Are any of you guys guitar players when you go to hunting camp?
There is a guy named Bowman who sings some good hunting songs. I am asking because i would like to start playing. a hunting buddy and i have discussed this and really like the idea for playing while hanging around camp.
there are a few similarities to trad archery - exotic woods, hand craftsmanship, and for me trying to find the correct finger placement and string is very much instinctive.
Can't say I ever thought of the linkage between guitar playing and trad archery, but I do play a bit. I have a seagull, a hohner 12 string, and a Martin backpacker for travel. You are right about the woods. There are lots of different woods used by different makers.
I would strongly encourage you to start playing. It is a great hobby, exercises the mind, and it has many of its own rewards.
I usually pack a guitar to my elk camp. Right now a Hummingbird and a Ibanez , both acoustics. I just sold my Gibson les Paul because in never used it. I usually play and sing country, some of the older stuff and Gospel music.
The Camo cowboy Jim Bowman hunted with us in our Bear camp! What a pleasure and blessing having him in camp! Great hunter and singer , But best of all He's a great person! He also brought along his best friend and fan. His wife Doris. Great people!!!!
I pick a little. Always have. I began playing banjo as a kid, then taught myself guitar. Have played some professionally, but mostly just pick for fun anymore. I like anything from Pink Floyd to Blue Moon of Kentucky! No rap, though.
I pick a little 5-string, dobro, and enough guitar to accompany myself. most of the stuff I play is older than me . born 1940. Sackett bring that guitar next time u come to Tannehill.
I take along a Gibson Acoustic sometimes but this year just didnt have the room for it , I use to say I'll play one string sept to jan and six the rest of the year lol
The last few years at the Strictly Sticks Traditional Archers Rendezvous, here in Southwestern Pennsylvania (Alverton, early June), a few of us have brought our guitars AND banjos, and played either around the "virtual campfire", or imprompto out on the porch.
One gentleman, "Mike", is as traditional as can be, as he starts playing songs FROM THE 1600's on his Banjo!! Celtic and Irish tunes, early foundations for some of the Protestant Church hymns you hear.
Some of us "less centurial" end up going through ENDLESS versions of "Dueling Banjos", with various other songs thrown in (like "Smoke on the Water", "Freebird"). If we can blend a few songs, either well or badly, we normally get more than a few folks laughing!!
After shooting bows for hours during the Rendezvous, then getting out the instruments, it seems like the night goes far too quickly....
And from what I hear, 2010's Rendezvous will have guitars, banjos, a fiddle or two, and a dulcimer.
Funny, bows are stringed instruments, too!! Gosh, how I'm looking forward to getting through another winter....!
((PS: Rick Barbee: from the quality of what I just listened to, I'd say you've been honing your "craft" for a few more than a couple years!!! NICE!!))
I learned from my grandfather who, like some of the ones others mentioned, can play anything. I try to learn anything that catches my ear from Merle Haggard to AC/DC. I have a Gibson J-45 (my Grandfather's purchased new in '64, a '64 Mustang (my Great-Grandfather's), and a newer Fender Strat. It has become an obsession and I play almost as much as I shoot!
I recommend anyone who thinks they would like to play to give it a try. I'll tell you this; once you hit that "magical" chord you'll never turn back.
Rick, that's a nice song and a great job singing it. You ought to be making some money off that kind of performance.
I strum a little and do old Sons of the Pioneers stuff and some more modern in the same vein. Voice isn't fit for human ears though. Use to get the dog to sing with me, but now he's deaf. I wonder if it was my singing ....
I lived in S Cal in the 60s and was addicted to surfing and surf music. I still can get down on the old surf songs but man I miss my 63 fender jaguar. I don't play them much on the acoustics but stick a axe in my hand and the old surf comes up LOL. Also those old songs like Walk Don't Run and ghost riders ect.
Yep, I play a little. Since '76. Main acoustic is and Aria Dreadnought for the mellow times. And I even have a tiny little battery operated amp with a nasty growl and squeal for the les Paul or Strat. You know, for those times when I just have to have some Skynard or Hindrex and there ain't an outlet in sight. ;~)
We take guitars on our outdoor adventures. We play classical music and I write songs in a variety of genre. You may or may have not heard others singing my music, but I will not say what is mine because I publish with a different handle. Here is one of my youngsters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R3yxkwOCmc
When I was growing up, we camped a lot with Boy Scouts and traveled all over and it seemed there was always someone at the campfire with a guitar,There was something special in those nights that has never left me, I try, but I only started in Feb.so I don't play very well, but trying has helped me get through a rough year, something very calming in those strings......We could sure use someone to play around the campfire at the Farmland Memorial weekend shoot this year, I'm in no way even close to playing in public, but if one of you would like to come and play, I'll be willing to help out with your shoot fees.......pm me, Thanks,Steve
I started playing when I was 5 on a uke, and started playing guitar at 12. Made most of my living playing lead guitar & singing from age 17 to just last year, when I retired from it, 50 years was enough, but I still play at home and at hunting camps, and ect. I still have 7 guitars of all makes from my old Les Paul to Alvarez & many other makes, and a old tenor Washburn Banjo with a skin head, that still playes well. Once you start you never quit.
I have a couple of guitars. Mainly play my Ovation Elite acoustic but also have a Washburn acoustic "beater" that I take to camp in the mountains. I play mostly alternative but in camp Nugent's "Fred Bear" is usually a hit...grin.
I had to retire my Fender when it was signed by Arron Lewis of Stained... and the rest of the band... Big Grin
I bang around a little with my Martin at some campfires. The first year of the cloverdale shoot one of the nice things about it was the music. They had a bluegrass band playing sat night, but the music coming from the campsights was phenominal. It was wall to wall bluegrass.
WoW, nice LP, I love the oldies, here is my real, but ruined by a nice refinish and poor update...'60 telecaster, it's 114 days older that I am, and sounds much sweeter too.......
I tried singin like that once Rick. My dog howled a couple times n died. I like the dog I got now so I don't sing,lol. Your great guy, you oughta be makin records. Oops showing my age, I mean cd's.
Yep I use to play. Like archer I stated playing as a kid. Made a living playing bass for just about every rock band that need a hired gun back in the 70's. I got to play with some mighty famous people. Gave it all up as soon as I saw my oldest daughters little face. I wanted to stay home and see her every day. Have not picked it up since. I think my wife misses me playing more than I do.
Steve I see a Hummingbird back there. Looks just like mine (grin)Talk about a sweet sounding guitar. My Jaguar was a sunburst too.That is one guitar I wish I still had but I have a wonderful daughter instead. It paid her hospital bill.
Sixby, that guitar there is a very special one, it's actually a 72 univox hummingbird copy that I got from the original owner, he bought it just out of bootcamp, and took it straight to Vietnam, and when he returned he never touched it again, it was in sad shape when I got it as the top was badly warped but I fixed it without ruining the patina.. and it does sound awesome, but for me, I kinda like my $5(broken bridge) d-15 copy that's also in the pic a bit better... And speaking of the pic and the tele,all of these guitars are pretty rare 1 or 2 year only stuff, I got real lucky with it too, as I don't have $500 in all of it as most had very minor problems and didn't work, well all of it works great now,but I must admit my favorite is the Candy red Voodoo Kay,I've played on many different guitars, or tried to anyway, and this one sounds so sweet it's amazing, like it better than the telecaster....Which I would trade off for a better(martin) acoustic... Fellas, this is one of the best times in history to buy a guitar, prices are low due to our economy and if you can do a little repair on them, the deals are even better... I got the 1 year Gretsch and 1 year Squire master series together for less than $100, they both had a loose jack wire......I traded those two off though for $200, a Dean acoustic amp and an audio tecnica wireless system........ and I used the money I made to buy my daughter a brand new Dean quilted ash acoustic for Christmas.. and she's getting the Dean amp, that matches it too..
I played a little back in high school and college. Got out of it (work, kids, etc., etc...) for about 10-12 years. Just got back into it in '07. I play (make that attempt to play) just about anything. Jazz to metal, just as long as it sounds good loud! At least when the wife isn't home. All of my kids play a little bit, my oldest(17) can really shred. Right now playing is my sanity maintance when I'm not in the woods.Fischer, have fun. Playing is alot like Trad shooting. You learn at your own pace. Even when you're frustrated, it's still fun. And lastly, looking at guitars or bows will start a never ending wishlist real quick.
Rick, great song! Mark, that is awesome! Jipp, I love my Line6.
I've got a Guild 6 string and a Guild 12 string, but I'm not real good at playing them. I mostly just set down and make things up as I go. Sorta like theropy to me.
Beautiful song Rick.
Pondscum, banjo music makes you nervous?... LOL ;~)>
PLay & sing , mostly country/cowboy stuff. I recently aquired a 1968 Ovation Balladeer acoustic with the sunburst finish. I like it, easy to play for my arthritic hands. Campfires & music, some of the finer things in life, imo.
Wow, i never expected this kind of response. you guys have some fantastic instruments and experiences.
Rick - thanks for sharing that wonderful music.
maybe the guitar will help with as therapy because due to my back injury, physical activity is very limited - and so is restful sleep.
playing guitar sounds good, sort of go at my own pace. that sounds interesting since i have no rhythm and am tone deaf. so far, all i ca play is the radio. my music will be some scarey stuff!
I almost sold this a few years ago...to buy a bow. That "temptation" has passed. Meet "Big Red", a 1967 Guild Starfire Mark III, with a Guild/Bigsby tremello bar. He twangs, then really growls when he gets mean. Interesting: I shoot lefty, but play righty....
I've been playing guitar for about 10yrs. I've always loved playing and composing music. I play drums, bass, alto sax just to name a few. Good times for sure. I don't have any fancy guitars though. Just a USA '91 Fender Strat and a $300 China Fender acoustic that plays well. I've had those two since I started. I play everything from Skynyrd to SRV to Jamey Johnson. Music is as much a part of me as bow hunting.
I don't play but would love to learn. I've got a good friend who's an excellent guitar player, semi-pro musician, and studio player (lived in Nashville and so on) who I camp with several times each year. I can sit around all day, sip scotch and smoke cigars and listen to him play without ever getting tired of it. He’s offered to teach me but I’m stuck between listening to music, which I love, and wondering if I’d spoil my enjoyment of it if I tried to learn to make it.
I can't imagine many things better than being in a hunting camp with a bunch of good people doing the same thing. Probably the most memorable night I ever had around a fire in a hunting camp involved a bunch of friends 25 years ago with two guys on guitar singing songs they’d written about Nevada, the desert and the animals while I and others were eating the heart of the antelope I’d shot earlier in the day all the while my dad sang background on the songs he knew.
Guys - all of your instruments are great. Can i ask some questions?
Tinman - what is your guitar? A dobro?
Voodoo, you are a qwick collector. Tell me more.
Jipp - Love that way out west Gretsch!
Hidde - that is a very beautiful electric. what brand etc. This new hobby is just what i need. can do it at home, just like tradbows - very little expense, ha. is quiet and can do a little or alot.
BigRiver - you found a real gem. that sunburst is beautiful.
Labs - nice guitar. great home. my audience will be my wife, two labs, and a stray cat that wont leave.
Harry Carry - that electric is massive. love the look. it looks like a high performance guitar - powerful. like you, i will shoot lefty and play righty.
Any good resources online that you would recommend for a new player?
I went to a lesson today and it was not good. i took a slot that was available and made a committment. then, the teacher said that he really didnt have time for me and wanted to go home to watch TV with his wife, ha. will look for a new teacher.
I got to viewing one day and went out and bought myself a 5 string last May. Up until then, I couldn't even carry a tune in a bucket LOL. I've never had any musical lessons or training, but I am having a blast. I clawhammer (frail) an open back and have had a hoot so far.
Even though I have been playing less then a year, you can see I bring all my fans to their feet when I play!!! LOL.
I've been into guitars for around 35 years, Sadly I seem to be able to make them better than I can play them LOL Here's one I made eariler :o) Couldnt agree more YouTube is loaded full of all sorts of music, lessons n stuff, My lastest quest is to master Peter Greens "oh well" intro......It's going to take a while!
Sackett, Thanks for that, The picture dosen't do it much justice, it has nice contours all around front and back & thru neck. It's difficult to design something that hasn't been used before and still get that classic feel.
Fisher, I'm not much of a collector, I just can't turn down an amazing deal, I live in a rural part of our state that took a big hit when the economy went south and people were selling their unneccesary things by the truckload, and I found out real quick the non working, or broken unneccesary stuff could be had for peanuts....it seems to come in waves though, I may not buy something for a month or so, then all of a sudden in just a couple days 3 or 4 great deals head my way and add to my pile, but I have given many of these away, gave my eldest daughter the H-bird, my son Lance an original 60's LP, my cousin a peavey bass, my nephew a Kramer barretta, I'm down to 7 now and don't plan on adding anymore..Well, I'd like to have a nice acoustic, the d-15 copy is nice but the "G" string is a tad muted, tried various strings,brass pins, tusq saddle,and a litle tinkering, but nothing has helped, so I'm on the lookout for a fine sounding replacement.......I'm sure one will turn up soon, as it's about time for another wave to come and sweep my money away.. again,lol,lol....
I am not a guitar player but I play a hammer dulcimer, and it goes to bow camp. This is me playing in Oct. on the shore of lake Michigan.( it was to hot tobow hunt)
Harry Carry, I had a '67 Starfire V, with the double cutaway, just like yours, since I was a teenager. It was a screamer and a growler for blues, and good for jazz, too. Finally sold it a few years ago, no regrets. I play more fingerstyle acoustic these days, love my Martin (among others!).
I don't play guitar much either - my instrument of choice is the 5 string banjo - and my wife hates it. I've half-heartedly been trying to master the bluegrass banjo for a long time (without much luck). I have a few different banjos now, ranging from decent to really good. This pic shows the headstock of a resonator banjo that I built for myself last winter. My friend Jim Jones (Firefly Bows) ground the tulipwood laminations for me that I used as overlays on the front and back of the headstock. My "custom" truss rod cover is a 125gr Magnus broadhead. I always take one of them with me to my hunting camp and to trad shoots.
I read up on the www.guitartricks.com and found it to be just what is perfect for me right now. very professional, very well thought out plan of learning, accessible literally anytime, and at a price that is unfairly low. i signed up for a year. thanks for your great tip!
Guys - I am going to play a gig for the labs this evening. they really like the company more than the music and just go to sleep.
Did i tell you that i have a guitar to play? It is very nice and anything that sounds good will be because of the guitar, not me. The guitar is on loan to me from a very good friend. It is a stamped 175th year (2008) Martin D-21 special which is a reissue of a 1937 D-21. It is fun learning on this fine instrument.
Fisher, that is my Schecter C-1 Classic. My wife got it for me last Christmas. My old Fender U.S. Contempory Series Strat hasn't left the case since Jan. That Martin is a VERY fine guitar! That must be one great friend! Glad to hear you're having fun.
Bodger, that is a beautiful guitar! Is that a Carvin neck, or do you do it the hard way? I was planning on trying to build a guitar, but then I got bit by the trad. bug. I'll get one built eventually, just have a few more board bows to to build first.
I had an Alvarez acoustic a while back. After a couple of weeks trying to learn the wife finally told me to "put that thing in the attic, till ya learn how to play it some" Sometimes she's as subtle as a sledgehammer! But it was good for a few laughs.
Hidde thanks, it plays nice to It's all scratch built, hand carved mahogany body and neck. The fretboard and head stock overlay are kingwood, I only bought the electrics, tuners n strings. I've got another two on the go at the moment, same profile but with maple capped bodys and one has an ebony bound with purle heart fretboard. For me it's a welcome break from bow makeing.
We take the guitars to hunting camp and punish the other members with bad music late at night if they mmmm...miss. Here's a few of them: A new Taylor 200 series electric acoustic I travel with, then a Taylor 615CE, 614CE, an old Ovation, and a Yamaha SG 2000. That's Karen with me, who is a classical pianist when she's not hunting alligators or buffalo. - Jay and Karen Campbell
Hello the camp! I'm the Bowman guy he talked about in the opening post. It's close to new years so I thought I'd chime in on this one. I know a lot of you have my hunting CD's but you probably don't know much about me. I spent twenty-five years in Nashville trying to make it "big" as they say. I did everything there was to do except snag a major record deal. I've opened many shows for people like Kenny Rodgers, Reba McEntire, the Oak Ridge boys, Barbara Mandrell, etc...etc. I'm a song writer. I wrote one song for Mel Tillis that was pick hit of the week for three straight weeks in billboard magazine. That means it was going to be a hit. Unfortunately, the video of that song featured Kimberly Mcaurther [playboy centerfold] and caused Mel a divorce and me a hit when he killed the record. I also had one of my songs stolen and recorded by a major artist. that song went on to win two grammys, under someone elses name. I've written all this into a soon to be released book called "How Not to Make it in the Music Business" Anyway these incidents caused me to get out of the business. I never intended to ever play again. I went into the archery business and opened a shop. I had some hunting songs I had written and was encouraged by a friend to record them for my friends. That recording has turned int three CD's now and my music is featured on many video productions and TV shows on the outdoor channel. I also had a song that I had written for my childhood hero included in his TV autobiography "King of the Cowboys" Through that song I got to meet and get to know Roy Rogers. It was he who started me out singing at various cowboy events. the SASS organization adopted one of my songs "Ballad of the Single Action Shooter' as their theme song. Through my Roy Rogers song I have met many many of the old B western stars who have since passed on to cowboy Heaven. I'v received phone calls from hunting camps in places like south Africa and a mountain top on Colorado where people told me they had just discovered my music and they had to have it! Music has been a great journey for me. My wife and I have made many friends all over the country as a result of me being a song writer. The closing statement in my book says that I have done everything I ever wanted to do except for one thing. It concerns a Saturday night and the stage of the Grand Ol Opry. I'm still praying and hopeful about that one. Happy New year to all!
What a great thread this turned out to be, Thank God for campfires and guitar players, they warm the heart in more ways than one. It's been a year now since I bought my first guitar and I still can't play worth a hoot, but I'm trying, gone are the h-bird, Squier, and Gretsch in the pic above, replaced by a beautiful Kona acoustic that matches my Voodoo Kay, a Washburn "V" they made just a thousand of, and a very limited Takamine Corona/Kenny Chesney edition from his poets and pirates tour, that was only given away to contest winners....You know I never set out to collect these things, I just wanted to learn to play around the campfire, but sadly I just won't be good enough for something very special to me coming up on memorial day, I've been trying to learn the song "The Dance" by Garth Brooks to play at a shoot I'm sponsoring in memory of my son Dustin, this year marks the 5th year of his passing,I just can't play chords, and can't sing a lick, and in saying that, I offer this, if any of you know that song and also "The River" and would come up to Farmland play them and maybe a little more around the campfire in memory of my boy,and just around the campfire, no stage production or anything like that, I will gladly give you my 60 Telecaster or any one of my other guitars, and I will pay your shoot fee too. anyone interested? please pm me.. Thanks Steve
Wow I put a thread on about the same thing on 2/8/10 and it got pulled. I play a little bit of guitar and ukulele. Folk, old country or what ever. Anyone who finds the guitar hard to learn try a uke. It's sorta like a poorboy mandolin. One and two finger chords are common and you can buy them for under $50. I cant sing worth a darn but the dog hasn't bit me yet so I keep on trying.
That's part of the camping! I sing lead and play rythym guitar in 2 bands, and do a lot of writing. I used to be a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, etc., and the boys not only enjoyed hearing/singing Classic Rock songs around a campfire, but also having a guitar on our campout Sunday morning "worship" services. I've carried a Martin backpacker on my back up and down many trails out west with the guys. In "milder" camps I've played my Martin D18, and I now have a Big Baby Taylor to use outside, and I save the D18 for gigging, etc. I've got several old Yamahas ( a nice classical!) also. On stage I use 2 Fender Telecasters, a Gibson Les Paul, and that D18. On my walls, I also have a Fender Stratocaster, and a Gibson Flying V. THEN there are my son's guitars here! I'll shy away from saying how many guitars are in the house, and my bride (of 30 years) has told me that I won't be procurring bows like I did guitars. ;)
I sold my Seagull 12 string to buy my wife a mother-of-pearl inlaid Ibanez. Long story short I know play a girly guitar. Poorly I might add. But I CAN amuse myself. My latest venture has been to play the theme song from "Intervention" and some old Rush tunes ("Bacchus Plateau" and "No One at the Bridge").
Have you guys seen the guitar makers snatching up all our good veneers lately?!! If I had the dough I'd be strumming something made from cocobolo or one of those great Aussie burls.
To carry this discussion further, I am now making noise with a Larrivee Custom D-09-12. It is a rosewood bodied twelve string. I just love this new passion!
Does anyone have any experience with Parlor guitars? I am looking at a Larrivee P-05 mahogany bodied parlor guitar for my wife to play.
Its as bad as trd archery ain't it. I have tak's, yamaha, and a fender. also a washburn Mandalin. It' s the same a trad. Archery to start out.....first rule is make sure its in tune.
Frank, Washburn makes a nice banjo that won't break the bank, that is very good quality as well. There are others too...check out Harmony Central's website, they have lots of owner reviews on a lot of instruments.
Started playing back when I was in college since my roommate played. After college, never went and bought a guitar. So after 24yrs, and my 9 yr old wanting to learn to play, I bought this one and have now been playing seriously for a year. Sure wish I stayed with it after college. I guess now I have a finer appreciation.
LOL and when I say settled I of course mean 3 years down the road when I can make up for the $12500 pay cut every teacher in my school took this year. Thanks NJ! I'm glad to see you are making good use of my TEN THOUSAND dollar a year property tax on my .98 acres of land!
Well the larrivee parlor guitar turned out to be very damaged. My guitar expert looked at it and explained the low price.
He is nice enough to loan me guitars to play. I will be giving him back his 12 string since it is harder to learn on with a wide neck. Hopefully he will loan me a different one to try.
Ukulele is my favorite. From soprano to Baritone. Easy to carry and fun to play. It's great when a bunch get together at a camp fire at a weekend shoot. Fun as long as no one throws tomatoes at you when you sing.
Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Dulcimer, Recorders, Pennywhistle, bagpipes. My favorite guitar is a Martin D41, but I have a great Alvarez and a wonderful Crafter that go to campfires.
One of my other passions in life next to wife and archery. I play acoustic. 6 and 12 string, love Chet, doc, Leo kottke, john prince, to many to list...Bach to Beatles never leave home without it especially deer camp, 5 string banjo but the latest is a Uke , what a riot!...I poke around on the piano as well, played guitar for many years in Church, music is indeed the universal language! Taylor 6 -710, Guild 12. Just a bit of harmonica , when doing old prine tunes. Wonder how long this thread will last? Bow related? Heck yes!
I can,t sing, I ain,t pretty, and my legs are thin, to steal a line from Peter Green.. I,ve been messin with guitars for close to 30 years. Kinda like some guys keep tryna quit smoking, I,ve gotten rid of all the guitars a few times. Make it a year or two, then start again. Used to have a few when I was a lot younger, a lot better player, and my ears were,nt quite shot..
I,m back down to one again. An old black cutaway acoustic that makes me think of Johny Cash, that a buddy of mine gave me bout six years ago. One of those guys that goes half nuts every once in a while, falls off the map for a few months, or longer. Always a bit of a relief when you do hear from him again.. This one guitar is stayin..
I,ve got a singing voice reminiscent of a raven with laryngitis, but I can pick up a guitar without scaring small children or making the neighbour,s dogs howl. Mostly..
Guitars, bows, yeah, always seemed to be a connection. Might be why I just don,t dig compounds or ARs. Nothing against em, they,ve just never talked to me.
i play a 1936 national ,a 1988 martin gut,a 41 epi archtop,a 63 f25 gibson,a 59 es335,a 69 es330, a 455 heritage archtop,an asat tele,and a handfull others i cannot recall,been playing for 45 years,got real good at it,now i just take it easy with it all,play a loyt of open tunings these last 10 or 12 years...
Since this was started I have added a Seagull acoustic by Godin to my stash...just two guitars now. Still using my Gretsch and suspect it will do me the rest of my life. The Seagull is very nice as well...cherry body and back and cedar top.
Always wanted to learn when I was younger, but never had the time and money at the same time growing up. So decided it was about time to learn...on a folk, blues, folk/viking metal (ala Tyr) and Beatles George Harrison) kick currently. I just started taking guitar lessons back in Oct along with my son...love my Seagull Coastline Grand parlor and my Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet (G5435T) with Bigsby tremolo.
I've loved guitar music my whole life but never could find the patience to learn. Fine guitars are like fine bows and guns. So many incredible guitarists out there but if you've never seen Doyle Dykes play, check him out on his website or you tube, he's amazing!
I've been playing for over 30 years. I like everything from fingerpicking old country blues on a Larrivee acoustic to sliding delta blues on a National tricone, to Texas blues and classic and hard rock on my electrics. From Lightnin' Hopkins, to Mississippi John Hurt, to Mance Lipscomb, to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Skynyrd, Hatchet, AC/DC, or whatever... depends on my mood.
Been making "cigar box" guitars for a long time, strum sticks, and a few stringed things,,,,,but I'm too shy to play in front of any one :( I must be doing something right I have repeat customers??? JeffW Hey "LongBow" could you send pics? you have quite the Holy Grail there !!! please!!!
I'm a full time musician so generally when I'm in the woods I am getting AWAY from playing guitar. I make an exception if I get to play with Bluegrass guys though. That is pure recreation for me.
My 'babies' are a 73 Les Paul Deluxe, 68 Gibson J50 and a 69 Fender PBass.
...and my funky old '79 Gretsch Broadkaster. Can't believe I don't have a pic of my Tele on this computer. Will have to dig up a shot of that one tonight.
..and my current favorite toy, a cigar box guitar that my best bud made for me. Mine's the one in the center. This is the one that usually makes the campfire trips.
I have a few Gibson Les Pauls and a couple electric acoustics but never took one to hunting camp. I tend to over pack as it is. I play 70s classic rock, blues, and noodle around with my own stuff. Great therapy. I am probably more addicted to my guitars than my bows!
That's a great question. I listen to everything from Waylon to the Ramones. I guess the majority of what I like is classified as Americana or Alt Country (Ray Willie Hubbard, James McMurtry, etc...). So eventually, if I can learn and stick with, I would probably want both an electric and an acoustic. Would one be better to start with than the other?
Sounds like you'd be better off with an electric to start. And generally, electic guitars are easier to play because the actions are usually lower, strings are smaller dia. and don't need to be pushed down as hard. Amplification helps too :^) Also the bodies are smaller and thinner and easier to reach around.
That said, I've been on an acoustic binge for the last couple months... barely touched my electrics. I usually jump back and forth every month or two.
I've been playing almost as long as I've been shooting. I do a lot of local shows for a little extra income. I've played many-a-different guitar and genre, but acoustic has always been my strong hold. For the last few years I've been booking shows solely for my Flogging Molly (Irish) covers. Lot of high energy playing that makes for a fun night out.
Your fingers will work harder, and get sorer (right hand too if you are finger-picking) on even the lightest strung acoustic, but there will be fewer equipment headaches and issues. Less stuff to buy right off the bat. Also, like longbow vs. recurve, the acoustics will be lighter than electrics, esp. solid body electrics. Which may, one way or the other, influence what you want to start out with or prefer in the long run. And it sounds like you will end up with both.
Never could warm up to electrics myself (tried them out over & over, just didn't dig playing them- but I LOVE listening to great players of electrics- a Jazz fan; Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Oscar Moore, Roy Affif- George van Epps, dozens of others)
As my wife says, "anything made out of wood with at least one string on it and he's got to have one..."
Also, don't discount a good nylon strung guitar. Not only for Classical & Flamenco- if they are good enough for Willie Nelson they can't be too bad. Some years ago Willie released a solo album on gut-strung Nylon strung guitar. That's the equivalent of a linen string vs. a Dacron string. Fabulous, "gutsy" (no other word to describe) sound you can't get any other way.
Here is my Baby Taylor. It ain't been to deer camp yet. There ain't no singers there. It takes loud singing that can carry a tune before I will play along.
I've been playing for roughly 17 years. Had two acoustics, two electrics, and an electric bass at one time, got rid of all but one acoustic because I needed room to house a youngin.
If you go for an electric, I recommend you use medium weight strings for the first few months until you can chord them fairly well, then switch to a lighter gauge and you'll see a noticeable difference.
Just like picking out a bow, I'd recommend going to a shop (or even Guitar Center) and trying out a couple different guitars and asking around to see what feels good in your hands and what will sound best for the type of music you want to play. Not to say one guitar cannot play every kind of music, some are just more suited to different sounds and tones than others.
Not sure what your budget is, but Ibanez, Fender and Epiphone make great guitars at a decent price $300-$500. Anything cheaper and you'll likely not be happy with the sound. Remember also, your guitar will only sound as good as your amp, so get a decent amp.
On the flip side, if you're looking for a basic acoustic guitar to play around the camp fire, don't discount some of the lesser-known brands. I have a Kona that is over 10 years old that sounds great and cost me a whopping $100 at the local pawn shop.
I've been playing about 30 years but haven't improved in the last 27:) Been playing at Mass lately(I teach in a parochial school), it's been really good for my playing, it forces me to practice.
I take a guitar to camp on trips when I'm hunting alone.
I'm playing a real pretty Epiphone right now. It looks just like the guitar in the famous photo of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson.
