Get your Hair Cut! Got a DA? Rockabilly Style!

Son, ya gonna drive me to drinkin if you don't stop drivin that Hot Rod Lincoln!

Now, git on out and git a hair cut!

Donnie Hawleywoods Barber shop

Touring in Europe? No problem! Hook up with Mister Ducktail the rock and roll Muthercutter!

....and who is this Lady?

Mr. Ducktail Body Guard! 

Smoking Hot!

Gibson Les Paul Frets - I prefer the following.....

Let me start this off like this: I do not like frets that fail to span the width of the fret board.

So this places me at odd's with a lot of guitars manufactured by Gibson. I can replace frets well regardless of the length but for a few reasons, which I will outline, I prefer the longer frets.

Why does size matter in this case?

Eh hem, wood shrinks and expands. This process is all encompassing and you can take your pick - humidity, temperature, time, wood preparation blah blah blah... So if the guitar you own has a contracting or expanding surface, the frets can be adjusted easier. If the guitar fret board contracts you can file off the excess. If the fret board surface expands the fret could be removed and replaced with a new wire. Oh, and frets don't chip or break as easy as plastic binding fret nibs.

With the "nibs," a gap is created between the fret board and the binding. I've often filled the gaps for customers so their string doesn't snag in the gap. Replacing the fret is much more laborious.

Click this link to see a great illustration of the steps required to replace frets and binding (with nibs)!

I don't like the binding "frets" !

I prefer fret ends that extend to the edge of the fret board. See photo below.
Regardless of the system you choose, your frets will wear out if you play the instrument enough. On a high note; some of the less expensive Gibson Les Paul specials have the frets I like and honestly these guitar play well and deserve your attention. So, before you take your hard earned cash and buy a fancy Les Paul Traditional, Traditional Pro, Standard, Standard Pro, SG, et al, you might be better served with a Les Paul Special and spend the money you save on a nice amplifier or effect pedal.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR NASTY NIB GAPS! (getting your string caught is a show stopper nobody wants!!!!)

I've received some excellent feed back regarding how to span the gap between the frets and the binding nibs on Gibson Les Paul necks. There are two methods that I've used; one is an inexpensive solution, the second remedy is more expensive but also better.

• Method 1 - I take a 600 grit sand paper and sand some stock from a white piece of plastic or spare piece of binding (binding stock link). I take the plastic chad/plastic dust and mix it with thick cyanacrylate cement (Stew-Mac link). Next, I carefully apply the mixture with a toothpick or similar object. I've found that you can carefully manipulate the cement but start by applying conservative portions. Take your time and DO NOT RUSH THE JOB. I let the patch set for 24 hours. Clean up the ends with fine grade fretting files.
• Method 2 - Follow the same instructions above but use 3M Light cure (instead of plastic chad) composites. You will also need a VERY HIGH INTENSITY visable blue light to cure the adhesive. This is the same tools and supplies Dentists use. Each gap can be filled and cured in about 10 seconds. This is super high tech and probably not a inexpensive alternative. However, it works GREAT!

Guitar Warm Up Exercises - Make Learning Easier and Beneficial

Practicing without warming up first is not recommended.

The fact is that you will not get better without practice yet sustained practice could cause repetitive stress on your bones, muscles, and tendons. Therefore, to minimize the wear and tear and ensure that you get the most from your practice time, it's prudent to complete a few warm up exercises.

I start by doing at least four repetitions of each task. The stretch should be held for at least 20 seconds and this task shouldn't be painful. If you feel pain while stretching then you are pressing too hard. There should be a sensation of extension of your muscles but not hyper extension. Hold the stretch for longer than 20 seconds only if you feel comfortable; otherwise, complete enough short duration repetitions equal the four/20 second sequence (420 ha! - I didn't mean that!).

It is important to note that you should have a planned practice routine. Everything you need should be organized and ready at hand prior to stretching. Setting up a practice routine coupled with organization can help expedite your learning curve and make learning easier and more beneficial.

I usually follow this sequence:

Neck exercises - Lean your head to one side and hold, then repeat in the other direction.

Shoulder rolls - I roll my shoulders forward then backwards.

Back stretch - clasp hands together and raise them above your head.

Leg stretching - Legs straight, attempt to touch your toes and hold - don't bounce.

Thigh - Bend your leg behind and hold your heel - you will feel your thighs burn!

I have photographed a few wrist and hand exercises.

Gently push your wrist against a stationary object and hold.

Reverse bend of the action listed above.

This therapeutic aids in building finger strength and flexibility.

Another view of the amount of resistance created by the web device.

After completing my stretching exercises I then set up my metronome to an Adagio meter (or slower) and run a three note per string scale chromatically from Low C to high C using the Major, Dominant, and Minor scales. Therefore, I'll start on the root of C and play a Major scale and wait usually four beats then play a Dominant C scale, then a Minor scale in similar fashion. I think it is important to play at a slow even tempo. This takes more time and helps simultaneously stretch and build muscles. Upon completion I stretch my wrist a little more because it simply feels good. I then double check my practice material and get to another round of productive practice.

Guitar Health - Cramping, Tendonitis - Do your hands cramp up during playing?

Okay, so there you are jamming away at the gig; it's fun and the singer finally gives you a chance to showcase your bag of tricks - You hit it and all of a sudden - CRAMPS! If this has never happened to you then consider yourself lucky. It is said that up to 95% of the earth's population has experienced cramps at one time or another. You don't have to be a woman!

Now, if I had a cure for cramps - I wouldn't be posting on this blog. My profession has led me to encounter cramps, people with cramps, and it's safe to say there isn't a simple solution that works for everyone.

The following are methods to staving off cramps - No guarantee!

• Limit caffeine intake.
• Be certain to drink WATER every day. Soft drinks don't count!
• Eat a balanced diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and your favorite source of protein.
• Warm up (see article about that on this blog).
• Practice
• Limit alcohol consumption - This should be obvious but if you are young - Consider yourself warned!

Supplements and Foods that help?

Banana's

Vitamins (I know this is not food but take multi vitamins once a day)

All fruit for that matter - especially if it contains a lot of water!

Calcium

Sports drinks - Cytomax, Accelerade, Gatorade, etc...

I cannot stress stretching and doing flexibility exercises enough.

Proper practice can help limit Tendonitis and Focal Dystonia.

Excellent video regarding Tendinitis!

Above all, pay attention to what your body tells you! Don't play through pain! Take time off if you feel pain and if the pain continues beyond 3 days - SEE A DOCTOR! Don't be a buster!

This is an addendum to the aforementioned and validation from what is mentioned and outlined above. It's a real life account from Robben Ford. This section was from the following web page: http://www.online-discussion.com/RobbenFord/viewtopic.php?t=336&sid=38b07ca5082e1f25eb62526b5b706eb3

This is from 10/20/2003, with special thanks to Tonemaster2_11.

The following very information is vital to pain free guitar playing.

Hi gang, 

CTS is a bitch, I had to quit playing for 18 months because it hurt so 
much. Regular MD's were not of much help, I went through hell with 
physical therapy, electric shock to get steriod gels to soak through my 
skin, Yes it sucked. 

Here is what I have learned over the years and as a result I can play for 
3 hrs a day now with little or no problem, your experience may vary. 

#1 

CTS is caused by an inbalance between the muscles in your forearm (inside 
of your elbow to heel of your hand) and the muscles in the back of your 
arm. The inside muscles become strong, thick and short. The backside 
muscles become weak, and stretched out. 

#2 

You must restore the balance. 
You must work at it every day 
If you are like me it will never be cured but it can be managed. 

Here are the steps. 

A. Get a Wahl deep muscle vibrator, about $30, 815-625-6525. It is model 
4196-003. Now if you think this baby will do double duty forget it unless 
you like a jackhammer applied to sensitive parts. This vibrator comes 
with a cup type attatchment, use it on the inside of your arm to relax the 
muscles. I do it twice a day. Works wonders, expecially before practice. 

B. You must stretch the muscles to get back the flexibility in your arm 
and wrist. 

The first stretch is with your arm (I am assuming right handed players who 
fret with their left hand) bent 90 degrees at the left elbow with 
your forearm across your body with the palm up to your face as you look 
down. Use the heel of your right hand to contact the tips of the fingers 
of your left and and GENTLY bend the entire hand down as if you were going 
to position your fingers to point directly at the ground. 

Do not bend beyond a discomfort level. You need to work into this slowly. 
You should feel very tight and inflexible muscles in the inside of your 
forearm. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat. DO NOT OVER DO IT!!! 

The second stretch is with your left arm extended in front of you at 
shoulder level. Your palm is facing down. Lock the elbow. Use the 
finger tips of your right and to grasp the fingers of your left hand and 
bend the fingers up. Keep the elbow locked. Hold for 10 seonds and 
release. 

The third stretch is with the arm in the same position except the palm is 
now facing up. Again grasp the fingers of your left hand with the fingers 
of your right and and bend down. Hold for 10 seconds and release. 

I do three sets of 10 second holds as a warm up and again DURING THE 
PRACTICE SESSION. Take breaks often, every 10 or 15 minutes. If you feel 
discomfort in your CTS, get out the vibrator and use it. It works better 
than anything to relax the muscles. It is probably the most important 
element in the treatment program. 

C. Building strength in the back of your forearm. 

Get a 5 lbs dumbell. Find a flat surface, like a table top. Lay your arm 
on it with your hand hanging over the edge holding the dumbell. Do 
"reverse curls" by extending your hand all the way down then raise it. Up 
and down 10 times. Here is the trick. The up part, or using the muscles 
in the back of the forearm should be done at 1/2 the speed as the down 
part. All of it should be slow. Hold the weight at the top of the 
reverse curl for 1 sec. Increase the weight as you feel your self getting 
stronger. I use about 15 lbs now. More is not necessarily better here. 
Building back muscle strength is the key. 

Again I do 3 sets of 10. 

Follow this routine and the pain will go, you will be able to play longer 
and maybe better. But, and this is a big but, your must keep up with the 
program. CTS, in my experience, never goes away, but you can manage the 
process and win in the end. 

Placing things in Perspective

We all have days where we feel challenged. Our bills, boss, mortgage, sewer, traffic, pickup truck, and dog just seem to be aligned with evil. There are many complex axioms and paradigms available to sooth and ponder in order to render sense to our troubles. So at risk of being clichéd I have included a simple list to remember the facts of life.

REMEMBER THE FACTS OF LIFE

The most destructive habit (Worry)
The greatest Joy (Giving)
The greatest loss (Loss of self-respect)
The most satisfying work (Helping others)
The ugliest personality trait (Selfishness)
The most endangered species (Dedicated leaders)
Our greatest natural resource (Our youth)
The greatest "shot in the arm (Encouragement)
The greatest problem to overcome (Fear)
The most effective sleeping pill (Peace of mind)
The most crippling failure disease (Excuses)
The most powerful force in life (Love)
The most dangerous pariah (A gossiper )
The world's most incredible computer (The brain)
The worst thing to be without (Hope)
The deadliest weapon (The tongue)
The two most power-filled words (I Can)
The greatest asset (Faith)
The most worthless emotion (Self-pity)
The most beautiful attire (A SMILE)
The most prized possession (Integrity)

The most contagious spirit (Enthusiasm)

Now pick up your musical instrument and get together with a friend or stranger and make music!

Hearing Loss and Protection for Musicians - My Epic Tale...

Playing in a band can indeed ruin your hearing. However, just growing older will also effect your hearing. I doubt all of our grand parents worked loud vocations let alone in a band so there is your proof that your hearing will degrade over the years. Playing in a band and being next to the drummer who has heavy hands will remind you that sound waves can create physical pain to your person. What guitarist has not turned their amplifier up to its maximum volume in a wild attempt to determine the maximum capability of the given amplifier? If you have played in a big band then you know that horns sections could make Jimi Hendrix's ears bristle in agony.

In the past few years I had the unwelcome experience of waking up to a ringing noise in one of my ears. As I moved from my horizontal position to a standing position I felt dizzy. Now, I am the last guy to see a doctor (*if you have any illness - see a doctor immediately) but I sensed something was wrong and I booked an appointment with my family physician. Well, the doctor first checked my vital signs then looked into my nose and then my ears. The doctor left the room promptly to "research something." Upon returning the doctor told me that my ear drums have pocks on them. "I am sending your to a Ear, nose, and throat specialist," the doctor told me.

I arrive at the ENT and they performed a battery of tests on my hearing and ask me a ton of questions. Next up, I see the doctor. As you can guess, I was a ill at ease literally and my ability to balance was becoming worse. Ear Shingles or more accurately - Ramsay Hunt syndrome. What I was experiencing was a tunnel vision, inability to balance myself (no way could I pass a sobriety check based on balance), tinnitus in my ear (constant ringing), potential facial paralysis, and a lot of fear.

If you have had the chicken pox then you are a candidate for Shingles. These usually effect only one side of the body. In my case, my inner ear was attacked. I temporarily lost 60% of my hearing. I had to take a massive dose of predisone which is a nasty steroid that has a host of side effects that I purposely didn't read about (it's a rule as I've seen far too many people obtain the side effects upon review) to reduce swelling in my ear. That was about all that could be done. Later, I had to attend Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) to rehabilitate my balance. This was completed through exercise and balance rehabilitation which I worked on a daily basis along with once a week visits to a (VRT) therapist. Now what the hell does this have to do with playing music?

The doctors determined through hearing tests that my hearing has changed over the years. Not all of the change is due to my genetic composition. There is an assignable amount of diminished hearing capacity because I was subjected to loud occurrences. They obviously could not pin point the nature of the occurrence but gave me a list for me to use as a tool to discern what types of noise might be applicable to my condition. Let's see.... Rock concerts, loud music, gun shots, explosives, and constant noise. The fact remains that some of my ability to hear high frequency was lost due to neglect. If you are reading this blog then you probably play an instrument so protecting your hearing should be paramount. Be smart and wear hearing protection.

Ear plugs can save your hearing or at least decrease the damage that occurs during loud events. There are many tools available to save the human ear from damage. Many of these products do not decrease the ability to hear and they safely filter the excessive noise. One such company is Hearos, check out their website for products that will help you out. In addition, I had the extreme fortune of dealing with Dr. Jennifer Maw at Ear associates and rehabilitation in San Jose, California. Data doesn't lie and I was able to see the results of my hearing capability from an early time in my life in contrast to a later time period. The result showed hearing loss. I also had testing while the illness had its grip on me verse my hearing capability upon recovery showed that I was back to normal. Or normal as I can be.

So, wear hearing protection, go to the doctor when you are ill, and practice playing your favorite instrument. Hopefully you will have wonderful hearing as long as you live! However, remember that those loud concerts have an accumulative effect and I am living proof. If you think I am full of bologna then google tinnitus along with famous names like Peter Townshend. A great deal of musicians now suffer from hearing loss from exposure to noise. Many of these musician will tell you frankly that they were naive and caution you to be prudent about hearing safety and protection.

How loud is loud? I will add a table soon regarding the activity, noise level db(a), Apparent loudness, and physical response.

*If I had not gone to the doctor in a timely manner, I would have lost 60% of my hearing capability in my left ear.

http://hearos.com/

Endorsed by musicians like Steve Vai and Stephen Perkins, HEAROS High Fidelity earplugs are a favorite for musicians and music fans alike. The newest product in the line, available exclusively at Guitar Center locations in March, is smaller in size for more comfortable long term use.

HEAROS High Fidelity ear plugs use a unique, patented tuned resonator and acoustic resistor to provide flat attenuation, allowing you to hear all the highs and lows without the sound getting muffled. The new item was designed smaller to fit in smaller ear canals or to stay in the average user’s ears for long periods of time to vastly reduce any possibility of inner ear discomfort.

http://www.earmd.net/