RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar bridges

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James Ashley Mayer

Posts: 115
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar ... (in reply to at_leo_87)

I was totally obsessed and dedicated to flamenco and flamenco only. That was '99 - '03. Then, the wrist problems started and I was forced to take an indefinite break. I didn't want to give up music so I took up the steel guitar because I've always wanted to play a bowed instrument. Steel guitar isn't bowed, of course, but it can achieve long flowing microtonal melodies. Another big point here is that the technique of sliding a bar around is far far far less challenging, physically. I'd argue that it's more difficult than playing guitar as far as the importance placed on your musical ear, but there's just no comparison to flamenco guitar as far as the technical challenge.

Well, now I'm giving flamenco guitar another try and my musical outlook has completely changed. I see flamenco as something that I could never be considered first rate at. Even if I could play like PDL, I'd still be considered lesser. That's something every non-spanish flamenco must face. Also, adhering to tradition is a serious headache and really not much fun after a while. I'm now hoping to carve out a different niche. I think steel guitar could sound great when added to a flamenco foundation. If flute and fretless bass, why not just about anything?

My point is, you can't possibly know what your outlook will be in 10 years. It'll be nice to reach over and have other elements to experiment with.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 31 2010 23:02:57

Leendert

Posts: 153
Joined: May 27 2010
From: WI, USA

RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar ... (in reply to James Ashley Mayer)

quote:

My point is, you can't possibly know what your outlook will be in 10 years. It'll be nice to reach over and have other elements to experiment with.

I totally agree, however it raises the question; is it worth to keep all current elements (in this case guitars & gear) for those next 10 years? I will go ahead and think no, cause by then not only will most of the stuff possibly be outdated, you might still not use it after all that time. When you would and have gotten rid of it, you can always buy some current, new non-dusty :) gear which might be even more appealing?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 1 2010 0:41:27

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar ... (in reply to James Ashley Mayer)

well, it all comes down to the fact that what i need NOW far outweighs what i MIGHT need in the future. if i ever need something different in the future, i'll do what im doing now and sell my old stuff to pay for new, shiny stuff.

right now i need a better amp and guitar. and FAST!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 1 2010 3:16:39

Pgh_flamenco

Posts: 1506
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar ... (in reply to James Ashley Mayer)

Maybe keep a few things that have sentimental value or that are functional and have very little monetary value. That's what I did years ago. These days you can find anything you want on Ebay and CL...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 1 2010 3:58:08

HemeolaMan

Posts: 1514
Joined: Jul. 13 2007
From: Chicago

RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar ... (in reply to James Ashley Mayer)

Doing only one thing is boring. 85% of flamenco. 85% of all other music. take the best 15% and put them together.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 1 2010 6:18:16