October 22, 2013
— Pixy Misa . . . quite a few of them, in fact. Sadly, I'm not one of them -- though, I do play the guitar rather poorly. It's actually a recently rediscovered diversion that I picked up while house-sitting for a friend of mine while he was away on a road trip to Wyoming. It seems he has a really nice Martin acoustic guitar sitting in the corner of his living room gathering dust that I just couldn't keep out of my hands. After a few days of strumming and picking, my fingers were reduced to mere stumps with exposed nerve endings at the tips. And I loved it.
By the time the house-sitting gig was over, my dreams of rock stardom had been rekindled to such an extent that I listened to a continuous loop of "Jukebox Hero" for a solid week and started scraping up pennies. I found myself checking the weather forecast to see when the next rain was expected so I could head down to the local guitar shop at night and shiver while staring through the window at the wares contained within. In the meantime, I picked up a beat-up old Yamaha F-310 from a friend, just so I could have something to bang on until I could get something a little nicer.
After a week or so of skulking about the guitar shop to the dismay and discomfort of the staff, I finally settled on a replacement -- the Lâg T66D. It's an entry-level guitar, geared toward those on a budget at $199.99 (your price may vary), but it plays and sounds way over its price point. And it's a great looking instrument with a minimalist sensibility: flat black hardware, no pickguard, no fretboard inlays, and a black rosette with an Occitan cross at the bottom -- a very nice touch, I think.
Two weeks later, as I was leaving at the end of my shift and about to start my weekend, I grabbed my camera and my laptop bag and slung them over one shoulder. Then proceeded across the room where my guitar lay on a table in the gig bag I'd purchased along with it, whereupon I slung it over my other shoulder and made my way toward the door. The next sound I heard called up memories of a cartoon character from my youth, known as El Kabong. I froze in abject horror.
As it happens, in my haste to wash the workweek out of my hair, I'd forgotten to zip up the gig bag prior to slinging it over my shoulder, at which point my brand new guitar fell crashing and twanging to the floor -- landing directly on its beautiful headstock.
Needless to say, I was crestfallen. It was the closest I've come to actual tears in recent memory. There's something about guitars, and musical instruments in general, that creates an emotional attachment in a very short period of time. And that sense of attachment only grows more intense as time passes.
But, by the end of the night, I'd determined that I was going to have another guitar, and I was going to have it very soon. So, I set about perusing local classified ads, and within a couple of hours, I'd stumbled upon a Craigslist ad that struck me as a can't-miss deal on a guitar somewhat similar to one I'd owned years ago: a Jasmine S35.
Jasmine is the budget line of guitars produced by Takamine, and to be sure, this one played like a budget guitar when I picked it up. So, after playing it for a few days, I took it in to the local shop where I'd bought my Lâg and had them perform a setup on it. When I got it back, I was absolutely amazed at the difference it made in the instrument. It plays every bit as well as my Lâg did prior to my absent-minded and brutal destruction of her. And, yes, I've already developed an emotional attachment.
In any event, the point of all this is to bait other musically inclined Morons into sharing their own stories about their instruments. Maybe you have a nightmare tale like mine, or just have a cherished instrument that you take particular pride in, or one with an interesting story. Or maybe you're an experienced musician who has some good advice for beginners.
That's what the comments section is for, so have at it.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
03:59 PM
| Comments (437)
Post contains 845 words, total size 6 kb.
Posted by: Un Mariachi de Los Angeles at October 22, 2013 04:02 PM (8ZskC)
Posted by: sven10077 at October 22, 2013 04:02 PM (9jfyN)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at October 22, 2013 04:03 PM (8ZskC)
Posted by: DangerGirl, home sweet home at October 22, 2013 04:05 PM (GrtrJ)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:05 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: Conservative Crank at October 22, 2013 04:07 PM (sQ0LB)
Posted by: Yip at October 22, 2013 04:08 PM (/jHWN)
That was what-- 35 years ago? I still have the horn, with that busted mouthpiece, still playing. I have other instruments (a wood clarinet some friend gave me, free, from their closet; a hundred-dollar Gemeinhardt flute bought off the white pages, a tenor, a soprano, an old Aria bass, a newer Dean acoustic bass and my most recent buy, a Telecaster thinline), but the alto and I are old friends.
Sometimes, I don't play for years. But when I pick her back up, she's still there for me.
We sound most approximately like Paul Desmond, so -- could be worse.
Posted by: Wry Mouth at October 22, 2013 04:09 PM (GMFsH)
Posted by: Nip Sip at October 22, 2013 04:09 PM (0FSuD)
I have always said that an acoustic guitar should be treated like a beautiful woman.
Posted by: Ike Turner at October 22, 2013 04:10 PM (8ZskC)
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 22, 2013 04:10 PM (IXrOn)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:10 PM (u25eL)
I love guitars.. I have too many. I wish I played better than I do, but really enjoy them... very much.
Posted by: Yip at October 22, 2013 04:12 PM (/jHWN)
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 22, 2013 04:13 PM (IXrOn)
Posted by: David at October 22, 2013 04:13 PM (IFko7)
Of course, it will make it easier for the NSA to round us up and make sure there's room in the appropriate "re-education"/ FEMA camps.
/so maybe it's not the best idea... but would be interesting.
Posted by: shibumi at October 22, 2013 04:13 PM (25HWz)
Posted by: GolfBoy at October 22, 2013 04:13 PM (csPNG)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:13 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:14 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at October 22, 2013 04:15 PM (CeNUw)
I always thought the guy should get something out of the deal when the girl got the ring with engagements. We were poor college students and both used our tax returns to get 'er done. I got a ring, that had a new and bigger stone after ten years, set in same setting, as I am a sentimental bride. He got the guitar.
He has, with my encouragement, bought a few really good guitars in recent years (American made). He is a natural musician who taught himself to play the piano, anything you want to hear he can pick it out, and the guitar.
Via the magic of the Internet he has recently learned how to read music and had some lessons and rocks out almost every night, playing with Eric Clapton and others in his office. It is a great thing for him to do after his real job and I am happy he is doing this. He passed on his good math and music genes to our kids. I am not too bad but have no natural talent after five years of piano. Rock on.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Redneck Queen of Tea Party, Eleventy District at October 22, 2013 04:15 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:16 PM (aTXUx)
I played bass (badly) in a bunch of garage bands in high school and college but got rid of all my equipment soon after getting married. For 20+ years I sadly played nothing but air guitar, then Rock Band came around. Playing fake guitars convinced me that I needed to play real ones again. Fast Forward 4 years...I now have 7 guitars with an obsession to practice and improve every day. Making actual music with the coolest instrument created is one of the best feelings in the world. Long live rock!
Posted by: Tony253 at October 22, 2013 04:16 PM (3yMFT)
Posted by: Y-not at October 22, 2013 04:16 PM (5H6zj)
My friend knocked over my brand new Gibson SG REISUUE
neck snapped just like yours Glued it up its been in the arsenal
for over ten years no problemo
Posted by: VIZZY at October 22, 2013 04:16 PM (VWXUq)
Posted by: SicSemperTyrannus at October 22, 2013 04:16 PM (EAESv)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Jaimo at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (nFmZ1)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: John the Libertarian at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (/rhjC)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 04:17 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: the littl shyning man at October 22, 2013 04:18 PM (tmFlQ)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:18 PM (aTXUx)
I saw a Takamine G320, the bottom of the barrel Takamine, for $25 on Craigslist. But, no dice. It had been sold.
So next X-mas it's down to Guitar Center, and picked one up for their sale price, $89?
Damn, it's frustrating starting out. Bar chords and any chords that are broken over 4 frets still give me fits.
At any rate, I've become adept at finding abandoned axes; I found a brand new Godin acoustic in a garage and a limited edition Rickbacker electric in a warehouse.
The Godin resonates like an angel, putting my Tak to shame. Built for fingerpicking which is good but I still suck mightily.
It's a fun hobby but I can see how this shizz gets expensive quickly.
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 22, 2013 04:19 PM (AA6QE)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 08:17 PM (aTXUx)
Only if it's a Gibson.
Posted by: manometer at October 22, 2013 04:19 PM (vjrgd)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 22, 2013 04:19 PM (N/Sup)
"Morons into sharing their own stories about their instruments. "
this is what happens when Ace is away.
Posted by: Anthony Weiner is happee to tell u about his instrument. Pics at 11 at October 22, 2013 04:20 PM (DHQv9)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (bkBmU)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (u25eL)
My second instrument is piano. Started when I was a kid, wish I'd been more dedicated back then, only realized it was a great way to get girls in my senior year of high school when it was too late to become truly fluent. However, I have a very good 'ear' and can puzzle pretty much anything out if I listen to it enough.
My third instrument, however, is the one I'm most proud of: guitar. Only started playing in college. Was the most frustrating experience in the world, as someone who had literally never even HELD one prior to the age of 19, to teach my fingers how grip the frets or my left hand how to fingerpick.
Which leads to my favorite instrument: a dirt-dirt-dirt-cheap "Jasmine" acoustic guitar -- the one I taught myself on -- that isn't even properly 'handed.' See, I'm a left-hander, and an ultra-lefty at that. My right hand could be chopped off and I'd probably not lose too much functionality, as much as I favor my left side for everything. My parents however, when they bought me my 'starter' guitar for Christmas, had no idea whatsoever that guitars (unlike every other instrument) are 'handed' and that I needed a LH guitar. So they got me a $60 righty guitar. After a couple desultory attempts at trying to play right-handed I said "fuck it" and restrung the thing upside-down.
The result? It sounds uniquely awesome. See, because the grooves at the top of the neck are now backwards, the strings (particular the low E and A ones) don't fit properly. Which means they resonate and twang far more, and also means that the action on the thing is five times easier to handle. I've since bought five more acoustic guitars, all lefty, including a twelve-string and a pair of Gibsons, but I keep returning to my trusty ol' piece of shit, long may it twang.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Jaimo at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (nFmZ1)
Posted by: blaster at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 08:17 PM (DmNpO)
Back in high school I took a Chinese history class, and when we got to the glorious revolution, the teacher put us in groups of five and said we would all share the same grade outcome. I put in twice as much work as anyone else, and the slackers who did nothing brought our whole group grade down. When I complained to the teacher, he just smiled and said, "Welcome to communism."
Posted by: John the Libertarian at October 22, 2013 04:21 PM (/rhjC)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 04:22 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: Stuff Our Icky Dads Said at October 22, 2013 04:22 PM (ELdpj)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 04:22 PM (g/zj9)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:22 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: razor419 at October 22, 2013 04:23 PM (68i8t)
Posted by: John the Libertarian at October 22, 2013 04:23 PM (/rhjC)
No controversy??? HAH!!!
Gibson... vs... Fender..... discuss....
/ducks out of thread... giggling...
Posted by: Romeo13 at October 22, 2013 04:23 PM (lZBBB)
Posted by: Navin R Johnson at October 22, 2013 04:24 PM (RRbuy)
Posted by: Jaimo at October 22, 2013 04:24 PM (nFmZ1)
Posted by: hipsters drive pickups here at October 22, 2013 04:24 PM (HapwC)
If the steel strings on an acoustic hurts your fingers you might want to try a classical guitar. The fret board is wider but the nylon strings are easier on the fingers.
Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at October 22, 2013 04:24 PM (P/gm7)
Posted by: blaster at October 22, 2013 04:24 PM (4+AaH)
Posted by: Tobacco Road at October 22, 2013 04:25 PM (4Mv1T)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:25 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 04:26 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: NCKate at October 22, 2013 04:26 PM (83KrV)
Posted by: laowai at October 22, 2013 04:26 PM (A7N15)
My first Bass was a Realistic (Radio Shack) Hoffner copy, but I traded up to a '72 Precision natural maple with a maple neck. Beautiful and still plays near perfect.
The family heirloom that I love the most is my 1921 Gibson AO mandolin. It was one year pre Lance Loar, but it is still a work of art. Plays strong too.
I have a Tacoma Thunderchief acoustic bass and my guitar is a Taylor 315.
I also have a Washburn Banjo that I got used and plays well.
My favorite guitar I ever played was a friend's Guild D35 blond with a maple back. You could not distort the sound no matter how ham-fisted you strummed.
I wish I played better than I do on guitar, but I really am more of a bass player. I think I talked DiT's ears off at one meetup this past year. Especially when it comes to bass guitars, he really knows his instruments.
Posted by: flashbazzbo, s.e. at October 22, 2013 04:26 PM (2yZsg)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (xhhsI)
Not true, if you're creative. I inadvertently (see #44) learned the same lesson that Sonic Youth figured out back in the 1980's: you can make even a dirt-cheap guitar produce a sound like science-fiction heaven provided you're willing to muck around with it and play it in a way other than its original intended use.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (n/+FT)
I have seen a lot worse ... that neck can be fixed!
Posted by: Michael_me at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (yN5+g)
Did Ovation go out of biz? Haven't shopped for guitars for awhile. Got myself a nice 12-string Tak and a pretty decent Yamaha six-string in the last five years, have been moving to electric pianos with weighted keys to get my fix.
Posted by: John the Libertarian at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (/rhjC)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (JDIKC)
Have built about 30 that I have sold.
Posted by: manometer at October 22, 2013 04:27 PM (vjrgd)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:29 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: Carshel Joshnon at October 22, 2013 04:29 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 04:29 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: Ragamuffin at October 22, 2013 04:29 PM (fzFF6)
Posted by: teej at October 22, 2013 04:31 PM (6Zy+s)
Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 22, 2013 04:31 PM (P6QsQ)
Are you male or female? Women in particular have a huge problem with barres, because they require sustained hand strength. Hell, I was cramping up like a motherfucker when I was first learning guitar.
There are ways to cheat, of course -- 'thumb' barres (where you use your thumb to pin down the 6th string instead of the tip of your index finger, and let the stronger first carpal of your index handle the 1st and 2nd) will get you through most classic rock songs, and power chords were created for a reason.
Joni Mitchell famously became a master of alternate tunings (many of them self-created) because as a girl growing up she simply could not handle playing barre chords with her dainty little hands. Worked out pretty well for her.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 04:31 PM (n/+FT)
Does a scrub-board count?
"My Brother Stole a Chicken from the Fort Wayne Zoo."
http://tinyurl.com/7oulxv5
Posted by: Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band at October 22, 2013 04:31 PM (DHQv9)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 22, 2013 08:31 PM (P6QsQ)
Didn't Steve Martin have a routine called "Dueling Tubas"?
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (UbDLm)
Not a musician but I can tell you were doing it wrong.
Posted by: blaster at October 22, 2013 08:24 PM (4+AaH)
One of my boys played trumpet. When you get past the quite hideous beginning it is not so bad. Other son played saxophone (both learned to read music in elementary years and played piano...musician son self taught himself piano with my old book at the time he learned to read, and pays all the woodwinds...either they are less painful to hear when learning, or he just learned quickly.
Junior High band is a painful experience at the first concert. I always pitied the band director and look back on those videos and am amazed we endured those years. Doggies hate the trumpet, it skeers them to look into the bell, and the sound must blow their little ears out. I had a very noisy home from junior high through high school.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Redneck Queen of Tea Party, Eleventy District at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 22, 2013 08:31 PM (P6QsQ)
If you had lived in LA and were good at it you'd get lots of session work for movie scores
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:32 PM (aTXUx)
Still impressed. I could barely get my lips down to the proper size for a trumpet. That tiny mouthpiece on the french horn would have been complete defeat. Also, never quite got used to "and now, the step where we drain the accumulated spittle from our instrument."
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 04:33 PM (bKA83)
I was a guitar tech for a store for about 5 years. More than likely it should be fixable without an issue - but it won't be very pretty.
Posted by: Kitsapbass at October 22, 2013 04:33 PM (u3YSW)
I remember how to play, but years of a cigarette habit would have me wheezing after 2 bars
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:34 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Lauren at October 22, 2013 04:34 PM (ELdpj)
Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at October 22, 2013 04:35 PM (u25eL)
Posted by: Bawney Fwank at October 22, 2013 04:35 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 04:35 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Bawney Fwank at October 22, 2013 08:35 PM
I play the trombone, but it's rusty
Posted by: ergie at October 22, 2013 04:36 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 22, 2013 04:36 PM (4vHkl)
Posted by: jakeman at October 22, 2013 04:37 PM (vH4YP)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 04:37 PM (g/zj9)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 04:37 PM (JDIKC)
Posted by: Slublog at October 22, 2013 04:38 PM (wF9Yx)
I have a mountain dulcimore that I made from a kit - I managed to break the soundboard with the lovely humming-bird-and-vine sound holes when gluing it up, so I bought a set of cedar boards and learned to glue them up the proper way, with new holes in the shape of oak leaves. I also ended up swapping out the plastic nut and bridge with substitutes made from bone - much better material and it matches the color of the tuners better.
One of these fine days I will relearn to play...
One of these fine days I will also make a nice 18th century-style scheitholt/zither (the ancestor of the mountain dulcimore) to go with my 18th century rifle habit.
Posted by: Grey Fox at October 22, 2013 04:38 PM (fue/I)
Keith Moon refused to do them, felt that the audience would be bored to tears by them
Pete Townshend used to stop the instruments mid song at a concert without telling Keith to see if he'd keep going with a solo
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:38 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Cicero Kid at October 22, 2013 04:40 PM (DHQv9)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:40 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 04:40 PM (JDIKC)
Posted by: yankeefifth at October 22, 2013 04:41 PM (Z9EHQ)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 04:41 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:42 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: yankeefifth at October 22, 2013 04:42 PM (Z9EHQ)
I remember everything
I remember every little thing
As if it happened only yesterday
I was barely seventeen
And I once killed a boy with a Fender guitar
I don't remember if it was a telecaster or a stradacaster
But I do remember that it had a heart of chrome
And a voice like a horny angel
I don't remember if it was a telecaster or a stradacaster
But I do remember that it wasn't at all easy
It required the perfect combination of the right power chords
And the precise angle from which to strike
The guitar bled for about a week afterward
And the blood was so dark and rich, like wild berries
The blood of the guitar was Chuck Berry red
The guitar bled for about a week afterward but it rung out beautifully
And I was able to play notes
That I had never even heard before
So I took my guitar
And I smashed it against the wall
I smashed it against the floor
I smashed it against the body of a varsity cheerleader
Smashed it against the hood of a car
Smashed it against a 1981 Harley Davidson
The Harley howled in pain
The guitar howled in heat
And I ran up the stairs to my parents' bedroom
Mommy and Daddy were sleeping in the moonlight
Slowly I opened the door, creeping in the shadows
Right up to the foot of their bed, I raised the guitar high above my head
And just as I was about to bring the guitar
Crashing down upon the center of the bed
My father woke up, screaming, "Stop
Wait a minute, stop it boy
What do you think you're doin'?
That's no way to treat an expensive musical instrument"
And I said, "God dammit Daddy
You know I love you
But you got a hell of a lot to learn about Rock 'n Roll"
Posted by: Conservative Crank at October 22, 2013 04:43 PM (sQ0LB)
Posted by: Tony253 at October 22, 2013 04:43 PM (3yMFT)
Yeah. At least for the Yardbirds.
A Little Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer for Fleetwood mac might work out too.
Posted by: flashbazzbo, s.e. at October 22, 2013 04:43 PM (2yZsg)
Posted by: Conservative Crank at October 22, 2013 04:43 PM (sQ0LB)
Posted by: RightWingProf at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (RtR5I)
That makes her seem hotter somehow. But I think that might work for anything. Let's see:
Carla Bruni plays hopscotch
Carla Bruni does gymnastics
Carla Bruni sits on her leather couch, with a faraway look in her eye, dreaming of something.
Yes, it seems to work for anything.
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: ArmChair in sin at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (BnOvL)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:44 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Maloderous at October 22, 2013 04:45 PM (nI9VX)
Posted by: RightWingProf at October 22, 2013 04:45 PM (RtR5I)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:46 PM (xhhsI)
Yeah, but you have to admit he's sort of an outlier. Those others are masters of the guitar. Hendrix...he bent the guitar to his will, to do something that no one might have imagined it could do without him. It's like a different sort of scale.
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 04:46 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 08:35 PM (hlFA
Have tickets to the Dec 15 game against the Niners. Will try to drop by and say hello.
Posted by: Ammo Dump at October 22, 2013 04:47 PM (GgPam)
Posted by: Guy who relates everything to a Frank Zappa song at October 22, 2013 04:47 PM (xhhsI)
Nothing you have ever done deserves the label "professional."
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 04:49 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:49 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 04:49 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 04:49 PM (g/zj9)
Whenever I'm feeling a little down, I put on "Goose Grease", and it cheers me right up.
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 04:50 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 22, 2013 04:50 PM (md9OS)
Posted by: Owlpellets at October 22, 2013 04:50 PM (mTyi3)
Posted by: RightWingProf at October 22, 2013 04:51 PM (RtR5I)
I picked up a Dean fretless 6 string for $400 in Seattle. I think the place was called "Just Basses". That thing plays like a dream. Nice pick ups on it too.
Just recently sunk about five bills in to my upright. New strings, bridge, and bow. Love the way that thing plays now.
Posted by: navybrat at October 22, 2013 04:51 PM (AYGBr)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:52 PM (aTXUx)
130 118
Any greatest guitarist discussion that omits James Marshall Hendrix is not serious...
Yeah, but you have to admit he's sort of an outlier. Those others are masters of the guitar. Hendrix...he bent the guitar to his will, to do something that no one might have imagined it could do without him. It's like a different sort of scale.
Jimi also had that freakishly long right thumb which he used as a 5th finger to play things mere mortals simply can't...
Posted by: Tony253 at October 22, 2013 04:52 PM (3yMFT)
Nothing you have ever done deserves the label "professional."
Well, that isn't rude at all, not a bit.
Posted by: Grey Fox at October 22, 2013 04:52 PM (fue/I)
Posted by: Ragamuffin at October 22, 2013 04:53 PM (fzFF6)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 04:53 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 04:54 PM (hlFA8)
BEST RHYTHM GUITARIST: Pete Townshend and it isn't even close. The guy literally invented the "rhythm lead" style, and his technical innovations are outweighed only by his magnificent feel and style. Doesn't hurt that he's one of the greatest songwriters in modern music history. Long live the 'Oo.
BEST ACOUSTIC GUITARIST: Richard Thompson. If you aren't familiar with Fairport Convention or Thompson's solo work (both alone and with his then-wife Linda Thompson) you are poorer for it. Not only is RT a pure virtuoso with the wooden box, he's also one of the most gloriously tasteful and thoughtful players you'll ever hear. He does things that should be physically impossible with only two hands, yet he never overplays or wastes a note.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 04:54 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Epobirs at October 22, 2013 04:54 PM (kcfmt)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 04:54 PM (g/zj9)
Posted by: chewydog at October 22, 2013 04:55 PM (BUY7X)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 04:55 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:55 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: teej at October 22, 2013 04:56 PM (3R0Zs)
Posted by: Blacksheep at October 22, 2013 04:56 PM (bS6uW)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:57 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 04:57 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 04:57 PM (hlFA8)
Discuss
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 08:40 PM (aTXUx)
Eric...anyway, anyday, playing with anyone. Saw him in concert in college.
Eventually I would like to read a post re: concerts.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Redneck Queen of Tea Party, Eleventy District at October 22, 2013 04:58 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: Clemenza at October 22, 2013 04:58 PM (70CRT)
Nothing you have ever done deserves the label "professional."
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 08:49 PM
Looks like the "kinder, gentler Jeff B" didn't last long
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 04:58 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: RightWingProf at October 22, 2013 04:59 PM (RtR5I)
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 04:59 PM (FMbng)
For anyone who has problems with hand strength and are froggy enough to try something different, you might consider lap steel. Lots of fun if you do Hawaiian tunes. I used to be able to sit by myself for hours and just play Hula Blues over and over and over and over again.
http://tinyurl.com/krzprfw
Unfortunately, even at my best I was mediocre at any genre. But it was lots of fun. Got to where I was more interested in building guitars and amps. Doing the guitars didn't work out so well, but I ended up with a Warmoth LP double-cutaway that's playable. There's a photo of it up on the AoS yahoo group somewhere.
Building tube amps is a blast though. Have several smaller amps I did based on the designs at AX84 dot com, and a sweet-sounding Marshall 18watt clone in a jacked-up chassis and cabinet (one of these days I'm gonna rebuild it into something fit to show in public).
My current on and off project is a little AX84 HiOctane screamer I built into a combo cabinet for my nephew. The cabinet is totes dope, completely pimped out in crushed velvet.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at October 22, 2013 04:59 PM (MBqvE)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:00 PM (hlFA8)
Which is not to say that he isn't one of the four or five most important guitar players of all time -- he clearly is. And his sonic innovations (which were made with a lot of engineering assistance from guys you've never heard of, to give credit where it's due) are legendary. Are You Experienced? and Electric Ladyland are pretty much unimpeachable.
But with all that said, he is still overrated by people who think he's some sort of alpha-God of guitar. He's top-tier, but not because of technical ability, rather because of 'feel.' And 'feel' is going to be a subjective thing for people. Honestly, I get far more out of Robert Fripp in King Crimson ca. 1972-1974 in terms of feel than I do out of Jimi.
The other problem with Hendrix is that he was a shockingly undisciplined and disappointing live performer. "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a nice one-off moment, but have you heard the rest of that Woodstock performance? It's terrible! I have tons of his shows from 1967-1970, some of them are quite nice, but far more careen between glorious moments and sprawling, tofu-like blocks of undistinguished player. Reminds me very much of Jimmy Page in that respect: both were truly at their best in the controlled environment of the studio, where they could sculpt and craft their ideas and use trial-and-error. Contrast that with players like Jerry Garcia, Robert Fripp, or Pete Townshend, who thrived on live improvisation.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:00 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: grognerd at October 22, 2013 05:00 PM (6e6WZ)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f49g4A5RO7Y
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 08:49 PM (aTXUx)
xoxo
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Redneck Queen of Tea Party, Eleventy District at October 22, 2013 05:01 PM (baL2B)
Dude, it's docweasel. You think I'd roll that kind of 'tude out for anyone else?
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:01 PM (n/+FT)
I took up golf at age 55. I am the very definition of golf suckage, but I play anyway, and have fun and it gets my ass off the couch.
Posted by: navybrat at October 22, 2013 05:01 PM (AYGBr)
Posted by: Tobacco Road at October 22, 2013 05:01 PM (4Mv1T)
Link: http://tinyurl.com/q8pf2vp
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:01 PM (un8zR)
Les and Mary - Waiting for the Sunrise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHTHdW3WQro
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 05:02 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 05:03 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: RightWingProf at October 22, 2013 05:04 PM (RtR5I)
Yup, loved the job, hated California. Below is a link to my Mockingbird (i hope).
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/gtrdan01/MockingbirdBody.jpg
Posted by: Mr. Alu Fods: Semi-Pro Lurker at October 22, 2013 05:04 PM (md9OS)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:04 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: DaveK at October 22, 2013 05:04 PM (FvS/g)
Last winter we bought him a $900 Spanish made classical guitar. I went to visit him this summer and the thing was thrown on the floor literally in front of the door, so I nearly stepped on it when I walked in. aaaarrrrrgggghhhh
Posted by: rockmom at October 22, 2013 05:05 PM (vE1mx)
Nope. Not anymore. (Well, at least not without real provocation, and even then probably not.) I've made a conscious decision to change.
But c'mon, docweasel is such a jackass, and an avowed Enemy Of This Site.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:05 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (DmNpO)
Just ignore him. He's in his insecure, yet Cliff Claven mode
Posted by: Albie Damned at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (Yhu4q)
Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler live at the Secret Policeman's Ball in 1987
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wTVLIZaxMk
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:06 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:08 PM (oIA9+)
Steve Howe is really an amazing guitarist, and what impresses me the most about him is that he (like two other prog-guitarists, namely Robert Fripp and Steve Hackett) knows how to truly wring emotion out of his guitar-playing. He's not just about flashy chopsmanship (although shit son, go listen to "The Clap" off of The Yes Album to hear what the man can do with an acoustic guitar), and he's not limited to one particular mode...he can also play to your heart.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:08 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:08 PM (xhhsI)
***
That would be Randy Jackson.
Not to be confused with the American Idol guy.
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:08 PM (WMsq+)
Django?
Posted by: VIZZY at October 22, 2013 05:09 PM (VWXUq)
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:09 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at October 22, 2013 05:09 PM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Palooka at October 22, 2013 05:09 PM (gQMbZ)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:10 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: rockmom at October 22, 2013 05:10 PM (vE1mx)
Posted by: mbruce at October 22, 2013 05:10 PM (Hx3jP)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:11 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at October 22, 2013 05:11 PM (8JJ6O)
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:11 PM (un8zR)
Is this a sarcastic question? Robert Fripp is rated by most guitar musos as one of the top guitar improvisers of all time. Have you heard any live King Crimson from the '72-'74 band? (Jamie Muir, Bill Bruford, David Cross, John Wetton, and Fripp.) It's one of the very, very, very few groups whose every single show is worth hearing if you like their basic style, because it never remained the same from night to night despite relying upon the same basic repertoire. Each show had anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes given over to pure full-band improvisation, and Fripp in particular just does amazing things night after night.
I own something like 40 different live performances of "Easy Money" from between'72 and '74. Fripp doesn't repeat himself on a single one of them -- we're not just talking about slight variations in a guitar solo here, we're talking about a complete recasting from night to night.
He is far and away my favorite guitarist of all time.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:12 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:12 PM (hlFA8)
Crap, you're right, sorry. I thought I had double checked, but messed up anyhow.
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 05:12 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 05:12 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at October 22, 2013 05:14 PM (8JJ6O)
This suggests to me that you're not really that familiar with the breadth of Fripp's work. Look, de gustibus and all that -- there's nothing wrong with saying "it's not my cup of tea" -- but there's tons of stuff out there with Fripp playing acoustic, electric, with effects, without effects, and everything in between. Have you ever heard "Fracture?" No effects pedals there, just terrifying Paganini-like guitar runs.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:14 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 05:15 PM (JDIKC)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:15 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:15 PM (oIA9+)
Hugely underrated.
Hell, Procol Harum is one of the most underrated bands of all time. Their first six albums are all classics, and nobody knows anything about them except "A Whiter Shade Of Pale."
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:16 PM (n/+FT)
Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, or Jeff Beck?
Discuss
Jeff Beck, by far.
As much as I love the Slowhand album, Clapton has pretty much bored me for close to 30 years.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at October 22, 2013 05:16 PM (MBqvE)
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:17 PM (un8zR)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:17 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:17 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 05:17 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Palooka at October 22, 2013 05:18 PM (gQMbZ)
101 . I sing tenor.
When I sing, folks ask if I can sing ten or fifteen miles away,
Mom and Dad made me take piano lessons as a kid, I played clarinet in junior high but was never very good. I can read music but play piano like I type- slowly and with frequent errors. The wife plays piano by ear (she has perfect pitch, it's like magic) and is in an Irish band. One of the band mates gave us a button concertina, I've fooled around with it off and on, even performed once in public and one of these days I want to get serious about it.
The concertina is not intuitively obvious like a piano- if there is any logic to which button makes which sound, it's beyond my limited comprehension. I'd been putzing with it for a few months when one of my daughters (14 or so at the time) picked it up, in a few hours figured out how to play "happy birthday" on it. Then she was done.
Sometimes I hate my kids.
Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 22, 2013 05:18 PM (bopR5)
I went through a Fripp phase in college. Listened to the stuff all the time, then played it for a new roommate, proudly, pointing to all the "look at what he can do!" stuff. The roommate said "Yeah, but it is not enjoyable to listen to." A couple of weeks later, I realized he had a point, and a while after that, I went off of Fripp. Still impressed...but not entertained.
Posted by: Splunge at October 22, 2013 05:18 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 05:18 PM (GEICT)
218 Picking the best player or band is like picking a favorite ice cream.
Edy's Espresso chip. It's crack.
Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 22, 2013 05:19 PM (bopR5)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 05:19 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 05:19 PM (ef/uq)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:19 PM (hlFA8)
Jeff B.
I respectfully submit...Different strokes for different folks. I'm not a Hendrix apologist (can't argue your live performances issue) but there is no denying his creativity as a player. Myself, I never really appreciated King Crimson (preferred Yes for that era or prog rock) so I can't speak to Fripp's skills much but I ask, who was the greater influence on rock guitar?
Posted by: Tony253 at October 22, 2013 05:20 PM (3yMFT)
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:20 PM (WMsq+)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 09:15 PM (hlFA
I'd prefer topic of discussion.
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:21 PM (un8zR)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 09:19 PM (hlFA
Hell yeah.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:21 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Clemenza at October 22, 2013 05:21 PM (70CRT)
In any event, the point of all this is to bait other musically inclined Morons into sharing their own stories about their instruments.
My parents made me take piano lessons from age 5 until I started 4th grade. I was able to get out of the hated piano lessons by joining the orchestra and playing the cello. In order to maintain domestic tranquility, I played throughout my senior year.
I'm not gay. I don't know how.
Posted by: Pendejo Grande at October 22, 2013 05:21 PM (8ZHOF)
Posted by: Bill H at October 22, 2013 05:21 PM (3sZO1)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:22 PM (xhhsI)
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:22 PM (WMsq+)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:23 PM (hlFA8)
Sold it for a months pay when I was out of work and needed the money. Food into a kid's belly was more important. I guess I didn't have an emotional attachment to it. Never played guitar again, tho.
Posted by: Trainer's looking to join a Militia. at October 22, 2013 05:23 PM (7EbAY)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:23 PM (oIA9+)
Ice cream is for CLOSERS ONLY!
Posted by: Blake from Downtown at October 22, 2013 05:24 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: ChrisP at October 22, 2013 05:24 PM (BpTC0)
Posted by: chewydog at October 22, 2013 05:24 PM (BUY7X)
Huh? Hendrix imitator?
Posted by: Albie Damned at October 22, 2013 05:25 PM (Yhu4q)
Now Randy Rhoads, that was a air-disaster loss worth mourning!
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 09:19 PM (hlFA
Faster, more attitude, and TONE. Standing out amongst blues guitarists is difficult exactly because the song structures are so limiting. Also, let's not act like all he did was 1-4-5. He did album tracks, e.g. "Riviera Paradise", which were a complete break from his normal material and came out really well.
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:25 PM (un8zR)
BB King and "Lucille"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpRIYi721WE
Posted by: kbdabear at October 22, 2013 05:26 PM (aTXUx)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:26 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 22, 2013 05:26 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:26 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:27 PM (un8zR)
Posted by: dananjcon at October 22, 2013 05:28 PM (woT9s)
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:28 PM (WMsq+)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 05:28 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: klondikes at October 22, 2013 05:28 PM (Khja4)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:28 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Palooka at October 22, 2013 05:30 PM (gQMbZ)
I played trumpet in H.S. band. Not good or bad just completely mediocre. May have been better if I had ever learned to read music.
My brothers both play guitar.
Thing one has a custom made Hamlin. He also plays bass, and mandalin.
Thing two also plays stand up bass.
My boy spawn taught himself to play electric guitar and inevitably mastered the Hendrix version of the National Anthem. It sounds super cool. He also plays acoustic guitar and recently decided to teach himself to play the violin. He left for the army before I had to get all el kabong on his head with that damned fiddle.
Posted by: madamemayhem at October 22, 2013 05:30 PM (S2RnE)
Posted by: tms at October 22, 2013 05:30 PM (7ub16)
I am also heard yelling with the crowd at the start of Voodoo Chile on Live Alive.
Posted by: AMA at October 22, 2013 05:30 PM (E7Iyp)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ttER_M1QdY
***
Good stuff. I love how Pass was probably the only jazz guy who ever played a Fender Jazzmaster.
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:31 PM (WMsq+)
Posted by: grognard at October 22, 2013 05:31 PM (jrrjM)
If you can afford to spend $500 on a Taylor Big Baby (my weapon of choice for riffing around the house) then don't spend $200 on an Epi, used Ibanez something cheap at a Wal Mart.
If you can afford to spend $1,500 on a Taylor Grand Auditorium, don't spend $750 on a Martin Road Series model.
what I found out the hard way with cheaper guitars is that the relative ease-of-use and overall quality affected how often i played and how interested I was. when I played a $200 Epi it was ok as far as it went but you had to stand on the fretboard with both feet to get any action.
Since acquiring the Taylor Big Baby, I am playing every day and enjoying it much more because the guitar is of a much higher quality and thus easier to play.
Last thing: follow Marty Schwartz on You Tube and you wont be sorry.
Posted by: miked at October 22, 2013 05:31 PM (iZiIb)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 05:32 PM (XPk/h)
saw SRV with elvin bishop and some metal band at ncc
rec center early 80's he played 3rd stone for so long the bass player
was kickin him to end the tune
Posted by: VIZZY at October 22, 2013 05:32 PM (VWXUq)
Posted by: ace at October 22, 2013 05:32 PM (/IWYB)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:32 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: grognard at October 22, 2013 05:32 PM (jrrjM)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:33 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: ace at October 22, 2013 05:33 PM (/IWYB)
Posted by: McCool at October 22, 2013 05:33 PM (tzv2X)
Posted by: Buckdarmha at October 22, 2013 05:33 PM (2Z20a)
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Pendejo Grande at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (8ZHOF)
I am an exceptionally good reader. I read my ass off. First time through the chart I am 99% there, second time through, I nail it.
I own my house in San Francisco out right (try it), drive new cars, have a boat at the dock and could retire right now if I wanted to, except I am having too much fun.
Producers pay readers.
Great book, "The Wrecking Crew". About all the guys (and Carole Kay) who played on all of the hits. They all read their asses off. Showed up, read the part, took the money home.
Posted by: navybrat at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (AYGBr)
My Gemeinhardt (drat that Germanic spelling) is a very low-end model, but compared to the no-name flute I had before it, it resonates like a champ.
And, truth to tell, I've been to band camp at least twice in high school. The funniest bit was sitting out on the 2nd-story ledge of a window next to a trombonist (always the colorful characters in the band) who'd been locked out onto his ledge by his trombonist roommates, talking about life, until they let him back in.
I finally got an electric guitar with the "Happy 50th Birthday" money my parents gave me. Thought I'd see what all the fuss was about. I think I'm going to like it; got it strictly to play lead blues licks. At least for now.
My older brother got a computer with his money. I thought, "Dude. It'll be obsolete in two years." The Telecaster Thinline I got? never goes out of style.
Posted by: Wry Mouth at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (GMFsH)
It hit the ground with a horrible twang, and the head snapped right off.
I gutted the electronics, put them in a crappy Pbass copy, and then it got stolen out of the practice room.
The EB-0, I gave to the local bar, and was still above it about 15 years later.
They said they have offers of up to a grand for it, even tho its broken. I told em to TAKE IT!
Posted by: AMA at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (E7Iyp)
***
Satch, of course, being Vai's guitar teacher, as well as Kirk Hammett's and Larry Lalonde's.
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:34 PM (WMsq+)
See, this is so strange because in my mind Fripp is PRIMARILY a melodic guitarist. He has done a lot of interesting dissonant work, but his greatest stuff is purely lyrical. Have you ever heard his soloing on David Bowie's "Teenage Wildlife?" It's glorious: www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9pByyFqrFI
And here is (IMO) the single greatest moment in King Crimson's live history, "Exiles" from the U.S.A. live album. When Fripp solos it literally sounds like the universe crying: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkQO6pQo8u4
Finally, Fripp playing on Brian Eno's "St. Elmo's Fire," where he was given the directive to sound like "joyful electricity." www.youtube.com/watch?v=B807CcVxW9U
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:35 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Dave at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (u73oE)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Mandy P., lurking lurker who lurks at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (qFpRI)
Posted by: grognard at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (jrrjM)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: Buckdarmha at October 22, 2013 09:33 PM (2Z20a)
Never enough guitars. Ferengi Rules of Acquisition #242- More is good, all is better.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:36 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Dave at October 22, 2013 05:37 PM (u73oE)
Now Sandman is relearning the geetar from the Left Hand side, fretting with the right and using the mangled paw for picking. Fingerpicking may well be out of my reach now. But pick work will come with time.
Posted by: sandman commenting ever so blandly at October 22, 2013 05:37 PM (zxaA2)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:37 PM (hlFA8)
***
Sadly, Gatton stopped running around when he shot himself, but yeah, theres no ONE best. Music isn't a competition.
Posted by: cool arrow at October 22, 2013 05:37 PM (WMsq+)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 05:38 PM (g/zj9)
There, I said it.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 09:34 PM (FMbng)
Fuck it man, if it feels good, sounds good, and makes you happy then go get after it. People end up collecting stuff, you just chose the musical gear. I ended up where I had the three guitars I needed to screw around for my own pleasure and stopped there. My GAS then became Gun Acquisition Syndrome when I discovered I loved old vintage rifles. Whatever floats your boat, especially if you're paying in cash.
Posted by: StPatrick_TN at October 22, 2013 05:39 PM (un8zR)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 05:39 PM (JDIKC)
I'm a sucker for accordion. Piazzola's fine. I put him up there with Howlin Wolf.
pI'm a sucker for accordion. Piazzola's fine. I put him up there with Howlin Wolf.
Phoebe Legere?
Posted by: VIZZY at October 22, 2013 05:39 PM (VWXUq)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 05:40 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 05:41 PM (U4GjV)
Seriously, listen to Fripp's guitar on "Teenage Wildlife" and tell me the man couldn't play lyrically. Or "St. Elmo's Fire!" My god!
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:41 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: JarvisW at October 22, 2013 05:41 PM (E7Iyp)
Posted by: ace at October 22, 2013 05:42 PM (/IWYB)
Really? Seriously with this? For no reason whatsoever?
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:42 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 05:43 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: fluffy at October 22, 2013 05:44 PM (oIA9+)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 05:44 PM (g/zj9)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:44 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 05:45 PM (JDIKC)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 09:41 PM (U4GjV)
Definitely NOT where I thought I would see accordian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GclKDei5hHU
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:45 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:46 PM (hlFA8)
Yup. And I'd rate it as quite possibly the greatest "guest performance" of any one great artist on the album of another great artist in rock history. It runs the gamut of his styles: "Up The Hill Backwards" and "Fashion" are in his 'dissonant' mode (and both were hit singles!), "Scary Monsters" and "It's No Game" are deranged freak-out that don't quite tip over into pure dissonance, and "Teenage Wildlife" and "Kingdom Come" are purely lyrical. Peerless work.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:47 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Chico Esquela at October 22, 2013 05:47 PM (/o5YZ)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:47 PM (hlFA8)
Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 22, 2013 05:47 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Freaked Out! at October 22, 2013 05:48 PM (xhhsI)
As far as studio guitarists who understood thoroughly what a guitar could do in a studio setting was Mick Ronson. He was also a decent acoustic guitarist as well.
Posted by: flashbazzbo, s.e. at October 22, 2013 05:48 PM (2yZsg)
Well, maybe just a little.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:48 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Feh at October 22, 2013 05:48 PM (g/zj9)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 05:49 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 09:39 PM (JDIKC)
This is what troubles me about you.
You have obviously explored lawnmowers in a sexual way long enough to discover that they have vaginas.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 22, 2013 05:49 PM (oJ5Fd)
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 22, 2013 05:50 PM (DmNpO)
Posted by: L, elle at October 22, 2013 05:51 PM (0PiQ4)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:51 PM (t8tck)
His hate-boner for AoSHQ goes back years and years.
Told you I wasn't just being a dick for no reason. Really -- not how I want to roll anymore.
Posted by: Jeff B. at October 22, 2013 05:52 PM (n/+FT)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 05:52 PM (JDIKC)
I remember a song played often on Dr. Demento called "She taught me to Yodel" that was pure excellence. Gandalf Murphy does a passing version, but not like the original.
Posted by: flashbazzbo, s.e. at October 22, 2013 05:53 PM (2yZsg)
Posted by: docweasel at October 22, 2013 05:54 PM (lmW2l)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff, True RINO at October 22, 2013 09:52 PM (JDIKC)
So true...Sigh.
Posted by: Japan at October 22, 2013 05:54 PM (un8zR)
Posted by: Chico Esquela at October 22, 2013 05:55 PM (/o5YZ)
Posted by: otho at October 22, 2013 05:55 PM (9gNQd)
Yes, we do. Come on in. You know you want it.
Posted by: Woodchipper from Fargo at October 22, 2013 05:56 PM (bKA83)
Posted by: McCool at October 22, 2013 05:57 PM (tzv2X)
----
I blame Ted Cruz
Posted by: JarvisW at October 22, 2013 05:57 PM (E7Iyp)
Posted by: otho at October 22, 2013 09:55 PM (9gNQd)
Option B. Trust me.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 05:57 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: ObjectionSustained at October 22, 2013 05:58 PM (zsGFH)
Posted by: Guy who relates everything to a Frank Zappa song at October 22, 2013 05:58 PM (xhhsI)
Call Empire of Jeff...he'll tell you where the vagina is on your TV.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 22, 2013 05:58 PM (oJ5Fd)
But I can play a mean stereo!!!!
Posted by: Passerby at October 22, 2013 06:01 PM (sOlwy)
I played it about 10 minutes, loosened the strings up and put it back in the case. To this day the bass, the case, and all the goodies have stayed completely mint while I gig with the first one.
Here is what one looks like:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/kbvm529
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 06:01 PM (i8c5b)
You have no idea.....
Sea Salt Caramel. I would vote Democrat for it.
https://talentigelato.com/our-products/
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 22, 2013 06:01 PM (oJ5Fd)
I like the horn style, and the natural wood look is something you don't see on a Fender very often
Posted by: JarvisW at October 22, 2013 06:04 PM (E7Iyp)
Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 22, 2013 06:07 PM (dfYL9)
http://preview.tinyurl.com/kbvm529
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 10:01 PM (i8c5b)
Thats pretty cool looking. You know what sucks though, in the end you just keep them nice for the next guy. I have some that probably only saw the light of day a dozen times in 10-12 years. Some still have the plastic protective coating on the pickguards.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 06:07 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Mama winger on her iPad at October 22, 2013 06:11 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 06:11 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 09:57 PM
I suspect so. The world makes a lot more sense in that case.
Posted by: otho at October 22, 2013 06:11 PM (9gNQd)
Posted by: Corona at October 22, 2013 06:12 PM (fh2Y7)
http://preview.tinyurl.com/kbvm529
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 10:01 PM (i8c5b)
Thats pretty cool looking. You know what sucks though, in the end you just keep them nice for the next guy. I have some that probably only saw the light of day a dozen times in 10-12 years. Some still have the plastic protective coating on the pickguards.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 10:07 PM (FMbng)
===
agreed. but once they were discontinued I didn't want to have find another one if something happened to mine.
they also made a maple one that I have been watching for, but they don't pop up very often. Some of them were outrageously gorgeous -- such as:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/lxxc2kd
also, 18V active and 3 band eq on board. Slim, fast Jazz neck, body is a little cut down and they don't weigh much.
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 06:12 PM (i8c5b)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 06:12 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:14 PM (B3K4S)
Posted by: Blackhawks at October 22, 2013 06:15 PM (DgUjL)
Posted by: outhere at October 22, 2013 06:16 PM (unRib)
they also made a maple one that I have been watching for, but they don't pop up very often. Some of them were outrageously gorgeous -- such as:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/lxxc2kd
also, 18V active and 3 band eq on board. Slim, fast Jazz neck, body is a little cut down and they don't weigh much.
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 10:12 PM (i8c5b)
yeah thats my excuse too. lol
Seriously. I have some that are 1 or 2 of a kind. Mostly Gibson V's. You'll never replace them, so yeah they sit.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 06:19 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:20 PM (B3K4S)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 06:20 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: otho at October 22, 2013 06:22 PM (9gNQd)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 10:14 PM (B3K4S)
yes, I totally believe that. lol
Bet you're glad you didn't start handing them out to nieces and nephews, huh? As they say in Italian, I tolla you.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 06:22 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 10:16 PM (i8c5b)
And we owes it all to YOU! I still would have preferred to give some to my nieces and nephew, but it ain't worth divorcing over and there's always the will.
How are you? I assume you've had some snow by now?
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 10:20 PM (B3K4S)
Nope. no snow. we had some overnight a few weeks back but it melted immediately. been a bit of an indian summer. really nice. slowly cooling down. 40's.
Posted by: jc at October 22, 2013 06:23 PM (i8c5b)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:23 PM (B3K4S)
How are youPosted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:25 PM (B3K4S)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 06:26 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:26 PM (B3K4S)
But Thor is thrilled. I suppose that ought to make me happy.
How are you
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 10:25 PM (B3K4S)
I'm good. Its not about the money. Its about the care guitars like that require, and thor sounds like he knows the deal. Giving vintage guitars to kids as gifts is never a good idea after your dad spent a lifetime keeping them nice.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 06:30 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 06:36 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: some Asshole at October 22, 2013 06:36 PM (cgeZi)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:38 PM (B3K4S)
My electric is a Frankenstrat.
The story ....
In the 80's, I was the "guitar guy" at a music store in Eureka CA. Good times, good times.
One day a local reggae guy (Drusalee, or something like that ...a real character: guy drove a mid-50's Caddy hearse to his gigs) came in with his 1957 Strat' (yes, it really was a 1957: s/n's checked and all ...and yes, we tried to buy it from him several times lol), and some new active pickups (I can't even recall what they were anymore; something popular at the time ...Moonstone Guitars used 'em in a lot of their custom axes), and new hardware (tailpiece and tuners). Anyways, he wanted me to pull out the stock electrics, and install the new stuff.
I tried to talk him out of it. Begged him even.
No dice. He was determined.
So I told him okay: I'd do it, and for free, if I could keep the parts.
Deal. I got the pickups, the pots (complete wiring), the tailpiece ...everything. The guts was mine.
I had Kenny Lawrence build me a neck (I preferred a wider fretboard with very little curve, rather classical guitar-ish style), and do a subtle sunburst paint job on a Warmoth alder body I'd been saving (even then) for a few years (the paint job has aged sooooo beautifully over the years: absolutely gorgeous, one-of-a-kind). I built it up. The Frankenstrat.
...and yeah, it sounds exactly like something Stevie Ray Vaughn would have played (side story: I set up one of the guitars he played when he toured through ...he walked into a bar that a buddy's band was playing at after his gig at HSU, and asked to sit in ...and I always did the setup for my friend, hence "I set up a guitar for SRV" lol).
Absolutely vintage. Classic sound. Priceless. Beautiful.
...sadly, I've barely taken it out of it's case in 25 years.
Posted by: davisbr at October 22, 2013 06:43 PM (1B8lF)
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at October 22, 2013 06:46 PM (B3K4S)
...sorry about the crap formatting: I post so seldom anymore that I forgot the double enter-key "rule".
Ah, for the good ol' days, when formatting crap was easy on Ace.
Posted by: davisbr at October 22, 2013 06:46 PM (1B8lF)
Posted by: davisbr at October 22, 2013 06:48 PM (1B8lF)
WTF would they do?
There is no intonation setup available. I suppose they could adjust the nut.. and maybe (probably) just change the strings to put a decent set on.
Otherwise.. I have never heard of doing a "set up" on an acoustic.
..............
Speaking of which...
I am an acoustic player.. that's all I ever owned until maybe 6 years ago..
When I bought my first electric (an Epiphone) the intonation was so shitty I was tempted to bring it back. It turns out electric players don't really give a shit about perfect intonation because they play with distortion and shit and can't hear crappy intonation anyway.
Well.. Gibson./Epiphones have a really bad intonation problem on their G strings. You get it perfectly intonated open and twelfth fret but it is still off from open to 2nd or 3rd fret.
It drove me fucking nuts.. an acoustic player cannot put up with this shit.
Turned out the fix was putting a wound G string on instead of non-wound as most electric players do. It was no prob for me being an acoustic player.. and the extra diameter of the string solved the intonation prob. I guess playing with the nut cut could have fixed it as well, but this was easy.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 22, 2013 06:59 PM (b/lt+)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 22, 2013 07:00 PM (b/lt+)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 07:00 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Country Singer at October 22, 2013 07:02 PM (T7XIT)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 07:06 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Big Swinger at October 22, 2013 07:11 PM (OZtuG)
For the time being, it's an excellent kick-around guitar to strum at parties and among friends. I'll take that, and just keep saving up for a really nice one someday.
As for doing a setup on an acoustic, you can file down the seats in the nut, sand down the saddle and adjust the truss rod to take any arch out of the neck. It made a huge difference in the action on my Jasmine -- like night and day. It almost plays like a full-fledged Takamine.
Thanks again to all who commented. I've enjoyed reading what few I've had the time to look at.
Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at October 22, 2013 07:12 PM (+MHcc)
The meaning of intonation adjustment between an electric with an adjustable bridge and an acoustic is like night and day.
An older acoustic may need some slight adjustment.. but if you feel you have to intonate a new acoustic, you have just purchased a shitty acoustic.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 22, 2013 07:15 PM (b/lt+)
Posted by: Country Singer at October 22, 2013 07:17 PM (T7XIT)
Posted by: seamrog at October 22, 2013 11:00 PM (q9w+o)
All hail the mighty SVT.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Div at October 22, 2013 07:17 PM (FMbng)
Posted by: okie in oregon at October 22, 2013 07:20 PM (4voC4)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 07:25 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 07:26 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at October 22, 2013 07:30 PM (+MHcc)
Posted by: LexisTexas at October 22, 2013 07:35 PM (kPFAg)
Posted by: Sumanitutankaowachi at October 22, 2013 07:46 PM (k5fc/)
Posted by: JQP at October 22, 2013 08:10 PM (U4GjV)
Posted by: Sumanitutankaowachi at October 22, 2013 08:19 PM (k5fc/)
Posted by: Sumanitutankaowachi at October 22, 2013 08:46 PM (k5fc/)
Posted by: Lex Luthier at October 22, 2013 09:34 PM (SZGiO)
After a show at Gantry's (you know, Union Tpke, by St. John's)
we were hanging out behind the club, and I'd left my 1969 Telecaster in it's case leaning up against somebody's Oldsmobile (it was 1980). She pulls out, and that big old Olds goes right over said Tele. I had to buy a new case, but if anything, that Tele stayed in tune better after that. Teles have maple necks.
As our advice has been solicited, I'd say get something that plays easy, and play it! I have a nylon-stringed hybrid, a Godin ACS Slim, and it's a doll. You can find videos of Jerry Reed (another CGP) playing one. That replaced an Ovation hybrid that fit a well-endowed girlfriend so well I had to gift it to her. More manufacturers should really get on board with the nylon hybrid, as classical necks are but an anachronism.
And what about Wes Montgomery? Django used octaves and chords, but nobody ever had a touch like that. And what makes him incomparable is that NOBODY doesn't like him.
I've played a lot of his stuff out, and there isn't a demo that won't groove to it. The Sara Lee of the Guitar morons!
Posted by: Dr. Rock at October 22, 2013 09:40 PM (tIymr)
Okay, people nobody has mentioned:
Duane Allman. C'mon, 400 comments in?
Larry Carlton. Go listen to the guitar on Kid Charlemain
Rory Gallagher: Irish monster
I have lots of gear but four years ago thieves stole all my old stuff. Original '61 SG and a blonde/blonde '61 Strat. I have a D-15 Martin that I love but Chris Martin can kiss my ass. I'm going to get a J 45 just for spite. Les Paul custom shop and HSS Strat in the garage right now. Coolest amp is a 1950 17W Gibson made for a lap steel. I mic it through the board and play harp.
Posted by: Mr. Dave at October 22, 2013 10:16 PM (DajPN)
Posted by: Mr. Dave at October 22, 2013 10:18 PM (DajPN)
Posted by: John the Libertarian at October 22, 2013 10:46 PM (/rhjC)
Used to be a musician, ca. 1982-1993. The A&L are worth a look.
Posted by: jbarntt at October 22, 2013 10:48 PM (UNFot)
Posted by: Scott at October 23, 2013 01:40 AM (1azyT)
Posted by: Gmac-Pondering the coming taxational singularity at October 23, 2013 02:23 AM (IanLz)
Posted by: badtoad at October 23, 2013 04:50 AM (+e8sn)
$3 worth of Gorilla glue, a clamp, and a 24 hour wait will permanently fix that cracked headstock. After this fix, the crack will still be visible, but only as a hairline on close inspection, and the guitar will play as new.
-Take the strings off the headstock (if you're lazy you can leave them attached to the bridge pins, and re-connect later).
-If the headstock is completely broken off, then paint the glue on using a paintbrush to ensure a thin layer all the way across the broken surface. If the headstock is still attached, then inject the glue in with a syringe, all through the crack.
-When you squeeze the headstock back into place extra glue will seep out through the sides of the crack. Just wipe it off immediately with a damp rag.
-Make sure you put some sort of padding in between the clamp and the guitar so you don't mar the finish. Clamp tightly, but not so hard you damage the wood.
-Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
Posted by: looking closely at October 23, 2013 07:27 AM (6Q9g2)
Posted by: ObjectionSustained at October 23, 2013 08:20 AM (oP5gc)
Posted by: ObjectionSustained at October 23, 2013 08:26 AM (oP5gc)
Posted by: Emmett at October 23, 2013 08:43 AM (TxIhm)
For now, though, it's a hell of a beater guitar.
Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at October 23, 2013 08:49 AM (m0h0I)
Posted by: CarlosinCA at October 23, 2013 08:57 AM (S0kDl)
Posted by: Meremortal at October 23, 2013 09:01 AM (1Y+hH)
Posted by: Trubador at October 23, 2013 09:28 AM (MlrAE)
Posted by: F. Lee Bailout at October 23, 2013 11:04 AM (nodit)
Posted by: East Bay Jay at October 23, 2013 03:02 PM (7v8o1)
Posted by: East Bay Jay at October 23, 2013 03:08 PM (7v8o1)
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Posted by: DangerGirl, home sweet home at October 22, 2013 04:01 PM (GrtrJ)