"T"GF TX III is history, read all about it

[phuufme]

So, now that the forum is finally back up ....

At "T"GF TX III, we were few in number, but we had a great time. Those of you who couldn't make it or backed out really missed out on a fun time. Joe (The Guitarman) we missed you but we all appreciate your funding of the food. We had a great spread of sandwich stuff, and littledonnie and spouse made two fantastic dessert pies. We also had several sets of used guitar strings to donate -- what should we do with those?

I had put together a song book with about 40 songs in it, so we jammed with those songs for a while. We played each others' guitars -- we had 2 614s (one ES, one fishman), 1 814 ES, 1 K14c, Jeffrey's taylor stock x10 redwood and cocobolo, and 1 Seagull since Chris's Taylor is on its way back from Taylor as we speak.

We went into our sanctuary and played in there for a while -- the acoustics in that building are outstanding.

All in all a good time.

Now, on to finacial matters -- it all worked out thanks to the generosity of the attendees and thanks again to Joe for the food $$, but it was a very frustrating experience. I will NOT arrange a get together again, unless people pay upfront somehow. Maybe we should start a fund where we all chip in $1 per week (or whatever) so its not such a harrowing experience for the organizer. There were SO MANY people who said they would come and then backed out at the last minute, making the financial aspect harrowing.

I am a CPA and I will gladly set up a bank account (or whatever) and keep track of who pays what in advance. I just think that we as a group put too much pressure on the organizer financially for these events to be successful on an ongoing basis.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I welcome further discussion (and maybe we should just start another thread for this discussion??) -- okay so I started another thread.

[TimB]

Now, on to finacial matters -- it all worked out thanks to the generosity of the attendees and thanks again to Joe for the food $$, but it was a very frustrating experience. I will NOT arrange a get together again, unless people pay upfront somehow. Maybe we should start a fund where we all chip in $1 per week (or whatever) so its not such a harrowing experience for the organizer. There were SO MANY people who said they would come and then backed out at the last minute, making the financial aspect harrowing.I think this is a great idea! Money ties people in tighter than saying "I'm in" and then discovering schedule conflicts later on, it also insures the person running the event.

That's my five cents worth anyway. :)

-=Tim=-

[jeffrey]

I would put in money in advance in a heartbeat.

I don't say I'll be somewhere if I can't. And if I'm not sure, I just don't commit until I am.

Pretty cut and dry IMO. :)

[phuufme]

I would put in money in advance in a heartbeat.

I don't say I'll be somewhere if I can't. And if I'm not sure, I just don't commit until I am.

Pretty cut and dry IMO. :)Yep, I agree, jeffrey, my sentiments exactly. And by the way, who else besides us is 3 for 3?

[Hondo]

Yep, I agree, jeffrey, my sentiments exactly. And by the way, who else besides us is 3 for 3?

Hall of Fame material, for sure! :)

[taygull]

Yep, I agree, jeffrey, my sentiments exactly. And by the way, who else besides us is 3 for 3?

Hey dude, I'm 3 for 3!

I'd be happy to contribute, we need to start a board of directors for the "Forum of Acoustic Guitar Socials", I hope we don't use the initials! :lol:

[phuufme]

Hey dude, I'm 3 for 3!

I'd be happy to contribute, we need to start a board of directors for the "Forum of Acoustic Guitar Socials", I hope we don't use the initials! :lol:So, 3 of us are 3 for 3, and, hmm, we need to be careful with the name.

[jeffrey]

I think it was Chris (?) that said we need to approach the other forums and invite people interested in all guitars; not just Taylors.

I was all for that, I'm just not active on any other acoustic guitar forums.

Maybe as the next one gets closer we can re-visit that idea? :)

[ozrufus]

Hey, glad you guys had a great time. I wish I could've come, but at least I never said I was coming and backed out!! I'll catch the next one in the DFW area, provided I'm still in Texas at the time.

About money issues, I think the easiest (and most attractive) option would be to find a site that doesn't require a rental fee. My apartment complex here in Fort Worth has a pretty big room in the clubhouse with a little kitchenette area, couches, chairs, a nice view of the courtyard, etc. I mentioned this once, but I don't think anyone ever noticed. In the courtyard right outside of the clubhouse, there are two pools (one normal, one water volleyball), a hot tub, a sand volleyball court and grills. People could come and THEN pitch in some cash and I (or anyone else) could run across the street to the grocery store and get some steak, chicken, veggies, chips, drinks, desserts, etc. Or if we didn't want to work for our food, we could simply hang out for a couple hours, go out for a meal dutch treat at the slew of restaurants within a mile of my apartment, and come back and hang out some more. That way, no one gets stuck and whoever wants to eat just pitches in. If three people show, then three people pay. If 20 people show, then we have a legitimate fiesta!! With the pools, volleyball, etc., more family members (i.e. spouses or kids) could come and not be bored. Also, a shopping mall is 1 minute away.

It seems to me these get-togethers should be less work and more enjoyment. I know Chris and Steve worked hard for Pugsley's and yesterday, but there was obviously a lot at risk for them financially. I'd be more than happy to investigate the possibility of hosting a get-together (with some help from a couple others in the DFW area) here in Fort Worth that could include our Oklahoma and Arkansas brethren, our south and central Texas guys, and the slew of folks here in the metroplex. I'm not committing, but just putting out some feelers. It's pretty centrally located as opposed to San Antonio or Houston. Fort Worth is a whole lot more inviting to me than Dallas, and it's sure easier to navigate. I'd be game for something in August, September, or October (although it's getting a little too cool for the pool by then). Although I'm currently Taylorless, I could show off my new Breedlove J25 myrtlewood! :)

[taygull]

Hey, glad you guys had a great time. I wish I could've come, but at least I never said I was coming and backed out!! I'll catch the next one in the DFW area, provided I'm still in Texas at the time.

About money issues, I think the easiest (and most attractive) option would be to find a site that doesn't require a rental fee. My apartment complex here in Fort Worth has a pretty big room in the clubhouse with a little kitchenette area, couches, chairs, a nice view of the courtyard, etc. I mentioned this once, but I don't think anyone ever noticed. In the courtyard right outside of the clubhouse, there are two pools (one normal, one water volleyball), a hot tub, a sand volleyball court and grills. People could come and THEN pitch in some cash and I (or anyone else) could run across the street to the grocery store and get some steak, chicken, veggies, chips, drinks, desserts, etc. Or if we didn't want to work for our food, we could simply hang out for a couple hours, go out for a meal dutch treat at the slew of restaurants within a mile of my apartment, and come back and hang out some more. That way, no one gets stuck and whoever wants to eat just pitches in. If three people show, then three people pay. If 20 people show, then we have a legitimate fiesta!! With the pools, volleyball, etc., more family members (i.e. spouses or kids) could come and not be bored. Also, a shopping mall is 1 minute away.

It seems to me these get-togethers should be less work and more enjoyment. I know Chris and Steve worked hard for Pugsley's and yesterday, but there was obviously a lot at risk for them financially. I'd be more than happy to investigate the possibility of hosting a get-together (with some help from a couple others in the DFW area) here in Fort Worth that could include our Oklahoma and Arkansas brethren, our south and central Texas guys, and the slew of folks here in the metroplex. I'm not committing, but just putting out some feelers. It's pretty centrally located as opposed to San Antonio or Houston. Fort Worth is a whole lot more inviting to me than Dallas, and it's sure easier to navigate. I'd be game for something in August, September, or October (although it's getting a little too cool for the pool by then). Although I'm currently Taylorless, I could show off my new Breedlove J25 myrtlewood! :)

I agree with everything you said (well almost), I'm not sure Dallas or Ft. Worth is more "centrally" located but it's not to bad. Most of the people coming 2 out of 3 are from Houston and San Antonio, allthough we did have a good turn out for the Dallas get together.

I'm always in! Even if it is in "CowTown", the thing to do is to do it on a Saturday and we can all go to Billy Bob's or to the Stock Yards, even if you don't like "cowboy" stuff, the Stock Yards are GREAT!

[jeffrey]

I think a lot of people are just too lazy to drive. :P

That's pure speculation, however. :roll:

[taygull]

I think a lot of people are just too lazy to drive. :P

That's pure speculation, however. :roll:

I was sure lazy today, I didn't get home until 1:45am Sunday morning!

Hey Jeffrey, question?

2000 PRS Custom 24 Emarld Green for less than $1400

New Les Paul Standard Quilted Maple Top (Stained same color as Mahogany) $2400

Is the Les Paul worth an extra grand?

[jeffrey]

Nope, I'd take the PRS. :)

I just meant in general (about the driving). I see it in every get-together thread. It's always "well let me know when there's a get-together in my area, then I'll go".

Kinda unfair to those of us that drive 4-5hrs each way to go to'em.

[gwright2405]

Hey guys, I'm glad you got together. When Jeffrey says I'll wait until there's a get together in my area...Texas is in a BIG state and, technically, DFW is not even in my area. For the record, I never replied to any of the TGF III threads since I knew this weekend was out for me. I will, however, plan my schedule around the next one.

The no planning thing is a hot button for me right now after most of our band didn't show. I'm not going to vent (much) on this thread...

[phuufme]

I think it was Chris (?) that said we need to approach the other forums and invite people interested in all guitars; not just Taylors.

I was all for that, I'm just not active on any other acoustic guitar forums.

Maybe as the next one gets closer we can re-visit that idea? :)The more players, the better!!

[phuufme]

About money issues, I think the easiest (and most attractive) option would be to find a site that doesn't require a rental fee. My apartment complex here in Fort Worth has a pretty big room in the clubhouse with a little kitchenette area, couches, chairs, a nice view of the courtyard, etc.This is exactly where I started. I tried, but could not find, anyone I knew in the San Antonio area who lived in a complex with a clubhouse, relatively easy to get to. Sometimes the clubhouses require a $50 fee, but that is no where near as problematic as $175 or more. IMHO, this idea would work great.

[ozrufus]

I think a lot of people are just too lazy to drive. :P

That's pure speculation, however. :roll:
I know you're ribbin' me a little, but...

I'm not too lazy. Now, I know I'm not any more busy than the next guy, but I am a full-time graduate student with a full-time working wife (sometimes nights) while we take care of our twin 7 year olds full-time. Family time is a priority and at a premium. I don't consider it convenient or practical to drive 7-8 hours round trip for a 3-4 hour get-together, as much as I'd like to be there. It has nothing to do with being lazy; it just doesn't fit my lifestyle, and that's ok. It may fit others' lifestyles to do that and spend the night in a hotel or get home early in the morning, but not me. As gwright says, Texas is not a small state. Like I said, I know you're ribbing me a little, and that's cool, but I just wanted to explain myself. I like get-togethers, but I will only be able to attend any in the DFW area--and there are a ton of forumites in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, Grapevine, McKinney, etc. just to name a few of the locations I read on profiles. Pugsley's was well-attended and Chris did a great job getting the word out and hosting, but a lot of forum members from the area have joined since then or were unable to attend. Anyway...

All in good time.

[ozrufus]

Nope, I'd take the PRS. :)

I just meant in general (about the driving). I see it in every get-together thread. It's always "well let me know when there's a get-together in my area, then I'll go".

Kinda unfair to those of us that drive 4-5hrs each way to go to'em.


I understand and can appreciate what you're saying, but I don't think it's unfair (especially when you just had one in your backyard). Just because you don't mind driving 4-5 hours doesn't mean everyone else should feel the same. Different strokes for different folks.

[taygull]

I understand and can appreciate what you're saying, but I don't think it's unfair (especially when you just had one in your backyard). Just because you don't mind driving 4-5 hours doesn't mean everyone else should feel the same. Different strokes for different folks.


As someone who has spent allot of time putting one together, making decisions based on "those who commit" on the forum I think what we are really talking about are those who say they are coming and then don't.

I'm cool with only showing up to the local stuff, not big deal.

The way I'd like to see it there is a nitch group that will go anywhere, say 6 -10 people, let's rotate it to make it easy on them. The local players can then join in and we will all have a good time.

What I would like to see is more contribution from the small music stores. The concept behind Taylor's marketing is to promote local "brick and mortar" guitar stores. I really like what Larry Morgan did for the Dallas get together. For that to happen again I'll need to deliver what I promised 20 - 25 avid fans.

I'd like them (the events) to start being more of an event than a Jam Session. I'd challenge Jeffrey and "fume" (pun intended) to prepare a small "set" and let's dedicate a couple hours of TGF "performances". I know Jason and I would sure practice and put something together to do a couple tunes. I think it would be great for people like evan256 (chip) to offer a 30 minute "instruction". Some might listen some might not. Mix in several hours of just jamming and WOW! Great event!

As it grows it would be easier to get "vendors" or the industry to contribute!

Just some thoughts.

[ozrufus]

As someone who has spent allot of time putting one together, making decisions based on "those who commit" on the forum I think what we are really talking about are those who say they are coming and then don't.

I DEFINITELY understand the frustration in this regard. That's why I stated up front that I wouldn't be able to attend, but y'all have fun. I know "stuff" happens, but it's safer to say maybe up front than offer false expectations.

[The Guitarman]

Sorry I missed seeing all of you guys!

I've been having some medical problems. I think I have some kind of blockage. I bloat when I eat, so I have been eating only soups hoping it will clear up. If things do not improve soon then I will be heading to the hospital.

[ozrufus]

As it grows it would be easier to get "vendors" or the industry to contribute!

There's a GC (gasp!) opening soon about a 1/2 mile from me. Think they'd spring for it?! Ya never know...

Anyway, as far as performance--I have a 200 watt stereo keyboard amp/portable PA with four sets of stereo inputs (8 all together) and an XLR input was well as a digital piano we could use.

[taygull]

Sorry I missed seeing all of you guys!

I've been having some medical problems. I think I have some kind of blockage. I bloat when I eat, so I have been eating only soups hoping it will clear up. If things do not improve soon then I will be heading to the hospital.

Sorry to hear about that!

Get well, or least send me the receipe for the Crawdads! :D

[taygull]

I DEFINITELY understand the frustration in this regard. That's why I stated up front that I wouldn't be able to attend, but y'all have fun. I know "stuff" happens, but it's safer to say maybe up front than offer false expectations.

Your name did not even come up as a no show.

Honestly nobody's name came up, except Hondo...I really don't think he is a real person. I think he is one of those cyber things. :)

[jeffrey]

I understand and can appreciate what you're saying, but I don't think it's unfair (especially when you just had one in your backyard).

Consdering it's the third one and I drove to the first two there and back (so did Steve) without any complaints (because we want to be there) it's about time I get one only ~ 1hr or so away from me. :p

Hey if you don't wanna drive, that's cool. Your choice.

Some things are worth spending an afternoon behind the weel for; these TGF TX get-togethers are one of'em.

At least for me.

[ozrufus]

Consdering it's the third one and I drove to the first two there and back (so did Steve) without any complaints (because we want to be there) it's about time I get one only ~ 1hr or so away from me. :p

Hey if you don't wanna drive, that's cool. Your choice.

Some things are worth spending an afternoon behind the weel for; these TGF TX get-togethers are one of'em.

At least for me.

:p :lol: :lol: :lol:

Again, it's not that I don't want to be there. Some things are indeed worth spending an afternoon behind the wheel; a TGF get-together is not one of them for me. I can appreciate and respect your perspective and choice. Can you respect mine? Although they weren't directed at me personally (and I do recognize this), I just thought the characterizations of "lazy" and "unfair" were a little harsh and guilt-laden, as if those of us who choose not to drive 8 hours round trip are somehow less enthusiastic, dedicated, or lacking in desire to be there. It's not that I'm offended (I'm not easily offended), but I was just taken aback by the thinly veiled joking. I'm sorry if I read into things. :)

All that said, I didn't mean to hijack the thread. Sorry. Glad you all had a great time!

[jeffrey]

You did read into things. They were purely general statements; I see it happen in every get-together thread like I said (I didn't mean only TX, I meant ALL).

Yah like I said, it's yer choice. No one's here to change yer mind man.

But you can't say you are as enthusiastic or you'd be behind the wheel. :p

[ozrufus]

You did read into things. They were purely general statements; I see it happen in every get-together thread like I said (I didn't mean only TX, I meant ALL).

Yah like I said, it's yer choice. No one's here to change yer mind man.

But you can't say you are as enthusiastic or you'd be behind the wheel. :p
Then please accept my humble apology. Like I said, I do understand the frustration behind your sentiment.

Touche on your point about enthusiastic. Maybe we should have a TGF TX IV Caribbean Cruise and see who's really enthusiastic!! :lol:

[jeffrey]

I'd be there in a heartbeat. :)

[taygull]

I'd be there in a heartbeat. :)

...and you'd probably drive! :roll: :roll:

but who would take care of those yapping....