Not always perfect, but I can usually find what I need. Wish I was better with plugins.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Wed January 01, 2020 11:01 pm
by Self
Wife took the kids out to spend some xmas money, today. Gave her some of my cash to get an MXR Clone Looper. She forgot. I'm not mad, just disappointed.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 12:44 am
by verb_to_trust
Hey guys,
So I know there are at least a few pretty good guitar players on here and I have a project im starting. Back when I was a just a young verb (about 13 or 14) I was obsessed with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen and for a few years especially, Steve Vai. I decided I wanted to play guitar like those guys so I saved up some money from whatever summer job I had at the time and bought a JEM7dbk, pictured here:
It was an especially ambitious choice for a dumb kid with no natural ability and not surprisingly, I did not end up playing guitar like Steve Vai. I put it away, giving up my guitar God dreams. In my 20's I bought a Guild acoustic to strum cowboy chords on in the living room. Make no mistake though, I suck at guitar.
Fast forward to a few days ago and I see that Vai is coming out with a new signature model, the PIA, pictured here:
First of all, holy shit. Its still a JEM, but no monkey grip and the pickups and gold hardware are just a little too gaudy. Some cool innovations though. Instead of screws for the plate on the back its magnetic, for example.
Seeing the new Vai model made me dig my JEM out and take a look. It has been in the case for a LONG time. Maybe 10 years? I've been thinking a lot recently about trying to dive back into playing. I'm intrigued by looping and would like to build some sounds as a fun hobby (I have nobody to play with). I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery next Monday and will be in a sling for 6 weeks. I thought a fun way to reward myself after the rehab would be to dust off my very badass guitar from my failed teen years and give it a real go this time. I feel like I'm much more disciplined now as an adult and even though I am a talentless hack I could at least learn some more of the basics and have some fun with it.
So the guitar is in good shape overall, but some of the screws on the pickguard and the locking system at the neck show corrosion. What is my first step here to get this things heart beating again? If I take it to a music shop will they be able to help me out? Is there a proper protocol for storing guitars so I can keep it safe going forward?
I'm also curious if you guys use any looping pedals, as I see looping as a really fun way to build a sonic wall around myself without having to make friends. Also are there are any good learning resources in general for guitar playing on youtube? Once my shoulder is fixed I'd really like to get started with all this.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 12:56 am
by tragabigzanda
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 12:59 am
by verb_to_trust
Were they able to help you get the Gibson back on track? I often wonder about guys like McCready who have a warehouse with cases of old guitars. Old ones. How does he keep all of them mint?
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 1:05 am
by Self
If the electronics are good, then all you'll need is a setup. Might even be a fun project to do yourself? Look up the Joe Walsh setup video on Youtube or whatever, if you're feeling ambitious.
For the looper, there are a ton of options. You can go crazy or simple. I just got an MXR clone. Sample rate is really good and it's easy to use.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 1:19 am
by verb_to_trust
Thanks. I don't want to get too overwhelmed so maybe looking into the MXR pedal would be a good place to start.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 2:34 am
by wease
verb_to_trust wrote:Hey guys,
So I know there are at least a few pretty good guitar players on here and I have a project im starting. Back when I was a just a young verb (about 13 or 14) I was obsessed with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen and for a few years especially, Steve Vai. I decided I wanted to play guitar like those guys so I saved up some money from whatever summer job I had at the time and bought a JEM7dbk, pictured here:
It was an especially ambitious choice for a dumb kid with no natural ability and not surprisingly, I did not end up playing guitar like Steve Vai. I put it away, giving up my guitar God dreams. In my 20's I bought a Guild acoustic to strum cowboy chords on in the living room. Make no mistake though, I suck at guitar.
Fast forward to a few days ago and I see that Vai is coming out with a new signature model, the PIA, pictured here:
First of all, holy shit. Its still a JEM, but no monkey grip and the pickups and gold hardware are just a little too gaudy. Some cool innovations though. Instead of screws for the plate on the back its magnetic, for example.
Seeing the new Vai model made me dig my JEM out and take a look. It has been in the case for a LONG time. Maybe 10 years? I've been thinking a lot recently about trying to dive back into playing. I'm intrigued by looping and would like to build some sounds as a fun hobby (I have nobody to play with). I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery next Monday and will be in a sling for 6 weeks. I thought a fun way to reward myself after the rehab would be to dust off my very badass guitar from my failed teen years and give it a real go this time. I feel like I'm much more disciplined now as an adult and even though I am a talentless hack I could at least learn some more of the basics and have some fun with it.
So the guitar is in good shape overall, but some of the screws on the pickguard and the locking system at the neck show corrosion. What is my first step here to get this things heart beating again? If I take it to a music shop will they be able to help me out? Is there a proper protocol for storing guitars so I can keep it safe going forward?
I'm also curious if you guys use any looping pedals, as I see looping as a really fun way to build a sonic wall around myself without having to make friends. Also are there are any good learning resources in general for guitar playing on youtube? Once my shoulder is fixed I'd really like to get started with all this.
I guess Vai isn't playing a 7-string anymore.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 2:50 am
by verb_to_trust
He has the Universe as his 7 string model. The clips I watched about PIA he stressed that the JEM and UV models weren't going anywhere and would hopefully be made long after he plays his final note.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 1:57 pm
by Strat
Verb : ditto looper.
Simple. Small. Effective. Everything you need. I use it daily.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 9:41 pm
by verb_to_trust
We need a Ditto vs MXR looper cage match. Only one can emerge.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 9:45 pm
by Birds in Hell
I haven't owned either but MXR's reputation for build quality/support is much higher than that of TC Electronics.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Mon January 20, 2020 9:58 pm
by verb_to_trust
Yeah MXR pedals are tanks. I would have no doubt about the pedal lasting forever. Both look like very simple loopers but the TC looks to be extremely so. Could be a big boost for a dumb dumb like me.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Tue January 21, 2020 1:46 pm
by mf
i don't really have a dog in this fight as my only looper is built into a multi-fx unit - but the Boss RC-1 is also a good entry level simple looper at the same price point.
verb_to_trust wrote:Yeah MXR pedals are tanks. I would have no doubt about the pedal lasting forever. Both look like very simple loopers but the TC looks to be extremely so. Could be a big boost for a dumb dumb like me.
I've used mine regularly for almost 5 years now. Ive got a ton of miles out of it. Its how ive recorded all my dope tracks.
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Tue January 21, 2020 4:06 pm
by doug rr
Verbanez
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Sun January 26, 2020 11:55 am
by mf
Started tracking some new songs with the band this weekend. Here’s a little gear porn (swipe for more).
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Tue January 28, 2020 2:20 am
by doug rr
washing machine wrote:My first guitar was a Yamaha laminate. So many beach tunes played on that thing, and all sorts of stickers. It had a lot of sentimental value but I think it was probably pretty cheaply made now that I'm researching wood versus laminate and all that.
Per y'all's recommendations, I'm strongly looking into that Epiphone Hummingbird and Takamines. I think wood tops are what I'm looking for, for sure.
i'm also looking at this hummingbird lately...did you pull the trigger? when we get to seattle I want to get one since i'm not packing one for the trip up there for a few months
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Thu February 20, 2020 9:14 pm
by verb_to_trust
Anybody ever sell any gear online? I'm looking to offload a guitar amp. I just had it retubed but there is still an issue that needs troubleshooting. Probably an easy fix id just like to get rid of the headache.
Reverb.com?
Re: Gearhead Thread
Posted: Thu February 20, 2020 9:16 pm
by Birds in Hell
Yeah, I’ve used Reverb tons. So long as you’re scrupulously honest with your description of any issues, it’s fine.
I’ve never sold an amp online though (only guitars, pedals and parts), seems fraught with risk unless the buyer is willing to pick up.