Guitars..what do you play?

Subject: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 07:41 PM

Just thought I'd start create thread to start an arguement really
That and the fact I'm a smug so and so cos I play a Martin D28 serial no 359739. I do so in the knowledge that there isn't a better made or sounding guitar in the world, than a Martin.... That should stir up a hornet's nest or two..
Keep plonking you non-Martin players..

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: The Shambles
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 07:57 PM

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 08:12 PM

Diferent kinds of attack on an instroment call for different boxs.I mostly finger-pick so I play an 018 martin.I hit hard and so make the 00028s sound over used.{though they sound great on a studio mike} I love the sound of certain arch-top acustics for blues work and also find the resonated guitar a usfull tool.Taylors have a wonderfull sound as well and finaly it comes down to the magic in the wood and the life the guitar has had for the vioce the instroment has. I also liked what was said above about good guitars /good players and so on. I'm so happy you like your guitar for you.. Thats whats inportant..........

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Allan. S
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 10:08 PM

It all depends how they sound.... My 1950 0018 Martin w/ Nylon strings does not sound as good as one called a ESPANIA made in Finland also have a Goya Classic {Barf.} Most of the time I play a FG140 Yamaha Picked up at the Flea Mkt for $20 It had the best sound of all of them.Have just put a set of Martin silk and Steel on the Martin hope it will improve. so Who knows. Try different things untill you find what you like THats whats important. Bugger what other people use.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Paul Jay
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 10:15 PM

I've played a Martin 00017 for about 32 years,an old mahogany body with the best sound in the world, until last summer that is, when I found a Tony Rice Santa Cruz at a major discount (divorce) price. I couldn't put it down what a great sound. My first gig about 2 weeks later had the sound man complaining that it was too loud-could I please back the mike away from the guitar? My Martin is now permanantly in open tuning,slide is where it sounds best (great silde thread). I also spent two years looking for the perfect (for me) 12 string and purchased a Taylor 750 and I've been in love with it ever since.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Chet W.
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 10:18 PM

Allan, for God's sake put a set of steel strings on your OO-18 (I would recommend a light gauge phosphor-bronze such a D'Addario's J-16 set). It was made for steel strings and anything lighter is not only going to sound worse, but you may do serious damage to a wonderful instrument by not loading it correctly. If it's had those nylon strings a long time, you are lucky if it still has a straight neck, and it may take it a while to start sounding good under the correct load, but please don't endanger such an instrument. We all want it.

Chet W.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Snookums
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 11:57 PM

Talk about starting an argument, how's this? I play an Ovation Celebrity deluxe. It's ok, it was the best accoustic/electric I could get around these parts (Iowa is not the acoustic capitol of the world) that I could afford. Would rather have a Martin or Gibson, but oh well, I can dream.

Snookums

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 12:47 AM

Jazus, Mick. Is it the knees that you are sick of in their present location? :->)) The aul Martin is indeed a grand sounding instrument, but if I could get you to clean the wax out of your ears for one sweet minute and listen, in an unprejudiced manner to the guitars currently being made in Canada by La-Si-Do, you might have reason to believe that you have spent a lot of Quid for no better sound out of the Martin. (Did I really write that last sentence?)

While I certainly admit that the vintage D-28's are special instruments, I will match the sound out of my 1964 Guild 12 string against any other. Voice like a choir of angels. She would make you feel something grand, Mick old chap. Especially since I started stringing her with DR Rare Phosphur Bronze lights.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Dave T
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 02:30 AM

I play three different guitars. My favourite is a 1967 Martin 000-18 with D'Addaro Phosphor Bronze Lights. By the way, Allan, I agree with Chet. If you're really concerned with the tension of the strings (although lights are no problem), try D'Addario Custom Lights.
For bluegrass I have a Norman ST-68 made by La-Si-Do. It's a spruce and Rosewood dreadnought size guitar. I have an Yamaha "plywood box" (FG-200), that I use for open G blues.
That's about it for me folks.
Dave T

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Musicman
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 03:10 AM

Yo there, I've got me a Daion that I picked up about 16 years ago. I do both strumming and picking (with the fingers) and it sounds great with both. I use light strings, no particular brand. I've noticed a BIG difference with picks. I usually use mediums. I was given some Dean Markley mediums and loved the sound. Tried all other types I can get but none sound as good, including the Tortise brand, fender, martin and what ever else I could find. None sounded as good as the dean Markley's. They gave me a clean, bright solid sound. Only problem is, I can't find them anyway for retail on the west coast. (Canada or US!!!!!) BUMMER! Anybody recommend a GOOD pick up for acoustic that retains the full body sound of a great guitar. For those quiet fingerpicking songs and the louder struming songs. ?Sound hole or under the bridge???

happy picking

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 05:33 AM

There was a guy once who got his moneys worth out of a martin. He was freezing to death and used it to start a fire.

For classical, I have an Alvarez Yairi (spell?), a good instrument, but small sounding. I used to play a Taylor, probably the sweetest sounding guitar I ever had, but I never could get used to that skinny little neck, then a friend sold me a Lowden. What a bully critter! A finely balanced, robust sound with a wide neck, and LOUD? I play with a bunch of folks who include violins, violas, double basses, mandolins, saxaphones, flutes, clarinets, pianos and on rare occasions, a tuba. Still my guitar is right there in the crowd, without amplification.

I did hear this fella get a reasonable facsimile of music out of a martin once, he threw a handful of marbles in it and used it for a rattle.

Frank i.t.s.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: DWDitty
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 06:13 AM

Over the years I have owned a Gibson L1 (1917), a Yamaha 360, a Dobro Model 36, a 1927 Martin 0-18K (by far the prettiest), a Gidson J-45, and now, a Guild F-50. While I love the big sound of the F-50R (formerly Jonathan Edwards stage guitar) set up with D'Addario J-17 Medium Phosphor Bronze, I still miss the balance and playability of the J-45. It has occurred to me that the J-45 crosses all musical boundaries - you see them in folk, blues, rock, jazz, bluegrass, etc. The "J" must stand for journeyman.

DW

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Animaterra
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 06:45 AM

Move over, boys, For those of us not in the Martin-et-al league, I am happy to say that my sweet little Seagull that I bought last summer used for $220 has a sweet sound just fine for my never-amplified use. Makes 'em rock in the gymnasium once a week for all-school assembly!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 09:43 AM

I am the happy owner of the Martin D35-360009. I also have a Fylde Lysander. I prefer the Martin,strung up with Dr.Tomastik,Bronze

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Rockaday Johnnie
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 10:27 AM

I love guitars - each one has it's own individual sound - for blues I sure love the old Gibsons - I've an early 40's Southern Jumbo (banner headstock) and an early 40's Super Jumbo J100 (one of about 140 made) for flatpicking the SJ also sounds great but I also enjoy Martins - I've got a 1970 D45 and 1972 D41 as well as a 1943 D18 - for fingerpicking I love my 1934 00-42 and my 1964 00-21 although I've got a number of Martins in reserve -2 000-28 herringbones -one is a 1944 the other a sunburst 1938 - a 1977 SOM-45 (Torch headstock) that rings like a bell and a nice 1950 00-18 --sure would like a 30's or 40's D28 to add to my collection though.....

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 11:12 AM

I said I'd stir it up with this thread. Ain't it amazing how attached you can get to a lump of wood? All I can say to Rockaday Johnnie is you are a very wealthy man. See Frank even us mere mortals that are lucky enough to own a Martin can still be envious.
However a slightly serious question for those of you in the know about Martins. I was told that you should never buy one made after a certain date (don't ask me when cos it escapes me), due to them moving factory or changing their wood stock or something. Is this bullshit or not?
You know what they say about knowing whether you've found a good guitar or not. Cos you'll never part with it.
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Einnor
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 11:38 AM

I had the good fortune to sit in on a conversation with some top notch pickers at a bluegrass festival in Coombs British Columbia Canada. The all knowing pickers opinion was the change in wood from Brazilian rose wood to Indian rosewood. But the Indian hasen't been around long enough to be judged. It may age better than Brazilian. Who knows? I have a D-28, ST68, MD40 and an EM-150 Mandolin, all of which I love to play even though I am a relative beginner. Einnor from the tall timber.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 12:01 PM

I own several guitars , all but one of which I love to play, only one of them I can play anymore.

I own a 1960 Guild F-30, a Martin 0-16NY from 1973, A Yamaha FG-180, (my first guitar) from 1971, An Ovation Adamas Collectors 1985 guitar. In 19 86 I ran my hand through a table saw which significantly reduced my ability to play anything for quite some time. I am left with finger that have little spread and they won't open beyond 75%. Consequently the only gyuitars I can play any more are the Guild which I love and the Ovation which I am at best indiferent to. The Guild was recently damaged when a tornado hit our house so thats out of play till it comes home from the shop. Most of my time is now on an ODE Long neck 5 String.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bill Cameron
Date: 07 Nov 98 - 01:05 PM

I play a 1973 Martin O-18, a real plain Jane model that's a few years too new to be from the Golden Era (pre 1970), but it's been played most days for the 18 years I've owned it and sounds and feels fine. It improved a lot five years ago when I finally found someone who knew how to _really_ repair and set up a Martin or other fine guitar (Rufus Stewart, but he's in Vancouver now). Many have tried...the non-adjustable truss rod was a conceit the company was wise to finally leave behind.

It's not my ultimate guitar, though. I would really like to get a well-broken-in D18, for the fuller tonal range (the O18 is crisp but lacks boom). And in my dreams, a Lowden--I've only tried one, but it was completely in a category of its own.

The new low (for Martin) priced D1 is a nice instrument. For some reason D28s have never turned my crank.

Bill in East Ontario

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 01:32 PM

I started my guitar playing on a little Gibson classical. As soon as I became competent with a G chord I wanted more sound and put metal strings on it. Well, of course, one day I opened the case and the bridge had detached from the top. It was nicely repaired by an old gentleman who cursed me under his breath.

I was, therefore, in the market for a real steel string guitar. It being 1965 and I being a folk-nik, I longed for a Martin D-28. I let many people know I was looking and in a telephone call, someone told me there was an ad under "Money to Loan" in the papers that sounded like what I was looking for. The guitar was in an ad for a pawn shop and the next morning I was there. They had a mint-condition D-28 and they wanted $185 for it. I bought it. Serial No. 153633 puts it at 1956 I think.

It has served me well. While I was at college, my father rolled out of my bed and onto my guitar in its case. The case took the damage well, but the tuning pegs were bent. The repairman up-graded the tuners to the then new Grovers (sp?), so my guitar is no longer pure. The blessing, though, is that it is a good sounding Martin and not as "boomy" as some. My main trouble now is I love the guitar, but I am fearful to travel with it.

My second guitar is a Guild F-212 12-string. The serial # AN-1775 puts its manufacture about 1967. I bought it used in 1990 to celebrate my divorce. I shopped for quite a while playing new and used 12's. When I picked this one up and started playing it, it sounded just like the 12-string music in my head. Fortunately, the shop owner did not know I would pay whatever he asked. He gave me a decent price.

I own a Mc Nally Backpacker guitar, probably 10 years old. Mc Nally has sold this guitar for many years through craft shows. A few years back, he sold design to Martin. Some say it sounds like a banjo. To me it is reminiscent of an old Lightnin' Hopkins record, an early electric played through a cheap tube amp. I feel comfortable taking it any where, so I can still practice guitar whenever I travel. Most days, my backpacker stays in the bathroom (no jokes about perfect pitch) I play it nearly every day (nice reverb).

Finally, a few years ago I bought a new National Tri-Cone with the paint finish. It was an impulse buy and it still gets only a little playing time. Frankly, it cries out for a bottleneck and I am still a learner in that area.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bert
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 01:53 PM

It depends what mood I'm in and what I am singing.

My favourite is a Vantage in Birds Eye Maple. I bought it using Peter's Placebo 'An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance'. It has a nice bright tone which suits a lot of my songs.

For lower pitched songs I use an Ibanez which I picked up at Goodwill for $20. It came with a case for that price and had never been used. The peel off plastic was still on the pickguard.

If I'm feeling sentimental I pick up my old Yamaha folk guitar. I bought it in 1979 and it's been knocked around some but still sounds good.

I got an old Kay at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago for $5.50. I cleaned it up and put a new set of strings on it; sounds surprisingly good. The action is a bit high and I'm not sure yet whether I'm going to reset the bridge or fit it with a tailpiece. I was going to take it to work when it's finished but it looks like I'll have to fight my son for it.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 05:19 PM

My first guitar was a 1951 Martin 0-18. I bought it 16 years ago and chose it because I was a salesman and it seemed very portable for business trips. It might have belonged to Woody Guthrie (and others) before me because it had seen a lot of hard travelin' before it came to me... a couple of wars, multiple bar brawls, mucho zooey frat parties, uncounted groovy happenings, etc.

A year and a half ago, when I decided to get serious about backing Irish dance tunes (I am still getting serious about backing Irish dance tunes), I looked for a replacement that could be strummed with gusto and could take medium strings but was still sensitive enough to finger pick. After some research, I decided on a Martin M-36. They day I bought it, a couple of guitar playing buddies came along and they both played while I listened and listened while I played and sang. I bought the 2nd best sounding one because it cost considerably less than #1 and was still fine. It was in particularly nice condition.

The first time I took it to a seisuin, an individual asked to borrow it for a song. Not wanting to seem like a mean, stuck-up jerk, I let her borrow it and she proceeded to smack the Sitka straight into the Shure (cream the top against a microphone)... and that was just for starters.

The following day, I commenced my search for guitar #3. I settled on a new Sigma DM-4M: solid plywood, 3-piece neck, came with a simple bridge pickup and all for $300! All the fiddlers, banjo players, etc. hate my brown bomber. All the guitar players love it. "Hey, where'd you get this? Do they have any more?" Drunks spill Guiness on it and I smile like Alfred E. Newman, "No problem, man! Could happen to anyone." Thrasers explode 2 or 3 strings during a single song and I just say, "Isn't that a great guitar?" and under my breath to myself... "Milner, you were a genius to buy this!" I have grown very fond of my DM-4M.

I take the M-36 to concerts but, anytime I'm expecting tight spots, drunks and guest artistes of questionable intelligence, the Sigma gets a night out.

I have one other guitar but to tell you about it would be too much like going to confession.

All the best, Dan

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Sean Ruprecht-Belt
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 05:58 PM

Glad to see that this thread hasn't degenerated into the musical equivalent of 'My Dad's tougher than your Dad.'

I started years ago with a Silvertone electric guitar that was so awful it sounded more like a car horn than a guitar. I miss it terribly.

These days, I play a Gibson J-45 left to me by my Grandfather. I think it was manufactured around 1955 (about the same time I was). I've also got a Yamaha G-60A nylon string guitar that I bought in 1970. Both have great sound and feel and I wouldn't trade either for anything. The Gibson is great for about any music I play from Blues to backing fiddle tunes and the Yamaha has a wonderful mellow tone that I like for singer/songwriter kinds of things.

Then there's my banjo, which is a complete mystery. It appears to be homemande, but is pretty nice for all that. And it suits me just fine.

Regards, Sean

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 06:50 PM

This is all fascinating stuff guys, let's keep it coming in. I think I've learnt more about that most versatile of instruments reading through these threads than years spent either down the local music store and/or pub.
Don I sympathise with your not being able to play as well since your accident. I know a couple of guys who through one reason or another are no longer able to play (one of them has taken up the accordian...no comment). When the old Arthur Rightous is particularly bad I have trouble myself.
Roger all I can say is you bought a D28 for $185.. I daren't tell you how much I paid for mine.. lotsa moola... but then eh aren't we worth the guitar of our dreams, whatever it may be?
To close another old saying my grandma told me (as if).. a good guitar is like a good woman.. better if played with everyday (sorry no sexism intended.. delete woman and insert man where required).
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 07:26 PM

I just got a Maton (made in Australia) BG808L. This has the body size of a classical but a more pronounced waist (it is shaped very much like the Taylor of the same size.) The top is solid Sitka Spruce and the fingerboard and bridge are rosewood. The rest is Australian woods.

What I like about it is, in common with some other small bodied guitars, it is slightly wider at the nut than most dreadnaughts which suits my fat fingers. On the other hand, the neck has a slightly slimmer profile than some others which suits my short fingers when I want to use my thumb.

It came set up with D'Addario EJ16 strings (Phosphor Bronze Light) and it sounds good with them so I will stick with them a while. I have gravitated toward Plectrum AC112 over the last half-year.

I just bought my first guitar about a year ago. It is an Epiphone PR200 (Dreadnaught) with a Nitro-Satin finish. I was really happy with it until I started to get good (relative term) at fingerpicking and then the booming bass began to get on my nerves. Also the narrow fingerboard and the large body was causing some physical difficulties.

I saw a Sisme Model A (made in Italy) really cheap in a pawn shop a while ago. It was a wreck, but I bought it and did what repairs I could myself and paid for some others. It has the shape and size of a classical, but less depth. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a heavy neck and has no truss rod, so I couldn't go better than extra-light strings; but it felt so much better that I decided to save up for a small-bodied guitar of more standard construction.

Chet, I didn't know that underloading could harm the guitar. Can't you adjust the truss rod accordingly?

By the way, here is a question for the experts. A steel string guitar seems to always have the place where the strings go over the bridge (be it the bridge itself or the saddle) angled while a classical guitar doesn't. This is of course to compensate for intonation; but is it for the strings or the body design. That is, if you do put nylon strings on a steel-string guitar, should you remove the angle of the saddle?

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 09:54 PM

Mick Lowe, Great thread, my brother, I just love the give and take. And all done with good humor and just a little edge. Bravo to all.

Animaterra, When I referenced the guitars being made by La-Si-Do in Canada, the Seagulls are what I was talking about. I will tell you, brothers and sisters, there is no better guitar being made for the money. They have great sound, solid tops and backs, and a great guarantee. You Martin folks better pay attention to these.

Roger in Baltimore, Your Guild 12 and mine are the same vintage, roughly. Isn't the sound out of these old gems marvelous. As you may remember from an earlier thread, I was having a tough time with strings, but these DR Rare Phosphur Bronze seem to be the ones.

And finally, to Rockaday Johnny, If you decide to take up skydiving, tightrope without the net or any other somewhat dangerous avocation; could I hold your wallet AND your guitars for you? :-))

All the best,

Big Mick (one of three such creatures who inhabit these parts)

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Dave T
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 10:43 PM

Animaterra and Big Mick, I'm with you; for the money you can't beat Seagulls. I've been thinking about getting one with built in electronics (an S6)for open stages where you never know about the mics or the sound system.

To Bill Cameron AKA Bill in East Ontario: Is that you? I think I've played around a kitchen table with you once or twice up in MacDonald's Corners at Gary's or on the north side of Dalhousie Lake at Pat's. It was at least a few years ago though; I was probably with John T. the banjo player. Let me know if this rings any bells. If you want, add to this thread, start one "To Dave T" or email to "[e-mail]"

By the way, Mick Lowe, as Big Mick says, great thread.
Dave T

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 11:41 PM

Alan, I agree about putting steel string on your Martin. Nylons are easy on the fingers but they haven't the power to drive the top correctly. If you can't handle steel strings on you finger tips yet, at least go to Silk and steel. You maybe damaging the guitar by not having enough force on the neck. That Guitar will handle medium gauge strings but I also agree with using lites. I like Martin Bronze or Marquis, if you can find them anyplace Darco New Yorkers were my favorites. My brother has a 00-18 from about 1960 which he plays a mixed set of GHS strings on, heavier than lites , not quite mediums.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Brad Sondahl
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 01:10 AM

I have a 65 Martin 00-18, which I worked in the fields for two months to earn the money to buy second hand in the seventies. It had been cracked and mended in a couple places on the sides, with visible chunks of wood missing, and was rumored to have been a studio guitar, which would explain its abuse. I favor Marquis lights. It's a great fingerpicking guitar, though I generally can't hear myself in a roomful of big box guitars, resonator banjos, and fiddles. The neck is still straight, often stays in tune for weeks even with the ungreasy tuners. Brad Sondahl http://www.camasnet.com/~asondahl/bradindex.html

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Barbara
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 01:10 AM

I'm another Seagull fan here. I have their cutaway fire maple dreadnaught, tho I intended to buy one of the mellow smaller cedar ones when I hit the store a couple years back.(and I haven't the skill/style to need a cutaway) Ah, but I was seduced by the maple's voice. It has such a lovely clear tone.
I may yet go buy one of the cedar 00 size Seagulls.
Since I use guitar for vocal accompaniment and rhythm, I don't know about how it handles for the fancy stuff, but for singing with and playing with others, I love it. I don't think I would trade it for my brother's D-28 Martin if he offered. (which of course, he won't)
And as well as sounding wonderful, the book fold golden flame maple on the back is a joy to behold.

Many of my friends have Martins, and they have a slightly different sound than my Seagull, but I'm not sure it's better. And many of them (the Martins, not the friends) are getting a little quirky with age (and suffering as much as we are from their misspent youths).
On the down side, I have heard it said, that the newer guitars these days with the polyurethane finishes will never age the way the older instruments did.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 01:33 AM

I first saw a Seagull about four years ago, the shop wanted $250 for it, with hard case. I wasn't in the market for a guitar but would've bought the damn thing anyway, if I hadn't a been broke! In any event, I told a pal who was looking for a guitar and he had it the next day. Last time I saw it, it was still a great little instrument, and this guy doesn't take care of them. Mick's right, keep an eye on these guys.

Martins have certainly earned their reputation, it's just fun to give 'em a kick since the collectors have turned them into investment icons, besides Mr. Lowe did come out swinging;-) But this thread has got me feeling nostalgic for all the old companions I've had and left along the way. My first guitar was a red & black beast from the S&H green stamp catalogue (remember them?). Its sole reason for existing was to punish aspiring young pickers. Man I had callouses that made doctors jump out of their skins, and military guys step back. So much skin used to peel offa my fingertips fungus used to try and mate with me! My teacher, Tiny Hostetter (a GREAT SOUL) finally took pity on me and upgraded me to a cigar box. He turned the S&H, red & black beast from a pickers purgatory into a lap steel.

I'm currently living pretty good, I'm not rich, but I have been poor as hell, and there are three things I never cheat myself on... good food, good shoes and good guitars.

Frank i.t.s.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Rockaday Johnnie
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 01:48 AM

--Just to put the facts in place --I'm sure not wealthy, but I've sure been lucky --found the D45 in an Ill. shopper and paid $475.00 for it (that INCLUDES the speeding ticket that I got scurrying to find it..The 00-42 was found in the Madison Wi paper --after running for a few weeks, I figured it was either gone, or out of my price leauge - but no, got it for $375.00. the most I've ever paid is for the early 40's J100, had to come up with $2400 for that one ---but it's all original in A1 shape and one of less than 150 made(See what Mandolin Brothers is selling a non original (new pick guard)for at their website. Which proves the good guitars from the old days are STILL out there and if you keep your eyes open you never know what you'll find.....

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mike
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 11:10 AM

This question may be off the topic but you guys sound like you can give me some advice (all is welcomed). I have a Norman acoustic, not a very high quality guitar but it has a great sound and i'd like to keep it. I want to own an acoustic-electric mainly because of the freedom of movement it allows (I find it hard to remain still in front of a microphone). . . I have two problems: I really can't afford to buy an acoustic-electric (i'm a starving student) and I tend not to enjoy the sound of many acoustic-electrics I hear . . . I find them too trebly, no guts. I can get my acoustic modified into an acoustic electric for a reasonable price and I'b be willing to do it. Could anyone out there tell me if this is a good idea? Will it ruin the sound of my guitar, will I be able to retain that deep bassy acoustic sound I so much adore? Thanks to all who have any answers for me.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: FIDDLER MIKE
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 11:40 AM

Mike

I've had some electric pickups (the kind that fit in the sound hole) that reproduce the acoustic sound beautifully. I'd say try before you buy.

I have a Martin Mahogany Dreadnaught (1997). Low price, light weight, each note like a Medowlark. Good base and treble,no frills. My brother-in-law, has a D-45 and a D-28, but I often find him opening my case instead of his. Maby he doesn't want to scratch his.

Mike T.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Dan Keding
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 02:52 PM

Great Thread!!! I play Larrivees and I've got four; L 19, D 19 (maple body), OM 10, and a L 10 12 string (which I'm currently trying to sell, great guitar just don't play it anymore and don't want it wasted.) I love the sound, especially for a singer. They're the best accompanying guitars I've ever played. (And yes I did own a D 28 for about 15 years) For banjos I play a Wildwood open back and a Bacon and Day Silver Bell. I use Calton cases ( I fly a lot and they've done the job for me) with Small Dog case covers. Guitars are a joy. Dan

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: jdzabinesq
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 04:46 PM

I have a 1975 Guild D-40 SB (sunburst) that I will never get rid of. To my ears, it has an amazing balance between string and body, and it projects like nothing else.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 06:04 PM

I thought I had just stumbled in to the Tall-Tales thread there for a minute.

Just joking, I am getting greener and greener though.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Maj Marvelous
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 08:02 PM

I just as well tell another Martin story, I bought my 0-18 new in 1969 for $250.00 and have held onto it ever since. I could only play about three chords for the first several years so it didn't get worn good. I bought a Yamaha F-150 in a PX to bang around Viet Nam with and it filled the gap. I kept it for several years after I returned but gave it to my grandson to mess with. He isn't doing anything with it right now. A Luthier in Sioux City, Iowa (USA) made me a D-28 kit with the tree of life on the fingerboard which is a beautiful guitar but it hasn't mellowed to sound as good as my 0-18 yet. I am not a professional musician but I do like a good instrument to improve the sound of my 65 year old voice. I won't make Nashville, I guess, but I enjoy what I am doing

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: StuBs
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 08:11 PM

In 1972 my Giannini was getting tired so i bought an Ovation Balladeer in stead of the Martin I couldn't afford. I still have it and love it. Occasionally I go to try out others ,In a store with asmall and acoustically good play room but after going around the cirle of guitars on the wall, I wind up thinking Ovation is as good as the traditional best, and far better than any of the popular off the rack guitars.

One must play an Ovation in a good room to appreciate it, or listen to someone else play it, since it tends to project its sound away from itself, so its' fullness is not easily heard by the player.

Meanwhile, I still like Laskins and Larivees, Martins and Gibsons but I already have a 12 string Balladeer and an old Dobro as well as several 'party' guitars, so must dream of having anything more.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: harpgirl
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 10:24 PM

since it's mostly guys bragging about their equipment (that's typical, huh Barb?) I'll jump in here. My first baby was a Takamine I bought in Fayetteville Arkansas in 1980 (F340) for $180. It knows me so well and it's not even jealous of it's new sibling, a Gibson J100 xtra (91346012) with a moustache bridge I bought last year.I haven't settled on the right strings though; any suggestions? I'm still not sure if I have what I want. I like that new Martin "Ladies" model. The Tak is like a second skin but the J100 sounds so great! harpgirl

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 11:06 PM

Hey Harp, being as how you jumped in with the "guys" comment, I just have to say one thing. My guitar is bigger than your guitar. ***scratch, spit, grin***

Mike,

I was worried about the very same things with regard to putting electronics in my mid 60's Guild 12 string. Stan Werblin at Elderly Instruments recommended that I put a L.R. Baggs Dual Source pickup in it. The only modification is they have to slighty ream out the endpin hole. Dual source refers to the fact that it has a mike inside and a ribbon transducer. You can mix the two with the controls which pressure mount on the soundhole. It is a great pickup system for around $200. It had absolutely no effect on the sound of the instrument. The only negative thing I could say is that the control wheels are small and take getting used to. But overall I am extremely happy with it. Look it over.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 10 Nov 98 - 11:25 PM

I guess I can't read about all these great instruments without wanting to talk about my own. Since acquiring my 1970 Martin D-41 about twenty-five years ago, I've never found a guitar I'd rather own. It's rich tone just never gives up no matter how loud or soft it's played. It has colored beautifully in both color and sound. It was voiced in Nashville (1972) by Randy Wood and he may have done as much for the sound as Martin did. I've played other D-41s that didn't come close to this one.

I currently play SIT Royal bronze strings. They are a little on the heavy side and when played (gently) with a heavy pick seem to suit the instrument well. When I did band work I used to use the strings sold by James Boyce, a guitar maker from North Falmouth Ma. I was introduced to them by a folk singer from the east coast named Jamie Brockett. He used the Boyce strings on his specially made D-45 prototype. His guitar sounded almost like an organ.

An early guitar of mine (c. 1961) was a Gibson LG-1 from the early fifties. It had a great sound for a little guitar. Unfortunately it was ripped off in the seventies.

One guitar I wish I had back today was a National guitar I once found in a pawn shop for $20. It had a spruce top and mahogany sides and back and the neck and fingerboard enclosed a heavy solid metal casting that was fastened to the body with set screws so the angle of the neck to the top could be varied over a fairly wide range. The frets had been filed down, the top painted gold and a crude pick guard fashioned of some counter-top material that looked like mother-of-toilet-seat. A D'Armand pickup sat across the sound hole. The guitar, when amplified, sounded allmost like the one Brownie McGhee plays on that little ten-inch Folkways record he made in the fifties. I've never seen another National guitar of that model, even in good condition.

I sure am enjoying reading about everyone's guitars. Surely we haven't uncovered them all yet.

- Mark

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 12:03 AM

My first guitar cost me $18.95 from an Arlan's Department store. You could through a rather large Manx Cat between the fret board and the strings and it would pass through without touching either. I then saved $220.00 and bought an Epiphone FT79, Cherry with a sunburst finish. It disappeared when I went to the service. I would give much to have it back. I loved that guitar.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 05:22 AM

Hi I am just about to start looking for my first decent guitar (I currently still play the one I had at school 20 years ago, and it is really aweful - I'm just waiting til the debts get manageable enough to be able to justify the expense, which can't be too high anyway). I have seen a Tanglewood Earth 200 ( I think) which I really liked the sound of, but what I really need is some advice.... Also - I quite fancy the idea of a resonator, but can you do general picky stuff and strumming on them, or are they very specific? I play finger-picky stuff, fairly aggressive strumming, and am just getting into bluesy type of stuff. So the question is really, which horses for which courses - and is there just a general all-round good performer. HELP!!!!! All advice gratefully appreciated.

Kris

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bert
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 03:40 PM

Kris,
There's lots can be done to improve a 'really awful' guitar.
I remember once removing the back from an old junker and adding some more bracing inside the top. It mellowed it down considerably, didn't sound quite so like a banjo after that.
If you tell us what's wrong with yours we'll give you lots of conflicting advice from which to choose.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Moon'sGoin'Down
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 05:19 PM

Good Thread, here. I play one and only one guitar (can't afford any more! But, someday ...). It's a Martin OM-28, and I love it. I tried several guitars in several different places at several different times and kept coming back to the OM-28. I guess it was kinda like getting a new puppy; this guitar just kept wanting me to play (with) it!

I found the best place to pick out my instrument was at Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island, NY. Just about any instrument, vintage or new, was available there, and you can play anything to your heart's content and no one bothers you. The prices also seemed competitive.

The runner-up was a Franklin OM model. A really sweet guitar, but about twice the price of the Martin.

BTW, I too use J-16 light phospher bronze D'Addario strings. It seems to give the best sound for my ears. Once in a while I'll string with medium guage, but I like the lights best.

MGD

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 07:35 PM

Don't have a great deal to add (I think I've said enough already), just wanted to add the 50th thread. But whilst a lot of us seem to be mentioning strings. Can I ask you whilst stating your preference also to add what type of music you play/ style of playing. I notice a lot of you prefer "lite" strings... tried them once.. the remaining 2 after 1 session are in the bin..
I should say here that I play Irish trad/ceili music. Need to compete with boxes galore/ banjos/ fiddles not to mention mic-ed up instruments, so the old Martin gets a fair whacking. Therefore medium strings are a must. Even so in a "good" week I only break one. The trouble is ( and this is where you city folks take things for granted), getting decent replacement strings ain't that easy. The local music stores are geared up for either keyboards or drums... try asking them for a decent set of strings... Anyway, enough of my whinging.. there must be lots more guitarists out there who want to wax lyrical about their favourite instrument.
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 09:15 PM

Mick, It seems you use quite a few sets of strings. You may find mail-order is the way to go and order in bulk. Elderly Instruments at elderly.com has been helpful to me. Bring out the drool cups before you go there, they have everything your little acoustic music heart may desire.

The early Martin guitars have relatively small bridge support. With years of medium strings the top may bow and the bridge may rise up. Many luthiers, therefore, recommend that we old Martin owners (the Martins are old, not the owners, well not all of the owners) string our guitars with light strings. I have done so for many years. In my youth, I once (maybe more than once) put heavy gauge strings on my Martin. What a sound! I've had the guitar 35 years or so and have had the bridge redone because it started to move.

I play a mix of fingerpicking and flat picking and I occasionally whale away and I have been happy with light gauge strings. My Martin projects very well, it is a loud guitar.

Of course, you could easily amplify your instrument if you wish. Elderly Instuments has many devices in their catalog. Some require no modification of the guitar and can be effective, especially if you choose loudness over acoustic tone.

I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Lights. They hold tune very well and I haven't broken one yet.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Dan Calder
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 09:16 PM

It surprised me to see the Seagull mentioned so prominently in this thread. I have their SM 6-string that my wife surprised me with one Christmas about eleven years ago. I wouldn't part with it even if it weren't for the sentimental value. A few years after that she gave me a Yamaha FG-410 12-string. It's great for that jangely 60s folk sound. I've also got an old El Degas I picked up at a yard sale that I keep at my camp. It doesn't seem to mind an occasional beer spilled on it.

I'm not in the Guild/Gibson/Martin league, but I get more than my money's worth of enjoyment out of all three instruments. The Seagull and Yamaha I worry about and take care of...the Degas is tougher than tree bark.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 11:49 PM

Mick,

I play primarily Irish, the whole variety. I flat pick planxty's, provide rhythem for the jigs, reels and hornpipes, fingerstyle the ballads,......you get the drift. I will play D'Addariou mediums on the 6 string and DR rare phosphur bronze lites on the Guild. You are absolutely correct about the lites breaking, especially the octave G on the 12. If I am playing a three hour gig, I will most assuredly break that string during the course of the evening. I also by my strings through Elderly, and the solution was to buy them bulk. They have a great mail order department.

Once again, my friend, great thread.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Terry
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 01:00 AM

I've played 'em all, and, for bluegrass flatpicking, nothing beats the Martin HD-28 strung with medium D'Addario phosphor bronze. I don't care if it's pre-war, post-war, Brazilian or Indian rosewood. Nothing beats the sound and playability. Martin rules, and everything else drools!!!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 02:25 AM

I am one of the lite string users. I do mostly fingerpicking with soujorns into bottleneck. I find that the D'Adarrio EJ16 are light enought to fingerpick for hours without sore fingers, but still have enough backbone when I use open tuning. The e string even supports the bottleneck when I tune it down to b. (For open D-6 tuning).

Until I started using open tuning, I liked Plectrum AC112 for fingerpicking; but I found that the treble strings are too "flabby" when tuned down.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 04:18 AM

Bert Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't know where to start on why my current guitar is really aweful. Apart from when bits fall off I bung on freebie old bits from the local music shop, and they don't always suit. It has never had anything other than a very dull sound, and was as nothing compared to the very cheap and cheerful old one my sister had at school, which I grabbed off her and painted up in bright colours for my little daughter one christmas. That one I loved - until someone (dog or daughter I suspect) fell throught it. BUT - I hadn't thought of actually trying anything scientific to make my current one better. So, I'll contemplate that as a project (the last thing I took apart it still apart tho). I may actually come to love it like the other one .... I still yearn for a nice new one for 'best' though....

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 04:18 AM

Bert Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't know where to start on why my current guitar is really aweful. Apart from when bits fall off I bung on freebie old bits from the local music shop, and they don't always suit. It has never had anything other than a very dull sound, and was as nothing compared to the very cheap and cheerful old one my sister had at school, which I grabbed off her and painted up in bright colours for my little daughter one christmas. That one I loved - until someone (dog or daughter I suspect) fell throught it. BUT - I hadn't thought of actually trying anything scientific to make my current one better. So, I'll contemplate that as a project (the last thing I took apart it still apart tho). I may actually come to love it like the other one .... I still yearn for a nice new one for 'best' though....

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 08:28 PM

I wasn't going to add anything more to this thread, EXCEPT that tonight I mananged to break 2 strings (B and D ) each in different places so I can't complain about a particular fret (just had the top 6 re-done) or pectrum. I know I play "heavy" but this is getting beyond a joke. I've been through D'Addario's Dean Markley's, Albions (or whatever they are called now.. good old Brit strings), wouldn't touch Martin strings they're a joke...
Pleckie is medium gauge Gibson.. I did try Heavy because the mediums tend to bend during a session and I need that good old bass vamp, but I gave up on the hard ones after about 2 minutes..
And to refer to Big Mick.. tomorrow (Friday) is THE night .. I'll be playing for about 4 1/2 hours so I expect something else to break.. if not my nerves...
Keep the threads coming in

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Gene E
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 11:31 PM

My favorite guitar is a plywood Dobro F60 with a spyder bridge and a round neck. I'm so glued to it I've left specific instructions that it go with me to the next life when I pass on.

Gene

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Jon W.
Date: 13 Nov 98 - 10:39 AM

I've got a Washburn D-12 I got back in 1983 for $165. It's well set up and nice sounding (though lacking in volume), and good looking, not like the cheap Korean Washburns they sell now. And my other guitar is a banjo, and a disgustingly cheap piece of pawnshop junk at that.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bert
Date: 13 Nov 98 - 02:22 PM

Kris,
For a 'dull sounding' guitar you could try some different strings. I think someone even markets strings called 'Brights'.

As a last resort (if the guitar has no sentimental value) try removing some of the finish from the sound board.
Some of those old cheapies had a thick layer of muck on them.
If you can get your hand inside or if you fancy removing the back you might try shaving the braces down a little.
It all depends how desperate you are. You should be able to make a little improvement which will keep you going while you are saving your pennies.
Also, do keep your eye open at yard sales and thrift stores. I go to our local Goodwill regularly and I buy every guitar they have that is less that $30. At the very worst they give me something on which to practice repair techniques. I average about one guitar every 6 months, but it's fun.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 13 Nov 98 - 10:19 PM

Strings are as individual as Scotch, " Will that be Blended or Single malt.?" I have some pretty serious string requirements as much do some major finger injuries as well as sound and durability. I can't physically play anything heavier than lites. GHS Phosphor Bronze have some formula that allows the acid in my fingers to destroy the string over nite. They just go dead.

When I could play my Martin 0-16 NY I used silk and steel LaBellas for daily wear and I'd put on a set of Bronze lites for an evening performance. I'd then go back to the Silk and steels the next day. It was expensive but the guitar sounded great with Bronze lites and Mike Longworth said the guitar could handle it. Now I play rhythym guitar in an Irish band and I use any brand of bronze lite but GHS on a Ovation Adamas style guitar. I must say I don't like the guitar at all except for the neck and action. My Guild F-30 from 1959 or 60 gets Marquis lites. My Ode longneck gets Vega Longscale Banjo strings. I will put on a made up set of GHS banjo strings now and then with heavier strings than standard because I flat pick this instrument as well as frail it.

24 (sometimes 26)- 20- 16- 11- 11 are the guages I buy when I mix the set.

Except for my dislike of GHS guitar strings, I'm not convinced that in general strings make a big deference in sound. Granted a Dobro wouldn't want smooth wrapped strings on it but as long as you buy quality and all other things being equall, strings is strings. Jerry Garcia used Black Diamonds and changed them when they broke.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Peter Stanley (Bojangles)
Date: 13 Nov 98 - 11:55 PM

I play a guitar that I built from scratch, and in the 21 years since I built it I have let my two Martins ..a 1958 00-21 and a 1967 D-28S...both made with Brazilian Rosewood...lapse into semi-retirement. I play my "Homemade" an estimated 98% of the 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day that I spend playing guitar I resolved to spare no amount of effort, time or expense to make the very best guitar I could to the exact specifications I wanted. I worked all day every day on the project which my log reveals took from Feb 27, 1977 until the last log entry which reads "Friday, April 15, 1977 I put the strings on.." My "Homemade" has the same body as a D-28S, but it has a 14 fret neck instead of the stock 12 fret on the D-28S. The string length (scale) is 26.25 inches instead of 25.625 on the Martin. The result is a somewhat tighter string which I think gives a bit of extra volume and a brighter tone. Strings seem to go dead less quickly, as well. I was talking with and visiting the Martin people in Nazareth, Pa as I did the redesign. It involved moving the bridge and soundhole forward, making appropriate adjustments in the bracing. Recapturing the 2 frets of upper "bout" space sacrificed in the redesign that produced the D-28 was primarily responsible for most of the design shifts.The Martin people, particularly Mike Longsworth, were a great help, and urged me on with what they seemed to feel was a worthy experiment. After all, Old Man Martin had said in private that he had given up some tonal quality by cutting down the upper bouts to get those 2 extra frets that were in such demand. My experiment would retain all 14 frets and have the same larger body volume that may have been responsible for the better tone of the big Drednaughts of years gone by. I also got help from master builder and repairman, Don Teeter, and from Joseph Wallo, who had built several guitars for Charlie Byrd. My greatest debt of gratitude, though, goes to my brother-in-law, Alfred Scott, who had built three lovely guitars and was responsible for talking me into doing the project. (He has gone on to building all-wood airplanes. See website: [e-mail]) An art student drew for me a gorgeous tree-of-life that I inlayed into the African ebony fingerboard with the use of used dentist's drill bits, a jewler's saw, and a Dremel Tool. The inlay work took a week of every non-sleeping moment. It took 40 hours to build the mold in which I bent the rosewood sides after taking them down to the right thickness. The body of the guitar stayed in the mold until the bookmatched rosewood back and slightly arched German spruce top were in place. I'd paid $75 to Wallo for that piece of spruce, which is a lot to spend on a board. Using the best materials you possibly can is crucially important, however, if you are truly persuing quality in the final result. I wrote a computer program to compute the distance between frets for a 26.5 inch scale and optimistically carried out the computations to an accuracy of a thousandth of an inch. Then came the setting of the neck to the body of the guitar using a hand carved, filed, and sanded dovetail joint - for my money the most agonizing step in the whole guitar-building process. Aligning the neck with the body from every angle so that when the clamps are removed after glueing you have a perfect bond at a perfect angle so that when the guitar is strung up the action is correct and the strings are just the right distance from and parallel to the edges of the fingerboard. Luthier David Russel Young says that if you miss this angle you would be wise to simply trash the guitar and start over. Some builders try to compensate for the error by adjusting tension rods -- generally an act of futility.

My three grown sons all play guitar -- sometimes professionally -- and each of them has a Martin. When we gather on weekends and holidays and the guitars are out they get pretty freely passed around. I notice that the "Homemade"is in play the most and the boys will confirm that. Martin's principal concern was that the instrument was untested and might pull itself apart in a few years of playing. At this point it's made it for 21 years and the action hasn't needed adjustment. I expect that it is likely to outlast its original owner.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Steve in Wisconsin
Date: 14 Nov 98 - 09:19 PM

I find it interesting that Martin Guitars have really dominated this thread. I love them, but is anyone else wary of the hype and the added price to their fame? I've heard some great sounding Taylors too. However, when it came time to go beyond my American-made Epiphone 20 years ago, I fell in love with a Mossman Tennessee Flat Top. Steve Mossman was a great luthier-though, apprently, not a great businessman.

My guitar was originally set-up for medium gauge strings, but I changed to light. It isn't as pretty as it once was, but it sure sounds sweet.

If you were guitar shopping today, what would you all buy? I don't look around as much as when I was a kid especially because I have seen some custom manufacturers like Bruce Petros and, until the lottery numbers come my way, I won't be buying one soon. What about some of the other brands out there? Collings? Taylor? Etc.

Cheers,

Steve

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Nov 98 - 12:29 AM

My wife has a Gurian that some guitar players have praised...Jumbo Mahogany, if I remember right..(sort of for sale)She may pop on & describe it herself..

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 15 Nov 98 - 06:11 AM

Bert. That makes perfect sense. The reason the other guitar was better was probably because I sanded off all the varnishy stuff so I could paint it up - but then I varnished over the paint - so maybe not. Anyway I shall get out the sandpaper and have a go. There is very little to loose. Cheers Kris

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 16 Nov 98 - 07:43 AM

Bert I sanded off the varnish, and it may be my imagination but it does seem much improved. So next I'll get some decent strings. Then, I'll try fiddling with its innards. What are the braces, and why would I be shaving them?

Kris

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bert
Date: 16 Nov 98 - 10:22 AM

Kris,

The luthiers among us will kill me for this, but the braces are just bits of wood stuck on the underside of the top to stop it vibrating too much.

If your guitar sounds dull it's probably because the top isn't vibrating enough. So after you've done all you can with the finish you might want to take a look inside. Don't take too much off and don't take anything off around the sound hole.

As you say there is little to lose and it's a great learning experience.

You don't need to do anthing to the back, compared to the top, it has little to contribute to the tone.

Have fun. Bert.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 16 Nov 98 - 08:08 PM

Perhaps I should have entitled this thread "guitar workshop"
It's amazing what you guys know.
So we've done guitars/strings (though I still haven't found a really good set)/plectrums (mine's a medium gibson by the way).. anyone got any views on cases?
There must be more of you out there who want to wax lyrical about their guitars.. Keep them coming in.
Cheers
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 16 Nov 98 - 09:19 PM

Bert, I think the braces serve another function!! They strengthen the soundboard so it can withstand the tension of the strings. You can wind up with a buckled top and other horrors if you use strings too heavy for the bracing.

Martin experimented with a lighter bracing; but the guitars using it require that light strings be used.

Mick. I would be interested in veiws on cases. Especially ones that allow you to carry your instrument on your back and still offer more protection than a gigbag.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 17 Nov 98 - 05:01 AM

Murray, I shall shave my bracings with caution.

Kris

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Songbob
Date: 17 Nov 98 - 04:52 PM

Bill D. told me a week ago about this thread, so now I've seen it. Some thoughts, commments, and answers to various questions:

Bill D's wife's guitar is a Gurian J-R (jumbo rosewood) and is a killer finger-picking guitar. Very nice indeed.

Some one wrote: >By the way, here is a question for the experts. A steel string guitar seems to always have the place where the strings go over the bridge (be it the bridge itself or the saddle) angled while a classical guitar doesn't. This is of course to compensate for intonation; but is it for the strings or the body design. That is, if you do put nylon strings on a steel-string guitar, should you remove the angle of the saddle?<

The intonation correction is needed because of the stiffness of the first unwound string (the B string), and the difference between the strings in "trueness." This is not nearly so evident in nylon strings, so a classical guitar typically has no angle to the saddle at all. HOWEVER, this does not mean that you should re-string your steel-string guitar with nylon strings, because the scale length is different, and you risk popping strings like crazy putting nylons on a long-scale steel string guitar.

Now, about my guitars. I play whatever I feel fits the song, or, alternately, whatever is easiest to get out when it's time to play. I have, in no particular order, these guitars:

1963 Martin D-28 with replacement top. There is a story about this instrument, a story I've put into a song. I think I may have even included said song on my web-page at http://members.aol.com/rjclayton/ -- I'm not 100% sure this song (called "Reunion") is there, but if it isn't, I'll send it to Digitrad (if I haven't already done that!). My main guitar, the one I prefer to sing with and play in Sidekicks, my band.

1942 Martin 0-18. A gift from my late mother-in-law's at-the-time boyfirend. Lovely little thing, but the action is too high, and I'm gonna hafta fix that one of these days.

1942 Orpheum 17" archtop, made by Kay. Thick, no-steel bar (wartime, you know) neck. Fun to play; good for jazzy stuff or Carter Family songs.

1930s May Belle. Flat-top steel string guitar with classical-style (flat) fingerboard. Nice for bluesy fingerpicking, but good enough all-round guitar.

1950s Valco-made National resophonic guitar. Single cutaway solid-body style guitar with short (22") scale and biscuit-style resonator in it. Has an after-market lipstick pickup someone added, making it a bastardized "Reso-lectric." Fun to play, but not as loud acoustically as I'd like.

1998 Strato-clone. Odd guitar; BC Rich neck on a Dean strat body. Two single-coils and a humbucker, with fancy tremelo bridge (I've blocked it off). Adequate beginner electric, but nothing to shout about. I'd probably trade it for a Squier strat, just to have something that's all factory-made instead of cobbled together, but that would depend on the pickups. They'd have to be an improvement, or why trade?

Unknown date classicals (two). One is Brazilian, and needs a higher bridge (not just saddle, but bridge -- the fingerboard is too thick and I can't get the action high enough), and the other is a Spanish almost-flamenco guitar that I like a lot.

1990s Golden-tone guitar-banjo. Strictly speaking, not a guitar, but it plays like one. Fender-style neck makes chords easy, but the balance is truly awful -- it rotates to "five o'clock" at the slightest excuse, and I haven't been able to get it to stay in playing position without basically holding it there at all times. Might hafta put a hook-eye in the neck itself, which I hate to think of.

I think that covers the guitars. Let me know when the banjo thread starts. I have five five-stringers, a banjo-mandolin, a tenor, and one or two banjo-ukes.

Great bragging thread, ain't it?

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 17 Nov 98 - 11:33 PM

SongBob:

The intonation of the bridge bone is as much to accomodate the different diameter of the steel strings as anything else. Classical strings have less variation in diameter and thereb fore need little or no intonation.

Your MayBell guitar was given away as a prize for selling seeds according to a guitar historian I met once. I have a Maybell too. Mine was turned into a dobro clone years back with the help of a resonator and bridge I found someplace.

Kris,

Brace shaping is a common occurance in the guitar voicing biz. But be delicate. Don't use a blade to shape the braces, use medium sandpapre glued to a piece of wood. Forces you to go slow. Lets not hurry as we potentially damage an old Martin, or even a good guitar like a Guild. ( snicker, snicker)

Don

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 02:35 AM

Songbob, I was the one who asked the question about the angled bridge.

What made me think of the question was the Martin Backpacker which comes in a classical and a "standard" (steel-string) model. As far as I could see the bodies are the same and neither has a truss rod, so I wondered if you could buy, say the classical one, and then put steel strings on it if you didn't like the nylon sound. Your comment about the scale is one I hadn't thought of. (actually I don't know if these two models of BPs have a different scale.)

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 07:16 AM

A very interesting thread.

Maybe the Lowdens in the USA are more consistent that over here, but I have heard one good, one OK; and a lot not worth anywhere near their price. Fylde sound good but I have often found the action hard work. Likewise Guild. Kincade are recommended but I have heard of structural worries. I find more Takamines thatI don't like than those I do, the bigger bodied ones in particular suffering from "banjo effect" (a big coarse plunky sound with no sweetness). I don't like Ovations. They sound like a big plastic washing-up bowl. Wonder why! Seagulls and Normans good value for money: sweet and with character but perhaps short on force. A friend has just junked his Washburn (supplied new with a non-straight neck)for one. I play a Mugen (which is Daion under a different name) dreadnought which I got when a foolish friend of mine wanted to trade it in for a Tanglewood (personally I'd wait another 10 years before buying a Tanglewood to see how they settle in - I have my doubts, and only some sound good). I got a very nice huge sound with bite as well as bass by playing 13/58 Phosphor-bronze D'Acquistos, but it unstabilised the table so now I play Martin 12/52s (which is nice and lazy for string tension too) in bronze (not phosphor) to avoid them being too thin and trebly. It's a choice I would recommend. I haven't got the undersaddle pickup (my modification, not original) working right yet. I know of one luthier over here who plays a small-body Daion, but he's taken the brass-finish alloy nut off and replaced it with bone. He says this balances the open strings better to fretted ones, but I think it softens the whole sound.

My wife plays (and this is where I'd like some input) a very old (about 1964) Hagstrom acoustic dreadnought. It was originally priced about the same as the big Gibsons or Levins (funny no-one else mentions them) but is now past its prime. It has round shoulders for a dreadnought (a bit like the current Framus range) and a proper flat-top, not like some of the other Hagstroms which had ladder strutting and tailpieces. The action is almost as easy as some electric planks, despite the fact she plays 13/56 Martin bronze. It also has a 15, not 14 fret neck, and we're looking for a replacement with a 15 fret neck, and an undersaddle pickup. We don't want the edgy, twangy, modern, Martin-ish sound, but rather the old fashioned round sound. Some may think today that it's short on overtones and sustain, but that's what we're looking for. Any suggestions? The best idea so far is to ask Rob Armstrong to make one.

By the way, to change the subject and mention mandolins, I play a Saga Kentucky flatiron (Japanese made), which I bought new in England. Within 6 months the table cracked, so I traced Saga and read them the one-year guarantee off their label visible through the soundhole. Even when I told them I was a lawyer (true, alas) they were not prepared to help me because I had not bought it from an authorised US baased distributor (which the label does not mention). So be wary if dealing with Saga Musical Instruments of San Francisco.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: lesblank
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 05:27 PM

Been a long time since we discussed -- I play (and own) four guitars and which one I use depends on the situation in which I am playing (or singing or both):

My favorite is an Alvarez wide neck classic -- I play this one when alone; I love classical guitar but am not as proficient as I'd like.

My second choice is a 1965 Ovation Balladeer on which I play acoustic music only -- I do not and have never used the pickup electronics.

My second choice is a 1959 Guild F-20, a small flattop box that is as smooth as silk. I usually play for the kids with this.

My last second choice is a 1949 Fender Jaguar !! It's a fossil left over from my R & R days. Doesn't get played much at all anymore. I've put it in the want-ads twice, get lots of response and just couldn't bring myself to do it Afterall, it's only 15 years younger than I..

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Barbara
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 06:03 PM

Hey les, did you get rid of that - I forget the name - german guitar, started with an H?

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: lesblank
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 09:29 PM

Sorry, I think you've got me mixed up w/ someone else. There are two others in the Mudcat group with Les in their names.

But now you've me curious -- If anyone knows the full name , please let us know.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Crystal Patterson in Arkansas
Date: 18 Nov 98 - 09:46 PM

I grew up in a bluegrass band so naturally I favor Martins. I just got my dad's 1950 HD28 last summer. Before I got it, I had bragged to all my friends that my Taylor sounded just as good as any Martin....I soon ate those words!!!! Man, there ain't nothin' like the sound of a Martin guitar. Of course, "if it ain't played on a Martin, it ain't bluegrass!!!!"

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 19 Nov 98 - 06:46 AM

Well there is a guitar called a Hoffner. I don't know if it is actually from Germany.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 19 Nov 98 - 08:22 PM

Chrystal
You are SO RIGHT.. goes for Irish as well..
Though here I should like to thank everyone who contributed to this link.. It has been very educational..
Cheers
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: JAMES STANLEY
Date: 19 Nov 98 - 10:29 PM

Epiphone Flat top acoustic 1993, Oscar Schmidt acoustic-electric 1994, Harmony classic 1965, Yamaha 12 string FG 1969, Epiphone Sheraton II 1997 and a 1998 Vintage Reissue Fender Telecaster.

I previously played a Stella flat top (first guitar) and a Regal F-hole acoustic.

Other than the Fender, which was my 50th birthday present, they are all cheap, somewhat battered and fun (just like their owner.)

PAX

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Richard McD. Bridge
Date: 22 Nov 98 - 06:29 PM

I forgot to put my name on my last posting to this thread: It started off by suggesting that perhaps all the good Lowdens went to the USA, 'cos there are some over here that are not all that: But then the Irish have for centuries preferred their best exports not to go to England, and who can really blame them. Anyway, enough politics.

The purpose of this posting is two-fold. First, I do like Taylors a lot, so I think Crystal's conversion to Martins is unwise!. Perhaps the best Taylors come to England for silly prices. The first one I saw was when I was looking for something for my wife to play while her Hagstrom went in for some work (I was playing a Washburn D10 then, and quite rightly she wouldn't touch it with a bargepole) and I was very taken with it. I thought it was reasonably priced too. A week later I went back half intending to buy it - and discovered that the price tag I thought had said GBP300 ($450, roughly) in truth had said GBP 3,300 (nearly $5,000). It stayed in the shop. I would rather have had it than any Martin I've ever seen. To diverge for a moment the nicest sounding Martin I've ever heard is a small-body (perhaps an 000) about 30 years old owned by a cider-drinking (and I do mean drinking) friend who has only 3 fingers on his right hand and is very influenced by Martin Carthy. It has a huge and subtle sound despite the previous owner having varnished it with yacht varnish (true, I swear) which is still on it. But the action is very high, and the neck is neither straight nor true to the body, which makes for great fun re-tuning after every song but usually to a different tuning anyway. He mostly favours DADGAD one tone (step, I think, in American) down, but also plays DADEAD one tone down, and open C. Hence he uses heavy guage strings (yes I mean heavy, not 13/56 (or 58) which counts as medium) and swears by Daddario. A great sound and horrid to play.

The second reason for posting again is this. I've been less than complimentary about Washburns this and last posting so I guess I'd better mention a good one. I saw it in my local shop and really liked it. It was less than GBP 300 ($450) too. It was a light-strutted DM34S, with a 12 fret neck, and a slightly wider than usual neck. Nice sweet sound, easy to play, not hugely loud, but no use to my wife who wanted and still wants a 15 fret neck.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 22 Nov 98 - 07:39 PM

I play a Martin herringbone (HD28) that is just right for me, and I have no need of any other guitar. However, I've played Martins that were like bricks, and weren't worth having. It depends on the guitar and how it's set up.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Grubby
Date: 22 Nov 98 - 09:38 PM

Guess I'm in minority here. I hoped there would be other folk out there that played a Thompson. Thompsons are named after the luthier Ted Thompson of British Columbia. I brought mine locally here in Tasmania from a music store that imports them. It is truly a beautiful guitar. At present I am running Tomastik light gauge plectrum strings for a rich bright sound.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From:
Date: 22 Nov 98 - 11:04 PM

I share your place in the minority, Grubby. I didn't noitce anyone else saying they played a Maton ;}

Tell me more about Thompsons. I have never seen one here in Sydney.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: plankity
Date: 24 Nov 98 - 01:11 PM

I'll probably get people stewed, because I consider electrics to be folk and blues instruments... My main acoustic squeeze is a Gibson L-1 (1918). My electrics are a mid 80's ESP Tele copy (about as low tech as you can go and still be wired to an amp) and a Martin D-28-E, with flat wound strings and DeArmond pick ups (1959) -- a great guitar for playing with good drummers and bands with BIG sounds (I used it in the Swamp Stompers doing cajun/swing/zydeco). It's the best for getting that Martin feel and still working in a show band! Looks cool, too!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: wlisk
Date: 24 Nov 98 - 02:09 PM

Have owned several Martins, aCollings, Taylor and others but prefer my 77 Mossman (Stuart Mossman) and my 49 Gibson SJ. I flat and fingerpick mostly oldtime, folk and celtic tunes. The setup of the guitar makes a huge impact on its playability and sound. Don Teeter reset the neck on the SJ 10 yrs ago and did a great job. Bill

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Jenny
Date: 24 Nov 98 - 11:17 PM

I bought my Gibson B-25 in 1966 for $90 and have never had the desire to play any other instrument. We fit each other like spoons. Have any of y'll heard of a luthier in Beaufort, NC, by the name of Bobby Talton? jenny

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Nov 98 - 11:52 PM

Jenny,

My Guild F-30 came to me out of a trash dumpster. It needed a new bridge and a bit of fret work but when repaired proved to be the perfect axe for me. I have two perfect instruments, the other being an 0-16 NY Martin my wife gave me for Christmas 14 years ago. I love them both as great instruments. They fit me so well, like spoons, that I would never consider other instruments had it not been for a table saw injury and some fairly successful reattachment surgery. Now I am stuck playing an Ovation that has great action and a sweet neck like my Guild. Ovations have no soul but they are nearly damage proof.

Don Meixner

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: CarterNut
Date: 25 Nov 98 - 12:04 AM

Well, I play much of the Original Carter Family songs, using the technique created by Mother Maybelle Carter(The Carter Scratch). When I went shopping for a guitar I wanted one that would give the same basic sound as her 1929 Gibson L5 gave. I settled on a 1938 KG21 Gibson Kalamazoo label archtop. It has the same uniquely vibrant sound. I am very pleased with it. I have been given many compliments on its appearance and especially sound. I am always asked if Maybelle played one because of the likeness in the sound of the instrument and my successful manipulation of her immortal technique.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Kris
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 08:32 AM

I finally got my long-desired new guitar. I tried various in the shop, and came away with a Norman (Canadian) acoustic thingy. It is really delicious - and my fingertips are killing me because I just can't leave it alone. It may not be the best thing around - but I am happy.

Kris

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 10:31 AM

Kris,

Make beautiful music, and congrats on your new guitar.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: karen k
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 12:17 PM

I just have one and it suits me just fine. It's a 1968, Martin D-21 that I paid $200 for in 1968. Love it.

k

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 08:30 PM

I forgot one. I keep it at my true love's house. It is an Alvarez 12-string. I had the nut recut to accommodate a heavy duty set of strings set-up like Lead Belly's. It is tuned down to B. Not a great guitar, but then I guess Lead Belly's Stella was not a top of line guitar either.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Harry O
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 08:35 PM

I play a "Conde Hermanos", hand built in Madrid more than thirty years ago and still the envy of guitarists owning Laudens. Any other proud owners of same out there ? Harry

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 05 Dec 98 - 10:38 AM

More on my $300 Sigma wonder machine... I forgot to mention that in addition to having a solid 3-piece neck and a top that looks like it was once a vinyl floor tile (mahogany look-alike vinyl floor tile, that is), it also has a much-desired Large Sound Hole as per the famous Tony Rice D-28. One source says this helps the sound come out faster... much better for backing-up speed merchant Irish tune players. Just wanted to let everyone know about the wonder machine's additional feature.

All the best.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: David A. Rice
Date: 05 Dec 98 - 02:29 PM

I have had many, including a Martin D28 (Which was indeed beautiful), but now have an Alvarez-Yairi DY-91 (or maybe just DY-9) that is a miraculous instrument, truly inspiring. Hawaiian Koa sides/back, spruce top. Of course playing style etc. are very relevant, but I defy anyone to pick this baby up and not fall in love. Stands tall next to $15,000 Taylors.

David

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 08 Dec 98 - 08:36 PM

Just thought I'd round this thread off with its 100th message by thanking everyone who has contributed to it.
It has been entertaining and very educational
Sessions greetings to you all
Cheers
Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Harald
Date: 11 Dec 98 - 08:27 PM

To all ye good Martin Players:

I'm riding a Harley-Davidson Bike and I know, there exists a Martin Guitar, which is so small and had a loud and warm sound that I can carry it on my back (haven't got a car).

But I never will give up playing my old Lowden-Guitar from Northern Ireland. This guitar reminds me of my youth and the sound is brilliant, too.

So good guys: What kind of bikes are you riding :-)))???

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Lopaka
Date: 11 Dec 98 - 09:17 PM

I play the Bass with a band in a resort in Hawaii. In the early 70's my wife bought me a "Takeharu" made by Kiso Suzuki Violin Company. I never heard of the brand but it does the job. One night while the band was in a Jazz Mode, a bald-headed guy smoking a cigar asked us if he could sit in. He said he played the guitar and all I had was my Takeharu. He made my guitar sound like a million bucks. He was the late Joe Pass. I'm keeping my Takeharu. " Happy Holidays Everybody " MELE KALIKIMAKA MEKA HAUOLI MAKAHIKI HOU

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Anne
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 08:28 PM

Hey Folks:

Anybody ever heard of a Castilla Guitar? Someone just gave my son an old guitar that their son used to play 30 years ago? I don't want him to learn to play on a guitar that is more valuable than a student guitar. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Anne

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Nora
Date: 19 Dec 98 - 03:30 PM

Hi

I haven't logged on to Mudcat in ages because, as it happens, I just acquired my first guitar and I am spending all my time playing it - no time for computerized diversions. Funny I should come across this thread.... Guitars are all I want to talk about.

It's a Washburn jumbo D-25S (got it for *very* cheap). It's loud and quite bassy (makes me sing louder), and the action is a little high; it feels best with light gauge strings. I may get around to adjusting the action some, but it feels pretty good as is. I've played quite a few friends' Martins, Taylors, Yamahas, Alvarez', Takamines and others. One pal just got a Lowden and it sounds wonderful. The other night I played a hacked-up old Harmony that another friend picked up as junk and glued back together. It sounds pretty good and feels great. you really never know.

I've never really played guitar before, but am seeing some progress already. I have become a pretty lame guitarist. Soon I hope to be moderately competent. I am having a blast, which is the point, really.

Nora

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: schmuze
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 05:22 AM

I play a Takamine EN20 and it's only wonderful.I've only had it a few months, and it's so lovely to play and sounds completely groovy played acoustically or through a system. It even makes me sound as if I can play well!!!! ANyone else out there got one of these beauties???

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: tuner
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 12:48 PM

Could I suggest to anyone thinking of tinkering with the insides of there instrument to buy a book on the subject..try a bone saddle and nut and set it up to spec ...then put it to your own preferences...use a chromatic tuner...it is no good if it sounds great but is unplayable Irving Sloane's Guitar Repair is one that comes to mind

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 06:56 AM

I was going suggest this as one of 'favourite' threads, but I thought that I would refresh it first to enable some more contributions to be made.

I don't know why I like it so much really, it still makes me green with envy!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Lucius
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 07:17 PM

Thought that I'd better post while I can still find the bottom of this thread. I play a handmade LoMonaco, made in Brattleboro, VT about 25 years ago. It is a beautifully aged instrument with a fat neck that suits my fingers. I tried a Martin that was in the shop at the same time, but it sounded too tinny, and it didn't project well. Not the best guitar in the world, but heck! Even C.F. Martin IV claims that Martin doesn't make the best guitars in the world, but they are the benchmark that all other guitars are measured by. A fair and reasonable statement.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 10:53 PM

As threads reach or exceed the 100 mark, they take excessive time to load and actually crash some older machines. I am moving this thread to Guitars, What Do You Play? II. Please, continue any comments on that thread. Thanks in advance.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Randall Bott
Date: 10 Jun 99 - 01:16 AM

I play a Martin 00-16M mostly John Hurt type stuff. Nice feel, sounds nice. The guitar I carry in my UPS truck is a Martin Backpacker. Once you get used to it, it does the job.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 10 Jun 99 - 01:20 AM

refresh --to get it outa the way.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 10 Jun 99 - 06:36 AM

Interesting reading. Still got about half of the posts to catch up with, but I wanted to get some info Mike with the Norman guitar. I don't know where you are, but if you're anywhere in southern Ontario, you might want to be in touch with Ralph Pickersgill in Port Dover (1-519-583-3940). He does pretty fine unobtrusive work. He uses good quality piezo pickups & experiments with the individual guitar for best placement. The ONLY cutting he will do on a guitar is for an end-pin jack. No batteries to worry about either. A small outboard preamp can be used, but the system works pretty fine without it.

On the advice of a friend I got in touch with him and arranged to have him wire up my custom-built Glen Reid acoustic bass guitar (about which more later). I took it down to him, we chatted for a bit and he very politely suggested I piss of for a couple of hours while he did the work. Took it to a folk club (Caledonia) that evening and the sound was just wall-to-wall even at low volume levels. Simply outstanding. Cost me about $160 (apparently cost can vary with installation). I'm very happy with it, and recommend the man's work quite highly.

If you're nowhere near that area, a good quality piezo system should be possible, and is probably the easiest and quite possibly the best solution. It should in no way change the sound you have acoustically.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,brownie mcghee
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 03:34 PM

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 04:02 PM

??? brownie ain't got much to say.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: pirandello
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 04:54 PM

After Gibson acoustics got their quality act together again, following the move to Bozeman, I ditched all my Martins bar one.
I had bought, sold and traded dozens of guitars including Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Lowden, Brook, Yamaha, Blueridge and several Martins...in search of THE tone.
I finally found it in the Gibson Advanced Jumbo which probably gets the most playing time.
My other guitars are; Gibson SJ200, Gibson J185 Koa Custom, Martin 0000-36 Custom.
And a Capek F4-style mandolin which I fumble around on.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:03 PM

Brownie played a Martin D-18, just like mine.

At least, I've seen photos of him with that guitar; he may have acquired it only after becoming (relatively) rich and famous. He undoubtedly started out with something cheaper, like maybe a Sears Silvertone or, at best, a Stella.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:39 PM

Gibson SJ Country and Western, Gibson J50, Gibson B15, Gibson Les Paul Custom, in that order. I occasionally fancy buying a Martin, but playing one always removes the temptation.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 07:02 PM

Got a 1968 Martin D-28, last of the Brazilian rosewood, before which I've had since about 1972, it sounds better every day. It paid off my mortgage, put my son through a special school, and is referred to as 'Grandad'. Love it. The price is forgotten as the quality is constantly appreciated.
Have a 1972 D-18 which I bought for a song, mahogany sounds certainly different to rosewood, just as good in it's own way. Love it too.
Three years back, after a successful deal, bought a 0000-28H, five years old, from Elderly Instruments of Michigan.From USA to UK in 5 days, PERFECTLY packed, protected & wrapped. A friend of mine bought a D-28 about the same time,and it was also incredibly well packaged and delivery was prompt.
Love it too.
I play a Takamine Santa Fe EC-10 electro-acoustic for pub gigs and with the ceilidh band. It's fine.Ironically, it earns more money at the moment than the Martins. Stuff happens.

Elderly Instruments, gotta tell you - Their postal service is so good that I'm telling you all this in case you have any hesitation about buying from them. I love it when you can recommend a firm from several deliveries ( I bought other things over the years ). They are good. They are reliable.
No, I don't work for them.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 07:24 PM

Got a 1977 Martin D-35 that's my main workhorse. Have an early 70s Yamaha folk guitar, one of the first acoustic electrics, think the model # is FS-110E. Also have a "backwoods banjo" by Dean (basically that's a guitar with a banjo body so it's played like a guitar but sounds like a banjo). Have a no-name obviously cheaply made guitar that I won in contest (when I say no name, I mean it, there's no clue as to the manufacturer on it anywhere). Have an American Std. Strat that I bought from a co-worker and a classical style old (mid-60s) guitar that Sears sold when the folk music movement was popular.
SC

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 08:18 PM

I play several different styles of music and have preferred guitars for each. For bluegrass & Irish rhythm work I use a Martin D-28. For fingerstyle and swing, a Santa Cruz OM-PW. If I'm not sure what I'll be playing or don't feel like taking multiple guitars somewhere, I usually go with my Gibson J-45 as a compromise guitar. It fingerpicks better than the D-28, but has more volume than the OM-PW. I have several other guitars, but they mainly stay in the living room.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: mrmoe
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 09:05 PM

I play a G-70 Gallagher that I had built in 1973.....it is a Brazilian Rosewood dreadnaught that is the equal to any pre-war Martin I ever heard in volume and tone.....I also play a 1964 Epiphone Eldorado....it's a mohagany dreadnaught - same as the Gibson SJ-N....and it is a LOUD one....Gibson guitars really seem to come into their own at the 40 year mark...I recently decided to buy a little Martin and played a number of them in various music stores, but wound up with an OM-03 Larrivee.....it just sounded better....I run D'Adderio medium pb's on all of my acoustics.....

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 12:26 AM

Interesting. I just reread my entry above (when I was Songbob), and I don't have many of those instruments any more.

I still have the non-Martin Martin D-28, and the 1943 0-18 (not 1942, as above). I also still have the Goldtone banjo guitar.

But I've sold off the rest of that lot, from the electric to the Kay archtop to the National resonator guitar. And have replaced (and added to the crop) with:

1944 Epiphone Zenith 16" archtop (lovely, lovely)
1970s Fender Japan-made Stratocaster (also lovely)
2000 or so Reverend Slingshot electric (my main electric in Last Gold Dollar)
Epiphone (modern) Les Paul Studio electric (played less often, and currently on loan to Pete Kraemer)
Sterling brand (Chinese-made) National-style metal-bodied resonator guitar
Tokai classical (suprisingly good)
A. Dotras Cordoba Flamenco guitar (on long-term loan, but one day I may buy it; it has a bridge problem just now, though)

... and my regular playing guitar, a 1997 Running Dog C-J Jumbo, in sycamore & spruce (the maker, Rick Davis, prefers American woods, like cherry, walnut, maple, and sycamore, and charges more for the mahogany or rosewood many other companies use) -- it's a marvelous guitar, and I love it.

That's all -- other than the Teisco electrics I have (two of 'em) and a Brownsville electric 12-string, a Regal (modern) dobro, a
Carl Sattler (German) parlor guitar (for use in my 19th C. band, Civil War Comrades), an Oahu Hawaiian acoustic guitar, an Oahu lap steel, and a Yamaha acoustic 12-string.

I think that's all -- though I could be wrong. I also have a few instruments I bought intending to sell 'em, like the Harmony Sovereign 000-18 style guitar, which I kept out of the for-sale stack a few years, but am now planning on selling, and a plain flat-top and a Harmony flat-top and another unnamed archtop, and a Harmony tenor I've changed into an octave mandolin (I guess that's a keeper after all).

There may be more. I'll check.

Bob

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mothy
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 04:04 PM

To be totally honest, being a guitarist for a fair few years, i still dont see much appeal to Martin guitars. they jus seem a bit.. how do i put this..humdrum. probably cause of how mainstream theyve become. i personally own an Ashbury GR series electro-accoustic, and love it to death. tho i have to give my support to the yamahas and the ovations too.

Mothy

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:29 PM

Hmmm, can't see much appeal to "hiumdrum" Martins, but likes Ovations.

Must not have much of an ear for purely "unplugged" acoustic-guitar sound...

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 08:46 PM

Well, I was wrong -- I forgot my 1958 Epiphone ES-422 and my Aria II electric bass.

And it is some kind of mark that some folks are finding Martins "hum-drum" shows how much of a "golden age" of acoustic guitar-making we live in. There are so many makers all over the place, making instruments that equal or even beat the old standard maker, and Martin is not, as they say, relaxing on its laurels. Business is business, and Martin has to try really hard to keep up. So many choices, so little time, so much less money, but great guitars are "out there," so I can live with that!


Bob

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Beer
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 09:58 PM

1963 Yamaha 180
Blueridge BG40
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mothy
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 06:03 AM

Even unplugged tho, (as a friend of mine has a martin) i still find them either too bassy or jus plain boxy, i much prefer a brighter sound to an accoustic, which, in my experience, you cant seem to get from a martin.

mothy

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mothy
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 06:21 AM

plus, as i play profesionally for an accoustic based band, ive got one hell of an ear, for unplugged sound. my support of ovation guitars comes from theyre style and studio performance.

Aria II Bass? would that be the STB series? i have me one o them,
plus a yamaha pacifica(though largely customised) and a Blue Moon Bouzouki.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: BlueJay
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 06:29 AM

Guild F-47, appx 1974, it just keeps sounding better and better, in spite of various cracks and other abuses. Plays really nicely as well.

Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 10:38 AM

A Gibson J 45 which I spent my life savings on in !973. It is the only guitat I own...or want...ot need.. I think, oh well, maybe a small Martin would be nice.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Riverman
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 11:11 AM

I have a Lowden O10 and I would never give it up. When I bought it I was lucky enough to have the pick of many really nice guitars including Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Guild's indeed most of the big players. However, I can honestly say that the Lowden beat them all. It was big, meaty, gentle, easy to play and it made me a better player because of it. It is just the loveliest thing I own and certainly the best acoustic I can afford.

But in the world of acoustics you do generally get what you pay for and the literally hundreds of luthier's out there is staggering and for your 3,000+ budget I swear (because I've tried them) that you can get guitars that would make you sweat urine because of their blistering quality.

But someone right at the top had it right when they said the most important thing is that you're happy with your guitar. It's such a personal thing.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: jiva
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 12:35 PM

Started with an Eko Ranger 12-string for me and Eko Ranger 6-string for Val back in 1971.

Added an Eko El Paso black 6-string in 1976.

In 1977 (or was it '78) was looking for a second hand Martin and saw an ad in New Musical Express for a Yamaha FG580 Brazilian Rosewood 6-string - sold the Eko El Paso and bought the Yamaha. For the next 25 years this guitar was my constant companion.

Tried numerous 12-strings to play alongside my Yamaha FG580 including:
Yamaha FG312, FG412, FG412 Mk2
Bozo
Fylde Prospero
and many others that have faded with my memory

Eventually found an old early 70s Yamaha brochure showing the FG580 as the then top of the range, and next to it was a sister 12-string model FG630 - same woods, but with a slotted headstock. Spent best part of 10 years tracking one down, so now have the matching pair.

Val was looking for a smaller 6-string guitar than the FG580, and she immediately fell for a Taylor Big Baby - "somehow it just felt right" and it had a sound that cut through and blew away the sound of my treasured Yamahas... so much so that I decided to invest in new ones.

Bought a Yamaha CPX-15 and CPX8-12... sounded great in the shop, and at home, and through a PA... but didn't quite do it in acoustic performances at folk clubs.

Bought a Taylor 25th Anniversary XXV-DR dreadnought, and started looking at Taylor 12-strings.

Next was a Taylor 855 Indian Rosewood 12-string and a Taylor 810-LTD Brazilian Rosewood 6-string.

So the Yamaha CPXs had to go - sold the 6 to a friend and the 12 went in part-ex for a Taylor 810 CE Indian Rosewood 6-string.

And that's where we are today - for performing we use the three Taylor 800 series guitars, but still keep the Yamaha FGs, Taylor Big Baby and XXV-DR as they helped shape our current sound and are part of the family.

Thinking of adding another Taylor 12-string and maybe a nylon string and possibly even an acoustic bass... not sure we can justify the extra outlay just yet.

Jimmy & Val (jiva)
www.jiva.co.uk

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 12:54 PM

I recently acquired a used Mario Proulx OM-D, in Walnut with Englemann Spruce top. I have 8 or 10 other guitars in the house, and they're all being shamefully neglected.

I also bought an Alvarez-Yairi jumbo baritone guitar, which I'm playing a lot in group situations when someone else is playing a conventional guitar.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 01:10 PM

Guest HiLo is a man after my own heart:

A Gibson J 45 which I spent my life savings on in !973. It is the only guitar I own...or want...or need..

(Unless, of course, Guest HiLo is female, in which case she's a woman after my own heart.)

I bet that's a real nice guitar, and that it doesn't get "shamefully neglected" like so many instruments belonging to GAS victims. You only have two hands, right?

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 01:19 PM

..."shamefully neglected" like so many instruments belonging to GAS victims. You only have two hands, right?

Yeah, but....what if there's a better guitar out there somewhere...and I miss it? Horrible thought!

Peter

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 02:22 PM

Hey, Peter, no offense. I just couldn't resist...

I'm happy with my one-and-only 1969 D-18, but I'd have to admit that the single grreatest reason why I'm not running out to buy another instrument is that anything I could afford would be markedly inferior.

If I won the lottery or something, and could suddenly afford multiple guitars each worth more than the average used car, I'd be glad to own one or two or three guitars different from my own and of equal or higher quality. A vintage National steel, for sure, maybe a nice Gibson or Guild jumbo, an antique little parlor guitar...

It wouldn't hurt to get started in the electric-guitar market, either. Then I could spend money on whole additional categories of equipment, into which I could plug my new SG, Strat, Les Paul, etc.

If I were making a living as a musician, or even making some regular extra money on the side while keeping the dreaded day-job, I would have to consider multiple-instrument ownership. But, as it is right now, playing for my own amusement and only occasionally in public, one guitar is plenty, and I'm very, very glad it's such a good one.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,John of Elsie`s Band
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 03:00 PM

I have my original Harmony Sovereign, bought in 1963, US make, and I string it with Martin Mediums. It has served me excellently and is still a super instrument

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mark H.
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 05:31 PM

Faith Saturn. £350. Beats the pants outta the Martin DH28 I tried.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 05:44 PM

Currently - guitar wise - I'm down to my 1967 Martin D-18 and my 2005 Collings OM2HG. But I have a Collings 000-3 on order that should arrive in the next 7-10 days.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 09:19 PM

At home a Collings 00-2E (12 fret Engleman/Rosewood)for fingerstyle and a Bourgeois Vintage D (About a year old, Adirondack/Rosewood) for flatpick and backup. When I play out it's my old Lowden L-27F.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Duke
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 09:58 AM

My first guitar was a Goya G-10 classical. Then I went to a Gibson J-45. Now I play a Martin D-18 from the sixties. I love my Martin, but I miss my Gibson and Goya.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: cptsnapper
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 03:46 AM

I've got a Thornbory Knighton 120. It isn't the guitar that I had in mind which was another Thornbory. I was going to be recording as a member and was going to borrow one for the recording whilst mine was being built. I was supposed to collect it from Nigel Thornbory at the Cambridge Folk Festival but when I got there I found that he'd sold the one which I was to borrow. In my despondency I looked at his other guitars & one caught my eye. Nigel asked if I wanted one like it & i replied that I actually wanted the guitar in view. It had been finished on the previous Wednesday, I collected it on the Sunday went into the studio on the following Tuesday & it was the first guitar on the first track of the album. And I've been entranced by it ever since.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,vikingriot
Date: 03 May 07 - 11:09 AM

Gibson J-45. A Mexican Nashville Tele set up and worked on by Dr. Fretgood in Chicago; awesome. A Mexican Strat fun as hell. A Martin D-16; great bu have to mike it so it's apain live. Fender Jazz bass.

The J-45 is the best all-around; bold, even, loud enough with tons of sustain.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 May 07 - 12:19 PM

Harmony 6 string ca 1984, Alvarez 12 string, Martin D16 rosewood body, Fender Telecaster, looking at Schecter CSH semi-hollow electric 12 and would appreciate any feedback on them.

Pickenangrinnin...

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:22 PM

Two recent posts mention Martin D-16's. To my limited knowledge, 18 has been the lowest-nubered dreadnaught model; please inform me about the 16 ~ what years manufactured (recent? ancient?), which woods, features, trim or lack threof, etc.

Signed,
Curious D-18 Owner/Operator.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:48 PM

I play a fylde dreadnought,and a Seagull,and a wheastone concertina

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 May 07 - 04:18 PM

Well the D-15 is currently in production. It has mahogany back sides AND top. I think that can still be found for under $1,000

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 May 07 - 04:22 PM

Hre's a link - D-16 Info here

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Y_Not
Date: 04 May 07 - 03:44 PM

I love to hear or read about people talking passionately about their guitars (Great Thread).
My guitar is a Washburn Woodstock which I've had for over 20 years, and with the help of a Carlton custom made guitar case it has travelled the UK and Europe, I've had the frets dressed twice in it's time, and it has never let me down, (a true workhorse).
I use Ernie Ball Earthwood (light gauge strings), I play mainly finger style Folk/Blues/classical and jazz and rarely use plectrum, but when I use a pick the Washburn responds with a powerful percussive and bright melodic sound, I'm open for suggestions to try a different set of strings any help would be appreciated.
By the way, I am sat here with a 1963 Burns Virginian Pre-Baldwin that I just love to bits!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: redsnapper
Date: 04 May 07 - 04:02 PM

These days a Grand archtop jazz acoustic, a Yamaha APX 10CN cutaway electro-classical and a Regal duolian-style resonator.

RS

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 04 May 07 - 06:25 PM

A Suzuki 3S acoustic which I got 28 years ago which I wouldn't trade for anything and a Norman which I got 2 years ago for my 50th birthday. I also have a Hohner acoustic which I rescued from a junk shop.

CC

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 05 May 07 - 01:09 AM

Well, everyone else has contributed here, so I may as well jump in too.

My "sweetheart" guitar is a custom-made Breedlove C25/k(Koa) that sounds and plays as beautiful as it looks. It was purchased as a used instrument at a time when no more guitars were needed; but, it just couldn't be passed up - even traded in a Martin D28 as part of the deal.

I also have a Takamine Santa Fe (cedar top) which gets a bunch of stage time; and, a Takamine 2001 Limited Edition which we call the "Costeau" - supposedly some of the money from the original sale of the instrument(s) went to the Costeau Society.   

My final guitar is a classical model Takamine "Hirade" and although it would be shunned by most classical players - I'm not a classical player and it's a joy to play it when the mood strikes for a softer, more delicate sound. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mooh
Date: 06 May 07 - 01:55 PM

Thought I'd already contributed here but don't see my post...oh well.

Usually my first choice is a '95 Marc Beneteau acoustic. It was made for me and is more or less one-of-a-kind. Over the years it's become the standard by which I judge all other guitars, and would be the last thing I'd part with in this world (besides people). Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard & bridge, bone nut & saddle, replaced original Schaller tuners with Gotoh 510s. It's an all purpose guitar...ie decent fingerpicked, strummed, leads, swung, quiet, loud...One of these days I'll replace the beat up case.

Got a mess of other guitars, and I love them all (including other one-off hand mades, factory solidbody electrics etc), but if it came down to one, the '95 Beneteau is it.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Herge
Date: 06 May 07 - 03:38 PM

Hi
Playing a McIlroy AJ25 Red Cedar Top, Black walnut back and sides (beautifully made and sounding guitar)
A Martin D-28 (soon to be sold on)

Other guitars owned and sold
Blueridge BR-160
Gibson Songbird deluxe (regret selling this!)

Herge

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 06 May 07 - 04:14 PM

Currently I have three tayors, not because I've got a vested interest in the company, but just had these guitars I had to get. The workhorse is a K-14c with cedar and koa. The other two are a 30th anniversary spruce and rosewood and a GS cedar and mahagony model. I've had a couple different santa cruz's, a breedlove, and first real high end guitar I ever had was a fylde orsino (again with cedar top). If I see a guitar that inspires guitar lust, I have to figure out which guitar I'm going to sell, because I determined I wasn't a collector.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: guitar
Date: 06 May 07 - 04:33 PM

i play a left handed guitar and it comes from Australia called a sussex hand made and the great thing about being left handed is that no one who is right handed can borrow your guitar.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mooh
Date: 06 May 07 - 04:52 PM

Phil Cooper (above) has great ears and hands, and always has great guitars! Some players can always be trusted to find the good ones, and are able to get great tone from them too.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 06 May 07 - 11:23 PM

Always liked that baritone guitar you have, Mooh. As I recall it was tuned in open G and really sang out the time I played it. If I'm not recovering from joint surgery this summer I'm hoping to make it up to visit for the festival.

--Phil

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mooh
Date: 07 May 07 - 08:42 AM

The baritone is another Beneteau acoustic. Jumbo shape, maple back and sides, spruce top, ebony fingerboard & bridge, bone nut & saddle, 27" scale, maple neck. Sometimes I tune it to open G intervals, though usually open F or Eb pitches. Other times it's tuned in strange tunings, and lately I've even tried Robert Fripp's New Standard Tuning, (normally CGDAEG) tuned down to Bb, F, C, G, D, F...but it requires weird string guages which I don't always have on hand. The 27" scale is ideal for C and D type tunings on the 6th string, so even standard tuning down 2 or 3 half steps works great.

Been toying with the idea of having a side port cut in the upper side, but I haven't spoken to the builder about it yet.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Doc Williams
Date: 11 May 08 - 07:53 AM

I've owned a Martin D-28 and a D-18 but after more than 30 years I still treasure my '61 Gibson Hummingbird. It's just gets better and better with age. Sound engineers just love the sound when they're setting mics up around it. Ok, it's not the greatest guitar for blasting over other instruments in a noisy bar (leave that to my ol' D-28), but that Gibson's got such a sweet, deep tone. I'll never give it up.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: mattkeen
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:16 AM

I have a Book "Taw and A Brook "Lyn".
The Lyn is an 000 type 12 fret with a European spruce top and rio back and sides and is the best guitar I have ever played.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Zen
Date: 12 May 08 - 07:53 AM

Washburn R316SWK 125th anniversary model parlour guitar (fingerpicking and blues, normal tuning) and Norman B20F for open tunings. Neither terribly expensive but both very good.

Zen

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Noud Koevoets
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 03:00 PM

Hello Folks

Interesting to see and hear all those expierences but all depends
on what you expect to hear from a guitar and I must say I really
let myself surprise by all kinds of guitars. Not every D-18 by
Martin sounds equal. Even weather circumstances have their influence
in the sound of a guitar. furthermore it has a lot to do with moods combinations with other instruments the kind of music you play how you play aso.

I have some Martins that are built very well and their sound is
widely known of course but recently it is my goal to find guitars
of lesser known brands that are of the same quality. Nobody mentioned
the TAMA guitars and the early Ibanez artwoods (the higher grade ones) K. Yairi has some great instruments as well. and recently
the Asturias models from Japan though quite hard to get.
There is a lot to discover in the Japanese instruments of the seventies / eighties. And with factory built instruments of that time
it may occur that you're happy to find that one guitar where everything seems to match! And of course materials are important
but vision really makes the difference.

i'm not writing this to mention my collection again. I can say i'm just happy to own such wonderful guitars.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 03:14 PM

Tama are certainly mentioned on the 'cat. I know a man who has a very good one. I know another man with a very dark finished guitar made by a pianomaker - it sounds fabulous in some tunings, less so in others.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Tim Chesterton
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 03:29 PM

I've dreamed of owning a Larrivée for 25 years and finally bought one - an OM-03E - a coupleof years ago. It's all I dreamed it would be, and I expect to play it (God willin' and the creek don't rise) for the rest of my life. I've sat in guitar shops and played Martins and Gibsons that cost three times as much as my Larrivée, and I've yet to hear a sound I like better.

I also keep a Seagull S-6 Folk in the house - I enjoy the darker sound you get from the cedar top. But my Larrivée is my pride and joy.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Terry McDonald
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 03:40 PM

Each to his own........

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Captain Farrell
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 03:44 PM

Played one Martin not as good as I thought it would be. Played one Breedlove bought it so that proves you cant please everybody.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: mousethief
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 04:14 PM

Tacoma Chief. Cutaway, with offcenter hole and built-in preamp.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: JHW
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 05:38 PM

Gurian Jumbo C series like this one
Tried Taylors, Fyldes, Martins in Grant's shop in Edinburgh (long gone now) as the guy kept passing them to me, tuning each in the time it took him to cross the shop floor. Then the Gurian which I'd never heard of and they'd just stopped making.
Exactly what I needed to accompany folk songs.
Use D'Addario jazz light p/bronze strings as fitted ever since. Tried others but always returned.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 06:58 PM

I play a Martin HD-28 that has the perfect sound for my style of playing. I love it. Also have a Taylor Grand Concert - Koa guitar which is a wonderfully sweet instrument in every way.

Regarding the Martins...they vary a lot. I've played some Martins I was not much impressed with at all, and others that were great. The one I have now is the 7th or 8th I've owned in the last 4 decades and it's the best of them all so far.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Lox
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 07:09 PM

My favourite all time guitar is a solid body electric made by Gordon-Smith.

My acoustic is a Martin, my semi-acoustic is a Peerless, and my classical is a Yamaha.

If Gordon Smith made an acoustic I would buy it.

I've played 50's and 60's gretch's and gibsons, not to metion PRS's and Fenders, all worth thousands of pounds, but none of them holds a candle to my GS-60 slimline which I got for £250.

My next Hollow body will be a GS Galaxy.

I don't need any other manufacturer any more thank you.

If you are looking for an electric or a hollow or semi hollow, check out the Gordon Smith website.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 07:23 PM

Gordon Smiths are great, generally. I might if I were an electric player use one but change the pickups for Jackson C-90s. I have played a Charvel that used that pickup and it was huge and dirty. I put a splitter switch in it that made it more versatile.

Acoustically, I have heard many but only two that have totally walked on my pair of Mugens (a THE-78 and a THE-78-12). Max played my 6 at Ash and seemed to like it. I have a Martin OM1 that is their equal but in different ways, and I love my Hagstrom J-45s but they are middier and more rounded: less aggressive (apart from the redburst which is a honky-tonk piano disguised as a guitar). They are of equal value but different. I also like my red label Yamaha FG-360 and it might be better still if I got a neck-set and refret. Big boom but not the bite of the Mugens.

The killers I have heard are:

Andy Cavan's Armstrong was still powerful streets away.

William Pint's Koa Goodall was quite awesome in the style I like - huge bass and extreme penetration, all the time with sweetness.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: John P
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 07:43 PM

William Pint's Goodall is, indeed, awesome. I've played on it a few times and was completely blown away. I've played on a few other Goodalls and they were all great. If I had the extra money I'd sell my Lowden and get one. That said, my Lowden is a wonderful guitar, very easy to play and equally suited to fingerpicking and driving flatpick work. I get compliments on the tone every time I play in front of people.

I also have an Art & Lutherie "camping" guitar. For $200 it's a great instrument. Plays very easy and sounds better than many guitars that cost two or three times as much.

I few years back I bought an old Martin tenor guitar that I thought I was going to play Celtic tunes on, but every time I pick it up I start playing the blues.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 07:54 PM

Goodall is a UK make, I presume?

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: John P
Date: 01 Oct 10 - 08:01 PM

Nope, Goodall is in Hawaii.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Lox
Date: 02 Oct 10 - 11:44 AM

John P

"I get compliments on the tone every time I play in front of people."

Being a guitarist of some experience, I have to inform you that you may have to take some of the credit for this ...

... I haven't heard you play, but a good guitar is only as good as its master.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: buzzer64
Date: 02 Oct 10 - 12:54 PM

Quite right John P! It's up to the player of the instrument in many ways! I'm a beginner (well I suppose intermediate by now) and up to three years ago I was struggling to make an old Encore. Then I bought a Fender acoustic for £60 on a boot sale in Canterbury...I love it!! And get comments on the quality of sound it makes. I can't afford a Martin but I do compromise by using Martin strings!!
By the way, here's a tip for anyone who doesn't like the sound their guitar makes....SING LOUDER!!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Oct 10 - 12:59 PM

I had a look at the Goodall Guitars site. Hoo-wee!!! Expensive! They've got a lovely looking Dreadnought there for a cool $10,000. Very elegant. All I can say is...for that price they'd damned well BETTER be good!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 12:31 AM

I have several guitars, a 12 string Yamaha FG-512, a J-54 Eko (Ranger Electra), a cheap but very playable Lyon solid body electric and an acoustic BC Rich BW-4000.
The BC Rich outfitted with a Schaller pickup is what I use mostly when on stage. I bought the guitar (almost a steal) second hand from a music store for $100. The pickup I bought on sale later, reduced from $189.95 to $79 at another music store. I've been playing it for about 20 years now so it owes me nothing but I will never part with it! It is a better guitar than I am a player as I mostly just chord to accompany my voice. Far better players than myself can bring out its potential so I know how it sounds in the hand of a master.
If I were to buy another guitar it would be surely a top end Godin line Norman or Seagull. I would covet a Norman above any Martin below the D-40's level.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 07:22 AM

My 3 yr old Crafter 6v string often gets admired by Martin players, has a great sound and great styling

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,bubblyrat
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 07:47 AM

I have owned & enjoyed a cedar-topped Avalon for about ten years now ( needs a re-fret !),and many,many people have admired its sound and tone,so I shall keep it going.My other guitar is a Guild GAD-40C ; spruce top,mahogany back & sides ,beautiful if somewhat bright tone,easy to play & handle, lovely standard of finish ,simple yet elegant appearance, nice Martin-like (snowflake) fret markers & inlays,great leather-effect case ; all-in-all I really love it to bits !

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,bubblyrat
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 08:01 AM

Incidentally ; regarding the Guild ; at present,it has a basic Fishman under-saddle Piezzo pick-up,which is less than superb for plugged-in playing. I was thinking of installing one of those Fishman combo under-saddle & sound-hole "swan neck" mic. systems ; anyone care to comment as to their efficacy ??

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Spot
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 02:18 PM

Allo everybody... ;-)

Got Fishman Blend in me Lowden 032... very, very, very good!! ;-)

Regards to all..etc   Spot ;-)

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: MissouriMud
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 10:44 AM

I play a rebuilt Gibson L-00 (1938 but with a newer top)for my Old Timey stuff and a newer Martin 000-28 Norman Blake (slot head)for much of the rest. I've got a few others that I play occasionally for specific purposes, but those two are the mainstays.   As I get older I find the smaller body guitars are easier for me to play - both those two have plenty of volume and great tone.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 11:39 AM

I am appraising a Martin electro acoustic with view to purchase. Was concerned that it might be light in bottom end but I'm warming to the 'cut', its just so easy to play. My Fylde Oberon has beautiful but very 'intimate' sound. I did try Freshman Apollo DC2 which nearly won me over but a little 'brittle'.
As someone at our session commented 'you can never have too many guitars'. I'm glad my wife was in ear shot!
We are all fans of Mr B's Avalon - thankfully in safe hands.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mooh
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 12:09 PM

Still use the acoustic Beneteaus (www.beneteauguitars.com) the most though I have added another from 1979 since I last posted here. Also use acoustic guitars by Josh House (www.houseguitars.com), and a LaPatrie classical. For electrics it's currently 2 Telecasters, a Strat, and 6 Godins. I need to get rid of a couple.

The acoustics all have different uses. Not as much duplication as it looks. There are a couple of regular 6 strings, a nylon, 12, baritone, one or two for alternate tunings, one zouk-guitar, etc. I want different tones as much as possible.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Chris Green
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 02:33 PM

I have a 2008 Armstrong. I tried Martins, Taylors, Fyldes and God knows how many others before I made the decision to ask Rob to build me one. It's the best instrument I've ever played, enables me to play stuff that I quite simply can't play on other guitars and sings like a nightingale every time I take it out of the case. I've just turned 33 and look forward to the pair of us growing old together! :-)

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Brian May
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 04:27 PM

I'm down to three guitars now . . .

Fulfilling a promise made to myself over 40 years ago, I've bought the following:

Martin 000-28 - a beautiful little 'comfortable' acoustic, minimum bling, quality woods

Martin D-28 - minimum bling, quality woods and killer sound

Martin D12-28 - minimum bling, quality woods and the nicest 12 string I've ever played in my life.

On the 6 strings, I have Elixirs, on the 12 Martin Marquis (with Elixirs waiting in the wings.

G7/Shubb brass and Kyser capos - all work well, favourite is G7.

Soft leather straps, made in England of gorgeously soft and attractive cowhide.

Oh, I forgot - I love playing all of them, when I don't play, I just get a huge kick out of looking at them.

[IMG]http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq174/brianwmay/Martin%20D12-28/IMG_0016.jpg[/IMG]

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Brian May
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 04:30 PM

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq174/brianwmay/Martin%20D12-28/IMG_0016.jpg

Try that

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: maeve
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 04:34 PM

Brian May's link

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Richard in Manchester
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 04:35 PM

Two Kinkades, both Kingsdowns, 1984 mahogany and 2006 rosewood. Can't beat 'em.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 06:08 PM

Tha's a very nice trio of guitars, Brian. I'll have to try out a Martin 12-string sometime and see what they're like.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 05:05 AM

On tour I play a guitar made for me by Andy Manson (www.sarahmcquaid.com), but for recording and for going out to the odd session when I'm at home I still love my 1965 Martin D-28. I also have a Guild 12-string c. 1985 and still have my first guitar, a Yamaha FG-375S that my mother bought for me in 1980 or thereabouts. It's actually a really good guitar, so I'm keeping hold of it in case one of my kids decides to take up the instrument. I also still have my mother's old classical guitar. And an old Weymann open-back 5-string and a beautiful old Martin uke, neither of which I've yet learnt to play ... and I think that's about it!

Sarah McQuaid
http://www.sarahmcquaid.com

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 05:06 AM

Eeek! I put my website instead of Andy's -- he's at www.andymanson.com -- really sorry, think my own website address is burnt into my fingers at this stage.

S

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 05:11 AM

Rainsong OM1000.

I recently took £2K into a shop to check out Martins, Taylors, etc etc blah blah..

They had a second hand Fylde that interested me. My working guitar was a yamaha at the time so the Fylde did look promising...

But next to the Fylde was a Rainsong, carbon fibre graphite guitar. It was mine the very next day/

They don't go out of tune under stage lights or being transferred from a cold van to an overheated dressing room. Don't warp on a plane and aren't affected by hot countries followed by cold countries.

Sound?

The strong point...   No bracing means no dead resonance nodes. the sound is very very pure, with the clarity of a piano. The LR Baggs pickup was a bonus too.

I love the bugger, really really do.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Midchuck
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 07:43 AM

Guest Steamin/ Willie and I are on just the same page.

I note I last posted to this thread in April of '07. In August of '07 Mizchuck and I took our annual pilgrimage to Montana to see the "kids." Since we'd had a more than usually traumatic flight the year before, and we had a nice new car, we elected to drive out. Naturally, we had to avoid greater Chicago, and we had to visit Elderly if we were within a couple of hours, so we turned northwest at Toledo, went to Lansing and then took the ferry across Lake Michigan.

At Elderly, I took down a Rainsong, the OM-1000. I'd played one five or six years previously, and been unimpressed. They worked on 'em some since. After I'd been playing it for an hour, the credit card came out.

I've used it ever since, almost any time I've played outside the house. It's not the best sounding guitar I have, by any means. But the ones that sound better don't sound enough better to justify the risk of traveling with them, and trying to protect them from heat, cold, humidity, dryness, and drunks. One doesn't even have to think about any of those things with a carbon fiber instrument. And you can transport it safely in a cheap gigbag and save your back.

On the other hand, I'm planning a road trip this weekend, to the Main coast. This may result in a drastic change of habits.

Peter

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,josep
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 07:37 PM

I have Seagull, Framus (1961), Epiphone (1965), Takamine, La Patrie, Washburn, Dean, Gretsch and Tacoma.

The Tacoma is probably the best of them but they all handle pretty well. I've played Martins and Larrivees and they are very nice guitars but I simply will not spend that kind of money on a guitar. My Gretsch archtop was $1600 and that is my limit. Frankly, I'm not that good a performer or songwriter to justify splurging on a Martin although I would if it was worth it to me.

But shelling out $2800 or more at my level of proficiency is pointless. I feel guilty owning some of the guitars that I do have.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 07:42 PM

Trouble with instruments is they hide in your car while you are in the music shop. Then they sneak into dark corners of yer house and lurk unplayed in the shadows.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 07:50 PM

Well, I have just downsized from 12 stringed instruments to 4 and happy about it... These are what I play:

1. The "Back Porcher" 5 stringed slab electric custom built by Ted Crocker and the prototype of the geetars that Ted made Danyy Glover for the movie "The Honeydripper"...

2. My "Lowebow" cigar box which is a cross between a diddle bow and a geetar with two 1 1/4 inch dowel rods for a neck... All electric and plays like a dream...

3. The last remaining flat top acoustic having beat out my '66 Martin D-18 which I gave to my niece: it's a 60's S. Yairi parlor style... Still getting it set up the way I need it to be before takin' it on stage...

4. Washburn ES-10 reonator which is my main performing geetar... It has a Beard cone and electrics and plays and sounds great...

That's it...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 02:03 PM

I've been given a Saez 7/8 size nylon string guitar. It sounds wonderful and is easy for me to play. I especially like it for songs in minor keys or where the classical sound is preferred. Other times I have the continuing loan of my sweetheart's small Louden steel string. It's lovely and sparkly with good bass. When I have the opportunity, though, my favorite is to play his Huss & Dalton parlor guitar. That little instrument rings like a bell AND booms and nearly jumps out of my still-beginner hands, it's so responsive. It's a new guitar. That thing is going to grow to be a giant.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 02:21 PM

Hey, Midchuck, going to see Nick Appolonio, eh? You lucky dog. ;-) I nearly had that guitar, and I'll be very interested to hear your report on it. Do you live very far from Maine? I'm in Ontario.

I'm quite intrigued about the Rainsong carbon fiber guitars and am going to go have a look at their website.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Midchuck
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 02:39 PM

LH, you cost me about a thousand bucks. I'll getcha for that. (Actually, if I'd gotten it for what it was going for until the last minute or so, my conscience would bother me. Having retired from lawyering, I can afford to have a conscience again, and I have to get used to it a little at a time.)

I live in western central Vermont, maybe 5 hours from Mr. A., or a little more. I'm going to drive over Saturday morning, taking the northern route through the narrow top of New Hampshire and winding my way through backwoods Maine. He's offered me a lunch of lobster, which I like and don't get very often, living inland. After we've completed the transaction and he's shown me whatever I need to know about adjustments &c., I'll drive down the coast to Kendall and Jacqui's,where Kendall and I will play duets on Apollonio 12-strings until the neighbors call the cops. I'll sack in there and come back by the southern route early Sunday.

If I don't drop dead and the engine doesn't fall out and the Boston drivers don't get me.

P.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 03:11 PM

Boy, that sounds great. I wish I was located a bit closer to Maine, I'd go and visit Nick and take a look at his instruments, maybe get some lobster too. I love lobster! I was pretty sure I was going to get that guitar with a bid of $2,011...but I wasn't counting on you lurking in the shadows either. ;-)

I found a video with a guy named Erik Mongrain, and he's playing a really fine instrumental he wrote on a Rainsong guitar. Sounds very good. Have a look at the thread I launched about it.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 03:14 PM

vintage guitar

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 03:38 PM

Les Paul Junior 1987 reissue
1977 USA Strat
Home made SG Junior

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Slag
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 04:51 PM

Well, I've finally come clean about my guitars in the Blue Ridge thread and the Harmony thread. The BR-6S is my nicest guitar but if I just feel like strumming around it's the Harmony. For that brand and a classical with nylon strings, it has great tone and I don't have to be as careful.

I may start another thread as my third guitar I have not seen mentioned anywhere here at mon chat le boue poisson (is that right?). I inherited my Dad's guitar that he bought sometime in the 30's, I think from Sers and Roebuck's. It is a Playtime Delux. It is in pretty bad shape. The top has several splits running though it. Strings have cut deep grooves in the bridge and I just re-glued the edging around the sound hole back in place-again. Dad had cut the neck down in width and a little in overall diameter so that part is unfinished. The pickplate has "BOB" carved in it in big fat overlapping letters. I wished I'd have left the rattlesnake rattles in the sound box (from his 'Desert' days at Randsberg and Trona) but those are easily restored. The nut has about a dozen grooves in it so you can take your choice when stringing it or if you need to elevate a string off a fret. The black is gone off the fret board under the most played strings. Man! What a great guitar! The first one I ever heard, the first I ever strummed (while Dad made the chord I hit the strings) and the first I ever played on my own.

So's, if'n any of you know anything about this Chicago made guitar, let me know, OK? I'd appreciated. Needless to say, this is my all time favorite insturment, though I don't play it any more, and the strings are pretty loose as they are just for appearance sake. No, she's not for sale at any price, sorry. I just would like a little more information about her.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 06:02 PM

"Chicago made", eh, Slag? Well, it sounds a lot like a guitar that Chongo once busted over an infamous gorilla Capo's head in a fracas at the Downtowner Bar in Chicago in 1952. There wasn't much left of that one, sad to say, but Chongo has part of the neck and the head of it up on his office wall as a memento of the occasion.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Slag
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 06:56 PM

Sounds like it's in simian, er, I mean similar condition but no, I have all the parts. I thought violins and especially violin cases were the real Chi-town specialty. I also thought they played jazz in the Downtown Bar. Well, Chongo would know.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 08:41 PM

They do play jazz in the Downtowner. Chongo says the guitar was brought in by one of the Baboons he was playing cards with, and he grabbed it because it was handy at the time. I don't know if the Baboon was a guitar player. Maybe he was just planning to pawn it or something.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 12:34 AM

I loved my Seagull, but a few years back United had their way with it. These days I play an older Canadian made Larrivee D-05. What an instrument that is!! I have yet to have a player pick it up that didn't love it. I still have my mid 60's Guild 12, and also play a Mexican Strat that I had the wizards of East Lansing (known as Elderly to you mortals) work over. I have fun with that thing. But the working axe is the Larrivee. Wonderful instrument.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Fossil
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:14 AM

1. My #1 guitar, she's a ColeClark Fat Lady 2AC. Made in Melbourne, Australia, Dirty Bunya (interestingly marked) top, Blackwood sides and back. Awesome sound now, and getting better with age.
2 my vintage '82 Sigma 12 . A loud and proud Martin D28-12, made to the same standards in Japan, using rather better woods and construction standards than C.F. Martin were achieving at the time, a lovely old guitar. Spruce top, rosewood sides and back. Was sitting out on the deck overlooking the sea last night, gin and tonic on the table, Sig in hand, thinking it doesn't get much better than this...
3. Hiding most of the time in the closet, I have a Tanglewood TW900 . Not a major name, a UK company using Chinese manufacturers, this was their top-of-the-range guitar a few years back. I bought it off an auction site when I first came to NZ just to have something to play. Have held onto it as it is just such a lovely thing, very sweet sound. I had it professionally set up a couple of months ago and the luthier couldn't believe how little I'd paid. Abalone inserts everywhere, perfect finish, gold Grovers, lovely woods. Comes out for parties and gIgs where no amplification is needed.

Guitars, you have to love 'em don't you?

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 08:40 AM

"Guitars, you have to love 'em don't you?"

Oh my yes!


I have the same guitars I've had for the last few years.

A 1967 Martin D-18 I bought with my lunch money in 1969.
A Collings OM-2 with a German spruce top.
A Collings 000 12 fret slothead.

With those three I rarely even look at guitars anymore when I'm in a store. I wouldn't mind getting a National resonator or a Uke. The mandolins are my main instrument tho - and I'm pretty happy with those too.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 10:09 AM

Collings guitars are absolutely great, no doubt about it.

There are a whole bunch of pretty astounding luthiers in Canada now, many of whom were apprentices of Jean Larrivee. Among them are names like...

Marc Beneteau
Linda Manzer
Bourgeois (did I spell that right?)
Grit Laskin
Gord Barry

And then there's Larrivee, of course, which is a larger outfit now and makes a great many guitars.

Several people I know play instruments made by various of the above, and they're all superb. We are living in the golden age of guitars.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:36 PM

Hmmm.... I thought Bourgeois was an American builder. I know that Ricky Scaggs band uses them. And when he was alive Stephen Bruton used one too. Even though he lived in Austin where Collings are built.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:48 PM

Well, maybe he is, I'm not sure. I just assumed he was Canadian because I keep seeing his guitars around here in Ontario.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:53 PM

It's Dana Bourgeois, and he is an American. He's located in Maine. Here's the website.

Bourgeois Guitars

They look like beautiful instruments.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 08:08 PM

38 year old vintage Framus Nashville Dreadnaught acoustic.

30 year old Fender acoustic.

The Framus is my perfect instrument, and always will be. My son now plays the Fender, which I gave him as a graduation present 10 years ago, but I still borrow it now and again.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: buddhuu
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 03:45 PM

I play a cheap Chinese guitar: a Vintage V300. I'm a sh*te guitar player, so it's more than good enough for me. If you stick it in the hands of a decent player it actually sounds pretty good.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 04:52 PM

bubblyrat.
I have the Fishman Dual pickup system installed in my Fylde Oberon guitar, Fylde Bouzouki, and Stephan Sobell Cittern. Combined with the Raven mixer pre-amp (as reccommended by Martin Simpson) sounds magnificent!!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Peter Butler
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 05:17 PM

I play a Fylde Custom Oberon - made for me by Roger Bucknall last year (2009) - unbelievable!

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 07:29 PM

It looks like I will be playing an Irish Bouzouki/Cittern shortly. I have just bought one from Nick Apollonio. It should be an interesing change from 6 string guitar.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Wesley S
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 07:46 PM

How many strings? And what's the scale length? Have you visited the CBOM forum at the Mandolin Cafe?

CBOM forum - Cittern, bouzouki and octave mandolin

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 08:16 PM

The description of this one is as follows:

Unique design 10 string 'guittern' tuned DADAD, CGCGC or variations; nice balanced sound loud enough for sessions or solo playing, extremely easy action with 2 neck adjustments for all seasonal humidity levels & string action height. Unique , builder designed pivoting heel joint allows for precise string clearance without buzz or hard pressing; simple and user friendly. Bridge saddle is compensated for individual string intonation and bridge is glued for better sound transfer. Soundboard is local Maine red ("Adirondack") spruce; back and sides are figured S. American mahogany with Philippine mahogany neck, ipe fretboard, bridge, and tailpiece bordered in ebony; Claro Walnut head veneer with sailboat inlay of tiger maple. The guitar type bridge provides a stronger , clearer sound than traditional floating unglued mando types, and the tailpiece takes the string tension without either forward or down pressure on the sound board, allowing for lighter ( but equally strong) bracing which is more responsive.
This rather unique cittern can be tuned a number of ways and with the bass string, Irish zouk players will find the depth of sound highly stimulating to their playing. A CD 'Cittern on the Dock of the Bay' is available and goes with the purchase, 2008 recording of 12 tunes and medleys , many original.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 08:19 PM

And here's the sale page:

Bell Cittern

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 31 Oct 10 - 07:27 PM

I see Vintage have just brought out a Gordon Giltrap model. Sounds interesting. Apparently its not cheap like the other vintage models.

I wonder how Gordon got involved with vintage

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 31 Oct 10 - 07:27 PM

Here's a link to my luthier's blog about my guitar;



The Wobblies guitar

Check out his other instruments while you're there.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Pacemaker
Date: 03 Feb 11 - 11:32 AM

I see the usual standard comments on Ovation guitars here. I like mine. They make some cheap guitars and they make some great guitars. And everything in between. So do Martin and most other makers. Just don't try to compare a US-made solid top Ovation (very expensive new though) to one of the cheaper laminated ones.
People have decided that a guitar made partly from plastic can't sound good - that's a pretty strong prejudice that is hard to break.

And the bit about how they slide off your lap. I just don't understand that part. Never happens to me.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: banjoman
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 05:41 AM

As well as more banjos than I care to count, I own, and play several guitars:
Ovation Folklore - circa 1982


Lakewood Circa 1995

Washburn 12 string - 2009

Taylor Ce ?? 2010

All are very playable and the Taylor probably has the best overall sound. The Washburn is a really great instrument with a very low action for a 12 string. They all are used for different venues, songs & mood etc.
I also hav a 1960(s) Hawk Jumbo -remember them- which I bought for £12 back then. Its looking a bit battered and needs a new top nut, but it still plays and brings back a lot of memories of where it all began

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: EllenV
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 08:10 PM

Wow, somebody raised this thread from the dead.

Well, guess I'll answer it anyway. :)

I play an awesome vintage Yamaha FG-730S.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 07:13 PM

A cheap Jay Turser like this one. It plays quite well and does me well enough for the times I do pick up a guitar. I have a Fylde Falstaff that used to sound great but it needs repair but although I keep meaning to get it fixed, other things always seem to take priority.

Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
From: Angrybean
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 07:31 PM

I have 4, all lefties.

Tanglewood acoustic Woody
Richwood gyspsy jazz acoustic Brown
Rally Gibson 335 copy Cherry Red
Stagg electro-acoustic Black

Maybe get a banjo next. LOL.