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TomG76

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Posts posted by TomG76

  1. 3 hours ago, E-minor7 said:

    "It was such a step up. . "

     

    Thanks so much for posting this, E-minor7.

    I bought a J-50 last year in no small part because my love for James Taylor made me fall in love with them.

    Before I could afford it I did a LOT of research trying to find a different guitar that sounded like a Gibson Jumbo. They don't exist.

    I'm so glad the luthier was able to rescue the JT one!

    I like my batwing pickguard but they do look great without.

    I'm all but certain that JT has only owned one J-50, by the way.

     

  2. It may be bad form to reply to an old thread - but I know it can also be bad form to start a new one on the same topic...

    ...I've tried various fingerpicks and thumbpicks. I want to like them as I would like the option of a louder and different sound, but I can't take to them.

    I actually get some comfort from reading much more experienced and far better guitarists than me say the same.

    One thing that hasn't come up on this thread is fake nails. Always an option, and utilised by James Taylor. 

  3. On 12/6/2020 at 5:26 PM, dhanners623 said:

    Another vote for a good pro set-up. The question I would have is: What strings are you using?

    Make sure they are mediums. I know some people here disagree, but I will posit that slope Gibsons need mediums to move the top adequately. They're built to handle mediums. Strings are a variable that is easy to experiment with. (My personal favorites, for now, are Martin Monel mediums.) 

    Ultimately, though, the decision is yours. You don't want to be saddled with an acoustic you don't like.

    I've always been happy with my J-50, but it sounds loads better since I switched from light strings to mediums.

    And if you happen to tune down, that is even more likely.

  4. 25 minutes ago, 62burst said:

    Did I not hear something about James Taylor retiring his old J-50, saying something approximate to "the sound is worn out of it", or some such. 

    If so, I'd imagine there's still some good sound in there somewhere.

    He dug it out for some work with Carole King a while back, but I think that rings a bell and he does think it’s knackered. I know he think guitars wear out more readily than violins and celli.

    I wouldn’t even ask Willie Nelson if he would sell Trigger, but I might pay him to let me have a play.

  5. 2 minutes ago, 62burst said:

    Could someone please explain to me what is up with the interest in playing in non-standard tuning? 

    NO foreseeable situation where you might be playing with others, learning a song that's in Standard, find no transition time necessary when switching back to standard (vocals involved?), or is it all about coming from Electrics, and want to make fretting easier? Thank you.

    As to your question- switching to a heavier gauge normally does not cause any change in setup, other than possibly how deep the strings sit in the nut slots.

    Going the other way, heavier to lighter, might cause more slack, setting you up for potential buzzes.

     

    Thanks for this,  62burst.

    In relation to why I tune down, I only play to accompany myself and it suits my voice better. In fact it's been a revelation to tune it down a step.

    It means I can sing above the guitar and not just below it.

    • Like 1
  6. I kind of hope he’d refuse to sell it to me (because it means to much to him), but I might make James Taylor a huge offer for his J-50.

    And talking of JT, I would likely treat myself to an Olson.

    But a vintage Gibson J-45 / J-50 / Southern Jumbo / Country Western would probably be my first purchase.

  7. Although I've done research online, including here, I don't like to make any guitar decisions without directly consulting you lot. I have a couple of issues with my J-50.

    1. There's a grey smudge on the binding and part of the top. I'm ashamed to say it may be from a henna tattoo, which would be appallingly careless, but I'm also wondering if it is caused by general rubbing against my forearm - and maybe from a black hoody.

    Neither a damp cloth nor the otherwise excellent Gibson cream has got it off.

    I can try to photograph it,  but I struggle with tech stuff. Is this smudging a familiar phenomenon and does anyone know a good way to remove it, please?

    2. I play without a plectrum and alas strings degrade under my fingers VERY quickly. I've got some coated Elixirs on there, but they sound too shimmery. Given the guitar is new and tuned down a step, could I switch to medium gauge 13s without a truss rod or nut modification without harming the guitar?

    I want a warm, woody sound, not a bright one.

    Thanks!

     

  8. On 8/7/2020 at 12:52 PM, PatriotsBiker said:

    Nicely done, TomG76.

    It's not easy to sing in a style without taking an inadvertent exploration of an accent not your own. Singing has a sort of diminishing effect on accent strength. As long as you have the emotion right, few care if the accent is "off", even though it may sound different at times. Sincerity trumps most other things.

    No matter what happens, it can't be as bad as the Lawrence Welk singers covering "One Toke Over The Line". (Proper decorum prohibits me from posting that video here. )

    My wife is not a fan when my Country covers find me crossing the line from style to accent imitation. "It's just not you."   Yes Ma'am.   🙂

     

    I just watched the Lawrence Welk Singers do One Toke Over The Line.

    MAGIC. Thank you, @PatriotsBiker

  9. It is is a really nice thing to do for someone to gift them a guitar. And giving them a Gibson is all the more special.

    I'll add yet another voice to say that it would be a very safe bet to get a J-45, especially if it's a new one, as the quality is very good once again.

    There is also a lot to be said for an SJ-200 given your boyfriend likes his Epiphone based on the same model. As others have said it will sound different but the shape will be familiar.

    I guess it partly depends on whether you think he would prefer something a bit similar or something a bit different.

    If you can get sound samples that's good. I've had sellers make me short videos and send them over. Little harm in asking. They are unlikely to object if you are seriously considering buying the guitar.

  10. On 8/7/2020 at 12:52 PM, PatriotsBiker said:

    Nicely done, TomG76.

    It's not easy to sing in a style without taking an inadvertent exploration of an accent not your own. Singing has a sort of diminishing effect on accent strength. As long as you have the emotion right, few care if the accent is "off", even though it may sound different at times. Sincerity trumps most other things.

    No matter what happens, it can't be as bad as the Lawrence Welk singers covering "One Toke Over The Line". (Proper decorum prohibits me from posting that video here. )

    My wife is not a fan when my Country covers find me crossing the line from style to accent imitation. "It's just not you."   Yes Ma'am.   🙂

     

    Really appreciate this - thank you.

  11. On 8/1/2020 at 9:58 AM, Holiday Hoser said:

    Traded my creamy white Les Paul Custom for my 'Bird and some cash at Norman's but currently I have two electric favs.
    My partscaster I built myself (think SRV or Mayer's black one) Custom shop neck and pickups. Notice the Cobra snake strap I made!

    RsKS5m2.jpg

    and my Korean Wolf LP I bought brand new for (wait for it) $139.00!! So beautiful and set up in LA by the importer a 10 pound beast that plays like butter and looks like a dream!

    Qdiq1sA.jpg?2

    I use both when I jam with the boys but the 'bird gets the most attention on the couch or patio.

     

     

    Great work!

  12. Lars, it's such a good song. Brilliant lyrics and guitar.

    I honestly really like your voice. You convey such meaning and everything you sing is utterly believable. You've got a nice tone too.

    Don't lose faith regarding pitch. Things don't always have to be note perfect but also it's something one can work on.

    I'd be very proud of that recording.

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