Plantsman13

The omission of "classical" made me start humming ELO's version of "Roll over Beethoven".

Thanks for the information. I'll give it a try!

Mark, 90 bpm based on quarter notes does mean two eighth notes per beat (1+2+etc) that is equivalent to 180 notes per minute. When you get to sixteenth notes; the 90 bpm will mean four sixteenth notes per beat (1 e and a 2 e and a etc) that is equivalent to 360 notes per minute. Steve's progression does keep things relative as you practice to obtain 120 bpm using sixteenth notes. If you have mastered eighth notes at 90 bpm; go back to quarter notes at 90 bpm and it'll feel like time stood still! I think your confusion is Steve cycles through all bpm (60-120) using "quarters'; then "eighths", then "sixteenths".

Can I borrow your wife the next time I plan to go guitar shopping...just kidding, I'm jealous on both parts. That is a stunning guitar. Enjoy its tone and weight.

I think of the number as an expression of "mm" thickness, but I have no experience with Bluechip. I have the impression the how the material "feels" while playing is the "artistic" measure, with tortoise shell picks setting the bar (at least from comments read over the years). I believe the material is similar but shape and size differ. Looking at Wegen, there is a very large array of picks manufactured to meet differing tastes and demands.

Cindy, You can order online here: http://www.bluechippick.net OBTW: when Julian Lage and Chris Thile (among others) endorse them, you might be able to overlook the cost. I chose Wegen for cost and Jack Pearson recommended them last summer at GG. A four pack of bluegrass ran $15 while the TF100 ran $15 each at Elderly in Michigan. Offered in white or black as shown in earlier picture.

I've been using Wegen picks of late. I bought the TF triangular ones and the Bluegrass ones (pictured). I started with the 100 mm thickness. Otherwise, I reach for my Dunlop nylon pick for strumming (60-70 range).

Taylor's website has a lot to talk about with its new "V-Bracing" guitar design. Interesting reading and video hype. https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/v-class-bracing/story Sad news is only the higher end guitars will be offered with it...but they do have a give-away promotion for a Koa (I believe) with the new bracing...if you're feeling lucky!

Looks like it is showcasing on the 900 series only? The blurb I read makes some interesting claims overall. Looking forward to actual reviews.

But how do you REALLY feel?! Sorry it was a bust for you.

I posted this link on FB but wanted to share it here. There is the usual "rambling" in such videos; but the 2 & 4 beat concept looks interesting and worth a try. Enjoy! https://www.facebook.com/groups/GuitarGathering2018/permalink/139897820039665/

Greg, What are your thoughts on humidifying electric guitars, especially semi-hollow bodied ones? Drier air is fact of life in Chicago area winters with forced-air heating. Thanks, Bryan

Great story. My best two cents, make sure she learns basics on music SHE likes. My first guitar instructor in mid sixties was teaching me basics with Anchors Aweigh and Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue...a Rock-n-roll kid couldn’t play any that to any of his friends! Needless to say, guitar found a home in closet. ☹️ So if she likes Taylor Swift...

Spose question: If spouse is not participating, but joins me during the day, there is the $99 spouse charge?

Speed kills for sure. But I find I start eighth notes at 72 bpm when I practice because 60 bpm is like running in wet concrete and drives me crazy! I occasionally start at 60 bpm and force myself to work through it. It's like switching to an exaggerated swing tempo on a scale you've only done in eighth notes...finger and/or brain lock follows soon after.

I like to view a full capo as a moveable nut with an additional change in your "open" tunings.

Guitar shops are to me as expensive jewelry stores are to my wife...our compromise; nice dinner out with a decent bottle of wine!

Grog, Cool video. Thanks. I must chase down some of Burnside's work.

Hmmm. I play my Taylor often and appreciate their commercial quality of build. Rotator cuff surgery on two shoulders makes dreadnoughts difficult; so smaller bodied builds are more comfortable to play. I find wood combinations to be of far more interest when trying to feed my G.A.S. attacks. As for loud from the git-go, a laminated guitar can't be beat, but I lean toward solid wood for longer term nuances. I own a Bourgeois OM and feel Dana can build and voice a guitar with some of the best. However, if someone "forced" a Collings C10 Deluxe (mahogany with cutaway) on me...I'd have a hard time turning it down. All of this said, I like to believe Stephen Stills was thinking of his guitar when he penned, "Love the one you're with"!

Grog, I see you're a lefty and this site pops up as lefty oriented. If vintage is out of your comfort range, perhaps a great trade-in guitar is to be found. I am not a lefty, so I can't speak of any dealings with them. Reference sites are always fun to browse... https://reverb.com/shop/alexs-gnarly-locker

I definitely agree with Dave's assessment of the "favorite" guitar is the one I'm currently playing. My "sentimental" favorite is a nod to my father's memory. He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, and his recent passing at the end of 2016 led me to a prototype Bourgeois OM - Soloist Limited Edition, heavily bear-clawed European spruce top with a gorgeous cocobolo back and sides. It sounds as good or better than it looks. Courtney Hartman of Della Mae promoted this guitar on a video to promote the official release of the 30th Anniversary LE (or at least to my spotting telltale marks on the top indicates). I can't help but think of him every time I pick it up to play.

Beautiful guitar! I would imagine that luthier sports a large beard at times? I go back and forth between a quality 00-14 fret and the L-00 for a "couch potato" acoustic. Used Collings C10 Deluxe w/cutaway is a rare bird.