Guitar Journal: Jimi Hendrix Unheard Tapes
Brian May talks about his Red Special modifications and experiments
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We discuss Jimi Hendrix’s unreleased tracks, which have never been heard by the public and will be auctioned in November. Then, we look at the Red Special modification that Brian May tried in his early years before Queen. Finally, we check out John Mayer’s new Slinky Strings, which he developed for his unique tone.
Guitar Journal
Jimi Hendrix’s Unheard Tapes
A trove of unreleased Jimi Hendrix recordings is set to go under the hammer on 15 November. Among the highlights is a 1968 demo tape featuring alternative takes of classic tracks like “Up From the Skies,” “Ain’t No Telling,” “Little Miss Lover,” and “Stone Free.”
This rare item is expected to fetch a staggering £200,000. Mark Hochman, a music consultant for auctioneer Propstore, explains the appeal: “The prestige of owning Jimi Hendrix songs that no one else has heard is simply unparalleled.”
Hendrix Tapes
The auction will be live-streamed from London and will also feature other Hendrix memorabilia, including a gold suit he wore and the band’s first professional contract.
However, it’s the 50 tapes of unreleased recordings that are the real stars of the show. Some of these tapes still bear Hendrix’s handwritten song titles.
Patricia “Trixie” Sullivan
Patricia “Trixie” Sullivan, who worked as Jimi Hendrix’s manager’s personal assistant, is selling the collection.
According to Mark Hochman, the 1968 demo tape features “never-before-heard, circulated, or broadcast versions” of the classic tracks. He adds, “These versions are significantly different in sound and length from the more familiar recordings. They’re tighter, smoother, and showcase Hendrix’s incredible guitar skills.”
While fans can only speculate about what these unreleased versions sound like, the winning bidder may have the opportunity to negotiate their release with the Hendrix estate. The auction will be live-streamed so fans can watch the bidding on these scarce items from the late sixties.
Brian May Red Special Mod
Brian May has been talking about his Red Special, the guitar he famously built from scratch with his father and used throughout his career.
He was inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s first album and wanted to add some distortion to his guitar sound, so he modified the Red Special with an added circuit to give him that extra gain when he needed it.
Vox Distortion Booster
He apprently used a Vox Distortion Booster which he took out of its casing and then put the circuit directly into the Red Special. Ultimately, he says that in the end he didn’t really like the tone it gave him and so he reversed the modification.
Smile
However, the guitar with the added distortion circuit was recorded on one track when he was in Smile, his band with Roger Taylor pre-Queen, and it can be heard in the song Step On Me.
Treble Booster
Most Queen fans will more likely associate May with using a Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster to achieve his distinctive guitar tone, which was then plugged into a Vox AC30.
It is still interesting to hear how May’s guitar tone reached the point we all know and how he conducted various experiments to achieve his sound. It just proves that creating your distinctive voice on the guitar takes time.
John Mayer goes Slinky
John Mayer has just announced Silver Slinky Strings featuring a unique 10.5-47 gauge. He has worked on creating a set of strings with an optimal balance of tone, tension, and feel. They have the Ernie Ball Reinforced Plain Strings and should, in theory, take plenty of bends without failing.
“I’ve always said that I don’t play the guitar, I play the strings. Having a feeling of fluidity is so important in my playing, and Ernie Ball strings have always given me that ability. With the creation of the Silver Slinky set, I have found an even higher level of expression, and I’m excited to share it with guitar players everywhere.” — John Mayer
They are certainly very different from the usual string gauges that are on offer from most string brands.
Ernie Ball Silver Slinky John Mayer 2218
They are nickel-plated steel strings, and the individual string gauges are 0105 – .0135 – .0175 – .027 – .037 – .047. They are slightly heavier than standard 10s but with a relatively light low set of wound strings, so it will be interesting to see how well they balance.
Whatever you think about endorsements and marketing, you must admit that this set of strings has unique custom gauges.
Ernie Ball Silver Slinky John Mayer 2218 at Thomann
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