426 Reply by Doug_Smith

(30 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Sounds like you have some very good skills. Do you play with calluses or nails? I play with calluses and keep my nails shorter than the end of my fingers.

Actually it varies.... I keep my nails about 1/8-3/16" longer than the tips of my fingers so I can get the "claws out" for a more aggressive sound but relax the fingers for using the "fleshy parts" and a more muted tone.  I still palm mute and do the other little things to modulate as if I had a pick in use, but getting good volume can at times be an issue without some kind of amplification.  I have installed K&K Mini pickups in a couple of steel strung guitars with good results, and should consider sticking a set in a nylon strung instrument just to see if that is a good option (although I can't see why it wouldn't be as they are not magnetic).

As for the "skills"?  That's a work in progress, and I really do envy you for having the experience and training to master your chosen instrument and genre.  Like many of us I was seduced by the "dark side" and drawn off course by the "evils of Rock & Roll" spawned by Elvis, the Beatles and the rest of what has become called the British Invasion along with sand, surf, and that whole Southern California music scene I grew up in.  (not that there's anything wrong with that...)  wink

Go to forum: Acoustic

427 Reply by Doug_Smith

(1 replies, posted in Song requests)

Howdy John,  First off I want to make it clear that I'm not "sniping" you here.... I did find and listen to the song a couple times through, and I think you have set your sights a little high in expecting to come up with an arrangement for a good rendition on an acoustic guitar.  The only strings I can hear in it is a bass.  There are drums, a keyboard, I'm guessing  a Tenor Sax, muted Trumpet or Cornet, and a short bout of someone slapping the skin of a Conga a few whacks in there.... in short, one reason you are not finding chords or tabs out there is that it was not orchestrated to include Guitar in the first place.

You might try feeding a recording through Chordify and see what their software pukes out.... but I'm not holding out much hope.

Sorry, it is a good tune and one I likely would have not heard if not for your request, so Thanks for That!

Go to forum: Song requests

428 Reply by Doug_Smith

(30 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I have both, and use fingers primarily.  Read music notation (albeit slowly & needs lots of work), and started classical but got distracted.  Some things just sound better on Nylon strings re:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFCUKYdUpiM

Haven't used a plectrum in years even on electric guitar, as it just feels awkward not to have all the fingers in "play".

Go to forum: Acoustic

429 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Been kinda following the news here on this coast, and it is good to hear that there was little to no damage and no reported casualties.  Earthquakes are one of the more scary things our planet can throw at us, and no good way to predict them.  When I first learned about this one, I was imagining a repeat of the Christchurch quake a few years back..... so glad it wasn't !!

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

430 Reply by Doug_Smith

(5 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Howdy Folks,   printer problems likely are not a Chordie issue as we send printing requests as raw data via http to your native print handler.  Print spooling is local to you and should be installed (at least the driver part) along with your printer driver from the OEM disk that came with your Printer.  Sometimes during an update you might get a corrupt driver update that will interfere with proper function.

To narrow it down, try "print to file" from your printers selection and give it a filename you can easily "find " in your Documents directory.  I usually choose to save-as PDF format as it results in a "what you see is what you get" document that should display and print without any trouble.  If you are able to print to file, then I would certainly be investigating a spooling error between your PC and the printer.  Check your printer documentation and perhaps fetch and install the newest drivers available for your operating system and hardware. Microsoft Knowledge Base has several good bulletins addressing spooling errors (especially about HP Printers) and you should be able to resolve issues from there.

Sorry I didn't get to these posts earlier, but as I no longer run windows in any of my machines, I kinda thought a regular Windows user/member would have up to date experience in this issue that might have been more helpful.

Let us know how it goes.

Doug

Go to forum: About Chordie

431 Reply by Doug_Smith

(6 replies, posted in About Chordie)

I would tend to echo your thoughts Roger..... there is such a thing as "Sentimental Value", which transcends intrinsic value like a Royal Straight Flush trumps Four Aces (I hope I got that right.... not a Poker player).

Go to forum: About Chordie

432 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

The Bonnet should then be the hood over the engine.... as for Gat in the Back, are you headed for a jam session or a Gunfight?  Old American slang used Gat to indicate a side-arm.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

433 Reply by Doug_Smith

(26 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Classical Guitar wrote:

One final note. Last night I play the larger concert I originally had planned. I used the CG192's for two 45 minute minute sets and they played great and felt good. Because of the size I had to use a pair of C12VR’s . The music I play was normal classical music and I won't bore you with the songs played.

I also took two students that have reached a very good level of play. Each of them played two songs each and the received applause so they felt great. It is the largest audience they have played for and it was time for both of them and neither of them showed any nerves so they and I was happy and relieved too.

Also I have agreed to sell my luthier made guitars and will order a couple more of the CG192.

OUTSTANDING !!

So to answer your own question...... it IS all about the sound. smile

Go to forum: Acoustic

434 Reply by Doug_Smith

(6 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Welcome to the Forums Phil !!

Johnny had some good music in his arsenal, hence the long and successful career.  I usually find the original key not too hard to keep up with although my "comfort zone" vocally is Bb.  The transposition feature is really useful for finding easier chords, and the capo for adjusting for range....
pretty much anything can get into the areas where the music is playable for everyone regardless of skill and experience.

Thanks for posting and "don't be a stranger".... there's lots of folks around these parts would be happy to get to know you.

Go to forum: My local band and me

435 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

mojo01 wrote:

I'm guilty as well of not giving a lot of feed back on peoples posting I do have a listen to all of them when I see them. but not knowing squat about music other what some else has said " I know what I like" I wouldn't know what to tell some one to improve a song.

I'm in that "camp" as well..... I used to write a lot until I turned into my own worst critic and into someone I didn't like anymore.  To be effective in offering advise, one has to be:  Well versed in the subject and experienced enough to offer information that is helpful.  Encouraging without being Patronizing, and Frank without being mean.

Not scoring high in any of these traits, I disqualify myself.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

436 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Welcome back among the group !!  If you were wondering, we missed you...... but life has a funny way of getting in the way, so occasional absences are unavoidable at times.  big_smile

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

437 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Amy & Jim Thanks for hosting this event and especially for sharing the sound bytes and videos which allow those of us unable to make the trip (this year) to join in the fun!

It's still on my "bucket list" so be forewarned..... big_smile

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

438 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Hear Hear!!  Have a Good One and Many More!

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

439 Reply by Doug_Smith

(15 replies, posted in Electric)

joeyjoeyjoey wrote:

I have flat wounds on both of my Gretsches. Whenever I restring an electric, I use flats. I love the feel of them. I hate the feel of running my fingers across round wounds. Any sound loss is compensated for by turning up the amp.They cost a bit more, but well worth it.

I'm with you Joey, for me though it's not the feel but the "squeak".

That said, in the past I have extolled the virtues of Thomastik Infeld strings (especially for electric) but seeing as how my last set of Plectrums (acoustic flats) have finally gone so dead it was time to retire them after more than a year (I can hear the lectures already).  I decided to try something different and a bit more economical on my old AE "daily driver".  D'Addario "flat tops"...... round wound, but like they were pulled through a wire drawing die into a "D" profile.  The surface feels very much like a flat wound string, but without losing the brightness of a round wound.  So far I'm liking them pretty well and saved a few $$$.

Just another alternative for us "cross-over" folks.

Go to forum: Electric

440 Reply by Doug_Smith

(1 replies, posted in About Chordie)

If you make your songbook "Public" then your friend could "add" your arrangements to their own book with your edits intact.  If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will come along and correct me.... personally I don't keep one here as I often am not connectable to the internet.

Go to forum: About Chordie

441 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

jerome.oneil wrote:

I'm in Ireland right now, so football is far from me.   I did see an absolute smasher of a hurling match at Croke Park yesterday.
Yeah, we're shopping for a house right now.  I'm in love with Kilarney.

If you should find yourself anywhere near Dublin, you should try to find Lena (Old Doll) who has a Florist shop there.... we haven't heard from her in awhile here on Chordie, but I'm sure would be pleased for the meeting.

Happy House Hunting! smile

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

442 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

gtx wrote:

What did the sausages taste like?

..... Charred and a little Stringy ???? tongue

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

443 Reply by Doug_Smith

(12 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

There is a discussion thread in another section:   http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic. … 73#p175873
That you might find helpful (especially when it gets a few down into the specifics of medium priced Nylon Strung Guitars) from the viewpoint of another member with good background in the style and sound.

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

444 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

It's not nearly as bad as it used to be with 20+ "slices of SPAM" average on a daily ration.... but I see Phill has been here recently and disposed of the last of the Trash.
Thanks to everyone for being vigilant and reporting the vermin whenever and wherever found!!  It makes the entire Site so much better and easier for everyone who visits, and benefits the whole Community.

Much Appreciated!

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

445 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Awww Shucks.....  What can I say Bill?  Except You are Welcome Anytime.
We had some good conversations too My Friend !  Pleased as punch you are back among the "fold" so to speak.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

446 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

keepitreal wrote:

When ever I've dropped toast it always seems to land in the dog.

That's a Good one !!!  big_smile

I too have one of those "Proverbial Kitchen Vultures".....

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

447 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

That will be a good match.... But the All Blacks are THE Team in pro Rugby, so I'm expecting we'll get a proper "stuffing"!

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

448 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Hope you had a Good One!  And wishes for many more to look forward to.....

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

449 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

joeyjoeyjoey wrote:

Got all my supplies. (vices). Enough to share. Obviously, I won`t drink a whole case of beer and fifth of bourbon. Whoever wants some is welcome to it.

So I'm guessing yer not Irish then?  Or you intend to live Forever..... for sure you'll not be accused of having abused yer Liver.... Light-weight!!

Just kidding there Joey, I'm "part Irish" the other part made me stop drinkin' 13 years ago..... the part I'm Married to! wink

Time was though, by Saturday afternoon I'd be Googlin' the nearest  Liquor Store on such meager supplies.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

450 Reply by Doug_Smith

(26 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Mostly I agree with TF...... with the caveat that not everyone has the inclination, time, or interest to study all the stuff that goes into that assemblage of what we call a Guitar.  As for the verdict, I would vote Not Guilty for the following reasons.  The Modern Production Instrument is a product of Science and Mechanics, years of research and data, pieces chosen by more learned specialists, cut and formed by digitally controlled machines within tight tolerances, assembled by technicians well trained to do their specific operation(s) with skill and consistency.

Gone are the days of Stradavari when making a quality instrument was a mixture of some "dark Magic" and the artistry/skills of the craftsman. Although those folks are still out there and some might say are among the "overpriced" group of hand builders, and for those who can afford that level of "tool" well worth the investment.

My skill does not justify "tools" that are that good.  So I look for quality and consistency across the entire product line. Fondle as many examples as I can get my hands on, and check the reviews of others that have owned the brand (knowing that most of the guesswork of manufacture has been removed from the equation by technology), compare many, and choose that which plays well and "sings" the songs my ears enjoy hearing.

I do not consider myself loyal to any particular brand per-se and will consider anything in my price range.... because even the "good guys" goof, and Diamonds are sometimes found in a Mud Hole.

Go to forum: Acoustic