The Great Ongoing Guitar Thread

[E-Sabbath]

Right now, I'm going back and forth between Busted and Daddy Sang Bass. Because they're fun.

As far as the quality of the Xavieres: Good pickups, decent wood, good necks, iffy wiring. $1800 or $239. Your call. (Heck, Ibanez doesn't give you the good pickups.)
http://store.guitarfetish.com/Xavier...ed-_c_358.html
This one doesn't have the binding or the reversed headstock, but otherwise it's essentially the same guitar. And the blackout one is certainly none more black.

As far as the extreme nerd guitar: I know a guy who makes lightsabers for a hobby. And for a job: he works for Bioware Austin on a video game. I'm going to work with him on the world's most nerdy Flying V design. Two humbuckers, snake-head, probably a wraparound bridge. Maybe, if we're feeling ambitious, a neck-through design.

That's not very nerdy, is it? It is if you realize the guitar's shaped like an Imperial Star Destroyer, the dots on the neck are TIE Fighters and the truss cover is the Millenium Falcon.

[toonerama]

Hey, anyone know/remember the Dutch band Focus? I stumbled on my collection, and reminded myself what a genius Jan Akkerman is. They were/are(?) such an incredibly musical outfit, and his playing is sublime. That's if you appreciate an approach that often bordered rock, classical and, well, smooth jazz. Check it!

[toonerama]

E-Sabbath, if your nerd-axe were to get into production, you'd have to call your company "Clone Wars".

[Quasimodem]

http://youtu.be/9fEkYxRCl_c

Live!

Quasi

[CookingWithGas]

Originally Posted by toonerama

Hey, anyone know/remember the Dutch band Focus? I stumbled on my collection, and reminded myself what a genius Jan Akkerman is. They were/are(?) such an incredibly musical outfit, and his playing is sublime. That's if you appreciate an approach that often bordered rock, classical and, well, smooth jazz. Check it!

Aren't those the guys that did "Hocus Pocus" in the 70's? I thought they were kind of a novelty one-hit-wonder rock act. The video posted by Quasimodem is not the way I remember them--oh wait, then I got to the second half. Here is the Hocus Pocus I remember. I saw that when it aired on The Midnight Special when I was a high-school rock guitarist. Actually pretty tasty except for those weird "vocal" breaks.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by toonerama

Hey, anyone know/remember the Dutch band Focus? I stumbled on my collection, and reminded myself what a genius Jan Akkerman is. They were/are(?) such an incredibly musical outfit, and his playing is sublime. That's if you appreciate an approach that often bordered rock, classical and, well, smooth jazz. Check it!

They have their fans on the Dope, and Akkerman gets mentioned amongst prog types.

[I-VI-ii-V]

Since there was some talk about ukes recently, I've got a question for you all. Which would be better for a bassist who plays some [acoustic nylon string] guitar, a concert or tenor uke? I plan to mainly strum chords and play melodies once in while. Would the traditional octave higher G string on the concert be a problem?

[E-Sabbath]

I can't help. All I can think about is kazookeleles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAg5KjnAhuU

Oh, by the way. How would 60 year old sweet gum tree wood be for a guitar? I got a line on an old barn made out of the stuff. It's _really really dry_.

[Clockwork Jackal]

Originally Posted by I-VI-ii-V

Since there was some talk about ukes recently, I've got a question for you all. Which would be better for a bassist who plays some [acoustic nylon string] guitar, a concert or tenor uke? I plan to mainly strum chords and play melodies once in while. Would the traditional octave higher G string on the concert be a problem?

Well, you could string either one gCEA. That's how they're all traditionally strung. Sometimes the tenor is strung with a low G. Any size would be good to strum, from Soprano to Concert to Tenor (can't tell you about Baritone, never played a Baritone.) What kind of sound are you looking for? High and bright and punchy or lower and warmer?

[Clockwork Jackal]

Originally Posted by E-Sabbath

I can't help. All I can think about is kazookeleles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAg5KjnAhuU

Oh my god. WANT.

[E-Sabbath]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgxnnFYIaFs Dueling... somethings!
(No harm came to any 1890s pipe organs in this video. The MIDI articulation is specifically designed to cause no damage.)

http://www.mmmfruity.com/kazookeylele.html

[squeegee]

So, my cheap-ass "Xaviei e" LP Special developed a buzz on the B string, 7th fret, which was a little depressing. I guess they don't dry their wood well or something, if you'll recall my acoustic experience with that company in January. I raised the action to kill the buzz, but the feel of the guitar really went to heck for me. I didn't need to raise the action very much, but that killed the 24 3/4" scale "slinkiness" feel that I really enjoyed about that neck.

OK, so what to do? My choices seemed to be a) get the guitar set up, or b) the firewood option. I really didn't want to spend setup $$ to set up a $135 dollar guitar, so I found option 3): try setting the neck relief and see if that helped. Normally I'd approach setting the truss on a guitar with extreme trepidation, as I'd never done it before, but what did I have to lose?

I loosened the middle strings so I could push them aside and pop the truss rod cover, then I got to work with an allen wrench. I went in 1/4 turn increments, testing the B string buzz a few minutes each turn. I started with clockwise, and after 3 turns, the buzz got worse. Then I turned the adjustment counter-clockwise to where I started + one more 1/4 turn. After one more turn -- boo-ya! the buzz was gone.

I dropped the action back where I liked it, tuned the guitar back up, and it was playing as I remembered again, slinky as all get out. Let's hear it for experimentation.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by squeegee

I dropped the action back where I liked it, tuned the guitar back up, and it was playing as I remembered again, slinky as all get out. Let's hear it for experimentation.

Excellent and congrats! And that is the perfect guitar to experiment on!

[I-VI-ii-V]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Jackal

Well, you could string either one gCEA. That's how they're all traditionally strung. Sometimes the tenor is strung with a low G. Any size would be good to strum, from Soprano to Concert to Tenor (can't tell you about Baritone, never played a Baritone.) What kind of sound are you looking for? High and bright and punchy or lower and warmer?

From what I've read, the traditional way of tuning a tenor is G3-C4-E4-A4.

This is the only issue I'm concerned with:

I'm used to soloing on the guitar using the blues scale. Will the higher G string [on a concert] make it difficult for me to do this? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that a tenor would be a win-win because 1) it is a little bigger and 2) the strings are tuned low-->high which is what I'm used to with guitar.

[Clockwork Jackal]

Originally Posted by I-VI-ii-V

From what I've read, the traditional way of tuning a tenor is G3-C4-E4-A4.

Yep, that's called low G setup, from what I understand. It's more common on tenors.

This is the only issue I'm concerned with:

I'm used to soloing on the guitar using the blues scale. Will the higher G string [on a concert] make it difficult for me to do this? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that a tenor would be a win-win because 1) it is a little bigger and 2) the strings are tuned low-->high which is what I'm used to with guitar.

I think the longer scale length might be more of a help than anything.

I love my tenor Uke. I have this one. - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001V5...1235760&sr=8-1
Beautiful look and sound. Can't recommend it enough.

[Clockwork Jackal]

And speaking of new Ukes, I just picked up a new Kala soprano with a solid Sitka spruce top. High and bright and plucky, sounds great.

[Clockwork Jackal]

Oh, btw, if you're looking for a good ukulele book, get "Ukulele for Dummies.". It's written by the guy who runs the ukehunt.com site.

[E-Sabbath]

Originally Posted by squeegee

I dropped the action back where I liked it, tuned the guitar back up, and it was playing as I remembered again, slinky as all get out. Let's hear it for experimentation.

Congrats! (I just polished my frets with steel wool the last time it happened, but it happened higher up the neck than yours.)
By the way, how's the P90 hum these days?

[squeegee]

Originally Posted by E-Sabbath

Congrats! (I just polished my frets with steel wool the last time it happened, but it happened higher up the neck than yours.)
By the way, how's the P90 hum these days?

The clincher for me diagnostically was the buzz being new and on the seventh fret, exactly where you'd expect a neck relief problem to show up. So lucky me, I was right, adjusting the truss fixed it up.

Re: P-90 hum: it's the same as ever. I fight it by either blending the neck & bridge pickups since they are rw/rp with each other, or running the amp hotter than I need and keeping the guitar volume to less than 8. Both solutions work pretty well.

[E-Sabbath]

That sounds historically exactly what people did with P90s and why humbuckers were developed. So, yeah, sounds like it's performing to spec, then.

[Kim o the Concrete Jungle]

Okay. I've just been thrown a curve ball. My band, The Blues Convicts, has a gig on tomorrow (Friday) night at the Empire Hotel in Annandale (that's in Sydney Australia). We thought we were going on second, but it turns out we're headlining the gig...

Oops.

Now we've got to find another half-dozen or so songs before tomorrow. And, since we're going on an hour later, hope that plenty of people come and stick around until the end.

*Sigh*

[Quasimodem]

Mustang Sally.

Q

[Quasimodem]

If you find the groove, this one can take you 30 minutes or more......

http://youtu.be/29GJxkW-hKI

I retired playing drums with that set. Never played with a band afterward.

Q

[Kim o the Concrete Jungle]

Heh... well, it's not like we don't play Mustang Sally. But in the end we added Proud Mary, Highway to Hell, and Lonely Avenue.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by Kim o the Concrete Jungle

Heh... well, it's not like we don't play Mustang Sally. But in the end we added Proud Mary, Highway to Hell, and Lonely Avenue.

I love the choices of Highway to Hell and Lonely Avenue - Bon Scott and Ray Charles, now there's a contrasting set of voices.

Hope it goes great!

[Quasimodem]

Need a very used and abused drummer?



Best wishes on the gig, my friend! Let us know how it goes, please?

Quasi

[CBEscapee]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Gibson ES-135?

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by CBEscapee

Does anyone have an opinion on the Gibson ES-135?

Could be fun in a dirty blues, Thorogood sorta way. What are the specs on the one you are considering? Pickup type?

[CBEscapee]

Originally Posted by WordMan

Could be fun in a dirty blues, Thorogood sorta way. What are the specs on the one you are considering? Pickup type?

Gibson classic 57 humbuckers.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by CBEscapee

Gibson classic 57 humbuckers.

Sounds like a fun guitar. How much can you get it for? Do you like the neck?

[CBEscapee]

Originally Posted by WordMan

Sounds like a fun guitar. How much can you get it for? Do you like the neck?

I can get it for just less than 1000usd. I haven't played it but it has the same neck as a ES-175 and I have played one of those a few times and like it.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by CBEscapee

I can get it for just less than 1000usd. I haven't played it but it has the same neck as a ES-175 and I have played one of those a few times and like it.

Does it have F-Holes, or it is like this one listed at ~$1,000 USD at a Guitar Center?

Either way, have fun checking it out. The biggest challenge I have when checking out guitars is filtering out my preconceived hopes and fears so I can really listen to and feel the guitar itself. Sometimes I show up and the guitar I want to look at is very close to what I want it to be - often because I have been researching and trying different examples of that model so know more what to expect. But when I am trying a new model that I suspect I will/should like, I really need to spend time with it. I often end up digging a completely different guitar than the one I showed up to check out...

[E-Sabbath]

At that price, I'd _really_ consider trying the Epiphone ES-135 as well. Just to see if you can tell the difference. Gibson's getting such really bad reviews these days.

[CBEscapee]

Originally Posted by E-Sabbath

At that price, I'd _really_ consider trying the Epiphone ES-135 as well. Just to see if you can tell the difference. Gibson's getting such really bad reviews these days.

Well Epiphone is Gibson except they're made in China. I have an Epiphone Casino that I just do not like and I have for sale locally for not much less than the Gibson 135. I played both a ES335 and an ES175 at the local music store and they were far better than my Casino. Of course the 335 was out of my price range but it was a really fantastic guitar.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by E-Sabbath

Gibson's getting such really bad reviews these days.

Are they? I am not keeping up that much, other than the constant noise about Gibson's build quality - which can be an issue and is a pain to listen to on the boards because ultimately, when it comes down to it, you either understand and want what you can get from a Gibson and are trying to find one that works for you, or you're not.

I get frustrated with people telling me why I shouldn't like Gibson - or, for that matter, why I should. I know what I want from one, and know how to find one that works for me; that's all that counts.

[minor7flat5]

Just got my first real archtop this week

Gibson L-4

It has been hanging on the wall at my local music store for a year and a half, and I have played it many times in the store, trying not to drool on it.
Their price was already much lower than online prices, and the fellow chopped several hundred off that price when I bought it, so I imagine that nice jazz boxes just aren't in demand in my corner of New Jersey.

Some found money came my way at work (a long-term-incentive grant from years ago that I had totally forgotten about vested).

Now the guitar is hanging on my wall and I am extremely happy. This instrument is far beyond my skill level, but at least I will never question whether the guitar or the guitarist is at fault.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by minor7flat5

Just got my first real archtop this week

Gibson L-4

It has been hanging on the wall at my local music store for a year and a half, and I have played it many times in the store, trying not to drool on it.
Their price was already much lower than online prices, and the fellow chopped several hundred off that price when I bought it, so I imagine that nice jazz boxes just aren't in demand in my corner of New Jersey.

Some found money came my way at work (a long-term-incentive grant from years ago that I had totally forgotten about vested).

Now the guitar is hanging on my wall and I am extremely happy. This instrument is far beyond my skill level, but at least I will never question whether the guitar or the guitarist is at fault.

Drool!!

Congrats; that is a gorgeous guitar.

[phungi]

just saw this clip of Tony Melendez, who plays guitar with his feet.

Clearly, an alternate tuning, but incredibly inspirational and motivating (and humbling)!

[E-Sabbath]

Yep, I referred to the 'constant noise about Gibson's build quality'. If you find your 135 and like it, go for it. There are simply good ones and bad ones and the bad ones are worse than good Epis.

[cosmosdan]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Jackal

Yep, that's called low G setup, from what I understand. It's more common on tenors.



I think the longer scale length might be more of a help than anything.

I love my tenor Uke. I have this one. - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001V5...1235760&sr=8-1
Beautiful look and sound. Can't recommend it enough.

I traded my Ovation Soprano and laid down some cash for the Luna High tide with pickup. The neck size is much easier for me to play and it sounds great.
http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?s...lerid=34030034

[Quasimodem]

Easy-peasy except for that damned B7!

http://youtu.be/ZzU9FgNTYrU

http://www.e-chords.com/chords/paul-...-somebodys-ass)

I checked the above site, btw, and it's safe. Scroll down till you see the song and its chords and enjoy!



Thanks

Quasi

[Quasimodem]

Originally Posted by phungi

just saw this clip of Tony Melendez, who plays guitar with his feet.

Clearly, an alternate tuning, but incredibly inspirational and motivating (and humbling)!

This choked me up and made my eyes burn. I completely agree, phungi, and thank you very much for sharing it.

Quasi

[CBEscapee]

Originally Posted by E-Sabbath

If you find your 135 and like it, go for it. There are simply good ones and bad ones and the bad ones are worse than good Epis.

Would this be something you have learned by playing these instruments?

[E-Sabbath]

No, I admit, it's what I've learned by listening to people who have annoyingly huge amounts of disposable income to dump on these instruments. I'm more a bottom feeder type. From what I understand, the 'bright line' is somewhere north of $1,500. Below that, you takes your chances. Which is, you know, pretty okay, as long as you get a chance to mess with the guitar beforehand.

In other news, I just was just informed that my former neighbor played Wild Thing somewhat recently.
As a hired gun for the Troggs.
At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I can't find a recording or evidence of this ever happening, and it was a relayed message, so god knows how true it is. He certainly would be capable of doing so, and it is what he does, he's a studio musician. (And probably the reason I didn't pick up a guitar earlier. He's so good it's embarrassing to be a student near him.)

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by CBEscapee

Would this be something you have learned by playing these instruments?

E-Sabs may not have played a bunch and is echoing what's on line, but there is some truth to it - I have played and owned a bunch. What I find frustrating with the Gibson hype on line in general is that it seems more like mean girl hissiness than it does helpful. Guitars are made of wood - all wood varies. The quality of the woods selected tend to increase with the price point of the guitar. Because Gibsons can be pricey, people get frustrated that a $1,500 guitar may be one of the few that is only "okay" vs. great or even special. Which of course implies that folks can agree on what "great" and "special" sound and play like.

I don't know that particular model, the ES-135, in terms of playing experience. Bottom line is that you should play it and if it makes you want to play it more, you should seriously consider it. Best of luck.

[DoctorJ]

I finally pulled the trigger on a guitar purchase I've been eyeing for years: the Godin Fifth Avenue Kingpin II. (I went with the Burgundy finish.)

Acoustically, it's a terrific instrument that matches my style fairly well. My dad likes the Martins that sing like angels for days when you hit a note, but I came of age admiring folks like Ani Difranco and Amy Ray who like to hit those acoustic guitars _hard_ because it's fun, dammit. The thinner archtop is a great match for that style, since it seems to give you more tone up front even as it drops off faster, rewarding and encouraging my abuse. At the same time, if you're trying to play with precision it really rewards precision.

Plugged straight into my Blues Jr. it gives you everything you want from clean and really nice acoustic sound (great since I'm playing and singing in my sister's wedding in a few weeks) to that nice nasal jazz tone.

But plugged into my full rig it really wants to sing. I have three pedals--MXR Carbon Copy Delay, Fulltone OCD, and MXR Super Comp. The CC and Super Comp give me plenty of tasty acoustic tone to play with, but when I fire up the OCD in between them it's just nothing but gorgeous tone for days. Like our boy Nigel, I just want to hit notes and go out and have a bite and come back to still hear it playing. I can dial in all the tasty and satisfying Neil Young tone I want.

So in short, I'm in love.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by DoctorJ

I finally pulled the trigger on a guitar purchase I've been eyeing for years: the Godin Fifth Avenue Kingpin II. (I went with the Burgundy finish.)

Acoustically, it's a terrific instrument that matches my style fairly well. My dad likes the Martins that sing like angels for days when you hit a note, but I came of age admiring folks like Ani Difranco and Amy Ray who like to hit those acoustic guitars _hard_ because it's fun, dammit. The thinner archtop is a great match for that style, since it seems to give you more tone up front even as it drops off faster, rewarding and encouraging my abuse. At the same time, if you're trying to play with precision it really rewards precision.

Plugged straight into my Blues Jr. it gives you everything you want from clean and really nice acoustic sound (great since I'm playing and singing in my sister's wedding in a few weeks) to that nice nasal jazz tone.

But plugged into my full rig it really wants to sing. I have three pedals--MXR Carbon Copy Delay, Fulltone OCD, and MXR Super Comp. The CC and Super Comp give me plenty of tasty acoustic tone to play with, but when I fire up the OCD in between them it's just nothing but gorgeous tone for days. Like our boy Nigel, I just want to hit notes and go out and have a bite and come back to still hear it playing. I can dial in all the tasty and satisfying Neil Young tone I want.

So in short, I'm in love.

I love those guitars. I pick one up whenever I come across one. Sounds like an excellent choice for you. And it sounds like the Blues Jr. + pedals gives you great tone without hollow-body feedback. Totally cool. Congrats!

I am taking one of my old acoustics to the shop - needs a once-over and this one scratch I seem to have put into it checked out (an easy fix with old-time lacquer - you just "re-melt" it - but smart to do right when it happens...)

[Fiddle Peghead]

I've never done a comparison, but I would think that the type of neck doesn't change the sound of an electric guitar to any noticeable effect. For instance, a one-piece maple neck will sound exactly like a neck with a rosewood fingerboard on a Strat. It seems to me that for the purposes of the sound of a guitar, a string resting on a bone or plastic nut will sound the same whether that nut is anchored to mahogany or teak or whatever. Anyone disagree and/or have any link to a scientific comparision/analysis of different guitar necks?

[Fiddle Peghead]

Originally Posted by minor7flat5

Just got my first real archtop this week

Beautiful. That things glows like the sun! Congratulations.

[squeegee]

Originally Posted by Fiddle Peghead

I've never done a comparison, but I would think that the type of neck doesn't change the sound of an electric guitar to any noticeable effect. For instance, a one-piece maple neck will sound exactly like a neck with a rosewood fingerboard on a Strat. It seems to me that for the purposes of the sound of a guitar, a string resting on a bone or plastic nut will sound the same whether that nut is anchored to mahogany or teak or whatever. Anyone disagree and/or have any link to a scientific comparision/analysis of different guitar necks?

Are you saying this in terms of just the fingerboard material, or the rest of the neck wood not including the fingerboard? Because I'd have to say (and I'd guess many would say) that a rosewood fingerboard does indeed sound different than a maple fingerboard, regardless of the neck material.