Flatpicker Hangout - Shopping Advice and Product Reviews Forum Feed

Looking at a beater..WWUD?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:48:19 CST

Between these two..I was thinking of a Takamine Jasmine but a friend has a used Alvarez acoustic model 5045G that he wants $128 for..What would the wisemen of FPH do? All advice welcome.

thanks...

Passive guitar pickup

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:53:28 CST

Just before Christmas I went into the local music store and was just buying strings..... I made the mistake of looking in the "acoustic guitar room". As I was perusing the inventory my eyes fell upon this 12 string. The peghead said Epiphone, the truss rod cover said "Gibson". It was used, but pristine. I mean pristine. The neck was straight, and not a scratch on it. According to the folks at the store, the owner was "tired of the limitations of a 12 string" and traded it in on a 6 string. I bit down hard and looked at the price tag....$200. Yeah,.... I bought it and absolutely love it. Under the tree, my bride bought me the Acoustic amp I had been looking at. Now I want to buy a pick up. I am leaning towards a passive pickup because I do not want to cut into the guitar. The folks at the music store are recommending the Seymour Duncan SA-3H "Woody". Everything I read about them seems to be good. What say you lads?

1963 Martin D-28

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:01:13 CST

Hello, first post here, normally I am on the banjo hangout. I own a 1969 D-28, last year of the "good wood", but I have a friend who wants to sell me his 1963 D-28. It's a player, not one for a museum, but solid, no holes, cracks, just worn from picking front and rear. I tried to get him to put a price on i, but he wants me to make an over. Any suggestions on a fair price?

Thanks,

Steve

Folk Guitar Run Around

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:20:17 CST

Ok so asking for my buddy that plays Western Cowboy tunes...What is the Difference between the Folk style guitars and say...Dreads?? Is it true a folk guitar can be either steel or nylon strung?

Is their a big difference in sound? playability?

Thanks

Traveling Pick Collection.....any interest?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:06:00 CST

Greetings, I saw this somewhere else and thought it was an interesting idea.....and hopefully a relatively simple one.

In my quest for the holy grail of Picks I have (like some of you) amassed a number of picks of one kind or another that do not work for me. They might for you. However, it can at times become expensive to purchase more picks to try.

Here's the deal. Basically someone puts together a bag of picks that they send to another person to try. Upon receipt, the recipient try's out the picks for a few days....adds their donation of picks to the bag and sends them on the the next recipient. It is for the recipient to "Test Drive" and not to keep. It would however help to solidify in the players mind some things that might work and others that won't....Sooo, you save a little money. It is a good opportunity to try a lot of different brands, styles and materials without laying out any change first. To often I have to purchase "sight unseen" without the advantage of trying before buying.

This is not carved in stone and can be changed to work better...at any time.

IF...there is any interest, I would try to work out some details and get started. I have at least 15 or 20 picks I can get the ball rolling with including one of the Gravity picks I purchased the other day (I will be keeping two others). Sooo.....please weigh in with your thoughts and interest level????

New from Steve Clayton...Nutone

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:18:13 CST

Well, I don't know how new they are but I just ran across these on the Steve Clayton site:

http://www.steveclayton.com/premium.php

Nutone - Said to be another material that resembles the tone and feel of real tortoise shell. Of course alot of companies say this, but whenever a new pick comes out that claims to be the next best thing to tortoise, I know I have to give it a try :) I did a quick online search for them and can't find them for sale anywhere. Perhaps they are still too new. I am going to shoot the Clayton company an email asking about their availability and where to buy them. If anyone else knows where to get them, please reply. If not, and when I hear back from Clayton I'll be sure to post it here.

learning dvd

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:38:32 CST

Can anyone recommend the following for my wife who is about to start learning on an acoustic guitar.

a DVD that teaches amongst other things the following:-

teaches a basic strum, basic chords and progresses to include teaching songs WHICH ARE NOT AMERICAN SONGS but basic songs that English people are used to hearing and grew up with.

Guitar for playing bluegrass rhythm?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:04:12 CST

I know this is a flatpicking forum but I'm going to asked this question anyway. At least 98% of my playing is bluegrass rhythm and I'm looking at buying a new Martin guitar. Given the choice of a D-18, D-28, D-35, HD-35, or a D-41 which would you prefer for bluegrass rhythm? Thanks ahead of time.

Cort earth 200 ?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:02:57 CST

Hi, do you know if Cort earth 200 is ALL solid or is the sides laminated?
Do it have more volume then a Yamaha LL6? Will buy this guitar (dont have any chance to try it out) next week.

Hope someone have this and played it. Would like to know what you think about this guitar!

Recording King RD-310

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:40:45 CST

See classified section

John Walker Wise River guitars......

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:52:19 CST

I would like to hear from anyone who owns or has owned a John Walker Wise River slope shoulder guitar. I need to know if it is worth the money dealers are selling them for. Is the sound deep and bassy or balanced across the strings and up the neck. Is the workmanship as good as I have heard it is? If you had a choice between a Walker slope shoulder and Huss & Dalton's DS custom slope shoulder....which would you choose? I am considering a Walker as soon as I sell a Collings dread. Hope to hear from a bunch of you on flatpickerhangout. Thank you. Kent Lockman in central IN

Gravity picks

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:54:00 CST

I just got my fingers on some of these Gravity picks and I wanted to post how much I really like them. First of all, they are made from acrylic and I have to say that I really like the tone of this material. They have a nice bright tone, and are very nice to hold on to. The picks I tried are a 1.5mm Striker Mini, which is a smaller tri-shaped pick, and a .75mm Classic which is more of a standard pick. I much preferred the 1.5mm Striker Mini as I normally use thicker picks, though the medium guaged Classic is better than other picks I have in this same guage. I'd say if you like the tone of casein, that you owe it to yourself to try one of these, for less money as I find the tone to be similar. These are the same material as the V-Picks, but IMO they have a fuller, more rounded tone to them while still retaining alot of clarity - why I don't know, they just do. Give them a try:

http://www.gravitypicks.com/

Todd OM style guitar - a dreadnought killer

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:21:35 CST

A friend of mine just bought this new OM-style guitar from builder Andy Todd in Nashville. This thing is truly amazing. It is very well balanced and has plenty of volume to keep pace with the dreadnoughts in a bluegrass jam. It has been a real hit at several holiday picking parties around Nashville:

All the classifieds are from non-posters?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 04:32:09 CST

If I understand correctly, a (0) next to your name and avatar, indicates you've never posted on this forum. I just noticed ALL the instruments in the classified section are from non-posters. Is this correct, or a bug with FPH?

D-28 vs D-45

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 16:32:29 CST

I have often wondered what is the reason for the difference in price between the Martin rosewood dreadnoughts. Is there a difference in construction or is it the bling that accounts for the difference in price?

Beginner Bluegrass Guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:59:45 CST

Hi All!

I'm currently a banjo player, but I want to get a bluegrass guitar to have around the house for my girlfriend, myself, and others to play. I don't really know anything about guitars, so I'm interested in what would be a good beginner bluegrass guitar to get. I don't need anything fancy since I'm only wanting to spend around 200 to 300, but I definitely want it to be of a bluegrass style. Also, since my girlfriend might be playing it most of the time, I was wondering if any models are a tad bit smaller than other or made specifically for women.

Anyone got any good suggestions for me?

Thanks!

Taylor 710 advice

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:39:48 CST

I have a 1995 Taylor 710 that is in very good condition. I've been thinking about selling it but haven't seen anything selling like it except 710 CE models. Can anyone help with determining a fair value? I'm wanting to get a Gibson tb-1 or tb-3 and am considering selling the guitar.

What would you pay for a charred D-28?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:29:26 CST

I'm going to be making an offer to an insurance company to purchase the guitar pictured below. It's a salvage instrument from a house fire... a 1973 Martin D-28 that plays great. Neck is nice and straight. The only thing is that the poor guitar is charred! :-) It was cleaned by a cleaning company, though, so when you play it, you don't get black on you.

Pretty amazing, actually, that a guitar could get this burned, but still in completely playable.

I think it gives it personality, and I'd love to own an old Martin. So what do you think--what should I offer for it? Any thoughts?

Recording king RD227 ?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:09:35 CST

Hello, im very very intressted in that guitar, RD227. But i wont be able to test it before purchase. So anyone of you owning this one or played it? Is it good quality guitar?

Seems a little bit to cheap for all solid guitar, vintage style,abalone bindings etc..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6wBn6_JRj8

Parlor size with authentic acoustic sound guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:31:00 CST

Hi, I know this is a flatpicking site, but I am looking to buy a parlor size guitar with AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC SOUND for fingerpicking. It has to be less than $1000 and preferrably a cutaway and all solid wood. Thanks.

gibson acoustic

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 10:37:47 CST

I have a beautiful Gibson CL 45 artist, can,t seem to find anything about it? I have talked to dealers that have never heard of it!! Does anyone out there know about it? Thanks Billy

I have this Gibson

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 4 Dec 2011 09:57:12 CST

guitar that my mom gave to me to keep my dad from selling... it's a long story. It was a gift from my dad to my mom in 1969. He says he paid somewhere around $700 for it then. Mom didn't like it because the neck was too big for her and she never played it. Anyway I want to figure out what it is and if it's worth enough to need to insure it. I plan on using it. I've changed the strings already and it sure does sound good. here are some pictures. The serial number is 565781

dobro

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 2 Dec 2011 08:22:48 CST

I would like to learn to play a dobro. Can anyone help me on which one would be a first buy? I don't want to pay to much for one to start with, to see if I really like it. Thank you Don Jackson

FS:Pioneer CDJ-2000 CD Turntable, Pioneer DJM-2000 Mixer

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:17:37 CST

You are welcome to D & j Marketing Limited. we are Recognized marketer of Various DJ EQUIPMENT, such as Mixers/Speakers/Headphones Gears and many more.All our products are brand new ,Original , comes with complete accessories and they also come with 1 year international warranty and 90Days return policy.

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djmarketing@gmail.com

Here is our company price list for you to place an order with us.....

Dj mixer
Pioneer DJM-700-S Mixer..$600
Pioneer DJM-909 mixer….$700
Pioneer EFX-500 mixer….$350
Pioneer CDJ-400 Turntable….$430
Pioneer CDJ-1000MK2…..$450
Pioneer CDJ-1000MK3…..$500
Pioneer CDJ-900 Professional Multi-Player…..$900
Pioneer CDJ-2000 CD Turntable……$1200
Pioneer CDJ-200 Pro CD Player……$230
Pioneer DVJ-X1 DJ Video Player……..$900
Pioneer SVM-1000 Pro Audio/Video DJ Mixer…..$2300
Pioneer CDJ-800MK2 Professional CD/MP3 Turntable…..$450
Pioneer DVJ-1000 Professional DVD Turntable….$800
Mackie d.2 2-Channel DJ Mixer ……$300
PCDJ DAC-3 Digital Audio Controller……….$300
American Audio Q-Spand PRO 4-Channel DJ Mixer……$200
2x CDJ-1000 MK3 + DJM-800 Mixer Package…….$1,700
Pioneer CMX-3000 Dual Rackmount CD Player……….$600
Pioneer DJM-400 Mixer …..$400
Pioneer DJM-800 Mixer……$600
Pioneer DJM-1000 Mixer….$1400
Pioneer DJM-2000 Mixer....$1700
Pioneer DJM-5000 Mixer….$700
Pioneer DJM-600 mixer…..$500
Pioneer EFX-1000 Performance Effector Digital Effects Processor..$650
Pioneer DJM-500 mixer…..$450
Pioneer DJM-300 mixer….$350
Pioneer DJM-3000 mixer…$500
Pioneer DJM-707 mixer….$400

Technics SL-1200MK2.................$600
Technics SL-DZ 1200.................$300
Technics SL-1210MK2 Turntable………………….$250
Technics SL-1210M5G Pro Turntable……………..$350
Technics SL-DZ1200 Digital Turntable………..$500

Yamaha MOTIF ES Rack Module………$500
Yamaha VL70-M Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator……$400
Yamaha Refurbished Motif ES Rack Module……..$300

Roland SP-404 Portable Power Sampler with FX…..$250
Roland VK-8M Organ Sound Module…….$350
Roland SP-555 Creative Sampler Workstation……$200
Roland SonicCell 128-Voice Expandable Synth Module with Audio Interface……..$500
Roland PM-30 PM30 Drum Monitor 200 Watt ……$460
Roland Fantom-XR Sound Module……….$700
Edirol-Roland V4 Video Mixer with Effects……..$500
Edirol-Roland V8 8 Channel Video mixer with Effects…..$600
Roland V-Synth XT Synthesizer………………..$1400
Edirol LVS-800 8 Input Video Switcher………$2,300
Edirol V-440HD Multi-Format Video Mixer……$4,000

Denon DN-X500 Professional 19" Mixer …$250
Denon DN-X100 Professional 2-Channel DJ Mixer……$150
Denon DN-S5000 Tabletop DJ CD Player…$400
Denon DN-D9000 Dual Pro CD Player…..$700
Denon DJ Compact CD/USB Media Player and Controller…..$320
Denon DN-D4500 Dual CD/MP3 Player….$300
Denon DN-S3000 Table Top DJ CD Player Refurb……$200
Denon DN-S3500 Professional CD/MP3 Turntable…..$470
Denon DN-S3700 DJ Digital Media Turntable......$580
Denon DN-D6000 Dual CD MP3 Player Refurb……….$300
Denon DN-D6000 Dual CD MP3 Player……………….$400
Denon DN-HD2500 Hard Disk Media Player/Controller…$400
Denon DN-X900 Professional 19" Analog/Digital Mixer…..$350

Allen & Heath Xone:92 Fader DJ Mixer………..$1000
Allen & Heath Xone:464 16 Input Pro Club DJ Mixer……$1100
Allen & Heath Xone 4D………..$1300
Allen and Heath XONE 2D Digital MIDI USB Controller DJ…..$400
Allen & Heath GL 4000 40ch.Mixer w/2 PSU……….$3700
Allen Heath GL 2400 32 ch console GL2400-32 mixer…..$1500
Allen Heath GL 2400 40 ch console GL2400-40 mixer……$2400
Allen & Heath Xone 2D Pro DJ MIDI Controller……….$470
Allen & Heath Xone2 464 and xone 2 Xone2…..$1000
Allen & Heath Xone2 Battle Mixer………$280
Allen & Heath Xone:62 Fader DJ Mixer…..$700

Vestax PMC-05PROIII DJ Mixer…..$500
Vestax PMC-500 DJ Mixer…….$1100
Vestax PMC-05PROSL DJ Mixer with Sampling…..$450
Vestax PMC-06 Pro A 2 Channel DJ Scratch Mixer……$300
Vestax VCI-100 Tabletop DJ MIDI Controller ……….$350
Vestax VCI-300 MIDI DJ Controller+Serato…….$500
Vestax PMC-08Pro Professional Hybrid Digital Mixer…..$450

Korg ZERO4 Live Control Mixer ……..$600
Korg ZERO8 Live Control Console Mixer.$900
Korg KM-202 2-Channel KAOSS DJ Mixer……..$200

Rane MP 4 Rackmount DJ Mixer……$300
Rane MP44 DJ Club Mixer……………..$900
Rane Empath Touring/Club Mixer……….$580
Rane MP 2016a 6-Channel Rotary Mixer…..$700
Rane SL 3- Scratch Live SL3 Serato.........$520
Rane TTM 57SL Performance Mixer with Serato Scratch……$600
Rane TTM 56 Performance Mixer……………….$500
Rane MP 4 Rackmount DJ Mixer……$300
Stanton M.505 12" Club Mixer with 5 InputChannels……$300
Stanton CM.205 CD / MP3 Player with Mixer …….$250

Stanton M.505 12" Club Mixer with 5 Input Channels......$300USD
Stanton CM.205 CD / MP3 Player with Mixer .......$250USD

Behringer BCD2000 B-Control Deejay………$150
Behringer Refurbished VMX1000 Pro DJ Mixer ……..$200
Behringer DJX700 5-Channel Pro DJ Mixer ….$130

Hercules DJ Console MK2 Dual Deck DJ Mixer .....$200USD
Urei 1605 DJ Club Mixer...............$500USD
Urei 1601 Digital Scratch Mixer.........$220USD
Mackie d.2 2-Channel DJ Mixer ......$300USD
PCDJ DAC-3 Digital Audio Controller..........$300USD
American Audio Q-Spand PRO 4-Channel DJ Mixer......$200USD

Sampler

Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center………………..$500
Akai MPC4000-Plus – 64 Voice Sampling Drum Machine………$1600
Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center…………..$1000
Akai MPC5000 Music Production Centre…………..$2480
Akai APC 40 Albeton Controller……………………..$1500
Akai MPC2000XL-MCD Production Station…………….$800
Akai MPC500 MIDI Production System/Sampler………$250

Yamaha MOTIF ES Rack Module.........$500USD
Yamaha VL70-M Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator.............$200USD
Yamaha Refurbished Motif ES Rack Module.....................$300USD

Numark CDX Direct-Drive CD Turntable……$500
Numark TTX Direct-Drive Turntable…………$300
Numark X2 Pro Hybrid Turntable And CD / MP3 Player…..$700
Numark DVD01 Dual DVD Player………$400
Numark 5000FX 12" 5-Channel Tabletop Mixer ….$400
Numark DXM09 Digital DJ Mixer…$350
Numark NS7 DJ Turntabel Controller………$900
Numark V7 DJ Turntable Controller....$800
Numark Mixdeck Turntable Player......$560
Numark HDMIX Hd Mix Pro Dj Cd Mixer....$560
Numark AVM02 Audio/Video Mixer with Effects ……$500
Numark CM200USB 5-Channel 19" Rackmount DJ Mixer…….$300
Numark DXM06 2-Channel Digital Mixer….$350
Numark iDJ 2 DJ Console for the iPOD ………..$540
Numark NuVJ Video Mixer …………………$200
Numark Omni Control USB DJ Controller...$280
Numark CM100 Club Series DJ Mixer….$250

Gemini CDT-05 Professional Hybrid CD/Turntable Combo……..$300
American Audio Velocity Professional Dual CD/MP3 Player……$400
Cortex dMIX-300 Digital Music Control Station………$300
B-52 Prodigy FX DJ Workstation…………….$650

intrested buy should pls contact:

E.mail:djmarketinglimited@live.co.uk
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Nov 23, 2011 Update: Received my new Martin D-18 Today --- WoW!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:41:27 CST

All I can say is WoW! again...

I've been learning and playing my new mandolin (Loar 520VS) for the last six months and would occasionally pick the D-18 that I purchased new with the mandolin. Now I am learning some Mando Bluegrass tunes on the D-18 and again I am stunned by the SOUND and QUALITY of this instrument.

As I progress in my learning and playing I will not seek another guitar.

David D. Robinson

Southern Maryland

Archtop Guitar Advise Please

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:44:46 CST

Hello,

Thinking of upgrading (playing a $100 guitar almost a year now). Looking to spend $500 - $700+. I play country/bluegrass.

Question, does an archtop (acoustic/electric) work with country bluegrass or is that mostly for blues/jazz? I like the look of them but not familiar if they have a different sound?

Any benefits or things I should watch out for in one of these?

DOUG

Capo for acoustic and electric

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:07:31 CST

I'm looking for a capo to replace my spring dunlop which I'm not too happy about. Mainly I'm looking for tuning stability and no buzz even high up on the neck (7th fret).

My main guitars are a 2006 Martin D35 and a 78' Fender Telecaster American Standard.

Elliot sure looks nice, but it's out of my current budget, so I'm thinking of either a brass Kat Eyz (is there any difference between that and the stainless steel?) or the Planet Waves NS.

Which guitars have good resale value and sell faster

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:52:19 CST

Hi, I have couple guitars but although they are top notch guitars in every respect, people don't seem to pay attention to them. In the past I didn't care the brandname of the guitar, quality and emotional attachment was the main criterea in buying guitars, but next time I buy I will pay attention of the resale value of the guitar and how quickly they sell ( especially in this economy). Does anyone know which guitars sell fast and have a good resale value. I assume Martin probably is on the top. Thanks

Elixir strings

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:26:19 CST

I use elixir strings almost exclusively, and I typically get the nanoweb medium gauge. I don't like the way the polyweb coating always seems to shred itself and dull the sound. But I'm curious about the nanoweb phosphor bronze. Do any of you use phosphor bronze? what are they like as far as sound and playability go?

1941 d-28 herringbone need expert advice.

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 19:26:36 CST

I need help guys. I've been looking for my last guitar. The guitar that slays gas forever as I posted before. I bought a collings cw brazilian and it just didn't do it for me. So it went back . So I found a 1941 d-28 bone. Local It's about a 6.5 it has had a silver dollar size hole in the top professionally repaired. Ive played it a couple of times for a hour total. Various chips scrapes and gouges (the seller says it had a cadillac emblem nailed in the top spot where it was repaired when he got it) it sounds like a ten looks cool as hell tons of vibe and I'm in love. Seller wants $25k and is firm because I showed him $22k today. so what do I do. what's it worth. I know I'm crazy but when you get your hands on one it's magical. The thing is haunting me. I do alright but I'm no fat cat this is a once in a lifetime deal. Some guys have Harleys some have boats and cars. I want a bone.

JustStrings.com charges extra for a phone call?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 06:36:41 CST

I had no idea about this until today, and if you didn’t either, then I’ll just send out a general FYI. I was on the phone ordering some strings from JustStrings.com, and the person informed me that if I ordered from them over the phone, they would charge me $5 extra. I had ordered from them before by phone and never heard that. I am like many people, I presume, in that I feel more comfortable ordering by phone so I can talk to someone, ask a question or two if needed, and then give my order and credit card number. I politely asked about the policy and “we’ve just done it for years” is the best I could get.

My question to you is: is this becoming industry standard? I told JustStrings.com “no thanks” (the guy on their end was extremely polite about it all) and called in an order from Elderly Instruments instead. The customer service guy at Elderly said he had never heard of such a thing, and thought it was as crazy as I did. So again, does anyone out there know any other website instrument and accessory providers that charge for ordering over the phone? Is it becoming a standard in the industry?

Monitor Advice

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 6 Nov 2011 12:11:06 CST

I'm beginning a search for a monitor(s) for stage work. I use a Schertler Unico and a 12 channel Yamaha mixer for sound enhancement and currently run from the DI out of the Schertler into a 50W Acoustic amp for a monitor. I'll be playing solo, and duo gigs and am interested to hear what others have used successfully.

Jim

The Bluegrass Fakebook in PDF

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 5 Nov 2011 08:52:51 CST

The local jammers play a lot out of this book so I was advised to get it. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with spiral wire or plastic comb binding, and it's bound pretty close to the music. Fortunately, I found it also comes as a PDF download.

http://www.cvls.com/products/BFBD.html

I printed it out double-sided on 32# bond and there was just enough space to punch it for a 3-ring binder. A little thicker than the book alone, but lays flat on the stand.

Better yet, it's on my iPad, along with much of my other music. That's come in handy more than once when I forgot the paper ones. Kudos to Watch&Learn for offering this as a PDF. I wish more publishers would do this!

Moe

Pick for 000

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 5 Nov 2011 06:29:27 CST

As a bit of introduction, I've been playing a Yamaha FG730S dread for a year or so. The 1-11/16" width is good for my small hands, but I found the big body on the upper end of comfortable, especially when sitting. So with the CFO's blessing, I spent the appliance savings on a My Favorite Guitars custom ambertone Martin 000-28H--rosewood, scalloped bracing, and the other "HD" stuff. The lower tension and easier reach of the short scale are great for me. I play the little Martin so much around the house now, the Yamaha dread wound up staying at work for daytime breaks.

So the other night, we watched a bluegrass jam at the local coffeehouse. We got bit pretty hard. Now I understand the rationale for the greater power of a dread against a banjo, but I want to sit in on jams with the 000. While it may not have the volume of my neighbor's HD-28 and HD-35, I think it's up there with my Yamaha dread.

Now to the shopping advice. From what I read it seems most bluegrass players use thicker picks. All I've played with are 0.60 mm Dunlop TorTex picks, although I have some 0.73 Martins my wife gave me. I tried one of the rounded corners and like the sound. So I'm looking for a pick to play bluegrass with the Martin, and am considering a Blue Chip TPR-1 for the one rounded corner in addition to two more pointed ones. It appears they are easily user modified with sandpaper if I want to experiment with one of the pointed ones. They're pricy, so I'd like to get it right the first time.

What say ye? What thickness do you recommend? I have no idea where to even begin with thickness.

Thanks!

Moe

12 Fret Slot-Head

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:42:53 CST

Hi,

Looking for some friendly advice . . . . I have placed a WTB Ad as FYI.

I am a newbie / beginner with guitar. I am looking for a 12 Fret Slot-Head steel strung guitar. Not sure yet of the body style / depth (0,00,000, slop shoulder, etc) nor do I have a specific name / brand in mind at this point.

It will be used for picking around the house / small get together with picking buddies for personal enjoyment. Generally, flat-picking fiddle tunes, waltzes, etc are my thoughts. I would not mind learning some finger-picking but flatpick is primary thought. So, the volume of a big dread in Bluegrass is not my goal -rather sweet tone is and well some mojo would be nice :) Something of reasonable price would be great (kinda leaves out vintage I think) new or used but not penny wise & pound foolish either..... Make sense????

Looking for some direction and thoughts from those having been in my shoes....

Thanks a lot for any guidance,

flatpluker

Breedlove Guitars-tried them?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:51:03 CST

After 20 year of playing I think I'd like to buy a new guitar. I stopped in Guitar Center to check out their inventory and get my hands on some guitars. I have heard great things about the Breedlove mandolins, but nothing about their guitars. (I played a bit, but not enough to get a feel). Does anyone out there have one?

I'm going to be doing a lot more looking around and will probably look to purchase next summer. I am having a banjo built and have to spread out my spending! But, the idea of a new guitar gets me really excited.-Thanks!

Santa Cruz 1934d brazilian thoughts.

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:29:17 CST

Hi well I'm looking at going for the top of the mountain. I had a small studio on my property. But we are buying a new house although bigger it don't have the room for my gear. So I'm selling my other guitars and some good recording gear getting out of that and just playing. It's a pretty penny for sure I've also looked at a collings cw in brazillian also. The 1934d I'm dealing on has a custom 1 3/4 width and at this point Im so used to that Martin style I don't wanna change. No I have not played it. (yeah I'm crazy but there is only one 1 3/4 nut version for sale in the world at the moment) Yes I have a grace period. The deals not done yet. Will be done Monday morning. And I'm hitting guitar stores in my area all day tomorrow. And I've arranged to play a herringbone.(but I doubt I could afford it) I'm to the point where I want to cut the head off the snake that is g.a.s once and for all. And the 1934d looks like it would be very versatile. From bluegrass to jazz. I want something that when I crack that case everyday I'm amazed for the rest of my life. So any opinions or advice would help. This is a once and a lifetime purchase I gotta get it right. thanks guys

Please check out this new APP!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:30:06 CST

Musical Instrument Giveaways on Facebook is helping get the word out about this great new guitar APP.. Please check it out at www.positivegrid.com: If you're an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch owner, you need to download this app! JamUp Lite provides access to 5 hybrid amps/effects, 16 user presets, a sound-on-sound phrase sampler, an iTunes player with time stretching feature, a chromatic tuner, and will feature continual upgrade features. And it's free for 30 days from the developer, Positive Grid!

Free Download of the JamUp Guitar App for iOS Devices

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Benefits of buying used guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:15:09 CST

Hi, Besides saving money , what would be the benefits of buying used guitar instead of new one. Thanks.

George Simmons, East Virginia Guitars

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:53:20 CST

Folks,

Just last week I bought the 2007 "Snowwis" guitar from George Simmons (the luthier) which was listed on this site. First, let me start by saying that I currently own a Merrill C-18, and have owned many other high-end guitars both factory and luthier made. And my opinion of what a good guitar should sound and play like lean towards the pre-war era but is not stuck there. Now, onto my review.

The guitar that I bought is a near-replica of an early '30s Martin OM-28, with Adi top and BW back and sides. The selection of woods and craftmanship are excellent and on par with other high end luthiers. Where this guitar truly excels is in tone, volume, and playability. George was clearly taking notes during his nearly 6 years working for Jim Merrill because this guitar is very Merrill like. It is loud, very responsive, and has excellent note separation. The BW imparts some pleasing overtones, but the vintage bracing (scalloped red spruce) keep the overtones under control and there are no muddy or mushy qualities. The attack is quick and there is lots of volume headroom for hard players like me. And George knows how to set up a guitar right. I haven't played a Merrill OM yet, but given that George was doing a lot of the building for Merrill, I expect that the guitars would be similar. I know it's only been a week, and my wife certainly won't believe me when I say this, but I think that I've finally found my desert island guitar.

I also should mention that I picked up the guitar at his shop in Kilmarnock VA, where he now builds for East Virginia Guitars. George was a pleasure to talk guitars with, and he allowed me to play everything that he had in his shop, which was a lot since he was preparing to go to the Woodstock show. The EVG guitars depart from traditional Martin design in their aesthetics, like the V-notch headstock and the choice of bindings, etc. But the fundamentals, such as materials and bracing patterns, are all there and these guitars play and sound fantastic and are very well priced. I particularly liked the deep body 0 style that he is making - it's perfect for playing that Norman Blake style. If you're looking for that pre-war sound for a great price, and don't mind stepping away just a little from the standard design, then I highly recommend you check out EVG guitars. You won't find a nicer guy to do business with, and if you get to visit the beautiful countryside of east Virginia, even better.

Gord

1998 Martin D-18 – Sitka or Adirondack?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:34:41 CST

Anyone know what top wood was used on the ’98 D-18’s? I assume Sitka, but the one we’re looking at has a really wide grain and looks more like Adi to me. The seller doesn’t know. I’ve done a little research, but everything I’ve found just says “spruce”. Thanks.

Harmony reissue guitars.. opinions

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:12:52 CST

I've always been a fan of the Harmony Rocket. A Stella was my first guitar. I noticed that harmony is remaking these instruments now.

I'm looking for opinions. considering acoustic electric.. for open mic.. etc..

http://harmonyguitars.com/ProductLine.asp?pl=newline&pid=5DD83AE42338EEAC8D25DD16D04ABA2BE5F549D6001AB739

App Tuner

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:17:06 CST

With most people carrying smartphones around these days this tuner app gets very high marks. It is only $2.49. I have not tried it but if you want to check it out the name of the app is Tuner - DaTuner . It is in the Android market but you might find it in the Iphone store as well.

http://www.androidcentral.com/android-app-review-tuner-datuner-pro

"Authentic" bluegrass guitar less than $600

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 15:10:38 CST

Hi , I am looking to buy a good authentic BG sounding guitar for less than $600. Could be any brand, year , but it has to have that bluegrassy/oldtimey sound to it. Any recommendation?. Thanks.

Dreadnaught with "Bud" on the headstock

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 2 Oct 2011 05:48:03 CST

Hi, I recently bought a dreadnaught, about the size of a D-35 I guess, it appears to have been built by a smaller builder. On the headstock is inlayed "Bud". Thats all I got to go on. Anyone familiar with this guitar or seen another by this builder?

Bill Lawrence Acoustic Pickups

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:04:56 CST

I was just wondering if anyone has tried the Bill Lawrence Acoustic Pickups, a guy I worked with loves his.

http://www.billlawrenceusa.com/swampkaster/Acoustic%20Pickups.htm

Martin 018T

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:27:51 CST

just picked up a 1973 Martin 018T. Have it tuned to GDAE like a mandolin. What a sweet sounding little instrument. I have a mid grade Blueridge tenor but what a difference. Now I know why everyone wants a Martin.

bit the bullet and bought a GAD-40

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:02:13 CST

Well, Ive owned them all at one time or another except this one. So I pulled the Trigger and bought a Guild GAD-40. Time will tell I reckon. I pick mostly Bluegrass, and some older country. will see, read some great reviews.

Mossman guitars

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:01:35 CST

Just seeking advice and not wanting to start a brand war here on the forums but could some of you enlighten me about the Mossman brand. I've always had lots of respect for them after meeting Mr. Mossman back decades ago and at the time felt that a bunch of love and quality went into their instruments. In those days Martins were not the best and were plagued with inconsistency, however it seems to me they never caught on in popularity and I'm wondering why. Are there quality issues or do they not hold up well to normal use? When I see them for sale the normal models don't seem to expensive. Other than Dan Crary I'm not aware of any pros using them and was always curious as to why. I may be adding a guitar to the household this year so that's the reason for asking. Thanks for any info or opinions.

Lightweight Guitar Cases

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:40:32 CST

We do a lot of festivals and stuff where we have to spend a lot of time lugging the guitar around. Currently we have a padded gig bag but I want to upgrade to something with more protection, that is still lighter than a traditional hard case. Do any of you have any experience with the Travelite case? It seems ideal. We have one just like it for my wife’s violin, but I didn’t know you could get them in guitar size.

My son is resisting because he doesn’t think it looks cool enough. He wants something that looks like a guitar case. I’m thinking practical – all the protection without the weight, plus backpack straps for hiking around the festival. Not to mention a built in hygrometer, which is a nice little bonus.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.