Lunch Report For Wednesday, October 5, 2011

[Boogie Bill]

Sorry, the LR is a little late today. I was going to go to a jam session last night and I completely wimped out and crashed on the sofa—and then stumbled off to be after the late news. Now, I’m a total night owl, and usually don’t make it to bed before two a.m. So this is really unusual for me. I have to call my friend today and make amends for not making the jam.

So, are you a morning person, or a night owl like me?

It’s not that I dislike mornings, they just happen at a bad time of day for me!!!!


I think part of the problem is that I may be catching a cold. I was up in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, and my friend that I stayed with was coming down with one. I seem to have brought that little souvenir home with me and promptly gave it to Miss Leslie, who has just been so overjoyed that I brought a present from Seattle for her. (NOT!) I’ve always been susceptible to colds and the like—I know the tobacco smoke in the clubs always bothered me back in the day. I’ll be getting a flu shot in a week or so, to help my body fend off the bad bugs out there.

Usually, I do two things when I have a cold. First one is chips and salsa. Whether it is the heat of the jalapenos or the Vitamin C of the tomatoes, it seems like some spicy salsa helps me fend off a head cold. The other product that really seems to help is called “Cold-Eeze”. These are zinc lozenges that you suck on, and they give a boost to your body’s immune system. They really seem to work at minimizing my symptoms. Oh, and I almost forgot BEER, which has natural antihistamine properties (YEA for BEER!!!!)

Sounds like I just made a plan for lunch—chips and beer! Lucky me!

But tell me, do you have any secrets for fighting off a cold? Is it bed-rest and hot toddys, or do you just fight through it and keep working? Does your Auntie Matilda have a secret recipe that you have to hold your nose just to drink it down? Tell me how you beat a cold!!! PLEASE!!!!


I spent the afternoon and evening running errands, so I didn't get to post any responses to yesterday's Report. I'm going to check it and leave some comments it a bit. Just an FYI, if you're interested.


I always say that a Legacy is my Number ONE guitar. With the band I have now, I might take as many as six instruments, because we do such a wide variety of music. I’ll use the Legacy on 60% of the material. I have 12-15 songs that I like to use a 2HB guitar (Les Paul, ES-335) on; and then I add in a two or three songs on the banjo, 12-string and the acoustic; and then it’s time to pack it up and head home.

I’ve been doing this for a long time. I started playing when I was 14-15, and became a pro at 21. When I was doing a solo act I discovered that I really liked the solid body electric since it had the best sustain. I’ve always been a “Fender guy” but I had a few Gibsons along the way, too. I also had a Martin acoustic, and then I bought my 5-string banjo in 1975. So even back then I was taking three instruments to a gig. The guitar that really fit my needs the best though, didn’t make the market until 1978-79, and that was Leo’s Music Man Sabre II. I eventually found a second one, had it modified with a third pickup, and that was heaven!

But situations change. Mine changed when I joined a band in the early 1990’s and discovered that the gear I was using for a single act wasn’t working as well for me in the band. I had sold my 1960 Strat after my divorce, and with the band I felt like I needed a guitar with a vibrato—and that’s how I found the Legacy. I knew about G&L of course, but I was actually looking for an American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster to replace my old Strat. A salesman showed me the G&L, and that was it!

So even from very early on in my career, I had a good idea of what I needed from a guitar. I consider myself very lucky to have that understanding. I know what I like, and what works for me. Back in the early years of my career, I had to spend my money carefully, because there wasn’t a whole heck of a lot of it! But I played and listened to a lot of guitars in the stores; read the catalogs and the magazines; and watched other players—and I learned.

And unfortunately, even though I love big Gretches, the jangle of a Rickenbacker 12-string and the warmth of a Gibson jazz box, I’ve understood those guitars are not for me, as wonderful as they might be. As much as I would like to have a few of them, those aren’t the type of guitars that I am going to use to make money. And they are too expensive to keep as wall decorations. So, my choice is to buy multiples of the guitars I will actually use on stage.


So here are the questions of the day:

Have your tastes in guitars changed over the years, either from a deeper understanding of your needs, or a change in your musical situation?

Have you found that one PERFECT guitar? Not necessarily that the guitar is perfect, but is it perfect for you and what you’re playing? Why is that guitar perfect for you?

If you have multiple guitars, which one is your Number ONE? How does your G&L guitar(s) fit into that role?

Is their a guitar out there that you would love to have, but will never buy, simply because it’s just not you? Doesn’t have to be an expense issue, though that often plays a part in one’s decisions.

I’ve got a couple like that, aside from the three I mentioned above. I have a real weakness for certain Gibson models. I would love to have a Florentine cutaway L-5 for my jazz box. And I love Explorers and Flying Vees and SGs, even though for one reason or another, I can’t really see myself playing one. A fat body like mine in Spandex wailing on a pointy guitar would probably cause permanent psychological damage to the youth of America!!!

I hope you’re having a great day. Keep a smile on your face and I'll see you tomorrow.

Bill

P.S. Remember, if you smile a lot, people will begin to think you're up to something!

[darwinohm]

Bill, sometimes we just need to rest and if you are getting a cold, your body will tell you you need rest. Ginny came home from Ireland with a cold. All of the people on her tour got one. It was cold and rainy, probably similar to Seattle.

Favorite guitars, I have several but the SC 2 I just got is sweet. Many people have commented about the tone of the ASAT Specials. Same pickups but a hotter bridge. It is also a little smaller body and with the DF, it is almost a perfect setup. As you Bill, I was a strat type guy but have migrated to a t body as my preference but I do like a DF or vibrato of some type. And as you mentioned yesterday, the setup is critical to getting a well playing instrument. The guitar that I have owned that was not for me was a MM John Petrucci. Very nice guitar but not my sound. I will use G&L's a lot of the time but I have others that are go to such as the Parker Southern and my PRS Johnny Hiland is very nice for gigging. It has a wider ,thin neck.

I am a morning person, always have been. I am not worth a darn the day after a gig. At the Edge Show last month Mike told the audience that he had never seen so much Ensure that saw the night before and that it doesn't mix with anything. Our audience loves jokes like that. We pack up after a gig and have a few cold ones. That translates to a 4 AM bed time and that doesn't set well as I always wake up by 7. When I was young I would pack up by 2 AM and the have a date. That is only a memory now.-- Darwin

[blargfromouterspace]

I hope that cold goes away soon. I get them quite a lot, had a real shocker earlier this year. Our family trick is to eat exactly what you feel like, the logic being that what you crave is what you need to get better. My grandmother used to say 'feed a cold, starve a virus'.

I'm definitely a night person. I function much better at night. The thought of exercise in the morning is enough to make me turn over and go back to sleep.

I have my perfect guitar in the ASAT Bluesboy SH. I love having the twang from the bridge pickup and warmth of the neck humbucker. Just as important is the perfect amp. I don't have mine yet but I'm close. I love the tones I get out of my Supro, but could use a bit more power, say 50w, a few extra speakers - a 3x10 would be perfect, and built in tube tremolo.

[Philby]

Hi Bill,

Colds: Funny you should mention colds. The drug company I work for specialises in the development of anti cold and flu medication. They currently have a drug, Relenza, on the market for the flu and are trialling an anti-cold drug in North America this cold/flu season i.e. now. Even though colds end up in your lungs, they start off in your sinus tissue which provides a nice, warm, moist environment for the virus to enter the body and replicate. If you can treat the cold at this stage there are some available treatments to help it resolve faster. Using a saline nasal spray will flush the sinuses and soothe the inflamed tissue. The virus doesn't like the salt either. There is evidence that anti-oxidants can help. I usually dose up on vitamin C straight from fresh citrus fruit. Some people swear by echinacea tablets or capsules. Another remedy I've found to kill a developing cold is 2 cloves of fresh garlic, twice a day. Just crush some on toast and melt some cheese over it to make it palatable. Garlic contains some of the most potent natural antioxidants known to man. It also has antibacterial properties. And anti-female properties. Miss Leslie will probably relocate to another part of the house.

Guitar Tastes: I've always been a strat/tele single coil guy. I can't remember why. And that bothered me. So last month I went shopping for a 2HB, shorter scale guitar and came home with a Gibson Les Paul 60s Tribute. I've tried some pretty ordinary Les Pauls over the years, and this one is nothing like them. It is not a boat anchor, the frets aren't poorly finished and it resonates well unplugged. It was factory PLEK'ed and plays as smoothly as my nicest guitars. I don't have massive hands so the shorter scale length is extremely comfortable for me. But the best thing is having those classic tones on tap. You could say I'm a late convert to the Gibson Les Paul.

Perfect Guitar: My Tribby ASAT Special is the guitar I feel most 'at ease' with. I've thought about getting a USA model Special, but I doubt it would replace the Tribby. It's like a comfortable pair of jeans and I can get about 90% of the tones I need out of it. I have a Fender Strat Plus that, for me, is the perfect recording guitar due to the clarity and quietness of the Lace pickups in it.

I've often fancied a Rickenbacker or Gibson 335 because of their classic looks, but I doubt I'll ever bring one of those home.

[zapcosongs]

Great report as usual Bill. I regret that I only have time now for a brief reply:

Colds - I swear that this is true: A few years ago, I started drinking orange juice with breakfast EVERY SINGLE DAY. I have not gotten a single cold since undertaking this morning ritual. Not one! Pneumonia, yes. But no colds or flu. (never had a flu shot either).

Regarding guitars, I'm really mostly an acoustic player. Love my Rhode Island Guild. I've tried (and enjoyed) many electric guitars though, and over the years have migrated over to the "T" style instruments. Slap a couple of big MFDs in it and I'm big happy.

As far as a guitar (or two) I'd love to have but will never buy, I'd have to say a Music Man Axis, hardtail. Also a Rick 12-string. Love 'em both. Just not me.

Oh, and I'm VERY much a morning person. By mid-afternoon, I'm wanting a nap. I kind of find a second wind around sunset though, so not such a simple answer to that one. Thanks for askin'! - ed

[willross]

I am forced into being a morning person. Actually night or day, I just need to get enough sleep and I could be both!

Colds: chicken soup and sleep. I have yet to find anything that really works...

Go-to guitars? My Ovation/Adamus acoustic for live acoustic. Electric, I paired my S-500 with a Soldano and it's a perfect match. Mike even told me that the MFD's work well with his amps(I had to hear for myself..). I also have a "ghost-built" Strat that I've used for almost 20 years. I'm hoping the guitars I receive tomorrow will change this. I need to mix it up.


Cheers,

Will

[darwinohm]

Will, post some pictures of your new arsenal when it arrives! -- Darwin.

[willross]

Sure thing. Although, I hear you have to let the cases sit before opening. That's gonna be tough. I'm curious about the Hornet LH; my first jaunt into that territory... Will

[Boogie Bill]

Darwin: Hmmm...a Bushmills on the rocks with an Ensure back....or how about an "Old White Russian": Kaluha and vodka mixed with vanilla Ensure...? Could be the next drink of the Baby Boomers! LOL!


Jaime: Isn't it a great feeling when sense that you have the right guitar for you? Pure joy to play with it! And amps are a big part of the equation.


Philby: LOL! Great post! Yeah, Miss Leslie doesn't do garlic well--I'd probably be living under a bridge.


Ed: The trick with naps is to not take ones that are too long. You have to keep them short; otherwise your EARLY-morning nap runs into the time alloted for your Mid-morning nap. That makes you late for your LATE-morning nap, which not only screws up you lunch hour, but makes you have to shorten the post-prandial afternoon siesta--otherwise, by the time your LATE-afternoon nap comes around--you're whole schedule is thrown off. And then when your schedule gets thrown off like that, it might appear to the boss that you are actually working!! Trust me, if you value your career, keep those naps short.



Bill

[zapcosongs]

Sage advice, Bill.

Instead of a long nap between, say, 1 PM and 3, I'm going to try two shorter ones. Maybe get some rest at noon, and then again at four.

I'll let you know how it works out, career be damned. Ha! -ed

[jonc]

i've used a number of different guitars and basses over the years depending on what band i was in or recording that i was working on. for many, many years my go-to acoustic was a 1972 Guild D-40 but a few years back i switched to a 1984 Taylor 510 and recently got a Collings 000-1. electrics have come and gone but one remains near and dear and as my friend joked, he'll know i finally gave up "chasing the dream" when i sell my beat-to-crap LP with P90's and blond Tremolux amp. there are a few others including my beloved G&L's and since Ed keeps asking, the Andy is kept by the bedside as a grab and go. don't know that i'll ever fully warm up to it but it's small and light and maybe one day i'll get good enough to play it well.

[repoman]

I have had some success using the zinc lozenges to fight off colds. But you've got to hit it early.
Beer and chips for a cold? That's just what the doctor ordered! I'll have to try that next time.

I've never considered myself to be a morning person. For many years I'd keep the light turned low and wouldn't say 2 words for the 1st hour or so upon waking. But that seems to be changing. The past few years I've been forced to get up early and be productive. Oddly enough, I seem to be getting used to it.
I don't have a ton of guitars and can't say I've found the perfect guitar. But my ASAT special comes pretty darn close. That darn thing is so darn flexible it can do many things.

-jeff

[zapcosongs]

Hey jonc. Thanks for the Andy update. I've been wondering..... It is light, and it does ring and it is very well made with a great neck. Glad to hear that it is giving you some pleasure. You deserve it! I'm enjoying the "trade" amps as well, but they remain a pretty rare pleasure with the kids asleep at 9:30 or so in the evening. I'm "unplugged" more often than not. Any interesting new projects? Maybe you'll need an original song from a totally unknown non-artist someday, eh? Ha! - ed

PS: I'm trying to decide: ASCAP of BMI.... Advice? Thanks!

[Ledergeist]

So, are you a morning person, or a night owl like me?

Second Shifter for me... Musicians hours, as I like to say...

But tell me, do you have any secrets for fighting off a cold? Is it bed-rest and hot toddys, or do you just fight through it and keep working? Does your Auntie Matilda have a secret recipe that you have to hold your nose just to drink it down? Tell me how you beat a cold!!! PLEASE!!!!

From the Old Wives Tales Dept.
Feed a fever, starve a cold.

Is their a guitar out there that you would love to have, but will never buy, simply because it’s just not you? Doesn’t have to be an expense issue, though that often plays a part in one’s decisions.

Hmmm, not really. I already spend too much time GASsing for stuff that suits me,

I hope you’re having a great day. Keep a smile on your face and I'll see you tomorrow.

Bill

[astutzmann]

great post

I am a morning person, wake up every day between 5 and 5:30 am. Even with a really late night, I wake up before 6. Don't know why.
So, by 10 pm I'm baked and rarely stay up later than that. New Year's eve is a killer for me, staying up to 1-2 am.

Sometimes when I go to watch bands play, they don't start in our area before 10-10:30. Its always a struggle for me and I just stay for 1 set, which is too bad, cause some bands just warm up in their first set. I could never be a professional musician, unless it was in florida. Went to a place yesterday at 6 pm and the band was already playing. The keyboard player was unbelievable, he is Aaron Neville's keyboard guy and does this for fun when Aaron isn't touring. Really nice guy, can play anything. The restaurant put in a grand piano just for him.

I don't know enough about guitars to figure out which one's I want and would not be for me, I seem to have major GAS and want them all........

My goto is still my 09 legacy, I just can't imagine any guitar with a better neck for me.

I have an 07 duesenberg and its a beast, but for some reason, I don't pick it up that often. Maybe its like you said Bill, you'd love a big Gretsch but just not for you. Don't know