1 Reply by lotness

(7 replies, posted in Electric)

Mmmm, I'm not sure what I'd class myself as.

I've been playing for about 25 years now and I have a few guitars.  One is particularly great for blues and has a really unique look, so I've held onto it for those reasons, but when I am performing I'll stick with the one guitar my Fender California Fat Tele.

The decision to buy that originally was based on the feel of the neck, how it felt 'hanging' on me if I was comfortable or not with it, sound (I tried about 30 guitars out that day before I narrowed it down the Fat Tele) and versatility (because at the time I was in a covers band and needed to be able to play EVERY style and the tele was great for that).

Like we used to say, from Abba to Zappa.. we covered it all.

As far as amps go, it's usually been my old Peavey Special 160 watter.  It's old, it's solid-state, has a 12 inch speaker but it can *just* keep up with a quadbox and decent head (I went up against a Soldano head once and I just about matched it and the quad-box it was paired with) - plus it just sounds great.

So that's been my amp mainstay, until now.. I recently bought a little 15watt Roland Cube.. the portable one.  It's fantastic for the price and it's fun to try the amp simulations.  I've even done a couple smallish gigs and jams with it and get stunned comments.

So I think more than having a big array of instruments, or the instruments themselves being versatile (altho that is certainly an option) it's important to keep yourself versatile.

Why hedge yourself into one little niche when there is so much out there to experience?

Go to forum: Electric

2 Reply by lotness

(6 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Yep, I'm definitely doing Wanted Dead or Alive (assuming my voice is running okay that night).

wlbaye, thanks for the suggestions smile  Some CCR could go over well, I was debating playing some or not as it ALWAYS gets played by someone else and I'd like to keep my stuff reasonably unique.

I'm trying to think of a good Crowded House number to do.  Better Be Home Soon is a bit to melancholy and Don't Dream It's Over might be a little as well.  I was thinking Weather With You but I've never been able to really get it to kick along upbeat like their version.

I was thinking of Desperado (The Eagles) purely because as a singing song I really nail it, I can really power into it vocally so it could be a good starting song, especially as it might get a few of the crowd singing (most will be in the mid 20's to 40's range).

How do you reckon doing an acoustic version of Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Under the Bridge would go?  Another song I sing pretty well usually.

Go to forum: Acoustic

3 Topic by lotness

(6 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Heyas all
My first post here, so please bear with me.

I have played guitar for around 24 years (I am nothing special though, just versatile) and I've had a lot of experience being in bands, but I haven't done much with my music in the last 7 years since I last moved towns.

Anyways, I'm getting back into it lately, getting into home recording and I was asked if I could do a spot at a local cafe function.

I can't decide on a set list.  I plan on singing as well as playing and my voice isn't top notch, but I can get around most songs (once I find a comfortable key).  I have a nice Maton semi-acoustic I can play on the night or my Fender California Fat Telecaster, and a Boss Me-30 for effects if I so choose.

Any suggestions for songs that I could perform?  The more the merrier.  I already have a bit of a list in my Cafe Lava songbook here on Chordie but I need more.  Doesn't hurt if they are easy to play as well smile  Oh, as an idea to my voice, I do a fair to good job of Pearl Jam's Betterman, and a nice growly Mustang Sally once I'm running hot.

I'm also thinking I need a 'showcase' piece, something that looks and sounds a bit flashy.  I have a few little instrumental things but nothing that is fairly up tempo.. they are all a bit slow and balladish.  I want to keep the general mood lively and dancish if I can, it's a pretty boisterous fun night when they have them and the Cafe serves alcohol big_smile

Go to forum: Acoustic