You guys have a sick store! I used to come to L.A a lot in the early to mid 2000s but back then I didn't play guitar. One day soon I'm gonna get myself over to that side of the world again and come check you guys out!
Brandon, you're a huge asset to Norm's store and the online channel - your knowledge and personality really do make it a better place. Bravo, young man.
Leo Fender was a true genius and the 7.25 radius guitars he made are the Gold of musical instruments and to have you and your store caring for them and getting them in the right hands is a mission. Thank you, Leo would be proud!
Norman's is easily one of the biggest gems there are in guitar stores. Nothing but top notch quality and atmosphere. Cheers Rhett for sharing the experience.
I absolutely love Norm’s. The people that work there are as or more guitarded/guitnerdy as I am. Norm the man is a legend! I hope he makes a full recovery from his recent surgery/treatments ASAP!
I love Rhett's playing because it's so musical, and I am instantly drawn in to whatever he's playing! And Chris's playing is so clean and smooth. So precise. 2 totally different styles, but both awesome!
That first bass sounded so smooth. And the Strat at the end is magical. Rhett's face at the end is the face of a guy saying to himself : ''goddammit this sounds so good I need this. but it's so expensive'' haha!
The Strat at the end is using the wrong amp. The distortion is far too harsh. Too much volume for the Princeton (bedroom amp). Would love to hear that Strat thru a 1955 Bassman Tweed. THATS...an AMP!
@@drippinglass Playing a Classic like that distorted thru a cracker box practice amp is a very poor example. I'm sure Norm had much better Amps to play thru than a little Princeton. Los Lonely Boys Henry on How Far is Heaven. Plays a 60's Mexican Strat that sings. Its been said for many years that tone is in the fingers more than the guitar.
@@jzm6403 Entitled to your opinion but calling the Princeton a bedroom amp is miles off the mark imo. It's a renowned classic, and 15 watts is way louder than most folk will get away with playing at home. The strat sounded brilliant thru it.
I watched it on my huge screen TV. I am legally blind. So wonderful and these instruments are all being well stored and put into the hands of those able to channel their sonic wonder.
Honestly the middle pickup has become one of my favourites on my strat. And yeah, that 56 is exactly what everyone thinks of when someone talks about the strat sound.
On the middle pickup, I have to agree and it looks like Clapton does too. He’s on that pickup for a lot of the Cream reunion show. It’s my first stop for clean rhythm.
Hard to believe how early those strats came along and got into the hands of people like Buddy Holly or Hank Marvin. Talk about an iconic part of music history.
The "crescent moon" thumbrest on the Thunderbird bass is called a "tug bar" because it was thought that bassist who transitioned from upright would use it to pull against with their fingers and pluck the strings with their thumbs.
Being an “older” musician, I have to mention West 48th Street in Manhattan circa mid/late 60’s to late 70’s. Of course there was Manny’s I actually remember the original where you had to duck going through the front door after descending a few steps below street level. Then they “moved” to the new store on the same block. A few doors down was the tiny but incredible “We Buy” and across the Street the expanded “We Buy” There was “Alex” guitars and “Rudy’s Music Stop” On and around there same block were dozens of luthiers. Often off the street via elevator. Carl Thompson and Charles LoBue, Dan Armstrong. I got an old Gibson Melodymaker (60’s?) and took it to LoBue to exchange the neck pick up with a new humbucker. Charles mentioned he some NOS firebird pickups and suggested the possibilities in installing a humbucker at the neck and a firebird in the bridge position. I went for it and a few weeks later Charlie called me to let me know it was ready. He excitedly played it over the phone. Amazing sound. Best I ever heard. Yup. I sold it years later! Lol Manny’s manager Stewart patiently brought up Precision after Precision until I found the Bass I felt good with. Those were the days. The Street of Dreams!
@@soofitnsexy yeah! IMOP The beginning of the end was Sam Ash. They bought a place next to Manny’s and opened an annex across the street (i think they bought the “We Buy” operation) and ultimately bought Manny’s. Sam Ash presaged Guitar Center. I think Rudy’s is still there. They have a place downtown. A pretty good place…I think Pensa Suhr guitars was tied in with them…good people. Dan Armstrong, of course moved to Greenwich Village. For a while a fantastic place. Bill Lawrence worked there. Charles LoBue (sweet guy and great luthier) and Carl Thompson split up…Carl continued to build basses mostly. The great thing about most of these places was a no name amateur was treated as if you were an international gold record machine! There are still some great music stores in NYC but they are scattered around the city.
@@JohnLnyc You will love it! He and Cindy build the most beautiful pieces by hand from real NewYork wood. There is a documentary made there that is well deserved. When they tore down McSorley’s Pub, they got some wood and they worked together to build beautiful Tele with burnt sculpture done and it sounded like a dream! They made everything on premises! That is a doc well worth watching!
@@soofitnsexy The amazing thing was the selection of new and used guitars and basses, amps, drums, keyboards, mics, any musical instrument. Or equipment. All on one block plus luthiers, repair shops it was really mind blowing. There was a real sense of musical community pro, amateur. You could try out stuff without sales pressure. Great street!
I used to work at a pawnshop...the best strat I've ever played was a '58 a fellow would pawn for $150 about once a month. He inherited from from his grandfather who bought it new. The neck was a "Tuesday-Thursday" neck. It was the stratiest strat I've ever heard, magical! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
A great job! I’ve got a 54 myself, picked it up at a pawn shop for a broken Univox Les Paul copy and $125 in 1971 still have it today serial number 0260 pick ups by Tadeo Gomez, and wired by Gloria Sanchez, which is the name of my guitar
That is NOT how you play in a guitar store. You're supposed to play minor pentatonic scales at finger-blurring speeds and eardrum-rupturing volumes. Show them you're the boss! Tasteful, well-played licks have no place there!
@@Rookblunder I heard that you have to play stairway to heaven every single time u go into a guitar store... I hear that they will kick you out if you don’t play it....
@@madaxe79 Nah that's worng it's 'Hairway to Steven' that you have to play - whereupon they will take you out back and show you where all the original Gibson modernes are stashed (Norm bought them all at NAMM's used store last year)
My very first guitar was a 1954 Stratocaster. From all the Strats I have heard, the '56 is my favorite Stratocaster sound. Been playing 60+ years, BTW. I sold models like that red Fender bass, brand new back in Tallahassee. I sincerely hope Norm is getting better and will soon be back in the store!
I never use positions 2 or 4 on my Strat either, it sounds waaaaay too wimpy. I actually installed a 3 way switch on my Strat, that's how much I hate the wimpy 2 and 4 sound.
Ok..two of my usually cringy comments: 1.) Applause. big like & thumbs up for everything on this episode. But especially for Rhetts friend playing that jazz on the B. Kessel prototype! 2.) I visualize Joe Bonamassa already phonecall & right away jumping into his car to get him all those instruments you showed...
Sounds absolutely terrific! Not only the guitars, but the playing, as well! My uncle only recently sold his 1966 Thunderbird. This was a fun video. Thank you!
Rhett...I believe the Strat that you play at the end belonged to my father. He was a musician in the 50's and 60's. When he died he left me the guitar and I had others and didn't bother with it and needed money so I brought it to a consignment shop where it sold quickly and I was told it went to Buddy Guy. I recognized the case and the Fender spanish strings. I remember there was also an Electrovoice micophone I kept in the case but I'm sure that was pulled out of the case long ago. It was cool to see the guitar again after so long.
Thank you Rhett! You have an innate ability To hear the voice of a vintage instrument And play the perfect thing to express its Uniqueness! And I wanted to give a shout out To Brandon Soriano, he is so articulate And knowledgeable and you two were Cracking me up! Last but not least I wanted Acknowledge Chris Marks, that Gibson Barney Kessel was singing like a bird With his sublime playing! Great job all around! This is one of those videos I can watch over And over!
my friend has a 52ish goldtop without the gold cuz he got it at a garage sale for $50. those are good to go to. i also picked up my 67 jazz bass for $40 cuz “ it only has 4 strings”
It's been a good long day Rhett, sit down turn on your channel and you have this, perfect! So enjoy being along with you and your family, listening/seeing and being educated about Les Paul's and Fenders of the yesterday's. I miss my 72 strat! John
Great video! That Barney Kessel sounded incredible... The early LP's are great if you change out the bridge for a MojoAxe or a Glaser. Also, that all rosewood tele is cool but so weird with the finish over the rosewood...like a Rickenbacker.
I'm, personally, sick of hearing anyone that picks up a strat defaulting to Stevie or Jimi. It's a 50's strat, play some Buddy Holly or something from the era!
@@johnpaulpatton9786 Or some Hank Marvin, as you said The Krickets, maybe Richie Valens? Those artists are 50s. The later stuff is so similar but darker.
Hey MattyK! Been missing you guys during the Gristletime jams!! I catch them after they've aired. Fun, but not the same. 😉 And definitely praying for Norm!! 🙏💖 Hope to catch you all on the flippity flop!! 😁👍🥓🎸
16:22 The employee giving you the tour of the shop is using *devil horns* ..... ..... to reference something on a guitar. Of course he is. haha What a rockin' dude with an enviable job. Thanks for the video, Rhett.
These shops are a purgatory to rabbit holes (and it's always fascinating). Ps: just had a random thought about how strange our world is: walking in a street and watching people filming themselves, so actually talking to a piece of plastic/metal/whatever. Hieroglyphs are nothing compared to this mystery that upcoming civilizations will have to solve.
What an Interesting and Delicious visit to Norman's! Thank You, Rhett! Well done. I was born in 62 and I own a 64 Strat, my Dad bought my Mom, for $150.00. That 56 sure sounded sweet!
Love that Rhett is as obsessed with that Breakdown riff as I am. Would love to see an episode on Mike Campbell and why he was 100% perfect for Tom Petty.
The way he was handling those axes. It's such a confined space that I was sitting on the edge of the chair and holding my breath at times when he was tossing those axes around. Lol
Seth Lover first designed the wide-range in the early 60s for Silvertone. They were mini-hums, made by Gibson but never used on a Gibson. I have a pair, put them in a '96 Gibson LP Special. Incredible sound. It is the pickup on the Silvertone played by Chris Issak on Wicked Games.
Also: Thinking about Norm , Really Hope he’s Recovering well after all he has been through.. Big Love from The Dodger.. London England 🏴❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏻🌞🌞⭐️🌞⭐️👍🏻🎸
The tele and the strat were great examples of their respective tone. Rhett's playing was, as usual, perfect. When is the UA pedal video going to get posted? I really liked this video.
So cool. I am not a collector and love guitar but my heart is with the bass. What an excellent video showing the guitar history in Norms and some of the gems it has in its store. I was mesmerized watching what rare guitar came up next. Thank you for posting!
Wow, cool to see! I bought my main bass, a messed up ‘61 P-bass, at Norman’s. I was on a school trip from Norway. It also has the «thumb rest» below the strings - and I use it all the time like Philip showed! I’ve heard it called a «tug bar», which I think makes sense in that context. I like it when playing with my thumb + a bit of picking.
One minute in an already I’ve got serious G.A.S!! I’m not in the market for an acoustic guitar; I hardly ever play acoustic guitar and I rarely listen to acoustic guitar but I want that Martin …it sounds F A N T A S T I C!!!
I want a 7.25 neck Strat again!!! That 56 was it! Ceramics and all, the little bit of buzz on it and the Tele is being used to a 9.5 or flatter, setting up the pickups pole pieces for a 7.25 neck can be hard, and the player attack is delicate. I had a pawn shop special I put together, 57 body and neck 3 way switch but I put locking tuners on and the trem lock and claw was nice and heavy, and nut after lube was fantastic with 9s. I broke my shoulder and arm on my fretting, left shoulder and it grew crooked and I have a torn labrum ligament it really hurts and on my 12 in necks makes my hand go numb. I have a 12 string Epiphone acoustic with a 1 .895 nut, and a worn black Epiphone LesPaul Special I with P90s and 7. Billy Gibbon’s strings and it’s tolerable for a while, but my hand still goes numb. It makes me mad! I had a Left Hook that could kill a bull. 61 years of bare knuckle is not recommended as is throwing 80 lb boxes of beef. Anyway the 57 was a good burst, beautiful in a working class way. But I just remember how a friend who worked on guitar setups and loved Hot Rods likeI did traded wiring it shielding it and of all set the pole pieces that last little bit for that 7.25 neck for me porting a set of 289 heads to use 1.94 5/16 stem intakes and 1.525 11/32 stem exhausts and put them on his 66 289 Mustang that would wind up to 9000 rpms in each gear and live. He drove it for 15 years and sold it. But I got my guitar back and it was the most beautiful thing I ever heard. My fingers moved like magic on it , no fret buzz, and the trem with the lever in your hand while you picked and bent had the best touch just a forearm flex was all the trem needed. Someone stole it. That was between 30-40years ago. My favorite song to play, A Million Miles Away by Rory Gallagher. To get the Sonics . Man. I am done, but if I could ever get another 7.5 radius 50’s neck Strat or aTele. Leo Fender was a genius. His 1950s creations were never bested by anyone and to say that anything has, you are missing out on the sweetest and most powerful instrument ever made. It was an important lesson I have learned and I have seen it over and over. Don’t chase the market, make it chase you. And never forget that this is a musical instrument that when wielded by a musician of the sensitivity and power of a Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, you can unlock its secrets to a magic door that never gets you “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone” integrity. But for another 7.5 radius ‘57!!!
I've lived within 15 minutes of Norms shop for most of my life, and In all of the years I've been playing, I've always been way too intimidated to head over. You guys are living the dream! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve only driven by it once when visiting LA from up in Nor Cal… wouldn’t wanna go in and just play Green Day and other pop-punk covers… but I could talk about the history the models and pickups all day
you can read the tags on most of them when he was playing them or holding them. 15:38 you can read the tag for the 1956 strat laying in the case, 13:01 for the rosewood tele, 10:27 for the gold top les paul, etc.
A bit of eagle-eyeing on the freeze frame and I managed to get all but 1 of them: 0.52 1946 Acoustic $7,295 1.48 1971 Fender Telecaster bass $6,495 5.22 1928 Tricone acoustic $12,500 5.41 1960 Gibson Barney Kessel $?? 9.15 1953 Gibson Les Paul Trapeze tailpiece Goldtop $29,900 12.58 1971 Fender Rosewood Telecaster $28,500 15.38 1956 Fender Stratocaster $35,900
That 56 sounds so sweet. Leo was a bloody genius, well him and George Fullerton and Freddie Tavarez. They created in my opinion, the greatest guitar ever.
The best Strats I have ever had were pawn shop basket cases and I love building them back. I love the 7.25 necks ( I wish someone made them to retrofit any bolt on neck, even the Epiphone LP Special I)over the 9.5 ones. Also I don’t feel as bad putting in locking tuners and a dump truck trem block and claw. You can lay it on your fingers and just a little move and it is a Sonny Landreth vibe, or a David Gilmour of a flex and a bend at the same time.
I've still never played a true vintage strat. Interested in how the radius feels. Sounded phenomenal. I have a 2013 with the fat 50's that as close as I'm getting to 50's strats for now. Bought it new, its been a faithful player for sure. But the radius is 9.5 I think.
Wait until you lay hands on a 7.25! If you have a well setup heavy tremblock, and the nut made for the profile, I would believe it would make you cry! Leo Fender understood ergonomics in a natural genius way. And the pole pieces set exactly to the neck will stun you. Like when David Gilmour plays Comfortably Numb , that is a 7.25 radius at its best!
In one of your older videos you mentioned that people usually gravitate to a vintage style or a modern style guitar, and I always prefer the modern thing. That being said, that tele is SICK looking. That is a vintage guitar I'd love to try out. Very cool seeing the old school 3-way switch on the strat. The middle and bridge pickups in particular sound really good. I'm wondering if anyone has ever compared the "real" vintage gear with the new vintage style gear like the guitars made from Novo? How do they compare in terms of feel and sound? As a non-vintage guy, I know the newer guitars are obviously more reliable, but do they new vintage-style guitars lack the "real" vintage tone people look for?
Andre- I worked on a few Pre-CBS Jazzmasters and Jaguars when they were new; my '07 AVRI Jazzmaster and '11 AVRI ThinSkin Jag are as good. I also have a '19 Les Paul Sixties Standard. It's better than any of the 3 '70s-early '80s Les Pauls I've owned in the past. The only thing the vintage ones have over the newer ones is all the mojo they've accumulated over the years, and that can only be gotten the old-fashioned way!
@@davehopping7212 I hope you got good money for those 70s and 80s Les Pauls! After all of these years, I've still never played a truly vintage guitar. I def want to experience that mojo for myself one day, but I'd probably go for an old Jag or Jazzmaster. I find those body shapes strangely comfortable.
@@BeesWaxMinder I think that the way the vintage guitars are made and the dedication the owners play into them outweighs the reliability of the newer instrument. It is like if you have a choice between Johnny Winters AC30 with a new tight Celestion speaker and new properly made Tubes, and well soldered boards quiet inputs outlets and switches with a good quiet Power Supply, vs the most expensive solid state box with built in boards to make you sound like every great guitarists of the last 70 years. Which would you as an artist working your way through the way to greatnesses choose?
Wow! Those are the coolest vintage pieces out there! Amazing ! The Kessel has the best vibrant cherry finish ive ever seen, and the goldtop just looks so clean and classic You guys are so informative and your playing and tone are supurb! Thanks guys and god bless you norm, your the best!
That Fender bass had serious Zombies vibes. Even the time signature on the riff was the same as,"She's not there". That wasn't done on purpose was it Phil?
The Zombies did that song early in the decade, and the Santana Blues Band did it withGregg Rollie and Neil Schon who later founded Journey, I was wrong, I was thinking of Ain’t got no body I can depend on and No one told me about her. The Zombies did it in 1965, and Santana did it on 1977s Moonflower.
I’m in my 50s and I’ve always been a bit suspicious of the whole vintage market… There were obviously some amazing instruments from back then but I think it’s pretty silly to pretend that a lack of tools, understanding, machining abilities, etc. actually lead to a superior instrument than something you could make today. I’ve had those conversations with people of told me that Alder is the only worthwhile Guitar wood, and that nothing sounds like this or that… It’s funny now because I’m old enough to have had some experiences with these instruments so when I meet people today who tell me those type of things, I know they’ve actually never really played any of these instruments or effects or whatever. I’m not even trying to shit on vintage instruments here, I just want people to be more honest. You may love a 70s muscle car for example but when you try and tell me it’s more fuel efficient or better engineered then a car made in 2020 I’m just going to think you’re dumb. Feel free to just say you love that, and that’s fine. If you want to spent $xxx,xxx,xxx on a 54 Strat then go for it. When you tell me it plays better and is better engineered or has better intonation than a modern CNC’d, PLEK’D instrument, I’m going to roll my eyes. Just say it’s what you like. That’s fine…
As a cabinet , and furniture maker and museum restoration expert wood broker , and playing guitar since 1968 , I can tell you it has so much to do with the wood , old growth virgin woods are a completely different creature , in the way the work and tonalities , the tools available today can do extraordinary things QUICKLY, but the time , energy and spirit of the craftsman and the players DO EFFECT the instrument. Why are Stradivarius violins still the standard of perfection?
Well this is definitely the place to go for vintage guitars! Thanks for sharing this video Rhett and great playing too! Over here in Australia and some day I need to come over to Normans shop!
Brian Wilson played bass with his thumb. He even used that hand rest thing.He had to teach himself bass quickly so maybe he assumed this was the proper technique.
The old Gretsch bass I played in the 8th grade bright red, black strings, had a rest on both sides. I played in Stage Band and Jazz Band. I have always had long fingers and strong hands. Back then I even did some Django chords on it. I never learned sight reading, but I loved improvisation, find your spot in the percussion and once in a while throw in a little Stanley Clarke, later I got a Return to Forever album. No bass player is better, and Al DiMeola is a great. But I love so much music from Robert Johnson to you name it. Chording a bass I learned was 2nd to guitar for finding girls. I have been married to the finest for 41 years.
Love your playing Rhett that Stratocaster is from a different Universe the tone is amazing, going to Norms is a bucket list of places you want to visit, something about these older guitars have a certain characteristic it's almost like opening a time capsule, great video really enjoyed !
Thanks to Rhett for playing songs we all recognize instead of some mindless runs and fusion stuff nobody can relate to. The Strat blew away the rosewood Tele.
One of the most impressive parts of this video is that someone keeps all of these guitars set up or at least playable at all times.
It's really trouble to buy a new Strat because nut slots are barely cut and bridge is always loosened way forward for shipping.
It was such a blast meeting you guys and hanging out! Stop by any time you're in town, and I'm looking forward to visiting in Atlanta one day!
Have you ever heard of a Pearl (you know the drum kits) Export Guitar DeLuxe or Custom? Have you ever had one ...and if so what did you sell it for?
You guys have a sick store! I used to come to L.A a lot in the early to mid 2000s but back then I didn't play guitar. One day soon I'm gonna get myself over to that side of the world again and come check you guys out!
Brandon, you're a huge asset to Norm's store and the online channel - your knowledge and personality really do make it a better place. Bravo, young man.
@@MattyK-USA thank you so much man, that really means a lot!
Leo Fender was a true genius and the 7.25 radius guitars he made are the Gold of musical instruments and to have you and your store caring for them and getting them in the right hands is a mission. Thank you, Leo would be proud!
Norman's is easily one of the biggest gems there are in guitar stores. Nothing but top notch quality and atmosphere. Cheers Rhett for sharing the experience.
I don’t know what norms you went to but the atmosphere was dog shit when I went there. Super elitist and rude.
Overpriced but hey you gotta pay to play
Yea what if you’re starting to play and it’s all you know how to do while trying to get a feel for the guitar. Kinda uptight lol
That rosewood telecaster made me gasp when he opened that case. It's so beautiful
I absolutely love Norm’s. The people that work there are as or more guitarded/guitnerdy as I am.
Norm the man is a legend! I hope he makes a full recovery from his recent surgery/treatments ASAP!
guitarded lmao im gonna start using that
"Guitarded" 💀
Absolutely loved hearing that guy talk! His explanation of what alnico (aluminum,nickel, cobalt)was blew my mind. Never knew
I love Rhett's playing because it's so musical, and I am instantly drawn in to whatever he's playing!
And Chris's playing is so clean and smooth. So precise.
2 totally different styles, but both awesome!
I got chills when you played 'She Talks To Angels' on that old guitar!
Me too! That needs to be on a record with the Crowes!
Same!!!!
That Chris Marks feller can sure play! Glad there's guys like him out there!
That first bass sounded so smooth. And the Strat at the end is magical. Rhett's face at the end is the face of a guy saying to himself : ''goddammit this sounds so good I need this. but it's so expensive'' haha!
100%
The Strat at the end is using the wrong amp. The distortion is far too harsh. Too much volume for the Princeton (bedroom amp). Would love to hear that Strat thru a 1955 Bassman Tweed. THATS...an AMP!
It just sounded like Strat to me. A good guitar player could make a Mexi sound great.
@@drippinglass Playing a Classic like that distorted thru a cracker box practice amp is a very poor example. I'm sure Norm had much better Amps to play thru than a little Princeton. Los Lonely Boys Henry on How Far is Heaven. Plays a 60's Mexican Strat that sings. Its been said for many years that tone is in the fingers more than the guitar.
@@jzm6403 Entitled to your opinion but calling the Princeton a bedroom amp is miles off the mark imo. It's a renowned classic, and 15 watts is way louder than most folk will get away with playing at home. The strat sounded brilliant thru it.
You know, this vid could have been 5 hours long and I'd be glued to my seat for all of it! :)
I watched it on my huge screen TV. I am legally blind. So wonderful and these instruments are all being well stored and put into the hands of those able to channel their sonic wonder.
Same here, nothing like it :)
You have a very boring life hoser...
Get a life
Honestly the middle pickup has become one of my favourites on my strat. And yeah, that 56 is exactly what everyone thinks of when someone talks about the strat sound.
On the middle pickup, I have to agree and it looks like Clapton does too. He’s on that pickup for a lot of the Cream reunion show. It’s my first stop for clean rhythm.
Hard to believe how early those strats came along and got into the hands of people like Buddy Holly or Hank Marvin. Talk about an iconic part of music history.
The "crescent moon" thumbrest on the Thunderbird bass is called a "tug bar" because it was thought that bassist who transitioned from upright would use it to pull against with their fingers and pluck the strings with their thumbs.
Being an “older” musician, I have to mention West 48th Street in Manhattan circa mid/late 60’s to late 70’s.
Of course there was Manny’s I actually remember the original where you had to duck going through the front door after descending a few steps below street level. Then they “moved” to the new store on the same block.
A few doors down was the tiny but incredible “We Buy” and across the Street the expanded “We Buy”
There was “Alex” guitars and “Rudy’s Music Stop”
On and around there same block were dozens of luthiers. Often off the street via elevator. Carl Thompson and Charles LoBue, Dan Armstrong.
I got an old Gibson Melodymaker (60’s?) and took it to LoBue to exchange the neck pick up with a new humbucker. Charles mentioned he some NOS firebird pickups and suggested the possibilities in installing a humbucker at the neck and a firebird in the bridge position.
I went for it and a few weeks later Charlie called me to let me know it was ready. He excitedly played it over the phone. Amazing sound. Best I ever heard. Yup. I sold it years later! Lol
Manny’s manager Stewart patiently brought up Precision after Precision until I found the Bass I felt good with.
Those were the days. The Street of Dreams!
@@soofitnsexy yeah! IMOP The beginning of the end was Sam Ash. They bought a place next to Manny’s and opened an annex across the street (i think they bought the “We Buy” operation) and ultimately bought Manny’s. Sam Ash presaged Guitar Center.
I think Rudy’s is still there. They have a place downtown. A pretty good place…I think Pensa Suhr guitars was tied in with them…good people.
Dan Armstrong, of course moved to Greenwich Village. For a while a fantastic place. Bill Lawrence worked there.
Charles LoBue (sweet guy and great luthier) and Carl Thompson split up…Carl continued to build basses mostly.
The great thing about most of these places was a no name amateur was treated as if you were an international gold record machine!
There are still some great music stores in NYC but they are scattered around the city.
Have you ever been to Carmine’s he and his apprentice turn out some wonderful Teles that are works of Art.
@@fenatic7484 no. Will check him out. Years ago I bought a Larrivee Bakersfield Tele. Pretty amazing axe!
@@JohnLnyc You will love it! He and Cindy build the most beautiful pieces by hand from real NewYork wood. There is a documentary made there that is well deserved. When they tore down McSorley’s Pub, they got some wood and they worked together to build beautiful Tele with burnt sculpture done and it sounded like a dream! They made everything on premises! That is a doc well worth watching!
@@soofitnsexy The amazing thing was the selection of new and used guitars and basses, amps, drums, keyboards, mics, any musical instrument. Or equipment. All on one block plus luthiers, repair shops it was really mind blowing. There was a real sense of musical community pro, amateur. You could try out stuff without sales pressure. Great street!
Somehow Norm's is my favorite guitar store even though I've never been
That strat tone was magical
I used to work at a pawnshop...the best strat I've ever played was a '58 a fellow would pawn for $150 about once a month. He inherited from from his grandfather who bought it new. The neck was a "Tuesday-Thursday" neck. It was the stratiest strat I've ever heard, magical! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
What kinda neck is a "Tuesday-Thursday?"
@@Mirande62 A non- hungover day, 😂
@@Mirande62 wondering the same thing
And if he had told you the same exact guitar was a 1991, you'd have said it was "ok".
Same. I played a 58 once. It was bell and chime like.
A great job! I’ve got a 54 myself, picked it up at a pawn shop for a broken Univox Les Paul copy and $125 in 1971 still have it today serial number 0260 pick ups by Tadeo Gomez, and wired by Gloria Sanchez, which is the name of my guitar
I’m not a vintage guitar fan normally, but that Strat was badass.
That is NOT how you play in a guitar store. You're supposed to play minor pentatonic scales at finger-blurring speeds and eardrum-rupturing volumes. Show them you're the boss! Tasteful, well-played licks have no place there!
He didn't even play Smoke on the Water or Stairway to Heaven.....
Brilliant comment‼️👏
@@Rookblunder I heard that you have to play stairway to heaven every single time u go into a guitar store... I hear that they will kick you out if you don’t play it....
@@madaxe79 Nah that's worng it's 'Hairway to Steven' that you have to play - whereupon they will take you out back and show you where all the original Gibson modernes are stashed (Norm bought them all at NAMM's used store last year)
Bullshit snobbery.Take a walk.
My very first guitar was a 1954 Stratocaster. From all the Strats I have heard, the '56 is my favorite Stratocaster sound. Been playing 60+ years, BTW. I sold models like that red Fender bass, brand new back in Tallahassee. I sincerely hope Norm is getting better and will soon be back in the store!
"I never use two or four on a strat"
My soul died a little bit when Rhett said that.
Don't show that video to Cory Wong! Never! 😳
I think he was lying a bit.. sometimes you just got to make it quack :)
What the quack is the best bit, I guess some people just don't like crackle.
I never use positions 2 or 4 on my Strat either, it sounds waaaaay too wimpy. I actually installed a 3 way switch on my Strat, that's how much I hate the wimpy 2 and 4 sound.
Gotta have the quack of position 2. And sometimes position 4 sounds mellower than 5 with certain pedals and amps. What is Rhett talking about?!
Ok..two of my usually cringy comments:
1.) Applause. big like & thumbs up for everything on this episode. But especially for Rhetts friend playing that jazz on the B. Kessel prototype!
2.) I visualize Joe Bonamassa already phonecall & right away jumping into his car to get him all those instruments you showed...
@@Halliday7895 Quality reply! 😄👍
Rhett when that Tele came out I fell in love. Awesome sound and awesome playing. I enjoyed the entire video as usual.
Sounds absolutely terrific! Not only the guitars, but the playing, as well!
My uncle only recently sold his 1966 Thunderbird.
This was a fun video. Thank you!
Norm’s is an iconic, amazing store, and the crew is FANTASTIC! Am I credible selection of incredible instruments.
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize..!!!
Looked for you and Phil at NAMM. Missed you guys.
Best wishes and a speedy recovery, Norm.
Rhett...I believe the Strat that you play at the end belonged to my father. He was a musician in the 50's and 60's. When he died he left me the guitar and I had others and didn't bother with it and needed money so I brought it to a consignment shop where it sold quickly and I was told it went to Buddy Guy. I recognized the case and the Fender spanish strings. I remember there was also an Electrovoice micophone I kept in the case but I'm sure that was pulled out of the case long ago. It was cool to see the guitar again after so long.
Thank you Rhett! You have an innate ability
To hear the voice of a vintage instrument
And play the perfect thing to express its
Uniqueness! And I wanted to give a shout out
To Brandon Soriano, he is so articulate
And knowledgeable and you two were
Cracking me up! Last but not least I wanted
Acknowledge Chris Marks, that Gibson
Barney Kessel was singing like a bird
With his sublime playing!
Great job all around!
This is one of those videos I can watch over
And over!
my friend has a 52ish goldtop without the gold cuz he got it at a garage sale for $50. those are good to go to. i also picked up my 67 jazz bass for $40 cuz “ it only has 4 strings”
Rhett’s playing is always so clean… like Tim Pierce, I never hear him flub a note. Enjoy his playing very much.
That was an awesome tour Rhett! Your playing ALWAYS amazes me! Thanks for taking us along!
I bought a 1967 ES 330 from Norm in person. He has the mintest stuff and I hope he is getting well soon.
It's been a good long day Rhett, sit down turn on your channel and you have this, perfect!
So enjoy being along with you and your family, listening/seeing and being educated about Les Paul's and Fenders of the yesterday's.
I miss my 72 strat!
John
Great video! That Barney Kessel sounded incredible... The early LP's are great if you change out the bridge for a MojoAxe or a Glaser. Also, that all rosewood tele is cool but so weird with the finish over the rosewood...like a Rickenbacker.
Hearing that Strat's tone on Rhett doing Little Wing gave me goosebumps. Holy cats! 🔥🤯❤️
P.S. Get better soon, Norm! We love you man!
Me too, wow, the bends never choked out. That is the genuine article.
I'm, personally, sick of hearing anyone that picks up a strat defaulting to Stevie or Jimi. It's a 50's strat, play some Buddy Holly or something from the era!
@@johnpaulpatton9786 Or some Hank Marvin, as you said The Krickets, maybe Richie Valens?
Those artists are 50s. The later stuff is so similar but darker.
Hey MattyK! Been missing you guys during the Gristletime jams!! I catch them after they've aired. Fun, but not the same. 😉 And definitely praying for Norm!! 🙏💖 Hope to catch you all on the flippity flop!! 😁👍🥓🎸
@@Sammywhat Heyo, mate! Hope to see you on the stream sometime soon - cheers
16:22 The employee giving you the tour of the shop is using *devil horns* .....
..... to reference something on a guitar.
Of course he is. haha
What a rockin' dude with an enviable job.
Thanks for the video, Rhett.
The dude giving the “tour” should do guitar of the day for Norm’s from here on out. Fantastic!
I remember when Lemmo took over.
Some things are just hard to say out loud.
He probably can’t play like Lemmo.
Some of them tune and play like magic. It`s a really special thing to get ahold of a magic guitar. You can feel it immediately!
Yes, it's like when Harry Potter picks up the proper wand at Ollivander's.
These shops are a purgatory to rabbit holes (and it's always fascinating).
Ps: just had a random thought about how strange our world is: walking in a street and watching people filming themselves, so actually talking to a piece of plastic/metal/whatever. Hieroglyphs are nothing compared to this mystery that upcoming civilizations will have to solve.
Great video Rhett. That kid from Norman's is a walking encyclpedia. 😅
What an Interesting and Delicious visit to Norman's! Thank You, Rhett! Well done. I was born in 62 and I own a 64 Strat, my Dad bought my Mom, for $150.00. That 56 sure sounded sweet!
you must get a 62
Love that Rhett is as obsessed with that Breakdown riff as I am. Would love to see an episode on Mike Campbell and why he was 100% perfect for Tom Petty.
love the rosewood tele and the strat... such tones
Brandon is really awesome. He is super nice and really knowledgeable 👌🏻.
The way he was handling those axes. It's such a confined space that I was sitting on the edge of the chair and holding my breath at times when he was tossing those axes around. Lol
Me too - waiting for the headstock to hit, perhaps he practices?
@@AndiPicker I'm guessing the space might not be as confined as it seems on camera. Definitely had my heart racing though.
@@nuthinbutlove Plywood parctice prop and a lot of late night training sessions, just in case 🙂
@@AndiPicker 😆😉
Get better soon Norm! We ❤️ you man
Prayers to Norman. God bless all who love great guitars.
Seth Lover first designed the wide-range in the early 60s for Silvertone. They were mini-hums, made by Gibson but never used on a Gibson. I have a pair, put them in a '96 Gibson LP Special. Incredible sound. It is the pickup on the Silvertone played by Chris Issak on Wicked Games.
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize…!!
What a treat! Great video boys. Love hearing Phil talk bass & love hearing Chris play too. You made that strat ring Rhett!
Also: Thinking about Norm , Really Hope he’s Recovering well after all he has been through.. Big Love from The Dodger.. London England 🏴❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏻🌞🌞⭐️🌞⭐️👍🏻🎸
The tele and the strat were great examples of their respective tone. Rhett's playing was, as usual, perfect. When is the UA pedal video going to get posted? I really liked this video.
Mr. Brandon Soriano being on top of the spec checks as always...you should've gotten in on a Guitar of the Day!!!
The '56 Srat sounds killer! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 It's the sound that dreams are made of. 😎
agreed.
As a big history nut I love Brandon’s wealth of knowledge
So cool. I am not a collector and love guitar but my heart is with the bass. What an excellent video showing the guitar history in Norms and some of the gems it has in its store. I was mesmerized watching what rare guitar came up next. Thank you for posting!
Wanted to hear more from Chris Marks. I always enjoy his playing.
Wow, cool to see! I bought my main bass, a messed up ‘61 P-bass, at Norman’s. I was on a school trip from Norway.
It also has the «thumb rest» below the strings - and I use it all the time like Philip showed! I’ve heard it called a «tug bar», which I think makes sense in that context. I like it when playing with my thumb + a bit of picking.
One minute in an already I’ve got serious G.A.S!!
I’m not in the market for an acoustic guitar; I hardly ever play acoustic guitar and I rarely listen to acoustic guitar but I want that Martin …it sounds
F A N T A S T I C!!!
YES!! That Strat sounds crazy good. Bet it feels amazing to play…
What a great stream - love that knowledgeable gentleman from Norms he’s a real find - do more vids Rhett !!!
I want a 7.25 neck Strat again!!! That 56 was it! Ceramics and all, the little bit of buzz on it and the Tele is being used to a 9.5 or flatter, setting up the pickups pole pieces for a 7.25 neck can be hard, and the player attack is delicate. I had a pawn shop special I put together, 57 body and neck 3 way switch but I put locking tuners on and the trem lock and claw was nice and heavy, and nut after lube was fantastic with 9s. I broke my shoulder and arm on my fretting, left shoulder and it grew crooked and I have a torn labrum ligament it really hurts and on my 12 in necks makes my hand go numb. I have a 12 string Epiphone acoustic with a 1 .895 nut, and a worn black Epiphone LesPaul Special I with P90s and 7. Billy Gibbon’s strings and it’s tolerable for a while, but my hand still goes numb. It makes me mad! I had a Left Hook that could kill a bull. 61 years of bare knuckle is not recommended as is throwing 80 lb boxes of beef. Anyway the 57 was a good burst, beautiful in a working class way. But I just remember how a friend who worked on guitar setups and loved Hot Rods likeI did traded wiring it shielding it and of all set the pole pieces that last little bit for that 7.25 neck for me porting a set of 289 heads to use 1.94 5/16 stem intakes and 1.525 11/32 stem exhausts and put them on his 66 289 Mustang that would wind up to 9000 rpms in each gear and live. He drove it for 15 years and sold it. But I got my guitar back and it was the most beautiful thing I ever heard. My fingers moved like magic on it , no fret buzz, and the trem with the lever in your hand while you picked and bent had the best touch just a forearm flex was all the trem needed. Someone stole it. That was between 30-40years ago. My favorite song to play, A Million Miles Away by Rory Gallagher. To get the Sonics . Man. I am done, but if I could ever get another 7.5 radius 50’s neck Strat or aTele. Leo Fender was a genius. His 1950s creations were never bested by anyone and to say that anything has, you are missing out on the sweetest and most powerful instrument ever made. It was an important lesson I have learned and I have seen it over and over. Don’t chase the market, make it chase you. And never forget that this is a musical instrument that when wielded by a musician of the sensitivity and power of a Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, you can unlock its secrets to a magic door that never gets you “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone” integrity. But for another 7.5 radius ‘57!!!
How good is it to go to a music store and talk to someone who knows guitars and is passionate about it!
A friend of mine has a '52 Gold top like the one in the video. It's also light for a LP and you can tell the wood is really dry.
I've lived within 15 minutes of Norms shop for most of my life, and In all of the years I've been playing, I've always been way too intimidated to head over. You guys are living the dream! Thanks for sharing.
I bet it is like Cathedral to music. That is the vibe I get . Some fine Priests!
I’ve only driven by it once when visiting LA from up in Nor Cal… wouldn’t wanna go in and just play Green Day and other pop-punk covers… but I could talk about the history the models and pickups all day
@@johnwanderin3872 If you can afford to pick something up, I'm sure they'd be ok with you playing any songs you want.
@@AudioInstruments my guitar budget is lacking at the moment but I can buy a shirt for sure
Total goosebumps at 17:30...Rhett’s expression change at 18:30...this video is *way* too short!
The only thing missing was you telling us the price of those instruments. 😋
Trust me, you don't wanna know.
you can read the tags on most of them when he was playing them or holding them. 15:38 you can read the tag for the 1956 strat laying in the case, 13:01 for the rosewood tele, 10:27 for the gold top les paul, etc.
A bit of eagle-eyeing on the freeze frame and I managed to get all but 1 of them:
0.52 1946 Acoustic $7,295
1.48 1971 Fender Telecaster bass $6,495
5.22 1928 Tricone acoustic $12,500
5.41 1960 Gibson Barney Kessel $??
9.15 1953 Gibson Les Paul Trapeze tailpiece Goldtop $29,900
12.58 1971 Fender Rosewood Telecaster $28,500
15.38 1956 Fender Stratocaster $35,900
love the strat but my wife would kill me if i spent 35K on a guitar.
That 56 sounds so sweet. Leo was a bloody genius, well him and George Fullerton and Freddie Tavarez. They created in my opinion, the greatest guitar ever.
I would gladly give my first born male child for that Barney Kessel...and he just turned 30.
The Roswwood tele is the BOMB!! Great looking and sounding guitar!
I LIKE your version of Little Wing, Rhett !
Norm's is like being in guitar heaven. One of the best videos of the store I have ever seen. What a delight!
All the Fender stratocasters are awesome from the MIM standards to the MIA pro II Fenders stratocasters
Sure they are.
The best Strats I have ever had were pawn shop basket cases and I love building them back. I love the 7.25 necks ( I wish someone made them to retrofit any bolt on neck, even the Epiphone LP Special I)over the 9.5 ones. Also I don’t feel as bad putting in locking tuners and a dump truck trem block and claw. You can lay it on your fingers and just a little move and it is a Sonny Landreth vibe, or a David Gilmour of a flex and a bend at the same time.
Damn! Dude killed it with the Hendrix sound on that ‘56 Strat.
I’m betting the quality of the ambient background noodling at Norman’s is considerably better than your average Guitar Center.
Guitar center is waaaay better. The repairman. Have 8 hours cer UA-cam certification training. Does Norm have that ????
Aw man, I had a huge smile on my face when you played "She talks to angels" on that resonator 5:00
Paying tribute to the great Mr. Rich Robinson. Well done good sir.
I actually really loved the tone of that rosewood tele.
I've still never played a true vintage strat. Interested in how the radius feels. Sounded phenomenal. I have a 2013 with the fat 50's that as close as I'm getting to 50's strats for now. Bought it new, its been a faithful player for sure. But the radius is 9.5 I think.
Wait until you lay hands on a 7.25! If you have a well setup heavy tremblock, and the nut made for the profile, I would believe it would make you cry! Leo Fender understood ergonomics in a natural genius way. And the pole pieces set exactly to the neck will stun you. Like when David Gilmour plays Comfortably Numb , that is a 7.25 radius at its best!
Did it weigh in, at “not that bad” as well?
I really appreciate Brandon's input on all of his spec's of these gutars.
In one of your older videos you mentioned that people usually gravitate to a vintage style or a modern style guitar, and I always prefer the modern thing. That being said, that tele is SICK looking. That is a vintage guitar I'd love to try out. Very cool seeing the old school 3-way switch on the strat. The middle and bridge pickups in particular sound really good. I'm wondering if anyone has ever compared the "real" vintage gear with the new vintage style gear like the guitars made from Novo? How do they compare in terms of feel and sound? As a non-vintage guy, I know the newer guitars are obviously more reliable, but do they new vintage-style guitars lack the "real" vintage tone people look for?
Andre- I worked on a few Pre-CBS Jazzmasters and Jaguars when they were new; my '07 AVRI Jazzmaster and '11 AVRI ThinSkin Jag are as good. I also have a '19 Les Paul Sixties Standard. It's better than any of the 3 '70s-early '80s Les Pauls I've owned in the past.
The only thing the vintage ones have over the newer ones is all the mojo they've accumulated over the years, and that can only be gotten the old-fashioned way!
@@davehopping7212 I hope you got good money for those 70s and 80s Les Pauls! After all of these years, I've still never played a truly vintage guitar. I def want to experience that mojo for myself one day, but I'd probably go for an old Jag or Jazzmaster. I find those body shapes strangely comfortable.
Good Question 👍
@@BeesWaxMinder I think that the way the vintage guitars are made and the dedication the owners play into them outweighs the reliability of the newer instrument. It is like if you have a choice between Johnny Winters AC30 with a new tight Celestion speaker and new properly made Tubes, and well soldered boards quiet inputs outlets and switches with a good quiet Power Supply, vs the most expensive solid state box with built in boards to make you sound like every great guitarists of the last 70 years. Which would you as an artist working your way through the way to greatnesses choose?
@@BeesWaxMinder Maybe if we ask nicely enough Rhett will make a video about it since he recently got that nice vintage Gibson 😂
Wow! Those are the coolest vintage pieces out there! Amazing ! The Kessel has the best vibrant cherry finish ive ever seen, and the goldtop just looks so clean and classic You guys are so informative and your playing and tone are supurb! Thanks guys and god bless you norm, your the best!
WOW jazz guy really knows how to play, show us more of his playing
I like that you rocked some classic riffs, I need to hear more of them in guitar reviews
Your version of Little Wing is beautiful!
yes - for sure
Godspeed Norm. Hope to see you back in the saddle soon!
Rhett and lemmo in one video is like a cartoon crossover episode 😂
Great playing on that beautiful Strat!
That Fender bass had serious Zombies vibes. Even the time signature on the riff was the same as,"She's not there". That wasn't done on purpose was it Phil?
The Zombies did that song early in the decade, and the Santana Blues Band did it withGregg Rollie and Neil Schon who later founded Journey, I was wrong, I was thinking of Ain’t got no body I can depend on and No one told me about her. The Zombies did it in 1965, and Santana did it on 1977s Moonflower.
Wow guitar heaven. That strat and rose tele are beautiful sounds. I also like tele bass.
I’m in my 50s and I’ve always been a bit suspicious of the whole vintage market… There were obviously some amazing instruments from back then but I think it’s pretty silly to pretend that a lack of tools, understanding, machining abilities, etc. actually lead to a superior instrument than something you could make today. I’ve had those conversations with people of told me that Alder is the only worthwhile Guitar wood, and that nothing sounds like this or that… It’s funny now because I’m old enough to have had some experiences with these instruments so when I meet people today who tell me those type of things, I know they’ve actually never really played any of these instruments or effects or whatever.
I’m not even trying to shit on vintage instruments here, I just want people to be more honest. You may love a 70s muscle car for example but when you try and tell me it’s more fuel efficient or better engineered then a car made in 2020 I’m just going to think you’re dumb. Feel free to just say you love that, and that’s fine. If you want to spent $xxx,xxx,xxx on a 54 Strat then go for it. When you tell me it plays better and is better engineered or has better intonation than a modern CNC’d, PLEK’D instrument, I’m going to roll my eyes.
Just say it’s what you like. That’s fine…
Carbon, please shut the hell up!Thanks
As a cabinet , and furniture maker and museum restoration expert wood broker , and playing guitar since 1968 , I can tell you it has so much to do with the wood , old growth virgin woods are a completely different creature , in the way the work and tonalities , the tools available today can do extraordinary things QUICKLY, but the time , energy and spirit of the craftsman and the players DO EFFECT the instrument. Why are Stradivarius violins still the standard of perfection?
“I just want people to be more honest” = “I’m in my 50s and I’m right.”
Love these vintage tours. That '56 Strat is the same age as me! And it sounds and looks way better than I do after all those years! ;-)
Rhett: “it smells old”
A trained salesman: “it smells vintage”
Yeah he gets on my nerves too.
Well this is definitely the place to go for vintage guitars! Thanks for sharing this video Rhett and great playing too! Over here in Australia and some day I need to come over to Normans shop!
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize!!….
Brian Wilson played bass with his thumb. He even used that hand rest thing.He had to teach himself bass quickly so maybe he assumed this was the proper technique.
The old Gretsch bass I played in the 8th grade bright red, black strings, had a rest on both sides. I played in Stage Band and Jazz Band. I have always had long fingers and strong hands. Back then I even did some Django chords on it. I never learned sight reading, but I loved improvisation, find your spot in the percussion and once in a while throw in a little Stanley Clarke, later I got a Return to Forever album. No bass player is better, and Al DiMeola is a great. But I love so much music from Robert Johnson to you name it. Chording a bass I learned was 2nd to guitar for finding girls. I have been married to the finest for 41 years.
Love your playing Rhett that Stratocaster is from a different Universe the tone is amazing, going to Norms is a bucket list of places you want to visit, something about these older guitars have a certain characteristic it's almost like opening a time capsule, great video really enjoyed !
Did Rhett just say he’s surprised a dark rosewood guitar could sound bright? 😂
Pickups and speakers are80% of tone.
Rhett Shull another great Black Crows song, great playing
Man that strat sounds so good. Love that edge of breakup tone. What amp was it going through?
Looked like a Fender Princeton.
Thanks to Rhett for playing songs we all recognize instead of some mindless runs and fusion stuff nobody can relate to. The Strat blew away the rosewood Tele.