Electric guitar as a solo instrument

Subject: RE: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: GUEST,Mark Bluemel
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 05:00 AM

I remember seeing John James, quite a few years ago, alternating between an amplified acoustic (perhaps a Fylde) and an Epiphone Emperor - the Emperor made some lovely sounds for his style.

Subject: RE: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: Will Fly
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 04:26 AM

There are many varieties of "electric", and I think that how they're used depends on the circumstances. Modern acoustic guitars are now often constructed with built-in electrics, or they have had the electrics installed at a later date. I fitted my "0" model Chisholm with a K&K pickup - completely invisible apart from the tell-tale jack socket in the end block - and, played through my Roland Cube amp, sounds beautifully acoustic; just louder. So I've used that in large or noisy venues, or when playing for dancing with the ceilidh band.

I don't see any distinction, in sound terms, between playing an acoustic or electric guitar, as long as the sound is as you want it and (of course) acceptable to the audience. A purely electric guitar, as opposed to an electro-acoustic instrument - your 335 is a good example - often requires or invites a different technique, attack, melody sustain, vibrato, etc., but that's just a matter of practice.

Some folk clubs I've guested in ask you to plug in, if you can, and have a suitable amp or PA system for you to do so, simply because of the size and acoustics of the venue. If I recall correctly, the Ram Club in Thames Ditton - a very successful club - is an example.

So, Al - have a blast!

Subject: RE: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 04:16 AM

Out of interest, what is it that folkies do with electric guitars that you don’t like? I suspect I might agree with you.

Subject: RE: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: Acorn4
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 03:55 AM

If it works why not. Billy Bragg made a success of it.

Subject: RE: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 03:43 AM

Judas?

Subject: Electric guitar as a solo instrument
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Nov 18 - 03:11 AM

I've played acoustic in folk clubs for years, and I've really not liked what folk musicians did with electric guitars.

I've played electric in groups and to backing tracks. but recently I've decided to play an Epiphone 335 solo, with a fender modelling amp.

Any thoughts...?