How would this SVR song sound played with a (relative) cheap guitar?

[mercifulfuzziness]

One thing about SRV like many of the greats, is that every note has intent and energy behind it. His right hand technique dictates a lot of that. Kind of like EVH, his rhythm playing gets a bit overshadowed by his lead playing -- but it's really their right hand and rhythm sense that made them special. So the best way to copy these guys more so than tone searching (if that is the goal), is to learn their techniques.

It was really way more for me to get an understanding (a deeper understanding) how much is technique / the player and how much is the gear.

A bit an ongoing thread in my head lately

 

[FuzzyAce]

It was really way more for me to get an understanding (a deeper understanding) how much is technique / the player and how much is the gear.

A bit an ongoing thread in my head lately

Definitely more about technique, or some call that 'tone in the hands'. Like discussed in the other thread about Sayce, he would sound like himself (which is just taking what SRV did and making it his own) whatever he was playing through. He just dials it in to fit his ear enough to be happy.

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

Definitely more about technique, or some call that 'tone in the hands'. Like discussed in the other thread about Sayce, he would sound like himself (which is just taking what SRV did and making it his own) whatever he was playing through. He just dials it in to fit his ear enough to be happy.

I also wonder if he would “feel” the lesser guitar and go like: oefffhh that fret work is rough.

Or would a lot of these artists back then go completely crazy on players, epiphones because the quality went up so much.

And in 2025 we are buying 6000 dollar/euro guitars to have “the real thing”

 

[dk_ace]

I also wonder if he would “feel” the lesser guitar and go like: oefffhh that fret work is rough.

Or would a lot of these artists back then go completely crazy on players, epiphones because the quality went up so much.

And in 2025 we are buying 6000 dollar/euro guitars to have “the real thing”

He would pick up the guitar, and go to work with it. He might have his tech tweak it later if something bugged him.

Quality on even inexpensive guitars is pretty solid these days. Playing well enough to tell the difference in very level fretwork and superior intonation is a skill that few ever develop.

The most noticeable thing for most players is fret sprout, and any monkey with YouTube (or an Erlewine book), 30 minutes, and a little elbow grease can take care of that.

Buy a nice guitar if you want to, don’t think I’m stopping you. One of my best purchases was picking up a PRS McCarty relatively early in my playing life. No regrets at all for me in having a nice instrument.

It isn’t remotely necessary though. You can rule the world with just about any squire if you put the time in.

D

 

[FuzzyAce]

I also wonder if he would “feel” the lesser guitar and go like: oefffhh that fret work is rough.

Or would a lot of these artists back then go completely crazy on players, epiphones because the quality went up so much.

And in 2025 we are buying 6000 dollar/euro guitars to have “the real thing”

SRV was definitely particular about his tone choices, or he wouldn't have use the certain tools that he used. He could have used anything and made it sound good, but when you get to a certain level you want to use the tools that help your techniques shine more. He liked that spank and percussive tone you get with a strat and fender style amp. You can still dig in without it getting too muddy or mushy. He would've sounded great with an LP and Marshall too but it would've certainly been different. Matter of fact, when he started incorporating a Marshall Major and fuzz face into his live rig, his playing did change a bit to compensate for the different tonal responses. Tone can change the way you might play something so there is a balancing game there.

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

He would pick up the guitar, and go to work with it. He might have his tech tweak it later if something bugged him.

Quality on even inexpensive guitars is pretty solid these days. Playing well enough to tell the difference in very level fretwork and superior intonation is a skill that few ever develop.

The most noticeable thing for most players is fret sprout, and any monkey with YouTube (or an Erlewine book), 30 minutes, and a little elbow grease can take care of that.

Buy a nice guitar if you want to, don’t think I’m stopping you. One of my best purchases was picking up a PRS McCarty relatively early in my playing life. No regrets at all for me in having a nice instrument.

It isn’t remotely necessary though. You can rule the world with just about any squire if you put the time in.

D

Doesn’t feel at all like you are holding me back. Super informative.

“Playing well enough to tell the difference in very level fretwork and superior intonation is a skill that few ever develop. “

And is this better with more expensive guitars? It seems like this can also be fixed by a good enough luthier?

 

[dk_ace]

Doesn’t feel at all like you are holding me back. Super informative.

“Playing well enough to tell the difference in very level fretwork and superior intonation is a skill that few ever develop. “

And is this better with more expensive guitars? It seems like this can also be fixed by a good enough luthier?

It should be better in a top end instrument, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. I’ve not heard of a recent core PRS or custom shop fender or suhr guitar that had problems here for example, but if one did those three in particular would take care of it I expect.

And yes, a luthier (or really just any competent tech) can make the action and intonation of an inexpensive guitar just as good as a high end instrument. You’re probably going to spend $50-250ish depending on what all needs to be done.

D

 

[Sascha Franck]

One more thing:

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

It should be better in a top end instrument, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. I’ve not heard of a recent core PRS or custom shop fender or suhr guitar that had problems here for example, but if one did those three in particular would take care of it I expect.

And yes, a luthier (or really just any competent tech) can make the action and intonation of an inexpensive guitar just as good as a high end instrument. You’re probably going to spend $50-250ish depending on what all needs to be done.

D

It’s interesting. How do you know as a non-knower if your luthier / tech is really good?

 

[FuzzyAce]

One more thing:
View attachment 36042

Subtle messaging here.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Subtle messaging here.

Yeah, extremely subtle. But I tried.

 

[dk_ace]

It’s interesting. How do you know as a non-knower if your luthier / tech is really good?

Find local players who can tell the difference and ask them who they would take it to. Alternatively, ask online who is good in your area.

D

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

Yeah, extremely subtle. But I tried.

Well, you are a german.

 

[FuzzyAce]

Well, you are a german.

There's nothing subtle about Sascha.

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

There's nothing subtle about Sascha.

No, and I appreciate that. Direct people are not worse or better than indirect, but with Direct people there is no "between the lines". It's often more a burden for themselves.

He is also right. However, sometimes during a romantic comedy I hear my wife "you can't say its a shit movie.. you are on your phone". And then I am chatting with you guys ;-)

 

[DrewJD82]

I didn’t think I’d have anywhere to post this video after I found it a couple weeks ago. This is the lunatic who has been melting down over Tom Bukovac really enjoying ‘59 Bursts. I went through a few of his vids to see the prowess/capabilities of someone who could talk shit about Bukovac’s playing and this is what I got.



This is easily my favorite tutorial I’ve ever seen on the internet.

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

I didn’t think I’d have anywhere to post this video after I found it a couple weeks ago. This is the lunatic who has been melting down over Tom Bukovac really enjoying ‘59 Bursts. I went through a few of his vids to see the prowess/capabilities of someone who could talk shit about Bukovac’s playing and this is what I got.



This is easily my favorite tutorial I’ve ever seen on the internet.

O WOW! hahaha Damn
Thanks @DrewJD82 , finally somebody on youtube I feel I am not worse than ;-)

 

[FuzzyAce]

However, sometimes during a romantic comedy I hear my wife "you can't say its a shit movie.. you are on your phone". And then I am chatting with you guys ;-)

At least your wife likes romantic comedies! Mine either likes real or fictional drama, crime drama or horror movies.
She has to be drinking wine for me to get her to watch any kind of comedy.

 

[mercifulfuzziness]

At least your wife likes romantic comedies! Mine either likes real or fictional drama, crime drama or horror movies.
She has to be drinking wine for me to get her to watch any kind of comedy.

My wife is into horror too.. I hate it. And then I also had to act the first years of our relationship I wasnt scared.

ROmantic comedies can be very funny.. or just a complete turt. And it's never in between.

 

[FuzzyAce]

I didn’t think I’d have anywhere to post this video after I found it a couple weeks ago. This is the lunatic who has been melting down over Tom Bukovac really enjoying ‘59 Bursts. I went through a few of his vids to see the prowess/capabilities of someone who could talk shit about Bukovac’s playing and this is what I got.



This is easily my favorite tutorial I’ve ever seen on the internet.

Listening right now, he's saying everything I'm thinking but I can't write it out.