B&B Guitarists

[Beowulf53]

After the excellent discussion of guitar strings, I'm led to ask: how many guitarists do we have here on B&B? I suspect more than a few :smile:

So - what do you play and (in the words of Johnny Rabbit) "who are your influences?"

I'll start. I'm an acoustic steel string fingerstyle player and have played since 1968, I've gone through a bunch of guitars - both acoustic (Collings, Martin, Larrivee, and Guild) and electric (Fender, Guild, and G&L) over the years; right now I'm down to two: a 2003 Collings OM2H (perhaps the best-sounding guitar I've ever played) and a 2005 Larrivee OMV-09. I play a mixture of blues, jazz, folk, rock, etc. - whatever I can manage to play. My influences/favorites include Richard Thompson, John Fahey, Ed Gerhard, Bill Frissell, Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Smith, Wes Montgomery, John Renbourn - and of late, Led Kaapana, Ozzie Katani, Keola Beamer, Sonny Chillingworth, and Cyril and Gabby Pahinui, as I've been working on slack key for the last couple of months.

So - who else plays?

Ken

[Bluestaco]

My old "Frankenstrat" of variable and untraceable pedigree, a hardtail mahogany strat I built, a Washburn jazz box that ain't too bad, really, and I just bought a Martin DR. I have Fender amps that I've modified myself, and stuff I've built.

Anymore, I play with various blues bands, go to jams, and sit around the house trying to improve my travis picking. IN the 80s, of course, I was part of (a victim of) the whole shred/gunslinging thing, but survived somewhat. :rolleyes:

I finally remembered why I took up guitar in the first place (to entertain myself), and when I stick to that, I still enjoy it.

[kestrel]

Flat-top finger-style, although I haven't played much lately.
I've got a Guild GAD Series cutaway - really nice guitar.
Influences - Stan and Garnet Rogers, Gamble Rogers, John Prine, Mississippi John Hurt, Norman Blake, Brownie McGee and others.
Guys I Wish I Was Good Enough to be Influenced By - Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Pierre Bensusan, Michael Hedges

Best Regards

Graham

[LX_Emergency]

Play acoustic steelstring and Electric.

Influences on Acoustic include mostly Dave Matthews and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)

On Electric my favorites are Tom Morrello (Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave) and Matthew Bellamy (Muse). I also play a lot of Jimmy Eat World with my band. And we used to play a lot of Green Day.

I play a Takamine G-240 acoustic and and Ibanez GAX on Electric with a Line6 Spider III 75 watt amp.

[mightemacs]

"Frankenstrat" -- I like that name =P

I've got a few guitars kicking around these days -- my first electric, a Fender Squier Strat; my baby, a 1968 gold top Les Paul; and a Yamaha Compass-series acoustic/electric. I've also got an Ibanez Ergodyne bass, and I'm planning on picking up a drumset sometime this year, so basically I can furnish an entire band.

I've been playing for about 10 or 11 years. I'd say my biggest influence to date is David Gilmour. One of my college roommates played guitar, and we used to just sit around for hours and hours just playin around, one of us just going crazy with a solo and the other just keeping a rhythm going. It was really cool, because he was a big Yngwie Malmsteen fan, and the crazy fast metal and the slower heart-pulling solos trading back and forth came out pretty awesome sometimes. Other times it was a little too eclectic...

But yeah, it's pretty cool that we've got a bunch of guitarists around here.

[adamjaskie]

I've got a cheap Yamaha steel-string acoustic I got about a year ago that I've been playing around with now and then. I'm not really serious about it, though; I just noodle around on the thing.

I listen to all sorts of stuff; everybody influences me in one way or another.

[R-James]

I have an ozark folk acoustic which I play a lot of fingerstyle on and my baby, a Gibson les paul limited edition in copper top, which I use for anything from soft jazz to screaming metal, but I normally stick to playing a lot of raw electric blues and a bit of nashville.

[scoopster]

In the bass world a "doubler" is someone that plays acoustic upright and electric bass. There's some that think that is sacrilige cause you can't fully master both if you split your efforts.

I guess I'm a "tripler" so I'm really busting all the rules. I play bass, electric upright bass (yes, even more sacrilige) and acoustic guitar. We won't talk about the hand drumming and other percussives that I dabble in.

Basses: Music Man (70's four string), Tobias Growler (5 string), Fender P-bass Plus
Electric Upright: Azola BugBass (original, 4 string)
Guitar: Seagull S6, Godin A6 (acoustic electric)

I suck equally on all of them but I have fun when I manage to get the time to play. I recently learned the Sesame Street theme and my kids love me playing it on the big upright bass.

[Ltltony]

I play:

Electrics:
Les Paul Studio, Strat, Epiphone S310, and an old Winston that doesn't really count.

Acoustic:
Ovation

Bass:
Ibanez

[solloron]

I currently have a Martin D-15 rosewood (love the smell)...i'm new to playing but reasons i got into guitar was David Gilmour, i try to get my sound to reflect his but so far ive been unsuccessful...i love my guitar though play it everyday...some other influences are Clapton, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, O.A.R, Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton, Oasis, Joe Perry, Mark Tremonti and Rob Balducci...i dont know if i try to play particularly any genre, but blues and rock are my favorite.

I dont own an electric but am looking to aquire a Fender American Vintage '57 in black, or Candy Red (havent decided yet)

[michaelskar]

I've played in bands for over 15 years...played bass in some (precision bass and an ernie ball), guitar and vocals in another two (mostly fender telecaster)...by accident both my fender p-bass and tele are '62 sunburst reissues from the 80s...both still sound quite nice.

been recording lots on my own with a cheapo acoustic, my basses, a cheapo keyboard...recently saved a cheapo nylon acoustic from the dumpster (actually walked out as a woman was walking it solemnly to the dumpster)...this one sounds great (surprisingly).

I'd say style-wise I'm influenced mostly by the Beatles and the Pixies (or rather, Frank Black in general)...I'm more a songwriter than a technical musician...and I'm just waaaaay too poor to be into gear (hence I play cheap instruments very well, IMHO).

When I go into the "real" studio I use my friend/producer's nice equipment...I find (of course) that cheap equipment really shows its limitations when doing "proper" recording with good mics/etc....but for home recording (with cheap mics) and the odd club show, my equipment serves me just fine.

[Beowulf53]

I currently have a Martin D-15 rosewood (love the smell)...i'm new to playing but reasons i got into guitar was David Gilmour, i try to get my sound to reflect his but so far ive been unsuccessful...i love my guitar though play it everyday...some other influences are Clapton, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, O.A.R, Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton, Oasis, Joe Perry, Mark Tremonti and Rob Balducci...i dont know if i try to play particularly any genre, but blues and rock are my favorite.

I dont own an electric but am looking to aquire a Fender American Vintage '57 in black, or Candy Red (havent decided yet)

The Martin 15 series is one of my favorite "economically priced" guitars. I've owned a couple in the past - a 000-15 and a 00-15S - but I've never seen or played one of the rosewood/spruce models.

Candy Apple Red is one the best Fender colors - I like Lake Placid Blue as well.

Ken

[grayraven]

Lately I have been playing a lot of accoustic music. I think that is due to listening to too much Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. I have been known to play some other rock and blues stuff. Currently have two guitars. An Alvarez accoustic 60SC with a natural finish, and an Alvarez Electric Classic II.

[Ltltony]

Lately I have been playing a lot of accoustic music. I think that is due to listening to too much Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. I have been known to play some other rock and blues stuff. Currently have two guitars. An Alvarez accoustic 60SC with a natural finish, and an Alvarez Electric Classic II.

It's been the same for me and for the same reason. Listening to tons of Jack Johnson.

[mightemacs]

Funny, lately I've been steering away from my acoustic, as I've found myself playing a lot of Zeppelin and CCR. :001_smile

[JDE]

I have a couple of Strats, a Tele and a Tokai Love Rock.

I sort of play in a kind of postrock style, for lack of a better term. And some jazz and blues, but not a great deal, and not very well.
Influences - Mogwai, GY!BE, The Verve, Radiohead, Spiritualized, Cursive, Fugazi, Wilco.

[shaveme]

Does my Guitar Hero Les Paul count?

That is it for me.

[Stanley]

I used to own an amp restoration business so I've had a ton of amps and a few guitars. I've settled down to the following:

Gibson Les Paul studio '94
Fender JagStang - blue original issue

Amps:
1974 Fender Super Reverb, completely "blackfaced"
Homemade Marshall 18 watt amp
1949 Fender Princeton TV Front

the only effects I've kept are my Fuzz Factory and a Mutron Phasor II

[grayraven]

Does my Guitar Hero Les Paul count?

That is it for me.

As it probably sounds better than most of what I play, I say it counts! :biggrin:

[analog_kid]

I sold all my axes a little over a year ago. I'll always be a drummer first, and everything else second, but I did have a nice stable. A Jackson King V, Epi Explorer, and a Ibanez Sound Gear bass. For amplification I had a Marshall AVT 50 and an used POS Peavey bass amp.

I'm seriously considering picking up another guitar because Guitar Rig looks like a lifetime of fun! :w00t:

[thirdeye]

I have been bending the strings on my 65' Tabacoo strat for 25 years now.
My influances are John Lee Hooker, Lead Belly, Johnny Winter, Randy Rhodes and it would be simply impossible for any guitarist not to at least give honorable mention to the one and only Jimi Hendricks....

[boboakalfb]

Air...I rock.

[Prince]

I keep it simple. I have 1 acoustic and 1 electric. Just banging around with a few chords.

[Gypsy shaver]

As you can see by my avatar Django Reinhardt is inspirational to me. Unfortunately I lack his virtuosity. What I am good at is woodworking and spent a year building a reproduction of the Selmer that Reinhardt played.
My other guitars include:
1940 Epiphone Emperor
Fender strat

Tom

[2bits]

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=11770

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=11771

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=11772

[sultis]

1969 Les Paul Professional
Fender acoustic
Fender Strat (Mexico)
Fender Twin Reverb (60's)
Fender Champ practice amp

[Howard Newell]

I only own a Strat, a Strat knockoff that I made out of black walnut with mini-humbuckers, a u-g-l-y little guitar out of black walnut that was my first attempt at making guitars with an EMG H4 Ceramic pickup, and a black walnut flying V.

For influences I'd have to say Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, and some good ol' Dave Mustaine mixed in with Steely Dan.
I used to be heavily into blues, but got burned out on it.

I don't play guitar as much as I used to because of school, but I still compose songs on a home studio MIDI program.

[-bp-]

I've got a Tobacco Sunburst Tele that I bought back in the 80's, A decent Tele copy made by National and a spruce top Alvarez that I also bought back in the 80's. I'm primarily a rhythm guitarist, though occasionally I'll take a solo.

[Telecastick]

G & L Comanche, all mahogany
5 telecasters, three of which I will never sell,
48 Epi hollow body with Dearmond pickups,
78 Ibenez Artist
68 Yamaha
50 something Harmony Stratatone

A bunch of fender amps, Along with a magnatone and a Mesa.

The favorite effect of the moment is a vintage fender reverb tank and a tape echo that my tech built.

[royalcrown]

Glad to see a few bass players. Currently I have a Music Man (07 HH), Dean 4 string Acoustic, and a Norma Viola bass from somewhere between 65-70. There have been a few others but SWMBO has put a hard cap of 4 basses in the house at one time. If I had to peg influences I’d have to say that Noel Redding (one of the most underrated bass players IMO) Brian Ritchie, and Paul Simonon.

[Mike in Cincy]

I didn't even know Takamine made electrics! Anyway, I was heavily influenced by Noel Gallagher and Oasis. I currently have an Epiphone Accoustic/Electric and an Epiphone Riviera. I'm wanting to sell/trade my Riviera for something more compact.

[solloron]

The Martin 15 series is one of my favorite "economically priced" guitars. I've owned a couple in the past - a 000-15 and a 00-15S - but I've never seen or played one of the rosewood/spruce models.

Candy Apple Red is one the best Fender colors - I like Lake Placid Blue as well.

Ken

Yea the rosewood/spruce is beautiful and it smells amazing every time i open up the case...i highly recommend this guitar with medium to light strings its perfect

[minorguitarist]

One more guitar player here! I'm playing 20+ years acoustic guitar. I have one fender acoustic & one tanglewood electric/acoustic.

[2bits]

I didn't even know Takamine made electrics!

They tried a few small production runs in the 80's.

It's a peach. :biggrin:

Later

[matt321]

Yea the rosewood/spruce is beautiful and it smells amazing every time i open up the case...i highly recommend this guitar with medium to light strings its perfect

My 000-28 smells like opening a new box of tinker toys mixed with a teaspoon of cinamin. :cool:

Here tell the bluegrass groups here in the Houston area won't let newbies play if you show up with anything other than Martin. :blushing:

[Bluestaco]

My 000-28 smells like opening a new box of tinker toys mixed with a teaspoon of cinamin. :cool:

Here tell the bluegrass groups here in the Houston area won't let newbies play if you show up with anything other than Martin. :blushing:

You don't walk in with anything but a Martin in West Virginia, either! :eek:

I never wanted one, really, but I played a D-15 and fell in love with it. Went back to buy one, and the one they had that day sounded like a fart in the mud, so I bought a DR instead. No clue what it (or anything else in the world) smells like, but I LOVE that boomy sound I get!

[thunderball]

My pride and joy(s):

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s257/nuskool73/IMGP3475.jpg

Two Nationals and a Larrivee OM. I (try to) play mostly fingerstyle stuff in open G or D. Lots of slide and old blues on the Nationals. :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

Years ago I bought a flat top to learn on. My kids took it away from me, and I haven't seen in for quite some time. So...if an older guy wants to pick up the guitar (I do have a background, trombone, piano, percussion and a bit of bass playing) what would you suggest for an inexpensive guitar to learn on?

Randy

[LX_Emergency]

Years ago I bought a flat top to learn on. My kids took it away from me, and I haven't seen in for quite some time. So...if an older guy wants to pick up the guitar (I do have a background, trombone, piano, percussion and a bit of bass playing) what would you suggest for an inexpensive guitar to learn on?

Randy

Define "Inexpensive" ? $100?$300?$500?

[Beowulf53]

If you are talking < $500, I would look at the Godin products. They are sold under the names of Simon & Patrick, Art & Lutherie, La Patrie, and Seagull. The Seagulls are the nicest - and the most expensive.

If you are looking to spend more, the aforementioned Martin 15 series and the Larrivee 03 series offer a lot of value.

Finally, I wouldn't shy away from buying used if you use a trustworthy source.

Ken


Years ago I bought a flat top to learn on. My kids took it away from me, and I haven't seen in for quite some time. So...if an older guy wants to pick up the guitar (I do have a background, trombone, piano, percussion and a bit of bass playing) what would you suggest for an inexpensive guitar to learn on?

Randy

[LX_Emergency]

If acoustic I'd say Takamine. They produce lovely sounds and a secondhand one can be found for aroune $300 I think.

Electric= Ibanez, looks cool feels great and available in every selfrespecting shop.

[thunderball]

In my opinion, Beowulf53 nailed it: Seagulls and Larivees are incredible value for money guitars. The Larivees are a bit more expensive than the Seagulls but I've owned both and been more than satisfied...go Canada! :biggrin:

[Bluestaco]

Years ago I bought a flat top to learn on. My kids took it away from me, and I haven't seen in for quite some time. So...if an older guy wants to pick up the guitar (I do have a background, trombone, piano, percussion and a bit of bass playing) what would you suggest for an inexpensive guitar to learn on?

Randy

You can get a really decently made and fairly good sounding guitar for under 700 dollars these days, and some things under 400 really aren't bad for, as you say, an inexpensive guitar to learn on. Randy, go up to Guitar Czar on the east end of 33rd and ask them to show you just that, and they will. My best bud works there; they are honest guys who won't sell you something you don't want.

Some of the Ibanez and Epiphone stuff is great for people who want to try out guitar without spending a whole lot.

[Duggo]

I'm a wanna-be - if that counts.

That way I can sing and play the guitar at the same time. :001_smile (Un)fortunately, depending upon how you look at it, I would love to learn how to play songs like:

Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Fly Me to The Moon
See You In September
Save the Last Dance for Me.

Last but not least: all of Frank D'Rone's songs from the CD After The Ball.

in short, love songs. :blushing:

Great post Randy and Beowulf53.

[JHouse]

Now we're talking my language.

I built a Custom Warmoth guitar last year with EMG's. PRS style, metallic blue. Absolutely love it.

White Ibanez for the shredding, and martin acoustic for the mellow.

[neilxvx]

I've been playing for about ten years (since I was ten, lol) and I have a Fender Telecaster, Ibanez RG 421, An Epiphone Acoustic, Guild Acoustic, and a Martin Acoustic that was handed down from my grandfather to my dad to me!

[rtaylor61]

Thanks for the info!

Randy

[ShavingShack]

Been playing (tinkering) about 18 years now. I've got an Ibanez RG550 EX and and an Epiphone but the one I use most round the house, and would recommend as an inexpensive yet decent guitar to learn on, is the Yamaha Pacifica 112. I did quite a bit of research trying to source a decent yet cheap electric and I found a good following on Harmony Central:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Yamaha/Pacifica+112/10/1

It looks like you can get them for about the $200 price mark.

Dan

[expatCanuck]

My main instrument is a Larrivee L-09 (pictured on the website in my signature URL (http://oldwithoutmoney.com) - some of my songs are also on the site). I also have Larrivee 00-19 and OM-03R 12-string guitars. I've never picked up a full-sized Larrivee instrument that I wouldn't be happy to own -- and I can't say the same for Gibson or Martin (tho' they can and do make some very fine instruments). Collings instruments are real nice, but I tend to fritter away that kind of capital on food, shelter & clothing.

Style is folk-pop fingerstyle.

Oh yeah -- also play a Weber Bridger mandolin (http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/kansas-dec04.avi), an entry-level GoldStar open-back banjo (very poorly) and a Jack Spira cittern (not much better).

But I gotta get me a fiddle.

Cheers,

- Richard

[TorzJohnson]

I feel guilty because I haven't picked up a guitar in a few years now. I still have 'em though and I need to get back to playing.

'79 Fender Strat
Robin Medley
Robin Ranger
Peavey Vandenberg

[Telecaster52]

This may take a while...

Electrics:
Squier Strat
SAGA Tele Kit
Behringer Semi-hollow custom conversion
Home built Aromatic Cedar custom
80's Epiphone s-series (awaiting resto/rebuild)

Acoustics:
Esteban nylon string
Fender DG-16 12 string
Dean Resonator
1962 Harmony/Silvertone
Homebuilt Mahogany Jumbo
Oscar Schmidt OG-10???(loaned out to my buddy, haven't seen it in a year)

Other:
Rogue Mandolin
Samick Ukulele
3/4 size sitar
Pawn shop Cheapo fiddle

In Progress: (Pics Attached)
Splatter-paint P-bass
Custom Mando-Ukes
Semi-hollow flying V

Well, i guess i'm glad i moved from GAS to RAD, as it's easier on my wallet!:w00t:... so far...

[fidjit]

Currently own a Japanese 87 Fender Strat and an old Ibanez Super 70's Les Paul copy.

Issue is they haven't been out of the cupboard for years :bored:

My influences ( when I did play ), probably BB King, Clapton those sort of bluesy guys.

My style is slow and soulful ( the emphasis on the SLOW ) :tongue_sm

btw: my drummer from my band just put up some gig photos from 1983 on Facebook.......wooohoooo...everythings going all wavey and blurry.......flashback segment.........

[mikromicke]

I've been taking some classic guitar classes the last few years and built my first classical guitar last fall. It's a copy of Hausers 1937 guitar that Segovia played and actually sounds quite good :blush:

Since I move to the US this spring I haven't played much though. I've been busy with other things and haven't managed to find a teacher/lessons that sounded good or affordable. Hopefully I'll find something for next year before I forget everything I learned.