Ask Larry something, in the VCB box below, with very little chance of a reply….just kiddin’ class!
1,081 thoughts on “Ask Uncle Larry – VCB”
Hey Tom,
Just saw your video regarding adjusting the pole pieces on the humbuckers. It makes massive difference, the way I see it if you adjust the pickup height it’s like turning the “treble” pot on an amp, but when you go to the pole pieces it’s fine-tuning each eq band (like on an eq pedal).
The way I do it, set the amp to a “neutral” setting, and the volume/tone controls on 10. I then dial in the height (pickup signal strength), to slightly more than I would play at. That way I get more dynamics and can play with the volume on 8-9 and give a small boost for solos and stuff on 10. You’d also get more flavours on lower volume/tone combinations when you go to 4-5 on the pots. I’d love to claim it’s my idea, but got inspired by Joe Bonamassa’s interview on Les Paul tones 🙂
Have fun turning those screws, regards from Munich,
Bojan
Tom – I am moving carefully through the course – SMEAR lesson today. Since my thumb just won’t do what yours does (I’m 5’7″), what do you say to someone who has to barre to get the low E to speak. There’s a funny (off color) joke about a Genie who gives one wish that goes wrong and the guy ‘s punch line is “Help…Make Me Taller”… If we ever meet, I can give you the lead up! You’re a wonderful mentor – Thanks
Reaching out from western Massachusetts. I just need to know when we are going to get a little love from uncle Larry thrown our way up here in the northeast? Maybe grab Guthrie and you 2 lovely gentlemen take a little trip up here for us. We love you. Anyway, this is all tongue in cheek. I don’t expect you drop what you’re doing to come play for us hahaha. But I do want you to know, Tom, and this goes for Guthrie and all of your people down there in Nashville…what you do touches my heart, and inspires me to be a better player and a better person. I appreciate ya. Thank you wholeheartedly.
With nothing but love from Greenfield Massachusetts.
Derek Hill
Hi Uncle Larry….Ive viewed your channel and really enjoy your content. My question relates to a recommendation from you…I live in Lakewood Ohio which I am sure you are familiar. I have a 1980 Tokai Reborn Old that I have done all the “general” maintenance but I’d like to take it to a luthier so he can give it a good look over. I know you are an “east side” guy but I dont mind driving as long as I know I would be taking it to a good luthier. Who would you recommend? Also, my Father’s friend from his Cleveland Police days lived in Eastlake and his kids went to Eastlake North which I think is where u went. We are all around the same age……you familiar with the Bellew family? Kids names are John, Lisa and Cindy. Thanks in advance Tom.
Hello Tom, my name is Dulci and I wanted to let you know how your course will have an impact that you probably haven’t anticipated.
On Tuesday of this week (July 22, 2025) my husband John purchased the course, later that same evening he suffered a stroke and is currently in the hospital. He has lost fine motor skills in his left side. We plan to incorporate your course into his therapy as we can use it to set goals and structure that will be so beneficial to his recovery.
You are one of his favorite guitar players, we watch your YouTube shows together almost every day after work as a way to unwind. We have even joked on occasion that you two are secretly related as you look somewhat alike. He really enjoys your style and admires your playing immensely.
So, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for creating this course that will help the man I love work through this difficult road to recovery.
Hi Dulci..so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he has a speedy recovery and can get back the fine motor skills that were effected from the stroke he recently suffered, on his left side. I know that, with therapy and hard work, he has a good chance of getting that back. Hopefully, the course can help a little with that as well. Thanks so much for your support and wish your husband well from all of us here in the Homeskoolin’ community. Sincerely, David
Hey Uncle Larry!
I am a songwriter/guitar junkie from Washington State, and a Huge fan of everything you do!
You are a constant inspiration to myself and so many aspiring artists out there.
You recently posted a cool little “hotel jam” that caught my ear and I decided to write some lyrics to it. It felt really good to stretch the songwriting muscles to a different style of music.
I recorded a video of it and will share the unlisted YouTube link below…
It may not be a grammy performance, but it was very fun! I will not post this video. It is only meant to show you appreciation and hopefully let you know that you are inspiring artists all across the country.
I hope this message finds you well. And the course is AMAZING by the way!!
Hi Larry,
Can you talk a little about compression? A lot of content makes it sound more common than it seems to be. Do you use a comp pedal when playing live? Thoughts on using it live in general?
In the studio do people ever use compressor pedals because they want it at the front of their signal chain? We hear about studio compression a lot, but is that a different thing because of when it’s applied!!
I doubt you’re going to say that you don’t need it because you’ve got such great control. But, is it something less great players probably need more?
Thanks for being so generous with your wisdom. Even novices like me benefit!
Dave in Chicago
I just wanted to pop in and thank you for completely making our night in NYC. My sister, Amanda, and I caught ya on your way to the bus just before the show – thank you for welcoming us with open arms! (We’re the ones who yelled “Uncle Larry! We love you!” and definitely had tears in our eyes.) It was a moment of pure joy on our end and one we’ll remember forever. Thank you for fully meeting us in it.
And thank you for the rare glimpse on the road! I know these runs require you to be away from your family, and I just hope you know how much of an impact you have and how appreciated you are. Friday night was one of the best nights of music I’ve ever experienced, and it was such a treat to meet you.
Hey tom, for some reason the YouTube comments aren’t working for me so I’ll leave it here. I wanted to thank you for crossing over to the other side of the stage and featuring the keyboard guys. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing them work up close. Jbj has been one of the best in nashvegas for some time now. Would be interesting to get their perspective of being in that band and the interaction with the guitar guys. I best their life story might be interesting also. And….. Thanks for the homeskoolin videos. Have enjoyed them for some time now!
Uncle Larry: I’ve been a fan of “Homeskoolin'” and have learned so much about playing guitar and music from your episodes. As well, your personal stories are very much appreciated. My question, is there an amp you think works better for a particular guitar? For example, what works best with humbuckers, or single coil? Thank you.
OK – I’m on the sad man lesson and you talk about the tonality of upstroke v downstroke… my theory (based on nothing more than observation): When you downstroke, you are angling towards the bridge. When you upstroke, you are angling towards the neck – hence the richer warmer tonality. In any case, as James Brown said: “Get up on the downstroke”, but maybe in reverse! Loving the course.Thanks.
Hey Tom, just want to thank you for being a constant inspiration. I watch so many of your vids and ALWAYS learn something new that keeps me moving forward.
Also would like to comment on your haters. You do what you do on YOUR time for free. There will most likely be a day when you will tire of it or simply not want to for any of a variety of reasons. People should take full advantage of all you offer now as there will be a time when all the good generosity you bring to the world will just be gone like how smoke whisks away.
Best always! And thanks again!!!
Cliff Rapisarda
Morning Uncle….been watching your channel now about 7 months and have to say how much I look forward to your videos. As a old guy musician, your little nuggets of tips and playing have helped my playing and band chemistry. Thanks and hey where can I find a Home Skoolin shirt? Mucho thanks sir
Hey, you mentioned something in a video a while back about a ringing that comes from the tremolo cavity in a Stratocaster. I currently have a similar issue w/ my guitar. I have spent a while trying to find the video where you talk about the ringing.
Will you please re-educate us(me) about the ringing and how you get rid of it?
Not to mention, the world needs more music in the “doesn’t suck” genre… And I was pretty bored until you guys started firing thing up with your videos.
Hey Tom,
Just saw your video regarding adjusting the pole pieces on the humbuckers. It makes massive difference, the way I see it if you adjust the pickup height it’s like turning the “treble” pot on an amp, but when you go to the pole pieces it’s fine-tuning each eq band (like on an eq pedal).
The way I do it, set the amp to a “neutral” setting, and the volume/tone controls on 10. I then dial in the height (pickup signal strength), to slightly more than I would play at. That way I get more dynamics and can play with the volume on 8-9 and give a small boost for solos and stuff on 10. You’d also get more flavours on lower volume/tone combinations when you go to 4-5 on the pots. I’d love to claim it’s my idea, but got inspired by Joe Bonamassa’s interview on Les Paul tones 🙂
Have fun turning those screws, regards from Munich,
Bojan
Hey Larry! Out of all your years of playing what guitar strap do you find most comfortable?
Tom – I am moving carefully through the course – SMEAR lesson today. Since my thumb just won’t do what yours does (I’m 5’7″), what do you say to someone who has to barre to get the low E to speak. There’s a funny (off color) joke about a Genie who gives one wish that goes wrong and the guy ‘s punch line is “Help…Make Me Taller”… If we ever meet, I can give you the lead up! You’re a wonderful mentor – Thanks
Reaching out from western Massachusetts. I just need to know when we are going to get a little love from uncle Larry thrown our way up here in the northeast? Maybe grab Guthrie and you 2 lovely gentlemen take a little trip up here for us. We love you. Anyway, this is all tongue in cheek. I don’t expect you drop what you’re doing to come play for us hahaha. But I do want you to know, Tom, and this goes for Guthrie and all of your people down there in Nashville…what you do touches my heart, and inspires me to be a better player and a better person. I appreciate ya. Thank you wholeheartedly.
With nothing but love from Greenfield Massachusetts.
Derek Hill
Hi Uncle Larry….Ive viewed your channel and really enjoy your content. My question relates to a recommendation from you…I live in Lakewood Ohio which I am sure you are familiar. I have a 1980 Tokai Reborn Old that I have done all the “general” maintenance but I’d like to take it to a luthier so he can give it a good look over. I know you are an “east side” guy but I dont mind driving as long as I know I would be taking it to a good luthier. Who would you recommend? Also, my Father’s friend from his Cleveland Police days lived in Eastlake and his kids went to Eastlake North which I think is where u went. We are all around the same age……you familiar with the Bellew family? Kids names are John, Lisa and Cindy. Thanks in advance Tom.
Hello Tom, my name is Dulci and I wanted to let you know how your course will have an impact that you probably haven’t anticipated.
On Tuesday of this week (July 22, 2025) my husband John purchased the course, later that same evening he suffered a stroke and is currently in the hospital. He has lost fine motor skills in his left side. We plan to incorporate your course into his therapy as we can use it to set goals and structure that will be so beneficial to his recovery.
You are one of his favorite guitar players, we watch your YouTube shows together almost every day after work as a way to unwind. We have even joked on occasion that you two are secretly related as you look somewhat alike. He really enjoys your style and admires your playing immensely.
So, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for creating this course that will help the man I love work through this difficult road to recovery.
Best wishes,
John & Dulci
Hi Dulci..so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he has a speedy recovery and can get back the fine motor skills that were effected from the stroke he recently suffered, on his left side. I know that, with therapy and hard work, he has a good chance of getting that back. Hopefully, the course can help a little with that as well. Thanks so much for your support and wish your husband well from all of us here in the Homeskoolin’ community. Sincerely, David
Hey Uncle Larry!
I am a songwriter/guitar junkie from Washington State, and a Huge fan of everything you do!
You are a constant inspiration to myself and so many aspiring artists out there.
You recently posted a cool little “hotel jam” that caught my ear and I decided to write some lyrics to it. It felt really good to stretch the songwriting muscles to a different style of music.
I recorded a video of it and will share the unlisted YouTube link below…
https://youtu.be/xCsyK-9l5r4
It may not be a grammy performance, but it was very fun! I will not post this video. It is only meant to show you appreciation and hopefully let you know that you are inspiring artists all across the country.
I hope this message finds you well. And the course is AMAZING by the way!!
God Bless and safe travels,
-Cory Vincent
Hi Larry,
Can you talk a little about compression? A lot of content makes it sound more common than it seems to be. Do you use a comp pedal when playing live? Thoughts on using it live in general?
In the studio do people ever use compressor pedals because they want it at the front of their signal chain? We hear about studio compression a lot, but is that a different thing because of when it’s applied!!
I doubt you’re going to say that you don’t need it because you’ve got such great control. But, is it something less great players probably need more?
Thanks for being so generous with your wisdom. Even novices like me benefit!
Dave in Chicago
Tom – Is there a reason why episode 476 (“Lemon Yellow Sun”) was removed?
Uncle Larry!
I just wanted to pop in and thank you for completely making our night in NYC. My sister, Amanda, and I caught ya on your way to the bus just before the show – thank you for welcoming us with open arms! (We’re the ones who yelled “Uncle Larry! We love you!” and definitely had tears in our eyes.) It was a moment of pure joy on our end and one we’ll remember forever. Thank you for fully meeting us in it.
And thank you for the rare glimpse on the road! I know these runs require you to be away from your family, and I just hope you know how much of an impact you have and how appreciated you are. Friday night was one of the best nights of music I’ve ever experienced, and it was such a treat to meet you.
Derek
Hey tom, for some reason the YouTube comments aren’t working for me so I’ll leave it here. I wanted to thank you for crossing over to the other side of the stage and featuring the keyboard guys. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing them work up close. Jbj has been one of the best in nashvegas for some time now. Would be interesting to get their perspective of being in that band and the interaction with the guitar guys. I best their life story might be interesting also. And….. Thanks for the homeskoolin videos. Have enjoyed them for some time now!
Hey Tom,
Do you remember what guitar is doing the kind of “Duane Eddy” fills on “Lies Lies Lies”? It actually sounds like a Gretsch DE! Thanks much
Tom
Uncle Larry: I’ve been a fan of “Homeskoolin'” and have learned so much about playing guitar and music from your episodes. As well, your personal stories are very much appreciated. My question, is there an amp you think works better for a particular guitar? For example, what works best with humbuckers, or single coil? Thank you.
OK – I’m on the sad man lesson and you talk about the tonality of upstroke v downstroke… my theory (based on nothing more than observation): When you downstroke, you are angling towards the bridge. When you upstroke, you are angling towards the neck – hence the richer warmer tonality. In any case, as James Brown said: “Get up on the downstroke”, but maybe in reverse! Loving the course.Thanks.
Hey Tom, just want to thank you for being a constant inspiration. I watch so many of your vids and ALWAYS learn something new that keeps me moving forward.
Also would like to comment on your haters. You do what you do on YOUR time for free. There will most likely be a day when you will tire of it or simply not want to for any of a variety of reasons. People should take full advantage of all you offer now as there will be a time when all the good generosity you bring to the world will just be gone like how smoke whisks away.
Best always! And thanks again!!!
Cliff Rapisarda
Morning Uncle….been watching your channel now about 7 months and have to say how much I look forward to your videos. As a old guy musician, your little nuggets of tips and playing have helped my playing and band chemistry. Thanks and hey where can I find a Home Skoolin shirt? Mucho thanks sir
Hey Tom,
just curious, How do you approach figuring out a song you don’t know?
Thanks!!!
Hey, you mentioned something in a video a while back about a ringing that comes from the tremolo cavity in a Stratocaster. I currently have a similar issue w/ my guitar. I have spent a while trying to find the video where you talk about the ringing.
Will you please re-educate us(me) about the ringing and how you get rid of it?
Not to mention, the world needs more music in the “doesn’t suck” genre… And I was pretty bored until you guys started firing thing up with your videos.
Tom,
You really should make a record with Greg Koch!!! Just so people have to say Bukovac-Koch!!!
Or, Koch-Bukovac.
Whatever.
See you in July in Detroit.