Guitars, Guitars!

"....through an Ampeg SVT it can underpin a blues/rock band like no other."

nice amp! I've now got Ashdown & am well pleased with the sound.

Bob

My poor old back doesn't like lifting it into the car much though. Often think of changing to something modern and lighter, but it wouldn't be the same.

malcolm

I posted to this topic on January 12 2002. At that time I said I was looking for a "fast" acoustic. I've been seeking one which is fast yet also plays loud. Well, it has taken a year, but I think I've found one I like, the SP6CW model from Simon and Patrick. Although a bit of a social climbdown from the D18, it plays a lot better and the best news is the price which would not mean selling the 335!

Has anyone else tried these S&P guitars? Anyone tried this model? What experience?

Happy New Year,
CB

I have the exact Simon and Patrick you mention - spruce top, single cutaway, wild cherry back and sides, mahogany fingerboard and bridge. I love it! Bought it for myself 9 years ago, as a graduation present. Other guitars come and go, but the S&P stays. The only problem I had was a brace popped loose inside during a dry winter (I have since gotten an in-hole humidifier). LaSiDo (the Canadian parent company of S&P, as well as Seagull) fixed it for me, and only charged shipping charges.

My other guitars:

1981 Daion "Headhunter" electric (a semi-hollowbody ES335 copy)
1974 Gibson SG

I also have a cheap mandolin and a box of banjo parts I hope to some day assemble into an actual banjo.

jay

Jayd,
Thanks for your reply. Interestingly the one I had tried originally was a cedar top which played quite well. However, through an internet enquiry I was advised of another local retailer who had these in stock. There I tried both the spruce top and another cedar top model. From this I found that all three necks felt different(!!) and neither of these later models played as well as the one I'd played originally. I am amazed that the neck sections felt different, I'd have though these would have been CNC machined.

One issue I have when assessing new guitars is the action. I am used to a very light action and 0.009" strings (with, obviously, a plain 3rd). When trying acoustics in shops I find varying (usually high) actions and 0.011" or 0.012" string sets. I used to use 0.010" on my D18 and I'd do the same again, but this action issue is a major irritant.

I just don't know how one makes a meaningful decision. At the end of the day I guess it just comes down to what you're prepared to pay. But I'd be happy to pay whatever it takes for a fast, loud, good sounding acoustic. I'd even sell my 335!!!

How do others gauge the quality of an acoustic when it's set up with a high action and heavy gauge strings?

Regards, CB

Clive-

I actually prefer using .013s, but I have found the S&P won't accommodate them. These guitars, at least the older ones like mine, are built very light - sturdy, but light. As it concerns the feel and sound, I like the lightness; the guitar communicates well to your hands. The heavier strings seemed to overpower the guitar; the bigger strings seem to supply the thin top with vibrations it's not built to transduce efficiently.

Aside from that, the ball-end on the low E of a set of heavy strings won't actually fit through the hole in the bridge of my guitar (I got one stuck - REALLY stuck - trying). I know that could be fixed, but the guitar responds so well and feels so light and fast with .011s that I just string it light and let it sing.

Another by-product of all this is that my guitar isn't one of the louder acoustics you'll run across. But it's a joy to play, and just gets better every year.

Jayd,
Finally made the decision and went for a Taylor 314 which, again, although a "lesser" guitar than my old Martin, plays a whole load easier, even fresh out of the box. Even with 0.012" strings on.

And it looks dead sexy! Far better than the dreadnought shape.

Regards, CB

Clive: Taylors are fantastic all-around instruments. Can't go wrong with them, in my opinion. I'd love to have one myself, but I think when I get ready to sink that kind of dough into a new acoustic, I'll go for a Lowden. I've yet to hear an acoustic guitar with a better tone; I've lusted after them since I first heard one played by Pierre Bensusan. They may not be the all-around performers the Taylors are, but their tone goes straight to my heart.

Has anyone every tried / used a Fender Roland Ready Strat ? How does the note recognition perform ?

DS

OTD - Alter Ego vs David Holmes - The evil needle

Jayd

I went to buy a Lowden, but also tried a Collings at the suggestion of the dealer. I felt the tone and clarity of the Collings was better than anything I'd heard. Returning to Lowdens, they sounded wooly and indistinct in comparison. I bought the Collings, and haven't regreted it.

malcolm

No, here?

Clive

Good choice, the Taylor 314 is a good guitar.

I'm a fan of Taylor Guitars, owning a 310Ce and 415. I wouldn't trade them in for any other make.

Peter,
You're right - the Taylor is very good indeed. I've hardly touched the Gibson since owning the Taylor. Actually, I've had it nearly two months now and usually with any other guitar I'd be thinking about taking it back for a set up now, but it really doesn't need it. When I bought the guitar I got a spare set of strings (0.011"); I shall have to wait until the set of twelves that are on it now die, try the elevens and then see if I still need the action lowering. It IS hard work on the fingers compared to the Gibson though! But does it sound good or what! I really rate those Elixir strings too.
Regards, CB

Anyone got a spare £100,000 lying around?

Sale of the Century?

P

Yikes! I think I saw Jesus' face on the back of that red ES-335...

Why would he sell Blackie? Is he hurting for cash?

Seems he's auctioning off guitars to raise funds for Crossroads Centre Antigua, a rehab clinic he founded.

Good on 'im I say. Though parting with something that you've so obviously sweated blood over I find a bit hard to comprehend.
It surely can't be purely a monetary thing. I really hope it's not something more ominous.

56 geetars though? Whoohwee. I've placed my order for the catalogue already. Droolarama.

Sorely tempted to have a wee fling over to Dallas for the gig too. Anyone know the venue at all?

P

My collection as follows

1980's Schecter strat,
1975 Framus Jan Akkerman,
1987 Dieter Hopf
1998 janes Olson sj
2002 Taylor LKSM 12,

I might sell some for the right money?

and will you be giving the proceeds to charity too?

I might give a few bob to the charity of your choice, get yer money out?

I was checking out some dobros at the London Resonator Center a while ago and played a guitar made by Andreas Cuntz. I asked the proprietor did he have any more and he said that the week before there had been a pair of Cuntz hanging on the walls.

But joking apart ... the guitar I played was exceptional but pricy.

quincy

Chuckle. Nice One.

All the way from Memphis indeed.

P

I have a Martin J40 which I hardly ever play. I usually go for a Seagull "baby grand" because it's smaller and more user friendly and I've never really liked the way the Martin sounds. Can anyone suggest an alternative to the Martin strings I've always used on it ? Is there a magic string that will bring the beast to life ?

I take it that the Martin lacks that glassy quality. Try different gauge strings and just play it more. You need to beat the fucker into submission and show it who's boss.

Some people love the Martin sound

I find the Dreadnoughts boomy in the bass and dull in the treble, ideal fror strumming; but hopeless as a fingerpicker.

The 00 series is better for that, but don't expect bright Treble on a Martin.

Taylor and Larrivee Dreadnoughts have a more balanced sound than any Martin Dreadnought I've heard.

I prefer Grand auditorium size guitars as are they are ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming. Not as loud as a Dreadnought, but a better allrounder.