, I asked if he had any other tips. In the course of the next hour, Webb pulled out three lap steels (straight steels), three pedal steels, an assortment of finger picks, and a magazine that had his picture on the cover. I realized that this was the guy, and I had happened to find him in middle-of-nowhere-southern-Illinois by complete chance.

Following are some of the tips that I learned from Spider Webb that day. These small nuggets of information that the steel guru shared have been invaluable, and I hope they will also help you on your journey to steel enlightenmen:

• Get some heavier strings. Most steels come with fairly light strings, but thin strings equal thin tone, and this is especially true for the lap steel (which is the name I still call it by…sorry Webb). I typically use a custom gauge that consists of .056-.016, and I feel they produce a nice, fat tone, whether played clean or overdriven.
• Use two metal finger picks and a plastic thumb pick. This is the key to speed and articulation, and will help you cut through a band better than simply using your fingers. I prefer a medium Pro-Pic that is heavy enough that I can barely bend it, and a heavy, large National thumb pick. I often use a lighter, blue Herco pick, which I also use for the banjo and the pedal steel, because I’m too lazy to carry multiple thumb picks with me, but the heavy Nationals give me a much fuller tone. Fingers without picks can give you a really great tone as well, so you may experiment both ways.
• Keep your fingers on the strings behind the bar. This was a huge eye-opener for me, as it allowed me to get a truly defined tone without any noise. It also helps to keep the bar straight and accurate for better intonation.
• Play on the line. This takes a little time to get used to, but you always want to keep your bar directly over the fret marker. Playing in the space will cause you to be flat.
• It’s not fine china, so don’t be afraid to use some pressure and push down on the strings with the bar. You will get a much better tone this way.
• Use a volume pedal. Starting with the pedal about 20-30% engaged will give you plenty of room to add sustain to notes when needed.
• Use vibrato the way a singer would. Play the note clear and solid, and then add a slow vibrato by rolling and moving the bar back and forth. This is one of the more difficult techniques to learn, and it takes some time to accomplish.

Here are a couple of videos of me playing the Airline Lap Steel Guitar:

1) Hawaiian Tone

2) Kick Butt Blues Tone:

I’ve owned two of Eastwood’s Airline lap steels, and I believe they are the best steel on the market for the money. The Airline has plenty of string height at the nut, and a bit wider string spacing than other steels in the same price range. The body has plenty of mass and weight, giving the steel a great tone, both clean and driven. Add a bit of delay and fuzz for an over the top tone, or try some modulation effects or a POG for a cool organ effect.

Written by: Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson

Lap Steel Guitar – You Need One! from MyRareGuitars.com

Mason does it again with some great playing and a quick history lesson on the Airline RS-II. Enjoy the show!

We have a new shipment of RS-II guitars coming in 2 weeks –> Order before April 30th for FREE Shipping!
(North America only)

Airline RS-II Electric Guitar (Natural Flamed Maple Finish)

Airline RS-II Specifications:

• Airline RS-II Demo – Mason Stoops – Eastwood Guitars.
• Body: Maple top, back and sides.
• Neck: Set, bound one-piece, straight-grained Canadian maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, Block Markers
• Scale Length: 26″ with 12″ radius
• Width at Nut: 1 11/16″
• Pickups: Two AIRLINE Vintage Argyle Diamonds
• Switching: 3-Way, Chicken Head Knob
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic, Trapeze Tail
• Hardware: Vintage Kluson Style Nickel/Chrome
• Strings: D’Addario #10
• Case: Extra
• Unique Features: Roy Smeck Pickguard

BUY NOW: $749.00 US

New Airline RS-II Guitar Demo Video by Mason Stoops from MyRareGuitars.com

Eastwood has released a new version of their top-selling Classic 12 guitars in White with Gold hardware. Special price of $499 will remain in place for the next 2 weeks, the price increases to $549 on April 15th, 2012. Custom hardshell case is also available for $99.

Eastwood Classic 12 Guitar in White Finish with Gold Hardware (12-String Guitar)

BUY NOW before April 15th, $499:

The Classic 12 is also available in Walnut and Fireburst. Our good friend Wendell Ferguson takes the the Classic 12 for a test drive, take a look at this video:

Eastwood Classic 12 Guitar Now Available in White Finish With Gold Hardware from MyRareGuitars.com

Lots of people are getting their music out there on YouTube these days. If you put up something creative – featuring EASTWOOD or AIRLINE guitars – we will give you a shout out in our monthly newsletter. Here are the latest ones…

Beyond Veronica – The Rivers Edge – Classic 4 Bass

The Mastersons Perform at John Varvatos Thursday Nite Live – Airline Coronado, Warren Ellis Tenor, Airline MAP Bass

The Black Lips – Cole’s Invincible Airline Twin Tone

The Black Marquee (LA) – Brokedown Casanova – 2012 – Classic 4 Bass / Airline Tuxedo

‘Only When It Rains’ and ‘Heartache’ by The Hedrons – Eastwood P-90

Eastwood Airline Big Horn – di Simone Gianlorenzi

Bill Nelson – two short clips – Airline Town & Country / Airline MAP

Dum Dum Girls – “Bedroom Eyes” – Airline ’59 Custom

Golden Bloom – “Rhyme The Reason” – Airline RS-II

DOG DAY – “Happiness” – Airline Bass

The Fearless Vampire Killers – For You & Me – Classic 4 Bass

Mike Falzone – Coldplay cover Paradise – Airline MAP

White Mystery – Classic 6

RJ Ronquillo with his Airline ’59 1P

From Argentina: MUNDO ROCK – Franko with his Classic 4

Two videos from 15-year-old Solomon Hicks with his Eastwood Doral

Duke Robillard and his Airline Twin Tone

From Germany: VAN WOLFEN and his Airline Town & Country

Locksley – Airline MAP Bass

Cursed Arrows – Sidejack Baritone

Steve Wheeler (with Robin Guthrie) using his EEB-1

King Salami & The Cumberland 3 using Classic 6

The Black Lips – Airline Twin Tone

The Incarus Line – Lefty Magnum Bass

SNARKY PUPPY – Sidejack Baritone

LOCUS IN LOVE – Saturn ’63

AIR CASTLES – Airline Bighorn

Leone & Redington – Superfast and Mandocaster

Transmissor – Delta 6 & Classic 6

Demi Barbito – Airline MAP

RJ Ronquillo – Airline Tuxedo

Roscoe Does BECK – Eastwood Ichiban

Jeffrey Beauchamp Art Show Promo – Airline Tuxedo

Floating Action – Eastwood Classic 12

Missle – Airline 2P and MAP Bass

Gearwire.com – Airline Mandola

THE BLACK LIPS using an AIRLINE TWIN TONE

The Surf Aces with AIRLINE MAP Guitar and BASS. WOW!

..and the Joey Leone Signature goes south with a great Chilean band, called “Voodoo Zombie”

Dutch band DEE STAAT featuring EASTWOOD Delta 6

Dirty Pavor – Knobs & Switches

Unfortunate Science – featuring Eastwood WANDRE DLX

Hospital Beds – featuring AIRLINE MAP

Updated: YOUTUBE your EASTWOOD! from MyRareGuitars.com

Eastwood has built a new version of its best selling Classic 6 guitar, introducing the Classic 6 DLX Greenburst. Initial production will have only 20 guitars in this color/configuration and will be available to ship to you on March 28th, 2012. This limited run is available exclusively from this webpage and we are accepting pre-orders now, first come, first served.

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

This model features a set maple neck with a flamed maple top, finished in a stunning Greenburst color and gold hardware. All DLX models come with the Bigsby B-70 tremolo. Each of the first 20 guitars in this limited edition run will include the deluxe 5-latch archtop hardshell Eastwood logo case.

Our Price: $799. FREE Shipping in North America. $129 Elsewhere.

More pictures of the Eastwood Classic 6 LTD in Greenburst finish:

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Eastwood Classic 6 LTD Electric Guitar (Greenburst)

Pre-Order your Eastwood Limited Edition Classic 6 DLX from MyRareGuitars.com

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood has released its new Phase 4 Hi-Flyer guitar model. The Phase 4 was the last generation UNIVOX Hi-Flier model that were made from 1968 to 1977. The model was used by Kurt Cobain in their Heart Shaped Box video. The song was released as the first single from the group’s third and final studio album, In Utero, in 1993.

The Phase 4 is a dead-on replica of the original slim-line body and neck profile. It is fitted with new Eastwood Phase 4 humbuckers, has a 3-way switch with single volume and tone controls and a fully adjustable wraparound bridge. This was one of the few Hi-Flyer models that had a maple fretboard, and is one of the rarest of the vintage UNIVOX models. Suggested Retail Price: $759.

OUR PRICE: $599

More pics of the Eastwood Phase 4 Guitar:

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

Eastwood Phase 4 Hi-Flyer Electric Guitar (Nirvana Replica)

New Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 Guitar – Nirvana Replica from MyRareGuitars.com

1) Tom Hamilton – Aerosmith – Airline MAP Bass

2) G. Love and Special Sauce – Custom Airline 3P ’59

G Love - Custom Airline 3P '59 Guitar

3) Miss Alex White – White Mystery Band – Classic 6

Miss Alex White (White Mystery Band) - Eastwood Classic 6 Guitar

4) Jay Codina – Blue Tattoo – Classic 6 Lefty

Jay Codina (Blue Tattoo) - Eastwood Classic 6 Lefty Guitar

5) Casey Crescenzo – The Dear Hunter – Coronado ’59 Custom

Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter) - Coronado '59 Custom Guitar

6) Bill Nelson – Airline MAP

Bill Nelson with his Airline Map Guitar

7) Ripley Johnson – The Wooden Shjips – Airline 3P DLX

Ripley Johnson (The Wooden Shjips) - Airline 3P DLX Guitar

Tara Elliott and the Red Velvets – Airline 2P

Tara Elliot (The Red Velvets) - Airline 2P Guitar

9) Simonne Jones – Airline ’59 1P

Simonne Jones - Airline '59 1P Guitar

10) Milos Angelov – Matthew Good – Classic 4 Bass

Milos Angelov (Matthew Good) - Eastwood Classic 4 Bass

11) Abraham Millett – Third Eye Blind – Classic 4 Bass

Abraham Millett (Third Eye Blind) - Eastwood Classic 4 Bass

12) Creepoid – Classic 6

Creepoid - Eastwood Classic 6 Guitar

13) Rico – FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS – Airline Town & Country

Rico (Forever The Sickest Kids) - Airline Town & Country Guitar

In Studio with Obie O’Brien – Classic 4 Bass

Obie O'Brien in studio with his Eastwood Classic 4 Bass

Eastwood Celebrity Sightings (January 2012) from MyRareGuitars.com

Eastwood has just released their Airline ’59 2P and Folkstar models in Left-hand. Both models start shipping week of Feb 7th. The ’59 will be available in Red, the Folkstar in Red or Black.

Airline '59 2P Electric Guitar (LEFT-HAND) from Eastwood Guitars

The ’59 2P upgrades include: dual VVSC pickups, striped pickgaurd, chrome tone switchplate, rubber body binding and includes the DLX Airline hardshell case. Retail price $1299.

Our Price: $999.00 US

_________________________________________________________________________

The Airline Folkstar is a tone cahmbered mahogany body with a resonator cone adn piezo pickup. It also has a mini humbucker on the neck poistion and a blend knob to blend between the two pickups.

Airline Folkstar Resophonic Guitar (Red, Left-Handed)

Airline Folkstar Resophonic Guitar (Black, Left-Handed)

color

Left-Hand Red Left-Hand Black

Shipping is $49 North America, $149 to Europe.

Two New Left-Hand Models: Folkstar and ’59 2P (February 2012) from MyRareGuitars.com