What goes with your guitar?

[Captain Jim]

That last thread went to 300 posts. If you are in this forum, then you know carbon fiber, or you are curious about carbon fiber. There are plenty of us here who are confirmed carbon fiber players... but, there is more to each of us than the guitars we choose. I am starting this thread as a continuation of the two previous threads that went to 300 posts.

As long as the mods allow it, I am good with topic wandering. Some of you know that I am a passionate guy; guitars and motorcycles have been a constant in my life for 50+ years. The Blonde who makes me want to be a good man has been by my side for almost that long. She is my favorite audience and makes me feel appreciated.

I am also passionate about this Carbon Fiber sub-forum - the people who make this place special are friendly and welcoming. If we were to all get together, there would be a lot of talk about carbon fiber (and ekoa) instruments, but that wouldn't be the only thing we'd discuss.

As that previous thread closed in on 300 posts, there was some discussion about two wheeled conveyances; motorcycles and scooters. And, somehow, we still relate it to our carbon fiber guitar passion...

Originally Posted by jdinco

Oh no...#300 ! Thanks for the info Jim and Evan, yeah, I'm sure I look worse than a weeble on the Grom, but if I was worried about what others think, I would not have made it this far. Funny thing about the Grom is that I never see anyone looking or paying attention to me except little kids. I know they are lusting for my Grom. LOL. She does not fit on the Grom. I'll check out the other recommendations.

I sold my X7, to buy a new X7...but sure would like to see some reviews from those on this site. I know i can't go wrong....so I shouldn't care too much. But have until the end of July to decide.

Please start another "pretty much anything goes along with the guitars" thread. Thanks !

John, you are waiting until the end of July "to decide"?? That means another (indeterminate number of months) wait until you would have a new X7 in your hands?? Seems to me that the new X7 will be more of everything that makes the previous X7 so good.

I am excited to hear about the new offerings as they get into owners' hands.

Now, about that Grom of yours... you do know the meaning of "grom"... a grom is a young surfer who rips... a youngin' who can hang with the more experienced dudes. It also means "thunder" in several Slavic languages. Seems to be exactly what Honda had in mind with that small motorcycle.

Here is a link to the last of that previous "Who Knew?" thread, that I hope will be a continuation with this thread...

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...493826&page=20

Feel free to tell us about your guitar passions AND what else in your life that gets you revved up.

I think the personality types that stay with guitar have other traits in common. When Joan and I raced sailboats, we met other people who may have been my brothers and sisters from another Mother... motorcycles, flying, musicians, RV/camping enthusiasts, often self-employed.

Right now, we are about 1,600 miles away from our home port, with our motorhome as our base, while we look for cooler weather, great riding roads, seeing some long-time friends, and enjoying a change of pace. As always, a guitar is with us - once again it is my X7 because it fits so well with what we are doing.

We'll see what the rest of the summer has in store for us.

Welcome to this "continuation" thread! One other thing that goes well with my CF guitars is this place. And the people who make it special. Thanks for being here.

Oh, and Rufus, our sweet but tough feline family member...

[bsman]

Man, at this point I’m in the great in-between. I am eligible to retire from my job - at a prestigious university on the west coast - in October, so I have some decidin’ to do! My two kids are adults, but our daughter is currently living with us after having completed her masters, and she’s starting her career this month in Occupational Therapy, so I would expect that she will be on her own before too long. So, my wife and I are starting to think about life after kids, work, etc. and it’s both exciting and scary. I guess I’ll probably work at least at something until I’m Medicare-eligible, but I do feel a certain freedom I’ve not experienced before.

Interestingly, music has increasingly become more and more important to me over the past five years or so - even more than when I was a young man. Besides my Emerald X7 and Rainsong Shorty, I have a couple of more conventional acoustics (and a Journey OF420B travel guitar) as well as - oh - six or so electrics and the associated accoutrement.

I am not a car-guy, and have never even driven a motorcycle. I do however, have a passion for soccer - I played up until my early 50s and have been refereeing for over 25 years. I also love bicycling. Mrs. Bsman and I are perfect for each other - we each have our separate passions, and that helps us continue to come up with things to talk about after 40 years of living together.

Oh - and a capo... A capo always goes with my guitar!

[Captain Jim]

Ah, bsman, all the considerations that go into retiring are the hard part. Joan and I "took turns" being ready, and when it happened that we were both ready at the same time, I started the ball rolling. We retired early, in our early 50s. No regrets, because we have been able to do things that I may not have been physically able to do had we put it off another 12 years.

Some here know that we have done "fun summer jobs," but they were situations we enjoyed, plus my wife's need to "be productive." They were generally 3 to 4 month contracts, with a definite ending date.

Once you make the commitment to officially retire, it is like a weight lifted. From what you've explained, your ducks are lining up. If you decide you want to do some work in retirement, it is there. We are still regularly offered jobs.

Good luck with the plans. And the playing... I am convinced that the guitar playing keeps me... um, what's the word... oh, yeah: sharp.

Being retired is my favorite gig.

[1neeto]

Used to ride bikes, really miss it. I got off the saddle in 2007.

[Braindead]

[QUOTE=Captain Jim;5776386]That last thread went to 300 posts. If you are in this forum, then you know carbon fiber, or you are curious about carbon fiber. There are plenty of us here who are confirmed carbon fiber players... but, there is more to each of us than the guitars we choose. I am starting this thread as a continuation of the two previous threads that went to 300 posts.

As long as the mods allow it, I am good with topic wandering. Some of you know that I am a passionate guy; guitars and motorcycles have been a constant in my life for 50+ years. The Blonde who makes me want to be a good man has been by my side for almost that long. She is my favorite audience and makes me feel appreciated.

I am also passionate about this Carbon Fiber sub-forum - the people who make this place special are friendly and welcoming. If we were to all get together, there would be a lot of talk about carbon fiber (and ekoa) instruments, but that wouldn't be the only thing we'd discuss.

As that previous thread closed in on 300 posts, there was some discussion about two wheeled conveyances; motorcycles and scooters. And, somehow, we still relate it to our carbon fiber guitar passion...



John, you are waiting until the end of July "to decide"?? That means another (indeterminate number of months) wait until you would have a new X7 in your hands?? Seems to me that the new X7 will be more of everything that makes the previous X7 so good.

I am excited to hear about the new offerings as they get into owners' hands.

Now, about that Grom of yours... you do know the meaning of "grom"... a grom is a young surfer who rips... a youngin' who can hang with the more experienced dudes. It also means "thunder" in several Slavic languages. Seems to be exactly what Honda had in mind with that small motorcycle.

Here is a link to the last of that previous "Who Knew?" thread, that I hope will be a continuation with this thread...

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...493826&page=20

Feel free to tell us about your guitar passions AND what else in your life that gets you revved up.

I think the personality types that stay with guitar have other traits in common. When Joan and I raced sailboats, we met other people who may have been my brothers and sisters from another Mother... motorcycles, flying, musicians, RV/camping enthusiasts, often self-employed.

Right now, we are about 1,600 miles away from our home port, with our motorhome as our base, while we look for cooler weather, great riding roads, seeing some long-time friends, and enjoying a change of pace. As always, a guitar is with us - once again it is my X7 because it fits so well with what we are doing.

We'll see what the rest of the summer has in store for us.

Welcome to this "continuation" thread! One other thing that goes well with my CF guitars is this place. And the people who make it special. Thanks for being here.

Oh, and Rufus, our sweet but tough feline family member...



I think Rufus can justify his own sub-forum. I will add my two babies: Junior and Prissy. They have accepted my OX "Slick" as long as I don't play with a pick!:lol BTW, I have owned MANY two-wheeled vehicles. My current project is an Ariel Square Four which is parked in my buddy's basement. After my last bone breaker, my wife said "No more". My favorite scooter was a Lambretta TV200. Much better made than a Vespa!!! I am too fragile and my reflexes are too slow to ride anymore so most of my gear is long gone BUT I ran across an old helmet if anyone wants it. Just pay for the shipping. it is a CKX, burgundy, full head, flip up visor, size large, made in Taiwan.

[kramster]

I have had a few motorcycles maybe 20 and started with a couple mini bikes that had to share with my brother , 13 months younger. first real mc was a '72 Yammy 100 Enduro. And many dual purpose big singles since .... a couple XS 650 street bikes that I reall liked. My dad got a Attex 6 wheel thing back when we still had mini bikes. The "Banana Splits" had one but was a Srambler... less power and slower so that was cool...ha..last bike up till a year ago was a KLR 650.
Had a few ATC 3 wheelers and then 4 Wheelers... had 2 matching Polaris ATVs up till about year and half ago...soldem.
Have a bunch of kakyaks and got into Hobie peddle yaks or awhile...4 at one time so I could share.
Love my CF and eKoa guitars.

[Captain Jim]

Ah, yes... kayaks. I have a Hobie pedal-yak, the Blonde has a sit-in. Stand-up paddleboard, too. Good exercise, if you're into that sort of thing. The company we worked for in the Pacific Northwest also has a kayak expedition business (multi-day trips)... the boss said to me several times, "You and Joan should go out on your days off."

"You don't know me that well, do ya?"

The doctor once told me that I needed to get more exercise... I hired a guy to do it for me. (rimshot)



I seem to recall someone here (I won't mention any names, Kramster) using a CF guitar in the pool.

[Methos1979]

I've owned/ridden motorcycles longer than I've been playing guitar - by a lot. Many have come and gone. Started in the late 70's on the usual suspects, fast Japanese bikes and slowly made my way to cruisers. Had a Gold Wing that was nice in '95 then back to cruisers. Went to the BMW boxer in '08 and loved that engine. Took a brief detour to big Harley's for a few years but now back to the beloved BMW boxer engine in the form of a R1200RT. It's kind of like an Emerald X20 custom woody - a perfect and seamless blend of comfort, style and performance!

My son - also a long-time rider - went the GROM route for a very short while. He was living in a small seaside town with no a lot of parking so it made sense but he missed having a 'real' bike so sold it off within a year or so.

Oh, by the way, in 'talks' (via email) with Kevin (the new Sean) on possibly ordering a new custom woody X7 to go with my X20!

[jdinco]

Good Luck with that new X7 Methos ! Looking forward to seeing it.

The Grom is great for travel and perfect for running errands around our small town. How do you transport your scoots on the camper Jim?

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

I've owned/ridden motorcycles longer than I've been playing guitar - by a lot. Many have come and gone. Started in the late 70's on the usual suspects, fast Japanese bikes and slowly made my way to cruisers. Had a Gold Wing that was nice in '95 then back to cruisers. Went to the BMW boxer in '08 and loved that engine. Took a brief detour to big Harley's for a few years but now back to the beloved BMW boxer engine in the form of a R1200RT. It's kind of like an Emerald X20 custom woody - a perfect and seamless blend of comfort, style and performance!

My son - also a long-time rider - went the GROM route for a very short while. He was living in a small seaside town with no a lot of parking so it made sense but he missed having a 'real' bike so sold it off within a year or so.

Oh, by the way, in 'talks' (via email) with Kevin (the new Sean) on possibly ordering a new custom woody X7 to go with my X20!

I got my first guitar in 1964; first motorcycle in 1967. I guess I have a style I like: I appreciate form and function, and really like it when they come together to make something special. Some folks think Harleys haven't changed over the years... they have "a style" but there is constant evolution (not a pun for those of you who remember the change from Shovel-head to Evolution engines); they do what they were designed to do, nicely. One of my favorite BMWs was the R1100RT that I had (72,000 miles on it when I sold it to a friend)... great design that was an improvement over the previous air-heads.

And that brings me back around to guitars... when I look at most acoustic guitars, the general look hasn't changed much from my first one...



And then, a remarkable blend of style and function...



What? I haven't hardly changed? Thanks for noticing. Well, getting that X7 changed my perspective on acoustic guitars: they can look and sound great, AND they can feel great. I haven't been that gobsmacked about a guitar since I got my ES335 in 1966.



I couldn't imagine a guitar being a better blend of construction, tone, and ergonomics. And then...



Yes, more of everything that was so good about the X7, but even more refined style and ergonomics. And, the sound... oh, that rich sound.

Scott, I would imagine the newly re-designed X7 will please you. It may not have the same volume as your X20, but since you play plugged in most often, you control that. My "slightly vintage" X7 kicks when plugged in. While it has a family resemblance to the X20, the new X7, with that gorgeous sound hole, is a thing of beauty.

Sean was great. Kevin has some big shoes to fill and seems to be up to the task. These new Emerald designs are special. I was surprised by the change in the X7 and the design features of the X10. I like that Alistair keeps offering new ideas in style and function. For those who need a banjo-killer, the X30 looks to be up to it. I am hopeful that there will be another "gathering in the desert" like this past February where there can be some new "show & tell."

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by jdinco

Good Luck with that new X7 Methos ! Looking forward to seeing it.

The Grom is great for travel and perfect for running errands around our small town. How do you transport your scoots on the camper Jim?

Hi John. The scoots travel behind us in their own cargo trailer. Where it is legal, we double tow...



On this trip, it is legal in all the states we are passing through. When we went to the PNW, we stop at the state border, take the CR-V out, hook the cargo trailer behind the motorhome, and drive separate. Not our preferred way to travel, but it was necessary so we could get the car and the scoots to San Juan Island. We did this in years past, when we towed a sailboat behind a motorcoach and Joan was my escort vehicle with a Tahoe (that was also our launch vehicle for the boat).

At 229 pounds, the Grom would be light enough to put on a motorcycle carrier behind your vehicle (well, depends on the vehicle). With two scoots AND a car, this was our best workable solution. We could carry one scoot on a rack behind the motorhome and still be able to tow the car (double hitch adapter)... it would be one heck of an argument regarding who would leave their bike behind.

The cargo trailer then is the "portable garage" for the scoots. And, allows us to take whatever we want for riding gear and tools. Joan even suggested bringing both Emeralds, with one staying in the trailer. Um... no.

Speaking of banjos. A man walked into an antique store and saw two golden statues; one of a rat and one of a banjo. He asked the price for the rat and was told the rat was $100, but the story behind the rat would cost an extra $200. The man just bought the rat.

He no sooner stepped out of the store when rats began to follow him. By the time he reached the local pier there were hundreds of rats, getting closer and closer. He threw the statue into the ocean and the rats all jumped in and drowned.

The next day he walked into the store and the owner said "I expected you back, assume you want the story." "No," the man said, I want the golden banjo.

[Kray Van Kirk]

I love lurking on this forum and seeing what comes along. :-)

Let me see... I can't say I have 'retired' with all my ducks in a row... I think I just quit and jumped off the cliff to play music full time again (which is the cue for either adventurous movie-theme music or sad trombone). To that end, all my time over the last 18 months has been spent tearing down an old garden shed, saving the wood (old growth redwood) and building a recording/filming studio with it. I can't recall ever being on a motorcycle, and the only thing I know about cars is that they (usually) have four wheels and make a vroom vroom sound. I love rivers and fish and wild animals; the new studio has bat houses that will hopefully soon be occupied. My days are pretty much a parade of reading, practicing, watching birds outside the windows, driving endlessly to get to shows, and standing in the studio thinking "Well... okay... it's done... NOW what??"

And I confess I really, really like the new Emerald archtop prototype!!! Played Rainsongs for years and now a pair of Levioras, but if I ever make any money, I might have to.. um... accrue... the archtop.

Bsman;

I retired from a not-so-famous, but well-known university, after thirty years in harness. I came out motivated on two fronts; sculpture and music. I settled in and cranked out two portfolios, three CDs, and a book, Vanishing Village. The portfolios and one CD are now on Goggle at blythinart.com. I retired at 55 and have never looked back. Life is good.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by Kray Van Kirk

I love lurking on this forum and seeing what comes along. :-)

KVK...Lurking Kirk... poetic somehow..nice.. proceed .