For those that have more than one guitar (Ricardo?)

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ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

For those that have more than one gu...

Hey guys,

I'm wondering about those of you who own more than one guitar. Guitars that really are different (body size, weight, classical etc...)

Do you always play your favourite one? or do you switch guitars for your training everyday so that you don't "lose" the ability to play correctly one of your instruments.

I'm talking about an instrument you're obliged to use for your concerts because you won't get feedback issues with it, and another one you really enjoy playing and composing with.

I've seen Ricardo use a special guitar playing rumba standing for example.

Are you organized or have a schedule for your training so that your brain and hands can play both as well ?

Thanks

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 9:20:56

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3079
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

In my opinion, you're overthinking this.

I used to play double bass and mandolin, switching between them during the shows.. if that didn't make that much of a difference I guess a few milimeters from guitar to guitar are going to be negligible unless you want to... overthink it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 12:51:00

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Hey Rui Martins,

thanks for your reply.

No I'm not overthinking it. I don't think we're talking about the same thing.

Here's my example :

I recently got myself a GODIN Multiac Grand Concert SA, to play with my band on scene. This is to stop having feedback problems.

But everything is different compared to my Hermanos Sanchis Lopez 3F.
The feeling while playing, the strength needed for each string to sound correctly, the body weight/size. Basically everything. The GODIN is based on a classical guitar for its neck with and all the rest.

The difference is, on the two guitars I use, I'm using the exact same techniques to play the same music.

You are playing different instruments, using different techniques, playing different things.

So, you don't have to adapt your hands/brain to do the same movements with different strength and other slight adjustments, because you're playing both instruments at home to train everything correctly.

My question is : would you train using different guitars to be able to play at different places/setups anytime you want?
Or would you, as a performer, only train using the guitar you use for concerts, and just have fun from time to time with your other friend that feels much more friendly?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 13:05:14

Aretium

Posts: 277
Joined: Oct. 23 2012

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I try and play the one that sounds worse and is harder to play for practice but then again none of my instruments (nor the player) are suitable for "concerts".

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 13:08:29

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3079
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

No, I don't practice any of those at home, I don't even have them here.

At band practice I usually just practice on guitars (not mine). Some aren't well setup, some have bowed necks, all have old strings (most of them cheap)... I don't notice anything when Iam there playing, I just don't care. Then I get home with Hulk fingers and grab my own guitar... feels great and it takes another "two seconds" to adapt.

It's much easier to care about those things when you're playing by yourself, once you're out there to get the job done all that goes out of the window along with the string brands, diamond saddles, half century aged wood, etc etc.

...meaning that it only matters if you think it matters.

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"Ya no me conoce el sol, porque yo duermo de dia"

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 13:23:30

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Aretium,

thanks for your reply.

Yeah I guess that's a way to see things. I've beend doing that for a month now. The GODIN is clearly "harder" to play for me. Maybe doing this for a few months will clear my problems...?

Rui Martins,

thanks for your reply.

I think you're a genius. I really do. If you're able to play instruments you don't even own and never practice at home, you must have a real talent.

I've been playing the guitar for 16 years now. I'm still a newbie and feel that way after coming back home from a concert of Vicente Amigo.
But I did change guitars multiple times until now, and I've always felt a difference. Just like how I can't play properly when I go out for a picnic and grab a 100€ guitar some dude has out there.

Since you clearly have a talent to play music, you're able to adjust in just 2 seconds whatever the situation. I envy you for that.

I still want to hear the practice other "normal" players go through with the same situation.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 14:19:10

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3079
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I practice but only on guitar.

My point wasn't me being a genious lol I was trying to tell you that people usually care for milimeters when they're at home vs "don't care about 1cm @ 12th fret after 5 beers with the rest of the guys". These are the two extremes but I guess you can understand that.

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"Ya no me conoce el sol, porque yo duermo de dia"

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 14:28:30

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Its funny because last year Gerardo said that his "best" guitar is not the one that he plays most.
I have an Alhambra which has a pick up in that I use most of all in public because I can plug it into an acoustic Amp. It doesnt sound that great acoustically so I also play my Conde Blanca at home. I dont tend to practise so much on my concert guitars (F.Manuel Diaz and Stephen Hill primeras) unless i am preparing for a concert or recording.

I think the main reason is because I tend to leave the Alhambra lying around on the sofa so I can pick it up when I want whereas I dont like to take the concert guitars out of the case unless Im playing them. For that reason I also dont tend to play my "best guitar" as often as my workhorse.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 14:43:06

Blondie#2

Posts: 530
Joined: Sep. 14 2010

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Not sure if this will help you Ashod but this is how it works for me-

I have three flamencos and a couple of classicals. For 90% of my gigs (restaurants, weddings etc) I use a Ricardo Sanchis flamenco with a pick up system and this guitar stays in its case when not gigging, along with tuner, spare strings etc. This is mainly for practical reasons - I like to have all my gig gear ready to throw in the car without fussing about packing stuff but also I avoid using my main gig guitar at home to maximise string life.

For concerts (miked up) I used to use the above guitar but now have a new (more expensive) negra which I'll be trying out. If I don't end up being happy with its stage sound I will probably end up using my Anders guitar though I try and avoid gigging with it purely because it is bound to get dinged.

If I have a wedding come up where I'll be using my decent classical I will practice a few days beforehand on it as the action/set up and response is so different to my flamencos, but other than that it stays on the wall.

The guitar I practice with at home will be either my negra or my Anders, depending on which has the newest strings or what mood I'm in (the Anders one is a blanca.)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 14:59:57

tijeretamiel

Posts: 441
Joined: Jan. 6 2012

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ashod

I'm wondering about those of you who own more than one guitar. Guitars that really are different (body size, weight, classical etc...)

Are you organized or have a schedule for your training so that your brain and hands can play both as well ?

Thanks

I'm not sure I'm answering this question properly but I switch between several types of guitars being flamenco, acoustic 6 string, acoustic 12 string and very rarely electric guitar.

I find it very difficult to switch between them, it takes me a while to readjust techniques for picking/fretting etc. I probably play 6 string acoustic the most, not because it's my favourite guitar but the one that I've progressed with the most.

I don't have a schedule in playing one over the other, I play the one which I'm most in the mood to play. Sometimes that might mean I play 12 string acoustic exclusively for a month or other times when I alternate them better - which is what I want to do but I lack the discipline to do so.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 15:04:12

PeterLC

Posts: 24
Joined: Jan. 18 2014
From: Rotterdam, Netherlands

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I'm predominantly a classical player, I use a 1979 Manuel Raimundo (has been my main guitar for decades) now exclusively used for Domeniconi's "Koyunbaba", so that it doesn't need to be re-tuned time and time again; all other classical is played on a self-built guitar from 2001 (under pro-guidance and help, I did some 60-70% myself), and I have a Les Paul Classic Custom with a Blues Deluxe amp and some nice pedals, and the Saez from my sig. Due to a stubborn left-hand thumb-issue, I haven't delved very deep into flamenco yet, but I'll get there someday.

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4 guitars, the one that matters here: Prudencio Saez mod. 22, blanca - sounding better every day

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 16:48:20

el carbonero

Posts: 295
Joined: Jun. 23 2007

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

For me, i have 2 guitars , an important factor is the wear of the strings , depend if i play for baile class,study at home or gigs .

For example if i have two near gigs ,and i want play the two with the same guitar , without change the strings, i study with the other ....etc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 14 2014 22:13:45

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Thank you all for your valuable input.

I'm impressed to see many of you can manage more than 2, 3 and even 4 instruments.
I guess each and everyone of you has found a "system" to work around multiple instruments for multiple situations.

But it's all too personal in the end.
I guess I'll have to try multiple approaches to find my own balance.

Thanks again for your time !

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 16 2014 11:08:33

Ricardo

Posts: 15139
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I have 3 workhorse guitars. A conde A26, the best pretty much most enjoyable to play, for most local flamenco gigs. It has a pick up installed. The Rumba guitar I only use for Rumba stuff, almost never for flamenco show unless I have no choice. It is no fun to play flamenco on so we are talking a totally different repertoire. It's still better than a Godin for god's sake!!

3rd guitar is the Sanchis that I use only when I travel via plane. That guitar is super soft to play and not my favorite for solo guitar work, but I have to really think about it before I take a plane trip if I will take a nicer guitar or not. For any sort of accompaniment it functions perfectly. When I travel I tend to play a lot so this guitar gets a nice workout, after all, like the top 2.

But I rarely play any of those at home. They sit in the case so the strings stay fresh. Luckily I play a lot of gigs so all my guitars get workout. Since I have not been working as much lately, the A26 has been getting some attention at home. But most of the time, at home, I play the Sobrinos de esteso 1973, and the Conde negra. I have used those two for solo guitar concerts when I can drive (verses fly). And for theater shows accompanying baile, if they are local. My dad's classical gets the least attention, but I make a point to pull out ALL my guitars when I have a day free to do it.

Ricardo

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www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 16 2014 18:29:49

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I've been in this multiple guitars situation before and it's great fun until you need to change strings, which you would probably procrastinate on since you only wanna play your newest or best one.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 20 2014 4:40:55

oc chuck

Posts: 32
Joined: May 22 2013

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I have several guitars and enjoy the differences of both
tone and set up.

I can only add this; have you had the set up and action
and neck relief checked by a good repair person?
Even a new guitar can have set up issues.
Factory guitars sometimes are set with high action so
buzzing won't kill a sale.

I've never played a GODIN Multiac Grand Concert SA,
but are they generally that much harder to play?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2014 0:05:22

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

Thank you for your input guys.

Ricardo : I don't play flamenco on the GODIN.
It doesn't sound that bad for my repertoir, and the good part is that you NEVER get feedback issues. I have a drummer in my band, and very loud electro sub sounds going all the place.
We always had to cut frequencies with my hermanos sanchis lopez with its fishman dual mic+pickup system, making the sound not so interesting. Using the GODIN, I didn't get any problems so far, cutting no frequencies, and even pushing guitar frequencies to higher values. It does its work perfectly, and I'm really happy for that.

oc chuck : the GODIN Multiac Grand Concert SA is very easy to play compared to a normal classic guitar. It's just not as "easy" for me as my hermanos sanchis lopez which has a very very low setup (too low when you hear some of the strings buzz when you put too much strength, but I've gotten used to that and actually like it now).
Plus, the GODIN's body is really thin, so you have to adjust how you rest your right arm on the guitar.

The GODIN SA cannot be setup any other way because it's not a saddle you have, but metallic sensors under each string (so that you can get the vibration of each string and convert them to a midi signal). I think they have done a remarkable work for a factory guitar (it is a high-end factory guitar after all).

I've been training with a different guitar everyday, and it seems it's less problematic for me now.

My only concern was to find a way to easily adapt to the differences of the new instrument. But I guess it's like everything. Hard work is the only that pays off at the end!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2014 11:25:30

Bulerias2005

Posts: 635
Joined: Jul. 10 2010
From: Minneapolis, MN

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

I have guitars by Stephen Kakos from 1988 and 2011, as well as a 1983 Reyes. These tend to be my main guitars, though my favorite is the 2011.

The 1988 Kakos has a wider and longer neck, so I need to adjust to it a little bit before I play it publicly. It has a warmer sound and is technically a classical guitar, but I asked Kakos to install a tapping plate, so I frequently play flamenco on it. It is simultaneously a concert and workhorse guitar for me, as I've used it for many years during restaurant gigs before I asked Kakos for a custom built instrument, the flamenco negra from 2011. That is now my primary guitar. The neck length is standard and he made it specifically with my sound and specifications in mind. However, adjusting between instruments honestly doesn't take me very long -- maybe 20 minutes at most. Perhaps it's because they are both from the same luthier and have his distinct "stamp", but I also don't have any difficulties switching to the Reyes, which has a much drier and crisper sound than either of the Kakos guitars. I tend to use the Reyes in more specific, flamenco-centric contexts (understandably). There's also my WORKHORSE workhorse guitar -- a Yamaha CGsomethingsomething (I forgot the model #) -- which I tend to use to demonstrate things to students or to practice when it's nearest to me at home.

But to answer your question, OP, I don't have a 'schedule' for practicing my guitars but I greatly prefer the 2011 Kakos for everything -- concerts, practicing, composing, etc. The guitar has a sound that I fell in love with the second I heard it, and I hope to be able to play this guitar for the rest of my life, if it holds up!

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Daniel Volovets
Jazz, Classical, Flamenco, & Latin-American Guitar
http://www.danielvolovets.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2014 13:55:39

Morante

Posts: 2230
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

quote:

I've never played a GODIN Multiac Grand Concert SA,
but are they generally that much harder to play?

They are easy to play, but sound like plastic. A couple of jazz guitarists here use them and they sound awful

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2014 15:04:49

oc chuck

Posts: 32
Joined: May 22 2013

RE: For those that have more than on... (in reply to ashod)

ashod,

One last thing, search guitar arm rest
and you'll see a lot of options.
Maybe one of the bulkier ones would help
with the right arm.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2014 23:35:59

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