I just wrote me first post yesterday in the Welcome forum, and a few of you mentioned that you play guitar. So, I figured I would start an official guitar post. I'll go first:

I have a G&L ASAT (go to http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/index.asp for some G&L pics). It is a Telecaster-style guitar in honeyburst color with chrome hardware and a pearl pickguard. I have owned some cool equipment, but I don't have much time to play lately, so I don't currently own an amp.

I play a little of everything, from country to jazz to hard rock. I used to be in a band here in G'ville, and that was our style... we just played whatever the hell we wanted to. Didn't get many gigs or make much money, but it was great fun. :wink:

Anyone else?
vonD

Gibson Les Paul Studio 1989, and a Roland Synth. Play alot of New Wave tunes. Use to actually play in bars in a cover band (G'n'R) when they were actually popular and good. I teach my kids as much as I can, we have alot of fun in the house just jammin! :)

I play. The gear is cheap but it works. I've got a Fender M-80 head playing through a Kustom bass cab right now. Also have a marshall solid half stack. I play a harmony les paul knockoff mostly. Best cheap guitar I've ever played. Got an OLP bass. Essentially the squier of Ernie Ball. Still like it better than the P-bass i had and like 600 cheaper.

I've been in a bunch of local bands - punk and ska mostly.

The Creepy Kids (bass)
Driving While Stupid (guitar)
Mailbox Snatchers (bass)
Little Billy and the Naughty Thoughts (guitar)
Moving Mikey (bass)

Current:
Banzai! Banzai! (guitar/sing)

I play Guitar Hero on Xbox does that count?

I will say I HAVE a Martin DX-1( El Cheapo, Or at least the cheapest Martin)..But I'm not going so far as to say I "Play" it.. :D

I have an Ibanez RX-40, and a little Crate GX-15 amp that I used to play a little in high school. Never properly taught, just played whatever my friends and I picked up on our own, and whatever anyone took the time to show me. I still enjoy picking it up now and then, although I have forgotten a lot, and have very little time to play. I impressed myself last week, though, when a coworker brought in his new acoustic to show off to everyone. I tuned it by ear (it was waaayyy out), and then discovered the built-in tuner. :oops: It was dead-nut perfect!

BTW- Welcome vonD!

I'm a huge Taylor fan. Got four of 'em, one a custom job (pre-kids). Couple of mandolins, an old Martin Sigma I use for "experiments." My main bass is a Zeta Crossover, run it through a small Fender amp. Also have an old Rickenbacker 4001. Haven't played in a group in years, just the occasional solo act. And it's all for free, these days. Currently teaching my 7-year old to play. So much for being a music major in college. :roll:

Been playing since I was 8 years old. Also play piano and sax. Here's a few pics of some stuff I've picked up along the way...over the past ~15 years. Forgive hor horrible my basement looks. Between my guitar collection and gun collection, they are worth more than my house just about...

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/ChrisMainMarshallLPCustomShopStrat.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/LesPaulandTraynor2.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/ChrisHandwiredMarshall18wattClone.jpghttp://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/ChrisNewestProjectHandWiredMarshall.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/ChrisHistoricMarshallCollection.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/motogpfan26/LesPaulZebra2.jpg

That's a pretty sweet set up there Chris. Pretty impressive. Smart choice on becoming a doctor though.

Down to three for the moment........

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/Boodog/Basses-together-sized.jpg

I don't play guitar but just saw this topic while listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn's Riviera Paradise. Awesome song I always feel better after listening to it.

Anyone need a drummer? 8)

Back in the day I had an Epiphone ES-335 Casino (the one with the Bigsby vibrato) coupled with a Showman, as well as a series of Martins. I have not played for years, though.

Back in the day I had an Epiphone ES-335 Casino (the one with the Bigsby vibrato) coupled with a Showman, as well as a series of Martins. I have not played for years, though.

It all comes back to you pretty fast Sachi trust me. I didn't pick up my gear for years as well after the kiddies came along and now that they are older I have gotten back into it and my daughters have as well and it's alot of fun just jammin with them! :)

Sometimes I get the itch to play again, I admit! But I have so many other hobbies etc etc so I have just let it go. :)

I've got a question... I broke my second string while tuning (because I'm a complete idiot) and need some replacements. I went to musician's friend just to look what's out there and what the cost was and there seemed to be different string weights/gauges I could get. Being a complete n00b, I've got no idea what the differences will be. Any recommendations on what I should get?

I have a 6-string electric, BTW... still learning the basics, so no real style that I lean towards, yet.

This may or may not be a practical advice, but this is what I would do:

Option 1: Find a guitar store in your area and ask them.

OR

Option 2: Buy a new set of strings by a particular brand and keep the envelopes. As strings break (and you don't have to be an idiot for this to happen, it happens to everybody), you can go back to the envelop and see the weight of the string. You can then order the replacement knowing that you're getting the right one.

In addition, you can just do yourself a favor and order replacement strings in advance. I would say that the lower two strings (the silver ones) are going to be the ones breaking most often, so order a few of those in advance.

I wish I had the time to go back to my guitar, but between home and work, there's just no time. :?

I'm going with option two... I don't really know what's on it and I'd like to make sure they're all the same, but I don't really know what to get as far as new strings go.

Also, when re-stringing, how do you determine how much to wind up around the tuning knobs?

I tried, took lessons for a bit , put it down for a week forgot everything I learned and now it's in the closet!!!!

JohnG... you and me both :lol: Well actually I did it for like 3 months but same result. The calluses on my fingers freaked me out, couldn't feel anything. Don’t' know how they do it.

Found a whole new respect for live music.

I'm going with option two... I don't really know what's on it and I'd like to make sure they're all the same, but I don't really know what to get as far as new strings go.

Also, when re-stringing, how do you determine how much to wind up around the tuning knobs?
I'd recommend you go with 9-46 coated ( if you can),like these :http://www.deanmarkley.com/Strings/Electric/BlueSteelEl.shtml

You should replace all strings at once,so you know what you have on from now.It's not going to feel right if you have two kinds on.

When I retune,I leave the entire length in,circle twice against the rotation in the nut and then start tuning.Once properly tuned,I slap the string (yeah baby) and re-tune.
By then,your strings should not move anymore and I leave usually 1/4 "
on each string...
Hope this helps.

JohnG... you and me both :lol: Well actually I did it for like 3 months but same result. The calluses on my fingers freaked me out, couldn't feel anything. Don’t' know how they do it.

Found a whole new respect for live music.

I miss my callouses. Every time I play I remember how much effort it took to get them in the first place, and I play heavier strings than most typical electric players (.011 - .049). Now it just hurts like hell. I guess I just need to play more. One of these days when I can afford another amp, I'll get back into it.

vonD

Thanks, tx... after reading a bit about them, I'm about to order 2 or 3 sets of the Blue Steel. I'm going to order 9-46, but what are the uses of the other sizes? They seem like they're probably a bit lower in sound...

vondiesel, I got a little lucky and found a guy with some pretty cheap stuff, among them a brand-new 15-watt Behringer amp for $40... search Craigslist and you might find something. It's nothing to take outside of the bedroom, but that's all I need at this point and it seems to be a pretty good amp.

I have a Les Paul and they are made for .10's. Generally it just comes down to preference. If you are new it might behoove you to go as light as you can to get used to the strings, although you risk breaking them more easily.

I generally use Elixir strings. They are a bit pricey but if you shop around you can get decent deals on them. I like the extended life because changing strings is generally a pain - although good to have out of the way for a thorough cleaning.

I used to play a lot, but I was never super-good. I could work my way through most pop/rock/metal stuff by ear or with help from a good TAB, but these days I don't play nearly as much as I used to. My callouses are probably damn near gone.

I used to run a Marshall solid state 200w head with a 4x12 cab and a handful of stomp boxes, but money got tight and I had to unload it. Now I just have a little Marshall practice amp and a Line6 POD2.0 for effects processing. It's not a bad setup for apartment jamming. I could use a decent amp though.

I've actually got a hankering for the drums. It's been brewing for years and then I played Rock Band (talk about a good time!) and now it's worse. Someday I hope to have a spare bedroom or a basement that I can rig up with everything you need to play out (PA, drums, bass rig, guitar) and then I can bang on whatever the spirit moves me to play or have friends over to jam.

Someday...

I'd recommend you go with 9-46 coated ( if you can),like these :http://www.deanmarkley.com/Strings/Electric/BlueSteelEl.shtml

Do you have any recommendations for metal strings to put on an accoustic guitar? I prefer a "deeper" sound, if that matters.

Thanks!

You should give either Elixir (jbarx,good pick) or Optima Gold a try(http://cgi.ebay.com/Optima-Maxima-Gold-Acoustic-Guitar-Strings-012_W0QQitemZ280090844460QQcmdZViewItem)
The Optima's are a bit more expensive but really nice(a little snappy at first)...
You can't go wrong with either...

Mine's electric, but goodness, I think you need to have some skill to justify spending $32 on a pack of strings.

Mine's electric, but goodness, I think you need to have some skill to justify spending $32 on a pack of strings.
The optima last at least twice as long as any other $10-15 sets.
So it's not that much of a stretch....
And gold plated strings look good on a strat(yes,they make them for electric as well)...

So while we're on the subject of strings, does anyone care to explain the difference between "Light", "Medium", and I'm guessing there are also "heavy" strings? Sound? How painful they are on fingertips when you're out of practice, et cetera.

Thanks!

So while we're on the subject of strings, does anyone care to explain the difference between "Light", "Medium", and I'm guessing there are also "heavy" strings? Sound? How painful they are on fingertips when you're out of practice, et cetera.

Thanks!
Someone else can correct me if I am wrong, but in my experience the heavier the gauge, the more sound projection (acoustic) you will have. Of course the downside is that they are harder to bend and harder on your fingers. Lighter strings have almost what I would consider a "tinny"-esqe sound but they are much easier to manipulate and are more forgiving of slightly misplaced fingers on the fretboard. This in combination with the body material and shape of your guitar results in a variety of tones.

I tend to go with "custom light", which have lighter-than-usual gauge EAD strings and slightly heavier than usual GBE strings. I find that to be the best of both worlds. I have a standard body Fender acoustic that's over a decade old and pretty beat up, but the full body makes up for the lighter gauge strings and sounds pretty good.

Alex, for as much as strings cost, I would go out and buy a variety of run-of-the-mill gauges and see what works best for you. Then go and buy better quality strings once you find a gauge that you like.

:thumbsup

My 2 cents on strings (I've been playing for 28 years, now):

- For acoustic, I recommend anything with phosphor bronze winding for best sound; I like Elixir, but there are a lot of good choices. Just be prepared to spend $15 to $20 minimum for anything worth having.

- For electric, bronze is okay, but nickel-wound works better. Again, lots of good choices. Ernie Ball and Fender have good sets.

- Lighter gauge means the strings play faster and will take bending, etc. more easily. Heavier can get you a boomier sound. Medium is, of course, a compromise. Which is best depends on your style.

- If you're willing to spend a little more, it can be worth experimenting with mixing weights to get the exact feel you want. I do this with my 12-string. Kind of spendy, but the sound can't be beat with ready-made sets.

Anyway, if you're not a pro (as I was) don't worry too much about it. Find a set you like and stick with that maker. Keep your hands, strings and fretboard clean, and you won't have to change very often.

My 2 cents on strings (I've been playing for 28 years, now):

- For acoustic, I recommend anything with phosphor bronze winding for best sound; I like Elixir, but there are a lot of good choices. Just be prepared to spend $15 to $20 minimum for anything worth having.

- For electric, bronze is okay, but nickel-wound works better. Again, lots of good choices. Ernie Ball and Fender have good sets.
Anyway, if you're not a pro (as I was) don't worry too much about it. Find a set you like and stick with that maker. Keep your hands, strings and fretboard clean, and you won't have to change very often.
+1

I use Ernie Ball Slinkys on the electric and typically Martin Phosphor Bronze on my acoustics. I'm not that picky though, I'll play anything, lol.

I have an acoustic fusion trio with my dad called "Sundad". Kind of along the lines of John McLaughlin, Paco Delucia type stuff. We have a CD out and another on the way in January. You can check it out at www.sundad.com (http://www.sundad.com)
We actually have a gig in January with one of my dad's (and mine) guitar heroes, John Abercrombie...

Also I play lead electric guitar for a girl named Laura Delallo www.lauradelallo.com (http://www.lauradelallo.com)
But I'm phasing that out... with 2 kids and a fulltime job it's hard enough keeping up with the acoustic stuff with my dad.

I think guitar strings are like golf balls... unless you're a pro, the brand isn't going to make much of a difference. It comes down to what you feel most comfortable with.

(This coming from a guy who plays Elixirs and Titleist - is a mediocre guitar player and not much better at golf... :lol: )

I think guitar strings are like golf balls... unless you're a pro, the brand isn't going to make much of a difference. It comes down to what you feel most comfortable with.

(This coming from a guy who plays Elixirs and Titleist - is a mediocre guitar player and not much better at golf... :lol: )
I have a love hate with the Elixirs. I like that the strings last(and they do last pretty well), but I hate the way the coating flakes off... it's better with the nanowebs but it still bugs me a bit. I still use them sometimes though. They are my dad's string of choice. For sound and feel I really like the Martin Phosphor Bronze on my acoustics. A little lighter fluid in a rag every couple of weeks goes a long way towards making them last. I've used EB Slinkys on my electrics for as long as I can remember. I don't stay with a set size because I have a bunch of guitars, and depending on the fretboard radius, fret size, etc I'll use anywhere from 10's - 12's on the electric. Typically I'll always use 12's on the acoustic.

Man I love to play... My favorite thing to do.

Very informative. Thanks guys.