TomG76

Hi everyone. I have a 1950s Otwin classical guitar. The endpin is loose which has prompted me to think about getting a pick up fitted. I'd be very grateful for advice. I understand almost nothing about pick ups, especially for nylon stringed guitars. Do they tend to be passive? I'd like mine to be hidden, if possible. Thank you in advance.

I took up the guitar three days before my 37th birthday. If that’s a mid-life crisis then I highly recommend them. One of the best decisions I ever made.

1976, as you might have guessed. Bohemian Rhapsody was No. 1 in the UK.

Having recently acquired a J-50 I feel I should speak up for Gibson natural top guitars! Mine is gorgeous and they age wonderfully too. A decades-old amber J-50 is a glorious thing. I also think that natural top Doves and Hummingbirds can look pretty spiffy. That said, Gibson does a righteous burst. I always think that the imitations look like just that, imitations. Anyone else favour a cherry burst over the more famous tobacco burst?

Gorgeous guitar, by the way. Congratulations.

I attach my strap at the headstock. What has made that process far easier and more comfortable has been using the D’Addario Planet Waves quick release thingy. You might find that a help.

John Moreland sits down as well.

Yeah. Great city. I went for a wedding and so I focused on spending time with the bride and groom and their family. I've got unfinished business as there are lots of things I'd like to do there - music and stand-up among them.

Not disagreeing with any of the above, and specifically echoing some of it, I'd say this: the chances of you being unhappy if you get a good J-45 or J-50 are vanishingly small. It's a wonderful guitar. Warm, easy to play, and has a tone that no other brand can replicate. It's true that it's a workhorse, but in a way that undersells it. Yes you can play all kinds of music on it, but it's a really special instrument. Some people find that songs pour out of it, too. It's a superb songwriting tool. It also seems that the 2020 models are a cut above. Mine already sounds several years older.

Thanks, Lars. I didn't know any of that and will really enjoy chasing after it all. Much appreciated.

Careful - I WILL be back!

Thank you! Just out of shot is the logo on my baseball cap...which is for Cafe Du Monde! I was in New Orleans in December.

I think the Martin HD28V sounds appreciably different from the HD28. The former has a somewhat mellow quality, although the J-45 / J-50 remains my favourite model. A Gibson Jumbo really is special.

Nice.

Can I turn the question back on you? How do you like the HD28?

I have a simple bit of Fender kit that comes with a nice story. I went into Wungo Guitars on Denmark Street and said, "I'm looking for a strap." Delighted, the assistant said, "Great! Here's our range," and gestured to a fine line of Stratocasters. I felt rather bad that he had misheard me and I only wanted a strap and not a Strat, so I thought the least I could do was to get a Fender strap.

I much prefer sitting down to play, too, despite being a stand-up comedian. I think, once again, that this is what I got used to. Unlike with comedy, you can practise guitar in your room for years before you venture on stage, which is what I did!

I can barely play a lick without a strap. I have a big belly, and so it's impossible to rest a guitar comfortably on either knee. But I also like to wear the guitar quite high and tilt the fretboard towards myself a little. I've got a personal trainer now, yet I don't think I'll change even once the belly has gone. It does make it hard to try out guitars. Obviously if I know I'm going shopping I can take a strap, but wondering into a shop on a whim or trying a friend's guitar is harder. The D'Addario / Planet Waves quick release system has vastly improved the use of all my straps. I like to attach at the headstock anyway. So you just need an endpin.

Hey man, There are lots of avenues to pursue before you can conclude that it's an unrealistic goal to sing with solid pitch. The more I think about it, the more I think that breathing could be key (excuse the pun). Plus you have a very nice tone, which is very hard to acquire. And the writing chops etc. Do keep going. It would be a huge shame for you to stop. And a mistake.

They look great.

Look how this same model J-50 seems to change colour in this Don Ruffatto video purely because of studio lights. My own one looks white in a photo but is actually a nice straw gold.

Studio lights make the definition better but wash out the colour more. I nearly didn't get it because of the colour looking so white. It's lovely in the flesh. And will darken.

The consensus on my thread was that people loved the guitar.

I just bought a 50s reissue J-50. I love it. It sounds much older than it is and has that authentic Gibson thump and warmth. I like the pick-up and the neck profile too. Oh and it doesn't have an adjustable bridge, which will appeal to some people. (I posted a video of it in a recent thread, although I'm an extremely limited player and used very basic recording technology.) Finally, although it will get even nicer, the top is already a lovely colour brand new. Photos often don't do that justice. I'd been thinking of getting an older model but I'm really glad I plumped for this one.

Delighted for you. I've only had mine three days and I'd be horrified to lose it. Really glad you've got yours back.