1,601 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Hello again John,

  Thanks as well for these additional links.  Rarely are you talking to yourself here on Chordie... it is just that not always do folks feel inclined to respond, bit shy about some things.

  The TAB vs. Notation debate can be a hot topic in some circles.  But I tend to liken it to this older lady-friend of my aged Mother, who is semi-fluent in something like 9 languages.  I asked her once what ever possessed her to learn so many.  Her response was
"You learn what you need".  There is a certain truth in there somewhere.... I learned Notation because there was a piece of music that I wanted to be able to play, and there was no other written source of reference for it.  Learned TAB for the same reason, and Nashville Number System, and I'm sure that if a piece of music interested me from somewhere like the Steppes of Northern Mongolia.... I would make effort to decipher mare's blood etchings on the back of a dried goatskin.

  Music knows no boundaries, is criticized by un-learned ears, and is limited only by one's imagination.  Any effort to share music in a permanent medium, should be applauded and appreciated.  Just my viewpoint.

  WE are Always in support of "Open Source" Software around these parts.

Hope you got a chuckle in there somewhere as well.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,602 Reply by Doug_Smith

(29 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Aww Man.... you would complain about being hung with a new rope wouldn't ya?  Just kidding!  Really!

  I know what you are driving at though.  I think part of it is the music we were growing up with.... tunes that are really familiar are seemingly not so bad, while others darn near insurmountable.  Been playing a few more years than you and frankly just can't seem to get a handle on Nirvana's Teen spirit.  But early stones and zeppelin stuff no sweat.  CCR same story.  Hang in there though and if you aren't finding stuff in other's books that you want to learn, gather up a bunch of stuff that you like.  One thing that I always try to do is find tunes that have chords and patterns that are unfamiliar and work through them to learn new fingerings and strum patterns to incorporate into stuff that I already know pretty well.  Kind of like "bluegrassing" a rock ballad, or "Rockin" a classic.


  Always learning something new around here, really keeps me coming back over and over.  Have fun and keep rockin' yerself!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,603 Reply by Doug_Smith

(17 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi Everyone,

  Not to "muddy the waters" here, but it comes to me that it might be easier to install a link in the membership sign in page (for first time new members) that would automatically take you to a page of "guidelines to get the most out of Chordie" in which all the hints about reading stickys and finding your way around the resources available might be placed.

Just a thought...

Thanks for your time and
Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,604 Reply by Doug_Smith

(2 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Hi Shady,

  Without knowing the tuning it would be hard to translate into guitar, although you should be able to get close with a capo.  Did you notice if it was a three course or four course Bouzouki ( three pairs or four pairs of strings)?  Common European tuning on three course instruments is D A D, with the lowest D pair an octave apart, the rest tuned in unison as pairs.  Irish tuning can vary, and like the guitar, alternate tunings are often used.

  When in doubt, tune down and capo up.... saves strings and eyeballs!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Other string instruments

1,605 Reply by Doug_Smith

(2 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Isn't that one of those Puerto Rican/South American creations?

  Seems I ran into an article about Cuatro Guitarras.... If I remember correctly, tuning is D G B E but with pairs of strings similar to our 12 string Guitar.  More like a Lute.

  Seems interesting and worth a little research.  Keep us updated about your progress Jjedju, always curious about new things.
Welcome to your first posting by the way!  Nice hearing from you.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Other string instruments

1,606 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Hey I still got kids at home man!

  Praise God School Starts Next Week! 
  Summer seems waaaay too long to me.... looking forward to having just the family around instead of half the neighborhood wandering in and out.  Will gladly pass up a few nice days for a few of peace and quiet for a change of pace.

  But then again, it just could be that my "inner Geeezer" is showing.  LOL

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,607 Reply by Doug_Smith

(10 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi Zurf,  I'm surprised that Russell hasn't chimed in on this thread yet....

  If he had, I know that he would recommend a Shur SM57 for the guitar, and SM58 for vocals.  The 57 is highly directional and really designed for getting the best sound out of instruments and the 58 is cartoid pattern that has a good cone of sensitivity for vocalists that tend to move around the stand a bit.  Personally I like the MXL 990 also for most things, but find it a bit too much for a loud environment as it really finds small sounds from really far away and that can detract from what you intended to record or project.  Optimally a piezoelectric pickup on the guitar works best and can be bought for around $150 installed.  Some have pre-amps and some are passive.  Passive units do not require a battery so that means one less thing to try to stuff into the body and worry about having banging around in there.  Put a passive in a friend's Taylor, and it really performs well without having to be concerned about having the thing drop out because of a low battery.

Just trying to confuse things a little for ya there buddy! LOL

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,608 Reply by Doug_Smith

(12 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Good for you Craig!

  Yeah, been there too.... Like they say a little knowledge is dangerous in the wrong hands, but in the right ones it is magic!  Been doing my own setups for years, and although it might take me all afternoon to get things exactly where I want them... they are exactly where I want them not the way the guy at the store likes them.  Saves a few bucks along the way, and early in I wound up re-doing (or rather un-doing), but learned much in the process.  A little research, a little planning, a few tools and a little time invested makes the final results very satisfying.

  Take Care;
  Doug

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,609 Reply by Doug_Smith

(10 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi Northerndownpour and Welcome aboard!

  Good advise here....  public books are a great place to start looking.  You might want to peruse the other topics as well, many posters that are actively gigging (Southpaw41L especially) will include a list of the tunes that went over particularly well at their venues.  You might glean some titles that not only are popular with audiences, but are recognizable to a wide range of tastes and get some ideas.

  Visit Chordie often, there are a lot of good folks here to encourage you on your journey.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,610 Reply by Doug_Smith

(12 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Hi Craig,

  Been away for a few days but wanted to get back to you on this.  It sounds like you have the skill set to be up to doing these kinds of things yourself.  A couple of essential tools, patience and a good eye for detail is the main requirement.  There are a few videos on Youtube that can give you an idea of the process, so if you've the inclination and time to do it right, the results can be rewarding not only from the monetary savings, but from knowing that you didn't toss out funds to have it done "half-fast".  I've found some good references in my local library on the art of Lutherie, done a bit of my own repairs and some for others, but even through that, there are some interesting aspects to instrument design, woods, finishes and repairs.... well worth the time reading.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,611 Reply by Doug_Smith

(2 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi Riffmaster87 & Dave9715, Welcome to Chordie!

  If you look around the forum a little bit I think you will find another thread with the same subject covered, but you are also going to get that old adage about practice.  There are no real shortcuts in Guitar, there are variations in chord fingering, barres, power chords (which I don't think exactly qualify as chords because they are not triads), but no replacement for good practice.  By now you are well into open chords in the first position I'm sure, and the best practice is just to find pairs of chords that go together in the music you are learning and repeat those changes over an over until you either get sick of hearing yourself or you have them going really smooth.  Use proper posture and use proper fingering, take lots of short breaks so you don't cramp up or strain anything and it will come.

  Naturally you should visit Chordie often and ask questions as there are a whole bunch of helpful folks around here, that even though we can't grow calluses, or stop your fingers from hurting, we will be supportive of your efforts and applaud your progress.

  Welcome aboard and remember that everyone here has gone through exactly what you are experiencing.
Enjoy yourself and keep playing music... it just gets better and better!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,612 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Happy Anniversary You Two!

  You been together for 9 years and that is a long "test drive", but when you decided to "make it official" I'm sure that there were no doubts that it was a good decision.  Me and mine are on our way to thirty.... but been soul-mates for 36.  Ups and downs for sure, but like wine gets better with each passing year.

  Many more of them for you both!

Take Care, and Take Care of each other!
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,613 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

WE Gotta hand it to the WHO....  everyone is in a fit about the next round of flu!

  I remember when the first Swine Flu came through back around 1975.  There was a vaccine being tried out to prevent an outbreak as I recall and all us Marines were lined up on a Friday to get our shots of "experimental" anti-flu stuff (then you were allowed to pick up your paychecks).

  The vaccine was 90% effective!..... at giving people the flu!  I was one of those spared the worst of the symptoms, but spent my weekend giving aid and cleaning up after those that were less fortunate.  Thought we were in the middle of a "secret weapon development project", just never could get everyone to projectile puke at the same time.  I doubt that there were 50 out of 6 thousand of us that were fit for duty.

  Good luck everyone and take the usual precautions, eat healthy, get lots of rest and fresh air, avoid crowds and take good care of yourselves if the bug bites.

Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,614 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Hi Johncross21,

  Thanks for the info.  I have Powertab editor, and have used it in the past (although it has been awhile), seems like the other features you mentioned were not available when I installed my version.... so the updated info is welcome.

  I'm not that much into Tabs myself preferring standard notation for most everything, but there was a time when I used tab a bit to write my work down so I wouldn't forget what it was I had just done.  Come to think of it I wasn't reading notes well then either, and although my sight reading is still not as fast as I'd like, it is nice to have the tempo and other stuff like rests and note duration that you don't get with Tab.

  There are lots of Chordians out there that do rely heavily on Tab though, and Powertab was a good application, and best of all the right price!

Thanks again and
Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,615 Reply by Doug_Smith

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hey Detman,

  Nice start there!  I listened to both versions and for some reason I could hear brushes tapping on a hi-hat in there, and a bass, and a bit of a turnaround with a sax echoing the lead lines.... but then it could just be the drugs.  LOL

Keep going! only about 4 minutes away from a hit single.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,616 Reply by Doug_Smith

(3 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi Lino, and Welcome to Chordie!

  If you have been hanging around here awhile you already know that this is the largest guitar site on the planet, and a good place to come to for all your musical questions.  Wish I had a good answer for you at this time, but I'm sure that another Chordian will chime in shortly with some kind of recommendation.  I'm a little puzzled about what a beatbox is?  I'm picturing something like a drum synthesizer similar to the Aleysis, but am unsure.

  Most times when I hear requests for music recommendations I tend to suggest trying what ever tunes you personally like as tastes vary from place to place and generation to generation.  Whatever you choose to try doesn't have to sound exactly like the recordings, as it is something special to sit down and make music fit your mood and interpretation.... especially when it is with one of your children.

Again Welcome to Chordie! and have fun you two!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,617 Reply by Doug_Smith

(12 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Hi Craig23,

  You likely have the right idea with the toolmaker's concept, however in the arsenal of lutherie there is this neat little tool called a fret dressing tool.  Think like a concave fine file that is used to shape the profile of the tops of the fret wires to a uniform rounded shape.
  I've seen them in various "grits" right down to diamond impregnated to essentially polish out rough places that may have been a result of hammering or pressing the wires into their grooves.  You  could gently buff out those rough spots with a very fine emery, but stand a good chance of flattening out the crown of the wire.  Masking would be recommended in any case and a bit of rubbing alcohol will remove any glue residue, and then a light application of lemon or orange oil to replace oils removed from the wood while cleaning.
  If you are up to doing the job yourself, you can order tools from Stewmac.com  but you might be better to just have it done as you will have to recheck and dress any frets that are proud during the process and then readjust the neck to compensate for any loss of height you may have reduced by filing.

Hope that helps a bit.  Good question though!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,618 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Welcome Home Lena.

  Sorry about your brother, words cannot express enough how the light of your presence here on Chordie was missed through this trying time in your life.  All here were surely praying on your behalf.

  Personally, my feelings at your sad news are mixed and I do not wish to offend, but after having watched my father's passing from Bone Cancer a few years ago, when he was gone it was less a matter of grief as much as relief that his suffering was finally at an end.  Hope you are well and at peace.

My Condolances, and
Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,619 Reply by Doug_Smith

(8 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Perhaps I just missed the point of the question.... are we talking about being able to tell the brand by the sound and feel?  That is really subjective.  In any given brand you are going to find a stinker once in awhile among the gems, and a gem in the bunch of really inexpensive brands out there.  It really boils down to whatever  gives you the "sound" that you are really in to.

I kinda see Russel's point about his Strat (having played a few) and the Tele, and the SG and LP, and etc etc..... I tend to be with Micky on the semi-acoustic though.

For me nothing beats a trio of vintage 57s on a nice hunk of swamp ash or maple cranked through an older tube amp, but then again that  is the sound I was raised on.

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,620 Reply by Doug_Smith

(7 replies, posted in Electric)

Going Acoustic is the best bet, unless you have someone willing to sit on the mixer and keep things in balance.  The toughest thing with electrics is that without individual monitors stuck in your ears, you tend to crank your own amp up so you can hear yourself over the top of the music..... pretty soon the neighbors are calling the cops for noise abatement!

When our bunch get together, Tim our keyboard/Sax player has the power of God as he can be out there in front hearing and controlling everyone else. Had to be someone who doesn't continuously play through every number so he's our guy.... and anyone who doesn't respect that authority gets to go home!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Electric

1,621 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Welcome to Chordie!

  We've all been there I'm sure, and likely are still playing for exactly like what you are experiencing..... making music can really be a fantastic stress relief.  Dino has given some really good advise, and this is a very good place to find the encouragement and music that will get you on your way in short order.  Not to advertise for someone else, but you will find a lot of folks here who will point you in the direction of Justinguitar on You Tube for some tips and tricks to enhance your progress.  Explore the forums here on Chordie for valuable information on a variety of subjects, and don't be shy about asking questions or adding your comments.

  Welcome aboard!

Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,622 Reply by Doug_Smith

(2 replies, posted in Song requests)

Welcome to Chordie Xshauniix!

  Nice to hear you decided to join our little group..... something like a quarter million members globally!  One of the largest music websites on the planet and you are sure to meet some good people around here.  The only requirement for membership is an interest in music (stringed or otherwise), and by all means don't be shy about posting your questions or comments as you feel comfortable.  There are a majority of helpful members willing to share what they know and some extremely knowledgeable in assorted areas to help you along your musical journey.

Once again Welcome aboard and Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Song requests

1,623 Reply by Doug_Smith

(7 replies, posted in Recording)

Good Job Jeff!

  Keep on cranking out the hits!  An occasional success story gives the rest of us a glimmer of hope.... hope some of the younger Chordians are paying attention.  For some of us those dreams have faded into the sunset along with our youth, but it is nice to see that talent still is appreciated and good music has it's place out there along with all the stuff you hear that tries to "pass" for music.

Keep On and Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Recording

1,624 Reply by Doug_Smith

(18 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Another nice one Russell.... put it on your CD list!

  Brought back memories of my college loggin summers.  There is a small community a bit South of me here that had a General Store where we'd stop on the way home after a day in the woods.  Buy some ice and munchies and if you were to stroll out back to the pump-house you'd find some shelves with gallon jugs of clear liquid.... leave a $20 in the jar and haul one home with ya (bring back the empties please).  No smoking in the car on the way though!  Mighty fine Shine as I recall.... aged in plywood for a real long time.... could run a chainsaw on it I swear, and responsible for more than one "lost weekend".

Thanks and Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,625 Reply by Doug_Smith

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

Good Morning Zurf,

  Like Wayne, I have some experience with Insurance Companies from my business as well.  I agree that the Insurance Company Adjuster will likely compensate you for the damaged amp without too much hassel.  Usually the option of buying the damaged amp as salvage will be offered if you ask, and you could retain the wet one for around 10-15$.  If nothing else as a repair part donor.... or if you have the inclination you could "gut it" and build yourself a really nice hardwood cabinet for it and add it to your arsenal as a "custom" piece.

  Adjusters are good folks doing a difficult job (at times), but mostly want to do what is fair all around. 

Good Luck and Take Care;
Doug

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner