Oldjock

My fishman Loudbox Mini started to peel when less than a year old. It peeled at any location which was bumped but especially under the handle caused by fingernails. Fishman wouldn't do anything about it. Henk

As far as guitar picking goes, if I make the same mistakes at the same time every day, people will start calling it a style. (John Prine) Henk

Sorry, made a mistake. The correct name of the wood filler is Aqua Coat. Henk

Great video Old Guy. I spend much of my time woodworking and also have a need to fill wood grain. The product that I use is named Aqua Fill which has served me well. It requires multiple coats between sandings in order to achieve that final super smooth finish, especially for kitchen cabinets. The Aqua Fill is clear so any staining must be done prior to filling. I noticed that the ColourTone filler you used is tinted. Will this match your final stain colour or rather will the filler highlight the grain under the final finish? I agree with you that projects like this are a labour of love but also a severe test of your patience. Looks like you have both. Henk

I have to agree with everyone that the entry level gear today has improved. There are also many used and demo pieces of gear which still perform as new for a great reduction in price. I have a PRS SE Santana and often think that with a better guitar my playing could improve along with a different sound. Upon reflection, I think, with a multi effects pedal I can make my guitar sound like any guitar sold. The most important issue with a guitar should be how it feels when you play it. Is it comfortable, is it too heavy, is the neck too thin, does it look good. In the end I suppose the need for a new guitar is only to serve a hidden want to own something nicer. I'm happy with my setup knowing that I have never paid full price for any of it. Henk

A used Boss ME-80 has made it's way into my house. I've been browsing the online sites for a few months without any success. We had planned a trip to Myrtle Beach at the end of October, so I started to look at Craig's List to see what I could find. I found an ME-80 for sale in a suburb of Charlotte, NC., named Waxhaw. I convinced my better half that Waxhaw would be a good place for a rest stop. The unit is in mint condition and the seller showed me the different patch sounds to prove that it was in working condition. The seller had just purchased a Line 6 Helix, so I offered $150., explaining that I loose 25% on the exchange rate. The seller then said how much he liked Canadian beer. I added a case of 24 Moosehead, which I had picked up in Duty Free, to the offer and he accepted. Just returned home a few days ago and haven't really had much of a chance to run it through its paces. I will post a review before the end of the month. Henk

Hi William, welcome to the forum. I purchased a Seagull S12 and I have been very pleased with it. It has a cedar top, cherrywood back and sides. The first year of play sounded very bright but as the guitar aged it mellowed and the cedar top changed to a darker shade. Now three years old, it sounds great, especially some of the Gordon Lightfoot songs. Even in our Canadian temperature and humidity swings, this guitar stays in tune, it's built like a tank. The price point will be at the lower end of the 12 String scale but don't dismiss it as being cheap, it is a fine addition to any guitar stable. Henk

Thanks @NeilES335. I have just listened to "Getting real success on the guitar by “getting real” " and was able to take away some ideas. "Take your fears and turn them into motivation" seems to be a common theme in many aspects of life. Personally I have a tendency to practice the songs which I can play well because they sound not too bad and it makes me feel good. I really should be practising more of the things that I cannot do well. I look forward to listening to more of these podcasts, the learning should never stop. Henk

That's a good point Randy. I had been wavering about trading the RC-3. The RC-3 gives me 3 hours of storage vs 38 seconds. Plus it it designed to work as a looper rather than an add on to a multi effect system. Henk

Excellent video Randy, thank you. Henk

Congrats, that's a beauty, love the gold tuners. Henk

This is a very interesting thread which is giving me GAS. Presently my pedal board consists of three pedals. Boss CS-3 (Comp), Boss RC-3 (looper) and Zoom MS-50g (multi-effects) plus a foot switch for the Boss Katana 50. I really can't complain about this setup as far as sounds go. I am intrigued by the idea of the ME-80 which would give me more options in a smaller package. As for the cost here in Canada ($400. + 13% tax) it is still cheaper than the individual cost of the three pedals. I do remember looking at the ME-80 on Boxing day last year at L & M, priced at $299. Based on this discussion and reading the reviews, I am beginning to hatch a plan to trade in my existing pedals towards the ME-80 on boxing day. Hopefully the difference should be less than $100. Does anyone have any experience using the ME-80 with the Boss Katana 50 and a foot switch? Henk

Randy, only you will know how your instructor fits into your future plans. As in life, some people you will be able to bond with and others, not so much. The bottom line here is to keep moving forward with improving your skills as a guitarist while keeping the journey fun and fulfilling. As for me, I have yet to use an instructor. I am quite happy with the L & M program under Steve. I do have the advantage of having a very good player in our "garage band" who has taken me under his wing to help me with various aspects of song play. Again, I repeat that this must be fun and right now, I'm loving it. BTW, I'm 72 and have only been playing for four years. Henk

I agree with John, the term enthusiasm is key to the learning process. This journey of learning how to play the guitar is not a sprint but rather a marathon. Taking breaks during the process should be mandatory. Henk

I'm with Dave, the one which I am playing will be my favourite. I started learning with a Seagull Natural Elements 6 string with a spruce top and mahogany sides/back. Absolutely loved the 1.8" neck for my big fingers. Two years later as I learned to play a little, I started looking for a different sound. I eventually purchased another Seagull but a 12 string (Have to support the Canadian manufacturers). The S12 has a cedar top with cherry sides/back. The S12 was very bright sounding initially but after two years it has become much more mellow. I love to play Gordon Lightfoot songs with the S12. The sustain with this guitar is very impressive, a single hard strum at the end of the song seems to continue forever. I also have a PRS SE Santana, so with the acoustics I am happy to have the complete set. Although, like Ron, in the back of my mind I can hear the call of a PRS SH McCarty 594 Koa. Henk

All things happen for a reason Ron. Here's a chance to score. On Reverb for a cool $5300. Henk

Ian, seems your reaction to performing is perfectly normal. Keep up the good work. My personal hero, Glenn Hall (Chicago Blackhawks goalie) played 502 consecutive games in net without a mask and threw up before every game. Henk

Sorry to hear about your troubles Old Guy, but everyone is OK and the material things can be replaced. Henk

Deuce, the group that I jam with evolved from players on a ball team which I play on. Luckily for us one guy was an experienced player (bass, acoustic and mandola) who took on the leadership role. My suggestion would be to find some common ground with the songs the group would like to play. Setup a dropbox site to post songs and mp3 files for each individual to practice. We also rotate the monthly practice sessions, which have also become known as craft beer tasting sessions, among the group. As you progress as a group consider a gig, as it provides a goal for the group to improve. Our group has played at our ball team BBQ for the past four years. Even though you will be playing in front of friends, the fear of making mistakes, will really increase the concentration levels to help you and the group improve. Best of all keep it light and fun. Henk

Glad you are safe Danny, suffice to say that someone was looking after you. Henk

Chris, I agree with everything mentioned by the replies above but I would like to add one thing. If you are purchasing the Katana 50 then I would highly recommend adding the Boss dual foot switch (FS-7) to your pedal board. Four patches become available. This one does not have a battery but plugs into your daisy chain for power.

Congrats Mike, looks like a great pairing, enjoy. Henk

Thanks for sharing Neil. Henk

Despite being retired, I find myself with more work now than when ran my contracting business. Primarily doing renos for the family and trying to get my house ready to sell. I try every night to lock myself in my office for 30 minutes between 9 and 10. As tired as I am, I try to stick to it and surprise, surprise, once the notes begin to ring out, the tiredness evaporates. Weekends I can usually put together a couple of hours. Henk

Sorry to hear that Opie, fingers crossed. Henk