My guitar thinks I'm crazy...

Porchboard floor bass

2013-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

"The PorchBoard Bass is an amplified, analog low-end rhythm instrument that uses the natural technique of foot tapping to produce a player controlled bass beat with any style of music."http://porchboard.com/

If you have a good sense of timing and rhythm,this percussive instrument can definitely enhance your playing.
I use a powered sub-woofer (Roland KCW-1) which works very well in my opinion,but according to the manufacturers, optimal sound can also be achieved using other options such as a bass amp,PA system etc...

At first glance you picture this thing as something so simplistic that grandpa played it with his banjo while making his corn whiskey in the mountains,but with practice, the "Porchboard" will really enhance your playing and add fullness to your sound especially when you are a solo act.

It's very portable,versatile and durable and can prove to be a very valuable back up instrument.There are professional Musicians that promote it also most notably "Brad Paisley" (great picker)

The company is always updating their site with new and more advanced models which I think is great!

The standard version will run you about $260-$300.00 depending on where you purchase.The company now offers a smaller compact version called "the Micro bass". Good luck and thanks for reading!

P.S. I'm still trying to figure out which foot I prefer to use when I'm playing...

regards,
Strings6

My Larrivee OM-03

2011-01-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

When I first purchased,brought home and played this guitar,there were a few things about it I had not yet learned and/or noticed such as,Strings-Lite or extra lite gauge only.(This is what it is set up for at the factory and this is what you should use)Volume-being a small bodied guitar,it does not project like a full sized dreadnought would.Application-I do not use a pick when playing this instrument.It just doesn't feel like something you'd want to beat on.I use it primarily for playing finger-style.(thumb pick ok) Playability-Very easy to play.The combination of lite gauge strings and it's small body size make it extremely easy to play for those days when your a little beat from work. The MSRP at the time was $1198.00,I paid $799.00 (new) at my local music store.As with any guitar or anything else for that matter,the value drops as soon as you buy it and walk out the door,but these seem to be holding their value.There is also a rosewood version which I didn't know at the time and have yet to play.This guitar is considered to be a base model for Larrivee,but I have to say,I was and still am today very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of it.The case is very nice and sturdy also.I don't know if these are still in production,but you can find them new and used everywhere. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAmxI46N0k

Take care,
Stringz6

Making your own Pedal-Board

2010-05-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ok,so you've decided you want some organization when it comes to your guitar pedals(toys) but you don't want to(or can't) spend $300 on the best pedal-board money can buy.Whether your ready to hit the road and need something gig worthy or you need to make it neater so the wife can vac-um around it,or just need to save a few bucks cause your on a budget,making your own is relatively simple and will save you some money.

With a few items from the craft store and a quick drive up to your local hardware store,you can find most of the items you will need.How fancy you make it and how much time and money you want to invest in your project is up to you.I recommend searching YouTube.There are some nice home-made ones there to give you some ideas.Also,make a drawing of what your ideas are.This will help you.My Pedal-Board is very modest,but was made to fit my needs,there's not another one like it and it is custom made by "Me."

Materials used:
old cutting board,felt,steel handles,spray adhesive,Peavy rubber feet(4)on bottom,Elmers glue,spray adhesive,staples,hardware,velcro strips

Pedals in picture:
Furman power conditioner(not to be confused with power strip),LR Baggs direct box,Boss TU-3,Boss Ab-2

Hint-You can buy velcro from your local hardware store,for the bottom of your pedals,which works very well with the felt...

*Don't forget to buy or make some patch cables to connect your pedals.I recommend "Canare" cables,but more on that later...

Regards,
Stringz6

What is a "capo" and why do I need one?

2010-02-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Do you want to sing while you play your guitar but you cannot because when you play the chords of your favorite song on your guitar, your voice is either too low or too high? Take out your trusty capo, place it on any fret and like a pro, your now able to play the song using the SAME chords in a different key suitable to your voice range.(placing it directly behind any given fret,not in the middle of frets!) A capo is simply a way of changing the key of your guitar. For example,strum an E major chord on your guitar.Now place your capo on the neck just behind the 3rd fret and play the same E shaped major chord.Now that chord has just become a G major! If you haven't learned your bar chords and the notes/string names on your guitar,this may be a little confusing for you. Capo's can be used and experimented with in other ways,and while there are MANY other different models for different guitars,and many different manufacturers,for the purpose of this blog, this is the basic function.The four capo's I currently own are for standard acoustic(steel) 6 string guitar (see picture example clockwise) Nashville G7,Keiser(gold) Keiser(blue) and G7 Pro. All work pretty well,the G7 pro costing a little more,but for the cost,ease of use etc, I believe the Keiser "quick change" has been my favorite so far.I have heard good things about "Shubb" but have not tried them as yet.Check it out and see which one you like the best and send me an email letting me know what you think or if you have any questions.

Update: The Nashville G7 seems to have a lighter tension in the world of capos and was not holding the strings down at the right angle and pressure creating a buzz however,after seeing someone use this capo inverted (upside down),It does seem to work better this way.(clamping capo from bottom side of neck rather than top)

Keep practicing,you can never be too good!
regards,
stringz6

What type of guitar pick (plectrum) is best for me?

2009-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

They come in all shapes,sizes,thickness,materials and colors...You can collect them for show and tell,you can wear them as a necklace(I have seen many of these on Ebay).You can have your name printed on them to impress your friends and fans.Many,many,different options.But when it comes right down to it,which one works best for you? Like most guitarists,I have a large collection of picks that I have collected through the years.(a guitar player can never have too many)Most are kept in a big wooden salad bowl where I practice,waiting for their chance to be picked up.Some,find their way to the laundry room in an attempt to escape by means of my jeans pocket.One of the least expensive products you can purchase at your local music store without feeling guilty about the cost! For me,I prefer the standard triangular "medium" thickness pick.I usually turn the pick around and play with the rounded side as opposed to the pointed tip.The seasoned guitar picker usually knows exactly what type pick he wants,but if your a beginner,I recommend experimenting with several different thicknesses till you find what works best for you.Get yourself a salad bowl....

Regards,
Stringz6

The pro's and con's of performing at open mic venues...A brief explanation

2009-12-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been to a coffee shop,chances are you've heard the term "open mic" before.An "open mic" is exactly what the term implies.An open event at your local coffee shop(which usually sells,wine,snacks,coffee etc) where singers,songwriters,poets,comedians,rappers etc sign their name to a list and have the opportunity to showcase their talent.These are NOT paid gigs however, opportunities can arise from performing at them. Open mic venues are great for exposing new talent,collaborating with other performers,building up a following and gaining stage experience.That's the good news,now the bad...Most of these venues will be held on a weeknight, not a weekend in order to attract customers on a slow night and usually at 8 p.m. or later.If you work full time like myself and have to get up early,this could present a problem.Some of the performers are not considerate of others and think they are giving a concert instead of performing the usual allotted 3 songs,3 poems etc...Also,depending on who the host of the open mic is,you may find late walk ins bumped on to the list ahead of you,which can be frustrating.

*Some extra food for thought... I have seen many performers with very large ego's stay outside until it's their time to go onstage and then leave the room as soon as their finished without any regard or consideration for other performers.(Elvis has left the building!)I always make it a point to listen and watch the other performers and give them my full support and appreciate it immensely when I'm given the same consideration...

regards,
stringz6

Why do my finger tips hurt so much when I play guitar?

2009-11-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

When you first learn to play the guitar whether it's an electric or an acoustic you can expect some pain and dis-comfort for awhile(especially with an acoustic guitar) until the tips of your fingers start to callus(get harder).The more you practice/play the faster your finger tips will get used to it.Some folks prefer the gentle approach by learning on a classical guitar because the nylon strings are much more forgiving.You can also try some extra lite gauge strings,this will help some.I remember when I started out "on acoustic" and learned the open "d" major chord.Ouch! I thought I'd never get it! But with time,persistence and regular practice the pain slowly went away.I believe a lot of beginners give up for this very reason! I still to this day get a little pain if I play for a long period of time,but it's because most of the time I use medium gauge strings which are thick like barbed wire,but with great tone!

Don't give up!

regards,
stringz6

My Taylor 410 with Ovangkol back

2009-11-29T06:13:00.000-08:00

I bought this guitar at a local music shop.Price paid around $700.Previously owned but in "new" condition(a trade in).Solid sitka spruce top and solid Ovangkol back and sides(Ovangkol, for those that don't know is very similar to rosewood, but a bit brighter in sound)Indian Rosewood headstock is striking!Ebony fretboard and bridge.Mahogany neck is slim and very easy to play.That's one of the things I love so much about Taylor and Alvarez guitars,especially if you have small hands like me! The hard Taylor case that came with it is beautiful also,kind of an alligator skinned look,but the soft material scratches easily,so watch out! Also,for some reason my "g" string always is the first to break,I haven't figured that one out yet though...I dropped a Fishman humbucker in the soundhole,which actually makes the guitar sound even brighter which is good or bad depending on what music or style i'm playing.Overall,it's a wonderful guitar in my collection that I love to play...Can't buy these new anymore,but you can still find them online,price unknown.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77km5FPV0qA

keep strumming,
stringz6

My Alvarez Masterworks MD-70

2009-11-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

A fantastic guitar for the money! I believe I paid about $700 and change,but you can now find these for considerably less online... Western cedar "solid" top,rosewood back and sides,abalone around sound hole,maple bindings,very warm sounding guitar,not bright(which is my personal preference)The neck is very easy to play also.Beware! The satin top scratches easily! Mine came with a gig case(soft shell case).It works for me,and it's kinda cool,has alot of pockets and a built in hydrometer to monitor moisture.I play this one regularly! Great for strumming or fingerstyle also...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXbaJBPWiU4

*note: They don't sell this model with electronics,but you can have a nice sound-hole pickup installed or under the saddle transducer and/or a strap pin installed for playing while standing(I had both mods done) The pick-up I use on this guitar is an LR Baggs M1(I love it)

regards,
stringz6

My strings lose intonation and get dirty fast!!!

2009-11-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

Anybody that plays on a regular basis knows that even if you buy coated strings (which will cause you a few bucks more)they will eventually become dis-colored,sound flat,lose intonation(wont be able to tune properly),etc...Here are some basic tips that I have found to help extend the life of your strings...

1.Wash you hands every time before you play (this will remove dirt and oils which will corrode your strings faster

2.Try to get into the habit of wiping down your strings every time your done practicing for awhile

3.I use the WD-40 pen,which I believe helps slow down the oxidizing process.There are other products on the market to try,but this is the only one I have looked into so far

*Depending on how much you practice/play,these simple steps should prolong the life of your strings.I can usually get about 3 weeks out of mine.

Regards,
Stringz6