The OS Guitarists thread

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I took some time last night to restring and clean my guitar. I got her shined up really nice now. Cleaned the fretboard and polished the body, headstock and frets. She felt great in my hands.

I also figured out that with a USB memory stick and my TV I can essentially print tabs/music sheets to PDFs and display them on my tv instead of trying to read the sheets of paper on my lap. When work settles down I'll start learning some more songs.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Bump.

So, I got a bonus yesterday and I want to put it towards some kind of toy. I'm thinking between a Fender tube amp, an electric-acoustic guitar, or a DSLR camera. What do you guys think? I would like to find an electric-acoustic/tube amp (I pretty much know what I would get if that's the way I go) for around $500, but preferably under.

I have my dad's old Yamaha dreadnought, so I don't need another dreadnought, though wouldn't mind having a better one eventually. Cutaway and the electric features are the only things that are must haves for me. One of my friends has a really nice Ovation and I really dig the style and feel of those guitars, but I also really like the blues box guitars (EL-00). The only thing about those the less expensive ones aren't typically electrical. I haven't tested any out, but would like an idea before I go in.

[8]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

^^ What do you spend more time playing, acoustic or electric? It's hard to pass up the opportunity to get a good tube amp.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

It really depends. Overall I play the electric more, but I go through moods where I'll just play the acoustic exclusively and I use it to work on my finger-picking. The only thing I don't really like about my yamaha is that the action is too high, its size (thought that doesn't bother me as much anymore), and its just old lol.

[8]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

It really depends. Overall I play the electric more, but I go through moods where I'll just play the acoustic exclusively and I use it to work on my finger-picking. The only thing I don't really like about my yamaha is that the action is too high, its size (thought that doesn't bother me as much anymore), and its just old lol.

Have you tried any Taylor acoustics out. From my experience they have lower action and of course sound great. I have a Taylor acoustic (can't remember the model) which was about 500-600 bucks new and I couldn't believe the sound that came out of it. It sounded like a 1,000$ guitar.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I've heard they are really nice guitars, but I haven't found one for $500 or less yet. I've just been looking online on the big guitar store sites to get an idea.

[8]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

This might be close to what I have, I'd have to check to be sure though. It's $599 though.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/taylor-2012-110-sapele-spruce-dreadnought-acoustic-guitar/h79617000001000

Now I also realize a guitar is an individual kind of thing and that two guitars that are the same model can sound different. The one I have is very bright and crisp, the highs are fantastic and the lows are decent enough.

On the other hand a nice fender tube amp is hard to pass up.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

The only thing about adding another amp is how limited my space is. I don't think I want to get rid of my current amp entirely. Plus, I figure with it getting warmer that I will want to be playing outside on the patio more.

[8]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

The only thing about adding another amp is how limited my space is. I don't think I want to get rid of my current amp entirely. Plus, I figure with it getting warmer that I will want to be playing outside on the patio more.

What amp do you have now?

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I have a Peavey Vypyr 15w. The tube amp I would most likely get would be a Blues Junior, but I just might hold off until the Fall.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Do any of you guys know of a good source for learning classical guitar and finger-picking?

[Guffers]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

I don't want to sound snobbish but if your eager to learn classical guitar then you need to find a good teacher. It's really easy to develop bad habits when teaching yourself in that style. I have a classical guitar degree and am always having students come to me with horrible habits after teaching themselves via tabs, YouTube etc.

Good luck with it though. It's a whole other world which is almost entirely different to rock etc. For me it was like learning a new instrument when I arrived at university after only playing in rock bands. If you really do go deep into it be prepared to become obsessed with your fingernails.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

What are some bad habits players usually develop? It might be a good idea just to take lessons in general.

[Guffers]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Simple stuff like resting their right hand fingers on the guitar whilst playing, incorrect angle of attack on the string and generally bad arm and body posture.

Lessons can be brilliant if you find a good teacher. You can really focus on the areas that need work and improve much quicker than just teaching yourself. I had lessons from the age of 13 up until last year. I'm 28. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to University at some stage and continue studying with my teacher. Just having somebody with far more experience listen and critique can be incredibly valuable.

In the mean time check out Scott Tennant's book ''Pumping Nylon: A Classical Guitarist's Guide to Technique" I finally received a copy in the mail today and it looks to be really comprehensive. An issue with the classical guitar these days is that technique has changed drastically in the last 20 to 30 years and a lot of older technique books are very outdated. Segovia was a master and we all owe him a great deal but his technique doesn't work for modern repertoire.

Also check out www.classicalguitarcorner.com for some practise and technique ideas. Simon Powis is a fantastic young Australian guitarist living in New York and I've used his approach to scales in my own teaching. If you don't read music you definitely need to get started but his videos will give you something to work with in the mean time.

Have fun, the classical guitar changed my life.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: The OS Guitarists thread

Thanks, Guff.

My playing style now relies very heavily on the blues and its nice to play for people and for them to compliment me, but I like to pick up different styles/techniques to keep things fresh and to experiment. The only problem I have with lessons is time and money. One of my guitar friends is a lot more into classical than I am (he's more interested in composing/theory) and usually comments on my hand placement/posture, so I figure its not too bad.