Social distancing..

[roadscholar]

I'm not that affected because I've been practicing it for years anyway : ) But in addition to getting out and riding your motorcycle it's a good time to do something productive like learn to play a musical instrument or practice one you already know.

 

Before this all started a buddy that plays took my old Gibson J50 to his guitar tech for a freshening and I'm starting to play it again after a 20 some year hiatus. It's not as easy getting it back as I thought it would be but still rewarding although a little painful on the old fingers till the callouses come back. The guitar sounds as good as ever and one nice side benefit is they told me it's worth about 20 times what I paid for it used in 1967 : )  But, there are plenty of great guitars and other instruments on Craigslist or in music stores that aren't expensive, just try to get something good, it'll make all the difference.

 

 

What made me think of this is I had a buddy that was stationed in Antarctica for two years in the 60's that taught himself banjo and practiced 6 hours every day. I used to back him up at WNC square dances in the late 60's, he was almost as good as Earl Scruggs and played most of his stuff and a lot of his own. So maybe give it a shot you never know, at least it won't be time wasted. Think about it, there was a time when all these guys didn't know how until they started. Which reminds me, in the mid 70's a few of us went to the Aspen Inn one night to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the opening act was this local dude that sat on a stool, told jokes, strummed a banjo, and wore a fake arrow through his head, nobody had ever heard of him : )

 

 

  

[Whip]

Very cool

[TEWKS]

Wow, I never knew “The Jerk” played banjo!    Good luck getting reacquainted with it Bill! 

[Rinkydink]

Wouldn’t you know it I have done the same. My fingertips are numb as we speak. I’ve been playing mostly bass for the past 20+ years but broke out the Taylor just for fun. Beautiful J50 by the way. 

[szurszewski]

1 hour ago, TEWKS said:

Wow, I never knew “The Jerk” played banjo!    Good luck getting reacquainted with it Bill! 

 

 

Not only does he play, but he tours! Laura wanted to get us tickets to see him in Nashville a couple few years back, but even the cheap seats were beyond our budget!

[Rinkydink]

A few of my prized instruments acquired over the years...
‘74 Goldtop Les Paul

Carvin LB5 bass

 

 

 

 

[taylor1]

Since we’re goin there. A Taylor for a Taylor

[roadscholar]

8 hours ago, Rinkydink said:

A few of my prized instruments acquired over the years...
‘74 Goldtop Les Paul

 

 

 

 

Wow, now that is cool! I just missed a Goldtop reissue on CL a few months ago dammit, couldn't even get a fake one : ) I had a nice old Epiphone electric I left at a guy's house about 10 years ago that mysteriously disappeared and an SG standard I voluntarily left at a buddy's studio in the late 70's, I'd gotten other interests and  knew they'd get more use out of it than me (Bob Greenlee (RIP), Rootboy Slim (RIP), and the Sex Change Band, they actually weren't half bad : ) 

[Rinkydink]

I used to play (bass) professionally and picked them up over the years. I have more and guitar wise I don’t do them justice. This is my handmade Q bass by local luthier Tim Quetermous (Pictured-RIP) Everything is crafted by hand except the bridge, tuners, electronics, and fret wire. Notice the ornate mother of pearl fret markers. 

 

 

 

[T.M. Roe]

This is fun, I didn't know we were going to look at Guitar Porn

 

Left to right.

1985 Fender E Series MIJ Contemporary Stratocaster HSS

1985 Fender E Series MIJ Jazz Bass Special

1985 Fender Redondo and as much as I wish it was MIJ, it's probably Korean (but I will always love it).

[Rougarou]

2 hours ago, TEWKS said:

Wow, I never knew “The Jerk” played banjo!    Good luck getting reacquainted with it Bill! 

 

Why yes, he does play......from my iTunes

 

[Rinkydink]

A few more 

‘64 Fender Precision Bass (with Cooper)

’04 Carvin Koa LB5 Bass

[roadscholar]

Somehow I had a feeling you'd been holding out on us..  

[Rinkydink]

11 minutes ago, roadscholar said:

I had a feeling you'd been holding out on us..  

Yes, but I have no cool cars....

[wbw6cos]

Ooooh, a guitar thread!   Thanks y'all!

 

[Rinkydink]

Ooh 12 strings....that’s 6 more. Nice Vox!

[roadscholar]

Dang, who knew? When this is all over maybe we can all get together and be like the Traveling Wilburys : )

[Rinkydink]

1 minute ago, roadscholar said:

Dang, who knew? When this is all over maybe we can get together and be the next Traveling Wilburys : )

I can sing as good as Bob Dylan, or better. 

[roadscholar]

4 minutes ago, Rinkydink said:

I can sing as good as Bob Dylan, or better. 

 

I saw him last year, that ain't sayin' much bud. 

[T.M. Roe]

I've also got a 1960 Hammond M3 in case the band needs one.

[Rinkydink]

6 minutes ago, roadscholar said:

 

I saw him last year, that ain't sayin' much bud. 

In my best Dylan nasal twang....Like a rolling stone, in my big brass bed. I can’t even listen to him. 

[Rinkydink]

Just now, T.M. Roe said:

I've also got a 1960 Hammond M3 in case the band needs one.

As long as I don’t have to help move it...👍

[roadscholar]

29 minutes ago, Rinkydink said:

As long as I don’t have to help move it...👍

 

Probly wouldn’t be hard to find a few good roadies around here.. 

[Rinkydink]

Les and Paul

 

[T.M. Roe]

4 minutes ago, Rinkydink said:

As long as I don’t have to help move it...👍

That (and $ ) is why I have a M3 instead of a B3.

I just wish I still had just some of the instruments that have passed thru these talent-less hands. Rhodes pianos, banjos, saxophones (Dad was a dues paying keyboard pro).

Funny now that I think of it I have never owned a drum kit, I had a nice set of Bongos, but never a drum kit. Maybe that's why I crave one so.

[roadscholar]

6 hours ago, T.M. Roe said:

That (and $ ) is why I have a M3 instead of a B3.

I just wish I still had just some of the instruments that have passed thru these talent-less hands. Rhodes pianos, banjos, saxophones (Dad was a dues paying keyboard pro).

Funny now that I think of it I have never owned a drum kit, I had a nice set of Bongos, but never a drum kit. Maybe that's why I crave one so.

 

My only claim to fame is I went to high school with Duane Allman, a buddy and I had a little band and used to listen to he and his brother practice in Geraldine’s living room (their Mother). We played at the pier once and were bad enough to not be asked back : ) 

 

Went to a party in Ormond Bch a few years ago and was talking to a guy that makes guitars now (Sylvan Wells) but played lead in a good band back then. He said there were seven good guitar players in Daytona then and Duane was number 7. Just goes to show practice and perserverence can pay off.

[Whip]

@Joel

[Jake]

Just my humble little Larrivee 00 'Hog off to my left.  Sure keeps me company at times like this.  I've been sitting here at my workstation for over a week -  and will for the next two weeks on a mandatory work from home arrangement.  Need this.

 

 

Got some new tunes lined up to work on.  Could never get through a whole song decently my entire undisciplined life except for this past year when I had enough of that nonsense.  Got the callouses under the callouses, got some Neil Young, Cat Stevens,  the Who (ok, Pete) and Stairway to Heaven in the fingers (why start small?) and now I'm going after Frampton, and Winwood next.

 

And no Mr. Roe, I will not learn Rumble.  I don't want to start a fracas around these parts.

 

If I may get in a plug, this site has made all the difference.  The guy, Andy, is unbelievable.

 

https://www.shutupandplay.ca/

 

Happy dinkin' around!

[T.M. Roe]

"And no Mr. Roe, I will not learn Rumble.  I don't want to start a fracas around these parts. "

 

Playing Rumble isn't about playing guitar, it's about rearranging the galactic order with the shear will of your soul.

[Joel]

Bill done started sumpin' now ...

 

So, you mentioned the second most despised instrument, after bagpipes, and I happen to have this specimen, a Deering Maple Blossom.

 

 

[Joel]

And while that resonates (see what I did there?), I picked up this National Tri-Cone a few years ago, to try to learn bottleneck blues.

 

 

[Joel]

Any man who can play at all should have a proper dreadnought. Martin DRS-GT.

 

[roadscholar]

Wow, we’re gettin close to the holy grail there Joel!

[Joel]

Sometimes I can't resist the urge to fix what ain't broke.  I am taking this Epi SG and overhauling it, to include a custom paint job based on the Gibson SG GTs.  The world doesn't need any more red SGs.  A high school friend paints cars for a living, and paints guitars for a hobby, so I'll be shipping this off to him in Garner, NC to do the paint.  It will have stingers on the back of the headstock, and at the heel. Unfortunately, it looks like those snazzy tailpieces aren't available in the aftermarket (unless you buy a GT).

 

 

[Joel]

My first project guitar didn't really need overhauling, but it got new electronics, with a treble-bleed circuit, blacked-out pickup covers, strap locks, a pick guard, and position markers on the fretboard.

 

Before:

 

 

I've never disassembled a motorcycle in the kitchen, but SWMBO tolerated this for a few days.

 

After:

Edited March 20, 2020 by Joel
Addition

[Rinkydink]

My buddy has an Epi SG and it plays better than his ‘54 Les Paul. Even with the tune-o-matic bridge it tunes up just fine. 

[Joel]

Got this Ovation nylon last summer, from a guy who had never even played it.  Suprisingly good OEM pickup for a relatively inexpensive instrument.

 

[roadscholar]

Yeah kinda wish I still had the old SG but I know it went to a good home.

[roadscholar]

Dang Joel looks like you’re gettin into Vince Gill territory there, ever see his collection?

 

 

[Joel]

OK, that's just about enough from me.  Here's my MVP, on the right, my American Standard Strat, and my only bass (so far), a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Precision (I upgraded the pickup, and added some bling).

 

 

My brother-in-law and nephew are enablers.  This was at their house a few Xmases ago, mixing my stuff with theirs:

 

 

I'm taking a timeout from acquiring more, figuring I should probably learn to play them quite a bit better than I do.

 

[Joel]

25 minutes ago, Rinkydink said:

My buddy has an Epi SG and it plays better than his ‘54 Les Paul. Even with the tune-o-matic bridge it tunes up just fine. 

I gotta say, I like the profile of the neck on my Epi SG more than any of my other instruments. If I had mad skilz, I might mill each of the others to try to match it. Definitely NOT a baseball bat.

[Joel]

24 minutes ago, roadscholar said:

Dang Joel looks like you’re gettin into Vince Gill territory there, ever see his collection?

Just a glimpse. He's way underrated as a player, IMO.  I confused the hell out of a girl once when I said "Go ahead and look at his face, I'm watching his hands."

[Joel]

BTW for anyone lurking here but considering purchasing an instrument, check out reverb.com.  It could simultaneously be one of the best and worst things you do.  Best because there it is music focused and there is a LOT of product available.  Worst because you can easily end up with a LOT of instruments. You really don't need to ask me how I know, do you?

[BamaJohn]

My guitar is a lovely thing.  Graceful of form and patiently waiting for someone to stroke her and release the beautiful sounds stored within.  But as I was picking her up yesterday, I overheard her muttering:  “oh no, here comes old fumble-fingers to abuse me again!”

 

[wbw6cos]

Nice

[Rougarou]

Here's what I play:

[KTM Doug]

In the early 60’s I was in a little band. Played sax but we needed a rhythm guitar so I bought a 64 Fender Jazzmaster. Boy do I wish I had that one back but the starter wife and I needed some bucks so it was sold. Lead guitar taught me about 4 chords as all I needed. Was lucky enough to play with a young drummer who became pretty famous playing in a very well known band.

 

I have a younger friend who plays, and is my adventure riding partner, so I decided to try to play again a few years ago. It is not going well with my hands and my left/right brain is not connecting. Same problem I now have with the piano. Anyway, I bought a few guitars. I call them artwork when the boss asks why I have so many when I can’t play them.

[wbw6cos]

@KTM Doug   Sweet!.  

 

It looks like you and @Joel are hoarders, but in a good way.   

[roadscholar]

Now that we've covered 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours'  (btw I'm impressed and somewhat surprised with all the beautiful and elegant musical instruments around here) let's talk about basic technique a little. Perusing the "Coping mechanisms" thread it occurred there are a few just trying to get started. I was lucky to start when I was about 10 on an old Martin f-hole tenor (still have it) then a couple years later moved to a six string. Being self taught and at the time having too small hands I learned some chords incorrectly (like using the thumb to cover the bass strings on F and B7 but later corrected some but not all of it). Then after watching Richie Havens or Jimi Hendrix I realized it wasn't that big of a deal after all although learning correct technique now will pay off later if you stick with it, those guys are the exceptions. And heck I learned a little about myself reading this article on Jimi being "mixed-right-handed" (not to be confused with being able to play like him). I do almost everything right-handed except write, shoot pool, and used to surf goofy-footed. Oh yeah, and having to push a motorcycle around from the opposite side of the center and side stands which was always a PITA.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/feb/25/jimi-hendrix-ambidexterity-virtuosity

 

Anyway learning guitar is pretty easy if you like music, and making 'some' music is the best way to stay interested and not get discouraged early on. I've never taken a lesson or watched a tutorial so don't really know how they go about it but I'd say just learn a few basic chords and strum the other end. If you lean toward rock or blues go with E, A, and B7, by far the most common progression, thousands of songs use those chords. Another is A, D, and E and in that order, all the old blues artists (and many rock bands that emulated them) used those two progressions. Crossroads, Hoochie Coochie Man, and many others started the revolution, even early Elvis is as basic as it gets. The Beatles introduced a level of complexity to mainstream pop using some minor and diminished chords so I wouldn't try starting off with their early stuff.  

 

If folk, bluegrass, or country is your thing use C, F. and G or D, C, and A, again so many songs use those chords it's almost infinite. Think Peter, Paul, and Mary, early Dylan, Hank Williams, Flat and Scruggs, the list is endless. And if you pick up the harmonica (easy to learn) and use a neck holder now you're a one man band (one of the coolest places to practice is a tile bathroom because it has great acoustics and you aren't annoying others quite as much : )  

 

So anyway get started, it's a great way to spend time alone if you already have a git-fiddle and if not maybe take a chance on Craigslist,  if for no other reason there should be some bargains popping up. And again, a good sounding and playing instrument (quality) can make all the difference in wanting to pick it up and play. Anyone else with any tips? I know some of you guys are actually good.

[wbw6cos]

If you turn up the stereo loud enough, you will feel like part of the band.  Rock on!  🤘