A GUITAR CHAT thread

[ramonesfreak]

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

[Jeff Alton]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

My bad. J.P. Cormier is a big fan of Boucher guitars, which are built in Canada. I don't know much about them. I think the only seller in the US is in San Diego. Are you familiar with them, Jeff?

https://boucherguitars.com/

Bourgeois are outstanding boutique guitars like the others I had mentioned.

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

Cheers

[Jeff Alton]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

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

Thinking about doing the same...

[ramonesfreak]

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/

[Steve Carlton]

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/

[Steve Carlton]

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/

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

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/

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/

[Jeff Alton]

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

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by craigster59

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/

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

[ramonesfreak]

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.

[ramonesfreak]

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

[IROC]

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. 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.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

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

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!"

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by IROC

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. 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.

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

[ramonesfreak]

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

Originally Posted by craigster59

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!"

[craigster59]

^^^^ 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"!

[ramonesfreak]

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

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

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.

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

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

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

[TimT]

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