Dear KAHUNA
I went visiting the Gibson plant in MEMPHIS, TN. You pay 10$ and a limited group up to 10 people, can go inside. I had some luck, we were 5 to see the "making of.."
This was a real "highlight" to see the people working, starting with wood, cutting it, adding lacquer, just like they do if they need to repair and repaint. I know nothing about how other brands are made, but there I started to understand why Gibson is more expensive.
- US workers = a pretty high salary compared to those who make Epiphones. They are used to see visitors, but Jesus, the people working there do it with happiness and they have to be very careful, patient, each person has his/her duty. When they worked very good, they get each year a brandnew GIBSON hollow or semi-hollow guitar. They produce the Gibson 335, the BB King Lucille serie, and this is really sad: a few people, probably very skilled guitar players, perform the ultimate test: sound, testing pick-ups, mainly play this Gibson 335. ON 10 GUITARS PRODUCED, BEFORE THEY ARE SHIPPED, 7 PASS THE TEST, THE OTHER 3 BEEN DESTROYED.
That is for me an unanswered question, if 70% pass the test, the price will raise too. So about the GIBSON ES 335 ==> LACQUER + 70%+US salaries explains us why they are so expensive.
Isn't there a solution, in stead of destroying these 30%, because of a visible fingerprint, or a little scratch, to bring them on the market as a GIBSON 336, 50% cheaper?
1,351 2008-01-29 09:40:16
Re: TYPICAL JAZZ AND BLUES GUITARS: THE BEST BRAND? (4 replies, posted in Electric)
1,352 2008-01-28 15:52:33
Re: American Strat or Mexican Strat? (35 replies, posted in Electric)
In the MUSIC STORE they will tell you in 90% of the stores that an AMERICAN FENDER IS BETTER.
About the end of the production line: I've been in the GIBSON plant in MEMPHIS, a few skilled guitar players perform the ultimate test: playing every guitar of the production line. I suppose this happens to Fender too.
- Mexicans are cheaper workers AND THIS IS WHAT I NOTICE MOST IN THE ETERNAL RECURRING QUESTION ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE.
WOULD ANYBODY DISCUSS ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE IF A MEXICAN STRAT SHOULD BE MADE BY US CITIZENS WITH AN US SALARY, I don't think so. The price will go up with 200-300$.
- There is a difference between a stratocaster MIM and a Stratocaster MIM, just like in the USA.
A lot of people won't her much difference between a top Mexican Fender and a regular US Fender. Wherever you go to find a difference, you will find different opinions. ADVISE: go and look the reviews on www.musiciansfriend.com or www.zzounds.com
Some custom made fenders are made in Mexico.
ABOUT THE SINGLE COILS: I found Mexican fenders with the same coils as in an American Fender.
US Fender coils: magnetic poled alnico magnets (a mix of Aluminum, Nickel and Cobalt,)
TO SEE BOTH FENDERS NEXT TO EACH OTHER (US VERSUS MEXICO) here is a link
www.bothner.co.za/products/fender/mexvsus.shtml
There are too much Fenders, but on that site they compare very well the 2 Fenders
1,353 2008-01-28 15:02:24
Topic: STATISTICS: RANKING GUITARS (1 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
I believe this is new. It is maybe similar to other topics like what brand of guitar you play.
This topic is more about STATISTICS AND %%
You pick-up your guitar, and write the score you think she's worth to have. Both ACOUSTIC and ELECTRIC.
My ranking:
ELECTRIC:
- PRS = 100%
- FENDER = 90%-
- GIBSON, depending on type of guitar = 75%
ACOUSTIC:
- MARTIN = 100%, for every model.
- GIBSON = 80%, (with 100% for my GIBSON SJ-200 MONTANA GOLD.)
THAT'S ALL
You may add comment, but it's not necessary.
1,354 2008-01-28 08:09:28
Re: New site (7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
What is the purpose? Nice site by the way. I should be interesting if we have a "parallel site" where OUR songs can be posted in mp3.
Is there a problem you noticed here? We have TWELVE (12) different topics, like ABOUT CHORDIE, GUITARS AND ACCESSORIES, BANDS, GUITARS, SONGWRITING, CHAT CORNER.
Is there something you loved to see, or add?
1,355 2008-01-28 07:45:32
Topic: AMATEUR, SEMI-PROFESSIONAL, PROFESSIONAL : GIGS & CHURCH (1 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
How many of us started as amateurs and became semi-professional or even professional.
- How many of you performed already, for family, friends or in a bar?
- I read a lot about playing in CHURCH, my point is: can we compare it with a GIG with audience?
WHAT GUITAR IS USED IN CHURCH: AN ELECTRIC, an ACOUSTIC, OR ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC?
Here we don't have "playing in church"
- AN AMATEUR CAN BE REAL GOOD, AND IS NOT ASHAMED TO PLAY IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE.
- AN AMATEUR: A LOT OF PLAYERS PLAY IN A BAND, AND KEEP IT AS HOBBY, REHEARSALS.
- STREET BUSKING, anyone?
- SEMI-PROFESSIONAL = EARNING MONEY TO PERFORM, but you can't make it a living.
- PROFESSIONAL = EARNING MONEY TO PERFORM & ABLE TO LIVE BY PERFORMING.
HOW MUCH MONEY GET'S A BAND, "MORE" THAN AMATEUR, PLAYING A FEW DAYS A MONTH?
I think I posted something similar, this topic is just as I like.
It would be so nice to see or know what level you are in.
1,356 2008-01-28 07:20:55
Re: GUITAR BODY SHAPE (13 replies, posted in Acoustic)
KEN, let's grab our stuff and we will live in a cave. I slept in a cave, I believe in 1974. They issued train tickets, priced $100, and you could go where ever you want, even to MOROCCO. There was a rule: 1 departure in ONE station, so going somewhere, returning to the train station in Brussels for some days, leaving again was not possible. I went with a friend to Greece, and Crete, (your on the road for at least 24-36 hours). In CRETE, in a place called MATALA .
During the 70's the caves were hosting an international hippie community. That was a cultural shock for the local community, which had met no tourists before the hippies arrived. Also
Great musicians like Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell have been here for some time composing beautiful songs about the beauty of the bay of Matala.. When I went there, the hippies started to move, and because of almost no tourists, that cave was great. 2 years later, they closed the the caves.
About cave men, a woman has a lot more difficulties to orientate than a man: CAUSED by a kind of compass in a men's head, because they left for hunting and it take weeks before they returned. A MAJORITY was playing guitar.
1,357 2008-01-28 06:58:38
Re: WHY HAS A GUITAR 6 STRINGS (7 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I knew about Roger(Byrd)Mcguinn. I 've played on this, it is DAMNED GOOD GUITAR!!. It's so strange to hear the major chord, and the g-chord sounds "delicious." Strumming here, that 7th string add something "extra" difficult to understand.
THE FAMOUS DJANGHO REINHARD: Born in BELGIUM, spent most of his youth in gypsy encampments. In a fire: fourth and fifth fingers of his left hand were badly burnt.
Django created a whole new fingering system built around the two fingers on his left hand that had full mobility.
His fourth and fifth digits of the left hand were permanently curled towards the palm due to the tendons shrinking from the heat He could use them on the first two strings of the guitar for chords and octaves but complete extension of these fingers was imp% believes that he had only 3 fingers+amputation NOT TRUE. His soloing was all done with the index and middle fingers! Isn't this an amazing story?
1,358 2008-01-27 11:33:47
Re: Epiphone or Squirer (20 replies, posted in Electric)
YES que522, that is a big problem, buying guitars. I am blessed, having a quit pretty collection.
I have 1 Epiphone Sheraton, sound is amazing.
I had a lo of discussions about EPIPHONE and US FENDER, MEXICAN FENDER AND SQUIER.
When reading your $500-$600 budget, there are GIBSONS like Gibson SG Special Faded Electric Guitar, price $579 and high rated by customers. Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, 2 SINGLE COILS price $379.
I played a few months ago on an Epihone SG special and an Epiphone G310 SG, 50$ more.
The sound coming from the SG special, $140, was better than the other SG's.
About FENDER: if you plug in the 3 different types, and you play loud, using some great built-in effects in your spider amp, I think you will hear a difference between a Squier and a US Fender, but between a Mexican and an US Fender, I don't know.
Since I have a lot of time, I'll look on the web, and post a few decent, very good Guitars (EPI, FENDER, GIBSON)
1,359 2008-01-27 11:09:22
Topic: ABOUT GUITAR PLAYERS (6 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Isn't it a little bit confusing and difficult to pin point a guitar player in a certain category.
- WHAT DO WE MEAN, TALKING ABOUT A RHYTHM GUITARIST?
- WHAT DO WE MEAN, TALKING ABOUT A SOLO GUITARIST?
- WHAT DO WE MEAN, TALKING ABOUT A LEAD GUITARIST?
In a lot of bands, you can hear (sometimes really on the background) a rhythm guitarist, just strumming chords. CCR is a good example. I have two live albums, one with TOM, and another without:
- THE CONCERT: the 4 members with Tom on Rhythm guitar
- LIVE IN EUROPE: 3 members, so NO TOM
The point is, if you listen to "THE CONCERT" you hear Tom, "strumming" NO riff, NO lick, he's just a part of the rhythm section, providing an almost silent extra sound.
- LEAD GUITAR: What is in fact the difference with Solo guitar?
In which category do you belong? When I play, I play probably rhythm guitar, but using licks and riffs, and "mini solos" IS THIS STILL RHYTHM? or "LEAD" playing this style, trying to play in a MELODIC way, so people recognise the song.
- SOLO GUITAR? my opinion, or image is a guitar player like HENDRIX, CLAPTON, LED ZEPPELIN (JIMMY PAGE) Paul Jones had maybe more talent, he could play a lot of instruments, and his share is UNDERESTIMATED.
AMAZING TOO: The sound produced by a band with only 3 members, like CREAM, JIMI HENDRIX.
WHAT CAN WE UNDERSTAND STARTING FROM RHYTHM GUITAR TO SOLO?
1,360 2008-01-27 10:20:01
Re: SINGERS AND VOICES (6 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
mixter, what you write is true. I first added "opera voices," changed my mind and wrote my opinion. You can hate him, you can love him, but our AXL ROSE has a very powerful voice range, Ian GILLAN the man who is for me the motor for the success of the song "Child in Time", or should I say child in timeless.
My personal opinion is that these voices are impressive both having a real great range.
WHO CAN SING CHILD IN TIME LIKE HE DID?
1,361 2008-01-27 10:02:43
Topic: WHY HAS A GUITAR 6 STRINGS (7 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Again a strange topic. Why has an acoustic guitar 6 strings?
- 12 strings no problem.
I noticed here on chordie the name of a guy named "seasick steve"who plays a guitar with 3 strings. I've downloaded some songs LEGAL!!, I paid for it and have an amazing song collection like the The Billboard Top 100. THESE SERIES ARE A REAL REVELATION, about 4000 songs, and 50% of the songs, bands or performers, I never heard of them, like Tommy James and the Shondells: 1 song CRIMSON AN CLOVER. This guy had to be quit popular. I met his name at least 8 times.
BACK TO THE STRINGS
- Some Electric guitars have 7 strings, used probably to play solo like Satriani and VAI, playing on an IBANEZ, I was even more surprised seeing this: an ESP FM408 LTD 8 String Electric Guitar.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE, BETTER, EXCEPT FOR PLAYING SOLOS WHAT IS THE RESULT STRUMMING The tuning and strings on a 7 String Rock are B E A D G B E.
On an 8 string Standard : F# B E A D G B E. This belongs more in the electric forum, BUT IS THERE A FELLOW CHORDIAN WHO TRIED A 7 OR 8 STRING GUITAR?
- ACOUSTIC: the world famous 6 string acoustic guitars.
- ACOUSTIC: the world famous 12 string guitars
- ACOUSTIC: HD-7 Roger McGuinn Signature Model, has 7 strings. Is the 7th string also an E?, like a 12-string acoustic, with 6 regular strings and an extra little E, to create a typical sound?
BECAUSE I ONLY FOUND THE MARTIN HD-7, I LOVED TO KNOW HOW YOU PLAY AN 8 STRING ELECTRIC. ARE THERE CHORDIANS WHO PLAYED SUCH A GUITAR?
1,362 2008-01-27 08:43:59
Topic: MUSIC STYLES (13 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Again some questions.
- How many different styles are there in USA music.
A lot of artists who are HUGE in the USA are unknown here in BELGIUM.
- Do we have a popular OWN music style? yes, but I can't explain. We have DUTCH songs and FRENCH songs.
Our country is weird and quit exceptional. FLANDRES and WALLONIA, add our capital BRUSSELS, and German speaking people in the east of Belgium. We have 6 different governments, resulting in 49 "MINISTERS" and 9 "secretaries of state"(similar to minister, but less powerful.
- Do the "native" Americans have their own style? Or did it disappear?
- A completely different point: Some "Afro-american" stars are in fact NOT AT ALL real afro-americans.
Take HALE BERRY shouting when she received an Oscar, that this was a victory for "Afro-Americans" (but she's only 50% afro-american). Also in politics, can we say that he is a real black afro-american?
I don't understand at all why they claim to be a "real afro-american" with a very clear "light or whiter" skin?
- This topic started with music categories, but while surfing I found this, and being an European, this phenomenon looks strange.
- WHO, WHYT and WHAT? is the reason?
1,363 2008-01-26 11:36:01
Re: GUITAR BODY SHAPE (13 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Alvee, glad to see that I'm not the only one. About electric guitars, it is like "normal" the different shapes, sometimes really extreme, but we don't discuss about that. The question about the guitar shape of an acoustic, is quit interesting as is the "woman"shape too. I know that in the acoustic department of a guitar store, that I saw a YAMAHA, as ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC.
I'd love to know what is most important: an electro-acoustic, you can really use as an acoustic at home, without an amp. My Martin D-1 is el-ac and plays as loud as the others. Ovation: lf played without amp, very different.
My guess about the acoustic shape is physica, you can determine sound waves, a sound spectrum, and about a square box body, it is a lot easier to make I think. WHERE ARE THE SCIENTISTS HERE? It is so normal the actual shape and because of this there has to be a reason.
1,364 2008-01-26 08:40:45
Topic: GUITAR BODY SHAPE (13 replies, posted in Acoustic)
We all are familiar with the GUITAR BODY since decades
There is an amazing resemblance compared to a WOMAN'S BODY, but this is probably a coincidence.
In analogy with the Electric Guitar, having normal to weird shapes, the acoustic guitar didn't change a lot.
- What is the purpose, the benefit of the ACTUAL guitar shape?
Is the "classic guitar body" (I use here very good wood) made in that particular shape to have an optimal sound, created by that typical shape?
I know that the wood used for the top is responsible for generating sound waves, also the sides and back, but compared to the top how important are they.
I tried to find since long information, and the only conclusion I have is almost PHYSICA: sound waves, air compression....
- What result would we see if an acoustic guitar, made of the finest and best woods, is a square box, or has a square shape? What about the sound coming out of that squared box shaped guitar?
SINCE A FEW MONTHS I TRY TO FIND DECENT INFORMATION, BUT I JUST GOT IT IN ELECTRIC GUITARS, the "BO DIDLEY" square body.
1,365 2008-01-26 07:10:12
Re: The exit of the beep song (13 replies, posted in Songwriting)
THIS IS INDEED REAL POSITIVE.
I had posted yesterday A SILLY SONG, BOOM BABY BOOM, and I deleted.
REASON: TO DO WHAT YOU SUGGEST.
I have to make my phrases shorter, and paying more attention on the structure of a song.
BABY will return!!!!!!! IMPROVED.
This was my big problem (was, is and will be).
I am CURSED with a NEVER RESTING BRAIN, this was responsible for my "Life at Med School, I started to study VERY late. The biggest problem is still present, doing 4 things together, I wrote some days 3 different songs at the same time and writing VERY LONG topics, mails..
I LIKE ATTENTION, (I'M NOT SELFISH) I WANT TO BE LOVED BY EVERYONE, resulting in problems. HOW TO STOP MY BRAIN???
1,366 2008-01-25 11:14:19
Topic: I'll be back someday (1 replies, posted in Songwriting)
I’LL BE BACK SOMEDAY
I’ll be back somedaygitaardocphil
1,367 2008-01-25 08:35:02
Re: THE ROCKDOC (4 replies, posted in Songwriting)
THIS Big BRO, are the chord sequences I always use. Don't have a clue why I forgot to place them at the end of a line. Probably because it took me 10 minutes, and sitting in a "bad" position. It had to be posted fast.
I am glad you noticed it.
About the lyrics, I played this song more instrumental with lalala lyrics.
When I wrote the lyrics yesterday, I used "instant" words, it took me 10 minutes to write down the words and the proper chords.
1,368 2008-01-25 08:25:34
Re: THE ROCKDOC (4 replies, posted in Songwriting)
You are 100% correct BRO, but even worse is the fact that this "tune" is one of my better melodies and there I use ALWAYS a G, in the chord sequence. It was a "quicky, instant song" with on the second line, in fact all the lines a G to end
the rock docgitaardocphil
1,369 2008-01-25 08:15:11
Topic: ABOUT GUITAR LESSONS (2 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
We discussed already if it is useful to follow lessons to improve your guitar play.
Now, I always forgot to ask this, you see a lot of sites where they promess you to become a guitar "god or heroe" in 1 month.
- YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND CUSTOMERS OPINIONS, who are always so POSITIVE.
- IS "TO PLAY AS A PROFESSIONAL" Bullsh** or not.
- IS THIS AN ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE VERSUS A REAL HUMAN BEING WHO GIVES GUITAR CLASSES?
Please, I would really appreciate your opinion, because of my physical condition.
1,370 2008-01-25 08:04:59
Topic: YOUTUBE AND MYSPACE (2 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Only a couple of months ago I discovered these sites thanks to a few "chordians" who referred to these 2 sites.
Isn't it amazing? You can find almost everything.
- If you want a certain guitar brand ===> you can see and listen to that guitar sound.
OF COURSE, it is better to hear it in a guitar store.
- PRO = you are able to listen to an Epihone, Gibson, Fender, and other brands, even learn "how to play a certain song, some guys explain it real good. Search, look and hear how to play the WORLD FAMOUS intro: SWEET HOME ALABAMA. Only one remark: even Lynard Skynard or Lynyrd Skynyrd (WHAT IS THE REAL NAME?) play that intro different on stage. There is a dude explaining it very detailed.
- CON = it's not at all the "real" thing, talking about the sound of a guitar.
so:
- PRO: ability to hear different guitar brands + tutorial info about "how to play that song"
- CON: As told, an Epiphone on youtube sounds different in a music store, but again a PRO it gives you already an idea of the sound.
IT IS UNBELIEVABLE INDEED "THE POSSIBILITY" TO LISTEN AND TO SEE ALMOST EVERYTHING.
I use quit often these sites, TO HEAR FELLOW CHORDIANS. I RESPECT AND ADMIRE YOU ALL, FROM OUR YOUNG CHORDIANS TO THE OLDER CHORDIANS.
Q: is there a specific site, for us chordians to show our songs???
1,371 2008-01-25 07:18:53
Re: BAND OR PERFORMERS YOU AVOID THEM & YOU WILL NEVER BUY A RECORD (2 replies, posted in Bands and artists)
Hello Siege, this is a quit difficult topic, but you will find at least a performer or band you really don't like.
THIS CAN'T BE DIFFICULT!!
I WILL NEVER GO TO A CONCERT, OR BUY ANY RECORD FROM BANDS LIKE
- SEPULTURA: I really don't like the way they sing. I love hardrock and metal, but DID YOU HEAR THE VOICE? He sings as if he's FARTING through his mouth. DEEP, GRMBRMBR.
- R&B singers: I turn my radio out in a blink if I hear WHITNEY HOUSTON, MARIAH CAREY. They are (maybe) blessed with great voices, but I DON'T LIKE AT ALL the way they perform, an annoying vibrato, in stead sing HOW, they sing HOWOWOHOWOHOHOOOW, going with their voices from high to low and back. THEY DON'T SING FROM THEIR HEART, JUST TECHNICS AND MORE TECHNICS.
Compare the song WHITOUT YOU = HARRY NILSSON versus MARIAH CAREY, and you will see what I mean.
YOU SHOULD ALL WATCH THIS: IT IS IN ONE OF THE "IDOL" editions
tv.jubii.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftvVZ.html
1,372 2008-01-25 06:27:13
Re: ?????? !!!!!!!!!!! ?????????? (8 replies, posted in Electric)
Thanks for all this information.
Jerome wrote something about "FLOATING"??
The 2 Gibson's (from the 7) are
- Gibson Flying V : THIS SHOULD BE THE WET DREAM FOR THE HARD ROCKERS. see coils.
- Gibson SG menace.
Both have cover, and when you touch them, they move.
These guitars like a GIBSON FLYING V is "cheap" compared to a lot of other guitars BUT IT STILL COST YOU: 699$, same for a Gibson SG (a faded standard)
1,373 2008-01-25 06:14:43
Re: THE ROCKDOC (4 replies, posted in Songwriting)
ROG, BIG BRO, you are write, I play this sequence A LOOOOOT.
I believe that you can find back in Imagine, and ALL TIME FAVOURITE LYRICS.
examplexxx
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN WRITE ONE "EXISTING PHRASE?
Just ment to show how great changes C chord to he E7 chord are
1,374 2008-01-24 18:37:48
Topic: THE ROCKDOC (4 replies, posted in Songwriting)
JUST PLAYED SOME CHORDS + STUPID LYRICS
THE ROCKDOC
therockdoc gitaardocphil
1,375 2008-01-23 12:43:03
Re: The exit of the beep song (13 replies, posted in Songwriting)
THE GREAT COMEBACK OF THE BEEP SONG