Robben Ford Discussion

frank0936 · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:25 am Post subject: me, too

I agree with Millibobs, JZ. Don't get him started!
Frank

Daved · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 11:14 am Post subject:

CJ · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 12:03 pm Post subject:

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

Thanks CJ - this one has the JJ's in already - he's clearly a man of taste!

Daved, I can tell you exactly what 'tone' means:

it is:

* the sound that came off Robbens's amps at last week's gig in Manchester UK ( a Twin and a Super Reverb)

* the irresistible expressions of happiness and helpless joy around the room as he trotted out his trademark songs, licks and vocals (he is a bloody fantastic singer - fact)

* The mood of the gig - I could tell who was a guitar player, who simply liked his stuff, who was there by mistake, simply from the reactions and comments. Whatever the different perceptions, the 'tone' of that room was reverential, loving and affectionate - I caught a couple of guys, like me, who were just overcome by what RF was doing. Nothing much makes me emotional or makes the tears flow apart from my kids and a kick in the balls, but when I got home and thought about what I'd just witnessed and what it meant to me personally, I actually found myself snivelling - it seems cheesy but the only thing that has been a constant in my life from around 11 years old is the guitar - it is fundamentally a part of my persona and I think Robben would understand this - it's the 'tone' of my life

* Whilst Robben has very little to say to the audience, the 'tone' is one of mutual respect. Both parties know what is expected and Robben delivers the goods. Some would call it clinical or sterile - I would call it 'quality' - you get exactly what you paid for but something comes bundled for free - 'tone'

* Seeing Robben in person for the first (but hopefully not the last) time, made me want to get straight back on the guitar and play. It set the 'tone' for my next recording and playing activities

I always thought that the tone I was looking for was a sound but in fact, it's far more than that - it is a way of playing that makes you feel like when you were a kid at the Saturday cinema, running up the aisles - like you were running on air, just above ground level. I think this is what 'tone' is - it's a feeling, a sense of sitting just outside reality and it's as real as any sense of smell or taste. It's the fifth sense! Touch, taste, sight, sound - TONE!!!!!!!!

JohnnyZ · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

I totally agree with what Daved and BillyBombs say about tone... Twisted Evil

CJ · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

I agree with both you guys regarding "tone".

Daved - I agree that "tone" (as in "I love the tone I got during that last set") is not only an entirely subjective thing but also a moving target. Personally, I know that "my tone" is mostly the way I touch the guitar combined with knowing what tools I need to get the job done. Do I want or need "more tone"? Like Daved I don't know what that means, but I always want to have the best possible "version" of "my tone" even if everyone else thinks it stinks! Laughing

I know now what works for me and, dare I say it, the "tonequest" is over - no excuses now not to just get on and play well! Laughing

David - you've touched on something else and an interesting meaning of "tone". The "tone" of the performance and the interaction between performer and audience. It brings to mind "Zen Guitar".

Going back to "tone" and Robben - I think that these recent shows prove that tone is within you. In your touch and your perception of sound. Robben plugs into a Dumble personalised for him through his choice of speakers, or a RI Twin & Super or (as I saw last week) a new Twin with all the bells & whistles and a scruffy SF Twin and still sounds exactly like Robben Ford - sublime Cool

Am I rambling?... Laughing

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

mmm....BillyBombs......my new persona.........I like it........

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

I forgot smell - which makes TONE the sixth sense, which puts Bruce Willis out of a job.......

roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 5:12 am Post subject:

Before you spend your economic stimulus check on new gear, take this test:

http://jakemandell.com/tonedeaf/

The doctor claims excellent musicians rarely score above 80% correct. Give it a try!
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CJ · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 10:37 am Post subject:

86.1%

roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:38 am Post subject:

I am surprised at how poorly I tested, especially on the visual symbolic intelligence test -- how well you hear shapes. My ears must have a mind of their own!
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Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

I did the test and it flashed up the message, 'sell your gear'.

I won't though.........

Bluelobster · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 2:49 am Post subject: tone deaf

JohnnyZ · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:55 am Post subject:

It's been a while since I listened to Lateral Climb, so when I put it on in the car this morning on my way to work and it got to the phrase "coffee, keys, and I'm on my way" I mentally substituted "quiche" for "keys" and had a good laugh! Laughing

Actually, I noticed later on in the song when Robben repeats the phrase that "keys" is much clearer and definitely doesn't sound like "tea" or "quiche" or whatever else people's twisted minds decided it sounded like... Twisted Evil

Bluelobster · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject: wanna smile ???