Ask Uncle Larry – VCB

Ask Larry something, in the VCB box below, with very little chance of a reply….just kiddin’ class!

946 thoughts on “Ask Uncle Larry – VCB

  1. Uncle Larry was just watching the Golden Earring – Radar Love video.Any idea what that Sg looking, plexiglass guitar he was plucking on is. Just curious.

  2. Hi Uncle Larry. Could please tell us more about your sons vintage SG the was 3D scanned to fix issue.
    How common among luthiers/repairs is this? Can we see the SG and work done on it? thanks Carsten

    • it’s not very common no….the guy that did it, Nick Drushel, is ahead of the game.

      i’ll show it in a video sometime…turned out cool

  3. Hey Tom!
    Why do you think it is that some of us prefer guitars with no neck binding? I am one of those people. I have guitars with binding that I also love and I can’t quite explain why the difference is such a big deal to me But it is What do you think about this weird phenomenon? Much love

  4. Hi Tom.

    We have restarted a small brand guitar that was successful for about 10 years out of the Pacific Northwest, then retired for about 10 years, and now we are back with some design updates.

    Mostly hollow (just a small block under the bridge for a little sustain and to eliminate feedback), 14″ lower bout, 2″ deep for a little air, arm contour like a strat (but it’s steam-bent since the guitar is mostly hollow), belly contour, neck contour, lightweight (right around 6 lbs). The idea was to make it super comfortable for long gigs (or older players) with a great tone. Sitka Spruce or Western Red Cedar top, Spanish Cedar body…

    Do you occasionally check out boutique guitars? Would love your feedback…

    Chris Cole
    Soloway Guitars

  5. Hey Larry, I was really inspired by your playing recently. I learned the version of Tuesdays Gone you played a few wks ago – your feel and interpretation were spot on! Those are things I’m still working on!
    I noticed something new while learning this. When I play an open string and bend another string at the same time(like after the walk up riff around F#m) the open A string’s pitch drops as the bend goes up. Is this common or a sign of an issue you’ve encountered before? Was not able to reproduce this on my other guitars that were all less expensive. Appreciate any input. Thanks Larry!

    • That’s the floating bridge affect Matt. If you bend a note on a floating bridge, the open string pitches will lower. on a fixed bridge, it will allow you to bend and play open notes without any pitch issues. Hope that helps

  6. Hey Tom,

    I hope you’re well. Fortunately, I discovered Homeskoolin’ fairly early on in the pandemic. Man, I can’t tell you what a great public service this is you are doing for all us guitar players out here. I find the videos always Inspiring, Educational and damn funny too! What more could you ask for? So, two things. First, I bought a MCB for my ’58 Jr. Holy shit! What a game changer! It’s a super light Jr. that now rings and sustains like never before. I’ve had it since the 80s and it’s possibly my favorite guitar of the bunch now! Thanks for that! Second, and knowing that they can be different from amp to amp, how do you like to dial in your ’68 50 watt JMP? Are you a channel jumper? I used to be but now I just plug into high input of Channel 1 and crank it to about 7 or 8. With the presence up a little, bass almost off, mids high and treble about half. Wondering how you like to dial in yours. Maybe a little feature on all you Marshalls before you part with them?

    All the best and keep on keepin on!

    Nick Miller

    PS – I’ve been a concert promoter in Chicago for about 35 years. We just had Ann Wilson in last fall and I was bummed to find out you weren’t going to be on the road with her.

    • i sometimes jump channels….works great on particularly bright old marshalls

      sorry i couldn’t make the gig….staying home with my dear boys this summer

  7. Hi Tom- Axe question. I just picked up a used Martin DSS-17 and it’s a peach for a relatively inexpensive acoustic. Am I imagining things or did George mention he sold you one at one point??? What were your impressions?

    Thanks for Homeskoolin!

  8. Uncle Larry..Sending BIG Congrats on your 100000 subscriber plaque..I’m a 1970-80s older rocker from the Cleveland/Akron club music scene jammed in original bands with a few obscure releases..For sure average player, but always made it work..
    My choice gear then was a 70s Music Man 65 watt into a 1960s Marshall cab, 76 Gibson V and early 80s Les Paul Special ..
    I want to truly say ‘Thanks’ for ‘Homeskoolin’ and You, You have renewed my passion for the instrument..plugged or unplugged. Especially rewatching episodes over and over to pick up a lick, phrasing or a tone and get lost in learning. You have a gift and I’m am honored that you share it with us.

    PS. Spot on with ‘drink guy’ – wonder if he calls TV stations asking not to run beer ads when he is tuned in.. Do wish him well battling the drink..not easy..

    • A Rickenbacker 4001 bass is the coolest looking instrument any man can hold in their hands….but if it has to be a guitar, a 59 blonde ES-5 Switchmaster with extra flame will certainly pull the right birds

  9. Hey, Tom. Love watching anything you do, whether it’s your channel or someone else’s. Always dreamed of being a session player (drummer). Just a little misguided in my youth. Main reason for this message is to tell you how much my wife and I love Trip the Witch. Such great composition, texture and tones. Jesus. So good. Love the fact that TTW is a collaboration with Dean since STP is one of my favorite bands of all time. Looking forward to getting into Plexi Soul! Keep up the honest and humble content. Absolutely love it all. Love and respect from Pensacola, FL!

  10. Hey Uncle Larry, is there any new Les Paul or Gibson that you would recommend trying? I know that you don’t prefer the new stuff and am curious about your thoughts, because I am really wanting to get a good one. Thanks man, love the show and really look forward to every episode!

  11. Hey Tom
    Matt here from Australia (G’Day) Big fan of the channel. I look forward to your vids and admire how laid back and non pretentious you are. I’m really looking forward to the release of in stereo and was wondering if shipping will be available to Australia? And if we have to sit up in the middle of the night to make sure we can get a signed copy of the vinyl and CD?
    A friend and I are headed to Nashville in August as we’ve both ordered e-verbs from EBO and were coming to Nashville for my friends Birthday in any case.
    If shipping is not available would it be possible to pay for them and pick them up in August when we are there?? Trying to pull rabbits out of the hat here and I’ve learnt from my last trip to Nashville to plan well in advance as the Monday night i turned up at the Underdog was one of the few nights Guthrie was not available (majorly bummed out) Would love to know if your playing anywhere in August so i can plan around it if possible
    Cheers
    Matt

  12. Dear Uncle Larry ,

    I enjoy your show! Your the genuine article.

    Is there a difference between firebird pickups 63-65 and 65-69 apart from nickel and chrome covers?

    Where are all the old firebird pickups hiding?

    What do you think is a reasonable price for one?

    I recently scored a 64 FB3 routed and oversprayed one from Canada.

    BTW love visits George gruhn shop please keep doing them…

    Would it be too much to ask if you know anyone who has 1 old firebird pickup?

    Thanks,

    Carsten
    Melbourne,
    Australia

    • i don’t think they changed bird pickups much through the 60’s…good luck ever finding one anywhere.

      i have been hunting them for years and gave up….you’ll never find old filtertrons either.

      firebird I is a rare guitar.

      i actually have a SUPER early one (63) and i honestly wouldn’t sell it for twice it’s blue book value…it’s special as hell…loudest acoustic tone of any solid body guitar i have ever owned.

      good luck bird watching

  13. What is the worst guitar or guitars for how they are sitting in the mix? Essentially guitars that are hard to track and fit in a mix.

    • jazzmasters are up there…tele customs with the full range humbuckers….new gibsons with burstbuckers are hard to record too because they are completely devoid of midrange

  14. Hey Tom! Love you man.

    Quick question, when you need a wah pedal what do you go for? I never found one I love and would appreciate any help finding a good one.

    Thanks!

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