Fender Vintera Guitars

Lava Music Guitars offer a interesting new concept of Acoustic Guitar manufacturing, I must admit I was skeptical when first looking at these Guitars, but after trying the Blue Lava Original Guitar I was very impressed with sound and feel and the full depth of tone it produced, I really hadn't expected such a big sound from such a compact sized Guitar, the power and volume it gave was more akin to a larger bodied acoustic. 

The Blue Lava original has a pure acoustic option and a electro version with pickup system, both perform fantastically, and are great for home, small gigs and very well suited for travelling due to a HPL (High Pressure Laminate) body construction, which works to achieve resistance against moisture and temprature changes that traditional solid top Guitars can suffer from.

The Blue Lava also comes with a nice quality padded bag.

Definitely a Guitar you should check out, the prices can start from around £300 upwards, great for all levels of player from beginner to professional.

Kendall Guitars first trip to the NAMM Show 2020, after 16 years of running the Shop this was the first year I've been able to get away and attend the NAMM show in Annaheim California, its been on my to do list for many years, I've previously visited UK and the Frankfurt Musikmesse Guitar shows before, but NAMM is the best show Music trade show to attend.

The first opening day was the 16th January, there were huge crowds of musicians and retailers waiting to get into the show, once you first see the size of the building from the outside you have no idea how huge it is inside.

The doors opened at 10.00 and there was a huge surge to get in and get the day started. very soon there is a overwhelming noise of Guitars, Drums and chatter throughout the halls, there are four huge main levels throughout the building, where all manner of Guitars, Amps, Drums, Keyboards, Effects, Brass and Woodwind, and DJ equipment is on display for retailers to view and try.

There were many brands and companies that were there including the big names in the Guitar world such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, PRS,  but also many other smaller companies making very cool and interesting gear.

As you walk around you start to recognize a few faces, from well know Guitarists, Youtuber's and brand owners, all the stand holders I spoke with were were extremely friendly, as a Luthier myself I really enjoyed chatting with other Guitar makers and Luthiers.

Over all a brilliant experience and trade event to attend, I will hopefully visit NAMM again in the future.

Here's my Youtube Video of the event here. https://youtu.be/gEp5XfSxSX8

Introducing the new Fender Vintera series Guitars, Fender have recently released their new range of Electric Guitars, the Vintera range has some new interesting models, which have now replaced the old Classic series Guitars which focused on the Fender styles and specifications of the classic era's such as the 50's 60's and 70's.

The Fender Vintera range does follow a similar theme of making those classic Fender instruments close to the spec of the 60's 70's but with some modern touches, also now the Jaguar and Jazzmaster Guitars have been added into the line up.

Some of the new Vintera modified models such as the 60's Stratocaster Modified now feature modern touches like the new hotter pickups and a S-1 switch to add extra voices to the arsenal of tones you can achieve, modern neck profiles, modern bridges and some new colour options.

So if your looking for a vintage style Fender but still like the luxury of modern Guitars then the Vintera is well worth checking out.

Well what can you say about the Taylor GS Mini Guitars, the Taylor GS mini has come along way over the years and proved itself to be one of the best 3/4 size or compact Acoustic Guitars on the market, since it's launch in the late 90's the little GS Mini has gained respect from thousands of players worldwide thanks to its rich full tone, easy playabilty, affordability and compact size.

Despite it's smaller body size the little GS manages to excel at producing a full rich tone that you'd expect to hear from a much larger acoustic Guitar. The GS handles all playing styles very well and is evenly balanced in it's tonal output.

The Taylor GS mini construction features a solid top using either Mahogany, Spruce or Koa depending on the model, they all feature a layered unbraced back which really helps to improve the bass, volume output and warmth. The Fretboard and Bridge are both made from Ebony giving and edge of quality and feel. The GS Mini range also comes equipped with a Taylor soft case which offers plenty of protection, and great for transporting your Guitar.

The Taylor GS Mini range currently consists of three main models, the GS Mini Mahogany, GS Mini e Walnut and the GS Mini e Koa, the GS Mini Mahogany is a pure Acoustic Guitar, though if needed you can install a Taylor ES Go pickup system fairly easily. The Taylor GS Mini e Walnut and the Koa are both Electro Acoustic Guitars that feature Taylor's own ES-B Onboard preamp/pickup system, the ESB also features an onboard tuner which is always very useful.

Overall a great range of Guitars that you should definately check out, whether it's your first Guitar, Busking, Travel Guitar or just something fun to play on the couch at home, the GS Mini Guitars should be on your Guitar list.