CH161

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1442077997' post='2864301'] i had originally tired a set of specific strings for it from d'addario and found the e string to be the issue. in the end i put a new set of d'addario's on with a seperate string for the low E. this with a shim and flipping the bridge has made a massive difference to both intonation and playability. i have gone from wanting to sell it to enjoying playing it now. [/quote] Great news!

+1 Get the right strings on this VI for a start. I have a 1965 with the right - heavy - strings. La Bella's. It can be set up like a normal guitar with no issues.

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1440974850' post='2855101'] Graham Noden in Denmark street . same building ?? [/quote] Graham Noden is in the Basement of the old 'Andy's' shop on the corner I think. Now Hank's or something.

[quote name='tracktionmonkey' timestamp='1440973545' post='2855093'] Thanks for the tip. Denmark St. is always a pleasure to visit. As long as the developers allow us to hang on to our history! [/quote] Agreed!

For good value, great tech, nice guy and central location - try Andy Gibson. Basement of 25 Denmark Street.

Get the dremel! I guarantee it will do the job - and it will do many many others in the future. Cheaper than a tech and a useful piece of kit.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1440630079' post='2852608'] I do think that they would still gain enough knowledge to know what to do. It may not automatically come to them, improvising is a skill that takes practice, but they would have the necessary knowledge of what to do, i.e. they certainly know their instruments, they have the harmonic knowhow. They certainly wouldn't have to play every note trying to find the right one. [/quote] I don't disagree with this, but it isn't just playing notes from the chord when we talk about improvising. A computer could play correct chord notes over a 12 bar, but I don't think it would convince us of a 'personality' which is what improvising is really about - a personal voice and expression. We don't really need to be trained in music to hear the difference. I've known many great accompanists, who play the piano part perfectly for their instrumentalist. The chords they are playing are extremely advanced but they have no reason to analyse them. They are executing the dots on the page. They may be playing a very similar passage to that which a jazz player might improvise over the same melody, but the jazz player is in the moment, relying on a different knowledge base. I think it is rare for a musician to have both disciplines at an equal point, but when they do we all tend to revere them as the greatest of musicians.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1440593931' post='2852221'] I think the story about classical players not being able to play without notation is just that, a story. I've just graduated with a degree in music, aural skills is part of the course. It's also part of the audition, the aural admission exam was ridiculously tough. I also know a few classically trained musicians, cello, trombone and piano, and aural skills are something they're taught too. They're also totally able to improvise and play over a 12 bar. It's a myth grown up and spread by non educated musicians, usually hiding their own musical ignorance. [/quote] I'm not sure about this point. The disciplines are very different. Playing from music demands a certain set of skills and playing by ear, without the reliance on written music is another. I also hold degrees in music, and my experience suggests there is a wide margin between the two skill sets. Both of these are very demanding disciplines.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1440624946' post='2852564'] Had that on both of my 505's. I went down the mahogany woodstain route and its worked fine. Thin it down with some white spirit before you use it though... its easier to build up layers than it is to remove one... [/quote] This is the way to go.

As above, check the connections at both ends - if both are good then it will be in the cable itself somewhere. Cables can and do break. If you've tried alternative cable then you can assume it's not the instrument's jack socket. Good expensive cable normally has a long warranty, 10 years or so. I think you have to keep the packaging though! How many of us do that!

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1440376521' post='2850225'] Yeah, this method was recommended to me by a bloke in B&Q, but I don't have a dremel. I have a hacksaw, though, and will be giving it a go! Masking tape and a steady hand will be the order of the day. [/quote] Maybe take it to a guitar tech and get it done - it won't cost much. It'll be a 10 minute job and save you a headache.

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Neutrik every time...easily available too. They even sell them at [/font][/color][font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#282828"]Maplin.[/color][/font]

Cables can break, either inside the insulation or the joints at each end can come loose. The best practice is to wind them up wide in a circle. someone even did a Youtube video on how to wrap cables! Sometimes you just get a bad one. Good expensive cables come with at least a 10 year warranty - maybe yours did?

If you have a Dremmel, there is a small cutting wheel in the kit normally. You can very quickly cut a slot in a screw head with it. Then it's easy to get a small slot driver in. I've had to do this a fair bit and it works every time. Files tend to be a little wide and tricky to work straight.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1439806883' post='2845839'] We're still struggling to wean people off of matchsticks and you come away with this? You want the moon on a stick you do! [/quote] Haha...this is the thread that keeps on giving! The real test is if the screw remains firm under pressure, on the end of a strap moving around on stage! I certainly wouldn't use matchsticks. Maple bits for me - I was given that tip by a very busy professional guitar tech. If his boss's old guitar fell off the strap on stage it would certainly make the news!