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Raph
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Reply #910 on: April 14, 2008, 08:53:32 AM

Quote from: Stray
Well it sounds like you're having fun, trainwreck or not. I don't think you mentioned before that you finally settled on a keyboard (or did you?).. P70 eh?

Yeah, with some venturing into the world of VSTs. The interface on the P70 is terrible for doing anything complex (basically, hold down buttons and press actual keys on the keyboard, while referring to the manual), but it had by far the best keybed of anything I tried -- crushed the M-Audio stuff. But it's not got aftertouch or mod wheels or anything, since it is aimed more at a digital piano. But it sounds really good played by itself. I've been playing it that way for enjoyment, and then for recording I usually run it into VSTs.

Quote
I must re-mention Seagull. Have you played any of them? Check em out, if you can. You're a discerning acoustic player. I'd like to know anyone else's opinions.

I have played Seagulls in stores. They are not bad little guitars. Have made a name for themselves as one of the best choices in an affordable acoustic.

I liked some parts of your trainwreck, Raph. Not sure why you jumbled all that together like that, though  ACK! The piano in particular I enjoyed because there a bajillion blues guitarists around, but not many good blues pianists.

I am NOT a good blues pianist. I am horribly out of practice on piano. I just happen to have this one thing I can still do in F. So I transposed the keyboard so I could play it in F and hear it in the key of E. :)

Far as jumbling it all together -- I was just having fun recording jams one on top of another.  Oh ho ho ho. Reallllly? Plus, setting the pace at 200bpm was not conducive to clean playing. And man, the tone of the second guitar part is awful. :P

Maybe this week I'll do "Polliwog Minus Warts" and try to do it up for real.

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I do hate fake drums, though.

Technically, they are real drums, just in loops.

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Totally jealous you toured Taylor.

Second time I have toured there, actually. Last time was several years ago though. They do tours at 1pm every weekday, just be in the lobby at the right time.

I LOVE Taylor's ES pickup system. It is just amazing. But I have to admit, I have not yet fallen in love with a given Taylor guitar. If I did, I suspect I would suddenly and magically have a multi-thousand dollar hole in my wallet.
Sky
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Reply #911 on: April 14, 2008, 09:06:38 AM

Quote
Technically, they are real drums, just in loops.
awesome, for real
Quote
Plus, setting the pace at 200bpm was not conducive to clean playing.
Eh, fast boogie goes about that fast. Snot about being clean. Sbout jammin.

I do prefer a real slow burn, though. Was playing a real nice slow minor thing for the fiancee this weekend I wish I had recorded. Haven't recorded shit lately. Lost my focus and been dicking around with a bunch of styles. I did come up with a cool idea for a strummy country version of Can't Be Satisfied, though. I was working on an idea of making the melody line of the slide guitar walk through the middle of simple open chords. Needs work but I like the idea, simple but with some clever bits hidden away.
stray
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Reply #912 on: April 14, 2008, 10:38:38 AM

Here's a habit you should learn: I keep a little memo recorder by me when I jam. If I come up with something good, I press record and repeat. 90% of the stuff I call "recordings" are in this form -- waiting to be looked at later.

As for really good acoustics: Collings. Built in Austin. Good shit. Wish I had the cash.
sidereal
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Reply #913 on: April 17, 2008, 07:58:27 PM

Just picked up a Seagull Performer for DADGAD work.  Very pleased.

THIS IS THE MOST I HAVE EVERY WANTED TO GET IN TO A BETA
stray
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Reply #914 on: April 17, 2008, 08:23:38 PM

What made you decide on one? Kind of weird that you mentioned it, since I've been looking for more opinions on Seagulls in this thread.
sidereal
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Reply #915 on: April 17, 2008, 09:02:14 PM

Neat.  I hadn't read the whole thread.

I wanted a deadnought Acoustic/Electric that had good, heavy mid and low tone in dropped D and DADGAD for Celtic, blues, and bluegrass accompaniment.  I've found quite a few guitars can detune a little or get muddy on the higher frets when they're downtuned even a little.  I played quite a few and found the Seagulls had great sound for the money, especially when plugged in.  Everyone online says the electronics are top notch, and the pickup/internal mic combo lets you switch back and forth from solo fingerpicking to strumming.  It came down to a Performer or a Maritime, and the Performer was on sale, so that's that.  If I wanted to spend more, I might have gone with a Takamine, but this is a great guitar. 

THIS IS THE MOST I HAVE EVERY WANTED TO GET IN TO A BETA
stray
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Reply #916 on: April 17, 2008, 09:19:40 PM

I can't say that I've played really expensive Takamines, just a couple of midrange ones (and own one as well). A Seagull at the same price is just SO much better to my ears, so I believe you've made the right choice. I need to get one myself. I hate my Takamine, to be honest.
Sky
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Reply #917 on: April 18, 2008, 05:56:33 AM

I'm starting to hate my Alvarez jumbo. The SG and Baby Taylor spoil me. My fiancee doesn't understand, she's attached to the Alvarez because I bought it just after we started dating. I should've planned ahead and bought a nylon Taylor when I proposed to her  DRILLING AND MANLINESS
Engels
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Reply #918 on: May 02, 2008, 10:43:42 PM


I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

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Raph
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Reply #919 on: May 12, 2008, 07:59:29 AM

Abagadro
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Reply #920 on: June 07, 2008, 11:55:54 PM

Best. Guitar. Ever.


"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”

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Amarr HM
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Reply #921 on: June 10, 2008, 12:48:18 AM

The older takamines were pretty awesome so if you can pick up a second hand one that was made in the 80s you will be happy a lot of the mid range ones now are extremely mass produced. Still not bad though owned a g-series for a while had a really nice soound out of it but it wasn't a nice guitar to play.

I'm looking to buy a firewire soundcard for recording purposes anyone have suggestions? I'll be using ableton live most likely. Don't need a lot of inputs but more than one would be nice.

I'm going to escape, come back, wipe this place off the face of the Earth, obliterate it and you with it.
Phildo
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Reply #922 on: June 10, 2008, 09:45:48 AM

Not sure about soundcards specifically, but I've always liked Presonus.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--PRSFSPROJECT


Edit: This appears to be awesome as well.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2008, 09:47:47 AM by Phildo »
Amarr HM
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Reply #923 on: June 10, 2008, 10:43:57 AM

That MOTU one looks pretty slick, but I forgot to mention my budget is probably only about $300-$350 :S

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stray
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Reply #924 on: June 10, 2008, 04:23:04 PM

The older takamines were pretty awesome so if you can pick up a second hand one that was made in the 80s you will be happy a lot of the mid range ones now are extremely mass produced. Still not bad though owned a g-series for a while had a really nice soound out of it but it wasn't a nice guitar to play.

I'm looking to buy a firewire soundcard for recording purposes anyone have suggestions? I'll be using ableton live most likely. Don't need a lot of inputs but more than one would be nice.

Mine's a g-series as well... It has a tolerable sound in recording, I guess, but not from my playing perspective. If that makes sense. But yeah, it plays like shit. Err, or maybe it plays like shit because I can't enjoy the sound when I play. Hah!
Selby
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Reply #925 on: June 10, 2008, 05:47:00 PM

All I have to say is that I just tuned a guitar to C the other night to learn to play Arch Enemy and... man.  Damn that is pretty low.  Makes the guitar sound downright sinister.

Maybe one of you who actually KNOW your guitar tech can help me.  I was given this new lower end Ibanez and it has a funny buzz\vibration when I strike the G string (4th one from the lowest, 3rd highest).  It almost sounds like something rattling\vibrating.  It drives me nuts not playing with an amp turned up to drown it out.  Unfortunately I have no clue as to how to go about getting rid of this noise.  Any geniuses out there who can at least point me in the correct direction?
Amarr HM
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Reply #926 on: June 11, 2008, 04:08:49 AM

There is a few ways you can do it check inside the hole look towards the neck and there should be a small tunnel for adjusting your neck shape with an alan/hex key. Now be very careful with this you can snap your neck if you overdo it but basically your neck could be too straight right now. To increase the bow of you neck it's counterclockwise I believe. An easier & potentially less damaging solution could be to merely fit heavier gauge strings for playing in open tunings you should essentially have really thick strings and hands like dumptrucks. Final way is a good guitar tech but they can cost.

I'm going to escape, come back, wipe this place off the face of the Earth, obliterate it and you with it.
Amarr HM
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Reply #927 on: June 11, 2008, 04:14:18 AM

Here's a decent vid on how to adjust your truss rod/neck.

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/5024_neck-guitar-acoustic.htm

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penfold
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Reply #928 on: June 11, 2008, 10:51:57 AM

It's buzzing in standard tuning too right? Adjusting the truss rod would be a brave act for a beginner. I'd see a tech myself.

I'm off to the London International Music Show this weekend. Looking forward to seeing Paul Gilbert and Yngwie "You've unleashed the fucking fury" Malsteem, but the exhibitor list doesn't seem to include any major manufacturers at all. Last year they at least had Gibson, Ibanez and Dean.

It's different this year too, this time they have the bass, drum and classical instrument shows on at the same time. I'm looking forward to trying out a whole bunch of instruments I've never played before.

Selby
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Reply #929 on: June 11, 2008, 05:50:55 PM

It's buzzing in standard tuning too right? Adjusting the truss rod would be a brave act for a beginner. I'd see a tech myself.
Sure is.  Buzzes regardless of tuning, and only on that one string and none of the others.  Buzzing doesn't get any worse in lower tuning either apparently (or at least not that I noticed).  I don't think the truss rod needs adjusting, the neck is decently straight.  I'd still not adjust it myself ;-)
Raph
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Reply #930 on: June 11, 2008, 09:12:03 PM

I second the tech notion.

Does it only buzz when plucked open, or does it buzz when fretted, and at which frets?

If one string buzzes, it is entirely possible that other strings will as well, when fretted elsewhere. I have played guitars that only buzzed when fretted at the 9th fret, for example.
Selby
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Reply #931 on: June 12, 2008, 04:57:49 AM

Does it only buzz when plucked open, or does it buzz when fretted, and at which frets?
Seems to buzz everywhere.  Open, fretted (from 1-~17), etc.  I've run up and down a bit with the other 5 strings and haven't found any places where they buzz, but that doesn't mean they won't...
Sky
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Reply #932 on: June 16, 2008, 06:02:49 AM

Check the saddle height and also take the string off and inspect the nut slot. Either might be low.

A truss problem would probably affect more than one string, a fret problem might only affect one string, but probably not the entire run.

My alvarez acoustic has an awful fretting problem during the winter months, keep meaning to fix that. I'd really rather buy a new acoustic than spend the money on a tech, though  awesome, for real
Raph
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Reply #933 on: June 16, 2008, 08:44:11 PM

Took my daughter to a tiny little folk fest held in a local town park. We checked out the Irish fiddling, the craft booths. etc. Then we wandered over to the Open Mike tent, and sat to listen. Some decent performers, but honestly I am probably as good or better. Then they run out of performers, and the emcee starts literally picking people from the audience and putting them on stage. So I did a four-song set and doubled their audience size, with my daughter singing backing vocals. ;)
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Reply #934 on: June 16, 2008, 08:47:50 PM

Cool beans, man.  smiley
penfold
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Reply #935 on: June 18, 2008, 10:58:30 AM

The Guitar Show was fun. We got there in time for Paul Gilbert, but the stage was running late so we caught a jam session with Billy Sheehan and Guthrie Govan. Sheehan is really amazing, I've never heard anything like it. I'll forgive him for being OT III, lol. Govan is actually a fellow Essex dweller, and really talented although most of his music is not to my style.

Paul's set was marred by the crew f*cking up his backing tracks, so he just improvised with a few Hendrix songs. Once working he played a couple of fast tunes from his new album, Scarified from his Racer X days and a slower melodic one.

The show itself was ok, I spent most time playing around with different accoustics, there was a hall specialising in accoustic instruments of all sorts. Played most of the big name brands, Taylor, Larrivee, Tanglewood but also ones from UK and European luthiers. My favourite was a cutaway by Patrick James Eggle (7000 USD + !). I also got to play some Spanish guitars, basses, a mandolin, banjo, uke, some lute thing, a cello, lots of Korg synths and pianos, and meet Jim Marshall, who although very old and wheelchair bound, was signing and doing a meet and greet all afternoon. My friends dad met Rick Squire from Yes, and he was over the moon. 

On the way out we caught Yngwie finshing with Far Beyond The Sun, and he always does a great performance of that.



FatuousTwat
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Reply #936 on: June 30, 2008, 06:13:09 PM

Sorry for the necro.

My birthday was on Sunday, and my parents decided to buy me a guitar. I've been interested in learning for quite a long time, but never really had the balls to go and pick one up.

The problem is, I really have no idea how to choose one. What I should buy along with it? Does anyone know of a good program for learning? I would go for private lessons, but I'm broke.

I'm leaning towards a nylon-string, maybe a Yamaha C40? I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Please mention anything I'm forgetting about.

Thanks.

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
Sky
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Reply #937 on: July 01, 2008, 06:21:57 AM

Why a nylon string? I love them, but they're spaced wider and tough for beginners, even if most schools use them...

I'd say the first thing is the kind of music you intend to play. That will help you figure out the style of guitar, nylons are basically classical and flamenco primarily but Willie Nelson plays one, also.

Secondly, it would really help if you had a guitar-playing friend to help you shop. You definitely need to hit guitar shops, but as a novice, you won't know what to look for and haven't developed a feel for what kind of neck you like.

Thirdly, don't spend a lot of money until you know if you'll stick with it. A few years learning the basics on a cheapo and you will be ready to move up to a mid-range instrument and know what to look for in one.

For instruction, I really like the CAGED method to learn the fretboard. I use this book. You can search on amazon for "fretboard logic", they also have dvds and a big combo box with everything. But the one I linked is the first two books and cheap.

There isn't anything on how to actually play, it's just learning where the chords are and how to find your way around. So you'll need a book or three more specific to the style you want to play. Something like this or this. Guitar for Dummies is also a good general starter.
FatuousTwat
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Reply #938 on: July 01, 2008, 10:47:31 AM

Classical is what I am most interested in, that's why I was contemplating a nylon string. Nothing is really set in stone though, if you think that it's a bad choice for a first guitar, I'll think about something else.

I have a friend who owns a guitar, but he doesn't play it much. He plays trombone mainly, I think he just wanted to try something different.

I figured that about $200 bucks was the max I wanted to pay for... Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks for the reply! I'm gonna check those books out.

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
Sky
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Reply #939 on: July 01, 2008, 11:17:28 AM

That would probably be a great beginning guitar, then. Don't sweat the blues book links I gave you, that was just examples. But the CAGED method can benefit all guitar players, I love it. Helped me break my mental block on playing all over the neck, though that's something I'm still working through 20 years into my playing :)

It's hard for me to recommend classical guitar books for beginners, Raph will yell at me for recommending advanced stuff :) You can check out the Berklee method books (amazon, search for berklee guitar), that is good for learning positions and notation (I prefer tablature, the true guitar notation). I have a couple nice books that are 'easy' classical, but they aren't very instructive. You probably want to get a couple of each, the CAGED and Berklee stuff for mechanics and a couple of easy songbooks (which is a misnomer).

The 'easy' book I'm working through now is filled with some great stuff, but it doesn't really do any chord charts or anything. I also have a nice book of Bach Inventions that I don't see at amazon, for guitar duet.
Selby
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Reply #940 on: July 01, 2008, 06:53:36 PM

I figured that about $200 bucks was the max I wanted to pay for... Does that sound reasonable?
I paid $65 for my first one 12 years ago.  Best investment I ever made.  I didn't even own a second guitar or amp until 18 months ago and I still mainly play the el-cheap-o because I love the way it plays (and haven't found another guitar that I like as much).

I'd say the first thing is the kind of music you intend to play. That will help you figure out the style of guitar, nylons are basically classical and flamenco primarily but Willie Nelson plays one, also.
Very important.  Everyone has their favorite guitar styles.  Where I grew up, Garth Brooks and country music was huge, so that was the guitar everyone said to get (one those bigger acoustic styles, whatever he was playing), "a Gibson" at $2500, or some other guitar they liked and you weren't cool or a real musician unless you had the good stuff.  I knew what music I wanted to play, so I saw what the artists I liked were playing (most list in the album info) or what the local live musicians I liked were doing and took notes.

Secondly, it would really help if you had a guitar-playing friend to help you shop. You definitely need to hit guitar shops, but as a novice, you won't know what to look for and haven't developed a feel for what kind of neck you like.
Also very important.  Nothing can drive a beginner further away than a "comic book guy" music shop (what I had to work with).  A guy who talks down to you and refuses to sell you things or let you try out various guitars?  Keep walking.  Not to mention when you see 30 guitars hanging on the rack and have no idea what to look for besides price, it can be daunting (especially with guys who have been doing this for 35-40 years and seem intimidating).

Thirdly, don't spend a lot of money until you know if you'll stick with it. A few years learning the basics on a cheapo and you will be ready to move up to a mid-range instrument and know what to look for in one.
I quoted this one just because it is so true it bears repeating.  Don't invest any serious money until you know you are going to stick with it or just have tons of cash to blow on a setup that will collect dust.  Like I said earlier, my $65 guitar was all I had for 10 years since I didn't have the money or time to get serious about playing that would require taking it to the next level.
Sky
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Reply #941 on: July 02, 2008, 05:55:49 AM

Since I was playing bass with my band in the last several years, I had sold off my guitars and the last one was stolen. So when I started getting back into it, all I had was my girlfriend's El Cheapo Cort that was all kinds of jacked up. When we split, she let me keep it. When I got serious about playing again, that was what I worked my chops on, I ended up playing it for about six years. I told myself that if I got my chops back to a decent level, I'd buy myself the best guitar in the local shop. It was nice, because by the time I had the nice guitar, I could do justice to owning it and actually appreciate the quality of the instrument. It's still and utter joy to play, I've had it a couple years and it makes me smile every time I pick it up.

A few years on a starter guitar and you can do like I did, just go to the shop, tell them you are going to buy a guitar that day if you find one you like. Then play every single guitar in the shop. I've told the story earlier in this thread, but I went in thinking I was going to buy a Fender Strat, most of my idols play them. I walked out with the Gibson SG 61 reissue because it's the perfect guitar for me.

I'm still kicking myself in the ass for not buying the limited edition they had out a year or two ago. Same exact guitar as mine, black with gold hardware (and made in USA, baby). Maybe I'll get this in white if I ever have money again (broke due to updating my new house).
climbjtree
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Reply #942 on: July 02, 2008, 06:44:44 AM

So I stumbled across this in one of my music folders today. It's a recording of me playing the Indiana Jones theme on a ukulele. The quality is shabby and it's only a few seconds long because it was recorded on a cell phone.

http://www.supload.com/sound_confirm.php?get=481332882.wav
Sky
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Reply #943 on: July 02, 2008, 07:25:41 AM

Heh, that's cool! I almost busted out the recorder last night, I got hooked on singing Big Bad Bill driving home last night. I have the Van Halen version burned into my psyche but the version I listed to these days is Leon Redbone's, he's so amazing. I can't quite go low enough to do his version justice, so I slipped into a Tom Waits style for it and had a lot of fun. But I was too lazy to boot up the pc and find the chords for it.

Ended up playing some Purple Haze instead, I don't get enough time with the SG these days. I'm mostly playing my Alvarez over at the new house. I'm working on three pieces from the book I linked earlier: a 16th century jig, an 18th century classical piece and a flamenco style piece that I can't play to speed on the alvarez because the strings are too close together - there's a single note triplet in the main melody. I can physically play it thanks to my bass experience, but need a nylon stringer to do it.
climbjtree
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Reply #944 on: July 02, 2008, 11:36:06 AM

Thanks man, I wish I had a good way to record my stuff. What I'd really like is an acoustic electric tenor. I recently found an 8 string A/E tenor on musician's friend, but I've no experience with buying instruments online. I do want one though.

Here's a guy playing a crappy one, but he manages to get some good sound out of it.
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