Heres a rundown of the guitars, amps, and effects that Alex Lifeson has used over his decades-long career. Nov 5, 2017 #2 AnalogKid68 TDPRI Member. Most of Lifesons Les Pauls arent much different than the ones you can pick up from any Gibson dealer. Here at the Guitar Lobby, our aim is to share our passion for Music and gear with the rest of the music community. 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 . Last edited: Nov 5, 2017. What Ive figured out so far is that somebody (road crew / tech) changed the jack plates from the small plastic ones to hand-drilled metal ones, took off the grill cloth, put metal screening instead, and remounted the Marshall logo. Lifesons Fender Super Reverb would stick with him for a few albums, including Fly by Night and Caress of Steel. I'm 99% sure he used his Hentor Sportscaster for that and for the hyper-clean arpeggios during the choruses. The attention to detail shows, and I can only imagine what a special instrument this must feel like, how much pleasure it must bring just to look at it. #1. 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. 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 . The natural finished Strats of that era had ash bodies. Body weight, wood species and resonance to match the original Hentor. Even though its technically a hollow body, the Gibson HRF has a maple spur that runs through the middle of the body, which gives it some weight. Hey! Alex Lifeson is always looking for new sounds to add to the Rush repertoire. The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. The neck also has a rounded Axcess profile to help Lifeson reach the higher frets more easily. I'll . Despite not being a real guitar brand, the Hentor Sportscaster became one of Alex Lifesons most iconic guitars! For the Hemispheres tour, Lifeson swapped from his standard Fender Super Reverb to Hiwatt amps. 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. What's your favorite 335 style guitar for under $1000 used. Of course, to craft his iconic sound, Lifeson has amassed quite the arsenal of gear. Here are a few of his most notable. It requires routing a pocket for the switch and two channels for the new wiring location. PILOT. Whitey is featured on all albums from A Farewell to Kings to Test for Echo, and can be seen played by Lifeson on stage during all Rush tours from 1977 to 2015 as well as in many of the bands music videos. In his spare time, Sam creates point-of-view guitar lesson videos on YouTube under the name Sightline Guitar (opens in new tab). He missed the sound of his old signatures and asked Paul Reed Smith to build him a PRS with one of the old pickups, so he did! With a router, you have to do a multitude of shallow passes going slightly deeper each time. There have been various discussions over the years, for those looking to build their own replicas of Alex's customized Strats, and not only do I want . Legend has it that Lifeson was friends with the owner of Signature Guitars and helped him design the instruments. On ESL, the white Strat had a Gibson humbucker and the stock Fender bridge. 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. Based on your location, we've changed your settings: Shipping Region: I never noticed the inverted jack on that thing. Over the years, Lifeson has used almost countless Gibson Les Pauls on stage and in the studio. I don't know if helps that one is emulating tape the other emulating . The Freddy Sportscaster is deadly expensive for sure, its interesting as a benchmark and details Alexs customizations clearly. Some of you may know of the Hentor Sportscaster, a 1973 white Fender strat that Alex Lifeson modded. That way I could start with a shallower initial cut. The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site, and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. 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. Lifeson also regularly used the guitar on tour and in music videos over the years. The Hentor's transition from Alex Lifeson's three Hentor 'prototypes' to a line of commercially-available guitars happened somewhere in between these two worlds. Home Guitarists Alex Lifeson Guitars and Gear List (2023 Update). 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. Later, Lifeson admitted that he loved the sound of the Signatures, but he wasnt a fan of how they felt. In an interview with Vintage Guitar magazine, Lifeson joked that Hendrix absolutely blew his mind, but there was no thinking about ever reaching his level. He found Claptons solos much more approachable, so thats how he learned to play. The neck is one of those sturdy Charvel maple numbers that's nice and straight, but I had a high fourth fret that caused a nasty buzz. You must log in or register to reply here. LOL. I posted (http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=24807.msg359089#msg359089) several months back asking for advice on attempting to build a replica of Alex Lifeson's white Hentor Sportscaster, a modified strat he used on the Grace Under Pressure album and tour. Always interesting to see these builds - Alex definitely had a bunch of different "looks" for his Strats over the years before evolving to that somewhat "final" white Hentor. Lifeson loved the sound of the TC Electronics 1210 so much that hes had the same exact unit in his rack for over 30 years! Alex Lifeson has given me permission to backwards engineer and meticulously blueprint his iconic Hentor Sportscaster so that I may make and sell accurate replicas. Hopefully by this time next week I'll be able to show you th finished product. For the Power Windows tour in 1985, Lifeson swapped out his chorus foot pedal for a rack-mounted TC Electronics 1210. Best regards! A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. But the cool thing is all the notes on the aged masking tape inside the cabinet, which Im curious to discover more about: LIFESON. 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. It was created specifically for Rush's 40th Anniversary tour. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Miniature Guitar Model Officially Licensed. Oct 8, 2022. Like with his guitars, Lifeson has gone through a few amps over the years. I found one link on mojocaster's build, but it's a bad link. 70s style strat body finished in nitro lacquer. Gibson is selling some of the most valuable vintage guitars in its vault direct to customers as part of new Certified Vintage program, Insomnium's Markus Vanhala unleashes fretboard fury in The Witch Hunter playthrough, Fender teams up with Mastodon's Troy Sanders for well-spec'd Silverburst signature P-Bass, Sophie Burrell: I dont care too much about speed Id rather sound more like David Gilmour and play with feel, Bernth recreates everybodys childhood music experiment by using rubber bands as guitar strings but somehow manages to make them sound decent. When he was 12, he was given his very first guitar as a Christmas present and renounced the viola forever in favor of shredding the guitar. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar." Another notable guitar hitting the auction block is the 1980 custom-built Hentor Sportscaster electric guitar used on the recording of Rush's albums following Moving Pictures. For the wiring check, the link to the build thread I linked to above in post 6. When Moving Pictures came out and the Exit . So his signal always seemed to be hotter. i know he was endorsed by them back then. Alex Lifeson: "I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Lifesons Moog is preset with a few bass sounds and some samples. Thanks, I could not see from the photos if there was a gap and that you had put the pickup ring underneath. The 1210 is a spatial expander and chorus flanger that helps Lifeson create his unique Rush sound. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. In Rushs early years, Lifeson didnt even own an amp. When the router decides to go in its own direction you wont be able to stop it. EUR After a year strumming the Kent acoustic, Lifeson started begging his parents for an electric guitar. Crazy. As a joke, he called these Hentor Sportscasters - a made-up name inspired by Peter Henderson's name, who was the producer of Grace Under Pressure. Signature is the brand not to be confused with a fender signature strat. The amp setup was a couple of Dean Markley 2x12 combos, two Marshall 2x12 combos, two . Figure this was the bass cabinet (bottom) of the 3rd stack, I believe Alex used 4 stacks at the time. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Replica Guitars Now Available. 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 . BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. In 2010, the sound experts at Hughes & Kettner gave Alex Lifeson his very own signature model amp. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This video is a few years old and was never published publicly, but people have be. Oops, looks like you forgot something. Its such a great guitar that it still goes out on tour 30 years later! I've found someone who's willing to lend me their router and bits, and I'll be spending part of my weekend prepping the body for surgery, taking measurements and drawing stencils and such. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. What's your favorite 335 style guitar for under $1000 used. The Property from the Archives of Alex Lifeson auction will be split into two sessions, occurring at 10 a.m. His go-to chorus pedal is the Boss CE-1 Chorus. Nov 4, 2017 #1 AnalogKid68 TDPRI Member. Since Geddy Lee also uses steampunk contraptions to fill his side of the stage, these custom-made Hughes & Kettners look great to give the band a unified look on stage. Thats what gives him that special Life-O-Sound that blends acoustic and electric sounds. 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. it was awful to play, very uncomfortable, but had a particular sound that I liked. Alex Lifeson in Vintage Guitar Magazine, September 2011, You can see Lifeson rock his black Signature Aurora (and an awesome 80s haircut) in this 1989 live performance of Big Money.. Some reference if you can stand the 80'sness of the videos. In 2011, Alex Lifeson got to team up with his friends at Gibson once again to create another unique signature guitar. Rush Marshall cabinet photos, And if anyone has more info, Id love to hear! But even his Hentor Sportscaster had a humbucker in the bridge. Lifeson said it had a really nice balance when he played it, and it had everything he looks for in a guitar. They recruited bassist and vocalist Jeff Jones and became The Projection, which eventually became Rush in 1968. Alex Lifeson plays a Gibson Les Paul Axcess guitar. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. But this is all for today. From 1980 to 1986, Lifeson used four identically modified Stratocasters, all of them equipped with the Floyd Rose bridge. Early estimates suggest that "Whitey" will bring in $200,000 - $300,000 at auction. Alex Lifeson has announced plans to sell off his most iconic guitars for charity with Julien's Auctions.. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by, Luthier's Guitar & Bass Technical Discussion. You are using an out of date browser. By _pete_, November 22, 2009 in Electric Guitars. The model name is "Alex Lifeson Axcess Les Pauls Gibson" and it includes, among other things, a tremolo handle as well as special pickups (microphones). He uses this amp to add a little extra to his regular tone. There just isnt another guitar player like him. Months after Alex Lifeson detailed his post-Rush project Envy of None, it's been revealed that friend and bandmate Geddy Lee is at work with the Barenaked Ladies on a "secret" new project. 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. . I just goes to show how great Rush fans and Alex Lifeson fans are. "I used a white modified Fender Strat that I called the 'Hentor Sportscaster'. In the early 90s, Lifeson picked up a black PRS CE24. There will be a HB in the bridge and I need to make a trace for the 3 way toggle on the horn. RUSH: Progressive Power Trio RUSH in their early . Wtf? It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar. He has them on many of his Les Pauls, including his signature Axcess Les Paul. Regular price $59.99 Geddy Lee Vintage Tour Edition Mini Fender Jazz Bass Model Officially Licensed. The neck pickup on the 12-string has a coil splitter that Lifeson installed himself. That's some impressive knowledge John C. Didn't he use a white one like that during the recording and touring of Moving Pictures? Learn More. Nice job. Thisguitar is a true rock machine with tones of Moving Pictures, Signals, and Grace Under Pressure. I gigged this song with my Helix with my old cover band. Are you thinking of painting/finishing this thing yourself? Lee. The pickups were swapped out with DiMarzios for the rhythm and bass positions and a Bill Lawrence L-500 in the back position. This splendid guitar was part of Rushs most explosive era of creativity. To make the guitar even cooler, it has two output jacks. 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. Go. Historic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang Happy Birthday to You to President Kennedy. What's something super simple you like to play just because it's fun to play? As he told Guitarist magazine, It wasnt much of a guitar. Neck is also MIJ, gorgeous, plays super . * A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster played by Lifeson on most Rush albums since "Moving Pictures, . Part of our "Music Icons" auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, "Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson . Chorus is a big part of Alex Lifesons unique sound. All these amazing Lifeson-inspired features are finished off by an incredible figured maple top. I do prefer the look with the white pickups. For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo Shop. Lifeson thought that guitar was so cool because it was shaped like a Gretsch Country Gentleman. Since he already got his signature ES-355, this time, he opted for a solid body. JavaScript is disabled. This is an awesome guitar. 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 has been a staple for Lifeson since the A Farewell to Kings tour in 1977. Of course, seeing such an unknown guitar rocking stages all over the world, guitar players everywhere were trying to figure out what the heck a Hentor Sportscaster was! Lifeson also brought the guitar on the road extensively during the band's career. Lifeson has several of these Les Paul Axcess in his arsenal, most notably in Black, Royal Crimson, and Viceroy Brown. From that moment on, all he wanted to do was play guitar. Garrison Guitars was an instrument manufacturer in Canada founded in 1999. Alexs only stipulation was that for every guitar sold, a portion of the profit goes to his charity Grapes Under Pressure. It has a large C shape neck and plays fast. 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. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar," said the 68-year-old guitarist in a statement. 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. Germany, 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. Guitars Kent Acoustic Canora 1968 Gibson ES-335, Tobacco Sunburst 1963 Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst (Sold) Amplifiers Kent Marshall (#1) Guitars Gibson ES-335, Tobacco Sunburst A rented Rickenbacker 12-string acoustic Amplifiers Marshall 50 watt with a 4x12 cabinet Effects . Lifeson uses this guitar on songs that require that unique twangy sound, like Time Stands Still.. Lifeson had 3 modded Strats. While in my possession over the last few months I made suggestions to Alex on upgrading the guitar. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Mini Guitar Model Officially Licensed - HANDCRAFTED with all the details just like Alex's famous guitar! Let us know if you have any questions or comments below! I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. Aside from the Guitar Players I used to have a handful of Guitar For The Practicing Musician (an '80s mag with transcriptions for those who don't remember this one). Success! 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. The pickups were Alnico II replicas of the legendary 1950s PAF humbuckers that made Lifesons original 355 sound so good. With my engineering experience, Ive developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. The black one is exclusive to Alex, you wont be able to find a signature model of that one in stores! 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 . Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Miniature Guitar Model Officially Licensed; Neil Peart: Drum God . Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. His white 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD will go under the hammer in May.