E-minor7 Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 The bird that lost reasons to hum - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 Oh that's Del's extension, he forgot to tell you he got a bit creative over the Xmas break ... btw: you were interested in that 64' Bird at Twang Central, here are some decent pics from their site. Probably one of the best maintained vintage Birds Ive come across, Im guessing the tuners are new but the rest seems and feels original, and 100% mint. But the nut width is that really thin less than 1 11/16 version, which is a 100% deal breaker in my book. http://www.twangcentral.com.au/ Just click vintage vault/ acoustics/ 64' Hummingbird. You can see the owner holding it on the cover page. btw: check out the vintage vault electrics and amps, including the 56' Gold Top and 54' Tele. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 If I were stuck on that guitar, I wouldn't hum, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 That vault is a treasure chamber. I in fact was serious when asking about any slightly hollow highs of the '64 Bird. Maybe you were too exited to zoom into details like that. (You might know that is the one issue with my 1963 SJ). And maybe there was no such thing as you quite uncomplecated compared it to your TV - in spite of the adjustable ceramic saddle, , mmmmm ? But let me repeat the Q. , , , and add 1 more. Did you play the plastic bridged, rosewood saddled '64 square SJ - if yes, how did it sing compared to the same year Bird ?? We have an almost sublime possibility to A/B thick/thinner guard-effect here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 That vault is a treasure chamber. I in fact was serious when asking about any slightly hollow highs of the '64 Bird. Maybe you were too exited to zoom into details like that. (You might know that is the one issue with my 1963 SJ). And maybe there was no such thing as you quite uncomplecated compared it to your TV - in spite of the adjustable ceramic saddle, , mmmmm ? But let me repeat the Q. , , , and add 1 more. Did you play the plastic bridge, rosewood saddled '64 square SJ - if yes, how did it sing compared to the same year Bird ?? We have an almost sublime possibility to A/B thick/thinner guard-effect here. To be honest I spent 95% of my time on the 40's slopeys and I only gave the Bird' a very short run right at the end. But I might drop in there tomorrow, focusing mainly on going through all the other non slope Gibsons, and the vintage Martins. So I will give the 64' and 69' Bird a much closer look, along with the 67' Dove. Unortunatley the square shuldered SJ was already gone. Ill give a full report. btw: can you clarify a bit more what you mean exactly by 'hollow highs' Em7 ? Lack of depth, sweetness ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 btw: can you clarify a bit more what you mean exactly by 'hollow highs' Em7 ? Lack of depth, sweetness ? I know I've used the term a lot and admit it ought to be replaced by something better I can't seem to find. Guess 'hollow' means so dry and porous that the basic slightly boomy tone of the thin guarded square loses its core thus becomes weakened, unable to fill itself even kinda cheap sounding. (Mind you we're talking G-B-E). Perhaps it could be somewhat demystefying to say this never occurs with guitars on the young side of 30. And perhaps my 'prob' comes from the fact the 40 years old SJ here had a new maple bridge-plate installed before it got here. Which in spite of the good job, A - may be in the process of softening up, or B - simply sends too strong vibes out in the old original wood. Of course I'd really like to try more of these models, but as you know they are rare, , , , and to a much higher degree than earlier almost sucked out of the shops/ads when they appear. Have a good visit tomorrow - I continue to be all ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I know I've used the term a lot and admit it ought to be replaced by something better I can't seem to find. Guess 'hollow' means so dry and porous that the basic slightly boomy tone of the thin guarded square loses its core thus becomes weakened, unable to fill itself even kinda cheap sounding. (Mind you we're talking G-B-E). OK, got it, sounds like youre describing the tone of my 69'er before I added the thicker HB guard on it. From what I remember the tone was quite rich from the 64' Bird, definitely had a lot of nectar and subtlety. The strings were quite old and talking to Terry the owner he reckon this Bird' really shines with fresh strings as the balance of new strings and vintage nectar is spot on. But it was a real wrong move going from a 40's SJ with its growl and power to the subtlety and grace of the Bird. I think it will be a much better comparisement between the 64' Bird, 69' bird and 67' Dove. I'll go through them before I touch the slopeys again ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKing777 Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I have to say the Twankers website is a little bit average.... I am interested because I may go to Addles (Adelaide) in the New Year to visit a few friends and of course how could I not go (immediately) to Twang Central after EA's calls. I thought their website may be a problem because of my iPad which likes to sort out the dodgy site from the solid, but I am on my work p.c. to double check the site and it is the same.... You say it is not up-to-date, EA? And no prices! Any help, EA. Hummer? 00-18 M, D-18 M? Don't forget to try the M's, EA! And I would be looking at their air-conditioning arrangement in their 'vintage vault' before I parted with $8K for an SJ. Every time I have been to Adelaide it is hotter than Hades - Last time I was in that fair city, I stayed at a large hotel near South/West Terraces and walked to Rundle and nearly died in the heat - really, really dry open-the-oven-door feel of it! So the old guitars will certainly be dry. And Em7.... I had a bit of a hollow sound on a couple of guitars and tried tuning down a tone and using mediums with a capo if I wanted standard tuning - worked nicely.... And I would like to see the rest of the 'Lost Bird'! BluesKing777. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 And I would be looking at their air-conditioning arrangement in their 'vintage vault' before I parted with $8K for an SJ. Every time I have been to Adelaide it is hotter than Hades - Last time I was in that fair city, I stayed at a large hotel near South/West Terraces and walked to Rundle and nearly died in the heat - really, really dry open-the-oven-door feel of it! So the old guitars will certainly be dry. BluesKing777. I had exactly the same thoughts there BK ..... I'm pretty sure he doesnt humidify and youre right, in the hot, dry summer days here in Adelaide its the equivalent of having a running dry heater in a european apartment over winter. In other words RH drops to around 25% if you dont do anything about it. Im going to ask him that question and will be interested on his POV as the guy is clearly switched on and as nerdy about the details as we are here. His prices are generally signficantly over inflated, from what I recall the 64' Bird was around 10K, the 69' 6k. The 43' J-45 around 13k and the 36' OJ around 15k. But the 46's SJ around 8k which seems consistent with prices in the US when looking at gbase. Ill give the Marts a good run also tomorrow, curious myself ! With the website Im going to recommend him to have a real strong Facebook presence like vintage guitars has for example, there he can continually keep the stock update and have his fans frothing at the mouth. But he's a bit old school Im afraid .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 And Em7.... I had a bit of a hollow sound on a couple of guitars and tried tuning down a tone and using mediums with a capo if I wanted standard tuning - worked nicely.... And I would like to see the rest of the 'Lost Bird'! Yea, in the beginning I tuned a whole step down, which suited the ol' SJ fine. Now I have begun goin' one half up from there and it kinda works - which is behind my slightly far out new bridge-plate opening up theory. Add to this my custom made insert with ordinary sized saddle - 1 third wood, 2 thirds bone. It's a fine line between something really swell and the bi-flavor of 'falling through'. Only pic of the lost bird - but isn't it a 70's square G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 Yea, in the beginning I tuned a whole step down, which suited the ol' SJ fine. Now I have begun goin' one half up from there and it kinda works - which is behind my slightly far out new bridge-plate opening up theory. Add to this my custom made insert with ordinary sized saddle - 1 third wood, 2 thirds bone. It's a fine line between something really swell and the bi-flavor of 'falling through'. Yes, Ive also found that tuning half a step down on my 69er has proved to be a winning move. Its much warmer and deeper when down half a step compared to standard. Its a good fit as we play our gigs half step down so its perfect for rehearsals and so on. Also going back to 12's from 13's has helped. I initially thought 13's would drive the top more, but it just made the tone tighter and less appealing, going half step down and 12's is probably the best I can get out of this old lady, and its pretty good for what Im hearing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 Yes, Ive also found that tuning half a step down on my 69er has proved to be a winning move. Its much warmer and deeper when down half a step compared to standard. Its a good fit as we play our gigs half step down so its perfect for rehearsals and so on. Also going back to 12's from 13's has helped. I initially thought 13's would drive the top more, but it just made the tone tighter and less appealing, going half step down and 12's is probably the best I can get out of this old lady, and its pretty good for what Im hearing. I would find it a bit daring to string up 13's, even though staying half a step down - this is fragile ultra light vintage wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I would find it a bit daring to string up 13's, even though staying half a step down - this is fragile ultra light vintage wood. Dont forget it has the tank strength single X bracing though .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 Dont forget it has the tank strength single X bracing though .... No no no, no issue for you - 2 different guitars on each side of 67/68 as we know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKing777 Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I had exactly the same thoughts there BK ..... I'm pretty sure he doesnt humidify and youre right, in the hot, dry summer days here in Adelaide its the equivalent of having a running dry heater in a european apartment over winter. In other words RH drops to around 25% if you dont do anything about it. Im going to ask him that question and will be interested on his POV as the guy is clearly switched on and as nerdy about the details as we are here. His prices are generally signficantly over inflated, from what I recall the 64' Bird was around 10K, the 69' 6k. The 43' J-45 around 13k and the 36' OJ around 15k. But the 46's SJ around 8k which seems consistent with prices in the US when looking at gbase. Ill give the Marts a good run also tomorrow, curious myself ! With the website Im going to recommend him to have a real strong Facebook presence like vintage guitars has for example, there he can continually keep the stock update and have his fans frothing at the mouth. But he's a bit old school Im afraid .... Before you splash $8K, I was looking at Matt Uminov's NY (Bad Habit, I know - they are what appears to be 50% overcharging), but they have a number of desirable vintage Gibsons on their website; you could divert the jet to NY on your way to Prague, try a few guitars, wander around NY, stay at Central Park location, buy a Gibson , return to Prague and still have some cash left........ 1.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1959-gibson-j-45/ 2.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1960-gibson-j-50/ 3.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1949-gibson-sj/ 4.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1952-gibson-sj/ 5.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1943-gibson-lg-2/ 6. http://umanovguitars...45-martin-d-18/ (Just tricking with the last one). BluesKing777. Sorry links are playing up except the Martin, but that will get you there..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 Before you splash $8K, I was looking at Matt Uminov's NY (Bad Habit, I know - they are what appears to be 50% overcharging), but they have a number of desirable vintage Gibsons on their website; you could divert the jet to NY on your way to Prague, try a few guitars, wander around NY, stay at Central Park location, buy a Gibson , return to Prague and still have some cash left........ 1.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1959-gibson-j-45/ 2.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1960-gibson-j-50/ 3.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1949-gibson-sj/ 4.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1952-gibson-sj/ 5.http://umanovguitars.com/store/item/1943-gibson-lg-2/ 6. http://umanovguitars...45-martin-d-18/ (Just tricking with the last one). BluesKing777. Sorry links are playing up except the Martin, but that will get you there..... Oh I know Umanov Guitars, its the place where I bought my very first Gibson acoustic, the 69er ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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