EUR The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Always interesting to see these builds - Alex definitely had a bunch of different "looks" for his Strats over the years before evolving to that somewhat "final" white Hentor. The second output jack on his guitar is just for the piezo pickup. Ive seen pictures of the original with white pickups and a non fine tuner Floyd also. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Looking for a bit more lead boost during live performances, Lifeson added the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade to his amp setup for the Time Machine tour in 2011. I still use it a lot because of the 24 frets. Also did this for a tele I'm working on as well. The Strat above is the famous "Hentor Sportscaster" used during the Grace Under Pressure era. Hed take only a quick break to eat dinner, then go right back up to keep playing until bedtime. I just goes to show how great Rush fans and Alex Lifeson fans are. Alex Lifeson Hentor Sportscaster Miniature Guitar Model Officially Licensed. 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 . But even his Hentor Sportscaster had a humbucker in the bridge. Alex Lifeson has always been experimenting with his guitars and equipment. Of course, whats an Alex Lifeson signature model without his favorite tremolo bridge: the Floyd Rose. . The cheapest option is to buy an old body with the right routing for the pickups and start there, though you will have to compromise on something whether its having a Floyd recess, the color, etc. PAINTER. A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster that was the main . The Hentor Sportscaster! It also had only two knobsone tone and one volumeunlike the three that you usually find on Strats. There were several main differences between a standard Fender Stratocaster and the Hentor Sportscaster. Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. It's going to be a freehand job, but I have some scrap wood I plan on practicing on. Even though its technically a hollow body, the Gibson HRF has a maple spur that runs through the middle of the body, which gives it some weight. Thanks for alerting me about the problems with the photos. Regular price $49.99 Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355 Gibson Alpine White Miniature Guitar Model. Check the other thread I linked to in the post above yours, there is more detail on how it looks. A few months ago I figured out, thanks to posts on forums like this, that I pretty much had the basic components needed to build my very own Hentor Sportscaster and have it be fairly period-correct. For some of the synth-heavy songs, Lifeson uses a Moog Taurus Bass Pedal to add some chords and synth bass sounds without having to put down his guitar. Can't make it to the auction, then watch live streaming with Julien's Live. Commencing May 20, the sale dubbed Property from the Archives of Alex Lifeson will take place Sunday, May 22 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York and online at the company's website (opens in new tab). The interaction between 2 light choruses was an a-ha moment. JavaScript is disabled. This is an awesome guitar. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. * A 1980 custom Hentor Sportscaster played by Lifeson on most Rush albums since "Moving Pictures, . By _pete_, November 22, 2009 in Electric Guitars. "I used a white modified Fender Strat that I called the 'Hentor Sportscaster'. http://wildepickups.com/Wilde_Bill_s_Twin_Blades.html, http://www.eyguitarmusic.com/Right-Angle-3-Way-Toggle-Switch-for-3-pickups-guitar_p_892.html, http://www.warmoth.com/Pickguard/StratPickguard.aspx, http://www.tdpri.com/threads/lifeson-inspired-mod-build.452410/page-7, Low dollar loaded Strat pickguard questions, NGD - FSR Road Worn 60s Strat what a surprise. It also appears in the music videos for Vital Signs, Countdown and The Enemy Within. List price: Previous Price $49.99 . From about 2000 on, he used Gibsons almost exclusively, most of them being Les Pauls. All his Strats were 1977 models and I believe all had alder bodies. Lifesons original EDS-1275 Doubleneck was eventually donated to a museum in Toronto. They were really just modified Strats that Lifeson renamed Hentor Sportscaster after Rushs producer at the time, Peter Henderson. Alex Lifeson Mini Gibson ES-355 Replica Geddy Lee Mini Tour Edition Fender Jazz Bass Signals 40th Coffee Mug Signals 40th Metallic Litho Rush Golden Ale Bottle Opener Signals Royal Tee Hold Your Fire Beanie Signals Scarf Looking to make a purchase with an existing Rush Backstage gift card? JavaScript is disabled. Roughed out on the bandsaw, sanded close to the line and routed to shape. At some point I will document it some more in a build thread as I plan to redraw it etc. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Les Paul and the ES-335 became his two primary players through the rest of the 1970s and cemented his love for Gibson guitars, hollow-bodies, and Les Pauls. Legend has it that Lifeson was friends with the owner of Signature Guitars and helped him design the instruments. It doesnt matter how skilled you are, if youre holding a double-neck, you look like a guitar hero! http://www.80srockphotos.com/fcWebApp/product_images/AlexLifeson2_wtrMrk.jpg, 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. The sound engineer also blends the amps together to get the perfect sound from backstage. Next Last. This topic is being created to be the ultimate collection of information and discussion for my fellow "Hentor Sportscaster" enthusiasts out there. "Hello my fellow Rush fans! Surprisingly, Alex Lifeson is mostly self-taught. I updated the permissions on the media folder so hopefully that fixes the issue. Despite not being a real guitar brand, the Hentor Sportscaster became one of Alex Lifesons most iconic guitars! Welcome to the all-new home of Alex Lifeson on the web. beatbopboom. 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. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. A true passion of mine, Ive designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. i know he was endorsed by them back then. In 2008, Freddy Gabrsek, a luthier based in Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario, requested permission to replicate and sell Alex Lifeson's white Sportscaster. three way switch, large brass sustain block, Hentor Sportscaster logo on peghead face, Freddy Gabrsek logo and serial number on peghead back. I'm a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson was the reason I picked up a guitar. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar." . Alex used this guitar heavily during the 1980's and named . Be gentle. While in my possession over the last few months I made suggestions to Alex on upgrading the guitar. Lifeson uses this guitar on songs that require that unique twangy sound, like Time Stands Still.. Guitar Lobby is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. 13007 S. Western Avenue, This would have been in the early 80s. Lifesons telecaster doesnt make too many appearances on stage or in the studio, but it is one of his primary writing instruments, so bonus points for intimacy. Go. His bandmates even call him The Musical Scientist because of his sound experimentation. PROPERTY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF ALEX LIFESON, Register to Bid by Phone, Proxy, or in Person. He thought it looked so unique with its bright-white finish, and the sound was incredible! The other thing to consider is your humbucker will want a 500k pot and the Dimarzio single coils will want to see a 250k pot, but theres an easy workaround for this using a resistor for the singles coil positions. The solution was a double-necked guitar that had both! All guitars are officially licensed by Fender and RUSH ; Includes Stand ; Not Playable, but extremely collectible! You can see the incredible Hentor Sportscaster in action for much of the Grace Under Pressure tour, including this live performance of The Spirit of the Radio.. BA1 1UA. ", A 1970 Gibson Les Paul acquired by Lifeson during Rushs inaugural tour and played extensively on all Rush albums and tours from Fly By Night and 2112 to Hemispheres., A 1971 Jose Ramirez acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to record all classical-style tracks on the album Hemispheres, including The Trees and La Villa Strangiato., A 1976 Gibson Dove acoustic guitar played on numerous tours and used by Lifeson to write Closer to the Heart and other songs from the 1977 Rush album A Farewell to Kings., A 1976 Gibson J-55 acoustic guitar used by Lifeson to compose Rushs platinum-selling album 2112 as well as A Farewell to Kings and served as the main acoustic guitar on Natural Science and Camera Eye from Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.. 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. Rush Marshall cabinet photos, And if anyone has more info, Id love to hear! The primary jack blends the magnetic and the piezo. That was the first issue that I read 100 times. Aleksandar ivojinovi, OC (born 27 August 1953), known professionally as Alex Lifeson (/ l a f s n /), is a Canadian musician who is the guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band Rush.In 1968, Lifeson co-founded a band that would later become Rush, with drummer John Rutsey and bassist and lead vocalist Jeff Jones.Jones was replaced by Geddy Lee a month later, and Rutsey was . Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all. He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. RUSH: Progressive Power Trio RUSH in their early . You can see Lifesons black 1991 PRS CE24 in action on songs like Leave That Thing Alone. There are some super high notes in the solos that require a 24-fret neck. Over the years, Lifeson has used almost countless Gibson Les Pauls on stage and in the studio. Bath LIFESON. That does it for this overview of the Alex Lifeson Guitar collection. Of course, to craft his iconic sound, Lifeson has amassed quite the arsenal of gear. 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. Fender PA 100. Frankly, Im not even a die hard Rush fan, and before today could not even name the lead guitarist. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. . Brand New. Please let me know if you are still having problems. In 2007 for the Snakes & Arrows tour, Lifeson added the Garrison OM-20 octave mandolin to his guitar arsenal. You must log in or register to reply here. Im curious about the wiring form3 pickups on the LP styled 3 way switch. Alex Lifeson: I purchased this guitar in 1976, it was custom-built in Kalamazoo just for me. The Alex Lifeson Guitar-His custom-built "Whitey" Gibson ES-355TD electric main guitar from 1976-2015 (Used during his entire time with Rush) A "Limelight" stage played 1980 custom-built . Since Geddy Lee also uses steampunk contraptions to fill his side of the stage, these custom-made Hughes & Kettners look great to give the band a unified look on stage. That way, he can easily blend in the piezo or use it for straight acoustic sound. To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. The Hentor's transition from Alex Lifeson's three Hentor 'prototypes' to a line of commercially-available guitars happened somewhere in between these two worlds. I've never used a router, but I think I'm fairly well prepared, but I have to admit I'm still a bit nervous. For the Hemispheres tour, Lifeson swapped from his standard Fender Super Reverb to Hiwatt amps. Growing up, his musical idols included other legendary rockers like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. He bought a 1968 Gibson ES-335 for Rushs first tour. You are using an out of date browser. Looks like a late 60's to 70's strat with the big headstock, hummer in the bridge(PAF? After a year strumming the Kent acoustic, Lifeson started begging his parents for an electric guitar. In 2010, the sound experts at Hughes & Kettner gave Alex Lifeson his very own signature model amp. Nice job. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Custom built to match the specs of Alex's 80's Sportscaster Strat! The Iconic Alex Lifeson Guitar-His Custom-Built "Whitey" Gibson ES-355TD Electric Main Guitar from 1976-2015 Used During his Entire Time with Rush; a "Limelight" Stage Played 1980 Custom-Built Hentor Sportscaster Electric Guitar; "The Trees" and "La Villa Strangiato" Studio Played 1971 Jose Ramirez Classical Acoustic Guitar; a Moving Pictures Tour 1981 Gibson Howard Roberts . Although he doesnt play his signatures anymore, he did install a signature pickup into one of his primary PRSs he still brings on tour. While Lee and Peart are incredibly important to the band's . It has been my main guitar and is the iconic Alex Lifeson guitar," said the 68-year-old guitarist in a statement.