I really want this guitar. I mean I really, really want it.
It's a Parker DF524 guitar
The problem is of course the money.
So please, if everyone would just buy one of my Band-in-a-Box disks, I could make enough money to buy this puppy and I'll be soooooo happy. ;-)
Notes ♫
Bob,
Shameless promotion!
Good luck on the guitar, but have you ever owned a guitar without fret markers? It can be pretty annoying, especially at first ......... and even more annoying later after you realize you knew this going in. Dots on the side of the neck aren't the same as fret markers on the fretboard. It's just one more thing to have to pay attention to besides the music.
If they're ordered from the factory, I'd get one with fret markers.
Pretty cool guitar though.
I smell the $1500 buck lifetime special. Get ALL my tracks now, everything I've got, and you are guaranfrickinteeed to get everything I do in the future too, except I'm gonna be playin' my axe so doan axe me questions about new tracks OK? or as they terminate sentences in Michigan UHUH?
I never look at the fret markers on the fingerboard, but simply the dots on the neck. I guess it's the way I hold the guitar (I gig standing up).
I have increased the size of the fret dots with some reflective tape and a loose-leaf hole puncher though so I can see them on dark or front-lighted stages.
My partner has a Parker PM10 Hornet, and I really like her guitar. The neck is fantastic, touch-and-go.
On stage I play sax, wind synth, guitar, flute, vocals, and percussion controller, so I'm constantly picking up and putting down instruments. The Dragonfly is basically a Parker Fly with a few improvements and a better looking shape. 5 pounds sounds great to me.
The Casino is about 6 and it's OK (So is my Gibson ES330), but I'm playing too many outdoor gigs right now to depend on a hollow body (salt air and electronics don't mix) so I'm using my ESP/LTD/LP clone a lot, and at close to 8 pounds, I get tired of picking it up an setting it back down all night (oh, poor me).
So judging on the reputation of the Fly, my partner's Hornet, and my tired right arm, I think this could be the perfect gigging guitar for me.
And it's made in the USA.
I really, really want this guitar ;-)
Notes ♫
Edited to read wife's jewel box for those who had problems because I mentioned a gun.
Edited to not refer to pick up trucks which got some peed off, I can't include convertibles or people in California are going to take offense, Renaults are out due to the French sensitivities, and Fiat can't be used or the Rissotto family of Montreal will be hunting me, so to speak, 'scuze. Removed the AK 47 tried replacing it with a gun from the USA but then I got flack so I just took it out.
Changed Bluegrass to Klezmer and then they called me saying that was unfair, so I had to delete that too, so there is no marketing plan based on a fakebook. There was strenuous exception to the Christmas Fakebook, the Holiday Fakebook, and the Jazz Fakebook (too snobby).
The people for the ethical treatment of chipmunks are suing me for suggesting they be shot at with bb's. Notes cannot give away bb's to people who purchase bluegrass fakebooks it's un-ethical.
I'm thinking of doing like Gdaddy. I'm going to post stuff other people wrote, so no one can say I wrote it.
All that said I hope Notes gets his guitar, but I'm sure he'd like a Godin Montreal better. It comes with Montreal Smoked Meat, a Canadian, and a side of poutine. (Edit take out smoked meat, lose the rye) (Edit take out Peanut Butter, someone's allergic), Jam Sandwich Milk and Oreos. (Delete the Oreos for pete's SAKE!) homemade oatmeal cookies.
No beer. The religious people are 'agin it.
We don' need no steenking fret dots.
--Mac
Mac,
Quote:
We don' need no steenking fret dots.
I guess my response for that would be that while standing up, the fret dots are "offset" from the actual frets by 2 or 3 frets considering the neck is to your left. The fretboard markers are still visible and are where they should be even while still standing up. Just another thing to think about instead of the music. I guess it only matters when you're playing up the neck a lot, which I do, and I'm sure you do too.
It's kind of a "Where's Waldo?" for the guitar. I'd rather find the note instead of finding "Waldo".
Just a pet peeve of mine.
Well, Bob, if you get that Gospel Fakebook ready, youknow some of us are waiting for it so we can send you some $$
That is a beeyootiful axe.
Stan
Just buy it Notes, I'm sure that a few of us on here know that you are loaded with $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Quote:
Mac,
Quote:
We don' need no steenking fret dots.
I guess my response for that would be that while standing up, the fret dots are "offset" from the actual frets by 2 or 3 frets considering the neck is to your left. The fretboard markers are still visible and are where they should be even while still standing up. Just another thing to think about instead of the music. I guess it only matters when you're playing up the neck a lot, which I do, and I'm sure you do too.
It's kind of a "Where's Waldo?" for the guitar. I'd rather find the note instead of finding "Waldo".
Just a pet peeve of mine.
No, just a pet peeve of *mine* my friend.
I was started with the Classical Guitar and an old school teacher, no fret markers on the fingerboard nor on the edge. No tab, everything was from the written music. We were expected to be able to glance at a passage and instinctively pick the right position to play that passage. We also learned chords from the notation page, starting with the open chords and moving up the neck. Does not take that long before one is able to view a note stack and instantly recognize it as the Grand Barre or some other chord. There is also a way to tell if you might do better applying the Capo in order to play a certain piece or passage as well. Route memorization of the basics was taught a the same time, such that the student not only learns the instrument but the theory, and is thus able to view the note stack within the key signature and instantly recognize the numbers from the Major Scale that make up the chord. Thus a "1,5,1,3,5,1" stack is the Grand Barre, etc.
One really can navigate the neck without them, but that also takes a methodology concerning the Positions, along with that daily practice regimen in order to program the brain and hands, etc.
At this point, the argument is much like the one about the LEDs defining scales and modes.
If you need the fret markers, no harm nor foul there.
On the other hand, if you DON'T need them, there should be no harm or foul there either.
If you were confronted with one and only one guitar that did not have the markers - and did not succumb to adding your own markers - you might be surprised how short a time it would take a skilled player like yourself to adapt.
Blind players don't seem to need the markers...
--Mac
BTW - I'm fairly certain that the guitar Notes pictures would have fret markers up on the top edge of the neck, where only the player can easily view them. That practice is pretty much de rigeur with guitar makers these days.
I remember a little kit, available to luthiers and repairmen in days past, that consisted of a set of round-head brass brads, meant to be hammered into the top edge of a fingerboard when someone who purchased a gut string guitar without fret markers demanded them. My particular beginning guitar teacher refused to use them or allow them, though. And I'm thankful for that today.
--Mac
Mac,
Excellent points throughout what you said, especially this one.
Quote:
Blind players don't seem to need the markers...
If I had to get used to playing without them, I could. I've played guitars before that didn't have them and managed to get around the neck. It's all in what you get used to.
It's just that a guitar without fret markers wouldn't be my first choice. But hey, this is Notes dream guitar and it does look like a fine axe. Go for it Notes!
Quote:
Well, Bob, if you get that Gospel Fakebook ready, youknow some of us are waiting for it so we can send you some $$ That is a beeyootiful axe.
Stan
Hi Stan -- we're working on it!!!
I have 29 other fake books, surely you can find at least one other to help little Bobby get his guitar 
Quote:
BTW - I'm fairly certain that the guitar Notes pictures would have fret markers up on the top edge of the neck, where only the player can easily view them. That practice is pretty much de rigeur with guitar makers these days. <...> Mac
If it doesn't, I'll put them on.
The fret dots on my LTD were too small and dim to see in either a dark club or one of those stages where the lights were pointed at you from a point slightly over your head, therefore putting the top of the neck in a shadow. My solution was to get some automotive reflecting tape and cut out some half moon shapes with a hole puncher.
They last at least 4 months, then one starts to peel off and I replace it when changing strings. Most have been on over a year now.
I'm probably going to have to put the Parker on credit (unless everybody buys a disk <big grin>). I just had to have my water well re-drilled, and some other plumbing work done. I would have rather spent the money on the guitar, but we need water for drinking, bathing, etc. a lot more than I needed a new guitar
Unlike Mac, I do need the fret dots on top of the neck, but I don't need them on the fingerboard.
I started playing in rock bands on saxophone, and did that exclusively for many years. I was glad the guitarists had fret markers on the fingerboard, because I learned to recognize chord shapes and positions, and if I knew what chord the guitarist was playing, I could transpose it up a whole step and know what to play on the tenor sax. To me that is the best thing about fingerboard markers.
But since I make my own backing tracks, I already know what the chords are so when Leilani plays her Parker PM10, I don't need to see where she is playing the chord.
(not her guitar, but it looks like this one)
I'm really impressed with her guitar. The neck joint is so well made that in order to see the joint where the neck meets the body, you have to take it out in the sunlight and look very closely. The neck is extremely fast, it's well balanced, fit and finish everywhere is superb (even inside the cavities), and sounds good with coil tapping pups (either SC or Humbucker).
So I'm hoping the same care is going into the new Parkers. Unfortunately, I cant get one around here, so there is no place to try it out, so I have to go on their reputation and reviews.
Pat Martino used a Parker as his jazz&bop machine for a few years.
But that cat started out makin' a Les Paul sound like a big archtop jazzbox. It's in his fingers.
Notes -- I like yer dream guit there, but I'd probably go with HSH pup configuration rather than HSS here. Just a personal preference that has indeed changed over the years. When I want, "strat" then I pick up the strat.
--Mac
Thanks for your input. I generally prefer SC pickups. The middle SC is RP/RW so I should be able to get a humbucker sound in the 2 position. That gives me the option. It seems more versatile that way. I bring a sax, two wind synths, a flute, a keyboard controller an entire PA set, Leilani's guitar, and her synth to the gig. I only want to bring one guitar for myself, so it has to be as versatile as I can get it. The factory gave me a very quick reply, and it has a 14" radius neck, something that Fender cannot do, and something that I prefer.
My modded LTD has one pup wired that way. I tend to use the SC positions much more than the Humbucker mode.
I think this guitar will exceed my current guitar chops for years to come, so I should be happy with it.
I think I'm going to pull the trigger this weekend. (everybody -- buy more disks <grin>)
I've almost convinced myself to put it on a credit card. MF is offering 12 months - no interest.
Notes ♫
Hi Notes,
quote:
"The Dragonfly is basically a Parker Fly with a few improvements and a better looking shape."
endquote.
Are you serious??? Improvements???? Better looking shape??? You can't be serious!!! How can you improve on perfection??? Huh??? Huh??? Huh??? Get yourself a classic and be done with it!!!
(i joke, i joke)
Truth is, lots of folks are really diggin' some of the newer Parkers. Trying to find some good demo videos can be an exercise in flustration tho. Seems everybody loves distortion anymore.
In this video, at least you can get a little bit of the range of tones offered up. Don't forget, you can also blend the piezo and mag pickups for some really cool jazz tones as well. I have the classic and love it to pieces, but if I were buying a new Parker I think I'd have to look really hard at one of these.
Good luck on your purchase. I don't think you'll be sorry.
Later,
Jim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F15jlfCy3wQ
Notes, buy the darn thing. Life is too short.
I think I'm going to pull the trigger on Friday.
I'm not too keen on getting one via Internet order, and my local music store will know if he can get one by Thursday (I'd rather support a local music store). If not, I'll get it via Internet order.
And yes
- Life is short
- Since I play professionally, it's a tool
- Since I play professionally, it's a tax deduction
On the other hand, as a pro musician, I don't make as much money as I would have if I had stayed with the Electronics Engineering career I am partially trained for (forgot most of it by now). So I have to budget my money wisely.
To defray the costs, I thought about selling my MIK Epiphone Casino since it basically mimics what my prized Kalamazoo Gibson ES-330 does, but I love both guitars.
Then I thought about selling my modded ESP/LTD/FauxLP guitar, but it's only a $250.00 guitar brand new. I've put some good mods into it, GFS Mean 90 pups, and a Varitone, but I can't see me getting that money out of it, after all it's a rare bird now. Plus it does have a small ding on it. So I'll keep that as well.
I never wanted to be a guitar collector. I'm a musician, and they are tools. In all my years of being a sax player, I've owned one good tenor, one back-up tenor (just in case) and one good alto. Now I own 3 electric guitars, one acoustic, and I'm planning on getting a fourth guitar. Even though my predominant instrument is saxophone, I now own more guitars than saxophones.
GAS is worse for guitarists than it is for saxophonists
I guess I just need to get used to that idea. What's next? Put a mortgage on my house to get one of those gorgeous Gibson Johnny A models?
I'd really love this one, but there is no way I can justify the expense - even if 1,000 people bought a BiaB style from me to help me finance it
I can see endless GAS, but I guess that comes with the territory.
If and when I get the Parker, I'll take some pictures and post a review.
Notes ♫
Good luck with the guitar Notes. I know somebody who plays and has to buy expensive guitars. Its an interesting subject this.
Just wondering if its possible to get as good a guitar for $200 instead of paying say upwards of $2000 for one and then doing a blind test (playing from beind a curtain) for a layperson or even an intermediate guitarist, would they be able to tell the difference?
Right on, Notes. Enjoy your new guitar!
Quote:
<...>
Just wondering if its possible to get as good a guitar for $200 instead of paying say upwards of $2000 for one and then doing a blind test (playing from beind a curtain) for a layperson or even an intermediate guitarist, would they be able to tell the difference?
Probably not.
My LTD with the Mean 90s sounds great. I think expression trumps tone any day of the week (as long as the tone is in the ball park for the genre of music you are playing).
So why the gas? What am I getting for the $1500?
1) Light weight - 5 pounds, I'm tired of picking up and setting down an 8 pound guitar dozens of times per night (this is probably the number one factor)
2) Fishman pickup will allow me to sound acoustic
3) Vibrato (trem) bar that will work in lock, down or float and Sperzel locking tuners and a GraphTech nut that should help with the tuning stability
4) Versatility of sounds due to the pickup configuration
5) Good looks (many people listen with their eyes) - I wear black on stage, and the black guitar I'm currently playing is a bear to keep clean and doesn't show up well (it is show-biz after all)
6) Ease of playing (number 2 factor and related to item 1) - if the instrument is comfortable, it makes it easier for the musician to express himself/herself
BTW, this is the least expensive Dragonfly in the lineup. The economy comes from the satin finish and the bolt-on neck (so they say).
This seems to be the perfect guitar for the kind of music I'm doing, and unless it's involved in an unfortunate incident, it should be a gigging guitar for the rest of my life.
A workman needs good tools, but they don't necessarily have to be the best tools. I think this is a good compromise between the Jay Turser and PRS extremes.
I don't care what name is on the headstock. I'm not up there to impress other musicians. On the other hand, Parker has a reputation for excellent workmanship, and judging from my partner's PM10, that reputation is deserved.
Time will tell if I'm making the right decision or not.
Notes ♫
Quote:
Quote:
Well, Bob, if you get that Gospel Fakebook ready, youknow some of us are waiting for it so we can send you some $$ That is a beeyootiful axe.
Stan
Hi Stan -- we're working on it!!!
I have 29 other fake books, surely you can find at least one other to help little Bobby get his guitar
Quote:
Bob, if I could afford it, I would probably buy them all, but alas.......
I'm not trying to be an instrument collector either, but I now have 4 horns and a Little Martin acoustic guitar. I had finally convinced myself to sell one of my trumpets but was glad I kept it because my other one had a valve problem which took a long time to fix. Sometimes we just can't part with our good friends.
stan
p.s. We took all of our 9 fake books to Office Depot and had them 3-hole punched and put in binders. This was not cheap, but they are a lot easier to handle now--especially the Broadway one.
Guitarists, Saxophonists, Trumpeters, Pianists, whatever, we all have GAS.
I'm not overjoyed about the comb binding on the Broadway book either. A lot better than a glued in binding, but there are so many songs for that size binding. But there are a lot of great tunes in that book, from the old standards that have been jazzed up along the way to newer songs, some of which will become classics.
I have a 3 hole puncher that will do about a dozen pages at a time and I manually did one of the old "Real Books" that way. It was time consuming, but worth it.
When I was young and on the road, it wasn't common for people to have redundant instruments. The lead guitarist had an Epiphone Sheraton, the bassist a Fender P bass, I had my Selmer Mark VI tenor and the drummer had a set of Rogers drums. Later we picked up a keyboard player who had a Farfisa with Leslie at first, then a Hammond B3. We traveled the country without any spares. We didn't know anybody with spares either.
Funny how time changes.
Now I won't allow myself to not have at least one spare of everything important, and I have a few extra guitars hanging around the house.
I'm hoping the DragonFly will be my main guitar for years to come. I don't see what else I'll need, (but I won't sell my other guitars either). The only thing I will miss is the P90 sound, but if I want, I can always put a Duncan P-Rail in place of the Humbucker. But that would not be until the warranty expires or later.
I'll find out today if my local Ma and Pa music store can get one, if not, I'll go Internet shopping tomorrow.
I've obviously convinced myself to go for it.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Heh, heh.
Every new guitar is "the one for years to come."
Until the next one, anyway...
Enjoy,
--Mac
Quote:
Good luck with the guitar Notes. I know somebody who plays and has to buy expensive guitars. Its an interesting subject this.
Just wondering if its possible to get as good a guitar for $200 instead of paying say upwards of $2000 for one and then doing a blind test (playing from beind a curtain) for a layperson or even an intermediate guitarist, would they be able to tell the difference?
Well I bought a $109 SX Precision Bass that plays and sounds just as good as a real Fender for $1500. I did have to do some setup though. Shim neck back a hair, truss rod, intonation, string height. A lot of this was due to the fact I put beastly LaBella "Jameson" flats on it. I needed to get the action WAY down as the tension was killing my fingers.
Well, last week when I called the first M&P store (my favorite) and spoke to the clerk (not the owner) he simply said, "No". The second store just called and said he tried but couldn't.
I have a gig today, so tomorrow I go Internet order.
Any suggestions of a good store? (Sweetwater is out, they don't have the natural color).
Is MF good? How about GC?
Thanks,
Notes
Quote:
Heh, heh.
Every new guitar is "the one for years to come."
Until the next one, anyway...
Enjoy,
--Mac
Another "nasty" is innovation. My first trumpet didn't have a 3rd valve tuning slide. Now all of my horns have triggered slides. As you say Mac, these horns will last me for years to come.......or at least until the next "gotta have" or new innovation comes along. We do need to be nice though, and support Bob's many reasons to get this guitar. Hey, even I can relate to the weight factor.:).
Stan
I've been very happy with MF.
It's too bad my local stores can't get a Parker. I could drive to GC in West Palm Beach, but that's 60 miles away so the money won't stay in my community anyway. Plus the cost of fuel to get there and back. And there is no guarantee GC will have one in stock.
We got rained out today
it's the problem with outdoor gigs. We have a deal with the yacht basin, if it rains, we don't play, and we don't get paid. It's the arrangement we agreed at the beginning. After all, they won't have any business in the rain. And it's a Thursday afternoon, so the chances of a one-nigher band getting booked every Thursday afternoon are slim to none, so in the long run we make out OK anyway. So there is some cash not going to the new axe (buy more disks <grin:wink>). Oh well.
So I guess I'll go Internet order tomorrow morning before I re-load the car.
This GAS thing shrinks the membranes in my wallet
Perhaps I should have taken up harmonica instead of guitar --- nah!
And thanks for supporting my many reasons for getting this guitar. Even my wife is agreeing (she is a guitarist too - and that's dangerous)
Notes ♫
OK, pulled the trigger this morning. After doing the Musician's Friend on-line, 12 months same as cash credit card app on-line, I went to place the order. The web site didn't give me the free shipping option so I called and got a salesman. He gave me a better deal than the Internet advertised price, I added an Ultimate Support guitar stand, and the price is still less than the Internet advertised price for the guitar alone.
I'll post pictures and a review when it arrives.
Notes
"Pluck Your Magic Twanger Froggy" er , Notes.
Wyndham
Quote:
"Pluck Your Magic Twanger Froggy" er , Notes.
Wyndham
For those of you too young to know about very primitive TV show, check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZazW9Ja1k
Kids were easily entertained in the 50's.
Notes
Quote:
<...>
So please, if everyone would just buy one of my Band-in-a-Box disks, I could make enough money to buy this puppy and I'll be soooooo happy. ;-)
Notes ♫
I said that with the smiley face for the humor. I didn't really expect you to help me buy my new guitar. It was just fun to say. However, if anyone actually did buy a disk for to help me out, I sincerely appreciate it.
Notes ♫
Notes, I had forgotten that Andy Devine was the MC for that show, regression is great, maybe.
Wyndham
Andy Devine surprised me as well. I was a little tot when that show aired, it was really pitched at my older sister's age, but I did remember the froggy puppet.
MF didn't send me a tracking number, so I suspect it won't be shipped until Monday :-(
They must be busy doing holiday things.
Too bad I couldn't find one locally, waiting after you pull the trigger makes the GAS even worse.
Notes ♫
Correction: The guitar has been shipped. I was looking for something from Musician's Friend, instead I got something from "no reply" in my junk folder.
They shipped via USPS but USPS hasn't logged it in yet.
Notes
I'm pleased for you Bob. That really is a beautiful axe.
R.
Thanks.
I'm hoping it serves me well for many years to come.
Notes ♫
Congrats on your purchase Notes--looking forward to the review. Are you going to post a Video??
Well the story just got complicated.
Musician's Friend sent the wrong guitar. I got a Fly instead. I called and they said I have 45 days to decide if I like it or not.
To get a deal on a more expensive guitar would sound like a good thing, but I like the looks of the DF and the pickup configuration of the DF better. And they no longer have a light colored DF in stock.
So now I don't know what to do.
I'm bummed. I'll sleep on it.
Notes
You want what you want. Don't settle, even if it is for a "better" instrument. (Do you really think it was an accident?)
R.
My thoughts too Bob. Unless the guitar exceeds your expectations in all forms: sound, playability, ease of use, and aesthetics, I would tend to, at that price, get what you really want. Parker builds a quality instrument so that part isn't an issue.DennisD
Wrong guitar?? Wow, MF is unbelievable!!!
Of course, if this was happening to me, I would be elated, because I like the fly better, but only because of the neck. I would also be the first to state that the switching and pickup configuration on the DF is slightly more versatile than the fly, qualities that you have stated as being very important to you. The question now becomes, will you like the neck on the fly so much better that you will actually prefer it? Some folks do, some folks don't. Another thing to keep in mind is that the neck on the fly tends to keep it's "slick" feel regardless of temperature and humidy. Sometimes, this can make a big difference on open air gigs.
Anyways, sound samples please.
Later,
Jim
Bob,
Which model of the Fly did they send you? Here's a quick list at MF:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigatio...CFUbf4AodW3txWwConsidering the HUGE price difference, you would think MF would be insisting that you return it, so that part of your situation is kind of weird.
But since they're giving you 45 days to decide, I'd play it for a few weeks and make sure before I sent it back. You could have just lucked out big time, ................ but if it's not what you want, you won't be satisfied even with a guitar that costs over twice as much as what you ordered.
I just wouldn't rush my decision.
I'm not going to rush my decision. I immediately told MF what they sent me (it's a "do unto others" thing with me) so they know I have a more expensive guitar. I am shocked that they didn't offer to send me a postage paid return shipping label and ask for it back. I also e-mailed them this morning.
I played the FLY for about 5 minutes unplugged (I haven't unwrapped anything so that if they come to their senses, they can still sell it as new) and the neck is indeed like butter. But the pickup configuration isn't what I wanted and the color is too dark.
So now I'm in a wait and see hold for a while. I have other guitars to play, and although I had my heart set on playing the DF this weekend, it isn't going to happen no matter what I do, so this morning I'm feeling more rational about the entire ordeal.
If they want it back, they are more than welcome to send me a return shipping label. If they don't perhaps I'll put it up for sale. I haven't made any permanent decisions yet.
This is the first time anything like this ever happened to me. I immediately did the ethical thing and informed them of their mistake. Now it's up to them. I can wait.
What would you do?
(I'm still bummed that I can't play the DF this weekend)
Bob
Costs way more than what you ordered?
They gonna let you keep it at the lesser price?
No brainer in my book.
Enjoy,
--Mac
Which Model did they send you? I'd keep it if it works well for you. You haven't tried the one you wanted yet so, maybe this was fate.
Wayne,
(maybe post a picture)
The probable reason why they let you keep this guitar is that the Fly is a special order item. I think they had it made for a customer, but somehow ordered the wrong configuration or color. So they're kind of stuck with it. Better to sell at a lower price than a complete write-off.
Personally I like the Fly better (judging on looks only; we don't get too many Parker guitars here, so I have never had one in my hands...)
You have spent a reasonable amount of money to get a certain instrument you desire. If you have set your mind on a DF and you really want that instrument, then you'd better make sure you get a DF. If you want a Parker guitar and have settled for the DF because a Fly is simply too expensive....... you lucky son of a ..: you've got one now!!!
BTW: we expect pictures of your new axe!
Get what you want . . . period! Just my opinion but I think the fly looks like something from a Harry Potter's movie. As rharv says, "now get off of my lawn!"
Later,
It's a real dilemma.
I've done the right thing and let them know of their mistake. So if I keep the guitar, my conscience is clear. So I'm in a wait and see mode right now. I'm not playing the Fly so if they want it back, it will be in like-new condition.
The Fly is unquestionably a better guitar. It is truly state-of-the-art. It's like ordering a Celica and getting a Lexus. I should be thrilled. On the other hand, with my present guitar skills it's like owing a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store and back (which I wouldn't mind doing).
On the other hand,
- I like the pickup configuration of the DragonFly better, it seems more versatile
- I like the fact that I can swap pickups on the DF - I might want to swap the humbucker for a P-Rail down the road to give me the choice of single coil, humbucker, or P90 sounds
- Unless I'm doing an outdoor gig, I ususally wear black on stage. I also play sax, flute, wind synth, vocals, guitar, parcussion controller and sometimes keys on stage. Swapping instruments is good "show-biz" and the dark walnut guitar with no inlays on the fretboard will just not be obvious on stage
I have 44 more days to make the decision. In the meantime I'm trying to find another DF/Nat.
If I sell it, I think it would pay for most or all of what I bought the DF for. So it might be "manna from heaven".
I'm still undecided.
Notes
Notes,
I respect your decision to notify them and keep everything honest.
I've read that in the past some unscrupulous mail order companies would send more expensive items than people ordered, then try to charge them the difference, so a law was created to protect the consumer. If what I've heard is true, they can't charge you more or even ask for the more expensive product back. (if they could it would put the consumer in a perpetual limbo of never being able to sell the item for fear that the seller would want it back).
If they sent it in response to your payment, it's yours if you want it. You can, however, elect to ask for your money back and return it.
I suppose you could also sell it, buy the guitar you really want and pocket the difference. It would be more hassle than the transaction you wanted to make, but at least you would be "compensated" for the hassle. As a professional musician you probably know a number of people who would be interested in a boutique instrument.
All this is hearsay... you may want to research consumer law to make sure of the rights you have in Florida. But I feel pretty sure that the ball is in your court on how to move forward. By sending you the more expensive guitar, they implicitly agreed to take a hit in order to process your order. Your move.
Not a bad position to be in.. much better than if they had sent you a cheaper instrument by mistake (or on purpose)
how much does it cost to have a guitar refinished?
or better yet, you're a businessman.. here's an idea for a niche market:
how about inventing and selling a line of fabric guitar covers that can be changed to allow performers to match their instruments to their outfits?
I notice somebody has created the "car bra" which is a fabric cover for the front of autos to keep the bugs from messing up the finish.
You could call your product the "Guitar Bra" or the "gui-tarp" or the "LeoTar" or something else that contains the word "Norton" ;-)
Fabrics can be anything, the possibilities are endless. Find a local seamstress, give her a template of your guitar, and see what she comes up with. If you like it, maybe you can work out a business plan.
From a distance, all the audience sees is color, they don't know or care if it is paint, stain, plexiglass, polyurethane, formica or fabric. AS you've said in the past, "It's show business"... color is a part of the visual show
It might take off. You've expressed a valid consumer need that nobody else addresses. It's too expensive to buy guitars in the color of every outfit. A velcro slipcover for guitars... hmmm It's just trendy enough, different enough and useful enough to pique consumers' interest. Musicians are a creative group, and creative types tend to accept new ideas more readily than other consumer demographics
You could be your own poster boy by using your product onstage. Every performance would be an advertisement. You already have a website in place to take orders.
High school kids playing in garage bands could buy a Norton LeoTar and paint ther band's name on it without ruining the guitar for resale.
It would also serve as a protective covering, which would appeal to people who like to keep their instrument's finish looking like new.
You could probably brainstorm a hundred reasons why everyone who owns a guitar should also own your product. The potential market (ie. "everyone in the world who owns a guitar") is a very large market indeed.
Totally untapped.
yet.
;-)
Bob, this is a very sweet deal, I agree with others to give it a try. But, if as I stated earlier it does not meet or exceed your expectations, let it go. You have three excellent guitars in your stable right now, so I don't feel it is a question of needing a quality, playable instrument. I still kick myself for either selling or not acquiring a guitar I found to be a really, really good fit for me. For example I have always wanted a Gretsch Hollow Body or Tennessean but I haven't found the right fit (feel) and price range. I don't need one, I just want one but I can wait. Good Luck in your enviable position!DennisD
Quote:
Notes,
I respect your decision to notify them and keep everything honest. <...>
Thanks, Pat. It's the way I would want to be treated.
And thanks for the tip to check consumer law.
Although it is probably a good idea, I don't want to get into manufacturing "guitar-bras" or anything like that. The software business is great because the sales and shipping happen automatically by the shopping cart (with the exception of PayPals) and I can spend my time writing new styles.
I remember the early days when I would burn a floppy disk, put it in a purchased mailer, run off an address label, drive to the post office, wait in line, and ship out the day's orders. Ah, e-delivery has spoiled me
I found another dealer that has the guitar I want, at a good price so I bought it. After hearing my tale of woe with MF, they are even throwing in free 2 day shipping!
I have 44 days to decide. I've both called and written an e-mail to them. Phone operator says keep the guitar, I got an auto-responder so they got my e-mail. If they don't answer, I'll consider the Fly mine to do with as I please. I'll give them plenty of time to respond though. I want to be fair with them.
I know that everybody makes a mistake sooner or later. If a company makes a mistake, it has the opportunity to either make a friend for life or lose a customer forever. When I make a mistake (for example, send out fake disk 10 instead of style disk 10) I tell the customer to keep the wrong disk, and then immediately send out the correct disk. Giving them two disks for the price of one. Of course, I didn't pay for the software I created with the exception of royalties for fake disks. Perhaps this is my good "karma" times a thousand? 
Last night I was bummed that I didn't get the guitar that I wanted. You know how it is, you pull the trigger, wait for the shipping, and when it finally comes, it's like Christmas. Well I opened the present and didn't get what I wanted, and I had my heart set on playing the new guitar at our gig at the Yacht Club this weekend.
Of course, these feelings pass, and today I'm looking at it as a possible opportunity. If MF doesn't want it back, I can sell it and recoup part or all of my investment in the DragonFly. And since I both phoned and e-mailed them, I can do it with a clear conscience -- which is very important to me.
I have 44 more days to decide.
Notes
Bob,
Wouldn't the MIDI function of that guitar come in handy for your shows and making fake discs?
Quote:
Bob,
Wouldn't the MIDI function of that guitar come in handy for your shows and making fake discs?
Perhaps, but from what I have read, there is some latency involved in the MIDI guitar, and that would absolutely drive me crazy. But I have to admit, I haven't thought about that until you mentioned it, and now I'm seriously thinking about it.
Hmmmmmmmmm...........................
Notes ♫
Hi Bob,
I bought a Casio MIDI Guitar back in the 80s. It was the greatest. The latency wasn't that bad and was easy to get a handle on. Also MIDI Guitar has to have come a long way since then.
That old Casio was hard to set up for six string to six channel, but single note playing with all six strings on one channel was super.
I loved using a piano patch and I used to play endless piano solos.
You do have to be a very accurate picker.
Alas, it was lost in a flood here also.
I looked at a buch of youtubes of MIDI guitar players. They just seemed to like making noise. You can do some really good stuff with it.
(my personal opinion, based on old technology)
Give it a try. If it works for you, you'll have a ball.
Wayne
Quote:
Quote:
Bob,
Wouldn't the MIDI function of that guitar come in handy for your shows and making fake discs?
Perhaps, but from what I have read, there is some latency involved in the MIDI guitar, and that would absolutely drive me crazy. But I have to admit, I haven't thought about that until you mentioned it, and now I'm seriously thinking about it.
Hmmmmmmmmm...........................
Notes ♫
regarding the making of styles and fake disks:
I have noticed a difference in the realism of a midi guitar patch depending on which controller I use to record the notes. If I play the notes on a keyboard, then apply a guitar patch, the end result does not sound like a guitar to my ears. But when I record the notes with my midi guitar, THEN apply the guitar patch, I do hear a difference... It sounds more like a real guitar to me. Apparently the guitar controller picks up MIDI nuances that are not generated by a keyboard.
In fact, after doing it both ways, when I download a midi file I can usually tell what controller was used to record the guitar part... it's that obvious . (You may want to conduct your own comparison test)
I have seen the same thing reported in various music forums by others when they first get a MIDI guitar and start applying patches to the tracks created with it. Part of what you sell is realism. Depending on how your comparison works out, creating styles with guitar parts recorded on a midi guitar could be value-adding.
Regarding latency... that's come a long way in recent years. If the midi signal is created in the same way as in the Godin guitars, it's probably pretty good. What I read about your guitar leads me to believe it probably is.
Quote:
Although it is probably a good idea, I don't want to get into manufacturing "guitar-bras" or anything like that. The software business is great because the sales and shipping happen automatically by the shopping cart (with the exception of PayPals) and I can spend my time writing new styles.
Notes
I totally understand. I never really expected you to embrace the idea. I'm just one of those people who delights in thinking up things for other people to do.
;-)
Notes, call the company find out if they have the model in stock, they ship to you (with MF approval)you ship back to MF. MF settles up with mfg all's right with the world, except N Korea who want war with everybody.
Wyndham
I've decided to sell it.
I'll post more after this weekend's gigs.
If you want to get a jump on it, before I put it up for bids, PM me (I don't think this is the proper forum for a classified ad).
Notes ♫
Quote:
Notes, call the company find out if they have the model in stock, they ship to you (with MF approval)you ship back to MF. MF settles up with mfg all's right with the world, except N Korea who want war with everybody.
Wyndham
Unfortunately MF says the model I want is out of stock, and won't be back in stock for at least 99 days. That's too long to wait for a new toy that's already paid for and it won't help with N Korea if I wait.
Notes ♫
Quote:
Heh, heh.
Every new guitar is "the one for years to come."
Until the next one, anyway...
MAC, so soooo true! LOL
Hey Notes, what is the serial number on that guitar?
It's packed away, I'll try to get it out to take pictures tomorrow and I'll post the beginning of the serial number if you like.
Notes ♫
Twice the dif!!!!
I think I'd sleep somemore.
BTW if you do make a profit remember I recommended MF to you.
I got the final word from the Federal Trade Commission site:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro15.shtmQ. What should I do if the unordered merchandise I received was the result of an honest shipping error?
A. Write the seller and offer to return the merchandise, provided the seller pays for postage and handling. Give the seller a specific and reasonable amount of time (say 30 days) to pick up the merchandise or arrange to have it returned at no expense to you. Tell the seller that you reserve the right to keep the merchandise or dispose of it after the specified time has passed.I wrote and posted the letter today. Now comes the waiting game.
Since it's a Federal Trade Commission site, I have confidence that the information is correct.
I feel much better now, knowing I did the right thing, and in the proper way.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions.
Whether they want it back, or if I put it up for sale next month, either way is OK with me.
Further developments. I went through Funky Munky Music (by advice from the Parker Forum) and the guitar I actually want is supposed to be being shipped directly from the Parker Factory to me today via 2 day air!!!
Notes ♫
The DragonFLy from Funky Munky arrived yesterday, about 2 hours before we left for our gig. So I didn't have much time to play it before going on stage.
First impressions:
- It's beautiful (pictures will come as soon as I have time)
- It's as light as a feather. A few ounces more than my full hollow-body Epiphone Casino and Gibson ES-330
- It's well balanced - stays put when both hands are off the guitar
- It's very comfortable to hold against my body
- Positions 1 & 3 (neck and middle only) sound very strat-ish and 5 (humbucker only) sounds very Gibson-ish
- The fishman pickup gives it a very realistic acoustic sound by itself -- plus blending the acoustic with the magnetic pickups makes it sound like a flat top with a pickup in the round hole
- Positions 2 and 4 (and 4 with the humbucker in both hb and coil tapped) positions sound great too, but I don't know how to describe them (although position 4 with the humbucker in sc mode sounds a little like a tele only fatter). I'll get into this more after gigging, when I can play with it more off the gig without the rest of the band
The fit and finish of the guitar are excellent and the frets are dressed well. It came in a decent hard case (not a flight case though) and was set up well - intonation is great, although the action was a little higher than I prefer.
I haven't played with the whammy much yet, and didn't on the gig. I've never had one, and it's a skill that definitely needs a little off stage work. I put the handle on before the gig (it came in the floating mode), and as per the instructions tuned the guitar, wiggled the stick, retuned, wiggled the stick and then checked intonation. It didn't go out of tune after the second tuning. (it has Sprezel locking tuners and a graph-tech nut).
This will be my gigging guitar for a long time to come.
I eventually want to replace the humbucker with a P-Rail so I can also have P90 tones too. Then it will be an "everything" guitar.
I still haven't heard anything on the Mojo, but it's too early to sell it.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
If they had dotless harmonicas, I'd be lost...!
After the fiasco in this thread from the dealer who shipped the wrong guitar and then didn't have the right one
--- I went to Funky Munky Music. Larry was very helpful and had Parker ship one directly to me (thanks Larry).
It's beautiful, and the pictures don't do it justice.
First of all it came in a serviceable case (definitely NOT a flight case)
---------
Here is a picture of my first impression.
Notes:
1)
This is the only picture that shows the color the way it really looksI took it on a different day from the rest of the pictures, and not being a photographer, I don't know what I did differently
2) I put the little white markers on the knobs myself (automobile reflector tape)
---------
A closeup of the body (see how faded the color looks? Again, I don't know what I did wrong - I'm a musician, not a photographer)
---------
The bridge (I can hear James Brown yelling "To the bridge -- to the bridge!" and the rhythm section accenting the climb)
---------
What good is guitar porn without a closeup of the knobs? (again, the tape markers are my own "improvement")
---------
Headstock
---------
This thing is both light and skinny!!!
Note: I "enlarged" the fret marker dots myself with some of the same tape that I put on the knobs. When the stage is either dark or brightly lit
from the front, and I have my mouth on the microphone, I need to see the dots out of the corner of my eyes.
---------
The backside
---------
Last one
Ain't she a beaut?
---------
It's a dream to play. It's comfortable, well balanced, light weight, and I lowered the action so all it takes is a light touch.
So how does it sound?
- Take all this into consideration ... I'm a pro musician, but since the 60s it's been predominantly sax.
I've doubled on rhythm (barre chords) and bass using the instruments from my band-mates when there was no room for a sax.
- I also play with a Digitech RP355 direct into the PA set (I schlepp sax, flute, guitar, 2 wind synths, PA set, speakers,
another guitar for my partner, a tactile MIDI controller, and a rack full of synth modules.
I'm not about to add a guitar amp). Also, I have only played a real Fly for about 15 minutes, so there is no way this is a comparison to that.
My other guitars are a 1970 Gibson ES-330, a Epi Casino and an LTD-EC50 that I put GFS Mean 90 pickups and a Varitone in.
- Positions 1 and 3 (neck and middle) sound Strat-like.
Position 2 and 4 sound a little fatter.
Position 5 in the humbucker mode sounds Gibson-ish.
Position 4 with the humbucker in the SC tap sounds a little like a tele.
And the Fishman sounds close enough to a real Flat-Top guitar to tickle my ears - it has the acoustic jangle that most pedal simulations miss.
Mix the Piezo with the mag pups and it sounds like a flat top that has a magnetic pickup in the hole.
- It's still new, I'm gigging with it, and still exploring the sounds I can get from it so the above isn't final.
- The whammy bar does not put the guitar out of tune if you tune the guitar up, wiggle the bar, and then re-tune.
To summarize the review in two words, "I'm Delighted".
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Vicariously enjoying your acquisition, Bob...
Break it in.
--Mac
Thanks Mac.
I'm having a little trouble formatting the text. It seems some of the ends of the lines are being cut off.
I'll edit some more.
Notes
Bob,
I don't see that the text formatting is your problem, it's an issue with the forum, which PG Music should be fixing. I've not been able to read a lot of your posts, which kind of bums me out, since I wanted to.
Anyway, ask one of the guys at PG Music why the text formatting isn't working correctly.
Gary
It happened many times, and always when there are pictures.
I sent the Webmaster a PM to ask if he could fix this. At work, I have a 25" wide screen monitor, and this forum only takes up the middle half of the screen, leaving me two huge white columns on the sides. Waste of screen real estate in my opinion, plus no way to scroll right or left.
We'll see if they do anything about it.
Gary
Peeking at the page with Firebug, it looks like the
rowBlock is set to a fixed width of 960
pixels. So anything wider than that isn't going to display.
The
problem is that the tables that are placed
inside the
rowBlock don't know
anything about this restriction. As far as they know, they're allowed to expand as needed.
So when content (like a picture) is placed inside one of these tables, that's exactly what they do -
they expand on to the right-hand side of the screen. Unfortunately, they're clipped off at 960 pixels.
It looks setting the
tableSurround class to a fixed width
might take care of things.
Then again, CSS isn't really my expertise, so I could be completely wrong here.
The old forum's solution was a scrollbar that seems to be missing now.
When a pic blew out the page a scrollbar appeared.
I believe this is a php driven forum so the coding you are seeing is a little more
complex to figure out than what appears on the 'view source'.
I know I've spent hours tracking issues with php forums before that appeared to be simple html.
Quote:
I believe this is a php driven forum so the coding you are seeing is a little more
complex to figure out than what appears on the 'view source'.
I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I thought it might be an
easy fix. I don't envy anyone who has to maintain this sort of stuff.
In addition to dealing with the framework the board is written in,
you've got to work with a bunch of low-level technologies (HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, PHP, SQL...) and protect it from defacing, spambots,
and so on...
Still, it would be nice if it could be as easy as just tweaking
the CSS. I would hope that - just once - a simple fix might work.
There's always that chance that it's an easy CSS fix..
now which CSS is it becomes the question.
Likely multiple style sheets being used behind the scenes.
Just guessing but I'd expect-
A css for the skin being used, a general format css (colors), a header css, a body css, a custom user css, and a footer css to look at
(maybe more).. all in different folders.
I don't envy them either.
Well the formatting may be a problem, but the guitar sure is nice!!!!
Notes ♫
True, but your guitar pictures exposed this mess.
Nice guitar btw
now get off my lawn!
glad the thread made it to the next page; that last page loaded funny here;
jumping all over as pictures loaded.
One nice thing about the Firebug plugin for FireFox is that it'll not
only show the source code, but it brings up lots of other cool stuff,
like the associated style sheets. It shows the inheritance of the CSS,
as well as the files that things come from. It also shows the overrides for
the CSS. Sweet.
Which reminds me: Sweet guitar, too.
Interesting; I'll have to check that out. Thanks.
I often use other methods to look thru the slop.
CONGRATULATIONS Notes and have a great time playing it.
It is beautiful.
Wayne,
Mighty fine looking axe, Notes. Enjoy it.
Notes,
I may be wrong, but I think if you would resize or crop the last picture to a size that is less than 960
pixels the problem might disappear. By the way, I really like your new guitar. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Might have to change your moniker from Notes Norton to Nose Norton since you have this great ability to "nose" out some mighty nice looking instruments.:) Just kidding. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Stan
Thank you all for the nice compliments on my new guitar.
Yes, it's a honey!!!
It's a lot more fun to play than my older guitars. It's light on my shoulder, the action is low, it's my first guitar with a whammy bar, it's well balanced, and the pickup configuration gives me a wide sonic palette to choose from.
Plus it's built well. With the Graph Tech nut, Sperzel tuners, and innovative bridge it stays in tune well, even after jiggling the whammy bar.
After our only two days off this week (Mon and Tue) it's off to a country club for a gig this evening.
One-nighters are long gig days. By the time you schlep, set up, sound check, gig (hooray), tear down, schlep and go home, 10 hours can easily pass. But it's worth it to get to play music for a few hours.
Between my sax, wind synth, guitar, flute and voice onstage, and with my band-mate (also best friend and lover) up there with me, it's my second favorite thing to do in the whole world (it's a family forum so I can't say what my first favorite thing is).
Back on topic.
That guitar plays as good as it looks. And it offers something that neither Gibson, Fender or Ibanez can give me.
I'm delighted.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
I urge caution. I don't pretend to really understand women, BUT when some 25 year old in new shiny makeup and a whammy bar starts talking to you the 'Fender' you had for all those years comes to someone's mind and .....never mind. LOL.
LIL DRUMMER BOY..SAX BOY..GUITAR BOY, VOCAL BOY...
Or, since we could, considering the season, call it....."Me... and my new guitar" (tapping on the strings like Herb Ellis)...if you remember his fav thing to do with up-tempo Shearing, et all!!
Merry Christmas "Notes" (and keep those fingers warm during these Florida Cold Snaps!)
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Quote:
LIL DRUMMER BOY..SAX BOY..GUITAR BOY, VOCAL BOY...
Or, since we could, considering the season, call it....."Me... and my new guitar" (tapping on the strings like Herb Ellis)...if you remember his fav thing to do with up-tempo Shearing, et all!!
Merry Christmas "Notes" (and keep those fingers warm during these Florida Cold Snaps!)<...>
Herb Ellis was truly one of the greats!!! He will be missed but fortunately he left a legacy of recordings for us to enjoy.
And these cold snaps have got to go. We had one come through yesterday with rain. It was our outdoor gig at a marina, so the gig was canceled. Too bad, I didn't get to play my new guitar on the gig yesterday. But tonight, Saturday and Sunday are all indoors, Monday we have off, and then back to it again. Hopefully Thursday of next week will be nice.
I can't wait to go to "work" tonight. They don't call it playing music for nothing!!!
Notes ♫
Should have declared it a Canada Day Party. Heck we have outdoor parties with live music all winter. Toughen up eh? 2 years ago Jeff Healy played the outdoor bandshell at New Year's and it alternated driving freezing rain and snow and there were thousands there skating, dancing and watching fire works.
The amazing part is poor Jeff knew he had cancer and never canceled a show.
We gotta have something to do.
They just predicted that after today's snow, and Sunday's snow, some parts might get up to 10 feet of snow next week. Seriously, that would be 'bad'.
Canada Day Party sounds great ;-)
Now try to convince the spoiled Floridians and the winter tourists and residents who come here for warm weather to sit in an uncovered patio in the rain.
Unfortunately, this is a "weather permitting" gig. Fortunately most of the time we get to play. The long rang weather forecast tells us next week will be sunny and mild.
Last night we played indoors, and the more I play this guitar and the more I get to know it, the more I like it.
Notes ♫
OK, the waiting time is over so I decided to sell the mis-shipped guitar for $2399.75 under list price...
That's $1,000.00 under the lowest advertised price I can find on the Internet.
Pictures, details, price, free shipping limits, and severe GAS here:
http://www.nortonmusic.com/parker_fly.htmlIf you know anybody who may be interested, please send them my way.
Thanks,
Notes
OK, one teaser picture
Hi Notes,
Definitely purty, but.............
Don S.
She's a beaut Notes . . . by the way great knobs and backside! No doubt you will enjoy holding and playing this baby. If you can please post something you play with her.
Later,
I can see why; they forgot the dots on the neck
I haven't played her much, since I want it to be still brand new.
And the Parkers don't have inlays on the neck because Ken thinks they weaken the neck (they do have fret markers on the top of the neck though).
Supposedly the neck joint with the carbon/glass exoskelton is so strong, you can put the guitar between two chairs and stand on it. That is something I am definitely not going to try.
BTW, my DragonFly does not have any inlays on the neck either, but I never use them anyway. I use the fret markers on the top of the neck. I play standing up, so I can't see the front of the fretboard anyway.
Yes, these things are very expensive, but so are high end Gibsons, and this guitar gives you many more sounds, a smoother neck, and a stronger body than any Gibson does. Plus the neck will not twist and warp and probably never need an adjustment.
I'm sure sooner or later, someone will buy it -- after all -- it's $1,000.00 less than the lowest advertised price on the Internet.
In the meantime, I'm keeping it in it's case in a safe space.
Too bad it didn't have strat-type pickups. I would have kept it if it did. I have a couple of dual pup guitars, and I was really after a super-strat (which I got with my DF).
Wish me luck!!!
Notes ♫
Notes, That's a nice piece of wood & wires there.
I was fumbling around the net the other day and found the Chapman Stick. It was a new thing to me but I'm sure you already know about this. Thought i'd pass on a link in case you are ready for a new piece of wood and strings sometime in the future. There's a video down the page that really shows what this thing can do in the right hands, actually left & right hands.
http://www.stick.com/instruments/tunings/Don't get caught out in the cold on those open air nights, your fingers might get stuck to the strings.
Wyndham
I know about the stick, and it seems very interesting. However, I had better learn more on the guitar first ;-)
We played last night outdoors, it was foggy but in the mid 60s. Not too bad.
Tonight another outdoors (pool party) they are saying lower 60s. Hopefully they will move us into the clubhouse.
Notes ♫
Wow a bit of culture shock there.
It's 50 degrees cooler here and they were showing a morning concert with 3 bands at a ski hill north of here on TV. Outdoors at 10F. The crowd was clapping and stomping and jumping up and down. We do that even if there is no music it keeps you warm.
The kids and I made an annual trip south in March. We'd get to KY and take off our coats and put on shorts and the locals would stare at you in their heavy coats. Get to Flordia and go swimming when it's 50, seems like a HEAT WAVE.
I'd like to live where it's warmer now. I understand why my grandparents lived in Florida all winter, coming home for Easter. I have battery heated socks, and other great pieces of winter wear. Fingerless gloves are good for outdoor musicians.
The patios here open as soon as the snow goes, (4 weeks?) and they turn on radiant gas heaters for the smokers so even if it's just 40 they can puff in comfort.
I'll take a fireplace and a brandy with 10 parts of water in it. Or 12. And a straw to drink it with.
I grew up in South Florida, near Fort Lauderdale, where the slightest, lightest bit of frost is a 50 year event. Now as predicted by the climate change scientists, the melting of the ice caps is creating a shift in the ocean currents which is producing warmer summers and colder winters in the temperate zone. We've had frost 2 years in a row, and instead of our upper 80F high temperatures in the summer, 90s have become common. It's pretty weird and a bit unsettling.
I did spend some time as a musician "on the road" and spent a lot of the year in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Ispheming). Frost came in late August and during the winter it snowed every day except for the ice storm day. It was a beautiful part of the country, the people were nice, and I froze my ___ off. But those few years on the road, when I was a young musician in a rock band, were very happy years indeed. The cold weather was a small price to pay for the joys of touring in a rock band.
Notes ♫