Lifeson played a Signature Aurora almost exclusively for the Power Windows Tour and kept it in rotation for a few shows after that. It only came with a white finish (of course) and featured gold hardware. You must log in or register to reply here. That way, his sound engineer can manage the chorus instead of him having to worry about switching the pedal on and off while hes rocking the house on stage. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Looks like a late 60's to 70's strat with the big headstock, hummer in the bridge(PAF? Lifeson uses this guitar on songs that require that unique twangy sound, like Time Stands Still.. Germany, A few months ago I figured out, thanks to posts on forums like this, that I pretty much had the basic components needed to build my very own Hentor Sportscaster and have it be fairly period-correct. Be gentle. Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Please call 877-687-4277 for assistance with placing . Shortly after he bought his first proper guitar, Alex Lifeson also picked up a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard following Rushs first tour in 1976. The sound engineer also blends the amps together to get the perfect sound from backstage. I purchased this guitar in 1976, Lifeson says. Twin Reverb, but it was mostly used for PA miking. http://www.80srockphotos.com/fcWebApp/product_images/AlexLifeson2_wtrMrk.jpg, 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. While his 76 ES-355 might not be his primary player anymore, its still one of Lifesons favorite guitars and frequently goes on tour with him. Niagara on the Lake luthier Freddy Gebrsek has received permission from Alex Lifeson to create and sell replicas of his Hentor Sportscaster which Alex used extensively during the early 1980s. Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Well from that pic it s a slab board with a bullet truss rod so most likely a custom built something. JavaScript is disabled. JULIEN'S AUCTIONS BEVERLY HILLS PUBLIC EXHIBITIONLOCATIONJulien's Auctions Beverly Hills257 N. Canon DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90210, Exhibition: Monday, April 11th, 2022 Friday, April 15th, 2022Daily: 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Pacific TimeFree to the Public, JULIEN'S AUCTIONS NEW YORK PUBLIC EXHIBITION& LIVE AUCTION LOCATIONHard Rock Cafe New York1501 Broadway-Times SquareNew York, NY 10036, Exhibition: Monday, May 16th, 2022 Friday, May 20th, 2022Daily: 11:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time dailyFree to the Public, PROPERTY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF ALEX LIFESONFriday, May 20th, 2022Session I (Lots 1-466): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, MUSIC ICONSSaturday, May 21st, 2022Session II (Lots 467-856): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, MUSIC ICONSSunday, May 22nd, 2022Session III (Lots 857-1357): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Phone: (310) 836-1818 | Fax: (310) 742-0155Email:info@juliensauctions.com. Thats an awesome tribute. That's some impressive knowledge John C. Didn't he use a white one like that during the recording and touring of Moving Pictures? The Bridgette Bardot reference? According to Rushisaband.com, Niagara On The Lake luthier Freddy Gebrsek has received permission from RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson to create and sell replicas of his Hentor Sportscaster, which Alex used extensively during the early 1980s. Don't mind the trace lines for 3 single coil pups - that's just habit. I mean I know some guys name their guitars, never heard of naming your speakers. Equipment with a unknown date is on the bottom. This guitar was favored by Lifeson as his primary instrument for soloing - in particular the solo for the band's hit single "Limelight" , and can be seen in the . I cant remember which forum I was on, but there were several threads that mentioned that this was how Alex had it wired up with the three way mod. The experts in contemporary and pop culture. I had the ultimate pawn shop find recently north of Toronto, a late 70s Marshall 412 tour cabinet from the All The Worlds a Stage era, as far as I can tell. Although he jumped around to a few different guitar manufacturers throughout Rushs history, Lifeson always found his way back to the Gibson Les Paul. I'm a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson was the reason I picked up a guitar. A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster that's Lifeson loved to solo with, including the solo on the song "Limelight" and has been in the music videos for "Vital," "Countdown," and "Enemy Within" It was a real workhorse and I loved it.. You can see it rocking on Working Man during this early Rush performance. Although Lifeson helped propel Signature to new heights by showing off its capabilities on stage, the Signature Guitar Company ultimately closed its doors in 1990, and Lifeson switched back to Gibsons and PRSs. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nov 5, 2017 #2 AnalogKid68 TDPRI Member. Its such a great guitar that it still goes out on tour 30 years later! Finally, RUSH's drummer Neil Peart is such a monster musician that we will reserve comment for now and create a separate post for him at an appropriate moment in the near future hint, hint. It also appears in the music videos for Vital Signs, Countdown and The Enemy Within. It was Lifeson's favorite guitar for soloing and can be heard on the solo for "Limelight." I have no idea if they used the guitars, but Rush and Lifeson were given (IIRC) two custom built stratocasters by Ted Veneman of Veneman Music, probably built by John Warden. It has the same pickups, bridge, and hardware that youd find on any 52 reissue. "Julien's Auctions is proud to present this magnificent collection of coveted artifacts of rock history directly . Im curious about the wiring form3 pickups on the LP styled 3 way switch. The Les Paul and the ES-335 became his two primary players through the rest of the 1970s and cemented his love for Gibson guitars, hollow-bodies, and Les Pauls. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Lifeson has several of these Les Paul Axcess in his arsenal, most notably in Black, Royal Crimson, and Viceroy Brown. Roughed out on the bandsaw, sanded close to the line and routed to shape. Aleksandar Zivojinovic, otherwise known by his stage name Alex Lifeson, is the lead guitarist for the legendary virtuosic rock trio, Rush. The name came from Peter Henderson, who co-produced Grace Under Pressure. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Oops, looks like you forgot something. For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo ShopUp to 25% off select Gibson guitarsShop now, View similar gear from other sellers on Reverb. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You are using an out of date browser. Some of you may know of the Hentor Sportscaster, a 1973 white Fender strat that Alex Lifeson modded. Anyone know the details of that white strat with the black pickguard he used for a while? Lifeson said it had a really nice balance when he played it, and it had everything he looks for in a guitar. You must log in or register to reply here. His bandmates even call him The Musical Scientist because of his sound experimentation. Lifeson picked up one of their mandolins to use for a handful of songs, and sometimes, for only part of a song. Lifeson uses the Gibson HRF for songs like Hemispheres, Tom Sawyer, and Camera Eye.. With my engineering experience, Ive developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. I'm happy with the overall results and removing a few grams of wood from this heavy specimen will make it easier on the back when playing for extended periods. EUR He borrowed most of his equipment from friends and relativesas most budding musicians do. You can see the incredible Hentor Sportscaster in action for much of the Grace Under Pressure tour, including this live performance of The Spirit of the Radio.. Fax: 310-742-0155, A 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD, aka Whitey, played by Lifeson throughout most of his career with Rush. To project the awesome sound from the amps out into the audience, Lifeson three Hughes & Kettner 212 cabinets. His white 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD will go under the hammer in May. The black one is exclusive to Alex, you wont be able to find a signature model of that one in stores! His guitar, however, is a Rickenbacker with a brass neck and a 12-string neck. A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster played by Lifeson on most Rush albums since "Moving Pictures," and was the main guitar used on the recording of the album "Grace Under Pressure." This guitar was favored by . Bill Lawrence L500 humbucker, Dimarzio single coils, bone nut, non-fine tuner Floyd Rose, Schaller tuners, Northern Ash body, Rock Maple neck and Gaboon ebony fingerboard with medium jumbo stainless steel frets, nitro lacquer, hipshot locking tuners, three way switch, large brass sustain block, Hentor Sportscaster logo on peghead face, Freddy Gabrsek logo and serial number on peghead back. It smashed right into his prized ES-335 (and his double-neck EDS-1275, which well get to later), cracking the headstock. A true passion of mine, Ive designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Hentor Sportscaster; Gibson EDS-1275 Double-Neck; Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Standard Axcess; Gibson Les Paul Goldtop; Alex Has Also Used The Following . Go. but there's no way you're getting that solo with a 355. Once Rush started hitting it big, Alex Lifeson went out and bought a Fender Super Reverb amp. Lee. You can see Lifesons black 1991 PRS CE24 in action on songs like Leave That Thing Alone. There are some super high notes in the solos that require a 24-fret neck. Guitars up for sale include Lifeson's Whitey Gibson ES-355TD, a 1980 custom-built Hentor Sportscaster and a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck created specifically for Rush's 40th Anniversary tour. The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. Let us know if you have any questions or comments below! All rights reserved. Well done and keep up the great work! You can hear the Garrison in action during a small solo break on Working Them Angels.. "Hello my fellow Rush fans! Now thats a really nice job of routing. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster replicas now available. Rush's Alex Lifeson is collaborating with Julien's Auctions on an upcoming auction titled "Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson". By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. In 2011, Alex Lifeson got to team up with his friends at Gibson once again to create another unique signature guitar. He bought a 1968 Gibson ES-335 for Rushs first tour. He would also use it in live shows, pushing a Marshall 412 cabinet. He did, however, modify his 1958 Sunburst Gibson Les Paul Reissue to include a Piezo pickup in the bridge along with dual outputsa configuration he later incorporated into his own Gibson signature model. Another notable guitar going under the hammer is Lifeson's 1980 Hentor Sportscaster, the custom electric guitar which Lifeson played on albums such as 1981's Moving Pictures and 1984's Grace Under Pressure. I think it cost $10. He recalled the string height was very high off the neck, making it difficult to playas most beginner acoustics are. The addition of all the pictures and videos just awesome. It was created specifically for Rush's 40th Anniversary tour. It may not display this or other websites correctly. So many people have said Alex used a "Gibson switch" or "Les Paul style switching" that I went out and got a Les Paul switch. Alex Lifeson knew that and following in the footsteps of one of his favorite guitarists Jimmy Page, he picked up a Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck in 1976. My name is Chris and Ive had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. This is an awesome guitar. He uses this amp to add a little extra to his regular tone. The natural finished Strats of that era had ash bodies. Since he already got his signature ES-355, this time, he opted for a solid body. Germany, Currency: You can see this model in action on Far Cry from the Snakes & Arrows tour. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Miniature Guitar Model Officially Licensed. It is indeed a Signature strat. The wiring is neck, neck/middle, bridge. Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, who is gearing up to release a debut album with new project Envy of None, is giving his . To make the guitar even cooler, it has two output jacks. You are using an out of date browser. As part of Julien's Auctions' "Music Icons" auction, happening on May 20, 21 and 22, "Property From The Archives Of Alex Lifeson" will feature over 60 vintage guitars and other career memorabilia from the personal collection Alex Lifeson, the legendary Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame guitarist and co-founder of Rush, One of the greatest rock groups of all time, selling more than 40 million . Hard to imagine he was 27 at the time. He loved the feel and tone of the guitar, and it easily became his primary player for years to come. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Grapes Under Pressure charity. Looking forward to seeing the finished guitar. (Image credit: Julien's Auctions) Another highlight of the auction is a 1980 custom-built Hentor Sportscaster electric guitar, used during the recording of several Rush albums, in particular on 1984's Grace Under Pressure, where it was Lifeson's main recording guitar.. All these amazing Lifeson-inspired features are finished off by an incredible figured maple top. Its an HSS, two knobs (volume / tone) with a Floyd rose non fine tuner trem (no locking nut). Other guitars featured in the Property from the Archives of Alex Lifeson auction include a 1976 Gibson J-55 acoustic used by Lifeson to compose Rush's 1976 platinum-selling album 2112; a 1990 Fender Strat which appears on the majority of latter-day Rush albums; and a 2015 limited run Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar created specifically for Rush's 40th Anniversary R40 tour. The Myth of Creation Legend has it that Russ Heinl, an old buddy of Alex's, approached him in 1986 with a prototype of a new MIDI pickup. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Mini Guitar Model Officially Licensed Officially Licensed - HANDCRAFTED with all the details just like Alex's famous guitar! It doesnt matter how skilled you are, if youre holding a double-neck, you look like a guitar hero! not a floyd on it though odd it has two HBs and not the HSS like the others. Surprisingly, Alex Lifeson is mostly self-taught. Playing bigger gigs, he needed the extra power! ), Gibson three way switch on the lower horn, 5 way with that? Here are a few of his favorites to take on tour and use in the studio: Alex Lifeson does a lot of fading to add some dramatic effect to his solo and rhythm parts. Hi folks, New member to the forum here and wanted to share some pics from my first Warmoth build - a replica Hentor Sportcaster, based on the Fender Stratocaster that was the predecessor to the actual Hentor. In 2010, the band wanted to go for a steampunk vibe. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I'd almost consider the Hentor Sportscaster to be more iconic of a guitar of his than anything else he used, considering how much mileage he got out of it and how many classic songs he was using . Regular price $49.99 Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355 Gibson Alpine White Miniature Guitar Model. Thats what gives him that special Life-O-Sound that blends acoustic and electric sounds. I found one link on mojocaster's build, but it's a bad link. Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care. Frankly, Im not even a die hard Rush fan, and before today could not even name the lead guitarist. Nov 4, 2017 #1 AnalogKid68 TDPRI Member. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. . The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site, and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. northgta@gmail.com. You are using an out of date browser. I updated the permissions on the media album so hopefully you can see the photos now. BA1 1UA. I only get one shot at this so I've been doing a lot of research on this. With his Carnoa in hand, Alex Lifeson started learning solos from his favorite players. Wtf? I've read he used Floyd Rose tremolos with and without the fine tuners, and there are versions with the cream-colored humbucker and some with the black and chrome humbucker. GOLFER. Alex Lifeson: "I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. The Moog Taurus Bass Pedal looks like a small keyboard that fits on Lifesons pedalboard. Theres no guitar player that sounds exactly like Alex Lifeson. Alex Lifeson has announced plans to sell off his most iconic guitars for charity with Julien's Auctions.. As for pickups, the Alex Lifeson Signature Les Paul features 496R and 498T humbuckers with push/pull series and parallel switching thats activated with the standard tone and volume knobs. Best regards! Lifeson manages to achieve this sound with his hallowed 'Hentor Sportscaster', a Frankenstein guitar a modified Fender Strat with a Floyd Rose vibrato arm to create his archetypal tone. 1 of 2 Go to page. Well, it sounds like youve got the idea well thought out so it should work out well in the end. Used - Mint. The pickups were swapped out with DiMarzios for the rhythm and bass positions and a Bill Lawrence L-500 in the back position. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. Lifesons telecaster doesnt make too many appearances on stage or in the studio, but it is one of his primary writing instruments, so bonus points for intimacy. Julien's Auctions announces the "Property From the Archives of Alex Lifeson" auction on May 22nd at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York and online. These three instruments are expected to sell for five figures each. One of the greatest rock groups of all time, selling more than 40 million records worldwide during the bands four-decade history. After a year strumming the Kent acoustic, Lifeson started begging his parents for an electric guitar. Hello my fellow Rush fans! After playing it Alex wasn't to impressed with the pickup but thought the Guitar the pickup was installed in was great! The cheapest option is to buy an old body with the right routing for the pickups and start there, though you will have to compromise on something whether its having a Floyd recess, the color, etc. By _pete_, November 22, 2009 in Electric Guitars. Nice job. Most of Lifesons Les Pauls arent much different than the ones you can pick up from any Gibson dealer. When Jeff Jones left the band, he was replaced by Lifesons high school friend Geddy Lee. It requires routing a pocket for the switch and two channels for the new wiring location. The guitar is reportedly Lifeson's favorite guitar for soloing, and was used to record the solo for Rush's 1981 hit, Limelight (from Moving Pictures, released the same year). Early estimates suggest that "Whitey" will bring in $200,000 - $300,000 at auction. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar." . Please check the fields highlighted in red. Are you thinking of painting/finishing this thing yourself? No, that's not the Signature guitar; those had active single coils and no pickguard, and those were circa 1987 or so (Hold Your Fire). Hi Christopher, Another notable guitar going under the hammer is Lifeson's 1980 Hentor Sportscaster, the custom electric guitar which Lifeson played on albums such as 1981's Moving Pictures and 1984's Grace Under Pressure. So I took the occasion to level, re-crown and polish all the frets. PAINTER. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. A 1981 Gibson Howard Roberts fusion guitar that served as Lifesons main guitar during the Moving Pictures tour. In his interview with Vintage Guitar Magazine, he says, Theres nothing like having a low-slung Les Paul over my shoulder! Its nearly impossible to beat the tonality and playability. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
