West Coast Blues Thread - Version 2.0

[THINSOCKS]

Thinksocks, I just watched the clip a couple more times and Hampton introduces him as " Here's Bill the guitar man" . Comparing the photo on the front of "Stomping with Bill" with the movie, I think it's him. fred

Ok, I got it! It's Billy Mackel. Here check the link.

http://www.lionelhampton.nl/billymackelstory.html

Mackel played for Hampton from 1944-1982 and he was a lefty. I Just knew it wasn't Jennings. I have a number of pictures of Jennings and he has a very protruding jaw and a hunchback. Also, I have just about everything Jennings has played on and to me that guy in the clip just didn't sound like Bill Jennings.

[dukeh62]

Frank, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me!

[dukeh62]

HELP!!!!!!!

Anybody now a manufacturer of a 2 1/6" spaced strat hardtail with the standard vintage look?

Months ago I bought a used (but unfinished USA Custom Guitars) strat body for a project that is now just about complete. However, when assembling the guitar, we just realized that the body was routed for a hardtail with a 2 1/6" spacing. This is more of a modern spacing. Unfortunately, EVERYTHING ELSE about this guitar is totally vintage in appearance. I'd hate to have to put a new Hipshot or Gotoh on there, but they are the only makers I can find. I had a beautiful Callaham hardtail for it...but the spacing is wrong.

In the long run, I'll probably dig the slightly tighter spacing, b/c it's always driven me crazy how close the strings are to the edge of the neck on vintage strats. Then again, I'm probably just telling myself this b/c I've got no other options.

Thanks in advance!

[KBR]

WHY NOT GET SOME IMPORT GRAPH TECH STRING SAVER SADDLES..THEY WORK WELL, AND NO BROKEN STRINGS..MAY BE WRONG VINTAGE LOOK BUT loT'S OF PRO'S USE EM...
NUTHIN WORSE THAN GOIN OVER THE EDGE ON THE hIGH e STRING!

kbr
PRO SINCE 1968

[Dave Orban]

WHY NOT GET SOME IMPORT GRAPH TECH STRING SAVER SADDLES..THEY WORK WELL, AND NO BROKEN STRINGS..MAY BE WRONG VINTAGE LOOK BUT loT'S OF PRO'S USE EM...
NUTHIN WORSE THAN GOIN OVER THE EDGE ON THE hIGH e STRING!

kbr
PRO SINCE 1968I'm with you Kenny...

Nobody "really" cares whether you have all vintage specs, especially when there are better solutions to be found...

[pete kanaras]

holy mackel! another true lefty from that time period, and a baltimore guy to boot?!? cool. and i'd say the "3rd" lefty from that period would have to have been dickie thompson, an amazing player:

http://weeklywire.com/ww/09-13-99/tw_mus.html

[THINSOCKS]

holy mackel! another true lefty from that time period, and a baltimore guy to boot?!? cool. and i'd say the "3rd" lefty from that period would have to have been dickie thompson, an amazing player:

http://weeklywire.com/ww/09-13-99/tw_mus.html


Your right! I wonder if he's still playing? He plays some cool stuff on those Wild Bill Davis/Johnny Hodges albums.

[Poppa Stoppa]

I'm with you Kenny...Me too but it ain't gonna help Duke with the string spacing...

Duke if you've not finished the body, you could plug the holes and re-drill them...actually even if you have refinished the body you could still do that because the ferrules cover most of the change on the back and the bridge plate covers the rest on the top. I did it once by gluing some dowelling in the holes in a jap tele body I had, that had the wrong string spacing for the bridge I had. Turned out great, but re-drilling the holes plumb & without the drill wandering can be tricky, best to have a drill stand, maybe a job for fretshop...

[GOLDENSTRAT]

Wow! Frank, that is some great detective work. I'll never doubt you again. Do his other recordings sound like Jennings at all, I still like that bent note. fred

[dddelta]

Hi guys,

Well...we're off to Memphis today for the International Blues Challenge. Can't wait to dive into all that BBQ, drink those fine libations, and meet all the talented folks from across the country. Your buddy and ours, MikeLaw, will be joining us for the trip. I'm going to do my best to keep an active blog of the play-by-play down there. Here's a link to the Blue Hearts' IBC '07 blog. (http://www.ericducoff.com/IBC%20%2707%20Blog/IBC%20%2707%20Blog.html)

Good luck guys. Hope you have a blast!!

Great that you're gonna try to keep a blog of your trip.

[dukeh62]

Me too but it ain't gonna help Duke with the string spacing...

Duke if you've not finished the body, you could plug the holes and re-drill them...actually even if you have refinished the body you could still do that because the ferrules cover most of the change on the back and the bridge plate covers the rest on the top. I did it once by gluing some dowelling in the holes in a jap tele body I had, that had the wrong string spacing for the bridge I had. Turned out great, but re-drilling the holes plumb & without the drill wandering can be tricky, best to have a drill stand, maybe a job for fretshop...

Poppa...body is already finished. I found out Callaham makes saddles for 2 1/16, but not the top plate. So, I might just use a newer Gotoh top plate in conjunction with the Callaham saddles. Will work fine and won't look that much different.

[KBR]

the string saver Import saddles are narrow and are great. I use em with Gotoh Hard tail bridges, I have 4 on 4 axes (1 Tele with 2 Mini Hbers) a po man's Riviera

KBR

[Strat-O]

I use the Callahams too. Very cool. THey also have a conversion kit to convert from that new fangled dual pivot deal of Fenders to a traditional bridge with screws in the body. Its extremely cool.

[Poppa Stoppa]

Good stuff Eric & I see what KBR and Mr Orban were saying. All makes sense now.

By the way guys I like the look of this George Smith collection:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Horizon-Sessions-George-Harmonica/dp/tracks/B000GW8TN2/ref=dp_tracks_all_1/002-1242939-0261606#disc_1
Telephone Blues off that first Bacon Fat album is just outstanding, when George plays that wicked harp lick and you hear all the band going 'Oh yeah!' 'Whoa!'. I got that album on vinyl way back and the other day my brother said to me that it's his ideal of what a blues band should sound like. I have to agree with him in many ways, there's something about it.

[dukeh62]

the string saver Import saddles are narrow and are great. I use em with Gotoh Hard tail bridges, I have 4 on 4 axes (1 Tele with 2 Mini Hbers) a po man's Riviera

KBR

Thanks KBR!

[Strat-O]

Yeah, good luck in Memphis. My band missed going this year by a hair of a point.

[fretshop]

Squire 51 on sale at Musician's Friend for $79.00

[TwoFeets]

Squire 51 on sale at Musician's Friend for $79.00

Hmm, I'm seeing them at $99.99?

[fretshop]

Hmm, I'm seeing them at $99.99?


It is truly a deceptive ad. There's a big $79 in glaring red right next to the photo. I e-mailed you a photo of the Squire 51 sale ad....I had to log onto the company site and search to find the "real price".

[TwoFeets]

It is truly a deceptive ad. There's a big $79 in glaring red right next to the photo. I e-mailed you a photo of the Squire 51 sale ad....I had to log onto the company site and search to find the "real price".

Yeah I saw that and knew that was what drove the post. Those guys are famous for that.

[Strat-O]

I saw that. They don't have the right color though.

[KBR]

looks like 99

[zappafrank]

c'mon guys---it's a 20.00 difference---i know everyone playing blues is starvin', but c'mon!!!---just think about how much you will be laying out for MODS!!! LOL!

ac

[TwoFeets]

c'mon guys---it's a 20.00 difference---i know everyone playing blues is starvin', but c'mon!!!---just think about how much you will be laying out for MODS!!! LOL!

ac

The funny thing is I just sold my Squier '51 for $85 and as I was packing it up I realized, shoot, you can hardly buy a decent set of pickups for that price, and this is a whole guitar. I should have parted it out.

[aja]

By the way George I played a Joe pass signature this weekend and was
shocked at how good it sounded. That tone is great for blues swingy stuff.
Thanks man.

[Scott Miller]

Last night was RJ's last night as host of the World Famous Mojo Lounge Jam. It's been a great jam for a blues Junior Woodchuck like me; an opportunity to play with great players, for example:

RJ
Mark Hummel
Nick Moss
Rusty Zinn
June Core
Marc Carino
Marty Dotson
Bob Welsh
Randy Bermudez
Walter Shufflesworth
Steve Freund
Chris Andersen
Johnny Cat
Kedar Roy
KBR
Sid Morris
Wendy deWitt
Vance Ehlers
Jon Lawton
Freddy Roulette
Robi Bean
Mike Phillips
Junior Crudup
John Nemeth
Mike Shermer

and a mess of other locals and whatnot.

Well, it starts up again next week with Freund as host. I'll miss RJ's harp, though. Of all the great harp players these days, he's my favorite. Hummel has incredible technique and power, Gary Smith has the tone, Estrin has the deep knowledge, but RJ's playing just gets to me like noone else's.

- Scott M

[HappyValley]

i'd say the "3rd" lefty from that period would have to have been dickie thompson, an amazing player:

http://weeklywire.com/ww/09-13-99/tw_mus.html

I've been tracking (or trying to), Dickie Thompson material for years - not so easy! I have the stuff w/ Hodges & Davis, (later material).
A GREAT local DJ, John Funke, has a show call 'Backwoods' on WMBR, Saturday 10 AM-12PM (MIT radio) 88.1 Boston- he turned me on to the Thompson stuff. Dickie was or iis at home playing jazzy blues,swing, rockabilly, you name it. Yeah Pete!

[nc slim]

Check out



http://cgi.ebay.com/Hollywood-Fats-James-Harman-Autographed-Photo_W0QQitemZ290078121112QQihZ019QQcategoryZ1087 28QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[aja]

That would be cool in a frame on the wall. I wonder how much it'll go for.

[zappafrank]

Hey Eastie Boys---tell me more about this guy....i think I NEED to get his CD---sounds real tasty---

http://www.davegrossband.com/cd.html?gclid=CKGlrfCpjYoCFRzLggodiW17Rw

he seems to stay on the east Coast circuit---must be from fretshop's 'hood'---

ac

[Dave Orban]

Hey Eastie Boys---tell me more about this guy....i think I NEED to get his CD---sounds real tasty---

http://www.davegrossband.com/cd.html?gclid=CKGlrfCpjYoCFRzLggodiW17Rw

he seems to stay on the east Coast circuit---must be from fretshop's 'hood'---

acGreat player... I've seen him a couple of times, and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I have the latest (Duke-produced) CD, and there's a lot of good stuff on it!

[TwoFeets]

Hey Eastie Boys---tell me more about this guy....i think I NEED to get his CD---sounds real tasty---

http://www.davegrossband.com/cd.html?gclid=CKGlrfCpjYoCFRzLggodiW17Rw

he seems to stay on the east Coast circuit---must be from fretshop's 'hood'---

ac

His girlfriend (or maybe ex-GF? I dunno, but I divined this info from their myspace sites) is a young blues singer named Gina Sicilia.

http://http://www.ginasicilia.com/

[THINSOCKS]

I've been tracking (or trying to), Dickie Thompson material for years - not so easy! I have the stuff w/ Hodges & Davis, (later material).
A GREAT local DJ, John Funke, has a show call 'Backwoods' on WMBR, Saturday 10 AM-12PM (MIT radio) 88.1 Boston- he turned me on to the Thompson stuff. Dickie was or iis at home playing jazzy blues,swing, rockabilly, you name it. Yeah Pete!

Check out the CD "John Hardee 1946-1948". Hiden on that CD are the A & B sides to the two 78's that Dickie Thompson cut under his own name for the Signature label. There is also a Herald comp CD out that has "13 Women and Only One Man" by Thompson on it. Here's a cool link with more Thompson info.

http://www.bluesandrhythm.co.uk/documents/dickie.pdf

[fretshop]

The next big thing : Sa Ron Crenshaw.

Home: Westfield, N.J.

Equipment: Twin and a Lucille.

Band: B-3, Drums, Guitar-vocals.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/368437065_014d2cdcdf.jpg?v=0

[HappyValley]

Check out the CD "John Hardee 1946-1948". Hiden on that CD are the A & B sides to the two 78's that Dickie Thompson cut under his own name for the Signature label. There is also a Herald comp CD out that has "13 Women and Only One Man" by Thompson on it. Here's a cool link with more Thompson info.

http://www.bluesandrhythm.co.uk/documents/dickie.pdf

Thanks Frank!!
In the small world category, the guy that wrote that article ,Dan Kochakian, is a New Englander and a very good friend of mine- used to come see me & Racky all the time; He was making me tapes of Rene Hall and Bill Jennings when I was just discovering this stuff. He had a magazine years ago called "Whiskey, Women and...." that dealt with all jump blues guys. (I have the Pee Wee Crayton issue!) Dan has also done liner notes for a number of acts' albums. Just a great guy...I intoduced him to Junior awhile back.

[TwoFeets]

The next amp to check out: I just finished BF'ing a 70's silver panel Deluxe Reverb with the Push - Pull volume pot. These amps can be made to sound very good...and they are still in good supply. I A-B'd the Deluxe with several speakers, and was impressed with the amp's versatility, tone and touch sensitivity. Actually, the amp sounded damned good stock (just refrain from using that horrible push - pull pot, or assign it another function).

I'm using either OEM RCA or Sylvania 6V6's and JAN sylvania pre's. Tone Tubby speakers sounded too warm for my taste, but the following four speakers really lit the amp up : 80's G-12H 100, Early 2000 British made G-12H30, Eminence GB-12, Reverend Alltone 1250. The G-12H100 won out over all with great highs and bass response, but was only marginally more efficient than the 30 watter. Both speakers are very efficient and LOUD. The 30' seemed abit beamy, but The beam blocker fixed that. For a little less gain, sweeter tone and a little fur on the notes, the 1250 was the winner. The GB-12 had less bass response and exhibited a slightly gnarly "grit" to the mids and high end. It was also the least expensive of all the speakers.

I had a '76 SFDR that I had blackfaced and it was a great amp, although heavy because of the particle board construction. Had an older Eminence of some kind in it, and it sounded like a good DR should. As my tastes changed I didn't use it all that much and eventually I ended up selling it.

Coincidentally and perhaps ironically based on your previous post, I had a tweed Blues Deluxe 1x12 from the early 90's, and I sold that amp in favor of buying the SFDR.

[jimfog]

Man.......woke up to a disheartening email today.

One of our favorite clubs in the area....a place we played most every month.......good atmosphere and the owner used to gush about how we were one of his personal favorite bands.....even brought his friends in specially to hear us. It was about an hour's drive away, had incredibly bad parking and a tiny place to perform (for a 5 piece w/keys and upright bass) and the money was shit.....but seemed to really support and appreciate good music.....well until today.

We played there last weekend, had a great night and a terrific turnout and response (we thought).........

bzzzzzz....WRONG!

"Melissa:
The immediate response that I received from several regular customers is that they really did not like the swing type music. It seems that most people who come to the Parrot want to hear straight forward blues (Stevie Ray, Albert King, Buddy Guy, etc.).........Unfortunately I am going to cancel............."....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.......YADDA, YADDA, YADDA...

We should have seen the writing on the wall when he cornered our keys player (who also played there in another band) and talked about (obstensibly in regards to the other band) how he can't "carry" that band anymore......and he'd rather book crappy local kids, as long as they brought friends and packed his place........I guess I can't blame him for wanting to pay bills.......but the turnaround was SO sudden, and I wish he hadn't fed us the "you don't play REAL bluezzzzz" line...............it's BS.

The ironic thing is.....the owner is a guitar player who would spend the entire frigging night staring at my fingers, and asking me to show him shit.

I should send him a bill for the lessons!!!

- Jim

[jimfog]

The next amp to check out: I just finished BF'ing a 70's silver panel Deluxe Reverb........

George,

My main gigging amp right now is a 72 DR, with a couple small but important mods that make it a killer.....

BF'ed the circuit.......threw in a Celestion G12 H-80 (warms it up.....crunches up nice, but still holds together at volume)......and most importantly a 25 K mid POT in the back, wired through the external speaker jack. Makes ALL the difference in dialing it in.

GREAT amp that works in 90% of the the situations I need it.

- Jim

[fretshop]

I had a '76 SFDR that I had blackfaced and it was a great amp, although heavy because of the particle board construction. Had an older Eminence of some kind in it, and it sounded like a good DR should. As my tastes changed I didn't use it all that much and eventually I ended up selling it.

Coincidentally and perhaps ironically based on your previous post, I had a tweed Blues Deluxe 1x12 from the early 90's, and I sold that amp in favor of buying the SFDR.

I have both. I use the BD for larger rooms, and when playing the 345.
The BD is a perfect amp for a place like the Bamboo Room or Harry's. With the 100 Watt speaker, it'll handle Black Eyed Sally's or Theodores. You can knock back the gain either a little, or considerably with pre amp tube substitutions.

I just loaded the G-12 H 100 into the Deluxe for some small club work in Greenwich Village. Sounds killer with the Gibson, and a beam blocker.

[pete kanaras]

yeah george , ditto on all those amps. mess around with 'em a bit and they're not bad at all. and i like the fact that the 'blues" series has a loop. the 4-10 was my backline request amp on US fly gigs for years. in japan i'd always get stuck with jc-120's(my vote for the worst amp of all time)and would try to make the best of it. anyway, i'd plug a pod (V1 with the V2 chip, and the 4button foot controller) into the loop and away i'd go. and i'll tell ya, it sounded a lot better than you'd think it would.
anyway, i digress. sorry...

a ri deluxe reverb is nothing to sneeze at when you do some simple upgrades. haha, i'm gonna start calling these mods "un re-issuing a reissue". a buddy just re-tubed a ri bf twin with a quartet of winged c svetlanas, nos preamp tubes (mullards and blackplates mostly) and was blown away by the improvement. next we're gonna de-dope the ri jensens to open them up a bit. if that don't do the trick a pair of real c12n's will be found. after that we'll replace the input jacks with switchcrafts, fly the leads to the circuit board and we're done. all inexpensive mods, and easy to do. a marked improvement over stock and a far more reliable amp

[Poppa Stoppa]

a ri deluxe reverb is nothing to sneeze at when you do some simple upgrades...You guys talking amps, I’d be interested in more comments about the RI blackface Deluxe. I seem to remember George commenting that the components are ‘the cheapest available’ or similar, but I have heard a couple that sound excellent. PK are these same mods applicable to a deluxe? How do you de-dope a speaker?

Think I may start to carry a pod in case of amp failure on a gig…almost had that last summer on an open air gig miles from anywhere. If I had a pod I could plug straight into the PA and get away with it.

[Strat-O]

Speaking of amps, Mr. Originality checking in today with my latest amp...

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/blueskings/BeeBee1-BW-Small.jpg

Here's a link to all the photos: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/blueskings/

[fretshop]

You guys talking amps, I’d be interested in more comments about the RI blackface Deluxe. I seem to remember George commenting that the components are ‘the cheapest available’ or similar, but I have heard a couple that sound excellent. PK are these same mods applicable to a deluxe? How do you de-dope a speaker?

Think I may start to carry a pod in case of amp failure on a gig…almost had that last summer on an open air gig miles from anywhere. If I had a pod I could plug straight into the PA and get away with it.

Some of those RI Deluxes sound great...and are easy to mod.

[Dave Orban]

Man.......woke up to a disheartening email today.

One of our favorite clubs in the area....a place we played most every month.......good atmosphere and the owner used to gush about how we were one of his personal favorite bands.....even brought his friends in specially to hear us. It was about an hour's drive away, had incredibly bad parking and a tiny place to perform (for a 5 piece w/keys and upright bass) and the money was shit.....but seemed to really support and appreciate good music.....well until today.

We played there last weekend, had a great night and a terrific turnout and response (we thought).........

bzzzzzz....WRONG!

"Melissa:
The immediate response that I received from several regular customers is that they really did not like the swing type music. It seems that most people who come to the Parrot want to hear straight forward blues (Stevie Ray, Albert King, Buddy Guy, etc.).........Unfortunately I am going to cancel............."....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.......YADDA, YADDA, YADDA...

We should have seen the writing on the wall when he cornered our keys player (who also played there in another band) and talked about (obstensibly in regards to the other band) how he can't "carry" that band anymore......and he'd rather book crappy local kids, as long as they brought friends and packed his place........I guess I can't blame him for wanting to pay bills.......but the turnaround was SO sudden, and I wish he hadn't fed us the "you don't play REAL bluezzzzz" line...............it's BS.

The ironic thing is.....the owner is a guitar player who would spend the entire frigging night staring at my fingers, and asking me to show him shit.

I should send him a bill for the lessons!!!

- JimThat really sucks, Jim. Been there, done that, too. Sorry to hear about it, though.

[Dave Orban]

Jim Fog : check your e-mail.

You and Dave are invited to the Blue Moon first yearanniversary party on 3/4. On 3/10, we're haveing the St. Paddy's Day parade, and I'll be on the Blue Moon Float playing guitar with a band I haven't put together yet.
They got me toasted last night, then asked me to do perform on the float.

You guys wanna do it with me?


Please....pleeeeeeeeeze !!!!The 3/4 date is still open for me, but I believe I'm already booked for a gig on 3/10...

[Strat-O]

Fretty - That's my H64, or at least its stamped H64 inside the body, and my amp.

More photos: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/blueskings/

[valcotone]

Fretty - That's my H64, or at least its stamped H64 inside the body, and my amp.

More photos: http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/blueskings/


Strat-O... tell us more about the amp if you don't mind. I don't recognize the cabinet dimensions... sure looks cool though.

[Scott Miller]

"...most people who come to the Parrot want to hear straight forward blues (Stevie Ray, Albert King, Buddy Guy, etc.).."

I think it's some sort of American-media induced craving for extreme everything. I mean, the crowd wants you to tear the roof off for every freakin' song; they ain't happy until you go screamo-screamo-screamo on the 27th fret for about 72 bars. It's like, "To hell with subtlety, beat me to death!!"

Sorry... touched a nerve there, I guess. I'm no good at screamo-screamo.

[Strat-O]

Scott - I think you may be on to something. It started back in the 60's when rock n' roll came out of the blues. Its been going downhill ever since. The 'masses' just like to rock. Its alot easier to rock hard for 72 screamin bars than it is to contain that into subtle musical statements.

Its supposed to be a TV Deluxe sized cabinet. I just stuck a Blues Jr chassis in it for now.

[pete kanaras]

yeah, those mods'll work on any bf ri fender. for an excellent primer on un-doping, scroll down on the page below, "taming a ri c10q. something like that

here ya go:

http://www.unclespot.com/USlinks.html

[Poppa Stoppa]

Ah: "Jensen C10Q RI bass-response 'fix' (how to take that harsh treble edge off)" Thanks Pete!

Strat-O I love what you've done to that amp! You need a suit with shorts for when you to play through it!

[Strat-O]

Heh, don't egg me on. I'm goofy enough to try it. :NUTS

[nmontz]

Not just any shorts.....Bermuda shorts.....BB was beein' cool! Bermuda shorts with the suit.

I don't know about Strat-o but I couldn't pull it off though. I don't wear the short pants!

The amp does look cool though!

[djeshkov]

Hey Guys, Check this out ,live bootleg of great Junior Watson!!!
ftp://share.bluesforum.ru/upload/Junior%20Watson.rar

[Strat-O]

Well I was trying to be funny, but now my comment about "don't egg me on" a couple of posta back looks arrogant!! Sorry!

I'd look like a complete goofball if I did the shorts suit too!!

[valcotone]

Hey Guys, Check this out ,live bootleg of great Junior Watson!!!
ftp://share.bluesforum.ru/upload/Junior%20Watson.rar


Thanks for the lead, djeshkov. The sound quality is fantastic, even if Junior's guitar is just a bit low in the mix.... sounds like a board recording, so his amp was probably blasting away in the venue and not through the mains as much.

Took about 1.5 hours to download, and worth it. Just listening now...

Details:

Junior Watson
Bellinzona
Piazza Blues
26 june 2004

Junior Watson: guitar, vocals
Gordon Beadle: sax
Gene Taylor: keyboards
Vance Ehlers: bass
Jerry Angel: drums

[valcotone]

Just an ebay heads up... I think this Oahu is the same amp as the dual-6x9" speaker Tremo-Tone amp that Junior Watson was raving about in the ToneQuest interview... I've happen to own one just like this and it sounds fantastic.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280078091495

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/88/ff/fe4a_12.JPG

[Stringmaster]

Thanks for the link on that Valco Skilback--I'm going for it!
DD

[HappyValley]

Hey Gents.......Got the nite off..cleaning my basement/guitar practicing room/internet place & listening to the genius of Earl Hooker, who is to me the link between "uptown" jazzy stuff and lowdown "heavy" stuff....not unlike Robert Jr., but with a little more single string- ala B.B.-leanings, plus his Nighthawk side. Seemingly endless flow of ideas.....
I hear a lot of what we call "West Coast" in his playing......although most of his early performing career took place between Memphis, a town called Cairo and (?) FLORIDA!! Go figure. He's just, well, the 'quintessential' blues man; I know I'm re-stating the obvious, but sometimes the whole "forest in the trees" analogy applies to this stuff. Thanks.

[Poppa Stoppa]

Well I was trying to be funny, but now my comment about "don't egg me on" a couple of posts back looks arrogant!! Sorry!Strat-O, far as I'm concerned, anybody that paints his amp like that can say what the hell he likes! I may have to steal that idea! (I thought your response was funny anyway).
Hey Guys, Check this out ,live bootleg of great Junior Watson!!!
ftp://share.bluesforum.ru/upload/Junior%20Watson.rar
djeshkov, I'd love to hear this but can't get it to open, do I have to pay two bottles of vodka or something?

[djeshkov]

djeshkov, I'd love to hear this but can't get it to open, do I have to pay two bottles of vodka or something?

Do you have RAR Archiver installed on your PC??
http://www.rarlab.com/download.htm

Get it and try to extract Watson from Archive ,couse Album is incredible!! ))
And it's Absolutely Free!!

[musicofanatic5]

I thought if anyone here knows him, I'd mention that Michael "Mudcat" Ward's wife, Bonnie, suddenly passed away last week. Mud is of course the Boston area (and the world!) dean of blues bass, having played for years with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, several of the giants of the blues, as well as appearing on countless great blues recordings, many of which reside in y'all's collections I'll wager. I attended the service yesterday, and the following "wake" (I guess that's what you'd call it), which was at a Boston club where the Bluetones played over 25 years ago. It was definately one of those momentous gatherings of musicians and music-types that, unfortunately, mostly only occurs from tragedy like this. The upside was the amount of love for Mudcat and Bonnie in the room; that was the good feeling one could enjoy in there. Eventually the Bluetones set up and the original line-up (minus Anthony Geraci; in attendence, but there was no piano available) of Ray, Mud, Neil Gouvin, and Ronnie Earl played a couple songs for Bonnie (beginning with Rainin' in my Heart!). It wouldn't be a stretch to say that she fell in in love with Mudcat through her love for this band's music. I, unfortunately, had to bail to make a gig, but I would presume others jammed following the first couple tunes. A joyous noise on a sad occasion. My heart goes out to Mudcat for the loss of what he referred to as "my MUCH better half", his true soul-mate, and someone who was nearly as well known and loved as Mudcat on the Boston blues scene.

[Poppa Stoppa]

That is rough, I have many records with Mudcat on bass as you say. To lose someone close to you before time is a heartbreaking thing. Sorry to hear it.

[pete kanaras]

oh that is terrible. a very sweet and hip lady, she will be missed. i only met her once with mike, on a levon helm gig. she was special. sorry for his loss, godspeed bonnie

[TwoFeets]

Terribly sorry to hear that. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and their family.

[Swingblues]

A little Tribute to William Clarke in Brazil:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54WDRZk_dU

Poor quality because filmed in mobile...


All the best!
Igor Prado
www.myspace.com/igorprado (http://www.myspace.com/igorprado)

[Short Bus]

Condolences to Mudcat and family.

This video is absolutely amazing!
while my ukelele gently weeps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J30S6hkiyU

[aja]

Thats horrible news about Mudcats wife. It must be real tough right now.
Earl hooker is one of those guys you hear and immediately want to know
who it is and learn it.

[TwoFeets]

There are some short video clips of the Torpedoes w/Leroy Cooper up at our site under video, or at the myspace page under Videos.

There's also a clip of a certain guitarist shamelessly ripping off Nick Adams circa Live at the Yardrock in there. Here's to hoping imitation is considered the best form of flattery. Nick, next time I see you I owe you a beer or five.

[TwoFeets]

Any word on how all our fine feathered friends made out at the Blues Challenge?

Ryan and co.'s blog ended on 1/31. I think they may have gotten sucked into a vortex... either that or Mike Law is still sitting on the toilet after eating all that BBQ...

[maxVsf]

IBC band winner was Sean Carney Band. Not sure of the other finalists. Carney won the Albert King Award, also, and best dressed.

[Dylan61]

I like the shape of the ES-175 very much,
another one is the Gibson ES-137.

Anyone (famous or not) did plays da Blues on them?

http://www.gibson.com/products/gibso...ic/ES-175.html

http://www.gibson.com/products/gibson/es137/es3c.html

[Poppa Stoppa]

Great, fat tones there TwoFeets - LOVE it! Please describe your rig on 'If The Shoe Fits' etc, and the rockabilly set-up for 'Baby Blue Eyes'. How'd ya get the dead-on T-Bone on 'Tell Me What's The Reason'? Very cool!

Mr Bluzy, welcome, looking forward to hearing more from you.

Dylan61, there's a certain Mr Orban that will have some words to say about the ES175, I'm sure. Never heard the ES137 though.

[Dave Orban]

My '53 175 (P90s) is my main gigging guitar, and the one I take out virtually to every gig (except hot, humid outdoor gigs, where the top gets a little whacky).

It feels great, it plays wonderfully, and the neck pickup has a thick, growly tone that to me sounds like a million bucks.

Of course, the bridge pickup has quite a bit of bite, and cuts very nicely, and the combination of the two gives you all sort of out-of-phase T-Bone sounds...

It has a couple of sound posts installed under the bridge, to help mitigate feedback, and I use 12s or 13s, roundwounds, and plug it straight into a Matchless Chieftain 1x12 combo, or for smaller gigs, an Alessandro Beagle into a 1x12 cab.

Best guitar I've ever played, bar none.

[monstermike]

Anyone (famous or not) did plays da Blues on them?

http://www.cmt.com/shared/media/images/amg_covers/200/drd000/d099/d0992396xk0.jpg

[aja]

Yea I was wondering about those guys in memphis too. Their probably
busy with BBQ and all the cool places to check out.

[TwoFeets]

Great, fat tones there TwoFeets - LOVE it! Please describe your rig on 'If The Shoe Fits' etc, and the rockabilly set-up for 'Baby Blue Eyes'. How'd ya get the dead-on T-Bone on 'Tell Me What's The Reason'? Very cool!


Wow, hey thanks! Let's see if I can remember the gear thang.

Shoe Fits -
1st solo Josh Lanza, Gretsch 6120 through a Maxon delay and a black Hot Rod Deluxe with possibly a TS9 for a little boost.
2nd solo, me on the Fatdog Gene V through a '63 reissue reverb and a Victoria Bandmaster.

Your Baby Blue Eyes is pretty much the same setup for Josh and me, though I'm using a Ibanez Soundtank delay throughout with the reverb tank on but all the knobs set to 0.

Tell Me What's the Reason is the Fatdog, RI reverb and Bandmaster... and me forgetting to flip the phase switch, so it's neck pickup and I'm picking real close to the bridge.

On the Smokin Torps site, I'm using the goldtop Tokai (obviously) on all the vid clips through the blonde '64 reverb tank (I dumped the reissue) and the Tungsten Pro. Jeff is playing a '59 Guild CE100 through I think a Digiverb and an original '55 5E5 (no "A") Pro.

[mikelaw]

i was on the pot alot in memphis. thanks for checking in. i think eric's laptop was pooping out a bit and we were VERY busy visiting sun studios, stax....etc....gibson factory as well. lots of fun stuff. dan schwalbe from here was great!!! awesome band, great player! love him! mikey junior from jersey...sean carney was great and in the bluehearts club along with chick willis. bluehearts had the best and worst club. great music and crowds, but actually competition!!!! saw lots of great bands but still recovering in more ways then one.

mookie brill sat in with the bluehearts as well as the great cheryl arena from dfw-tx!!! both amazing players. lots and lots of allstar jams, lots of bands! i ate ribs about 6 times in 4 days or something silly like that. amazing stuff. very sweet people in the south too. i have been but everyone was just great. 100000% great time, and the weather wasnt too bad, but id like to see the blues foundation do a fest closer to spring....it would bring more people im sure and make it nicer for people visiting. it was snowing quite a bit while we were there

[Schwalbe]

My condolences to the Ward family. That's such sad news.

The IBC was a gas. Ryan and the Blue Hearts sounded so good they got hired for after hours shows at The Blues City Cafe'. Me and the guys from Cool Disposition sat in both nights as did many others. It was great meeting Ryan, Eric and Mike in person, nice people. When I get the photos back I'll post one of me and Mr. Law standing outside the Blues City Cafe' in a picture perfect Christmas card snow storm at 2 AM.

I heard some great music and some awful noise and I had a grand time at the Handy Blues Hall jam Friday and Saturday afternoons. Like all jams there were far too many donkey pullers, caterwaulers and guitar torturers who think a Blues solo consist of endlessly strung together rolling hammer-ons.

I'm absolutely thrilled that Sean Carney won. His performance was not of the typical in your face loud pounding style that is so common.
He was on third at the IBC finals. He dropped the volume right from the start, it was at least 2/3 quieter. He gave the music room to breath and it was beautiful. At one point during a slow blues he stepped 10 feet from the mic and let the acoustics of the theater carry his voice. Of course it doesn't hurt that he's got pretty good pipes.
His guitar work is rich, deep and soulful, as you should expect from a student of Robert Lockwood Jr..
I really enjoyed his performance. I thought he was way to subtle and artistic to have a snowball's chance of winning. I'm glad he did.

[valcotone]

The IBC was a gas.


Dan and Mike!! thanks for the reports! Sounds like you had a good time there. What sort of blues genres were the various bands playing in? Was there a regional alignment of different styles, or west coast bands from the east coast, etc?

I'll have to go look up Sean Carney now...

[TwoFeets]

Really diggin' that Sean Carney stuff!

Just got word that we're opening for Mark Hummel on 5/18.

[Strat-O]

I've heard some of his music. I thought it was really good.

[zappafrank]

Glad Ry and Co. had such a great time----I'll have to check out this Carney...

Really sorry to hear about Mr. Ward's wife---I met him once here in P-town w/ Ronnie---sure seems like we have had to put out a lot of 'condolensces' (sp?) this past year in this thread---bummer---

TwoFeets---sounds like you are getting lots of good openers lately---congrats!

No gigs on the books for me---seriously thinking I might just cash in 90% of my gear---ain't doing me any good right now---maybe just keep an acoustic and be done with the gigging/smokey bar/drunk-unappreciative audience thing...and the only offers I am getting are from folks that have no conception of blues, but think they are a blues band---oh, and chick-singer bands---NO THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway---I'll give all you real musicians a shot at my gear first if I make that ultimate decision---and no, I won't 'blow it out the door at rock bottom prices' LOL!!---maybe I'll just go from 32 to 40 hrs at my job and say F it---25 years is long enough to play music semi-pro w/ little return...it just ain't any fun for me these days....

ac

[TwoFeets]

Glad Ry and Co. had such a great time----I'll have to check out this Carney...

Really sorry to hear about Mr. Ward's wife---I met him once here in P-town w/ Ronnie---sure seems like we have had to put out a lot of 'condolensces' (sp?) this past year in this thread---bummer---

TwoFeets---sounds like you are getting lots of good openers lately---congrats!

No gigs on the books for me---seriously thinking I might just cash in 90% of my gear---ain't doing me any good right now---maybe just keep an acoustic and be done with the gigging/smokey bar/drunk-unappreciative audience thing...and the only offers I am getting are from folks that have no conception of blues, but think they are a blues band---oh, and chick-singer bands---NO THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway---I'll give all you real musicians a shot at my gear first if I make that ultimate decision---and no, I won't 'blow it out the door at rock bottom prices' LOL!!---maybe I'll just go from 32 to 40 hrs at my job and say F it---25 years is long enough to play music semi-pro w/ little return...it just ain't any fun for me these days....

ac

First off AC - you have to be more specific when you say "P-Town" to a bunch of New Englanders because it means an entirely different thing than "Portland." :)

I hear your frustration talking and believe me, I've been there. I spent the first 5 years living here in Orlando completely frustrated at the lack of activity. Don't do anything drastic though, it would suck to lose another brother as it were.

[Dave Orban]

...I hear your frustration talking and believe me, I've been there.... Don't do anything drastic though, it would suck to lose another brother as it were.Ditto and ditto...!!!

[Scott Miller]

AC, I know this guy who would chuck it about every year and a half. Play in various bands, get burned out, then sell all his gear, and buy an acoustic...

Before too long, he would get tempted by a nice Strat or something, get in a band, play a bunch of gigs, get burned out... and then chuck it all again, sell his gear, buy an acoustic, etc.

He finally figured out that he could save a lot of money just by sticking his gear in the closet instead of selling it.

[valcotone]

ac - Don't lose faith, brother!! Turn to the music for inspiration and just start learning some new tunes for YOURSELF. Blast the gigs and the audience if that's not happening right now, but dig into the wellspring of the music itself. I'm not speaking from experience, and just starting to get into gigging myself so maybe I'll be complaining next year, but I think this approach would work for me if I was in your situation.

And yeah... make sure you sleep on any gear liquidation decisions... been there... :dude

[valcotone]

Recorded a couple of samples with the H44 I'm selling and thought I'd share them with you guys... the mp3 compression kind of messes with the Valco sample, but here they are:

sample #1 (http://www.kilback.net/sale/h44_fenderdeluxereverb.mp3) - H44 direct into a 1964 Deluxe Reverb set relatively clean

sample #2 (http://www.kilback.net/sale/h44_valcosupreme.mp3) - H44 direct into a 1948 Supro/Valco Supreme set dirty

[nmontz]

Sean...speaking of liquidation decisions....that h44 you have for sale on ebay is purdy!

I get in a sell all my crap mood about twice a year.

[zappafrank]

Guys---thanks for the (Kay) Upbeat words----but if this local scene had not been on a CONTINUED downward spiral for the past 3 or 4 years, I'd probably just think of things as just a 'hump' to get over---wish I was in Sean's shoes---just starting out gigging again---all fresh and ready and excited---maybe I should take up golf....

Besides, selling a 64' strat and a 175, 350, 330, Epi ZDR would pay for about an eighth of a house around here---

thanks again y'all---I might take Scott's advice and put (most) of the shite in a closet---

ac

[Echo Are]

Junior Watson Sighting: He turned up at the Murphy's Law Jam(Sunnyvale, CA)last night. I was just standing there near the entrance, and in he walked with bassist Kedar Roy out of the blue. I thought, "This guy looks familiar". He's only about 5' 9" and maybe 165 pounds. He seemed taller in all of the pictures I've seen of him. Friendly guy. I got to meet him. Unfortunately, he didn't play. I guess he had other commitments. Oh, well, 'twas cool to see him in the flesh and finally meet him.

I'm thinking that he might turn up at Steve Freund's Mojo Lounge Jam tonight. If I can make it, I'll have to bring my camera(s).

[Poppa Stoppa]

Guys your recommendations please for a replacement 12" speaker for my '60 tweed 5E3 Deluxe? The original speaker (Oxford I believe) in it is old with no top and is quiet (inefficient) & I want to save it rather than blow it.

[Schwalbe]

I've got a Weber 12A125-A in my Mission 5E3. It barks real good. It's a little too efficient for small club work. If I had it to do again I'd get a 12A125-O.
'Pends on whatcha want I reckon. I have a Jensen RI P12N that I've used in the 5E3 a few times, it's nice but not as nice as the Weber.
My $.02 anyway.

ac-you just might have to take of those non Blues Blues bands up on their offer and start teachin' 'em. I've tried that several times, it doesn't always work (hey Jon, remember that little guy?). But sometimes you find a guy that starts to grow (Mischo anyone?). Or some green fellers like Cool Disposition who's hearts are in the right place and they start to catch on. That's rewarding. I've had times where it wasn't worth keeping on and I damn near bagged it but something always seems to come along. Sometimes you stumble into green pastures, sometimes you gotta plant some grass.

Sean, the genre's were all over the place, lots of Blues/rock, Blues/funk, delta Blues/rock, etc. Cool Disposition certainly didn't play a trad set, a couple some what R & B/Soul flavored things (major pentatonic ya know) and a flat out Rock N Roll number, plus a Box, a Flat Tire and a little Jump shuffle from those guys. We were all over the map. I suppose the objective was to stand out in a crowd, probalbly lost points in the Blues content catagory.

[musicofanatic5]

---oh, and chick-singer bands---NO THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ac
+1,000,000,000,000,000 on that bruh...

Keep the faith, AC!

[Scott Miller]

---oh, and chick-singer bands---NO THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+1,000,000,000,000,000 on that bruh...



Har! Y'all just aren't man enough to work with the ladies, eh?

[groove_king]

Hey guys

There was a bit of discussion in this thread a while back about how the narrow panel tweeds (Pro, Super and Bandmaster) have too much headroom to really turn them up to get 'that sound' that we all know and love. Someone said that the earlier wide panel amps would be better for that sort of thing.

I guess this a long winded way of asking if anyone has any experience with the wide panel Pro (either the 5C5 or 5D5)?

I've just put together a Weber narrow panel Princeton kit and am looking for the next project and while I think the 5E5A is a great amp for our kind of blues, I'm wondering if the wide panel version would be better suited ...

-grooveking-

PS - Twofeets - great videos on your web site man! You gettin' some awesome tone there (both guit and voice)!

PPS - zappa - don't give it up man ... I remember reading an interview with Ronnie Earl and he was talking about how he was complaining to his wife about playing in crappy dives and his wife told him "Just think of all the crappy dives that Earl Hooker had to play in ..." Turned his attitude right around. If we don't keep up playin' this style of music, it's gonna die or worse, become a quaint curiosity, like Dixieland jazz (brrrrr). Keep the faith!

[djeshkov]

little cut from gig in Norway 2004,i was there.Kim Wilson & Rod Piazza together with Kirk Fletcher on guitar.
ftp://share.bluesforum.ru/upload/kim_wilson_and_rod_piazza.avi

[Strat-O]

AC - I did that back in '92. Sold everything. Even my CD and LP collection. I was also going through some personal difficulties at the time, but not financial problems so that didn't motivate the sale. But I was burned out on the whole business of music. Got back into things around '99 or '00 and as much as I love it, there are times I wish I just had an acoustic guitar and nothing else.

This probably didn't help you much! :jo

The only advice I have for you is that at this point its certain that you were born with this music affliction and its not going to go away.

[jetlag]

Hey guys

There was a bit of discussion in this thread a while back about how the narrow panel tweeds (Pro, Super and Bandmaster) have too much headroom to really turn them up to get 'that sound' that we all know and love. Someone said that the earlier wide panel amps would be better for that sort of thing.

I guess this a long winded way of asking if anyone has any experience with the wide panel Pro (either the 5C5 or 5D5)?

panel version would be better suited ...

-grooveking-



Grooveking - I had a wide panel pro but sold it. Kept a TV and a narrow panel pro. I think the wide panel pros (and TVs) are real one-trick ponies. My advice would be to build a 5E5a, but use a vintage jensen P15N (something not so efficient). Also, I'd put in a switchable cathode bias mod and in doing so, delete the cathode bypass cap. This, when in CB mode, will get you 90% of the way to a wide panel pro and knock about 25% of the thump off the amp. Then you have a versatile amp. If you play outside or a big room, you can bring an extension cabinet and use it in lieu of the P15N.

Poppa - my favorite speakers for an old deluxe are either a vintage Jensen P12P, vintage P12N or a celestion blue alnico. Email me if you want me to elaborate. I know those can get pricey but ........ I was able to score a rola version of a P12N for around $70 - from what I can tell, the same speaker. However, if you aren't going to gig the deluxe, I'd get one of those vintage P12Q organ pulls off ebay. They are well under $100 too.

AC - even if you don't keep the faith, keep the gear! By the time things swing around for you and you want the gear back, it will have appreciated to the point where you couldn't afford it. Look at it as a well-performing mutual fund except that it's cool to stare at.

Junior Watson 5'-9"? Are you sure you weren't talking to Larry Taylor? I spent a few days with Junior this past summer and would swear the guy is just a hair under 6'-0". Maybe that was his short, evil twin.

[Dave Orban]

Hey Guys, Check this out ,live bootleg of great Junior Watson!!!
ftp://share.bluesforum.ru/upload/Junior%20Watson.rarBTW, thanks a LOT for for this... There's some fabulous stuff on there...! :dude

Anybody have an actual Track Listing (song titles)...?

Thanks in advance...

[rhartt1234]

http://blog.myspace.com/ryanhartt

I you don't want to sign into Myspace you can see a version here

http://blindman.forumhoster.com/index.php?showtopic=16487&st=60&hl=

[rhartt1234]

I'm sure Frank already has this
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&products_id=12786

[THINSOCKS]

I'm sure Frank already has this
http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&products_id=12786

I do. Cool cd, but it's pre-electric Teddy Bunn. It's worth it though just for "Blues Without Words" and "Guitar On High". Those two are pretty heavy stuff.

[aja]

Cool blog Ryan. You guys are my heroes. I'll see you guys Friday night too.

[musicofanatic5]

Har! Y'all just aren't man enough to work with the ladies, eh?
Uh, yeah, if that's the only criteria, sure. Not man enough for a trip to hell, either.

[mikelaw]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CEA1XFZNsk

ducoff solo at ibc. i should have zoomed in before starting the shot. i cant zoom after i start recording.

[DonM]

hey.. a little west coast tone breaking news.. for those who own those stratotones from Eastwood,
I finally got around to it and looks like I really do got the Eastwood Strat0tone 2-pup model swingin' west coast style..

I put in the original Harmony 50k pots and rewound the reissue firebird mini humbuckers.. to mimic the original Stratotones... and its KILLER.. may even be better then the original Harmonys.. one thing is its hum free to boot..

Rick Holmstrom and Junior Watson are coming over to try it out and leaving there Eastwoods for rewind and pot change..

this may be the answer to a Traveling road Axe to mimic that Strat0tone's vibe and mojo..

cheers
Don Mare

[Dave Orban]

hey.. a little west coast tone breaking news.. for those who own those stratotones from Eastwood,
I finally got around to it and looks like I really do got the Eastwood Strat0tone 2-pup model swingin' west coast style..

I put in the original Harmony 50k pots and rewound the reissue firebird mini humbuckers.. to mimic the original Stratotones... and its KILLER.. may even be better then the original Harmonys.. one thing is its hum free to boot..

Rick Holmstrom and Junior Watson are coming over to try it out and leaving there Eastwoods for rewind and pot change..

this may be the answer to a Traveling road Axe to mimic that Strat0tone's vibe and mojo..

cheers
Don MareSwell... just what I need... ANOTHER thing to be jonesing for. Thanks, Don... :jo




:rotflmao

[kingsleyd]

Swell... just what I need... ANOTHER thing to be jonesing for. Thanks, Don... :jo




:rotflmao

Dave, go visit the Guitars in General board...

[Stringmaster]

Cool stuff Don. Can you give us some of the specs? Are they now single coils, or still Hums? Impedence? Are they calibrated for the positions on a 2 pickup model?
Thanks much, DD

[Strat-O]

Cool news Don. My fate has been sealed.

Nice playin' Eric. Great tone too, looked like it might have been a goldtop with P90's.

[jimfog]

hey.. a little west coast tone breaking news.. for those who own those stratotones from Eastwood,
I finally got around to it and looks like I really do got the Eastwood Strat0tone 2-pup model swingin' west coast style..

I put in the original Harmony 50k pots and rewound the reissue firebird mini humbuckers.. to mimic the original Stratotones... and its KILLER.. may even be better then the original Harmonys.. one thing is its hum free to boot..

Rick Holmstrom and Junior Watson are coming over to try it out and leaving there Eastwoods for rewind and pot change..

this may be the answer to a Traveling road Axe to mimic that Strat0tone's vibe and mojo..

cheers
Don Mare

Don,

If Jr and Holmes approve, you should buy 10 or so of those and offer them "upgraded"....I know we'll all buy one.

If not, just put me on the list to get one!!

Thanks!

- Jim

[TwoFeets]

Ryan man - great blog. Glad you guys had a good time and glad you're home from vacation now so you can rest! Heh heh

RE: H44 reissue.. very tempted by those even though I can't friggin' play the things!

[HappyValley]

Ryan, Duke, Schwalbe and all the WCBAT IBC participants- Thanks for representing what we do....to hell w/ the winning /losing aspect- you guys are killer, and you played on Beale ST.!!
And congrats to Sean Carney- he's a helluva player/singer 'his own durn self', ain't he??! I like his soundclips that I've heard.

Duke- Great rappin witcha via cell down there, man! You had me laughing hard, bro. Sorry to hear that some participants weren't nice,
EVAN though they were supposed to be.
"LezBring out da funk":RoCkIn :crazy :drool (Inside joke-Get it, RickyKing? Per our convo, Ricky??) Hee Hee.

(Yeah, I know it's a small world, but I don't care).

[zappafrank]

Welp, one geetar down---more to go!

The Tony Duggan-Smith (think Jim Hall small bodied jazzer...really nice handmade job...) is SOLD---and it looks like it's going to a REALLY dedicated guitarist w/ 2 solo CD's of Cuban/Classical guitar----really glad it's going to a REAL player...

Ryan---great blog, man----sounds like that IBC thang would just wear me all out---

Jetlag---good idea on 'the mutual fund I can look at' for awhile

DonM---If I don't sell my h44 reissue, I'll be giving you a call soon---I just have the single pickup---it does sound great 'as-is', but I need to get the action a tad lower to do more than (pretend) to play slide on it---why? 'Cause I'm a *USSY when it comes to high action with that big of a neck!---talk about 'chunky'!!


Eric---I still have those Rolph strat pups, just so ya know---

ac

[zappafrank]

First off AC - you have to be more specific when you say "P-Town" to a bunch of New Englanders because it means an entirely different thing than "Portland." :)

I hear your frustration talking and believe me, I've been there. I spent the first 5 years living here in Orlando completely frustrated at the lack of activity. Don't do anything drastic though, it would suck to lose another brother as it were.

Hey---at least I did'nt say "O-Town"!!!!

ac

[RickyKing]

Got It,Nick!

[straightblues]

The stratatone that Don Mare is working on is mine. It now gets that sound we all know and love. There is no mistaking its stratatoness. The pickups were wound on the minihumbucker chasis (the ones the came with the guitar) but they are wound to the same ohms as the original ones, somewhere between 3 and 4, intead of the 13 or so that came in guitar. I am waiting for Rick and Junior to get over there and try it so I can get my guitar back.:drool

[Dave Orban]

The stratatone that Don Mare is working on is mine. It now gets that sound we all know and love. There is no mistaking its stratatoness. The pickups were wound on the minihumbucker chasis (the ones the came with the guitar) but they are wound to the same ohms as the original ones, somewhere between 3 and 4, intead of the 13 or so that came in guitar. I am waiting for Rick and Junior to get over there and try it so I can get my guitar back.:droolKeep us posted. This may hit my wallet yet...! LOL!

[valcotone]

Did Don change the magnets and use the same wire gauge as the original Stratotone pickups in the uber-h44-reissue pickups as well? Just curious how close those modded pickups might be to the originals.

[straightblues]

I am sure Don will jump in here with some more info and I will continue to keep you guys updated. The pickups are different from the originals. The originals were single coils and these pickups Don is winding are humbucker (two coils). So the look will be different but the tone they are producing is close to the originals. He has been designing them for awhile now. I really don't know all of the specs. And I know he is waiting until Rick and Junior plays them and he gets their input. The specs might change a little, after those two play them but I can't imagine they will change much.

[Dave Orban]

I am sure Don will jump in here with some more info and I will continue to keep you guys updated. The pickups are different from the originals. The originals were single coils and these pickups Don is winding are humbucker (two coils). So the look will be different but the tone they are producing is close to the originals. He has been designing them for awhile now. I really don't know all of the specs. And I know he is waiting until Rick and Junior plays them and he gets their input. The specs might change a little, after those two play them but I can't imagine they will change much.
Don does nice work. Can't wait to hear a formal report on these...!

[valcotone]

I am sure Don will jump in here with some more info and I will continue to keep you guys updated. The pickups are different from the originals. The originals were single coils and these pickups Don is winding are humbucker (two coils). So the look will be different but the tone they are producing is close to the originals. He has been designing them for awhile now. I really don't know all of the specs. And I know he is waiting until Rick and Junior plays them and he gets their input. The specs might change a little, after those two play them but I can't imagine they will change much.



Does Don have an original 50's H44 he is A/B comparing the tone of the new pickup and Airline H44 to, or going by memory or recordings? Not questioning his findings just curious how close they might be.

Can't wait to hear the feedback from messrs. Watson and Holmstrom.

[straightblues]

Does Don have an original 50's H44 he is A/B comparing the tone of the new pickup and Airline H44 to, or going by memory or recordings? Not questioning his findings just curious how close they might be.

Can't wait to hear the feedback from messrs. Watson and Holmstrom.Yeah he has originals that he is comparing them to both the most desriable 3 and 4 k ones and little bit later higher output 10 or 11k versions. Watson and Holmstrom play stratatones every night. To my ears they are perfect but I haven't played a lot of stratatones H-44's.

My only stratatone is a very rare one. It was built during H-44 era but it has a factory original Kay Thin twin pickup in it. The pickup is surrounded by a little firestipe color pickguard material surround. I have never seen another one.

[Cleanhead]

Ryan and Duke -

Sounds like you guys played well... So hard to predict what variables will come into play - those things are VERY subjective... Obviously your band is talented and can play - if nothing else that has been validated by the reviews and sales of your CD...

It appears that you have now arrived at a place where I was a few years ago when I lost my "taste" for blues contests... Granted, I never won a regional contest and made my way to Memphis (which I know is a great trip - Jetlag represented KC a few times)... however, I am not sure they are worth the hassle... At this point I feel my time is better spent, practicing, writing and hustling gigs... just my 2 cents..

On the music front here in Chicago I recently broke up my band and have been using "hired guns" quite a bit... Although I am unable to do a lot of arranged stuff, I have enjoyed playing with better musicians on the bandstand... PLaying some with Dave Specter, Little Frank and Felix Reyes on guitar - and recently JImmy Sutton on upright... A real treat for sure... I think Felix is pretty much on board but the pother positions tend to rotate...

trying to stay warm here in Chicago...

Cleanhead

[valcotone]

Straigtblues... interesting... is the body/neck shape like this Kay from the same time period? I'd love to see pics of yours... sounds cool.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KAY-HARMONY-STRATOTONE-VINTAGE-GUITAR-STRAT_W0QQitemZ110089015070

http://i19.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/89/d0/67f8_12.JPG http://i1.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/89/d0/6780_12.JPG

[rjkohrs]

Straightblues, any chance of seeing a photo of your original H44?

[THINSOCKS]

My only stratatone is a very rare one. It was built during H-44 era but it has a factory original Kay Thin twin pickup in it. The pickup is surrounded by a little firestipe color pickguard material surround. I have never seen another one.

That's actually a Kay and not a H-44. I know the guitar you are talking about. It's a rare guitar and people get the two confused. Elmore James played one at one time. Does yours have the built in cord or a place where one once was? Red-ish color or sunburst? The headstock would look like the headstock in the picture Sean just posted.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/frankiethetut/Elmore.jpg

[DonM]

Hey, sorry spec-head-brothers.. i-know i-know specs we all want specs.. can't blame anyone for that..

Sorry to say I'm dead set on keeping the final tweeks, wire, magnet swaps, blade changes, wire types, and patterns, gauss..etc.. and my personal specs on these --- I'll be keeping them under my hat... because they not only make good Strat0tone sounds.. but on 250k to 500k pots they'll give a Strat or a tele a run to the river! and still not hum.. so i ended up with a product to die for.. really.. hum free single coil vintage sound... not close or almost.. but on the moola

Just played this guitar for Junior Watson... hes bringing his over for the same mods..

[Dave Orban]

Hey, sorry spec-head-brothers.. i-know i-know specs we all want specs.. can't blame anyone for that..

Sorry to say I'm dead set on keeping the final tweeks, wire, magnet swaps, blade changes, wire types, and patterns, gauss..etc.. and my personal specs on these --- I'll be keeping them under my hat... because they not only make good Strat0tone sounds.. but on 250k to 500k pots they'll give a Strat or a tele a run to the river! and still not hum.. so i ended up with a product to die for.. really.. hum free single coil vintage sound... not close or almost.. but on the moola

Just played this guitar for Junior Watson... hes bringing his over for the same mods..You should really post some clips... that would be like catnip for these guys... LOL!

[pete kanaras]

cleanhead i hear ya about pickup bands. i'm in the same boat at the moment. but i'm truly blessed with a pretty damn staggering talent pool to pick from, as you're well aware. i really want to get a band with a strong identity to it but i guess that's gonna have to wait a bit. so, in the meanwhile.....

and yeah, the hawk is flyin' up there for sure! stay warm bro

[jetlag]

That's actually a Kay and not a H-44. I know the guitar you are talking about. It's a rare guitar and people get the two confused. Elmore James played one at one time. Does yours have the built in cord or a place where one once was? Red-ish color or sunburst? The headstock would look like the headstock in the picture Sean just posted.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/frankiethetut/Elmore.jpg

Sorta like this one, sans the modifications:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/jetlagslim/PICT01031.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/jetlagslim/PICT01041.jpg

My friend Jimmy tells me that there is copper paint under this "custom" finish. I'm trying to figure out what the other pot/switch is for.

[KBR]

It's the Soul Control

[valcotone]

Or maybe that's how you change from stun to kill?

[bluesbreaker59]

Ok,

SURELY, some of you West Coast guys care about Nemeth's new album with Junior Watson. What's the verdict? Does Anson do any playing on it?

Also, by chance is there a good place to find bootleg videos of Little Charlie, Nick Curran, Fats, Junior Watson, etc.? Been looking, and haven't had any luck. Also any vids of Anson, Jimmie Vaughan or Mike Morgan?

Thanks in advance,
Jason

[nmontz]

Some guy has a guitar just like that gold n' white Kay hanging up in a store round here....instead of Kay it says Old' Craftsman on the neck. Should I be making the guy an offer?

[straightblues]

Straigtblues... interesting... is the body/neck shape like this Kay from the same time period? I'd love to see pics of yours... sounds cool.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KAY-HARMONY-STRATOTONE-VINTAGE-GUITAR-STRAT_W0QQitemZ110089015070

http://i19.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/89/d0/67f8_12.JPG http://i1.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/89/d0/6780_12.JPG The headstock is similar but the body shape is different. The horn is not as rounded.

[straightblues]

That's actually a Kay and not a H-44. I know the guitar you are talking about. It's a rare guitar and people get the two confused. Elmore James played one at one time. Does yours have the built in cord or a place where one once was? Red-ish color or sunburst? The headstock would look like the headstock in the picture Sean just posted.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/frankiethetut/Elmore.jpgIt is not a standard H-44 that is for sure. However, it is of the same era. It is a purpelish to black burst. It does have a built in cord. Mine acutually have a replacement cord but everything else is stock. I even have an orignal case. I would love to have some more info on it. I will post some pictures of it this weekend. It is early than the one in this picture.

[straightblues]

Sorta like this one, sans the modifications:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/jetlagslim/PICT01031.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/jetlagslim/PICT01041.jpg

My friend Jimmy tells me that there is copper paint under this "custom" finish. I'm trying to figure out what the other pot/switch is for.
Thanks for trying but that isn't it either. But that one has the right tailpiece. My cord comes out the bottom by the strap pin. It also has a kay thin twin pickup. Mine has a swich with some caps in line sorta like a tele. So I can switch to the muffled neck sorta tone. Maybe that is what yours does as well.

[THINSOCKS]

It is not a standard H-44 that is for sure. However, it is of the same era. It is a purpelish to black burst. It does have a built in cord. Mine acutually have a replacement cord but everything else is stock. I even have an orignal case. I would love to have some more info on it. I will post some pictures of it this weekend. It is early than the one in this picture.

Yeah, that's a Kay for sure. I know the guitar. It's not made by Harmony. The size is about the same as H-44, but that's about it. Diffrent wood, scale, nut width, set-neck, diffrent pickup, knobs, layout, built in cord, etc.

[THINSOCKS]

Or maybe that's how you change from stun to kill?

Nah, it's the "suck" switch. I have them on all my guitars (and amps). Hell, some of my guitars have two!

[Scott Miller]

"...some of you West Coast guys care about Nemeth's new album with Junior Watson. "

I missed his CD release party last night; we had to open for Sheryl Crow, who didn't show up. I'm holding out to buy it from John directly. The last time I saw him he was burning up on the harp, one of those occasions where the audience reels back and all together says "Day-um!" I got to sit in for a couple of tunes, but that might have been because Bob Welsh had to make a quick visit to the bathroom, but hey, I'll take what I can get!

[Dave Orban]

Nah, it's the "suck" switch. I have them on all my guitars (and amps). Hell, some of my guitars have two!
I have the new one, with TWO separate, discrete suck channels: Suck and Suck More.

It was worth the wait.

[jetlag]

Nah, it's the "suck" switch. I have them on all my guitars (and amps). Hell, some of my guitars have two!

Funny you should mention that - I have suck knobs on my amplifiers instead. They all go to 11. Having the suck control at your amp keeps you from inadvertently hitting it while strumming and thus, possibly turning it down. I recommend the highest setting - 11. If more suck is required, I pull the pot out for a "suck boost" - just enough to get you over the top.

[rjkohrs]

The John Nemeth and George Friend discs arrived in the mail today. Man, are those folks at Bluebeat Music ever fast when it comes to shipping!! The Nemeth cd ("Magic Touch") is a mix of blues and r&b/soul. Anson Funderburgh produced the cd and plays guitar on one track. Junior Watson handles guitar on all the rest. Some good horn stuff goin' on also. George Friend's cd ("Looka Here") is a nice little toe tapping affair with Rick Holmstrom guesting on three tunes. George ain't no slouch when it comes to spankin' the plank either.....!


np:All Jacked Up- George Friend w/ Rick Holmstrom

[valcotone]

Yeah!! I love that George Friend disc. Lots of great grooves and riffs on that album... highly recommended.

Ordered the John Nemeth album today, as well as a couple of others including that Brisbane Bop CD which was recommended here a while back, and the William Clarke album release party DVD.

[Birdseye]

Hey! Cool to see George Friend mentioned here. He's from my hometown up here and I spent many nights jammin' with George here, and down in Detroit, drinking beer, crashing on his tiny couch; those were the days. Great player and a great guy. Good to see you guys diggin' his record.

[jimfog]

Hey Two Feets......jonesing for that Gene V you got up for sale.......I had one on order from FatDog years ago, and he never delivered it.

Any discount for us West Coast blues thread guy?!?!?!?

Are you near Tampa? My Dad lives down there....maybe a pickup.....

I really shouldn't......but!!!

- Jim

[TwoFeets]

Hey Two Feets......jonesing for that Gene V you got up for sale.......I had one on order from FatDog years ago, and he never delivered it.

Any discount for us West Coast blues thread guy?!?!?!?

Are you near Tampa? My Dad lives down there....maybe a pickup.....

I really shouldn't......but!!!

- Jim

Hey Jim, feel free to toss me an email and we'll see if we can work something out. I'd rather it go to someone "in the family" as it were!

[rhartt1234]

I'm a sucker for T-Bone/Out of Phase but I especially enjoyed this:
http://www.smokintorps.com/juicehead.wmv

[zappafrank]

I'm a sucker for T-Bone/Out of Phase but I especially enjoyed this:
http://www.smokintorps.com/juicehead.wmv

Yep---That was my favorite too---I also thought TwoFeets shoud do all the singing in that group---at least until Leroy decides to give that mic a try


TwoFeets---I'm ticked!---I wrote a real nice thing to bump your Fatdog and help ya get it sold---(That's a lot of guitar for 700.00, guys---)
But it did'nt post!!!---sorry 'bout that---

ac

[Scott Miller]

Here's the latest installment from Joe Lempkowski's blues photos. If you poke around a bit in the old stuff, you'll find some familiar photos; the ones for Hummel's Blues Meltdown CD's. Joe is also responsible for the Greaseland pics, and he plays some KILLER harp.

http://mrjoe.dyndns.org/gallery/blues2007 (http://mrjoe.dyndns.org/gallery/blues2007)

[straightblues]

Here are a buch of pictures of the stratatone type guitar that I own. I believe it was made by Kay. But I don't really know for sure (It has a kay thin twin pickup). I have never seen another one. If anyone has any info about I would love to be schooled. It sound and plays very well. I have had it for about 5 years. I have the orginal aligator case as well. You can see the outline of an old logo on the headstock but I can't make it out. Check out the headstock pic, maybe somebody knows what it is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6937.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6929.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6927.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6925.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6924.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6923.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6920.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6919.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/straightblues/DSCN6918.jpg

[KBR]

I dig it Kinda like ELMO"S!

[TwoFeets]

Yep---That was my favorite too---I also thought TwoFeets shoud do all the singing in that group---at least until Leroy decides to give that mic a try


TwoFeets---I'm ticked!---I wrote a real nice thing to bump your Fatdog and help ya get it sold---(That's a lot of guitar for 700.00, guys---)
But it did'nt post!!!---sorry 'bout that---

ac

Hey thanks a lot guys, that means a lot to me, coming back and reading that after a particularly off day. Had TWO gigs today and I don't think I've ever done that, at least, not two full-length. Six sets worth. And, we played last night, and I pulled the night shift with the baby. Now I know what Ryan was talking about as far as being almost too exhausted to stand up, nevermind play. Yeesh. I won't be doing that again anytime soon!

Thanks for the bump to the classified ad, AC. I've actually gotten a couple of soft inquiries on it since that.

[musicofanatic5]

It's a Kay innit? Looks like it has lost it's orig, short tailpiece.

[nc slim]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruM3bnl7x5Y&mode=user&search=


How good is this

[GOLDENSTRAT]

After 3 listenings, I would say that the new John Nemeth cd is pleasant, he sounds a lot like Robert Cray to me now. Not much in the way of guitar fireworks. fred

[Strat-O]

Nice playing on that tune TWOfeets.

[Schwalbe]

http://www.smokintorps.com/juicehead.wmv (http://www.smokintorps.com/juicehead.wmv)

NICE!!!

[TwoFeets]

Ah shucks, thanks a lot guys!

We just found out Leroy had been nursing an illness for a while now, some kind of growth or something on his neck. Benign and all but he let it get infected and I guess he'd been suffering in silence for a while, it was right where the strap for the sax rubbed. About 2 weeks ago he had it taken care of and we did our first gigs with him since the procedure over the weekend. It's like someone took the collar off a dog, no kidding. Typically he's been sitting at the gigs due to arthritis, but over the weekend when he got really into it, he'd come up out of the chair and people would go bonkers.

In other news - congrats to skilback - good take on that H44! I guess $2000+ is now the official standard value for those things.

[Dave Orban]

...good take on that H44! I guess $2000+ is now the official standard value for those things.Jeebus. That's just insane...!

[zappafrank]

Jeebus. That's just insane...!

Agreed! But a very cool thang for Sean!---now, how can I make prices go 'crazy insane' on my 1980 Blonde ES-175---??:crazy

.....I'm not so sure I can get even close to what that stratotone went for!---c'mon Watson----start playing 175's!!! LOL

ac

[Dave Orban]

Agreed! But a very cool thang for Sean!---now, how can I make prices go 'crazy insane' on my 1980 Blonde ES-175---??:crazy

.....I'm not so sure I can get even close to what that stratotone went for!---c'mon Watson----start playing 175's!!! LOL

acWell, THAT's what's amazing...! The amount of work that goes into building a 175 WAY outstrips what goes into a Statotone, which is essentially something that could have been put together by a high school kid in a wood shop class... LOL!

[RickyKing]

I guess that makes my refin H-44 worth about a grand....

[Dave Orban]

I guess that makes my refin H-44 worth about a grand....Scary...!


LOL!

[valcotone]

Yup, it's pretty crazy alright. It did pretty well and the buyer seems like a cool guy who'll be playing it hard, so I'm happy.

(BTW, Backalley - the one on auction was not your old guitar, that one is a keeper!)


TwoFeets, good news about Leroy. And nice stuff on those vids!!

[THINSOCKS]

Yup, it's pretty crazy alright. It did pretty well and the buyer seems like a cool guy who'll be playing it hard, so I'm happy.

Congrats, Sean! You owe me now, buddy! Ha-ha.

[musicofanatic5]

Hey, fellas, help me out if you can. I just bought (another) 'spensive gtr (again), so now I reeeelly do have to sell some of these damn amps. If you know of anyone who might wanna buy a '53 Bandmaster, '56 Tremolux, or a '66 Showman head, lemme know. Prices are clearance-style; everything must go! Will be posting on the for sale part of this board later today. Thanks.

[valcotone]

Congrats, Sean! You owe me now, buddy! Ha-ha.

Yes, I certainly do!

[aja]

That new H-44 pup info makes me itchy to buy one. I saw some old Supro
guitars that are along the same lines. But the only cool one was missing
a bunch of parts. How do those compare to a Harmony soundwise ?
That kay is sweet on the other page too BTW !!

[THINSOCKS]

But the only cool one was missing
a bunch of parts. How do those compare to a Harmony soundwise ?


This guitar? If so, I bought it. I've had a few of these. Cool guitars. They sound nothing like a H-44, but that's not a bad thing. I have a picture of Willie Johnson playing one. Anyway, a bridge, tailpiece and tuners and it will be ready to go.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/frankiethetut/SUPRO1.jpg

[aja]

Yea thats it !! lol. I'm not doing any buying right now anyway.

[Poppa Stoppa]

Talking of cheap guitars (hah! - congrats Skilback!), I thought I'd report on my new sonic discovery - my Dano U2 reissue (2 x lipsticks) sounds fantastic into a Pro Junior wound up to about half volume, with a Holy Grail for reverb.

I've had the guitar years and it didn't sound so great through a bigger clean amp but with some filth going on it is awesome and getting a lot of unsolicited comment. It would be great through a Valco.

I have reversed the leads on the back pickup to get out of phase tones and the Dano wiring means the pickups are in series, so out of phase is loud. If any of you have Alex Schultz's studio version of 'Jam Up' - that's the tone. The bridge pickup cuts but is so sweet, the neck pickup is full and deep - and with the tone rolled all the way off sounds like a Chess record.

It's the cheapest and one of the best sounding rigs I've had.

[Scott Miller]

"How good is this..."

I think I have already extolled the virtues of the two Memphis Slim/Matt Murphy releases of their 50's United sides on the Delmark label. "Memphis Slim USA" and "The Comeback."

[TwoFeets]

Talking of cheap guitars (hah! - congrats Skilback!), I thought I'd report on my new sonic discovery - my Dano U2 reissue (2 x lipsticks) sounds fantastic into a Pro Junior wound up to about half volume, with a Holy Grail for reverb.

I've had the guitar years and it didn't sound so great through a bigger clean amp but with some filth going on it is awesome and getting a lot of unsolicited comment. It would be great through a Valco.

I have reversed the leads on the back pickup to get out of phase tones and the Dano wiring means the pickups are in series, so out of phase is loud. If any of you have Alex Schultz's studio version of 'Jam Up' - that's the tone. The bridge pickup cuts but is so sweet, the neck pickup is full and deep - and with the tone rolled all the way off sounds like a Chess record.

It's the cheapest and one of the best sounding rigs I've had.

I had a Dano U2 for a while and I may yet end up with another one. It used to be my favorite stealth weapon of choice to bring to the local blues jam Strat-o-wank-o-fests.

[THINSOCKS]

"How good is this..."

I think I have already extolled the virtues of the two Memphis Slim/Matt Murphy releases of their 50's United sides on the Delmark label. "Memphis Slim USA" and "The Comeback."

Yeah, those are two great records. Matt's brother Floyd was a good guitar player too. That's him on "Mystery Train" and other early Junior Parker songs.

[groove_king]

Talking of cheap guitars (hah! - congrats Skilback!), I thought I'd report on my new sonic discovery - my Dano U2 reissue (2 x lipsticks) sounds fantastic into a Pro Junior wound up to about half volume, with a Holy Grail for reverb.

I've had the guitar years and it didn't sound so great through a bigger clean amp but with some filth going on it is awesome and getting a lot of unsolicited comment. It would be great through a Valco.

I have reversed the leads on the back pickup to get out of phase tones and the Dano wiring means the pickups are in series, so out of phase is loud. If any of you have Alex Schultz's studio version of 'Jam Up' - that's the tone. The bridge pickup cuts but is so sweet, the neck pickup is full and deep - and with the tone rolled all the way off sounds like a Chess record.

It's the cheapest and one of the best sounding rigs I've had.


+1 on the Dano. I've got one lying around the guitar room always within easy reach, so it gets around 90% of my home playing. It plays great and the neck, while not "50s fat" is big enough to be very comfortable. I've also rewired the back pup for the out-of-phase tone in the middle position.

Hmmm ... might have to put some new strings on it and take it out to the jam this weekend. :)

[Stringmaster]

Can someone send me a schematic, or just give some simple step-by-step directions for switching the wires on the Dano reissues, to get the out-of-phase sound? It would be much appreciated.
Thanks, DD

[rhartt1234]

Put me down for the Dano out-of-phase mod too.

[groove_king]

Ain't much to it ..

Just unsolder the two wires from the bridge pickup, reverse their locations and resolder 'em.

[jimfog]

Alright fellas.....a little help needed here.

My band, "Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings" has, all of a sudden unexpectedly, got a whole BOATLOAD of gigs. I mean, 14-15 between Feb and March.......don't ask me how this has happened, it's VERY rare to work that much as a blues band in this area (Philly, etc). Basically, Melissa has been booking her ass off, god bless her.

Ok, cool......no problem there.....but, we want this gravy train to keep rolling, if possible.

One thing we're realizing is, when we don't play a hardcore blues room (less and less), if we add a song or two per set that people sorta kinda actually KNOW, everything improves, exponentially. The audience perks up and gets into it, becomes more open to the rest of our repetoire (originals included)......which inspires US.......all of which leads to happy club owners and agents. Plus, we're getting booked at private functions and parties.......good $$!!!

But, what can we do without being too cheezy and obvious and getting away from what we do best.......jump and 40-50's blues.

I trust the taste of you guys, so I'm putting it out there. Any suggestions? We're a 5-6 piece.....fem vocal, upright bass, guitar (I also sing), keys (piano and organ), drums and sometimes tenor. Things that have worked so far include HoundDog (rhumba ala Big Mama), Fever, FlipFlop n' Fly and Let The Good Times Roll. We never play them straight.....always mess 'em up good and make them hopefully a bit fresh.

Whaddaya think? Any and all suggestions appreciated!

- Jim

PS....just checked out some Johnny Hoy and The Bluefish........interesting, they seem to be able to straddle both sides of the fence, successfully..............

[Poppa Stoppa]

Four pups for $50, can't be bad:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120086456830&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1

The Dano phase reversal is so easy even I could manage it - just find the lead from the bridge pickup and reverse the position of the two wires on the pot. Leave the earth where it is.

[jimfog]

Hey Jim, feel free to toss me an email and we'll see if we can work something out. I'd rather it go to someone "in the family" as it were!

Sorry I haven't been in contact, Feets.......been torturing myself over your Gene V, though....would fit SO well in my band.

I think,unless you took a payment plan, or were interested in a cool tele, I'll probably have to regretfully pass, though........

:(

- Jim

[aja]

Can you do that out of phase mod on a strat ?

[mikelaw]

i can do it for you alec. let me know what strat model you want to do it on,ill get the schematic and well give it a go.

[mikelaw]

actually it doesnt look like you can do that with a strat because the bridge pu only has one lead other then the ground...

[pete kanaras]

anybody know how to series rewire a 2 pickup dano that's been converted to one vol/one tone/3way switch ala jerry jones? any help would be Much appreciated. it was wired that way but i've screwed around with that guitar so much i forgot how to re-do it, grr. jetlag you've seen that guitar, a prototype Ramos. and for any fans who collect seasons of "the wire" on dvd it's in an episode called "ebb tide".

[Poppa Stoppa]

Aja, there is a fairly simple Strat wiring mod you can do that uses one of the tone pots as a blend control and the other becomes the master tone.

With the blend control rolled off, you get all 5 normal Strat sounds. With it rolled in, you get four new sounds:


Bridge + middle in series.
Bridge + middle O-O-P
Middle
Middle + neck O-O-P
Middle + neck in series.

Using the blend you can get as much of each as you want. I installed it on a ‘parts’ Strat and I like it. I expect Fretshop has got the details stashed away somewhere – it was in Guitar Player mag some years ago. Or I could probably find a copy if you’re interested.

[aja]

Sweetness, I like the second mod for a strat that Poppastoppa recommended
better anyway because I use the bridge pup the most. Can you do that Mike ?
Yea that would be great if you could send that to me.

[Poppa Stoppa]

OK gimme a few days to track it down aja.

[straightblues]

Does anybody know anything about the stratatone type guitar I posted on page 211 with the Kay Thin Twin pickup? If anybody would know, I thought it would surely be you guys! Anyone????

[aja]

Thanks !!

[GOLDENSTRAT]

Alec, if you search the instrument section of thegearpage for blender diagram, there are some diagrams. I have a strat set up that way and it is cool but if you are used to a Jimmie Vaughan style wiring, you always have to readjust the tone knob when switching pickups . fred

[aja]

I might do it on my main strat. I'll go check that out.:dude

[aja]

Got it !! Thanks.

[fretshop]

I'm a sucker for T-Bone/Out of Phase but I especially enjoyed this:
http://www.smokintorps.com/juicehead.wmv

Can't play the file for some reason.

[Dave Orban]

Can't play the file for some reason.Hey, George...!

I get video but no audio...

[THINSOCKS]

Does anybody know anything about the stratatone type guitar I posted on page 211 with the Kay Thin Twin pickup? If anybody would know, I thought it would surely be you guys! Anyone????

Dude, It's a Kay, made by the Kay company. I'm willing to bet the "farm" on it. I've had one just like it and I've had friends that have owned them and they were all Kays. Yours just doesn't happen to have the little Kay decal on the headstock like all the other ones I have seen/had, but it's still a Kay. In fact, you can still see a place on the headstock of your guitar were the Kay decal once was. It's round with a little banner running through it that says "Kay" on it. Harmony never made this guitar and it was not made in the Harmony factory.

[Scott Miller]

Hey jimfog, I'm in the same situation; female-singer fronted band, also known as "hell" to some folks ;-), and we play in some borderline venues. In addition to the previously-mentioned Big Mama Hound Dog and FF&F, the ones that seem to be big hits are:

Whole Lotta Shakin' - Big Maybelle style
Hand Jive
Hipshake
Ti-na-nu
One Monkey Don't Stop the Show
Voodoo Voodoo - LaVerne Baker

All of them are fun to play.

[musicofanatic5]

Dude, I quote myself:
It's a Kay innit? Looks like it has lost it's orig, short tailpiece.
What thinsocks said...