Guitar / Bass

Back in 2012, I decided to learn guitar after years of being a musician and not playing the most popular instrument in the world.  I did play bass a bit when I was in the Army Band to fill in for the jazz and top 40 bands but never learned guitar.  No time like the present.  Recently got a bass (2020) and starting to re-learn.  It’s a lot easier with the learning I did with the guitar!

Here is some of my gear:

Ibanez SR505 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Brown Mahogany Rosewood Fretboard.
* A birthday present from my lovely wife. 

Ibanez SR505 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Brown Mahogany Rosewood Fretboard
Ibanez SR505 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Brown Mahogany Rosewood Fretboard
 

Godin Kingpin 5th Ave

This is my Jazz Guitar, it’s strung with flat wound strings and setup for Jazz.

5th Avenue Kingpin P90 Cognac Burst

Martin X Series Cutaway Acoustic-Electric – Auditorium

This was my first “good” guitar.  It was between Taylor and Martin and I picked Martin.

Martin X Series Cutaway
Martin X Series Cutaway

 


Lucero-LC235SCE Classical Guitar

Nylon string classical guitar. This played better than all of the expensive name brand guitars in the store and gets awesome review too.

Lucero-LC235SCE Classical Guitar
Lucero-LC235SCE Classical Guitar

 


 Sold Ibanez AS73

This is my blues guitar.

Ibanez-AS73
Ibanez AS73

Schecter C1 Hellraiser

The name says it all.  This is my rock guitar.

schecter-C1-Hellraiser
Schecter C1 Hellraiser

Amplifiers & Accessories

Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amplifier

The bass was a bit too much for the Spark, even though it said it handled it fine.  They were lying …

Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amplifier
Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amplifier

Spark by Positive Grid

I wish I had found this amplifier first.  This thing is incredible for practising at home and perhaps small venues. What I like about it is its cost ($299.00) and how good it sounds, not to mention all the effects it has built-in with a phone app!

Since I am new to guitar, I really don’t know what all the effect boxes do, how different amps give different sounds, and how they all work together.  I can use the phone app to browse simulated versions of different effects and amplifiers and play with them to learn what I like.  One of the best features I like is the ability to go online and download combinations of what others have found and uploaded to get that “perfect” sound.

I think everyone learning guitar player should have one of these amplifiers in their homes to practice with.

Spark Guitar Amplifier
Spark Guitar Amplifier

Fender Blues Junior III

I started with a cheaper solid state amp, but had to get a tube amp.  This little guy sounds great and don’t let the size fool you.

Fender Blues Junior III
Fender Blues Junior III

Acoustic A40

Electronic amplifier for acoustic instruments.

Acoustic-A40
Acoustic A40

 Effects Boxes

Everyone needs distortion and chorus.  Not going to get into these much for now, I should learn how to play first, then get more of this stuff.  I debated for a while if I should get one of the multi-effect units that do everything, but figured I’d go with boxes because they do one thing and they do it well.

Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion
Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion

Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble
Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble