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Q: I
usually use DADGAD tuning for the trio and for my songs; I have a
Seagull s6 cedar which sounds good but it's not very comfortable for
me; the body is too large and thick and the fretboard is too large
too. Would you suggest me a smaller acoustic guitar around $1000/1500
that i can find left handed? - from Dario
A:
Personally I like the Yairi acoustic guitars. They are incredibly well
made. They stay in tune and they sound fantastic. Try the Yairi "Rag"
model.
Q: I've
owned a P-Project nylon string for about 3 years now. OK, I admit that
you had a lot to do with that purchase. The guitar sounds incredible
and gets lots of use out with my various musical excursions. To be
honest though, I find it quite difficult to play. It seems incredibly
responsive, sensitive. Almost like driving a sports car. I just
wondered if there's a particular approach one should take with this
instrument. - from David
A: The best approach with this instrument is to play it delicately or
softly. The same as a lute. For me it sounds best fingerstyle and with
no nails.
Q: When I write songs, I often find myself trying to fight against
writing out of mechanical convenience. What I am trying to say is that
often times it is so easy to add a note to a chord because a finger
happens to be free and available to fret a note that is near by -
instead of trying to create something that is truly in my head and
doing what ever it takes to make it happen. I guess I often find
myself creating songs that are really a result of the pallet of tools
I have learned or created over the years by rearranging them in
different ways - instead of creating a new tool. Kind of like a
painter painting with a pallet of standard colours that are available
instead of having a vision of the colour he wants and finding a way to
get or create it. Does that make any sense? - from Daniel
A: This does make sense and well articulated I might say. I understand
the process of putting as much as you can on to a piece of music
whether it needs it or not. The fun part is taking the elements away
and then seeing if it still stands. Kind of like the game "Jenga".
Sometimes you have to see it all crashing down to know where or what
the mistake is (or what was holding it together). My question to you
is, does THIS make any sense?
Q: What I'd like to ask you is if you have ever played or heard Godins
Guitar (Multiac Nylon) and if so, how do this compare with your
P-Project with regards to sound etc? As you said you think that
Fernandes made a better job of it I'm guessing you have played or
heard the guitar in question. I'd really appreciate your views on this
one. - from Charly
A: I did play a Godin once and really liked it. The reason I prefer
the P-Project is because it's a bit lighter which makes for better
resonance. I like to hear how they sound acoustically before I plug
in. It's just a matter of taste. I don't think I could say one was
better than the other.
Q: I think it's time there was a Fender "Dominic Miller" signature
Strat. I'm curious to know what your personal specifications would be
for such an instrument if you could be a part of the design. - from
David
A: I don't really have any specifications with a Strat. It is true the
old ones are the best (up to around '68). I like playing with a
rosewood neck though.
Q: I was wondering if you could help me make a decision as to which
nylon string guitar would sound best for studio recording? My budget
is around US $2000, & was considering the Guild SC3 Paloma electric
acoustic nylon guitar or Rodriguez nylon guitars. Of course what I'm
looking for in the guitar is the kind of tone you get. Would love to
hear your comparison of the two guitars and which one would be your
choice for just Studio recording? - from Michael
A: I think the Guild Paloma is an excellent choice although there is
always an argument over using a real one (like my classical Rodriguez)
over a synthetic one. With the right mixing desk and a good quality
reverb the Paloma is right for what you are trying to do. If I were
recording a classical record (which I did) I wouldn't think of using
the Paloma but use the Rodriguez.
Q: When you are choosing a new guitar, what qualities do you look for
when selecting one? Is it the tonal qualities or the feel you
initially have when you pick it up. Does appearance play into any
factor? I was selecting a new bass a short time ago and sat for about
2 and half hours playing them all. The feel in my arms was a major
factor for me. And do you always try to buy vintage guitars or maybe
new ones? - from Ray
A: When looking for an electric guitar I try to listen to how it
sounds acoustically for a long time before I plug it in. If it doesn't
sound good this way it never will. Of course it must 'look' like a
Strat or Les Paul!
Q: My kids and wife want to learn the guitar. I need a couple guitars
since we have a left and right handed family. I am thinking either
classical or acoustic to start. What do I need to pay for a good
guitar that will last a lifetime if cared for? What do you recommend
by way of make/models? - from Joel
A: If there is a left handed kid in the family who hasn't yet picked
up a guitar I recommend they start by playing right handed because it
makes no difference. You still need both hands and they are equally
important. Plus it's more sociable that way. I think Yamaha acoustic
guitars are the best value for money. They are well built and cost
effective. I would suggest a nylon string acoustic in the region of
$500 to $750 dollars.
Q: I was just wondering what version of Rodriguez guitar do you use,
and which one would you recommend to someone starting to play the
classical guitar? - from Demitri
A: The Rodriguez I use is made in Cordoba, Spain. It is a 1986 and
they only make about ten a year. There is another Rodriguez make which
isn't so serious. The best guitars to start out with are Yamahas
because they are not too expensive but sound really good. Plus, they
stay in tune really well.
Q: My son would love to receive a very good Strat as a college
graduation gift next year. How do I go about investing in a good one?
He plays in a band on the side off campus. He will continue to play
for a lifetime. He started playing guitar at age 12. He's versatile
and continues to learn and grow. What do you recommend? - from
Virginia
A: I think a Strat is a great choice but they do vary a lot. The
secret to finding a good electric guitar is to find one that sounds
good acoustically before you plug it in to an amplifier. If it doesn't
sound good acoustically it will never sound good plugged in. My advice
would be to find a friend of yours who's a pretty good guitarist
(everyone knows one) and take him or her to a store and use this
concept with all the guitars in your price range.
Q: I'm to buy a classical guitar that I could use on (smaller) stage.
I don't want to do classical, but music inspired mainly by yours and
Sting's. What do you recommend? - from Andris
A: I would recommend a Yamaha electro-acoustic. In my opinion they are
the best value for money classical guitars.
Q: What Nylon string electro acoustic you would recommend? - From
Paul
A: I would recommend the Guild electric nylon.
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