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This is ELECTRIKJAM, your weekly dose of electrifying insights and updates from the world of guitars, gear and (mostly) metal music.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🎸 New Guitars: 12-string Fenders from Japan are coming to town, Jackson hardtails, and new budget Cort shredders.

• 🤗 Touchy Feels: Chris goes hands-on with a Harley Benton P90 MONSTER that costs less than a night on the sauce…

• 🎛️ Pedal Porn: Third Man Hardware x Anasonics La Grotte fuzz pedal is here and it looks BONKERS…

• 💥 WTF!? How & WHY Music Conductors Live 30% LONGER: The reason will knock your socks off, and it is something Tesla was talking about over 100 years ago…

• 🤯 LABOR DAY SALES: Save 50% on thousands of products over at Guitar Center – hurry, it ends on September 4!

🎛️ Gear Drop Alert: New Pedals and Guitars You Need to Know About ⏬

🎸 Fender Japan Reissues: A Nod to Classic 12-String Tones

Fans of vintage Fender 12-string guitars will be excited to hear about the new reissues from Fender Japan.

These reissues include models like the Fender FSR Traditional Stratocaster XII, which pay homage to the original designs while incorporating some modern updates.

What Makes These Reissues Special?

These guitars are faithful reproductions of the classic Fender 12-string models from the '60s.

They come with all the vintage charm you’d expect—think the iconic offset body, classic 3-tone sunburst finish, and that unmistakable jangle that defined the sound of many rock and pop hits of the era.

But Fender Japan didn’t stop at just copying the old models; they’ve made sure these guitars meet the needs of today’s players.

Key Features

• Vintage Feel, Modern Playability: These reissues feature a comfortable C-shaped maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard with a 7.25” radius, giving them that vintage feel but with the playability that modern guitarists demand.

• Authentic Sound: They are equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver the bright, chiming tones that are perfect for jangly rhythm parts and thick, full lead tones. The 12-saddle adjustable bridge ensures perfect intonation, which is crucial for a 12-string guitar.

• Build Quality: Made in Japan, these guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship. The build quality is on par with, if not superior to, the original models, ensuring that these guitars are not just collectible items but also reliable instruments for everyday use.

🎨 Cort G250 SE: A Budget-Friendly S-Style Gem

Looking for a versatile electric guitar without breaking the bank? The Cort G250 SE is a great option.

With its roasted maple neck, HSS pickup configuration, and 5-way switching, it offers a wide range of tones and playing styles.

This guitar packs a lot of features that make it a standout choice, whether you’re just starting or you’ve been playing for years.

Why the Cort G250 SE is Worth Considering:

1. Roasted Maple Neck: The G250 SE features a roasted maple neck, which not only adds to the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also enhances stability and durability. This type of neck is often found on higher-end models, so it’s a real bonus at this price point.

2. HSS Pickup Configuration: With a Humbucker in the bridge position and single-coil pickups in the middle and neck, the G250 SE offers a wide range of tones. Whether you're after bright, crisp cleans or thick, powerful overdrives, this guitar has you covered.

3. 5-Way Switching: The 5-way pickup selector switch allows for versatile tone-shaping options. You can easily switch between sharp, twangy tones or warm, bluesy sounds, making this guitar suitable for various genres.

4. Affordable Price: One of the most attractive features of the G250 SE is its affordability. It’s a guitar that offers great value for money, making it a tempting choice for both beginners looking to make a solid start and experienced players wanting a reliable, versatile instrument.

Final Thoughts

The Cort G250 SE is a solid contender if you’re looking for a guitar that offers versatility without breaking the bank.

With its quality build, wide range of tones, and budget-friendly price, it’s hard to find a reason not to recommend it.

Whether you’re jamming at home, playing gigs, or just practicing, this guitar won’t disappoint.

🎛️ Third Man Hardware x Anasonics La Grotte: A Limited-Edition Fuzz Pedal

For fans of Jack White and fuzz pedals, the Third Man Hardware x Anasonics La Grotte is a must-have.

This limited-edition pedal merges the best of both worlds: classic, gritty fuzz tones with modern design finesse.

Why the La Grotte Stands Out:

• Vintage Fuzz Tones: La Grotte delivers that raw, aggressive fuzz sound that Jack White is famous for. It's perfect for adding a gritty edge to your riffs, whether you're playing blues, rock, or experimental music.

• Modern Design: While it honors vintage fuzz aesthetics, La Grotte incorporates contemporary design elements that make it not just a pedal, but a statement piece on your pedalboard.

• Limited Edition: As a limited-edition release, owning the La Grotte feels like having a piece of music history. It’s not just about the sound; it’s about owning a piece of gear that’s as unique as your playing style.

Final Thoughts

The Third Man Hardware x Anasonics La Grotte isn’t just another fuzz pedal; it’s a collector’s item and a tone-shaping tool rolled into one. If you’re on the lookout for something that adds both character and collectibility to your setup, the La Grotte is definitely worth the investment.

🎛️ Jackson Virtuoso Hardtail: A High-Performance Workhorse

For those seeking a top-tier instrument, the Jackson Virtuoso Hardtail is worth considering.

The Seymour Duncan humbuckers are designed to produce powerful, rich tones, making it perfect for heavy riffs and soaring solos alike.

Add in the comfortable "Speed Neck" that’s crafted for effortless playability, and you’ve got a guitar that’s ready to meet the demands of any serious player.

Key Specs:

• Hipshot Hardtail Bridge: Known for its solid construction and precise tuning stability, this bridge ensures exceptional sustain and resonance, making your notes sing out with clarity and definition.

• Seymour Duncan Humbuckers: Equipped with dual Seymour Duncan humbuckers, the Virtuoso Hardtail delivers a wide tonal range. These pickups are renowned for their powerful output, rich harmonics, and versatility, making them ideal for everything from clean, articulate tones to heavy, aggressive distortion.

• Speed Neck: The Virtuoso features Jackson’s signature "Speed Neck," which is slim and fast, allowing for effortless playability and rapid movement across the fretboard. This neck profile is perfect for players who favor speed and precision.

• 12"-16" Compound Radius Fingerboard: The ebony fingerboard has a compound radius that flattens out as you move up the neck, making it ideal for both chording at the lower frets and soloing higher up. This design enhances playability, offering comfort and ease whether you're riffing or shredding.

• 24 Jumbo Frets: With 24 jumbo frets, the Virtuoso Hardtail gives you plenty of room to navigate complex solos and expansive chord shapes, adding to its versatility.

• Alder Body with Quilted Maple Top: The guitar's body is crafted from alder, known for its balanced tone, with a stunning quilted maple top that not only looks beautiful but adds a touch of brightness to the sound.

• Premium Hardware: The Virtuoso is fitted with top-tier components, including locking tuners that keep your guitar in tune no matter how hard you play, and a Graph Tech nut that further enhances tuning stability and sustain.

🎙️THE ELECTRIKJAM PODCAST 🎙️

How Music Conductors Secretly Unlocked The Keys To Living 30% LONGER…

Ever think there’s a secret sauce to living longer? Turns out, a baton-waving maestro might just have the recipe.

Yep, we’re talking about orchestra conductors.

These folks are out there doing more than just keeping musicians in sync—they’re orchestrating their way to a longer, healthier life.

Let’s crack open the conductor’s playbook and see what’s going on.

The Maestro’s Secret to Longevity

Conductors don’t just live long—they live way long. Some research suggests they outlive the average Joe by a cool 38%.

Why? It’s all about the mind-body connection. And the magical properties of sound waves.

So, what exactly is this MAGICAL factor? Simple: it’s called sympathetic resonance…

Sympathetic resonance is a phenomenon where one object vibrates in response to another object vibrating at a similar frequency. This principle is found in various fields, including music, physics, and even biology.

The Potential for Sound Waves to Influence Cellular Health

There's growing interest in the idea that sound waves can influence the health of cells in the body.

Back in the day – so over 100 years ago – Nikola Tesla said he could destroy buildings using a small, portable resonance gizmo…

But we’re here for the longevity tips, so what’s the deal with sound waves and their potential effect on our frail human bodies?

Some researchers propose that certain frequencies can:

• Alter Cell Membrane Permeability: Sound waves might affect the permeability of cell membranes, allowing for better nutrient uptake and waste removal.

• Modulate Gene Expression: Vibrations could influence gene expression, turning genes "on" or "off" and affecting cellular processes.

• Reduce Stress and Inflammation: Some studies suggest that specific sound frequencies can reduce stress hormones and inflammation, both of which are linked to various health problems.

• Enhance Cellular Energy: It's hypothesized that sound waves can increase the efficiency of cellular energy production, leading to improved overall health.

Great! But I’m Never Gonna Be A Conductor – I Don’t Even Like Classical Music…

So, how do you turn this insight into action? Easy. Just borrow a few pages from the conductor’s handbook.

And, no, this WILL NOT require you to listen to ANY classical music, although you should, it’s great:

• Keep Your Brain Busy: Just like conductors, keep your mind sharp. Try learning a new skill or diving into a challenging hobby (like, I don’t know… learning to master your own music).

• Move It: Conductors aren’t couch potatoes. Get in some regular exercise—your heart will thank you.

• Find Your Passion: Conductors thrive on passion and purpose. Whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or spending time with your favorite people, find what lights you up.

• Tune In: Explore sound therapy. From listening to calming nature sounds to trying tuning forks, let sound help you chill and de-stress.

Here’s hoping it ALSO applies to downtuned, fuzz-drenched guitars played through a stack of tube amps…

GUITAR RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK ✅ 

Harley Benton DC FAT Guitars Review

If you’re eyeing the Harley Benton DC FAT models and thinking there’s not much to them, think again.

These guitars aren’t about overwhelming you with options—they’re all about that raw, stripped-down simplicity that some players crave.

But don’t be fooled by the minimalist approach; Harley Benton has packed a few surprises into these beauties.

First off, let’s talk pickups. The DC FAT models come equipped with Roswell “stacked” P90 pickups. These aren’t your average P90s—these are dual-function pickups.

That means you get the classic, thick single-coil tones you expect from a P90, but with the push-pull knob, you can switch to a humbucker configuration. So, if that 60-cycle hum starts bugging you when you’re cranking the gain, you can dial it out without losing that P90 vibe.

Now, let’s talk about the neck. True to its name, the DC FAT features a FAT ’59 neck profile. This gives you that “modern meets vintage” feel—thick and substantial, but not quite the baseball bat you might imagine.

It’s more of a chunky, comfortable “C” shape that sits perfectly in the hand, making it a great choice for players who love a neck they can really hold onto.

The Harley Benton DC FAT Series isn’t just about good looks and feel; it’s also got some high-end components that you’d typically find on much pricier guitars.

We’re talking about features like an adjustable bridge with individual saddle adjustment—a step up from the traditional, non-adjustable wrap-around bridges found on many vintage-inspired models.

This means you can tweak your intonation to perfection, which is a big deal, especially in a studio setting.

When we got our hands on the Faded Cherry model, it was clear that this guitar is built to impress.

The finish is a rich, transparent red that looks even better in person, and the satin finish on the neck makes for smooth, effortless playability.

Out of the box, the setup was nearly spot-on, with just a minor truss rod adjustment needed to get everything dialed in.

In terms of playability, the DC FAT doesn’t disappoint. The medium jumbo frets are a welcome feature, offering more comfort and ease of use, especially when it comes to slides and bends.

And while the bridge might feel a bit sharp if you’re heavy on palm muting, the trade-off is worth it for the precise intonation adjustments you can make.

Overall, the Harley Benton DC FAT Series is a lot of guitar for the money. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, these guitars deliver that classic P90 sound with modern reliability.

And it costs just a smidge over $200 / £200 (which, having played one, is utterly bonkers).

They might be simple, but they’re far from basic—and they’re definitely worth a look if you’re after something that combines vintage vibe with modern playability.

BITE-SIZED NEWS FOR THE ROAD 🍪

We covered all the big news up top, but here’s a quick recap of some other stuff that happened:

💥 Mooer Audio GTRS PTNR

This portable Bluetooth guitar amp is designed to complement the Mooer Audio GTRS S800 Intelligent Guitar, offering a convenient and versatile solution for practicing and jamming.

✊ Fender American Performer Guitar Sale

Fender is currently offering a significant discount on their American Performer models, making it a great time to upgrade your electric guitar.

🙌 Steinberg 40th Anniversary Sale

Steinberg is celebrating their 40th anniversary with a sale offering up to 70% off their top software

✅ 50% LABOR DAY SALES

Guitar Center is running a 50% sale across thousands of products until September 4. If you've got GAS, now's the time to embrace it...

🎤 Dave Navarro Confirms New Jane's Addiction Material

The guitarist has revealed that the band is working on new music, expect more news in shows and, potentially, a full length studio album before the end of the year.

ALBUMS YOU (PROBABLY) SLEPT ON 🤣

Mike Pattern. King Buzzo. Dave Lombardo. Quite a line up, right?

Well, this is who the FANTOMAS are. They’re a super-group. But unlike 99.9% of supergroups, they’re actually very, very good. 

And their finest moment was The Director’s Cut, a reimagining of classic horror and other cult movie soundtracks, ranging from Rosemary’s Baby to The Godfather. 

Merging elements of doom metal, sludge, grindcore, and a mountain of special effects and soundscapes created by Mike Pattern, The Director’s Cut is a tour de force of weirdness – but it is weirdness, bottled and distilled and cooked to perfection. 

It came out in 2002, I think. And it still gets played at least one a month in my house, usually when I have the in-laws round and it’s time to leave.

STANDOUT TRACKS 👑

• The Godfather

• Rosemary’s Baby

• Cape Fear

• Experiment In Terror

From Dave Lombardo’s drums to King Buzzo’s guitar work, the album is utterly flawless from front to back. It’s cinematic, unpredictable, and one of the best “first listen” albums you’ll encounter simply because it is just so odd. 

SMELL YOU LATER 👋

That’s it for this week, another week wrapped. Next week, we’ll be back with more news and thrills from the world of guitar and gear.

Oh, and if you missed it here’s today’s free lesson: Minor Scale & 6th Mode Explained – this is an interactive web tool we built. Use it to get this mode down and watch your riffs EVOLVE…

Hit us up on X with any questions/comments, listen to the podcast, and click the share button below to win stuff (like my pro guide to mastering that’ll show you what took me 20+ years to learn inside a few days).

Peace.

Peace.

Chris & Richard