ArnieZ

Not necessarily the most popular take. Mayer is a talented songwriter. While a lot of his acoustic stuff certainly falls into the realm of pop, his acoustic guitar playing is excellent. He writes songs with great hooks and his lyrics aren't any worse than most. His electric stuff may be somewhat generic at times, but he also has times of more inspired playing. I'm not gonna even get into the faces BS or make any assumptions as to whether he's really into it or pretending. Every guitarist can't be to everyone's liking and there are many who some revere that do nothing for me. I can appreciate their ability and talent but don't like it. Who here wouldn't love to be writing and playing music with some of the best musicians in the world and making a LOT of money. That is exactly what many of us daydreamed about when we started playing in bands. Those who are most critical have not listened with an open mind to anything that was not on top 40 radio. I can understand JM not holding up well in a comparison to Jeff Beck, but how many do? I love Beck and have all his stuff going back to the Yardbirds. Definitely a genius at what he does, but sometimes there is stuff on his discs that is noise to me, yet I don't judge him by that. Mayer's biggest problem is jealousy. Hell, I'll admit it. What he's doing looks pretty good to me! ArnieZ

Happy Holidays and a Happy Healthy New Year to all!! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday Chris Have a great day! ArnieZ

I personally believe this is much closer to the truth. Hamer HAS been profitable for a couple of years. The change occured with the retail price increases, The increase in customization and the discontinuation of almost all the lower priced guitars. I don't know the accounting of the deal but it wouldn't surprise me to learn that FMIC bought KMC below it's real value, making Hamer almost free. Hamer's largest overhead is it's employees in part due to it's sharing space with the much bigger and more profitable Ovation line. As long as Hamer doesn't lose money there is little benefit in changing it. Hamer is recognized for it's quality product. It also offers something that Fender does not do well, double humbucker guitars. The value of Hamer to FMIC in this deal is little, They wanted the distribution and the drums (Gretsch), along with the other stuff. Mostly speculation on my part, but this scenario makes sense and is just as viable as the others. ArnieZ

I spoke to Jol today. I can't and won't speak for him but his comments included things like; it's really a better fit to be owned by a musical instrument co than an aerospace co. It's his impression that nothing will change at Hamer USA. FMIC was interested in KMC distribution etc. He was candid and sounding positive and obviously time will tell. ArnieZ

Happy belated BD!! Hope it wa a great one ArnieZ

Congrats, It appears she meets your specs exactly! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday guys Y'all have a great day!! ArnieZ

+++ Happy 4th Everyone! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday Guys! Have a great day ArnieZ

I have the Dunlop Tortex 1.5mm, the purple ones, can send plenty! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday Have a great day!! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday guys Have a great day! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday Have a great day!! ArnieZ

HAppy Birthday Have a Great Day!! ArnieZ

This is the only post on the board that has caught my attention since arriving in Aruba on Sunday. Have a good laugh with this one guys, back to the Patron Silver for me ArnieZ

Plus not all the pickups had the same # of windings, as they were hand wound without counters. Also intersting is that the landmark tones were achieved in instruments that had aged also changing the formula. I have never obsessed about getting an exact copy of a tone, just one that is convincing in spirit and application. ArnieZ

Happy Birthday Have a great day guys! ArnieZ

Frank, My deepest condolences ArnieZ

Kevin, Congratulations, you're way overdue for a good slug of happiness and health! ArnieZ

Thoughts and condolences to you and your entire family ArnieZ

Enjoy! Enjoy! ArnieZ

I recently shipped a guitar UPS and they specifically asked me if it were packed in a hard case inside. I was given the impression they might not accept it for shipping or not allow insurance if tit wasn't. ArnieZ

Happy Birthday!

Marty, Sorry for your loss ArnieZ