Ask Larry something, in the VCB box below, with very little chance of a reply….just kiddin’ class!
1,057 thoughts on “Ask Uncle Larry – VCB”
Hey Unc, was recently watching the Ardmore Hall, Trigger Hippy show on YouTube. I love that version of this band, so very soulful and great songs. Do you miss playing with that band and any chance of a reunion? Thoroughly enjoy all you do!
I was listening to Billy Squires – The Stroke (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69fPof-ZTnU) today and I thought that the only thing the song needs is a guitar solo from Uncle Larry on it… In an upcoming check in, I think we would all benefit from hearing the lost Uncle Larry solo from The Stroke.
Thanks for the Tunes and Vibes, been watching from the start.
Cheers!
What effects did you use on all too well off of Taylor Swift’s Red? My girlfriend’s a big Taylor fan and I want to get that tone just right to play it for her. Thanks.
Subject is: Neck Relief. Dear Tom – I do a lot of my own guitar upkeep as it’s a bunch of wood, wires and steel and wood is a malleable material. I don’t do nuts or frets, but the rest is fair game. When you set your neck relief, do you measure, or just go by feel? Also, I notice we use the same (old) model of Petersen tuner, and that you use the mic as opposed to plugging into it. Do you find one more accurate than the other or is a convenience thing? In any case, your guitars always play more precisely than mine ands of course, in your hands the sound is miles beyond what I can strangle out of an instrument!I have good luthiers here in New York, but I sure wish I had Joe G’s guys! Thanks for all the great info and entertainment and for the course I will be subscribing to!
Respect for getting guitars so in tune. With you a million percent. But does it drive you nuts that playing B on the G string can sound so sharp at times, even with a perfect nut & intonation?
3-x-0-0-x-x sounds amazing. But 3-x-0-4-x-x the major 3rd is sharp.
Does it sound right on your guitars? You ever detune G a bit in the studio, depending on the key & what you’re playing?
Thanks so much for sharing even a fragment of your wisdom. The tip of your iceberg is a glacier to most of us!
Hey Tom – I was at the concert in Wilkes Barre last night. I took a bunch of pics and thought perhaps you would like a few of them…if for nothing else, you can send them to your kids so they can see what dad is up to on the road.
Let me know – MicD
Hey Michael…please send over those pics and I’ll post some of them under that particular show. You can send them to, david@thesessionman.com. Thanks so much!
Hey Uncle Larry! Very excited for your upcoming guitar scavenger hunt / adventures.
Your recent video and decision to sell that 59’ 335 to get your dream car really put things into perspective for me. I have dreamed of owning a late 1950’s les paul junior for as long as I have been playing guitar (15+ years) However, I never thought myself ‘worthy’ of one since I am just a hobbyist and don’t really play live. Well I think you may have changed my mind…. Who gives a crap. If owning that guitar would bring me joy every day that I pick it ip & play it, then that is money well spent.
Unfortunately I am not in a position where it would be financially responsible for me to spend $12k on an A grade junior.
Every guitar that I have seen pop up that’s on my range ($5-6k) has either been refinished, repaired, or lacks many of the original components. Now I do not care for any of this particularly as long as the guitar plays & sounds as it should. However, juniors in this range are very hard to come by and I’m still to see one that would be close enough to me to where I could personally go check it out.
Would it be possible for you to keep an eye out for any player-grade worthy les paul junior (either single cut or double cut) in that price range? If I could get your blessing on a guitar, even if beat up to pieces, I would be 100% comfortable buying online without even seeing a picture or video of it!
Hey Larry, I’ve always thought the Pink Panther Theme (H. Mancini) is a very cool composition. Perhaps you’d like to explain to the HomeSkoolers (way better than I could) why it’s such a great song, especially the melody.
Why do some guitarists not use their thumb like a first class citizen? I remember being taught to keep my thumb behind the neck, but Fuck that with a capital F.
Curious to get your thoughts.
Keep doing what you do. It’s inspiring. Take care & be well.
Tom – All the (unsolicited) advice you’re getting regarding 335 vs Hellcat, it just reminded me of when Ted Turner was catching shit for colorizing some classic films he owned he replied, “Hey, the last time I checked, those were MY movies”. ‘Nuff said – do what your heart tells you and remember, the guitar does make the player… it’s the other way around. Travel Safely, though – I just looked at the Hellcat – looks beastly.
Hey Tom,
I saw a video with Tim Pierce last night, and he was playing a PRS that was very similar to that yellowy burst with the mini humbucker zebras you were playing. Tim said his has no truss rod, and going back to your videos, I see no truss rod cover? I’ve become a big fan of Mr Smiths constant striving for improvement, it was great to see and hear you playing those two guitars and comparing. What were your thoughts were on this guitar?
Hey Larry,
Long time listener, first time caller. It seems to me that a while back I heard you mention being on the lookout for a jumbo 12 string. I happen to have a 1 of a kind jumbo 12 that we might be able to come to some kind of arrangement with. This jumbo 12 has a solid, old growth, bookmatched, premium Sitka spruce top, solid 4 piece, double bookmatched, old growth Bolivian rosewood back and sides, with Sitka spruce X bracing, premium Ebony Fingerboard, flame-maple binding (neck, top and back), 2 piece, end-matched, Honduran mahogany neck (with trussrod), Bolivian rosewood bridge, bone nut and saddle, with Schaller tuners (with Ebony buttons), with a nitro finish. It needs some work (my dog knocked it off the stand 25 years ago and the top has separated from the sides in a couple of places. Also, it swelled up like Jack Sprat’s wife after $1 all-she-could-eat buffet night – as I built it from rainforest woods that spent 20-30 years curing in the Phoenix dessert, where I built it in ’97, before moving back to Indiana.) I don’t ever play it because it is so loud that I can’t hear what I’m trying to play along with (I have an atypical kind of hearing loss, so I don’t really play acoustic at all anymore, but it really does have a humongous sound). I can’t really sell it as it has HUGE sentimental value to me (it was the first guitar I built and the only acoustic I’ve built). And I know from watching your videos that you end up selling (almost) everything eventually. What I am proposing, if you are willing, is to transfer guardianship of this guitar to you, IF you would be willing to have the necessary repair work done on it (you or we could make a video(s) of it for your channel), AND that you would actually use it on sessions. And if/when you get the urge to “sell it,” you just give it back to me. Let me know what you think and we can work something out if you’re interested. I can also send pics too…oh, and it also has a nice Harptone case as well. Keep rocking on man, even if you’re not interested (but I hope you are)!
My 2 cents – If you can find a used Martin J-12-40, check it out. I always thought I wanted Guild 512 or maybe even a 612, but I gotta say, playing the Martin in a number of locations changed my mind.There’s an issue with the pickup system that I can advise if you want (it’s fixable) – I never use the pickup, so not life-threatening for me. Keep on Rockin’.
Hey Tom are you gigging anywhere in Nashville on Thursday April 17 ? I’m in town from Omaha, caught Guthrie Trapp Trio on Monday and plan on seeing Jack Ruch Thursday but my trip would be complete to catch you live as well! Short notice obviously but what the hell, it’s worth a shot ! Thanks, Jason
Dude, you are a fucking awesome guitarist. I’m 69, been playing 50 years, and while people say nice things about my playing I am nowhere near your league.
But there is one thing I think you really need to learn, which is that you need to take care of your absolute main piece of equipment, which is your health and your body, including your mental and energetic health. I watch your videos and I see a guy who can play the shit out of the guitar but may not age well. Segovia died at 93 and played his last concert two weeks before he died. Not a bad goal.
You must take care of the equipment=you. You owe it to your music
Tom (if you see this) , Dave Gordon or “Davy” (from Asheville- Amp Guy) told me you were looking for a particular amp. An amp that is in very scarce circulation.
Davy introduced us at Nashville GTR SHOW 2024 (last March).
He couldn’t find your #, so he suggested I hit you up here.
Hello uncle larry!!!
First off, LOOVVVEEE all the videos. Every Friday afternoon, I crack a sam Adam’s and have a brew with you and catch up!!!
Question, I have a les paul studio, and can’t afford a VINTAGE les paul.
Given my situation, and all your expertise, what is your favorite/best recommendation for a classic PAF set? Turning a 2019 studio as much into a 57 as possible. So far, as I’ve found, there’s dimarzio 57 PAF,
Bare knuckle Stormy monday, or Lollar imperial? (Amongst countless others) but those seem to be the closest?
Thank you so much. You have such an awesome soul and make the world better. PS, I hope to be able to catch you at the basement or something when I come up for my 35th in October!!!
Respectfully,
-Rory
What do you think about T-Tops? Is there a noticeable difference between a late 60s Gibson with them and PAFs? Also do you ever buy spare PAFs and T-Tops or any other classic if you run into them?
Hey Unc, was recently watching the Ardmore Hall, Trigger Hippy show on YouTube. I love that version of this band, so very soulful and great songs. Do you miss playing with that band and any chance of a reunion? Thoroughly enjoy all you do!
G’day Uncle Larry,
I was listening to Billy Squires – The Stroke (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69fPof-ZTnU) today and I thought that the only thing the song needs is a guitar solo from Uncle Larry on it… In an upcoming check in, I think we would all benefit from hearing the lost Uncle Larry solo from The Stroke.
Thanks for the Tunes and Vibes, been watching from the start.
Cheers!
Hi Tom. in one of your videos years ago you spelled Cincinnati with 2 T’s . Your sarcasm at its finest.
I just wanted to personally thank you for never telling Simo that he isnt black.
What effects did you use on all too well off of Taylor Swift’s Red? My girlfriend’s a big Taylor fan and I want to get that tone just right to play it for her. Thanks.
Subject is: Neck Relief. Dear Tom – I do a lot of my own guitar upkeep as it’s a bunch of wood, wires and steel and wood is a malleable material. I don’t do nuts or frets, but the rest is fair game. When you set your neck relief, do you measure, or just go by feel? Also, I notice we use the same (old) model of Petersen tuner, and that you use the mic as opposed to plugging into it. Do you find one more accurate than the other or is a convenience thing? In any case, your guitars always play more precisely than mine ands of course, in your hands the sound is miles beyond what I can strangle out of an instrument!I have good luthiers here in New York, but I sure wish I had Joe G’s guys! Thanks for all the great info and entertainment and for the course I will be subscribing to!
Hey Tom,
Respect for getting guitars so in tune. With you a million percent. But does it drive you nuts that playing B on the G string can sound so sharp at times, even with a perfect nut & intonation?
3-x-0-0-x-x sounds amazing. But 3-x-0-4-x-x the major 3rd is sharp.
Does it sound right on your guitars? You ever detune G a bit in the studio, depending on the key & what you’re playing?
Thanks so much for sharing even a fragment of your wisdom. The tip of your iceberg is a glacier to most of us!
Hey Tom – I was at the concert in Wilkes Barre last night. I took a bunch of pics and thought perhaps you would like a few of them…if for nothing else, you can send them to your kids so they can see what dad is up to on the road.
Let me know – MicD
Hey Michael…please send over those pics and I’ll post some of them under that particular show. You can send them to, david@thesessionman.com. Thanks so much!
Hey Uncle Larry! Very excited for your upcoming guitar scavenger hunt / adventures.
Your recent video and decision to sell that 59’ 335 to get your dream car really put things into perspective for me. I have dreamed of owning a late 1950’s les paul junior for as long as I have been playing guitar (15+ years) However, I never thought myself ‘worthy’ of one since I am just a hobbyist and don’t really play live. Well I think you may have changed my mind…. Who gives a crap. If owning that guitar would bring me joy every day that I pick it ip & play it, then that is money well spent.
Unfortunately I am not in a position where it would be financially responsible for me to spend $12k on an A grade junior.
Every guitar that I have seen pop up that’s on my range ($5-6k) has either been refinished, repaired, or lacks many of the original components. Now I do not care for any of this particularly as long as the guitar plays & sounds as it should. However, juniors in this range are very hard to come by and I’m still to see one that would be close enough to me to where I could personally go check it out.
Would it be possible for you to keep an eye out for any player-grade worthy les paul junior (either single cut or double cut) in that price range? If I could get your blessing on a guitar, even if beat up to pieces, I would be 100% comfortable buying online without even seeing a picture or video of it!
Thank you very much, and stay safe!!
Hey Larry, I’ve always thought the Pink Panther Theme (H. Mancini) is a very cool composition. Perhaps you’d like to explain to the HomeSkoolers (way better than I could) why it’s such a great song, especially the melody.
Uncle Larry why do prefer rosewood fret board over maple
Hey Tom,
Why do some guitarists not use their thumb like a first class citizen? I remember being taught to keep my thumb behind the neck, but Fuck that with a capital F.
Curious to get your thoughts.
Keep doing what you do. It’s inspiring. Take care & be well.
Tom – All the (unsolicited) advice you’re getting regarding 335 vs Hellcat, it just reminded me of when Ted Turner was catching shit for colorizing some classic films he owned he replied, “Hey, the last time I checked, those were MY movies”. ‘Nuff said – do what your heart tells you and remember, the guitar does make the player… it’s the other way around. Travel Safely, though – I just looked at the Hellcat – looks beastly.
Hey Tom,
I saw a video with Tim Pierce last night, and he was playing a PRS that was very similar to that yellowy burst with the mini humbucker zebras you were playing. Tim said his has no truss rod, and going back to your videos, I see no truss rod cover? I’ve become a big fan of Mr Smiths constant striving for improvement, it was great to see and hear you playing those two guitars and comparing. What were your thoughts were on this guitar?
Hey Larry,
Long time listener, first time caller. It seems to me that a while back I heard you mention being on the lookout for a jumbo 12 string. I happen to have a 1 of a kind jumbo 12 that we might be able to come to some kind of arrangement with. This jumbo 12 has a solid, old growth, bookmatched, premium Sitka spruce top, solid 4 piece, double bookmatched, old growth Bolivian rosewood back and sides, with Sitka spruce X bracing, premium Ebony Fingerboard, flame-maple binding (neck, top and back), 2 piece, end-matched, Honduran mahogany neck (with trussrod), Bolivian rosewood bridge, bone nut and saddle, with Schaller tuners (with Ebony buttons), with a nitro finish. It needs some work (my dog knocked it off the stand 25 years ago and the top has separated from the sides in a couple of places. Also, it swelled up like Jack Sprat’s wife after $1 all-she-could-eat buffet night – as I built it from rainforest woods that spent 20-30 years curing in the Phoenix dessert, where I built it in ’97, before moving back to Indiana.) I don’t ever play it because it is so loud that I can’t hear what I’m trying to play along with (I have an atypical kind of hearing loss, so I don’t really play acoustic at all anymore, but it really does have a humongous sound). I can’t really sell it as it has HUGE sentimental value to me (it was the first guitar I built and the only acoustic I’ve built). And I know from watching your videos that you end up selling (almost) everything eventually. What I am proposing, if you are willing, is to transfer guardianship of this guitar to you, IF you would be willing to have the necessary repair work done on it (you or we could make a video(s) of it for your channel), AND that you would actually use it on sessions. And if/when you get the urge to “sell it,” you just give it back to me. Let me know what you think and we can work something out if you’re interested. I can also send pics too…oh, and it also has a nice Harptone case as well. Keep rocking on man, even if you’re not interested (but I hope you are)!
My 2 cents – If you can find a used Martin J-12-40, check it out. I always thought I wanted Guild 512 or maybe even a 612, but I gotta say, playing the Martin in a number of locations changed my mind.There’s an issue with the pickup system that I can advise if you want (it’s fixable) – I never use the pickup, so not life-threatening for me. Keep on Rockin’.
Hey uncle Larry,
I just bought tickets for Vince Gill in Detroit. Looking forward to seeing you all live!
I’m 56, playing 40 years, and learn stuff from you and Guthrie and others every day.
Today I had you, Guthrie, Jedd and Greg Koch on auto play all day while doing machine design.
Thanks for all the lessons.
Jeff D from Michigan
Hey Tom are you gigging anywhere in Nashville on Thursday April 17 ? I’m in town from Omaha, caught Guthrie Trapp Trio on Monday and plan on seeing Jack Ruch Thursday but my trip would be complete to catch you live as well! Short notice obviously but what the hell, it’s worth a shot ! Thanks, Jason
Dude, you are a fucking awesome guitarist. I’m 69, been playing 50 years, and while people say nice things about my playing I am nowhere near your league.
But there is one thing I think you really need to learn, which is that you need to take care of your absolute main piece of equipment, which is your health and your body, including your mental and energetic health. I watch your videos and I see a guy who can play the shit out of the guitar but may not age well. Segovia died at 93 and played his last concert two weeks before he died. Not a bad goal.
You must take care of the equipment=you. You owe it to your music
Hi,
Looking to get in touch with Tom B.
Tom (if you see this) , Dave Gordon or “Davy” (from Asheville- Amp Guy) told me you were looking for a particular amp. An amp that is in very scarce circulation.
Davy introduced us at Nashville GTR SHOW 2024 (last March).
He couldn’t find your #, so he suggested I hit you up here.
I can provide more details via email.
Thanks,
Keith
Are you sure there are not any more vinyl copies of Plexi Soul left?
Hello uncle larry!!!
First off, LOOVVVEEE all the videos. Every Friday afternoon, I crack a sam Adam’s and have a brew with you and catch up!!!
Question, I have a les paul studio, and can’t afford a VINTAGE les paul.
Given my situation, and all your expertise, what is your favorite/best recommendation for a classic PAF set? Turning a 2019 studio as much into a 57 as possible. So far, as I’ve found, there’s dimarzio 57 PAF,
Bare knuckle Stormy monday, or Lollar imperial? (Amongst countless others) but those seem to be the closest?
Thank you so much. You have such an awesome soul and make the world better. PS, I hope to be able to catch you at the basement or something when I come up for my 35th in October!!!
Respectfully,
-Rory
What do you think about T-Tops? Is there a noticeable difference between a late 60s Gibson with them and PAFs? Also do you ever buy spare PAFs and T-Tops or any other classic if you run into them?
Cheers bro
You should do a live video and have Gus on as a guest that would be hilarious. Seriously would be like WWE, make it happen!