Since I am new, who here plays guitar?

Sure sign of a lonely guy.

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Taking away from you for the greater good.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery".-- Winston Churchill

"Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant" - Omar Ahmed, C.A.I.R.)

That is so cool! About the (what was it?) the '44 Martin? wow. That Mesa Boogie Half stack sounds like a awesome piece of equiptment, also. And, you can't go wrong with a Strat. I would love to have a Telecaster, however. Slightly different tone, but quality instrument! I am torn between getting a Mesa Boogie, and a Fender Super Reverb, if ever I can afford it.

Although I don't want to debate the "music instruction vs self-taught controversy", (I think both sides have valid points--also, whoever said "practice") but I would like to put my 2 cents worth in about playing guitar...I've been a student (self-taught for the most part) of the guitar for nearly 25 years, now. I own a '70-something model Gibson SG, "Tobacco Sunburst", and am currently the "caretaker" of a 60's something model Fender Music Master II, and a 90's model Les Paul, although I will be giving that guitar back to the owner very soon. As far as amps go, I'm currently playing through a old Kustom 200 watt (solid state)(the kind with the cool blue padding) and a old Yamaha, which has 'natural' distortion, due to the age and wear of the speakers. Also, very much enjoy playing acustic guitar...own a 70's model Suzuki, slightly modified, and a Alvarez. Although I currently play in a band, that is subject to change, due to the lack of dedication from most of the other members (they'd rather play golf, and I just can't deal with that!) I have written quite alot of original songs, and am looking into doing a demo tape (solo). Oh, yeah, I am a firm believer in the "signature riff"...
Keep Rockin'

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'...some hand in hand, some gather together in bands, the bleeding hearts and artists make their stand...'

I have a telecaster, me do. <Smarm!> I love it to bits. Its an american standard edition in the natural ash finish like dave gilmour's one in Pulse but mine has a white pickgaurd (and his is a deluxe edition).

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I'm Garth Marenghi - author, dream-weaver, visionary. Plus actor. You are about to enter the world of my imagination. This is my Darkplace.

Welcome, Brick. Thanks for the rundown on your gear. That 70's SG sounds sweet. Your Tele, too, Mother.
One thing we know, you can never have too many guitars or too much gear.

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Taking away from you for the greater good.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery".-- Winston Churchill

"Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant" - Omar Ahmed, C.A.I.R.)

Brick,

Nice stuff man, i would love to see a pic of that SG, I love tobacco bursts.

As far as the Mesas go I cant even begin to tell you how well built they are. they weigh a ton but they are built to last, that was a huge turn on to me when I was making the purchase. It was seriously built to perfection.

They cost a little more than some amps but are well worth it if you like the tone your getting. This is the end all amp for me because I can virtually play any style of music out there with this amp, well, maybe not country.

What type of music do you play and what do you have to spend? That might help you with your amp decitions.

Later,
Jason

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Nothing rings like a Fender Strat

Hey, thanks, Stratman, and OnTheWing. Just found this site a week or two ago, really dig it! I'll see if I can get a picture of the SG for you. Really is a pretty guitar.
Those Mesa Boogies do seem rather versatile. Saw this player named the "Twangler" at a river festival back in the early '90's--he had 2 of them. Must have hooked them together with a stereo chorus effects box. What a tone! Still remember how crisp it sounded.
As for me, I play a variety of stuff, somewhat eclectic, I guess, but still love that roots rock. Of course, I am a big Gilmore fan (he plays with so much soul and intensity). I have been playing rhythm and lead for a hillbilly rock band for the last 3 years, and usually use a clean tone for the rhythm parts, and a slightly muddier sound for the lead breaks. I tried to keep it simple, though, relying mostly on the naturally warm tones of a Les Paul, and a "tube screamer" effects box, as a volume boost for the leads. About 90 percent of our material was original, and the 'cover' stuff-- we did our own versions. Nothing too wimpy. I wrote all my own parts, many of which ended up becoming a signature riff for the song. We usually had a good response from the crowd, and the bar sold lots of beer. Sadly, I think this group has reached a impasse, and it is time I moved on. Maybe my expectations are too high, but in my mind, playing music is more than just a winter sport/hobby for me. Gonna see what else is out there.
Anyway, what about you? What are your influences? your favorite tones? got a band? What kinds of music do you enjoy playing? ect.

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'...some hand in hand, some gather together in bands, the bleeding hearts and artists make their stand...'

Brick,

Thats too bad about your band man, sounds like you had a good unit there. You speak of the warm tones a Les Paul has to offer and to me that is the best way to describe a Les, just warm and smooth.

Well, obviously I am influenced by David Gilmour. Hell, I slapped his signiture EMG pickup set in my strat. It might not be that vintage strat tone but its very nice and I wouldnt swap them out for the world. Also they are dead silent, all EMGs are but its wierd when you have 3 single coils and they arent humming the whole time like most strat single coils.

I also love Stevie Ray, he is just unbeleivable to me and like they say, he must have sold his sould to the devil to get the talent to play the way he does. There are times I sit back and listen to him and he plays something that is just baffling to the point I cant even comprehend what he is doing.

I also like some new age jazz stuff, a couple groups would be Medeski Martin & Wood, Charlie Hunter, Ben Harper, and many other similar bands.

I am also a huge Trey Anastasio fan, that guys got one hell of an understanding of music.


Later,
Jason

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Nothing rings like a Fender Strat

Thanks, OnTheWing, but things will be better now, I think. Everyone can go about their business, and still be on friendly terms. Maybe even do some "jamming" at birthday partys, and such. I sure will miss playing that black Les Paul, though (belongs to the "singer"). I felt sick when I gave it back.

Sounds like you are really serious about your tones. That is cool. Quality equiptment--A Strat and a Mesa Boogie. Nice combo.


I really like that "fat and in your face" tone Stevie Ray had...but he could also be "laid back and smooth", when he wanted.

Must admit, I'm not up on my jazz, however. All those intricate timings, and chords. Makes me want to just stand there and scratch my head in wonderment. My attention span fizzles out after awhile, because, like you said, it is hard to comprehend what all is going on. That said, there are a couple of good jazz bands that play around here...

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'...some hand in hand, some gather together in bands, the bleeding hearts and artists make their stand...'

Yeah, for rock & rollers, playing jazz is certainly a different kettle of fish. All those extended chords, shifting modes & all that stuff makes my head hurt. I guess I'm just a blues/rock guy, cause that's always what sounds best to me.
I used to play in a band, we mostly did covers. Some original stuff; but I found anything I tried to write ended up sounding like just another 12 bar blues song in minor pentatonic. I'm just not that artistic. (too left-brained).
I, too, worship at the alter of SRV. (and Gilmour, of course). When SRV died, I felt like I'd lost a member of my family. It's the only time I've felt like that about a celeb death. Princess Di? so what. JFK Jr.?(and any other Kennedy) good riddance. John Lennon. big deal...... But SRV? Man, that hurt. If God Forbid one of the Floyd assumed room temperature, .....aah.....I can't bear to think of it.

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Taking away from you for the greater good.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery".-- Winston Churchill

"Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant" - Omar Ahmed, C.A.I.R.)

Yeah, that was painful. Remember that day. Seems like many of the good ones are gone. Am still in awe of Hendrix, and SRV. Grew up listening to the Beatles, so I was upset when Lennon was shot, and more recently when Harrison passed. And, wow, Entwhistle was probably my all time favorite bass player. D@mn near cried when I got the news Pops Staples died. Eddy Shaver was quite a shock. I really thought alot of Waylon Jennings too, and not just because he told the record industry to kiss his butt; that stuff he did about Jessie James was interesting, I thought. I could go on, but this is depressing.

Nothing like a good blues band and some ice-cold beverages to cheer a body up, though (as long as the women show up, that is).

Keep Rockin'--

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'...some hand in hand, some gather together in bands, the bleeding hearts and artists make their stand...'

I find Charlie Hunter alot more incomprehensible.

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You can cage a tiger but you're never sure it's broken.

Sarah,

You have that one right, he is also "boyond me" so to speak.

Last year I went to see Charlie play at The House Of Blues (the original) here in Boston. This was show that took plave in the attic of an old colonial house, thats what THOB actually is. Well, I was standing right in front of him and just trying t watch his fretting hand was almost impossible. Most of the times you can look at a video of you favorite group and get a general idea of what he is doing. That is not something you can do with Charlie Hunter.

If anyone here doesnt know who Charlie hunter is you should buy a couplke of his CDs or atleast see if you can download a few. This guy plays a custom guitar that is equipped with bass strings. He plays guitar and bass at the same time which is almost unimaginable. Sure somebody might be able to keep a simple bass line while playing guitar which would be hard enough. But Charlie Hunter plays amazing guitar with intricate bass lines behind it, all offbeat to each other, its just something you need to see or hear to beleive.

He is a young guy and I cant imagine the music he will be making when he is50+ years old.

This is an example of a hidden treasure of music that most people will never know about. If you see that he is comming to your area as a guitarist you owe it to yourself to go check him out. He is also completely down to earth and just a plain old cool guy in general.

Anyone looking for a good CD should check out "bing, bing, bing" some great stuff on there.

Jason

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Nothing rings like a Fender Strat

Thanks for the Charlie Hunter recommendation, I'll keep a lookout for him.

Saw Dave MacKenzie (a great guitar player) last night, another one of those guys that can keep a bass line going with their thumb while doing some intricate melody line finger picking. Did some cool blues stuff. He is also a fantastic slide player. Adie Grey was with him (she has such a "warm" voice). Check him out, if you like acoustic blues. He is versatile enough, however, to accompany Adie, who is more of a "Americana" type artist.

Did you say you were in Boston? Are you familiar with Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun? I think they are based in Maryland.

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'...some hand in hand, some gather together in bands, the bleeding hearts and artists make their stand...'

Brick,

You say you seen Dave MacKenzie? Thats funny because my real name is Jason MacKenzie, wonder if their is a relation, Hmmmm?

Havent heard of that other band you mentioned, I will look some stuff op though.

Jason

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Nothing rings like a Fender Strat