| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/11/2009 : 7:02:41 PM
What's everyone's opinion on getting autographs on a guitar?
I am planning on buying a Leo Kottke Signature Model Taylor 12-string guitar in the coming weeks. I'm also planning on seeing Leo perform in the coming months.
I was kicking around the idea of having him autograph the back of the headstock. But then I thought that I might not want him to autograph the guitar...it would probably bother me to see that ink all the time.
Generally I wouldn't want it at all...but since it's his signature model guitar, I think it might be somewhat fitting.
It might just be better to ask him to play a few bars on it...I think I would like the idea of him actually playing my guitar.
Either way I'm really pumped about the guitar and catching Leo again...it's been almost a year since I've last seen him.
Opinions? |
| 37 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 12:39:40 AM
I rerecorded a tune with the new LKSM 12-string. I think it's much better than the other version.
A decent mic would really help show how amazing this thing sounds. It practically bruises my ribs as much as the back of this thing vibrates.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzuhzi4kcBw&feature=channel_page |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 04/12/2009 : 7:20:21 PM
So, the Kottke concert was last night. I didn't get the autograph. Oh well.
Leo is totally killer. I think he's getting much better recently. He improvises A LOT and is doing a lot of really great stuff. I think he's making up for the fact that he's getting a bit older and likely can't tear things up like he used to (even 5 years ago).
I like the "new" Leo.
He played Ants and Gewerbegebiet. I LOVE those songs. He's a genius. |
| dirtysloth |
Posted - 04/12/2009 : 11:49:04 AM
So you've finally done it, now I've gotta get on the ball I guess. Like HRW said, I'd like to hear ya get a bit more aggressive, but I wish I was as steady and precise as you are. |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 03/28/2009 : 12:52:56 AM
Well, here's my video (finally) with my new Leo Kottke 12-string.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really do this guitar justice.
Oh well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oiRSB-WEBI |
| dirtysloth |
Posted - 03/12/2009 : 10:41:45 AM
Hey Gnome, I haven't been ignoring you. I've been meaning to make of video of me with the thing and upload it. Maybe this weekend. Be sure to let us know when you make one. |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 03/01/2009 : 9:17:19 PM
I know how you feel. When I got my Gibson Les Paul Studio, I couldn't keep my hands off of it. The sound was so perfect and pure. The same thing happened again when I finally got my long awaited Guild GAD-40CE. They were two guitars that seemed to be built and designed just for me. |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 03/01/2009 : 9:10:19 PM
Congrats, man. Know the feeling! |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 03/01/2009 : 8:42:02 PM
The guitar arrived Thursday. I was out of town on business and wasn't able to open it until last night.
The thing is a dream.
Perfectly grained top (with lots of yummy silking). Beautiful caramel colored back. And KILLER tone. I've got a dime-sized blister on my thumb already.
Tomorrow will be the day that I really put some time in on the beast. I'll update my YouTube page with a new video once I get around to recording something on it.
As the great Pointer Sisters once sang, "I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!" |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 02:09:16 AM
I bought the guitar yesterday. It will be arriving on the 26th or 27th (I'm waiting on tracking number).
To say I'm excited is an understatement.
I'm nauseated with anticipation. |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/15/2009 : 11:44:24 AM
Respectively, I have to disagree.
There's a very good reason the world's greatest 12-string guitar player (Leo Kottke) plays the world's greatest 12-string guitar (Taylor LKSM). 
Seriously though, I usually don't like 12-string guitars unless they're tuned down (I'm not saying that your friend doesn't do this too). Tim usually tune's his down a full step which I think adds a tremendous amount of balls to the sound. Otherwise you sound like Peter, Paul, and Mary.
I have a friend that has a Guild 6-string. It's a really nice guitar. |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 9:14:44 PM
My Guild GAD-40CE came with a Fishman Acoustic Matrix, and it sounds great (especially through my Aura). I also have a Neo-D that was once in my Michael Kelly, but now is in my Samick. Even though it is a passive pickup, all I needed was to run it through my Marshall BB-2, switch it to volume control, and then feed that through my Aura and it sounded perfect as well.
The only problem with a Neo-D or Rare Earth is that it gets in the way if you want a dehumidifier or a feedback reducer. Also keep in mind that they will come with a long wire and a jack sticking out of your soundhole, unless you modify it. It isn't too difficult to make it into a female jack and put that through the back of the guitar, if you know what you are doing.
Edit: oh, and when I said Polaroid, I didn't mean the brand, but the type of pictures. There are many others that produce the same type of instant pictures.
I also disagree about Leo Kottke's 12 string. It's great and amazing, but the greatest 12 string I have ever heard, seen, or played is my friend's Guild F412. I have to say it is amazing!!!! |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 4:41:52 PM
I've read that Leo takes two 12-strings to a gig. One with the Sunrise and the other with a Fishman Rare Earth. Depending on the venue and the sound system he'll choose which pickup to use.
I'll probably go with the Fishman because it's less expensive and probably easier to get in general. Plus it's a bit smaller and a little better looking in my opinion.
As soon as I get the thing I'll post some pictures and maybe a video or two.
Do you have any pics dirtysloth? |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 4:26:36 PM
I had a Rare Earth installed in my Martin 12-string, and it sounded fantastic. I sold the guitar because I turned out to just be a 6-string kinda guy, but it sounded nice. |
| dirtysloth |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 2:02:38 PM
I'm planning on installing a pickup sometime soon. I put a Fishman Rare Earth Blend in my D-28 and was impressed with the overall freq response, but then I know I couldn't go wrong with the Sunrise, so I've got some deciding to do too. |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 12:20:05 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dirtysloth
I usually wouldn't want any signatures on my guitars, but I actually did just buy a Leo signature model 12-string about three months ago and I probably wouldn't mind if I could get Leo to sign it. I have an old ad from some guitar magazine for it though so I'd probably just get him to sign that. Anyway, I suppose if you've already played one you know, but my Leo isn't just a great guitar - it's my favorite instrument I've ever even played. You're gonna love it.
Did you install a pickup in it? What did you use?
My 6-string as the Fishman Aura which I absolutely love.
I was considering for the Kottke either the K&K bridge transducer or a Sunrise soundhole pickup (that's what he uses).
Any thoughts? |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:53:24 AM
It's built to be tuned to C#. It uses heavy strings to accomodate this. It's also braced differently from their other Jumbo 12-strings to really allow the top to move.
If you play something in DADGAD (which would be down to B) the thing is an absolute freak-show. It pounds against your chest and creates a wash of sound. It's really quite incredible.
I always end up drawing a crowd in the store when I play it. I'm not bragging here...no one pays attention when I play a 6-string. That guitar just grabs everyone's attention.
I think "Snorkel" and "Morning is the Long Way Home" really show of what that guitar can do.
I also LOVE the look of it. No fretboard markers. No pickguard. No plastic binding. Cutaway. |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:38:23 AM
Is it built to be in B standard tuning like Leo frequently plays it? His guitar growls on 'I Yell at Traffic.' |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:30:22 AM
Yeah, I've played 2 of them.
Quite frankly it's hard to even categorize it as a guitar. The thing is a sonic-beast! When I play it I always feel like I'm on the brink of totally loosing control. It's a great feeling!
My only concern is that the thing is so large. I'm short, so I think sitting and playing for long periods is going to pose a challenge.
Regardless I'm getting SUPER excited to buy it. My personal life will probably suffer for a few months after I get it!
"Has anyone seen, Gnome?" |
| dirtysloth |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 08:40:12 AM
I usually wouldn't want any signatures on my guitars, but I actually did just buy a Leo signature model 12-string about three months ago and I probably wouldn't mind if I could get Leo to sign it. I have an old ad from some guitar magazine for it though so I'd probably just get him to sign that. Anyway, I suppose if you've already played one you know, but my Leo isn't just a great guitar - it's my favorite instrument I've ever even played. You're gonna love it. |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/14/2009 : 01:49:08 AM
I dig. As long as you're in the shade, you're ok. I assume the show is at night? |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 8:03:58 PM
Cool...I'd like to see the pic.
I'm actually more concerned with it being too hot out.
April in Austin can be pretty warm... |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 5:35:32 PM
I'll snap a pic when I get a minute. Depends on the weather, really. I've always left it in the car and asked first before grabbing it, but it's been nice out. Dunno if it's freezing out. |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 3:31:13 PM
Alright...so here's a logistics question.
Do you take your guitar to the show...or do you leave it in the car and then run out to get it after the show?
Either way I imagine it's going to be more difficult than I'm willing to deal with (I'm extraordinarily lazy).
Where did you get Kaki and TR to sign? |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 12:58:40 PM
Yeah, Polaroid is toast.
I have Tim and Kaki King's sigs on my Taylor, it gives it character, methinks. Like to add Leo, but I never seem to be able to catch up with him at the end of his shows. |
| Arthen |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 11:54:17 PM
"In February 2008, Polaroid announced it would discontinue production of film, shut down three factories and lay off 450 workers." |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 11:51:57 PM
Yeah, it's great when he comes out, sits in his chair and just starts ripping it up. The first TR show I saw was the acoustic tour in 1999 when he sat during the shows. It always felt more intimate to have the performer just sitting in front of you. It seems less like a "show" and more like someone just playing guitar for you.
I think that Polaroid is out of business...or at least has stopped making the instant-photo film stuff. There might be others out there (I'm not aware of any) but I think Polaroid has gone the way of Betamax. Frankly, I can't imagine anyone buying even a standard film camera (other than professionals, etc.).
Creepy guys taking pictures of passed-out girls just won't have it the same anymore.  |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 9:38:22 PM
I meant that it is just him and his signature 6 and 12 string guitars. No effects, no other people, no opening act, just that. Just stripped down bare. All he had his guitars hooked up to was either a conditioner or amplifier and a Korg tuner.
Also, what do you mean Polaroids are extinct? I still see them, even disposable ones. |
| Kevin |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 8:29:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by gnome44
I'll need to find a very, very small pen.
And he'd probably only fit his initials.
that brought the lulz...god I need to get off ants  |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 6:44:36 PM
I'll need to find a very, very small pen.
And he'd probably only fit his initials. |
| dan p. |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 5:35:41 PM
have him sign your dick. |
| Hopeful Rolling Waves |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 10:37:10 AM
Get him to sign the axe!
Just hope he doesn't do a 20 minute preface to 'Ants.' Last time I saw him, he talked more than he played. AHAHA |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 10:27:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ranting Thespian
He played very mellow stuff at the show I saw. Just his 6 string and 12 string. Nothing else.
As far as I know Leo has only ever played with just a 6 and 12 string. He likely played occasionally with an electric in the 70's...but I've never heard any live recordings with an electric or seen any pictures of it happening.
He's The Man! |
| Arthen |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 04:50:42 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ranting Thespian
Here's an idea I just got. Why not take a Polaroid of him and you and the guitar, then have him sign the bottom of the Polaroid?
Polaroids are extinct now, unfortunately.
How does a signature on a guitar affect the tone? One old boardmember had his guitar signed by Tim. |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 04:37:03 AM
Here's an idea I just got. Why not take a Polaroid of him and you and the guitar, then have him sign the bottom of the Polaroid? |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 04:35:31 AM
He played very mellow stuff at the show I saw. Just his 6 string and 12 string. Nothing else. |
| gnome44 |
Posted - 02/11/2009 : 11:31:21 PM
I had actually considered having him sign the inside of the guitar (close to the label). But I'm not sure he'd be able to get his hands in the soundhole.
Sometimes I think I'm crazy for even considering these things at all.
I'm really excited to see him again. It will only be my 3rd time...but he's played drastically different sets the previous two times, so I think I'll be in for a treat again. |
| Ranting Thespian |
Posted - 02/11/2009 : 10:11:00 PM
My only big thing about autographing a guitar is taking away from it's beauty and tone. However on the back of the headstock, that would be a good idea. I wouldn't mind Tim, Dave, Paul McCartney, David Gray, Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), or David Gilmour signing the back of my headstock.
However, here's another idea. How about you have him sign a piece of paper, and glue it around where the tag is inside the soundhole. If you could even get the little piece of paper out, have him sign it, and put back in, that would be really kewl!
Also, I saw Leo Kottke last Friday. It was my first time seeing him live, and he was great. |
