Gretsch releases George Harrison signature Duo Jet guitar

Travis Bean, the machinist and luthier known for building aluminum-necked guitars in the 1970s, passed away on July 10, 2011.

Though built for less than a decade, Travis Bean Guitars have a cult following and a unique tone. The aluminum neck (which goes all the way to the bridge) resulted in a guitar with plenty of sustain and no chance of neck warpage. Bean guitars and basses have been played and championed by artists such as Stanley Jordan, Jerry Garcia, Bill Wyman and Ron Wood. Steve Albini, the acclaimed producer and frontman for Shellac, continues to play one.

For many years, Bean suffered from numerous health issues, including diabetes and a rare form of cancer. He passed away in Burbank, California. 

A fund has been made to help support Bean's wife with medical and funeral expenses via helptravisbean.com. There is also a forthcoming documentary on Travis Bean called Sustain. 

Singer-songwriter and former Wrecking Crew session guitarist Glen Campbell has completed his final studio record, 'Ghost on the Canvas.' It will be released on August 30, 2011. The album features tunes written by Paul Westerberg, Jakob Dylan, Robert Pollard (of Guided by Voices) and Teddy Thompson and features guest musicians including Chris Isaak, Dick Dale, Brian Setzer and Rick Nielsen. Campbell has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease but he is still planning a worldwide farewell tour to support the album.