Product Review: LOXX

I just picked up strap locks from a lesser known company named Loxx. Made in Germany, Loxx straplocks are basic and to the point. With a claimed 220 lb. of pull out force, these German engineered strap locks took me about 2 minutes to install with a screw gun. As said in my previous post, I’ve been faithful to Dimarzio Clip Lock straps. When I got my Betty strap, I needed strap locks. Now, although the Loxx strap locks won’t quit fit on the Betty strap unless I ream or punch out the hole a bit on the strap, these locks are quite nice. I like that they are very low profile and that the flat bolt has teeth that mount on the strap from behind. Its funny because the only other strap locks I’ve ever used were Schallers and I quit using them because the nut came loose and so did my strap. So I never used strap locks again. Loxx happens to have a nice comparison on their website between their product and Schaller’s. I can’t speak for other companies. Since I’m not really wanting to make the strap hole bigger on my Betty strap, I may try Ernie Ball strap locks and see how they compare. For the price and the quality, I would recommend Loxx. By the way, check out the Loxx history of how they came to be. Its actually kinda cool.

Side Note: Any time I decide to review something, I am in no way paid by or endorsed by any company. I just call it how I see/play it. I could only wish for free products and money and perks.

Product Review: Strapped Down By a Betty

Over the years I’ve kinda developed a devotion to DiMarzio Clip-Lock straps. In fact, I have them installed on my 4 main guitars. The others haven’t got one yet because those guitars usually don’t make it out on stage. After spending $2k on my Music Man guitar I wanted to get a more suitable strap. I was willing to pay a little more but desired comfort. I would have really loved to pick up a strap from Anthology. In my opinion, they make the most beautiful straps out there but they come at a price. After much research and debate I decide to keep it West Coast and go with a CA company named Mono.

I’ve had a lot of people tell me to go with a particular strap from Levy’s, but as I don’t like to go with the grain, I chose the Betty guitar strap from Mono. But more than that, the strap just looked comfortable on their website. It appeared to be well constructed with great materials and had the perfect length and width I was looking for. I felt the only thing I would miss out on is the smell of leather. The strap comes in 5 colors and color plays a role in the material used. I chose ash which uses a Duraweave material(Black and Steel Grey use a material called Sharkskin). They all have a neoprene underbelly to prevent sliding around while playing. The core of the strap is memory foam. That may not mean much with a lighter guitar, but it will definitely provide some comfort if you’re slinging a 7-string all night. I did feel like I was taking a little bit of a gamble with this purchase. With so many materials being used, there was sure to be a lot of stitching. More stitching/sewing can be a nightmare. One loose string and the whole thing could unravel. I can assure you that Betty is well built. Between the metal hardware and stitching, this strap will be around for a while. The only con I have is with the “hidden” guitar pick pocket. In theory, its a great idea. However, I would use it just as a storage and not as an “on-stage-oops-I-dropped-my-last-pick-emergency” solution. My fingers are little thick and it takes a while to dig a pick out that pocket. And don’t use a pick with any kind of “grip” texture or finish. I will get caught up in the neoprene.

Mono Betty Guitar Strap

New Family Member

Just thought I’d share a recent addition to my guitar family. This is a Music Man Ball Family Reserve Luke with a rosewood neck. By far the fastest playing and most comfortable guitar I’ve ever played.

Pushing Your Maximum BPM

One of the things I don’t do enough is disciplined practice with a metronome. I found this article at GuitarWorld.com that helps to “psyche out” your speed to get a desired result.

Guitar Strength: Pushing Through Practice Plateaus in Under 7 Minutes

Speed Kills

This is a pretty impressive feat. FLight of the Bumble Bee at 600bpm. However, at that speed the beauty of the song is lost.

Assisted DIY Amp Building

I found this link today through one of my Linked In groups. I’m going to do some investigating and post more on it later.

http://www.custom-amp.com/

Shoot The Sound Guy

I saw this on Facebook and had to nab it. This is worse than the idiot at a local venue who had me face my cabs to the back of the stage because he said the acoustics in the room made it way too loud for the audience. Plus he didn’t have great mics so we would have to crank our volumes. Worse sound ever!!!!

Eric Gales

Eric Gales is a phenomenal guitarist. Unfortunately, life on the road and addictions have been a demon that has set him back. Here’s an interview with him while he was locked up in Shelby County Detention Center. I believe he’s doing well these days but this definitely serves as a good example of how drugs can hold a good musician back.

Here’s some life performances:

Learning to Play with an App

Found this site that claims to have an app that will teach you to play. I’ve yet to download it to my iPad to see for myself. It does look interesting however.

rockprodigy.com/

Mixing Business and Pleasure

I’m a big Photoshop junkie. In all actuality, I use it practically every day at work as I am a graphic designer. I’m also a life long guitar player. I found this cool little link that mixes the two and thought I would share.

Make a Photorealistic Electric Guitar in Photoshop