BubbaVO

Given the circumstances, I would say the above is a good way to handle the sitch. If you're doing all the heavy lifting, and this jag can't even muster the energy to remember lyrics, seems like he should be cut loose, especially if the band is doing well and you're cultivating more high-profile gigs. Playing music is supposed to be enjoyable, made moreso if you can make some extra cash doing it. Don't let this pisher ruin everything you've worked for all this time. Tough love, baby! +1

Sorry my dear. That's not my arm.

When I make air move out of my soundhole, I can feel the air move the hair. The seat rumbles, too.

Depends on the mood. Acoustic - God's Gonna Cut You Down/Hurt. Them Goth kids love that depressing stuff. Otherwise it'll be Whisky in the Jar. Electric - Shook Me All Night Long

Oh man. I'm not sure whether to jump up and praise the Lord. Or whether I should just sit tight and let's see if they can stand each other for more than month on the road. I only saw VH with Sammy. I really didn't like it. (And I'm OK with Sammy on his own - not a hater) But if Dave is really back...

How did you pay for it? If you used a credit card, federal law gives you certain rights. When you get your monthly statement, initiate a dispute by following the directions under the Fair Credit Billing Act section (or some similar language). Some networks are more aggressive than others about pushing a transaction back on to a merchant (e.g., American Express has a very pro customer reputation). That might help. Good luck.

From "askus@hamerguitars.com": AJ, We recommend that our guitars be kept at a constant 45% humidity. This would mean using humidifiers during the heating season. While finish and wood cracks are uncommon on our guitars, this couldn't hurt. I guess that settles it for me.

I grew up playing violin and had one. All the stringed instruments in orchestra needed them. I've seen 'em on acoustic guitars. Why no humidifier on the hollow bodied Hamers? If so, what kind?

Not really into the Teles. But that's really nice. Congrats!

Do you take PayPal?

Very cool! Congratulations on your growing family!

Guitar is ugly. And guy playing guitar reminds me of Joan Jett.

That's my favorite DT of all time. Muy Macho!

Well, F-Holes are classic (aka, Gibby's have them ). So, if Hamer is looking to make "modern classics", then F-holes are the way to go. Really, I'm thinking part of the reason is what I'm saying and part of the reason is MCC's manufacturing argument. Someone should have a dealer call them up and see if they'll do the archtop version with the 3 holes; how difficlut could it be to drill a few hole in a top? - Austin My focus is on the DuoTone. I don't think the Newports/Artists/Improvs ever had the 3 hole design. The DT switched to the 3hole. I agree with you that Hamer is trying to tap into that Gibson feel with Newports - very well I might add. I think they're less successful on Artists with the F hole on one side only - it's not a balanced look. I wonder if a high volume Hamer dealer has ever tried to get a modern 3 hole out the guys in CT?

I like the carved-tops too. I have one. But I think I'd like it better with the 3 holes than the "F". I agree that the 3 holes are a very simple design (if that's what you're getting at with the DIY / half assed comment). But there are plenty of simple designs that work - e.g., Nike swoosh; smiley faces;etc. One factor to consider when you're trying to make some kind of visual impact is the baggage (good or bad) associated with the image. One may like the look of a swasticka (I can't spell - I know) but walk around Highland Park, IL or Elkins Park, PA with one inked on the back of your skull and you'll get quite a response. Same principle applies to guitars, no? Jol clearly has a pretty good sense of aesthetics/design so why ignore the baggage of the "F" hole? Just trying to understand his thinking. (and yes..I wish Hamer would make shredders again. I love my early 90s Centaura. Wouldn't mind an update at all.)

IMHO the 3 hole had an art deco vibe that really gave the Hamers a very unique and timeless look. Switching to the F detracted from the presence of the instruments. Hard for me to think modern rock/jazz music when I see a design feature common to violins. So why'd they do it?

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Erasure and only Erasure. I'm so ashamed.

Tough to say. I have no idea what direction they'll go in the future. But thinking about what I have. I like the DuoTone really well - I love the versatility. But I love the way the Centaura's fit in my hands and tones. I think that one is a keeper. The archtop studio custom. Great guitar. But I'd be willing to part with it. As for other brands, I can't rule them out. There are great builders out there.

Musical preference is hard rock. Are there a lot of "tribute" bands in Phoenix? I suggest an opportunity to enhance your education. Why not a trip to the library? http://www.thelibraryusa.com/homepopups/live_music.htm

I totally dig Prince Valiant's guitar solo!

Have a blessed and happy 4th everyone! I had a conversation with a buddy of Japanese ancestry this morning. He marvelled at the generosity of this country. We've a horrible enemy to have and Hiroshima / Nagasaki are proof positive. But what a good friend - half a century later and Japan is a financial powerhouse. And that's nothing compared at how good life is here compared to elsewhere. Which explains why people risk their lives to come here legally and illegally. We are blessed to live here at this time. GBA! Now I'm going off and spend the day shootin' off fireworks with the kids. Scares the s#@! out of them and they love it. : )

1) KISS - Music from the Elder. 2) Styx - Every album. Dennis DeYoung makes every tune a show tune. 3) Laurie Anderson - Home of the Brave. A live album that you end up wondering what was the point of doing this crap live.

I think the Vector with the 3x3 non pointy headstock looks cool. I'm not sure why it's called a "custom" order if it's not.

Very cool. One of the most influential rockers I can think of from the songwriting and showmanship perspectives. Can you get him to sign it? That would be over the top!