This month finds yours truly on the cover of the Guitar Center catalog.
I knew it had come out when I recieved a text from my friend Dustin in LA. Our typed phone conversation went something like this:
Dustin: GC catalog just came in mail. Guy on cover looks familiar.
Alex: Heard they have some total dweeb this month.
Dustin: They'll put anyone on the cover these days
Alex: Must really be getting desperate
Dustin: Scraping the bottom of the barrel
Alex: Well has run dry
Dustin: Seriously dude, congrats. Pretty cool, for a doosh, LOL
All teasing aside, I guess it's pretty cool. Who knew I'd be cover boy one day?
It's kind of weird to think that my face is gracing 1.5 million of these things. For years I've been shopping there and receiving this catalog in the mail. The other day, I got one in the mail and it was kind of creepy.
I should probably just shut my mouth and be grateful, which I am (thank you Yamaha and Guitar Center). But what kind of writer would I be if I didn't risk biting the proverbial hand the feeds me and indulge in poking some good natured fun at the mighty Guitar Center?
Guitar Center has been around as long as I can remember. It's kind of like the rich Uncle or Aunt that comes to visit you once in a while. He or she can be overwhelming, but they're family and you can't imagine life without them. Besides, they always load you up with toys.
Guitar Center is to musicians what Toys R Us is to kids. It's almost Disneyland.
I first heard about Guitar Center from their commercials on rock radio stations. It was always a loud deep voice like the ones that announce upcoming wrestling matches and monster truck events:
"Musicians...."
This would be followed by a moment of silence.
"...now hear this!!!"
Just then, a rock riff in the style of Sammy Hagar, Y&T or some other driving guitar rock of the mid-80's would start chugging away.
" It's Guitar Center's Bi-weekly, Semi Annual, Green Tag, President's Day, Fourth Of July, End Of The Year Clearance Sale!"
That's an exaggeration, but they did seem to have a sale for every hint of a holiday known to man. Poor Martin Luther King must have been curling in his grave.
"Fender! Gibson! Marshall! Peavey! Ibanez! Yamaha! We've got 'em all!"
Just then, the music would fade in the background and the voice would slow down a bit.
"And get this...everything in the store...
not ten...not twenty...not thirty but...."
The music would stop. The announcer would yell as if his (and your) life depended on it:
"...FORTY PERCENT OFF!!!!!"
The music came blasting back, suddenly overtaken by a screaming, Van Halen like guitar solo. Each note seemed to say "Get your lame ass over to Guitar Center...now!" Whenever I could, I did.
17 comments:
Awesome ! I got it in my mail late March & I was so excited to see U on the cover ! Read the whole interview within minutes !
I really Liked what you wrote about Guitar Center, It's something great for U and all of us ur friends to see U on the cover.
I'm expecting more covers pix of You on Guitar Player,Young Guitar,Guitar World...Magazines..
Thanks for sharing
*for all of the readers here,here's a quick link to download/read 10 mb PDF Format of this issue of Guitar Center Catalog
http://gc.guitarcenter.com/view-our-catalog/guides/guitar_april.pdf
Enjoy Reading !
Huthaifa
How wonderful for you!! Although it would be oddly surreal to see your face staring back at you like that.
And it's good to know my friends and I are not the only ones who refer to each other as 'douche'. :)
Hey Alex, congratulations on your article and picture in/on Guitar Center. You are certainly deserving of the recognition. Enjoyed reading the article and I was impressed with your determination to overcome stereotypes of rock/metal guitar players. You have branched out into different modes of music which brings distinction to you and the profession. This is why I have followed your career over the last few years. I don't know you personally but in the guitar world/profession, you have some class! Keep up the good work!
PS: BTW, I'm a frequent customer of Guitar Center.
Hello Alex,
Congratulations, and beautiful photo by the way :)
Really enjoy reading your blog.See you in Atlanta next month \m/
Mike
Also 40% off... hide your cc on local safe !!!!!
Congrats, cover boy.
Go figure. It takes someone with a good ear to hear how ridiculous those GC ads are. You nailed the Monster-Truck tone of the ads, and I still feel lame every time I hear them. I’m not even trying to play that style any more. LOL.
If we don't have people like you calling them out, we're going to start hearing the same things from florists: IT'S OUR BLOOM 'N' DOOM SALE! WE'RE PUTTING THE PETAL TO THE METAL AND SLASHING PRICES BY UP TO 150%! SO DON'T FEAR THE REAPER AND MARCH ON IN TODAYahhhhh! Nuts. :-) See you next month, too. ModalMike
Great article, thanks for sharing !
Looking good as usual.
Very nice shot!
I'd like to get a copy of it.
Best wishes to the cool cover boy.
Alex,
Congrats!
Great picture as always.
Belinda
Congrats, man. I guess, You'd like this "beyond boundaries" thing, right? ;-)
And, yeah, these huge guitar stores are like Toys'r us for any guitar player.
Alex---Did you get a surprise check in the mail too? The world must shrink, when even your mail, has your face in it! ~ Must be Totally Cool though !
Ahh haha that's awesome!!
Guitar Center DOES have a sale all the time... I love it.
I'm going to give this issue of the catalog to my best friend... she's a huge fan of yours.
Guitar Center Catalog ?? I thought that was GQ!
Seriously, congrats on your accomplishments!
It’s inspiring to see someone follow their heart, defy the rules, and succeed.
In true metal fashion – you’re a rebel!
hello, i went through your site it is really wonderful and well- designed. i would like to tell you that i really liked your work and your awareness about the guitars. oh god, you are terrific with your work. i think i better start trying hard...
katherinesmith
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