Any guitar players on TW?

I'm sure i've said this before, I'm going to try like hell to pick up a guitar in 2023 (like literally pick one up). I haven't touched one other than moving it from one location to another in about 5 years, I can't imagine the amount of technique and just knowledge i've lost in that time. I'm for sure starting over from scratch.

 

You are not the only one. I have a really pretty Epiphone Les Paul I spent good money on and it has sat most of the last year sitting in it's stand. After the holiday madness is over, I plan on picking it up.

 

Been there, done that...but I've gone 10 yrs before.

Started back up during the pandemic/retirement then stopped for a year again. Recently (last 3 months) picked it up in earnest again and been dedicating about 5 hours per week. The drums are coming back into the equation and learning harmonica as well.

Shit ebbs and flows, but it's alot like riding a bike, it comes back quickly...muscle memory and all.

Grab it for 15 mins and bang on it...do that for a couple days, then you'll be blowing out 15 mins every time.

 

@Sloweburn dood...yo

 

i need to find some exercises to get the basics back. That would be good time spent, 15 minutes a day at first I think.

 

Pentatonic scales, open chords...either trim off 15 mins from the shitter...or take it to the shitter with you.


Great acoustics in the bathroom

 

And not to mention, you can accompany your playing with bass notes and a kick drum!

 

I am also working on Harmonica. My dog starts howling wune I play it's kinda funny. Not sure what she is thinking when she hears it.

 

Snagged this off of C-List this passed week.
I figured at the price, why not give it a shot to see what all the hype regarding the Harley Bentons was about. I am actually really really impressed with this. My first P90 (WOW!) Being fair, there are a few very small issues that do not affect sound or playability. These are expected from a lower price point guitar. A few small gritty spots on the otherwise super slick satin neck.(very minor) Tuners are weak and slightly stiff. They are the only item I feel compelled to upgrade. Had it for about a week now, and hours of smiles have been had. I am quite surprised and impressed by this. Just throwing it out, if anyone was curious.

 

how do you like the p90? I was pretty happy when I first used one. My favorite pickup now. Nice guitar buddy!

 

I cannot believe I have been playing as long as I have and have never played a p90. I am floored! It sounds spectacular. Very easy with this to get the volume roll off to clean and bright, then to a great punchy crunch when dimed. They may just be climbing to the top of the P/U preference. Awesome!

 

for comparison, I stopped by my local MS and they have a Gibson LP Special DC on consignment there. Basically the Gibby that this is a knock off of but with (2) p90's. the asking was 950$ I didnt even plug it in. I ran my hand up and down the edges of the fretboard and it would nearly cut you they were so sharp. the HB Frets are glassy smooth on the ends and no sprout whatsoever. Bottom E intonation on the HB is about a 1/2 step sharp, but all other strings are dead nut. I will have to tweak it a bit since that saddle is bottomed out presently, but the adjustment is there to do so with the rear jack screws on the wraparound bridge.

 

I have heard that Gibson's can have QC issues, but I have no experience with them. That one with the p90s has always interested me though.

 

agreed. I am fairly certain they are likely using higher quality wood blanks. (giving the benefit of the doubt) However, I am not of the mindset that there is a nearly 800$ uptick in Wood and overall tone. If I have to spend additional funds or time to dress the frets on the Gibson, it is just another reason to save with the HB. I'm not a studio or session player. I could not justify the difference in price for a name and a near indistinguishable difference in tone. 2bills and a relaxing roadtrip was well worth it to me.

 

Gibson QC has indeed been quite inconsistent it seems lately (well, maybe for a while now). There are of course still excellent ones out there, but you have to hunt a little, or pay the even higher premium for something that came out of the custom shop. Most of that upcharge is just riding off the legacy of the brand; though a chunk also comes from typically higher end hardware and of course the higher US labor costs.

Have always heard the Harley Benton's were excellent quality for the value; and always loved that P90 growl. Shoot, I feel like I need to add another P90 guit to my wall now, lol.

 

I have seen too many rave reviews not to look in to it, although with skepticism.
Upon inspection, it seems you can basically get any classic guitar style from Fen/Gib/PRS/ and even a Brian May custom model. they are all at a fraction of the cost of the original. I have also started to see certain channels on YT are starting to "boycott" HB. "their stealing intellectual property" they say. I say, is it that, or are they sort of bringing to light the exorbitantly overpriced offerings by the big companies. I do not have a problem paying more for quality IN PRACTICE, but not by reputation. I have always said it doesnt take a massive amount to make a great guitar. there is an ideal point that cannot be extended beyond. Once that point has been reached, then higher cost components and figured tops and little pretties can add "cost value" but almost never make it a better guitar. I think HB is starting to hone in on that aspect in price and build. Sure, you have a good chance of getting a dud as with any inexpensive brand. However, a true inexpensive gem is a high likelyhood. Or you could take a chance on dropping 2-3k on something that is supposed to be the best and have a high likelihood of having to do work to it and pay more. If I bought 2k worth of Harley Benton, I would very likely have at least 6 great guitars. they will undoubtedly have no increase in value in the future, but with things the way they are right now, I dont see that as an issue. Even my Gibson may be firewood before too long, if things keep going the way they are hahahaha.
They have a Les Paul GoldTop with soapbar p90's for like 150$ its crazy!! Their Cabs are getting pretty good marks too.

sidnote: if anyone has any interest, you can order up to (4) on the same shipping charge from Thomann. (approx 75$). after 4 charge goes up. they use the same box for (2) as for (1) to ship, so getting a buddy and getting multiples of (2) makes more sense for ship safety, since they come from Germany, less chance of sliding around in the box. Reverb has opened a "store" that you can order through, but it uses the same shipping charge, and I believe it is per item.

 

I got the special privilege of hanging out with Johnny Hiland and Rod Riley on New Year's Eve. Quite a treat to get to talk with and listen to a couple of Nashville heavyweight sluggers!

 

Ahhh, you take the Fiero v Ferrari position....alot of truth in your argument...ALOT

but you always wanna be seen in a Ferrari...

 

Not to make this turn into a guitar video posting thread, but the recent discussion of P90's spurred this one. Ariel Posen is a monster guitar player and just posted a new video with his Fender and P90s. The tone of the guitar and pedal setup is brutal:

 

It's that tone, I call it the dirty blues tone, that I love.