Sheepdog1969
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Posts posted by Sheepdog1969
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I admit it. Until yesterday, I have always had an irrational fear of adjusting the Truss Rods on my guitars/bass. I assume this began in my youth, after hearing multiple people warn of the potential damage a novice could do to a guitar if they "mess with them wrong." I had always been fortunate enough to have talented/experienced musician friends who would do truss adjustments for me, (when and if needed), especially before I set up a new guitar, after making changes to an existing guitar, or when something seemed a bit "off" with any of them over time. Even though I watched them each time, they were so fast at determining if an adjustment was needed, and equally as fast while adjusting the truss rod, I really never learned the process beyond the concept. I literally took me longer to remove and then replace the truss rod cover, than it took them to adjust it. More often than not, no adjustment was even needed. I never even owned a capo, which I thought was required for this operation. (I just learned that this can be done without the normal type of capo used while playing, btw.). I remember when a friend used a Bicycle brand playing card, while I fretted the low E on the first fret and he fretted it on the twelfth, to do a "half a$$ed gap test", because we lacked the proper tools one night at a party.
Since I have started to expand my horizons and delve deeper into guitar mechanics, beyond knowing just the basics required to play one, I figured I'd better put on my big boy pants and learn things. As with all things mechanical, having the correct tools from the start helps a novice learn faster, (while nearly eliminating head ache and heart ache). I chose to purchase a few "kits" from Musicnomad that were specific to the jobs I wanted to accomplish. I really liked the work mat and neck rest I had been using for awhile, which they make, so I thought I would stick with their products/tools. (MusicNomad MN207 Premium Instrument Work Mat & Cradle Cube Neck Support) So, I bought their Precision 6 pc. Guitar Setup Gauge Tool Set - Plus 24 pg. Instructional Booklet and Storage Case and their 6 pc. Guitar String Change Tool Kit with Winder, Cutter, Puller, Tune-It, Hex Wrench & Screwdriver (MN218). Their gear is not cheap, but it works great, has solid reviews, and comes with detailed instructions (including additional online resources). I had grabbed a quality capo a few years ago for playing purposes, but the set up kit from Musicnomad came with a simple tool which acts as a one string capo, so I used their capo tool. I already had a Petersen clip-on strobe tuner, the guitar specific truss rod wrenches needed, and the guitar specific tools (when/if needed) to adjust actions. I diligently followed their simple/descriptive step by step instructions, and found their tools to be well labeled, sturdy, and effective.
As of now, I have adjusted two of my guitar's truss rods without issue or confusion. (I also re-did setups on both of them too, which only required minimal adjustments for each of them.) I had already done an extensive set up on my new Squire hot rod project, save for the neck relief (which I knew needed a bit of adjusting), so it only needed a few tweaks to get it dead on after adjusting the truss. But what shocked me was my G&L, which my luthier had told me six months ago did not need a neck adjustment. When I checked it yesterday, the low E was touching the sixth fret, and defiantly needed adjustment. After adjusting the action, the neck relief, and the intonation (with it's new Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 9.5's), it has never sounded better.
I plan to use my new found skills on my remaining guitars when it's time for their string changes. I no longer have that irrational fear of the truss rod, and I actually look forward to maintaining/improving the playability and tonal quality of my collection with my new tools and knowledge. (And saving a few bucks by doing it myself, too!)
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(I posted this on a similar thread on the forum a few min. ago)
I have heard multiple people, including the President, talking about using an Emergency fund (tax dollars), and what ever other required public funds (tax dollars) to replace the bridge and re-open the shipping lanes.
WAIT A MINUTE! Based on the video showing the ships lights going off, and then on, and then off again, this was a mechanical failure of the ship's propulsion system/power plant. Weather was calm, (no wind), and visibility was clear. The pilot was a local "Harbor Master" mandated by law to pilot these ships in and out of this harbor. If this was a issue with the ship, don't they have insurance??? If my brakes fail, and my car slams into something, I am at fault and my State mandated automobile insurance covers most if not all of the damage I caused, (save for my deductible.).
Despite the ship being registered in Singapore, it was Chartered by Maersk, the second largest shipping company on the planet, just behind MSC. Maersk is the maritime division of Denmark's A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S, a global leader in container shipping and port management. A.P Moller-Maersk annual net income for 2022 was $29.198 BILLION. A.P Moller-Maersk net income for the twelve months ending September 30, 2023 was $9.208 Billion. Ultimately, Maersk owes the US/Maryland THE ENTIRE COST OF REPLACING THE BRIDGE, THE "ECONOMIC LOSSES" ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EVENT, THE CLEAN-UP COSTS, THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE COSTS, AND MAERSK IS LIABLE FOR THE LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURIES THIS EVENT CAUSED!!! Maersk (and/or their insurer) can sue the ships owner separately, if they choose.
US TAX PAYERS SHOULD NOT BE LIABLE FOR ONE PENNY OF THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ACCIDENT. If I have to carry State mandated minimum levels of auto liability insurance to drive my car(s), Maersk and other shippers need to as well, (especially after seeing how a single ship wreck can result in billions of dollars in costs!)
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Was lucky enough to go to the NAMM show at McCormick Place in Chicago in 1986 (I think). I had just turned 16, and was blown away at every turn there. Got to hear and meet George Lynch, and a few other artists. I did not really understand the "Cool Factor" associated with the guy I took the picture with below. My friend and I talked with Floyd for at least 30 min. at what I learned later was his booth. He was down to earth and a tech head like me. Below is another picture taken at his booth of Andy Timmons playing Rose's active pick up designed "sustainer". (sorry for the blurry pic. It was before digital, and taken on 35mm FILM!)
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8 minutes ago, 'Scales said:
they tend to be sold from things like food vans at agricultural shows which are what I guess you would call a county fair or something like that, but they are not common fare for us.
Same here! For the vast majority of Americans they only ever eat them at those places, if ever. Yet hillbillies like me and mine, always have some in our freezer, because they are a food group for us! Below is an inflatable "Corn Dog" hanging in my backroom, given to me by a friend.
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1. Upload the pics you want to post here to IMGUR (upload is an option in the "New Post" pull down)
2. Single "click" on the image you want to post here from your image files in IMGUR
3. "Click" the blue "Copy" button to the right of the "Direct Link" option .
4. Go to the Gibson Forum and simply "Right Click" and select "Paste" when your curser is where (in a post) that you want your image to go. The picture should appear a few seconds after you see the direct image link address you just pasted into the post. A message will pop up at the bottom of your post asking if you want to keep the image visible, or if you wanted to just show the link instead. If you want the image, click "x" on the pop up, or simply read the pop up message and respond appropriately.
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29 minutes ago, 'Scales said:
I recently heard in a documentary video that folks in the US consume over 30 billion hotdogs each year (collectively, not individually...) - pretty amazing - would that be considered the national dish?
More like a "Food Group". Personally, my definition of Food Groups is quite different than US national standards. Hot dogs, Corn Dogs, (a hot dog on a stick dipped in a corn meal batter and then fried. It was invented in Illinois, USA, btw!), bratwurst, Italian sausages, Kielbasa, Polish sausage, (and similar ground meats stuffed into casings), are one food group. Bacon is in it's own food group. Chocolate, (anything chocolate), is another food group. Sweet candy is another food group. Sour candy, sour fruit (like limes, lemons, and grapefruit), and anything else that's sour, are in their own Food Group. The list keeps going.
Yup, Yanks are not the healthiest people. That's why I eat what I want and always wear my AED (automated external defibrillator) at all times, LOL!
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On 3/22/2024 at 4:41 PM, Phil OKeefe said:
For the record, Rickie didn't use tiles. He hand-carved and hand-painted each one of the "tiles" on the Explorer and Flying V individually. It takes him about a month (or more) to do each guitar or amp. He makes five or maybe ten pieces a year, max, so it's not like these are a huge part of the Gibson production totals, but personally, I think it's pretty cool that we let him run wild and do something a bit different from the norm.
He's a really nice guy, IMO, and just like he comes across on the video in person. Personally, I think he's an amazing artist. Would I buy one of his guitars? If I was wealthier than I am, I might be tempted to pick up that Explorer or the Old West Les Paul, but they're way out of my price range. Would I use it on stage? No. If I owned one of his guitars, I might use it in the studio, but those are obviously collector-type or museum-type pieces and while Rickie is quick to point out that they're 100% playable and that he wants their new owners to use them if they wish (or put them in a display case if they prefer, or whatever they want to do with them), I seriously doubt the folks who buy his MasterArtisan Collection guitars use them extensively, if at all. I wouldn't. And while I do have a lot of gear (including some pretty valuable vintage gear), everything I have gets used, so buying something I wouldn't be using would be a first for me.
I was amazed when he explained the hand painted "tile" effect. I did mention buying tiles because I wouldn't have that kind of patients. (Oh, and I would never mess with my Korina like he did, btw!)
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17 minutes ago, gearbasher said:
I thought it meant: horrible videos featuring good songs.
That works too!
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2 minutes ago, saturn said:
I took it to mean, videos that were so bad, they're good. Or maybe so bad, they're just bad. Like this
You are correct., all of the above. I was just having a bit of fun. Take it as you will. Love your submission, by the way.
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On 3/22/2024 at 3:44 AM, Pinch said:
Are you on speed?
Well of coarse, aren't you?
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10 hours ago, ksdaddy said:
I don’t think it’s necessary to avoid Ruckus. He seems like a nice guy.
Nice enough to recently get popped for drug possession.
After being pulled over by police "Rrucker told police his girlfriend gave him the items, and he did not know what the purple pills were, the affidavit said. It noted that before he was patted down, Rucker pulled a marijuana blunt from his pocket and told the police it was marijuana.
Rucker was booked and released from the Williamson County jail on Feb. 1 after he posted a $10,500 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Williamson County General Session Court at 1 p.m. April 11."
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22 minutes ago, NighthawkChris said:
I’m confused. I thought Gibson was a guitar company…
A "guitar" company focused on artsy fartsy embellishment, apparently.
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Cammo Warning?
in The Gibson Lounge
Posted
Phil, I am not replying to agree or disagree with your statement. I simply wish to address the process utilized by the "powers that be" on this forum, specifically regarding the language contained with-in the violation notifications sent to those who have been deemed "in violation" of Forum policies.
In order to prevent future violations of Forum policies, by individuals who have been notified of an observed violation and/or other non policy violating Forum members who subsequently became aware of said "policy violation notification" sent to another forum member, it is incumbent upon Forum policy compliance staff to clearly and specifically detail, in writing, the exact language used by the offending Forum member that elicited said notification, (including the specific Forum rules said language violated). Presumably, the purpose of a violation notification is to prevent future/further infractions/violations by the offender, as well as to dissuade other Forum members from violating Forum rules said in a similar fashion. Punishments/Punitive measures, regardless of the degree of severity, will not ever function as intended unless the individual(s) being punished fully understand exactly why they are being punished. Punishment is simply a behavior modification tool. Yet, unless the behavior desired to be modified is specifically pointed out/identified, it is impossible for it to be modified. This lack of communication will result in confusion, anger, resentment, and diminished respect for authority, via the offender AND the Forum community writ-large. The "chilling" effect this user/staff communication issue has elicited on the open flow of ideas and information here, has become obvious. (to be clear, I am not insinuating that you, Phil, or Ksdaddy are responsible or involved in this communications failure.)
The purpose of this Gibson Forum, the primary reason Gibson created it, is to sell Gibson Corporation products, The Forum has many, seemingly distinct and unrelated subsets, yet the ultimate goal of all of them is to increase sales. However, in order for this Forum to function as intended, it must FIRST maintain and grow membership. In order to maintain and grow membership, it's members must provide new and interesting content. The better the content, (content that is accurate, articulate, engaging, honest, knowledgeable, and beneficial), the more Non members (future customers) will be drawn to the site. Any good business model depends on repeat buyers, but only because they are the best advertisers. First time buyers are the real target, since they are a larger untapped market segment. First time buyers become repeat buyers, and the cycle continues. But if the Forum member knowledge base stop being "writers"/content creators, (because they leave due to inexplicable punishments based on the content they created with out malice, and/or they stop creating content because the Forum isn't fun anymore, etc.), the Forum looses the sales functionality Gibson designed it for. The "Powers that be" who police this Forum must focus on it's primary purpose whilst trying to maintain a PG-13 atmosphere.
The Gibson Lounge needs to be exactly as it's titled, A Lounge. It needs to be a place more social and conversational than the other specific sections of this site that focus on "Gibson acoustics", or "Epi's" or "Customs", etc.. Good content creators, (which is exactly what Gibson really wants you to be, for free), benefit by back and forth dialogues with their counterparts. All guitars and no play makes content creators dull. To me, the edict that all conversation in the Lounge need to be "Guitar related", is inappropriate. What about Basses, and Amps? What about music theory, recording, associated gear, etc.? How many "visitors" are drawn to this site due to a non-guitar related post, but then stay and browse and become customers after enjoying said content? The Gibson data guys can tell us, and those numbers really matter. Go and look at the real time list of people on this site, at any time of the day. It is always 95%+ visitors, who are reading posts created by a small percentage of actual of members. Before any Site Policy formal enforcement action is taken by Forum Staff, I recommend they access the Performance Analytics associated with the member in question. They know exactly how many "visitors" access this site via interest in specific content created by members. (the techs managing Gibson Forums are quite good at immediately linking member created content on popular web browser's 1st search result pages, with or without keywords added to member's posts). I would be careful admonishing a solid member who draws lots of views, for something trivial. I personally have posted something that crossed the line, (innocently and without malice of forethought). I appreciated how the moderator (who saw my infraction) replied to me on the thread and informed me that I was breaking the rules and to please stop doing that. I deleted the offending post with-in 1 min, and apologized. Nothing formal was sent to me, nor did I get and warning points, although I deserved one! I learned a lesson, I was treated like an adult, and I responded like an adult. The only person I was upset with after that incident WAS ME, not the moderator who was doing his job. I have no doubt that had any member who used language that concerned the policy compliance staff been simply asked to edit their comment/reply to better fit the rules, they would have done so without question. "Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down", so says the umbershoot lady. I also have no doubt that political bias and PC culture effects policy enforcement decisions on the Forum Staff side, as well.
I do feel it would be appropriate if we all had clarification as to what defines acceptable content in the Lounge regarding non-guitar related posts. Personally, I look forward to seeing what Murph's morning coffee inspires him to write about, guitar related or not. Sgt.'s posts about the oddities with-in the music industry's culture, or about his take on the day's events create user interaction. Sparq's posts questioning what an object he found laying in the road was, or about crafting ice cleats with tennis shoes and screws due to an ice storm in the South, were not guitar related but they were fun and interesting. These unique human perspective pieces keep me coming back, and they inspire me to write more content, (not sure if that's a good or bad thing?). Unfortunately, I am now hesitant to create anymore content that is not "guitar related", and I guarantee I'm not the only one who feels this way. I, and others, are also hesitant of posting any guitar related content because we don't know how reply to it, might effect us. I recommend the head honcho of this site reach out to the Dir. of Marketing/Sales at Gibson Corporate, (with the user analytic data I mentioned, in hand), to clarify this site's mission and how best to keep it symbiotic and relevant.
There's my 2 cents.