Rudi

Mike, You paint a stark picture of the seedy side of capitalism. When I visited the US in my 20's I had medical insurance. I got sick in San Fransisco but could not pay in advance as I had hardly any money. This meant no treatment. To really rub salt into the wounds, the nurse was British who had moved to the US because she said that "the UK National Health Service doesn't work". I suppose she meant that she didnt get paid enough. I was lucky. I got better. Only rich people love money. Good luck my friend.

I didnt mind the push-pulls so much as the independent vol & tone knobs. This became a problem at the Jazz Band debut gig, whenever I was trying to turn volume down using the wrong knob on the Coupe. It was Simon that suggested that the push pulls might not 'last' as long as a dedicated switch/knob control. I called titled our e-mails 'pigs ear to silk purse'. He kept the guitar so long I wondered if he'd had an accident & didnt want to tell me!

Finally after 5 and a 1/2 months I have the Deuce back from luthier. He's a great luthier but hell, have I missed that guitar. So it now has USA switchcraft switch and jack socket. I asked him to look for a few more thou action improvement. He did some fret levelling and found them. It played well before, but its even better now, The biggest change is in controls. The push pull control (coil taps) has been removed. Two of the knobs now operate the coil splits. One for each pup. The remaining 2 knobs are now master vol & master tone. A much better arrangement than the former Gibson style circuit. God it sounds good!

First Cut is the Deepest - PP Arnold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo__EIXzAco BTW I thought Billy Idol was black Or was I thinking of Billy Ocean? Billy Cobham?

Black Betty - Ram Jam

Just a minute... they were the pioneering shred band ! What the matter with our video screen links?

I thought you'ld got the car from a relative? but if a garage are covering you that's good. I think you are maintaining a good approach. Getting out, spreading yourself wide.

I see. I've just ordered a set of trad style Strat pickups + pots+cap+knobs etc all pre-wired (I'm such a wuss where wiring is concerned, I find it bewilderin) for my Washburn. I'll have to remove or mod the supplied pickguard and alter the washburn too, but at least I should get the sound I want. Meanwhile, I can continue to fret dress the washburn finally get rid of the noisy old electric components in there.

Room Full Of Mirrors - Pretenders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhuN6_1OmEw VIDEO DISPLAY NOT WORKIN.......

I am going with your suggestion. You are right about that 1st rush of enthusiasm.

The JX17? It doesnt seem that long ago... I'm surprised that you'd replace the Fender pickups Mike. I am looking for ways of getting a Fender sound without buying one.

Ry Cooder Bob Fripp

Nice groove. Interesting tech. Fine hat.

Excellent contributions! Looks like its just thee 'n me for now though. Michael Chapman: He informed my earliest acoustic playing in 1970 Sorry if this is too dark, but he's kind of like that often

Great you managed to get a car. Yes, it widens horizons. Sounds like it still an uphill struggle, but at least to are ascending, all be it slowly.

https://www.facebook.com/StylesMusicPomona/videos/10153352968348859/?fref=nf This film footage has been used a lot (Hitler's Trip to Yorkshire is one good one) This is good one for guitarists.

Favourite Acoustic Guitarists - with Music! also can we stick with one example per post? long lists are too much to take in. I'll start with one of my prime influences. Bert Jansch with unaccompanied instrumental Chambertin

Everybody wants to rule the world - Tears for Fears

challenge. what does this have to do with Joni & 'Me & my Uncle' mate? Is it that you and your uncle both have hearts?

Me & My Uncle - Joni Mitchell

I never had a lesson & don’t read. It’s never been a problem. The only time it ever could be is if you apply for a pro-gig job where sight reading is essential. I’ve played with people who read and learned bits & pieces from them along the way. That’s the way good musical collaboration should work. It’s more a case of getting on with people than what you know. Most everybody in bands though, just busk. In my main band, I probably know more chords & theory, but in the band I recently joined I am the only non-reader. Now one of them is a music teacher, another is a music student, and the others all rely on written music in practice and on gigs. They won’t play without the music in front of them. I made it clear to them from the outset that I learn & play by ear. They asked me to join despite this and I am accepted fully. They do work differently of course, but it is not a problem. At practice they call across to each other “what have you got for bar 62?” (comparing chords & charts) or similar. On the other hand the singer in my main band knows just a few basic guitar chords (only uses a guitar as an aid to song writing – not performance), and I get satisfaction helping him to realise his song ideas. I try to be encouraging to those who know less. So it doesn’t matter what level you are or even how much you know. What does work is a mutual desire to make music together. With that, all barriers drop. If you are unlucky enough to find an ***hole to work with, you may need to look further, but such people are few & far between in my 45 years of experience. Jump in & go for it I say.

Great idea. A bit tech heavy for a simpleton like me. Post up when you get it.

Favourite Chicago Blues style players from each side of the pond Peter Green Mike Bloomfield

Thunderbuck Ram - Mott the Hoople

Its a setback. Steve's playing suffers because of his work carpet fitting. His hands are a mass of caluses. I struggle because of the worsening osteoarthritis in my thumbs. Pain is now informing my technique. Don't let it stop you.