
Alan Keith loves his ''58 Les Paul so much, he built it a room of its own
On his way to becoming Premier Collector #5, Alan Keith learned a Premier Guitar secret -- call late enough at night, and you might encounter our hard-working CEO. Of course, a nod from the top isn''t all the caught our attention about Alan''s collection. We were first taken by his 1958 Les Paul Special (which, in our opinion, looks just as beautiful au natural as it would''ve with the original finish), and then he started telling us about his guitar room. A guy who built his own well-monitored, freestanding storage/jam room/shrine of rock in his backyard is a guy we had to get to know better.
Alan grew up in a guitar family. With five uncles who all played guitar, he grew up watching and listening to them play at family get-togethers in Texas. Now age 50, he has been playing since he was 10 years old when one of his uncles gave him a 3/4-size acoustic guitar. "I still wonder where it is today," says Alan. Though his love of rock and roll differed from the blues and Texas Swing played by his uncles, they encouraged his interest in the instrument. "I appreciate, especially looking back, the effort and time he took to help get me started," says Alan of one of his uncles. It was through his uncles that he got a number of the guitars he has now.
"Starting out, I had the usual lower grade, almost unplayable guitars as that was all I could afford. In 1979 another uncle gave me my first real playable guitar. He got it in the late fifties. One of the other brothers got one of these guitars so he could āsound like Les Paul.ā It was a 1958 Les Paul Special. The body finish had been removed. Back then few people thought much about changing colors if the notion struck them. All the original parts were there, and I rubbed the body with Tung oil and put it back together. I did have the original alligator case that was falling apart, so I went to Rock World of Oklahoma City (no longer there) to get a used case. I think it is so funny looking back at that, because the store had a big banner inside that said "Disco Sucks.ā That certainly dates the time period! I love that guitar and over all the years that is still the one I play most."
"The Les Paul and an old Ventura acoustic were my guitars for many years. The Ventura was a very good playing and sounding guitar and I was basically satisfied. I was satisfied until sometime about ten years ago, the collecting bug began to nibble at me. I have bought and sold antiques for many years and have had several specific things I would collect, therefore I am no stranger to the research and joy of the hunt that is part of the thrill of collecting.
"One of the first guitars I looked for was to replace the Ventura with a classic. So, after checking out the options for classic acoustics, I decided to find a Gibson J-45. I found one, a 1957 model. The Ventura has now been passed to my brother.
"My original idea was to get the styles and types I saw the players use from my favorite bands -- the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh, Boston, Doobie Brothers, Heart, Steely Dan and many others from my definition of the Golden Era of rock.
"I decided to play the songs I loved and try to get them note for note correct and feel from the playing point of view. I watch videos of the performances when I can find them, and try to see the positions they are playing in. I also try to get the tones that I hear coming from the recordings.
"To achieve this I have a few pedals from the analog time all these were recorded in. A couple of books have helped a lot. The Beatles Gear by Andy Babiuk, and Here, There and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick."
The Guitars:
"I got the ES-320 one from yet another uncle. These weren''t too popular and only ran 1970 to 1975."
The Amps:
"My amps are simpler -- not enough room to collect too many. My signal first goes into a Peavey Rockmaster. The Rockmaster is a seventies, 12ax7 tube driven preamp. It has a three channel capability controlled with a footswitch. This really helps me play the different parts of a song from clean to driven with just a footswitch as I am playing with the recording. From the Peavey the signal goes to either a Fender Twin from the late seventies, MusicMan, or the Gibson GA17RVT.
1979 Fender Twin
"I use a Rockman Powersoak and a Rocktron Hush with it to drive it without too much volume."
1965 GA-17RVT
"I bought this and the ES-125 from the original owner who bought them together in the sixties. The Bigsby was original on the ES-125."
The Room:
"My collection (and noise) was outgrowing the guest room of our house, so my wife and I decided I should build a separate room from the house just for playing and displaying the guitars and equipment. So we found a place next to our house and the work began. First, a slab floor was poured; then concrete block walls were erected. A handyman and I did the rest. The room has a reinforced fiberglass door with a steel outer door, an alarm and monitor cameras for my peace of mind (we also have two 200 lb. Mastiffs).Ā It has no windows, two small skylights and is climate controlled. Apart from the alarm and video cameras, I can also monitor the humidity, temperature and I am alerted of a fire from the inside of the house."
"I rarely play out, and really I get such pleasure from nailing one of the songs I am working on and accompanying the recording donāt feel the desire to." Alan says, "I am no pro and I know my limitations'' as Clint Eastwood said in Dirty Harry. But, I couldnāt be happier playing for my own pleasure and accomplishment and sometimes with or for my friends."
To join Alan as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Watch the official video documenting the sold-out event at House of Blues in Anaheim. Join Paul Reed Smith and special guests as they toast to quality and excellence in guitar craftsmanship.
PRS Guitars today released the official video documenting the full night of performances at their 40th Anniversary celebration, held January 24th in conjunction with the 2025 NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants) Show. The sold-out, private event took place at House of Blues in Anaheim, California and featured performances by PRS artists Randy Bowland, Curt Chambers, David Grissom, Jon Jourdan, Howard Leese, Mark Lettieri Group, Herman Li, John Mayer, Orianthi, Tim Pierce, Noah Robertson, Shantaia, Philip Sayce, and Dany Villarreal, along with Paul Reed Smith and his Eightlock band.
āWhat a night! Big thanks to everyone who came out to support us: retailers, distributors, vendors, content creators, industry friends, and especially the artists. I loved every second. We are so pleased to share the whole night now on this video,ā said Paul Reed Smith, Founder & Managing General Partner of PRS Guitars. āI couldnāt be more proud to still be here 40 years later.ā
With nearly 1,400 of the whoās who in the musical instrument industry in attendance, the night ended with a thoughtful toast from PRS Signature Artist John Mayer, who reflected on 40 years of PRS Guitars and the quality that sets the brand apart. āThe guitars are great. You canāt last 40 years if the guitars arenāt great,ā said Mayer. āMany of you started hearing about PRS the same way I did, which is you would talk about PRS and someone would say āTheyāre too nice.ā Whatās too nice for a guitar? What, you want that special vibe that only tuning every song can give you on stage? You want that grit just like your heroes ā¦ bad intonation? The product is incredible.ā
Black Sabbath to Reunite for First Time in 20 YearsāOzzy Osbourneās Final Performance
The original Sabbath lineup will reunite on July 5 in Birmingham, England, and be joined by Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and more.
The concert will feature founding members Tony Iommi on guitar, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Profits from the show, called "Back to the Beginning," will be donated to charities including Cure Parkinson's.
On future Black Sabbath plans, Ozzy's wife, music manager, and TV personality Sharon Osbourne had this to say (via Reuters) about Ozzy: āWhile other bandmembers might continue to make records and perform, Black Sabbath's gig at the birthplace of the band will certainly be the 76-year-old's final performance.
"For Ozzy right now, it's definitely: 'I love you and good night'," she said.
The shredder and son of legendary artist Frank Zappa gives a tour of his up-to-date gear, including a complex stereo switching system, four racks of pedals, and some of his fatherās favorite guitars.
Dweezil Zappa was always going to end up being an incredible guitarist. His dad, Frank Zappa, is celebrated as one of the most talented and creative guitarists in history, and by age 12, Dweezil was recording music produced by Eddie Van Halen. (Little surprise that heās covering Van Halenās 1981 stunner āPush Comes to Shoveā lately.) Heās been a bona fide guitar star ever since, releasing seven original solo records, six tribute records, two LPs with his brother Ahmet Zappa, and guesting on recordings across the music universe.
Ahead of his gig at Memphisā Minglewood Hall on his 2024 Rox(postroph)y tour, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Frank Zappaās Apostrophe (') and Roxy & Elsewhere records, Dweezil gave PGās John Bohlinger a boot-to-bonnet look at his current road setup. Thereās a lot of ground to cover between his and his fatherās catalogues, and Dweezil loves the challenge, which he meets with a mix of his own gear and some special vintage assists courtesy of his dad.
Brought to you by DāAddario.Shut Up ān Play Yer Les Paul
This coveted GibsonĀ Les Paul Custom, featured on the cover of Frankās 1981 record Shut Up ān Play Yer Guitar, came out on the road this tour. Dweezil says that around 1986, his dad swapped in Dan Armstrong-made ceramic pickups. At one point, Frank installed a second input to try to use the guitar as a synth controller, but it didnāt track well enough to continue the experiment.
Along with the standard controls, the guitar includes switches to turn on different parts of the onboard preamp, which boosts the signal and adds plenty of gain. A rotary knob controls a wired-in parametric EQ set up to emulate different settings along the sweep of a wah pedal. Dweezil didnāt get much of the lowdown from his father on the complex operations; it was more trial-and-error. āYou just have to turn knobs until you find something that you like,ā he says. He connects to his rig with ZZYZX SnapJack magnetic cable connectors.
Rockin' with Roxy
Also out on the Rox(postroph)y tour is Frankās iconic Roxy & Elsewhere-era Gibson SG. Like the Les Paul, itās got a preamp circuit to boost the signal, a sweepable EQ, and can achieve acoustic, piezo-adjacent sounds. The preamp configuration in this one is red-hot; it dishes out tons of gain.
Signature Shabat
For Strat-style tones, Dweezil calls on his signature Shabat Lynx DZ, which has been used to dial in his cover of āPush Comes to Shove.ā Per Shabat, it has a ābody-mounted HSS configuration with a push/pull phase shift on the middle pickup, simplified single-knob layout, custom-cut 3-ply parchment/gold pickguard, and ā¦ a Vega-Trem VT1 tremolo."
The Lynx DZ is constructed with an alder body and a quartersawn hard maple, medium-C-profile neck with a 25.5" scale length. Itās loaded with Lollar Special S and Lollar El Rayo pickups, and the middle Special S is wired for phase shift. The Lynx, as well as the SG and Les Paul, are strung with Optima Gold-Plated 2028 FZ Frank Zappa strings (.008ā.046), and struck with DāAddario .50 mm celluloid picks. (Dweezil likes them for pick slides.)
On the Ground
Zappa keeps a significant board at his feet, which he controls with a Fractal FC-12 controller. He runs his sound in stereo, with different effects going to each side, so he keeps volume pedals for each side in front of him, plus a wah and expression pedal.
The row of pedals perched atop the pedalboard includes a TC Electronic Polytune 3 Noir, a Marshall-style prototype pedal, J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO, Union Tube and Transistor Lab, SoloDallas Orbiter, a Jext Telez White Pedal (to nab a specific tone for playing āNanook Rubs Itā), and a 29 Pedals FLWR.
In the Rack
On our 2013 Rig Rundown, Dweezil was using the Fractal Axe-Fx II, and this time around, heās upgraded to the Axe-Fx III as the basis of his sound. Given the sonic territory covered in his shows, it simply became too unwieldy and expensive to tour an analog rig.
The brains of his show are held in a rack system. A couple of out-of-sight splitter boxes help with the complex stereo signal paths, as do a pair of Voodoo Lab HEX audio switchers. The Axe-Fx III lives on the top shelf, and just below it are an Eventide H90 and TC Electronic TC 2290 that go to both sides.
The next rack down runs only to the left side, and includes a BK Butler Tube Driver, DigiTech FreqOut, Red Panda Radius and Raster, Krozz Devices Airborn Analog Flanger, and a Paul Trombetta Design Tornita! fuzz.
The level below it runs to the right side, with a āClown Vomitā fuzz, Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl, Korg FLG-1 Flanger, Chase Bliss Generation Loss, Goochfx Holy Cow, and another Red Panda Raster.
Wrapping up the rig is the bottom rack, which again runs to both sides. It carries most of Zappaās exquisite dirt sounds, thanks to a Union Tube and Transistor Tsar Bomba, Chase Bliss Automatone Preamp MKII, Goochfx Dirty Hippie, Tru-Fi Two Face, Foxrox Electronics Paradox TZF2, and a Paul Trombetta Design Rotobone that ā¦ somewhat reasonably apes a trombone sound. Paul Trombetta, we salute you.
Kepma Guitars introduces the new Fenix Series of Grand Auditorium acoustic guitars, offering premium features at an entry-level price, plus their new travel-sized FC Mini Series.
Designed for both aspiring players and seasoned musicians, the Fenix Series offers premium features typically found in higher-priced instruments, all starting at just $249.99.
āThe new Fenix models represent our commitment to making premium-quality guitars accessible to players at every level, without compromising on sound, playability, or innovation,ā said Kepma USA president Tony Moscal. āWith their torrefied solid tops, thinner neck profiles, and unparalleled playability, these guitars deliver exceptional sound and feel typically reserved for professional instrumentsāall at an entry-level price.ā
The Kepma Fenix Series features a Grand Auditorium body style with a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top, delivering exceptional tonal resonance and stability. The proprietary Kepma Torrefication Process uses a precise combination of heat and humidity to remove moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, resulting in a stronger, more stable top that enhances string vibration and ensures consistent performance in any environment.
Back and sides are crafted from layered African mahogany, providing a warm, balanced sound. The neck, made of durable nato wood, is reinforced with a two-way adjustable truss rod and finished with a smooth satin coating for effortless playability.
The Fenix Series is packed with cutting-edge features to elevate the playing experience:
- New 4-Point Bolt-On Neck Joint: Ensures unparalleled stability that allows for easy adjustments and maintenance - a first at this price point.
- Ultra-Thin Water-Based Finish: Environmentally friendly and just 0.042mm thick, this finish protects the guitar while maximizing tonal projection and preserving the natural beauty of the wood.
- Beveled Binding for Comfort: High-quality ABS beveled binding enhances durability, prevents edge damage, and ensures a comfortable playing experience.
- C-Shaped Fast Neck: A player-friendly design that reduces hand fatigue, enhances playing fluidity, and supports all playing styles.
For players seeking even more versatility, the optional AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup, Preamp & FX System transforms the Fenix into an all-in-one performance and practice powerhouse. This system includes built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a companion app for rhythm looping, metronome functions, and more. Whether youāre performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
The Kepma Fenixā¢ Series offers four configurations to suit every playerās preferences:
- FGA1-130 (Natural Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130A (Natural Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
- FGA1-130SB (Sunburst Finish): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish. MAP: $249.99
- FGA1-130ASB (Sunburst Finish with AcoustiFex): Grand Auditorium, solid torrefied spruce top, layered mahogany back and sides, sunburst finish, AcoustiFex K-10 Pro Pickup System. MAP: $299.99
The new Fenix models are designed to inspire beginners and seasoned musicians alike, setting a new benchmark for performance and value in the industry.
Kepma Guitars is thrilled to announce the introduction of its versatile FC Mini Series, packed with cutting-edge technology that redefines expectations for travel-sized guitars.
The new FC Mini models include a variety of configurations to suit every playerās needs. The Spruce/Rosewood and Spruce/Mahogany options feature solid torrefied spruce tops paired with layered rosewood or mahogany back and sides, available in natural and sunburst finishes. The Mahogany/Mahogany model features a solid torrefied mahogany top with layered mahogany back and sides in a natural finish. Each guitar is offered in three versions: no pickup, with the AcoustiFexĀ® K-10 Pro system, or equipped with the Elfin Sound System, and all come with a deluxe gig bag. Prices range from $399.99 to $549.99 MAP.
Big Sound in a Compact Package Traditionally, smaller guitars have been associated with compromised sound and tone. Kepmaās FC Mini Series shatters this notion by integrating advanced innovations and meticulous design to create a guitar that offers the full resonance and projection of a standard acoustic.
Premium Materials and Construction The torrefaction process removes moisture, oils, and sap from the wood, enhancing stability and delivering superior tonal richness. Back and sides crafted from high-quality mahogany or rosewood ensure durability and warmth in every note.
Technological Innovations
- Proprietary Bolt-On Neck Design: Kepmaās neck contour bolt-on neck joint ensures a perfect and stable connection between neck and body, offering ultimate playability and infinite adjustability.
- Rosewood Bracing: Solid rosewood bracing enhances top stability and reduces energy loss, resulting in superior articulation and sustain.
- Arched Back Design: A unique arched back improves resonance and eliminates the need for back bracing, allowing for harmonious vibrations and a fuller sound.
Enhanced Playability The FC Mini Series is engineered with the player in mind. The slightly thicker neck provides added stability, while the ergonomic C-shape design reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions. The sleek cutaway provides access to the higher notes on the fretboard for better playability. Lower string action, beveled binding, and redesigned precision sealed tuners further enhance comfort and ease of use.
Attention to Detail Kepmaās commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of the FC Mini Series:
- D'Addario XS Strings: Coated strings extend playing life and offer superior projection.
- Elegant Aesthetics: Features include a magnolia inlay on the fretboard, upgraded rosette, and a refined rosewood veneer headstock.
- Eco-Friendly Finish: A thin, water-based matte finish minimizes vibration damping for a clear, transparent sound.
Advanced Electronics for Modern Musicians
AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System Each new FC Mini Series model is available with the AcoustiFex K-10 Pro System, offering:
- Built-in reverb, delay, and chorus effects
- Bluetooth audio streaming for playing along with backing tracks
- An on-the-go USB interface for app connectivity, enabling looping, rhythm tracks, and practice tools like a metronome and tuner
- Whether youāre performing on stage or practicing at home, plugged into an amp or mixer, or simply playing unplugged, the AcoustiFex system delivers unmatched sound and convenience.
Elfin Sound System The FC Mini Series are also available with the new Elfin K-13 Sound System, developed collaboratively by Kepma and Double Acoustics. The system offers high sensitivity, accurate sound reproduction, strong output power, and low noise. The under-saddle piezo pickup delivers sweet treble and punchy bass, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing. Additionally, the preamp features a rechargeable battery system that can be conveniently charged using a standard USB-C phone charger cable. The Elfin K-13 Sound System was developed and voiced specifically for the Kepma Ā¾ size FC Mini Series guitars.
Complete Package Each FC Mini guitar comes with a padded deluxe gig bag and an accessory kit that includes a custom truss rod wrench, microfiber polishing cloth, bridge pins, picks, extra saddle, and string height gauge.
Purchase Options
Spruce/Rosewood, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR, MAP: $449.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA, MAP: $549.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Rosewood, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top/Layered Rosewood Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SR-SB, MAP: $449.99
- AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SRA-SB, MAP: $549.99
- Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SRE-SB, MAP: $549.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME, MAP: $499.99
Spruce/Mahogany, Sunburst Finish
- Solid Torrefied Spruce Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Sunburst Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-SM-SB, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-SMA-SB, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-SME-SB, MAP: $499.99
Mahogany/Mahogany, Natural Finish
- Solid Torrefied Mahogany Top / Layered Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Finish
- No Pickup: Model FCM-MM, MAP: $399.99
- With AcoustiFex K-10 Pro: Model FCM-MMA, MAP: $499.99
- With Elfin Sound System: Model FCM-MME, MAP: $499.99
The new Kepma FC Mini Series combines portability, premium materials, and advanced technology to offer an unparalleled sound and playing experience. Whether youāre a traveling musician or a beginner seeking comfort and quality, the FC Mini Series is your perfect companion.
For more information, please visit kepmausa.com.