Lunch Report, Tuesday 2/7/2012-SC Love Fest

[zombywoof]

First, a thanks to ya'll for not letting me crash and burn.

Lunch today is going to pretty much be a repeat of yesterday except no bagel and an orange instead of apple slices. Wish I could say I was eating something a bit more exotic but lunches are pretty much a perfunctory fill your gut thing for me.

Tuesday - I love Tuesdays because the one TV show I cannot miss is on tonight - Justified. A great show topped off by the best theme song, "Long Hard Times to Come," I have ever heard, the occasional Dave Alvin song and/or appearance, and the greatest anti-hero ever conceived - Boyd Crowder played by that guy who played Shane on The Shield.

Any other fans out there?

G&L Thoughts
As promised today is a homage to the G&L SC. These are the guitars I guess G&L initially hoped would first hook us as beginners after which we would work our way up to the more "desireable" ASATs, S-500s, and others. These are the children of guitars like the Fender Mustang and Music Master. Simplicity at its finest.

But hey G&L we fooled ya. Pickers from those just playing their first notes to the seasoned pros love them. Don't blame us. Ya'll went ahead and made us an entry level guitar that was just flippin' great. Rather than starting off with one, these are the guitars many of us now lust after. And I think it is great that the SC-2 now again graces your catalog.

While I ain't taking anything away from the SC-2 or SC-3, I have a special place in my heart for the SC-1. If I ever buy another G&L this will probably be it - a white one.

So I want to hear from you SC guys - all of ya - why is it that the only way I am going to get that guitar away from you is to take it from your cold dead hands.

Photos are absoultely required - and I don't care how many times you have posted them in the past.

Music Hodgepodge

I pretty much love any instrument with strings. So you mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, sitar, lute, or whatever players c'mon and play.

I play around with the mandolin and fiddle. I play da bluz on them - just not very well. But I do have alot of fun with them.

I have three fiddles - all just cheap turn of the century German factory violins (think Chicago jobbers like Harmony and Kay). My favorite is what the old timers call a prison fiddle because to their mind only someone locked up would have the time to do this to a violin. Kinda purty though, ain't it.



My mandolin is a 1940 Strad-O-Lin. Kinda of a mystery instrument in that nobody is really sure who made them although Favilla is a likely suspect. These are really fine sounding mandos though. Very distinctive f-holes on these. Story is even Bill Monroe kept one around.





That's all folks.

[kakerlak]

Again, I'll have to re-visit this when I get home to see what photos I'm missing (and most my stale 'ol SC3 pics)...

I love my SC-3, even though its early '80s neck is a little cramped... I think it's way cool and funky with the little, narrow-waisted Mustang body, but a totally normal 25.5" scale . I love old Mustangs and Musicmasters, but the 24" (or 22" sometimes!) scale isn't my favorite. (Sidetrack: I probably actually prefer the 22", just because it's so far from a 24.75, 25 or 25.5" "normal" scale that it doesn't have the "not quite right" feeling a 24" gives me)

Anyway, they're just cool, very "Fenderish" while being very different at the same time, plus the spartan nature of them, the press-fit tuners, etc. gives them a kind of vintage vibe. They make for cool sleepers, b/c, in many ways, they do look like a student grade instrument, yet are 100% professional grade in terms of performance. I've always got a soft spot for a sleeper: car, guitar, you name it. I just love having a funky little old G&L that'll smoke most fancy Strats out there (and probably some new G&Ls while it's at it).

As for other instruments, my wife has a decent 88 key keyboard that I mess around with a couple times a year. It's fun, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, LOL. And every now and then I get itchy to shop mandolins, though once again, I have no idea what I"m doing playing one. I will admit to sometimes fantasizing about the repair project antique violins that show up on shopgoodwill sometimes, but I'm no luthier and, again, I have no business trying to learn violin.

[zombywoof]

I will admit to sometimes fantasizing about the repair project antique violins that show up on shopgoodwill sometimes, but I'm no luthier and, again, I have no business trying to learn violin.

Have you seen what folks pay for stuff on shopgoodwill? Everytime I go have a look over there and see what folks are bidding I come away thinking all of their dogs ain't barking up the same tree.

[kakerlak]

Have you seen what folks pay for stuff on shopgoodwill? Everytime I go have a look over there and see what folks are bidding I come away thinking all of their dogs ain't barking up the same tree.

Yes, I have and it's the single biggest deterrent. OTOH, it's astounding to see some of the instruments that have made their way to Goodwill at times, especially the newer, mid-level stuff. I can kind of understand the ignorance that leads something really old and/or broken to be considered "junk" and donated, but who buys a $300-600 guitar and then gives it away in working condition a couple years later?

[westsideduck]

Back in the day I probably horse traded at least 10 SC's, The yellow one stuck around for almost 10 years, a real nice player with tones almost as nice as my 500s, I recently sold the yellow one on the bay because it was just collecting dust and needed to be played, you would'nt think it but that SC really shined in high gain situations. Prices have gone down recently for SCs, They are no doubt the best tone bargins around these days!

[darwinohm]

Goodday Woof, Lunch today was a honey mustard chicken salad at Perkins.

My recent encounter with an SC-2 was love at first sight. it went home with me. They are simply awesome. Here it is.




That is a very ornate violin. Also a cool mando.-- Darwin

[kakerlak]

OK, here's a few too many (stale) pics of my SC-3:













I have to say the pickguard somebody put on this before I bought it has probably kept me away from buying an SC-1 or 2 (though I'd snap one up in a second if it was under $300). I think it looks so much better with a pickguard that I'd be highly tempted to modify any other SC model the same way, yet I'm not sure I have the nerve to be the guy that drills holes in a guitar. Something sacrilegious about it...

One more thing cool about these old SCs: the oversized fretboard dots!

And something random about this particular guitar: I've never had another guitar intonate with the saddles so close to straight across.

[zapcosongs]

Just got home from (another) day of parental doctors appointments, then a client meeting, and I have to be at the bus stop in two mins., so I'll try to stop by later. Great LR, ZW!

Hey Duck, you can save me from messing with Photobucket if you can confirm that the white SC-3 in your (great!) photo is the one I now proudly own and so greatly enjoy. Thanks! Hope to check back later. - ed

[kakerlak]

By the way, I dig the yellow SC-3. Those paint-neck SCs are cool in a different kind of way.

[JagInTheBag]

Don't own one, but I want to. I'd order a tangerine metallic or orange metal flake, quartersawn maple neck with reverse headstock and gun oil finish, creme pickup covers and a DFS.

[westsideduck]

OK here's a few pics of the SC-3 that I sold to Zapp, IMHO the nicest looking SC I ever laid hands on, I just love the way the white has aged and in combination with that beauitifull maple neck!!! even though G&L is doing a better job on the GOT these days it just doesn't compare to the looks of a naturaly aged chunk of maple.

[Miles Smiles]

Fortunately I got one, just about 2 month ago.





And I made a jam video, not that good I suppose, but I like it somehow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--UsAmAl8BA&hd=1

And a showcase: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEzL2u1Mtf0&hd=1

Everything already posted here, but at your wish I repeat.

I already had a band rehearsal, where I played the SC-2 and it plays fantastic in band context.

[kakerlak]

Oh man, Miles! Very cool Viking Blue 2.

Don't see that color so much, mostly black and white...

[Kit]

I have had no luck so far running across any of the two old style SC-3, but I bought a 1990 SC-3 locally a few years ago which is one fine instrument. And it is Leo-era.





I brought it to hobby band practice a couple of weeks ago and you can hear it in this version of Killing Moon. Recording quality is not great with a Zoom H2 taped to a mic stand.
http://home.comcast.net/~kitn13/music/moon.mp3

Kit

[zapcosongs]

Great guitars, guys. Wow, I LOVE the Viking Blue oldie!

Thanks Duck for the pix! I LOVE that guitar!!! - ed

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Lunch: Scrambled eggs, bacon and toast with pineapple juice.

An observation:

[blargfromouterspace]

I'd love to have an '82 SC-X one day. For now I'll have to be content with my ASATs.

I had a violin a while back but sold it to get a lap steel. Learning to play the violin is a humiliating experience. If I actually learn another instrument it will be a Hammond organ, I love the sounds of those things.

[zombywoof]

I had a violin a while back but sold it to get a lap steel.

Hold that thought until tomorrow.

[zombywoof]

Hey Duck, you can save me from messing with Photobucket if you can confirm that the white SC-3 in your (great!) photo is the one I now proudly own and so greatly enjoy. Thanks! Hope to check back later. - ed

I turn my back on you and Duck for a bit and look what happens!

[kakerlak]

I had a violin a while back but sold it to get a lap steel.

Hold that thought until tomorrow.

I will hold my thought til tomorrow, too, then...

[zapcosongs]

My SC treasures:



And our esteemed Lunch Reporter with my SC-2.



That was a fine day, ZW!!! It ocurrs to me that you're the only person here who has ever heard me play (poorly, I know) or has heard one of Zapco's original tunes. (And you survived!!!) Ha! - ed

[louis cyfer]

i think i would look really silly with an sc guitar. would look like a toy in my hands. otoh, i think prince should switch to this, as all other guitars are way too big for him.

[JagInTheBag]

i think i would look really silly with an sc guitar. would look like a toy in my hands. otoh, i think prince should switch to this, as all other guitars are way too big for him.

What Louis, are you 7' 5" and 330 lbs?!

[zapcosongs]

i think i would look really silly with an sc guitar. would look like a toy in my hands. otoh, i think prince should switch to this, as all other guitars are way too big for him.

Ha! My SC-2 helps me appear to be a normal human being! - ed

[kakerlak]

Some observations:

1. Z-Co, your red SC-2 has a pretty neck. It's surprising how many of these SCs have figured necks. G&L was getting some good wood stock back in the day.
2. Miles' SC-2 and Z-Co's SC-3 have "normal" diameter fretboard inlays, while my SC-3 and Z-Co's SC-2 have oversized ones. I wonder what's up with that? I'd never noticed it before. I thought all if them had the big dots.
3. ZW, you're lookin' pretty sharp in that pic. Must be the look of intense concentration on your face.

[zapcosongs]

The dot issue is actually very interesting. Maybe Craig could shed some light here.... - ed

PS: Good maple. Indeed.

[louis cyfer]

i think i would look really silly with an sc guitar. would look like a toy in my hands. otoh, i think prince should switch to this, as all other guitars are way too big for him.

What Louis, are you 7' 5" and 330 lbs?!

no, 6'2" and was 325. been dieting, so i will be 260-270 by the time i hit 3-4% bodyfat.

[JagInTheBag]

been dieting, so i will be 260-270 by the time i hit 3-4% bodyfat.

That is a ton of muscle man! I'm 6'1" 220 and built like a linebacker (built like one doesn't mean I am fit like one though). I am small by your stats. Still, play an SC anyway Louis!

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

.


The SC is a guitar that you cannot be in perfect enough shape for. They look like a flattened inflatable guitar. I don't think you can play an SC and look less cartoonish, not that there is anything wrong with that. The SC is not any different than many of the bass guitars out there. Guitars tend to be more contained in size. Often bass guitars are large and long while others are shorter and have a small body footprint. Generally, bassists seem to come in a wider array of sizes, bassists as opposed to basses that is, while at the same time bassists also seem to come in a wider array of sizes. So whatever size and shape you are, embrace it. The SC is sized for everyone.

[JagInTheBag]

.


The SC is a guitar that you cannot be in perfect enough shape for. They look like a flattened inflatable guitar. I don't think you can play an SC and look less cartoonish, not that there is anything wrong with that. The SC is not any different than many of the bass guitars out there. Guitars tend to be more contained in size. Often bass guitars are large and long while others are shorter and have a small body footprint. Generally, bassists seem to come in a wider array of sizes, bassists as opposed to basses that is, while at the same time bassists also seem to come in a wider array of sizes. So whatever size and shape you are, embrace it. The SC is sized for everyone.

[louis cyfer]

been dieting, so i will be 260-270 by the time i hit 3-4% bodyfat.

That is a ton of muscle man! I'm 6'1" 220 and built like a linebacker (built like one doesn't mean I am fit like one though). I am small by your stats. Still, play an SC anyway Louis!

i have never played football, but they wanted my to go to camp, i ran a 4.7 at 270 lbs. quite a few guys i worked with were going to camps every year, make it a few weeks get paid a lot of money.
i was sitting with john robinson at a boxing match in vegas and i was telling him i was at sc when he was coaching, he looks at me and says" why the hell weren't you playing for me, i'd still have my job".

[kakerlak]

The dot issue is actually very interesting. Maybe Craig could shed some light here.... - ed

PS: Good maple. Indeed.

Poked around the registry a bit this morning, looking for neck dates...

Ed, your SC-2 is 10/??/82, my SC-3 is 2/4/83 (both large dots). Miles' SC-2 is 6/3/83 and you've naughtily neglected to add dates for your SC-3

So it seems possible that a changeover occurred somewhere in the spring of '83, but we've got a 4 month gap in examples. The next step would be to poke around the user galleries and try to cross-ref guitars w/ dates. I might just be masochistic enough to do that at some point

[UPDATE]: just checked the gallery for SCs and none of the guys holding 1983 examples are still listed in the user profiles section. So that's a dead end. I could move on to user albums, but that would be more sifting.

[suave eddie]

I think it looks so much better with a pickguard that I'd be highly tempted to modify any other SC model the same way, yet I'm not sure I have the nerve to be the guy that drills holes in a guitar. Something sacrilegious about it...

Some guitars look great without pickguards. I think a pickguard on an SC is a great improvement.
I was hesitant to post my SC-1 since it is no longer an SC sonically, but it does show an example of what a pickguard can do for it visually.

I previously explained how this guitar came to it's current configuration, but I'll go over it again.
After a 10 year hiatus from owning an electric guitar I decided to get back into it. The owner of a small local store was one of the earliest G&L dealers in N.Calif. I was on a very limited budget. I had always been a humbucker kind of player and didn't think I liked single coils at the time. The F-100 didn't do it for me. The owner had his in store tech modify three different SC-1s. He had him add a humbucker in the "middle" position (not as high up as a traditional neck pickup). This particular one had a SD '59 added to it. When I pulled it off the wall to try it, I was immediately impressed with the quality and playability of it and the price was right. Eventually, I got frustrated with the imbalance of the output of the two pickups and had the tech install a SD JB in the bridge and move the '59 up toward the neck in the traditional spacing. I also added a push/pull to split the coils and moved the output jack to the edge of the guitar. At this point I needed a pickguard to hide all the routing done on the body and I was very pleased with the pickguard the tech fabricated for me. This was my only guitar until last summer when I ordered my ASAT Classic.

[Miles Smiles]

For my eyes, as good as every guitar looks better without a pickguard.

[westsideduck]

Ed's SC-3 dates Body 1-27-83, neck


Neck 4-25-83

[kakerlak]

Ed's SC-3 dates Body 1-27-83, neck


Neck 4-25-83

Cool, then it closes the gap a little further for us. So now we're down to somewhere b/w February 4th and April 25th of 1983 for the changeover.

[zapcosongs]

Thanks Duck.

Hey guys, I'm a moron. It's been so long since I've played with the Registry. I think I used to edit my guitar information through my Profile, but I no longer see how I can do this. What's the easiest way for me to add the body and neck dates to my registered SC-3 (formerly WSD's). Thanks! - ed

[kakerlak]

Thanks Duck.

Hey guys, I'm a moron. It's been so long since I've played with the Registry. I think I used to edit my guitar information through my Profile, but I no longer see how I can do this. What's the easiest way for me to add the body and neck dates to my registered SC-3 (formerly WSD's). Thanks! - ed

Go to "User Profiles" > "View a Profile" , select your profile and the click on the S/N for the SC-3. Then you can log in and EDIT it.

Or click here, where all those steps have been taken for you

[zapcosongs]

Couldn't you make it any easier for me, Colin? Ha!

Done! Thanks so much.

Now back to the large vs. small fret dot marker issue. If it did change over at some particular point in time (as opposed to something more random), I wonder why it was done (i.e., aesthetic reasons versus production or some other concerns). - ed

[kakerlak]

Couldn't you make it any easier for me, Colin? Ha!

Done! Thanks so much.

Now back to the large vs. small fret dot marker issue. If it did change over at some particular point in time (as opposed to something more random), I wonder why it was done (i.e., aesthetic reasons versus production or some other concerns). - ed

Yeah, it seems like I've only seen the big dots on the SC models (but I might be mistaken). If so, it's pretty odd they did it to begin with. I can easily see the move to standard sizes as just another effort to "Fenderize."

[louis cyfer]

I think it looks so much better with a pickguard that I'd be highly tempted to modify any other SC model the same way, yet I'm not sure I have the nerve to be the guy that drills holes in a guitar. Something sacrilegious about it...

Some guitars look great without pickguards. I think a pickguard on an SC is a great improvement.
I was hesitant to post my SC-1 since it is no longer an SC sonically, but it does show an example of what a pickguard can do for it visually.

I previously explained how this guitar came to it's current configuration, but I'll go over it again.
After a 10 year hiatus from owning an electric guitar I decided to get back into it. The owner of a small local store was one of the earliest G&L dealers in N.Calif. I was on a very limited budget. I had always been a humbucker kind of player and didn't think I liked single coils at the time. The F-100 didn't do it for me. The owner had his in store tech modify three different SC-1s. He had him add a humbucker in the "middle" position (not as high up as a traditional neck pickup). This particular one had a SD '59 added to it. When I pulled it off the wall to try it, I was immediately impressed with the quality and playability of it and the price was right. Eventually, I got frustrated with the imbalance of the output of the two pickups and had the tech install a SD JB in the bridge and move the '59 up toward the neck in the traditional spacing. I also added a push/pull to split the coils and moved the output jack to the edge of the guitar. At this point I needed a pickguard to hide all the routing done on the body and I was very pleased with the pickguard the tech fabricated for me. This was my only guitar until last summer when I ordered my ASAT Classic.

i would have left the pup in the more middle position. i think that works better for neck humbuckers. as far as what the pickguard does for the guitar visually, well ruin it comes to mind.

[zapcosongs]

I actually don't want to like it, but I do. I'd love to hear it. Have any recordings featuring this beast?

You're right though in that it is no longer an SC-1. - ed

PS: Now that you've gong this far, why not throw an H3 in the bridge, and something like the Bridge version of a Dimarzio "Virtual PAF" in the neck to balance it out. That would make it really scream!!!

[louis cyfer]

I actually don't want to like it, but I do. I'd love to hear it. Have any recordings featuring this beast?

You're right though in that it is no longer an SC-1. - ed

PS: Now that you've gong this far, why not throw an H3 in the bridge, and something like the Bridge version of a Dimarzio "Virtual PAF" in the neck to balance it out. That would make it really scream!!!

the h3 is great, but why mix junk with it? why not another TA?

[zapcosongs]

I really like the Virtual PAFs. I find them to be articulate, never muddy and they split fantastic.

At least we agree on the H3. - ed