Thicker strings are good for surf? thats crazy aha

Whats the difference in sound between flatwound and Round wound?

Jamie said:

What the string is made of will also affect the sound. I believe in the 50s and early 60s strings were usually pure nickel and usually higher gauge than modern strings. Now strings are made in lighter gauges and you can get nickel plated steel or pure nickel. Steel being a bit brighter and pure nickel being a bit warmer. I tend to use Ernie Ball Rock n Rolls 11s.

 

If you're playing surf I would definitely go with higher gauges. A lot of retro types are into flatwound strings too (think early George Harrison). I've never tried them so I'll let someone else share their opinion.

What the string is made of will also affect the sound. I believe in the 50s and early 60s strings were usually pure nickel and usually higher gauge than modern strings. Now strings are made in lighter gauges and you can get nickel plated steel or pure nickel. Steel being a bit brighter and pure nickel being a bit warmer. I tend to use Ernie Ball Rock n Rolls 11s.

If you're playing surf I would definitely go with higher gauges. A lot of retro types are into flatwound strings too (think early George Harrison). I've never tried them so I'll let someone else share their opinion.

I have played for almost 30 years (you'd never know by hearing me play though) and pretty much have only played 60s/70s punk with a 5-6 year stint playing hardcore in the 80s. I have always played Ernie Ball Super Slinkys. They last, they're cheap and they sound good (trashy). The lighter the gauge the more trebly your guitar is going to sound - just something to keep in mind. I used to use a B string in place of my high E (always breaking it) but I gave that up a few years ago. It will beef up your sound.

I started taking lessons recently only because I wanted to learn some techniques/styles that were completely eluding me on my own. Other than that, I don't think that lessons are all that important.

Yeah, heavier strings sound better on electric too.  Fenders play heavier than other guitars.  So if you like the feel of 11's on a Gibson, get 10's or an 11/10 custom gauge for the Fender.  I like some of the custom gauges, but stock up, since those get discontinued without warning. As far as brand, Dean Markley, Ernie Ball and DR are all good names. And there's nothing wrong with skipping official lessons. Learn from your friends, and from playing along with awesome music.

Duke of Earl -
Thank you so much for offering to 'take one for the team'. Your generosity will not be forgotten ;-)

There's also gonna be re-releases of all of the old Reatards records like "Teenage Hate".

Dave Giù la Testa said:

Jay Reatard's best of is coming out soon on Shattered as well, I'm looking forward to that. I hope they do him justice.

Oh wow!  Yeah, I hope they do him justice too!

Dave Giù la Testa said:

Jay Reatard's best of is coming out soon on Shattered as well, I'm looking forward to that. I hope they do him justice.

Jay Reatard's best of is coming out soon on Shattered as well, I'm looking forward to that. I hope they do him justice.

I know the Fleshtones have been in the studio working on a new album, so I'm excited about that!

It's an old song, but I am looking forward to getting The Trains single by the Nashville Ramblers later this month. Available on Ugly Things records I believe.

I can only see as far as those I've just picked up:

The Knights of the New Crusade - Knight Vision: Hymns for the Invisible Church
Electric Eel Shock - Live Around The World Volume One
Guitar Wolf - Untitled (CD/DVD limited edition)

Just so I can have a heads up on what to look out for, what albums are you guys most excited about this year? I know the Dirtbombs have a new record coming out soon, but from what I've heard of it I'm not that into it.

Only ever heard one of the eps. Didn't realize they had an lp.

Dead Boy said:

The Snivelling Shits - I Can't Come (except the track 1.)  I dommo if it's lesser knowm on the other country.

Well, yeah.

whatwave dave said:

Of course you mean the 12" EP on Ready Records, right Pete?

Pete Fiend said:

The Demics

The one with the funny looking airbrushed cover wasnt that bad. Im still wondering what records were on that 63monroe cd set that I saw a while ago.

whatwave dave said:

Of course you mean the 12" EP on Ready Records, right Pete?

Pete Fiend said:

The Demics

Of course you mean the 12" EP on Ready Records, right Pete?

Pete Fiend said:

The Demics

Hard by Christchild.

Gawd bless Mr. Childish. 

Most prolific garage punker ever! Billy is one of those artists, right when you think you have enough in your collection...you hear something else that you must get. 

I need many of these listed but I'm sure the majority are OOP.

Add in all the books/poetry and paintings and you'd swear the guy has to be twins or have a time machine or something. 

I play through a Peavey Bandit 65 from around the mid-80s; got it off a guy in Southie for about $50, needed something to tide me over until I could get the money for what I really wanted(Fender Bassman), but after getting it cleaned up, I think this'll stick with me until it dies.

Rob: I'm in London, Ontario, Canada....so it would be a bit of a drive...LOL

Rob Bailey said:

Hi Dave, If you in Europe you be pleased to know you can catch Cyril and Roy live in London on Sunday 24 April @ Le Beat Bespoke 7, cheers Rob

whatwave dave said:

1. Flamin' Groovies

2. Flamin' Groovies

3. Flamin' Groovies....

 

Detect a pattern here? Last time they played in Canada was 1978 and i didn't go to see them as i wasn't a huge fan. Now that i'm older (but definitely not wiser) and a HUGE fan of The Groovies AND Roy and Cyril are out doing shows, i gotta see them!! A-Bones are the perfect back up bands as Mirian was the Prez of The Flamin' Groovies fanclub for many years.

I did get to see Magic Christian (Cyril's new combo) about 2 years ago and that just whet my appetite even more for a real Flamin' Groovies show!!

Roky Erickson

? & the Mysterians

Von Lmo

Woulda put Jandek on this list but I got to see him a couple years ago.

My wishlist would be.

The Who/High Numbers live @ Railway Tavern circa 64 set

Steampacket with Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & Rod Stewart

The Birds with Ron Wood Ali McKenzie and Tony Munroe

Hi Dave, If you in Europe you be pleased to know you can catch Cyril and Roy live in London on Sunday 24 April @ Le Beat Bespoke 7, cheers Rob

whatwave dave said:

1. Flamin' Groovies

2. Flamin' Groovies

3. Flamin' Groovies....

 

Detect a pattern here? Last time they played in Canada was 1978 and i didn't go to see them as i wasn't a huge fan. Now that i'm older (but definitely not wiser) and a HUGE fan of The Groovies AND Roy and Cyril are out doing shows, i gotta see them!! A-Bones are the perfect back up bands as Mirian was the Prez of The Flamin' Groovies fanclub for many years.

I did get to see Magic Christian (Cyril's new combo) about 2 years ago and that just whet my appetite even more for a real Flamin' Groovies show!!