I was thinking about all the stuff that’s happened in my life since the new GbL started. My youngest son got married, my oldest son and his wife gave us our first grandchild, I was transferred to our parent corporation, lost 54 lbs, had a little heart attack and got two stents as a consolation prize. Our singer got a job out of town so he moved, we replaced him with a guy who didn’t work out, and we’re grooming the next guy. The wheel keeps turning whether we want it to or not!
One of the things I enjoyed about hanging out on the GbL was finding common ground with guys I’d never met, and probably never would meet. All it takes is one little thread to form a bond, of sorts, or at least an appreciation for what someone has experienced. In scanning threads, I’m fascinated by Darwin’s Runestone connection (I enjoy history), and the brief story on what Louis went through to get here is unreal. I don’t know if anyone born and raised in the US can comprehend what that must have been like.
So, what’s your story? What makes you, you? Ever shot yourself in the hand with a nail gun? C’mon, give it up! Here’s your chance! Tell us your story!
LUNCH:
I’m going to be at a customers plant today, so if I don’t take someone to lunch I’ll probably hit Subway for a 6” turkey and ham on whole wheat, and a bottle of water. What the hell . . . it worked for Jared.
G&L TOPIC:
One of the best parts about the old GbL was the knowledge that hung around on a daily basis. I know there are some very knowledgeable guys here today, but I really enjoyed seeing posts from guys like Greg Gagliano, Tim Page, and Gabe Dellevigne. They could really get into the history of G&L - really dig deep. I know Tim is fairly active here and we’re fortunate to have his expertise. Tim’s relationship with George Fullerton was a real blessing, and he was a great source for interesting information.
Gabe used to have some real interesting stuff to post and seemed to have the answer to just about any question you could ask about G&L’s - especially Leo Era questions. One that I hung onto was his pickup comparison between an MFD and a vintage Strat pickup. People used to ask all the time if an MFD could fit in their Strat or a vintage pickup could fit in a G&L. This was a good visual.
Gabe had tons of stuff like this, and Greg was loaded with information, as well. The two of them were working on a book about G&L a few years ago. I emailed Greg to see if they’re still working on it, but I haven’t heard back yet. Perhaps someone here knows the status. If so, please let us know!
Do you have any pictures or wiring tips you’d like to share from some of our technical guru’s? Do you find the pictures or diagrams in the Gallery to be useful when you’re thinking about wiring mods?
Here’s my submission as a sustain enhancing tech tip. It’s a bugger to string up, but when you get it right . . . oh yea, tonal nirvana.
NON-G&L TOPIC:
Boo-teek guitars. Electric or acoustic, there sure are a lot of them out there. There were a fair number of guys on the old GbL who played higher end acoustics - Huss & Dalton, Collings, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, etc. When it comes to acoustic guitars, I think it’s easy to see (or hear) the value of the craftsmanship that goes into the guitar. On the electric side, some are fairly innovative while others just seem to be a rehash of old designs using readily available parts. Some I get, some I don’t, but as long as someone gets it and they have a check book, we have a winner. Most don’t compete in the same market as G&L, so I figure it’s safe to discuss some of them here.
I was recently introduced to CP Thornton custom built guitars. Chuck Thornton builds a great guitar and puts a lot of thought into adding his own twist to some of the more basic designs. While he builds guitars that are along the same line as a Tele, Strat, and Les Paul, they’re different - especially the Tele and Strat type guitars. His neck joint design is unique, which causes other changes in the body. He’s also starting to build set-neck T and S style guitars. Interesting. I wonder if that has a big effect on tone?
Here’s a link to the “Innovations” page for Chuck’s guitars. I like the neck heel, and his neck attachment design must make the Gibson “long-tenon” fanboy’s get a tingle up their leg. I’ve become a big fan of Chuck’s work, and he’s one heck of a nice guy, too.
http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/solidb ... novations/
Have you checked out any boutique builders? What’s your opinion concerning their guitars? Let’s not forget acoustic guitars. Ever strummed a $3,000+ acoustic? Did you notice a big difference in tone or volume, or did you stare at it and wonder why it didn’t include a pickup for that price?
Me, I’m scared to death to own a high end acoustic. Not sure why, other than I’m not sure I’d ever play it. I own a high end electric that I play almost daily, while my Larrivee OM sits in the case.
Day 2 is underway and I need to get on the road. I’ll check in later today.
Ches
), life has been pretty status quo for me. 12 hour work days (including commute time) , 30+ gigs a year with the band (doesn't leave many free weekends), and I got back into shooting photos (I've got a blog with over 450 posts of my images done over the past two years). BUT... On May 1st I gave notice at my job! Been there 15 years and May 31st is my last day! No more commuting!! And I became a Canadian citizen in 2010--got my passport last November. So... besides living in Canada being in our future, my wife and I are about to buy a Big Ass Van (a Mercedes Sprinter conversion van with a lot of bells and whistles) and hit the road for a year or so. The band will continue (though there will be less rehearsals!). We've got some tours lined up into the fall and are working on touring as the main band thing rather than the once a year fling. Anyway, getting older sometimes has it's benefits!
