Delalus Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate you taking the time. The guitar is by far the most accurate and the most totally rich guitar I’ve ever had the pleasure to play. It’s a gem!
Thanks for commenting. The guitar is straight into an Engl Screamer 50 watt amp with no effects - DI'd from the preamp O/P into the PC. At the end of the piece, I used an Adrenalin-2 with an MIDI controller pedal to get the really "soft" wah-wah sound. This was in the effects send and return loop of the Engl amp. So everything else is the sound of the amp (with its built in spring reverb) using the DI output straight into the PC.
I got to see Johnny A in a very little restaurant/club here in Rhode Island a few years back,his sound and playing was spectacular-and your cover was fantastic. I've seen many videos on youtube over the past few years,and yours is one of the finest. cheers
@insertfinger Hi, thanks for commenting. For the main tune, the guitar is straight into the amp with no effects. At the end, I used an Adrenalin-2 with an MIDI controller pedal to get the really "soft" wah-wah sound. This was in the effects send and return loop of the Engl amp. So everything else is the sound of the amp (with its built in spring reverb) using the DI output straight into the PC. Its an amazing guitar!
@poptop22 Hi there again. No - the bass part changes slightly throughout the tune (gets gentler in the quiet bits when I'm playing octaves) so I recorded guitar + drums together, then added the bass track, then played the guitar part again with the video camera running (then re-recorded the bass cos it sounded too brash!). A lot of work for just a few minutes - but I like the result. Thanks for commenting.
Absolutely awsome job! Never heard anybody cover a Johnny A song that well! I'm inspired to grab my JA Custom and play some Witchita Lineman right now...
I had never heard of him until I stumbled across your videos! I have since listened to some of his videos and I can see why you are so taken with him. I have to say, though, that if you aren't every bit as good you're pretty darned close.
Sign up for Britain's Got Talent maybe? Or how about trying to get work as a studio musician? You're honesty good enough to be playing professionally. Tough industry to break into, I know.
Starshepherd BGT ain't gonna happen. Guitar playing is too nerdy - tho I love it. No one use sessions any more. I just wanna find a good drummer to play with!
@poptop22 That's great to hear. It really makes a difference knowing that there are people out there who like what I do. I haven't yet found any way to play like this to a live audience. But I haven't stopped trying!
I'd certainly consider it. What specifically would you like to see / hear? - just going over it more slowly and showing where the notes are on the neck? I'd have to say, I should say I have no idea whether this is actually the way Johnny A plays it - I just worked out my own version by listening hard...
Hi again. I hadn't heard of Pete Downes, but after a quick search and listen, I can tell I should make some time to check out his stuff in detail. Thanks for the suggestion.
OK. Thanks for that. I've decided to make the video so watch this space! It will probably take me a few days but it will be my first "tutorial" and will be based on this piece. It will be interesting to see if gets any hits.... (Yes I did the backing track myself - first played guitar live with live drummer, overdubbed bass, finally re-recorded guitar with camera rolling.)
Hi and thanks for commenting. You make some big assumptions about the way different people learn. Although I studied classical guitar for five years (from 1964 to 1969) and learned to read music, I find tab quite cryptic and my ears generally give me a much clearer picture. Reading tab feels like painting by numbers. I struggle to get a sense of flow. So I can find the right notes, but miss the "music". I have also noticed this in the way others play when relying on their eyes rather than ears.
very nice playing - but as for "I worked this out on my own" - Warner Brothers Publications published TABLATURE for the full Sometime Tuesday Morning CD in 2002. Nicole is on page 89. Anyone who buys his signature Gibson likely picked up both tab books out for his two first full CDs. Tab has been floating about for 10+ years.
Thick or wide? The neck is 1.68" (1-11/16") wide at the nut. The thickness obviously varies along the neck and I have no way to measure it. I've never seen it defined in any specs on the guitar. This guitar wasn't around in '59 so I'm not sure what reissues you might be referring to. All I can say is that it is a dream to play, perfectly balanced, incredibly accurate and tone to die for.
Hi - thanks for your kind words. My first proper guitar was a Les Paul. Then I changed to a Tele, then a Strat and much preferred the longer Fender neck length. I wanted an electric which would be good for jazzy style. I also use the whammy bar on my strat & like to crank it up - so when I discovered that Johnny A had designed a guitar which had Gibson sound, long neck, sounded cool for jazz, could be played loud without howling, had a Bigsby - it did everything I wanted! Its also very pretty!
Beautiful guitar! Gibson Custom Shop has stopped producing them; I pray they'll make more in the future. Do you still have yours and how is it holding up?
Hi, thanks for commenting. Yes, I still have mine - can't really imagine ever parting with it! It's still the most accurate and wonderful guitar I've ever played. But tuning can be an issue at times. I fitted a sta-tuned system which works well. But it can occasionally be frustrating. The guitar sort of wants to be heard on its own, or with a minimal 3-piece band. It is so tonally rich that it doesn't fit in well with the 5 piece soul band I play in. My Strat works better for that cos it leaves the mids free for the keyboards etc. Are you sure they have permanently stopped making them? I understood that they make a batch every now and then (when I wanted mine there was a six month lead-time) - and it would seem somewhat short sighted after a ten year development & Johnny A's new album just being released!
Alec Stansfield Good points, Alex. I had a long conversation this week with a friend at Sweetwater who told me that Gibson Custom Shop has undertaken a major restructuring this year, and one of the casualties was this line -- at least for the time being. After all that development, they have certainly kept the dies, jigs and CAD programs associated with this guitar and can start the line up space and time permitting. Hope they do soon! I love the trans black, blue and even green ones they were issuing. Gorgeous instruments, and very well thought out.
Great job but I am curious. You are a great player in your own right and went out and bought a Johnny A Gibson? Don't get me wrong - they are great guitars - but why? You didn't think you could get that sound any other way? I like them too but prefer a solid top. I also think he is an incredible talent and considered buying one when they first came out, and could be had for about $2500, but not so much anymore.
Alec, Thanks so much for the info! Didn't realize you are in the UK. Have you ever listened to any of Pete Downes stuff? Check him out here on UA-cam, you may like it.
Nicely & beautifully done. Did you make the backing track as well? If so that is a labor of love in itself & again very nicely done. Hats off to you sir.
Hi and thanks for commenting. My son played drums and I played bass - I lost the backing track when my computer died recently - but I love the piece so much I recorded a new one - though this time I programmed a drum machine.
I’m sorry to say that I lost everything due to a recent hard disk crash and have nothing left of the backing track - or even the video! And after replacing the hard drive and getting everything fixed, I discover yesterday that the PC I use for recording has died again! rats....
Sorry, but I've never used tab. I find it quicker & more accurate to just watch and listen others carefully. The more I practice doing it, the quicker the process gets. Thanks for commenting.
@poptop22 Hi there again. No - the bass part changes slightly throughout the tune (gets gentler in the quiet bits when I'm playing octaves) so I recorded guitar + drums together, then added the bass track, then played the guitar part again with the video camera running (then re-recorded the bass cos it sounded too brash!). A lot of work for just a few minutes - but I like the result. Thanks for commenting.
Still coming back to this some 7 years later. Great job my friend. cheers
And it is still a favourite of mine to play! Thanks for commenting!
I have seen Johnny A 3 times, nice, nice job!!!! Keep it up Alec.
Wow! you nail it. And that guitar really delivers.
Delalus Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate you taking the time. The guitar is by far the most accurate and the most totally rich guitar I’ve ever had the pleasure to play. It’s a gem!
Tonally not totally!
this is the closest from being perfect cover one could find! awesome playing sir!
Thanks for commenting. The guitar is straight into an Engl Screamer 50 watt amp with no effects - DI'd from the preamp O/P into the PC. At the end of the piece, I used an Adrenalin-2 with an MIDI controller pedal to get the really "soft" wah-wah sound. This was in the effects send and return loop of the Engl amp. So everything else is the sound of the amp (with its built in spring reverb) using the DI output straight into the PC.
I got to see Johnny A in a very little restaurant/club here in Rhode Island a few years back,his sound and playing was spectacular-and your cover was fantastic. I've seen many videos on youtube over the past few years,and yours is one of the finest. cheers
again very nice playing. and a really good ear.
@insertfinger Hi, thanks for commenting. For the main tune, the guitar is straight into the amp with no effects. At the end, I used an Adrenalin-2 with an MIDI controller pedal to get the really "soft" wah-wah sound. This was in the effects send and return loop of the Engl amp. So everything else is the sound of the amp (with its built in spring reverb) using the DI output straight into the PC. Its an amazing guitar!
@poptop22 Hi there again. No - the bass part changes slightly throughout the tune (gets gentler in the quiet bits when I'm playing octaves) so I recorded guitar + drums together, then added the bass track, then played the guitar part again with the video camera running (then re-recorded the bass cos it sounded too brash!). A lot of work for just a few minutes - but I like the result. Thanks for commenting.
Nice tune and nice guitar.... I'm not usually a fan of that style of guitar, but I'm really digging that one.
DUDE THAT WAS AWESOME! I LOVE Johnny A! I worked out his "OH YEAH" and people go nuts over it. Thanks!
Absolutely awsome job! Never heard anybody cover a Johnny A song that well! I'm inspired to grab my JA Custom and play some Witchita Lineman right now...
Well your work paid off! You trully inspire me to keep working, playing and enjoying my guitar, Thanx :0 )
I could listen to that all day...
Starshepherd Thanks for that. Do you know Johnny A's albums?
I had never heard of him until I stumbled across your videos! I have since listened to some of his videos and I can see why you are so taken with him. I have to say, though, that if you aren't every bit as good you're pretty darned close.
That's very kind of you! I wish I could use my guitar to bring income.
Sign up for Britain's Got Talent maybe? Or how about trying to get work as a studio musician? You're honesty good enough to be playing professionally. Tough industry to break into, I know.
Starshepherd BGT ain't gonna happen. Guitar playing is too nerdy - tho I love it. No one use sessions any more. I just wanna find a good drummer to play with!
@poptop22 That's great to hear. It really makes a difference knowing that there are people out there who like what I do. I haven't yet found any way to play like this to a live audience. But I haven't stopped trying!
Amazing cover, very intense. Nice sound.
I'd certainly consider it. What specifically would you like to see / hear? - just going over it more slowly and showing where the notes are on the neck? I'd have to say, I should say I have no idea whether this is actually the way Johnny A plays it - I just worked out my own version by listening hard...
@SianLWilliams Thanks for your comment. I'd be here all the time if I could! Alec
Thanks for that! He is a phenomenal player and I hope to see him play in the UK before too long.
Hi again. I hadn't heard of Pete Downes, but after a quick search and listen, I can tell I should make some time to check out his stuff in detail. Thanks for the suggestion.
OK. Thanks for that. I've decided to make the video so watch this space! It will probably take me a few days but it will be my first "tutorial" and will be based on this piece. It will be interesting to see if gets any hits.... (Yes I did the backing track myself - first played guitar live with live drummer, overdubbed bass, finally re-recorded guitar with camera rolling.)
wow…how bout walkin west ave?!
It’s a fantastic tune and I’d love to do it - but I think it would take me half a lifetime to learn his solo!!!
Hi and thanks for commenting. You make some big assumptions about the way different people learn. Although I studied classical guitar for five years (from 1964 to 1969) and learned to read music, I find tab quite cryptic and my ears generally give me a much clearer picture. Reading tab feels like painting by numbers. I struggle to get a sense of flow. So I can find the right notes, but miss the "music". I have also noticed this in the way others play when relying on their eyes rather than ears.
very nice playing - but as for "I worked this out on my own" - Warner Brothers Publications published TABLATURE for the full Sometime Tuesday Morning CD in 2002. Nicole is on page 89. Anyone who buys his signature Gibson likely picked up both tab books out for his two first full CDs. Tab has been floating about for 10+ years.
fantastic job, sounds like i'm listening to the actual cd! the solo at the end sounds really nice, what effects did you use?
Did you loop the Bass part?...awesome as always!!!
Thick or wide? The neck is 1.68" (1-11/16") wide at the nut. The thickness obviously varies along the neck and I have no way to measure it. I've never seen it defined in any specs on the guitar. This guitar wasn't around in '59 so I'm not sure what reissues you might be referring to. All I can say is that it is a dream to play, perfectly balanced, incredibly accurate and tone to die for.
Hi - thanks for your kind words. My first proper guitar was a Les Paul. Then I changed to a Tele, then a Strat and much preferred the longer Fender neck length. I wanted an electric which would be good for jazzy style. I also use the whammy bar on my strat & like to crank it up - so when I discovered that Johnny A had designed a guitar which had Gibson sound, long neck, sounded cool for jazz, could be played loud without howling, had a Bigsby - it did everything I wanted! Its also very pretty!
How thick is the neck of the Johnny A model? Thinner than the typical '59 reissues?
Beautiful guitar! Gibson Custom Shop has stopped producing them; I pray they'll make more in the future. Do you still have yours and how is it holding up?
Hi, thanks for commenting. Yes, I still have mine - can't really imagine ever parting with it! It's still the most accurate and wonderful guitar I've ever played. But tuning can be an issue at times. I fitted a sta-tuned system which works well. But it can occasionally be frustrating. The guitar sort of wants to be heard on its own, or with a minimal 3-piece band. It is so tonally rich that it doesn't fit in well with the 5 piece soul band I play in. My Strat works better for that cos it leaves the mids free for the keyboards etc. Are you sure they have permanently stopped making them? I understood that they make a batch every now and then (when I wanted mine there was a six month lead-time) - and it would seem somewhat short sighted after a ten year development & Johnny A's new album just being released!
Alec Stansfield Good points, Alex. I had a long conversation this week with a friend at Sweetwater who told me that Gibson Custom Shop has undertaken a major restructuring this year, and one of the casualties was this line -- at least for the time being. After all that development, they have certainly kept the dies, jigs and CAD programs associated with this guitar and can start the line up space and time permitting. Hope they do soon! I love the trans black, blue and even green ones they were issuing. Gorgeous instruments, and very well thought out.
George Chen Hi George, apologies for the delay - turns out I can't reply to comments from my iPad! I'm in Trowbridge, Wiltshire and like jamming!
George Chen Will do!
Great job but I am curious. You are a great player in your own right and went out and bought a Johnny A Gibson? Don't get me wrong - they are great guitars - but why? You didn't think you could get that sound any other way? I like them too but prefer a solid top. I also think he is an incredible talent and considered buying one when they first came out, and could be had for about $2500, but not so much anymore.
nice
BTW, What pedals are you playing through?
Alec, Thanks so much for the info! Didn't realize you are in the UK. Have you ever listened to any of Pete Downes stuff? Check him out here on UA-cam, you may like it.
Nicely & beautifully done. Did you make the backing track as well? If so that is a labor of love in itself & again very nicely done. Hats off to you sir.
+greatvanzinni Wow! I just read the info,,, Duh! You & your friend did great on all the parts.
Hi and thanks for commenting. My son played drums and I played bass - I lost the backing track when my computer died recently - but I love the piece so much I recorded a new one - though this time I programmed a drum machine.
I’m sorry to say that I lost everything due to a recent hard disk crash and have nothing left of the backing track - or even the video! And after replacing the hard drive and getting everything fixed, I discover yesterday that the PC I use for recording has died again! rats....
Thanks - its a beaut!
any tabs?
Sorry, but I've never used tab. I find it quicker & more accurate to just watch and listen others carefully. The more I practice doing it, the quicker the process gets. Thanks for commenting.
Nice approximation, but his treble is smoother. Round off the spikes, if you would.
@poptop22 Hi there again. No - the bass part changes slightly throughout the tune (gets gentler in the quiet bits when I'm playing octaves) so I recorded guitar + drums together, then added the bass track, then played the guitar part again with the video camera running (then re-recorded the bass cos it sounded too brash!). A lot of work for just a few minutes - but I like the result. Thanks for commenting.