Help me pick my birthday/anniversary present

[luvmyshiner]

Both are this month. We got married on the day after my birthday. It only took me three marriages to figure out a way to remember my anniversary.:

CB asked me tonight what I wanted. I asked her what the budget was (something only married folks would understand) and she told me $200. That rules out an acoustic, which is ok, because I've had my eyes on a few other toys.

Lately I've been gassing after two things, a strat (I'll admit it, CB's strat is sweet, and despite the fact that she likes her tele better, I am drawn to that guitar), and a mandolin (I've got a few John Denver songs down, and there's just something about the sound of a mando that really moves me).

So give me your thoughts, nominations and suggestions folks. Your input will be greatly appreciated, even if I don't end up following it.:

[Rocket]

Tell CB to contact me for, (yet another,) Rocket-budget-good-deal.
Won't disappoint!

[warren0728]

a mandolin would be cool...i like their sound too....

and i think you should request some birthday pancakes...i think cb knows how she should make them!! : :

ww

[Steve206]

Just a quickie on my experience with a mandolin,,,,

Like you, I had heard them played and liked the sound. Figured that they would be a lot like a ukele, tuning wise.

Saw one of the cheaper ones from Rogue and made a move. Got the A style and for no apparent reason, quickly decided that I should have gotten the F style. Like it would have made a difference!!!!

I have made music with it and it works fine. Sounds fine. Feels real funny in my hands. But then again, so do violins. I recommend an el cheapo to start out on, and then when you can make music on that, get the one you like.

Keep in mind that it is more of a lead voice or counterpoint, not a rythym machine. Not to say that you cannot use it as one,,,,

[digital recording machine] You are going to end up with one either way....
Steve

[stingx]

Get a portable, standalone recorder. I have an elaborate computer based DAW but I still use and love my ol' Zoom MRS-8 portable, multitrack recorder. I'm always recording ideas and I have always taken that to practices and between homes.

They can be had fairly cheaply now and some of the reasons why I like that particular unit over others in its class are:

Great built-in drum machine
Great built-in bass machine
Very good plethora of guitar, vocal, and mastering effects
Fantastic sounding output quality

[Katastrophe]

You have to go with the mandolin. I love the sound of those things, and it would be cool to bring to Pearl (if I ever get a chance to go). Have CB get a starter Rogue and make the difference up in col'beer.



Ps: My wife assisted me with remembering our anniversary by having it engraved on the inside of my wedding ring. My wife is a smart lady.

[street music]

If you decide to not take Rocket up on his (you would crazy not too accept) you might want to look at the mandolins that Rondo are selling. The y sure look great. CB you should at least give the old guy a chance at $300, after all he bought that new rack.

[R_of_G]

Here's another vote for a mandolin. I love Bluegrass music and the sound of a mandolin has a lot to do with it. I'd love to learn to play one myself.

[luvmyshiner]

Thanks for all the suggestions y'all, and keep 'em coming. CB's told me she's been in contact with Rocket, so I may already have my present. But there's always Christmas, New Years, Ground Hog Day, Confederate Heroes Day . . .

[Rocket]

Never had a complaint yet!
I always have more stuff... and always need more room.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Never had a complaint yet!
I always have more stuff... and always need more room.

Ummm, It's my bir*cough*day too.

[warren0728]

Ummm, It's my bir*cough*day too.

mine is in less than three weeks.... :

ww

[sunvalleylaw]

From the reports of how they are, I would snag Strum's strat he is selling. They look like "keeper" type units. A mandolin would be great, but you hang out in acoustic land a lot. Might need to join your wife more often on the powered end of things. You can take turns playing rhythm for each other as the other works on leads. Those are my $0.02. :

[just strum]

Never had a complaint yet!
I always have more stuff... and always need more room.

I can support that statement - A Dot made it's way to me through Rocket. It wasn't one of his "collection", but it is home here and most times my favorite guitar.

[sunvalleylaw]

So did you ever decide? I am still voting that Squire Deluxe Strat. :

[luvmyshiner]

So did you ever decide? I am still voting that Squire Deluxe Strat. :

CB's been talking to Rocket and I suspect they may have some kind of deal in the works. But she's in Austin right now for a conference so I'm not sure where they are.

[Tone2TheBone]

From what little I know about you and your tastes I would think a mandolin would make a fun little toy for you. I've always wanted one too. Get that!

[luvmyshiner]

From what little I know about you and your tastes I would think a mandolin would make a fun little toy for you. I've always wanted one too. Get that!

The mandolin is definitely going to happen Tone. It just might have to wait for Groundhog Day though.

[luvmyshiner]

Say helllooooo to my little friend.



The Tascam DP-01FX! And a special thanks to Senor Rocket for guiding my lovely child bride to a sweet birthday/anniversary present.

I've already started working my way through the 300 page manual, but if y'all will be patient, eventually I'll actually be able to post some clips. First I have to do some more shopping though. I need some microphones, cables, stands, probably a new computer, gotta hook up an amplifier and speakers . . . . as long as it took me to build the firefly amph, this project may take me at least three years.

BUT, the good news is I'm already working on Shiner Productions first CD . . . presenting the Shiner Family Band!

CD's will be available sometime in late 2010 for the modest price of one million dollars American each. I figure that way I only have to sell one.