Late Lunch Report For Monday, January 27, 2014

[Boogie Bill]

Monday after NAMM Takeover! Boogie Bill is in 'Da House!

Well, finally got my new Dell 8700XPS computer set up and hooked up. Damn, even cleaned off my desk in the process! This thing has a 27" monitor so bright I'm getting a tan! The old HP from 2002 ran Windows XP and died from a hard drive failure. It was time. Trying to figure out Win 8.1 is....challenging.

Had to laugh, I bought the Win 8.1 For Dummies book; seems they now have a series for "Seniors". When I have to get the "SENILE SENIOR DUMMIES" version--I'm hangin' it up!


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So, what were the high points of your purchases last year? (List any pedals, guitars, amps, accessories, recording equipment or PA gear that you bought that merits out attention. Pics are always good.)

Has the new gear met your expectations, or left you disappointed?



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Time to get out your crystal ball, and tell us what purchases you might be making in 2014.

Have any of the reports from NAMM piqued your curiosity?

Do you set an annual gear budget, or do you buy when you have the need, or just a wad of cash in your pocket for when you see something you want? (I WISH! LOL!)


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One of the other forums I contribute to has a thread about cables.

What kind of cables are you using these days? Do you have to have the most expensive, boutique, custom made cables; or is off the rack "good enough"?

Anyone make their own cables?

How often do you replace your cables; do you replace them simply as needed, or do you throw out the lot every say, every five years and start over?


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There, I hope that's a good start for your week.

Bill

[Sprinter 92]

So, what were the high points of your purchases last year? (List any pedals, guitars, amps, accessories, recording equipment or PA gear that you bought that merits out attention. Pics are always good.)

I bought a couple of Sioux Guitars pedals that have been awesome! They are the K-D Chorus and Court Street Overdrive. I bought three outstanding G&L guitars last year. They are an '86 Asat with a Kahler tremolo, '88 Asat in a rare purple color and an '88 Interceptor that is purple & black.

Has the new gear met your expectations, or left you disappointed?

The three guitars above have been great. I also bought a Bluesboy, and it's a nice guitar but it just isn't working for me. I've found that I prefer the tone of a single coil in the neck position of an Asat style guitar.

Time to get out your crystal ball, and tell us what purchases you might be making in 2014.

Number one on the list for 2014 is a Splawn, Super Sport amp. Number two on the list may or may not happen. Number two is a Gibson, 1958 reissue Les Paul. I think I want an R8 Les Paul but I'm not completely committed to buying one.

Have any of the reports from NAMM piqued your curiosity?

Nope.

What kind of cables are you using these days? Do you have to have the most expensive, boutique, custom made cables; or is off the rack "good enough"?

I haven't bought a cable in years. I'm using a cable that came with a bass I bought a few years ago. Before I got the cable I'm using now, I was using the Gibson branded cable that came with the Les Paul that I bought in 1978. I still have the old Gibson cable for a backup.

How often do you replace your cables; do you replace them simply as needed, or do you throw out the lot every say, every five years and start over?

I use them until they quit.

[darwinohm]

Bill, I had a sandwich for lunch as I got home late. It was mid afternoon.

I hope that you find your way around Windows 8.1. It is not an easy migration. Ginnys new HP came with 8 and the upgrade to 8.1 happened last week. It changed everything she had previously set up to make it look more like XP. I found it interesting that HP announced last week that they are making new ones again with 7.

One of the high points last year was the Eq Mah Asat special with the DFS. It is a sweet guitar. The most innovative and fun thing was the iStomp that I recently purchased. They are really neat and can be reconfigured in less than 30 seconds at a gig with my iPad. really a neat rig. Here is a photo of the Asat Special.



For next year (2104) I am in pursuit of the perfect G&L 5 string bass. I believe that I located it today and it is an Equatorial Mahogany L-2500 and light for a G&L. Just a bit over 9 lbs. The only issue is that it has a couple of very minute marks on it and that bothers me. It will be my gigging rig so maybe I should be a bit forgiving. It is probably the only chance of a light G&L L2500 so I will give it some thought tomorrow. It is a satin finish so the imperfections are almost impossible to see. I usually don't buy unless perfect so this is a tough decision. I could easily remove them by sanding and applying tung oil but I have to think through this one. The G&L tone is unbeatable.

I have a large tote of cables that are used for gigging. I have had very good luck with cables as I am careful in the handling of them. I have many spares so they will be used until they fail. I buy good cables. One of my ex band members always bought cheap cables and he was always sending them home with me to repair. Have a great evening everyone. I am wondering why no news from G&L/NAMM. I find that a bit strange. -- Darwin

[LeoFThe Champion]

So, what were the high points of your purchases last year? (List any pedals, guitars, amps, accessories, recording equipment or PA gear that you bought that merits out attention. Pics are always good.)

Love Blondes.


Cannot put this thing down and the 100 year old Mahogany smells amazing to .

I have had most of these for years but the top corner is a newish pedal , Korg made Leslie simulator made in the 90's , WOW its accurate. I own an original Leslie cab but its at my ex wives and she wont give it to me.


Has the new gear met your expectations, or left you disappointed?



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Time to get out your crystal ball, and tell us what purchases you might be making in 2014.

Hopefully nothing, but maybe a great Telecaster.

Have any of the reports from NAMM piqued your curiosity?

Nope

Do you set an annual gear budget, or do you buy when you have the need, or just a wad of cash in your pocket for when you see something you want? (I WISH! LOL!)

Gear finds me after I have researched and looked really hard.

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What kind of cables are you using these days? Do you have to have the most expensive, boutique, custom made cables; or is off the rack "good enough"?
Analysis Plus.
===========================

There, I hope that's a good start for your week.

Always Bill, Thanks.

[sam]

Hey Bill,

So, what were the high points of your purchases last year?
HUGE year for me gear wise and met all expectations. Let's say got carried away and my wife still puts up with me. All in one year Broadcaster, ASAT Classic Custom, and ASAT Classic Signature proto. Threw in a TC Electronics Flashback for good measure. Actually traded a MXR Carbon Copy even, and think I got better end of the deal.






Time to get out your crystal ball, and tell us what purchases you might be making in 2014.
After this year not sure. Maybe a Semi hollow with f hole Bluesboy, a ukelele, maybe a Martin OM or OO.

Have any of the reports from NAMM piqued your curiosity?
Nope, but have not looked too much. Still want to see what Craig shows off.

Do you set an annual gear budget, or do you buy when you have the need, or just a wad of cash in your pocket for when you see something you want? (I WISH! LOL!)
Try to keep to one item per year.

What kind of cables are you using these days? Just got a Kirlin that so far so good. Have a few Mogami's and Fenders.

Anyone make their own cables? No way, more effort than I care for a cable

Let's make some noise this year!

[Salmon]

I had a slice of apple pie and fresh squeezed orange juice for lunch.

• The new computer: As much as you may like the Dell, you should have bought a Mac. You would have had bright, clear and more true-to-life color in the monitor and an elegant operating system that would put the royal women of Monaco to shame.
  
  
• 2013 Purchases: I bought a plug-in Shevannai: Voices of the Elves. Plunking the keys the fairy sings notes and phrases instead of hearing a piano tone. I have not played around with the vocal plug-in nearly enough but it has potential. I also bought two guitars, an ASAT Special and an S-500. Keep in mind that I have purchased each of the guitars I own from separate dealers. I have a thread somewhere around here voicing my dissatisfaction with the tint on the neck of one of the new guitars. However, aside from that caveat the guitar is spectacular and surpassed expectations in other areas. The other guitar is fine except that this other dealer messed up the case candy and is being flaky about correcting their mistake.
  
  
• 2014 Purchases: Nothing from NAMM caught my attention. In 2014 I am not planning to buy anything yet. I would like a Gibson but I have a lot of homework to do before I take action with money. I may sell a guitar, possibly a pedal and maybe a keyboard.
  
  
• Cables: I just use simple cables and replace them as they wear out. A few years ago I bought a bunch and have taken care of them. So far none have shown signs of breaking down.

[KenC]

So, what were the high points of your purchases last year? (List any pedals, guitars, amps, accessories, recording equipment or PA gear that you bought that merits out attention. Pics are always good.)

Has the new gear met your expectations, or left you disappointed?

Here they are, in roughly the order they arrived:

1982 SC-1 (photo by the previous owner):



1984 Cavalier E:



1999 L-1500:



1986 SB-1:



1983 SC-2:



1963 Ampeg B-15:



1982 SC-3:



2003 PRS Electric Bass (photo by previous owner):



1969 Gibson EB-0:



The SC-3, B-15 and PRS were ones I didn't have any expectation of finding affordable deals on, but they happened to show up when the funding was there. I had been unsuccessfully trying to track down an unmodified first-style SC-3 for quite a while, and stumbled on this one while randomly checking different cities' Craigslist postings. The B-15 had been my Holy Grail bass amp for a long time before it showed up in a local shop, and I had been GASsing for one of these PRSs for over a year (since one got away from me). I made the first bid on an eBay auction, and somehow nobody else bid. I had been so sure that it would skyrocket out of my price range that I almost didn't bid.

I basically swapped my John Jorgenson Sig ASAT for the B-15, and had no remorse whatsoever. For such a simple amp, it amazes me that nothing built since the circuit was revised almost 50 years ago has matched that sound. Once you have it in your ear, it's easy to tell which classic albums were cut with a B-15. You might not be able to tell what kind of bass was played, but there's no mistaking the B-15 tone.

The SC-1 is my favorite guitar model of all time, so when I had the chance to get this one as a backup to my other '82 I jumped on it. It is perfect, even when I strum it unplugged. The Cavalier was not a planned purchase, but when it came up in a conversation about another instrument I went for it. It doesn't get as much playing time as some of my others, but it is still a sweet guitar.

The L-1500 was a sleeper that turned into a keeper. It was a very OK bass sound-wise with round wounds, but when I put flats on it became a tone monster. I can't understand why they don't have a better reputation. Judging by their rareness on the used market, the folks who do buy them new tend to hold onto them.

The SB-1, SC-2 and EB-0 were supposed to be fixer-uppers. All three were listed for way below their value, and I was concerned the G&Ls would become platforms for modding or hack-job repairs at those prices. The SB-1 sounded from the seller's description like there could have been some ski jump, but I decided to take a chance on it. After a couple of days acclimating from its old home in the Southwest to summertime in Maryland, the buzzing went away and every note fretted cleanly. I guess it just needed a healthy dose of humidity.

The EB-0 had worn down to bare mahogany, had a stable crack below the output jack, and has aftermarket tuners. It has soaked up quite a bit of roasted walnut oil, and once it seems to be done drinking any more in I will start using Feed-N-Wax (a food-grade blend of beeswax and orange oil that's popular with Warwick owners). I may replace the tuners if I can ever get a good deal on an original set.

The SC-2 was described by Guitar Center as being heavily modded and in bad shape, but the only mods were replacing the original black bridge with a newer chrome one, scuffing the finish with sandpaper, and replacing the knobs. It plays and sounds like a dream.

Time to get out your crystal ball, and tell us what purchases you might be making in 2014.

This year I really want to focus on playing rather than acquiring. I have a Moog Sub Phatty synthesizer inbound (it's been on order for almost a year). As far as 2014 purchases, I would like to find the two Leo-era basses that have evaded me so far: an ASAT and a second-style SB-2. The one piece of new gear I am interested in is a fretless G&L bass with a #8 neck. When I think about it, I bounce back and forth between an L-1500 and an SB-2, with occasional dreams of an ASAT. If I do go for a new G&L fretless, it will be after selling one or two (depending on which model I go for) of my current BBE-era G&Ls.

What kind of cables are you using these days? Do you have to have the most expensive, boutique, custom made cables; or is off the rack "good enough"?

Anyone make their own cables?

How often do you replace your cables; do you replace them simply as needed, or do you throw out the lot every say, every five years and start over?

I've been buying a brand called Quantum, that a local shop sells. They are the only U.S.-built cables I've come across lately. I always have too many long ones and not enough shorties (a common problem for those into synthesizers as well as guitars). I pick up a couple of short ones whenever I see them in that shop.

Ken

[yowhatsshakin]

Hey Bill,

Thanks for the LR. Some wonderful collections up there (by the usual suspects I may add), some beautiful porn all of sudden comes out of the woodworks

Last year was a big year for me too. No pedals put plenty of guitars to the tune of an average of 1 per month. Here is the calendar of last year (click for larger pic):

(L-R) 2011 ASAT Deluxe Korina prototype, 1982 SB-2 1st body style, 2012 ASAT Deluxe SH w/ TV Jones pups


(L-R) 2013 ASAT Classic S Alnico (shown at Winter NAMM '13), 1991 ASAT Commemorative Lacewood #26, 2012 ASAT Classic S NENA Collection


(L-R) 2013 ASAT Classic Solamente Alnico, 1984 HG-2, 1983 L-1000F


(L-R) 2013 ASAT Classic Solamante, 1980 F-100 Series II, 1984 SC-2 1st body style

You'll find it to be a mix of brand spanking new, model wise and build wise, prototypes, and pre-BBE student, ASAT, and non-ASAT models. The esthetic highpoint was the Lacewood: what a beautiful guitar. The sonic highpoint: L-1000F: playing fretless bass is actually a lot of fun.

What will happen this year? I really would like to get a Z-3, Will Ray, ASAT Classic Custom, and ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90 (preferably Savannah Collection) so there is at least one of each model in the herd. But having said that today I hauled a 1983 Nighthawk and 1982 hog S-500 up to my desk at work. So who the heck knows. When I see an opportunity (and it can be financed), I'll go for it. Think that improving the storage solution will get a higher priority.

I only use the highest quality Monster Cables (SP-1000 series) and am very content with it. Wouldn't change anything there.

- Jos

[KenC]

Jos,

How did I miss that fretless L-1K's arrival? Have you posted photos? Or am I just repressing memories to help deal with jealousy???

I'd love to see more of that sunburst F-100. The grain looks really interesting.

Ken

[yowhatsshakin]

Jos,

How did I miss that fretless L-1K's arrival? Have you posted photos? Or am I just repressing memories to help deal with jealousy???

I'd love to see more of that sunburst F-100. The grain looks really interesting.

Ken

Ken,

I might have mentioned the L-1000F somewhere in a post but it came in after my last LR stint in early September 2013. So I have not covered any of the last 4 from 2013 and the first 2 of 2014, which includes both the L-1000F as well as the hog F-100 Series II. If I have some more time, I'll write a post showing of the beauty of early G&L hog models like my F-100, G-200, and S-500. The Nighthawk that came in today has a rare maple body which is also very desirable. Both (hopefully) will come home tomorrow and I'll at least document them this coming Saturday so I can update my website. Sunday is reserved for other activities.

So you didn't overlook or miss anything. I have been busy like a bee for the last 5-6 months and have not had as much time to write or contribute to this forum. Heck, it is somewhat remarkable I found myself with so much time on my hand this evening. Hope that will change soon, and it will, one way or another.

- Jos

P.S. What's up Sunday? GO HAWKS!!!

[astutzmann]

lunch yesterday was a hot dog and salad, yummmm!

In 2013, I sold 3 guitars, ordered the LE-2 and spent some time getting all my guitars that I have left, in great shape, tuned up and playing them more.

Right now, my blues boy goes with me for my lessons and I play it more and more (which surprises me), its so easy to play and I don't mind the smaller radius.

At home, I'm playing my Heritage 535 more and more, what a great guitar!

No pedals, I bought a Boss ME-70 which does everything and I hardly use it. In fact I play unplugged most of the time.


For 2014, I am always checking out high end acoustics and while I am gas'ing for one and checking them out, I probably won't get one as I'm not nearly good enough of a player to own a $3k-$4k guitar. It would scare me to own one.

I have been spending time on the builder, building a custom S-500 Deluxe.......NOW that might get gas going. We'll see, LE-2 first.

[astutzmann]

I forgot, as far as other stuff goes, I just bought another IPAD, the IPAD AIR and I love it and it goes with my IPAD3.

I have a crestron home theatre and home automation system at home. The touch remotes were expensive and they are not good, have bad batteries (swapped twice in 3 years) and they are dying. Crestron came out with an IPAD app for $99 which does everything the $3k remote does. I hired a kid to program it (took 1 day) and we are away to the races, I can control my house and home theatre completely, from my iPads, my iPhone, and even from the iPhone anywhere in the world over 3g or LTE...cool

Early in 2013 I bought a new Macbook Pro, retina 15 inch. Its awesome. Work bought me another one with 16 gig of ram, so I converted mine for my wife's use.... 2 macbook pros, working fantastic.

Last week I bought a mac mini, to replace my very old iMac that I have in the home theatre which is only used as an iTunes server to run music thru the house, movies, Apple TV, etc........don't need a separate device for that, but it makes life easy and a mac mini is relatively cheap...and fits in a rack.

[RampageFan]

Thanks for the reports Bill! You got the week started off on the right foot!

Wow! Thanks everyone for posting some great photos of some outstanding guitars! This is what makes this a great site!

Sprinter, you have GREAT tastes in guitars! I would gladly take any of those four!

Ken, with my recent purchase of the Fallout, I now understand why you love the SC style guitars! The body style and necks are very comfortable to play.

Jos and Darwin, you guys are my heroes! You both have fantastic collections and really know your stuff! I always enjoy your input on the boards.

For me 2013 was a great year. Finally decided on which tube amp I liked, and went with the Vox Ac15C. It's a great sounding amp that exposes weaknesses in certain guitars. I have learned that Rampages' don't sound good on clean settings! On the other hand, the Superhawk and Fallout sound beautiful through a Vox. However, a Rampage through a MXR '78 distortion and the Vox absolutely rocks!

On the advice of another member who recommended trying an EQ to get good clean sounds with the Rampage, I bought a MXR 10 band EQ. It made a huge difference with the Rampage.

And have I mentioned I got a Superhawk and Fallout? I couldn't be any more pleased with the Fallout.

Since I'm so happy with the Fallout, in 2014 I would like to order a SC2 with a maple board and DFV. I really like the body style and #1 neck with the light tint satin finish.

Dave

[fianoman]

Man, you guys are sooo mean!! Look at all that candy! Some amazing collections and guitars!

Ken, I would be happy to buff out the scratches on the SC-2 for you. Might take a while but I promise to send it back eventually.

2013, bought my first G&L - 95 US Legacy - for a project. Has required a lot of work to make playable (which led me to the gbl forum) but I see why everyone is addicted to them. Also, got my 1998 Taylor 814ce back (Taylor had it for more than two months) so that was like a new guitar again. BTW - interesting story, the finish was lifting in places so Taylor refinished it for no charge! Also upgraded the nut and saddle to bone. What a great guitar it is.

As far as this year, I am hoping to acquire something with jumbo MFD's, maybe a mahogany Trib ASAT. The sound of those pickups is magical. Wish there was a dealer in my area. Maybe it's better that there isn't. I am also thinking of getting a short scale acoustic - having some probs with tendons in my left arm - but I will wait until I sell a few other things, some amps (a SFPR, DRII in there), an old Ibanez Strat, Ibanez acoustic, a Roland VG Strat. Never seem to have enough time to do everything I want.

As far a cables, no more cheap ones for me but the mid priced ones and up seem to hold up pretty well.

Very nice guitars Gents!

[Fumble fingers]

nice LR Bill !!

my 2013 high point would have to be finally pulling the trigger on a new Legacy and my first G&L ... with 4 kids we never splurged on ourselves , so this was the first time ... also the first time I ever bought a brand new high quality instrument for myself along with a high quality amp vintage amp



my first Leo era guitar



Fender Super Reverb 1976 still original




for 2014 , I have a ASAT deluxe thats a new arrival and LE 2 should be here soon ... should have a Broadcaster here by March witch will be my first mint original condition Leo Era guitar

[Boogie Bill]

That is some nice gear! Love the Super Reverb, and I have been wanting a Cavalier for forever! Tim's quilt Bluesboy is to DIE for!

Bill