Guitar players!

[TFEman]

Got a new addition to the stable a couple of months ago. Finally getting around to posting pictures.

 

About a year ago I was talking about having a Carvin PRS-type built, and I pulled the trigger earlier this spring.

 

As for the name on the headstock, the guitar building section of Carvin split off into a separate company this year, and now they're known under the name of Kiesel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin2a_zps8micwpki.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin4a_zps1rerrhvo.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin3_zpsyai04pbr.jpg

So how does it sound and play in comparison to more popular brands

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

Got a new addition to the stable a couple of months ago. Finally getting around to posting pictures.

 

About a year ago I was talking about having a Carvin PRS-type built, and I pulled the trigger earlier this spring.

 

As for the name on the headstock, the guitar building section of Carvin split off into a separate company this year, and now they're known under the name of Kiesel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin2a_zps8micwpki.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin4a_zps1rerrhvo.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin3_zpsyai04pbr.jpg

So how does it sound and play in comparison to more popular brands

 

"More popular brands?" I guess you mean PRS.

 

PRS' workmanship is more intense -- more elaborate bindings and inlays, etc., and their flame maple tops are of a higher grade -- though as you can see, the Kiesel's top is no slouch. Plenty of figure there. Overall fit and finish is top notch.

 

This guitar is definitely brighter-sounding than a PRS -- brighter in a good way, like a punchy Les Paul. PRSs are muddy in the midrange, and Kiesels do not have that problem. This guitar is brighter and punchier than my humbucker-equipped Strat.

 

The neck has stainless steel frets, and the action is LOW. PRSs have a 10" fingerboard radius (slightly flatter than a Strat), and I had this one built with a 14" radius. I much prefer the 14", and the stainless frets are smooth as silk to play on.

[JARG]

Got a new addition to the stable a couple of months ago. Finally getting around to posting pictures.

 

About a year ago I was talking about having a Carvin PRS-type built, and I pulled the trigger earlier this spring.

 

As for the name on the headstock, the guitar building section of Carvin split off into a separate company this year, and now they're known under the name of Kiesel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin2a_zps8micwpki.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin4a_zps1rerrhvo.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin3_zpsyai04pbr.jpg

 

Welcome to the fold. :)

[stoopid]

Got a new addition to the stable a couple of months ago. Finally getting around to posting pictures.

 

About a year ago I was talking about having a Carvin PRS-type built, and I pulled the trigger earlier this spring.

 

As for the name on the headstock, the guitar building section of Carvin split off into a separate company this year, and now they're known under the name of Kiesel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin2a_zps8micwpki.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin4a_zps1rerrhvo.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin3_zpsyai04pbr.jpg

 

Welcome to the fold. :)

 

Livin' On the Crease

 

http://leontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/101113-Aerosmith-Livin-On-The-Edge-560x336.jpg

[thirteen]

Got two new pedals for Christmas - Joyo American Dream and Joyo British Sound.

They are amp simulator pedals, however I have found that they can be used in the effects loop, or in front of the amp.

Both ways sound great.

 

Typically I don't like pedals, preferring the sound and feel of my cranked Fender 68 custom deluxe reverb. But these pedals are amazing and only $AU50.00 each.

 

Also great to keep in the gig bag in your amp fails and you need to run through the PA.

[Blue J]

Bought my first classical guitar today. Kremona Rondo RS...I picked it up just to try it out, and from the first note, it just sang! It's really gorgeous, also. I'm really, really happy with it. :)

 

http://kremona.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47%3Arondo-rs&catid=26%3Athe-artist-series&Itemid=61&lang=en

[The Analog Cub]

It's been some time since I posted a "family picture". In the last 6 months I picked up two new axes, one for free, one was a nice Christmas present.

 

 

From left to right:

BC Rich Mockingbird, 2011

BC Rich Warlock, 2009

(No longer a Squire) Stratocaster, 2016

Ibanez AEG1812II, 2016

 

Pedals:

Big Muff Pi

Marshall Bluesbreaker

Mooer Acoustikar

Joyo Classic Flanger

Donner Yellow Fall Delay

TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb

EHX Neo Clone Chorus

Dunlop Crybaby Wah

 

 

Warlock has been heavily modified since I bought it, with Alnico 496/500T pickups (Gibson Explorer stocks), rewired with extra pots for push/pull, known on the internet as "Jimmy Page wiring". Underwent a bridge swap this year and there's been many other physical improvements (better shielding, bone nut replacement, and more). Easily my main workhorse, despite how much I've always hated the shape.

 

 

The Mockingbird's not played as much as it should be, though it's also gone through some adjustments. Kept in the stock Rockfield Mafia pickups but the same wiring that was done to the Warlock was done here, too.

 

 

I got this for free last summer when a friend moving to NYC couldn't take it with him. Being the terrible person I am, I proceeded to completely gut it. Stock pickups were swapped out for GFS redactive pickups, and they are HOT. I can get some nice Sultans of Swing tones, some gnarly Buddy Guy, or some Division Bell-era Gilmour out of this. Planning on replacing the stock tremolo with a Floyd Rose sometime this year and will look into other improvements. Not entirely fair to call this a Squire anymore.

 

 

Finally got my first 12 string. I don't know much about acoustics but I like the sound of this one.

[Steve Smith]

Zeppelin "Rain Song" is detuned as is "Black hole Sun". I cant be arsed to work out the tuning.

 

Jan Ackerman uses a lot of detuned stuff when he plays live acoustic.

 

Check him out, he is wonderful. Focus were like Deep Purple but better in every way

 

[Steve Smith]

It's been some time since I posted a "family picture". In the last 6 months I picked up two new axes, one for free, one was a nice Christmas present.

 

 

From left to right:

BC Rich Mockingbird, 2011

BC Rich Warlock, 2009

(No longer a Squire) Stratocaster, 2016

Ibanez AEG1812II, 2016

 

Pedals:

Big Muff Pi

Marshall Bluesbreaker

Mooer Acoustikar

Joyo Classic Flanger

Donner Yellow Fall Delay

TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb

EHX Neo Clone Chorus

Dunlop Crybaby Wah

 

 

Warlock has been heavily modified since I bought it, with Alnico 496/500T pickups (Gibson Explorer stocks), rewired with extra pots for push/pull, known on the internet as "Jimmy Page wiring". Underwent a bridge swap this year and there's been many other physical improvements (better shielding, bone nut replacement, and more). Easily my main workhorse, despite how much I've always hated the shape.

 

 

The Mockingbird's not played as much as it should be, though it's also gone through some adjustments. Kept in the stock Rockfield Mafia pickups but the same wiring that was done to the Warlock was done here, too.

 

 

I got this for free last summer when a friend moving to NYC couldn't take it with him. Being the terrible person I am, I proceeded to completely gut it. Stock pickups were swapped out for GFS redactive pickups, and they are HOT. I can get some nice Sultans of Swing tones, some gnarly Buddy Guy, or some Division Bell-era Gilmour out of this. Planning on replacing the stock tremolo with a Floyd Rose sometime this year and will look into other improvements. Not entirely fair to call this a Squire anymore.

 

 

Finally got my first 12 string. I don't know much about acoustics but I like the sound of this one.

 

Nice collection dude

 

Only problem with 12 strings are that they are for strumming as it is very tricky to use right hand finger pick style as the extra stings tend to get in the way unless you have cocktail sticks for fingers.

 

Also those 6 extra strings put a lot of extra tension on the neck. I would advise to use the lightest gauge you can get. I generally tune it down

 

As a Rush fan I will tell you this. The intro to In The End from Fly By Night, Alex played on 12 string acoustic but it was tuned down 2 steps. the song is in D major and if you listen very carefully at the end of the intro the engineer speeded up the tape to match with the main song.

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/20170308_135804_zpssbbcrd7a.jpg

 

Fulltone Mini Deja-Vibe 2.

 

Uni-vibe clone I have wanted since early 2009. I got the smaller one without the treadle. But this is the one I wanted all along.

Edited March 9, 2017 by Maverick

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Pigtronix-RSS-Rototron-Tilt-450x341_zpsyxitvrwv.png

 

Got this a couple of months ago, too. I am a Dark Side of the Moon tone machine!

[TFEman]

I'm gonna do a gear tour/demo with all the new stuff I got. I just got a beautiful Epiphone Les Paul Plustop Pro FX and I'm really happy with my rig right now. I finally got everything to sound the way I want it to.

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

[JARG]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

The left one is a dark/bright switch, and the right one is an on/off buffer switch.

[JARG]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

The left one is a dark/bright switch, and the right one is an on/off buffer switch.

 

Seems like a pretty cool pedal!

 

http://youtu.be/O-71XWcLtmk

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

The left one is a dark/bright switch, and the right one is an on/off buffer switch.

 

Seems like a pretty cool pedal!

 

http://youtu.be/O-71XWcLtmk

One of these days, I'll actually get to take it for a test drive.

[JARG]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

The left one is a dark/bright switch, and the right one is an on/off buffer switch.

 

Seems like a pretty cool pedal!

 

http://youtu.be/O-71XWcLtmk

One of these days, I'll actually get to take it for a test drive.

 

If I get one, will I be as good as the guy in the video?

[Steve Smith]

Pedals are back in fashion now which is good I believe

 

I had loads in the 70's and 80's. I still have a couple of Ibanez tube Screamers and an Ibanez distortion pedal and 5 band graphic EQ.

 

I think the reason they went out of fashion is because it took so much time to wire them all up in a live situation with little jack plugs and batteries and the power plants were fiddly and unreliable. For live work I used a Boss ME6 pedal board from 1992 onwards. Just one power input and it gave me everything. Chorus, Echo, Reverb, EQ, Flanging, Distortion, Overdrive and Noise Reduction.

 

I still have it, a very robust little unit and at the time for live work it was a complete no brainer.

 

Steve

[Maverick]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff508/blackcc/Guitar%20Gear/20170404_183224_zpsc2py7ceu.jpg

 

My newest Overdrive edition, an Earthquaker Devices Palisades OD!

 

That's cool. What do the mini toggles control?

The left one is a dark/bright switch, and the right one is an on/off buffer switch.

 

Seems like a pretty cool pedal!

 

http://youtu.be/O-71XWcLtmk

One of these days, I'll actually get to take it for a test drive.

 

If I get one, will I be as good as the guy in the video?

 

Andy is pretty good, but I think you can be just as good, in your own way.

 

[Maverick]

This is the video that really made me want the Palisades.

 

 

And this was the video that made me want to get it right away.

 

[TFEman]

Just got my Floyd Rose Original 1984 Reissue in the mail. Man, it's already top notch. The block is solid brass and it weighs a TON. I have a Special in my Epi Les Paul Pro/fx which is surprisingly good quality for around $100. The weight difference is kind-of crazy.

[HemiBeers]

Got a new addition to the stable a couple of months ago. Finally getting around to posting pictures.

 

About a year ago I was talking about having a Carvin PRS-type built, and I pulled the trigger earlier this spring.

 

As for the name on the headstock, the guitar building section of Carvin split off into a separate company this year, and now they're known under the name of Kiesel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin2a_zps8micwpki.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin4a_zps1rerrhvo.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/1001001/Guitars/carvin3_zpsyai04pbr.jpg

I came across a youtube a couple of days ago of Joe Walsh lovin on his Carvin.

 

Edited July 19, 2017 by HemiBeers

[ConfuciousBeethoven]

My main guitar is a Signature Oracle. Yes you heard it correctly, a Signature guitar from Alex's short-lived foray into being part owner of a guitar manufacturer back in the late 80's. It's neck-through body design with a dark blue flame maple top over an ash body. The Luthier for the Signatures was a guy in Quebec whose name I never got. The guitar's serial number is NT0957.

 

It originally came with Schaller hardware, including a set of gold plated strings (Fancy!), strap locks and a Fender bridge clone, also by Schaller. After 2 decades of playing and sweat, the bridge hardware started to flake and show its age, so I replaced the corroded bridge hardware with a real Fender floating bridge. I don't play guitar too much anymore. I now find playing bass more satisfying. Working on the theme to Barney Miller...

 

The story of how I wound up with the Signature is as follows.

 

As an aspiring guitar hero back in high school, I had myself a Les Paul "clone" sold in Canada, going by the name of Phoenix ( "clone" in brackets because I have since played actual Les Pauls, and the Phoenix dosen't come remotely close to a Paul, even factoring in the decline of the Les Pauls' wood in the 70's).

 

Anyway, like many of you, I noticed an ad in Guitar Player magazine in the late 80's with Alex Lifeson holding a up a pretty cool looking, futuristic guitar of his own design. Upon further inspection of the ad, I practically shit myself when I saw the address of the company. It was located in Aurora, Ontario. I lived in Aurora Ontario!! Could this be true? Alex Lifeson putters around in a guitar factory 15 minutes from my house!?!

 

I immediately jumped on my bike and rode like a maniac over to Industrial Parkway looking for the address from the magazine. 14 sweaty, heart palpitating minutes later I was lurking around the far end of a small industrial park, trying to see inside an open shipping bay door.

 

Eventually I was spotted by an employee and informed that no, they weren't hiring. I was too freaked out to even mention Alex's name. I headed home, disappointed that an audience with greatness was not in my immediate future.

 

However, about 6 months later later I discovered that my sister's fiance's younger brother Scott had been working in Signature's shipping department and he was about to move on to another job. He put in a recommendation for me and I ended up working in the shipping and receiving department for the 4 month run up to Christmas. Crazy!.

 

During that time, with the owner, Russ Heinl's approval, I also hawked equipment to my high school buddies. Signature was also the licensed distributor of Metaltronics and Trace Elliot amps, wireless radio systems, DOD pedals, and a bunch of other stuff that seriously raised my cool factor at school. However, Shortly after Christmas I was laid off, as the whole venture was being shut down. This was a complete surprise to me. The market realities of a small Canadian boutique guitar manufacturer swept Signature Guitars into the dustbin of history.

 

However, as I was being gently ejected from the premises I asked the owner, Russ if he wanted to sell one of the guitars still hanging in inventory. He was happy to exchange some inventory for cash at that point, so $800 later I walked out into an uncertain future, but somewhat consoled by the fact that I had a skookum guitar for a very good price, and I had met Alex! One day he showed up to meet with Russ (probably about the impending closure) and I got to shake his hand and had him sign the cover of my Presto CD. Wish I still had that. However, the guitar is the real treasure, along with my memories of the elation of being improbably handed a job at a guitar factory owned by the guitarist in my favourite band!

 

One final note: All of you on this forum are most likely aware of what is known as the "Alex Lifeson" chord. But did he invent it? Could someone else in a prog rock band have influenced him? Check out track 5 of the Strawbs' 1973 album "Bursting At The Seams":"Down By The Sea". I believe this song may have inspired Alex. Great album IMHO.

Edited July 12, 2018 by ConfuciousBeethoven

[Lucas]

My main guitar is a Signature Oracle. Yes you heard it correctly, a Signature guitar from Alex's short-lived foray into being part owner of a guitar manufacturer back in the late 80's. It's neck-through body design with a dark blue flame maple top over an ash body. The Luthier for the Signatures was a guy in Quebec whose name I never got. The guitar's serial number is NT0957.

 

It originally came with Schaller hardware, including a set of gold plated strings (Fancy!), strap locks and a Fender bridge clone, also by Schaller. After 2 decades of playing and sweat, the bridge hardware started to flake and show its age, so I replaced the corroded bridge hardware with a real Fender floating bridge. I don't play guitar too much anymore. I now find playing bass more satisfying. Working on the theme to Barney Miller...

 

The story of how I wound up with the Signature is as follows.

 

As an aspiring guitar hero back in high school, I had myself a Les Paul "clone" sold in Canada, going by the name of Phoenix ( "clone" in brackets because I have since played actual Les Pauls, and the Phoenix dosen't come remotely close to a Paul, even factoring in the decline of the Les Pauls' wood in the 70's).

 

Anyway, like many of you, I noticed an ad in Guitar Player magazine in the late 80's with Alex Lifeson holding a up a pretty cool looking, futuristic guitar of his own design. Upon further inspection of the ad, I practically shit myself when I saw the address of the company. It was located in Aurora, Ontario. I lived in Aurora Ontario!! Could this be true? Alex Lifeson putters around in a guitar factory 15 minutes from my house!?!

 

I immediately jumped on my bike and rode like a maniac over to Industrial Parkway looking for the address from the magazine. 14 sweaty, heart palpitating minutes later I was lurking around the far end of a small industrial park, trying to see inside an open shipping bay door.

 

Eventually I was spotted by an employee and informed that no, they weren't hiring. I was too freaked out to even mention Alex's name. I headed home, disappointed that an audience with greatness was not in my immediate future.

 

However, about 6 months later later I discovered that my sister's fiance's younger brother Scott had been working in Signature's shipping department and he was about to move on to another job. He put in a recommendation for me and I ended up working in the shipping and receiving department for the 4 month run up to Christmas. Crazy!.

 

During that time, with the owner, Russ Heinl's approval, I also hawked equipment to my high school buddies. Signature was also the licensed distributor of Metaltronics and Trace Elliot amps, wireless radio systems, DOD pedals, and a bunch of other stuff that seriously raised my cool factor at school. However, Shortly after Christmas I was laid off, as the whole venture was being shut down. This was a complete surprise to me. The market realities of a small Canadian boutique guitar manufacturer swept Signature Guitars into the dustbin of history.

 

However, as I was being gently ejected from the premises I asked the owner, Russ if he wanted to sell one of the guitars still hanging in inventory. He was happy to exchange some inventory for cash at that point, so $800 later I walked out into an uncertain future, but somewhat consoled by the fact that I had a skookum guitar for a very good price, and I had met Alex! One day he showed up to meet with Russ (probably about the impending closure) and I got to shake his hand and had him sign the cover of my Presto CD. Wish I still had that. However, the guitar is the real treasure, along with my memories of the elation of being improbably handed a job at a guitar factory owned by the guitarist in my favourite band!

 

One final note: All of you on this forum are most likely aware of what is known as the "Alex Lifeson" chord. But did he invent it? Could someone else in a prog rock band have influenced him? Check out track 5 of the Strawbs' 1973 album "Bursting At The Seams":"Down By The Sea". I believe this song may have inspired Alex. Great album IMHO.

 

Welcome to the forum CB

 

You mean the "Alex Chord" as in the F#7 sus4 starting at the second fret ( w/ the open E and B ) ??

 

I'm sure Alex listened to The Strawbs ... Down By The Sea sounds a lot like No One At The Bridge ( or vice versa ) -- that same sus chord feel ...

 

Pinball Wizard also has that same feel .... I think the sus chords / the open strings were/are a big thing with acoustic guitarists who needed to take up a lot of space when playing alone ..