Parrothead
Footballguy
so posting porn is allowed now???
I'd buy them all, pick your favorite 2, then sell the rest..
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***OFFICIAL*** Guitar Guys Thread -- all axes, all the time (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Otis
- Start date
I'd buy them all, pick your favorite 2, then sell the rest..
Otis
Footballguy
Well, I went for it. Bought this P14, got him to knock a grand off the price, which was nice. It’s the same model and configuration that I bought and then sold 5 or 6 years ago and have regretted since. As much as I was curious to try something a little different, it’s the best guitar I ever played, so it was a solid and safe choice. One day if I really start playing consistently again I’m going to commission a guitar from them—Michael Millard is such an amazing builder, though he must be getting on in age now. Who knows how many more years he’ll be churning out 80 guitars a year. So I’m thinking I’ll do it sooner than later, kind of something I always wants to do anyway. I’ll splurge and get some really special Brazilian rosewood and all the fancy appointments, make it one of a kind.
Anyway, happy NGD to me! Of course the guitar is currently in London, so I’ll have to wait a little before actually playing it....
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DocHolliday
Footballguy
bigbottom
Footballguy
OC Zed
Footballguy
I went to my local Guitar Center over the weekend to try out some small tube amps. Specifically, I tried the Orange OR15, Marshall DSL5CR, and the Blackstar HT5R (all combos). I played through an Epiphone Les Paul which was the closest thing within reaching distance to the Les Paul Studio I have at home. All of the amps had pros and cons to them...
I liked the simplicity on the Orange controls... it wasn't hard to dial up some decent sounds and the headroom/bedroom settings allowed you to push the tubes without the volume from being overpowering. But the tone was only pretty good to me... the cleans didn't blow me away and I found myself wishing the gain was a big tighter - not necessarily more saturated, but just not as flabby (I can't describe it any other way, but I've always felt Orange amps to be like this going back to my preconceptions from the 90s). And, I found myself missing the reverb which means I'd have to go out and buy a pedal... that's another big negative since it's already a couple hundred bucks more than the others.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Marshall... the clean channel was OK (I had very minimal expectations) and the gain channel was also much better than I expected. The 5 watts were nice to really open up the tubes, but the gain still felt a bit tinny. I'm guessing that's the price you pay for only 5 watts.
I loved the gain channel on the Blackstar more than the other two... a range of 4 general distortion sounds to pan from and they all worked well for higher distortion sounds, but I'm skeptical I can get a really good bluesy overdriven tone (maybe I can, but I didn't get to spend enough time with it). The clean sounds were OK, but the lack of EQ for the cleans was a big turnoff for me. If I ended up buying one, I'd likely invest in an EQ pedal...
So, given that I'd likely be looking to supplement all of these amps with pedals, I started thinking maybe I should just get a small tube amp known for really good clean tones and investing in some high quality pedals to really shape the sound the way I want it... I didn't want to have to do down that road, but I'm starting to think this might be more fun and would allow me more options, particularly if I'm going to play with both a Les Paul and Strat.
So with that being said, I think I'm now going to consider the Fender Blues Jr., the Fender Pro Jr., and the Vox AC15. Anything else I should think about for small combo tube amps with good clean channels to use with pedals?
I liked the simplicity on the Orange controls... it wasn't hard to dial up some decent sounds and the headroom/bedroom settings allowed you to push the tubes without the volume from being overpowering. But the tone was only pretty good to me... the cleans didn't blow me away and I found myself wishing the gain was a big tighter - not necessarily more saturated, but just not as flabby (I can't describe it any other way, but I've always felt Orange amps to be like this going back to my preconceptions from the 90s). And, I found myself missing the reverb which means I'd have to go out and buy a pedal... that's another big negative since it's already a couple hundred bucks more than the others.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Marshall... the clean channel was OK (I had very minimal expectations) and the gain channel was also much better than I expected. The 5 watts were nice to really open up the tubes, but the gain still felt a bit tinny. I'm guessing that's the price you pay for only 5 watts.
I loved the gain channel on the Blackstar more than the other two... a range of 4 general distortion sounds to pan from and they all worked well for higher distortion sounds, but I'm skeptical I can get a really good bluesy overdriven tone (maybe I can, but I didn't get to spend enough time with it). The clean sounds were OK, but the lack of EQ for the cleans was a big turnoff for me. If I ended up buying one, I'd likely invest in an EQ pedal...
So, given that I'd likely be looking to supplement all of these amps with pedals, I started thinking maybe I should just get a small tube amp known for really good clean tones and investing in some high quality pedals to really shape the sound the way I want it... I didn't want to have to do down that road, but I'm starting to think this might be more fun and would allow me more options, particularly if I'm going to play with both a Les Paul and Strat.
So with that being said, I think I'm now going to consider the Fender Blues Jr., the Fender Pro Jr., and the Vox AC15. Anything else I should think about for small combo tube amps with good clean channels to use with pedals?
bigbottom
Footballguy
What is your budget? Given that you sound like you could be a perpetual tone chaser (I know a few), a Kemper may be the best option for unlimited options.
Check out this video: https://youtu.be/k6AwTp4ZUm0
For the Orange, did you try the Tiny Terror (or Dark Terror)? Gain may be a bit tighter for you. There’s still the reverb issue, however. It’s weird, I’ve been playing in a band for nearly a decade now and have never had a use for reverb. Life of a rhythm player I guess.
Check out this video: https://youtu.be/k6AwTp4ZUm0
For the Orange, did you try the Tiny Terror (or Dark Terror)? Gain may be a bit tighter for you. There’s still the reverb issue, however. It’s weird, I’ve been playing in a band for nearly a decade now and have never had a use for reverb. Life of a rhythm player I guess.
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OC Zed
Footballguy
Well, my insurance money goes up to $800, so I'd like to keep it around there or maybe up to $1,000. I've done a little research on the Kempers and the technology looks amazing, but it's beyond my budget and I've never had the patience to really delve into all of the nuances of the good modelers. I have a cheaper Line 6 that my girlfriend bought me a few years ago that I like, but I'm pretty much a preset flipper and not an endless tweaker on the modeling amps.bigbottom said:
I had a cool pedal setup in high school, but grew tired of it and ditched it for the early generation modelers (oof, mistake) and then just the straight guitar into amp setup w/no effects. I think I'm ready to delve back into the pedal scene... that kind of tweaking is a bit more tactile and easier for me to grasp than all of the endless digital stuff on the good modelers.
In re reverb, I didn't think I ever considered myself a fan until I didn't have the option for it. Then I missed it all of a sudden. I'm guessing you might not miss it as much because you're usually playing with others? That might be something more for playing in isolation, maybe?
OC Zed
Footballguy
The other wrinkle to all of this is that I'm having so much fun with my repaired/restored Mesa Boogie Studio 22+, that I might just add some pedals to that, ditch the new amp idea and roll the insurance money into the Strat I want. Then the question becomes, what Strat? Other than wanting a maple fretboard and three single coils, I'm really starting from scratch with Stratocasters. In terms of Strat sounds I like, David Gilmour, 70s Clapton, later Beatles and solo George Harrison, etc.
If it's a new one, I might enlarge my budget to about $1500 and go for something in the American Professional series. Any other suggestions?
If it's a new one, I might enlarge my budget to about $1500 and go for something in the American Professional series. Any other suggestions?
Otis
Footballguy
Otis
Footballguy
OC Zed
Footballguy
Gianni Verscotchie
Footballguy
kevzilla
Footballguy
I bought the original Telecoustic, with fiberglass back and sides, 17 years ago. It's a little tinny, like a Martin Backpacker, but I still have it. There are times when having no ear is beneficial.
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
bigbottom
Footballguy
You sound way more sophisticated than me on this stuff so I'm certain you're on the right track here. For others, however, I would note that while the Kemper can be incredibly complex, for most it is actually incredibly simple. You can purchase and load amazing patches onto the Kemper that provide tone that is virtually identical to that of countless vintage, boutique, and highly expensive amplifiers. Once there, you only tweak as you would on that amp itself (maybe a gain adjustment, or boosting the mids). The two main guitars in my band use Kempers and they hardly fiddle at all - they just jump from patch to patch. The Michael Britt patches are the ones that everyone raves about.
Regarding reverb, you are spot on. When I'm practicing amplified, I'm usually practicing with the band. In the mix, reverb is unnecessary for the guitar parts I play.
bigbottom
Footballguy
I'm trying to figure out a legitimate use for a guitar like that. I guess if you played regularly in a live setting and liked to use a lot of effect pedals with your guitar.
Otis
Footballguy
I think it’s exactly that. If you’re playing shows and don’t want to have to lug an acoustic around. Folks have been trying to simulate acoustics for a long time—when they first came out, I owned a Parker Fly. Very cool and playable guitar, but the acoustic setting didn’t truly sound acoustic. Sounds like Fendsr now claims they’ve nailed it. I’m skeptical; but if it works and sounds like a true acoustic mic’d Up, that’s pretty cool.
bigbottom
Footballguy
Ah, I see now, it's a combo electric and acoustic. When I first read the marketing piece, I thought it was just an acoustic in a telecaster body with the ability to reduce feedback when effects were applied. But I guess there's an electric pick-up as well.
I agree that an electric/acoustic combo guitar can be very useful. I know because I play one. In my band, I switch regularly between acoustic guitar and electric guitar parts and I never have to switch guitars. I'll be interested to hear the tone of this new Fender (though it looks like hell). Honestly, I can't imagine it topping my Tom Anderson (posted about it upthread), though at less than half the price, I can see the Fender being more accessible to casual players.
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bigbottom
Footballguy
Otis
Footballguy
The link I posted above to John Mayer screwing around on that amp is so great. Just a near half hour of him hanging out and playing and talking guitar stuff. He’s kind of a nut, but a damn good guitar playin nut. Made me even contemplate picking up an electric again!
Highly recommend folks watch it.
Highly recommend folks watch it.
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
Well, lord only knows if this band I'm trying out for will work out. But the upside is I'm playing every night and my chops are getting better.
Now if I could just master those 32nd note diminished arpeggios
Now if I could just master those 32nd note diminished arpeggios
Lehigh98
Footballguy
I have zero musical experience, don't play any instruments, can't read music, etc. I'd like to give it a try though. Would this be a reasonable starter guitar to buy and give it a shot?...
Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Fender Play Online Lessons, Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Anything else in that range that would be better for a beginner who has no idea about anything yet?
Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Fender Play Online Lessons, Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Anything else in that range that would be better for a beginner who has no idea about anything yet?
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Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
I opened your link which opened my Amazon app. As I was scrolling down I mistakenly hit the button for “Buy with 1 Click”. Immediately checked under my orders and sure enough it was finalized purchase. WTF. Such a stupid option. Who needs to order THAT fast??!! No confirmation or nothing. I obviously canceled but it’s annoying they offer that. I’m happy taking 2-3 clicks to finalize a purchase.
About that guitar... I know nothing about it but any cheap acoustic will do for a beginner. If you’re still playing and enjoying guitar in 6 months then upgrade.
Stupid Amazon 1 click!!
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AcerFC
Footballguy
I have this one and it is awesome. Everyone who plays it and has heard it can not believe it is so cheap. I actually got in on sale for 50. It does go one sale a lot. I love it and it has held up over a year. Buy with zero worries, learn and then upgrade. Download smartchord app to tune it up.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Rogue/RA-090-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar.gc
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
OC Zed
Footballguy
I've mentioned that I've never been a huge fan of Marshalls, but the newly announced small watt versions of the JCM 800 and JMP 1959SLP sound very intriguing.
https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/namm-2019-marshall-introduces-new-studio-series-amps/
https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/namm-2019-marshall-introduces-new-studio-series-amps/
bigbottom
Footballguy
The whole industry is going small. In the venues I play, big heads and cabs are an endangered species. No one likes lugging that stuff around. When you’re going through a PA anyway, it’s much easier to mike up a small great sounding combo amp, which is better anyway as it reduces stage volume and creates isolation for a better front of house mix. Heck, the technology is getting so good that more and more artists are just going direct to PA.
Gianni Verscotchie
Footballguy
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
UncleZen
Footballguy
I always recommend getting a cheap electric guitar for beginners. It's a lot easier to play than an acoustic, especially a cheap acoustic. Your fingers will hurt no matter which way you go, but hurt a lot less on an electric.
Reaper
Footballguy
I just upgraded my Bass Rig to a Markbass combo...... WOW.... So light and it blows away anything I ever had before. You can also get another one and chain them..
Loving the light equipment...... Now I'm just jonesing for a top of the line budget buster bass and drool at the listings....
I want an all White Modulus like Gordo https://www.facebook.com/modulusguitars/photos/pcb.2229037057108834/2229027497109790/?type=3&theater
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
I always recommend the opposite. Learn on acoustic because it’s physically harder to play acoustic and as you said your fingers will hurt either way. Train them to be acoustic tough in the beginning then you can easily transition to electric. Whereas the inverse is not true.
UncleZen
Footballguy
Unless they give up in the process because of its difficulty. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a rock star so my parents bought me a $75 acoustic. I played it for about 2 weeks before I gave it up. Many years later, I had a friend who let me start noodling around on his electric and I was hooked. I have had few students that have related the same story to me through the years.
bigbottom
Footballguy
bigbottom
Footballguy
Yeah, that used to be my approach, but I’ve come around. Quit rate for beginning guitarists is pretty high across the board, but it’s undoubtedly higher for those who start off with acoustic. And the likelihood that someone becomes proficient on the electric but can’t transition to acoustic because they lack finger strength is pretty rare (I’m not aware of it happening to anyone I know).
That said, if you’re going to start on an acoustic, one alternative to consider is starting with a nylon string guitar.
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
So I bought another Gibson Advanced Jumbo Saturday evening off reverb. I already have a 2002 that hass been my primary player since 2003. The Advanced Jumbo model is my favorite acoustic guitar of all time. All my new songs are written while my guitar is dropped a full step. And a lot of my earlier songs in standard. Then I also have a bunch in open tuning. So I’m justifying the purchase in that I don’t want to be constantly tuning during live performances. Makes sense, right dear?!
Anyways, this AJ is a bit “fancier” in that it has the red spruce (Adirondack) top and the braces were hand carved by Gibson’s famed luthier Ren Ferguson. I have no idea if these upgrades will affect the tone in a positive way. AJs are very consistent. I bought online and it arrives Wednesday (tomorrow). I’m pretty damn pumped though! Also, my already owned AJ is a natural top and this one is a sunburst so at least it will look a little different!
Here’s the reverb link to my new guy:
2005 Custom Gibson Advanced Jumbo Adirondack Top, Rosewood B/S and Certificate of Authenticity
Anyways, this AJ is a bit “fancier” in that it has the red spruce (Adirondack) top and the braces were hand carved by Gibson’s famed luthier Ren Ferguson. I have no idea if these upgrades will affect the tone in a positive way. AJs are very consistent. I bought online and it arrives Wednesday (tomorrow). I’m pretty damn pumped though! Also, my already owned AJ is a natural top and this one is a sunburst so at least it will look a little different!
Here’s the reverb link to my new guy:
2005 Custom Gibson Advanced Jumbo Adirondack Top, Rosewood B/S and Certificate of Authenticity
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Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
I’m telling you, best acoustic guitar tone I’ve ever heard. Have you ever played an AJ? If not, you should!! They’re incredible guitars and very consistent. The ones with a maple back aren’t as good.
Lehigh98
Footballguy
Snow day here although not snowing yet. Finally started playing around with the guitars. I grabbed the acoustic, older son (12) grabbed the electric, and younger son (10) grabbed a kids acoustic that's been laying around here for a couple years (not sure when, how, why we have it). Watched the first couple videos from Justin Guitar and kids were getting a little bored after guitar anatomy, how to hold pick, etc so we skipped to first chord D. Ok, played around with that a bit and then went to A. Had to take a break after A. Kids (and me) were getting frustrated and we had be playing around for about 30 mins. I just can't cram all my fingers into the 2nd fret for A, let alone get them in there without touching some other strings. Any tips for finger yoga to make this work and squeeze them all in there?
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
I’ve always barred my A chord. Use your index finger so as you improve you can do hammer ons with middle and ring fingers.
Otis
Footballguy
bigbottom
Footballguy
jdoggydogg
Footballguy
Plus, when you barre A major, you have the option of hitting that high A with your pinky.
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
Rhythmdoctor
Footballguy
Thanks! Guitar arrived 8 days late but luckily arrived unharmed. It sounds fantastic just like every other AJ I’ve played. Best acoustic guitar tone hands down.
AcerFC
Footballguy
From what I remember, Justin does the A in an odd way. I would either bar like a lot of the guys have been saying. Or use finger 1 on the D, finger 2 on the G and finger 3 on the B
Barring will take some time. While that might be a final destination, your fingers need to build up to that imo
E Street Brat
Footballguy
I generally play an A with my 2,3,4 fingers for a clean sound.
I'll barre it with my index if I'm going for a mute.
bigbottom
Footballguy
Yeah, I learned the “sandwich” technique - middle finger on the D, index finger on the G, ring finger on the B. This allows you to utilize your pointer finger as an anchor as you move between the D, A and E chords because your index finger never leaves the G string. Makes for much more fluid transitions.
