Rudi

A Horse With No Name - America

It sound like exploitation is rife

The one (LP) that was delivered to me handles better than the one I tried out in Nevadas. It’s also in newer condition. However, the action was out. The box had been previously opened, and I suspect that the strings had been lowered by someone else. I don’t believe that Gibson would have shipped it like that. I’ve raised the action twice. The neck relief is spot on perfect. I may raise strings just a gnat’s nut more on the bass side, because if I play hard there’s still a tiny buzz. It is slightly lower than my PRS. It should ideally be about the same. The neck surface is very similar to the PRS but a lot chunkier (thick). I certainly didn’t need this guitar but persuaded myself to jump because it’s likely the last opportunity I’d have to get a wide necked Gibson. The discount then made it irresistible. The G-Force is behaving itself so far, though I have seldom needed to use it. I will check the brass nut periodically and will apply to Gibson for a nickel version if ruts appear. They probably will.

Taco Wagon - Dick Dale

Damn Ive had problems adding a picture here. Uploaded twice only for it to disappear. Where? dunno? I hope this photo link works http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/unwise1/media/DSC02513web_zpsdtqpgj2z.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1 I have temporary added a quick recording on my soundcloud VN870014.wma (now at top) of the less+. appologies for the poor quality. A better one has been added now : Blues idea 1

11 o'clock Tick Tock - U2

Someone alerted me to some good reductions for the Less+ on Amazon uk. It was down to 1k. (list was £1,500) so a 33% reduction. Yesterday it dropped again, and this morning it went down to 49%. Then I ordered one. I wouldnt normally buy guitars mail order, especially not a Gibson, but its a good reduction. So if I get a poor one, I'll just return it. Its due to arrive on Saturday. This evening the price has risen again and is now a 45% saving.

I should clarify & correct the Orange amp statement. In the booth I was in was the Orange amp and a Marshall. The Marshall was missing its kettle lead so could not be used. I was in there alone and didnt wish to keep chasing the assistant down every couple of minutes (I had to for the open tuning issue). I could have asked for anything else I suppose, but I had no idea what would suit the LPs so didnt bother. I haven't used a valve amp for 20 years. The last one would have been a Selmer Treble & Bass 50 through a homemade 4 x 12 cab.

In the uk, the sprint run of 2016 speced models are already in stock and available. Many 2015 models are out of stock now in the larger stores. Those remaining are reduced to about 66% of list price.

2015 Les Paul Standard and 2015 Les Plus. Les Paul Standard: Every year the ‘Standard’ is reissued with ‘tweaks’. It’s the ‘regular’ model. Les Paul Less Plus: New for 2015. A much thinner, lighter version. with easier upper fret access. For those unfamiliar with 2015 Gibsons. * 2015 Nashville models (not Memphis ones) feature: · * Robot tuners (battery powered mechanical tuners) · * An adjustable brass nut which incorporates a zero fret · * Extra wide necks · * And a few other bits n bobs too These 2015 changes have been heavily criticised by the very conservative Gibson faithful. In response, Gibson’s 2016 models are now without any of these features (so far anyway). I wanted to give the 2015’s a try while they were still available. Following a quick try (for handling only - unplugged) on Saturday, I returned (to Nevada Music) yesterday for a proper try of both the 2015 LP STD and the LP Less+. Only an unfamiliar Orange amp was available to try the guitars on. At first I tried the Standard. It was in an open tuning and stubbornly remained there until the shop assistant 'assisted it' into concert for me (this is a robot tuner function. Manual tuning would take too long due to the gearing). The G-Force tuners were a bit annoying to be honest, but I told myself it was just because they were unfamiliar. I had to retune every couple of minutes though as the strings seem to ‘slip’ easily. I also asked the tech to add a little relief to the neck as it was straight & the upper frets were buzzing. He returned it properly adjusted. All four knobs have a push pull function. The volumes are coil taps, one tone is phase inversion (for middle PU position just like Peter Green’s classic LP)) and the last one is a cancel-all & return to bridge PU. I struggled to find a usable sound and after 20 minutes gave it up as a bad job. I reasoned that the amp was responsible & regretted not bringing my own amp along. I then tried the Less Plus. I was stunned to find a wonderful tone immediately. The difference was surprising. These are also coil tapped, but with a switch rather than push-pull knobs. The action was a little high for perfect playing, but it was the tone that kept me playing. I reasoned that the sound difference had to be in the Pickups. The STD has Burstbucker Pros installed, and the Less+ has '57 classics. My 339 has ’57 classics but it doesn’t sound like the Less+ at all. The only other small worry was there were indeed ruts worn into the brass zero fret. It was more noticeable on the STD. The assistant was probably right when he suggested it might be due to wear brought about by the G-Force tuners. I tried many string bends close to the nut and only by trying hard was I able to pull the B string out of its 'rut'. When this happened, it was not audible. This brass nut is a great idea, but Gibson used too soft a metal. They have replaced some with chromed versions (when asked). The tuners are replaceable, but who wants to buy an expensive guitar only to chop it about again? I may return next week with my own rig. If so, that will be next Monday. The wider necks on both were excellent & I would hope that the wider neck option will be available in at least some model after this year.

I Wish I Knew How It would Feel To BE Free – Cold Blood

It was a bit scarey when it happened to me. I got over it within a couple of months. Your circumstances are different, and it might be due to a number of things. You have a lot going on. One thing I notice now is that I cannot mix creative pursuits. So if my head is into photography, the music has to go on hold.

umm.. I must've missed something...?

Forever Young - Neil Young & the Grateful Dead

How many guitarists does it take to change a lightbulb? Seven. One to change the lightbulb, and six to say "I can do that".

10 to 11 hour days is a lot. I do 11 to 12 hour shifts, but only work 4 days a week. Also, everything over 9 1/4 hrs is overtime for me. I imagine you are doing 5 or 6 days a week?

Tennessee Stud – Doc Watson & Jack Lawrence

Sweet stuff TC. I will try some out.

Fast Car - Tracy Chapman

I'm having nightmares about 'members' in mankinis now.

I'm getting more used to it and starting to like it. The icons on the text/format bar are a little different, but better. Everything seems faster too.

Hi Jimmy, Come back & visit again!

Postcard From A Dream - Poi Dog Pondering

We understand them ok. They need constant reassurance that they really are more important then everybody else.

WISH ME LUCK (AS YOU WAVE ME GOODBYE) - Laura Wright +