without my cape
it's me just the same

27

(3 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I put this one together just the other night; did a quick single track recording and mixed down on Garageband - anyway it is up on myspace - title: another sip of whisky

www.myspace.com/nof7

here are the lyrics:

take another sip of whisky
take another sip my dear
don't drink so much, you gotta keep you mind clear

and i know you can take it all
till it can go down smooth
and you know my darling it ain't what's gonna bring your blues

don't think your days are numbered
cause you're the only one who counts
if don't stop looking back you'll only be living with your doubts

it's come down to the last drop
and it's just a bottle, nothing more
or less if you need to see it that way
don't wait for me at the door


PS - The other tracks were recorded during the last camping trip (live from the Canadian Shield) with the same guys I have been playing with for years - all covers (pretty much) with each of us taking a turn...

28

(2 replies, posted in Songwriting)

That's funny...

Thanks for clearing things up, Doug.  I was thinking of the SM58 but wasn't sure if it required a phantom power source (which I don't think my battery operated tascam would provide).

Good day all - I am looking for a microphone to do double duty with my Mac (at home) and my Tascam DP004 out in the field.  From the specs best I can figure is I need a mic that is"

- unbalanced
- battery powered
- 1/4 inch adaptor

Does anyone have a suggestion re brand and model?

Thanks for your help!

31

(23 replies, posted in Acoustic)

That is a beautiful guitar...the J-45 is known as a real workhorse and has supported many artists throughout the years...Springsteen still uses his for writing....

Wow, that is a lot of work.  Good on you for having the wherewithal to get it done.

Hope she pays you back with years of fine music!

33

(20 replies, posted in Electric)

I play an older Dot ('98) and it is a big guitar - long wide neck but a nice value.  and a great versatile guitar.

I play through a Fender Performer 650 - it is a hybrid amp - clean is solid state and overdrive is tube - a very loud amp for the size.

35

(13 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

epiphone also makes a good product for the money - with many gibson copies (as it is a subsidiary of Gibson).  They are always available on ebay and craigslist if you don't mind going used.

Thanks Doug - I was checking out the Gibson Humbucker strings over the web and may give them a try - interesting to hear about the heavier gauge adding resonance.

The guitar is delivering, the pups are loud and I have dialled around with the tone as well as the amp (Fender Performer 650).  Don't worry about the critique - I'm just looking for some suggestions from people with a similar guitar who use different strings.

I'm playing an Epi Dot with Gibson 490/498 pups with D'Addario 10-46s - but the sound is a little thin for my taste.  I'm looking for that chunkier, almost Les Paul feel - any suggestions?  I don't have a problem moving to larger gauge - just want some stronger tone.

39

(5 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

I threw this up on another thread - Drive By Truckers - their tour schedule takes them through Texas quite a bit.  saw them a few weeks ago in Toronto and the show was great. check them out.

http://www.drivebytruckers.com/

40

(43 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Band for those from south of the Mason Dixon - or north too!

Drive By Truckers - they have been around for almost 10 years with 8 albums - a large underground following - Rolling Stone calls them "Lynrd Skynrd's artsy nephews" A mix of southern rock, alt country and straight up R&B.  Songs about the culture of the American South, some are dark, some are bittersweet others just good ole rock and roll - my sig is a quote from one of their songs.
http://www.drivebytruckers.com/

I have a buddy who is going down to NYC in November to see Bruce - and he is going to troll for a new guitar - probably a J-200. 

Can anyone recommend a good guitar shop in NYC?  You know, a place that has vintage, used and interesting instruments?  A musician's guitar shop?

Names and addresses would be most appreciated!

42

(15 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

I have the Epi Dot - their version of the Gibson 335 - the price difference is substantial:
$550 vs $2500 (Cdn).

I bought an older model on Ebay for only $330 (SKB case included!) and the guitar plays great - the only change was new pups - the originals were muddy (common issue with Epi).

Considering the price, and you loved how that SG played - I would say you know what you should do.

Just make sure you play it - and it will always be a bargain!

43

(5 replies, posted in Acoustic)

If I am correct your EJ-200 is the Epiphone copy of the Gibson classic J-200 - you should be using the Gibson J-200 proprietary strings.
They are purpose built for that size of guitar - and play to the bass characteristics of it's tone.
Compare with the stock strings, and ask around.
You will probably want to invest in a set up if the gauge is different than what is on there now - you don't want to hurt your sweet Jumbo!

44

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I second Guitarpix - Godin makes some very affordable and great sounding acoustic instruments under a variety of names (Art and Lutherie, Simon and Patrick, and my favourite, Norman).  My buddy who owns a Martin, couldn't wait to play my Norman B50 - and admitted it was more guitar for the money than his.  They play well, stay in tune, and have an excellent rounded tone.
Oh, yeah, and Yamaha offers good instruments for the money as well.

45

(173 replies, posted in Acoustic)

First Song: House of the Rising Sun
Last Song: Jolene

46

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Strum however you want. Sometimes switching up the strumming (or time) can change a song dramatically.  If it works, keep it in your pocket for the campfire...if it doesn't, oh well, you tried.

Don't worry about playing it "right" - just play it!

47

(8 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Zurf makes a good point - often when learning a new song, the hardest part is teaching your fingers (small motor skills) to switch between new or different chords.  Sometimes I will just work on switching between and forget about the song for a while (much to the chagrin of my wife!) - exercises like this really help you progress and strenghthen your hands.
Keep playing, everyday, any time.  When ever you are watching TV - play the guitar. Throw in new songs for variety - and soon you will be playing more than you bargained for!

Pick a favourite song and learn it - then pick another...

49

(275 replies, posted in Electric)

I'm 38 - started playing when I was 13 - stopped at 21 - started again at 36. 
Just got back into electric guitar.  Good to see all the kids picking up instruments - keep it up - and play what you love!

Thanks for the responses - I got all prepared - and it ended up being a loose speaker connector - cleaned what I could anyway just for good measure.  The amp is back sounding great! Thanks Southpaw and RavenLady!