Since its creation in 2011, this guitar has become one of Lifesons primary players. Shop the RUSH Backstage Official Store LOL. Geddy Lee also has a set of Moog Taurus Bass Pedals on his pedalboard, preset with different sounds. Lifeson is known for his outstanding riffing, odd chord structures, and electronic effects. Alex Lifeson has always been experimenting with his guitars and equipment. Please check the fields highlighted in red. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. . If you listen to any Rush songs written after 1982, theres a decent chance the guitar part was originally written on Lifesons 1952 Reissue Tele. When Jeff Jones left the band, he was replaced by Lifesons high school friend Geddy Lee. The amp setup was a couple of Dean Markley 2x12 combos, two Marshall 2x12 combos, two . Heading up the 100-plus-lot sale is a custom-built Whitey Gibson ES-355TD, which Lifeson describes as the main guitar he used throughout his decades-spanning tenure in Rush. Malcolm Young more influential than EVH or Clapton? The Hughes & Kettner Alex Lifeson Signature Edition Triamp is a 100-watt tube head with three preamps (like the name triamp suggests) and two different channels. What Guitar Does Alex Lifeson Use? - Guvna Guitars Nov 4, 2017 #1 AnalogKid68 TDPRI Member. See the full list of notable Alex Lifeson Guitars below. Lifeson thought that guitar was so cool because it was shaped like a Gretsch Country Gentleman. Early estimates suggest that "Whitey" will bring in $200,000 - $300,000 at auction. JavaScript is disabled. He uses this amp to add a little extra to his regular tone. I've never used a router, but I think I'm fairly well prepared, but I have to admit I'm still a bit nervous. 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. In 2007, the company was bought by Gibson and eventually closed in 2010. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Strat above is the famous "Hentor Sportscaster" used during the Grace Under Pressure era. You can hear Lifeson rock the wah pedal on songs like Cygnus X1 and countless other riffs throughout the Rush repertoire. 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. He thought it looked so unique with its bright-white finish, and the sound was incredible! It also appears in the music videos for Vital Signs, Countdown and The Enemy Within. ", A 1970 Gibson Les Paul acquired by Lifeson during Rushs inaugural tour and played extensively on all Rush albums and tours from Fly By Night and 2112 to Hemispheres., A 1971 Jose Ramirez acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to record all classical-style tracks on the album Hemispheres, including The Trees and La Villa Strangiato., A 1976 Gibson Dove acoustic guitar played on numerous tours and used by Lifeson to write Closer to the Heart and other songs from the 1977 Rush album A Farewell to Kings., A 1976 Gibson J-55 acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to compose Rushs platinum-selling album 2112 as well as A Farewell to Kings and served as the main acoustic guitar on Natural Science and Camera Eye from Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.. While Lee and Peart are critical to the band's success . For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Early estimates suggest that "Whitey" will bring in $200,000 - $300,000 at auction. It was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. The primary jack blends the magnetic and the piezo. After a year strumming the Kent acoustic, Lifeson started begging his parents for an electric guitar. Alex Lifesons two true guitar loves are the Gibson ES-335 and the Les Paul. Alex Lifeson selling the white ES355 and the Hentor- and much more. Lifeson began his musical journey at a young age, playing the viola. Oops, looks like you forgot something. Theres no guitar player that sounds exactly like Alex Lifeson. Let us know if you have any questions or comments below! It deserves to be played and need to thin out the inventory. Alex Lifeson has announced plans to sell off his most iconic guitars for charity with Julien's Auctions.. BA1 1UA. Fax: 310-742-0155, A 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD, aka Whitey, played by Lifeson throughout most of his career with Rush. While most Gibson Axcess models include chambering (hollowing out parts of the body) for weight reduction, Lifesons model has no chambering. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. Solid Body Electric Guitars. Custom built to match the specs of Alex's 80's Sportscaster Strat! Alex Lifeson's isolated guitar for Rush song 'Limelight' - Far Out Magazine 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. When the router decides to go in its own direction you wont be able to stop it. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In 2011, Alex Lifeson got to team up with his friends at Gibson once again to create another unique signature guitar. The guitar is expected to sell at auction for between $100,000 and $200,000. 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. 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! That's some impressive knowledge John C. Didn't he use a white one like that during the recording and touring of Moving Pictures? With his Carnoa in hand, Alex Lifeson started learning solos from his favorite players. Hi Christopher, Its such a great guitar that it still goes out on tour 30 years later! The most stressful part of this project has been relocating the three-way switch from its traditional Stratocastor location to the lower cutaway. Now thats a really nice job of routing. From that moment on, all he wanted to do was play guitar. Another six-figure six-string was Lifeson's custom-built Hentor Sportscaster, which was snapped (opens in new tab) up for $187,500. He started playing a Gibson ES-335 at the start of his musical career, then moved on to a Gibson Les Paul. If it gets at an angle, it will get away from you. RUSH Mini Guitars and Bass: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Replica 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. 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. A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster that Lifeson loved to solo with, including the solo on the song "Limelight" and has been in the music videos for "Vital," "Countdown," and "Enemy . It has been a staple for Lifeson since the A Farewell to Kings tour in 1977. Alex Lifeson: "I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. Part of our "Music Icons" auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, "Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson . England and Wales company registration number 2008885. alex lifeson gibson for sale | eBay Most of Lifesons Les Pauls arent much different than the ones you can pick up from any Gibson dealer. The only difference is that the finish was taken off the neck to help with playability. All these amazing Lifeson-inspired features are finished off by an incredible figured maple top. When Moving Did you have a router template that you used for the toggle? Ive been playing guitar since I was 13 years old and am an avid collector. Well from that pic it s a slab board with a bullet truss rod so most likely a custom built something. But this is all for today. Please check the fields highlighted in red. Great gift for Rush fans! The pickups were Alnico II replicas of the legendary 1950s PAF humbuckers that made Lifesons original 355 sound so good. To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. After playing it Alex wasn't to impressed with the pickup but thought the Guitar the pickup was installed in was great! These two upgrades as well as others are listed in my OPTIONS category. These three instruments are expected to sell for five figures each. Handmade by luthier Freddy Gabrsek in Ontario, Canada, this guitar was made for me that took nearly 10 months to complete. Alex Lifeson Auctioning Guitars Used on Classic Rush Albums Once Rush started hitting it big, Alex Lifeson went out and bought a Fender Super Reverb amp. Your passion for many of the same things is obvious. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song? Isolated guitar tracks to prove Rush's Alex Lifeson's genius Home - Alex Lifeson Alex Lifeson Is Auctioning Off His Guitars | The Les Paul Forum Part of our "Music Icons" auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, "Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson . It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar," said the 68-year-old guitarist in a statement. Ok, got to work on the body today. Wtf? He borrowed most of his equipment from friends and relativesas most budding musicians do. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster replica - Harmony Central For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo Shop. Lifesons main EDS-1275 is white and features humbuckers on both sides of the guitar. Thanks, I could not see from the photos if there was a gap and that you had put the pickup ring underneath. Lifeson uses this guitar on songs that require that unique twangy sound, like Time Stands Still.. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. There just isnt another guitar player like him. but there's no way you're getting that solo with a 355. That way I could start with a shallower initial cut. Home Guitarists Alex Lifeson Guitars and Gear List (2023 Update). This splendid guitar was part of Rushs most explosive era of creativity. The Bridgette Bardot reference? the horizontal brace says Feb 25th 1978 Carnaby Road This is easily one of the most iconic Alex Lifeson guitars ever. 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. Lifeson played a Signature Aurora almost exclusively for the Power Windows Tour and kept it in rotation for a few shows after that. I updated the permissions on the media folder so hopefully that fixes the issue. Hentor Sportscaster - Freddy's Frets The Gibson EDS-1275 is used any time Lifeson needs a 12-stringmost notably, on the song Xanadu. As if one double-necked guitar wasnt cool enough, Geddy Lee also plays a double-neck for that song. Lifeson loved the way a 12-string sounded for certain songs, but being in a three-piece band, he couldnt give up the ability to play lead on a six-string. EUR When you think of Alex Lifeson, you either picture him with a Les Paul or his white ES-355. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. Alex Lifeson's equipment in the chronological order he acquired them. That does it for this overview of the Alex Lifeson Guitar collection. Alex Lifeson is often regarded as one of the most underrated electric guitar players of all time, . What era is this meant to follow? On ESL, the white Strat had a Gibson humbucker and the stock Fender bridge. After he picked it up around 1980, the HRF became one of his primary players for the next few tours and albums. For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo Shop. 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. From Gebresek's website: It may not display this or other websites correctly. Lifeson said it had a really nice balance when he played it, and it had everything he looks for in a guitar. You can see this model in action on Far Cry from the Snakes & Arrows tour. 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. I found the answer to my question. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar. Twin Reverb, but it was mostly used for PA miking. Hentor Sportscaster Alex Lifeson RUSH Stratocaster Tribute. You can hear the Garrison in action during a small solo break on Working Them Angels.. 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. Here are a couple of shots of the final product. It was a real workhorse and I loved it.. With a router, you have to do a multitude of shallow passes going slightly deeper each time. if youd like more information, please contact me, as I own his #1 & #3 Aurora, and his H&K zenTera amp. 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. Gardena, Rush's Alex Lifeson Is Auctioning His Guitars + Memorabilia - Loudwire "Freddy's Frets", a custom guitar shop from the Niagara on the Lake area on Ontario, has received permission direct from Alex Lifeson to create and sell replicas of his "Hentor Sportscaster" customized Fender Strat guitar. He has spent so many years experimenting with different guitars, amps, and effects, that its nearly impossible for anyone to recreate. Joining the ES-355 was Lifeson's 1976 Gibson Dove acoustic, . The Gibson HRF looks like Gibson took a Les Paul and threw some ES-335 into it. A plethora of used guitar gear and other memorabilia belonging to Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is set to go on sale via Julien's Auctions in May. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar.. I never noticed the inverted jack on that thing. Of course, a legendary rocker like Alex Lifeson cant go on tour without an awesome double-necked guitar, so he replaced it with a Gibson Signature Alex Lifeson EDS-1275 Doubleneck prototype, which he nicknamed Heavy Bastard, for obvious reasons. The neck pickup on the 12-string has a coil splitter that Lifeson installed himself. The Morely made its first appearance in 1975 on the Fly By Night tour and has been a consistent part of his pedalboard ever since. I really like that it retains its overall Stratocaster-ness but is also has some unique features. It only came with a white finish (of course) and featured gold hardware. My first big mod project. Replica Pat Martino 2015 - Honeyburst . Lifeson also regularly used the guitar on tour and in music videos over the years. Chorus is a big part of Alex Lifesons unique sound. It's going to be a freehand job, but I have some scrap wood I plan on practicing on. https://images.reverb.com/image/upl,t_large/v1581972430/h0nfvf6whdarq19a1o7i.jpg, Fender "Squier Series" Floyd Rose Standard Stratocaster 1992 - 1996 | Reverb, https://reranchstore.stores.yahoo.net/vintagecream.html, https://www.tdpri.com/media/hentor-sportscaster-wiring-diagram.32741/full?d=1427069188, 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. Im a fan of Alex Lifeson and Rush. 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 Lifeson as his primary instrument for soloing in particular the solo for the bands hit single Limelight, and can be seen in the music videos for Vital Signs, Countdown, and Enemy Within. The Sportscasters heavy yet versatile sound embodies Rushs bold sonic explorations of the 1980s and Lifesons growth as a soloist during this time. Hello my fellow Rush fans! He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. 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. Regular price $49.99 Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355 Gibson Alpine White Miniature Guitar Model. I decided to listen to more experienced voices and I cut a template from 1/4 inch medium density fiberboard. I actually cut two templates and stacked them together to give the template some more heighth. My name is Chris and Ive had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. Although he jumped around to a few different guitar manufacturers throughout Rushs history, Lifeson always found his way back to the Gibson Les Paul. It is this performance which critics point to when asked to define the sound of Rush. I'm a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson was the reason I picked up a guitar. Alex Lifeson auctioning 60+ vintage guitars - The Music Universe The Sportscaster also appears in the "Vital Signs," "Countdown," and "The Enemy Within" music videos. In 1976, Lifeson took a tour of the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Alex Lifeson is set to put up his most legendary guitars for bidding at the Julien's Auctions "Music Icons . He fell in love with it right away. 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. Over the years, Lifeson has used almost countless Gibson Les Pauls on stage and in the studio. The 1210 is a spatial expander and chorus flanger that helps Lifeson create his unique Rush sound. Please let me know if you are still having problems. He bought a 1968 Gibson ES-335 for Rushs first tour. 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! Hentor Sportscaster Switching Question - The Rush Forum Alex Lifeson to auction off guitar collection as part of Julien's Music The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. Here are a few of his most notable. Then I found where Freddy G. said the wiring is Bridge/Neck + Middle/Neck, and I can't for the life of me figure out how . Roughed out on the bandsaw, sanded close to the line and routed to shape. Examining Alex Lifeson's Stratocasters(Early 80's) 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.. It is indeed a Signature strat. So first things first, I needed do some neck and bridge work while I waited for the parts I ordered (we'll get to all that in a later post). 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. 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. I updated the permissions on the media album so hopefully you can see the photos now. Part of our Music Icons auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, 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. Some of you may know of the Hentor Sportscaster, a 1973 white Fender strat that Alex Lifeson modded. What's something super simple you like to play just because it's fun to play? Of course, whats an Alex Lifeson signature model without his favorite tremolo bridge: the Floyd Rose. 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. The solution was a double-necked guitar that had both! ET and 1 p.m. "I used a white modified Fender Strat that I called the 'Hentor Sportscaster'. I do prefer the look with the white pickups. Always make certain the base is flat on the surface. The Hentor Sportscaster! Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Mini Guitar Model Officially Licensed Officially Licensed - HANDCRAFTED with all the details just like Alex's famous guitar! From 1980 to 1986, Lifeson used four identically modified Stratocasters, all of them equipped with the Floyd Rose bridge. Thats an awesome tribute. Phone: 310-836-1818 | Fender Sportscaster" Alex Lifeson Stratocaster Tribute 2018 - Reverb This . The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Fender PA 100. Calling Alex Lifeson tone experts | The Gear Page I'm a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson was the reason I picked up a guitar. As he told Guitarist magazine, It wasnt much of a guitar. Does it have to be white? The signature was a Canadian guitar manufacturer located in Toronto. For a good chunk of the 1980s, Alex Lifeson used a mysterious guitar called a Hentor Sportscaster. Joined Oct 25, 2017 . They recruited bassist and vocalist Jeff Jones and became The Projection, which eventually became Rush in 1968. In 2008, Freddy Gabrsek, a luthier based in Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario, requested permission to replicate and sell Alex Lifeson's white Sportscaster. I'm not familiar with the original that inspired this build, but I can still tell that this turned out exceptionally nicely! Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. i know he was endorsed by them back then. Rush - Spirits of the Radio - Grace Under Pressure 1984 720 [HD] - YouTube, Rush Alex Lifeson Killerwatt Magazine Photo Mini Poster Pin Up | eBay. Mini Guitarra Modelo Axe Heaven Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355 Gibson Opens in a new window or tab. From what I've researched, there were numerous versions until he arrived at what most people consider the final "official" Sportscaster, the white one with the rosewood fretboard.