Quote:
Originally Posted by Lokire  ...but it would have been a big financial stretch for me and the better half of my brain convinced me to save the money and get a Thunderchief instead. SO happy I did.  |
Glad you made the choice as well - I've messed around with ABGs at various stores, but
owning one and learning "how" to play one (as a friend of my described re: his role in a acoustic duo, "almost as a second guitar, playing counterpoint, melodies and harmonies, double-stops, chords, and percussion by 'playing' the body via thumping in different areas"),
especially a good one like a Thunderchief or Taylor and not what I call the cheaper "Campfire Specials" certainly has a different feel than playing electric, IMO. At some point I'd like to upgrade the electronics with a Highlander IP-2 piezo/internal mic setup for the best "plugged" tone possible, but simply playing totally acoustically late at night has been inspiring in terms of writing material specific for it.
I can certainly understand the financial aspects (I'm forbidden from making any "large" purchases for the rest of '09) and I honestly didn't think I'd walk out of the local Guitar Center - I
cannot believe someone was dumb enough or put into the financial position to sell/trade in a
Taylor to a GC...
but my Much Better Half actually more than gave the "okay" but actively encouraged me to get it, as she knows that...
a) It's probably been at the top of my "dream bass" list since around 2000/2001, and that I very well might not find one in nearly as good shape ever again (for a 13-year-old acoustic, it's near-mint in terms of condition), and;
b) Once the economy recovers and the used gear market gets out of the dumpster, this is one bass that is "Investment-Level", that the severely lowered price we talked GC into (I think they knew it would be in the store for a long while with high-end acoustic basses being a niche instrument, and better to get rid of it as a low deal to a repeat customer) was an amazing deal as I've tracked their selling points on eBay and that should the unlikely happen and I have to sell it that I'd likely make a sizable profit on the deal.
...but every time I play her (I'm not one for naming basses, but the "sweetness" of her tone certainly calls for a feminine name) I know that day would certainly be a bad one, and that I'd likely get ride of almost anything else in my collection.
Do you use your AI or Phil Jones for amplification needs, or are you thinking of a dedicated acoustic amp? My normal rig is pretty "rock"-specific and I personally love the sound of SWR's California Blonde, but I realize that's
far of of my price-range right now and honestly? - I'm not sure how much use it would actually get and I could put the funds to better use elsewhere. Maybe something smaller and cheaper - I remember when I read the Chapman Stick mailing list this topic came up and Crate as mentioned as having a solid, small amp (the "Limo" 22lb 1x10" w/ tweeter).
