TME Journal
HIDDEN GEMS #19
HIDDEN GEMS #19
ELIOT'S PICKS
Hidden Gems #19 | Hidden Gems is a series we started based on a simple idea: we each take a turn at sharing our current favorite instrument(s) in the shop. A bit of a show-and-tell, if you will.
Photo credit: Gordon Webster Photography
Thomas Rodriguez
Full Nelson MPH
"As a long-time Strat player, Tommy's MPH model - named for session guitarist Matte Henderson - ticks all the boxes for me. I love the mix of an early Fender P-Bass and Stratocaster not only in terms of looks, but also in terms of how the guitar's slab body feels in hand (it's a touch more substantial feeling vs a trad Strat). Toss in a trio of custom voiced Fralin single coils (sans covers a la a P-Bass), a Sassafras body, and a super comfy Gotoh VSVG tremolo and you've got one hell of a cool, inspiring guitar made from a thoughtful mixture of two iconic designs. Take my money."
Kamaka Ukuleles
HF-4 Baritone
"Ever since I started at The Music Emporium I've wanted one of these baritone ukes. Having played guitar for nearly 40 years, I love instruments that pull me out of the familiar - ie, my guitar playing ruts. Simply put? I find this ukulele to be a songwriting machine. Melodies and new chord progressions flow out of me when playing it, which is exactly what I want - and need - sometimes. And besides, they're a blast to play. Ukulele and stressful aren't words you ever hear mentioned together for a reason, right?"
Joe Parker
Magretti
"I remember seeing Joe's guitars online a few years ago and being instantly drawn to them. I love the quirkier stuff that was being made overseas in the '60s and Joe's instruments pull from that world aesthetically, though build-wise, they're executed at the highest level. If you're into Collings electrics, our friend Joe Yanuziello's guitars, Koll, etc...you really should check one of these guitars out. Not only do they look unique (and cool), they play effortlessly, sound incredible, and sustain for days. And be honest - do you really want to look and sound like everyone else?"
Zvex Effects
Lo-Fi Loop Junky
"I've been a huge Zvex fan dating back to the late '90s when I first plugged into a Seek Wah at the old Cambridge Music here in the Boston area. Zachary Vex's mad scientist approach to effect pedals was exactly what I was looking for as a young music school graduate just getting my feet wet in studios and on stages. Speaking of which, I was recently in the studio and was reminded of just how important pedals like this - ones seeking novel sounds - can be to the creative process. Sure, Tube Screamers, Rats, Big Muffs, etc...are awesome and have their place, but Zachary gives you something else entirely. They encourage you to think outside of your comfort zone and explore sounds, textures, and writing - not playing your same old licks."
Carr Amplifiers
Merc V
"I'm a big fan of Steve Carr's amplifiers and the one at the top of my current 'want list' is the Merc V. While listed at "only" 16 watts, it's a loud 16 watts that you could easily gig with. As with all of Steve's amps, the built in attenuator makes home playing, recording, or smaller gigs a breeze. Possibly the coolest feature? The line out which allows you to plug directly into your recording interface and capture shockingly great tones. Think mic'ing the amp with a tried-and-true SM57 mic and that's what the line out sounds like."
Universal Audio
476P Audio Interface
"With mentioning recording a few times in this Hidden Gems article, it's probably somewhat obvious that I'm into recording and writing as my preferred means of music making - it's something that goes back to my childhood. Speaking of which, my teenager has gotten quite into playing drums so the need to expand my setup in order to help him mic his kit so he can write and record his own music has become a top priority. The UA interfaces are a no-brainer - they're simple to use (critical when trying to capture ideas in the 'heat of the moment'), sound great, and don't cost an arm and a leg. I'll be picking one of these up for my home studio very soon."
Mono Cases
Classic Dual Electric Gig Bag
"A gig bag, eh? Mmm hmm. No lie? This is one of the best accessories I've ever purchased (and foolishly sold to my old bandmate not too long ago thinking my busy gigging days were behind me). These are critical if you're playing out a lot and want to bring multiple guitars. When you have to park 5 blocks away from the venue in a place like NYC, you'll think me for condensing your back/forth to the car to one trip (2 guitars on your back, pedalboard in one hand, amp in the other. Done). Pro tip, as told to me by our tech Joe K: If you're doing an out of town gig and only need one guitar, use the front guitar compartment for your suitcase. Genius. I miss mine and will be purchasing another very soon."
Scott Heatley
7-String Parisienne
"7-strings have always been a curiosity dating back to when I was a kid and obsessed with Steve Vai's Passion And Warfare record. My days of shredding are definitely behind me, but my love of harmony / chords / voicings keeps the 7-string intrigue high for me. This Heatley might just be the coolest, most musical 7 I've encountered - namely because I'm not a metal player. Think piano players like Bill Evans - that's what I find exciting about the extended range and its possibilities for interesting and new chord approaches. "
