“Mission accomplished.” ~ Morrissey I reluctantly tolerate Morrissey in order to relish in the genius of Johnny Marr. And when I say tolerate I’m being very generous. Rourke and Joyce are also a very underrated rhythm section.
Well, my oldest, who plays tuba as his primary instrument, has a bass and three of my old guitars (pointy Yamaha, Ibanez acoustic and an Epi Paul that needs lots of love/work) and his little brother is a pretty damn good drummer and tympanist that has a Yamaha kit and an electric kit for practice. The latter has recently taken an interest in my Ibanez bass. It’s his when i replace it. They’re not wanting for musical outlets. But technically I’ve only bought them one cheap bass and amp so I am slacking.
Damn, Deej. Poor doggo. I’d sell all my gear if i had to, not even be 3/4 of the way there and not think twice. I haven’t owned a dog in years but they are some of God’s most precious, selfless and faithful creatures. I learn so much every time I meet one. All the best to you both, brother.
Mark Hollis of Talk Talk famously said, “Before you play two notes learn how to play one note — and don’t play one note unless you’ve got a reason to play it.” I think it applies to the bend discussion here, but two things: 1. Talk Talk got so minimalist toward the end I think they were uncomfortable playing more than one note per phrase, and 2. If I played that obscurely and esoteric I’d likely suck even more than I do. I will say this: it’s my opinion that a guy like Jeff Beck gets more out of one long subtle bend than a guy like Joe Bonamassa can get out of a ten measure lead full of lightening scales.
I'd be down for one with a B-29 pickguard. My mom and her younger sister were legendary "Rosie the Riveters" at the Boeing Factory in Seattle. She, a Minnesotan, met my dad, a native San Antonian stationed Stateside, in Bremerton, WA.
You should get that checked out, bro. The only instruments I consistently like in spalted maple are European Spector basses but they’re much more understated than that. Or much less offensive in jj’s case.
Better late than never?
Images as follows:
Full Front
Full back
Body Closeup
Headstock/Grovers
Coil tapping Tophat pots
Sounds amazing even through my crappy Fender Mustang II (I'll address that at a later time - soon... ). P/U's are hot as balls and the coil tap (R & L), while not quite Strat-like, is more than adequate for a quick single coil switcheroo. Really, really happy with this, folks.
Thanks again, Paul!
I just wanted to post here that Paul Wesley is a fucking rock star. Here’s an abridged version of the email I sent him: “Finally unboxed it. Wow. It looks and plays like it came straight from Sweetwater. Just gorgeous and silky with fresh 9’s on it. Haven’t plugged it in yet but I’ve no doubt it’s got some versatility and crunch. I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am.... ” Holy shit, guys. I LOVE this Epi gold top. Yeah, TTIWWP. I’ll get some pr0n up by this evening. Rock on, Surly. Rock on, Paul.
Paul Wesley and I struck a deal on the Epi gold top and NGD *could have* been Saturday but I’m out of town with my boys house sitting and FedEx decided to do a drive by attempt. Dammit. Delivery is scheduled for today. If it actually makes it into the house I’ll have one of my sons snap a pic and post the pr0n. I realize it’s a zero sum gain for Surly Guitar Mafia but I think some decent pr0n and a demo when I get back should bump us to +1.