Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: What to get an 80-year-old?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default What to get an 80-year-old?

    Okay, say your dad is turning 80. He's a multi-talented jazz musician, albeit retired. He often records himself on piano, goes back and plays that back and plays guitar with it and then bass. I had considered getting him cakewalk, but I'm afraid it might be more complex than what he really wants.

    I had also considered getting him a Bill Evans CD, as he has many different jazz musician CDs, but no Bill Evans. However, I think he truly prefers to play than listen.

    Other than that, he's also a WWII veteran and loves to reminisce about "the good ol' days" - - when he was a kid and the way things used to be (neighborhoods with all kinds of independently owned stores and shops within walking distance and how people used to sit outside after dinner every night and be friendly with one another).

    Anybody with some input?
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Although a nice '58 or '59 reissue Les Paul would take him back to the 'day' (he may not be a solid body guitar man though) I wouldn't get any computer stuff for him. Getting gifts for someone that has "been around" is hard. Maybe he needs some piece of new gear or something is about the only thing I'd lean toward?
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tone2thebone
    Although a nice '58 or '59 reissue Les Paul would take him back to the 'day' (he may not be a solid body guitar man though) I wouldn't get any computer stuff for him. Getting gifts for someone that has "been around" is hard. Maybe he needs some piece of new gear or something is about the only thing I'd lean toward?
    But he uses his computer all of the time! He's *always* recording with it. That's why I had considered Cakewalk...

    ...I forgot: he also loves mysteries ... but buying him books is old. I've gotten him so many books and CDs in the past, it's not funny.

    Further, as for "new gear," he always goes right out and buys whatever he needs/wants, as he's just that way.

    *sighs*

    The man means the world to me - - I want to show him so ... this is tough!
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I'm the same way...if I want something I just buy it. Oh, well if he records already with a computer then yeah Cakewalk might be good. Although anymore nowadays there are probably other good software products you can get to record with. There's a ton of good information on POD equipment and software recording from some users here G. Hey how about one of those PODs or something?
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tone2thebone
    I'm the same way...if I want something I just buy it. Oh, well if he records already with a computer then yeah Cakewalk might be good. Although anymore nowadays there are probably other good software products you can get to record with. There's a ton of good information on POD equipment and software recording from some users here G. Hey how about one of those PODs or something?
    Okay, call me stupid: what's a POD? I thought that was what the aliens used to create hybrid babies in! I'm also thinking about a "mystery-type" computer game, if you [or others] have any ideas there.
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Here's one...

    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cts?sku=482222

    I don't know anything about them but I know some of these guys use them. That might be a cool thing to give him. Another neat tool to use. Price isn't too bad either.

    Alien babies haha. Hmmm the only mystery games I know of are really action/adventure games with some degree of problem solving. Tombraider Legend the new one is awesome.
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    84
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I find that older people tend to have the "things" they really want. Getting him an "experience" can be more fun. How about concert tickets to a favorite artist? (I know you said he'd rather play than listen, but most people I know treat live music different than recordings...)

    Good luck!
    Guitars: Squier Standard Tele; Fender MIM fat strat; Traveler Speedster
    Amp: Vox AD30VT; Vox DA5; Fender Frontman 25R
    Other: DigiTech Bad Monkey; Tascam CD-GT1; Korg Pandora
    GAS'n for: Nothing at the moment!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Thanks for the link, Tone... however, I don't think he'd really want that. He's got a great amp that gives a variety of sounds and with the style jazz he plays, a person really doesn't need too many different sounds -- just a few, going from rhythm to solo and back ... y'know?

    As for the concert - - eh - - he doesn't like "going out." I tried to get him to go with me a few times and he just won't go. My mom, on the other hand loves to go out *LOL*

    He's a tough ol' byrd!
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Here's a link for Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro III

    http://cakewalk.com/Products/GuitarT...ro/default.asp

    I've used Guitar Tracks Pro and it's really easy to use. Very intuative and the results are really good. You can record your group live or with drum samples as your base, then layer your stuff over that.
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by The G-string
    [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Thanks for the link, Tone... however, I don't think he'd really want that. He's got a great amp that gives a variety of sounds and with the style jazz he plays, a person really doesn't need too many different sounds -- just a few, going from rhythm to solo and back ... y'know?FONT]
    Yeah I would expect that. I was going to edit my comment on the POD to note that it looks to be more for modern rock guitar players. He wouldn't need something like that. I think he'd dig the recording software.
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tone2thebone
    Yeah I would expect that. I was going to edit my comment on the POD to note that it looks to be more for modern rock guitar players. He wouldn't need something like that. I think he'd dig the recording software.
    Thanks. In looking at it in more detail, I think that might be a little over my price range, but I'm finding some really neat mystery games online - - I think I might get him something like that. I may go ahead with the Bill Evans CD, too. Are you familiar with "Waltz for Debbie"? It's a great jazz piece.
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    930
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    G-String - Cakewalk is but one of a multitude of software / recording products, and unfortunately one with a very steep learning curve (at least in my opinion). At $200+, it also requires quite a substantial finiancial committment.

    If you're still mulling that software idea over, though, might I suggest that you check out Sony's Acid Music software. It's what I've been using for the last several months, and it's a total snap to work. Acid Music is loop-based software, which means you have different loops for different things - drums, keys, bass, etc. Composing tracks is as easy as cut & paste, and you can drop just about any type of track into it. Here's the link:

    http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/Pro...ct.asp?PID=971

    I purchased my software from Best Buy for $39 (after rebate), and I've seen it on Ebay for the same price. The other thing that's cool about Acid is that you can buy different loop CD's, depending on your musical style / preferences. There are quite a few jazz-based loop CD's, and include horns, organ, and drums. Here's that link:

    http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/sho...gory.asp?id=10

    There is a loop sampler CD included with the program, so you have quite a few to experiment with from the get-go. If you like the samples from a particular CD, you can buy most of them for anywhere between $29 - $49.

    Anyways, just thought I'd throw that out. I'd initially considered Cakewalk, too, until I saw how easy Acid was to use, and how good the results sounded. Good luck with your birthday shopping.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
    Posts
    6,009
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by The G-string
    Thanks. In looking at it in more detail, I think that might be a little over my price range, but I'm finding some really neat mystery games online - - I think I might get him something like that. I may go ahead with the Bill Evans CD, too. Are you familiar with "Waltz for Debbie"? It's a great jazz piece.

    Nope. Never heard of it sorry.
    Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.

    Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube

    Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Nelskie
    G-String - Cakewalk is but one of a multitude of software / recording products, and unfortunately one with a very steep learning curve (at least in my opinion). At $200+, it also requires quite a substantial finiancial committment.

    If you're still mulling that software idea over, though, might I suggest that you check out Sony's Acid Music software. It's what I've been using for the last several months, and it's a total snap to work. Acid Music is loop-based software, which means you have different loops for different things - drums, keys, bass, etc. Composing tracks is as easy as cut & paste, and you can drop just about any type of track into it. Here's the link:

    http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/Pro...ct.asp?PID=971

    I purchased my software from Best Buy for $39 (after rebate), and I've seen it on Ebay for the same price. The other thing that's cool about Acid is that you can buy different loop CD's, depending on your musical style / preferences. There are quite a few jazz-based loop CD's, and include horns, organ, and drums. Here's that link:

    http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/sho...gory.asp?id=10

    There is a loop sampler CD included with the program, so you have quite a few to experiment with from the get-go. If you like the samples from a particular CD, you can buy most of them for anywhere between $29 - $49.

    Anyways, just thought I'd throw that out. I'd initially considered Cakewalk, too, until I saw how easy Acid was to use, and how good the results sounded. Good luck with your birthday shopping.
    Wow!! That is totally cool!!! Thanks so much!!
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    across the universe
    Posts
    30
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tone2thebone
    Nope. Never heard of it sorry.
    I'm looking for it right now on www.allofmp3.com

    You'd like it.
    "Upon us all a little rain must fall"
    ~ Led Zeppelin

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Idaho (I-duh-ho)
    Posts
    12,581
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    If you still want to know what to get an 80 year old man I'd say a 23 year old blond hottie would be most appropriate. It's still rock n roll right? Oh wait...he's a jazz guy. Hmmmm, then Larry Calton's - Sapphire Blue from 2004 is pretty good from what I'm told. Also Bill Frisell's - The Intercontinentials from 2003. For funky try John Scofield's - Uberjam. It's awesome! Or for smooth jazz try the 2005 release from the Rippingtons - Wildcard.

    Good luck and thanks for the heads up. I'm buying stock in a birthday candle company tomorrow.

    "No Tele For you." - The Tele Nazi

    Ha! Tele-ish now inbound.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •