Gretsch pay tribute to Eddie Cochran with a signature G6120. For his whole career Cochran used an orange G6120 Chet Atkins, that he had bought at the tender age of 16 in 1955. The guitar stayed with him throughout his life and was found in the boot (trunk) of his car after his death. This signature model, single-cutaway hollow body features an arched, three-ply maple back and sides with parallel bracing and double-bound f holes. The neck has a 9.5″…

PositiveGrid are a California based company with a focus on music on mobile devices. They’ve recently announced JamUp, an FX, Amp, and Speaker simulator/modeller for Apple mobile devices. The app comes in two flavours; a free to download Lite version, and the full Pro version. From the JamUp Lite press release: “a lite featured but powerful multi-effect app that gives guitarists access to quick bedroom practice. JamUp Lite supports iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. JamUp Lite is a self-contained, professional-grade,…

Tech 21, maker of excellent SansAmp series of analog amp simulators, received a cease and desist notice from United States Steel Corporation for the allegedly unauthorized use of the name “U.S. Steel,” stating that it “is likely to cause the public to mistakenly think that your business is sponsored or approved, or in some way is affiliated with or connected to, United States Steel Corporation. Of equal importance, your company’s use of ‘U.S. Steel’ dilutes the distinctiveness of the U.S….

Today Cort Guitars announced the new CR Series single cut away, electric guitars. From the press release: “The new models are now available in music stores worldwide and target the musician interested in classic rock tones. Some models feature new upgrades such as TonePros licensed bridges, the new ClassicRocker II pickups with Alnico II magnets and red ivory binding”. There are four models available, ranging in price (MRSP) from USD349 to USD769. All guitars feature mahogany bodies, a 24.75″ scale…

Peavey is offering the ReValver HP Virtual Tube Amplifier Collection free for a limited time to customers who purchase particular Vypyr Series modeling amplifiers. Customers who purchase a new Peavey Vypyr 15, Vypyr 30, Vypyr 30 Head, Vypyr 75, Vypyr 100, Vypyr Tube 60, Vypyr Tube 120 or Vypyr Tube 120 Head can qualify to receive a free copy of ReValver HP amplifier modeling software (USD99 value). Only available in USA and Canada and from authorised Peavey dealers, through this…

Fender are to honour ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, with a signature Tele. Some of the highlights are; Ash body with blond finish Vintage style bridge and single coil bridge pickup Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1 humbucker in the neck position “C” shape maple neck with rosewood fretboard featuring a 9.5″ radius and jumbo frets The guitar carries a recommended retail price of GBP720 (approx USD1,180 or EUR820) but will only be available in Europe. Soures: MI Pro and Music Radar

Excepts from the press release: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first 1961 Casino, Epiphone is proud to announce the new, limited-edition 1961 Anniversary Casino, which has many features that were discontinued after the original Casino’s first year of production. Epiphone has produced a total of only 1,961 Anniversary Casinos, each with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity – a quality that enhances the guitar’s appeal and collectability. The exclusive Epiphone 1961 Anniversary Casino is available beginning in July…

A rare Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, dating back to the start of the rock’n’roll is to go under the auctioneer’s hammer in England. The guitar from 1954 is believed to have been played by the rockabilly musician Carl Perkins for his hit Blue Suede Shoes in Memphis. Originally thought to be worth little, it could fetch up to £50,000 according to the auctioneer. Mr Humbert said the instrument was likely to draw transatlantic interest, possibly fetching tens of thousands of…

A guitar once owned by The Who rocker Pete Townshend has raised $50,000usd (around £31,000gbp) at a music auction in London. The Gibson Les Paul Gold Top guitar, which smashed its original $32,000 estimate, was played by Townshend during the U.S. leg of the band’s Quadrophenia tour in 1973 and 1974. It was among the highlights to go under the hammer at a Christie’s pop and rock memorabilia sale. Source: Contact Music

Gibson are to honour Doors guitarist Robbyt Krieger with a signature model of his famous SG. Here’s what they have to say about it; “During his time with The Doors, and beyond, Robby Krieger proved himself one of the most inventive guitarists in rock. His lithe, flamenco- and jazz-influenced licks and solos took the electric guitar in directions that no other popular rock artist was exploring, and constituted one of the main ingredients in a band that stood out as…