[Real-Vic-G]

Congratulations @CaliBob on posting your first video. It was a really good one too. Something tells me it was a lot more than the daily challenges that got you to play your piece so well. It was a very fine performance nonetheless. Good to “see” ya. 👋

[Real-Vic-G]

For those of us who have known you a while @RealKurt , this is a long time coming. We’re happy to make this happen for you. We wish you nothing but the best for your show and hopefully you’ll find a moment to soak in all of the good vibes that we’ll be sending you not only on this night, but on your actual show. Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the moment yourself. This is fun, ain’t it? 👍

[Real-Vic-G]

I don’t own one of these but Tony did review the KLOS Carbon Fiber guitar. I’ll share the link below. Carbon Fiber guitars are expensive and much like regular wood guitars the prices continue to increase with gaining popularity. There are a few premier makers out there like Emerald and McPherson, but there are other brands that are lesser expensive like RainSong, Composite Acoustic and KLOS (there are a few others). They’re still not as cheap as all laminate guitars, but they may be what your son is looking for.

https://acousticlife.tv/klos-guitars-review/

[Real-Vic-G]

Hey @SoCal_Ian , that is awesome news. Congrats on getting up there and sharing your songs with a real life audience…..and three songs to boot. These are success stories that I like to hear and how our VOMs have helped you. That’s super awesome.

[Real-Vic-G]

Hello @Guitargeezer

I’ll tell you what I know about the guitars that you listed. I will disclaim that I don’t own any of these guitars, but I have tried them in stores pre-pandemic (meaning a long time ago).

Gibson J-45 Studio. Gibson’s “Studio” models are concept pieces. They are usually less adorned to make them a little more affordable. The concept is that these models are the same as their “stage” counterparts, but are meant to be workhorses in the recording studio. Since they’ll be in the studio, they don’t need to be as “showy” as the “on stage” models so it’s basically the same guitar minus any cool inlay, or neat binding, or gloss finish. You basically get a “plain Jane” looking guitar but you wouldn’t be able to tell it apart from the same model guitar that you see on stage when you hear it recorded. Having said that, the Gibson J-45 is an iconic guitar played by an endless number of famous musicians. As a slope-shouldered dreadnought, it is the largest guitar on your list, but I also think it’s the boldest sounding. This is a great strumming guitar and fits you if you are into pop and rock and you’re looking for that sound that hear a lot on record albums.

Martin GPCPA4. Martin’s GPC body shape is the same as Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body shape. I’ve literally taken a Martin GP guitar and put in it a Taylor GA case and it fit like a glove. Although the body shapes are practically identical, each guitar possesses their own iconic respective tones. Interesting that you listed the guitars in this order because it sits in the middle size wise on your list. This is a great guitar if you are a singer-songwriter type player who likes to go to Open Mics. It’s a great guitar for finger picking and strumming and is probably the most versatile on your list.

Martin 000-17. Martin’s triple O body size is smaller and thinner than the guitars listed above. This model guitar, from what I remember, has a more “woody” tone and would be ideal (among the three) if you are more of a “blues-y” type player. I think it’s a better finger picking guitar than the others, but you can definitely still strum on this guitar.

If memory serves me correctly, I believe the GPCPA4 has rosewood back and sides, whereas the other two have mahogany back and sides. I don’t know if you are particular to these woods, but it may be a factor in your decision. I believe they all have spruce tops.

You asked about Zagar guitars and I admit that I have not had much experience with that brand. I’ve tried one Zagar guitar many years back and I remember not being very impressed. I know that they make claims to be the best playable guitars around, but I’ve also seen video reviews saying that their playable claim is just as good as any other brand guitar with a good setup. That’s about all I know and I’m sure that there are others who may be able to give a better review than I just did.

Hopefully this helps.

[Real-Vic-G]

Congrats on completing your 2nd TAC year @MikeGaurnier . Great accomplishments in your story. Thanks especially for being a VOM host. Don’t forget to take it easy on yourself and the people around you. Also, be more accepting of yourself and others and get rid of those expectations. You’ll have a much easier and more pleasant journey going forward.

[Real-Vic-G]

This is a really nice performance @TimK1 . You are super talented in your playing, singing and songwriting. Solid, awesome performances week after week. We’re so fortunate and glad that you share your songs with us at the VOMs.

[Real-Vic-G]

Here you go @Marquita :

https://kitchsessionsdg.blogspot.com/

If you have access to any one of the VOM blogs, there is a link in them to the Kitchen Sessions blog, as well all other VOM blogs.

(This also assumes that Dennis has not changed his link)

[Real-Vic-G]

Hi @andy_e . Using your iMac is fine. Using the mic on your iMac is fine too. Most people will start with their computer mic and decide from there if they wish to upgrade their equipment or not. There is no requirement at our VOM to have quality grade equipment. If anything, we only request that you have “Original Sound” turned ON on Zoom to get your best possible sound through Zoom. Check this video on how to turn ON Original Sound in Zoom (https://youtu.be/vuFzgrXTL-c).

Regardless of how you sound today, our only concern is that you have the opportunity to share your music with us. We are a very appreciative audience.

Whether you have memorized songs, or reading off of sheet music, it’s all acceptable. We look forward to seeing you later.

[Real-Vic-G]

Thanks @albert_d . You are quite welcome. 😀

[Real-Vic-G]

Yes @CaliBob , jam groups are no longer a feature at TAC. I’ll send you an email with alternate options and ideas.

[Real-Vic-G]

Loraine’s information is current and up to date. Thank you @Loraine

[Real-Vic-G]

You are quite welcome my SoCal friend. I’m sure you and your story are inspirations for others as well. Spread the wealth and pay it forward. 👍

[Real-Vic-G]

Thx Mike

[Real-Vic-G]

The Martin CEO-7 is an awesome guitar. It’s got a sweet warm tone and is comfortable (size wise) to play. It is known among many players that it’s an underpriced guitar, meaning that you get more guitar than you pay for. I believe it has an Adirondack Spruce top which is often considered as an upgrade to Sitka Spruce. It’s also got the mahogany back and sides to give you that sweet blues-y vintage tone. This is the smallest guitar on your list thus far with a double-O body shape. I only have one issue with it and I will emphasize that this is just MY issue. The neck carve is V-shaped. I am more of a low oval neck shape player. If not for this specification difference, I’d probably own one myself but that spec is a game changer for me as it didn’t feel quite right in my hands. I will emphasize again that this is an individual choice amongst players so if this is something that you are comfortable with, then by all means pursue it (or at least try one out). This guitar is popular among a few owners here in TAC who just love their CEO-7s. I believe there is a thread somewhere here in this forum speaking about the wonders of this guitar. It is definitely worth you giving it a look and try.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  Real-Vic-G.