The gang over at Chicago Music Exchange (where I recently bought a Line 6 expression pedal for my M9) posted a demo video for a very rare (and very beautiful) 1955 Gretsch Duo Jet 6128 that was originally bought by Ben Harper.

To see and hear what this guitar can do, be sure to watch the clip below.

In the clip, Joel from CME plays the guitar through a Tone King Royalist 15-watt Combo amp. The reverb is courtesy of a Red Panda reverb pedal.

Introduced in 1953 with a single-cutaway body, the elegantly styled Duo Jet was a competitive response to the Fender Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul. Its DeArmond Dynasonic pickups offered the raucous twang needed for rockabilly and just enough jangle for rock, making it the choice of guitarists like the Beatles' George Harrison and, in his early Nineties rockabilly phase (and again in 2010), Jeff Beck.

Over the years, the Duo Jet has evolved into many different models, including a double-cutaway version, introduced in 1961, frequently used by AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young.

Here’s a song from 19-year-old songwriter Andrew St. James. It’s “Stageline” from his new album The Shakes.

Rhythmic thrums, raw strums and crooning retro-laced vocals come together here to deliver an a gung-ho battle cry of a song.

“We live in a world of fear,” says St. James. “Fear of loss, and fear of failure. This song is about forgetting all of that. It’s about putting the fear back in its place.”

Only a year since the release of his debut album Doldrums, recorded when he was only 17-years-old, San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Andrew St. James is back with The Shakes, released on October 21st, 2014 via Island Jar/Fortune.

St. James is currently in the midst of a weekly residency on Tuesday nights in October at Doc’s Lab in San Francisco.

More at andrewstjames.com

Here’s a treat. It’s a hand-selected playlist from the band Greylag.

Each song has a special meaning for them, and they wanted to share that with you!

Greylag's self-titled debut album was released on October 14th on Dead Oceans.

Produced by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse, The Shins) at Seattle's Avast! Studio, it's the latest must-have slice of verdant, far-reaching Americana.

Like the wild goose that the Portland-based trio are named after, the members of Greylag have all undertaken amazing journeys, migrating as if by homing instinct from different parts of the US. It's a selective journey, though: up to 65 demos were recorded but the album is a modest, yet very complete, nine tracks and 37 minutes.

Greylag is rich in melody, mood and detail with a range that mirrors the distance between their individual birthplaces, creating a personal twist on some timeless musical traditions, embracing electric and acoustic with a sound that's both subtle and forceful.

So check out this fabulous playlist and then check out Greylag at greylagmusic.com

Playlist notes from Greylag’s Daniel Dixon and Brad Swan:

Pink Floyd - “Fearless”

This is easily my favorite Pink Floyd song. There are so many memorable, iconic parts, and it just feels so good all the way through. It's also a very transparent kind of song for them-- you can hear everything that's going on musically and it's easy to imagine a band playing this live.

Valgeir Sigurdsson - “Grylukvaedi”

Valgeir is an Icelandic producer and composer and this song is part of
the soundtrack he wrote for the documentary Draumalandid. The vocal is
sung by Sam Amidon. It's a gorgeous song and I love how loose and
ethereal this track feels,--everything that happens feels like a
surprise to my ears.

Led Zeppelin - “That's the Way”

This is one of my favorite tracks on Led Zeppelin III. There's a real
dreamy, summery quality to the song, and though it's a pretty romantic
song, the music keeps it from ever getting sappy.

Karen Dalton - “Katie Cruel”

Karen was one of those folk musicians that never really got
immortalized. I only heard of her a few years ago. Her voice is rich
with a tired, lonesome quality that this song perfectly captures. And
the fiddle accompaniment in this song is just chilling.

Sonic Youth - “Shadow of a Doubt”

Steve Shelley's first record with Sonic Youth. I love how he primarily
focused on using the toms throughout the record. This song is pretty
straightforward musically, but I love how much they can do with such
simplicity.

Wardruna - “Fehu”

There is so much power in this song. I love how old world and massive it sounds.

Cocteau Twins - “Cherry-Coloured Funk”

Cocteau Twins is such a beautiful and emotionally-stirring band, and
this song sums up everything that attracts me to them. There is no one
that sings like her, and the melodies are so unexpected and moving.
I'm always drawn in when I listen to them.

Roy Harper - “My Friend”

Roy Harper was such an amazing guitar player and singer, and he performed in a way that was so relaxed and effortless. I've always admired guitarists who were excellent players but who didn't need to be flashy, those who played just the right parts, and with such style, and they didn't have to be in your face with their greatness.

My Bloody Valentine - “To Here Knows When”

This is one of those tracks where I just have no clue how Kevin
Shields got the guitar to produce that kind of sound. I'm glad he did
though, its my favorite off loveless.

Bjork - “Cocoon”

This is off Bjork's Vespertine album and it's so hard to choose a
favorite from that great record. She made it with Valgeir Sigirdsson
from above. This song i so warm and close, even though there are so
many glitchy, electronic elements. Such a perfect balance of
contrasting elements.

Kurt Vile - “Goldtone”

This track always bring me to a good place. Kurt Vile has been a band
favorite for a while now.

We recently caught up with Andy McKee during his tour stop in Nashville.

McKee was gracious enough to take us backstage at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre for some one-on-one acoustic awesomeness.

We’ve got two live videos to share; first up is the title track from McKee’s Mythmaker EP, which he released earlier this year.

“Mythmaker” is a brainy, incredibly melodic composition McKee performs here with amazing fluidity. His tone is as magic as his touch, and it’s always fun to see that baritone Greenfield guitar up close and in action.

Mythmaker also happens to be the name of McKee’s new record label, which he’ll use to release music much more frequently than in the past, as well as music from artists he adores. "I envision the label to be a home for creative and highly unique musical artists,” he says.

Keep your eyes peeled for McKee’s first live concert Blu-ray/DVD, which he plans to release through the imprint.

View Andy McKee’s upcoming tour dates below the video, and find out more at andymckee.com.

10/22/2014 - Atlanta, GA - Eddie's Attic
10/23/2014 - Ponte Vedra, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
10/24/2014 - Largo, FL - Largo Cultural Center
10/25/2014 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center For Perf. Arts
10/26/2014 - Orlando, FL - The Plaza Theater
11/5/2014 - Honolulu, HI - Republix
11/6/2014 - Maui, HI - Iao Theater
11/7/2014 - Hawaii TBD
11/8/2014 - Hawaii TBD
12/2/2014 - San Diego, CA - Belly Up
12/3/2014 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
12/4/2014 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
12/5/2014 - Livermore, CA - Livermore PAC
12/6/2014 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's
12/7/2014 - Santa Cruz, CA - TBD
12/9/2014 - Grant's Pass, OR - Rogue Theater
12/10/2014 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater
12/11/2014 - Seattle, WA – Benaroya Symphony Hall
12/12/2014 - Vancouver, BC - TBD
12/13/2014 - Canada TBD

Here’s a very cool video featuring 23-year-old artist Sierra Hull.

She performs on a lovely Weber Octave mandolin and then talks about what makes the Octave special.

Hull released her first album at 16 and already had a laundry list of accomplishments.

By age 11, Alison Krauss had called with an invitation to the Opry stage; by 12, Rounder was expressing interest; first Ron Block and now Barry Bales have served as co-producers, and her studio bands have featured the cream of the contemporary bluegrass crop—Stuart Duncan, Randy Kohrs and Bryan Sutton this time, alongside members of Sierra’s own crack band.

Then there’s the fact that Berklee gave her the school’s most prestigious award, the Presidential Scholarship, a first for a bluegrass musician; her choice to accept it, to delay her dream of hitting the road full-time after high school in favor of expanding her musical worldview, was hardly a light one.

Check out the video:

Weber spent a few minutes asking this talented musician a few questions. Here they are!

Weber: For those don’t know you what’s the number one thing they should know about you – music related or otherwise?

Sierra Hull: Well, it’s hard to say what the number one thing someone should know about me is. Music aside -- if you’re around me very long at all, you’ll learn I love a good laugh and I love spicy food. :)

Weber: You’ve been playing since you were a child, invited to the Opry stage at a young age, nominated numerous times at IBMA and labeled a child prodigy. Do you ever find it difficult to live up to all that?

SH: Most people don’t know this, but the first time I played the Opry I was 10 years old and Mike Snider invited my brother and me to the stage. At that age, most kids don’t think about labels too much. I just loved playing music. Because I started so young and had a lot of great opportunities early on, it can sometimes feel like there’s this pressure to keep climbing to the next 'big’ thing (whatever that is!), but thinking about that too much can get in the way of making music - so I try to not linger in that headspace too long.

Weber: Speaking of IBMA’s, you just got to present an award with Doyle Lawson, how was that? Do you get more nervous getting up to present awards as opposed to getting on stage and playing?

SH: There’s always a little bit of nervous energy, but we got some pretty good rehearsal time in early in the day. I got to play as part of the opening number on the show this year with some of my heroes — Bela Fleck, Bryan Sutton, Missy Raines, Tim O’Brien and Ron Stewart. It is always encouraging to work with a group of people as accomplished as they are, or someone like Doyle. Doyle and I didn’t really end up sticking completely to the script and in some ways that’s easier for me than reading something straight down while presenting an award. I’ve known most of these people for several years now and they’ve been so good to me. That goes a long way when it comes to nerves.

Weber: You’ve shared the stage with too many people to list. Is there one experience that stands out in your mind?

SH: Probably the first time getting to perform with my childhood hero, Alison Krauss. I was 11 years old and so excited I can’t even start to explain. You never quite forget moments like that and how special they are.

Weber: You play a wide variety of instruments. Do you have a favorite?

SH: I’ve always found mandolin to be the instrument I’m most at home with — it was also my first instrument.

Weber: Do you have a favorite Weber? And what do you like about it?

SH: I recently got a Weber Bridger Octave mandolin and I’ve really loved playing it. It’s perfect for featuring mandolin and voice with warmth, and it’s especially great to have on solo shows.

Weber: Not only are you an amazing player you have used your talents to give back. The 12th Annual Sierra Hull Festival benefiting St. Jude’s and Homes for our Troops was just held in Byrdstown, TN. How did this event come about? Why is it so important to you?

SH: My hometown started this festival years ago because there wasn't any kind of music festival in the town. They asked my parents if they could call it the Sierra Hull Festival and we said yes. Even after I moved away, they have invited me back every year and I’m honored to play the event. It has grown in recent years with the addition of a 5K run and a Car Cruise In. I’m so glad and proud to see the money going to benefit St. Jude’s and Homes for our Troops.

Weber: Your last album was released in 2011…any plans for another album?

SH: YES! I’m as ready as anyone for new music. I start recording in December with Bela Fleck producing. I’m very excited!

Weber: What else is on the horizon for Sierra Hull?

SH: Besides making a new album, I’m also touring a good amount here in the U.S. with a couple trips to Europe before the year’s end.

In addition to touring with a full band, I’ve been trying to stretch myself musically to play in different situations - solo, duo, maybe even trio at some point. It’s really fun to explore these different musical collaborations. Each one requires me to play a little differently and I love that.

I’m headed to France for the first time to play as a duo with Justin Moses at the Festival International Mandolines in Lunel. We’re really excited about that.

I’ll also be taking a full band with me to Prague in early December. It will be the first time there for all of us as well.

After that, we’ll just have to see what 2015 will bring along! :)

To learn more about Sierra Hull visit her website.

Since 1997, Weber’s sopranolins, mandolins, mandolas, octaves, mandocellos, arch-top and resonator guitars have earned the reputation of being among the finest custom acoustic instruments being built today. At Weber, we build instruments for all levels of players, from the weekend mandolin warrior to the pro on the road. Learn more at webermandolins.com

Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive premiere of "I Appear Disappear," a new solo track by Between the Buried and Me frontman Thomas Giles, aka Tommy Rogers.

The track, which is from Giles' new album, Modern Noise, features a guitar solo by Between the Buried and Me's Paul Waggoner. The album will be released November 25 via Metal Blade.

Check it out below. As always, take a listen and tell us what you think of it in the comments or on Facebook!

"'I Appear Disappear' is a story about a man who has another head attached to his," Rogers said. "He decides to kill both of them."

Rogers describes the album as the result of his creating songs while not wanting to over-evaluate the music.

"I wanted to record things that naturally came to me," he said. "Because of this, the record feels like an accurate extension of myself. I took a more rock approach and really focused on writing simple yet dynamic songs. Lyrically, I feel it's a great mix of storytelling and personal experience. Modern Noise is basically just saying this is my current noise on the earth. We all are here for a short amount of time, and the noise we make is our memory."

Fans of Rogers' work with Between the Buried and Me — as well as fans who steer clear of metal — will find plenty to enjoy on the new disc. The album is Rogers' take on music, or as he puts it, "Music is always modern noise. I'm just a person in current time trying to create something somewhat new."

For more information, visit thomasgilesmusic.com and the Thomas Giles Facebook page.

While legal rumors swirl around Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" (more on that later today), check out this video of someone named Matt Gooch playing Jimmy Page's "Stairway to Heaven" guitar solo note for note on a sax.

In terms of his bookshelf, we appreciate that his travel books are BELOW his rock books, where they belong.

Enjoy!

A new Guitar World DVD, Mastering Arpeggios, is available now at the Guitar World Online Store for $14.99!

It's a deluxe crash course in guitar theory, with more than two hours of instructional video to help you reach the next level!

Everything you need to know about Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented Triad Arpeggios. Plus, Arpeggio-Scale Theory, Two- and Three- Octave Monster Shapes Sweeps and Taps, String Skipping, Classical-Style Shred Licks.

Mastering Arpeggios also includes a Bonus Section on How to Play Like Paganini!

Your Instructor is Jimmy Brown, who over the last 25 years has built a reputation as one of the world's finest music editors through his work as transcriber, arranger, and senior music editor for Guitar World magazine, the world's best-selling magazine for guitarist. In addition to these roles, he is a busy working musician, performing regularly as a solo acoustic guitar/vocal act and rocking out with a full band at taverns, restaurants, resorts, weddings and private parties.

Jimmy earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Performance and Music Management from William Paterson University in 1988 and relies on much of what he learned then - and since then, as a professional musician-for-hire to do his job effectively. He is also an experienced private guitar teacher and an accomplished writer, two skills that go hand-in-hand in his career at Guitar World.

Please note: This product includes a PDF booklet on the DVD and can be retrieved by opening the DVD on your computer.

Head to the Guitar World Online Store now!

It's time to compare the mettle of Jim Dunlop pedals!

In GuitarWorld.com's latest readers poll — the first annual Jim Dunlop Effect Pedal Throwdown — we're pitting Dunlop, MXR and Way Huge pedals against each other in a no-holds-barred shootout.

Yes, we're pulling out all the stomps! Thirty-two stompboxes will go head to head — or toe to toe, if you prefer — culminating with the crowning of the king of Dunlop pedals.

You can check out the beginning bracket — with all 32 competing pedals — in the Scribd.com window below (Be sure to click on the "full screen" button in the lower-right-hand corner to expand the bracket).

The bracket will be updated after every matchup, and matchups will take place pretty much every day. Each competing pedal will accompanied by a demo video created by the Jim Dunlop company, and you'll always find a photo gallery of the competing pedals at the bottom of each matchup.

Today's Matchup

In today's matchup, the Dunlop JHF1 Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face goes foot to foot against the Dunlop JDF2 Fuzz Face Distortion. Start voting below!

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: Yesterday, the Dunlop Zakk Wylde Cry Baby (52.47 percent) edged out the Dunlop Eddie Van Halen Cry Baby (47.53 percent) and advanced to the next round! To see all the matchups that have taken place so far, head HERE. Thanks for voting!

Meet the Combatants

Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face Distortion Info

Hendrix was the master of fuzz, an artist with many subtle shadings at his command. His love affair with the legendary Fuzz Face pedal began in the early days of the Experience and continued to evolve throughout his brief but blazing career. The Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face is a meticulously faithful reproduction of the 1969-70 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face that Jimi used on classic albums like Band of Gypsys. Dunlop's engineering department examined hoards of vintage Fuzz Faces, honing in on a few units which possessed that unmistakable Jimi voodoo.

The Hendrix Fuzz Face is built around the toneful BC108 silicon transistor. It is authentic in every detail, a handwired brown circuit board with no solder mask and circuitry carefully matched to the original specs. The look is 100% accurate too, that groovy circular chassis with tooled clones of the original Fuzz Face knobs in the rare and vintage turquoise hammertone finish. A truly playable collectable for any Hendrix or Fuzz Face fanatic.

Dunlop JDF2 Fuzz Face Distortion

The original Fuzz Face Distortion is constructed to the vintage specs, with the original Germanium PNP transistor design. This is the classic fuzz box used by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson and more. Power: Single 9 volt battery

Check out the multipurpose video below for demos of both pedals!

Vote Now!

Jim Dunlop Effect Pedal Throwdown

Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive playthrough video—plus tabs—for "Broken," a new track by New York City's Vomit Fist.

The song is from Vomit Fist's recently released debut digital EP, Forgive But Avenge, will be available in hard copy CD format October 28.

"'Broken' opens with a tapping etude in B minor," says Vomit Fist guitarist Nick Didkovsky, who appears in the video below.

"The first figure is a good warmup as well as a basic foundation for the rest of the material. You hammer on the 12th fret of the B string, pull off to the eighth fret, then hammer on the 11th fret of the G string and pull off to the seventh fret. I use my second finger for the B string and my first finger for the G string.

"Master that at a slow tempo, making sure you hear all four notes clearly and rhythmically evenly. The harmonies change by repositioning the left hand, and passing notes are occasionally inserted, which should sound clean and clear. The second finger/first finger — B string/G string alternating pattern lasts for a while, then inverts during the second beat of measure 6, to serve up a descending melody on the G string.

"That switch may feel tricky at first but if you let the music drive you, your fingers will intuitively follow. The last few measures break up the established tapping patterns and demand more left/right independence. Remember to always hear it as music and not just a sequence of fret and string numbers. Keep the tempo slow, try playing it rubato ... you may enjoy the effect of expressively swelling and ebbing loudness while you are playing.

"Really get inside it. Even though Vomit Fist plays it fast and loud with a high gain guitar tone, the material works in a variety of tempos and would probably sound great on acoustic guitar."

For more about Vomit Fist, visit vomitfist.com and their Facebook page.

Forgive But Avenge is available HERE.

Vomit Fist BROKEN

Today we’re thrilled to bring you a preview of Ben Ottewell’s new album Rattlebag in its entirety.

As a singer and lead guitarist in rock band Gomez, Ottewell is well known for his unmistakable voice and talent for blistering and inspired guitar solos. Rattlebag releases on October 27 on The End Records / ADA.

The album opens with the title track “Rattlebag,” notable for a straightforward acoustic, riffy guitar intro that explodes into a full-blown rock and roll anthem. It sets the stage for an album of whispers, shouts, taps on the shoulder and slaps across the face (metaphorically of course!).

Ottewell’s vocals are in excellent form, and the layers of piano, acoustic, electric guitar lines, organ, percussion and more are satisfyingly mixed.

Ottewell’s mastery of the role of the guitar in his arrangements is clear here. From delicate arpeggiated riffs to full blown strums, lead lines, steel bends and more, Rattlebag is an inspired creation.

"When it came to writing for Rattlebag I started afresh and all the songs were written specifically with the album in mind over a 12 month period, perhaps making the album a little more cohesive.” Ottewell explains. “I'm a great believer in the power of the riff, not just in the bombastic Zeppelin sense but also the more cyclical blues or folk licks, and most of the songs are written with a riff as the foundation. Once these ideas were formed, some as just a verse, some almost full songs, I'd take them to Sam [his writing partner, Sam Genders of English folk band Tunng] and we'd finish them. The recording took 5 days in Los Angeles with producer Will Golden, the other key ingredient. We got in some great players and Clay Blair who is a fantastic engineer. It's the most fun I've had in a studio since those early Gomez records."

Listen here:

Ottewell released his first solo album Shapes & Shadows (ATO) in 2011, featuring such beautiful acoustic tunes as “Blackbird,” “Shapes and Shadows” and “Take This Beach,” which appeared on FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Since then, Ottewell has been pleasing audiences with a series of successful solo tours across the UK, US and Australia.

On his newest record, Rattlebag, Ottewell once again collaborated with childhood friend and his Shapes & Shadows writing partner Sam Genders, previously of Tunng.

Simultaneously stripped-down and lush, the album is a collection of beautifully poetic tales of salvation and redemption, of sanctuary and braving rocky seas in search of distant shores. Ottewell’s infectious melodies and bluesy riffs will stick with you, and beg you to sing along.

Rattlebag is a record that transcends, appealing to Gomez fans for the recognizable sound they have come to love, and going beyond into a fresh new direction, evoking Americana and folk influences to create something that can be uniquely labeled as Ben Ottewell.

“There’s a time and place for us / I will take you there,” he sings (“Shoreline”). Ottewell proffers hope and promise accompanied by sublime acoustic and slide guitars, and that’s something we can all use.

Pre-order Now!

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND (OCTOBER 24) || NORTH AMERICA (OCTOBER 27):
Rattlebag is released in Australia & New Zealand October 24th through Cooking Vinyl and October 27th in North America via The End Records.
Purchase here: http://smarturl.it/BenOttewell

UK & EUROPE (DECEMBER 8):
Rattlebag is released in the UK & Europe December 8th through Sunday Best Recordings.
Purchase here: http://smarturl.it/RattlebagiTunes

Find out more at benottewell.com/

OK, so you might be asking yourself, “Why is a metal bass player being featured on Acoustic Nation?” Wait for it.

By now we’re all convinced Robert Trujillo is a monster bassist. The job of providing the low end in Metallica — a band known for their lineage of fantastic bass players — is no easy task. But Trujillo delivers.

What you’ll discover today, however, is that Trujillo’s musicality stretches beyond the bass. That’s right, we’re talking classical guitar maestro over here.

Below, check out Trujillo’s natural flamenco-style playing; it seems guitarist James Hetfield is pretty surprised as well. This footage is included in Metallica’s Making Magnetic DVD.

Trujillo, along with Hetfield and guitarist Kirk Hammett (who, as Hetfield jokingly jabs “is in jeopardy of losing his job”), proceed to work on a song spawned from Trujillo's riffing.

A lover of flamenco guitar, Trujillo has been seen on stage jamming with classical guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela. Perhaps another video for another time.

Enjoy!

See what Metallica is up to at metallica.com.

In honor of Led Zeppelin's deluxe, remastered edition of Led Zeppelin IV, which will be released next week, we thought we'd share an interesting cover of an iconic Led Zeppelin IV track, "Rock and Roll," by a guitarist named Jess Greenberg.

You can find it below. Below that, we've included a clip of Greenberg playing "Whole Lotta Love," solos and all, and Metallica's "Enter Sandman." We figured why not?

"'Rock and Roll' has just got that cheeky energy about it," Jimmy Page told Rolling Stone. "It's a party. 'It's been a long time since I rock and rolled.' It says it all, really. It's great lyrics and it's a great performance."

"As a song, it was actually kind of punky; pre-punk," John Paul Jones added. "It was really fast too, onstage anyway. It just got really quick, a lot of energy. It's a lot of fun to play. The crowd loved it. We loved it."

The deluxe version of Houses of the Holy also will be released October 28.

A new Guitar World DVD, 30 Hot Country Licks, is available now at the Guitar World Online Store!

Selected from Guitar World's Lick of the Day vault, this collection of tasty country-style guitar licks and lessons is presented by an elite group of seasoned guitar pickers and teachers, including Jerry Donahue, Peter Stroud, Lyle Brewer, Guthrie Govan, Keith Wyatt, Dale Turner, Jimmy Brown, Andy Aledort and others.

Learn how to "chicken pick," play Western swing-style phrases, bend strings, make your guitar "weep" like a pedal steel, and more!

With over 60 minutes of instruction you'll learn to play in the styles of:

• Jerry Donahue
• Albert Lee
• Brent Mason
• Danny Gatton
• Merle Travis
• James Burton

... and many others!

It's available now at the Guitar World Online Store for $14.99!

It's time to compare the mettle of Jim Dunlop pedals!

In GuitarWorld.com's latest readers poll — the first annual Jim Dunlop Effect Pedal Throwdown — we're pitting Dunlop, MXR and Way Huge pedals against each other in a no-holds-barred shootout.

Yes, we're pulling out all the stomps! Thirty-two stompboxes will go head to head — or toe to toe, if you prefer — culminating with the crowning of the king of Dunlop pedals.

You can check out the beginning bracket — with all 32 competing pedals — in the Scribd.com window below (Be sure to click on the "full screen" button in the lower-right-hand corner to expand the bracket).

The bracket will be updated after every matchup, and matchups will take place pretty much every day. Each competing pedal will accompanied by a demo video created by the Jim Dunlop company, and you'll always find a photo gallery of the competing pedals at the bottom of each matchup.

Today's Matchup

In today's matchup, the MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay goes foot to foot against the MXR M117R Flanger. Start voting below!

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: Yesterday, the Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face (61.8 percent) edged out the Fuzz Face Distortion (38.2 percent) and advanced to the next round! To see all the matchups that have taken place so far, head HERE. Thanks for voting!

Meet the Combatants

MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay

Go from crisp "bathroom" slap echoes to epic, Gilmouresque delays with the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay. Featuring 600ms of delay time with optional modulation, and a three-knob layout that controls Delay, Mix, and Regen.

In addition, there are two internal trim pots that offer user-adjustable width and rate control of the modulation for even more tonal options. All done by a completely analog audio path for authentic rich, warm analog delay—made possible only by old-school analog bucket brigade technology. True bypass.

MXR M117R Flanger

The MXR Flanger creates a variety of wild sounds from dynamic jet plane or cool space effects to short delay, chorus and vibrato. Back off Width to zero to disengage auto-sweep, then use the Manual knob to physically place the effect anywhere along the frequency spectrum; use with guitar, bass, keyboards or vocals!

Vote Now!

Jim Dunlop Effect Pedal Throwdown

As we reported earlier today, Led Zeppelin will release remastered and expanded versions of Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy next week.

In honor of the new releases, Led Zeppelin are streaming a previously unreleased alternate mix of "Stairway to Heaven." You can check it out below.

This version of the classic song plays down John Paul Jones‘ recorder and John Bonham‘s drums and puts Jimmy Page‘s guitar (especially the 12-string) more up-front than ever.

“It’s always interesting to hear stuff that you know really well and hear it differently, but the same,” Jones told Rolling Stone. “It does give a different perspective on it. You hear different things.”

Finnish cough drop company Zyx has embraced their homeland's love of black metal with an awesome new TV spot.

Watch the commercial below, and let us know what you think in the comments or on Facebook.

A pair of twins named Camille and Kennerly (and better known as the Harp Twins) have come up with a dual-harp cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."

You can check it out below.

Camille and Kennerly also have covered Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark," Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters," Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and other rock tunes on their 2013 album Harp Attack.

Attika 7 is a venerable metal powerhouse that took the world by storm in 2012 led by vocalist/bassist Evan Seinfeld (founder of the legendary Biohazard/star of HOB’s OZ) and guitarist Rusty Coones (Sons of Anarchy TV fame).

Now the group is wrapping up work on their much-anticipated, new full-length album, which is set for a mid-2015 release. For all additional information go to www.attika7.com and look for the band on this year’s KnotFest lineup performing on Sunday, Oct 26th at 1:40PM (www.knotfest.com)

The vicious new track, “Darkest Day,” can be streamed now via a lyric video exclusively below.

Seinfeld states: “ATTIKA 7 is proud to release 'Darkest Day’ to the masses. This is easily our heaviest track to date. We think a lot of people are going to be very surprised about the sound, the energy and the musicianship. We have been working harder than ever to take our music to the next level.

“This is the ultimate revenge song about the wheel of Karma coming full circle and the hand of fate, whether by our hands or yours delivering some real justice. Too many people think there are no consequences to their actions, and revenge, a dish best served cold, can taste so sweet. When someone has done you wrong, you don’t always get to pay them back and when someone takes something from you, something must be done! The weak will beg for mercy and receive NONE, if ATTIKA 7 has anything to say about it."

Coones further comments: “ATTIKA 7 is an alumni of Rockstar Mayhem and Uproar festivals in recent years. After touring season ended in 2013 we took a hiatus. We wanted something new, something different. We didn't know what it was gonna be, but we weren't gonna stop till we found it. We decided to experiment with new sounds and influences. No rules, just strive to develop something epic. These new songs are the beginning of this journey, not the end."

Matt Nathanson has put his money where his mouth is. In an effort to make real and lasting change in the world,

Nathanson has partnered with Starkey Hearing Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the hearing impaired.

Nathanson recently made the 24-hour journey from San Francisco, CA to Huancayo, Peru to volunteer with the Foundation team and distribute over 1,000 hearing aids and after care to people in need.

The resulting video of Matt's trip is not only a moving document of his time there, but also serves to raise funds for Starkey Hearing Foundation to continue their distribution efforts around the world.

100% of proceeds from the video are being donated to the Foundation by Matt and his label, Vanguard Records. The more the VEVO/YouTube link is posted and shared, the more funds they will receive.

Nathanson says of the experience, "If I couldn’t hear, I would be lost. Because I play music for a living, hearing is everything...It ignites something in you when you do work like this. I feel like this is the beginning of a life of giving back.”

"When we help someone hear, we provide a way for them to connect with others and experience the world around them," says Bill Austin, Founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation. "With the support of passionate partners and hearing angels like Matt Nathanson, we help people in need around the world reach their full potential and engage with the things, like music, that add color and joy to their lives."

Watch it now!

October is also both National Audiology Awareness Month & National Hearing Protection month. Starkey Hearing Foundation uses hearing as a vehicle to reflect caring and change lives around the world. Disabling hearing loss affects more than 360 million people, including 32 million children, worldwide, yet many do not have access to the hearing devices that can help them.

Starkey Hearing Foundation fits and gives more than 100,000 hearing aids annually, and as a member of President Clinton’s Global Initiative, it has pledged to fit one million hearing aids this decade. In addition to giving the gift of hearing through worldwide hearing missions, they also promote hearing health awareness and education through the Listen Carefully campaign and provides hearing instruments to low-income Americans through the Hear Now program.

For more information on how you can help, go to: headphones.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/

Based in San Francisco, Matt Nathanson has evolved into one of the most applauded songwriters and engaging performers on the music scene today. His 2007 album Some Mad Hope yielded his breakthrough multi-platinum hit “Come on Get Higher” as well as the subsequent hits “Car Crash,” “Falling Apart” and “All We Are.” The success of Some Mad Hope earned Nathanson a coveted spot as a VH1 “You Oughta Know” artist, while also resulting in appearances on such national television & radio shows as The Late Show with David Letterman, The Howard Stern Show, Ellen, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx, Dancing with the Stars, Rachael Ray, Live From Daryl’s House, and The CMA Awards to name a few.

He was recently featured on VH1’s ‘You Oughta Know’ Concert Special as well as VH1’s That Metal Show. Additionally, his songs have been spotlighted in numerous film and TV programs, including Good Morning America, NCIS, Private Practice, American Idol, X Factor, Vampire Diaries, Scrubs, American Pie, 90210 and Celebrity Bucket List.

Modern Love, his previous studio album, topped the iTunes Pop Chart and featured the hit singles “Faster” and “Run” – the latter featuring Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. His latest release LAST OF THE GREAT PRETENDERS debuted at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 (his highest debut to date) and hit #1 on the iTunes Alternative Albums chart. Nathanson’s legendary live shows, in which he displays a chic comedic flair, have resulted in sold-out tours across the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. Nathanson also served as a Voting Artist for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction process and has had the distinction of giving a TEDx Talk on “The Creative Process.”

More at mattnathanson.com