Frivolous thread: Guitars

[David Garner]

Clarence White-- one of my favorite flat picking songs/videos.

Here is the the best flat picker of all time, Doc Watson, Black Mountain Rag. He became blind as a very young child. That never became a barrier for him.

I've always been partial to Norman Blake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEkVkJax2Co

[racin_jason]

Are there any pastors here who didn't start playing guitar until their '40's and can now lead their congregation in song? I'm looking for a role model/inspiration. 

I play a little but want to learn more. This came about because my son is taking lessons and it's something we can do together. So I got a new guitar in December, an Ovation CC48.  My goal for Lent is to lead the table prayer with the congregation before midweek soup suppers, sung to  the tune of Edelweiss, consisting of 5 chords, 3 of which are basic. I barely play it adequately.

Instead of attending seminars that are so often exercises in abstract thinking with little applicabilty the the parish setting, perhaps congregations would get a bigger bang for their buck if they just paid for guitar lessons for those pastors with more than modicum of musical instincts. 

[Johan Bergfest]

Are there any pastors here who didn't start playing guitar until their '40's and can now lead their congregation in song? I'm looking for a role model/inspiration. 

Here is one suggestion, a very helpful introduction/self-study manual for folk style guitar playing.  It's out of print, so buy one of the used copies:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Folksingers-Guitar-Guide-Instruction/dp/0825600138

[George Erdner]

Are there any pastors here who didn't start playing guitar until their '40's and can now lead their congregation in song? I'm looking for a role model/inspiration. 

I play a little but want to learn more. This came about because my son is taking lessons and it's something we can do together. So I got a new guitar in December, an Ovation CC48.  My goal for Lent is to lead the table prayer with the congregation before midweek soup suppers, sung to  the tune of Edelweiss, consisting of 5 chords, 3 of which are basic. I barely play it adequately.

Instead of attending seminars that are so often exercises in abstract thinking with little applicabilty the the parish setting, perhaps congregations would get a bigger bang for their buck if they just paid for guitar lessons for those pastors with more than modicum of musical instincts.

More than a few of us who play guitar and sing have some degree of "BB King Disease". BBK is an incredible guitarist, and an outstanding blues singer. However, he cannot to both at the same time. I can only manage to strum chords when I'm also singing, but if I don't have to also sing, then I can get a little fancier on the guitar.

[racin_jason]

Are there any pastors here who didn't start playing guitar until their '40's and can now lead their congregation in song? I'm looking for a role model/inspiration. 

Here is one suggestion, a very helpful introduction/self-study manual for folk style guitar playing.  It's out of print, so buy one of the used copies:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Folksingers-Guitar-Guide-Instruction/dp/0825600138

I will do so. I appreciate the lead. Thanks.

[Mark Joel]

  Then, for beginning guitar player and back-pew baritone, go here:

https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/mark-j-anderson/christmas-songs-for-the-amateur-guitarist-and-low-voices/_/R-400000000000000872522

[Johan Bergfest]

It is a bit more advanced, but approachable if you can read tablature and do some basic finger picking, but  John Michael Talbot's song book (http://www.amazon.com/MICHAEL-TALBOT-Special-Guitar-Tablature/dp/B000CD3LOM) would be a nice addition - if you can find a copy.

[David Garner]

I'm having a ridiculous case of GAS (hopefully everyone in this thread knows what that means) since Charvel announced they would be building their So Cal Pro Mod series in Ensenada, Mexico.  I want the red one:

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff473/DGarner211/Charvel_zps1bba3e9a.jpg

But then I saw this and said "hey, I can build that....":

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff473/DGarner211/Strat-Floyd_zps2e47d66c.jpg

As a child of the 1980s, I've always wanted a guitar with a Floyd on it.

[Evangel]

Stewmac.com is your friend ...  http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar_tremolos/Floyd_Rose_tremolos_and_parts.html

[TravisW]

I started in 1989 with a Conn classical that's about the same vintage as me (mid-70s). My first electric was a Lotus strat copy. Since then, I've owned...well, quite a few guitars. My current prides and joys are the aforementioned Conn, a 1979 Les Paul, my Jackson RR5, and the "Green Manalishi", the building of which mysteriously corresponds with my inactivity on ALPB. I'm planning a couple of Flying V builds this summer.

Here's me acting like an idiot demonstrating the green guitar: http://youtu.be/O5jzfceNgl8

Here's the build thread for those interested: http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/luthiers-corner/177708-longest-build-thread-ever-probably.html

[TravisW]

David - I've heard a lot of good things about what Fender is doing in their Mexican production facilities (Charvel, Jacksons, and EVH have guitars made there too).
If you decide to go the Floyd route, be sure to read up on some setup scenarios, or the Floyd can quickly become a hated enemy. Once you're used to the string changes, leveling the bridge (or blocking it of you don't want it to float), etc...they're great.

[pr dtp]

Started playing as a kid - on a hand me down guitar my step-brother smashed in a rage.

In college I bought a real guitar, not a hand-me down - a Takamine hand made model - use a sound hole mic in it.  Eventually picked up a Jazz Chorus which I love but the weight of the thing is prohibitive.

When I was leading worship and later at my first church (non-denom) my wife let me get a special edition 12 string Ovation Balladeer- which until recently was my primary guitar.  My worship minister is a very accomplished classical and jazz guitarists, acutally is a professor of music and worship - so I just play rhythm guitar for our mid-week service.  (He worked with Robert Webber - and has a goal of 5 settings of the liturgy - each translated into 5 languages by 2016  - he is in the studio now with the 2nd setting.  Awesome stuff)

Until my birthday this year, when my wife got me this:

http://www.samash.com/p/Ibanez_AM73%20Hollow%20Body%20Electric%20Guitar_184235 

For a low end guitar - it plays phenomenal well - especially though the old Jazz Chorus...

[George Erdner]

Started playing as a kid - on a hand me down guitar my step-brother smashed in a rage.

In college I bought a real guitar, not a hand-me down - a Takamine hand made model - use a sound hole mic in it.  Eventually picked up a Jazz Chorus which I love but the weight of the thing is prohibitive.

When I was leading worship and later at my first church (non-denom) my wife let me get a special edition 12 string Ovation Balladeer- which until recently was my primary guitar.  My worship minister is a very accomplished classical and jazz guitarists, acutally is a professor of music and worship - so I just play rhythm guitar for our mid-week service.  (He worked with Robert Webber - and has a goal of 5 settings of the liturgy - each translated into 5 languages by 2016  - he is in the studio now with the 2nd setting.  Awesome stuff)

Until my birthday this year, when my wife got me this:

http://www.samash.com/p/Ibanez_AM73%20Hollow%20Body%20Electric%20Guitar_184235 

For a low end guitar - it plays phenomenal well - especially though the old Jazz Chorus...

Ibanez is a guitar maker that doesn't get the respect it deserves. They generally produce very good instruments at a very reasonable price. I played an AM73 at a guitar store once. It's very reminiscent of a Gibson ES-335, which is one of the guitars that has been on my wish list for decades. I think a semi-hollow with humbuckers is one of the more versatile formats out there.

[Evangel]

... My worship minister is a very accomplished classical and jazz guitarists, acutally is a professor of music and worship - so I just play rhythm guitar for our mid-week service.  (He worked with Robert Webber - and has a goal of 5 settings of the liturgy - each translated into 5 languages by 2016  - he is in the studio now with the 2nd setting.  Awesome stuff) ...

Are these available anywhere yet?

[pr dtp]

... My worship minister is a very accomplished classical and jazz guitarists, acutally is a professor of music and worship - so I just play rhythm guitar for our mid-week service.  (He worked with Robert Webber - and has a goal of 5 settings of the liturgy - each translated into 5 languages by 2016  - he is in the studio now with the 2nd setting.  Awesome stuff) ...

Are these available anywhere yet?

Yes - will send you links through private message: