The Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience / Log Jam Studio
190 Hope Street North L1A 2P4 Port Hope, ON, Canada

In this video I'll cover 5 mistakes that a lot of beginners make within the first few weeks of playing guitar. Things such as getting the wrong guitar, having bad practice habits or being discouraged by Facebook, YouTube and instagram posts can set you back a lot on your journey with the guitar. https://youtu.be/Plk4Wf0lInw

Here's a quick tutorial on the Led Zeppelin Classic "Bring it on Home". Sometimes learning a new riff or chord can inspire you to play new things or to even write your own tune. Try and learn something new as often as you can. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj2ASVXIums&t=4s

Here is a video that will help you map the fretboard when playing solos in major keys. Remember when you play solos that by moving around the fretboard you'll find different tones and that will give the solo more depth.

Here's a quick video for all of you record collectors out there. These are the top 5 additions to my collection in 2020. Did you guys score anything interesting this year? #vinlycommunity #recordcollection #recordcollector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BYZwGItynA&t=1s

In this episode I'm going to take a run at a very cool Beach Boys riff that is surrounded in mystery. Not only is it really tricky to play but there is a lot of speculation as to how it actually was played. https://youtu.be/mBcYahlJTLM

My pick of the ten best albums on the Elektra label. Limiting myself to one per artist - I've counted down my top choices to spin on your turn table! Rock on!

Another legend gone. Thanks for the tunes Leslie West...

Here's this week's video from the YouTube channel. This week I'm taking a look at a guitar called a Harmony Stratotone and getting into some early Rolling Stones tones. Check it out! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LfZZRRBrGYE

Here's a track I've had in the "garage" for a few years. 2020 seems appropriate to release it! Thanks to Todd Garrison, Stacy Doherty, Joe Azzarello for being on this track and Matt Azzarello for producing.

Today's riff of the week comes from The House of the Rising Sun. Although we're playing the Animals version here, I though it might be fun to talk about some of the history of this song as well. Maybe next week I'll tune up my guitar first ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2TVpXkyi5M

Hey folks, here is a new video and a new weekly feature for you guitarists out there called "Riff of the Week". I'll be adding a new lesson each week that will teach you a cool new riff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIBtZlJXcmo

New Jimi! Great collection from the ill fated Rainbow Bridge show in Maui. Thanks to Zap Records for hooking me up with this awesome Hendrix package. #onmyturntable #recordcollection #vinylrecords #records #jimihendrix #rainbowbridge #hendrixliveinmaui

Capos, strings, patch chords, picks, tuners, humidifiers, mini amps and more now in stock. Great stocking stuffers! Porch pick up / E transfers.

Remembering John Lennon today at The Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience. #johnlennon #johnlennonforever

Need a great sounding mini amp that you can take camping, to the cottage, out on the porch or the dock? Look no further than the Danelectro Honey Tone Mini amplifier in this fab vintage aqua. $45.00 all in. Limited quantity. Makes a great Christmas gift for the guitarist on your list! Runs on a 9 volt battery.

All guitar players own that one guitar that seems to have played every important gig or recording session. The one you'll never part with. The one that feels like another part of your body when you hold it. This SG wasn't my first choice, or 2nd when I went looking for a new guitar. Something about it called out to me. I didn't like the colour but it felt so perfect in my hands that I had to choose it. 20 years of gigs, sessions, lessons and everything inbetween has come and gone and it was the right choice. Every nick, scratch and mark is a memory. Hopefully it'll be back onstage sometime soon. #guitarlife #guitar #gibsonguitars #gibsonsg

This is Laythen and he really had a great lesson this week conquering a review test like a pro. Great job dude! Laythen is rocking a great Squier Mustang and his favourite band is Kiss. #futurerockstar

In case you're looking for a new guitar for someone for Christmas, here are some tips for spotting problems in the neck. Part 2 coming soon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aJus2kNGBg&t=30s

For sale in the Rock Shop - Epiphone Gold Top Les Paul '56 Reissue. $750.00

Thanks for the tunes Eddie. #vanhalen #guitarhero

Landed a copy of this Canadian classic today with help from Zap Records. Thanks guys! Been waiting a long time for this one to be out on vinyl. #recordcollection #record #onmyturntable #canadianrock #90srock #bigsugar #northumberlandrockandrollexperience #zaprecordscobourg

Hello everyone, I'm pleased to announce the creation of my new Youtube channel! This channel will feature content on Guitars, Rock and Roll Memorabilia, Records, Rock and Roll history, Guitar Lessons, Gear and more! Give it a like and subscribe to keep up to date. The first episode is going to focus on the acquisition and construction of my studio. I get asked often about the process and the construction of this studio so I thought it would be a good place to start. The construction of this studio would not have been possible without the guidance and expertise of Clay Benson. We are forever grateful for that. Ok folks, enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRfmzBNfKfo

A friendly reminder that we are entering humidifier season. Guitars like to have some humidity over the winter and these are ideal for your case. I have a few in stock here at the cabin. $17.00 each. Great stocking stuffers for the guitarist on your list. Covid safety protocols / porch pick ups all in place.

Thanks to Jim Glover and 89.7 for the feature this morning. Much appreciated guys! If you haven't had a chance to check out my new album here is a link to Spotify. It's also available on YouTube and Apple Music. Thanks for listening. #NowPlaying

I had this guitar come visit my studio last week. This cool guitar that was signed by Rush is being raffled off to a lucky fan in a couple of weeks. Check out the Inspire Magazine Facebook page or contact Doug Bates for details on how to buy a raffle ticket.

Three years ago today we released the "Ghost" album. #garagedog #porthoperocks #porthope #northumberlandrockandrollexperience

The featured artist of the week this week is Buddy Holly. Pictured here are the 45rpm singles "That'll Be the Day", "Peggy Sue" and "Not Fade Away". There are also two original LPs and the program to the Alan Freed Christmas Jubilee that took place in Times Square, December 1957. #onmyturntable #records #vinyl #recordcollection #vinylrecords #vintagevinyl #buddyholly #alanfreed #thenorthumberlandrockandrollexperience #50srock

Thanks to Zap records for helping me add this interesting item to the collection. As far as we can tell this was only sold at the Cleveland show and possibly some others near that date in 1966. #thebeatles #thebeatlesforever #rockandrollmemorabilia #1966concert #thenorthumberlandrockandrollexperience

The speakers are getting Muddy today at the cabin.

Had a great day playing the parade in Port Hope today. Thanks to Jeannie and all of the town staff for putting this together and for including us. I don't know how many came through but it was a lot. Nice to play for a crowd even if it's a few cars at a time. We needed a jam so badly. Felt good, albeit a bit chilly. #porthopesantaclausparade #thesoulshakersunion

I couldn't pass up this $12 score today. This is a pretty cool 1894 Guitar Zither. #vintageinstruments #funkyinstruments #guitarzither #pioneerinstruments #alottastrings #bluegrass #bluegrassmusic

Got the old war horse all re strung and in game shape to play at the Port Hope Santa Claus Parade tomorrow. Hope to see you there. Enter off of Baulch road between noon and 2:00. Do you love Christmas songs played over and over again? Neither do we. You will only hear pure Rock and Roll.

The 8 year old in me is loving this very much. Best CD packaging ever! #PWRUP #ACDC

Today we celebrate the life of Jimi Hendrix at the Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience. #northumberlandrockandrollexperience #jimihendrix #jimihendrixexperience #1970s #1970 #circusmagazine #guitargods #purplehaze #guitarlegends

Some full bodied chime is resonating in the cabin this afternoon. This is a 1969 Hagstrom BJ12. A little porch picking in the sunshine. #northumberlandrockandrollexperience #hagstrom #hagstromguitars #vintageguitar #vintagetone #12string #acousticguitar #logjamstudio

Some good news for guitarists in 2020.

Just gave the Cleopatrick single a spin. These guys are doing great things and you won't find more humble guys who have worked so hard for their success. Be sure to check them out. Rock on Luke! #hometown #cleopatrick #thenorthumberlandrockandrollexperience #guitarstudentsmakingwaves #canadianrock

I'm pleased to announce that The Soul Shakers' Union will be participating in this year's Port Hope Santa Claus Parade festivities. Details will be announced soon!

Between lessons tonight I'm spinning this collection from Jethro Tull. Released in '72 it's hard to find a complaint here. Singles and live tracks compiled to showcase the band in top form. Hard cover book / Double LP. The fantastic Living in the Past. What are you guys listening to on a Friday night?

I've been getting younger students requesting to learn and work on Joni Mitchell tunes lately during their lessons. I'm very pleased by this as Joni is certainly one of the best things Canada has ever contributed to the world of music. (Although it is challenging for me to figure out with all of the altered tunings and jazz influences). Nice to see these kids discovering her music.

Thanks to Northumberland News and everyone who took the time to vote. I'm very pleased to announce that The Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience has won the 2020 Readers' Choice Award for music instruction. I love my job and get to work with some terrific people. Thanks everyone!

Adding some chime to some racks today at the studio. I've used this Danelectro 12 on so many projects and it always sounds cool.

Kicked the long weekend off on the right note by adding this Holy Grail record to the collection. This is a 3rd state butcher cover. I've wanted one of these for many years. Never thought it would happen. Rock On folks!!

Love summer in the cabin... A good day for teaching. Students are learning Springsteen, Boston, Pearl Jam, some scale theory, chord triads, Little Feat and more. #lovemyjob #guitarteacherlife #porthope #logjamstudio #thenorthumberlandrockandrollexperience

Thanks to Northumberland News for the nomination for both guitar instruction and for my band Garage Dog. With all that's going on right now it's a nice surprise and I'm very grateful that I can continue doing what I love to do.

Doing vocal tracks at the studio tonight with a couple of legends.

A little social distanced recording session for a customer's track tonight with some help from Sweet Pete Faragher. #logjamstudio

Fab left handed vintage 12 string up for grabs. Check out my shop fb page if you haven't already liked it.

Just heard the news of the passing of Peter Green. One of the best British blues players of all time. His beloved Les Paul is now owned by Metallica's Kirk Hammett, Santana had a huge hit with one of his tunes and Jimmy Page modelled his guitar tone after him. That alone tells you how much this guy influenced the guitar world.

My new album Currents & Waves is now available. Message me to get your copy. (Will do contactless delivery in the Northumberland Area). Next week they will be available at Zap Records in Cobourg as well as some other locations. Cds are $10. E transfers or cash. Spotify and other platforms available soon!

Here's a little sample of my new record... The link will give you 10-15 seconds of each song. Thanks for all of the support folks. Much appreciated!

Hello folks, as some of you may have already heard, studios have been given the ok to open as long as guidelines and restrictions are in place. I am currently working on a set up and plan that will keep both my students/customers and myself safe to re-open sometime in June. This will be a graduated approach and the first phase will be individual lessons and recording sessions before I can proceed with groups of 2 then eventually 3 etc. As the plan is implemented I will be following the advice of our government officials to make sure I'm within the proper guidelines outlined by our medical community. As this is an ever changing and moving target and I'm going to always put your safety and mine first but hopefully we can be making music together very soon. Stay tuned!

A few projects on the go including the completion of my solo record which is so close now. Getting back in gear a bit. The creative juices are starting to drip.

Some new Garage Dog for you - recorded in isolation!

A bit of an interesting listen going on this afternoon.

I've been working on getting this 1939 Supertone Lone Ranger back into playing condition. I think it's getting pretty close. Likely as good as it ever was. #lonerangerguitar #vintagetone #harmonyguitars #hihosilver #parlorguitars

I must admit that I haven't played my guitar for 2 weeks. Just haven't had the right mindset for it. This morning I decided to get back to work on a solo record that I started a while back in an effort to create some kind of routine. Here is some pre recording noodling to warm up. 1983 Gibson SG Special through a Vox AC30. Anyone else had a hard time feeling creative lately?

Listening to the classic Let it Be tonight. Original Canadian boxed set. #rarevinyl #vintagerecords #beatlesvinyl #firstpress

Due to the recent developments and ever changing nature of the current health situation I've had to make the difficult decision to cancel all lessons and recording sessions until further notice. I will be working alongside local professionals to resume operations when it's been deemed safe to continue. Thanks for your understanding. Stay well friends.

Was able to get an advanced copy of the new Greatest of Ease record yesterday. Sounds great guys! If you have the chance, head over to their official album release party Friday night at the ganny and pick one of these up.

Recording with this cool cat at the studio this morning. Sounded great Paul!

Thanks to Aimee, Jen and all of the staff at Dalewood for having us in to play Fire and Frost tonight. We had a fantastic evening. #garagedog #dalewoodgolfclub

This nice vintage Ludwig kit is here recording this afternoon with the band Toast. Session 2 of 3 is well underway.

Had a great day at the Cabin Fever Antique show today in Kingston. I picked up a couple of interesting instruments including this 1962 Harmony H45 Mars guitar.

Smile for the Birdie! Recording tonight on this vintage little beauty from the 1970s. Sounds fantastic. Kind of a wannabe Messa Boogie. #vintagetone #vintageamp #ariaamplifiers #birdieamplifier

This is one of my students named Fiona Milner, remember that name because you will be hearing about her for a long time to come. We are currently recording some of her original material. Check out February's issue of Inspire Magazine for a feature article on her. Huge thanks to Gillian Smith Clark for all of her efforts to help get these young artists some press. So awesome to see these kids doing so well.

Had the pleasure of recording the band "Toast" today at the studio. Great folks!

During the guitar craze of the mid 1960s the Decca record label wasn't just putting out Rolling Stones records. In 1966 they actually decided to produce this guitar as well.

These funky Japanese guitars from the 1960s are all cleaned up and officially up for sale. Message me if you have interest.

These 5 Japanese beauties showed up today. Let the clean up begin! Great sounding vintage tones on these.

Jamming some open D slide on this 1950s Kay this morning. Bought this in Massachusetts a few years ago for $25! #kayguitars #parlorguitar

Had an absolute blast rocking in 2020 at Dalewood last night. Thanks to everyone who supported our event, we couldn't have asked for a better night.