Vintage Guitar Cast

Video - "Stevie" by Don't Harass Betty

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:49:00 -0400

OK, a little shameless self-promotion for my band, "Don't Harass Betty," and my favorite summer pastime here in NH - Laconia Bike Week! Yup, motorcycles and rock-n-roll...what could be better?

All the footage was shot on the 12th of June at Weirs Beach. The song is our tribute to Harley-Davidson. Hope you like it! You can visit our website at dontharassbetty.com.

Just Checkin' In

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sun, 6 May 2007 19:32:00 -0400

I haven't fallen off the planet...I swear!
Please stay tuned. I hope to have the podcast back up and running soon. Please feel free to send model suggestions, too.
Thanks for hanging in there, and I'll talk to you shortly.
Cheers,
Ceejay

VGC 018: The Squier Bullets

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:42:00 -0500

Hey Everybody!
It's finally time for a new episode! I'm feeling pretty good and ready to jump back into the podcast. Well, as promised, we are going to finish up the Fender Bullet topic by discussing the Squier models. Unfortunately...there wasn't a lot of information to be found. That's a pity, because not only did Squier continue producing the basic models that were already offered in the U.S. in the early 80s, but they created a lot of additional models a little later on, seemingly catering more toward the hard rock crowd (think "near pointy").

Basically, the used Squier Bullets are still really reasonably priced, and if you want to use it to make changes or upgrades, you probably won't feel squidgy about messing around with it (such as the one pictured at the left with the stickers and the skull knobs on it).

Anyhow, we do have a little history about Squier and the usual foray into eBay to see just what's what. Additionally, one of our subscribers, John, sent us some cool links to share.

Please visit these sites, and if you have any to share, let me know! You can email me at vintageguitarcast[at]gmail[dot]com.
Here's the list of today's music: "Doctor" by BLOOM, "Nothing Better to Do" by The Velmas, "Better Life" by Common Ground, and "Better Day" by Polaradio. You can find these songs in episode 51 of The Opinionated Ramblings Podsafe Shuffle Podcast or at the Podsafe Music Network. Please visit and support these bands.

Thanks for staying subscribed while I recovered from my surgery, and I will talk to you again soon! ~Ceejay

Happy Holidays!

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 20:31:00 -0500

Hey there, everyone!
I hope you had a very jolly holiday, and you're ready for the new year. I am home from the surgery and in rest-recovery mode. I was able to come home before Christmas - they released me last Friday, so that was nice. Not doing much of anything just yet, but at least I'm home. You just can't get any rest in a hospital. LOL!

I just wanted to check in with ya and say Hey. Hopefully, I'll be able to put a show together soon. I've had mega computra issues lately that forced me to do a complete reformat and rebuild on the laptop. That sucks. I lost some data, too...lots of recent emails as well as my address book (so if you emailed me lately and didn't hear back, please try again!!).

Well, take care of yourselves, and have a Happy New Year! I'll be talking to you real soon.
Cheers!

VGC 17 - The Fender Bullet: 2nd Version

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:04:00 -0500

Howdy, folks! Ready for The Fender Bullet, part 2? I know I am!

This episode is dedicated to the second version of Fender's original Bullet line from 1983. These guitars and basses were produced in the U.S. for really just 1983 into 1984 before the model was sent across the Pacific and began to be made in Japan and sold under the name, Squier Bullet (stay tuned for VGC 18, where we will pick up on them there...).

There were 5 different guitars and 2 (or 3) basses available. The guitars were offered with both single coil or humbuckers and basses as either long or short scale. Fender also offered a couple more standard color options from Version 1, adding sunburst and a walnut stain (aka: "root beer brown").

These are great little guitars that have definitely seen active movement in value over the past few years. Going Up as they say! Might want to grab one now and hang on to it a while, especially if you're outside the U.S.!

Today's sources are The Blue Book of Electric Guitars, 5th Edition and 9th Edition as well as the original owner's manuals for these instruments (pictured above).

Music on today's show includes "Black Friday" by Music for Viola, "Christmas Here on Mars" by Bubble, "Christmas in Pizzaville" by Escape Goats, "American Holiday Song" by BELT, "Christmas Wish" by Gidgets Ga Ga, "One Christmas" by Al Stravinsky, and "I Drank Too Much at the Office Christmas Party" by The Alice Project. Links and information can be found at The Opinionated Ramblings Podsafe Shuffle site (see episode 49) and the Podsafe Music Network.

Please let me know if you have any difficulty with the downloads, and feel free to contact me via email at vintageguitarcast@gmail.com. Take care, and I'll catch you next time!

VGC 16 - Revisited... A Reposting

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 14:49:00 -0500

Well, once again it seems GoDaddy dropped the ball...
The original posting of VGC 16, the Fender Bullet, doesn't seem to be recognized by iTunes (or anything else, for that matter), so I am reposting it .

My apoligies if you happened to get it twice.

Please check the original post below for details and links.

Thanks and Cheers!

VGC 16 - The Fender Bullet: 1st Series

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Mon, 4 Dec 2006 17:01:00 -0500

I've been holding on to this one for a special occasion, and I think it's time. Today, I want to talk about the Fender Bullet. Just the first series, though. We'll do the second series next time.

The Fender Bullet first arrived on the scene in 1982, presumably to fill the void left by the removal of the Mustang and Musicmaster models. Aimed at the introductory market, these guitars were definitely of a quality high enough for players beyond that stage.
Although the first versions had limited options, with only 2 basic models (the standard Bullet and the Bullet Deluxe with separate bridge) and 2 color choices (red and ivory), they are extremely easy to play, comfortable, and tonally diverse.

Produced really only about 2 years, they can be harder to find than the second series, but still show up with regularity on eBay, pawn shops, and stores that still have a decent trade-in section. Better scoop one up now though...prices have been rising lately. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 on average in the U.S. More overseas.

Today's sources included The Blue Book of Electric Guitars, 9th Edition and the original 1982 Fender Catalog (where that groovy picture came from!). If you'd like more info on the Bullet, check out the Fender Bullet Appreciation Page. Today's backing music featured: "Monsters" by Matchbook Romance, "Monster" by Meg & Dia, "Monsters" by Common Ground, and "Monster" by The Muggs, all of which can be found on the Halloween Episode of Opinionated Ramblings and at the Podsafe Music Network.

Next time, we'll look at the Bullet second series, which offers several models, more colors, and even a Bullet Bass. Until then, take care and keep jamming!

Fear Not!

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 11:05:00 -0500

Hey Guitar Fans,
Just wanted to check in to let you know that the show has NOT podfaded! Over the past several weeks I have gotten a promotion at work and been trying to learn the new job, gone on vacation halfway across the country and had no internet connection, and gotten a really nasty cold that has left me sounding like my head is wrapped in a blanket and I've been smoking a ton of rough cigarettes.
As soon as I start sounding like a human being again, I will be putting up the next episode.
Hang in there, and I'll be talking to you soon!
Happy Holidays!
~Ceejay

Another Cool Video for You

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 13:34:00 -0500

I've been trying to fit in time for a proper VGC episode, but it just hasn't happened. So instead I have another cool little item from YouTube for you. You know how fascinated I am by renditions of classical music done with electric guitar and/or bass, so today I present to you the following: "Rondo alla turca"...otherwise known as "Mozart Metal" by Fettskraag. Enjoy, and I will talk to you soon!

Happy Halloween, Everybody!

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 10:38:00 -0500

Just want to wish you all a very happy Halloween!
If you have any great pictures of you in costume (playing a Halloween gig, perhaps?), and you'd like to share them, send 'em along, and I'll post 'em.
~Ceejay

VGC 15: The Peavey T-60

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 07:12:00 -0400

Think back to your first guitar for a moment... now, if you're about my age (no, I'm not telling, but you can probably figure it out), it quite possibly was one of these: The Peavey T-60.

What a cool guitar! This one had tons of features and a healthy dose of tone to go with it. You could go from a surefire single coil sound to a thick humbucker with a turn of the knob. And don't forget the phase switch! Last but not least, you could drag the case behind a pickup truck for miles and it would have emerged nearly unscathed. Production spanned from 1978 - 1987 or so. Now, that's what I call a great all-around guitar, and to think it ended up as a starter instrument for so many players.

Well, as it turns out, guide book prices have actually dropped a little on this model in the past 8 years. Even cooler! You can get one of these for anywhere between $200 and $400 these days, most around the $300 mark, including the case. Slam dunk!

Today's sources include The Electric Guitar Blue Book, 9th and 5th editions (yes, I finally got a new one!!), as well as The Unofficial Peavey T-60 Site. There is a ton of great information there including a forum, links, modifications, brochures, and articles.

Music on the show: "12:04" by Jack in the Pulpit, "Leave the Light On" by My Little Radio, and a snippet of "Strange Day in Mexico" by The Clintons. Please visit Opinionated Ramblings, Show #46 to hear these songs in their entirety and learn more about the artists.

Thanks for subscribing! You can contact me at vintageguitarcast[at]gmail[dot]com.
Take care, and I'll catch you later!

VGC 14 - The Gretsch Silver Jet and Related Models

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:04:00 -0400

Gretsch made so many cool guitars, I could hardly decide where to start. I had to go with sparkly; kick it off in style!

Today, we talk about the Gretsch Silver Jet. But we couldn't really do that without touching on the Duo Jet and Sparkle Jet, at least a little though.
The Silver Jet was produced from '55 - '63 with a few changes and options throughout that time.
Whenever I see one, I can't help but think of Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos...I'm sure that was one of the axes I remember her using during the band's early years (couldn't find a pic to verify it tho...). Regardless, it was one of the models that made me want to play in the first place...but certainly not one I was about to be able to get my hands on; not without a tidy bit of cash, anyway! Cool thing is, Gretsch is now offering the model again. You'll still need a tidy bit of cash, but if you can't get a vintage one, you can still get one.

Today's sources include The Gretsch Pages and the Gretsch Silver Jet page as well as Gretsch Guitars. I also delve into my much outdated 5th Edition of the Blue Book of Electric Guitars by Steven Cherne (1998). Please visit the source sites for lots more pictures, links, and information.

Music on today's show is provided by the Podsafe Music Network and includes "Always My Fault" by Korben, "Ready Set Go" by Letters Burning, and "Waste Another Night" and "Miss You" by My Little Radio. All of these tunes can be heard in their entirety on "The Opinionated Ramblings Indie Music Podcast," Show Number 044. The O.R. site also contains links to the band's webpages.

Thanks for subscribing, and please leave me comments or voicemail with your feedback. You can also email me at vintageguitarcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

It's Time, I know...

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sun, 1 Oct 2006 11:39:00 -0400

Hey there, folks!
I know it's time for a new episode, but I'm feeling a bit under the weather today...sorry. I will get something together as soon as I can. If there is a model you'd like to hear about, please let me know by leaving a comment here on the blog, voicemailing me using MyChingo, or sending me an email at vintageguitarcast (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks!

VGC 13: The Birthday Bass: New Instruments and Supply and Demand

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 18:34:00 -0400

Hey Folks! Today's show is a little different...Ceejay talks about her new bass and the market forces that made for an unusual experience in acquiring it. It's more or less a rant, but not a complaint-fest. It was also produced using the "portable setup," so the intros and bumpers and such are missing.

Suffice it to say that I fell madly in love with this Hot Rod Red Fender Jaguar Bass, a fairly new addition to the Fender line. After waiting a while, I finally decided it was time, and set out to get it. This is the story of that quest...and I do mean quest.

If you'd like to learn more about the bass itself, and I highly recommend this instrument, please visit Fender.com. You won't be disappointed!

The music on today's show is: "To be an Angel" by Uncle Seth, "It's Over" and "Only You Could Make Me Happy" by the Fire Apes, "Friday Girl" by FOLIO, and "Hey Kate" by the Fire Apes. Visit Opinionated Ramblings for links and to hear them in all their glory (Show 42). OK, time to fly. Catch you next time!

VGC 12 - The Ovation Breadwinner (and Deacon)

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 8 Sep 2006 18:30:00 -0400

Think Medieval Battleaxe meets Modern Toneaxe and you've got the Ovation Breadwinner.
The first electric to feature active electronics and an interesting yet ergonomic shape, the Breadwinner was Ovation's initial foray into the world of solidbody electrics, and sported many features that were ahead of their time. They didn't, however, have staying power as far as production was concerned.
Available only from 1972 through 1979, these guitars are quite hard to find on the secondary market nowadays. I would expect their value to continue to rise.
Today's source material comes from the following websites:

Baron Audio for the specs information (click the dropdown list and select "Ovation Breadwinner")
The Ovation Deacon information page
Guitargonauts.com for the Feb 2001 Pick of the Month page on the '72 Breadwinner
The Ovation Gallery page for the great shots of the "Cheap Trick" Breadwinner
And although I didn't use any material from them, you should visit the Ovation Fan Club Page for lots of other goodies.

The music used in today's show included: "Come With Me" by The Clintons, "Midas Brush" by Poundcake, and "Marilyn County" by 100 Year Picnic. Information on these bands as well as links to their websites can be found at The Opinionated Ramblings Indie Music Podcast page and were featured on Show Number 42.

Thanks for listening, especially if you have chosen to subscribe! If you don't already, please consider doing so. And thanks to John for suggesting the Breadwinner as a show topic.
Take care, and keep Rockin'

What's Your Pleasure?

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Fri, 1 Sep 2006 04:08:00 -0400

OK...I need some listener input.

In checking the stats for the show, it's very clear that the most popular episode was the one on the Kramer Duke (show 6), followed by the Silvertone Amp-in-Case (show 5). These are the most downloaded shows, and are holding these positions consistently, with active downloads continuing even as I upload new shows.

What I would like to know from you is this: are these good examples of the type of models you want to hear about? Should I focus more on guitars from the 80s maybe? Off-shore brands? Lesser known brands? "Starter" guitars? 60s models?

Please leave me comments or contact me with your input. You can email me at vintageguitarcast (at) gmail (dot) com, comment here on the blog, or voice mail me using MyChingo. Heck, you can even comment on the Frappr map.

Let me know what you think! And Thanks!

Pachelbel's Canon...Rock On!

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:41:00 -0400

I think you'll enjoy this!

If the embedded player doesn't work, please Click Here

Shameless Self-Promotion: Guitars for Sale

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 14:54:00 -0400

I have decided it's time to put a few items from my collection up for sale.

The guitars listed here come from my own personal collection. Currently, I am offering a Fender Lead I, a Fender Lead II, and a pre-1997 MIJ Fender Mustang reissue. All great guitars, original and in good working condition. I'm sad to see them go, but they need new homes where they can be played more regularly.

If you're interested, please zip over to my sellers page on eBay.

Thanks for indulging my shameless self-promotion.
~Ceejay

'Net Neutrality - What You Need To Know

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 09:18:00 -0400

I'm guessing most of us have at least heard the term, "Net Neutrality" by now, but if you're still unclear of what it is and what it means for folks like you and I (as opposed to big-moneyed big business), here's a darn good definition from an excellent site:

"What is Network Neutrality?

Network Neutrality — or "Net Neutrality" for short — is the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet.

What is this about?

This is about Internet freedom. "Network Neutrality" -- the First Amendment of the Internet -- ensures that the public can view the smallest blog just as easily as the largest corporate Web site by preventing Internet companies like AT&T from rigging the playing field for only the highest-paying sites.

But Internet providers like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast are spending millions of dollars lobbying Congress to gut Net Neutrality. If Congress doesn't take action now to implement meaningful Net Neutrality provisions, the future of the Internet is at risk."

This information and much, much more comes from the FAQ page of SaveTheInternet.com, and if you are concerned about this...and we all should be...then you should go over and check out SaveTheInternet.com and get the scoop. Then contact your congressman and tell them what's what!

VGC 11 - Collectors Corner with Rick Russell

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 09:29:00 -0400

Welcome! Today we are featuring our first Collector's Corner segment, an interview with Rick Russell. We talk about his current collection, his outlook on guitar collecting, and even Celtic and Irish music. Thanks for joining me, Rick, and I hope all you listeners enjoy the conversation!

If you'd like to be featured on an upcoming Collector's Corner, please contact me or post a comment here on the blog.

Thanks!

VGC 10: Valco's "Map" Guitars

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 18:36:00 -0400

The headstocks may say "National," but these are pure Valco "Res-O-Glas" beauties! The Val-Pro, Westwood, and Glenwood guitars offered from 1962 to 1964 put a whole new creative spin on what was possible for guitar-building materials and construction. Not to mention, some of these models even offered a transducer-type pickup built into the base of the bridge! We're talking 1962, here...way ahead of their time. Although they had a relatively short lifespan in production years, these babies certainly made an impact. And if you can find one today, be prepared to write a fairly hefty check before you can take it home with you. But comparitively speaking, it will cost you a heck of a lot less than trying to score a 1962-1964 Strat, Tele, or Les Paul. And you certainly won't be blending in while on-stage.
Thanks go out to today's sources, the article, "National's Map-Shaped Electrics" by George Gruhn and "National Westwood and Glenwood: '60s Alt-Materials Make Short Run," an article from Vintage Guitar Magazine's June, 2001 edition.

Thanks also to the Podsafe Music Network for the music on today's show. The lineup includes "Getting By" by Kathy Valentine, "Married on Monday" by The Gentlemen Losers, "Wednesday Morning" by Slackstring, "Almost Friday Night" by The Hot Rods, and "Tauntaun Heat" by Tadago Pie. For links to these bands websites and to hear the songs featured in their entirety, please check out my other podcast, Opinionated Ramblings.
And at the end of the show, don't miss the promo for the Musician's Cooler Podcast! If you're in a band, you'll find great advice, tips, tricks, links, and all kinds of other stuff you never even knew you needed...but you do.

Please join our Frappr Friends map, and feel free to leave me comments here on the blog, send me an email at vintageguitarcast at gmail dot com, or leave a voice message using the MyChingo method (links at the left)!

Until next time! Cheers!

VGC 9: Quick News and Notes

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 5 Aug 2006 09:39:00 -0400

Howdy folks,
Just a short news and notes segment while I try out some new podcasting software. Let me know how you think it sounds.

Announcements: we now own VintageGuitarCast.com, and although it will point you to the same blogspot page as always, it will probably be a little easier to find in a pinch. Thanks to Jammin' Dave Jackson of The Musician's Cooler Podcast for suggesting I get off my butt and get it before it's no longer available.

New Segment - The Collectors' Corner. I alluded to this in VGC #8, but it looks like it's on track now. Our first installment will be coming soon. Let me know if you want to take part! You can gmail me at "opinionatedramblings" (make sure you use the gmail.com address...I'm trying to bust the spammers by not adding a proper link) or send me a voicemail using our MyChingo banner at the top of the left menu. If you've got a mic on your computer, you're all set!

Speaking of Opinionated Ramblings, please visit that podcast for links to the music you hear on this show and lots more! And don't forget the Frappr Friends map!

Think that's it; have a great weekend, and I'll catch you next time!

Vintage Gear in Concert: The Pretenders

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Thu, 3 Aug 2006 16:27:00 -0400

Last night I had the pleasure of being in the audience for a Pretenders show. Let me just say it was FANTASTIC!! The Pretenders are better than ever; totally tight and completely into putting on one helluva show for the audience, complete with 2 encores. Best yet, they were using some nice vintage gear!
The bassist, Andy Hobson, was sporting a vintage 2nd version Telecaster Bass which he played throughout the entire show. It rocked hard! Chrissy stuck to her trademark Fender Telecaster, and Adam Seymour alternated between a Tele and a double-cutaway thinline that I unfortunately couldn't positively identify from my vantage point. He cranked these axes through an Orange stack that was a real screamer.
It was a great show; I heartily recommend seeing the band if they have a date scheduled in your area. And if you go to a show and spot Vintage gear in-use, let me know and I'll post it.
Cheers!

Does It Get Any Cooler Than This?

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Tue, 1 Aug 2006 15:57:00 -0400

Can I just say that I am up waaaaayyyyyy past my bedtime because I am stuck here, glued to the TV watching the 25th Anniversary re-run of MTV's first day on-air (even though I'm trying to tape it as well anyway).

Thanks, VH-1 Classic, for replaying these great videos. I feel like I'm 16 again!

Cool!

VGC008 - The Univox Hi-Flyer

ceejay1964@gmail.com (Ceejay) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 14:16:00 -0400

Wow...I don't know whether I feel more like playing "Pipeline" or "I Wanna Be Sedated." Today's subject: the Univox "Hi Flyer," a copy of the Moserite "Ventures" model that ended up becoming a classic in its own right; so much so that Eastwood Guitars is now making a series of new "Hi Flyer" models that they claim as a copy of the Univox (and not the Moserite!). Not to mention that they look like mighty fine guitars and basses themselves! But, I digress...

Thanks go out to today's sources: Tim Patton of Univox.org for the great info on his site; the Univox review pages of Harmony-Central.com; the equipment pages of the band, Psychotic Reaction; and Eastwood Guitars. Thanks, everyone!

And, of course, we can't forget the Podsafe Music Network and the band's that provided this episode's background music. If you like what you heard, please cruise on over to the Opinionated Ramblings Indie Music Podcast to hear them in their full glory, plus get links to the band's websites. You'll find these songs on Podshow #38, but here's the skinny: "Sun" by The Velmas, "Brand New Sunglasses" by The Jellybricks, "Sunshine Between" by Fred, "Flattened by the Sun" by The Negatones, and "Big Bad Sun" by Chris Juergensen (yeah...there's a theme here).

Thanks for subscribing! Please join our Frappr Friends Map and leave comments here on the blog. And try our new MyChingo service...you can leave me a voicemail or text message right from your computer. Just click the pretty blue banner at the left.

Until next time...Cheers!