The Raw Guitar Co.

17/10/2024

As much as I enjoy writing pieces for this page it does have its limitations.

There's only so much you can write on guitar design! To keep the page informative, I've ventured down numerous roads over the years and written pieces which I hope you enjoyed reading. My posts on Hank Garland, Barney Kessel and T-Bone Walker, to name but three, were a joy to write. Likewise, my piece on Charlie Christian and the pickup which bears his name.

However, over the past couple of years or so, I've found it difficult to maintain the page to the standards I previously kept which explains why I've not written much of late. Also, our current “Fusion” project is still work in progress.

To keep my writing fresh and energising, I've created a new page which I hope you will like and support. It's called “In My Own Words”. It's a page where I can write on any design related subject which takes my fancy. Nothing will be off limits. If it's design related and it catches my eye, I'll write about it.

This doesn't mean the end of this page. As and when things develop with our “Fusion” project, I shall keep you up to date with all future developments.

Many thanks for your time.

Until next time. SR

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566265920502

It's taken a while . . . a page where I can write entirely on creativity, design, music and the full nine yards!

17/07/2024

Quick update on our current work. We also have a Guyatone inspired model too . . .

Until next time. SR

15/07/2024

The Rolling Stones have been pushing for a number of years to have Hubert Sumlin inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, see link below. Mr Sumlin was Howlin' Wolf's guitarist, consequently, I don't need to elaborate further!

Why he's not there remains a mystery.

However, along with The Stones there are a host of devotees who agree with their sentiment. I'm singed up. Friend and colleague, Bob Angell too. Bob's more than a devotee. He was Hubert's apprentice. I've written previously on this page of Bob's relationship with “Uncle Hubert”, second link below.

In recognition of Bob's relationship with “Uncle Hubert”, he recently teamed up with friend and fellow devotee, Duke Robillard to record a tribute cut which features on his new album. Released on Rawtone Records, “Brand New Blues” is Bob's follow up to his 2020 critically acclaimed “Supernal Blues” release.

To help promote Bob's new album I've set up a Facebook Group page called Shake For Hubert, see previous post which contains numerous photographs of Bob and guests recording at Stable Sound Studio. You will also find Bob's first official promotional video too which I was delighted to produce. I'll pop the video in the Comments section below should you wish to take a look.

Until next time. SR

https://nypost.com/2017/08/17/the-rolling-stones-want-this-guy-in-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1106397656086949&set=a.154990727894318

25/04/2024

When Bob Angell began recording his new album at Stable Sound Studio last year, I suggested he photographically records every session he plays the ''44'' prototype guitar we recently designed.

Not only did Bob send over pics of him playing the ''44'' he pinged photographs of every recording session undertaken! The photographs were so good, I opened a folder, and when time permitted, I began to edit the best of the best.

Such was the quality of material - editing was hugely enjoyable. Shane and I used a number of them on Bob's pre-release promotional video we produced earlier this year. Those pics were just the tip of the iceberg! I have not counted but I must of edited at least thirty photographs showcasing Bob and his guests laying down the groove at Stable Sound.

What have I got? A photographic record of Bob and friends having fun in the studio. The majority of the photographs were taken by his sound engineer and co-producer, ''Magic'' Steve Rizzo. Bob took a number of photographs too when guests came to record. He took some amazing pics of Mark Cole, Doug James, Kelly Knapp, Duke Robillard and Charlz Ruggerio plying their craft.

When I spoke to Bob last week, I suggested we do something with my edits for promotional purposes and as a precursor for the launch of his album. We are currently debating which way we should go regarding publishing and presentation because each black and white photograph comes complete with its own story adding colour to the shot!

Stay tuned!

Until next time. SR

10/04/2024

Love this Steve Rizzo pic of legendary baritone saxophonist Doug James and Bob Angell. Snake invited ''Mr Low'' to Stable Sound Studio to add a little colour to his forthcoming album which will be released shortly on Rawtone Records.

Doug's résumé is very impressive. He's a five times Grammy nominee and a W. C. Handy Award winner. He has recorded with Pat Benatar, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Colin James, Duke Robillard, Roomful of Blues, Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Louis Walker and many others.

Doug has played live with LaVern Baker, Eric Clapton, Helen Humes, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and many more. He has recorded and released numerous albums over the years and tours frequently with his own band.

The list of guests who have contributed to Bob's forthcoming album is mouth watering to say the least. Mark Cole, Kelly Knapp, Duke Robillard and Charlz Ruggerio have visited Stable Sound Studio to record with Bob. With Doug James added to the list, Bob's album is shaping up very nicely indeed.

Until next time. SR

23/02/2024

Many thanks to all who Commented, Liked and Shared our recent posts, your continued support is greatly appreciated. Many thanks also to those who recently clicked the page Like button.

Following on from my last post and admiration of Squier's budget line of Telecaster Sonic Esquire guitars, I've adopted their conceptual thinking to our current Japanese/American Fusion project and created an introductory model.

Over the past eighteen months or so, when time permitted, I've been developing a brand of guitars which I believe are not only commercially viable but, more importantly and from a marketing perspective, may offer the guitar buying public something new and exciting to purchase.

Yes, that's a bold statement. Take a look at the short promotional video clip I recently produced with Shane (link below) and judge for yourself. If you're a fan of 1960s Japanese guitars but love American manufactured hardware and pickups, our current work ticks all the boxes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyzRVvVfTI8

Back to today's post.

Why do I admire Squier's budget line of Telecaster Sonic Esquire guitars?

Simplicity is the answer.

Driven by a single Fender humbucker at the bridge, these guitars pack a punch and for around £150 are tremendous value. Rather than a Fender humbucker, I've chosen a Filtertron to drive our prosed model. This pup compliments the Teisco Apollo inspired body and Gibby hardware perfectly - if you're going to make an introductory statement - make an introductory statement!

Until next time. SR