|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 9, 2013 4:34:42 GMT -5
there's no "thou shall not covet thy neighbors gitfiddle, only their squeeze box". Thank heavens I don't play accordian!!!
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 9, 2013 4:30:21 GMT -5
If one had to go, it would be the Ibby, it's got some neat tones but the neck is way too skinny. Thanks, I actually laughed out loud at this, I feel the same way about Ibanez electrics... except for maybe the Artcore's, and even they don't have a lot of personality IMO. I've kind of felt my other guitars didn't get a fair shake (except for the Yamaha acoustic) because of the '51. I spent so much time on it between the mod's and tweaking it (It received locking tuners and new saddles last summer), that I felt "better" playing it because I felt I truly earned it. I improved greatly (for me) on the '51, but was at a point that instead of learning new stuff, I just kept playing the stuff I learned on it (CCR sounds REALLY good on it). I was only learning new/better on the better guitars (less and less, because of being crippled by too much choice). I "thought" I wanted the Blacktop Strat, and it really is a superior guitar by comparison, but until I put the single pup's in it, I just didn't like the sound... and even then, I was still picking up the '51 after an hour for it's bridge bucker (I wouldn't get rid of the BT Strat, as the Mrs gave it to me). The Blacktop Tele project changed things once completed, it's the one guitar that when played didn't get swapped for the '51. When I played a "Fender" '51 pawn shop (truly a nicer guitar, more sustain, and better play-ability) it put it in perspective: Why am I banging away on what will always be and inferior instrument when I have better. Playing that pawn shop got me thinking about Putting a SSH guard on the Strat, I won't even have to put a S/P switch on the Strat, as the ToneShaper has that option via a jumper and the second tone control in SSH. Plus! I'll have a middle (quack) pup. I might even put a plate on the bottom of the neck pup to get that same bite as the '51. I'll have all the controls I had on the '51 and even more switching options. The BT Tele is very close to being a finished product. While I did replace the saddles, they are not the best, so a set of machined saddles may be in it's future. I also haven't decided on pup switching yet: Split, S/P, or a combination... but I know it's a keeper. The Marauder will likely go on consignment as it's been discontinued, and it's the best way to get close to my cost out of it. Now the REAL chore, selling off my comic collection...
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 8, 2013 10:50:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 8, 2013 10:49:36 GMT -5
They want to buy them. After GD's selling off of his partscaster, I was kind of thinking of this too much choice thing (some days, I have a hard time choosing a guitar, and end up not playing at all due to indecision). I came across this Paradox of choice video a while back, it's been lingering in my mind that I have too many guitars. Yes, they all "do" different things, but realisticly... I have a real nice Strat and Tele (both "Nutz'd"), why do I have so many. Yes, My '51 crosses the sounds of both "real" Fenders, but not with the sustain of either. If I pick up a SSH guard for the Strat and put a Dimarzio Dual-sound in it, I'll have my '51 and then some (o.k.... maybe not quite as twangy). A bud of mine a while back had offered to buy the '51, and I passed on it. He came by after my Dad passed to say Hi and catch up, he ask me about the '51 again... I let him play it again... as well as my Epi Dot. He wouldn't leave until I sold him both of them. I just broke a bit more than even on the Dot, but did make a few bucks on the '51 (about double my investment in it). He's a LP/Flying V guy, and felt he was getting the best of the Fender world with the '51, he was doing some studio work recently and decided he wanted his own hollowbody, and loved the way the Dot was setup.. .and talked me out of that as well. The thing that makes me feel good about this is that they'll actually make it into a mp3 out there somewhere on someones phone/mp3 player. Now that I'm on a roll, I should probably put the Marauder up for sale as well. It has a wider/thinner neck profile and is easy to play, but only has two unique sounds to it. That puts me at my Bass, Strat, Tele, Yamaha Acoustic, and Applause Travel Acoustic. Less choice is *gulp* good... I think.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 7, 2013 21:43:35 GMT -5
A violin sound post is what I was going for. As the interior is plywood (mahogany capped exterior), I thought it could stand up to one... But.... The decision (and the guitar) was taken out of my hands today... While playing it yesterday, the binding near the bottom "f" hole popped and cracked the poly finish (no contact made) I took it back to the shop, they had sold my trades already, so they offered to repair it (weeks, and possibly some cost to me), swap it for something in the same price range, of give me a refund. While I was willing to tinker with the sound post project, I wasn't looking forward to dealing with a poly-dipped finish THAT sensitive (yes, it was outside on a cool night, but c'mon!) (I'm sure some more binding damage may have occurred). I went for a used cutaway Ovation A/E, by comparison, it seems indestructible, has easier to change strings, and has the shallowest "bowl" of the Ovations. More sensible choice for the purpose as well (travel). *sigh*
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 6, 2013 17:17:08 GMT -5
Rather eclectic tune to expect a FULL tab on. Chords and mini bridge tab on Chordie.com, intro tab on ultimate guitar. Elliot Easton is one of my favs.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 6, 2013 10:07:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 5, 2013 17:50:12 GMT -5
Just speculating, I'll start a new thread if I start the experiment.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 5, 2013 11:00:05 GMT -5
Well, the Washburn is committed to now, I had it out this weekend at a (Real) firepit, no troubles with tuning or the cool night next to a fire. It's just the right volume acoustically to sing with in a small group. I am thinking of making a bridge like the on on your Jazz Box, I think I'd like to possibly try making a sound post (ala traditional stringed instruments) as well to give it just a bit more.
|
|
|
Shrikey!
Nov 4, 2013 18:40:00 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by ux4484 on Nov 4, 2013 18:40:00 GMT -5
Humbuckers at that! Even the sound was patented (Shrike).
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 4, 2013 18:34:31 GMT -5
Today I played a pawn shop '51 (the fender branded one, marked down to $499 (from $799) at Sam Ash), it FEELS similar, the neck is almost identical (except it's poly coated, not satin). It plays like mine does NOW, which is pretty good...though the E strings are a tad closer to the edges. But it does have way more sustain (heavier Alder body, and string through body hardtail bridge). Would I trade?? No. With my split. S-P options, and a tone control... I'd be itching to do the same in no time... Though admittedly, I'd only have to work in the control cavity...
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 4, 2013 10:55:50 GMT -5
I didn't get one GD, just spent some time with one.
You know, as much as I like my "real" instruments... My '51 fits the bill for my playing style and "sound" 90% of the time. The only feature it lacks in compared to my "real" Fenders is a bit of sustain. The look on my buds faces when they play it is... Priceless.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 4, 2013 10:42:53 GMT -5
GrecoI completely forgot about these... I remember seeing a beat to hell one back in 1980. Wiggy-Cool.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 4, 2013 10:35:37 GMT -5
I did get my hands on one of these during my travel guitar walkabout... Not bad. Great neck, VERY similar to my '51's. Body seems too light (but both my Cortez and Blacktop Tele's are heavy). Body seems light compared to my '51 as well (even though it's the same material)... Could be the weight distribution. Standard Squier tuners in black, Bridge is black, and very similar to how my Blacktop bridge ended up (except with cast saddles on the squier). Neck pup is very Tele sounding, but very low output compared to the HB in the bridge... Which sounds very similar to the Stock HB in the '51. Setup was poor (expected at GC). I would say this is a Tele lovers '51. A GREAT foundation for modding, even at the regular price of $119 ($99 for xmas I'm sure), worth it for the neck alone.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 1, 2013 21:02:08 GMT -5
I'm at the point where it's hard for me to take anything at face value on You Tube. The only thing I would say about the original video is: Real or not, that guy is going to have some serious repetitive motion issues with his thumb.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Nov 1, 2013 19:55:07 GMT -5
Back OT: I've been to a couple other shops, and tried a couple used and/or med-low end acoustic/durable hollowbodies. Saw one no-name archtop kind of like the basis of 4real's "jazz strat" plastic backed hollowbody, but it was not as comfortable to sit with as the Washburn. I also saw a fair amount of used Ovation/Applause(by Ovation) A/E's Nice sounding, but that damn fishbowl back slips right off my lap (pushed by my tummy unfortunately). I did get my hands on a Telecoustic, and it does sound a tad better than the Stratacoustic, but found none used... only new. After going back to my regular shop and sitting down with the Washburn HB 15, it all seemed a no-brainer. I had some trades, firstly my Rover (w/case), as well as a ESP LTD F-50 someone recently "paid" me with for some computer work (This is the danger of your customers knowing your weakness (oops, I meant hobbies), you sometimes get paid in gear). the shop took the LTD and the Rover as an even trade for the Washburn (w/gig bag). In addition to the LTD, the computer work payment also included a Roland Micro-Cube (battery or AC), which happens to sound quite nice with the Washburn should I wish to amplify while traveling. Not too bad, got a cool new axe (that I won't cry over if it chips) a decent (albeit heavy) travel amp... and I'm only out my time for some computer/networking work and the Rover (which this replaces anyways). What happens now... I'll probably have to fly somewhere... and have a ton of down time when I do.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 29, 2013 17:30:36 GMT -5
my condolences as well..... BTW if there is some nice method of avoiding quarrels between fathers/sons (especially when fathers are 1000% wrong) i would like to know. I am jealous for your Dads... Aschalt's dad even plays that nice rocking doors-like piano.... Sorry for the hijack. Thanks GD, Fathers are rarely 1000% wrong if they are in a functioning condition. If you want them to BE wrong... Well... that takes PROVING them so (no small feat).
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 28, 2013 19:50:54 GMT -5
Newey, He missed her so much, and his health faded so fast from last December, I just wanted him to go peacefully, which he did. We became closer in the last three years than we'd ever been. My sister was his caretaker, I was giving her a weekend off. I was privileged to be with him as he reached for Mom. I'm sad, not heartbroken.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 28, 2013 15:09:50 GMT -5
ux, To hell with guitars, I just wanna say that I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My dad passed away when I was your age, and even now after 15 years, I still get a bit choked up whenever someone calls me " Mr. Gai" (or words to that effect). I just wanna say "My father's here? Where?"* All the best.... Thank you Gai, my Dad was the same age when HIS father passed as well. My Mom proceeded him in 2010. He'd always thought he'd go first (Their trust was even written that way), he was NOT prepared to live without her. He was biding his time until she called. I was with him when he passed, at his home (hospice, his wishes) listening to his music on the stereo. One of his fav's from the '70's BJ Thomas' "Raindrops keep falling on my head" was playing. He used to whistle it whenever we were working outside and it clouded up (our family construction company, made up of him, my brothers, and I). Even through the tears, I couldn't help think how appropriate it was: "Because, I'm free... nothing worrying me".
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 28, 2013 14:55:49 GMT -5
Thanks newey, The backpacker with nylon strings sounds a bit warmer than the Rover, but not much. It's still toy-like. I used to have a Yamaha 3/4 that the girls used to tinker on, but even that was kinda toy like. I'm not worried about flying with one anymore, as when I do fly, I usually don't have time to play (Although when in SF, I didn't bring it, so I spent a lot of time in the Haight Ashbury Music center, talk about your pop-up jam sessions!). I'm thinking inexpensive($200) acoustic or archtop, as long as it plays fairly well, and fits in a STANDARD gig bag (I can fit a standard electric gig bag in any number of places in the RAV4, even when loaded). After hitting the big box guitar stores, I just wasn't liking anything, but the small shops have some gems. I'd LOVE something like a Godin Kingpin, but first... $$$$, plus; it's just too nice a guitar to knock-about, and with that violin hand-rubbed finish and solid cherry body... not really ideal for the temp changes it would have to take. There is a close asian cousin on this though... A Washburn HB 15 TS. It's a made in China Wasburn (mahogany capped plywood, and a mirror poly finish like only the Chinese can do). Playability is very close to the Godin, though the pickup sound is not as warm and Jazzy... it's more like a rhythm-funk sounding pup. The body is wide, but shallow (less than 3 inches at the deepest)... it sports a A L M O S T standard gig bag. Acoustically it's very pleasing (Think: "Woody Ovation Celebrity") and I'm thinking the plywood/poly combo could likely take the abuse... oops, I mean character building that goes with traveling. Price is in the right range... I think this is the KIND of direction I'm leaning in. It can be had for in the $200 range online, but I'd like to throw the biz to my local shop that has one. I'm still looking. Speaking of the Celebrity, I've come across a few of them pretty cheap, that is a possibility as well. I also saw an acoustic something like your pumpkin, newey, I liked that as well. I don't want the next ux traveler to EVER be called a "banjo".
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 28, 2013 11:34:20 GMT -5
My requirements for a travel guitar have changed, I've decided that it has to sound good acoustically as opposed to being just playable and small. Something that would fit in a standard electric gig bag would do. My Dad upon seeing/hearing my Washburn Rover a few years back, said with a smirk: "When did you start playing the banjo?". He hit it on the head, while I thought it was the best travel compromise, it is not pleasing to listen to. Even the Mrs started asking me to just bring a "real" guitar. After bringing my Yamaha APX 5 to a few events, the reviews were in... the Rover was out. I still kept the Rover in my car or locker at work for the occasional down time, but once again Dad sealed it just a few weeks ago before he passed. I asked him if Daughter #2 and I could play for him when we came out the following day, he said: "That would be wonderful!", a few moments later he said: "but not on that banjo". I brought the Yamaha, he had no complaints. The Yamaha IMO is too "nice" of a guitar to be my traveler (and it's freakin' giant SKB case). I tried the Strat/Teleacoustics, but with the fiberglass body, it's quite tinny as well (and seems to have more string tension than a standard acoustic)... it's also on the high end of what I'm willing to shell for. The search continues...
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 20, 2013 9:50:38 GMT -5
It's just easier to talk of guitar wiring using such terms, so long as we realize they represent only a momentary reality. Newey inadvertently also nails the meaning of life.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 15, 2013 1:52:04 GMT -5
We seem to have now fully hijacked GD's shred thread . . . Sorry, GD, just a couple of old Chicago boys reminiscing. But I do recall the All-Night Newsboys, ux. That show wasn't at Durty Nellie's, was it? Now you are SCARIN' me newey. Yes, it was. They did play everywhere. They'd be in Palatine one night, and Chicago Heights the next. Fancy lighting for a bar band, though I seem to recall they always used the house PA (if one was available) and just brought their own mic's. My sister dated the bassist (Mark Dawson) a couple times(... that sounds so cliche' nowadays). He's with "The Grass Roots" now. GD: You had already hijacked it yourself anyways
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 14, 2013 16:18:30 GMT -5
Saw them at a battle of the bands at St Rita HS IN '78 (they didn't win), when I heard "Stay in Time" the first time ('79), I knew it was them. they were a GREAT live band. Heh... I remember driving to Palatine in the early '80's to see "The All Night Newsboys", back then Palatine was where Jesus lost his sandals.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 14, 2013 5:15:32 GMT -5
I own that album on vinyl, good stuff. They were from Madison WI, IIRC. HEY, No WAYYY!!! Oak Park, and Chicago baby! I saw the original line up back in 2009 at one of their old haunts (Fitzgeralds, tho back in the day it was called "Thr Deer Lodge). Much fun ensued. The BoDeans are from Wakeshau Wi though.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 11, 2013 17:18:06 GMT -5
Back in "The Day" I was in a wedding band (bass & shared vocals). I think I've told the story some where/time here... It was great fun while it lasted... and then the guys decided they wanted to "make it", End of money making fun band for ux. We had a great Lead guitarist. He had the leads in My Sharona NAILED. IMO, one of the greatest (and longest) leads to ever make the top 40. We also played "Turning Japanese" (The Vapors), a bunch of early Cars (love Elliot Easton), and a local band made good: Off Broadway (USA). It was a hoot.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 11, 2013 13:48:45 GMT -5
We overlap quite a bit, Beattles are cool with me too, also i like the first Judas albums (Rocka Rolla, Sad wings of destiny), as most old hard rock. Did you like "The Knack"? I guess it falls into pop-punk-rock'n'roll-boogie territory as well. As a teen i was also heavily into pink floyd, black sabbath, uriah heep, hippy kind of stuff. In the wedding band, we played "My Sharona", and "Good girls don't". I became sooOo burnt out on Floyd in HS (I still can't stand "The Wall"), it's only now I can listen to them again.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 10, 2013 11:46:15 GMT -5
I listen to a wide range, but I mostly play my fav: power pop & punk, with a smidgen of Rockabilly leaning favs like Tom Petty, BoDeans, and John Hiatt. Then there's that Beatles catalog I'm always noodling on. Throw some early Judas Priest and UFO in for good measure... Stir well. I just started alternate tunings (Stones), that's slowing me down a bit. I'm mostly rythym (having started on bass, it's my strong suit), I only mess with leads when I can nail them... Excepting blues, I do passingly well there on occasion.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 10, 2013 9:40:14 GMT -5
Brian Wilson & Jeff BeckHopefully this won't end like most of Brian's collaborations where he never talks to them again and says they stole his money and ideas.
|
|
|
Post by ux4484 on Oct 10, 2013 9:07:03 GMT -5
Is there more free time overseas? Of late, I've given up warm up excercises, I go right to playing... Unless I start to cramp, then I go back and do some. Not much time to play lately. Tapping is not even on my radar.
|
|