For this, my second guest post for the Jemsite blog, I’d like to talk a little bit about my Ibanez Talman TC825FSL. This sparkly beauty was a Christmas present from Mrs I Heart Guitar in 2005. We were out and about pre-Christmas in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton, and we called in on Music Swop Shop, a secondhand store with more great gear than my tiny little mind can handle. Had a look a few cool things, including an Ernie Ball Music Man Axis, but when we stepped into the back room I saw two guitars that made my ears prick up: a Heartfield Talon and this Ibanez Talman. Now, the Talon was made by Fujigen, the same Japanese company that builds guitars for Ibanez. It was a sub-brand of Fender, and the Talon itself is basically a slightly tweaked Ibanez RG550. But I digress. Even though I’m interested in Heartfields, how could I concentrate on that guitar when this Talman was beckoning me?

Who knew guitar repair could be so fun?  

That's exactly the feeling I get when I read the brief, but quirky answers to Jemsite's Q&A for Gary Brawer's Stringed Instrument Repair, a quaint but cool little shop bursting with stories of disheveled musicians who came in with their broken instruments hoping for a fix and came out winners!

Gary Brawer owns the place, but shop manager Allen Whitman takes us on his own little tour--but only gives us a tast. For a real treat, check out the Brawer's Daily Guitar Repair blog and see for yourself where all the magic happens!

The Guitar Hero series on Jemsite features interviews with guitarists and musicians who may not have star status YET, but their current situations have shaped them to be who they are--determined, fond of their craft, and heroes in their own right.  Perhaps you'll see in these upcoming entries the next Jimi Hendrix, Melissa Etheridge, or Duane Allman.  Or perhaps they'll become household names by doing what they do best---doing their thing.

Judy Davids is not your average soccer mom.  Often, she will schedule pick ups from school and soccer games, PTA meetings, making lunches, and chores around another part-time gig--one she's persuaded the other neighborhood moms to try. 

At the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to play guitar every day.  It wasn't exactly a New Year's resolution, just a realization that if I wanted to improve, I would need to apply myself in a more disciplined fashion than I had previously.

Over the last ten years, I managed to run ten marathons, ultimately qualifying for and running Boston Marathon.  While I don't consider myself particularly athletic, it was clear that I was able to improve my marathon times over the years by putting in more miles and more regular training.   I think that anyone --of any age and any lifestyle-- who wants to run a marathon can do so.  All you have to do is like running and do it regularly.  So why not apply the same techniques to guitar?  Consistency is key, so that means playing every day if you can.  So here are a few tips for getting more time to play.

Are you looking for musical excitement, possibly a new career, and tremendous networking opportunities?  Ever consider starting your own festival? 

If there’s nothing that's a few hours drive from your place, then you should consider it.  It’s truly an educational experience.

I’m remembering an old expression that goes something like this:  “We’re building this plane as we’re flying it.” 

If you have good people skills, patience, and the desire, then almost anything is possible.  When I refer to audience members and customers, these references include the musicians who will “make” your event. You’re selling this event to both performer and listener.

The Guitar Hero series on Jemsite features interviews with guitarists and musicians who may not have star status YET, but their current situations have shaped them to be who they are--determined, fond of their craft, and heroes in their own right.  Perhaps you'll see in these upcoming entries the next Jimi Hendrix, Melissa Etheridge, or Duane Allman.  Or perhaps they'll become household names by doing what they do best---doing their thing.

A Los Angeles singer-songwriter that also has a penchant for guitar? You can't hold a candle to Kristy Hanson, a classically trained singer who picked up a guitar in her teens.  Kristy may be inspired by Joni Mitchell, but don't call her music folk---even if she could throw you in an intimate concert in your living room.  Her lyrics are honest, her rock-pop sound is smooth--and oh yeah, her guitar playing is fierce! The combination is extraordinary and there's no doubt Kristy Hanson easily takes the title for our Guitar Hero of the week!