Leaderboard

Hi, @Schwiftaaay and also welcome! Hmmm...I might be wrong, but I pretty sure that, while they are right that there is a strong enough signal from the piezos to make it perfectly possible to take a jack output straight into an amp or DAW without a pre-amp, nevertheless mixing that signal with the output from magnetic pickups is quite another thing. To do that, while it isn't actually a pre-amp as such, you do need something electronically similar to balance the impedance difference of the two types of output. I fitted a Hannes Piezo bridge to this: But I installed a Schaller Flagship blend unit in it to enable the two outputs to be balanced. There are a number of onboard blender/mixer units on the market but I think something like this is probably essential if you want both signals to be routed through a single jack.

Play within your own personal and unique boundaries; no-one plays the way you do. We each have our limitations and handicaps, which evolve over time, and, whilst it's a Good Thing to push the envelope and strive for more, or different, not all these efforts are rewarded with success. Embrace your capacities, and put your best efforts into what works for you, instead of fighting the demons. In most contexts, no-one would notice any 'issues', anyway, so just play on, whatever... Hope this helps. Disclaimer: I drop sticks (I'm a drummer...), so I have a pocket hooked onto the floor drum with my spares. When one goes, I just reach for another. Between songs, if there's time, I try to retrieve 'em all. Sometimes there isn't.

There's an up-side and a down-side, of course. Leave 'em turned up and it's possible (or even likely depending on one's age...) that the amp will produce an overpowering 'Screech..!' when the guitar is plugged in. On the other hand, turning it all down implies that there's a pretty good chance (depending on one's age...) that there'll be silence for a while at the beginning of the session, with much testing of leads, looking baffled, scratching of heads etc before the penny drops. It's a no-win conundrum that only you can solve. Personally, I turn it all down, despite the head-scratching risk (yes, I'm old, too...). Hope this helps.

@GNewbie: Ignore the above ^^; an acoustic guitar needs heavier gauge strings than an electric, which is what is referenced by Kiwi. Those links are the safe route to start you off, bronze strings at something like 12's for the top 'E'.

I think it might be a Dean DS90 - made 1994-96 in Korea. The seem to either come with 3 a side or 6 a side headstocks and with standard or EMG style pickups. Andy

See reply in the other topic...

My scars are badges of honour!!

Hi everybody , I’m in the process of trying to learn samba Pa Ti by ear but I’m struggling with it at the moment . Can anybody point me in the direction of a decent tab or if there is a video tutorial somewhere as I can’t really find 1 at the moment. Any help would be much appreciated . Thanks .

Firstly On the guitar front, I can’t help you I’m afraid. It looks decidedly ‘80s with that Kramer Superstrat styling.

Hi So this is embarrassing. I have just completed an SG-style build on Basschat and clean forgotten about Guitarchat! The build thread is here if anyone is interested in a blow-by-blow and hasn't also been following on Basschat: https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/414021-yew-topped-sg-style-guitar-finished-pic but here are some finished pics: ]

It was very well seasoned but, even so, I'm glad it was just for the top - those 'knots' were big and on the edge of being separate items That said, the main challenge with working Yew is that is it quite poisonous!

NOW SOLD Pair of DiMarzio Telecaster pups: Chopper T Bridge Humbucker DP384BK Twang King Neck pickup DP127C They came out of a 2016 Tele that had been modded, and it looks like the Chopper T is dated 02/17. Both fully working and in good nick, the neck pickup has a bit of tarnish on the chrome, I havn't tried any chrome cleaner on it though. I've done a pic to show that. As fitted to Fender's Richie Kotzen signature model (they got the model number of the Twang King wrong on the Fender page, it is as above and the on their page is wrongly for the bridge version), which means plenty of reviews out there on the internet. A bit different to the standard Tele pups, a coil tap is a good move for the bridge one - I've got used 250k and 500k push/pull pots and can throw one in for doing the coil tap. I wasn't planning on advertising them on here, then I saw the "show use your geetars" topic and it seems the guitar of choice for bass players is a Tele!

Along with crab apple and olive, yew is very tricky to dry because of its convoluted grain. That's quite some achievement.

Another beauty, the figuring on that yew is amazing.

Perhaps my favourite thing about guitars is modifying/customising them to suit my tastes. It's an addiction really. I'm constantly looking for the next project. Ideas and inspiration come from everywhere and I've come a long way with transforming the ideas in my head into reality. My first project was The Legocaster. http://imgur.com/a/VVoan This was inspired by someone on the internet who had done something similar. Once I saw it I knew I had to have one. A short time after that a work colleague was selling a Squier Strat for £25...perfect! Long story short, over the course of the following weekend, I lugged my huge childhood Lego box out of the loft and set to work. The images above show the finished product. She sounds terrible, so never gets played but she looks awesome and that's good enough for me. She'll be 10 years old this summer! Secondly, around 2 years ago I stumbled upon a video from a guy in a band (I'm sorry, I don't remember who it was or what the band was) and he was talking about his new custom 9 String PRS. The idea was the bottom 3 strings were double strung like a 12 string, and the top 3 strings were left on their own for soloing. The finished product is a guitar with huge sounding chords, without the limited lead capabilities. Again, I saw this and instantly started looking for donor guitars. After a couple of weeks, I had built this: http://imgur.com/a/YDcfu As you can see, I settled on a Flying V for obvious reasons. Firstly, the Tune-o-matic bridge could be easily replaced with a 12 string variant, and the "crotch" (😉) of the V was the perfect place to mount the extra tuners! She's just what I hoped for when I was in the planning stages. The chords do sound huge, and the lead playing (for the most part) is unaffected. I was also pleased there were no issues with tuning stability. Finally, my most recent project is the Skateboard Slide Guitar: http://imgur.com/a/cJpsQ I'd been GASsing hard for a slide guitar for the longest time. I was initially looking for slabs of tonewood and plans to build a full Lap Steel, but was hesitant to spend that money on something I might never get good at. Again, while researching online I managed to find a chap that had built a slide guitar from a skateboard, so I made one too. It features a big old chunk of angled steel for a nut, and 5p pieces to level out the bridge saddles. I was going to buy some longer grub screws, but now I quite like the 5p's. They add a certain character to it. The project is, as you can see, unfinished. I need to find a permanent "fretboard". I'm thinking some sort of sticker/decal. I'd paint it on, but I don't have the skill/patience for that! If anyone has a solution I'd love to hear it! I'm also looking to finish it somehow. I'm sure I'll come up with something sooner or later. Hope you enjoyed reading through these. Rate/Hate/Masturbate...Whatever. I just wanted to share.

Certainly! Here's a thing I did straight after I finished the build: https://soundcloud.com/mat-viv-smith/9-string-flying-v-test

Hi, I would like to share with you one of my songs. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy playing. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

First of all . Our very own @Andyjr1515 builds all sorts of guitars, this is one of his acoustic builds... I imagine he would be able to answer your question.

As we are acquiring new members, some of whom are beginners, I wondered if it might not be a good idea to have a library of videos aimed at those folk staring out. Therefore, I thought I’d start the ball rolling with a couple from Rick Beato. You may not like his style (I run hot and cold with his channel) but there might be something useful in these two videos. I always think that you should take what you need/works for you from these type of things, as sometimes one can spend a lot of time trying to nail one of the ‘important’ techniques described when it might not apply to your playing. Anyway, on with the show... And, as a bonus, one from Rhett Shull...

As starting points go, you could probably do worse than a guitar designed by a successful female guitarist: https://www.uberchord.com/blog/st-vincent-anne-clark-guitar/

Ah, but behind that lurks the beginning of a callus. Don't forget to take it easy when they get sore, it's frustrating, but pays dividends in the end.

Ding dong Apparently the guitar is tuned to a G7sus4 open chord - the first chord in a Hard Day's Night by the Beatles.

I initially used what pick felt right as a beginner, but eventually moved to what gave me the best tone, which meant thicker for my purposes (at one point I played with a 2mm Tortex). I still mess around with various picks, but always seem to come back to a Dunlop Jazz 3 (as used by Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa). It’s a personal choice at the end of the day, as is how you hold it; Robben Ford uses a conventional shaped pick but uses it upside down (as does Dave Kilminster IIRC). Invest in a pack of various gauges and see which one you like to the tone & feel of best, but be prepared to chop and change as you develop as a player or as the song or guitar dictates. Then there’s fingerstyle, hybrid style, thumbpicks, fingerpicks, metal, plastic, GAH!

Some players choose plectrum gauge to compliment their playing technique e.g. thinner, blunter plec if they strum hard. Or a harder, pointier plec if they want to play fast with a lot of control. Everything else kind of fits somewhere between those two extremes. Most common gauge is about 0.6mm but I tend to play with 0.5mm because I'm still a little heavy handed and weak fingered on my right hand. Heavier plecs tend to move around in my fingers too much. I would suggest finding something that works for you and sticking with it. Being used to a plec, whatever it is, is important for developing your touch.

As Kiwi has gone to all the trouble of setting up this section, it seems churlish not to use it so I’ll ask the first question - and although I’m no longer an absolute beginner, it’s one that I’m not sure of the answer as I can see pros and cons of each. Anyway, my question to the panel is; What’s the best choice for a complete beginner - electric or acoustic or classical? Obviously, with an electric you have the added complication of an amp but I wonder which is the easiest for a beginner to get to grips with in the very early days when it’s all about learning some chords and getting your fingers toughened up?

Indeed, that helps enormously - you may have just saved me a lot of money! Fortunately I have a large diaphragm condenser, with appropriate outboard phantom power, which I'd actually been thinking about connecting before, to add a bit of "ambience" to the sound. I might give that a try on tomorrow evening's live stream.

These two are the most relevant to my tastes in playing style at the moment: Richard Watson (BIM) https://www.youtube.com/user/CottonwoodBlossom For all those 80's LA session guitarists like Lukather, Huff and Landau. He's a great explainer of nuance and has consummate taste in gear. Dave Price https://www.youtube.com/user/fretmelt1 For all those funk, disco, soul and RnB covers plus he offers a course that focuses on essential elements of Alan Murphy's style. He makes a lot of guitar parts for my favourite tunes accessible for students.

I don't suffer with this condition or anything like it, so I can offer no first hand advice I'm afraid. However, I'm thinking a way forward might be to try using a thumb pick, but hold it like it's a normal pick until the tremors kick in and then use it whatever way will allow you continue playing until they subside or develop a style of your own with said device, part Oldfield/Knopfler, part you.

I've just watched one of the sessions (three notes per string...), and have learned more in those few minutes than in the past couple of years..! Very pedagogic, it makes sense, and the notions are ably demonstrated. Thanks for the link; a Good Call.

Most of my YouTube favourites are, like Ezbass, bass related or are bands but from a pure guitar perspective I subscribe to this young lady’s channel https://m.youtube.com/user/Lloydieex besides her obvious photogenic qualities, she’s a damn fine guitarist and I used to work with her Dad so I feel like I’ve known her for years.

@backwater Lovely bound Tele (not that I’m biased you understand 😉😂).

Rick Beato’s channel is quite good, although he often gets on my nerves. https://www.youtube.com/user/pegzch Rhett Shull is great for gear, good player too. https://www.youtube.com/user/rshull07 Lari Basilio is my favourite player at the moment, she’s awesome and a lovely person in the flesh too. https://www.youtube.com/user/larissabasilio As predominately a bass player, a lot of my videos are bass related.

I'm sorry, I forgot that you're rather new here. Never mind; have it be known that I'm old, and these things that happened to me are in a dim and distance Past. I really can't remember quite how long ago I bought the Daisy Rock, but I doubt that the Seller is still advertising, or if he is, he's very old now, too..! That 'Venus' guitar looks to be excellent; I'd be pleased too..! Keep looking; meanwhile... Keep well, stay safe Douglas

Ha..! I am the proud possessor of a Daisy Rock Retro 12-string... ...and a fine guitar it is, too..! Bought second-hand from a bloke in Holland, for a very modest price, and a staple of my humble 'collection' of instruments. Daisy Rock are maybe aimed, demographically, at girls, but they are real guitars, not toys.

Good evening, Conmac, and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share. Most guitars from the leading makers in the 'starter' price range are decent guitars (I certainly wish that they had been available when I started out with a real cheese-grater of a guitar..!). The Fender you mention is fine. There's quite a bit less to bother about with an acoustic for a beginner. First thing is learning how to tune it (and listen to when it needs tuning again...). A good tip for anyone starting out is to find a local tutor, if at all possible. It's so uch worth it to get good advice from the 'off', and makes progress that much more certain. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it really does help. Good luck with the project to the pair of you.

That’s the Les Paul, Strat and Tele now sorted. The only thing that’s still noisy is a K-Line San Bernardino which has P90s in it. I might see if DiMarzio have a similar fix for that

You are welcome, I’m glad it has proved to a positive experience (although it’s hard to go wrong with DiMarzio IMO).

Back in the '80s I bought a Squier Indonesian Telecaster because my Hohner start got nicked. Over the years I added a DiMarzio stacked humbucker my brother gave me, cheap Gotoh copy tuners (the Squier ones were truly awful) and lastly a genuine Fender Tele selector knob to replace the annoyingly round one. Most annoying has been the single-ply back scratchplate that looks like a bit of ring-binder cover. This week I invested less than £15 on the bay to get a mint green scratchplate, vintage through body bridge and ferrules. I also added some light relicing ... I think it looks great, downside I've had to order another £15 worth of strings and 'vintage' tuners. Just need to work on my playing...

Fitted a pair of Area T pickups to the Tele and can’t believe the difference! Completely hum-free and a gorgeous tone - I really like the tone of the bridge pickup. Thanks for the suggestion! 😁

Get an entry level Yamaha (they don’t make a bad instrument at any price point IMO) and that should cover both options.

Hi, i am looking to buy a semi hollow or hollow electric guitar. I need a guitar that has low action as i have osteoarthritis & cant put too much pressure on the fret. Please could you advise brand guitar to look at. Thanks Ness

Start a Coronavirus thread and don't let @Dad3353 moderate it. Things will soon perk up 🙂

If we're open to other guitars than the high-flying Usual Suspects, I could present some of my guitars, just for their own sake, and recount a little of their story (how/why got them, what they're good or less good for etc...). Similarly, I have been learning, on and off, for decades, some aspects of guitar-playing; specifically trying to get to grips with chord/melody, and testing my receding memory with 'Misty'. I put the guitar down for a couple of weeks and it's gone; I have to start again (old age, you see...). Would a Beginners Guide to Guitar Pro or Drop 3 chords be useful..? Just a few from the top of my addled head...

First up As to your problem, that’s a head scratcher As it seems to be activated by particular notes, I’m wondering if it’s a loose connection type of thing where the frequency of the note is causing the connection to disconnect and make with the waveform. Your tech should be able to trace it eventually but it may take time (I used to be a repairman for office equipment and intermittent faults are a PITA).

It’s back! Top thread resurrection @backwater. My Tele has gone through some changes since I started this thread, no longer is it the turquoise, contoured beast, now it’s a more traditional sunburst, bound body affair.

That reminds me of a joke from work. Q: How many designers does it take to change a light bulb? A: Does it have to be a light bulb? I think it's OK for each to define their own senses of community and identity. It's probably inevitable and helps ensure a broader appeal.

It's a difficult one - if we look to other guitar-centred forums for inspiration, then we're just going to end up as a clone of them and therefore just another guitar forum. What makes Basschat special are the members and real sense of community that they bring, in which case I guess it begs the question as to whether we actually need a guitar specific forum or if it's best just to keep the one forum (ie. Basschat) and have a dedicated guitar area within it?