Author Topic: Guitar players? (Read 2718 times)

teamnelson · « **on:** January 21, 2010, 09:35:53 PM »

Gents, I got my new guitar for Christmas just before we left on vacation so I'm only now getting acquainted with her. Levy's strap arrived today so she's complete. Anybody else get as tickled about a guitar as I?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2010, 09:54:20 PM »

I play almost every day, but as with guns, I'm not so interested in the machine itself, I'm more interested in what I can do with it.

There's a lot to learn.

I really don't think of the guitar as the end in itself, I think of music as the object and the guitar as a tool for discovering it.

slim rem 7 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2010, 12:02:11 AM »

i know i envy anyone who can play..one of my favorite things is watching a good guitar picker
at play..i don t have too much trouble carrying a tune..but still wish i could pick a guitar or banjo..have fun slim

Brett · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2010, 01:50:40 AM »

I got my 10yo duaghter one for Christmas. She has not picked it up much yet.

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2010, 01:55:11 AM »

Even doing it badly requires a lot of time and effort. In the case of your daughter, lessons are important. It's pretty useless without some training. With kids personal lessons are the best way.

MGMorden · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:05:41 AM »

I've been "kinda" playing for about a year now. Haven't taken formal lessons (talked to a local teacher about it but never took the plunge), but I have been taking online/video lessons. Like Questor though I'm a bit of a gear head

. Already upgraded amps since I started, have completely striped and refinished an Epiphone LP Jr and upgraded all the hardware/electronics on it, and am pretty darned close to finishing building another LP Jr from parts

.

Definitely a fun hobby.

Swampman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:07:39 AM »

My wife has 60 students. She teaches everything with strings and keys. She plays a Taylor.

jdt48653 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2010, 12:18:55 PM »

i play a taylor 810 dan crarey sig series.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2010, 11:45:17 AM »

I was given a 6 string acustic (made in china from the sticker inside)that had a hard life, the tuners are squeeky and are abugger to tune (has broken e-string)
the strings appear to be wound on the tuners any whichway so tuneing each string you have to watch which way you turn it, the fret board has diviots in them from so much playing?
Long story short I think the tuners can wate for a bit and I want to restring the guitar and would like recomendations on the type string to get medium I guess?, I paged through the musicians friend catalog and ther's so many strings to choose from, I am looking to buy a couple sets of strings and a soft case at best gig bag at least and a baggie of picks.
I bought a MelBay learner book/CD "Beginners learning cords", I have been playing a woodwind instrument si I can play notes but no experence with cords, first learning notes or cords which do you prefer for guitar whats the benifits of each?
Ive been sight reading music for the last couple years if that helps any.

teamnelson · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2010, 12:57:27 PM »

Does it have a widish fret board? You might go nylon, easy on the fingers and if you're coming out of a classical background you might find yourself anxious to move past chords and into picking, which nylon facilitates well. If you want steel, I like daddorio and elixir lights. Elixirs run $16 a set here though.

Dee · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2010, 02:07:13 PM »

I like Elixir extra lights. I play an Alvarez acoustic and a Fender Stratocaster electric. My Alvarez was set up by a guy that make them play almost as light as an electric. Best therapy there is. If your playin and singin you can't think about anything else.
I jam with friends and guest on a local show every now and then. I was asked to do lead vocals for a band at a county fair in June, and hope to be able to make that.
Good ole country, and southern gospel.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2010, 02:18:30 PM »

With the amount of wear that neck in indicating, you may find the nut or bridge worn to the point where the strings will buzz with lights or ultralights. A medium will probably be your best bet, but I would try a set of lights just because. If they will work without buzzing, they will be easier on your fingers. I've been trying a set of D'addario "Flattops" on my Alvarez RF8. It's a relatively cheap guitar that I bought last fall to take camping, ie to keep my Gibson Dove away from the campfire. I chose lights for it, but I almost think I would be happier with mediums. The "flattops" help with reducing string squeaking. I've used Martin SP phosphorus bronze lights on my Martin D-41, and Gibson J200 lights on my Dove and Songwriter. Also, use Martin Marquis lights on my Washburn D-28.
Tried nylon strings years ago and didnt care for them. I'm definitely a steel string guy. I have some "flattops" in ultralight, but have yet to try them on anything. I used to buy two sets of "any" decent strings for under $10. Now, most of them are $10 a set and up. Musicians Friend has a great selection, if you are mail ordering. If you have a local music store, they can probably fix you up, maybe even string it for you.
My Pal has a new dobro (actually a Regal Resonator Guitar as dobro is a trademark for Gibson Resonator Guitars) and the local store, not where he bought it, put a new set of strings on it for the price of the strings. His wife got a new banjo for Christmas (they are both past 60 years old) and they are both taking lessons. I've had to learn a little banjo so as to help her when we visit a couple times a week. I enjoy playing the 'resonator guitar', but think if I deviated from my guitar I would rather go to a pedal steel guitar, though not as portable as the resonator guitar. I do get tired of the sound, though it does take a while - LOL.

Regards,
Sweetwater

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2010, 02:44:47 PM »

I am just beginning having only play'd a soprano and tenor recorder for the last 4 years., the guitar isant even ready to play just yet, I live off the road system 240+ air miles from Anchorage, AK so I guess I'll try and keep business in AK if I can and try The Keyboard Cach or Horn Doctor both in Anchorage I have done business with both these before, Im not familure with FAI (Fairbanks).
I have a old Horner Harmonica as well, a fixer upper the nuts are gone from the screws and the covers work round, I'll have to stop by the Local ACE hardware store see what they have in way of #4x40 machine screws and nuts.

SteveHawaii · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2010, 08:41:21 PM »

I've been playing guitar for over 40 years now. Not any good at it, but it's a fine instrument and is very versatile. I have a Guild 12 string that I've been playing since the 70's. Hard on my wrist though, even with light strings. Down-tuning and using a capo helps. I picked up ukulele a few years ago and I like that a lot. Much easier to play.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2010, 12:19:56 AM »

I had a Guild 12-string from the late 70's. Huge guitar, I thought, and loved it. Also used light gauge strings on it. BUT, age got me and I couldn't play my normal style on it and wouldn't play simple rythm with it, so swapped it for a Gibson Dove pre62 re-issue in 1999. My 1st 12-string was a Hofner, from West Germany. I bought it in a shop in Bangkok, Fall of 1970. I kept it about 20 years and ended up selling it to cover some bills I developed. In '93, I picked up a Fender 12-string, also a nice guitar, but not near the guitar that the Guild 12-string was. I had another Guild, a 1965 Starfire V. It was my working guitar for quite a few years and covered my mortgage for a while. I retired from performing in '79 and came out of retirement in late '86, when I started playing in church. That was quite a departure from Willie, Waylon, and the Rolling Stones! I did get converted! Though I still enjoy a good jam with a steel guitar and some git down music. Get to Yuma, Arizona now and then for what they call a "Snowbird Jam". Great people and great music.

Guitars through the years include (beginning in 1958), a 1937 Kay Archtop(my Dad's), 1959 Silvertone Archtop, 1963 Fender Musicmaster 3/4 size, 1968 Gretch Double Anniversay, 1970 Hofner 12-string, 1970 Fender Mustang, 1965 Guild Starfire V, 1970's Fender 12-string, 1994 Washburn D28, 1994 Fender Tele, 1996 Gibson Starburst, 1970's Guild 12-string, 1995 Martin Ltd "Marty Stuart", 1999 Gibson Dove pre62 Re-issue, 2002 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe, 1980's Alvarez RF8, 1990's Sigma DM-2. All but 6 of these have departed my possession, but it has been a great ride! I should never have let a bunch of them get away, oh well. Stuff Happens!

Regards,
Sweetwater

SteveHawaii · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2010, 02:00:07 PM »

The Lord got me too. Best thing that has ever happened to me. Haven't been the same since that fateful day back in 1971. Took my guitar playing in a whole different direction. What a blessing!

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2010, 04:38:24 PM »

I still play occassionally. Mostly classical stuff now. Pick up my bass every once in a while. I've been getting the itch to get into another band lately but I have a ways to go before I'm stage ready again.

It seems like I go through phases. I'll play for a while and then put it down for a while. But then you have to start over almost. My dexterity is partially gone so I've been going over some old Iron Maiden tunes to get my fingers moving.

My bass is a '79 Fender p-bass and for guitars, I play an ovation acoustic and a Les Paul Custom.

I like the elixirs for acoustic as well. Ernie ball extra slinky for the electric ( less breakage problems for me than with any other strings I've used) and ghs boomers for the bass.

GH1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2010, 01:33:46 PM »

I play a Fender Jazz fretless with flatwounds, 4 string tuned B E A D. I did that by unsing a string set from a 5 string and eliminatin the high G. Not only does it give me the low B when I need it, it moves everything up to the fifth fret. It's great if you have a short wingspan, as I do.
GH1

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2010, 01:55:48 PM »

I have a warwick corvette fretless. I can play it okay, used it on stage a couple of times, but I have to look at it while I'm playing and sometimes the stage lighting doesn't cooperate.

I used to have an Ibanez fretless but I kept having neck issues and sold it off.

I also had a fender p-bass fretless with a maple neck. I wish I still had that one but I bought it from guitar center as a "classic" and when I opened it up it was all aftermarket parts, maybe the body too, I'm not sure. So I took it back.

I liked the fender because it matched my fretted p-bass, black with a maple neck. Maybe I'll run into another one one day.

I like the drop tuning idea. The last band I was in, we played everything in drop d (dadg). It did make for some interesting note combinations.

I bought a six string and tried drop tuning but I ended up with adadgb, so I thought wat's the point.

GH1 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2010, 11:47:18 PM »

I had a chance to play a Warwick, they're beautiful insturments. I know what you mean about having to look at it though, I still have to look at my Fender occasionally & it's got fret lines painted on it.
I get quite a bit of noise from my strings slapping on the fret board, do you have this problem? I don't think the sound is coming through the amp but it's hard to tell.
GH1

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2010, 02:22:05 PM »

Action too low maybe? String tension too light? Maybe heavier strings would eliminate that. You did say you used a five string set so that's probably not it.

I would try raising the bridge a hair and see if it helps, you can always put it back. You'll have to recheck your intonation though if you change it.

Do you play with fingers or a pick? I know a lot of the guys that play slap bass will raise the strings quite a bit to get rid of the noise.

GH1 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 26, 2010, 12:49:53 AM »

I raised my action quite a bit & it helped. I also moved my bridge back about 1/4" to get additional tension on the strings. When I first went to the 5 string set the B was too loose for my liking. That was done 6 years ago. I don't use a pick, I play with the first two fingers. I've done some slap playing, but it doesn't really work that well on a fretless so I never spent much time developing the technique. You really don't get that good "pop" like you would from a fretted board.
GH1

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2010, 12:17:45 PM »

If you have access to a strobe tuner, you should check the intonation on your neck now that you moved the bridge and raised the action. Open and 12th fret should be exactly the same note. Otherwise you're fret lines won't mean anything.

Quote from: GH1 on February 26, 2010, 12:49:53 AM

I've done some slap playing, but it doesn't really work that well on a fretless so I never spent much time developing the technique. You really don't get that good "pop" like you would from a fretted board.
GH1

Tell that to Les Claypool.

ironglowjr · « **Reply #23 on:** February 27, 2010, 12:29:18 PM »

I love playing guitar also i have been playing for about 10-12 years and i got a gibson les paul, epiphone les paul, jackson flying v, a fender strat (american made), and also have an ibanez acoustic/electric......to amplify these beasts i have a marshal stack along with a vintage 70's peavey half stack....

Sweetwater · « **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2010, 01:30:35 PM »

Interesting! My amplification comes from a Crate Acoustic and a fabulous pre '65 Fender Deluxe Reverb. Did I mention I really like that amp?

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #25 on:** February 27, 2010, 02:23:30 PM »

Quote from: ironglowjr on February 27, 2010, 12:29:18 PM

I love playing guitar also i have been playing for about 10-12 years and i got a gibson les paul, epiphone les paul, jackson flying v, a fender strat (american made), and also have an ibanez acoustic/electric......to amplify these beasts i have a marshal stack along with a vintage 70's peavey half stack....

How does that peavey sound?

I use a marshall jcm 800 with two 4-10 cabs, but one is a bass cab. I like the extra deep chunk the thicker cones give it.

ironglowjr · « **Reply #26 on:** February 27, 2010, 03:15:20 PM »

i love the peavey! i use it mainly for my acoustic or overdriven chanells, such as skynyrd etc...its actually a 100 watt pa head.....and i just love the sound of it....

GH1 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 28, 2010, 02:06:27 AM »

I'm a fan of the old Fender amps myself. I like to have the guitar player use 15-25 watt amp and then run through the PA. I found I get more even sound dispersion and the amp sounds better when it's working at full power, especially a tube amp. Tranny amps not so much.
For the type of music I was playing I never really cared for the sound of a Marshall, it just didn't have that bluesy sound. But for hard rock oh yeah, crank up the Marshall. There's nothing like the sound of a Les Paul roaring through a Marshall stack.
GH1

ironglowjr · « **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2010, 06:27:46 AM »

deffinitely!

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2010, 10:53:52 AM »

Quote from: GH1 on February 28, 2010, 02:06:27 AM

I'm a fan of the old Fender amps myself. I like to have the guitar player use 15-25 watt amp and then run through the PA. I found I get more even sound dispersion and the amp sounds better when it's working at full power, especially a tube amp. Tranny amps not so much.
For the type of music I was playing I never really cared for the sound of a Marshall, it just didn't have that bluesy sound. But for hard rock oh yeah, crank up the Marshall. There's nothing like the sound of a Les Paul roaring through a Marshall stack.
GH1

Yeah, I'm into the metal and I agree, tube amps get that warm sound when they're pushed. I play my les paul custom through my marshall stack with a digitech rack mount effects processor. I use the distortion but have the distortion level turned all the way down. I don't know why but it gives it an extra chunky sound.

I have a tube preamp on my ampeg svt4pro and 1600 watts of solid state power. The tubes do add a lot of tone and it has the best direct out I have ever used.