Lunch Report For Tuesday, June 7, 2011

[Boogie Bill]

Okay, we made it through Monday. I’m not a big fan of Tuesdays—it sometimes seems like all the snafus of Monday carry over. I can be prepared for Mondays, but when it happens two days in a row, it’s tough.

So, since I’m not doing a true “LUNCH” report, let me ask you this. Summer’s almost here, and the weather is getting warm in most parts of the country,…

So whatdya’ drinkin’? Does your consumption of pop (or soda) go up in the summer? Lemonade? Iced Tea? Sweet tea? Fruit juice? Kool-Aid? Gatorade or sports drinks? Red Bull? Iced Mochas or coffee drinks?

Or have you switched from heavy micro-brew IPAs to lighter lagers and pilsners?

I drink more iced tea in the summer, but I love iced cold water—run through the Brita filter. We have pretty good water out here in the Pacific Northwest, but the Brita does make it better. But a cold brew after mowing the lawn—Heaven!

Going to be a bit of a long day for me. Tonight I am going to a guitar clinic at a music store in a little town about 45 minutes south of me. The Store is Uptown Music, in Keizer, Oregon. Great little store, nice folks; and they are hosting a Taylor Road Show. The folks from Taylor will come up and show off some of their custom creations and their reps will talk about how and why you should choose a Taylor guitar. If I’m lucky I might win a little swag, like a set of Elixir strings or a t-shirt or mug.

I like going to clinics. Taylor used to have some of their endorsing artists perform. I got some great lessons on finger-picking from Chris Proctor, flat-picking tips from Dan Crary, and songwriting tips from Wendy Waldman. Will Ray hasn’t done any G&L clinics for a while, but he is an amazing guitarist—a must see if he ever comes to your area.

I went to an Eastman guitar clinic a couple of weeks ago. They are a Chinese company, building some really nice acoustic guitars at very reasonable prices. Got to put hands on several of the instruments and came away impressed. Their arch-top guitars are very nice.

Another favorite is the Martin guitar clinics. Sometimes they will even re-string your Martin guitar and make any adjustments if needed. Our Martin rep is Larry Barnwell, and he is a terrific player and a really nice guy. I hope he comes back through here soon.

Someone mentioned yesterday they’d been to a clinic--how about you? Have you made it to any guitar clinics? Won any swag? Do you go to drum or keyboard or recording seminars?


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Speaking of Taylors, Martins and Eastmans, tell me about your acoustic guitars. Do you use your acoustic guitar in a band? Or is it your sofa buddy, or your songwriting tool? Is your preference for jumbos, dreadnoughts, or smaller instruments? Anyone play a 12-string? What kind of acoustic guitar GAS do you have?

I have a bunch of acoustics, all dreadnoughts. I have a 2002 Taylor 710CE with a Fishman pickup and preamp that is probably my main performing guitar. I have to admit though, that my main weakness is for Martin guitars. I bought my first Martin, a D-18 in 1973, and probably foolishly sold it to get the Taylor. The Taylors have their own sound, but they don’t have the warmth of the Martins. My oldest of all my guitars now is my 1975 Martin D-28. That guitar shows all the scars of “Bar Wars”, and it has a ton of mojo. It is a sweet, sweet sounding guitar.

I went on a buying binge a few years ago and got some really great deals. I got one on a 2002 Martin D-28 that had some serious store damage, but I had a very nice repair done on it. I then found a 2003 D-35, and 2004 D-18; these are all wonderful guitars. I have a Martin special edition guitar called an MTV-1. It has the bass side of the back in rosewood, while the treble side of the back is mahogany—great for when I can’t decide which guitar I want to play. It has the MTV log in pearl on the headstock, and “Unplugged” in pearl down the fingerboard. My last two Martins are a 2008 DC-Aura and a 2009 HD-28V. The DC-Aura has a great pickup system, and a super fast neck, and I think I’m going to start using it in place of the Taylor. It has some pretty fancy pearl on it and it is really beautiful. The HD-28V has vintage appointments and is fairly plain, but it has the forward shifted, scalloped bracing—and man does it resonate! The guitar just feels alive, and it really kicks out the sound.

I have two 12-strings, identical Takamine EF-381SC models. This is dreadnought cutaway 12-string, with a terrific Tak preamp. It has a built-in tuner—an absolute must for a 12-string. The EF-381SC is finished in black with white binding, and somehow that gloss black finish manages to get fingerprints on it even when it is in the case!!! I wanted a Taylor jumbo 12-strings but couldn’t justify the cost. I bought the first one used and just fell in love with it. A few months later, the same store gave me a closeout price on a new one, and I jumped on it. The 12-string is really great, so many people love the sound. The first time I played “Hotel California”, I was like, “WOW”!

Finally, I have my beater—a 1999 Ibanez Artwood AW50CENT (Cutaway, Electronics, Natural Top)--that I bought from a pawnshop. It is all solid wood, and a better sounding guitar than it’s heritage would suggest. It has a spruce top and maple back and sides, with the basic Fishman preamp of its day. I got lucky. It’s my beater, but if something happened to it I would cry.

So I’m really stocked with some really great guitars. I used to do about an hour and a half of acoustic guitar material when I did my solo act years ago. I use it with my band, on about six songs. And I still like going and doing the coffee house open mics when I can. I use it for songwriting or just playing by myself late at night. I think playing the higher action and the heavier strings help keep my hand strength up and that benefits my electric playing.

So tell me about the acoustic guitar(s) and its role in your life.


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Of course, G&L is an electric guitar company, not an acoustic brand. But, Paul Reed Smith surprised everyone by starting his new acoustic line a couple of years ago, and I hear they are just superb guitars, and they are gathering rave reviews. They ain’t cheap, either!

I remember the Fender acoustics of the mid-1960s: the Kingman and Palomino, the Villager 12-string. They were a bit odd, and they never really caught on. Fender has never had much success with any of their acoustics, though the “Spring Hill” guitars of the 1990s were really good. Fender didn’t keep them around long, though.

You’d have to think G&L would stick to its core business: the solid and semi-hollow body electric guitar with a bolt-on neck. But times are tight and companies are trying to get a bigger piece of the pie by diversifying. Could a G&L acoustic be a part of the company's future?

If you were going to design a G&L acoustic, what would it be? Would you stick to the traditional designs of a Martin dread or round shouldered Gibson J-45? Would it be something a little kinkier, like a Gretsch Rancher with the triangular sound-hole? Or perhaps you think a really avant-garde design, like a Breedlove would get people’s attention? Would you opt for a guitar made not of wood but perhaps carbon fiber or HPL or aluminum?

Or perhaps G&L breaks into the acoustic market with a Tribute acoustic line—high quality imports of traditional size and woods, but with that quirky headstock tit?

Blank slate, unlimited budget—go for it. Yea or Nay to a G&L acoustic? Would it be a budget instrument or priceless boutique work of art?

Or should G&L just do what they’re doing—building great solid body guitars.

I might not be able to do my usual follow up today, but I will check in from time to time, so play nice. (Hmmm….Craig’s been so vigilante, and we haven’t had a good flame war for FOREVER…. I may have to start something, one of these days!

(Just kidding, Craig. Nice to have you back, buddy!)

Have a good day today. Don’t forget to tell your sweetheart, “I love you!”

Bill

[gitman001]

I also enjoy a good clinic, in fact, in my G.I.T days it felt like i was living inside a giant guitar clinic! It was fantastic. I try to take in everyone that roles through town. One of the most informative ones i have been to was the Godin clinic ( they are my other passion - i have 7 of them including 3 acoustics). The man himself Robert Godin did the clinic and it was really great to hear him speak about his products. I personally think we will never see a G&L acoustic, i am sure they will keep on doing what they do best - building electrics.

I use a godin A6 live, tuned to open D for 3-4 songs in the set. Teaching is done on my old faithful Norman ST-68 dreadnought, my favourite guitar to play. In fact I'm off to teach on it now, have a great day.

Scott

[blargfromouterspace]

I'm not much of an acoustic player and don't GAS for them at all. My dad has a couple of nice acoustics - an old Tama 12 string, and a Martin. I have a classical guitar that I love. It's made by a company called Antonio Reuben, by hand in Spain. It was inexpensive but sounds amazing. I bought it when I was living in Germany and having serious guitar withdrawals - six months without playing is waaaaaay to long. I bought it to play Bach's 'Chaconne'. That's about all I play on it too. It's a piece of music I love to play more than anyhthing, it gives me goosebumps.

Here it is. It's long but man is it worth a listen. It's originally a violin piece but nice on the guitar too.
[youtube]PNXlslzL8EY[/youtube]
[youtube]qRhorozjEEg[/youtube]

Unfortunately it doesn't sound too good on an ASAT so I had to get a classical. Ooooh idea!!!! The G&L ASAT Classical!


Why do all acoustic guitar have such lousy names? EF-381SC? Come on!

[bassman]

this summer I am going to make an effort yo drink mor eiced tea. I think I feel better when I drink tea or water as opposed to drinking more coffee.

Guitar clinics- I have missed most of the ones that come through my area . There is a store called Washington Music, which is where I bought my first bass back in 1969, that has a Fender day and a Martin day in the Fall, where you can get all kinds of extra attention or discounts on the dealers featured products.

I actually have some sound-hole cutouts from the Martin factory that were given out by the Martin Rep.

I believe the Fender folks also sponsored a Guild appreciation day. I have a Guild D-25c which is a great guitar, probably my best acoustic guitar. It was made in Westerly RI before the Fender purchase.
I also have an Ovation 12 string, an Ibanez acoustic electric, (on loan to a friend so I don't remember the model number)
and I have a S. Yari D-18 copy that is really sweet.
I also have a Takamine Lawsuit copy of a Guild Jumbo with rosewood back and sides which is a great guitar.
And I have a Yamaha Classical guitar.

[Brock]

I drink lots of tea all year long. The tea I drink most often in Brooke Bond Taj Mahal tea from India. I used to get it in bags, but more recently I've been making it loose. I also have some Costco green tea that's quite nice.

I drink both hot or cold.

[sirmyghin]

I have never been to a clinic but if they were around I would definitely hit them up, tips from anyone, no matter who are always useful.

I have an acoustic, it sits in the closet. A very old cheapy, so cheap the 'ebony' board is some wood painted black. Not a bad sound to it but the playability isn't great. I don't really do the acoustic thing though, it is something of a hold over from my learning days.

I don't think branching into the acoustic market would be a good move, it requires a lot of resources, the construction is very different (see need a separate factory, pretty much) and the whole bit. Nor do I particularly want an acoustic so I might be jaded. I have Piezos coming on my next build though, and I am hoping if I pair them with an aural x-citer I can get 95% there, I have heard good things about such combinations.

As far as drinks go, I stick to keeping my coffee hot, can't drink Iced Tea (no tea at all infact, well not black/green/etc anyway). I don't drink much juice. I stick to water, and occasionally some soy milk (lactose intolerant, I keep it around mostly for cooking/cereal, enzyme supplements don't work for me).

[sickbutnottired]

I love acoustics. My main performing guitar is a 1998 Martin C-15 with the Fishman pickup/premmp. I have grown to absolutely love this guitar. It is very playable, and it keeps sounding better and better as it gets older. It's not so precious that I hae to worry about it so I take it everywhere. However, it's a compact and I love the dreads, love the deep boom....Taylors are amazing guitars, and we have the Gibson factory in Bozeman MT and they are making beautiful and amazing guitars. At the end of they day, I too am a Martin guy...the only guitar I regret selling is a mid 60's D-28--it wasn't collectable as it had some major repairs, but it sounded literally incredible.

My current acoustic gas is for a Gibson acoustic 12...

Edit: Forgot the drink question---I make and drink a lot of sun tea in the summer. Also, more white wine (less red) to go with fresher food!

[darwinohm]

Keep it going Boggie Bill! Many good questions.

Due to blood sugar levels, I have swiched from great beers to low carb, low calorie stuff. None of it does the job like the heavy duty brews and I used to think light beer was a joke. Now I am the joke! I do make the exception on the date Ginny and I have on Friday nights. I then have a couple of tall Grain Belt Nordeasts. They are delicious. and they help you talk smarter.

I like iced tea and have it whenever I go out to lunch.

I have never been to a guitar clinic but could benefit from one. I heard a rumor that WR may have one at AB&G. If that were to happen I would be there.

I am not an acoustic fan but do have a couple of nice ones. I have an Adamas, a carbon fiber that meets the body at the 12 th fret and an Ovation LX Country Artist which is a nylon string guitar. Both excellent guitars and I use them for recording. I do not think that G&L should waste time developing an acoustic as the market is flooded with good ones already.

I have been wallowing in guitar setups the last 2 days and for me, that is like a pig wallowing in mud. Have a great day! Tomorrow night I am taking Ginny out for our anniversary. I was thinking about suggesting that we get a new guitar to celebrate, but that may not go well as we just got one last week. I need to get creative. Darwin

[willross]

Summer drinks: sun tea, ice water w/ Emergen-C, pop. Booze on hot summer dayz makes me sweaty and tired... My G&L's (down to !+ now), have needed seasonal adjustments except for that crazy S-500 w/ the clear golden blond finish. BTW, I have NEVER seen a G&L w/ that finish since. Never. I've yet to attend a clinic, but I used to watch Les Paul play at Fat Tuesday's back in the day... Acoustics? I love my vintage Ovations from New Hartford. I also have two Goodall's: 1 traditional long dreadnaught, 1 parlor.


Cheers,

Will

[Philby]

We're descending into the depths of winter down here, so all this talk of summer and sunshine and sparkling beverages is making me . My winter drinks of choice are hot milky tea, or rich chocolatey stout for a night cap.

My main acoustic guitar is a Larrivee L-03. It was made in Vancouver and my wife made me buy it (no joke). She was hanging around while I tried a room full of Martins, Matons, Takamines and Taylors, but when I played the Larrivee she said 'that is the best one you've played by far, you have to buy it'. So I did.

I also have a mid 80's Japanese Ovation that I'm keeping for the kids because of the lovely slender neck and easy to play action. I don't generally GAS for acoustic guitars, but I couldn't resist playing one of these at a music shop on the weekend. It was gorgeous, now I DO have acoustic guitar GAS. The pickups in Cole Clark acoustic guitars are brilliant.



As someone said further up, there are so many excellent acoustic guitar builders these days that G&L would be better off sticking to electrics guitars.

Have fun at the Taylor roadshow Bill. Will any of their new electric guitars be there? I'd love to try one out. They look interesting and get some excellent reviews.