Free Slide Guitar Lesson

This time Uncle Jimmy fixes it for you to play some open g slide guitar

Free blues guitar lesson

This time Jimmy gives you the shizzle in the stye of Albert King

Free Blues Guitar Lesson

Your fave fat mumbling man is back. This time so show you some licks in the early style of B.B. King.... Enjoy, more to come

Browse some of our stock on Preloved

Hoodoo Man Blues

Been a while since I wrote about any blues, thought I may just talk about albums I like- a bit like a cathartic process. Thought I'd start with one of my favourites- Junior Wells - Hoodoo Man Blues. Recorded in 1965 it is often cited as the first actual blues "album", rather than a collection of singles. Junior Wells was allowed to pick his own sidemen and choose the material, a novelty in those times. The band is a sparse affair featuring Buddy Guy (credited as Friendly Chap) on guitar , Billy Warren on drums and Jack Myers on bass and of course Junior on vocals and harmonica.

Plenty has been said about this album in the past, I doubt I will add anything new. One thing I would say is that it's sparse feel and sound had a big effect on me, I love the way the band back Wells without doing anything large or obvious. Buddy Guy plays with amazing groove and restraint throughout and the rhythm section are snappy, tight and groovy. Maybe if people heard more blues like this, blues would have a broader appeal - it really isn't all about 20 minute guitar solo's. The band really let Junior Wells do his thing.... And for me they made an album few have bettered.. Even the guy who played Huggy Bear in Starsky and Hutch rates this albums opening track "Snatch it Back and Hold it" as his favourite saturday night record...... Case closed (check this clip out, I have fantasies about sounding like this)

Trams, Guitars and Automobiles

Here is a service update from The Guitar Spot... During the current tram works we are open for business as usual, you can still park out the front for an hour. When on street parking is lost there will be temporary parking available across the road from the shop. The current tram works are a cause for much confusion, we have been asked several times when we are being demolished, the short answer is we are not, unless Derek gets on the Special Brew again.....

In times of hardship and austerity great art can sometimes be created, inspired by the current situation my small father , Derek has expressed himself through one of the deepest mediums, The Blues -

TRAMLINE BLUES by Derek Wigginton

Spoken or sung as blues, country, rock or rap

( Derek & son James own The Guitar Spot on Chilwell Road )

HAVE YOU HEARD ‘BOUT LINE 2

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY’RE GONNA DO

BRINGIN’ THE TRAM ‘LONG CHILWELL ROAD

BUT WHO THE HELL WANTS IT, WE AIN’T BEEN TOLD

BUSINESS BAD NO PEOPLE ABOUT

AIN’T NO USE TO SCREAM AND SHOUT

‘COS JOCO AND HIS GANG JUST WANT THE KUDOS

THEY DON’T SUFFER NO DOWNTURN AND TRADE LOSS

THEY SAY THIS ALL GONNA BE GOOD FOR THE CITY

BUT FOR CHILWELL ROAD THEY DON’T SHOW NO PITY

WE GOT TO SUFFER FOR THREE LONG YEARS

AT THE END OF IT ALL THERE’LL BE MANY TEARS

SO WE ALL GOTTA TRY AND SURVIVE

WE GOTTA KEEP THIS ROAD ALIVE

THOSE CATS DON’T CARE BACK IN NOTTINGHAM

ALL THEY SAY IS TRAM, TRAM, TRAM

SO PEOPLE OF BEESTON WE NEED YOU TO TRY

TO COME ON DOWN AND JUST SEE WHY

WE’RE ALL INDEPENDENTS ON CHILWELL ROAD

AND WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH OUR HEAVY LOAD

PLEASE COME DOWN AND LOOK AROUND

WE’RE THE INTERESTING END OF BEESTON TOWN

NO CHARITY SHOPS, JUST TRADERS TRYIN’

SO COME ON CATS, JUST KEEP ON BUYIN’

Make of this what you will... Personally I feel he may have been on the Special Brew, er wait that was me.

Another ex Jimmy Wiggins Guitar

Really don't want to do this but...... Another of my own guitar children need to be sacrificed in order to pay my Council Tax and other pointless crap. This guitar has been mistaken for many things in the past- I originally thought it was Italian, thus for many years it being referred to as the Italian guitar. It was then put to me that it may be east european, a few years ago it was idetified as being a Hopf Allround.That would make it German!

I got it in 2003 off Colin Staples. It was a repair somone hadn't collected, being as this was somepoint in the mid 70's it was time to renovate and sell it. For some reason (probably drink related) I appeared in Colin's workshop and decided I had to have it. He lent it me for a bit and I bought it. I have gigged it alot, one time I was carried off stage at the Running Horse with it, cos I was so drunk. It was the original Moules and Wiggins guitar. It makes you sound like the 1950's !!. It is also wired out of phase on the middle position a la T- Bone Walker.

So watch me really sob when some fucker (sorry customer) has my pants down and I end up with £100.00....Seriously though folks £250.00 and you can have it............

Sentimental fat man in guitar sale shock

See this nice looking guitar? It belongs to me, it has a deep attachment to me, so much so that one time it was stolen from the boot of my car, only to be "oddly" returned to me the next day after being found buried in a park in Long Eaton. The Police seemed keen to give it me back, but not explain what had happened.

Another time, when I was convinced that drinking whisky was a wise career choice, I fell on it.... I have seen the aftermath of many of these events in my shop where it ended in a terminal fashion, my guitar survived. I have also done what I consider to be some of my best playing on this guitar-



Fast forward to 1.17 to hear the band start playing. That is this guitar being played with Colin Staples and his band (Colin Staples, Shakey John, Happy Bob and Norval Forrest)- the recording was made by Norval Forrest.

So now you know my attachment to it, in a bid to be less sentimental and less broke I am flogging it below are it's specifications

• Gordon Smith GS2 deluxe (2005)
• Bare Knuckle Mississippi Queen P90's
• Wrap around bridge
• Relicing from actual gigging and interaction with 16 stone drunk man
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Maple Veneer Top
• Gloss front 
• Amazing ability to come back to you when stolen (not guaranteed)

£400.00

Buy it and watch me sob..............


www.theguitarspot.com

james@theguitarspot.com

I've been away....But back with new Demo's

My world has just been a bit too bluesy recently... But alas I return with some prototype demo videos first up the PRS SE Bernie Marsden............... With a bit of talking and everything





Available here http://wwwtheguitarspotonlineshop.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/prs-se-bernie-marsden.html

PRS SE Guitars @The Guitar Spot

We are pleased to announce that we are now stocking PRS SE guitars. For those who are unaware, these are Paul Reed Smith's high quality Korean range, with many exclusive signature models. All come with deluxe padded PRS gig bags. If you have seen this months Guitarist Magazine, you will have noticed the huge feature on the PRS Bernie Marsden (I have exceeded my limit of guitars I can keep for myself this year already, otherwise I'd have kept this one), and also the single cut 245. Stock will be available on our website this week, we have eight guitars from this range in store for you to come and check out in person. Prices from £599.00

Check out the Bernie Marsden video demo of his new guitar




www.theguitarspot.com

NET Phase Two is already giving me the blues

This is kind of Blues related and also related to my business The Guitar Spot. You see, something is giving me the blues, not just me personally but many people in Beeston. Now I'm sure that most people are aware of NET Phase Two, it's the second installment of Nottingham's wonderfully useful tram line.

Without wanting to get into details, figures and all the other kind of stuff that gets spouted round, I don't think this Tram extension is a good idea. Too late, I know, it's happening. Like alot of other affected traders it's all about how we deal with the interruption. I have already been asked several times by members of the Beeston public as to whether or not we are closing our business. This is not uncommon, other traders on Chilwell Road have also had similar experiences. As you can see from the pictures the road looks like a ghetto.

Chilwell Road consists of nearly 30 independent business's, none of us know how we will fare during the works for the tram. Maybe when the works are finished there might be a few of us left to enjoy the "benefits" of the tram.

Being as Nottingham City centre is mainly empty shops, with fewer independent retailers, where will people go on the Tram?

So just a reminder to the folks of Beeston and Nottingham, Chilwell Road is still open for business , it may look a little like Beirut for a while but there are plenty of independent retailers still trying to do business

Strat players you may not be familiar with

Being as we have had an influx of Stratocasters @theguitarspot, I thought I would post some clips of lesser known Strat Players....


First up Duke Robillard - Sophisticated but edgy




Followed by Ronnie Earl - More intense



And finally Carlos Guitarlos- Cool as *&£*

24 Hour Shopping @TheGuitarSpot

For those who have failed to notice, we are running a temporary online shop, so even when we are closed we are open for online trade. It's all via paypal, if you have come across us online or via Preloved - we are a real bricks and mortar shop, so if you are interested in getting hold of us on the phone you can (0115 913 9141). We also accept all major debit and credit cards.


http://wwwtheguitarspotonlineshop.blogspot.com/

james@theguitarspot.com

And just because I haven't put any video on for a while, here is a great early Fab T Birds gig... Check out my man Jimmie Vaughan

Temporary Online Shop

Want to see our latest stock available online? Well you may have seen our main website hasn't been updated much recently, due to a technical problem with a new merchant services provider, we have had to run a temporary site , all payments handled via paypal. Have a look you may see something you like, all current stock will be on by the end of the coming week.

http://wwwtheguitarspotonlineshop.blogspot.com/

More Pre owned Stock

Mexican Strat in Midnight blue with maple neck, strap and straplocks included.


£275.00

www.theguitarspot.com

james@theguitarspot.com

Get them while you can!!

We are down to our last 10 Elmore slides. Once they are gone that's it. We have 8 steel and 2 brass left.

These slides have recieved rave reviews and recommendations from many in the UK slide community - for more info see http://michaelmesser.proboards.com/index.cgi


Due to a problem with our merchant services the quickest way to order is through paypal here

£24.99

www.theguitarspot.com


james@theguitarspot.com

More Gordon Smith Stock

GS1 in natural with contoured front and tunamatic bridge. Free delivery to mainland UK.


£514.00

www.theguitarspot.com


james@theguitarspot.com

£20 delivery to Europe

We are excited to offer £20.00 delivery to mainland Europe on any of our Gordon Smith


Contact us for a quote


james@theguitarspot.com

Italian Invasion Part II

Don't worry it's not a Lucio Fulci zombie movie. The Guitar Spot has more Eko electric guitars in stock. Since we introduced them in November they have been a real winner, with one customer buying 2 of the same model. We have brought in two slightly different models - the Cobra in metallic red £249 and the K series SL1 at £159.00


Retro Italian stylings at affordable prices.


www.theguitarspot.com

Valve amp repairs

Ever tried to get your valve amplifier repaired quickly? We think we offer the best service in the Nottingham area. We have a great amp technician that specialises in valve amp repair(although we will repair any type of amp or PA gear)

www.theguitarspot.com

james@theguitarspot.com

The Guitar Spot- We can laugh at ourselves (honest)

This contribution was a follow up from one of our best customers..... We had been in the Nottingham Post ref the Tram that will be gracing our door step. Click images to enlarge

More Gordon Smith Stock

Just in- Gordon Smith GS1 in tobacco sunburst. Wrap around bridge and coil tapped Gordon Smith humbucker.

£508.00

www.theguitarspot.com

http://theguitarspot.com/gsguitars.html


As if that wasn't enough here is a video demo of a strikingly similar one




Note- it can also be played with less treble...... And according to some less reverb... No comment...

The Raw and The Cooked- Mickey Baker

On planet Jimmy Wiggins, I have always admired both the raw end of music and the sophisticated. Sometimes both at once. In the specific area of the guitar my main influences have been gut bucket stuff with an edge such as Johnny"Guitar" Watson and the more sophisticated stylings of the likes of Kenny Burrell, and anything in between.

One thing that has always puzzled me is the lack of accolades or interest in Mickey Baker. To me he embodies both ends of the spectrum simultaneously .. Check out this clip of him with Coleman Hawkins



Cool eh? To read more about him, see this excellent article on Jim Herrington's blog here

See, we are not only about selling you guitars,

www.theguitarspot.com

Peerless Demo's

A couple of video's of some of our current Peerless stock. Who is that fat bloke?


www.theguitarspot.com

Part Exchanges @The Guitar Spot

For those of you taken by any of our new guitars or any of our pre owned stock that we own, we also offer part exchange. Just thought we would remind you (we would definatley take in the pictured guitar)



www.theguitarspot.com

james@theguitarspot.com

Current Peerless Stock 03.01.12

From bottom to top-
Gigmaster SC £579.00

Revolver £599.00

And finally the best selling Songbird £479.00

All with hard cases.


www.theguitarspot.com

Peerless Guitars- Who are they ?

As Nottingham's only dealer for Peerless Guitars, I am duty bound to talk to you about them. For the past 40 years the Peerless factory has been manufacturing both archtop and solid body guitars for a number of big names- Gretsch, Epihpone, Gibson , Fender et al have all used the factory.

Until a few years ago if you bought and Epiphone semi guitar it was likley made in the Peerless factory. However these days all the Epiphone semi's are made in China. The guitars made in the Peerless factory are now sought after items.

Peerless guitars are very high quality, good value instruments- with endorsees such as Martin Taylor, Big Jim Sullivan and Richard Thompson, isn't it time you checked one out? I even play one myself...

www.theguitarspot.com


james@theguitarspot.com

Tom Jones is Black??

This might take a bit of getting your head round, but here we go (don't give up on me too early). Ever since I had a teenage altercation with a Chess Records compilation, I wanted to be black like my new heroes. This is not unusual behaviour in the blues community- Johnny Otis, although of Greek extraction considered himself black. Mainly due to all the time he spent with black artists and performers and being part of that community. If you go back to the 1960's all the Jewish blues guys like Mike Bloomfield really were striving to be like their black contemporaries and idols. However for a white kid from Hucknall it's pretty far fetch.

Knowing my luck I would probably end up like Steve Martin's character in The Jerk ( I also hold a delusional desire to work in a petrol station with Jackie Mason)

Well lets look at Tom Jones. Although there have been recent attempts to make him cool and contemporary (Let's not forget his various efforts in the 80's and 90's) many musicians knew how cool he was in the first place. Forget Delilah, Tom Jones has the voice and moves of a black man. Now if you don't believe me, this view is confirmed by none other than the Elders of The Israeli Church of Universal Practical Knowledge- a black Hebrew community. Yep they say Tom looks White but is actually black, they say no white man can sing and dance like that..

All the above was basically pre amble for the below link. It should be called Tom Jones blows away Crosby Stills Nash and Young. They all sound great, but check out Jones, a huge performance. It's also funny seeing Stephen Stills (who I really like) trying to keep up with him in the vocal department... Watch and decide for yourselves..