ezbass

It's never appealed, don't know why. A baritone ukulele, on the other hand, always has me thinking.

New guitar day thread here Sorry to disappoint those who wanted me to buy the Yamaha.

Having been beset with dreadnought GAS for quite a while, I delved into what I actually wanted despite being wowed by a Yamaha trans-acoustic . It had to be 24.75” scale for comfort, mahogany back and sides for that nice midrange (I have a rosewood folk sized guitar for that deeper tone, very much suited to fingerstyle) and sound good of course. Research led me to the ‘inspired by Gibson’ range by Epiphone. These are built from solid woods, more attention detail and a very thin, semi-gloss finish. The two in the running were the J45 and Hummingbird. I trotted off to Dundee with the two acoustics I already own for comparison (no point buying something that does the same as you already have), pretty sure that it would be the Hummingbird, which I’d gleaned from the YouTube videos I’d watched. I started with the J45 and was immediately mightily impressed, it knocked spots off my run of the mill Epi EJ200 and I thought I may have been hasty in my preconceptions. Then I played the Hummingbird, within one strum I knew that this was what I was looking for. It had the same playability as the J45, combined with a wonderful, vibrating feedback from the back of the guitar, but with a really sonorous low end lacking in the J45 (which is designed not have this apparently). I played a few things on it and compared it to the EJ200 and my Simon & Patrick Rosewood Folk Pro, but it was unnecessary, I was hooked from the get go. Yes, it needs a little setting up and a string change (kudos to Kenny’s for not even blinking when I asked if they’d throw in a set of strings and for their sterling service altogether), but I think we’re going to be very happy together. What’s that I hear you say Very well…

If it had been 24.75” scale length, it would be with me, but it’s Martin 25.5”. I prefer that normal, Gibson scale on an acoustic, the EJ200 was 25.5” and didn’t feel as comfortable as my other hollow box, which is shorter.

I returned to the shop where I tried the Yammy and am on my way home with a new guitar, but not that one or that make. Look out for a NGD.

They are big bastards to be sure! I gigged with my L5 copy once, it was actually OK. If you're looking at semi-acoustics, I'd like to suggest the Epiphone Casino, either the full size or coupé version (I have one of the latter and have owned the former in the past). They're crazy light and, once you've swapped out the pickups (I thoroughly recommend Artec P90s), sound great.

FWIW, I have completed a Musician’s Institute guitar course, but I took it after many years of playing and even then, my tutor often asked me what I wanted to learn and he shoe horned that into the curriculum.

The first song (or at least the first verse) was Teach Your Children by CSNY. I was inspired by them and the lad who introduced me to them (he also played guitar and was über cool in my eyes) to play. When I landed those D (my first chords) G and A changes, I felt amazing (it was only years later I discovered there a nasty Bmin to contend with). So much better than learning something set as a task that you have little interest in. I recently learnt Zeppelin’s The Rain Song and have an arrangement I like as a solo piece, this gives me much joy as it’s a piece I like (I’m sure Lady Ez is a little tired of it though - sucks to be her, I’m still going to play it ).

From a looks perspective, I prefer the AS to the AR. I like their jazz box AGs and the like. Always wanted an ES175 or L5 type box (I actually once had an Antoria L5 alike, but stupidly sold it, as you do).

Semi hollow Ibanez? Colour me intrigued. SynthChat?

I too that there’s a lot of fuss over tight neck pockets. Yes they’re good for stability and alignment, but once set up, as you’ve done, I think it doesn’t effect tone, YMMV. I had a 1963 P Bass that had gaps around the neck heel you could drive a bus around (excuse the hyperbole) and it sounded magnificent.

It's already nice looking, but when you've got that p/g and pickups in, it's going to look ace.

Signed no less. Gook work! I really like the natural finish one.

You do realise that once you sell this, you’ll remember why you wanted it in the first place and have to buy another. I’ll spread the word.

That did occur to me, but didn’t redo it. Thanks, Douglas.

I’ve followed on Basschat the various scams this piece of filth has carried out; how he’s still walking the streets beggars belief.

Classic looks and at that price, hard to beat.

Don't know about you, but I'd have gone for the Ibanez because it looks as cool as a cool thing. The non Strat, Strat would be great for travelling, but I'm not sure about the playing ergonomics.

Nice

Love that ‘80s-tastic, crackle finish.

Frank, you are a legend. What a nice thing to do.

That reveal was very cool.