Robben Ford Discussion

[midc74]

Hello everyone! *cough* long introduction.... *cough*

Thought I should finally make myself known to the board. I've been following along since the old board. Around a year ago I guess. Although, I did somehow manage to miss out on all the commotion that happend over there. The new board is a HUGE improvement, both in style, feeling, and the members that we have now. I feel privileged to be a part of it. Thank you.

I feel like I "know" a lot of you guys, just from following along with the daily threads. I'm sure there probably a lot of other people that feel the same way. I think I might have actually met Elizabeth once! Did you go to the RF concert in Grants Pass last March? I was there with my dad, and I think we held your place in line (while you went to the front window to get your tickets?). I think you said you lived in Chico? and travel to a lot of RF concerts... hehe If that was you.. You ended up sitting like two rows in front of us. Strangely enough, right in front of Robben! Oh.. and what a awesome show! Although, I think Robben might have had a sore throat. Probably due to the fact that it was like the 4th night (or more) of shows in a row.. he had come down from Eugene and Portland. Still his playing/vocals was amazing!

Now lets see.. I'll try to keep this introduction short (too late! I know.. heh), but I must tell you guys a little about myself (and my gear! lol). I was born up in Washington (state), but my parents moved down here (southern Oregon) when I was a baby.. Lived here ever since. My fiance and I have three boys. With the youngest being just two weeks old now. The other two are quite a bit older.

Music has always been a big part of my family. I grew up listening to Steve Miller Band, da Mac, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour (to name a few) LP's on my parents stereo. My dad has always played guitar, but took a break from it (the 80's?). In the early 90's ('92?) I got the bug. After hours, and hours.. and hours.. (you'd think I was better than I really am.. hehe) of practice.. well, you know how it goes! We play mostly blues, jazz, and classic rock. It's a lot of fun. My sister is a singer, and plays piano. (although she rarely plays with "us").. My middle son plays the drums (and probably guitar in a couple more years).

My dad ran across some of Robben's material just a few years ago. and it didn't take long until we were both big fans. The way he melds jazz and blues is right up our alley. I've since been collecting everything "Robben" that I can. I think I'm up to 25 CD's.. pictures, t-shirts, books, videos.. hehe YES... I'm hooked.

Okay.. now on to the exciting stuff! my new G.A.S. problem! Elizabeth, and any of you "non-musicians" are not required to read further... i.e. there will be NO talk of my shoes (or socks) here. hehe

For the past year and a half or so I've really been on my *tone* quest. I had gotten to a level where I didn't even really want to play any more. Not that I couldn't play.. but I just wasn't happy with my sound... and as most of you long time musicians know.. if it doesn't sound good (to YOU).. it's not really worth it. :/ For almost a decade I played my 40th ann Am Std Strat through my Peavey Classic 50. Of course, went through a mess of pedals along the way. Then I purchased a couple small (20W) ALL tube amps. A Fender Champ II, and Mesa Subway Blues. (both excellent little amps). Although, at the volumes we play, the little amps just wern't cutting it (even running them together). Got some killer lead tones pushing those 6V6 and EL84's so hard though. but getting good clean tones was impossible.

I've since purchased a Fender Bassman-100, modified by Andy Fuchs to be a ODS 100. I'm ON MY WAY! Also got a Am Std Tele (looks just like Robben's, but with maple neck).. and most recently a Fender Telesonic (US made tele with DeArmond 2K pups, LP style controls/bridge, etc.. oh and TONE chambers! heh). I also made a nice rack setup, with Furman PM-PRO, TC G-Major, and some other goodies. Although.... I'm not happy with the TC. The A/D - D/A conversions just suck to much tone for me. So I am selling the entire rack setup, and I'm going back to strictly minimal analog setup. Which will include: 535Q, EB 6166, DM-2, and my Boss TU-12H... and I'm working on getting some other high quality effects to see if they will "fit in" with the sound I'm looking for. Hopefully I will soon have a Fulldrive II, AC Boost, and Analogman's Jucier & TS-9 (silver). Wheewww! Anyhow.. I enjoy playing again.

Well... I'm glad I finally took the time to "say hello".. heh Maybe you'll see more posts from me from now on. I always hesitated before due to the fact that I hadn't introduced myself yet..

Be seeing ya around...

Patrick