Ask Larry something, in the VCB box below, with very little chance of a reply….just kiddin’ class!
965 thoughts on “Ask Uncle Larry – VCB”
Hey Tom, what’s a young disabled vet gotta do to get you to take a look at his guitars setup while she’s in town from Kentucky next week. I’m down in Nashville every other Monday to play and then go to see the trio at the underdog when I’m finished and just was hoping to get a chance to meet the guy that is the best no nonsense GUITAR PLAYER that happens to have a YouTube channel today and ask him some advice. Anyway have a great day brother and hope to hear from you.
Hey Uncle Larry! Wondering what you think of the “Plek machine” process. Thinking of putting my 59 conversion on it. Struggling to get it dialed in. Thanks Dude . I really appreciate your wisdom.
Frustrated in Chicago.
Paul
Hey Uncle Larry, what do think about up strokes on rythym guitar? Got any tips on that? I was playing some 6/8 songs on the acoustic, and I starded paying more attention to my up strokes. I fell like my groove has improved somehow. Love your videos, cheers from a brazilian fan!
Tommy, been three years now. Thoughts on Michael Stanley from a fellow NE OH traveler?
Also, listened to Drew on Spotify and promptly ordered the vinyl! Will also be ordering you & Guthrie as soon as you have details for the grooved plastic disk!
Greetings Tommy!
Longtime fan, first time toxic VCB commenter.
You’ve mentioned a number of singers and musicians you’ve admired over the eps, I was wondering which 4-5 individuals would make your all time fantasy band lineup?
I want to wish you all the luck in the world with it, hope it goes really well. You’re a reminder of what’s real.
Finally, I hope your next project is some crazy ambient/acoustic thing with Bryan Sutton. One of my favourite eps is you and him on a session both playing acoustic, bunkered down in an equipment-filled room like two soldiers in the trenches evading enemy fire, one feeding ammo in to the other’s machine gun.
Ta,
Iain
Nottingham, UK
(A city of diminshed consequence)
Hi Tom, how long does it take you to internalize the things you practice so that you can incorporate them spontaneously into your improvisations? The realization that it could take me weeks or even month meant that I was able to practice much more effectively and in a more relaxed manner.
I’m thinking of buying the Duesenberg “Session Man” that Gruhn’s has for sale. Any chance you could autograph it during one of your trips to the store? A big black Sharpie between the tailpiece and the pickguard would be great. Sign it like you’re the headliner, not the sideman! I’m a novelist down in Mississippi, about to release my 18th book (yeah, I’m old now), but I’ll arrange to get it shipped, etc. By the way, if it’s cool with you, I’m going to post a Link on my website directing people to yours. Your great playing goes without saying, but your life insights and easy manner are one of the best things on the internet right now. Either way, thanks buddy.
Hey Tom. How’s it going? I’m going to be visiting Nashville next week (8th-15th) for the first time travelling from Scotland. I’d love to know if you’re planning to gig that week or have any other spots you think I should check out? Any good places to try a Yuengling? Cheers! Stew
I found an article online with that picture of the white double neck being played by Johnny Echols. I put the link in the website prompt for this message
I was watching a mini-documentary on Laurel Canyon in the 60s and they showed a picture of the band Love. One of the cats is playing a white Gibson mandolin double neck like yours. I was wondering if it was the same guitar? I took a picture of it, but couldn’t figure out how to send it through the VCB.
Hey Tom, I run a popular podcast called All Things Croatia where I interview famous people with Croatian heritage. Are you Croatian? If so, I would love to have you on!
Hello Uncle Larry,
Your fan from out West here, also a Larry. (no parent under the age of 40 has ever named their kid Larry – I go back to 1950. Apparently it was a cool name then?)
I am going to be in Nashville April 5-9th. Can you recommend any clubs that feature good music and beer? I know there has to be more than Main Street…
Also, and serious here: your channel, featuring your talent, your humor, and your humility, have enriched my life. Very corny to say, but I mean it. Thank you, thank you.
Your fan from out West,
Larry Hall
Back in late 2022, my wife and I went to the Jeff Beck concert in The Woodlands (Houston), and ZZ Top was there, as was Anne Wilson.
My wife and I both try hard to play the guitar, and we were really at the show to see Jeff Beck. He’s always been one of my guitar heroes that I never thought I’d get a chance to see live.
Anyway, we both remember saying to each other during Anne Wilson’s set that we totally loved the guitar player (but we didn’t know who he was). Fast forward to about a couple of months ago when we stumbled across your YouTube channel and the pieces came together!! So, we’re both totally digging your channel and are proud to say that we saw you playing live (although we didn’t realize it at the time).
Late to the party, but truly happy to be here. You’re a rare talent and your personality on the channel makes us feel like we know you. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with us!
Tom do you know any guitarists (famous or lesser known) who have struggled with movement disorders like Parkinson’s Disease or Essential tremor? Thanks for your channel; it helped keep my sanity during the pandemic and your feel, style, technique etc etc always inspire me to try and get just little bit better.
Tom,
First Time caller short time listener. Of all the things I wanted to thank you for:one is just the hang and two,thank you for turning me on to Bukowski. Both of you guys are just total mind fucks…and both names start with Buk. Coincidence? Methinks not!
Heya Unc! Whats your opinion about the custom shop 335’s ? I’ve always wanted a 335 but cant afford a vintage one… Could you give me some tips for spotting a good one? What things to look for etc. Thanks!
I know it is sacrilege and would never do it on guitars that have value, but in your experience, how does a refinish of a guitar (for example Les Paul) affect, strictly, just the tone of the guitar?
I’m considering doing a refinish on a Les Paul guitar that I own (and I wouldn’t sell) to a different colour. I know that you love traditional colours of Gibsons, but would really appreciate your opinion as I don’t trust random people on the internet to what extent the change of a finish changes the tone of a guitar.
Keep on being awesome and thanks for all the videos/lessons you have put up throughout the years!
Hello Uncle Larry! Whats the status on those classic Chevys? Do you buy and sell those quickly like you do guitars? I love the ragtop Impala and that Monte Carlo is mean! That gold color is spot on, and the vinyl roofs I used to hate, now I love the look of. Funny how times change us. I had a 63 nova SS convertible as my daily driver in LA for about 15 years
Thanks for keeping it real. Love your channel, your great playing and the no BS style.
Hey Tom, You talk a lot on your channel about focusing on the lyrics of a song and letting that guide you’re playing in the studio. As a Session Man are there every times you encounter lyrics that you don’t connect with at all? Maybe even flat out don’t like? How do you handle that situation?
thanks for taking the time to ready this, love your show, please keep up the great work.
Hey unc, love the chan. Long story, no questions, skip if you want.
You mentioning Vic was so cool. It was weird; just before that vid was uploaded, I was at his old shop earlier that same day. I teach up the street and go down before lessons to hang with the guys, buy shit, and check the new additions. The bros had just mentioned that he published the new book, but they sold out in just a cpl days.
The first time I went to his shop was with my dad on my 15th bday to get an Epi SG, bolt-on, whomp lol. A few years later he sold me my first Gibson. Aside from a custom shop j45 I recently snagged elsewhere, I’ve bought every other Gibson I own through Vic before he retired. I’ll never forget hanging with him, playing an LP I was ‘contemplating’, and him saying, “You know you got a good one when it sounds good unplugged.” Hearing that from him meant something and has always stuck with me. I bought that guitar and its the daily. When I save up some bones for a good player grade vintage I’ll have to go to him and see what he has left. anyway, im off to a sesh. thanks for the gander. thanks for what you do.
Hey Tom, what’s a young disabled vet gotta do to get you to take a look at his guitars setup while she’s in town from Kentucky next week. I’m down in Nashville every other Monday to play and then go to see the trio at the underdog when I’m finished and just was hoping to get a chance to meet the guy that is the best no nonsense GUITAR PLAYER that happens to have a YouTube channel today and ask him some advice. Anyway have a great day brother and hope to hear from you.
i am going to start spending more time at the dog…it was my new years resolution
Hey Uncle Larry! Wondering what you think of the “Plek machine” process. Thinking of putting my 59 conversion on it. Struggling to get it dialed in. Thanks Dude . I really appreciate your wisdom.
Frustrated in Chicago.
Paul
like anything….it’s just gear…the guy running it is more important than anything
Hey Uncle Larry, what do think about up strokes on rythym guitar? Got any tips on that? I was playing some 6/8 songs on the acoustic, and I starded paying more attention to my up strokes. I fell like my groove has improved somehow. Love your videos, cheers from a brazilian fan!
the strum is everything….not just upstrokes, ALL strokes
Tommy, been three years now. Thoughts on Michael Stanley from a fellow NE OH traveler?
Also, listened to Drew on Spotify and promptly ordered the vinyl! Will also be ordering you & Guthrie as soon as you have details for the grooved plastic disk!
excellent bro…MSB was huge in cleveland when i was a kid…met him once, very nice fella
(I meant good luck with the record.)
Apologies
Greetings Tommy!
Longtime fan, first time toxic VCB commenter.
You’ve mentioned a number of singers and musicians you’ve admired over the eps, I was wondering which 4-5 individuals would make your all time fantasy band lineup?
I want to wish you all the luck in the world with it, hope it goes really well. You’re a reminder of what’s real.
Finally, I hope your next project is some crazy ambient/acoustic thing with Bryan Sutton. One of my favourite eps is you and him on a session both playing acoustic, bunkered down in an equipment-filled room like two soldiers in the trenches evading enemy fire, one feeding ammo in to the other’s machine gun.
Ta,
Iain
Nottingham, UK
(A city of diminshed consequence)
thank you bro….how bout john lennon, paul McCartney, george harrison and ringo starr all in the same band….now THAT would be something
Hey Tom,
I loved the video you did with Bryan Sutton on the money notes. Which notes are the money notes? Thanks a million for the inspiration.
Nick.
the money notes are the ones that cause the stink faces on the listeners
Hi Tom, how long does it take you to internalize the things you practice so that you can incorporate them spontaneously into your improvisations? The realization that it could take me weeks or even month meant that I was able to practice much more effectively and in a more relaxed manner.
Best regards
Joe
overnight man….if i can’t play something, i get up the next day and i can suddenly do it
Hey Tom, is it possible to get the dotted 8th note delay from the line6 M9? If so how? Thanks
of course…you can do that with any delay pedal
Hey Tom, Whats one guitarist that no ones heard of that everyone should?
Rick Vito
Hey Tom,
I’m thinking of buying the Duesenberg “Session Man” that Gruhn’s has for sale. Any chance you could autograph it during one of your trips to the store? A big black Sharpie between the tailpiece and the pickguard would be great. Sign it like you’re the headliner, not the sideman! I’m a novelist down in Mississippi, about to release my 18th book (yeah, I’m old now), but I’ll arrange to get it shipped, etc. By the way, if it’s cool with you, I’m going to post a Link on my website directing people to yours. Your great playing goes without saying, but your life insights and easy manner are one of the best things on the internet right now. Either way, thanks buddy.
Greg
we already did that!
Hey Tom. How’s it going? I’m going to be visiting Nashville next week (8th-15th) for the first time travelling from Scotland. I’d love to know if you’re planning to gig that week or have any other spots you think I should check out? Any good places to try a Yuengling? Cheers! Stew
Hey, Tom
I found an article online with that picture of the white double neck being played by Johnny Echols. I put the link in the website prompt for this message
not the same guitar my man
Yeah, I scrutinized it more and it didn’t have a Bigsby.
Tom,
I was watching a mini-documentary on Laurel Canyon in the 60s and they showed a picture of the band Love. One of the cats is playing a white Gibson mandolin double neck like yours. I was wondering if it was the same guitar? I took a picture of it, but couldn’t figure out how to send it through the VCB.
Hey Tom, I run a popular podcast called All Things Croatia where I interview famous people with Croatian heritage. Are you Croatian? If so, I would love to have you on!
i’m slovenian
Hello Uncle Larry,
Your fan from out West here, also a Larry. (no parent under the age of 40 has ever named their kid Larry – I go back to 1950. Apparently it was a cool name then?)
I am going to be in Nashville April 5-9th. Can you recommend any clubs that feature good music and beer? I know there has to be more than Main Street…
Also, and serious here: your channel, featuring your talent, your humor, and your humility, have enriched my life. Very corny to say, but I mean it. Thank you, thank you.
Your fan from out West,
Larry Hall
3rd and lindsley and the underdog are the only places i ever go
Hey Tom,
Back in late 2022, my wife and I went to the Jeff Beck concert in The Woodlands (Houston), and ZZ Top was there, as was Anne Wilson.
My wife and I both try hard to play the guitar, and we were really at the show to see Jeff Beck. He’s always been one of my guitar heroes that I never thought I’d get a chance to see live.
Anyway, we both remember saying to each other during Anne Wilson’s set that we totally loved the guitar player (but we didn’t know who he was). Fast forward to about a couple of months ago when we stumbled across your YouTube channel and the pieces came together!! So, we’re both totally digging your channel and are proud to say that we saw you playing live (although we didn’t realize it at the time).
Late to the party, but truly happy to be here. You’re a rare talent and your personality on the channel makes us feel like we know you. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with us!
Tom do you know any guitarists (famous or lesser known) who have struggled with movement disorders like Parkinson’s Disease or Essential tremor? Thanks for your channel; it helped keep my sanity during the pandemic and your feel, style, technique etc etc always inspire me to try and get just little bit better.
One of my best pals has MS…it sucks…breaks my heart
Tom,
First Time caller short time listener. Of all the things I wanted to thank you for:one is just the hang and two,thank you for turning me on to Bukowski. Both of you guys are just total mind fucks…and both names start with Buk. Coincidence? Methinks not!
no coincidence
Greetings Tom , what do you charge to others musicians for your service? As you stated above “with very little chance of a reply”.
Regards, Jason
i never book any sessions off the internet
Heya Unc! Whats your opinion about the custom shop 335’s ? I’ve always wanted a 335 but cant afford a vintage one… Could you give me some tips for spotting a good one? What things to look for etc. Thanks!
save your money, sell everything you have, until you can get a 59
Hey Tom!
I know it is sacrilege and would never do it on guitars that have value, but in your experience, how does a refinish of a guitar (for example Les Paul) affect, strictly, just the tone of the guitar?
I’m considering doing a refinish on a Les Paul guitar that I own (and I wouldn’t sell) to a different colour. I know that you love traditional colours of Gibsons, but would really appreciate your opinion as I don’t trust random people on the internet to what extent the change of a finish changes the tone of a guitar.
Keep on being awesome and thanks for all the videos/lessons you have put up throughout the years!
Mike
i have no idea bro…it would affect the value a lot more than the tone
Hello Uncle Larry! Whats the status on those classic Chevys? Do you buy and sell those quickly like you do guitars? I love the ragtop Impala and that Monte Carlo is mean! That gold color is spot on, and the vinyl roofs I used to hate, now I love the look of. Funny how times change us. I had a 63 nova SS convertible as my daily driver in LA for about 15 years
Thanks for keeping it real. Love your channel, your great playing and the no BS style.
Looking forward to the record with GT.
Cheers,
Kyle in Albania
i love em and drive em
Hey Tom, You talk a lot on your channel about focusing on the lyrics of a song and letting that guide you’re playing in the studio. As a Session Man are there every times you encounter lyrics that you don’t connect with at all? Maybe even flat out don’t like? How do you handle that situation?
thanks for taking the time to ready this, love your show, please keep up the great work.
Ed
its not just the lyrics…its the vocal MELODY
Hey unc, love the chan. Long story, no questions, skip if you want.
You mentioning Vic was so cool. It was weird; just before that vid was uploaded, I was at his old shop earlier that same day. I teach up the street and go down before lessons to hang with the guys, buy shit, and check the new additions. The bros had just mentioned that he published the new book, but they sold out in just a cpl days.
The first time I went to his shop was with my dad on my 15th bday to get an Epi SG, bolt-on, whomp lol. A few years later he sold me my first Gibson. Aside from a custom shop j45 I recently snagged elsewhere, I’ve bought every other Gibson I own through Vic before he retired. I’ll never forget hanging with him, playing an LP I was ‘contemplating’, and him saying, “You know you got a good one when it sounds good unplugged.” Hearing that from him meant something and has always stuck with me. I bought that guitar and its the daily. When I save up some bones for a good player grade vintage I’ll have to go to him and see what he has left. anyway, im off to a sesh. thanks for the gander. thanks for what you do.
vic is a cool guy