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I commisioned it from an archtop builder here in Melbourne (Don Alexander).  Built to my specifications.  Ebony appointments, spruce top, figured maple back and sides, binding is figured Tasmanian Blackwood, locking sperzel tuners.  

 

Here's another shot and some of my other toys.

 

archtop_zps074127d1.jpg

 

20130328-DSC_2620_zpsb9d4e0a1.jpg

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Yeah Yamaha nylon string.  I had a Sanchez Flamenco guitar but realised I played in the upper register a lot and the 12 frets to body really bothered me so I got one of these instead.

 

Plus I like the way it looks in a minimalist way.

Edited by tanehy
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Some of the others in the collection.

 

Steinberger Transcale

Rainsong Hybrid WS1000N2

PRS SE Custom Semi-hollow with Harmonic Design Z90 pickups

Bill Moll Working Man's Hero 6 string Archtop with D'Acquisto design

 

I also have a Santa Cruz Model H and a Fender Strat Ultra with Bill Lawrence blade pickups installed

 

20130328-DSC_2621_zpsf2b4e335.jpg

Edited by tanehy
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I commisioned it from an archtop builder here in Melbourne (Don Alexander).  Built to my specifications.  Ebony appointments, spruce top, figured maple back and sides, binding is figured Tasmanian Blackwood, locking sperzel tuners.  

 

Here's another shot and some of my other toys.

 

archtop_zps074127d1.jpg

 

20130328-DSC_2620_zpsb9d4e0a1.jpg

 

What's the one on the right?  Looks a bit like an Ovation Breadwinner that's had it's headstock removed. ;)

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I only have a very cheap acoustic guitar (steel string), have had it for a few years.  I just plain suck at anything musical related (playing).  I try and learn every so often, but end up putting it down in frustration and forgetting about it.  The past few months I've had a friend trying to teach me chords via Skype (she's in Singapore) but I just can't get it to sound right and she winces every time I try lol.  She keeps telling me that I'm not pressing on the strings hard enough, hence the ungodly 'twang' that sounds like nothing she's ever heard lol.  I'm pressing as hard as I can - so hard that a day later I can still see the indents on my fingers ;-)  I have kept telling her that she is fighting a losing battle and that I just suck, but she's insistent that she can teach me how to play guitar.  

 

I'll leave it on this note - I remember my music teacher in year 8 back in '81 telling me (in front of the entire class) "you're the worst music student I've ever had" lol.  She'd been teaching for 15 years at that point of time.  I don't hold a grudge against her, cos she was telling the truth imho.  Some people just are musically inpept!!!

 

You all have very pretty guitars though and my envy!  I'd love to learn and be semi competent, so I can play some of Taylor's tunes.  

 

Dave

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Dave, the cause of your frustration may be that the guitar is so badly set up, it's almost impossible to play.  It would be worth finding a guitar tech and getting some advice.  Spending about $100 to make it play nicely could well open a new world for you.  

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Dave, the cause of your frustration may be that the guitar is so badly set up, it's almost impossible to play.  It would be worth finding a guitar tech and getting some advice.  Spending about $100 to make it play nicely could well open a new world for you.  

 

Whilst this is possible, I doubt that it would make a difference to my musical abilities.  When I have some spare cash and can afford it, I might take the guitar into a local music shop and have them check it out.  It is only a cheap guitar.  Thanks for the suggestion - if that is all it is, then perhaps there's hope for me.

 

Dave

 

edit: I have small hands and stubby fingers and I found it impossible to reach the required parts of the fretboard for an E chord.  I could stretch and handle the C, G, D & A major chords OK, but it was painful (my fingers are very inflexible).  I'm told that this gets easier with practice, as does the pain on the fingers from hold the strings down against the fret.  

Edited by valvelover
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It's only a cheapie.  It's not like a Takamine or Taylor.  Given my lack of musical ability, I simply could not justify spending large sums of money.  I'll try and get a photo of it later on today.  

 

Dave

 

We all started on cheapies.

In fact, I bought a cheapie last year cause some of the warehouse guys at work wanted to learn...............and they had unplayable cheapies!

 

Anyway, they, like a lot of students didn't practice at all so another guy I was teaching bought it for the same price I paid for it! ($140)

Being of Maori descent, he picks up stuff quick.

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It uses 2x 6GW8's in the output, NOS Miniwatts and 2x 12AX7 Sovteks. The Rola is in great shape, I love this little amp. Previously had a Peavey Delta Blues 115 which was great but only ever sounded good LOUD, this is just sweet and beautiful and nasty when you want it to be

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We all started on cheapies.

In fact, I bought a cheapie last year cause some of the warehouse guys at work wanted to learn...............and they had unplayable cheapies!

 

Anyway, they, like a lot of students didn't practice at all so another guy I was teaching bought it for the same price I paid for it! ($140)

Being of Maori descent, he picks up stuff quick.

 

yeah, I have to same I'm guilty of not practicing a lot.  I get frustrated with it and voila...

 

Dave

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It's pretty much ........1 - Remembering the chord patterns and practicing getting all the strings to sound clearly.

 

and 2 - Practicing changing from one chord to another smoothly. (which is the hardest bit)

 

I usually only give students two or three chords at a time...........typically similar ones to start with.

 

Say E and A..........then A and D.

Once they can change between these, I go to G and C........then C and F.

 

Interchanging between that lot can get a few songs played!

There are a lot more but they get easier from there.

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Yeah, my friend told me that the hardest part is the chord changing for a beginner.  She's good, but trying to teach me way to fast.  I'm the type of guy who needs to learn one chord and then practice it for Six months ;-)  rinse and repeat for the rest of the chords (by which time I've probably forgotten the earlier chords lol).  Some people are just musically inept.  I am one of them.  I'm not being negative, I'm being honest with myself.  I know my abilities, or lack thereof  ;-)

 

Dave

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Whilst this is possible, I doubt that it would make a difference to my musical abilities.  When I have some spare cash and can afford it, I might take the guitar into a local music shop and have them check it out.  It is only a cheap guitar.  Thanks for the suggestion - if that is all it is, then perhaps there's hope for me.

 

Dave

 

edit: I have small hands and stubby fingers and I found it impossible to reach the required parts of the fretboard for an E chord.  I could stretch and handle the C, G, D & A major chords OK, but it was painful (my fingers are very inflexible).  I'm told that this gets easier with practice, as does the pain on the fingers from hold the strings down against the fret.  

 

As long as you are having fun and enjoying yourself it doesn't matter.  When I first learned to play it was hours of frustration.  It does get easier... Learn to play songs, it gives a sense of achievement and keeps the process fun :thumb:

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