Ask Germans who lived under the German Democratic Republic what they feared most in those days, and they'll likely say the agents of the Ministry for State Security, best known as the Stasi. Ask those same Germans what they laughed at most in those days, and they may well give the same answer.
The Stasi kept a close eye and a tight grip on East German society: as one oft-told joke goes, "Why do Stasi officers make such good taxi drivers? You get in the car and they already know your name and where you live." But this fearsome vigilance went hand-in-hand with technological limitation as well as plain ineptitude: "How can you tell that the Stasi has bugged your apartment?" another joke asks. "There's a new cabinet in it and a trailer with a generator in the street."
When the Stasi turned this kind of crude but intense scrutiny to certain aspects of life, the results almost satirized themselves. Take, for instance, this circa-1985 internal guide used to identify the "types of negative decadent youth cultures in the German Democratic Republic."
The chart breaks down the supposedly decadent youth cultures of mid-1980s East Germany into eight groups, describing their interests, appearance, political inclinations, and activities in the columns below. The rock-and-roll-oriented "Teds," dressed in a "50s style," don't seem to rouse themselves for anything besides "birth and death days of idolized rock stars." The "Tramps," a "classic manifestation of the negative-decadent youth in the 70s," adhere to the trends of a somewhat more recent era.
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It's all very well coming up with something unusual in the world of guitar design. Take a look at this one here: It's unlike anything this particular brand has done before. Or this one, which-well, it seems just plain weird, on any level. But how were they justified by the people who designed them, and how did they fare in the marketplace? Here we learn from five electric makers through the years about the inspiration for change and the mixed consequences of going against the grain.
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IN THE BASSMENT
Vulfpeck's Joe Dart has a new signature bass by Ernie Ball Music Man. The Joe Dart Bass is initially limited to 50 units and will only be on sale during the month of March. The bass features a Classic Sterling ash body with a natural satin finish, a flamed maple neck, and a figured maple fingerboard. Its pickup is a special custom passive MM humbucker. Its simplicity and the fact that it has only a volume knob adds to its appeal.
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 If you own
Guitar EncycloMedia - or even is you don't - you need
Guitar Fretboard Facts! Written by
GRAMMY® nominated music educator
Mike Overly.
Guitar Fretboard Facts is a collection of 38 powerful guitar lessons designed to illustrate and connect the thoughts and ideas presented in
Guitar EncycloMedia. Mike's powerful point of view and unique teaching insights will have you understanding music and guitar with greater clarity than ever before. Revolutionize how you think and play guitar with
Guitar Fretboard Facts!
If you own Bass EncycloMedia - or even is you don't - you need Bass Fretboard Facts! Written by GRAMMY® nominated music educator Mike Overly. Guitar Fretboard Facts is a collection of 38 powerful guitar lessons designed to illustrate and connect the thoughts and ideas presented in Bass EncycloMedia. Mike's powerful point of view and unique teaching insights will have you understanding music and guitar with greater clarity than ever before. Revolutionize how you think and play guitar with Bass Fretboard Facts!
Dramatically improve your playing with
Guitar Fretboard Facts and Bass Fretboard Facts
. As essential as your instrument!
Order
Guitar Fretboard Facts or
Bass Fretboard Facts now through
March 13, 2018 to receive
25% OFF! Only available from the 12 Tone Music
store. Domestic orders only.
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WATCH THIS
Well, we've finally had one come through the door... the elusive, rare, and beautiful Mary Kaye Stratocaster, and a '57 at that! From the translucent blonde finish, all-gold hardware, excellent v-shape neck, frets, and tremolo system, this guitar is 100% original! We are ecstatic about having this in our shop, and just as excited to share it with you all! Hera this strat through an excellent 1964 Fender Vibroverb amp!
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LEARN HERE
A good set of tuning keys can make an enormous difference in how well your guitar performs. Many guitars come from the factory with inexpensive tuning keys, so it's usually a good idea to upgrade them. But before you open your wallet, be sure you choose the correct keys for your guitar. Trying to install keys that don't fit properly can devalue your instrument and cause mechanical problems. Fortunately, you'll be able to avoid these issues with a little knowledge.
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GREAT GEAR
When it comes to recording guitars, amp-modeling software has come a long way, but there's still nothing like the sound of your favorite amp turned up to the point where it starts to sing. Unfortunately, that point is well past a decibel level that neighbors or family will allow, which is where the Fryette Power Load comes in. This device lets you plug your guitar into your favorite amplifiers (up to 200 watts) and run the signals directly into your audio interface, bypassing the actual speakers (or not, as we shall see). The Power Load provides a variable reactive load that makes the amp behave as if it's driving a speaker, which is a crucial element of any amp's sound and feel.
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ARTIST AWARENESS
Edward Isaac Bickert is Canada's best-known jazz guitarist, Ed Bickert developed a unique, understated style of considerable harmonic sophistication.Rooted in bebop, his intuitive, pianistic approach is characterized by lyrical and rhythmic ease, a deceptively complex simplicity and a generally muted tone. He is noted for his work with Ron Collier, Rob McConnell, Don Thompson and Moe Koffman, and achieved international prominence through his work in the mid-1970s with American saxophonist Paul Desmond. A Member of the Order of Canada, Bickert won a Juno Award and multiple National Jazz Awards, and played on dozens of Juno- and Grammy-nominated and award-winning recordings.
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