Amps Going To All New Heights

The age of technology has long been making moves in the music world. I remember my first amp. I thought I was a rock god! I only had one BOSS distortion pedal and the built in distortion channel on the amp itself. My next amp purchase will be much different. Jump 13 years into the future and you have a state of the art, limitless, and powerful computer amp. The amps on the market are taking your guitar to an all new level. These two Companies have been a powerhouse in the market for "smart amps". Here are a few things you need to know about each of them and how to know which is going to work for you. 

The new Fender Mustang amplifier series raises the standard for modern guitar versatility and muscle. Driven by incredibly authentic amp models and a huge bank of built-in effects, Mustang amplifiers come equipped with USB connectivity and Fender Fuse software, allowing your musical creativity and imagination to run wild. The Fender Mustang III is a 100W open-back combo amp with a 12" Celestion speaker that sounds great and pumps serious volume. It contains 100 amp presets derived from 12 different amp models that deliver tones from vintage Fender sparkle to outrageous modern metal distortion, and 37 different effects in four categories (stomp, modulation, delay and reverb), all easily and instantly accessed. The Mustang III combo is great for rehearsing, jamming and small gigs, and the 1/8" headphone jack doubles as a speaker-emulated line out. Further, connect Mustang III to your computer with its USB output and use the included Fender Fuse software to open up a world of possibilities, including on-screen parameter control, deep editing, additional effects, unlimited preset storage, online preset swapping with the Fender Fuse community, and free Fender artist presets. The Mustang III combo's included programmable two-button footswitch controls preset up/down, quick access, effects on/off and tap tempo (optional four-button footswitch also available). Mustang III packs it all into a striking visual design with sleek and modern Fender styling that provides a look that's as desirable as the sound.

Line 6 Spider IV is one of America's best-selling family of guitar amplifiers. Plug into a 75W Spider IV 75 for Line 6 amp and FX modeling, dialed-in tones and presets created and inspired by rock stars, and much more.Each guitar amp model in the Line 6 Spider amp delivers the distinct tonal nuances of a celebrated American, British, or European guitar amp. Models were inspired by a Marshall JCM-900, Hiwatt Custom 100, '60s Fender Blackface Twin Reverb, '60s Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC30 Top Boost, Divided by 13 9/15, '50s wide panel Fender Deluxe Reverb, Gretsch 6156, '68 Marshall Plexi 50-Watt, Orange AD30, '68 Marshall Plexi 100-Watt with a Variac and jumped input channels, Diezel Herbert, and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Keep your Line 6 Spider IV 75 guitar amp up to date with an FBV MkII footcontroller. Connect the Spider IV 75 to Line6.com via an FBV MkII footcontroller to receiver valuable software and firmware updates and upgrades. These updates may include new features, presets, or effects for your Line 6 amp. FBV Express MkII delivers hands-free channel switching; FBV Shortboard MkII is a full-on remote control. They both feature a full-sized volume/wah pedal, chromatic tuner display, bright LEDs, durable footswitches and chassis, and more. They keep you at the foot of the stage instead of tied to the front of your Spider IV 75. They also feature USB connectivity for keeping your Spider IV 75 up to date. (Footcontrollers sold separately.) Who do you want to sound like today? Discover the tones of your heroes in Line 6 Spider IV 75. 50 famous guitarists and bands, including Coheed & Cambria, Johnny Marr, Slipknot, and others, handcrafted more than 300 of their signature tones and turned them into Line 6 Spider IV 75 presets—from sparkling cleans to effect-laden tones to saturated high-gain heaven. Line 6 Spider IV Edit software (a free download from Line6.com) is an editor/librarian for your Spider IV 75 tones. Bask in the glow of your computer while you edit presets, create backups, and even email tones to other Spider IV players. 

Over all the years I have been a guitarist I have never wanted an amp this bad. With this age of technology and genius ideas coming to the market so fast I can't wait to see what they'll come up with next. Until next week, keep on rocking and rolling on your guitar playing journey!

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6 Top Selling Guitar Strings

When it comes to guitar strings, as a Guitarist, I generally don't have a preference, other than price. I tend to focus on size. I prefer a light or extra light size string for both electric and acoustic guitars. For my students, I recommend the same. As a general rule, if they are eroded, changing colors, or you didn't put them on yourself, you are in need of a change! Some guitarist even change out the factory string on new guitars, since they don't know how long the guitar set out on the sales floor. Either way, if you are going to play guitar, then you need to change them regularly. Your playing time will determine your change time. Example: You play for an hour a day for a month, your string time should be between 3-4 weeks. A set can last longer with proper maintenance practice: Wipe them down with string conditioner (purchased from guitar shop), keep the guitar in its home (its case), pay close attention to moister (causes tarnishing), and wash/dry your hands before playing (just trust me on this one). When the time finally comes to head down to the local shop, here are a few top brands you can trust:

1. D'Addario Strings: World-renowned as "The Player's Choice" among guitarists of all genres and styles. EXL strings are wound with nickel-plated steel, known for it's distinctive bright tone and reduced fret wear. EXL110s are among D'Addario's most popular round-wound, nickel-plated electric guitar strings.

2. Dean Markley Strings: Dean Markley 1973 Vintage Reissue Electric Guitar Strings are made to the same exacting specs as the original Vintage Electric strings that won the hearts of players around the world. The combination of outer wrap alloy, special round cores, and core-to-wrap ratios make these strings sing with power and punch. Long life is just a bonus. I'm a fan but not a buyer, I use my savings on guitar picks!

 3. Ernie Ball Strings: Regular Slinky Electric Strings are Ernie Ball's top-selling set and are favored by many musicians around the globe. Regular Slinky wound strings are made from a nickel-plated, steel wire wrapped around a hex-shaped, steel core wire. The plain strings are made of specially tempered, tin-plated, high-carbon steel, producing a well-balanced tone for your guitar. I'm a buyer and fan! 

 4. Fender Strings: Fender has been an instrument of choice for many of the greatest musicians since 1946. Fender's popularity through the generations is a result of their design innovations and commitment to quality. These guitar strings reflect this legacy and are worthy of the Fender name. Attention to detail and the finest materials ensure that you will get the best feeling and greatest sounding strings, set after set.

 5. GHS Boomers: Round wound nickel-plated steel delivers passion, power, and performance. The dynamite alloy Boomers continue to be the standard
to play by. GHS has made the highest-quality strings since 1964. The choice of numerous guitar greats. But not my choice. I may be wrong but I would stay clear of these, just based on the name..lol.

6. Martin Acoustic Strings: Martin uses a winding alloy that is ideally suited for making strings that deliver deep, rich basses and clear, bright trebles. Martin strings are high-quality strings designed for daily use. Core and wrap wires must meet strict requirements to make the grade. Martin acoustic guitar strings are wound to precise specifications. If I'm picky, I'm choosing this for my acoustic guitar needs.

I tell my students: "It isn't the guitar or the strings that make a guitar sound great, it's the talented people who play them."  What Guitar Strings have you come to call your favorite pick?

If you or anyone you know lives in the Rocky Mount/Tarboro, NC areas, 

Contact us at DWM Guitar Lessons and 

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Learn To Play Guitar Today!

Have you ever thought about picking up a guitar and wanted to start playing? Ever find yourself walking into a Guitar shop and dreaming of playing one someday? I have wonderful news for you! You can start playing guitar today! Getting started is easy and can be affordable. I recommend you take lessons from a real life person. Not a video or book. These items may help but in the end nothing beats a real live person.

DWM Guitar Lessons is in the business of helping everyday people learn how to play guitar and have fun all at the same time. We are affordable, reliable, knowledgeable, and motivational. No matter your age, gender, or style in music, we are here to help. David Wayne Manning has been playing guitar for over 15 years and has been apart of many different music projects and bands. "I believe everyone has the potential to play guitar. We just got to tap into that potential to see it happen!"-Wayne. Along with learning how to play guitar in one on one sessions, DWM Guitar Lessons, will post tips and hints for you on your Guitar playing journey. Our desire is to help anyone who wants to learn. Most One on One Guitar lessons are between $35 and $40 per hour but with us you'll only pay $20 for a one hour session. "I get really excited when I see the 'light bulbs' turn on in my student's eyes."-Wayne. DWM Guitar Lessons also provides you with consulting sessions in the field of purchasing your guitar and gear. We are willing give positive advice on making your guitar and gear purchases. "Don't be pushed into buying gear you don't need. Let us help, that is our goal and that is what we do!"- Wayne.


So, are you ready to learn this exciting age old skill of playing guitar? Act now and be amazed by what you can learn! Don't have a guitar yet? We can start by consulting with you at a local guitar shop and help you make the most out of your budget. Are you a parent of a child or young adult who has been wanting a guitar and don't know where to start. Let us help! The best time to start playing guitar is today and we want to be apart of your guitar playing journey.-DWM Guitar Lessons

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