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Post by slasher on May 12, 2014 12:25:00 GMT
A pal of mine has a Larrivee OM sized guitar. Not sure of the exact model. It is spruce/mahogany is comfortable to play and souds lovely. Definitely a maker I would consider in the £800-£1800 price range.
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Post by slasher on May 9, 2014 11:15:30 GMT
I have seen Clive Gregson in various line-ups and always enjoy his performances especially his solo shows. Some years ago I thought I would like to try one or two of his songs but found them a little difficult for a "three chord folkie". So I emailed Clive to query if he had published a songbook. He replied that he had'nt and asked which songs I was interested in. I gave him a short list and he emailed me back with an attachment with the songs with all the relevant chords. A fine player, terrific singer-songwriter, and a good guy!
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Post by slasher on May 9, 2014 11:01:46 GMT
Having bought a Sonny Boy Williamson LP from a shop in Soho when I was sixteen I became hooked on the blues for a while. I eventually realised that I was not a black 68 year old share-cropper from the Mississippi delta but a nice white middle class english boy and singing in a foreign accent felt bogus, so I gave up! I only sing in (vaguely northern) English now. As for technique, a simple suggestion:- Sing standing up. When playing the guitar when seated your body when viewed from the side from hip to shoulder can often be in a C-shape. This does not allow your lungs to fully function or your diaphragm to move easily. Standing works for me, I only sit to play when learning a new song. Another thing:- Learn your words. It is often seen at sessions that the worst performers are those using word sheets. They seem to be concentrating on where they are up to, whats comong nex, and simply "getting through" the song. If you know the words you can express and interpret the meaning.
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Post by slasher on Apr 15, 2014 13:02:07 GMT
My guitars are gloss. Some makers seem to propose the idea that satin/matt finish allows the wood to move more than gloss and thus sound better. Anyone have experience of the same model of guitar in different finishes? An English luthier (Ken Powell I think) french polishes his guitars. Again anyone experienced this finish?
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Post by slasher on Apr 14, 2014 13:13:35 GMT
My first song was "Mr Tambourine Man". First in public was "Whip Jamboree" at The Fish Inn, Buttermere 1967. Both easy songs that people will sing along to. Audience participation always gives me a lift.
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Post by slasher on Apr 11, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
What do you call someone without a beard? A woman.
(er, sorry to all you face-scrapers out there!)
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Post by slasher on Apr 10, 2014 13:28:11 GMT
I have a small, old, battered, Spanish built steel strung guitar. I bought it in Spain in 1966! It has been used as a "decoration" piece in the house for years. It is still playable. I've been thinking of buying one of those over-nut action raisers and then having a bash at sliding.
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Post by slasher on Apr 3, 2014 11:16:53 GMT
It looks great. To take a wreck and make something decent of it is pretty impressive. Any "Before" pics?
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Post by slasher on Apr 3, 2014 11:07:43 GMT
Hi 68blues and welcome. I think that where you live will have some bearing. As most of the replies have said the best thing to do is try as many guitars as possible and go for what sounds, and feels good. You therefore need to be living within reasonable distance of one, or more decent sized guitar shops! If you know any experienced players it might be useful to take one with you when trying out instruments especially if you are looking at used guitars as well as new ones. I hav'nt tried Sigma guitars but their reputation is good. I have played Faiths. They have some non electros in their range and are quality at a reasonable price. Enjoy and Good Luck!
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Post by slasher on Mar 31, 2014 12:53:49 GMT
I have a small box with a variety of different makes and thicknesses. I tend to end up mainly using nylon chiefly because of the rough gripping area. I don't drop them as often as smooth finish ones.
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Post by slasher on Mar 27, 2014 11:12:52 GMT
I don't understand it. I must be missing something. Can't think why anyone would want a guitar like that. Horrible.
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Post by slasher on Mar 26, 2014 14:33:18 GMT
Always liked "The English book of Penguin folk songs".
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Post by slasher on Mar 12, 2014 15:22:12 GMT
I keep my two guitars on stands in a spare room ("The Doghouse" per my wife) As I am retired I often nip in and play for 10-15 mins at any time of day, as well as having a longer play in the evening. Having this easy accessibility has improved my playing no end. Its gone from from abysmal to barely average.
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Post by slasher on Feb 3, 2014 13:34:54 GMT
I was at a session last night and saw the twin-necked dulcimer. Forgot my camera (senior moment). Asked about the instrument. It was made by Hugh Scullion of Scunthorpe. The top neck strings are tuned to G and the bottom neck to D. The owner very often plays with a ceilidh band where these keys are commonly used within one dance tune set. Tom Bliss plays a single neck version. It seems to be known as a Strummer.
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Post by slasher on Jan 29, 2014 11:56:00 GMT
No Dave, the twin necked dulcimer I know of has both necks at the same end just like a twin necked guitar. He plays it standing up. I might see this player/instrument this week-end. I'll try to remember to take my camera, and then try to figure how to post a picture! That Courting Dulcimer looks beautiful. What a nice sociable idea!
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