FROM THE SOON TO BE RELEASED TRIBUTE DVD!!!!!!!
“There was a very special event on the evening of August 19th, 2007 at the Bank of America Pavillion in Boston. Brad Delp’s family, friends and bandmates joined together for “Come Together, A tribute to the Life and Music of Brad Delp.”
The DVD will be available soon, until then please enjoy Rockin’ Away Live at “Come Together, A tribute to the Life and Music of Brad Delp.”
We had so much fun with you guys this week at the standing room only Jason Bittner clinics! You guys were having WAAAY too much fun! We know that things are tough for all of us these days (ie gas prices, economy etc) and we really want to thank all of you for still making the trek out to Daddy’s to see some of your favorite artists - it means alot to us.
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Speaking of gas prices and the economy - we here at Daddy’s have a couple of things up our sleeves to hopefully alleviate some of that pain.
First up - July brings back the “Extreme Makeover - Gear Edition!” Starting July 1st, Daddy’s and WHEB want to see your nastiest, ugliest most worn out sorry lookin’ pieces of gear you have. The person with the most horrendous gear will win a $1000 shopping spree at Daddy’s! Keep checking www.daddys.com and www.wheb.com for COMPLETE details starting July 1st.
And in August - we have a whopper for you! Gas prices killing you? Grocery prices killing you? Well, in August you will be able to register to win GAS CARDS or GROCERY CARDS - your choice! And we’re not talking $25.00 gas cards - we are talking over $2000 in gas or grocery cards will be up for grabs! Keep checking www.daddys.com for complete details!
The autographed jacket benefitting the Brad Delp Foundation is up on Ebay! Bid High and Bid Often!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190231925161
Day 3 was a short one, getaway day, but we still had time to see a couple of cool products. The day started with the AIMM (Alliance of Music Merchants) buyers’ breakfast. AIMM is a 10 year old organization consisting of the over 50 of the strongest independent music instrument dealers in the country. These dealers’ buyers always get together after the first day of the show and compare notes on the best product available for our customers. Consensus was that the Vox Jam Amp, the Roland GW-8 ($845 keyboard geared toward the Latin market), the Alesis ProTracks and the Fishman SoloAmp (more on that later) were the hot products at the show. There was also discussion of how do we address the changing needs of our customers, whether it be attempting to accessorize the Guitar Hero, Rock Band market, iPod accessories or getting the right instruments to service new ethnic communities. We’ll be working on all of these areas.
From there it was a quick visit to the show floor. Here’s the Fishman SoloAmp, a portable, all-in-one answer to amplification for the solo or duo acoustic performers. It consists of a single column of six 4” ultra-high excursion custom drivers that, according to Larry Fishman, took 3 years to develop to get just the right sound. There’s a mixer section, which includes a notch filter and four digital effects, and servo power amp built in to one handy package. The SoloAmp will be selling for $999 and based on the initial response to this product, look for Fishman to expand on this product to include versions for the rock and DJ markets. Here’s Seth Connolly, a folk artist from Hollis, NH, putting the SoloAmp through its paces on the show floor.
From there, we went to Taylor Guitars, another little piece of acoustic heaven. Photos (especially my photos) hardly do the Fall Limited Edition guitars justice. They were stunning in typical tasteful Taylor style. There are three models, the Cocobolo GS Limited, the Koa GA limited and the Koa 714ce-LTD. The Koa guitars had contrasting split backs and beautiful appointments on the front side. However, the true beauty of these guitars was in the sound, a wide open, full bodied response to hard strumming or soft picking. These guitars should be available within 8 weeks; we’ll let you know when they’re in.
A final meeting on the day, a closed roundtable discussion with us and 7 other Fender dealers, attending by the top Fender brass took up most of the afternoon. It was very interesting to see the contrasting business models of each of the dealers and there was some very frank discussions between Fender management and the dealers on how to make Fender a better company and to improve the interface between Fenders and, not only their dealers but you, the ultimate customers. We applaud Fender’s efforts in this regard, it’s never easy to hold your self up to examination as they have done and we believe they are committed to becoming more than just an iconic brand but one of the best companies in our industry.
Now, it’s off to the airport and back home. It was great to be back in Nashville, the atmosphere, food, music and general sense of connection with musical history makes this a very good show. I’ll bet we’ll be right back here next summer. We’ll keep you updated on new product arrivals, they should be coming soon.
We promised more news from the Summer NAMM show and more exciting new products but before that, everyone knows that the key to a good start to the day is a healthy breakfast. In Nashville, those in the know head out on US Route 100 to the Loveless Café and Motel, about 20 minutes out of town. Just a few years ago, the café and adjoining motel had an uneasy existence. The transient population of the rundown motel contrasted sharply with the homey atmosphere and true Southern cooking that was featured in the café. That has all changed now as the latest owners have closed the motel, added onto the café and made this little bit of the South, the true must-see destination it was meant to be. Let’s face it, any place that has on the breakfast menu; “Pit-Cooked BBQ and Eggs, One to the Left and One to the Right” has got to be good. From the piping hot country biscuits served with home-made peach and blackberry preserves to the grits with cheese and the authentic country ham, it was a breakfast built to satisfy the heartiest appetite and make a cardiologist smile. The Daddy’s crew gives the Loveless Café our highest rating.
Fortified for the task ahead we drove straight to the Nashville Convention Center and entered the show. Much to our delight and unlike the last three summer shows, the hall was bustling with activity as soon as the doors opened.
We proceeded to the Hoshino (Ibanez and Tama) booth and saw the jumpstart miKro package. It includes the now famous Ibanez Mikro guitar, a 10 watt Ibanez amp, tuner and all the accessories needed to launch a young guitarist’s career. We will be featuring this package during the holiday season at $199.99.
The RG770 Reissues (limited edition) also caught our eye and the pair of these beauties will soon be gracing Daddy’s walls at $1299.99 each. With DiMarzio pickups, original Edge bridge and 1987 Wizard neck, these guitars will bring back some very fond memories.
Ibanez basses are always hot and this one is no exception; the BTB780 with a gorgeous Charcoal Brown finsh on a mahogany body and Poplar Burl top should be good looking enough to fly out the door. However, Ibanez has added Bartolini pickups plus a Fishman piezo bridge pickup for increased highs. Sounds as good as it looks.
Also on hand were the SR750 and SR755 (5 string) and also powered by Bartolini. The Brown Sunburst finish on the mahogany body and walnut top were striking. These basses will sell for $749.99 and $799.99 respectively and should be in Daddy’s in 8-10 weeks
What’s a NAMM show without some incredible “eye-candy” and this summer’s eyeful is the Tama Starclassic Bubinga Reserve, shown here a six piece with 20×22” bass drum. Fewer than 25 are available in the U.S. but the natural beauty of the wood will make this kit highly desirable.
The Numark/Alesis booth was bustling as Numark has completely revamped their mixer line and is introducing many new models at the show. More information will be coming on the changes. Alesis continues their assault on the iPod market with the ProTrack. Slip your iPod into the ProTrack dock and the iPod immediately becomes a handheld stereo digital recorder with two built-in condenser mics, XLR-1/4 inch inputs, LED indicators and volume control. Slated to arrive in late August or early September, the ProTrack will be sold for $199.99.
Godin has finally released the long anticipated Fifth Avenue archtop, it is currently in Daddy’s stores. This show, they’ve gone one better and introduced the Godin Fifth Avenue Kingpin, featuring a single Duncan P-90 clone for truly authentic sound. Due to arrive in our stores by September, the Kingpin will sell for $699.99.
Yamaha continues to build on the success of their STAGEPAS P.A. packages with the introduction of the 150M (shown here) and the 250M. Both systems can be used for p.a. and keyboard amplification applications. The 150 features 8 channels, 150 watt output and a two way speaker while the 250 has 10 channels, and 250 watts of power. We heard both systems, they sounded clearly defined and powerful while starting at $449.99 in price.
On to the Vox booth where the Jam VOX debuted. Advertised as a “jam and practice tool for guitar”, this package is an integrated monitor and software program. Revolutionary Guitar XTracktion(GXT) technology lets you remove the existing guitar track in your favorite song and then plug your own part into the song. The software includes models of 19 famous guitar amps and 54 vintage and modern effects. Due to be released soon, the JamVOX promises to revolutionize the way guitars practice and learn.
We returned to the Fender booth and saw the Blues Jr. relic. Only 120 of these have been made and it features a laquered tweed covering that has been “aged” with all the appropriate nicks and dings but the amp will feature an upgraded 12” C12N Jensen speaker. Daddy’s will only have one available, so look for news of its impending arrival.
Gary Wouk, Eastern District Sales Manager for Fender, holds the latest ’72 Tele Thinline reissue. Only 250 of these were made and the twin humbuckers sparkle against the lovely Honey Blonde finish. This guitar should also arrive soon and the two that we have coming in to Daddy’s will be sold at $699.99.
Finally, another word on what makes Nashville the right and proper place for the Summer NAMM show. This picture shows one block of Broadway, just around the corner from the Ryman Auditorium, site of the original Grand Ole Opry. It’s 5:30 on this Friday afternoon and there are four bars packed with music lovers and four incredible bands, full of great Nashville players, all within sight. You’d be hard pressed to find another spot like this in this country!
Yes, food is a great way to start and end the day. On this day we hauled our tired bodies to Neely’s BBQ (featured on Food TV) for some ribs, pulled pork and brisket, a couple of Shiner Bochs and finished it all off with their famous “Sock it to Me” cake. A satisfying end to a great day and there will be more tomorrow.
After 4 years, two World Series wins, one NBA championship and a couple of football near misses, the Summer NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show is back in Nashville. It’s probably where it should have always been, but NAMM decided that they had outgrown Music City and needed to try other venues. After poorly attended shows in Indianapolis (’05) and two even more poorly attended shows in Austin, TX (’06 and ’07), the Summer show is back where it belongs. Those other cities were okay but they can’t match the sense of musical pedigree that permeates Nashville. When you walk the same streets and see the same sights that giants like Elvis, Orbison, Cash, Hank Williams and countless others had experienced, you truly understand how special this town is to music lovers.
This year’s show was kicked off for us with a Fender preview of some new models. Mexican made Jazzmasters, Jaguars and Jaguars with double humbuckers will soon be in the market. The tremolo plates have been moved slightly forward and tunematic style bridges have been installed. This allows Fender to flatten the radius of the neck to accommodate modern playing styles.
The Straight Six, a Mexi standard Strat with a single humbucker, flat black finish and a sole volume control, was also featured. This model has just recently arrived at Daddy’s and is featured at a price of $349.99.
The ’65 Princeton Reissue, a 15 watt replica of one of the most famous Fender amps of all time, has just been introduced and will be hitting the sales floor at $849.99. The original Princeton holds a special place in amp history because it was one of the first amps that Randall Smith began to modify for San Franciscan musicians back in the late ‘60’s (including Carlos Santana). His work on these amps led him to start Mesa Boogie and create from scratch an amp that transcended the sound of even his modified Princetons.
Friday is the first day of the show and there will be plenty to report from Fender and many other manufacturers.
On this day in 1951, legendary singer Brad Delp was born. Just like everyone else whoever had the pleasure of Brad’s company - we adored him and miss him. Since Brad’s passing, Daddy’s has had the pleasure and honor of working with Brad’s children, Jenna and John Michael and his best friend Bill Faulkner in helping raise money for the wonderful charity that they have established in Brad’s honor - The Brad Delp Foundation We are once again preparing to hold an ebay auction with 100% of the proceeds going to the Brad Delp Foundation.
As some of you may remember, on August 19, 2007 - the day of the “Come Together - A Tribute To Brad Delp” concert, Daddy’s had a guitar signed by the artists performing and put it up on ebay with 100% of the proceeds going to the Brad Delp Foundation. What you may not know, is that same day, we also had a Daddy’s denim jacket signed by a bunch of those artists as well. We have held off putting it up on ebay as I have since been getting it signed by a TON of other artists as well - all who were more than happy to help the cause.
Below are just SOME of the artists that have signed this jacket. The jacket, along with a photo CD of all those who signed it, will go up on eBay next Friday, June 20th and will remain there for one week. I encourage anyone who is interested to PLEASE bid on this item as again, 100% of the proceeds will be going to the Brad Delp Foundation.
SPREAD THE WORD and keep checking back for the link to the ebay auction - it will be posted here.
Hopefully you are all made it through the nasty heat wave unscathed… ewwwwwwwwww……! It seems a ton of you stayed out of the heat by going to your local Daddy’s last weekend for our annual Customer Appreciation Sale! Did you pick up some COOL gear? (ok, bad joke, I know - it’s too hot to think….cut me some slack 
Anyway, this past weekend was also “Bass Line’s Weekend” at Berklee College of Music where we hooked up a few of the students with gift cards and bags of swag….
Winner Andrew Sheron
Winner Show Dave Daranjo
Winner Tom Campbell
Speaking of Berklee College of Music - don’t forget, if you are a HIGH SCHOOL GUITAR PLAYER to enter our “Battle For Berklee” where one lucky winner will get to attend the Berklee College of Music Summer Guitar Sessions…. That’s 5 fun filled days of playing your guitar! Visit www.daddys.com for details - you only have until June 27 to enter - HURRY!.
CLICK ME!
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June also brings the return of the Daddy’s annual concert ticket give away! As many of you know, our friends over at LIVE NATION NEW ENGLAND hook Daddy’s up every years with a TON of concert tickets and we give them away to YOU! Click here to register to win tickets to the season’s hottest concerts! More shows added all the time!
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June also brings the return of Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner to Daddy’s for 3 clinics! Click on the flyer below for dates and locations! And don’t forget, you can always get your clinic tickets on line here
Hope to see you all soon!
Candi
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Jusczkiewicz who’s 19 year old son Zachary was tragically killed in a car accident last week. To all of Zachary’s family, friends and Gibson family - our thoughts and prayers are with you - From the entire Daddy’s Junky Music family.
Donations in Zachary’s name can be made to the Gibson Foundation, 309 Plus Park Blvd., Nashville, 37217 or online at www.gibson.com
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As reported by www.TMZ.com
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TMZ has learned Clay Aiken is going to be a daddy. In case you didn’t process that, Clay Aiken is going to be a daddy.
Here’s what we know. Multiple sources tell us the mother is Jaymes Foster, a record producer and Clay’s best friend. He lives at her home when he’s in L.A.
We’re told Foster, who produced several Aiken CDs, is due in August. She’s the sister of record mogul David Foster. We’re told she’s in her late 40’s, though we could not confirm her exact age. She divorced a few years back and has no kids. Aiken is 29.
We’re told Foster was artificially inseminated.
No immediate word from Aiken’s rep.
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Ummm…congrats?