I'd like to hear some stories about what motivated some to start playing an instrument, and when in your life it first happened.
I started around 6 or 7 watching my Dad and his cousin playing mandolin and guitar at our house when the family got together. "It" grabbed me then, stirring my emotions beyond just wanting to listen. I started with the mandolin first, then guitar. At 8 I added accordion and later keyboards and all the equipment. I found myself playing along with records, not just listening to them. My Dad took me to a social club he belonged to when his favorite band was playing on my 10th birthday. Watching them inspired me to continue to pursue music and to have a band of my own someday. I recently played an event in the outdoor grove of that same club some 40+ years later with my band. About 1,700 people attended-including my now 86 year old Dad ,on Father's Day. It was a great way to say thank you to him for getting me started...

My favorite uncle would sleep from 5:00 PM (after work) until about midnight; then get up, go to a little prehistoric "man cave" behind the house, make a pot of coffee and proceed to play guitar all night. I wanted him to teach me. I was 7 at the time. We lived in Michigan at the time and came back to Kentucky several times a year to visit.

He kept telling me I was too young, so I decided that I would somehow learn to play better than him and show him up on my next visit.

About 6 months later, I stomped into his little building, picked up the guitar and played the Chet Atkins tune, Trombone. Put the guitar down and walked out of the room.

By 11 I was playing Les Paul and Mary Ford tunes at an officers club in Fairbanks, Alaska. They were HARD to play. It was years after that I learned that he used the echoplex he invented and slowed the tape down during the recording. Then, on mixdown, he sped the tape up to correct speed/key.

That was 56 years ago, and I'm still "pickin and grinnin".


Thanks for the memories!


Russ

Russ, I can see you being proud with your background in music – why not I would be. You and the instrument are one, that’s nice.

I was asked which instrument do I like to play mostly; the keyboard for a crowd and dancing. But the guitar is my favorite instrument -- I feel the notes under my fingers – I can express myself so much better; the metronome (keyboard) is turned so I can give what’s in me.

The first time I played with a keyboard I realized that it does not get excited. It gets louder and softer but not excited. It holds the beat firm and does not get excited – and no matter how you change the instruments and EQ it does not get excited because it has no heart. It’s a good idea for me not to post this on the arranger forum they would never understand.

Life is good, John C.

I understand completely, John. You and I really ARE on the same page often.


BE WELL!


Russ

I gotta agree John. A guitar is a wooden instrument with vibrating steel strings that comes to life in my hands. It will always be my favorite.

Though there are keyboards that give me a similar sort of excitement such as the Fender Rhodes and Hohner Clavinet that have physical sound mechanisms that react to playing style.

Though I have found that tubes can really add an exciting edge to digital keyboards. I am using a Traynor K4 keyboard amp that has a selectable input with an AX7 tube that can add a nice edge to a digital patch at times. Of course I am not doing this in a OMB situation so don't need to worry about a little tube distortion messing up the backing tracks.

Nigel, O.T. but I think the Traynor K4 is one of the best kept secrets around. I think only you and I have them although I think Fran used to own one (which is how I got mine, on his recommendation). In addition to being a great small venue keyboard amp, it sounds pretty darn good with guitar. My guitarist has stopped bringing his amp over for rehearsals anymore and uses my K4. It also makes a dynamite in-your-face floor monitor. I used to use it (for organ) with two 8" powered speakers from the line out of the K4, but have since replaced that configuration with first a Motionsound Pro 45 and then a Leslie 3300. I now just use it for my electronic drum kit which it covers very well.

That 'special' feeling you get from a 'physical sound mechanism' I also get from a B3, but I think it's the expression pedal that does it. It lets you 'scream' or 'whisper' in a very natural way and although you can use it on any keyboard, it just seems to work better on a B3. Hmmmm, O.T. at The Bar; can't get more O.T. than that. Only on SZ .

chas

Yeah, Chas, but how did you get started?

Oh yeah, that.

Don't remember, I was only 6 months old.



chas

Yep you are right Chas. The K4 really is a versatile amplifier. And yes it was Fran who had one because that is what started me off looking at it originally. And I do love that tube preamp.

Because I play keyboard/guitar in the band I play in, though I have a separate tube guitar amp it is nice to know that if it had any problem on stage I could easily use the K4 to play guitar through.

And yes, the B3 is another instrument that has a great physical sound and feel to play with. I think most electro/mechanical instruments have a character that even the best digital emulations can't really capture exactly. They just don't respond to the touch exactly the same and while they probably sound convincing to the listener a performer plays with more inspiration on the real thing.

And I totally understand why you have changed over to a Leslie for organ. Like the magic of an electro/mechanical instrument a Leslie has that same electro/mechanical magic ... it is the ultimate amp for organ.

But Nigel- how did you get started? What moved you?

My parents got me piano lessons starting at age 8. At age 13 I fell in love with pop music and taught myself guitar as well. Later I began to listen to a lot of jazz as well which I will always love with a passion. Nowadays ( at 58 years old ) I play keyboards and guitar in a classic rock cover band around Ventura County just out of Los Angeles. I love all types of music.

I still use little Hot Spots, too! Right equipment and right attitude. It's fun, pays enough to make it worthwhile and you guys do it well.

If I were in California, I'd be in, if you'd have me!


Russ (a party in my pants) Lay

Russ if you are ever in California please let me know. You are always invited to stay over at my house and be a guest in my band if we are performing. You are a great friend and awesome musician. I'd be honored to play with you.

Thanks so much Nigel. In large part, you're why I'm here.

Playing together would be GREAT. The friendship and time to visit would be BETTER!

In appreciation,


Russ