Another highlight of the auction, Lifeson's 1980 custom-built Hentor Sportscaster electric guitar. Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care. 70s style strat body finished in nitro lacquer. The natural finished Strats of that era had ash bodies. 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. Here are a couple of shots of the final product. Special exhibitions will be held in Los Angeles and New York for the public to view highlighted items from the auction the week commencing April 11. Since its creation in 2011, this guitar has become one of Lifesons primary players. It's Friday night, and I think we need a MEME thread. I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. That way I could start with a shallower initial cut. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. 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. Product #: AL-280 AXE HEAVEN has created handcrafted RUS AXE HEAVEN HOME - WE SHIP WORLDWIDE This is an awesome guitar. It only came with a white finish (of course) and featured gold hardware. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Some reference if you can stand the 80'sness of the videos. It deserves to be played and need to thin out the inventory. 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. The most stressful part of this project has been relocating the three-way switch from its traditional Stratocastor location to the lower cutaway. "I used a white modified Fender Strat that I called the 'Hentor Sportscaster'. Lifeson said it had a really nice balance when he played it, and it had everything he looks for in a guitar. I'm 99% sure he used his Hentor Sportscaster for that and for the hyper-clean arpeggios during the choruses. Lifesons original EDS-1275 Doubleneck was eventually donated to a museum in Toronto. Legend has it that Lifeson was friends with the owner of Signature Guitars and helped him design the instruments. It requires routing a pocket for the switch and two channels for the new wiring location. They were really just modified Strats that Lifeson renamed Hentor Sportscaster after Rushs producer at the time, Peter Henderson. Wow, what an excellent rundown of Alexs gear and the videos were super entertaining! This was my main '90s-era Paul Reed Smith guitar, Lifeson says. The Signature brand guitars were equal in quality to Schecters or Perfomance at that time, and they are even rarer. A true passion of mine, Ive designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Best regards! ET and 1 p.m. Lifeson has several of these Les Paul Axcess in his arsenal, most notably in Black, Royal Crimson, and Viceroy Brown. . These two upgrades as well as others are listed in my OPTIONS category. Alex Lifeson's equipment in the chronological order he acquired them. I also had a Lifeson cover story issue (transcriptions of Red Barchetta). In the later tours, Lifeson swapped from having a chorus foot pedal to a rack-mounted chorus effect. The only difference is that the finish was taken off the neck to help with playability. I decided to listen to more experienced voices and I cut a template from 1/4 inch medium density fiberboard. In 2010, the band wanted to go for a steampunk vibe. The black one is exclusive to Alex, you wont be able to find a signature model of that one in stores! There just isnt another guitar player like him. Geddy Lee also has a set of Moog Taurus Bass Pedals on his pedalboard, preset with different sounds. Watch Marty Friedman play with Megadeth again, Journey and Steve Lukather play Black Magic Woman. The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. He uses this amp to add a little extra to his regular tone. For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo ShopUp to 25% off select Gibson guitarsShop now, View similar gear from other sellers on Reverb. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song? Solid Body Electric Guitars. JULIENS AUCTIONS IS HONORED TO ANNOUNCE OUR PROPERTY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF ALEX LIFESON AUCTION TAKING PLACE FRIDAY, MAY 20th AT THE HARD ROCK CAF NEW YORK AND LIVE ONLINE AT JULIENS LIVE. It was Lifeson's favorite guitar for soloing and can be heard on the solo for "Limelight." 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. These three instruments are expected to sell for five figures each. I hope to post some happy results within a week. While most Gibson Axcess models include chambering (hollowing out parts of the body) for weight reduction, Lifesons model has no chambering. That does it for this overview of the Alex Lifeson Guitar collection. It also had only two knobsone tone and one volumeunlike the three that you usually find on Strats. News of . 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Equipment with a unknown date is on the bottom. Rush drummer Neil Peart tragically died yesterday from cancer, and his final public words to Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson came during a 2017 Classic Rock Magazine interview where he discussed a new . 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! Handmade by luthier Freddy Gabrsek in Ontario, Canada, this guitar was made for me that took nearly 10 months to complete. Once Neil Peart replaced Rutsey as the bands drummer in 1974, the trio stuck together and changed the musical world for the next four decades! Ive seen pictures of the original with white pickups and a non fine tuner Floyd also. Various knobs and fittings came in the mail this week, and it's time to prepare for the real gut-check part of the project: routing out the body to accommodate the Gibson-style switch and the new wiring pattern. He has them on many of his Les Pauls, including his signature Axcess Les Paul. Custom built to match the specs of Alex's 80's Sportscaster Strat! What's your favorite 335 style guitar for under $1000 used. Alex Lifeson has announced plans to sell off his most iconic guitars for charity with Julien's Auctions.. Shortly after he bought his first proper guitar, Alex Lifeson also picked up a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Standard following Rushs first tour in 1976. Based on your location, we've changed your settings: Shipping Region: Roughed out on the bandsaw, sanded close to the line and routed to shape. It looked like a Fender Stratocaster with a few stark differences. When the router decides to go in its own direction you wont be able to stop it. You are using an out of date browser. It can be heard on 16 of the band's studio albums from their 1974 self-titled debut to 1996's Test for Echo and seen in several music videos. I actually cut two templates and stacked them together to give the template some more heighth. Its a double-cutaway, solid-body guitar with humbuckerswhich is right in line with most of Lifesons guitars. The Gibson HRF looks like Gibson took a Les Paul and threw some ES-335 into it. What era is this meant to follow? Regular price $49.99 Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355 Gibson Alpine White Miniature Guitar Model. Joining the ES-355 was Lifeson's 1976 Gibson Dove acoustic, . Brand New. By _pete_, November 22, 2009 in Electric Guitars. For more information, head to Julien's Auctions (opens in new tab). It instantly became his primary player that graced both the stage and the studio for the next few years. It doesnt matter how skilled you are, if youre holding a double-neck, you look like a guitar hero! The Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess is a very unique guitar. To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. He bought a 1968 Gibson ES-335 for Rushs first tour. 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). not a floyd on it though odd it has two HBs and not the HSS like the others. Based on your location, we've changed your settings: Shipping Region: The neck also has a rounded Axcess profile to help Lifeson reach the higher frets more easily. 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. This topic is being created to be the ultimate collection of information and discussion for my fellow "Hentor Sportscaster" enthusiasts out there. Lifeson thought that guitar was so cool because it was shaped like a Gretsch Country Gentleman. PRODUCER. i know he was endorsed by them back then. The RUSH guitarist is auctioning off more than 100 items including instruments, gear, memorabilia and wardrobe which helped make classic rock history as we know it. California It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar. I still use it a lot because of the 24 frets. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Ok, got to work on the body today. A video diary of a handmade replica of Alex Lifeson's Hentor Sportscaster. Finally, Lifeson would get his own signature Gibson Les Paul! Thats an awesome tribute. When he saw the Gibson Howards Roberts Fusion, he just had to have it! He has spent so many years experimenting with different guitars, amps, and effects, that its nearly impossible for anyone to recreate. Rush Marshall cabinet photos, And if anyone has more info, Id love to hear! His white 1976 custom-built Gibson ES-355TD will go under the hammer in May. 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. The second output jack on his guitar is just for the piezo pickup. Lifeson says he feels the same way he did after Peart's teenage daughter died in a 1997 car accident and Peart's wife died from cancer a few months later. Another six-figure six-string was Lifeson's custom-built Hentor Sportscaster, which was snapped (opens in new tab) up for $187,500. This isn't normally my thing, but I wanted to find out what made the mid 80's Alex Lifeson so distinct. 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. It is this performance that critics point to when asked to define the sound of Rush. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The 3 way Gibson switch is super simple and more intuitive than soldering a 5-way blade selector - the routing to place the switch on the lower horn will be a bit of work of course, but perfectly doable with a hand drill. Let us know if you have any questions or comments below! Alex Lifeson: "I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo Shop. including the Gibson ES-355TD nicknamed "Whitie" a built-in custom guitar from 1976, and the Hentor Sportscaster guitar, built for him in 1980. Alex Lifeson plays a Gibson Les Paul Axcess guitar. Keith. Pretty much all he used from the Fenders were the Strat bodies and neck/middle single coils. While Lee and Peart are incredibly important to the band's . But this is all for today. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. 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 . It's going to be a freehand job, but I have some scrap wood I plan on practicing on. You are using an out of date browser. Bringing back memories. 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 . For a limited time, save in the Gibson European Demo ShopUp to 25% off select Gibson guitarsShop now, View similar gear from other sellers on Reverb. I mean I know some guys name their guitars, never heard of naming your speakers. To make the guitar even cooler, it has two output jacks. In 1976, Lifeson took a tour of the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Well, it sounds like youve got the idea well thought out so it should work out well in the end. Although I did have a pedalboard one time that I called Kevin. , Heres a link to some photos for the curious: My background is in Electrical Engineering, earning a Bachelors degree from Youngstown State University. That was the first issue that I read 100 times. They went out to the store and picked up a $59 Canora the following Christmas. In the rock and roll world, theres hardly anything cooler than a double-necked guitar. Lifeson uses the Gibson HRF for songs like Hemispheres, Tom Sawyer, and Camera Eye.. 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. He would also use it in live shows, pushing a Marshall 412 cabinet. Alex Lifeson has always been experimenting with his guitars and equipment. It was a real workhorse and I loved it.. That's some impressive knowledge John C. Didn't he use a white one like that during the recording and touring of Moving Pictures? Lifeson has been back and forth with his main guitars over the years, but ever since he landed a deal with Gibson for his signature Les Paul Axcess, the model became his undisputed favorite six-string for both stage and studio. He has three of these contraptions behind him on stage at all times. ), https://www.julienslive.com/lot-details/index/catalog/394/lot/177456?url=%2Fauctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F394%3Fpage%3D1%26view%3Dlist%26catm%3Dany%26order%3Dorder_num%26xclosed%3Dno%26featured%3Dno%26key%3Drush, First Warmoth Build - Hentor Sportscaster, My 2nd Warmoth Build: Diamondback SG Style, Warmoth CBS neck, modern construction, ebony fretboard, mother of pearl dot inlays, black binding, Warmoth custom pickguard in black-n-white tuxedo, Original Floyd Rose bridge with locking nut, Bill Lawrence L500 humbucker with chrome housing - bridge, Gibson style 3-way 3 pickup toggle switch, Fender tweed case with red poodle lining, complete with case candy. 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. Bath The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site, and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. In 2011, Alex Lifeson got to team up with his friends at Gibson once again to create another unique signature guitar. A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster that's Lifeson loved to solo with, including the solo on the song "Limelight" and has been in the music videos for "Vital," "Countdown," and "Enemy Within" Phone: 310-836-1818 | There were several main differences between a standard Fender Stratocaster and the Hentor Sportscaster. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, PAINTER. You are using an out of date browser. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Miniature Guitar Model Officially Licensed; Neil Peart: Drum God . This was Lifeson's favorite guitar to use during the recordings . He even uses it during Rushs induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Lifeson Signature model also had a fine-tuning Floyd Rose-type bridge. Playing bigger gigs, he needed the extra power! Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. If you arent confident with wiring 920D and plenty of others can provide you with a good quality wiring harness for ~$80. but there's no way you're getting that solo with a 355. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Replica Guitars Now Available. It also appears in the music videos for Vital Signs, Countdown and The Enemy Within. When you think of Alex Lifeson, you either picture him with a Les Paul or his white ES-355. The signature was a Canadian guitar manufacturer located in Toronto. Hentor Sportscaster Alex Lifeson RUSH Stratocaster Tribute. Thanks for alerting me about the problems with the photos. Alex Lifeson: "I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. if youd like more information, please contact me, as I own his #1 & #3 Aurora, and his H&K zenTera amp. In 2010, the sound experts at Hughes & Kettner gave Alex Lifeson his very own signature model amp. Its such a great guitar that it still goes out on tour 30 years later! Will include my original invoice, certificate of origin, and comes with high end black case. Lifeson runs that second output into the piezo switcher on his pedalboard, so he can turn the piezo on and off with the touch of his foot. The name came from Peter Henderson, who co-produced Grace Under Pressure. Oct 8, 2022. 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. The addition of all the pictures and videos just awesome. If you go back to Moving Pictures, you can see Alex in the "Limelight" video play a modified black Strat with what appears to be the stock Fender maple neck, with no locking nut. $39.99. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Part of our "Music Icons" auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, "Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson . 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 . Whether he wants to add a clean line under the heavier sound or some added effects, Lifeson can switch the Coreblade on and off to get the effects hes looking for. The sound engineer also blends the amps together to get the perfect sound from backstage. Discover more about the fascinating celebrity memorabilia through our collections of catalogues, Mail and Pickup Only There isnt anything special about Lifesons Tele. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. 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.