A lot of talk about guitar brands...Does anyone ever think about what poor soul on, maybe, one of Sir Francis Drake's famed voyages, likely traded his guitar for a few ripe bananas? BAAANAAANAAA! WAAAAAH!
27 2016-11-24 01:50:22
Topic: Hollowbody Styles "?" (9 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
Need some experienced suggestions. I'm at the point right now where I want to incorporate an electric into my show. I've got a Gibson Studio T, but the downside is that the body is smaller than my Seagull acoustic/electric, and the transition would be more than I'd like to attempt at a hour to hour and a half presentation. Some hollowbodies I have looked at have a thicker, more acoustic-like body. Others maintain a thinner, though still, hollowbody. I'll be playing with the body rested on my thigh and want to not lose the feel of the acoustic/electric. I know that there will be a definite change from six to 12 strings, and touch will also present differences, but I think that I'll be able to overcome these with attention to the fretboard work that I do. But the grip and stability of my "grasp" of the instrument will certainly deter the subtle differences in changing instruments mid act. A typical comparison would be, say between Epiphone Limited Edition Riviera Custom P93 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar Wine Red and the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor-II PRO Electric Guitar. Either of these are in the range of dollars I want to have to spend. Sampling both at Guitar Center would probably answer my questions, but when one talks of investment, it's always a wise thing to get some advise from esperience before taking a leap of faith. Would appreciate any and all advise I might get from my Chordie friends.
28 2016-11-16 00:15:17
Re: Thumb Picks (19 replies, posted in Acoustic)
On a lighter note, I once used a rubber band stretched between my thumb and forefinger for a bow on a solid body electric. Don't know if that qualifies, though, since I wasn't picking, strumming, or plucking. I did try a thumb pick once. I had the same feeling of "not feeling" my playing with the thumb. I've heard so many people complain of proper fit that searching another medium and venue, though what, might produce some interesting, and maybe some good adaptation to guitar playing.
29 2016-11-16 00:09:31
Re: Man! I LOVE Gretsch's And...... (10 replies, posted in Electric)
I like the looks of your Gretsch more. Got on the Gretsch site and there isn't one that is the same color. They seem to have changed color schemes. Alas :{
i
Tenement Funster wrote:
Thanks, Kevin ...
I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds for a $700 guitar. And that's the best thing to do, is just go to a music store, plug one in, and see how it feels and sounds. I can talk about how much I like it, but you may get a different impression. I can say that the build quality is very good and everything works properly (got it last Spring).
Another front runner hollow-body (for under $1,000) would be Epiphone's version of the ES-175. They did a limited edition last year with Classic 57 pickups, but I couldn't find one anywhere, so I went with the Gretsch.
(http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Archto … emium.aspx)
Cheers!
30 2016-11-15 01:24:51
Re: Man! I LOVE Gretsch's And...... (10 replies, posted in Electric)
Beautiful instrument! I've been thinking of Gretsch for my next one. Don't have a hollowbody and my Les Paul is a little more than I want to share on the road to retirement communities, senior centers, and small town restaurants. I was looking at an Electromatic (same body style in the real light green), which is a little more costly, but that Streamliner sure looks like peaches and cream to me! Don't know....
Tenement Funster wrote:
I sure love my Gretsch, even though it's one of their lower-end import models.
It's a bit heavier than the average acoustic, but not as heavy as my Les Paul (even with the Bigsby). The nut width (43mm / 1.6875") is the same as most electrics, and I'd actually prefer it to be wider. The tone is what I love most ... they do have a sound that's all their own.
My first choice for a hollow body would be a Gibson ES-175 w/ Classic 57's pickups, but they're way outta my price range.
31 2016-11-15 01:14:40
Re: Need My Guitar-Playing Butt Kicked Off The Planet!!!!! (6 replies, posted in Acoustic)
This was good advice! I also have been a lot more critical of players when I see Awards shows on TV, etc. I noticed performers, especially those who are backed by a few, or many, other musicians and who still play along with singing, actually walk, finger at a time, to the next chord played. I really noticed it first when I saw a "tube" video of Kathy Matea doing "Goin' Gone" live. It was obvious to me, watching her play, that I had been putting too much effort into chord mobility. Now I walk to the chord, and it helps me with note familiarity also. Thanks, Kathy!
Baldguitardude wrote:
Bill,
First of all, don't ever worry about singing out of key - some of the most popular singers in the world do that.Just have fun with it!
With respect to moving to the A7, lots of players tend to remove their hand from the fretboard when switching chords and then rebuilding the chord from the ground up. This is a mistake and is the "hard way" of doing things. The A7 is fingered very similarly to the D chord, just a string down. if your D chord is fingered like this:
-------2------- middle finger
-------3------- ring finger
-------2------- index finger
-------0--------
-------x---------
-------x---------
....All you have to do to make that A7 is lift up your ring finger and slide the other two down a string while they are still in position:---------0---------
---------2--------- middle finger
---------0--------- (pick up your ring finger to let this sound open)
---------2--------- index finger
---------0----------
---------x---------So, resist the urge to pick up all your fingers and put them back down in the new position. The lazy way is the way to go.
-BGD
32 2016-11-08 01:28:01
Topic: "ZOOM" handhelds (3 replies, posted in Recording)
Anyone out there have experience with the Zoom H4n Pro Handy Recorder?
33 2016-11-03 23:45:43
Re: windows 10 upgrade assistant (22 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
The last upgrade this month was an easy fast install, but the one before (or before that, I can't remember) was a major BIOS upgrade, which is a complete replacement of the system. I couldn't get it to take either so I contacted Microsoft through chat and allowed them to make the change remotely. I don't often turn my computer over to them or anyone else, but have had to on occasion, once to them and a couple times to my local internet provider who also services my security. Microsoft did the install and when they ran into the same problem, I watched them as they cursored through some of my control panel settings and other system files that were in the then current BIOS system. Quite fascinating to watch, though was accomplished so quickly that I couldn't nor wouldn't attempt to mimic their steps. Within about 15 minutes they had the new system BIOS installed and politely asked me, through chat, if I had any more questions or issues. I told them no and we terminated the chat. A lot of people are leery, as I, of this procedure. It is advisable to back up all of your programs and files before you contact them. The BIOS install IS critical to future concerns with programs and file manipulation if you keep your programs up to date. But it's up to you. I just don't feel like laying out money for program investment, when I know that those who create the programs, if they plan on staying current with operating systems, want to remain viable. Hope this helped.
Phill Williams wrote:
anybody know anything about this update? it tried to update my PC a few months back, got as far as 84% and froze so I uninstalled it. so it tried again this week and got to 84% and froze again, taking hours to do nothing basically, so when it tried again tonight I just said no and uninstalled again....so does any one of you smarter people have any suggestions?
thanks in advance
34 2016-10-28 22:36:27
Re: sat and watched it rain (5 replies, posted in Songwriting)
Nice song - thanks for posting!!!
mojo01 wrote:
https://soundcloud.com/mojo01/sat-and-watched-it-rain
I had posted a story\poem the other day and TIGljk suggested I make a song out it . so I took his advice. here is the first run at it
35 2016-10-28 22:33:28
Re: How About A Little Jazz Guitar For A Change? (8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
KevinRK wrote:
Do you happen to know if Wes Montgomery tuned his guitar to facilitate the octave lines he used. If not, he's got to be the hardest soft jazz player in the world to imitate!!
Got to add...Just watched some Joe Pass vids on youtube. Don't know if I have enough time left in the world to approach that sort of expertise!
Strummerboy Bill wrote:Just kidding!!!
Bill
PS: Apparently I have forgotten how to copy and paste, so could y'all do it for me, please? I promise it's worth it.
36 2016-10-28 22:22:11
Re: How About A Little Jazz Guitar For A Change? (8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Do you happen to know if Wes Montgomery tuned his guitar to facilitate the octave lines he used. If not, he's got to be the hardest soft jazz player in the world to imitate!!
Strummerboy Bill wrote:
Just kidding!!!
Bill
PS: Apparently I have forgotten how to copy and paste, so could y'all do it for me, please? I promise it's worth it.
37 2016-10-28 22:18:33
Re: soundcloud is not even sacred any more (4 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
This may be off the thread a bit, but have any of you who have had the fortune to be able to attend some or most of the Chordie gatherings considered housing a "warehouse" if you will to which USB's which us members may generate containing our own, or others, recordings which could be accessed by our members to hear our efforts with music. I know that the Songwriting thread would benefit from such a repository. ASCAPing our own songs wouldn't be effected as it remains really the only way we musicians can protect our work. But for those who would like to promote our own songs, or even participate in "Song Of The Month" - like stuff it could be fun. The shear volume of USB physical storage would likely be more than anyone, especially me, could fathom. It is the way that NETFLIX works, and I haven't got a clue where they warehouse or how they operate. Our membership base is probably too voluminous to approach the thought. I just thought I'd dream a little...
38 2016-10-16 14:42:29
Re: Outdoor Generators? (9 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
Doug_Smith wrote:
Howdy Kevin, well if I have this right, the input power rating of that amp is something like 280 Watts @ 120Vac, 60Hz. Bearing in mind that you want that to be pretty clean power without too many "ripples" and a constant frequency, I'd be looking at something in the 1000 Watt variety preferably one of the "Inverter" types that will electronically control the voltage and Hz regardless of RPM. Something like one of the Honda 1000i variety. Yeah they run a bit high in cost but are fairly quiet and frugal on the fuel side and that may be a consideration if you need a couple of hours of run-time and don't want to have it a long run of extension cord away.
Another option would be a similar sized Solid State Inverter and a battery of good size which is another heavy bit of kit to handtruck around, but at least totally silent. Once again you want a true RMS Inverter.... and they don't come cheap either. Inverters typically eat 10X the output in amps in the way of battery power (like 25-30 amps in your case for just the Marshall) so you'd need a BIG capacity battery (serious weight). For the $$ I'd sure be looking at the generator, and a good heavy power cord. We could run our little Honda "suitcase" for something like 5 hours well loaded on a couple quarts of pump gas, and it weighed about the same as your amp. Either way, I'd also feed it through a good surge protector just for the additional peace of mind and additional overload protection.
Just a (well educated) $0.02 worth...
-Doug-
Thanks ever so much, Doug. We get some tough winters here in Nebraska, too, so it's likely that music won't be the only use for a generator.
39 2016-10-16 00:21:05
Topic: Outdoor Generators? (9 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
Could any of my fellow chordies help me out? I'm looking forward to next year's good weather and want to work in some outdoor venues for my 12-string acoustic/electric show. I've hear that some gas-powered generators can actually harm solid state amps. Supposedly "clean" A/C gas-powered generators aren't easy to select, or afford! I've got a Marshall AS100D Soloist amp and would like some recommendations for powering up my act in parks, or any other outdoor venues. I'd appreciate some direction with this. Thanks.
40 2016-10-13 01:02:43
Re: Halloween Songs - Post Your Faves (23 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
I like that one. Will have to learn it...
topdown wrote:
Ghost riders in the sky. https://youtu.be/k_oXQVUzEoc
41 2016-10-13 01:00:47
Re: A Minor Change.... (7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Bill, I just rediscovered music playing this year after a long, long time away. One of the first things I found out was that after sitting down and chording a song (and I can remember which one was the first), my mind worked better, my conversation was easier, things just started making sense again. And now I've found that, after playing a gig at one of the many retirement centers, everything falls in place so nicely. I guess my love for music has gone a long way into making me whole again. So, maybe, if you find yourself "stuck", maybe try to plink through a song you haven't played for a long, long, time, but was somehow a staple in your life. Bet it helps...
42 2016-10-09 14:00:27
Re: A Capo that Really Works for a 12-String? (9 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I've got one of these also. Been using it since July this year both at home and 2-3 times a week on gigs. Hasn't failed me yet. You do have to take care not a slide it on rather than "place it". If care is taken to let the bar down straight onto the strings, retuning isn't necessary. During an application that is quick with no attention given, often the high outside e-string will get caught by the tip of the capo surface and won't be completely depressed as are the rest. Also, not letting the bar down gently onto all strings at the same time can stretch any of the upper 4 (e & B) and/or the lower 4 ( E & A) - and cause tuning nightmares. Just use patience and don't get in a hurry. This capo is the easiest one to apply out of all I have used during my lifetime.
Tyson7 wrote:
I have a Keyser capo I use on my Taylor 12 string and I have No issues with buzzing. I don't go higher than the 3rd fret. My friend uses a Shub capo on his Martin 12 string he started getting some buzzing once he got the neck adjusted the buzzing went away. I hope you can resolve your problem.
Joe
43 2016-09-30 00:23:52
Re: Retirement Home for Guitarists Joke (8 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Kinda like the two kyakers who had to share the same paddle down the Colorado rapids...
44 2016-09-30 00:19:26
Re: sad day (13 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
We've lost three dogs since we've been married. Lab, Maltese, Lab. All were hard to take, especially the second two. And all caused enough tears to account for some of the flooding we've had in the Midwestern States. I thought we were done with pets, but me ladie keeps fallin' in love with a 4-legger. Came home last year with a Havanese (Cuban breed - almost like a Shitzu but lot more lithe). They'll probably both outlive me! Doubt if the furniture will, though. Also, as above, sorry for your loss.
45 2016-09-28 01:06:44
Re: Suggestions: October 2016 Featured Song of the Month (50 replies, posted in Featured Song of the Month)
GREAT CHOICES!!!
46 2016-09-24 13:11:38
Re: Suggestions: October 2016 Featured Song of the Month (50 replies, posted in Featured Song of the Month)
We're supposed to have a mean, white, and cold winter this year. My performances are going to see the addition of "Winter Wonderland" starting the middle of this month, though I don't expect this one will be chosen!
47 2016-09-24 13:03:27
Re: transition to 12 string (20 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Note to the tuning: I have a Seagull 12 and discovered when jumping from the 12 to my 6 mid-song that the built in tuner on my 12 actually reads a half step below the 6 reads (both have built in tuners!). So the 12 HAS to be capoed up a half step to begin with to play the same intonation as the six - at least on my Seagull. I don't know if other 12s with built in tuners are the same, but it's become a memory tool for me. As far as Seagull goes, I think it was a wise decision on their part, having reduced the stress on the stings. But it does REQUIRE the usage of a capo when playing with other musicians if reading music and tuning the instruments become an issue. Seagull neglected to mention the fact in their documentation and it was, luckily a home-practice discovery that I made that kept me from realizing that element at a possibly lesser opportune time.
beamer wrote:
My 2 cents, ,, Ill echo what Roger has said, get it set up real nice, biggest enhancement you can do for enjoyment. And yes you have to get used to the neck, but seeing as how I have a SG (with wider necks that they have) It hasn't effected me to much, my 12 is an Ovation so its actually a little less wide I think. Any way they are addictive, and remember when playing with others, ITS LOUDER. so watch your strumming lol
48 2016-09-14 02:02:10
Re: Music notation and format (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
You might try Guitar Pro 6. Think I paid around $50 for a boxed CD. It does notes, tabs, guitar fingerings and technique markings, and a lot of other stuff. Haven't given it a full workout yet, but I think it will print seperate musician's parts, and for stummers - selective chord fingering charts for each chord that appears in the song, though unfortunately in group format at the end of the song. Also, Chordie has a larger chord display base, but, using it, the fingerings in the Guitar Pro 6 program can be altered to suit the individual's desire. Hard copy can be managed, but video display not really applicable. Separate sheets would be good for a band, provided basic reading capability is there. SongBook -IS- a good program. I use it for my hard book copies. Another program is MuseScore. All of the tablature programs out there have great features, but none of the that I have found have everything for everyone, sad to say. Hoping you find your mix...
49 2016-08-28 10:12:39
Re: Wealth Aint Money (2 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Peatle Jville wrote:
Here is a link to a story about people making music out of other peoples waste.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiYFcuIkBjU
Peatle, That's flat out AMAZING! Thanks for sharing!!!
50 2016-08-23 18:33:03
Topic: Cool Act... (2 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
If you all want to see something really comical and entertaining, check out some of youtube's vids "Buddy Wasisname and the other fellers". What a gas!