The Guitar Thread

[gitarrero]

I think I will go for the axon usb 50 too since all sounds I want to trigger are on the computer (vst-i, samples...). also, I don't want to record the audio directly, I want to record midi with the guitar.I used to use the vg-88 but in my opinion the "real" guitars beat it. since I have most of the common models (tele, les paul, strat...) "in natura" here as well as a couple of cool amps, I don't need that emulation-stuff - and I really think the "real" guitars sound much better, especially if there are a lot of stacks.

[allends]

Quote:I think I will go for the axon usb 50 too since all sounds I want to trigger are on the computer (vst-i, samples...)......I used to use the vg-88 but in my opinion the "real" guitars beat it....... and I really think the "real" guitars sound much better, especially if there are a lot of stacks.Yo gitarrero,I'm with you on the VG equipment. I've tried very hard to like the sounds on these units but I just can't. But sequencing MIDI with a guitar appeals to me because I hope to capture some expressiveness in my MIDI tracks that I can't pull off on a keyboard and pitch-bend wheel.-Allen

[edteja]

My main guitars are a Martin D28 (1968); Yamaha FG160 that I use mainly for open tunings (I bought it for slide, but I seem to fingerpick in DADGAD a lot more these days); A Strat copy (heavily modified); a cheapo Japanese nlon string (SUNLITE) and ...Oh MY GOD that is all there are!!!!!!! I better go buy a guitar.

[kouly]

I tried the Roland system years ago, I think it was a GR-1 That should tell you how long ago it was so the tracking was not the best. The great thing that came out of it was that I traded it for my 94 American Strat, which is my main axe. I did not see a need for too many guitars so just got a core of decent quality ones. Chits hang on to that Alverez, they are a very good sounding guitar. I got mine from a friend for 250.00 about 20 years ago. He paid 675 for it new. The same guitar now retails for 1200.00. I would love to get a Martin D15, I played one at a friends house and found it very hard to put down. I just got the "Fender Stratocaster Handbook" by Voyageur Press. A good resource devoted to everything about a Strat and the related models. Includes maintainence and info on buying and selling and some history on my favorite guitar.

[jchitty]

Quote:I tried the Roland system years ago, I think it was a GR-1 That should tell you how long ago it was so the tracking was not the best. The great thing that came out of it was that I traded it for my 94 American Strat, which is my main axe. I did not see a need for too many guitars so just got a core of decent quality ones. Chits hang on to that Alverez, they are a very good sounding guitar. I got mine from a friend for 250.00 about 20 years ago. He paid 675 for it new. The same guitar now retails for 1200.00. I would love to get a Martin D15, I played one at a friends house and found it very hard to put down. I just got the "Fender Stratocaster Handbook" by Voyageur Press. A good resource devoted to everything about a Strat and the related models. Includes maintainence and info on buying and selling and some history on my favorite guitar.Hey, Koul. The little Alvarez I bought was only $219.00, but I'll hang on to it, who knows what it will be worth? It's a smaller guitar....less heavier and was sold to me by my guitar teacher because he teaches lots of females who seem to like that size. I think it sounds really good, especially for the price. I was amazed...I recently looked at a Martin which retailed for around 1200 dollars, and it didn't really sound that much better to me. But then again, I probably don't have a cultured ear for that yet. I know a lot of people who buy very expensive guitars.....well, if you're a musician who's dedicated, it's certainly worth it. But too many people end up buying an expensive guitar, and they take a few lessons, and it sits in the closet. That's why I just wanted something for a beginner. My playing is improving....I used to have to stop between chords....now, I can keep a beat, my strum patterns are sounding pretty good, and I can play a song or two, but I wouldn't call myself ready to ever play in front of anyone. I have a great guitar teacher....he's been playing for over thirty years, and I co-wrote some songs with him. He really taught me a lot, but the main thing I need to do is keep practicing more. I have to admit that I really don't like playing the guitar. I only took guitar lessons to put play the melodies of my songs. Being a musician was never my goal....only wanted to pursue the songwriting end of it.My husband on the other hand took up the banjo last year. He got his lessons off the internet and he's taken to it like a duck to water. He sounds fantastic....I can't believe his progress. Friends and family are pretty blown away by it. I bought him an inexpensive banjo when he first started playing, a Deering. Just recently, he purchased a Wildwood, a beautifully handcrafted banjo which sounds great.

[horacejesse]

I don't believe people know much about their own limitations, but they are usually quite convinced that they do. This often prevents them from doing what they really want to do. Once you believe that you can't do something, the jig is up, and you can't.You don't know much about your own limitations. Accept that, gal, and you will be much better off. Playing an instrument is so relvant to your dream that you have to learn to play decently. I am sure you already know how much harder it is to be a practicing songwriter without an instrument to help you.One hour of focused practice everyday for a year will do incredible things for you. I have seen that kind of success happen dozens of times. I really wish I could teach you. First I would convince you that you have to do it, then that you can do it, then that you were doing it even if you could not always see the progress. Progress does not come smoothly and evenly. You reach new plateaus and then stay there for a while. Just when you have yourself about convinced that that is as far as you can go, I would convince you otherwise. This one of those few things I can actually do reasonably well.

[arkjack]

ArkJack's Story......I was 11.... and my best friend two doors down got a guitar and was taking lessons at the Y. After about a week, he still couldn't do anything but strum open strings out of tune.... I borrowed it from him one night... and on my own found the g and Em and Amsus9 ..... without knowing they were even chords at that point... just an ear for it... wrote my first song....By the next gift holiday, I was asking for a guitar.... I wound up with a Yamaha acoustic that was about $75.... and back in those days.... if you didn't play black diamond strings.... you were using inferior quality.... started my lessons with Arthur Bernstien... now the head of Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts... (LIPA)... founded by Paul Mcartney... and learned all the songs of the day.... crossroads.... Doobie Brothers.... one way out.... statesboro blues.... Loan Me a Dime... Wooden ships.... ( have I like got any you guys crying in nostalgia yet??).... After about a year, I got a Les Paul copy... can't remember the brand... wasn't an Epiphone.... Anyway, at the music store where I took lessons, they got a new line of guitars in and I would try them out while my friend had his lessons.... (Pay attention Chits.... this part is important...)... There was one guitar there that I fell in love with.... the action was nice and low, the intonation clean... the dynamics and sound from bottom boom to high end... just wonderful... and "very very PLAYABLE"... It was a 1972 Morris Gakki W609T, which was a Japanese copy of the Martin D35.... 3 piece back... beautiful rosewood... (before the shortage)... and bone binding.... abalone inlays...May grandmother got it for my 14th birthday..... (ran around $300)I have always said that I learned how to really play on the Morris... it was just a fine instrument that fit my hands and was just such a pleasure to play for hours... thats how I got good.In 1983, Morris spent 4th of July weekend in the back of a Chevy Citation when the outside temp went to 105.... it was never the same.... I still have it, .... about 10years ago I was going to try my skills at lutherie and see if I could pull the top and straighten it out.... new bridge etc... so its in pieces.... someday, I may take it over to a real luthier and have him put it back together like new.... it'll cost more than its worth but if it plays like it use to,... it is worth it.... My D28 and D15 are comparable to the way it played.... maybe better tones overall.... So Chits... the moral of my story is, never stop shopping for a guitar.... when you're in a store, yank one down and feel it.... if you find one with "magic"... buy it.... it may be your Alvarez, it might be something off-brand... and like Horace says, you probably overstate your limitations...Hope you all found that entertaining.... Happy EasterArkJack

[kouly]

I also have a problem with my confidence, I have been playing a long time but practice seems to be a problem with me. When I do practice with some regularity I am always amazed by what I can do. I think you will be also, it just takes some time. Age has nothing to do with it.

[sgs4u]

Quote:I don't believe people know much about their own limitations, but they are usually quite convinced that they do. This often prevents them from doing what they really want to do. Once you believe that you can't do something, the jig is up, and you can't.You don't know much about your own limitations. Accept that, gal, and you will be much better off. Playing an instrument is so relvant to your dream that you have to learn to play decently. I am sure you already know how much harder it is to be a practicing songwriter without an instrument to help you.One hour of focused practice everyday for a year will do incredible things for you. I have seen that kind of success happen dozens of times. I really wish I could teach you. First I would convince you that you have to do it, then that you can do it, then that you were doing it even if you could not always see the progress. Progress does not come smoothly and evenly. You reach new plateaus and then stay there for a while. Just when you have yourself about convinced that that is as far as you can go, I would convince you otherwise. This one of those few things I can actually do reasonably well.Go HJ GO. More posts like this! Now I really want to meet you.steve

[horacejesse]

The only reason I know is personal experience. I fell to the common disease many times and still do.You obviously need a coach. Select well.