http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/the-history-of-the-electric-guitar-how-music-was-changed-forever.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/the-history-of-the-electric-guitar-how-music-was-changed-forever.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 In The Beginning
The guitar’s soft melodic tone made it difficult for people to hear it when being played alongside other instruments. So during the 1930’s an inventive individual decided to change that and invented the first electric guitar. Little did he know, or have imagined way back then how the invention of the electric guitar would significantly affect the course of 20th century music.

Like most new things, the electric guitar had its critics but it quickly won people over because of its ability to allow musicians to play much more creatively and express their own individual styles.

The First Pickup
In 1924 an inventive engineer working for the Gibson guitar company named Lloyd Loar, designed the first magnetic pickup. Using a magnet, he converted guitar string vibrations into electrical signals, which then were amplified through a speaker system. This first pickup was crude, but it was a great beginning.

The First Electric Guitar
In 1931 the Electro String Company was founded by Paul Barth, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker, and developed the first electric guitars marketed to the general public. They made their guitars from cast aluminum and were played on a person’s lap using a steel slide much like today's steel guitar. Because of their unusual material, they were affectionately called “Frying Pans.”

The early success of the frying pans prompted the Gibson guitar company to build their first electric guitar, the ES-150 which is a legend today.

The First Solid-Body Electric Guitar
Electric guitars were quickly becoming popular, even though there was a major problem with their construction. Their bodies would vibrate due to the amplified sounds coming through the speakers they were played into, causing what we know as feed-back. The obvious remedy was to build a guitar made with a solid body which wouldn’t vibrate so easily.

As with most innovations, there is controversy over who invented the first solid –body electric guitar. Guitar legend Les Paul in the 1940’s developed his affectionately called “The Log” solid-body guitar by attaching a Gibson neck to a solid piece of wood…a railroad tie, hence the name “Log.”

Around this same time, guitarist Merle Travis and engineer Paul Bigsby developed a solid-body electric guitar that resembled the solid-body guitars that we’re so familiar with today.

The First Mass Produced Electric Guitar
Leo Fender in 1950 was the first to mass produce an electric guitar which was originally called the Fender Broadcaster. This guitar was quickly re-named to the infamous Telecaster because the name “Broadcaster” was already being used by another company. Leo followed this up in 1954 with the most renowned guitar of all time…the Stratocaster.

Leo’s success led other guitar manufacturers into developing their own mass-produced electric guitars. Most notable was the teaming-up of the Gibson guitar company with Les Paul to create the famous Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.

More Affordable Electric Guitars
During the 1960’s and 1970’s famous brand name electric guitars were too expensive for the average person to buy. Less pricey imitations quickly came to market but they were sub-standard in sound and playability. The Japanese, in the 1980’s started manufacturing electric guitars of similar quality to the more expensive American made models, but with much more affordable pricing. This prompted Fender and other leading guitar manufacturers into producing less expensive versions of their classic models. This resulted in electric guitars now being more affordable and accessible to more people.

Today, the Gibson and Fender guitar companies are still producing some of the most well-known and best made electric guitars on the market. But it’s getting crowded with other high quality brands such as BC Rich, ESP and Peavey. Innovative designs, shapes and materials are being incorporated with new technologies to produce better sounding electric guitars.

Modern guitars have built-in software allowing them to sound like other types of guitars. Some are even fitted with pickups that synthesize the sound of different instruments or record the notes in musical notation.

The electric guitar has come a long way with an interesting and inventive past and many in the industry say it has an even brighter future.




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Bob Martin says don’t buy a new electric guitar until you take a serious look at this today. This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/there-are-several-basic-types-of-air-purifier.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/there-are-several-basic-types-of-air-purifier.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 Your First Look At Effective Air Purifiers

Air purifiers come in three basic types: expensive, more expensive, and OUCH. So how do you separate out the hype and bring a breath of fresh air to the subject? It's called caveat inhalator, or, breather beware! There seems to be an inverse relationship between the amount of research done and the money wasted.

With all of the air purifiers on the market, and with a war of words to win your dollars being waged every day, the best way to select the right one for your situation remains the one that your fifth grade teacher taught you.

Do Your Own Homework

Air purification has rapidly become a multi-billion dollar industry. Three distinct types, each with many variations, are promising to return the new air of Eden into your home. How do you choose one for you and your particular environment? Read, read, read.

The first contains HEPA air filters, which are able to effectively remove 99.97% of all particulate matter in the air (to control dust and remove pollen).

HEPA filter technology is one of the best air purifying technologies currently available. On the downside, air purifiers using HEPA filters need to have their filters replaced to remain effective.

Another form of purifier uses electrostatic or electronic systems. These air purifiers don't have air filters that need replacing, but do have charged plates which need to be washed occasionally in order to remain effective.

Both air purifiers with HEPA air filters and those that use electrostatic systems are able to control dust and other particles effectively, but on their own can't remove odors or other chemicals. In order to do this, an air purifier must have some form of activated carbon or UV purification system.

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers work by drawing air from the room into the system with a fan, clean the air, and then release the clean air back out into the room.

When you consider purchasing an air purifier, it's important to know how the actual system works. As described above, if you want an air purifier that both eliminates particulate matter and potentially dangerous chemicals and odors, you will want an air purifier that contains activated carbon or a UV purification system.

You also need to know the power of the machine you are purchasing and its general effectiveness. Air purifiers, whether they contain HEPA filters, or use electrostatic systems, come in a range of prices.

Price is often a good indicator of the quality of the product you are buying. Of course, a smaller unit may prove to be a quality product but with a lower price tag. A lot of high end air purifiers utilize a pre-filter as well as the HEPA filter. These air purifiers give extended life to the HEPA filter by removing some of the larger particulate matter before it can contact the HEPA filter, thus extending the lifespan of the HEPA filter.

To be effective, the pre-filter requires regular cleaning to remove dust build up which will otherwise reduce the air purifier's performance. Efficiency is important to consider when purchasing an air purifier. Even though a HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of dust from the atmosphere, that does little to help if the actual air purifier is only cleaning a fraction of the air in the room.

Check Out The Numbers

To ensure that the air purifier you purchase does the job properly it is ideal to find an air purifier manufacturer which states exactly how much of the air gets cleaned, and can demonstrate proof that this is the case.

It is helpful to find a table of air purifier comparisons, where different brands and different models of air purifiers are compared in an independent study, which will help you choose an air purifier that actually works.

A search on the internet or through a consumer magazine will probably be your best bet, especially if the source can tell you exactly where the independent air purifier tests were carried out.


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Bob Martin says “Don’t buy an air purifier until you take a serious look at this today.” This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-you-need-an-air-purifier.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-you-need-an-air-purifier.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 Considerations For Your Health

Why all the hype about air purifiers? After all, we only breathe 12-14 times a minute, and air only makes it as far as our lungs except for things like Radon, viruses, and perhaps the occasional smallpox terrorist attack. So who needs an air purifier?

Levels of contaminants in the air increase every year both inside and outside the home. Every year more people who have been taking breathing for granted seem to want to breathe something a little less toxic. An air purifier eases your breathing and your mind.

Reaction to Weather

No doubt you hear "Vermont" and think clean mountain air. Guess again! Vermont has many issues that require an air purifier. Perhaps more so due to the extreme weather conditions the area faces. It can be sixty degrees one day and five below the next.

Three systems become important: air purifier systems, humidifier systems, and dehumidifier systems.

Problems with Basements

One thing most Vermont homes have that southerners may not be used to is a basement. A basement can host a multitude of mold spores, mildew spores, and even radon. All three of which can cause health problems.

Radon is a radioactive gas found in the earth that can cause lung cancer. In order to get rid of radon, you need a top-notch air purifier system. And the presence of radon should send you searching for the right air cleaners.

In a typical Vermont home, you have the basement where the laundry room is located. You know how much time you can spend doing laundry on a weekly basis. All the time you are down there, you are breathing in these molds and possibly radon gases.

Basements can be very damp year round. Controlling your air quality is essential. A dehumidifier can help take the excess moisture out of the air, which will reduce some molds and mildews, but a dehumidifier will not help with radon.

This leaves you needing a humidifier or air purifier.

Troubles With Upstairs

Upstairs, just the opposite occurs. The air above ground level can be extremely dry, especially in winter months. You can either get used to zapping everyone you meet with static electricity or you can purchase a humidifier to add moisture back to the air.

Again, radon is still in the air. You really need an air purifier. Nonetheless, neither the dehumidifier nor the humidifier will touch the problem of mold spores and radon upstairs. A humidifier or dehumidifier can add or reduce moisture, but they cannot take care of radon.

You cannot smell or see radon. It's a silent killer. For this most important issue, you need to look into an air purifier.

Looking for Signs

Sure, it sounds hard. How do you know if an air purifier is really the appliance you need? It's actually quite simple. Look around your house. Do you fight mildew battles from time to time? Is dusting a daily routine? Do your windows steam up frequently when you cook or when the shower has been on? Do you have mushrooms growing in your basement despite your use of a dehumidifier?

These are all critical warning signs.

Radon Is Another Issue

You should start by contacting the state. They have many brochures on air purifier systems. They also offer free radon test kits. In six months time, you will know if you are at risk for radon. Once you know for sure, you will know how much of an air purifier system you need to purchase. Once you know, an air purifier should be your next step. You may just need an air purifier for mold and mildew spores. You also might be one of the few who need something capable of removing radon as well. Either way, your health is worth it!


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Bob Martin says “Don’t buy an air purifier until you take a serious look at this today.” This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-new-rims.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-new-rims.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Are you looking to spice up your ride with a set of new rims? When you have a vehicle that you’re proud of, its only natural that you want it to look the best it can look.

And there's no better way to jazz up your vehicle than by giving it new rims.

There's a few things that you should know before you go out looking for new rims. And you'll want to keep a couple of things in mind.

Where Do I Go Shopping For New Rims?

You have many options:

* you can go down to your local auto dealer
* you can look in on a specialty auto after market store
* you can stop in at a tire/wheel retailer

You'll be able to find some rims....you may even be lucky enough to have a fairly good selection to choose from.

But if you're looking for a really great selection of unique rims to choose from, then you need to look online. Shopping online offers you a whole new world of choices.

When you shop online, you aren't limited to just what the retailers in your area have to offer you. Now you can shop for rims in every store, in every town, in every state, in every country. As long as they have a website.

Why Is A Wide Selection Important?

It's important to have a wide range of choices when you're buying new wheels because you want your vehicle to look unique and you want rims that fit your particular vehicle.

Online you'll see a huge selection of styles and brands in chrome and alloy.

However, if you're one of those people looking for something really special, you'll find colored wheels, rims with colored lug nuts, rims with lights in them and even wheels with “diamonds” on them.

What Do I Need To Know When I Buy Online?

Look for a site that offers reviews. Many online merchants will provide customer feedback so that you can see how people feel about their decision to order from the site.

Shipping cost can be a concern for some people shopping online. However, some online stores offer free shipping direct to your door. We know of one that will ship to your installer if you prefer.

But be careful. Some online merchants require that you buy tires from them as well in order to get free shipping.

As with anything that you buy online, be sure to only shop on a website that is secure. You'll have to give your credit card info, or us an online payment system such as PayPal, so make sure that the site provides a secure shopping cart before giving your personal information.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Obviously, you'll need to know what size you need. This information will be in your vehicle user manual. If you don't have the manual just go to a tire store or car dealer and ask for their help. You'll find them more than accommodating.

Why Should I Buy New Rims?

Some people buy new rims to jazz up the appearance and make their vehicle look sexy. Others buy after market wheels to improve the performance of their vehicle. When you get a mix of appearance and performance in your rims you can actually improve gas mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle.

Alloy wheels may actually reduce wear and tear on your brakes. Alloy rims reduce the heat that results during braking.

And lastly, unique and sexy wheels will definitely add value when it comes time to sell.

So, remember, buying new wheels can be fun and you can save a lot of money by shopping online.


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Bob Martin says “Don't buy any new rims before you look at this today.” This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/cleaning-your-rims-with-a-pressure-washer.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/cleaning-your-rims-with-a-pressure-washer.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
You may have discovered that cleaning your car rims by hand can be pretty difficult, but the job can be made a lot easier by properly using a pressure washer.

Cleaning rims using a pressure washer can be superior in eliminating the tough stains of ugly caked-on brake dust and grease from your wheels.

If you don’t own a portable pressure washer, you'll be able to buy one at very affordable prices online or at your neighborhood home improvement store.

To do a really good cleaning job you should also purchase a good, non abrasive rim cleaner. There are many top quality brands available online.

It only takes a little bit of rim cleaning solution to effectively clean rims in conjunction with a power washer.

Here's an easy step by step method.

1. Step back a couple of feet and a bit off to the side of the rim then rinse the rim from about 8 inches away. Be sure to spray into the crevices and spray from different angles.

2. Spray the rim using a circular motion around the outside of the wheel and be sure to rinse the tire as well.

3. Put the sprayer wand down and apply tire cleaning solution onto the tire.

4. Using the pressure washer, rinse the whole tire this time from about 5 inches away.

5. Now spray the rim with rim cleaner generously, following label directions. Usually you'll have to leave it sit on the rim for a few minutes to lift the debris.

6. Rinse the cleaner from the rim from about 8 inches away with the pressure washer.

Note:

1. Always clean the rims before you clean your tires and only clean your wheels after you've cleaned your car body. You don't want all that dirt from the body washing back onto your clean rims.

2. Dry your rims with an old bath towel. Optionally you can apply a light coat of car wax which will keep your rims clean longer and make your next washing easier by reducing the amount of dust that will "stick" to your rims.

So, remember, cleaning your wheels can be done easily and quickly.


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Bob Martin says “Don't buy new rims for your vehicle until you look at this today.” This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/tire-safety-how-old-is-too-old.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/tire-safety-how-old-is-too-old.html Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
In a statement from the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA) issued on June 5, 2001 regarding the age of tires they state, "BRMA members strongly recommend that unused tires should not be put into service if they are over 6 years old and that all tires should be replaced 10 years from the date of their manufacture." Tire age can be accelerated by a variety of environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and coastal climates. Poor storage and infrequent use of your vehicle are other things that can accelerate tire age.

If you keep your tires in ideal conditions, the tire age can go as high as 10 years from its manufacture date. But ideal conditions are the exception rather than the rule. And the worst part is that you cannot tell the safety of an old tire just by looking at it since there are no conclusive tests for the safety of tires without destroying the tire itself!

Due to this, some European car manufacturers of high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans have hedged their bets, stating in their owners manuals that the tire age should reach no higher than 6 years.

How Better Rubber Makes Tires That Are Safe

There have been a lot of changes in rubber compounds since Charles Goodyear discovered how to cure rubber when he baked a combination of natural rubber and sulfur on his family’s kitchen stove. Thus, he would convert an unappreciated raw material into many useful products. Goodyear cross-linked sulfur with polymers that, when exposed to heat, would help make rubber durable and at the same time maintain its elasticity. The main focus of new research has been finding tire age inhibitors. Sulfur molecules are one such tire age inhibitor that is reactivated every time they are exposed to heat, making the rubber harder.

Nowadays, rubber in tires has oil in it that tends to migrate into the tires’ under tread/casing and evaporate into the air. In the process of this, the tire compound releases oil and gets harder. If you can’t quite visualize this, go into any tire store and take a big whiff. You’ll smell the oil there.

Before curing, most tires are coated with a mold release agent that is makes it easier to remove from their mold after curing. If it’s a little hard to visualize, think about spraying “Pam” on a fry pan before pouring on the batter for pancakes.

This increases the safety of tires because some of the mold release agent gets “cooked” onto the surface of the cured tire, which prevents all the oil from evaporating.

What Is The Right Tire Age?

In most cases, most street tires are good for 6-8 years if maintained properly. Don’t forget though that this includes the time the tires spent from the manufacturer’s plant to the dealer to you. So, keep this in mind when you are determining tire age.

Most tires get to you anywhere between 3-6 months. Some stay longer with the tire manufacturer, but generally all tires that go on your car are less than a year old. So, you should not get an old tire from any tire manufacturer.

Which Tires Last Longest?

If you want to buy a tire based on how long it will last, you have to consider thread compound. The more aggressive its compound … the shorter tire life. Below is a list of tires from longest-lasting to shortest-lasting:

* Max Performance
* Ultra High Performance tires
* DOT-legal competition tires

Bottom line: if you want to avoid safe tire issues go with tires that last long and properly maintain them.


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Bob Martin says “Are you driving on the right tires? Don’t buy any new tires until you see our Tire Ratings and Reviews of 495 styles.” This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>