Here’s my new toy…

It only took a year to finally decide that I wanted this guitar.

This is a Fender Classic Players Black Dove Telecaster Deluxe (phew…that was a mouthful!). It features an alder body, maple neck, and ’70s style headstock. Unlike the ’72 Tele Deluxe, this guitar features Fender “Black Dove” pickups (their variation of a P-90). While I dig the tone, I’m going for something noiseless…BUZZZZZ…

I am probably going for the Dimarzio Virtual P-90s as they do not require further routing. The Duncan pickups require routing; I had thought about a custom Hot P-90 stack as well. Another option is to have a set of Vintage Vibe pickups made – a Charlie Christian stack in the neck and a P-90 stack in the bridge. The vintage saddles are going; they will be replaced by stainless steel saddles.

What do you guys think?

Some new and exciting changes!

Hey guys,

Wanted to give you a brief update before the weekend. As of this morning, http://www.thetonechasers.com has been registered and will be linked to an “under construction” page.

My main goal is to have this website setup, to feature articles, reviews, etc. I am going to try and incorporate this blog (if I am able to do so) as my main news feed.

With the new changes I hope to also add a fully functioning message board (and possibly a chat room) to allow all members to get real-time conversation with their guitar/tone needs.

Keep your eyes peeled – it’s workin’ time! Let’s keep building!

Captain Chrismo

Did I finally nail it? CHORUS time!

I hope that I’ve finally found the end-all solution to chorus pedals – the Retro-Sonic Chorus Ensemble.

Picked one up a few weeks ago – have yet to put it through the paces. In store with a Tele it nailed “Purple Rain” so we should be set!

The buzz with FUZZ…

Considering I still haven’t made up my mind on an overdrive pedal, I’d like to present to you the Black Cat OD-1 Fuzz pedal. They’re back!

The main reason why I want this is that Kyle Cook of matchbox twenty used it on the song “Mad Season” – it just sounds awesome! Smooth and sustaining, I can’t wait to grab one!

There’s a big discussion on overdrive pedals over at the TDPRI – anyone got any suggestions they’d like to throw in? So far I’m looking for something that goes from a clean boost with slight hair on the top end to full out overdrive, as heard in “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” by Stone Temple Pilots.

Holy moly – did I forget you?

It was certainly one crazy semester – so crazy that quite a few things had been put off (including this blog!). I can’t feel too bad though – the Epiphone blog hasn’t seen an update since October 27th!

Just wanted to pop in for a little bit and give you guys the run down…for starters I hope to have this blog hoppin’ again in the New Year.

With the New Year comes new gear – I’m currently in the modification process of a Fender Classic ’60s Strat in shell pink – how cool! My pedal board is seeing a complete overhaul – after a year with most of the pedals, I have found better options that will help shape my tone. I’m contemplating a Suhr Shiba overdrive and I’m anxiously awaiting the Fulltone Choralflange 2 and EHX Deluxe Memory Boy (analog tap tempo!)

In closing – just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday season. Be safe and we’ll see ya in 2010!

Captain Chrismo

Epiphone Les Paul Specials

So word is that some of the AIMM dealers have gotten LIMITED supplies of Epiphone Les Paul Specials – these things have TWO P-90 pickups!

They come in cherry, TV White and TV Yellow. I’ve seen the cherry and TV White so they do exist – just waiting to jump on a TV Yellow!

Anyone spot these near them? I can’t wait to have a new P-90 loaded guitar! I think I want to give the Duncan P-90 stacks a try…

Sorry for the lack of posting lately – picked up an almost-full-time job on top of school. Hope all is well with you guys!

My effects loop is COMPLETE…

Here’s my new effects loop. I’m running in this order:

Guitar
Korg Pitchblack Tuner
Whirlwind “Orange Box” Phaser
Visual Sound Comp 66
Barber LTD Special Recipe
ZVEX Distortron
CMATMODS Waterbox
MXR Carbon Copy
Fender Vibro King

Now I just need that hot pink pedalboard!

A quick plug…

A few topics below, I discussed my search for a new chorus pedal.

I have found a new friend in Chad Matthews, better known as CMATMODS. (www.cmatmods.com)

I purchased the Water Box from him, and I have to say it’s the most versatile, warm, clear chorus pedal I’ve ever used – plus it’s true bypass with no volume issues!

The customer service is outstanding, and Chad makes sure every last order is just right, plus he has a phenomenal warranty that covers almost anything with his pedals.

Check out his pedals – I especially love my new Water Box and the Brownie pedal.

My random score…

1984 BC Rich Mockingbird, NJ series in Atomic Pink (made in Japan). Believed to be Dimarzio stock pickups, similar to a PAF Pro and Super Distortion. Clean and plays like a dream.

I am so stoked…

As I posted awhile back, I’ve been lookin’ for a guitar with humbuckers or P-90s. Something with that vintage tone and feel.

I think Epiphone’s new 1959 Les Paul with Burstbuckers 2 & 3 just might cure my GAS. I hope to get my hands on one when they are released: