Hello from old England!

[dannyart]

Greetings! I'm new here so a big hello to you all. I am an artist and photographer by profession, based here in Birmingham, UK. One of my main obsessions since the age of about 10 has been guitar. I've been playing seriously since I was about 13 (I'm now 35 and still not much better!). I also play drums and have been in god knows how many bands over the years, some good, some terrible!:rotflmao: My music tastes are extremely varied, guitar wise I'm probably obsessed with all the same things as everyone else, a quick list of some of my faves... Jimi, Clapton, Who, Led Zep, Zappa, Floyd, Stones, Bowie, ACDC, Smiths, Clash, Metallica, Oasis, Nirvana, Rage, QOTSA, etc etc

In recent years my interest in guitar and playing has changed somewhat... from playing anything and everything on whatever piece of crap guitar I could find - to just wanting to make wonderful and simple noise that sounds perfect to my ears... I suppose, like a lot of us, you could say I've become obsessed with 'tone'! This obsession has become very expensive over the last 5yrs, I've owned (and still own) some amazing amps... early JCM800s, JTMs, JMPs, original Champs, Cornfords, Mesas, and a 60s Twin, and I've lost count of the guitars I've owned!:thwap: Ironically, one of the best amps I have ever owned is also the cheapest - the awsome Epi Valve Jr! 40wFenders and 100wJCMs are great for gigs, practicing and more involved stuff but If I ever just want to plug in turn up and get all bluesy then its the VJ every time!

I was drawn to this site through my ongoing passion for the Valve Jr, but now I'm here and have had a look around I think it'll be a fantastic resource for everything else too, and for chatting to like-minded geetar nuts!:D

All the best everyone and probably speak to you soon :AOK:

[duhvoodooman]

Welcome to The Fret, dannyart! Happy to have you with us. That's a familiar set of influences/favorites and an impressive list of gear you've owned over the years. You spoke mostly about amps (some highly drool-worthy names there!), but I was wondering what your main guitars are these days? What kind of planks are you spankin' to send the millivolts on to those fancy electronics? ;)

[tot_Ou_tard]

Welcome Danny! It's always great to have another guitar-freak as well as another brit here.

I'm looking forward to hearing your views on gear.

May we see some of your art & photos?

[warren0728]

welcome danny....this is a great forum....i think you will like it here....

ww :pancake:

note: this welcome copyrighted 2008...no unauthorized use of this welcome will be tolerated

[sunvalleylaw]

Welcome DannyArt!

[Robert]

Cheers DannyArt! You mention some good amps! Do you gig much?

[dannyart]

Thanks for the warm welcomes guys!
I've got 4 axes at the moment DVM... A white Fender American Vintage 63 strat, about 3yrs old now, lovely guitar... A sonic blue Fender relic 60 strat with maple neck, which is beautiful but not as nice to play as the other one, considering selling it... a 1991 Gibson Flying V 67 Reissue, white with a black plate and Seymours - this is possibly the coolest and best sounding guitar I've ever owned, I dont know why, just love it!... and a 1973 sunburst Gibson Les Paul Custom, which is just amazing to play and look at, but doesnt sound quite as good as the V, maybe the older pickups arent at good but I'm reluctant to replace them.

I've owned loads of cheaper guitars but always sold them on. I know loads of players who love their Squiers and Epiphones, but I've never found one that feels as good as the real thing. I'm a sucker for the romance and history of fenders and gibsons too!:thwap: I can post some pics later if any of you are interested in seeing my axes!?

You can have a look at my artwork and photos on my websites, Tot_ou_tard. Here are the links to them....:D

http://www.dannyhowesportraits.com/
http://www.dannyhowesphotography.com/

[duhvoodooman]

...I can post some pics later if any of you are interested in seeing my axes!?
Anyone interested? Probably only 40 or 50 of us.... ;) :D

[SuperSwede]

Hello DannyArt!

Slice up the kidney pie and lets get this party started! :D

[Andy]

Welcome !

and I'm with you on the valve jr. good tones to be had

[just strum]

Welcome, you seem to have a nice collection and yes pictures would be nice.

[dannyart]

Here are some shots of two of my guitars... '73 LP Custom & nearly new AmVint Strat... and also, two that I sold recently and now massivly regret!, a '59 Historic LP (the ones before the VOSs) and an original condition 1963 Verithin... why did I sell them?!! needed the cash probably. I'll take some of the FlyingV later too and upload them at some point...

http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_916748f06550c053e.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=725)
http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_916748f0656444cc6.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=726)
http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_916748f0657de467e.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=727)
http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_916748f0659c2f0bd.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=728)
http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_916748f066af51152.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=729)

[just strum]

Danny, they are all nice, but definitely loving that Strat. We have a tradition here that new members:

1) New members buy beer for the group.

2) Take one of their guitars selected by a forum member and send the guitar on a two year world tour. To save you tour expense, you only pay for travel expense for the guitars first appearance (that would be my house). So knowing that you are up to this opportunity, I will PM you my address.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Those paintings are very expressive & realistic. Amazing.

[Tone2TheBone]

Welcome mate I share the love for the same music interests and gear. :beer:

[oldguy]

Welcome to TheFret! Beautiful axes there. I love the V. Jr. sound, also. Crank mine and it's blues heaven. :)

[mrmudcat]

Welcome:)

[Brian Krashpad]

Cheers Danny! There are a few others from Blighty here too, including one ex-pat Yank, though I'm not sure if he counts. ;) (j/k)

I'm part of the Florida contingent myself.

Cool guitars, and paintings and photos-- but none of onstage performance? A buddy and ex-bandmate of mine in up Atlanta does that.

[Mr Grumpy]

Welcome from another brit - its a great forum

[ted s]

Late for the welcome wagon, again.. Welcome Dannyart !

[The_Shredinator21]

Welcome, you sound like a cool chap with plenty of experience. Your advice will be valued:AOK:

[scgmhawk]

Welcome Danny and Cheers!:beer: Nice guitars, btw!

[snarph]

well that is a nice history now its time to make some new history welcome

[Algonquin]

Welcome to the Fret!
Cheers :beer:

[Strat Vader]

Welcome welcome!