This is a Les Paul Jr guitar will an amazing hand pained "OM" symbol. It is a Gibson staple and the original design has been around for many. This guitar has been used by some of the biggest musicians in rock over the years. Price $1.000.00

New Jennifer Janseko Guitars planned

Our feature artist Jennifer Janesko recently painted a Fender Stratocaster & Telecaster. These are the first Fenders we have ever done and the results were outstanding. Plans are underway to do a series of Telecasters & Stratocaster to be completed by mid summer. (See photos)

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2010

AFTER APRIL 15th IF YOU HAVE A TAX REFUND THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO SPEND IT. Or if you are a musician, collector, music lover, etc..The Dallas International Guitar Festival is on for April 16, 17, 18. It promisies to be the biggest and best yet and will be the premier show in 2010.
Last year we created our unique one of a kind GZ Pin up guitars, just for this show, and they were a great success(See attached 2009 pin-up guitar ad). This year we are featuring all types of great "Art Guitars" by new and up coming artists.
Also, Bill Hudson, who is an avid collector and has amazing knowledge of the Custom Guitar market, will be joining GZ and in charge of bringing back our Custom Guitars like we sold through our website www.gzguitars.com in 2004-8. Some of our featured Custom guitars were a signed Jimmy Page double neck, Fender CS Playboy Stratocaster, SRV #1 Relic, Fender Custom Shop CRASH Stratocasters, and many more one of a kind guitars.
I will be updating this blog up until the show with information about our booth and some of the great guitars we will be selling.

NOWHERE BUT TEXAS

Hi Ya'll. It has been a while since I have posted any news about what GZ has been up to. In November 2008 GZ made the decision to open I made the decision to open another shop in my hometown of Dallas Texas. We hope to announce our opening date in the Fall of 2009. Since I have been spending time in Texas I have had the opportunity to collect some really unique relics of some world class guitars made famous by legendary Texas musicians. Check out these photos and see if you know their names and who played them. I'll publish the builders and original owners. So check back next week. Rock On G.
(The poster are a hint 8o)

Friends of GZ

PHOTO LAYOUT- GLEN & PAUL REED SMITH (President & Founder of PRS GUITARS) / GLEN & DREW BERLIN (The Burst Brothers Guitar Center Senior Vintage Guitar Buyer)

2009 Dallas Guitar Show was great. We featured our PinUp Guitars as well as a great display of Art Guitars. Our Jenifer Janesko and CRASH guitars were the most popular of our exclusive Art Guitars. The Pinup guitars were very popular and we sold most of the new series.
Some of the high points of the show for me were when Drew Berlin of the Burst Brothers (who along with his partner Dave Belzer, in my opinion, founded the vintage guitar business as we know it today) stopped by with Randy Melser (of Miami Guitar Center Platinum Room) to check out our John "CRASH" Matos Art Stratocaster. Also, I had the opportunity to meet guitar manufacturing genius Paul Reed Smith founder of PRS Guitars. He was at the show launching his new amplifiers. He is a great guy. I personally have kept a PRS guitar in my arsenal of guitars since I played one in 1998.
We just completed the 2010 Dallas Guitar Show and will be updating this blog with news & information about it.

Preview of Past Dallas Guitar Festival

At the 2009 Dallas Guitar Festival, GZ Guitars will be introducing a new series of Art Guitars based on classic PinUp designs. Each guitar is one of a kind with unique parts and electronics. They are ready to rock and have a great tone. Additionally, due to the economic climate, none of this series will be priced more than $1,000.

2009 Dallas Guitar Festival

GZ Guitars was excited to participate in the 2009 32nd Dallas Guitar Show & Festival in Dallas, Texas. There were live shows through out the 3 day event.

GZ & Jennifer Janesko Guitar on Gibson Website

It is a great honor that Gibson (one of the most famous guitar builders in the world) featured us on their website in the LifeStyle section. It was featured for a week and then on their home page in "Most Popular Stories". Enclosed is a copy of their post. This is a great notice for both GZ Guitars and Jennifer and is well deserved for the incredible guitars their partnership has produced. We have done some our best work with Jennifer and produced some of the best Art Guitars I have seen anywhere. THANKS GIBSON!

Beautiful Bodies: Pin-Up Artist Jennifer Janesko’s Sexy Guitars
Jerry McCulley 01.20.2009
Musicians have been making connections between the guitar and female form for decades, some even decorating the faces of their instruments with colorful images of women. Indeed, Sex Pistol Steve Jones turned his trademark white Les Paul Custom into a punk rock icon simply by applying a decal of a vintage pin-up model near the bridge.
Now artist Jennifer Janesko has taken the concept to a whole new level, using the entire guitar face itself as a virtual canvas for her striking female images. A renowned pin-up artist for over 15 years, Janesko has teamed up with Maplewood, NJ-based custom shop GZ Guitars to offer a series of uniquely painted instruments – including several classic Gibson models – featuring her alluring airbrushed artwork.

“Harmony,” a Jennifer Janesko-customized ES-137 from GZ Guitars
While her sexy, glamorous guitar images follow an artistic tradition that has attracted men for centuries, the Kansas City-based Janesko is also part of a core heritage of women pin-up artists who’ve contributed richly to the canon, from Joyce Ballantyne and Zoe Mozert in the mid-20th century to contemporary masters of the realm like Elizabeth Austin and Olivia de Berardinis.
Several Jennifer-painted instruments have already sold to eager collectors, while the most recent – a stunning, Janesko-illustrated Gibson Explorer dubbed “Video Vixen” by the artist – was just finished on New Year’s Eve. “It was a very cool way to close out 2008,” enthuses GZ founder Glen Gertz.

“Video Vixen” Explorer by Jennifer Janesko
Jennifer graduated with a degree in fine arts from Stephens College and has been drawing the female form from any early age. Her calendar images remain strong sellers, while other Janesko commissions have been featured in Playboy, Maxim, Femme Fatale and other publications. She even collaborated with a Napa Valley vintner to produce her own Janesko label wine.
Yet she’s long resisted being labeled a mere pin-up artist.
“People defined me that way before I did,” she told her hometown weekly. “I (now) use pin-up to allow people to immediately make a connection to artists like (Alberto) Vargas and (Patrick) Nagle and to what I do.”
“Back Stage” ES 335 by Jennifer Janesko
While some might argue that the genre objectifies women, Janesko is forthright about the medium’s sexual allure. “I embrace it,” she says proudly. “To believe that sensuality exists is empowering.” So much so that Jennifer has occasionally modeled for other artists and photographers herself – including a cheesecake photo layout in Maxim.
“What's given me validation is that half of my collectors are women or couples," Janesko explains. “Women say (my paintings) are beautiful, sensual and passionate.” But guitar players and collectors will probably think her recent creations for GZ just plain rock.

#1 Guitar of 2009

This guitar was finished New Years Eve 2008. It was a very cool way to close out 2008. Jennifer Janesko painted this Gibson Explorer. Previous Jennifer has painted the classic Gibson ES335's. To get this design right she had to make a number of modifications which she did with amazing results. She used a different type model to in keeping the the Classic Hard Rock reputation the Explorer has. She also added some new colors and the shop cut a custom clear pickguard so you enjoy the full benift of the art work.
This also marks the first time GZ Guitars has ever made aguitar available through a music store. Tim Reynolds or Music Zoo in Little Neck, New York (Long Island) has this on display at their store. You can see the guitar on the GZ website or contact Tim at tim@themusiczoo.com or check their website at www.themusiczoo.com. It can also be acessed by clicking The Music Zoo on my Links.

HUGO - Guitars HUGO #1 & HUGO #2

Hugo Rodriguez is an amazing artist who works out of Niagara Falls, New York. When I saw his body of work I was immediately attracted to his colors schemes and design and knew he would do an awesome guitar. His first guitar (HUGO 1) was shown at the Arlington Texas Guitar show with tremendous success. His second guitar (HUGO 2) was immediately bought by a collector. I am talking with HUGO and hope he will continue to paint guitars for GZ Guitars in 2009. Keep checking for further news of guitar arrival dates.
I strongly you check Hugo's website to view his amazing art work at: http://www.hugomundo.com/galleria.aspx or click on Hugo Rodriguez on my links.

New Artists- Sharon Pell

We had some early Christmas presents when a couple of new artists finished projects they were working on. Sharon Pell and I had participated in a Gallery Show several years ago and I was immediately drawn to her work. She was involved with several projects at the time, including art commissions for Tommy Hilfleger, and it took a year for her to have the time to do a guitar. It was defiantly worth the wait and she did one of the most original art pieces that GZ Guitars has ever had. (photos enclosed)I hope we can work with Sharon again in the future.
To see additional photographs and information on this guitar go to the GZ website. To visit Sharon's Website go to http://www.pellmell.com/spell/site/events_othervoices.htm or click on Sharon Pell in my links.

Custom Art Guitars

I don't know if all of our customers know that one of our specialties is our custom art designed guitars. The customer can email us an idea they have for an art guitar and we can work with them to design the guitar of their dreams. Not only can they choose the art they like but they can pick the body style, hardware, and electronics if they choose to. If you are interested in a custom art guitar please contact me by clicking the "Order Custom Art Guitar" link at the top of the page.
I have attached a guitar we just completed which gives you a good idea of how creative customers can get with their designs and the quality of our work.

3 Sisters Series are for Sale

We have just finished the last guitars in a series done by Jennifer Janesko. The art and instruments are some of the best GZ Guitars has ever done. They are for sale and price is available upon request. (Email: ggertz@gzguitars.com or Tel:(973) 698-3398. We can also arrange to commission a custom design or the art done on your guitar.
The following is Jennifer's background. I have posted her link for anyone interested in her art work.
Jennifer Janesko's distinctive art is quickly achieving international recognition. Playboy magazine featured illustrations by Janesko in the June 1998, March 1999, March 2000 and February 2001 issues. Janesko has been showcased in Maxim magazine, Femme Fatales, PINUP and took the cover of a Scream Queens issue. Janesko's work was featured in International publications such as Desire and Skin Two of England, Marquis Fetish Images
and OTO of Germany. Additional recognition has been gained through airbrush art publications, such as AIR Brush-Action, Airbrush Art + Action and Airbrush magazines. Television stations such as FOX and MSNBC have also spotlighted the artist's work. Jennifer's original art appeared in the 1994 film "Exit To Eden", directed by Gary Marshall. Recently a portrait of Janesko by artist Dru Blair appeared on the March/April 2008 cover of AIR Brush-Action.

The artist's work is a fusion of her love for pinup, fashion and glamour. High contrast and sharp direction are the two elements that form the basis of her art. The artist uses airbrush and paintbrush to create mixed media paintings. Studies are created using a wide variety of materials including charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, watercolor, ink and graphite on various surfaces. Original paintings are currently sold through www.janesko.com and various exhibitions. The artist also accepts private commissions.

Current Janesko projects include creating new original and print images. Janesko has just completed the third wine label in association with Haut Art Wines of Napa Valley. She is currently branching out in new and exciting directions with a series of images painted on guitars for GZ Guitars, Inc. The artist also has plans to teach pinup classes at the Blair School of Art in North Carolina. Soon to be announced projects will feature the artist's talents and passions in the world of fashion.

This guitar is a USA Gibson ES-335, one of the classic Gibson models along with the Les Paul. The custom pickups were made by Peter Florance at Voodoo. Modeled after the early 57' PAF (no decal) Humbuckers, they have a wonderful, warm, organic tone. Custom made formvar wire give them enhanced mid's and upper low's, and result in an incredible sound not found in stock 335's. All work was done through GZ's Custom Shop in New Jersey. This guitar is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Rock & Roller Skateboards

In the last year I have seen an number of cutting edge artists paint skate boards. I have always wanted to have a go at it but, until now , never found the right format to do it. Artist Kathleen Ames had some great ideas and we worked with her to produce GZ's first Art Skateboards. TGM Skateboards provided the decks and Kathleen did all of the art in her studio. We finished them in our guitar custom shop and they look unbelievable. The trucks, hardware, & wheels were chosen & installed by Division East. (check out their link). These boards are top of the line and good to go. The bass is a new Squire Fender MB-4 and check this link for a full description. https://secure.gzguitars.com/gzbuypages/bass_board_buy.html
Anyone interested in custom paint jobs please email me and we can work out a custom board for you & guitar to match if you like.
ggertz@gzguitars.com
(the TRANSPORTATION board was done by Dave Hoffman & is not for sale)

Dallas Guitar Show

Last weekend GZ Guitars participated in the Dallas Guitar Show for the second year. It was a huge success. We received a great reception including an article by the Dallas neighbor city Fort Worth Star Telegram newspaper (see photo). I have enclosed a photos of some of the highlights of the show. Actress, model and wife of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Jerri Hall, looks at the guitars before this show. Dallas television news anchor celebrity and her son looked at some of our art guitars. (see photo with Glen in front of Jennifer Janeskos guitar "Heart Strings")In 2007 GZ did several shows in the Dallas and has a lot of friends/customers in Dallas/Fort Worth and through out Texas. I have already signed us up for the 2009 Dallas Guitar Show. If love guitars and have never been to the DGS mark it on your calendar as a "must do" event.

Family Affair

GZ Guitars could never do all of the great events and promotions without help from a variety of people. GZ recently participated in the 2008 Dallas Guitar Show and it was one of our most successful events ever. I would like to thank my sister Lindsay for organizing helpers and Lenno Summers and Willy Welch for their help with the booth (see photo) My son Marshal took the helm Friday and my wife Claire even flew in to support the event Saturday. My best friend John & his son Evan came up from Austin and even carried my Marshall stack upstairs for me which is a true measure of friendship (see photo)A humble thank you to you all and anyone who I missed I am sorry and I appreciate your participating. We rocked!

2008 DALLAS GUITAR SHOW

It is that time again that we load up the truck and head home to Texas for the Dallas Guitar Show. GZ Guitars has a booth for our 2nd year and I look forward to seeing all of you who were there last year as well as any new folks who may be able to attend, please stop by. There will be over 25 painted art guitars for sale and some incrediable pieces on display. I will post photos of the show when I return the end of the month. It is April 18, 19, & 20 and I have posted the link for more info.

Gibson Custom Jimmy Page Les Paul Custom

My passion is custom guitars. Today my friend & Guitar Guru Mike Bisulca, Asst. Manager of Springfield, New Jersey Guitar Center, invited me to check out the just released Gibson Custom Shop Jimmy Page Les Paul Custom (see photo of Mike & I with the "Black Beauty"). Recently, seen in all of the guitar magazines it is a exact replica of a guitar Jimmy had stolen when he was touring with Led Zepplin in 1970. It was built to Jimmys personal specifications. In March 2007 I had the opportunity to purchase one of the Jimmy Page Custom Shop Doubleneck guitars(see photo with Gibson VP Brett Arney). So I can tell you these guitars are the best Gibson Custom Shop puts out and the top of the market collectors pieces. If you are interested in one of these call Mike at (973) 921-0677 and he can get you set up. Mike is my go to guy at Guitar Center.

Food Superstar

My birthday was last week and my wife took me to a great steak restaurant in New York called Choice Meats. I had one of the best steaks I have ever had and had the opportunity to meet one of my true hero's Guy Fieri of the Food Channel Show "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives". OK I am busted that I watch the food channel but I never liked it until I saw Guys show. He show cases local places that have a a mythology and serve great down to earth food. Guy was really fun and we had a great time. I know you are asking "What in the f*#k does this have to do with GZ Guitars? This guy is like a rock star of food. I always like to tell people about cool stuff I hear about and you will never know what I am talking about unless you check out his show. It is on Monday through Friday at 10pm Sat at 1:30pm and Sunday 10am. I have posted his website on my links so check him out and go wild.

Stevie Ray Vaughn- Great Tribute

I am always surprised about all of the great people & cool things I run across while I am out representing GZ Guitars. I believe that Stevie Ray Vaughn was one of the greatest of guitarists of all time. I recently was given a book about Stevie that I think every fan should read. It was written by Cutter Brandenburg (Mr Cee)who was a friend of Stevies growing up in Dallas and worked as his equipment & road managers during the early days of his career before he became an international superstar. He also worked with a long list of great bands through out his career. The book is filled with personal stories and photos of his time with Stevie and other famous musicians. If you are a guitar player, SRV fan or rock & roller who is interested in how it was "Back In the Day" order this book. I have posted Cutters website to order books in my links. He was kind enough to sign a copy for me. This is a unique and will SRV collectors piece so don't miss out.