626

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I spoke to my dear friend Mitter B yesterday and he told me he bought a guitar!. Not just any guitar - he bought a Martin! MitterB recently retired after 30 years working as a civil servant and decided picking up the guitar would be a fun thing to do in his retirement. His goal is to learn a few chords so he can join us in chordiestock II.

I told him it was essential that he join chordie and I hope this introductory message encourages him to do so. So come on MitterB - stop in and say hello!

627

(31 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Love the candy apple red - just like my mustang! Now I want to hear the story behind "genius" - or is it just from your vast musical knowledge?

628

(6 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Happy NGD! Pics please!

Try clearing your cache. If that doesn't work, take a screen shot of the error including the page you are on when it occurs and email it along with your OS and what browser you are using to admin@chordie.com

630

(28 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

It's all about government regulation - emissions control, and safety and regulated fuel economy drive the US automakers into a corner. My first new car was a 1984  Honda CRX - regular unleaded fuel - not diesel and it got 63 MPG highway. That car / engine como didn't last long as beefed up safety standards required a heavier vehicle which required a larger engine.

Get the government out of business and supply / demand will get you whatever you want.

631

(14 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Looks great! Is that a cedar top?

632

(120 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

4 to 1 ratio - Nice!

633

(10 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Awesome - I used to play beach volleyball a ton when I was younger - like 8 or 10 hours every Saturday and Sunday (with lots of "beer breaks"). I was in my 30's, but we would beat the local college kids on a regular basis - granted, we weren't much for rules - no blood, no foul. But back then (75 lbs lighter), I could get up and slam the heck out of a volleyball!

I've given up hope this guitar will be recovered. We got the sheriff's office involved last week and I must say they were very thorough in their investigation. The detective spoke to the UPS driver who recalled leaving the package on my stoop - like I said, I'm a frequent on-line shopper and apparently the driver knew exactly who I am and where I live. She (the detective) was also quite convincing in stating this time of year especially, folks will follow UPS trucks around town just looking for large packages left at a door step. I still don't know how they would get through the gate unless they tailgated the truck or walked through.

Anyway, I had previously posted a dispute with PayPal and tonight I escalated it to a claim. I trust it will be settled in my favor as the onus is on the shipper to insure and require a signature in accordance to PayPals user agreement.

This really sux as I would have rather had the guitar, but at least I should get my $ back and can continue shopping. Lesson Learned - don't ship valuable items without declared value insurance and requiring a signature!

635

(17 replies, posted in Acoustic)

From my experience playing at The Bus, I've noticed that Toney - the headline act - plays hundreds of songs and uses a songbook. Most of the folks who sit in in on the jams do not use a songbook, but play the same handful of songs week in and week out. There is nothing wrong with either approach. I've been asked to play at impromptu events enough to recognize that I need to have 5 or 10 "go to" songs I can do without a song a book. I've got 2 or 3 pretty well down now and am working on expanding the list. The songbook is a crutch and I feel very uncomfortable playing without it, even though I might have played the same tune hundreds of times.

I know the words and can sing along to thousands of songs on the radio - That's a whole lot different than being on stage with just you, a mike and a guitar though. All of a sudden you can think of nothing but all of the eyes and ears waiting for you to start!

636

(7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I was thinking shots - as in adult beverage type shots - as well.

637

(7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

That sounds like a lot of fun badeye. Have a great time!

Tyson7 wrote:

I'm with  Zurf and Roger, I keep looking to find out if it showed it' self.  Hopefully it all ends well.


  Joe

That makes 4 of us! smile

Still a no show. The seller apparently contacted the police as I had a business card from a Detective McGill from the Burglary and Pawn Unit left at my door today. (I didn't know such a unit existed)

I called and got voice mail, then I sent her a long email explaining all events since Friday. I hope she can be helpful is finding this guitar.

Amy - I appreciate the info re:PayPal - I'm confident that I will get my money back if it comes to that, but I'd really rather have the guitar!

The package would have been here for 25 minutes max before my son got home. The old farts that are here would not be able to walk up the steps to my door and carry a large package back down in 25 minutes - it was delivered to some other address, I'm certain. Maintenance checked every door step in the complex on Monday.

Unfortunately I have a job and cannot spend my day chasing down a UPS driver. He does usually deliver here at about 6:00, so i'm keeping my ear out for him every day. I'm sure he is aware of the loss as a lost package claim has been filed and UPS is searching. As I understand it, they will go to every stop he made that day.

I've talked to the neighbors - nobody knows nothing. I've also posted a flier at the clubhouse - no response. Would love to talk to the driver, but haven't seen him. UPS is still tracking it and say in could take 10 days. I'm losing faith. If this guitar doesn't show up, I'll get another, but it won't be a Martin - that mojo will be gone. Perhaps a Gibby or a Taylor, or a Guild, but definitely not a Martin.

I absolutely believe it was delivered to the wrong address, so it's all up to the honesty of the receiver. May they rot in hell if they keep or sell it.

Still a no show - UPS is still searching, but every day that passes the odds of recovery get lower. The seller has been a help in filing a claim and posting notices, but every time we correspond she has this attitude like it's my fault for not being home - she's starting to piss me off. She says I didn't request insurance - that's true, but common sense tells you to insure a valuable package like a custom martin!

The way the law works, the onus is on her - I simply cannot roll over and pay for an item I never received. I filed a dispute with my credit card company tonight. I really would rather have the guitar, but if I can't have it, I certainly hope I can get my money back!

ETA - Thanks everyone who posted my loss on facebook and are letting their friends know - much appreciated! I'd bet if this guitar does show up on craigslist or ebay, someone will have seen these posts and I will find out!

I was hoping to come home tonight and see the guitar on the stoop, thinking the UPS guy had left it in the truck and would deliver it today - no such luck. The maintenance guys at the complex checked every door step - no luck. UPS did call and acknowledge my claim - thats good. Spoke to the shipper and they did NOT list a declared value, so the max UPS will pay is $100 (if it is not found). I understand that UPS will check every delivery on the route that day and that the signature thingy they carry has a built in GPS - that may narrow it down if it was left at the wrong complex. Meanwhile, I posted the below flier to facebook and am sending it to local pawn shops / music dealers. I know enough local musicians that know every other local musician - I'm pretty sure every guitar player in the greater Tampa Bay area will be on the lookout


https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1453376_10202524396181323_1049042061_n.jpg

It was paypalled, but I'm sure it was shipped and the problem is on UPS's end. I have notified the seller as UPS prefers to deal with the shipper on claims instead of the receiver. I've posted notes on the closest neighbors doors to see if anyone knows anything about it. Hopefully it shows up tomorrow. If not, I will be seeing how difficult it is to get my money back. I really just want the guitar..

Amy - I actually hate "signature required" deliveries. I am typically at work when when UPS delivers (although in this case I would have been home at 6:00). I do 90% of my other than grocery shopping through Amazon or other on-line retailers - please leave it on the porch. I've NEVER had a problem. I even purchased my ex's engagement ring (at $10K+) and had it left on the porch - no problem. I live in a gated condo complex that is mostly full of retired folks or snowbirds (who are just now trickling in). There is no crime here - I haven't locked my door in 2 years +

I bet the UPS guy left it at another unit - just hope wherever it was left is honest enough to turn it in.

I'm freakin out - Got home about 2:00 - NO GUITAR!. UPS confirmation says it was dropped off Friday at 6:05 pm. My son got home from work at 6:30 and says there was no package. My neighbor is a snowbird and lives in Michigan. Hard to believe someone saw it and stole it in the 25 minute period it was supposedly here - you can't see my front door from the street and it is up a flight of steps. I've had dozens of packages delivered here without any problems.

So instead on NGD, it's now MGD (missing). I've filed a missing package claim with UPS and notified the Condo Manager. Maybe UPS left it at the wrong condo. Nothing to do now but have a cocktail or 8.

645

(160 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Welcome to chordie topdawgz! I was expecting a spud refrence in your user name - you know from the potato famine. Glad you joined and looking forward to seeing you in February! I'll do my best to talk Mr. B into joining you on your trip!

So I received confirmation the guitar has been delivered to my house. Yet here I am in Amelia Island, 250 miles away. The power of feminine pursuasion (is a nice way of saying it). I told my son to bring it in the house, but DO NOT open the case!

Positive vibes sent buddy. Never give up!

648

(160 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I heard from one of my oldest and closest friends tonight. Robert is going to make the trip down from VA to join us. I've known Robert since High School - since before I could drive! He has played the guitar since I've known him and is a pure ham - entertainer, storyteller, comedian, musician - he alone could entertain a party for hours - what a character. I have no doubt he will fit right in with the rest of us chordians!

I vaguely remember a trip to the Outer Banks to visit another buddy who had a sweet summer job as a park ranger - must have been 1979 or 1980 - I think I was 15. Upon arriving, we camped on top of Kill Devils Hill, then went to see our friend early in the morning. An afternoon of drinking at a Federal Government sponsored Keg Part, we ended up in Duck, NC with Robert on stage at the open mike singing Mike Cross songs. This was one of the songs he did that afternoon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq_tSHKJBe0

Who hasn't covered Danny Boy?

It is 100 years since the release of Danny Boy. The haunting ballad has been recorded by a who's who of iconic musicians including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Bing Crosby.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/0/24810371

A newer recording with an added verse that actually brought me to tears thinking of a lost child (Chris)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfRielL3Q94

What is your favorite version?

650

(160 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I've been asked about a "Schedule of Events" for chordiestock II, so I thought I'd share my thoughts. I know when I am on vacation, I hate to be on any sort of schedule, so it's loosy goosy as fits your individual plans.

Friday afternoon is when most folks will be arriving. Last year a few of us went down to the beach with guitars and beers and had a great time jamming at sunset. That seemed like good fun, so I propose we do that again. There is a decent bar / restaurant across the street (brown boxer) where we can head after the sun goes down for happy hour. This is right across the street from my condo, so if anyone is still interested in jamming, we can head there afterwards or if it's a big crowd - to the park across the street.

Saturday is the day I rent the clubhouse. I have it all day (until midnight anyway), figure we could start about 2 and play until the last one falls. The clubhouse is right by the pool, so if family / kids just want to come and hang by the pool, they are welcome. I plan on providing "football food" - wings, chips, etc as well as a few beers and probably a bottle or 2 of rum and vodka - If you want something special to drink, please BYOB. The clubhouse is a pretty good sized room, could easily accommodate 30+. Last year, we did acoustic only, but I have an amp, mike and mixer to bring up and Toney always travels with his complete rig if there is a desire to form a "band". I am expected to leave the room as clean as I find it, so help cleaning up is appreciated.

Sunday is the day we take over the Bus - The London Bus Pub is a small, hole in the wall bar right up the road that has the most fun, friendly and talented gathering of musicians on Sunday afternoons (hosted by Toney). He normally plays from 4 to 7, but for chordiestock, I'd expect it to start earlier and end much later (as it did last year). BeeRad (the Bus Owner) knows we are coming and is looking forward to having all of us once again (he is also planning on attending Saturday). It's basically an open mike / jam night with your best friends, some folks will step up on the bass, and there are usually folks banging on various  percussion instruments laying around. Drink Beer, Sing Songs and Be Happy is the theme every Sunday at the Bus! And of course the famous Roscoe! He is a legend, much like Johnny Cash and is not to be missed!

Monday most folks are leaving so it's basically travel day.

If folks are arriving earlier or staying later, I'm good for cocktail and stum pretty much any day of the week!

So thats the plan folks - Please let me know when your trip is confirmed!