Picked up a positive grid spark mini today. So far, very impressed with the app and the sound for a portable amp. Pretty incredible

Steve, I am not familiar, other side of the country. But they look to have some beautiful instruments. Piqued my interest...

Cheers

Thinking about doing the same...

Never thought I would spend $35 on a guitar pick but I just ordered a BlueChip TD45 after thinking it over for a bout a year. On acoustic I’m mostly a finger style - Merle Travis style - player unless I’m working on my bluegrass flatpicking so I figured I might as well try one and then try not to lose it

I’ll report back once I get it

https://shop.bluechippick.net/

I've hear good things about BlueChip picks. Super expensive, but trivial cost compared to the guitar and everything else if you don't lose it. I got one from Charmed Life and am very pleased with it.

https://www.charmedlifepicks.com/

If you're a Neil Young fan, this movie might be interesting. I'm not sure I'll be able to catch it. Hopefully it streams later.

https://www.neilyoungharvesttime.com/home/

Deke Dickerson just wrote a book on Merle. It's available here autographed by Deke or you can buy from the Amazon link a bit cheaper.

But buy the book from Deke, he's a good Dude...

https://dekedickerson.com/merch/sixteen-tons-the-merle-travis-story/

May be of interest to some folks on here.

They are about a 3 hour drive from we currently live, in a small city I spent a couple of years in during the early 90's.

Interesting neck design they came up with....

May drive up there in the spring, or stop in if we are headed up to Sunpeaks for some winter fun.

https://globalnews.ca/news/9329587/small-b-c-firm-wins-prestigious-acoustic-guitar-of-the-year-award/#:~:text=Riversong%20Guitars%20and%20its%20River,v ote%20for%20their%20favourite%20product.


Cheers

I’ll check that out. I met Deke back in 2005 in New Orleans and saw him play. He is great!

I thought I was done with acoustics after getting my ooo-28ec but could resist no longer and just bought a D-41. I’m officially done with acoustics now. ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1670465300.jpg

I just got a D’Addario NS Tri Action capo (with the adjustable spring). Was trying it on my 000-28ec and while taking it off, the spring tension made the capo fly out of my hand sending the capo sideways through the air into the back of the neck making a little dent behind the 3rd fret. I dont care about dents and dings really, no matter how nice the guitar. Its part of owning them. However, I do not like feeling them on the back of the neck. So, I will be trying the drop-fill method once my can of lacquer gets here.

Looks straight forward enough. Anyone try it before?

Here is the guide i am using in case you find yourself in this position
https://www.stewmac.com/video-and-ideas/online-resources/learn-about-instrument-finishing-and-finish-repair/lacquer-drop-fill-hiding-a-scratch-on-a-customers-les-paul/

As for the Bluechip pick, I really like it. But I also like dunlop flow picks...sorta similar feel and sound and very cheap.

As for my D-41 that arrived Monday, I am impressed. I have some nice acoustics but never played any acoustic that plays so easily up the neck and sounds quite like this. Very impressive sound and feel

My 18 year-old daughter has picked up guitar and has already far exceeded her Dad's abilities. She is currently working on the second solo in Comfortably Numb. SmileWavy We bought her a Squier Telecaster for Christmas last year and this year she wanted a bass, so a Squier Jazzmaster Bass will be under the tree.

I don't know anything about bass amps. Any suggestions for a cheap, but decent bass amp? Small, solid state combo would be preferred. Main use is goofing around, not gigging.

Elliot Easton (The Cars) picked one up and posted this review. How are you liking it so far?

"Attention, my guitar playing friends: I'd like to tell you about the coolest piece of gear that I've seen in quite a while: it's the Spark MINI by Positive Grid. This thing is incredible. It sounds really big- it has passive radiator bass booster in the bottom and even specially designed rubber feet that helps to perfectly balance the tone. It's got some real weight to it. They way it works is, you download their app and pair your smartphone with it. There's enough different amps, effects, and pedals(all for you to edit to your taste and save) to satisfy any player.

It's got a rechargeable by USB battery, line/headphones out and you simply will not believe how great it sounds. Oh, and if you get it, make sure you go onto the app and buy the HENDRIX PACK for some of Jimi's classic rigs and settings! You just won't believe how big such a small amp can sound! It also has a jamming feature that adds bass and drums to your chords, plus it can analyze a song streaming on Spotify or YouTube and create a chord chart for you if you need to quickly learn a song-unbelieveable! And it can function as a Bluetooth speaker for just playing music. Brilliant!"

It looks like Positive Grid also makes a 40 watt guitar/ bass amp. Might be worth checking out...

https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Amplifier-Electric-Acoustic/dp/B08HQCG79H

Its a great piece of gear and perfect for what I wanted.

My electric guitars and amps and all my gear is in my basement cave. However, there are times when I feel like playing to a dvd or whatever up in the family room in front of the tv. No way I am lugging an amp up there whenever I have the urge so I have tried using a pignose (Sorry, I hate them I dont care what Zappa did with one), and recently a fender mustang modelling amp I bought specifically for this purpose and is great for this. BUT, the problem always arises were my amp no matter how small gets in the way....like right now with xmas decorations everywhere - and I need to quickly moving the amp. The issue is that any amp near the couch gets plugged in behind the couch. I got sick of this and looked for other solutions. The Spark is re-chargeable via usb. I can pick it up and move it anywhere instantly and sits nicely on the coffee table...doesnt tip over or anything. Very small and very solid. It is not that loud but it does sound large and open and high quality. Surprisingly so. My only issue with it is that- no surprise- it sounds best with single coils. Humbuckers are a little much for the tiny speaker. Honestly, my telecaster sounds amazing for such a little practice amp. As for the software, I like it. I havent spent as much time exploring everything it can do because I dont really need to do all that, but from what I have tried -its great.

It even has a second channel that you can bluetooth your ipad to and using the spark software, have a jam along track in various styles....either pre-recorded or smart tracks that learn your pattern and create the backingloop sorta like a Trio pedal

20 or so years ago I had a Fender Amp Can that I bought for busking in NYC. Everyone was using them. Pretty loud, but just clear or distortion and very heavy with large batter and large speaker. This is light years ahead of that just not as loud

^^^^ Thanks for the info. I have one of these Yamaha THR5's and was looking for a newer small amp. I might have to buy myself a "stocking stuffer"!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671044345.jpg

I like those Yamahas and considered getting one. Heard them in the store and online. Just never pulled the trigger and saw the Spark and impulse purchased after watching a few demo videos. You might be fine with the Yamaha unless you want the extra software and are just curious or want a new guitar related toy :D

Those are awesome- congrats! Did you prefer a little less bling than the D-45 or the different finish on the neck?

the price difference is the only reason why I would not have gotten the D-45.

I think I would have preferred the finish on the neck of the D-45 but the 41 is fine. I was however expecting the matt finish to be like my santa cruz matt finish...its not quite as smooth as the santa cruz...in another words, the way Martin is doing it you can feel a little of the wood grain. Doesn't bother me but not really my preference

I have both a Spark, and a Yamaha THR5s... And I'm about to pull the trigger on either a Bugera V5 or T5 Infinium.. Still jonesing for a vintage Mesa-Boogie

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671124121.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671124121.jpg

Went out to https://www.prestigeguitars.com/ for a private tour of their new Custom Shop. Have known Mike at Prestige for a little over a year since I had my Koa Eclipse built. I have used them to set up quite a few of my guitars in the last year. Most recently had them install a Fishman Elipse Matrix Blend pickup in my Guild 12 string. Always a pleasure to meet business peers from different industries and learn and share passion.

At any rate, picked up this amazing Cocobolo/Lutz Spruce Master Class. (1 of 2 in this combination they produced this year) Same body shape as my Prestige KOA which I love. It has the addition of the Paduk armrest to go with the cutaway soft Paduk feature of the KOA.

Great people, great operation, totally dedicated to quality and the experience. They have a tone wood divison that sells a lot of tone woods (as well as fret board, neck stocks etc) to the likes of Gibson, Fender and many other major manufacturers.

Cocobolo is much like KOA in that each piece of wood has a unique color and characteristics. My guitar is even more stunning than the one in stock photos. I played it on thursday, and should have it arrive at may shop (needed final set up) on Monday or Tuesday..... I can post pics of the actual one once it arrives...



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671257819.png

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671257836.png


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671257871.jpg

Fortunate we have the Likes of Prestige and Morgan in our back yard. Larivee was here but, long story, moved to California. Went from 100 employees here to 6 down there. They also make amazing instruments.

If you are heading to a major guitar show in your area, check to see if Prestige has a booth. Drop in, say hi, play a couple guitars.

Cheers

Davesguitar.com has a ton of Eastman guitars as well as every other brand. Custom shop fenders and Gibson. PRS Brazilians et. Also one of the coolest vintage displays/collections. Great web site used stuff too.

Epiphone was acquired by Gibson in 1957 so Gibson could suppress the competition. In 1963, Epi made the Excellente, which was top-of-the-line over both brands. Not a sales success, only 139 were made between 1963-1969. Loretta Lynn famously had one.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1671391518.jpg

https://www.vintageguitar.com/20489/the-epiphone-excellente/


Nowadays, Epiphone is making some nice guitars in Indonesia (as well as in Bozeman) and resurrected the Excellente in a Masterbilt edition to strong reviews. I grabbed one a few weeks ago and it has a loud voice, very different in character to my others. It's very heavy and well made- I'm quite pleased with it.

Here is a concert a couple weeks back.
My daughter is the second performer.

Some pretty darned good players in this lineup. A nice range of “style” here from baroque to jazz.

Hope the link loads properly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGyLC-sY1UQ

Wow- very impressive! An interesting contrast with some of those unexpected dischordant notes- I liked it. Here's the embed from when your daughter started:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yGyLC-sY1UQ?start=937" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks so much for the kind comments Steve.
…and for embedding.

Brouwer is an awesome composer. Lots of character.
By the way - she’s a freshman undergrad. Eight of the performers are graduate students.
They are a great bunch of students/performers.

I know there’s a lot of rock n roll going on here - and this is a nice contrast.
Take a look at some guitarists (and many other popular musicians’) background. The classical training is never lost.

Enough rambling here. Hope you guys and gals enjoy.

NutmegCarrera,

Your daughter can play!

Cheers

Thank you Jeff.
It’s been really fun to watch the journey.
Currently I think she does 4-6 hours/day.
And classes etc on top of it.
Great department in a school where you would not expect to find that level of talent.

Hey, Dave's is in my home town. If you ever need someone to go with you and be the voice of reason, well, don't pick me. But I love going there.
Right now he has some '59 Les Paul reissues with some very fancy wood. Must resist.

Dave bought my E30 M3, he was going to add it to his collection of M cars, but he ended up selling it to buy another guitar.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EghYoyeJSQc" title="Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd Cover)- Live at Givatayim Theatre (+Tutorial & Tabs)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thats awesome. Talent is everywhere you least expect it.

But good for her puting that amount of effort in to perfecting the craft. Which she is clearly excelling... I love it.

My parents, both departed now, met teaching music in a music store in the early 1960's.... so it is in our family, from young ages...

I am drumer for 45 years, I am actually good at that. I am also a guitar "player" cough cough. Have a great collection of guitars and a studio drum set in our basement studio. Played Trumpet in high school in concert band while drumming for the stage band and all the stage musicals. My sister was more taleneted than I am, I work at it, she was a natural. But it was not her passion.

Your daughter clearly has a passion, and that is amazing.

Keep posting vids and notes about her progress. It is insperational to us average musicians....

Cheers

I took some days off here between the holidays. Use it or lose it.

I've spent way too much time on Twoodfrd's channel. At least an hour every day.
https://www.youtube.com/@twoodfrd

He repairs and rebuilds guitars. There something really satisfying hearing steel carving wood.

Has anyone taken a guitar building class? A guy I used to know from another Porsche forum started buying broken guitars on eBay. He'd take them apart and learn how they were built, and then started building his own. Not to sell, but just for friends and family.

I'd like to build an acoustic, but I'm thinking the one week or whatever classes skip over some of the stuff, an a longer class would be cost prohibitive.

I need some sort of parental control to prevent me from looking at Reverb....


https://images.reverb.com/image/uplo...h0ixt43gjg.jpg

Just bought another Marshall Silver Jubilee RI head last night - my fifth. I promise I will keep this one and knock it off with the flipping. Gonna have to sell a guitar to free up some funds and toy room space.

Anyone play or own an Eastman guitar? I just bought a new Eastman dreadnought DT30D. Double top and it is by far the best sounding guitar I have ever owned . Rosewood , herringbone, scalped braces . Just amazing . For half the price of a HD28.

Post some pics! ^^^^^

+1 on the Eastman pics.

How are you guys storing your guitars? I had some of the electrics in their cases, stuffed under the bed in the guest room, but I don't like that solution. My wife says I should hang them on the wall in the family room, but then I'd have to dust them if they weren't played that often. I don't want to get to this point.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1672552661.jpg

Storing Guitars
 

The 90 year old Hensel sits in a stand on a bookcase in the living room. It is tuned DADGAD and gets played about once/ week. The other three acoustics (nylon string, 12 string Framus I bought 50 years ago and the old Yamaha) live in their cases and will get played depending upon the songs in my head. The cheap Strat copy hasn't been out of its case in months, nor has the banjo.
Too many guitars for a half arsed player.

Best
Les

These Pre-War Guitars are interesting. They make top quality '30s-'40s style guitars that sound and look like the Martins and Gibsons of that era. Sought after and sound good. They offer 4 distress levels- this one is the second most severe, called "The Road Warrior." My birthday is coming up...


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGyFkKVeQDw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>