Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

hummingbirdguy

All Access
  • Posts

    36
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation

13 Neutral

Recent Profile Visitors

The recent visitors block is disabled and is not being shown to other users.

  1. Both will be in my collection, we'll see how it turns out Thanks for the recommendation. I've been trying to find some videos on youtube to get an idea of 12 strings to know what to expect, they sounds great (when someone else plays them) Will look them up, thanks I've seen a few youtubers use an electric for solo covers and they sound pretty good. As you suggest though, my rationale for getting a 335 is more to provide another tone/instrument to include as I get better and begin to record covers and later original content. Considering the I like r&b/soul from the 50s up through to today it seemed logical to get an electric of some variety. The required amp gives me pause as that's a whole different beast that I hadn't considered and at this point pedals are not even remotely on my radar. Your thoughts on the similarities between Hummingbirds and J45 were also concerns of mine and is what lead to considering Martin, Les Paul, or 335 (then later a Jumbo). However, I know I want a J45 in my permanent collection since it's so versatile. To my ear it seems a J45 can do almost everything a 45 can do, but a Bird can't do quite as much as 45 as well - though I prefer the sound of a Bird more. Considering Gibson has a banner 45 reissue currently in production with an aged Adi top at a point when the company is turning out really good custom shops seems almost foolish to pass up especially considering these guitars go for several times that of this reissuse and who knows how long they'll be around. From a tonewoods perspective some permutation of a D-28 would be a logical choice as well - it'd still be another acoustic that will be a permanent fixture in my collection, cuts through a mix better than a Bird, and would give me a chance to explore what Rosewood can do and how it plays with my voice. The J-200 or Dove are the only two maples Im really familiar with so that's something I'll look into some more. It seems a lot of people haven't had the best experience at GC. Seems a couple people think a 12 string Martin is the way to go. They sound good tbh from what I've seen around youtube. I'll try one when I go in to test some out.
  2. The "best" is relative. The best store for lowest price? overall service? fastest shipping? best return policy? widest selection? best assortment of mid-tier? As most have stated if you want a thoughtful buying experience and solid after-purchase care go to Sweetwater. If you want a wide selection in terms of inventory and price then maybe GC. If you want something high end then maybe one of the other sites if Sweetwater doesn't have what you want.
  3. Thanks everyone for all your feedback! I seem to have forgotten electrics are really popular around here lol. So the thing is I actually prefer acoustics to electrics on some level, in fact one of my favorite singers changed their image to become a singer-songwriter, the first time I heard their songs (20 years ago) something in me needed to learn to play those songs and six months ago I finally picked up the guitar. Concurrently I've always enjoyed the sounds of an electric guitar when listening to music, in fact next to the voice lead guitars are probably my favorite aspect of a song (actually it ties with electric bass, but one of those will come once I'm at least mildly decent with guitar). However, what I enjoy listening to and what I am most interested in playing are two different things, which is why I'm in the conundrum. There's what I can see myself doing in the short term (strumming, some fingerpicking, vocal accompaniment for youtube videos) versus what I would ultimately like to be able to do (solos. lead, and an instrument to fill out a mix when recording with my keyboard or the other acoustic). Then there's the thought of aging: as guitars age they tend to sound better so part of me wants to get my lifelong acoustics earlier to give me more time to open and age them myself for a more personal relationship with each instrument. Considering I don't think I will ever reach a point in which a hummingbird or j45 don't sound pleasing to my ears despite what might be my favorite/most played guitar down the line I feel drawn to pick up another acoustic next. However, after reading that you all seem to agree a 335 would be the more strategic next purchase I think I may focus on them more than acoustics when I go to play what's available. Also, thoughts on 335 models? Is it really worth going with a re-issue or sticking with standard? Does the sound of an electric even change much over the years? yes, but there are other acoustics I like too though with a different sound. I'm also considering one of the variations of an (H)D-28, but thought it was sacrilegious to mention them around here. Thanks! LOL! I sure hope not, it's something about acoustics that will always resonate with me on some level That's more or less my ultimate goal. Someone on another forum basically recommended the same though it was either a Strat/Tele. It's just that my acoustic isn't the most versatile, though it's my personal favorite it seems to me a J45 or (H)D-28 or a J-200 would overall be a more versatile acoustic. Part of me was considering the value of doubling back to get what might have been the more utilitarian choice now that I have the one that makes my heart go pitter patter. Agreed! The thought of delving into electrics this early seemed a bit much I still want to learn so much on acoustic and electrics come with more elements to consider (e.g. amp, pedal, other effects, knobs, etc). With an acoustic, you pick it up and play. LOL! Knew someone was going to say that. You're right I sure can go a few days without it, but in truth I was already thinking about my next few guitars before even brining home the first and this is a perfect excuse to add another one Considering how many guitars you've posted around here thats pretty spot on That seems to be the consenus I'm too nervous to buy used and also I'm putting it on my GC card and idk how buying used works in terms of shipping/trying/exchanging or something because I would need to hear how it sounds with a very clear understanding that if it takes going through 15 guitars well c'est la vie, but I feel like they'd ban from the store after the first few. Also, I'm still getting a grasp of six strings and now you're throwing another six my way!? Of course I don't...at least at this point, but it's an excuse to get another guitar.
  4. The versatility of the 335 is the very reason it's on my list. Initially it was a Les Paul since it's a smaller body and I like the way they look. Thanks for the underscoring the versatility of the 335. Well I'll be buying from GC (don't shoot) since I have a card with them and that banner J-45 re-issue really really needs to be in my collection. However, it feels too similar to a HB to justify getting as a second guitar and at that price, but then again it seems like one has to jump on what they are after when it's available rather than waiting. Also being still pretty inexperienced I'm a bit hesitant to buy used especially since it'll likely be through GC so most likely won't have the option to play before buying...and I'd hate to have all the used J-45s in GC inventory at their Union Square store because I couldn't find one or make up my mind (joking). Thanks for your advice
  5. I've been learning guitar for coming up on 6 months now and have been thinking of getting another guitar (well several though one at a time). Today the high e string has an odd metallic almost sitar sound, a quick search indicates its likely the nut or saddle, but it'll need to go to a luthier either way. Taking it in will most likely mean leaving it there for at least a couple of days, thus leaving me with what could end up a perfect reason to get a second guitar. I'm on a Hummingbird and was considering one of the D28 variations, an ES-335, or J45. I'm still finding my feet, but learning guitar to accompany myself singing (baritone mostly r&b (modern and older styles), some pop-fusion, acoustic covers). Max budget is about $5k, so leaning towards custom shop models like the banner '45 reissue for example. All in all, to this newbie all 3 seem fairly versatile and could play a lot of different styles, but I'd like some advice or opinions on which might be a wiser choice for second guitar especially considering the tonal characteristics of a hummingbird. Obviously when I go to try them out my ears will be the final judge, but was interested in hearing the thoughts of those more experienced.
  6. What a beauty!! Just as soon as I stopped thinking about it, here you go showing off your 1960 reissue. You're definitely making me itch for another HB lol. Would love to hear some sound samples if you have any.
  7. Please forgive me if this has already been discussed. Recently Gibson announced an overhaul of their app. The redesign now includes a learning component featuring AR learning modules and song tabs. There's also an option to schedule a virtual tech appointment to have a Gibson technician help you with a number of services - from string changes to setups and so much more. Of course the tuner present in the previous version is still there and along with ability to shop the online store and catch the latest from Gibson TV. Looks like Gibson is entering the app learning market to compete with the likes of Fender, Yousician, and many other services. I say good on them, it seems Gibson is really putting forth an effort to remain relevant by capturing - and in some cases recapturing - new and former fans. I've used the augmented reality learning and it's pretty fun to have something more interactive than JustinGuitar's website. To be fair I'm a little further along than what's covered in the first couple of lessons in the basics course, but still working through them all, so can't comment on the more intermediate or advanced material. Here you'll find a link to both the apple and google play store links: https://hello.gibson.com/gibson-app/ Anyone else given the any of the features or services a try?
  8. Youtube really has just about everything! I found a couple of videos demonstrations of Virtuoso cleaner, one of which was on a satin finish. Though the cleaner didn't seem to add high gloss comparable to an HB Standard it did add some shine (from what I could tell from a 9 year old 480p video). So to everyone that's commented thank you all for your invaluable information, when many of you indicated there would be a shine I was concerned there would be a degree of glossiness which I'm absolutely trying to avoid. In the end, the two yellow Gibson cloths - one damp and the other dry - removed the fingerprints and smudges...until I touched it again 😄! A great big thank you all for your help! Thank you for explaining how powerful the cleaner is! After reading the bottles I was certain the polish wasn't what I was after, but held out hope the cleaner wouldn't go to waste. Does the shine from cleaning stay on for months, as the manufacturer might suggest? Also, I get a kick out of seeing guitar transformations, did you happen to take any before and after photos? ETA: Btw, it just dawned on me you may think my HB is a vintage model - as in it was produced decades ago, but it's a Vintage model (made in 2019) LOL ...gotta love Gibson and their naming system. The profile pic is my 'bird Thanks for the microfiber tip, since the cloths did indeed leave swirl marks that took a good bit of breathing and wiping to remove. I realized early on that polishes were not at all what I want, especially for the type of finish, though I did see a satin/matte cleaner made by Taylor that seems interesting - though it's hard not to think it's just a way to bring in a some extra bucks. Just checked and I have the detailer, not their polish. Do you also use it on matte finish guitars to good effect? At this point it seems I have a little bit of everything lol. Thanks for sharing though. The description says polish throughout and I can't risk it. Though the goal of removing fingerprints and smudges is exactly what I'm after. Someone above recommended Music Nomad's Detailer and I saw a cleaner specifically for matte finishes from Taylor that I'll look into.
  9. Thanks! Was hoping to use something a bit more thorough since it's technically never been cleaned, but since a damp cloth seems to be the most recommended I won't chance it with anything more aggressive...at least for the time being 5 different types of cleaners and water alone is my best bet, go figure lol. Naptha seems to get a lot of good recommendations from those that use it and long time guitar players seem to swear by its effectiveness. I'm wondering how it will do with the thin kind of matte nitro finish (not sure if Vintage Limited finish is also VOS). I hear you loud and clear about deodorant and the finish; a couple of days of playing shirtless and noticed a few specs on the top of the body that thankfully came out so now I always wear a shirt. Hand washing (and stretching) is a ritual before practicing though I must admit the Elixir nanoweb strings which are just 3 days shy of a month already show a decent amount of wear - not complaining since they sound pretty nice now they've opened, but they certainly aren't as pretty as a new set of strings. I was hoping the Virtuoso cleaner would be gentle enough to not add shine since this will be it's first real cleaning since I brought it home and quite likely the first time it's been cleaned since it was manufactured. I have several of those yellow Gibson polishing cloths, will those work as well?
  10. It's been a month since the HB Vintage came home and the fingerprints and smudges are getting annoying, so figured it was time for a cleaning. To date it's mostly been wiping the strings with one of the two string cleaners and using either one of those yellow cloths from Gibson or the blue GC brand cloths they give you for free, but there are some areas on the body that feel a bit gummy (mostly areas that come into contact with the body). So far I have a few cleaning sets: - Dunlop 65 kit (polish/cleaner combo, lemon oil, and string cleaner) - Virtuoso (cleaner and polisher) - MusicNomad detailer - Kyser kit (wood polish, string cleaner, fretboard conditioner) - Gibson guitar care kit (finishing cream, fretboard conditioner, and metal cleaner) However, after reading an older thread about cleaning it seems most or all of those cleaners/polishers will make the guitar shiny, which is the exact opposite of what I want. I also saw several people mention letting the finish set and discourage cleaning for a period of time. Are there any recommended cleaners that will remove dirt without adding shine?
  11. The age difference explains why you're unfamiliar with the reference, but for years I thought Stairway to Heaven was banned from guitar stores near and far lol. Aren't the pay and benefits the only reason people really go to work, otherwise we'd all stay home and play guitar all day. Good on your for sticking with it and kicking cancer's *ss! Yikes! Sounds like a gnarly sight. A West Indian friend told me to pack gashes and cuts with salt, turns out they heal a lot quicker and with very minimal scarring
  12. Rick Beato touched on string thickness and how thinner strings are more comfortable play than thicker strings. After going through the various brands of 12s I have now thinner strings will be on the to do list. Thanks for the tip about playing closer to the fingernail, aside from the fourth finger it works well! This week I noticed my fingers didn't seem to hurt as much and I've been able to practice for 2-3 hours straight
  13. The movie stars Mike Myers, the guy from Austin Powers, so it's that kind of humor. As a child in the early 90s it was amongst my favorite movies, not least of which was due to Bohemian Rhapsody and yes, Led Zeppelin. Was BN RR a passenger or cargo line?
  14. Thanks! He's pretty thorough from the videos I've gone through so far. Justin really is the MVP for making almost all his lessons available for free. I sing as well and figured it'd be a great (and relatively easy for a beginner) song to get into playing and singing simultaneously. Is Stairway to Heaven as popular a song to play as Wayne's World would suggest lol?
  15. Justinguitar has been a good learning tool so far and he has chord drills, with time (and practice of course) those flub free chords will come That she is, and plays just as wonderfully! Oh! The Beatles reference completely eluded me. That's an impressive tenure! Do you really like water or was it a coincidence attributed to your field? During my childhood I'd go to the gym on Langely a bit..I do remember the race track but never paid attention to any buildings nearby. I was in the Army ('08-14 in MI), though never lucked up with an assignment in the 757. So far the journey's been quite fun. Thanks for the well wishes, once it all comes together I'll post a video in the forum. Yeah, I learned that the hard way that a setup is often necessary. Initially I brought home a Standard HB and the strings were mile high, needless to say the finger pain was a bit intense. Researching the matter actually led me to this forum, go figure. The Vintage had a much lower strings, though I still took it in for a proper setup the next day and it does play much better than the Standard did previously. In fact practice sessions can go 2-3 hours before finger pain comes even remotely close to an hour on the Standard.
×
×
  • Create New...