West Coast Blues Thread - Version 2.0

[mikelaw]

suhr!--- http://www.suhrguitars.com/guitarsCustom2.aspx?custom=C

tbirds are great, even the new cats. nicks lack of guitar hording is cool. he just doesnt care really. i hung with him and some boys in their hotel room after their ct date last year and they had one of those squier 51's in the room. i grabbed it and played a riff and nick ripped the guitar from my hands and dropped the guitar..the pickguard fell off the guitar and then the pickup dropped out of it. nick ronnie kirk and my homeboys just looked at the guitar for 20 seconds and started laughing. needless to say that was the END of the night for us. LOL

i know cats that dont like the new tbirds lineup but i like them cats and like their record they did too. its all fun stuff. and so are the shows. it doesnt hurt that the musicians are some of the youngest best blues talent in the world either. noone can deny nick and kirk are 2 of the best in the world. they are defineately the next generation of blues guys to keep it going.

my new posting from last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E0D9fYCmIE

[Short Bus]

That's it! Suhr! I really need new glasses.

Don't get me wrong about the T-Birds. Girls Go Wild is part of my Blues bible. I had never heard of them when I saw them open for Clapton in '80. Needless to say, I was hooked right then and been learning from JLV and the band since then.

I like Nick's attitude as well. Sure, there are special guitars out there that should be treasured. In the end though, most of them are just a hunk of wood. Grab a hold of it and play the h*** out of it!

Great video of Troy and Sugar Ray!!!

[mikelaw]

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones= Ray Norcia, Mudcat Ward, Neil Gouvin. That lineup hasn't changed in about 25-30 years.

[Short Bus]

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones= Ray Norcia, Mudcat Ward, Neil Gouvin. That lineup hasn't changed in about 25-30 years.

Sorry. Thought it was mentioned here that Troy was playing with Ray Friday night.

My mistake.

[Strat-O]

Shortbus - The three guys that bro. Law mentioned don't play guitar, you didn't make a mistake.

[Short Bus]

Cool. Thanks Strat-O! Didn't want to start off by being the class reject.

Looks like I missed a great show! It's tough being in this musical desert called Florida.

[TwoFeets]

Wow, cool vid.

Short Bus - about time you got in on some of the fun! :D

[Dave Orban]

I don't know if any of you guys have heard of Dave Gross (www.davegrossband.com), but he's quite a player. I think he's 21 or so, but he channels T-Bone and Charlie Christian, with a touch of Johnny Guitar Watson thrown in for good measure. He sings, and writes, too.

I saw him tonight at the Pine Tavern in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and he had Dennis Gruenling (no slouch himself) on harp.

They were just incredible...! Gross played a '52 L-7 (that he acquired from Duke Robillard) along with a black Strat, into an old Gibson GA-40 with a Fender reverb in front of it. Oy!

His new CD was produced by Duke, and Duke plays on three or four tracks.

This is a kid to watch...!

[Poppa Stoppa]

my new posting from last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E0D9fYCmIE
Wow Mike thanks so much for that - Warm Hearted Woman, one of my absolute favourites. Kid Bangham played brilliantly on the studio version and Troy Gonyea is outstanding on this. Sugar Ray is the best or one of the best blues vocalists on the scene at the moment. Thanks again.

[Crocodile Andre]

I don't know if any of you guys have heard of Dave Gross (www.davegrossband.com) (http://www.davegrossband.com)), but he's quite a player. I think he's 21 or so, but he channels T-Bone and Charlie Christian, with a touch of Johnny Guitar Watson thrown in for good measure. He sings, and writes, too.

I saw him tonight at the Pine Tavern in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and he had Dennis Gruenling (no slouch himself) on harp.

They were just incredible...! Gross played a '52 L-7 (that he acquired from Duke Robillard) along with a black Strat, into an old Gibson GA-40 with a Fender reverb in front of it. Oy!

His new CD was produced by Duke, and Duke plays on three or four tracks.

This is a kid to watch...!

Dave

I heard about this guy via the Duke connection but as yet I have not heard his stuff. Have you heard the cd ? The press I've read all seems pretty positive.

[Crocodile Andre]

Wow Mike thanks so much for that - Warm Hearted Woman, one of my absolute favourites. Kid Bangham played brilliantly on the studio version and Troy Gonyea is outstanding on this. Sugar Ray is the best or one of the best blues vocalists on the scene at the moment. Thanks again.

I'm with you on that one Poppa. Sugar Ray is up there in my favourites list.

BTW Sugar Ray did a tour here down under a few years back using a pickup band. The band was more atune to rock than blues but it contained a young keyboard player (Andy Cowan). Sugar Ray & Andy Cowan played a rather amazing piano duo that left the 30 - 40 people in the audience pretty impressed.

[Dave Orban]

Dave

I heard about this guy via the Duke connection but as yet I have not heard his stuff. Have you heard the cd ? The press I've read all seems pretty positive.
Yeah, I picked it up at the gig last night. The production is top notch, and there are a lot of Duke's sidemen on it. A lot of Dave's own songs have a T-Bone flavor to them, but that's hardly a bad thing. His vocals are not bad at all, but have a behind-the-beat feel that is very reminiscent of Duke's own vocal phrasing. Dave's guitar playing is VERY good, IMO, and I shudder to imagine where this kid will be, when he's in his 30s... ;)

[Crocodile Andre]

Dave

Thanks. That sounds like a yes I should chase it up to me.

[pete kanaras]

nicks lack of guitar hording is cool. he just doesnt care really

yeah man, double ditto to that.

someone asked about using an 8ohm 15 with a super reverb. by itself that's a recipie for disaster, but weber makes an impedance matching transformer that lets you do Any mismatch you want, safely. it's in a box with two switches on it; one selects the impedance the amp wants to see (2ohms for a super), the other selects the impedance you want to use (say 16ohms into a super). prrrretty slick.....

www.webervst.com

[mikelaw]

it was my fault for not putting that in the comments of the video. I have since changed the description of it. You can barely see Ray either. :( Its just a bitty digital still camera with video function. Still some decent quality for a little digital camera imho.

[Esquire]

Hey Short Bus,

Where are you in Florida? I spent many years in Central Florida and have to agree the blues scene is missing something. There are some very good players (i.e. Sarasota Slim) but they're few and far between.

Esquire

[fretshop]

Hey Short Bus,

Where are you in Florida? I spent many years in Central Florida and have to agree the blues scene is missing something. There are some very good players (i.e. Sarasota Slim) but they're few and far between.

Esquire

I played at a friend's Sunday gig about three years ago at Shucker's on the Beach, near Jensen Beach with The Shakers. Their Guitarist, Pete Quigley was a hot player up here in the NYC area and then migrated south. I heard that Shuckers blew away in the recent hurricane. Got a chance to jam with a lady, I think her name was Cookie De Santo at Satchmo's (later named Easy Street) in Port St. Lucie. Her guitarist was a Tele player named Mark (can't remember his last name). They had a really tight horn section too. She could do all the Etta James stuff hands down. I brought in my pal and mentor, the late Jerome "Jay" Owens from Orlando, and we cooked up some good music with the house band. I heard that most of these joints are now gone. Great memories, and some great players too !! There was an amp builder named Paul Rixon in Jensen beach who made great tweed Pro and Twin replicas for the blues guys. One day, he turned off the lights, locked up the shop and just walked away...for good. Just turned his back and left.

[dukeh62]

Holy crap...I just got a call from Jerry Portnoy today. Doing a gig with him on August 25th. Time to hit the woodshed!

[Dave Orban]

Holy crap...I just got a call from Jerry Portnoy today. Doing a gig with him on August 25th. Time to hit the woodshed!You go, Eric...! :dude

[mikelaw]

amazing stuff there eric! unreal!!!!!!!! great news for sure.

you deserve it! kick some butt. we may have to drag preston out there for that one!

[Poppa Stoppa]

Eric - wow - Jerry Portnoy! Just do your thing - he'll love it!

Dave Orban - Dave Gross's soundclips are great. First one I heard was 'Now That You're Gone', the Django thing, and it sounded perfect.

Can't remember if anyone's mentioned the new Charlie Musselwhite album 'Delta Hardware'. I'm really enjoying it - it's got different vibe running through it that's refreshing. More of a hypnotic Delta Blues / North Mississippi thing. Kid Andersen plays very cool stuff throughout and there are some great tones. ALSO - kind of a surprise - they nail the white-boy-blues sounds of 1968 on a couple of tunes. On 'Black Water', Kid produces the tone and touch of Danny Kirwan playing a Les Paul through a twin - notes, bends, vibrato, to perfection. On Walter's 'Just a Feeling', they sound exactly like one of those 'heavy' blues bands of the late 60's, with a perfect Les Paul through a Marshall 50 sound, bone dry. Weirdly, it all sounds very cool. The last tune is a shuffle with a Stratotone sound, but that's the exception.

[DrSax]

I don't know if any of you guys have heard of Dave Gross (www.davegrossband.com) (http://www.davegrossband.com%29), but he's quite a player. I think he's 21 or so, but he channels T-Bone and Charlie Christian, with a touch of Johnny Guitar Watson thrown in for good measure. He sings, and writes, too.

I saw him tonight at the Pine Tavern in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and he had Dennis Gruenling (no slouch himself) on harp.

They were just incredible...! Gross played a '52 L-7 (that he acquired from Duke Robillard) along with a black Strat, into an old Gibson GA-40 with a Fender reverb in front of it. Oy!

His new CD was produced by Duke, and Duke plays on three or four tracks.

This is a kid to watch...!

I was at the Pine Tavern a few weeks ago! Saw a band with a cat named Arthur Nielson sitting in on guitar, he plays with Shemekia Copelands band. The drummer in my band plays with Arthur now and then in Brooklyn. Pine Tavern can get some nice blues acts for sure...

[valcotone]

Duke - That's great news! Congrats on the gig. :D

[Short Bus]

Hey Short Bus,

Where are you in Florida? I spent many years in Central Florida and have to agree the blues scene is missing something. There are some very good players (i.e. Sarasota Slim) but they're few and far between.

Esquire

Lakeland. Right between Tampa and Orlando. Slim is great slide player!

We can't even get a gig in town. We have to drive to Tampa or Orlando, which is about an hour, to play. It's really pathetic.

The band I'm in is the Boogalizers. The harp player/singer started the band about 15 years ago.

[Short Bus]

I played at a friend's Sunday gig about three years ago at Shucker's on the Beach, near Jensen Beach with The Shakers. Their Guitarist, Pete Quigley was a hot player up here in the NYC area and then migrated south. I heard that Shuckers blew away in the recent hurricane. Got a chance to jam with a lady, I think her name was Cookie De Santo at Satchmo's (later named Easy Street) in Port St. Lucie. Her guitarist was a Tele player named Mark (can't remember his last name). They had a really tight horn section too. She could do all the Etta James stuff hands down. I brought in my pal and mentor, the late Jerome "Jay" Owens from Orlando, and we cooked up some good music with the house band. I heard that most of these joints are now gone. Great memories, and some great players too !! There was an amp builder named Paul Rixon in Jensen beach who made great tweed Pro and Twin replicas for the blues guys. One day, he turned off the lights, locked up the shop and just walked away...for good. Just turned his back and left.

I think the Florida blues scene is getting hit as hard as any other place right now. Somebody ranted a while back on this thread about the music scene across the country. Between karaoke, the Jummy Buffet wannabes, and the oompss oompss oompss oompss music, the blues in general is getting lost. Let alone the trad stuff we're all doing.

Our band can usually win a crowd over after a few visits to a bar. Its the club owners that we have to bludgeon to even get in the door.

[HappyValley]

Nick - I'm right here man! I'll shoot you a message about the disc. I can hook you up
You Win!! Once I get this thang in my mail box....it's yours!

[jimfog]

the oompss oompss oompss oompss music

I THINK I agree with you......

but, What Dat?!?!?!?

:confused:

- Jim

[HappyValley]

Holy crap...I just got a call from Jerry Portnoy today. Doing a gig with him on August 25th. Time to hit the woodshed!

Have fun @ Chan's!! That place is a trip!! Eggrolls -n- blues!! Bring plenty of your own folks, I might add....that room can get weird, especially in the summertime.
Senor Nulisch called me shortly after Troy left me a late nite message 'bout that gig a few days ago - ( Darrell may be singing on it, unless you are ?); He was under the under the impression Jon Ross was on guitar....maybe Jon's on bass that nite....hmmmm....or is he drummin'? Who can tell with that man! But hey- you just do YOUR thing, bro. I woulda done it, but I have an appointment at the Ritz on the Vin-Yaahhhhd that weekend!! Eeeechh!! (Come to think of it - What the heck am I thinking???!!)

BTW, I have a gig w/Darrell and Jon Ross (bass) and the great Dave Armstrong on drums 9/29/06 at the New England blues mecca, Harry's in Hyannis, MA, for those who like that sort of thing......


How great does Troy sound on those Sugar Ray clips, huh?? He is, and always has been, a truly amazing cat........a BIG inspiration to me 'back in the day' , as well as now, methinks!

[hollowbodyhead]

Hey Short Bus, another Floridian here. As lame as the blues scene seems to be, you just have to keep toughin' it out. My band plays from Key West to Memphis and everywhere in between. I get to see a lot of the dark side(Buffett, karaoke, etc...) in our travels, but, there are a lot of blues friendly rooms out there. Keep bangin' on those doors! BTW, we will be featured on the House of Blues Radio Hour this weekend, Sat./Sun. August 19/20. Check your local blues/classic rock station for day/time. www.hellhoundslive.com

[Short Bus]

I THINK I agree with you......

but, What Dat?!?!?!?

:confused:

- Jim

Ha.

I heard house/techno/dance music described that way once. If you say it outloud, you'll hear it.

[fretshop]

I was at the Pine Tavern a few weeks ago! Saw a band with a cat named Arthur Nielson sitting in on guitar, he plays with Shemekia Copelands band. The drummer in my band plays with Arthur now and then in Brooklyn. Pine Tavern can get some nice blues acts for sure...

I knew Arthur briefly from the NYC scene. He subbed for us on some Otis Rush gigs and did a fabulous job. Great guy, and a HOT player. I played at Scotland Yard in Hoboken a few times and saw him there as well.

[fretshop]

I think the Florida blues scene is getting hit as hard as any other place right now. Somebody ranted a while back on this thread about the music scene across the country. Between karaoke, the Jummy Buffet wannabes, and the oompss oompss oompss oompss music, the blues in general is getting lost. Let alone the trad stuff we're all doing.

Our band can usually win a crowd over after a few visits to a bar. Its the club owners that we have to bludgeon to even get in the door.

How's the Stewart/Jensen Beach/Port St. Lucie scene these day?...man, I had ALOT of fun there. There are some really great players there too.

[TwoFeets]

How's the Stewart/Jensen Beach/Port St. Lucie scene these day?...man, I had ALOT of fun there. There are some really great players there too.

I'll echo Short Bus's sentiments on the central FL area. Two years ago at this time we were playing on average of 8 to 10 decently-paid gigs a month, and not ever traveling more than 45 minutes to an hour from Orlando. Now it's 2 or 3 gigs a month. Some places have closed their doors, and others have simply quit paying, or quit having live music.

I don't know much about the Stewart/J-Beach/Port St. Lucie scene. It's too far away (close to 3 hours for me on the Turnpike) to be practical for me to gig there so I don't know a lot about it. We have done Clematis by Night at West Palm several times and it was an OK gig but frikkin' HOT - outdoors on a stage where you go on at 5 PM and the sun sets directly in front of you... and the stage surface is black rubber. It's like playing on the surface of the sun.

[dukeh62]

Senor Nulisch called me shortly after Troy left me a late nite message 'bout that gig a few days ago - ( Darrell may be singing on it, unless you are ?); He was under the under the impression Jon Ross was on guitar....maybe Jon's on bass that nite....hmmmm....or is he drummin'? Who can tell with that man! But hey- you just do YOUR thing, bro. I woulda done it, but I have an appointment at the Ritz on the Vin-Yaahhhhd that weekend!! Eeeechh!! (Come to think of it - What the heck am I thinking???!!)

Hey Nick, sounds like a role reversal of the time Troy called me for the Nulisch gig I couldn't do and you stepped in!

As for the band, Brian Templeton is on vocals, Jon Ross is on bass, Steve Ramsey on drums and Bruce Katz on keys.

Thanks for the kind words of inspiration!

[mikelaw]

like a moron just f-ing around, i recorded a clip by popping a vhs in one of my tv's. heres the link. wilson blues revue.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M4q5Ya8jVNU

[HappyValley]

Hey Nick, sounds like a role reversal of the time Troy called me for the Nulisch gig I couldn't do and you stepped in!

As for the band, Brian Templeton is on vocals, Jon Ross is on bass, Steve Ramsey on drums and Bruce Katz on keys.

Thanks for the kind words of inspiration!

Dude, KILLER band!!!Ramsey is the s**t!! As is Katz, Ross, as is Templeton...(tell Brian I say wazzup....). Knock 'em Dead!!:AOK

[Poppa Stoppa]

like a moron just f-ing around, i recorded a clip by popping a vhs in one of my tv's. heres the link. wilson blues revue.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=M4q5Ya8jVNU Cool, looks like those old clips of Elvis. I have a version of this on VHS and it's so many generations down the road it's about the same quality.

Somebody please identify the rigs Rusty and Junior are using - details, details!

[Short Bus]

I don't know much about the Stewart/J-Beach/Port St. Lucie scene. It's too far away (close to 3 hours for me on the Turnpike) to be practical for me to gig there so I don't know a lot about it.

Same for me in Lakeland. Since most of the guys in the band have day jobs, including me, a 3 hour drive is a bit much for a gig.

Sorry I don't know more

[Strat-O]

Unless there's something hidden somewhere, they just look like tweed Bassmans. Junior sounds like he's got some reverb on. It doesn't sound to me like Rusty does. I've never noticed any tanks or pedals in the video. I can't believe that the people at Ohne Filter haven't released that. I mean, Kim Wilson is one of the most famous blues musicians of the last 20 or 30 years. He's been nominated for and won Grammy's and WC Handy Awards. But they haven't released it along with all the others they've done? Seems like a no brainer to me.

[Poppa Stoppa]

Thanks Strat-O (agreed on the video). Guitar models / vintages? Is that Junior's Tokai?

[mikelaw]

theyre gibson p90 goldies thru bassmans. i have often asked myself why they havent released it. i am willing to bet about 90% of what i am worth that they didnt get permission to release it.

if i see kim thursday ill mention it.

[Esquire]

Lakeland. Right between Tampa and Orlando. Slim is great slide player!

We can't even get a gig in town. We have to drive to Tampa or Orlando, which is about an hour, to play. It's really pathetic.

The band I'm in is the Boogalizers. The harp player/singer started the band about 15 years ago.

I lived in Tampa/St. Pete for a number of years and am familiar with Lakeland. I recall not much going on there as well, no offense. Have you tried getting into the Ringside Cafe or Dave's Aqua Lounge in St. Pete or
Bourbon Street in New Port Richey? There are a couple other places that book blues in Dunedin & Palm Harbor as well. The Green Inguana on West Shore Blvd. in South Tampa has a very good blues jam every Monday night. It's worth the trip from Lakeland.

[dukeh62]

Anybody happen to have an extra chrome ES-175 tailpiece they'd be willing to part with? It's the one with the three parallelograms on it.

[dukeh62]

Ha-Ha! I know what this is all about. Good luck!

LOL...is Mr. Holmstrom hitting you up for one too?:crazy

[TwoFeets]

Hey, Northeastern WCB threaders - we just finalized travel plans for Thanksgiving weekend and I will be in Boston from Tuesday Nov. 21 to Sunday Nov. 26. Anything happening that weekend? Think we might be able to make something happen? (T-giving excluded obviously)

[mikelaw]

robby! great news. the night before tgiving is the biggest bar night of the year. the chances of a blues band having gig that night around these parts is slim. Ill see what I can come up with though. Either way weve got to hang for sure man! Maybe the bluehearts can book another stash's again.....that was a blast too!

[Swingblues]

Hi Im Igor Prado, 23, Im from Brazil and I play guitar in my band called "Prado Blues Band". We play straight blues, jump blues, swing, etc...
If you would like to have a taste of it go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search)=

Post a Comment 'n let me know what u think!

All the best
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com (http://www.pradoblues.com)

[dukeh62]

Hi Im Igor Prado, 23, Im from Brazil and I play guitar in my band called "Prado Blues Band". We play straight blues, jump blues, swing, etc...
If you would like to have a taste of it go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search)=

Post a Comment 'n let me know what u think!

All the best
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com (http://www.pradoblues.com)


Wow!!!! Awesome playing Igor!!!!! I gotta go practice!

[Dave Orban]

Hi Im Igor Prado, 23, Im from Brazil and I play guitar in my band called "Prado Blues Band". We play straight blues, jump blues, swing, etc...
If you would like to have a taste of it go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIIQGcFk0Ro)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGBZdwp5Rk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY7xHu1TjTA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMysLs0FtI&mode=related&search)=

Post a Comment 'n let me know what u think!

All the best
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com (http://www.pradoblues.com)
VERY nice...! :dude :dude :dude

[fretshop]

Hey, Northeastern WCB threaders - we just finalized travel plans for Thanksgiving weekend and I will be in Boston from Tuesday Nov. 21 to Sunday Nov. 26. Anything happening that weekend? Think we might be able to make something happen? (T-giving excluded obviously)

I spoke to Nick this A.M., and ran the idea of a planned event by him. I may have mentioned it to Eric a couple times as well. Vincent's in Worcester is a very good choice because of its proximity to most points in the CT/Mass/NJ NJ area. There is plenty of parking in the area, and there is also a motel 10 minutes away that would give us some great prices. After the gig on 8/3, I went back to Vincent's the next day to do a day light photo shoot of the premisis and ran the idea past the staff. They said they'd love to accommodate us. I spoke to Vincent after I talked to Nick, and he said it's not a problem if there isn't anything planned during the T-Giving weekend. It would be an awesome time to hang out, eat, drink and play in a fabulous place. The acoustics are really good there too. Anybody up for it ?

[fretshop]

Jetlag, Eric, I could use some feedback (no pun intended) on those Tele pickups. J.D. and Steve Blucher are getting ready to wind another bunch.

[TwoFeets]

Worcester's not too bad for me, only about an hour. I'd have to bum a car off somebody but I can likely finagle something... So count me in!

[mikelaw]

MOLA, there are trains from beantown to worcester! keep that in mind.

i am down and between nick,me,eric,alec,ryan we wont have a problem finding a band for the night. between us all i think we know every good blues musician in the tristate area. ct/ri/ma ---what a great time last time at vincents! i keep looking at photos and laugh to myself, while my girl sits by me wondering what im laughing at. :)

[groove_king]

Hi Im Igor Prado, 23, Im from Brazil and I play guitar in my band called "Prado Blues Band". We play straight blues, jump blues, swing, etc...

Igor, greetings from Down Under!

I believe that Silvertone you're playing in those clips used to be mine ... I sold it to Carlos May a couple of months ago. I'd like to know what you think of it.

Awesome playing, too BTW. You guys are great!

-Dave-

[zappafrank]

Igor---my my my!!!---Playing that swingin' with that guitar strung up like a righty! THAT is cool---you got some serious talent man...welcome to the WC thread...

ac

[fretshop]

Worcester's not too bad for me, only about an hour. I'd have to bum a car off somebody but I can likely finagle something... So count me in!


Would a Saturday, or Sunday afternoon-evening get together be cool if there was entertainment already booked either of those nights?

Lawman: I got ahold of a rocket with pups stamped April 1967 ... they are very weak, about 6.0K. Is that normal ?

[TwoFeets]

Would a Saturday, or Sunday afternoon-evening get together be cool if there was entertainment already booked either of those nights?

Lawman: I got ahold of a rocket with pups stamped April 1967 ... they are very weak, about 6.0K. Is that normal ?

Sunday would probably not be doable as that will be a travel day for us.

[dukeh62]

Hey guys, not sure if any of your got this, but I received a promo email from one of the big online music retailers this morning with the most RIDICULOUS string sale. I mean RI-DI-CU-LOUS!!!!

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the details here, so email me and I'll send you the promo code you need. I just stocked up BIG TIME!!!! If this is against board rules, please let me know and I'll gladly remove this post. Just wanted to pass along a good deal to you guys.

eric@strategies.com

[dukeh62]

FRETSHOP:

I tried to install that pickup last night. You were right, it's too big. Let me know your address and I'll shoot it back down to you.

Regarding Vincent's, I'd actually prefer a nightime gig if it's on the weekend.

Still have to post those pictures too!

[fretshop]

FRETSHOP:

I tried to install that pickup last night. You were right, it's too big. Let me know your address and I'll shoot it back down to you.

Regarding Vincent's, I'd actually prefer a nightime gig if it's on the weekend.

Still have to post those pictures too!

I'll call you re: the bridge plate opening. The Van Zandts can be a pain to install...but Whaoooa they sound sooo good. Ask Mike Welch....You DO remember Mike Welch ?...remember he used to post here ? Are you lurking Mike?.

[mikelaw]

he doesnt like us anymore. :) lmao

[monstermike]

Man, I don't know what you're talking about!

Hey guys! I'm back...

Installing the Van Zandt in a Tele bridge plate took me about twenty minutes of filing (the bridge plate, not the pickup). As I remember, the front-to-back dimensions are more of a problem than the rounded sides, so you're primarily worried about filing the straight edges. Even then, I had to slip the pickup in at a bit of an angle to avoid the top lip of the pickup catching. Of course, I made sure that I had enough room to clear the coil easily without any danger of touching.

Hey, George - I'm starting to really enjoy those Lollar Strat pickups. They seem to really like the tone control rolled down to about 6-8 on all three (.05 cap), and they take on an almost Live at the Regal like quality. I find myself using the neck pickup more than I have in years. The basswood body and new neck from Tommy are pretty killing, too.

Jankety - I got your email. I learned a lot during my brief time at Berklee, and I would say two things: first, you have to go in there as open as possible to everything you hear to get the most out of it, and second, you have to be willing to put in a lot of work to get enough out of it to make it worthwhile. Don't go in expecting to find a lot of people into old, arcane music, because there aren't many, but the wealth of knowledge is pretty unbelievable.

[KBR]

Mike,
which Lollar strat pickups do you use?
I like his P90s, but never tried any Strat pups.
TIA,
KBR

[Dave Orban]

Man, I don't know what you're talking about!

Hey guys! I'm back...

Installing the Van Zandt in a Tele bridge plate took me about twenty minutes of filing (the bridge plate, not the pickup). As I remember, the front-to-back dimensions are more of a problem than the rounded sides, so you're primarily worried about filing the straight edges. Even then, I had to slip the pickup in at a bit of an angle to avoid the top lip of the pickup catching. Of course, I made sure that I had enough room to clear the coil easily without any danger of touching.

Hey, George - I'm starting to really enjoy those Lollar Strat pickups. They seem to really like the tone control rolled down to about 6-8 on all three (.05 cap), and they take on an almost Live at the Regal like quality. I find myself using the neck pickup more than I have in years. The basswood body and new neck from Tommy are pretty killing, too.

Basswood...? How does that sound?

[monstermike]

Kenny Blue Freakin' Ray! Long time no talk! I've been obsessing over that Spotlight on Lucille for a while now - thanks for turning me on to that back in '97. The Lollars are the Blackface set. I added a Fralin baseplate to the bridge pickup because that's what I do - what it does for me is bring up the mids and lows of the bridge pickup until it matches the front two more closely. More than any other Strat pickups I've tried, these REALLY like the tone control.

Dave - Basswood is midrangier, silkier, and less snappy to me. My main Strat is basswood, and the guitar I'm talking about is a parts Strat specifically for my Europe gigs that George helped me tremendously with putting together. Some people don't like basswood because they feel the low end is squishy and indistinct, but let's face it, we're playing blues, so...

[btg]

Mitch Kashmar's new CD is available on the Delta Groove web site. Featuring Jr. Watson and others.

[KBR]

Thanks, Monster Mike, (You are a Helluva Playa) and Since Lollar gives me break on the price, I will get a few!, I have a Stelly in the bridge of my sunburst Strat and it has a base plate, they do the job, for sure.
I wish all the Cats on here would check out that cd, It's awesome!
KBR

[RickyKing]

The night before T-giving would be great,If we couldnt do Vincents I have a few idea's that may work out.
MMW-how are you doin?
Hope u are well!

[Strat-O]

Damn! Igor's got it goin' on! Sweet! Tell us what your amp rig is man. Cool band website too, but I couldn't read a cotton picking thing on it though. An English translation would help...me anyway.

[mikelaw]

that sounds like a sweet idea ricky. look out hyannis. :)

saw the birds last night. great times. they are just the baddest band out there right now. great stuff. kirk was just amazing as usual as was the rest of the guys.

[fretshop]

Basswood...? How does that sound?

Basswood is a whale of a material to use for bodies. It's popular so you don't have to go fishing for it. I have used Basswood for years without any Haddocks, and on a scale of one to ten, not one of my clients has Crabbed about it.

I had to do that....

Basswood has a nice warm tonal texture while still retaining a nice smooth high end. What I love most about it is its light weight, because I've got some neck and back problems. Mike and I both prefer Basswood, and the best place to get it would be from a builder like Tommy, who uses the BEST quality wood. With Basswood, that does make a difference. Anson recorded some live stuff with both his, and my Japanese Basswood Strats using Van Zandt True Vintage pickups, and he remarked that the instruments sounded more "broken in".

[fretshop]

Mike,
which Lollar strat pickups do you use?
I like his P90s, but never tried any Strat pups.
TIA,
KBR

The Lollars are a calibrated set of Black Face Strats that Jason wound for me about three years ago. I wish I'd read these posts before. I just got off the phone with the Lollars.

He'll be happy to hear that you like the pickups Mike....YOU should give him a call.

[fretshop]

The night before T-giving would be great,If we couldnt do Vincents I have a few idea's that may work out.
MMW-how are you doin?
Hope u are well!

The Wednesday preceding T-Giving could be risky as it is both a BIG travel day, and an enormous DWI/DUI summons night. Right now, Saturday and Sunday are available. Vincent said he'd check on events for Friday 11/27.

[TwoFeets]

Basswood is a whale of a material to use for bodies. It's popular so you don't have to go fishing for it. I have used Basswood for years without any Haddocks, and on a scale of one to ten, not one of my clients has Crabbed about it.



Even for someone who works on guitars with the precision of a skilled sturgeon, I've got a feeling you're talling us tall Tails, George, or at the very least, fish stories. Tell us how you feel about it on a Scale of one to ten. Otherwise, we're giving you the hook.

[Dave Orban]

Basswood is a whale of a material to use for bodies. It's popular so you don't have to go fishing for it. I have used Basswood for years without any Haddocks, and on a scale of one to ten, not one of my clients has Crabbed about it.

I had to do that....


OK, Ishmael... LOL!

THanks for the comprehensive description! I may try one for my next Tele project!

[mikelaw]

hey mola freud, what is a sturgeon? isn't that a FISH!?!? :)

[Swingblues]

Damn! Igor's got it goin' on! Sweet! Tell us what your amp rig is man. Cool band website too, but I couldn't read a cotton picking thing on it though. An English translation would help...me anyway.

On you tube Im using a Fender Pro Junior (I placed a better transformer achieving 4ohm and 8ohm) with a 2x12' External Cabinet (Two Weber Ferromax Speakers).
I have two other amps, a Bandmaster Tweed Replica and Tweed Bassman Replica but I think the combination I used on you tube is the best one for small places.

About my website, I dont know what you mean by "cotton picking" but as soon as I get it down, I will make sure I get it translated.

Take Care
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com

[fretshop]

On you tube Im using a Fender Pro Junior (I placed a better transformer achieving 4ohm and 8ohm) with a 2x12' External Cabinet (Two Weber Ferromax Speakers).
I have two other amps, a Bandmaster Tweed Replica and Tweed Bassman Replica but I think the combination I used on you tube is the best one for small places.

About my website, I dont know what you mean by "cotton picking" but as soon as I get it down, I will make sure I get it translated.

Take Care
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com (http://www.pradoblues.com)

Igor,

La frase "Cotton Picking" es un jerga comun entre la poblacion meridional en Los Estados Unidos. En Espanol, la traduccion por la palabra "Cotton" es Algodon. The frase "Cotton picking" originado entra los trabajadores de granja que cosecharon algadon en los estados meridionales. No es una insinuacion del nacimiento o de la pobreza bajo. Piense en el como termino del sinceramente.

Recuerdos,

Jorge

[mikelaw]

welcome to the gearpage whore-hey.

[Strat-O]

Ha, ha. The 'cotton picking' thing is a southern (USA) thing. I guess that's what Jorge explained. What I was trying to say is that the website looks great, but I don't read Spanish, so I unfortunately can't read it.

You and your band sound awesome. Those Pro Jr's just keep popping up. Great tone you've got there. Glad you found us.

Didn't Ibanez kind of 'pioneer' the use of basswood for guitar bodies? Maybe they weren't the first, but it seems like they have used it hot and heavy for years. Whatever that bit of info is worth to anyone, I don't know.

[jetlag]

Jankety, man that pic is cool as hell. I really dig that GA25/GA30 (or similar) gibson amp in the background too. Killer amps. I wonder if Robert was using that amp on the JOB stuff with Sunnyland or the early Chess/Walter stuff? Sure sounds like a Gibson amp. Anyway, thanks for posting the pic.

[KBR]

Great Pix!

[mikelaw]

the man!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ksHP9TASkdE

[mikelaw]

even better!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=F6SQt5yjpoU&mode=related&search=

[straightblues]

Hey what guitars you using for those real raw tones besides the Stratatones?

[jetlag]

Awsome pics Jankety. Wow, I wonder who that is with the goldtop backing Jimmy? Another (later) gibson amp in that shot too. Almost everyone is on both pups too - probably doin' that chicago two pickup, roll the tone off the lead pup thing. Cool. COOL. Bass drum head definitely takes the cake. Thanks again Frank. And thanks for the JB tip.

[TwoFeets]

even better!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=F6SQt5yjpoU&mode=related&search=

Cool. A couple of years ago I bought 2 1969 Super Reverbs from a guy whose was childhood friends with Joe and who played with him a bit over the years.

[groove_king]

Is anyone using the reissue Ampeg J12T? Whaddya think of 'em?

[dukeh62]

Eric - Thought you may dig this. It's Robert Jr (circa Jan 1958) with his ES-295 (with tailpiece and archtop bridge). Cool stuff.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/frankiethetut/IMG_4447.jpg


Killer! Thanks Frank!

[Strat-O]

Those are awesome photos indeed.

I think Fretshop uses one of the Ampeg's. I played one for a while. Lots a headroom.

You guys who dig the western swing thing like Maphis, Dickerson and all those other cats, you should get busy checking out Eddie Biebel. He plays guitar with Wayne "The Train" Hancock. They do a stand up bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar thing that's killer. Eddie is beyond incredible. Not quite like Deke because Deke has the rockabilly and Link Wray influence. Eddie is a perfect blend of country and western swing. Plus with that band setup, its all the killer western swing guitar you want to hear. Wayne sounds like Hank Williams (Sr). They tour constantly, so I'm sure they'll be near you soon.

[Strat-O]

Well what do you know... http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wayne+hancock

[Guitarzan]

Man I love the Maphis stuff. Big fan. Those who have not yet should check out Roy Lanham. He was insane.

[fretshop]

Is anyone using the reissue Ampeg J12T? Whaddya think of 'em?

I use the J12R Reissue which I believe may no longer be produced. I bought mine in '97 after hearing a couple of them at gigs. I tested three of them and bought the loudest one. The J12T has no tremelo, but it has reverb, Bass and Treble controls. The speakers for those amps are Eminence paper cone 25 watt 12s which sound killer, and are very efficient. BTW, There is a Super Jet as well.

[fretshop]

Those are awesome photos indeed.

I think Fretshop uses one of the Ampeg's. I played one for a while. Lots a headroom.

You guys who dig the western swing thing like Maphis, Dickerson and all those other cats, you should get busy checking out Eddie Biebel. He plays guitar with Wayne "The Train" Hancock. They do a stand up bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar thing that's killer. Eddie is beyond incredible. Not quite like Deke because Deke has the rockabilly and Link Wray influence. Eddie is a perfect blend of country and western swing. Plus with that band setup, its all the killer western swing guitar you want to hear. Wayne sounds like Hank Williams (Sr). They tour constantly, so I'm sure they'll be near you soon.

My little Ampeg J12R Reissue is great for steel guitar, Tele and Strat. I don't use it with archtops. I sometimes gang it with my old silver face Deluxe Reverb, especially if I need a glassier tone with more bottom from the steel when trying to compete with fiddles.

[bbarnard]

Hey, let's all wish TwoFeets a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Rob!

[Esquire]

Damn! I love Joe Maphis. Deke Dickerson has a "Guitar Geek Festival" out here in SoCal every year and each year he has had Brian Lonbeck play. Brian was a actual student of Joe's back in the 50's and 60's. He has that stuff down. Last year at the Guitar Geek festival Brian and Merle Travis's son got together and did a killer set. Larry Collins is still around playing all that Maphis stuff too.

I was at Deke's Guitar Geek Festival for that show. It was at the Jolly Roger Ballroom in Anaheim, CA. Great show! Brian Lonbeck and Thom Bresh (Travis' son) played together with no rhythm section and were incredible. The icing on the cake was Bill Kirchen's tribute to Don Rich. You want to talk about west coast inspired american music and guitar players? Buck Owens and Don Rich created their own "Bakersfield Sound". Don't forget their matching sparkle teles.

[fretshop]

Hey, let's all wish TwoFeets a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Rob!

Happy birthday to a great fellow. Let's hope that our plans for a get together over the T-Giving weekend works out....I got yer first couple drinks !! Bring your dad, he's a cool fellow.

[Dave Orban]

Hey, let's all wish TwoFeets a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Rob!Ditto...!:BEER

[zappafrank]

Big Time---Happy Birthday Mr. Rob M.!!!!!!

Have you received the archtop of yer dreams yet????

Anyway---have a GREAT day!

MTW---Jankety---thanks for that Lockwood shot!!--just killer---makes me miss my 90' ES-295---I put that same tailpiece on it and a rosewood bridge, too---got rid of that silly Bigsby--I had that guitar longer than any other i've 'owned'---traded it for the ES-100 6 years ago or so--

You guys are now steering me to all them 'country flavored' Youtube vids---that Collins/Maphis stuff is smokin, as is some I've seen by a playa named Scotty Anderson---just Un-F'n-believable!!!

ac

[mikelaw]

duke, i heard some news from your drummer about 9/2---did u want to share that with the west coast blues page?

[dukeh62]

duke, i heard some news from your drummer about 9/2---did u want to share that with the west coast blues page?

LOL..sure, why not. Guess when it rains it pours: I got a call to play with Sugar Ray Norcia in a few weeks. I'm totally flipping over the whole thing. Absolutely can't wait.

[TwoFeets]

Ahh shucks, thanks for the birthday wishes fellas! Haven't been on here much today, trying to cut down on innernet time here at work... but I really appreciate it!

[fretshop]

LOL..sure, why not. Guess when it rains it pours: I got a call to play with Sugar Ray Norcia in a few weeks. I'm totally flipping over the whole thing. Absolutely can't wait.

Knock 'em dead...Nobody can do dat voo-doo da way YOU do !!

[Poppa Stoppa]

LOL..sure, why not. Guess when it rains it pours: I got a call to play with Sugar Ray Norcia in a few weeks. I'm totally flipping over the whole thing. Absolutely can't wait.Oh man that's great! Do your thing Eric! Knock 'em dead!

[aja]

Nice job eric !!

[Poppa Stoppa]

There's one good blues bar round these parts (Skilback you know the place!). I saw Wes Weston play a great show there last Saturday and loads of people were shooting clips on their phones - so I thought I'd see if any came up on YouTube. Lo & behold there was this very brief one from April this year. Poor quality but it catches some of the great vibe of the place I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lmgWLbFCe0&NR
Steve (Wes) Weston on harp, Chris Corcoran on guitar, Matt Radford on bass and Chilli Watts on drums.

Some friends of mine are town from Tuscon and are playing there on Thursday. It's going to be great.

[jetlag]

Twofeets, happy birthday man. Hope you have a great birthday. Either way, it certainly beats the alternative. I kept that in mind when I turned 40 this year :rolleyes:

Eric, congrads on the gig. Can't wait to hear how it goes. That's some cool stuff you have coming up. Maybe you can get Mike to do some video clips or somethin'??

For all you 5E5A pro users: I'm getting some detailed spreadsheet info on my Pro vs George's clone from my tech as we dial his amp in. It might prove helpful to you all when you have amp problems - your tech could use it as a troubleshooting aid comparing these voltage charts to your amp. I'll let you know when finished and interested parties can email for it. Kind of a road map for a happy, healthy tweed pro. Which, incidentally, will work for a tweed bandmaster or tweed super as well.

[TwoFeets]

Heads up guys - Skip Simmons modded Masco head on the WeberVST board for $275...

[bbarnard]

Stratotone in the emporium.

And my first guitar, Silvertone amp in case.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=163548

Not my ad by the way (I've got an Old Flame head in the emporium though).

[S.W.Erdnase]

On you tube Im using a Fender Pro Junior (I placed a better transformer achieving 4ohm and 8ohm) with a 2x12' External Cabinet (Two Weber Ferromax Speakers).
I have two other amps, a Bandmaster Tweed Replica and Tweed Bassman Replica but I think the combination I used on you tube is the best one for small places.

About my website, I dont know what you mean by "cotton picking" but as soon as I get it down, I will make sure I get it translated.

Take Care
Igor Prado
www.pradoblues.com (http://www.pradoblues.com)

Wow, thanks for the vids. Some seriously tastey playing, Igor.

[zappafrank]

Eric---Congratulations, man---after hearing Empty Wallet, Ain't no reason you SHOULD'NT 'get the call' from heavyweights---glad to hear it, man--
---wish I could be there---

ac

[TwoFeets]

And for my birthday I found out we're having another boy!

He's due in February.

[dukeh62]

HEY HEY!!!! Cheers to TwoFeets!!!!!

[jetlag]

Twofeets - congrads! Now you have a rhythm section. Not to mention another exemption. :AOK

[Schwalbe]

Congrats Two Feets!!! Little ones are great, mine are all grown but it's still fulfilling to watch them make their way.

Any of you guys in Northern Minnesota or the Upper Pennisula of Michigan?
I've got some shows out that way this weekend.

Cool Disposition
Road trip, two days, three shows, 826 miles.

Friday, August 25th 5 PM
Boundary Waters Blues Festival http://www.elyblues.com/
Ely MN.
Apparently there is no street address, click here for directions:
http://www.elyblues.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8&Itemid=9%20

Saturday August 26
4 PM - 5 PM ( Eastern time!!)
Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
Ski Hill and Chalet Area in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Ontonagon, MI
http://www.porkiesfestival.org/

Saturday August 26 post Fest gig
Time TBA (evening, night time, after dark)
Shamrock's
Ontonagon, MI

[Dave Orban]

And for my birthday I found out we're having another boy!

He's due in February.
So how many feets is that in total...?!? :confused:





Congratulations, bro...! :dude

[Strat-O]

Congratulations man! My birthday was last weekend and all I got was socks and t-shirts.

How many feets is that? :jo You're killing me man.,.

[Dave Orban]

Congratulations man! My birthday was last weekend and all I got was socks and t-shirts.

How many feets is that? :jo You're killing me man.,.I'll be here all week... don't forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses... ;)

[valcotone]

Any of you guys in Northern Minnesota or the Upper Pennisula of Michigan?
I've got some shows out that way this weekend.

Cool Disposition Road trip, two days, three shows, 826 miles.
....

Way to really hit the road, Schwalbe! If anyone is in the area I recommend catching these guys.

I've seen him play, and Schwalbe really knows his stuff - you will not be disappointed!

:AOK

[fretshop]

Congratulations man! My birthday was last weekend and all I got was socks and t-shirts.

How many feets is that? :jo You're killing me man.,.

Don't be a heel...!!

[Strat-O]

Don't be a heel...!!

:Spank

[Birdseye]

Hey Two Feets, conga rats! Kids are great. Mine is 17, going to be a senior this year. He plays bass: string bass in orchestra & jazz band, electric in jazz band, tuba in marching band. I never pushed him towards bass at all...his choice totally...

Schwalbe, remember that I'm in the UP. Y'all played up here last year at the Marquette Area Blues Fest. We won't be around this weekend though, we're on the road too. We play a festival in East Tawas, MI. Sharing the bill with us on Saturday are Tommy Castro and our old pal Sean Costello. Sean's got a bar gig there Friday and Saturday nights too, so we'll be hanging and jamming all weekend. Going to be a fun one!

-ml

[zappafrank]

Rob---you prolific rascal you! (Oh, wait...yer married...skip the rascal part!)

I, on the other hand, do not see children in my future---I AM 45, after all, single, never married, and no kids in my past---and, uh...don't go gettin' the wrong idea guys!

I think that's great, TwoFeets---may they grow up to be half as cool as papa---

ac

[mikelaw]

awesome mike! send sean and the boys my love! tell him he better call me when he comes to nyc in the fall. ill be taking some days off work so tell him to give me some notice! :) lol

have a blast!

[Birdseye]

OK, Mike, I'll pass along your greetings to Sean. Too bad Linden's not with him any more. I miss that kid. He just moved to Mississippi.

[mikelaw]

I heard that. 3 piece will be interesting. I dig strong 3 piece combos alot though! curran and the nightlifes 3 pc. was insanely good and full sounding! Im sure hes making it work.

[Strat-O]

They sound good as a three piece, and its a nice change. A big change really since the drummer and bass player are new as well. But, you get plenty of guitar you know. But, I do miss hearing the piano, organ, and/or harp. They sound like a unit for sure though. Lots of good musical interaction between the three of them on stage. I never got to hear him as a three piece with Melvin and Terrence, that would have been hot!

[Esquire]

What's everyone's thoughts on the tonal characteristics of an ash body?

[mikelaw]

Ash (Fraxinus americana):
We have two very different types of Ash: Northern Hard Ash and Swamp Ash (Southern Soft Ash).

Northern Hard Ash is very hard, heavy and dense. A Strat® body will normally weigh 5 lbs. and up. Its density contributes to a bright tone and a long sustain which makes it very popular. Its color is creamy, but it also tends to have heartwood featuring pink to brown tints. The grain pores are open and it takes a lot of finish to fill them up.

Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. It is a fairly light weight wood which makes it easily distinguishable from Hard Ash. A Strat® body will normally weigh under 5 lbs. Many of the 50's Fenders were made of Swamp Ash. The grain is open and the color is creamy. This wood is a very nice choice for clear finishes. Swamp Ash is our second most popular wood. It is a very musical wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with a lot of "pop".

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm

[rhartt1234]

Shred video Lesson Parodies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYqhWtYcMqA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_tuLEmWccM&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evTTHS9hwvU&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKMYeXkYcgs&mode=related&search=

[straightblues]

Is anyone using the reissue Ampeg J12T? Whaddya think of 'em?I have the J12R as well (same amp without tremelo). After a change of tubes (NOS tubes) and a replacement speaker (I used a Weber 12F150) it is a very nice amp. I play it more than any amp I own in fact. It stays fairly clean and is a little dark sounding. It doesn't sound like the Fender amp, it has its own tone. I like it.

[fretshop]

I have the J12R as well (same amp without tremelo). After a change of tubes (NOS tubes) and a replacement speaker (I used a Weber 12F150) it is a very nice amp. I play it more than any amp I own in fact. It stays fairly clean and is a little dark sounding. It doesn't sound like the Fender amp, it has its own tone. I like it.

I love my J12R Reissue, even with the stock speaker. I tried the Eminence GB12 and the 125-8 and didn't like them in the amp. I might try the Weber though. I'm running some old Ruby EL84s and some old JJ 12ax7s.
That amp is a great match for a light swamp ash Tele.

[mikelaw]

i know a harp player that has a reverbrocket reissue and it sounds awful.

[KBR]

I use Swamp Ash on 4 Hard Tail Strats, all with different pickup choices, it's a great sounding wood.

I like the Lollar P90 neck/Van Zandt flat pole Tele bridge one alot.
The old one with Voodoo Hbers is awesome, too!
My 5 1/2 lber is Van Zandt Fullertone Strat neck pup and Lollar P90 bridge, a great one around Midnight-2Am time, 5 1/2 lbs is a nice weight, very resonant w a Big Warmoth Fat back neck.
YMMV,
IMHO

KBR

[fretshop]

i know a harp player that has a reverbrocket reissue and it sounds awful.

Yeah....I never liked The Rocket reissue amp. Every one I heard sucked. I really like my R.I. Jet though. Maybe I just got lucky.

[fretshop]

I use Swamp Ash on 4 Hard Tail Strats, all with different pickup choices, it's a great sounding wood.

I like the Lollar P90 neck/Van Zandt flat pole Tele bridge one alot.
The old one with Voodoo Hbers is awesome, too!
My 5 1/2 lber is Van Zandt Fullertone Strat neck pup and Lollar P90 bridge, a great one around Midnight-2Am time, 5 1/2 lbs is a nice weight, very resonant w a Big Warmoth Fat back neck.
YMMV,
IMHO

KBR

Kbr: I had J.D. wind me a bunch of the flat pole Tele Bridge pups starting at about 7.5k and working up to 10K. Mike Welch has the 7.5K and loves it. I like the one just over 9.0K. I also had him wind up the neck pups to a little over 8.0k and gave a prototype to Nick Adams. He likes it alot.

5 1/2 lbers are great....IMO they have a tone that breathes, and you don't drive home with a stiff neck. I got one Southern Swamp Ash body here that just about rings like a bell when you tap it. The real light South Eastern Ash is a Mutha' to grain seal and finish. The pores and grain are wide and open, but the work is worth it.

I recently found a nice body blank for a client, and cut it out for his Tele project. That one weighed in at a little over 3 1/2 lb after routing and sanding, and just under 4 lbs after filling and a see through white nitro job. The same pickups I use were louder in that instrument than in my No-Caster which is a pound and a half heavier. The lighter guitar was louder acoustically.

[Schwalbe]

I've seen him play, and Schwalbe really knows his stuff - you will not be disappointed! Thanks Sean.
If Skilback shows up in your town during his travels, show him around the Blues jams, the Cat can play AND sing.

Hey Birdseye, that Marquette festival is big fun, I really enjoyed it. What a fabulous setting!! The thing I really like about a Blues society event over a for profit venture is that EVERYBODY gets treated well. I'm thinking about submitting The Rough Cuts promo kit for '07.

[jetlag]

What's everyone's thoughts on the tonal characteristics of an ash body?

To me ash (the light swawmp ash stuff) is pretty scooped sounding, with a poppy kind of attack. But really resonant. Alder has more meat to it, more mids and low mids.

[mikelaw]

i like pine. i think thats what the stratotones are made from??? confirm anyone? mahogany looks cool too because its so dark sounding.

[aja]

Thought you guys might dig this if you don't allready know it.
www.jazzguitar.be/jazz_guitar_chord_theory_3.html (http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazz_guitar_chord_theory_3.html)

[straightblues]

i like pine. i think thats what the stratotones are made from??? confirm anyone? mahogany looks cool too because its so dark sounding.I have heard they were made from Poplar but I may be wrong. I really like the Pine tele (esquire actually) that I just built. It sounds very good.

[Scott Miller]

Since we're talking wood, someone asked me what my H-44 is made of. All I can think of is "something light and cheap." Anyone know?

My gawd, I love that guitar.

- Scott M

[mikelaw]

um scott....read page 61 i asked about my stratotone meaning my h44. jankety said pine and or poplar.

i have to say the same about loving mine. since ive had my jlv strat i havent played the h44, i went back to it the other night and realized how magical it was all over again.

doesnt look like my jlv will get much action again here anytime soon. :)

[zappafrank]

Hi dudes---finally got a that tele-parts-o-caster put together---FAT neck---Don Mare pickups sound fantastic, but I'll really know after tonight's gig through the Holmstrom 4-10" Vicky--\
Kudos to my luthier guy, Jim Lowenhertz, for doing such a great job of assembly and set up...If you are in Portland, call him at Guitar Works (in the phonebook)
Only thing I see needs changing is the Volume pot---it has a very short taper from 8 to 10 that gets all the volume!---I want a long, slow Taper---I got CTS 250 pots(?)---what should I use there at the volume knob, guys???

Thanks---
I wanna play one of them thar Stratotones sometime---just TOO cool--

ac

[Scott Miller]

Apparently, I have very bad reading comprehension lately. This is frustrating, but I will work through this frustration tonight by playing the crap out of my H-44, which is most likely made of pine and/or poplar.

Tonight's gig is at a place occasionally frequented by a large woman who wears a really nasty-looking bull whip. When she asks for "Mustang Sally," we are inclined to give in and play it, but perhaps armed with the easily-swung, light and whippy pine/poplar H-44 paddle, we will have the gumption to decline her. I doubt it, though. Ride, Sally, riiide...

- Scott M

[jetlag]

Hey Cleanhead,

You back yet? From your website/schedule, it looks like you should be back from the big European tour by now. How about an update? How was Sweden, Holland, the backup bands, etc? Inquiring minds wanna know - especially regarding the Amsterdam "coffee houses" and the Swedish blondes. Er, ah, I mean especially with regard to the blues scenes of the respective countries ............. I hear Trickbag is a great band, on par with Knockout Greg and Blue Weather and dims guyz.

[dukeh62]

Hey Cleanhead,

You back yet? From your website/schedule, it looks like you should be back from the big European tour by now. How about an update? How was Sweden, Holland, the backup bands, etc? Inquiring minds wanna know - especially regarding the Amsterdam "coffee houses" and the Swedish blondes. Er, ah, I mean especially with regard to the blues scenes of the respective countries ............. I hear Trickbag is a great band, on par with Knockout Greg and Blue Weather and dims guyz.

Ryan and I have been saying this forever...some of the BEST traditional blues being played these days is from Scandanavia/Germany. Seems like just one band after another keeps popping up that just blows me away. Knockout Greg is fantastic. I also really dig B.B. & the Blues Shacks. Their latest "Blue Avenue" with Alex Schultz is REALLY good.

[mikelaw]

i love that stuff, but seems moreso only the notes IMHO> alot of this music is about SOUL. some of those bands lack that. dont argue with me or ill wave my AMERICAN made pop-pine paddle in YO FACE beotch.

[valcotone]

So is this one poplar or pine? I know it's pretty popular around the house! :crazy

Seriously though, what it the best way to tell the difference, and does it really matter anyway? ie. there must be a tonal difference to some extent. I'll be taking this one out for the first time this Sunday night. It sounded great at rehearsal last night!!

http://www.kilback.net/pics/h44-1953front.jpg

[Crocodile Andre]

i love that stuff, but seems moreso only the notes IMHO> alot of this music is about SOUL. some of those bands lack that. dont argue with me or ill wave my AMERICAN made pop-pine paddle in YO FACE beotch.

Sweden + Blues with Soul = Sven Zetterberg !

Bring that pop-pine paddle down here and start waving

[Poppa Stoppa]

Talking of all that there are some cool new clips up of those very euro people from a guy called bluesician (I seem to waste my time searching youtube when I could be practicing):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXqkXbdT-5o
Candye Kane doing the Lou-Ann thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc8cHYB4B8U

[Strat-O]

I just read that Duke Robillard is doing a short tour playing guitar with Tom Waits. Imagine that!

[aja]

Yea ,Me and a couple buds were taking lessons from Duke and he cancelled to go on tour with Waits. I was hoping to catch them but I think its done now.

Those shred parodies are hilarious Ryan I love it when he's making fun of patitucci !! And when he's talking about five million notes per second. lmao !!!

Hey Eric , any pics from the Portnoy gig ? How was it ?

Can anyone give me an song example with a II, V, I in it ? Something basic and simple.

[Autopilot Slim]

Hi all,
Just found out about this site. Better late than never. It's so great to find a forum with like minded people.
Cheers,
Dan

[straightblues]

Hey AC, lets see some pics of the tele. And give use a tone report.:BluesBros

[Autopilot Slim]

Just caught a great night of blues here in Toronto last week.
Mark Hummel was in town doing one of his harmonica blowout shows.
He had Jerry Portnoy, Magic Dick and Lee Oskar on harp, Bruce Katz on keys, Marty Dodson on drums, Steve Wolf on bass and Bob Welsh on guitar. Bob was playing a late 60's Guild Starfire through a '64 BF Super.
What a tone!
Check out some pics of the night on Eddy B's website at
www.blueheartarchive.com/niteintheblues/page2.htm (http://www.blueheartarchive.com/niteintheblues/page2.htm)

[Scott Miller]

Bob Welsh is the King of Clean around here. He also does a totally funked-out Meters thing, plays keys in Rusty Zinn's reggae band, and plays bass really good too. He's one of those scary incredible natural musicians.

- Scott M

[Dave Orban]

Bob Welsh is the King of Clean around here. He also does a totally funked-out Meters thing, plays keys in Rusty Zinn's reggae band, and plays bass really good too. He's one of those scary incredible natural musicians.

- Scott MI've never even heard of this guy, and already I don't like him...!


LOL!

[Poppa Stoppa]

Autopilot Slim - great to see you here!

Skilback - let's hear how that Stratotone sounded last night!

[Autopilot Slim]

Great to be here! Thanks for letting me know about the site.

[valcotone]

Skilback - let's hear how that Stratotone sounded last night!


Tasty! I played it through my '64 Deluxe Reverb and it sounded great. Maybe not the best amp for it but it cut through nicely with a rich fat tone. I really enjoyed using it for the more swinging songs we do (Early In The Morning, Chitlins Con Carne, and others). With the volume rolled off I'm surprised how much it can sound like a bigger Strat neck pickup!

[valcotone]

Bob Welsh is the King of Clean around here. He also does a totally funked-out Meters thing, plays keys in Rusty Zinn's reggae band, and plays bass really good too. He's one of those scary incredible natural musicians. - Scott M

Speaking of... Here's Bob Welsh doing a mixed-bag jump instrumental on guitar at a Junior Watson show... he stepped away from the keyboards for this tune and borrowed Juinor's rig. Lots of killer stuff with some familiar phrases from Bill Jennings, Pee Wee, etc. (and probably many more that don't recognize yet).

Bob Welsh
Toronto, Canada
Instrumental (http://www.kilback.net/tunes/BobWelch-Instrumental-Toronto.mp3) <- click to listen

Jeez... what can't this guy do?

[jetlag]

Bob Welsh is the King of Clean around here. He also does a totally funked-out Meters thing, plays keys in Rusty Zinn's reggae band, and plays bass really good too. He's one of those scary incredible natural musicians.

- Scott M

Man, I know what you're talking about with regard to Bob Welch. I've got a Watson boot with Bob on it. At one point in the night Bob does a piano instrumental sans guitar. Then he picks up Junior's guitar and plays a jump instrumental sans keyboard. Junior comes up and says something like "how about that folks, my keyboard player plays guitar better than most guitarists." And he's right.

Speaking of Junior, I just got off the phone with him. He did about a three hour on-phone interview with the Tonequest magazine. Not sure when it'll be issued but it should be a good read. Sounds like Rick H is going to do one as well with TQ. You can thank fretshop for talking TQ into it. I'm glad Rick H and I were able to talk Junior into doing it. A glorious day for us "tone rangers."

Cleanhead, where are you? Euro-tour report please.

[jetlag]

Speaking of... Here's Bob Welsh doing a mixed-bag jump instrumental on guitar at a Junior Watson show... he stepped away from the keyboards for this tune and borrowed Juinor's rig. Lots of killer stuff with some familiar phrases from Bill Jennings, Pee Wee, etc. (and probably many more that don't recognize yet).

Bob Welsh
Toronto, Canada
Instrumental (http://www.kilback.net/tunes/BobWelch-Instrumental-Toronto.mp3)<- click to listen

Jeez... what can't this guy do?

Well that's funny. Sorry about the post and being redundant. Sean's too quick for me. :jo

[TwoFeets]

This has nothing to do with anything... but I think it's singularly hilarious that this thread completely disappears on weekends and after about 6PM EST. Not only are we all pretty much on the same page musically, but we all equally enjoy effing off at our jobs to talk about it!

:AOK

[valcotone]

Well that's funny. Sorry about the post and being redundant. Sean's too quick for me. :jo


Nah, Bob is a great player and it deserves to be said twice (or 3 times). :dude

[groove_king]

This has nothing to do with anything... but I think it's singularly hilarious that this thread completely disappears on weekends and after about 6PM EST. Not only are we all pretty much on the same page musically, but we all equally enjoy effing off at our jobs to talk about it!
:AOK

LMAO!! Ain't it the truth!

[groove_king]

BTW, Feets congrats on the little feets news!

Question: does anyone have a three-way switch in their Strats? I can't remember the last time I used the in-between settings and I'm this far ->| |<- from changing out the 5-way.

[mikelaw]

fun night with preston hubbard saturday in RI! There are super cheesy photos, but check out my myspace page for some funny ones including Encore/Finale with Preston on drums!!! SO FUNNY! Sorry to do this but some of them are just too silly. Also Josh's page has funny ones as well as Prestons. some of it was just plain dumb to be honest. :)

[Strat-O]

Looks like the cat is out of the bag. G-Man's been working hard to make it happen. Assuming everything goes as planned, it will be an interview worth framing. I delivered a heapin' helpin' of "support materials" to David Wilson on Saturday to help out with the interview. Including my just arrived Jr Watson/Don Mare Strat pickups and my H62. David said Holmstrom and Kid Ramos were on the near horizon as well. Real interviews with some of my favorite guitar players. It will be too cool indeed. David was very excited about it all too, and he's a good guy. Alot of people are gonna be excited about this one! Keep your fingers crossed!

How 'bout a big hurumph for G-Man... :BEER

[Birdseye]

Groove King,

I have a 3-way in this strat here. It came that way, and I wouldn't dream of changing it. I almost never use the in-between settings and with a 5-way I end up hitting them by accident and never know if I'll end up in-between. With a 3-way, it's really easy to feel just where the switch is going. I don't like the in between sounds for what I do. Sean had no complaints playing it last Saturday.http://www.flatbrokebluesband.com/album/Sean%20C%201.jpg

[groove_king]

Birdseye. Cool pic, man.

Yeah, it sucks when you accidentally hit it and then keep thinking about it.

And don't get me wrong, Chess-era Buddy Guy is some of my all time favourite stuff, but IMHO, the in-between sounds on a Strat don't work that well with a cranked tweed amp.

Just out of interest, though - have you ever done the switch juggle trick to get the in-betweens?

[zappafrank]

I have 2 strats w/ the 5 way, and one w/ the 3-way---to ME, it's an upgrade---however, I totally agree w/ groove king that the in-between w/ a tweed amp is not so hot---but I'm such a Ronnie Earl fan that I gotta have those sounds sometimes---I think it's a beautiful sound, but if I want AGGRESSIVE, the 3-way is the shizzle badizzle---thank you Jimmie Vaughan!----I guess I'm just fookin' bi-polar---
Speaking of JV, my long time harp friend, who HATES guitars w/ 'Fender' on the headstock (too bad for him!), was very complimentary about how the new Smelly-caster sounded the other night, said it sounded like early JV more than any of my strats!
---I LOVE the double-notched Glendale bridge and compensated saddles---I can play it like I would any other guitar now---the neck pickup shocked a couple friends---it's STRONG, musical and very usable----I just need to break it in and get it to 'settle' a bit---the .11's feel like .10's on this thing----me likey.
Now, I will make it my mission to rule the TONE knob on this thing---seems like I can squeeze a hell of a lot of variety using that thing on this tele--- that 'piano' thing is there in spades on the bridge pickup---Don Mare, you DID it!---He basically just altered his usual Joel Foy wind to what he felt would fit my style after talking to me about my influences, problems I've had w/ previous teles, etc.....and just did a fantastic job---I was shocked to see that the ohm readings were quite a bit higher than a lot of what he lists at his website, but....he was right, I gotta say---I'm diggin' it.

Strat-O and fretshop---what's the availability of this killer Watson interview going to be for those of us WITHOUT a ToneQuest subscription? Can we get our greedy lil' hands on a copy??

That Bob Welsh sounds like yet another monster player---too many of em'!!

ac

[fretshop]

Well, I guess the cat IS out of the bag....It was going to stay under wraps until all content was approved by the artists. As long as David doesn't receive a bunch of calls about it, everything should be O.K. I've been working on this for two years and got the go ahead to coordinate the West Coast special edition(s)about a week ago. Much thanks to Jetlag for approaching Junior, Frank Tutwiler for getting me in touch with Rick H., Rick H. for pushing Junior, and a VERY special thanks to my Bud' Strat-O for Hangin' out with David Wilson at Maddy's and eatin' ribs while I was stuck in Oldbridge, N.J. at McDonalds on a rainy Saturday eating fast food. We're scheduled to chat with Rick next week and set up his interview. David Ramos is in the scenario as well.

Strat-O was a saint for taking a half day to meet with, and supply David with the media, CDs, Don Mare Pickups, and his beautiful H-62, which will also be previewed. We have not managed as of yet to obtain a good H-44 for the second preview, but I'm working on it.
Oh...my Jetlag-Jeff Gehring Pro will also receive some attention....probably at a later date. It's on the way from Kansas, and I'm excited. I still haven't tinted the tweed cabinet...damn lazy bugger that I've been lately.

XXOO
G-Man

[Dave Orban]

Looks like the cat is out of the bag. G-Man's been working hard to make it happen. Assuming everything goes as planned, it will be an interview worth framing. I delivered a heapin' helpin' of "support materials" to David Wilson on Saturday to help out with the interview. Including my just arrived Jr Watson/Don Mare Strat pickups and my H62. David said Holmstrom and Kid Ramos were on the near horizon as well. Real interviews with some of my favorite guitar players. It will be too cool indeed. David was very excited about it all too, and he's a good guy. Alot of people are gonna be excited about this one! Keep your fingers crossed!

How 'bout a big hurumph for G-Man... :BEERThat's REALLY cool news...! :dude

[Birdseye]

Just out of interest, though - have you ever done the switch juggle trick to get the in-betweens?
I've done it recently at band practice when we were learning a new tune and the rhythm part seemed to call for that tone. Used to do it all the time, back in the day, when that was the only way to do it! But lately, I just don't use those tones. I've been playing mostly tele for a few years, so going back to a strat, I like the aggressive tones. It's funny, last time I saw Sean, about a year ago, we both talked about how we couldn't get much out of strats. Now, we're playing them a lot. So it goes. Sean played two strats more than his LP this past weekend. But he didn't bring the old LP, just the reissue, and he made the point that he can't get nearly the variety of tones from the RI as the old one. Strats are versatile...even without the two in between settings!

[fretshop]

Saturday evening, I was sitting at the Blue Moon Cafe, crying in my espresso martini because my keyboard player moved away. I got a tap on the shoulder, and it was none other than John Hawken, one of the finest piano and B-3 players to come out of the British Isles. Seems as if something is in the works with the Zombies and the Strawbs for a reunion stint throughout England Next year. John hit the American charts in '64 as the keyboardist and leader of The Nashville Teens ("Tobacco Road" stayed on the charts for a year). He later gravitated to Rennaissance, then to the Strawbs...then to the U.S. Looks like we'll be doing some work together as well.

[jetlag]

I'm with you Birdseye, but lots of guys like those positions. A five way gets in my way and isn't worth it for the 4 or 5 times a year I want that sound. For those times, I just do the balencing act. I know it sounds psychotic, but to me, a 5 way gets better 2-4 sounds (thinner, more skinny sounding) while a 3-way somehow makes the "mother tone" positions 1-3-5 sound bigger. Maybe I think that because when switching to 5 way, I would be taking an OLD 3 way out. Someone was recently explaining to me how those old switches are microphonic (a big "click" tailing off with reverb when you switch mid stride at volume), thus they add that extra amount of something like any microphonic component on a guitar. Dunno, but interesting none the less.

So on "Touch of Evil" is Barney K using a strat or a tele? Anyone know?

[pete kanaras]

So on "Touch of Evil" is Barney K using a strat or a tele? Anyone know?

likely a tele; i've seen a bunch of studio shots of barn with a tele from back then, never heard of him using a strat ever. but hey, ya never know. i'm almost 100% certain he used a tele on "2 bones and a pick". been having a lot of fun playing that tune lately on a strat, using a different pickup for each of the 3 solo sections, playing in a different bag for each section.

fret 'n jet, very cool news about about the the tonequest thing, can't wait!

[dukeh62]

Hey Pete...do you ever run into Mark Stevens (piano) down in Baltimore? If so, please tell him I said hello and I'd love to get him a copy of our CD that he played on. He skipped town right after it was recorded and I've never been able to reach him since. Thanks!

[pete kanaras]

no duke, i have'nt seen mark in quite awhile. but i did talk to him on the phone early july and he's doing great. he's teaching a lot these days.

[rhartt1234]

Who knows what size allen wrench I need for Strat saddles?
I just got a used JV and it didn't come with a wrench.
Thanks
Ryan

[michael30]

I hate to be a naysayer, but I think spotlighting an H62 in a national publication is a big mistake. The only thing that is going to come out of it is higher prices

I agree. There's not that many of them left anymore, so why let people in on the secret?

Michael

[jetlag]

Well, I was kinda excited because Junior told me how long he talked to the magazine and kinda rambled about influences, the LA Blues Scene growing up, playing with those guys and all those stories they told him. I thought that would be really interesting and a great read. But in hindsight, it's a gear related rag so they'll probably skip most of that stuff. Too bad. Maybe Fret can get a copy of the transcript or something.

Pete, thanks for the info. I'd love to be in the room when you cover da Bones and a Pick- that sounds too cool. Comin' to KC anytime soon? If so, maybe that's when Fret should jet down here to BBQ land.

[fretshop]

So on "Touch of Evil" is Barney K using a strat or a tele? Anyone know?

likely a tele; i've seen a bunch of studio shots of barn with a tele from back then, never heard of him using a strat ever. but hey, ya never know. i'm almost 100% certain he used a tele on "2 bones and a pick". been having a lot of fun playing that tune lately on a strat, using a different pickup for each of the 3 solo sections, playing in a different bag for each section.

fret 'n jet, very cool news about about the the tonequest thing, can't wait!

It was a Telecaster. He used the same guitar for all the early Sonny & Cher sessions.

[zappafrank]

Who knows what size allen wrench I need for Strat saddles?
I just got a used JV and it didn't come with a wrench.
Thanks
Ryan

hmmmm----not sure bout the wrench, but it's SMALL!--

main thing Ry---enjoy that JV!---my friend just got a white used one at a pawn shop---he's, like some others here, getting back into that 'strat' thing again---the JV is a GREAT axe for the dough---congrats!


I hope ToneQuest (or someone) does a review of Don Mare's Watson set strat pickups AND his tele offerings---

ac

[pete kanaras]

well, no plans getting to kc anytime soon unfortunately. jake's taking a hiatus after this run ends on labor day; house moving, etc etc.

you oughta try doing "2bones" yourself, man you'd kill on it! just ask the rhythm section to give you a flat tire groove in G and have at it. the "and1" ending is the tricky thing, but once they've got it you're home free. fun stuff for sure

[dukeh62]

Well, I was kinda excited because Junior told me how long he talked to the magazine and kinda rambled about influences, the LA Blues Scene growing up, playing with those guys and all those stories they told him. I thought that would be really interesting and a great read. But in hindsight, it's a gear related rag so they'll probably skip most of that stuff. Too bad. Maybe Fret can get a copy of the transcript or something.

Oh don't get me wrong...I would love to see Jr, Rick and Co. get the exposure they deserve. Would love to read that!

[monstermike]

Ryan - I believe the wrench is an .050" hex wrench. Guitar George can confirm or deny.

Looking forward to September 10th! I haven't seen you guys for a couple of years (other than Eric sitting in with Ray a while back), and that should be a very cool show.

[Scott Miller]

I thought BK played a baritone on "2 bones and a pick."

[pete kanaras]

I thought BK played a baritone on "2 bones and a pick."

hmmm, interesting

[mikelaw]

I think Ill be attending the 10th too! Should be a great one. Glad to hear youll be there Mike!

[fretshop]

I hate to be a naysayer, but I think spotlighting an H62 in a national publication is a big mistake. The only thing that is going to come out of it is higher prices. After all, we know more about those guitars then anyone writing the article. So, it's pretty unlikely we're going to learn anything.

Just my two cents.

The matter was discussed in detail before the decision was made to do a historic summary of the H-62 instrument. During the last SEVERAL years, the guitar in question has received not national, but INTERNATIONAL exposure on the internet (eg) Harmony Central, E-Bay, G-Base.co etc, etc, etc....replete with gushing, and often highly specific commentary and plaudits.....ad infinitum...ad nauseum.

The Tone Quest Report is an upscale publication with both design and content driven by a marketing mix directed at a focused audience. During the last 7 subsciption cycles, marketing feedback has indicated that over 80% of paid subscribers are knowledgable, inquisitive musicians with eclectic musical tastes. The majority of TQR readers have proven to exhibit conservative, mature attitudes and preferences toward the collection of musical instruments, and have proven to possess a deep appreciation, not only for the artists previewed every month, but also for the vehicle(s) of their creativity (ie) their instruments. For us to ignore the importance of a specific instrument to a musical genre, for fear that it's continued exposure would increase its collectibility and value would be unethical.

[Strat-O]

Ahem. Well I have to side with G-Man on this one. We want to complain about lack of exposure and lack of mainstream popularity of traditional oriented blues, but then we want to keep it all a big secret. I'd like to see the opposite happen. And I like the idea of being able sell my H62 in 5 years for double what I payed for it, if I wanted to. And, I'd like to see enough excitement generated about the guitar that maybe some guitar builder or guitar company takes the time to 'reissue' it and the H44. And maybe it will provide an opportunity for another Jr album.

Apparently the interview did go well...over 2 hours. I don't know if you guys read this magazine/newsletter or not, but it beats the crap out of a Guitar Player interview in spades. I'm picking up vibrations that the published interview will be in-depth and excellent. And, compared to the 'other' interviews that are available, I'm sure it will be a winner. (As in, what other interviews?) I think there is alot to look forward to with this. Something good is brewing here.

[Dave Orban]

Well, I was kinda excited because Junior told me how long he talked to the magazine and kinda rambled about influences, the LA Blues Scene growing up, playing with those guys and all those stories they told him. I thought that would be really interesting and a great read. But in hindsight, it's a gear related rag so they'll probably skip most of that stuff. Too bad. Maybe Fret can get a copy of the transcript or something....Their interviews are usually long and quite in-depth. I expect that this one will be no different.

Very much looking forward to it...!

[fretshop]

Their interviews are usually long and quite in-depth. I expect that this one will be no different.

Very much looking forward to it...!

Both David Wilson and Junior called me within the last two or three hours. David was very impressed, not only with Junior's knowledge of instruments and amplifiers, but with his obsession with tone...and that's what TQR is all about. The interview lasted over two hours and was, in David's words "fascinating". Junior called to introduce himself, and told me that he learned about me being a San Jose kid from David. We chat for about an hour about "the old neighborhood". I learned that we went to opposing High Schools in the San Jose-Campbell district at about the same time, and that there were folks we both knew from our teen years. He and I were both regulars at the Chateau Liberte. It is, after all - a small world.

Scott: you there ? Remember the Chateau ? My cousin Chaz was the cook, and later the road manager for both the Doobies and the Dead.

[Strat-O]

Frank and Eric - I understand what you're trying to say. Heck, I can't even afford my flippin' my H62! Much less another one. Its one of those things. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. What's really perplexing is how guitar and amp prices keep going up. The cost of living keeps going up. But the money we get paid at gigs isn't or hasn't.

But seriously. I think the guitar that goes with the music is part of the mystique. And it gives the music and the musician character. Imagine Rick Holmstrom playing an Ibanez JEM. It just wouldn't be the same. So a national publication doing an article on a couple of killer, vastly underappreciated blues guitar players kind of needs to talk about their favorite gear you know? That's what I think an H44 has to do with these guys getting exposure and gigs. Its part of their identity, their appeal. Part of what makes them cool, Don't you think so too?

And no I obviously don't think anyone gets rich playing blues. What I would consider real blues anyway. But an article like this sure won't hurt Juniors career will it? Maybe even help it? Think about the $2000 insurance thing and hoping someone grabbed it. If that's true then obviously he's not going to be heartbroken if the value of his Espanada doubles or triples after an H62 article comes out.

[jetlag]

Little background on "ToneQuest - Gate" : When I was talking to Junior about doing the article, I suggested (pretty much tongue in cheek but ............ ) "hey Junior, tell TQ that the one to get is the mid to late 60's hollowbody stratotone with goldenfoils. And the the goldenfoils to look for are the 7K ones, the 10K ones are too hot. Then mention that the hump back pups are the shiznit! " He found that humorous but said he made a lousy liar. So I'm pretty sure he shot it straight, but was warned that TQ is a gear rag and they would want to know about all his sh*t - the pro/bassman, which floating pickups, et al. Bottom line is that Junior and Rick both will have editing and veto power over the article's final contents. That's what Rick mentioned to Junior that sold him on doing the interview "let it fly, but make sure to get final editing rights." So these guys know what they are getting into. I sure hope some of the anecdotal stuff makes the final cut.

[Scott Miller]

"Remember the Chateau?"

Oh yeah, I went to the Chateau Liberte quite a few times, mostly to see Terry Haggerty and the Sons of Champlin. Eeeeeyow... that was a wild place. I lived in hippy-trippy let's-all-love-each-other Santa Cruz at the time, so all those badass San Jose bikers freaked me out. "Man," I thought to myself, "No way am I EVER going to live in San Jose!" Then I tried to get a job in Santa Cruz... yeah, right. Helllloooo San Jose!

Anyway, a tone report without mentioning guitars would be kind of dopey. And hey, I love my H-75 goldfoils!

- Scott M

[Poppa Stoppa]

Anyway, a tone report without mentioning guitars would be kind of dopey. And hey, I love my H-75 goldfoils!

- Scott M...and my 1964 H-70 Meteor (with goldfoils) is the most outrageous sounding of my guitars.

[Poppa Stoppa]

Alright. How about we talk about music for once? Maybe something pre Fabulous Thunderbirds? All this guitar talk makes me feel like I should move back into my parents house.Anybody know this album? The tones on it are killin':
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/ted149/67_1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/ted149/cb_1-1.jpg

[jetlag]

Alright. How about we talk about music for once? Maybe something pre Fabulous Thunderbirds? All this guitar talk makes me feel like I should move back into my parents house.

Sure. Frank, thanks for mentioning the JB Hutto/JOB thing. After some reading on a really cool history-of-JOB records website (what a catalog of artists they "had") , I was able to track down that Chicago Blues - Chance Era two CD box. Great stuff. So many than