Sometimes playing junk helps your perspective

[Jack FFR1846]

I have a bunch of guitars that are out on stands in the living room. For the most part, they're the types that if one of the kids accidently throws one out the window and it lands in a branch chipper, I'd be mad that they broke the window but wouldn't cry about the guitar.

I've gotten a little used to them over the last few weeks. So, last night, I get music for our next performance and start putting together a lead. I pull out the sub 1 and plug into my digitech and put on the headphones. After about half an hour, it really hits me that this thing is sooooo much nicer playing than my normal noodling guitars. It's been hidden away in a case for a while. Well, since I'll actually be using the Axis normally when I perform, I pull that out and practice what I've got figured out.

WOW!!!!

I get hit again, but at the next level. Sort of like walking into the garage and remembering you've got a Ferrari in there that you forgot about. (I don't....but stay with me). After a winter of driving around a truck with snow tires and bad brakes, the Ferrari just does everything so much better and is effortless and sounds so good.

.........ok....no more coffee for me in the afternoon. I'm almost afraid to pull out the supersport.....to think I haven't played that in a month......

jack

 

[catdaddy]

It's like swinging a weighted bat when you're on deck to hit. A drummer I used to play with used tree limbs the first set then went to a lighter stick for the remaining sets. Use a gauge heavier strings on your hateful guitar while you're practicing at home and then go to your Axis with slippery new Slinkys at the gig and you will be on fire.

 

[agt]

I'm almost afraid to pull out the supersport.....to think I haven't played that in a month......

Better brace yourself for that one ... it could be dangerous.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Better brace yourself for that one ... it could be dangerous.

This.

 

[azazael]

It's like swinging a weighted bat when you're on deck to hit. A drummer I used to play with used tree limbs the first set then went to a lighter stick for the remaining sets. Use a gauge heavier strings on your hateful guitar while you're practicing at home and then go to your Axis with slippery new Slinkys at the gig and you will be on fire.

Not a particularly good idea.
He will start to get used to the force needed to bend to pitch and when drop a gauge or two his bends will be all over the shop.... maybe.

 

[catdaddy]

Not a particularly good idea.
He will start to get used to the force needed to bend to pitch and when drop a gauge or two his bends will be all over the shop.... maybe.

Don't you listen to know when you've reached the correct pitch when you're bending or is it all muscle memory?

I must confess, I don't play a heavier gauge when I'm practicing.

 

[deanfrommine]

i know the feeling well!
at home i play whatever junk is at hand.
when i get to a gig and pull out the super sports, i can't help but smile every time.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I agree 100%. I only have one ball right now and when my band plays our drop-d tuned songs, I have to take out my Sch****r after having played my JP and it honestly pisses me off. Once I get my sterling silver JP, all will be right with the world. I will have a ball to play for all 3 sets in multiple tunings. horray!

 

[V_S]

Get a Tremolno for the JP (if you don't need the trem for the dropped-d stuff) and dropped-d tuning is achieved in a few seconds.

I agree 100%. I only have one ball right now and when my band plays our drop-d tuned songs, I have to take out my Sch****r after having played my JP and it honestly pisses me off.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I actually have a tremolno here at home, but I didn't want to "alter" my first JP. I had it on my Luke and loved it though, it is a great tool.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I have a Tremelno in one of my other non EBMM guitars - its brilliant! Locks up that horrible whammy bar idea a treat!