Extended range guitars.

Clicky for a biggy.

So what might this stealth machine be? Well this is the new and mighty 'Squier Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster'. It's almost as long as it's name. These monsters of the depth are often heard but seldom seen.
Usually only found in the session guitarists kit and used to create illusions for the WTF was that? listeners. You can hear it everywhere from the Monkees to Godzilla, it can sneak up on you. This particular breed, do I need to write the name again? comes from Fenders low end (oops) off shore manufactures by way of the Squier brand. Originally Squire released it on the world in Antigua, a colour Fender have used on and off (more off than on) since the 1970's. It was great to see this in Blackout. As with most baritone guitars it has an extended range scale length of 30". This particular baritone is long scale, Using special gauge strings the standard tuning for baritones is half way between guitar tuning and a bass, well the bottom four bass strings anyway. B-E-A-D-G-B-E. Guitar licks and chords can be played comfortably in the upper register sounding just like a guitar until they drop down to the big low end and your pants drop down. It is an awesome effect.
Take a listen to this official Fender clip by their ace demonstrator, who does some pretty good demos BTW. Here he plays the Antigua model in a nice atmos piece.

It is a special instrument, not something you would have around your neck for a night at the gig, but as a recording tool, yes. Thanks Squier for yet another great instrument at a great price we would all love to have.

Thanks to the rockin' dudes down at KC's Rockshop for allowing me to give this a bash.