Lars68

Awesome, Anne. Terrific performance! Lars

Below is a song I wrote. True to form, it's a bit of a downer, but that is just what naturally comes out. It might not mean much, but I think it is one of the better songs I've written. It's a song about loneliness and longing for a change. Lars IF ONLY A MIRACLE From an open window facing the park I hear the laughter of children and the song of a lark I'm sitting here waiting for you In daydreams I'm forever blue If only a miracle would light my way Through the deep void where the shadows play Into your arms of love and a brighter day I miss you without knowing your face For a nameless stranger I'm searching a maze Of all my days god-given Yet another in lonely submission If only a miracle would light my way Through the deep void where the shadows play Into your arms of love and a brighter day This fortress of solitude is without defender The gates are wide open and I want to surrender To a power so warm and tender So why not risk a bridge too far? When on the far bank is where you are 'Cause insecurity and fears Are a boy's excuse and an old man's tears If only a miracle would light my way Through the deep void where the shadows play Into your arms of love and a brighter day

That is very good news! The one thing that sets John's book apart from any other guitar book I've read is that it at the same time is an historical account. It was very interesting to read about these womens' lives and sacrifices during the war. It makes it easier to appreciate, not only the Gibson Banners, but also other guitars and goods produced under such circumstances. Lars

That sounded very, very nice. It appears to be a great guitar for a band mix. The only bad thing I heard was that the bass was a little lacking to my tase, otherwise fantastic. Lars

I'm Swedish, but I think I kind of get the potentially dividing aspect of “Tribe”. I guess the interpretation of the lyrics depends on the listener's point of view. They can either be interpreted literally, or to mean the exact opposite. I think I know what you aim to say. Springsteen has a song called “We Take Care of Our Own” that has that same duality. Your song is better. I do think “Tribe” is great and that it should be one of the two, but at the same time I realize that is easy for me to say… I also think “Died Young” stands out. A great tune, with a bluntness in the lyrics that is refreshing and might surprise a few listeners and make them pay attention. It reminds me of the Morrissey song “Unhappy Birthday” with lines like “I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday, because you’re evil and you lie”. Not exactly the sentiment one expects to hear in a song. Whatever you pick to play, I wish you the best of luck. Your songs are great! Lars

I don't have much to add to what has already been said. I agree with all the comments. Awesome! Lars

There is no doubt in my mind that is Madagascar. You could post your pictures over at the Martin forum, UMGF. There is a sub-forum dedicated to discussions about tone woods. A lot of guitar builders who really know their stuff contribute there. Lars

Wonderful and very inspirational, Anne. You need to get back in the recording studio again! Lars

I had a 2007 AJ with adi top and madagascar back and sides. It looked very much like yours. The label has most likely been removed by a previous owner. Have you checked the case? I have been known to do such things myself 😁 Lars

A worthy, well written piece, John. Lars

Next level stuff! Lars

I live in Sweden and here the RH can drop to single digits some times in the winter. Luckily we have a very small closet with a heating radiator. I keep my guitars in their cases and put all the cases in the closet during winter. Then I have a big bowl of water under the radiator, with a towel hanging over the radiator with its ends down in the bowl. It works as a home made humidifier, which I refill about every two to three weeks depending on the weather. I'd like to throw in a big warning regarding the sound hole humidifiers made of rubber/plastic (like the Kysers). One of those reacted with the nitro finish on a Martin I owned some years back. So the very thing I bought to protect my guitar ended up damaging it. I was not happy about that. The lesson is: don't let ANYTHING made out of plastic/vinyl/ rubber touch your guitar for a longer period of time, like straps, capos, clip-on tuners, humidifiers, wall hangers, stands etc etc. If a manufacturer says “safe for nitro finishes”, don't believe them! I wrap the rubber parts on all my hangers and stands with cloth tape, just to be safe… Lars

Nothing short of pro level! Lars

Beautiful, Em7. Just beautiful. Lars

Sal and Murph, thanks for listening and commenting! Lars

Yes, it’s hard to figure out why this run of guitars has yet to be produced. Such an opportunity lost… Lars

Thanks, Em7. I have no idea what the future might hold. Time will of course tell, but I know there is so much I want to learn… Lars

Thanks a lot! I might write an upbeat, happy, song one day, but it might not be until every single one of the cows have made it safely home… 😂 Lars

Thanks, MP! Yes, I think the lyrics turned out pretty decent, relatively speaking. It was difficult to get the level of detail right. I didn't want it to be TOO personal. Lars

Lovely, Roger! Me trying a song like that would be nails on the chalk board, but you pulled it off greatly. Lars

Great job, really liked that! Lars

The Souncloud site appears down. The traffic my track generates can be counted on the fingers of one hand, so it must have been Taylor Swift… 🤪 Lars

Thanks! Appreciate the listen. Lars

Here is a song I just recorded with a new twelve-string. It's a bit of an adventure for me, since it's an electric twelver, a Rickenbacker 360, which is a first for me. I wrote the song specifically for the guitar and tried my best to come up with a cool opening riff. I love the riffs of 60’s, like the famous Byrds version of “Mr Tambourine Man”. The song is about a childhood friend of mine. We have lost contact in the last couple of years, as he is traveling the world, trying to outrun his bi-polar disorder. I wish him all the best, wherever he may be… Lars A TRICK OF THE LIGHT I'm driving past your old house again Past the oak tree we used to climb when we were ten For a moment I was almost certain That I saw you standing behind an open curtain I know as I drive by in the night It's a trick of the light My friend farewell Please come home with a story to tell… There is a burden of blood running through your veins No, it's not your fault, you are not to blame You try to escape and leave it all behind But the further you run, the more darkness you will find I know as I drive by in the night It's a trick of the light My friend farewell Please come home with a story to tell… Your sister said her only comfort has been That your spirit is stronger than the lure of the beast within An ominous call or a loud knock on the door Unspeakable news, or you laughing ”never seen a ghost before?” I know as I drive by in the night It's a trick of the light My friend farewell Please come home with a story to tell…

I think it’s kind of beautiful! Lars