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Guitar Talk
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Subject: Guitar Talk From: JedMarum Date: 27 Aug 99 - 10:46 AM Being fairly new (but already addicted) to Mudcat, I might be treading on well worn ground, but ... in a few of the recent threads, I've begun to see a wide range of guitar makers listed, as being the favorite Mudcatter 'axes.' I'm curious about what are our favorite guitars and why. I love Martin guitars and have a great appreciation for their long history and top quality, but when I see what some of the other Luthiers are doing in their smaller shops; Larrivee, Santa Cruz and others, I am so amazed that Martin seems to maintain the almost religious zealot hold it has on the folk community. These new manufacturers have really provided fine instruments, that compete and in some cases beat the incumbent. Any thoughts?? Martin lovers; speak up!!
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Peter T. Date: 27 Aug 99 - 11:49 AM liam, If you do a Forum search (and if that is working) there was a whole thread on Martin guitars, and bunches of other threads on people's favourites. I have been allowed to play Rick Fielding's Martin for a few brief seconds. It was like playing a guitar. yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Max Date: 27 Aug 99 - 12:01 PM There is a lot of talk about it in this thread. My thoughts are simple... Martins sound good. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Mark Clark Date: 27 Aug 99 - 04:36 PM Liam, It isn't that no one else can make a guitar a good as a Martin --- although I think that is probably hard to do --- it's that in addition to the quality and wonderful sound, they are widely known and hold their value. If you pay $3000 for a Martin now and later you want to trade it for a Telecaster and change, you can find a buyer without having to take a bath on the purchase. Some small luthiers make very fine guitars but, since there is no history to rely on, it's only a guess what the instrument will become over its life and what someone would be willing to pay. Add to that the problem of getting your guitar repaired after its maker tires of poverty and leaves the art for a real job. I have a wonderful banjo made by such a craftsman. It was made especially for me and everyone who sees it admires it very much. It's 27 years old now and should last for many generations but it will never be a "real Gibson Mastertone" even though much of the metal is from Gibson. Hope this helps. - Mark |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Don Elmore Date: 27 Aug 99 - 05:30 PM To: Liam Devlin. Martin guitars have proven themselves over the years and my brother owns 2 Martins. One he purchased in 1954, and still has it, and a new one he purchased in 1998. Both are fine instruments and have a warm melodic sound. I just purchased 2 different Epiphones and an Alverez. All three were fine, but not as good as the Martins. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 28 Aug 99 - 09:35 AM I think Mark is on to the crux of the issue. A good deal of Martin's reputation was well earned in the 50's and 60's. I have heard more dissatisfaction in the following decades, but Martin's do hold their value well. There are quite a few guitars that can put Martin in their place. Taylor in its higher models is one example. But Taylor has been making guitars for only 20 years (a guesstimate). And as you think of holding value, I wonder about the new Electric/Acousitic models. The electronics will die long before the guitar and then you are stuck with a guitar with a hole in one side. Will those guitars hold their value? Of course, we have stumbled into an age of aging hippies trying to regain their childhood by collecting guitars from the 60's and earlier (present company excepted, of course). Now the value of guitars on the market are beginning to exceed IMHO their value as instruments. Don't let anyone tell you that "you can't go wrong with a Martin". You certainly can, not all guitars are made equally. I have played Martins with which I have been distinctly unimpressed. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 28 Aug 99 - 01:48 PM Roger in Baltimore: It thought I might find you in here. I looked for your email address in the listings bbc has at her site, but didn't find you. You mentioned in reply to WyoWoman that you thought Happy Traum's "Learning to Fingerpick" was the best way to go in learning how to fingerpick. I went to Homespun Tapes and a video, "Fingerpicking Made Easy" by Happy Traum was listed for sale but I found none by the title you listed. Are they one and the same, or do you know? I'd appreciate your advice. DougR rdrcons@aol.com |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Mudjack Date: 28 Aug 99 - 03:52 PM I have to agree with most of these postings having owned 4 different Martins over the past 20 years. I never bought a new one, and never lost a dime on any when selling them.(made good profits) I did come to a point when I realized that there is no such thing as a guitar that can't be replaced. Each Martin had it's own voicing and my first Martin was a 018 and barked like a junkyard dog.(terrible sound) My last one was a heavy handed S35. There isn't one that I thought I had to keep forever or pass on to my offspring. Another phobia I put behind me was always looking around to eye watch my valuable "Martins". Now if I loose my main ax, I feel I can replace it with a hand built that is even better than the last. My main guitar today is a fancy T Harua mod 150(Japan 78) with a whole ocean of abalone inlays. I have kept this one the logest of any, and more times than not, Martin D45 owners think it's a Martin. It's a better than most copies of a D45. I'm wearing down the second set of frets and will likely have to have the neck shaved down to renew the action as it has experienced some abuse from flight attendants. Martins are a better investment than they are "great guitars". My humble opinion. Mudjack |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: j0_77 Date: 28 Aug 99 - 03:59 PM Some Martins now on sale at 150=000 yup one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Thats value added by hype if ever there was such a thing. Collectors owning not 2 or 3 but dozens of em. A box laid up in a collection for years at a time is just a piece of wood. My ex fiddle playin friend bought a 28 and it was a crock, albeit a loud crock, cost him 3 = 000 bucks. Also can't help but notice the sheer number of Martins out there, I believe in market forces so sooner or later a Gibby in good shape will be worth a great deal more. A great instrument like a Gretch - hardly ever see em, or indeed a Gallagher - how bout them banjos - After years of Blugrass madness we have the INSANE practice of hacking up Fairbanks and Vegas to somehow improve em, mine works perfectly well as it is with all the original parts. I should add that how you play a banjo is what makes them sound good. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: teller Date: 28 Aug 99 - 04:06 PM Martins sound good...or great....or brilliant...or orgasmic, but let's face it, it's still only a point of view. That they are well made (generally) and hold their value (apparently) there seems to be no doubt, but I recall picking up a box (and I use that word deliberately, because it WAS a box)that, to my mind, sounded, felt and played like I imagine a well made angels' harp would sound. Yet this sad old thing had no 'pedigree' that I could see, or of which its owner was aware; the man had owned several 'quality' guitars, among them a Martin and a Fender, but swore he would never trade his beloved box for any other. I've played a few in my time, and I confess (apart from the aforementioned box) the best I've ever had the joy to play was built by a guy who lives in the West Country, called Chris Eccleshall. I doubt his guitars will ever gain the wide praise that the Martins and so on of this world have attained, BUT those who play an Eccleshall would play no other. Sure, instruments gain a reputation (good or bad) because of press, but much better is a recommendation from a happy, satisfied user. Teller. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 28 Aug 99 - 04:59 PM Teller: Where could one get more information on the Eccleshall guitars? Do they have a Web Site? |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: JedMarum Date: 28 Aug 99 - 05:34 PM Can't help with Eccleshall but here are my favorites: Larrivee SantaCruz C.F. Martin Sobell, (a UK luthier) |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: JedMarum Date: 28 Aug 99 - 05:39 PM sorry about Santa Cruz link. I'll try again: SantaCruz |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Mrmoonray Date: 28 Aug 99 - 05:41 PM I have played every guitar I have been able to get my hands on for the past 46 years, and have yet to play one that that feels or sounds as good as my Martin D16. Maybe it is just what you are comfortable with, but I am still looking. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: teller Date: 28 Aug 99 - 05:45 PM Doug. Chris Eccleshall works out of Dartington in Devon. Drop us an email with your address etc and I'll look out his telephone number, which i have secreted soemwhere. I've no idea if he has a website or not. Teller. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 28 Aug 99 - 07:38 PM Teller: Is your email address listed with the other Mudcatters in bbc's site? DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Pontiac Joe Date: 28 Aug 99 - 07:47 PM Growing up with some friends that work for Martin doing all there marketing and graphics. I got to play many demos and just loved them but still have not bought one for myself, and just drool when I'm in the music shop. But til then I'll still sing the blues with the ole Yamaha. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: j0_77 Date: 28 Aug 99 - 11:38 PM Invest 1 to 150 thousnad dollars in a Guitar - ain't no way there can be any objectivity. Martins are LOUD, which may be a benefit sometimes. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: teller Date: 29 Aug 99 - 07:05 AM Doug. Sorry...yes, go to bbc's site, I'm in there somewhere. Teller. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Lady McMoo Date: 29 Aug 99 - 03:23 PM Just noticed this thread...very interesting comments. DougR...I have owned an Eccleshall mandolin for about 18 years (Kalamazoo style, shallow bodied, abalone inlaid). It is the best mandolin I have played (I had a Martin prev iously) and I would rather have all my teeth pulled without anaesthetic than part with it!! Chris Eccleshall does have a website...the address is www.thebeast.demon.co.uk/eccleshall Regarding guitars...I have played good and bad Martins...every guitar is individual with its own character though there is no doubt they hold their value very well. My current guitar is an '83 Lowden-designed, Japanese-made cutaway acoustic which I picked up at a very reasonable price secondhand about 12 years ago. It suits me so well in every respect... sound, versatility, feel, etc. that, again, I would never part with it. I had an exquisite Manson Kingfisher before but sold it as I could only fingerpick with it whereas my current guitar is good for both picking and chord work. At the end of the day I guess it's down to personal preferences about sound, feel and aesthetics and the best thing is to try as many instruments as possible until you find the one that's "made for you". mcmoo |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 29 Aug 99 - 03:31 PM Mcmoo: Thanks a lot for the Website info. I appreciate your help. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: kendall morse (don't use) Date: 29 Aug 99 - 05:38 PM I got my first guitar in 1950. A Gene Autry model (wish I had it now) and I have owned some of the best, Guild, Martin D-28 a Mossman a Gibson j-45 (1956) and, when I encountered a Taylor 810, I sold the Martin, gave away the Gibson, and believe it or not, I will put my Taylor up against the best Martin you can drag out. I also have a hand made 12 string built by Nick Apollonio of Rockport Maine, and, in my not so humble opinion, it is the best sounding 12 string I have ever heard. It also plays like butter. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Keith D Date: 29 Aug 99 - 07:07 PM Is there a Website for Taylors? |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Guy Wolff Date: 29 Aug 99 - 08:53 PM If I had to buy a new instroment I think I would get the small bodied Taylor {Lui Collins got one last year that just sounds incredable} or maybe the gibson [Montana} remake of the Blues-king{I tried one up at The Fretted Instroment Shop in Amherst Mass <<>Incredable} or Maybe the George Lucus{Gibson} or Maybe That sweet remake of the Deolion Made by National or maybe Ide just get a o18 or a 0018 or a 00018 or a oo28 [Custum}or maybe just a 028 {Custum} All Martins.<<<>>>Gosh I wish we had alittle more of a choice !!!!!!! It all just takes a huge amount of $$$$$$. Dose anyone remember the book "Jonhy Had A Nicle" No problem? Right!!!! PS I love buying used High End instroments because they sell for what you buy them for or more..{If your very CARFULL!!!!} I bought a mastertone once for a great price that turned out to be a RB250...I was being polite not taking off the resenator and it sounded great..I kept it quite a while anyway<<>>><<< All the best Guy Wolff |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: j0_77 Date: 29 Aug 99 - 09:21 PM Taylor right - yummmie, tried and the fame is well deserved an excellent Guitar. Now where am I to find a Gallagher to try out?? |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Dan from Boston Date: 29 Aug 99 - 09:49 PM I may be on the wrong thread here, but I like my Alverez. Got it new for $400, have had it for 15 years, play it a lot. I take it to the beach, take it camping, don't worry about scratches, salt air or a little rain. Every once in a while, I go in for strings and they have some great looking guitar there for big bucks, but I just wouldn't be comfortable going around with a real expensive one. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Aug 99 - 09:57 PM Hey there Group...........I've been meaning to post here for days. If you didn't do a forum search, let me help you out a bit. I don't have much to add that I didn't say in these previous threads. Hope all my blue clicky things work. Taylor,Collings, Larrivee, and other High End Guitars Ovation,Takemine, Yamaha, etc.-- Mid Range Guitars Alvarez, Seagull, Washburn, and others And if you're a little new to Mudcat or are wondering why everybody around here makes TIPLE jokes, then your require Mudcatter reading assignment is this: THE INFAMOUS MUDCAT TIPLE THREAD Please feel free to post comments on any you like. We started the guitar threads as a permanent opinion record as a place to send people who were asking about a specific brand or price range. Enjoy the Tiple thread, if you haven't read it. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: kendall morse (don't use) Date: 29 Aug 99 - 10:44 PM Sandy, I'm going to have to join Rick and gang up on you... I have always admired your touch on the guitar, and,it was such a pleasure to be in on that Laskin guitar we gave you. We folkies owe you and Caroline so much, as fine an instrument as it is, it hardly comes close to what you deserve. (By the way there was so much love in that room that night, I nearly blubbered myself !! |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DonMeixner Date: 29 Aug 99 - 11:44 PM I love my Martin 0-16NY but due to the width of the finger board I can't play it. I love my Yamaha FG 180 but due to the depth of the neck I can't play it . I raelly love my 1959 Guild (Gretch) F-30 but due ro tornado damage I can't play it. I hate my Ovation but its intact and the neck ain't too bad so I play it. "Spaw, remember thats pronounced "Tee-play" Don |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: catspaw49 Date: 30 Aug 99 - 12:20 AM Okay Don, you're right..........but somehow I always preferred "that fuckin' THING." {:+)) Spaw
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bonedaddy Date: 30 Aug 99 - 02:04 AM In some 40+ years I've never owned a perfect guitar but my Taylors have come damn close. My new 414ce is the finest fingerstyle guitar I've ever heard or played hands down. On the other hand, I once played a Martin D-41 that brought tears to my eyes. Guitars are a lot like marriage partners...If the one you've got makes you happy, hang on to it at all costs! If you're looking for love, DON'T LET YOUR FRIENDS SET YOU UP!!!!!!! You'll know the right one when it's in your arms. I spent two years shopping for my new one...Take your time!!! Listen to everything you can and above all, don't buy according to brand!!! There's some poor sounding stuff out there for big money. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bugsy Date: 30 Aug 99 - 02:48 AM I have a Martin 00018. It weighs about as much as a packet of tissues and has a wonderful tone and action. I got is second hand and had a bags pickup put in it, a refret and I would not part with it. Volume-wise my Maton M325 Knocks the pants off it. The Maton also has a lot more bottom end. I think one of the best guitars I've ever owned apart from the martin was a Kasuga that I bought in the early eighties (when they had their own factory in Japan) That was some guitar. Derek Brimstone has a limited edition Kasuga which has an eagle inlaid on the back in mother of pearl. God knows what it's worth but it's great. bugsy
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: trying this out Date: 30 Aug 99 - 01:46 PM blues player |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: roe Date: 30 Aug 99 - 03:09 PM try playing a taylor 415 jumbo. a real beauty for strummers, use the thinest med. wide pick possible. itll rival any martin. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bert Date: 30 Aug 99 - 03:25 PM I've got to agree with Jo 77, how you play....is what makes them sound good. I'm sure that my old Yamaha is going to be more guitar than I'll ever need. Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 30 Aug 99 - 05:42 PM I would be interested in any comments any of you might about the Gibson Hummingbird model. I have heard that it is a fine guitar that will hold its value well. Any pros and/or cons will be appreciated. To take it a step further, what guitar would you recommend in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range? I'm not even sure The Hummingbird is in that price range. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Rick Fielding Date: 30 Aug 99 - 06:47 PM Doug. As we drool over and debate our guitars, always keep in mind the one really important factor in all of this. The Player! I have an acquaintance who has gone through several quality instruments. They ALL sound like crapola in this person's hands. Sometimes I guess it's much more daunting to actually learn touch, sensitivity and control, than to just keep hunting down new instruments and hoping for a miracle. The Hummingbird is a good buy, investment-wise, but most of the ones that I've seen (from the 60s to the 80s) are really overbuilt (Gibsons reaction to having to do too many warranty jobs) and don't seem to have much output. The new ones are okay but certainly don't sound as good as new Taylors, Collings' Martins or Santa Cruzs'. I've also seen evidence that their necks may twist. Also depends on how you feel about the decorated pick-guards. Rick |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 30 Aug 99 - 07:53 PM Rick: Thanks loads for your input. Yes, there is no question but that the one who plays the instrument is one of the keys. Example: I booked Andres Segovia to perform with our orchestra when I managed it, and we became quite friendly while he was here. He asked if I played an instrument and I told him that I did, but not very well. We had him to dinner and he insisted on checking out my guitar, which is an Orlando classical guitar. It never sounded like that when I played it. It hasn't sounded like that since either. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: MichaelM Date: 31 Aug 99 - 07:48 PM Rick, I recognize myself as the Player in your illustration. I now see the error of my ways and have requested Grit Laskin to make my next instrument out of crapola in the fragrant hope that it might sound like a guitar. I believe he's getting the material from Tam Kearney (the proud composer of such classics as "Down in the Stool Mine"). Michael |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: kendall morse (don't use) Date: 31 Aug 99 - 07:58 PM looks like you dropped a clod in the churn Rick.. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: catspaw49 Date: 01 Sep 99 - 12:15 AM There are TWO (2) P's in "Crappola." You guys need to get this stuff right! TWO P's IN CRAPPOLA...Got it? Hmmmm..... Oddly enough, those are my initials................. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Rick Fielding Date: 01 Sep 99 - 01:12 AM AHAHHH! Well Michael Miland, you're in for it now. "You're so vain, you probably thought that post was about you". (sing Carly's song while reciting that line!) Michael is a fine picker and singer who gets better everytime I see him. Besides, he's been a guest on "Acoustic Workshop", and we only hire the best. Nope, the person I was thinking of shall deservedly remain anonymous. BUT...BUT..It's true that Michael DOES own a lot of guitars. He also has an amazingly tolerant (and very sweet) wife who shamelessly indulges him in his search for the perfect 10 guitars. Now a few years ago (before marriage) I also suffered from Michael's affliction. Resulting in an apartment full of Martins, Gibsons, Larrivees, Epiphones, Vegas, and other high-end effluvia. Fortunately for my pocketbook I hadn't really gotten to know Grit Laskin very well at the time. Was I rich? Har de Har! Nope I just spent virtually all my money on peg heads with expensive names on them. Since meeting the lovely Duckboots and being informed that I should take up a less grandiose hobby (like collecting match-books) I've not gone completely cold-turkey, but am a mere shadow of my former acquisitive self. The deal she (excuse me, I mean we) worked out was: If you're gonna buy one, you gotta sell one! The result being that the house is still full of instruments...but the number hasn't grown in the last 9 years. It hovers at around thirty. Now I can tell by the sensibility of their postings that REAL adults like Kendall, Doug, and Catspaw are probably satisfied with one guitar, and maybe a banjo, dulcimer or squeezebox tucked away in a closet, but these are obviously well-adjusted people who don't live 5 minutes away from both The 12th Fret, and Encore music! Michael and I are both members of A.A. (acoustics anonymous) a support group for acoustiholics. It works this way. If he wants to buy a new Laskin, he just has to call me and I'll say: "Go for it! I support you". Rick |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: kendall morse Date: 01 Sep 99 - 12:54 PM It's true that I am now satisfied with 2 guitars, but, it took years to get here. Now, it's kinda like living in Maine... ther's no point in traveling when you are already there. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: kendall morse Date: 01 Sep 99 - 12:55 PM It's true that I am now satisfied with 2 guitars, but, it took years to get here. Now, it's kinda like living in Maine... ther's no point in traveling when you are already there. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 01 Sep 99 - 02:13 PM Oh, no! You mean there's a name gor it Rick! Acoustiholics? You'd think a guy my age (69) would be immune to such maladies by now, but I get a creepy crawly feeling that I'm leaning toward becoming one. I'll fight it, though, with every last breath I have left. Food for the table must come first! Is there a shot to prevent it? DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bert Date: 01 Sep 99 - 02:32 PM Doug, There isn't a shot unfortunately. However you can alleviate some of the expense by buying your instruments at such places as Goodwill. That way you'll have enough pennies left to buy groceries. But instead of ending up with a house full of expensive instruments you'll finish up with a house overflowing with useless crap. Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 01 Sep 99 - 03:21 PM Sage advice, Bert. I'll steer clear of Goodwill. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Rick Fielding Date: 02 Sep 99 - 01:56 AM No, No, Doug, don't listen to Bert! He's trying to spoil your fun and make you responsible. Buy, buy, buy! Let me live vicariously through your purchases! Rick (your A.A. friend who supports your indulgences, no matter how expensive) |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 02 Sep 99 - 02:24 AM Rick: Now I'm in withdrawal. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: MichaelM Date: 02 Sep 99 - 08:18 AM The easiest way to shock yourself out of the path of guitar acquisition doom is to take all the strings off your instruments at once. The effort and cost of restringing them may bring you back to reality. I am currently on step one of the acoustics anonymous twelve string program: I acknowledge that I will never get this thing in tune. Michael |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 02 Sep 99 - 02:52 PM Well, Rick, I found a way to cure my acousticitis. I just got back from the dentist office. For what I'm gonna have to spend over the next 12 months to salvage these 69 year old teeth, I could have bought two of Martin's finest. I'm cured by default. Or maybe teethfault is a more accurate term. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bert Date: 02 Sep 99 - 03:56 PM Hey guys, Who's side are you on? NOT ONCE did I suggest that anyone should stop buying guitars. I just suggested a place to get 'em cheaper. Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Rick Fielding Date: 02 Sep 99 - 04:09 PM Hell Bert! Lets break into Mandolin Bros. and steal em all! Rick |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Songster Bob Date: 02 Sep 99 - 04:22 PM Some comments and a brag. First, the brag: http://members.aol.com/rjclayton/instrums.jpg (I can't remember the "turn it into a real link" html-talk so you'll have to cut and paste like I do). Now, I own two Martins (or one-and-a-half, 'cause one of 'em has a non-Martin top) as well as a few other guitars (not to mention the mandolins, banjos, mandolin-banjo, guitar-banjo, etc.), and I have to say we're living in the golden age of luthiers, from the one-offs to the small to the large to the grandaddy, and the competition, innovation, and just general good design and workmanship make it possible to get just about what you want (except cheap prices) from several sources. If I had my way, I'd be getting (in no particular order) a Larivee Pete Anderson, a koa-wood Taylor OM-sized, a Gibson J-200 or Blues King (I think that's what it's called), and one or two orders from folks like Grit or Nick, not to mention the new 12-string Danelectro or a metal-bodied National. The cost is high for quality, but the number of quality makers is higher than at any time I know of, for sure. What a great world, to have both guitars and tomatoes in it. Bob Clayton |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Easy Rider Date: 02 Sep 99 - 04:49 PM Oh no! There is a name for my disease. GAS - Guitar Aquisition Syndrome. I only have two guitars, A Gibson J-50, that I bought 36 years ago and a Martin OM-28VR that is less than a year old, but, when I was out in Oregon, I played a Greven, and, NOW I WANT ONE. What am I to do? Even my wife and daughter say I should get one, and sell the Martin! (I'll NEVER part with my Gibson.) Is there an AA group in my neighborhood, or is my family my only support group? One nice thing about a new Martin, besides the quality, is the fact that I have a lifetime warranty, and I can get work done on it at my local dealer's. The Greven I would have to ship back to John Greven, in Oregon, which might have a slow turnaround. EZR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: MichaelM Date: 02 Sep 99 - 07:41 PM It is with profound embarassment that I report to the assembled members of Acoustic Anonymous that I have 143 srings (no hammered dulcimers, autoharps or pianos). I am stricken with G.A.S. Help me, Master Yoda Fielding. Let us meet at the Twelfth Fret and ceremonially consume our credit cards before our instruments consume us. Let Mandolin Bros., Elderly Instruments and Gruhn Guitars have our pictures posted behind the counter as personae au gratin. Let us take our wooden gods back to the deep forest whence they came and plant them deep in their native soil (koa guitar owners get to go to Hawaii!!!) in sincere hope that they may re-root and become the trees that they were meant to be. You go first. Michael |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Duckboots Date: 03 Sep 99 - 02:17 PM Dear Michael. I feel your pain. I'm at 151 and still counting(and remembering the things underneath the bed). Oops, forgot the bass! Perhaps you could try the old oriental custom of giving things to people who compliment them. Bye the way, I love your 12 string...Oops, forgot the psaltery! that's another 22. LEJ, the Grevens are lovely instruments, Go for it! Oops, forgot the the dulcimer! Bob, what a disaster my life would be if I actually had a job, and could afford to REALLY go crazy,..Oops, forgot the Mando-cello! Hep me, Hep Me! Rick |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Easy Rider Date: 03 Sep 99 - 03:06 PM BTW: When I was in Oregon, I saw the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the World, outside the town of Seaside. It is seventeen feet in diameter and 750 years old! It goes up so high, the stars have to move out of the way. Imagine how many fine guitar tops you could make out of that tree! EZR |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Bert Date: 03 Sep 99 - 05:26 PM Of course the ultimate cure for GAS could be the Mudcat Auction. Put all those old guitars under the hammer. |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: MichaelM Date: 03 Sep 99 - 06:47 PM Something for nothing... New guitars for old... Rid yourself of those old decrepit spruce boxes with the finish all cracked and trade them for a new shiny Hondo. Surprise your relatives. Stun your spouses with the beauty of these shiny wooden boxes. They will be rendered speechless when they find you have traded their old Martins, Gibsons Nationals (only think of the savings on metal polish) for the latest in up-to-date factory-built instruments, untouched by human hands. Act now; this offer will not be repeated. Hondo; when you care enough to give the very newest. Michael
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: catspaw49 Date: 03 Sep 99 - 07:20 PM Geez, when I check back in here, istart countin' strings and before I finish, we;re alkin' about $29.00 guitars. Alright my answer to the next subject change is "Yeah, that's good/bad, I agree/disagree"....Hard to keep up around here. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: Frank Hamilton Date: 03 Sep 99 - 07:24 PM I've never been able to afford many guitars. I've only had one accoustic over the years. My wife and I use it on most of our gigs. It doesn't need sound reinforcement for the small venues. It's a Martin 0021. Josh White started playing them when his Gibson was stolen. I play it kinda' hard (medium gauge strings, heavy guage picks) and it talks out loud. Frank |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: MichaelM Date: 03 Sep 99 - 08:44 PM Easy Rider I have this vision of stringing up that sitka spruce while it stands. A set of exra-long medium phosphor bronze strings (750 ft.-no problem)connected to a floating bridge (no bridge pin holes allowed). But how to play God's own axe? And what name is on he label on the top? Pythagoras, maybe? |
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Subject: RE: Guitar Talk From: DougR Date: 03 Sep 99 - 08:47 PM EZR, you are treading in dangerous water. To suggest that that big old tree might be cut down and used for the manufacture of guitars will cause the Sierra Club to rise up in arms and hang you from it. Careful. DougR |
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