NGD - Tal Farlow from 1997

[Fred Archtop]

Hey jazzers,

I’ve been dreaming of a Gibson Tal Farlow for years, and I finally pulled the trigger thanks to forum member Larry, who kindly passed this beauty on to a new home.

After a couple of weeks with it, I can say it’s a truly wonderful instrument — very responsive, equally great when played soft or hard.

Here's a short demo of it.

Hope you enjoy the sound as much as I do!

Cheers.

[Rob MacKillop]

Beautiful playing, as always, Fred. The guitar sounds great, really clear and even across the strings. It looks to be in excellent condition too. Glad you found each other!

[nyc chaz]

Enjoy my friend.Can't beat a Tal for that classic jazz tone.Mine will be going to the grave with me.One of the most easy playing guitars ever made.

[Gitterbug]

Sounds like a top jazz guitar (and guitarist.) How would you rate the Tal vs. your other treasures?

[wintermoon]

Cool kerchief...check
Cool socks...check
Cool tune...check
Cool guitar...check
Cool player...check!

[Mick-7]

Going where the sun keeps shining in the poring rain and the guitars suit my clothes....

"Cool socks... check"

I may have to disagree on that one, sir.

[vinnyv1k]

Congrats Fred! They are fabulous guitars. I will never sell mine.

[Fred Archtop]

Thanks friends for your support and for sharing my enthousiasm.

As for Gitterbug question, the Tal is a very special bird, with a pretty unique voice in the Gibson Archtop family. The closest acoustic sound I have in my herd is my 175CC, both laminated and equipped with an ABR1 bridge. There is this similar « ping », bell-like attack and same type of resonance once the note is played. But the Tal has a mellower sound, probably due to the 17-inches size. When plugged to an amp, the Tal is quite unique.

Also, what surprised me is that it’s a « nervous » guitar. There is this type of response when you play, kinda slap in your face that I don’t feel with my other historical Gibsons or more modern ones like my 1996 L5CES or 1989 L4CES, both build around the same period.

It’s really a great axe.

Cheers.

[omphalopsychos]

Very nice Fred. Great sound and playing.

[Gitterbug]

What (else) is wrong with me? I have a pristine 2011 Tal reissue I can't bond with. Thought I did a service rescuing it from somebody who tried to make a Les Paul out of it, replacing the original pickups with some Gibson T-tops. The originals are back now, but to not much avail. The top two strings are still sitar-y unless the trebles are rolled down some. For an archtop, the guitar is uncharacteristically heavy and rigid, indeed an archtop LP. Haven't gigged with it, to preserve the status. All the case candy suggests it isn't a fake.

[58flame]

Sounds good to me.

[2bornot2bop]

Nothing like a new to you archtop in your hands Fred. We’re all simply voyeurs along for the ride. Your playing is absolutely superb!

[guildx500]

Sounds very good to me.

[Max405]

My man Freddy!
I saw the video on YouTube and posted a “love note” there. You and the guitar are incredible.
The Gibson Tal Farlow is a very special guitar. It’s heavy. It’s like a bank vault on your lap. It sometimes rattles. But it rewards a good player ALL THE TIME with an unmatched sound and playing experience. Vinny once told me he thought my Tals sounded better than all other guitars on my videos. I have to agree with him. The large laminated body makes beautiful recorded music.
I tell this story all the time. I did an open mic night at Sam Ash. Played Mr Magic for what seemed to be hours.. The Tal I played that night was a tight new guitar when I started —. and a played in, acoustically vibrant, opened up guitar at the end of the night.
I played the guitar the next morning and it was still opened up. A vastly different instrument. Funny thing.. I hung it back in the wall case and didn’t play it for a couple weeks. Next time I played it, it closed back up again! Tight. Acoustically anemic yet amazingly capable when plugged in.
I wish I still had a Tal. Just like I wish I could play like you Freddy. And Tal for that matter..
Joe D
PS.. I miss Neatomic and C74k.

[wintermoon]

"PS.. I miss Neatomic and C74k."

I hear you Joe

[Sleeko]

The Creme Brulee of archtops. A visual and sonic treat for the eyes and ears. Best of luck with it, great socks too!

[Sigmund451]

Lovely new baby and it definitely stands out in a crowd. Sounds amazing...enjoy!

[Woody Sound]

Wonderful in all ways. Playing, tone, and a great burst color! It's cool when these great pieces move within "the family."

[Stringswinger]

Fred, you make all of them sound great. May this one inspire your playing for many years to come!

[Fred Archtop]

Dear jazzers,

Thanks so much for your invaluable support! Max/Joey sure knows how to find the right words when it comes to this axe! Great story you've told here!


Lately, I’ve been playing more and more with my thumb—it really brings out the smooth side of the Tal. Here’s a video where I’m thumbing the Tal.

Cheers.

Fred.

[Max405]

Freddy,
That is the quintessential Jazz sound right there buddy.
It is so refreshing to see videos being posted here once again by our esteemed members.
I need to listen to your videos over and over. They teach me what Jazz playing is supposed to sound like. It’s not about how many notes one can cram into a measure. It’s about the right amount of notes that fit correctly.
Beautiful video Fred. And the Tal sounds incredible. The perfect Jazz guitar sound. Thanks for the inspiration. Always.
Joe D

[neuroscan]

Hello, my own 1998 Tal Farlow says hello! Same finish, same sound. Unplugged the sound is quite disappointing, plugged in it immediately gets the classic jazz tone, through about any amp.