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Gibson Factory Tour Memphis

17 Jul 2013 | Categories: Fun, Gear Wednesday, On The Road | Posted by: Jenavive

On Saturday, July 13 we decided to do a tour of the Gibson factory in Memphis Tennessee and let me tell you it was really amazing! Unfortunately and understandably we were unable to take any photos of the actual tour itself but I’m here to share as much as I can in text. You are guided into a massive open room (the factory takes a whole street block!) where the employees, rather artists, are present working on hundreds of guitars. This factory is specifically designed to make the Hollow and Semi-Hollow guitars such the ES-355 pictured below. Hard bodies, such as the classic Les Pauls and SGs are made in their Nashville factory and their Acoustic guitars in Montana.

ES-355 with the sunburst colour pattern.

 

The tour showed us how each layer of wood is pressed to form the shape and then sanded by hand to clean up all the edges. Machines these days allow the process to only take a few hours where it could take days by hand. It’s quite amazing seeing how every little thing goes together and each step it takes to make a guitar. One of these Gibsons takes about 6-8 weeks to make though the factory completes about 50 per day.

One part of the tour I had no idea about is the paint trimming. Each body is painted with an airbrush but one things that everyone should recognize about a Gibson’s style is the trim around the edges. See there is no way they can paint only the body without causing some sort of damage to prevent the trim from getting painted. Instead they just spray the entire body and once it is done they get some of the workers with steady hands to use razors and cut off the paint along the edges. This takes around 20 minutes each guitar! Pretty neat!

The guide told us that they average 97% pass rate on their finished guitars. The ones that don’t pass get their electronics ripped out and the wood is chopped up. Tearful site.

If you are a big guitar geek and are in the Memphis area definitely go check out the factory tour! It’s totally worth it!

 

~ Reggie

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10 Reasons why Live Local Music is Better Than Going to a Movie.

Categories: Fun, Indie Music Monday | Posted by: Jenavive
 10 Reasons why Live Local Music is Better Than Going to a Movie.

10. It’s cheaper. Most local shows are $5 to $10 bucks for 4 hours of entertainment. Movies are around $15 but with 3D and IMAX tickets get expensive quickly.

9. You can talk to your friends and not get yelled at for being a dick.

This would never happen at one of our shows

This would never happen at one of our shows

8. A chance to show off your sweet dance moves.

Tina! Come get some ham!

Tina! Come get some ham!

7. Girls will talk to you because of your excellent taste in music and superior social skills. Number 5 greatly helps your cause.

6. No children. Most shows are +18 plus.  This means you get to enjoy some guilt free adult entertainment.

5. Alcohol. For the same price of a theatre pop you can enjoy a delicious draft beer. *Note* better with friends.  

The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.

The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.

4. You can take a pee break whenever you want.   No more waiting for the slow part of the movie wondering if your bladder will explode.

3. Your facebook profile will look way more exciting.

This lady is having the best day OF HER LIFE!

This lady is having the best day OF HER LIFE!

2. You will get to hangout with cool bands.

1. That popcorn was making you fat anyway.

Turns out "Baby, Baby, Baby" was about Justin's love addiction for popcorn.

Turns out “Baby, Baby, Baby” was about Justin’s love addiction for popcorn.

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Accurate portrayal of recording studio engineer

Categories: Fun | Posted by: Jenavive

Ok, maybe it’s not so accurate. I would be amazed if there were engineers that could work this fast and efficiently. Is the video funny? Without a doubt.

My favorite part of this video is how good the singer is at singing out of key. That takes real talent.

A common misconception of autotune is that it can take any out-of-tune / off key singer, and make them the next Justin Bieber. It’s a little more difficult than that. Believe me, it would take a little more than autotune to fix my vocals.

Being a sound engineer is often a thankless and under appreciated job. As a musician, this video really hits home. Thank you to all the live and studio engineers we have had the pleasure of working with!

– Brett

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