livemusic

I have tuned down a half step and also a whole step for years and this is for vocal, I have a baritone voice and it just works better. I have even tuned 3 half steps down and pulled it off. I, typically, use 13s but have also had luck with 12s before. I keep guitars at standard, half step down, whole step down and have baritones that I can tune anywhere from a whole step down to five half steps down, string gauge being the solution. I do this because I want to find the ideal key for the vocal and I want to use cowboy chord shapes on guitar. Meaning, if I write a song in key of G, using G-shape cowboy chord, but find that key of F is better vocally, I'd rather play G-shape tuned a whole step down than play F-shape. Open chords just sound better to me for singer-songwriter play. I use capos, yes, but only if I have to.

What great info in here! I note this about the two guitars I have out right now... my J45 Standard (I think it might be 2010 model?) has little break angle. My Collings OM2 has significant angle. And the Collings is a loud guitar. For other reasons other than this, but it is def loud. Also, the J45 has holes like the J45 in this thread, toward the very back of the bridge. The Collings has them more off the bridge edge. I would like to do this on my this J45. Or, actually, have it done. I don't have tools and I sure wouldn't want to screw it up.

Fantastic! Thank you.

Hello, Murph! Your thread is apropos to me because I am doing the same -- analyzing my live sound setup. I am no expert, and have not been gigging during the covid era and have now started back. I play solo more often than not and my Fishman SA220 line array stick works fine. Haul it in with one trip, all in a bag, including the stand, that's nice! I also have an old Bose L1 Classic but I have not used it in years. And the T4 mixer. It's good but the base is heavy, don't like that. I also have a Roland BA330 that can use batteries for remote gigs and it's ok but I don't seem to get the volume out of it that I would prefer. I also have two powered speakers, I forget the name. Lately, have considered... Fishman SA330 Bose S1 Pro8 EV 30M or EV 50 Elite D6-58 I also just bought my first pedal, a Strymon Flint. If I were to buy the Elite D6-58, it has effects, and I might not need the Flint. I also have considered buying an Ear Trumpet Labs Edmina mic but I have not pulled the trigger, I've never played through a one-mic setup. Today, I am leaning toward buying the Elite D6-58 to try. It has a rechargeable battery and reviews are stellar for both acoustic guitar and vocals. Apparently, it can handle a small gig by itself. Or, I could use it as a monitor and just use my Fishman SA220 for the house. Still investigating! The Fishman SA220 works fine for me and my small gigs but I would prefer more headroom and also a tad more bass. Of course, I have that with that old Bose. I am going to use the Bose some and see how I like it, it's been a long time. Or, buy something new and sell old stuff! I like good sound, but also like portable. But I am still active and able to schlep stuff around, so, live sound is probably most important. Plus, I have a rock'nroller carry cart!

Best of luck Murph! Play often.

Yep, takes me back, cool! I never was really aware of their identity but liked their music. They didn’t get great play around here it seems. Thanks!

Pete that is fantastic, you have great rhythm, great playing. Guitar sounds incredible! More!

Very nice Murph.

Wow BK thanks that git is awesome! And I wish I played that good!

Lars you continue trying so that is admirable. I can hear improvement in spots. First comment is about the vocal. You are stronger in spots so that’s good but still wavering here n there and it is very pitchy in spots. Same thing I advised to you years ago, get pro help. Second is when writing a lyric the story needs to be compelling, poignant, catchy or humorous, whatever your theme dictates. Which isn’t easy. A sensational melody can help soften that requirement. For lyrics, if English is not your primary language it may be next to impossible, I don’t know. Your guitar work is fine. Best of luck!

Uh... too fast, lol.

I don't know him either, lol. But we should. This fellow is a great player and singer. His playing doesn't seem hard but it is. And to me, his little Gibson sounds as a guitar can sound for guitar/vocal.

I am very sorry to see this, he was an amazing talent, a true virtuoso. RIP Tony.

Wonderful job, Sal, have always liked the song, play it at gigs. Beautifully played, sung. I have noticed over the years, we have similar tastes in music.

I guess the copyright police got it.

Very nice, sir, good job! And your guitar sounds nice.

Thanks for posting the SC songs! She is uber talented! Doing that Petty song, that guitar sounds so fab!

I am very sorry to read about your illness, Jinder, and wish you continued success in beating it! Cheers!

That Epi Leonard posted above sounds real good.

I actually love the sound of his current voice, it's cool, but I just can't understand all of the words. Part of it is 'his fault' and part of it is I have hearing issues. I am a huge Dylan fan. What I find so impressive is that he continues to write such profound lyrics and the overall feel of the tracks is superb. The dude is almost 80 and producing fine art. I actually find it easier to understand his sung words better on this than on some of his prior albums when he was in and past middle age. My take on his lyricist god stature is he's about as good as it gets. I don't know anyone who writes such amazing lyrics; it's truly astounding. Deserving of a Nobel!

Very nice job on covers, well-written original, and cool guitar!

I don't know if this has been posted. To my ears, this is about as good as a guy with an acoustic guitar can sound on a strummy song. He seems to be doing all of this with his badass thumb. He must have one helluva callous. Also, one of the best guitars of all time for strummy. And... a pro crew with acoustic expertise. Son of Connie Smith, old country star married to Marty Stuart now. She was married to Jody Payne, Willie's guitarist for a long time. At least, I don't see a pick. And on other songs, he just uses thumb, so, I assume there really is no pick. He sometimes it looks just like he is using a plectrum but I don't see one. I tell ya... it is damn hard to get such an awesome full-accompaniment sound with just an acoustic guitar; this guy is really talented. If you have an opinion on how he is getting such a percussive attack, weigh in! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q39CLFlEwG8

That is the way a guitar should sound. Fabulous! Good playing, you're good! That really is stellar sound.

Very cool, well done! I just wish the guitar were a tad heavier in the mix in some sections. He's good.

I lean toward being pretty impressed with the Maton! The Dove sounded pretty good, too! And you're a good player.