Joe Gore’s The Subversive Guitarist: Shred Like Shakespeare - Feb. '19 Ex. 3
Designed Michael Keene of The Faceless, this guitar features a GOTOH tremolo system, Fishman Fluence pickups, and a custom “Keene Green” finish.
Designed in collaboration with metal titan Michael Keene of The Faceless, this signature guitar has appropriately been dubbed “The Keene Machine”. Perhaps its most notable feature is the integration of a GOTOH 1996T tremolo system, allowing you to raise or lower the pitch with intensity and accuracy. Another key feature is the installation of two Fishman Fluence pickups, which are complemented by a push/pull pot that allows two unique voices between the Fluences and can be expanded upon with the 5-way super switch. Aesthetically, the Alder body is finished with a custom “Keene Green” high gloss finish. The ebony fingerboard is crafted with Vola Eye of Life inlays as well as a signature “Chaos Star” inlay on the 12th fret.
Features Include
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Construction: Bolt-on neck with new contour heel
- Body: Alder
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck: 3 piece hard rock maple with Vola MC Neck shape and 3x3 Vola angled headstock
- Nut: Floyd locking nut R2
- Frets: 24 Medium Jumbo Nickel Frets/ 25.5" scale
- Inlay: Luminlay Green Vola Eye of Life inlay + custom 12th fret inlay “Chaos Star”
- Radius: 16" Radius
- Pickups: Fishman Fluence set
- Electronics: 1 Volume(Push/Pull), 5-way Super switch
- Bridge: Gotoh 1996T tremolo
- Tuners: Gotoh Locking tuners
- Strings: D'addario XL120 09-42
- Case: Vola Custom Series Gig Bag (included)
This Guitar is Super Strat PERFECTION! - VOLA OZ!
The Vola OZ KEENE MACHINE J1 is the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Visit their website or your local Vola dealer for a closer look at the OZ KEENE MACHINE J1..The Vola OZ KEENEMACHINE J1 has a street price of $1,749. Vola Guitars now sells direct!
For more information, please visit volaguitars.com.
John tests out Steve Ridinger's reimagination of the fuzzy drive pedal that began his stompbox-building journey in 1966.
Danelectro has introduced the newest pedal in its iconic product line: the Nichols 1966, a strikingly dynamic fuzz/distortion/overdrive based on a unique circuit designed by Danelectro’s Steve Ridinger as a teenager in the 1960s. At its core, the Nichols 1966 offers a broad range of fuzz and overdrive tones, with a highly touch-sensitive response that provides extra versatility for players who vary their right-hand pick attack and the volume knob settings on their guitar.
The Nichols 1966 also includes a two-position toggle switch for added EQ flexibility: you can select the pedal’s original 1960s Stock voicing or opt for a more modern Mid Cuttone profile for extra articulation on highs and lows.
Learn more here.
Whether or not your guitar’s been frozen in its cryosleep case for the winter, you’ll want to take some steps to make sure it experiences a healthy thaw.
Managing your instrument’s humidity and temperature are important pieces of a year-round maintenance regimen.
Here in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, we’re going from the dry, cold conditions of winter to the warmer, humid conditions of spring. As you probably know, these fluctuations can impact the well-being of your beloved instruments. So, here are some tips from our team on how to effectively care for your acoustic guitars during these seasonal shifts.
Before delving into specific tips, it's crucial to understand how seasonal changes affect acoustic guitars. Wood, the primary material in our guitars, is highly responsive to variations in temperature and humidity. When exposed to dry and cold conditions, wood tends to contract, leading to potential issues like cracking and changes in playability. Warm and humid conditions can cause the wood to expand, resulting in swelling, warping, or changes in tone.
Combating Dryness
As winter transitions to spring, the first challenge guitar owners face is the lingering dryness from the colder months. Low humidity levels can pose a threat to your acoustic's health, making it crucial to take preventive measures. One option is using a room humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level for your instrument. Aim for a relative humidity of around 45 to 55 percent, as this range is ideal for preserving the integrity of the wood.
Regularly monitoring the humidity in the guitar’s environment is essential. Hygrometers, inexpensive devices that measure humidity levels, can also be placed in the guitar case or the room where it's stored. This allows you to make necessary adjustments promptly. In extremely dry conditions, consider using a guitar humidifier inside the case to provide localized moisture, preventing the wood from drying out.
Guitars that use alternative materials like high-pressure laminate (HPL) are better equipped to handle many of the issues that arise with seasonal changes. Our recently reconfigured X Series includes different models with HPL backs, sides, and tops in various wood grain patterns. They’re durable, reliable, affordable, and still maintain that classic Martin tone, while not being affected by changes in temperature and humidity.
Gradual Acclimation
And as the temperatures rise during the transition to spring, it’s important to acclimate your guitar gradually. Sudden changes in temperature can lead to stress on the instrument. When out playing live, give your guitar time to adjust to the changing environment by keeping it in its case as long as possible. This gradual acclimation helps prevent the wood from expanding too rapidly, reducing the risk of structural issues.
Humidity Control
While spring brings warmer temperatures, it also introduces higher humidity levels. We suggest using dehumidifiers or air conditioning to maintain a balanced humidity level. In addition to controlling the overall humidity in your home, storing your guitar in a hardshell case with moisture-absorbing packets can provide an extra layer of protection against excessive moisture.
Regularly inspecting your guitar for any signs of damage, like cracks or loose braces from swelling wood, and changes in playability, like unusually high or low action, is crucial during the warmer seasons. Addressing issues promptly, by taking the steps mentioned above, can prevent long-term damage and ensure the longevity of your instrument.
Year-Round Maintenance
Regardless of the season, regular maintenance is key to preserving your acoustic guitar’s health. Keeping your instrument clean and well-hydrated is important. Using high-quality guitar polishes, cleaners, protectants, and detailers can help maintain the wood's moisture and protect it from environmental factors. It’s crucial to choose products specifically designed for acoustic guitars to avoid any adverse effects. By following this advice, you can ensure that your instrument remains in optimal condition despite the changing seasons. If you’re a Martin owner, you can also visit our website to find an authorized Martin service center near you to help you with routine maintenance and repairs for your guitars.
Whether it’s combating dryness with humidifiers, gradually acclimating to warmer temperatures, or controlling humidity during the spring, these tips will help you safeguard your acoustic guitar and enjoy its beautiful tones for years to come.