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Kneelin’ down before Neil Giraldo
I just wanted to say thanks for featuring Neil Giraldo in the July 2023 issue. I’m from the same town that “Spyder” is originally from (Parma, Ohio). I even went to the same high school, Parma Senior High School, although we were decades apart (I’m an ’04 grad). I’ve always admired his technique and iconic solos. Growing up I thought, “If that dude can play guitar that well and make it big, maybe so can I.” Our alma mater is going to be bulldozed in a few months, which sucks, but I really enjoyed reading about Neil’s audition with Pat Benatar and the band’s early years. Thanks again!
— Josh Gatka
When I’m asked who my favorite guitarists are, Neil Giraldo is often at the top of my list. I could probably list off the records he appears on or produced as well. Facility, speed, inventive, surprising, a pleasure to watch play. I’m glad to see him getting recognition in the guitar periodicals. Maybe you can prevail upon him to impart some lessons sometime.
— Jon C. Lundell
Loved that history of Aria
Thank you for the article on the history of Aria Guitars [July 2023]. Back in 1981, my guitar teacher talked me into buying a quality guitar. He mentioned that Neal Schon was playing one at the time. I didn’t know anything about guitars but bought an Aria Pro II TS600. It has a neck-thru body with layers of maple and walnut, not to mention a great sound to go with all the special features. I’ve bought and sold many guitars over the years, but I’m really glad I kept this one. I’m a longtime subscriber and loved this history of Aria Guitars. Thanks to Joe Matera!
— nedscreed
More about George Lynch’s pedalboard
I love George Lynch’s music, but his pedalboards are a disorganized mess! It looks like amateur hour [June 2023]. I wish you’d list everything that’s pictured... I don’t know what that silver thing with all the sliders is on the lower right of his larger board. Looks like that’s a J. Rockett Archer Ikon hiding there, but that could be some kind of clone… And there’s a Mu-Tron something-or-other... Why would this be on the board if they “tend to stay at home”? And where’s the Boss TU-3 tuner?!
I’d love to know if he checks his small board as luggage for fly-in dates. In a special ATA case? A run-of-the-mill SKB case? Any panicky times if it doesn’t arrive? Any concerns traveling with an expensive Klon? Or does this go into carry-on? I love the My Pedalboard feature! Keep it up! — JB, Cocoa, FL [Ed.’s note: The pedal with the sliders is a Chase Bliss Aud
