I got some play time this week. It was great. And it gave me a chance to test a theory as well as fix something that was bothering me a little. I haven’t had that in quite a while. So I’m going to start there.
I haven’t been playing my Telecaster much because at some point I realized my back wasn’t happy about it. I’m not sure if it’s the weight or the way the body is made, or if my back is just being fussy. Which is always a possibility. Instead, I’ve started playing my Stratocaster more. It doesn’t upset my back. Maybe it’s a little lighter, and maybe the contouring in the body helps. I’m small, it’s possible it has a bigger impact than I realized. The thing is, I prefer the sound of my Telecaster. For a couple of reasons. To me the Telecaster has an innately punchier and more aggressive sound. It’s got a little bit of a boost now that I’ve changed the strings on it from the factory installed strings to DR Pure Blues strings and I’ve gone up a gauge to 10’s instead of 9’s. The native sound of the Telecaster combined with those strings makes for a sound I can really get into. So it’s frustrating that I can’t play it for long.
The Stratocaster, as I’ve been playing it, still had the factory installed strings on it and they were 9’s. It said so in the manual. And to me it sounded a bit thin and tinny. It plays nice, and it’s comfortable it just didn’t get quite enough punch for me. I’d been thinking that I would change out the strings when I get back from my trip since they are probably due and I want to see how the DR Pure Blues will sound.
After I spent a little time playing the Telecaster, until my back started to complain, I played the Stratocaster for a while. There was a Jam this weekend and I still felt a little like playing, especially now that I could relax and not worry about if I lost track of time. So I played for a while. And then I decided I really wanted to hear the DR Pure Blues on the Strat. I just had to see if the heavier gauge strings and the different type of string would make a difference. Oh boy! Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Yep. That does it. That’s got so much more depth and beef to it. I played a little after I got the new strings on the Strat and then stopped so I could do a few other things. Like write this. I’m excited to get to playing and to practicing again.
I’m not abandoning the Telecaster or anything like that. I’m still going to play it, just not quite as often for now.
There was a Blues Jam this weekend. I went. I played. I had a good time. I did not take video. Which means I was really pleased with some of my leads (solos). They came out really well. And my co-worker/friend/fellow jammer had praise for them the next day when I was talking to him about the night. Now I wish I’d taken video. Oh well.
One of the things I got to watch at this jam was someone who, is a fine guitarist. Quite good actually. You might never realize it because of the antics he engages in. I’m certain, when he’s playing with his own band it’s all part of the show. And that’s fine. But one of the things I like about the Blues Jam is getting to watch the other guitarist play and hear how they phrase things and how they get to certain sounds or feelings. There are even a few that when I am getting video, I make a point of recording their set just to have it to review sometime later. When someone is jumping all over the place and running around, it’s hard to follow what they are doing. Not only does it spoil the set for me, I also think that it disrespects the other musicians that are on stage.
Now, good news. I have one set of videos edited and will start getting those posted in the next day or so. I still have the other set to edit yet. But it looks like I will be able to get everything up before the big trip. Which is just about a week away. Oh dang! Is it time to panic yet?
As with any long vacation there is plenty to do leading up to it. I have a few things at the day job that I have to get done before I go. And of course there are all the final details to get sorted. I’ve got people lined up to keep an eye on things and to water Groot. I’ve got my ride all sorted. And I’ve figured out what I’m packing. Next up is making the list of information for people while I’m gone. You know, contact information and notes on things to worry about, or not. That sort of list. It’s all coming together though. And ultimately, whether it’s all done or not, I still get on a plane the day after Labor Day to take off on the biggest travel adventure I’ve ever embarked on. It’s a little mind blowing.
I took a few pictures from this most recent jam so I’ll post a couple of those for you to enjoy. I’m not in them though.
I will be trying to post a time or two, or more, while I’m traveling. It probably won’t be on any regular schedule though so check back periodically. There might even be some cool pictures.