Has everyone been back to Guitar.com since it was redone? It’s a fairly smart new concept and I’m encouraging all the guitar player readers of this blog to go and sign up. It’s the new Myspace for guitarists :)
The new setup allows you to post recommendations on albums, guitars and gear and turn it into commision money (cash is always good right?) It’s also got blog capabilities, forums and all the usual stuff you’d expect.
Check out my profile and pick something up while you’re there.
One of the biggest factors that seperates band marketing on the internet and standard SEO/SEM is how the target audience is going to find you. Most sites have to worry about keyword density, relevant content and other factors to help rank in SE’s under their primary key phrases. As discussed in Internet Marketing for Bands Part 2, choosing a good band name can almost eliminate search engine competition for your keyword (band name). However, your biggest online challenge will always be marketing to viewers who aren’t looking exactly for you.
Social networking sites like Myspace, Tagged, Friendster, and Facebook have been a God-send for bands. With so many more sites popping up all over the internet offering free MP3 hosting, photos, profiles and even online merchandise stores everyday, it’s hard not to get your name out there. But so is every other band in existance, so be prepared to put some long hours in at first.
Start your online presense by creating your own website. It may cost a few bucks, but there are many template site builders for the DIY’s out there, or sites like Bandzoogle that will do all the work for you. Regardless where it comes from, having your own dedicated website is much more impressive than having to give out a Myspace address. This will even allow you to create your own landing page within your website dedicated to the traffic you generate from those other sites. Photoshop® up a nice live shot of the band (or have your drummer do it, and hang your head in shame haha) or take your most impressive shot and post it up with a few downloadable tracks and/or samples. Remember, your not going to sell thousands of song downloads when starting, so it doesn’t hurt to give out an entire song or two. Use this page when linking from any of the sites you start listing your band at. The last thing you want a potential fan to go through is the 5 minute loading time for your homepage Flash intro, and decide to go grab a drink instead. Get them where they need to be quick. If they want to find more about you, they’ll click around and find it.
From here out, add your band to any website willing to take it. The only way to ensure your going to be heard is by getting the music out there. Don’t be afraid to make small banners (25kb or less) of your band’s logo to spread out on blog or profile comments to help “piggyback” on someone else’s popularity. Just make sure you do it where it’s warranted. Spamming isn’t cool, so know your boundries.
Have you ever searched “guitar” on Myspace Videos? I’ll save you the effort by summarizing 99% of the captions.
Me playing guitar
In searching for new additions to my guitar video collection, I tried the forementioned search. Twenty five pages later I realized how much anyone with a guitar likes to record themselves playing. Unfortunately, the good videos are not worth finding due to the incredibly crappy ones inbetween. Why do I need to see you playing Green Day on your untuned acoustic guitar in your bedroom on your webcam? Does the world really need to hear you rehash Guns ‘N Roses riffs using the world-famous guitar rig…15 watt Crate practice amp into your built-in uncompressed camera mic? I will admit I was impressed by various clips of teens playing Van Halen’s “Eruption”, but I still snicker at the metalheads who are so “core” that they have to use Myspace to show what they do in their free time.
Where is Zakk Wylde when I need a good poser burn?!
-Recent update: In April 2009, Manson’s Guitar Shop announced that Matt Bellamy’s signature guitars would be available to the public under the MB-1 model name. Available in two colors (“Matt” black and glitter red) this guitar comes packed with all the features the nerd guitarist drools over. It also comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s the price for excellence. For more pics and full details, visit the Manson Signature Guitars page. Here are the posted specs for the MB-1:
Alder Body
Birds Eye Maple Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
MBK-2 Bridge Humbucker
Fernandes Sustainer Humbucking Neck Pickup
Fixed Bridge
Gotoh 510 Machine Heads
Kill Switch
Volume, Tone
Sustainer On/Off Switch
Sustainer – Harmonic/Fundamental Switch
3-way Pickup Selector Switch
Manson Deluxe Logo Hard Case
After being wowed by Matt Bellamy and his incredible performance at the Muse concert in LA, I began reading up on Matt Bellamy’s guitar setup and continued my new-found fascination with the band. I’ve sometimes wonder if everything that can be done with the electric guitar is already avaliable. What if found was a bit inspiring.
I have to start with his guitars, as they are amazing pieces of work. Matt Bellamy has his guitars custom built by Hugh Manson of Manson Guitars. At first glance, they appear to be a cross breed of a Les Paul and a Telecaster, with some exaggerated looks. But the extra knobs and controls on the guitars serve various purposes depending on the guitar. The guitar I saw the most at the recent show was The Mirror Manson.
The Mirror Manson was a pretty incredible sight to see under the stage lights for it’s obvious reflective properties, because of how hard it is to look away from it. Combine it with their usual amazing light show and it’s going to be a blinding experience. Haha. The guitar is equipped with a pair of Mississippi Queens pickups from Bare Knuckle. But the really incredible part of this guitar is the MXR Phase 90Roland GK2 MIDI internal pickup and the Fuzz Factory effects built right in, with the control knobs accessable on the guitar. (Check out how this thing is wired!)
He has multiple versions of these guitars with other features like Kaoss pads and MIDI control sliders buit in for contol over his Whammy pedal and other floor effects. Check out the Muse Wiki site for lots more info.
Here’s an overview video I found on youtube to see more…
The Mirror Manson was a pretty incredible sight to see under the stage lights for it’s obvious reflective properties, because of how hard it is to look away from it. Combine it with their usual amazing light show and it’s going to be a blinding experience. Haha. The guitar is equipped with a pair of Mississippi Queens pickups from 
