Strummerboy Bill wrote:
"Loremaster"?
"Lore Master" gets my vote.
1,051 2018-02-05 10:59:31
Re: Peatle For Chordie Historian! (24 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
1,052 2018-02-03 14:58:01
Re: The Chapman Stick (11 replies, posted in Other string instruments)
Dang, Neo ... that guy's good! All of the passersby completely ignored him; a few barely gave him more than a glance ... how sad.
1,053 2018-02-03 14:49:44
Re: friday's blues fix (1,560 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Good "warmer upper" song for today, Badeye. We went from +10 C (+50 F) yesterday morning, to -19 C (- 2 F) this morning ... normal life on the North Atlantic coast.
1,054 2018-02-03 14:39:59
Re: Capo Question (7 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
And I'll also weigh in as someone who always uses a capo upside down and in the middle of the fret.. Even though I use a minimalist G7th capo, I don't want anything in the way. Here's a pic I found of almost exactly how I use it:
1,055 2018-02-01 10:25:32
Re: The Chapman Stick (11 replies, posted in Other string instruments)
neophytte wrote:
I saw a guy busking in Perth mall a while ago with one - here is a video: https://www.facebook.com/richard.mortim … 14/?type=3
Let me know if you can see it (if not, I'll do a YouTube upload) ...
Cheers
Richard
Your video wouldn't open for me, Neo, because I don't use Facebook. The "Stick" is a fascinating instrument. Watching guys like Weatherton, Howard, Levin, Beggs, etc., and hearing the unique way notes can be played together is amazing.
1,056 2018-01-31 20:23:25
Re: The Chapman Stick (11 replies, posted in Other string instruments)
Here's a cool video of Emmett Chapman explaining the construction, usage, and techniques relating to his "Chapman Stick":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvuiAobq2_Y
My favorite line is when he says the stick is physically easy to play, but mentally ... not so much.
1,057 2018-01-31 10:34:52
Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays (580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Rush "Dreamline" Dallas, 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhYuYxRlDRY
Now that they've confirmed their retirement, it was fitting that this week's entry is from Rush. The "Clockwork Angels" tour featured a string ensemble touring with them, and they certainly fill out the total sound. Even Alex steps to the mic for some background vocals.
This marks my 200th post of some of my favorite Prog Rock, both new and old. Although the genre will never reach the popularity of many others, I believe I can apply the slogan of a Nova-Scotia-made beer (Alexander Keith's Pale Ale): "Those who like it, like it a lot."
1,058 2018-01-31 10:28:38
Re: Tuesday's Flying Fingers (474 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Glad you liked it, TIG ... it's hard to tell where the line between guitar and piano is.
1,059 2018-01-30 11:17:10
Re: Tuesday's Flying Fingers (474 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Greg Howard "Walking on the Moon" (by Sting)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSH03OfRckI
The Chapman stick typically has 10-strings, as opposed to the 12-string version being played here. There are two separate pickups on either side of the string bank, so that effects can be run through one side, while maintaining a clean tone on the other. Greg has a nice touch here, with nice rhythms along with the song.
1,060 2018-01-30 11:07:38
Re: friday's blues fix (1,560 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
That was awesome, Badeye ... really gets a person stomping the floorboards.
1,061 2018-01-30 11:05:48
Re: The Solo (8 replies, posted in Poems)
Loved it ... and the twist at the end is cool. I had a dream once about getting a shutout (former hockey goal tender) in a tournament winning game. It was so vivid, I woke up looking around the room for the MVP trophy I was awarded. 
1,062 2018-01-30 11:02:51
Re: Let it be goodbye (5 replies, posted in Songwriting)
Nicely done, CTECH ... you've been very prolific lately, with a lot of excellent work. Thanks for sharing this with us!
1,063 2018-01-25 10:21:57
Topic: How Do We choose a Guitar? (9 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
After our previous discussion, I got to thinking about what things are important to us when we choose to buy a guitar. We all have our own checklists, but it would be interesting to know how we prioritize these considerations before we buy. Here's my own priority list:
1) Appearance
If a guitar is ugly, I won't even pick it up. This is purely personal / subjective, but it does matter.
2) Price
If I have a $$ ceiling in mind, I'll rarely look at instruments above it.
3) Construction
Before I even strum or plug in a guitar, I give it the ol' "once over" to make sure it's sound, or at least fixable.
4 / 5) Sound
Then it has to have the voice I want. Many guitars will reveal themselves in the first 1 minute, and they go right back on the rack if I don't like how they sound.
5 / 4) Fit & Feel
It has to fit my body, my hands, etc. Customized ergonomics are expensive, so buying from production models of guitars requires a lot of attention at this stage. If the neck is too narrow, or it's neck heavy, back on the rack it goes.
6) Features
Most guitars are quite similar, but among electrics there are things like the pickup type, switch placement, coil splitting, tremolo, etc. that will often set one apart from another. Fortunately, a guitar that checks the above boxes can usually be modded if a desired feature is missing.
7) Brand
This really doesn't matter much to me. Just because a guitar is a "big brand" (i.e., expensive marketing campaigns and reputation) doesn't mean I can't make up my own mind.
8) Collectible
Not a factor with me personally, although many love to collect guitars with a story to tell.
What about you? What are the important things you go through before making an instrument purchase?
1,064 2018-01-24 23:33:58
Re: Musicians we lost (2017) (6 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Lots of greats in that vid, Neo ... thanks so much. Makes a person feel their age, doesn't it?
1,065 2018-01-24 23:27:32
Topic: Rush is Done (3 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
I just found out that the band "Rush" has called it a career. In a Globe & Mail interview, guitarist Alex Lifeson confirmed that Rush will do no more tours, has not written or recorded any new material, and has no plans to do so. Here's one article about it from"Ultimate Classic Rock":
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/alex-lif … ally-done/
Although this is very sad news, a 41-year career is an amazing feat, and all things must eventually come to an end. With plenty of YouTube concert footage to watch for years to come, all I can say is "Thank-you - Alex, Geddy, and Neil - for your monumental contribution to music fans everywhere!"
1,066 2018-01-24 10:54:55
Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays (580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Yes "Mind Drive" Lugano, 2004
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLLAJnmSfUY
This version of YES (Howe / White / Anderson / Squire / Wakeman) as always been my favorite. Their other lineups have had great musicians, but none of them seemed able to create the instinctive cohesion of this group. The driving intro is followed by some beautiful acoustic mid section, and returns to the aggressive opening theme as it closes. Steve Howe's guitar work really shines here. "Mind Drive is from their 2-disk 1997 album "keys to Ascension" ... enjoy.
1,067 2018-01-23 01:54:58
Re: Tuesday's Flying Fingers (474 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Don Ross & Calum Graham "It Is What It Is" (original by Graham)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSQ-VtqNXsk
A couple of Canadian lads showing their chops ... fun to watch & listen to!
1,068 2018-01-22 12:58:24
Re: Take My Photo Reporter. (9 replies, posted in Poems)
Another beauty, Peatle ... thanks for this!
It's winter here in Canada, so we'd gladly take some of your excess warmth. 
Our politicians here usually introduce their most painful legislation in the summer, when no one's paying attention. Over the last 30 years, we have built one of the most broken forms of democracy (IMHO) on the planet.
1,069 2018-01-22 12:53:49
Re: Sheriff Of Lonesome (5 replies, posted in Poems)
That's a nice "slice of life" story, EB ...
Events are one thing; but how they affect the thoughts and feelings of the people involved is always the real story, and you've told it very well.
1,070 2018-01-20 11:11:12
Re: How Many Guitars Do You Really Need? (31 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
joeyjoeyjoey wrote:
Just one more is too many and a hundred isn`t enough. Lol.
That's a real beauty, JJJ ... gotta be a poem / song written around that one. With your permission, I'll see what I can come up with.
Great stories, everyone!
1,071 2018-01-20 11:08:42
Re: Jesus Is My Hero (18 replies, posted in Songwriting)
Phill Williams wrote:
Out of 9 new posts this morning, this is the only one that's not spam
That really sucks, Phill ... so sorry that you terrific Moderators have to deal with this junk everyday. But for what it's worth, it is greatlyappreciated by all of us. You are right on top of this stuff daily, and that's no small commitment. Thanks again!
1,072 2018-01-20 11:04:33
Re: friday's blues fix (1,560 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Exactly what TIG said ... that's some smooth soul, right there. I always enjoy your weekly, Badeye, even if I don't always comment.
1,073 2018-01-17 10:54:28
Topic: How Many Guitars Do You Really Need? (31 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
There's an interesting article in this month's "Guitar Play" magazine about this subject:
https://www.guitarplayer.com/technique/ … eally-need
Many of us have (admittedly) more than we need, but there is always that compulsion to try something else, whether it for the sound, the looks, or just 'cuz we gotta have it. Yes' guitarist Steve Howe is said to have over 200 in his private collection, 125 of which are discussed in his 1993 book.
So ... why do we amass / collect / hoarde guitars?
1,074 2018-01-17 10:44:52
Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays (580 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Glass Hammer "Hyperbole" Veruno, Italy, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdlFSrfChvI
So how does a group from Chattanooga, Tennessee make to the stage of the Veruna Prog Festival? Play incredible music like this, that's how. Founded in 1992 by bassist Steve Babb and keyboardist Fred Schendel, the current lineup for the past 10 years or so has also featured guitarist Kamran Shikoh and singer Susie Bogdanowicz, along with drummer Aaron Raulston. They even had Jon Davison as lead vocalist (2009 - 20014) until he left to join YES, recruited by the late Chris Squire. With 14 studio albums to date, 3 live albums, and 4 live DVDs, they've clearly made a place for themselves amongst the greats of the prog genre. Don't know why they chose this name, but it works:
1,075 2018-01-17 10:33:05
Re: Does Anyone On Here Make Their Own Guitars. (10 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Lots of mods and "Frankensteins" over the years, but nothing built from scratch ... yet! 