My girls

fordfanjpn · #1 01-02-2011, 10:51 PM

I've been wanting to get all my hollow and semi-hollow guitars together for a group shot, and I finally mustered up the energy today. So here they are, my harem. Now I just need to learn how to play!

Anybody else want to start off the year with a pic of your guitars?

Bill

cosmic gumbo · #2 01-02-2011, 11:41 PM

If you can't play, then do you run a guitar museum?

fordfanjpn · #3 01-02-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

If you can't play, then do you run a guitar museum?

That might be a good idea! Actually, I play a bit, but these days only at jam sessions or sitting in with friends' bands.

Bill

RonD · #4 01-03-2011, 12:03 AM

Beautiful!

fordfanjpn · #5 01-03-2011, 12:05 AM

Thanks Ron.

M-ster · #6 01-03-2011, 12:17 AM

Dang, Bill. Those are beautiful. Was the guitar on the far left previously an ES-345? Looks like you had the tone dial switch thing removed.

fordfanjpn · #7 01-03-2011, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-ster

Dang, Bill. Those are beautiful. Was the guitar on the far left previously an ES-345? Looks like you had the tone dial switch thing removed.

Thanks. Yes, the one on the left is a '59 ES-345 with the Varitone removed. It was gone when I got the guitar. It's a player but it's a nice guitar.

Dad3353 · #8 01-03-2011, 06:35 AM

I like the Marshall half-stack in the background...

Tom Karol · #9 01-03-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dad3353

I like the Marshall half-stack in the background...

Yeah, that's a lovely assemblage! But I was going to say, umm, I think you need a bigger amp

! Here's my (much more modest) stable:

spiral · #10 01-03-2011, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Yeah, that's a lovely assemblage! But I was going to say, umm, I think you need a bigger amp

! Here's my (much more modest) stable:

That acoustic Crafter looks really interesting. Does it have an arched top? Does it sound like an acoustic archtop or a blend? Seems cool.

Elias Graves · #11 01-03-2011, 09:11 AM

Nice collection. Thanks for sharing.

EG

Tom Karol · #12 01-03-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

That acoustic Crafter looks really interesting. Does it have an arched top? Does it sound like an acoustic archtop or a blend? Seems cool.

Thanks - it is cool! People think that it's a Taylor T5 clone, but it's not. It's actually built like an archtop semi-hollow but with an acoustic-style bridge. It has a Kent Armstrong single-coil lipstick pu in the neck position and a piezo under the bridge saddle. There's an LRBaggs active preamp with volume knob, bass, middle, treble (+/- 12 db each), and pu-blend sliders, and phase and mute switches. It's very versatile. I find with the blend slider about 3/4 of the way towards the mag pickup side it gets a very nice jazz archtop sonority. They come in a few different solid-top varieties. Mine is Andes Rosewood; back (not arched) is non-descript mahoghany. I got it new for just over $600 including HSC! They're made in S. Korea.

spiral · #13 01-03-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Thanks - it is cool! People think that it's a Taylor T5 clone, but it's not. It's actually built like an archtop semi-hollow but with an acoustic-style bridge. It has a Kent Armstrong single-coil lipstick pu in the neck position and a piezo under the bridge saddle. There's an LRBaggs active preamp with volume knob, bass, middle, treble (+/- 12 db each), and pu-blend sliders, and phase and mute switches. It's very versatile. I find with the blend slider about 3/4 of the way towards the mag pickup side it gets a very nice jazz archtop sonority. They come in a few different solid-top varieties. Mine is Andes Rosewood; back (not arched) is non-descript mahoghany. I got it new for just over $600 including HSC! They're made in S. Korea.

Extremely interesting. Seems very versatile. I looked through all of their models and while i don't like dreadnaughts, i fell in love with this:

BTW @Ford: glad to see you have the Silvertone / Harmony love going on. As long as they stay together, they are great guitars. I still own 2 Harmony guitars and the sound is awesome.

hot ford coupe · #14 01-03-2011, 10:45 AM

Ahhh. A harem of truly epic proportion.

mr. beaumont · #15 01-03-2011, 11:23 AM

Obviously another cat who's caught on to the "If I keep buying sunbursts with F-holes, she'll never notice a new one in the house" plan.

Beautiful--a nice mix of high end and budget vintage boxes...An nicer old Kay, Harmony or Silvertone in good condition can be a great player...I like the fact that most folks don't know that.

What's that? None of you read that. Look away, there's nothing to see here.

jazzguyfromnc · #16 01-03-2011, 11:51 AM

*drool*

fordfanjpn · #17 01-03-2011, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Thanks - it is cool! People think that it's a Taylor T5 clone, but it's not. It's actually built like an archtop semi-hollow but with an acoustic-style bridge. It has a Kent Armstrong single-coil lipstick pu in the neck position and a piezo under the bridge saddle. There's an LRBaggs active preamp with volume knob, bass, middle, treble (+/- 12 db each), and pu-blend sliders, and phase and mute switches. It's very versatile. I find with the blend slider about 3/4 of the way towards the mag pickup side it gets a very nice jazz archtop sonority. They come in a few different solid-top varieties. Mine is Andes Rosewood; back (not arched) is non-descript mahoghany. I got it new for just over $600 including HSC! They're made in S. Korea.

This is just what I needed, a reason to buy another guitar!

What is the neck like on that Crafter? Please tell me it's a skinny little pencil neck, so I can forget about it and not add still another guitar to the collection.

Bill

fordfanjpn · #18 01-03-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

BTW @Ford: glad to see you have the Silvertone / Harmony love going on. As long as they stay together, they are great guitars. I still own 2 Harmony guitars and the sound is awesome.

A friend of mine got me hooked on the Silvertones and Harmonys. All of mine are in good shape now, although they did need some work. The sunburst H62 was in the worst shape when I got it and required having the neck reset, the fingerboard reattached, the frets and nut replaced, and a few small body cracks mended. It turned out great though so it was worth it.

Bill

fordfanjpn · #19 01-03-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Obviously another cat who's caught on to the "If I keep buying sunbursts with F-holes, she'll never notice a new one in the house" plan.

Beautiful--a nice mix of high end and budget vintage boxes...An nicer old Kay, Harmony or Silvertone in good condition can be a great player...I like the fact that most folks don't know that.

What's that? None of you read that. Look away, there's nothing to see here.

Unfortunately my wife is rather knowledgeable about guitars, so the idea of sneaking another one in doesn't really work. In fact, the 1950 ES-175 was a Christmas present from her. I think she's a keeper - the wife and the guitar!

Bill

Tom Karol · #20 01-03-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordfanjpn

What is the neck like on that Crafter? Please tell me it's a skinny little pencil neck, so I can forget about it and not add still another guitar to the collection.

Sorry, the necks on both my Crafters are great - sort of 50's Gibson-like. They both have a 25.5" scale, a 1 11/16" nut width, a 10-12" fingerboard radius (I'm guessing), and narrow-but-slightly-taller-than-vintage frets. I did spend $40 after each purchase to have the fret-ends smoothed and the nut slots deepened - well worth it - but that's all. Comes with 11's with a plain 3rd; I use D'Aquisto #340 nickel-steel roundwounds on all 3 electrics.

Now back to the original post: Yes, I love those old Harmonys too!

fordfanjpn · #21 01-03-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Sorry, the necks on both my Crafters are great - sort of 50's Gibson-like. They both have a 25.5" scale, a 1 11/16" nut width, a 10-12" fingerboard radius (I'm guessing), and narrow-but-slightly-taller-than-vintage frets. I did spend $40 after each purchase to have the fret-ends smoothed and the nut slots deepened - well worth it - but that's all. Comes with 11's with a plain 3rd; I use D'Aquisto #340 nickel-steel roundwounds on all 3 electrics.

Now back to the original post: Yes, I love those old Harmonys too!

I really didn't want to hear that! The 50's Gibson necks are my favorites. So I guess this means I'll be off to the guitar store to check out some Crafters. Somehow I don't think the wife is going to like this idea.

Bill

Scotto · #22 01-03-2011, 11:22 PM

Very cool... do you have a favorite?

fordfanjpn · #23 01-04-2011, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotto

Very cool... do you have a favorite?

Right now I'm alternating between the sunburst H62 and the 1950 ES-175. But if there was a fire and I could only save one guitar, it would be the 175.

Bill

hot ford coupe · #24 01-04-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordfanjpn

Unfortunately my wife is rather knowledgeable about guitars, so the idea of sneaking another one in doesn't really work. In fact, the 1950 ES-175 was a Christmas present from her. I think she's a keeper - the wife and the guitar!

Bill

You better believe she's a keeper. You can't afford to mess up with her. My wife was instrumental (pun intended) in helping me buy my 39 D'Angelico Excel. Out of the ones I tried, she liked the one I bought the best. She picked it. Another keeper.

Little Jay · #25 01-04-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordfanjpn

That might be a good idea! Actually, I play a bit, but these days only at jam sessions or sitting in with friends' bands.

Bill

Those who can pay 'em can't play 'em and vice versa....

I'm just being silly, I have never heared you play, so I can't comment on it. And it's a bit of jealousy too, you have a realy nice collection!

I especially like the ES175 with the P90, gotta have one of those one day. Also the Harmonies and Black Espanada's have a lot of mojo!

fws6 · #26 01-04-2011, 05:21 PM

>Those who can pay 'em can't play 'em and vice versa....

You always hear this notion about guitars; and that you have to play at a "certain level" in order to have a (few) nice guitars.

I'd say if you like music and guitars, and you have the opportunity to buy what you like, go for it. As long as you enjoy them it doesnt matter what you're playing skills are. It is not that there is a guitar shortage out there, there will be plenty nice ones left for others. Life is short so enjoy while you can.

And you never hear this argument in other aspects of life. No body would argue that you have to have better driving skills in order to qualify to buy a Mercedes. If you like the car, and have the money, you get one. "I am sorry sir, but I cannot sell you this Mercedes unless your driving skills improve".

woyvel · #27 01-04-2011, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordfanjpn

Unfortunately my wife is rather knowledgeable about guitars, so the idea of sneaking another one in doesn't really work. In fact, the 1950 ES-175 was a Christmas present from her.

Rather knowledgeable AND she bought you an ES-175? Heck, if my wife cared one bit about guitars and got me a $99 Epi LP Jr. as a Christmas present I wouldn't believe it.

fordfanjpn · #28 01-05-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot ford coupe

You better believe she's a keeper. You can't afford to mess up with her. My wife was instrumental (pun intended) in helping me buy my 39 D'Angelico Excel. Out of the ones I tried, she liked the one I bought the best. She picked it. Another keeper.

Congrats to you too! Isn't it nice when our significant others understand our obsession with guitars and even contribute to satisfying our GAS! It seems we have both done well. How about a pic of that Excel!

Bill

fordfanjpn · #29 01-05-2011, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woyvel

Rather knowledgeable AND she bought you an ES-175? Heck, if my wife cared one bit about guitars and got me a $99 Epi LP Jr. as a Christmas present I wouldn't believe it.

I am a very lucky guy, no doubt about it. Maybe your wife will develop an interest later on. It did take my wife a while to get interested enough to learn a bit about guitars and actively participate in acquiring my little collection. You never know.

Bill

fordfanjpn · #30 01-05-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Jay

Those who can pay 'em can't play 'em and vice versa....

I'm just being silly, I have never heared you play, so I can't comment on it. And it's a bit of jealousy too, you have a realy nice collection!

I especially like the ES175 with the P90, gotta have one of those one day. Also the Harmonies and Black Espanada's have a lot of mojo!

I have admittedly been very lucky in being able to collect a few pieces that I really like and can actually take out and use. But oddly enough, I still get jealous of the guys that have one guitar that they've played forever and can play the crap out of. I can't help but wonder if I spent less time obsessing over GAS and more time practicing, how much better would I be now!

Bill