3,651 Reply by Zurf

(15 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

jerome.oneil wrote:
Zurf wrote:

Who finishes wood has nothing whatsoever to do with whether it is sustainable.  Ridiculous.  The government sometimes really loses track of the purpose of legislation when they prepare regulation for enforcement.  They try to figure out how to "get at" something rather than just handle it straight on.   It leads to goofy results like this. 

- Zurf

And to make it suck three times (right on Peter!) it appears that this wouldn't even be a violation of American law, but of Indian law.   But the Indian government didn't even ask for an investigation. 

It would be reasonable if India said "Hey America, one of your companies is importing wood from us illegally, and we'd like the wood back, as it's part of a criminal investigation."  But this is just someone at the DoJ interpreting it for them.  Probably owns stock in Fender.

That's out of line.  Let India enforce Indian law.  I agree.  If India had requested assistance through proper channels, it's appropriate for our government to lend a hand.  We'd expect the same from them.  But to go around doing it gratuitously must mean that DOJ has too little to do handling US interests.  It may be time for some budget cuts if they're so hard-pressed for work that they've taken it upon themselves to enforce other nation's laws. 

- Zurf

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3,652 Reply by Zurf

(14 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Pretty slick. 

- Zurf

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3,653 Reply by Zurf

(21 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

No.  You're an addict.  This is the latest high.  There's nothing wrong with fancy.  Fancy is actually kind of nice.  It's just secondary.  First you need tone and playability.  I guess that's first and second, making fancy third.  You get the drift. 

Now go play a song.

- Zurf

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3,654 Reply by Zurf

(15 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Who finishes wood has nothing whatsoever to do with whether it is sustainable.  Ridiculous.  The government sometimes really loses track of the purpose of legislation when they prepare regulation for enforcement.  They try to figure out how to "get at" something rather than just handle it straight on.   It leads to goofy results like this. 

- Zurf

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3,655 Reply by Zurf

(143 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I don't know all that.  I want one of the cheap Martins with the Stratobond neck for campfire use.  I do not object to the artificial back so long as the top is solid wood.  Dreadnaught is OK, but I think I'd rather have one of the slighly smaller (though still loud) ones to be smaller to pack in my truck or camper.  Built in electronics would be great, but not mandatory.

Don't expose yourself to GAS on my account naoslager.  I'm short on cash and have a bathroom that needs to be retiled and I'm sure will be costing me more than an HD-28's worth. 

- Zurf

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3,656 Reply by Zurf

(143 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I'm looking for a Martin D or X series 00 size.  I saw one on Craig's List for $450 the other day but had to pass.  Just haven't got the scratch right now. 

- Zurf

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3,657 Topic by Zurf

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Note, there are two questionable lyrics in this song, but I permit my young children to hear it.  Given that we are generally trying to protect children from foul language on this site, I think it's a fair standard to go by that I permit my own kids to hear this song (and we are fairly protective parents).  But for those who are particularly sensitive, I thought I'd give a warning. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIGp6N19Vrw

- Zurf

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3,658 Reply by Zurf

(31 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Too many to name.  Maybe I should just do one at a time until I have it nailed down.  A few that I'm working on:

Take It Easy - The Eagles;
Everybody's Talking - Harry Nilsson
James River Blues - Old Crow Medicine Show
Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show
Trouble - Cat Stevens

Plus a million others. 

- Zurf

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3,659 Reply by Zurf

(143 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

You don't play the guitars you have.  Put down the keyboard and GET BACK TO PLAYING.

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3,660 Reply by Zurf

(8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I've got the Acoustic brand AC60, that's a Guitar Center house brand.  What I liked about it is that it has two channels, and each channel will accept two inputs.  Each of the four inputs can be XLR or 1/4.  It's a funky looking jack, but it works very well. 

With this set-up, you can have a second player/singer with you and you can either each have a channel, or you can both be run through the first channel and put both your instruments through the other channel.  Each channel can be mixed - so if you are playing by yourself and you decide to put both your guitar and your voice through the same channel so that they each have the same amount of whatever built in effect you are using, you can still "mix" the voice and guitar to a level you like. 

I've been very pleased with this amp.  I just use it at home for jamming and for practice to hear myself through a mic, but I think it would be suitable for small gigs.  It's worth checking out at the store if you have a Guitar Center nearby. 

Other than that, there are some real good ones available with fewer inputs.  I just wanted the additional inputs so that I wouldn't have to use a mixer if a friend came over. 

- Zurf

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3,661 Reply by Zurf

(9 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

bushy243 wrote:

Hello folks and thanks for your comments. I am presently downloading "garage band", only $5.50 here in Aus so will see how it goes and keep you posted. I think I will need another lead with 1/4 inch socket to plug in guitar and connect to ipad. Does anyone know anything about this, Jerome maybe ?

All the best
Bushy

Check in with Russell in the Recording forum.  I'd be surprised if he doesn't know the answer.

- Zurf

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3,662 Reply by Zurf

(67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

There isn't much in the world that's better than well made Carolina barbeque. 

- Zurf

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3,663 Reply by Zurf

(17 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Between all the guitars and the beautiful cottage, it definitely has the makings of an epic jam.  There's enough of you folks in the UK to get on with it. 

- Zurf

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,664 Reply by Zurf

(24 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

bunbun wrote:
jerome.oneil wrote:
bunbun wrote:

"....I would never submit to binding arbitration as it eliminates my right to appeal if I don't like the outcome,..."

Isn't that a waste of time and cost then? I would not want to go into a non-binding arbitration situation as it can take forever or, if you are an employer, it allows you to rule by fiat. If the employees then went to arbitration over, lets say a contract or employee issue, the employer, even though he may have been found on the wrong end of the decision, can impose what he wants.

We have Non-binding arbitration where I am employed due to a stupid decision by the firefighters association years ago. A few years ago I was denied my step increase because the chief heard a rumor. Though the rumor was untrue and the investigation found the rumor was baseless he decided to deny me my increase anyway. I grieved it and lost. I did not take it to arbitration because the chief, after he lost, would have denied the decision anyway.

My point is that you have binding arbitration or you don't arbitrate. Often contracts require arbitration in lieu of lawsuits. If the arbitration is not binding how does one who is wronged get their opportunity to right the wrong?

If you have non-binding arbitration and don't like the outcome, you can always take your issue to the courts (which is where you can still go).  Since the arbiters are generally paid by the employer, there is an inherent conflict of interest and bias with them.  Would you really prefer to arbitrate a dispute with your employer and be forced to abide by the decision of the arbiter when the arbiter is being payed by your employer, too?

Binding arbitration offers no appeal.  It is putting all of your eggs in one basket, and hoping the fox in the hen house is honest about counting them fairly.  I would *never* deny myself the option of the courts.

Why arbitrate then? In my book if one is going to go the route then why not just go to court? Again: Arbitration, especially non-binding arbitration is merely a waste of time. I realize many contracts require arbitration in-lieu of tort but I feel that is a way for a party to extend an issue an indefinite amount of time until the other party goes away.

Arbitration is supposed to be a way of dealing with a legal issue without tying up the courts time yet it has been bastardized as a tool to waste a person's time. Non-binding arbitration is one more way to avoid judgement even if you are wrong as it allows you, if you are the "guilty" party, to continue to tie up the other parties money and time until you get the decision that fits you.

How is that right?

I know, I know...I the legal sense there is no right or wrong just winners or losers. Perhaps the legal profession should get back to right and wrong.

I've been through the training to become an arbiter.  I thought it would be a good alternative income in case my main job ever goes kablooey.  Unfortunately in Virginia, one has to do a certain number of hours as a "second" to someone else to be permitted to become licensed.  The "someone else's" are not terribly interested in training their competition, so it is somewhat difficult to become licensed unless one goes through an existing company.  All that said, generally the arbiter doesn't know who is paying the arbitration company.  Also, there is rarely any clear cut right or wrong in contracts.  If there's a clear-cut wrong done, then the courts are the way to go often.  But arbitration is a good way to resolve issues that are more complicated (and they almost always are).  It's also how many divorce settlements are negotiated.  The show on TV where a gorgeous woman who is the step-daughter to another gorgeous woman running her father's old law firm and the first gorgeous woman manipulates everyone into doing 'the right thing' through arbitration is complete hogwash.  Arbitration is slow, methodical, and not done by manipulative tricks. 

- Zurf

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3,665 Reply by Zurf

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I tried a bluegrassed up version of Magic Carpet Ride today on my acoustic.  The idea has merit.  I'm going to keep diddling around with it. 

- Zurf

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3,666 Reply by Zurf

(9 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Same as above, I suppose.  The guitar and lake sound wonderful.  The injuries not so much.  Many good wishes to Maid Marion in her recovery. 

- Zurf

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3,667 Reply by Zurf

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Magic Carpet Ride
Cheap Sunglasses
Hanging Around
My Sherona
MacArthur Park (No wait!  That's from the worst list.)
Another One Bites the Dust

Rock should not be about anything, and to the degree it references one's self, the concept of self should be completely unrealistic.  All of these songs are self-focused by the artist to some degree or another are aren't about anything earth-shattering.  Just trying to have an intense but short-lived relationship or recovery from the previous night's lack thereof. 

- Zurf

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3,668 Reply by Zurf

(8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Did you like how the dog was jumping for the board and jumping for the board and just getting all excited that it was out?  I think that was my favorite bit, just how excited the dog was to go skim boarding.

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3,669 Reply by Zurf

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

What Guitarpix said.  Some learn first with cowboy chords, and some learn first with barre chords.  If you get the "Fretboard Roadmap" series to learn, which many people do, it's all based around barre chord shapes.  I need to pull it out and use it.  I've got a lot things to do.  But anyway, that would explain why some people think a B is easier than a D.

- Zurf

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,670 Topic by Zurf

(8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Or anyone who thinks dogs are cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqxTUxzO … gdata_plaJ

- Zurf

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3,671 Reply by Zurf

(12 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

deadstring wrote:

Audacity is a free download that will do it. You can do just about anything with Audacity but it takes ome getting use to. You can change speed, key, amplify or even remove voices in some cases. Russel Harding put me on to it maybe 2 years ago.

I used Audacity for a while, but when I got a Windows 7 computer, it didn't work with Windows 7 yet.  Have they fixed that? 

- Zurf

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3,672 Reply by Zurf

(58 replies, posted in Electric)

OK.  You might convince me to buy a Triumph. 

- Zurf

Go to forum: Electric

3,673 Reply by Zurf

(58 replies, posted in Electric)

It's the same company.  They made musical instruments before they made motorcycles.  Ever notice that the logo for the motorcycle has tuning forks in it? 

But I agree with you at least on the motorcycles.  While there's nothing at all wrong with Yamahas, I'd rather have a Harley too. 

I think you're on the wrong track buying something solely because of the name on it, but it's your money.  Further, as I've said above, they're decent guitars so you're unlikely to be disappointed.  I also think you're selling yourself short.  You can pluck a string and hear how a guitar sounds and whether it rings or thuds.  You can rub your hand over the neck and hold it to see how it feels.  I don't care if you've never played a guitar before, you can tell the difference between a cardboard piece of trash guitar from Wal-Mart and a top of the line Martin or Gibson.  The rest is just a matter of degrees. 

- Zurf

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3,674 Reply by Zurf

(13 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Welcome home.

- Zurf

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3,675 Reply by Zurf

(58 replies, posted in Electric)

Rabid wrote:

Coming from a novice, there are some brands that just plain reek of cheap and uncool. Epiphone, Alvarez, anything in flying V, and pretty much everything Japanese or unfamiliar seems second rate. The Japanese acoustics do seem well crafted though.

Where do you suppose those Squiers are made?  From the Squier website: "To maintain and control costs over the years, Squier instruments have been produced in several nations, including Japan, Korea, India, China, Indonesia and Mexico." 

As far as whether they are unfamiliar, you're new to guitars so of course they're unfamiliar.  First year med students probably don't know the brand names of surgical implements either.  Alvarez, Takemine, Ibanez, Epiphone, Yamaha, and many other names are well-known and respected brands. 

I'm not recommending against Squier, but I am suggesting that for $300 you have a lot of options worth considering.  With a little time spent playing on different models in that price point, you're likely to get something you like the sound of a lot better than a Squier AE.  If you try them out and still like the Squier better, then by all means get it and more power to you.  It just seems like a lot of money to spend based on Fender having done a good job of brand marketing rather than based on what feels good in your hands and sounds good to your ears. 

- Zurf

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