Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: phlip on October 01, 2008, 09:42:51 AM

Title: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: phlip on October 01, 2008, 09:42:51 AM
a 3 parter starts Sunday night
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dyhyt

Cool Bill Bailey is taking part  :D
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Spitfire on October 01, 2008, 10:22:36 AM
awsome, hope its on the iplayer cos i dont have a telly
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Sifu Ben on October 01, 2008, 11:31:09 AM
Me neither, but it's standard programming, so it should be.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Ratrod on October 01, 2008, 12:02:19 PM
Cool! I'll be watching.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: headtheball on October 01, 2008, 12:34:22 PM
'parrently, this might feature clips of little ol' me doing my best rabbit in the headlights on Mastermind.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: dave_mc on October 01, 2008, 04:25:44 PM
^ haha, sweet!

i'll have to remember to watch that. :)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gingataff on October 01, 2008, 05:04:27 PM
Too bad the BBC iPlayer doesn't work if you live outside the UK  :(
I'll have to get someone to tape it for me. Do people still use videos these days?
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: ToneMonkey on October 01, 2008, 06:42:36 PM
Yeah.... Old people  :P
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Will on October 01, 2008, 07:46:13 PM
Too bad the BBC iPlayer doesn't work if you live outside the UK  :(
I'll have to get someone to tape it for me. Do people still use videos these days?

Record on windows media center (.WMV I think) then compress and send.
I am recording it anyway, let me know if you want anything
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: noodleplugerine on October 01, 2008, 11:21:46 PM
I'll be watching dis.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 02, 2008, 07:10:47 PM
I've just set up my new BTvision to record it all. Apparently it's like Sky + but it comes down the broadband.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Kilby on October 03, 2008, 11:49:40 AM
Too bad the BBC iPlayer doesn't work if you live outside the UK  :(
I'll have to get someone to tape it for me. Do people still use videos these days?

The standard stream is about 500Meg (for an hour long programme), so if you really want the program (DRM free) on CD or a DVD
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gwEm on October 06, 2008, 02:16:04 AM
really good watch actually, just viewed the first part.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: WezV on October 06, 2008, 08:22:03 AM
I enjoyed it - definately looking forward to next weeks.. i imagine its all stuff the real guitar geeks amongst us already know but its still nice to see it in a documentray thats done so well

good to see wayne hendersons workshop - all those of you who claim you cant build a guitar because you dont have the tools should take note of his favorite tool!!

the man in the silly hat was a bit strange, when he introduced his girlfriend i couldnt help thinking there would be some parents somewhere who had finally got a clue as to the location of their missing daughter ;)  He sure could play the lute though!!

it will be good to see next weeks and i really hope we get some of the early electrics actually being played
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: AndyR on October 06, 2008, 08:28:52 AM
Yeah I enjoyed it too - and I loved the wayne henderson line when he was describing how he does it: good piece of wood, his little knife, and then "take off all the bits that don't look like a geetar..." :D

Never seen film of Django before - I'm quite tempted to tape up my little finger and ring finger for a bit, looks somewhat easier to play with just the two!!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 06, 2008, 08:30:52 AM
good to see wayne hendersons workshop - all those of you who claim you cant build a guitar because you dont have the tools should take note of his favorite tool!!

Yeah yeah, OK  :oops: :roll: .  To be fair, be did also have a belt sander, a big gadget just for cutting soundholes and a vault of Brazilian rosewood.  Not exactly my kitchen.  He also had, it seemed, a vast amount of time on his hands - not surprising, given that he probably only has to sell one guitar a year to have a very comfortable lifestyle.

Very interesting programme though.  Neither a dry boring documentary nor the usual series of talking heads going "yeah Django was great".
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: AndyR on October 06, 2008, 08:48:44 AM
Hang on, reading Philly's post - have I mixed up Segovia and Django again?? I think I might have done... :oops:

EDIT: Fixed :D
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philosoful on October 06, 2008, 09:11:33 AM
That Rosewood 'wayne hendersons' looked amazing :D*adds to wish/gas list* I wonder how much an average guitar of his costs or if they're all one hundred squillion million dillion dollars.

I asked for pictures of my 8 string Conklin being made a while back (check the display pic!) + took a while to get a reply because Conklin had a film crew filming a documentary apparently which is going to be shown all over the world... COULD THIS BE IT?!?! Electric guitar = next Sunday so :DI just emailed him asking if this is it, I'll let you guys know once he replies, I hope he shows my guitar :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gwEm on October 06, 2008, 10:48:02 AM
I enjoyed it - definately looking forward to next weeks.. i imagine its all stuff the real guitar geeks amongst us already know but its still nice to see it in a documentray thats done so well

maybe we'll know more about the modern instruments to come, but i for one didn't have too much idea about the ancient pre-guitar instruments, or even the 'baroque guitar'. of course django reinhart and the history of martin etc etc was something i knew about, but it was presented in a new way. bert weedon came across really well - still so passionate about the instrument and his playing, never seen an interview with him.

with the guy in the big medieval hat, it seemed more to me like his girlfriend was just shown in a token way, just to make him seem less crazy ;) as you say wez, he definately knew what he was doing with those ancient instruments though.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: WezV on October 06, 2008, 11:15:08 AM
There are two more parts to come so i imagine next weeks will be early electric guitar development hopefully focusing on the addition of pickups and amps... maybe also the other early attempts at making the damn things louder like resonators.

I would imagine conklin would be in part 3 if he was in it... assuming thats going to be modern guitars and new developments like fanned frets and extended range instruments


Philly - the big tools wayne has may help him do things quicker, but all the jobs can all be done with simpler tools and extra patience!  apparently he does about 20 a year.. not a bad income at that rate of production!  I still need to buy his book
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gwEm on October 06, 2008, 11:22:47 AM
did they say they sold one of waynes guitars recently for $300k?

i wonder if steinberger will be mentioned at all. also expecting the next edition will start with resonator guitars.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Ratrod on October 06, 2008, 11:44:59 AM
It was nice to watch.

What really surprised me is that the guitar still has the same function it had centuries ago. A troubadour's instrument. Someone telling a story, accompanied by guitar, capturing (seducing) the audience. Even the strumming and picking technique has remained the same.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 06, 2008, 12:25:14 PM
Philly - the big tools wayne has may help him do things quicker, but all the jobs can all be done with simpler tools and extra patience! 

OK, OK, maybe when I retire!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 06, 2008, 01:56:45 PM
Philly - the big tools wayne has may help him do things quicker, but all the jobs can all be done with simpler tools and extra patience! 

OK, OK, maybe when I retire!

So not long now then... eh Philly?  :lol: :lol: (sorry - cheap shot)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 06, 2008, 02:13:58 PM
So not long now then... eh Philly?  :lol: :lol: (sorry - cheap shot)

Should have seen that coming...  :lol:

Although I'm not quite sure what the retirement age is now (or will be), I think in fact I'm only halfway through my working life... there's a depressing thought.  :(
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: dave_mc on October 06, 2008, 04:21:00 PM
i missed the first 10 minutes... wasn't that fussed on the first half that i saw (seemed to only be worried about using the guitar for serenading, not to mention, why is there always someone in documentaries in silly period clothing? o_O ), but then when it got to the acoustics, it picked up a lot. i guess a complaint would be that, like most modern documentaries, it goes for gimmicks rather than actual good solid info, but it's still far better than no guitar documentary. looking forward to the electrics next week, obviously... :)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 06, 2008, 06:53:41 PM
... wasn't that fussed on the first half that i saw (seemed to only be worried about using the guitar for serenading, not to mention, why is there always someone in documentaries in silly period clothing? o_O ), but then when it got to the acoustics, it picked up a lot. i guess a complaint would be that, like most modern documentaries, it goes for gimmicks rather than actual good solid info

I liked the gimmicks, especially the little historical re-enactments, they were very entertaining.  I think Alan Yentob, as a non guitar player, brought a very different approach to a documentary about guitars.

Much better than Slash sitting in a semi-darkened room wearing sunglasses and mumbling some cr@p he's said a thousand times before.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 06, 2008, 08:31:08 PM
Eric Clapton even had to wait 10 years for a Wayne Henderson guitar. Well that made me chuckle!  :wink:

I enjoyed it. I liked the bit about the barbers and playing an early version of the guitar while waiting for a haircut!

Looking forard to next weeks, about electrics!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: 38thBeatle on October 06, 2008, 08:31:38 PM
I missed it- bah.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 06, 2008, 08:33:31 PM
I missed it- bah.

bbc iplayer mr 38th, you could watch it now!  :D
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: 38thBeatle on October 06, 2008, 08:34:48 PM
Of course-you are a genius Johnny !
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Kilby on October 06, 2008, 11:23:29 PM
I missed it- bah.

bbc iplayer mr 38th, you could watch it now!  :D

Sadly it's not available as a download (yet)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: 38thBeatle on October 07, 2008, 07:18:28 AM
I managed to watch it last night plus a few other things that looked good.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philosoful on October 07, 2008, 10:20:54 AM
That Rosewood 'wayne hendersons' looked amazing :D*adds to wish/gas list* I wonder how much an average guitar of his costs or if they're all one hundred squillion million dillion dollars.

I asked for pictures of my 8 string Conklin being made a while back (check the display pic!) + took a while to get a reply because Conklin had a film crew filming a documentary apparently which is going to be shown all over the world... COULD THIS BE IT?!?! Electric guitar = next Sunday so :DI just emailed him asking if this is it, I'll let you guys know once he replies, I hope he shows my guitar :lol:

Nope, not Conklin :(this is what Bill said (and supposedly this one's going to be shown world wide):

Hi Sam,

 

The show that we are supposed to be included in is called “The Future of Music”. I can tell you that it has not been finished yet and probably won’t air until at least November or December and perhaps not until next year.

 

Best to you,

Bill
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Matt77 on October 08, 2008, 02:42:27 PM
Some of what I presume is the 2nd part of the series is on musicradar at the moment.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/u2s-the-edge-and-his-mysterious-guitar-sounds-176647

It features "The Edge" talking about his guitar.
Unless I'm being stupid and missed it in the 1st one when I was making a brew
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Kilby on October 08, 2008, 04:25:37 PM
Some of what I presume is the 2nd part of the series is on musicradar at the moment.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/u2s-the-edge-and-his-mysterious-guitar-sounds-176647

It features "The Edge" talking about his guitar.
Unless I'm being stupid and missed it in the 1st one when I was making a brew

Hmmm I wonder if they will tell us at what point Dave Evans is explaining his sounds, so I can make sure I'm making a cup of coffee for the whole time he is on screen.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 08, 2008, 04:29:31 PM
Hmmm I wonder if they will tell us at what point Dave Evans is explaining his sounds, so I can make sure I'm making a cup of coffee for the whole time he is on screen.

 :lol: Not a fan of Mr Edge then Rob?
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Will on October 08, 2008, 04:54:09 PM
I think The is actually quite a sophisticated first name.
if my first name was The, it would atleast be amusing
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: phlip on October 09, 2008, 09:00:46 AM
If I ever get to the point where I don't know which guitar is which and need a roadie to stomp and swap leads then shoot me!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Kilby on October 09, 2008, 09:58:22 AM
Hmmm I wonder if they will tell us at what point Dave Evans is explaining his sounds, so I can make sure I'm making a cup of coffee for the whole time he is on screen.

 :lol: Not a fan of Mr Edge then Rob?

I'm afraid not, it's just a case of having heard it all done before (but much better) by the likes of Robert Quine (or John Martin, Gilmour Duretti Column or many others). Playing to the echo repeats was not original in 81 and sustainers where not original in 86.

It's not a technical thing it's just the inability to credit the people he copied that irks me.

Also when their first couple of albums came out I always found the intros to be pretty OK but as soon as the singing started. However I wont even start on the subject of that prat of a singer (who insists on singing about subjects he has absolutely no knowledge of).
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philosoful on October 09, 2008, 12:03:47 PM
To contextualize, I think he's rubbish too :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Kilby on October 09, 2008, 01:07:26 PM
To contextualize, I think he's rubbish too :lol:

Well I wanted to put my case in slightly higher levels than saying

I firmly believe that most of the members of U2 are victims of ritual self abuse, and their legions of fans are sadly deluded regarding any member of the band being the messiah.

Oh arse I failed again
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 09, 2008, 02:06:55 PM
"He's NOT the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: noodleplugerine on October 10, 2008, 10:47:02 AM
"He's NOT the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" :lol:

+1! :D
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gwEm on October 13, 2008, 11:11:05 PM
Didn't seem to be as good this week. Though it warmed up at the end, when the strat stuff came on. I hope next week will be fierce.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 13, 2008, 11:17:11 PM
 :x  Forgot to watch it.  I was watching Jack Frost, which was rubbish.

I should've watched that new Stephen Fry thing too.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Afghan Dave on October 13, 2008, 11:19:54 PM
Didn't seem to be as good this week. Though it warmed up at the end, when the strat stuff came on. I hope next week will be fierce.

+1 - I think they really missed an opportunity on the last show... It lacked pace and focus. Yes Hawaiian guitar was important but not THAT important.

"It is like a finger pointing toward the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory." Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973)



 
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: rohlfo on October 14, 2008, 01:00:23 AM
I admit I quite liked it - ok, yes too much hawaiian guitar, but loads of good facts about blues players (and not just about Elvis, who personally I'm not a fan of), and I now know why everyone wanted a 'red' strat!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Elliot on October 14, 2008, 10:05:49 AM
The Hawaiian stuff is pretty important to the development of the electric guitar as it was partly the basis of Mississippi blues slide and the desire to produce an amplified guitar (i.e. the Rickenbacker frying pan and the Fender lap steels).  Leo Fender, after all, built his first lap steels for the Hawaiian craze.  No Hawaiian guitar, no electric guitar.

I thought Brozman and the interview with Les Paul were great.  Its a shame that they didn't talk to anyone still alive connected with the early days of Fender (like Abigail Ybarra or George Fullerton).  But all in all I liked the 2nd episode.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: mikeluke on October 14, 2008, 12:59:29 PM
I thought that the whole Les Paul thing was a bit odd too. Lots of focus on Les Paul himself but hardly any on the guitar that actually resulted from the story!! As compared to lots of attention on the Tele and the Strat. Perhaps Gibson would not play ball?
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: WezV on October 14, 2008, 03:44:01 PM
I think we needed more on the development of the pickup... they mentioned the horseshoe construction on the frying pan but didnt go beyond that.

i liked the 50's fender factory footage
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: ToneMonkey on October 14, 2008, 05:57:04 PM
Now I know why so many reso's have palm trees on.... actually the missus made that link.

Thought it was quite good, but thought that Gibson mahogany looked a bit light aneamic
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 14, 2008, 06:48:50 PM
I'm really enjoying it. There's a lot of things I've learned about guitars that I never knew. My old Grandma was into this Hawaiian music, this is the first thing I've heard of it for years, I didn't know it was so popular. It all has its place on what we play and listen to now. I loved the Robert Johnson stuff too even though I've heard the story loads of times before, its just a really good tale. Old Hank Marvin was a massive influence on lots of players too because of Cliff...arghhh!  :lol: People I know who don't play the guitar are watching it too and really likeing it, anything that promotes the instrument is good in my book. If it continues to get more popular, coupled with the guitar hero game, those of us without pensions (all of us then) can supplement our meagre state handouts giving guitar lessons on the basics!!  :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: AndyR on October 14, 2008, 06:51:11 PM
I really enjoyed it again. And I was very contented that the Hawaiian stuff was there - they were very important in the development of out beloved instrument (and looking back at the previous week's, the Hawaiian stuff flowed very neatly in the story he's telling), and I've also been thinking for some time that I must learn how to play it - so I might be biased :roll:

I suspect that Gibson and the Les Paul itself might get a bit more attention next week - remember that Gibson couldn't catch a cold on electric guitars (sales/popularity) in comparison to Fender in the late 50s early 60s. And the Les Paul itself didn't really take off until a bunch English chaps started using them in the late 60s for blues rock. The program hasn't really got past the very early 60s yet - the Beatles will have to be mentioned, at least in passing... (sorry Roo :D).

I was well chuffed with the strat stuff though. My #1, "Edith", is a 62 re-issue in Fiesta Red. When my wife offered me a strat 18 months ago, looks-wise I went for the one I wanted in the early 80s. Why did I want it? Because of Mark Knopfler. And why did he want it? Because of Hank :D

I very nearly went looking for a Fiesta red with a maple board instead, because of Hank (I hate gold fittings though...). But I prefer rosewood boards on strats. Imagine my surprise and joy when the clip from the "gig" in the Young Ones shows that Hank is playing "my guitar". Of course, I've seen it many times (sorry again Roo :D), years ago, but I'd never registered that he played a rosewood board as well.

I kind of agree with Wez on the pickup thing... BUT, my missus sat next to me would not - her eyes glaze over every time I try to explain why they work and why they're so amazing (and why I need to buy more guitars to put more of these really good different ones in) :lol:

EDIT: Johnny Mac you posted while I was writing - looks like a few "Sorry Johnny"s might have been in order as well! I love the early Cliff & The Shadows :D - in fact, that film was one of my earliest music influences when I was little (even though it was old hat by the time I saw it)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Elliot on October 14, 2008, 08:13:59 PM
Fiesta Red strats rule - My JV is Fiesta Red and it makes it sound much better for the colour.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 14, 2008, 08:51:29 PM
One of the few guitar-related things I've never once changed my mind about in 30 years is that I can't stand the look of Fiesta Red Strats! 

Other colours go in and out of favour but... I don't know what it is, it just does nothing for me.  Not particularly keen on other shades of red either - although a bound Candy Apple Red Tele can look nice.

Sorry Andy and Elliot!  :oops:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: MrBump on October 14, 2008, 10:37:10 PM
Yeah, I thought it was pretty good.

And Les Paul was pretty damn hot in his day!

(I meant that in an appreciative guitar sort of way, not in a homosexual sort of way.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  Obviously...)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: dave_mc on October 15, 2008, 07:57:07 PM
i liked it. some bits i wasn't as fussed on, as you'd expect, but i'd rather they'd make the documentary, with some not so good bits, than not have bothered at all...
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Twinfan on October 15, 2008, 10:57:17 PM
Les Paul was pretty damn hot in his day!

I've just watched the second episode and thought exactly the same thing!

Being a bit of a guitar anoroak, I've not learnt anything new about electric guitars yet  :oops:

The only fact that made me go 'wow' was that Freddie Tavares played on the Warners Bros into theme!  :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Elliot on October 16, 2008, 02:43:15 PM
I am beginning to think it would be better if they skipped the history part and the granddad guitars and just went onto brutal down tuned metal played on BC Rich's - that after all is what the guitar is for  :D
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 16, 2008, 07:55:58 PM
I am beginning to think it would be better if they skipped the history part and the granddad guitars and just went onto brutal down tuned metal played on BC Rich's - that after all is what the guitar is for  :D

 :lol: :lol: Classic!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Fourth Feline on October 17, 2008, 10:02:53 PM
I am beginning to think it would be better if they skipped the history part and the granddad guitars and just went onto brutal down tuned metal played on BC Rich's - that after all is what the guitar is for  :D

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Priceless !

I was about to say that I was dead chuffed that one of my favourite influences ( B.B. King ) was given good coverage in the second show, but your comment made me laugh ( in a nice way ).  Damm right ; let the guitar mean whatever it does to all of us, no exclusions - for that is what makes our chosen instrument ( and this forum ) so great.

 :)

Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: _tom_ on October 17, 2008, 10:12:15 PM
BBC4 isnt working on my freeview at home :x
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on October 18, 2008, 12:03:36 AM
I am beginning to think it would be better if they skipped the history part and the granddad guitars and just went onto brutal down tuned metal played on BC Rich's - that after all is what the guitar is for  :D

Says the man with 1960s era cybermen in his profile (cant tell if it's Hartnell or Trouton era - piccy is quite small)

Funny as hell though!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Elliot on October 18, 2008, 11:16:08 AM
Its from Tomb of the Cybermen - Starring Troughton, Jamie in a kilt and Victoria in a very short skirt  8)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: gwEm on October 20, 2008, 06:52:32 PM
well the last part was the best, as we expected. i'm left sort of wanting more though, i don't feel it was quite as good as it could have been. would have been nice to have some more hard rock/metal - but obviously thats my personal preference. don't really like The Edge's playing, but his part was quite interesting I thought. maybe my shortening the stuff covered in the second part, and including some of material from this final part, it might have been possible to include some more (well, relatively at least) contemporary artists. it was an entertaining watch though, in my opinion.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: sgmypod on October 20, 2008, 07:03:04 PM
Too much Townsend for me, man he must pray to his good lawyer everyday
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 20, 2008, 07:13:16 PM
Its from Tomb of the Cybermen - Starring Troughton, Jamie in a kilt and Victoria in a very short skirt  8)

I knew a chap who played a Cyberman back in the '60s/'70s - I think the main qualification was simply being tall enough, no acting required.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: dave_mc on October 20, 2008, 07:47:03 PM
well the last part was the best, as we expected. i'm left sort of wanting more though, i don't feel it was quite as good as it could have been. would have been nice to have some more hard rock/metal - but obviously thats my personal preference. don't really like The Edge's playing, but his part was quite interesting I thought. maybe my shortening the stuff covered in the second part, and including some of material from this final part, it might have been possible to include some more (well, relatively at least) contemporary artists. it was an entertaining watch though, in my opinion.

i liked it too, like you would have preferred more hard rock and metal. I thought it was a bit disjointed, though, it jumped about all over the place from genre to genre. was cool that it had vai on it.

that bit with the edge would work for a brilliant parody (if it hasn't been done already): "here's my playing [hits one note], then here it is with my effects [turns on effects, plays entire song]"...

Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: blue on October 20, 2008, 08:06:10 PM


that bit with the edge would work for a brilliant parody (if it hasn't been done already): "here's my playing [hits one note], then here it is with my effects [turns on effects, plays entire song]"...



i've seen that done somewhere, where he was playing then someone turns off his effects and it's like "plink plink plink".

was funny, even though i'm a fan.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Philly Q on October 20, 2008, 08:12:08 PM
i've seen that done somewhere, where he was playing then someone turns off his effects and it's like "plink plink plink".

Sounds like those pisstake Herman Li clips on YouTube with the Super Mario Bros sound FX (or whatever they were).
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: sgmypod on October 20, 2008, 08:12:41 PM
Think was a Bill Bailey does edge thing
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: blue on October 20, 2008, 08:19:25 PM
Think was a Bill Bailey does edge thing

that was it! when i went to see him in Belfast!  was funny  :lol:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on October 20, 2008, 08:32:21 PM
Think was a Bill Bailey does edge thing

that was it! when i went to see him in Belfast!  was funny  :lol:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8EDuK46ZqFM

It makes me laugh a lot!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Twinfan on October 20, 2008, 09:12:30 PM
:lol:  Perfect!

One thing you have to say about Edge though, which I never thought I'd say about a guy is:

" Nice rack  ;) "
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Ratrod on October 21, 2008, 11:20:51 AM
I was a little annoyed by this last episode. Way too much focus on British players. Way too much Townsend who comes across as a pompous @ss. (I think he should get one lash of the whip for every guitar he destroyed)

The Marshall story was bull. Jim Marshall was no 'angry man' and he shure as hell didn't invent the lous amplifier. That was Fender with the Showman amp. None of the complementing Who clips even featured Marshall amps, I only saw Voxes and Hi-Watts. And Townsend claiming before him the guitar was a stoccato instrument is bull too. Blues and rock n' roll players did that before he ever picked up a guitar.

This episode was about the players relation to the guitar. Why all the focus on one of Hendrix' pedals? Because Roger Mayer is a Brit? It wasn't even his most important pedal.

I did like the Edge his view of sound processing. I never looked at that way. I understand the guy a bit better now.

The punk rock mythology annoyed me too. Most of these guys knew exactly what they were doing. All this talk about stolen guitars and no musical theory and ability was just created for the image.

Johnny Marr? Who cares?

They should have interviewed Keith Richards and Ronie Wood and/or the Young brothers. They would have more interesting things to say about the player and his guitar.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: sgmypod on October 21, 2008, 11:34:47 AM
Yeah Townsend...not known for his great use of Marshalls in the early days......and Edge yeah nice rack lot of line6 stuff
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Twinfan on October 21, 2008, 11:44:10 AM
I'll have to disagree with you on a couple of points matey  :)

In relation to the "sound processing" idea, Hendrix's use of pedals was very influential.  No-one had done that before him, only the fuzz and wah really existed up to that point.  The Octavia and Uni-Vibe were brand new inventions that started the who pedal thing off - phasers, choruses, flangers etc all followed.  They are a big part of the history of electric guitar sounds.

Johnny Marr was a very influential guitarist in his day by all accounts.  I never listened to his stuff at the time so I can't say for sure, but I believe he brought melodies back into guitar playing after the punk era.  He's respected by a lot of guys and I thought he came across as a good guy.

I think the last episode moved away from the guitar on it's own, and more about how the combination of guitar/amp/effects can create a whole world of sounds.  It was more of a "sound making" episode.

I will agree that Townsend is a pompous ass :)

And Les Paul isn't really the father of the electric guitar in my eyes.  There were various people working in ideas around the same time that all contributed to it s development:  Les Paul, Adolph Rickenbacker, Leo Fender and Paul Bigsby.

I'll let Les have the multitrack recorder though  ;)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: bgoodman on October 21, 2008, 04:02:32 PM
Didn't it mention that Mr Fender didn't actually play guitar when he first set out? That was in a previous episode though.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: mikeluke on October 21, 2008, 04:37:16 PM
You could rip many holes in it but an enjoyable show nevertheless.

No recent Clapton at all - which was a little odd - but it seemed to be more about the guitar and how this changed music over time, rather than guitarists per se.

Johnny Marr wrote some amazing stuff with The Smiths, especially when you realise that he was only 19 when they got together!
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: dave_mc on October 21, 2008, 04:56:42 PM
Think was a Bill Bailey does edge thing

ah, thanks, i figured it'd been done. :D


I never really liked the smiths, but I'll admit that johnny marr came across pretty well in the program. :)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Elliot on October 21, 2008, 05:54:31 PM
I love what Johnny Marr did/does with the guitar - his use of sound scaping and his chordal knowledge are great guitar pop.  I never really liked the Smiths (although I went to their last gig with my then girlfriend who loved them) as I was into hardcore punk at the time, but Johnny Marr's playing was always inspiring.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on October 21, 2008, 06:38:43 PM
well the last part was the best, as we expected. i'm left sort of wanting more though, i don't feel it was quite as good as it could have been. would have been nice to have some more hard rock/metal - but obviously thats my personal preference. don't really like The Edge's playing, but his part was quite interesting I thought. maybe my shortening the stuff covered in the second part, and including some of material from this final part, it might have been possible to include some more (well, relatively at least) contemporary artists. it was an entertaining watch though, in my opinion.

i liked it too, like you would have preferred more hard rock and metal. I thought it was a bit disjointed, though, it jumped about all over the place from genre to genre. was cool that it had vai on it.

that bit with the edge would work for a brilliant parody (if it hasn't been done already): "here's my playing [hits one note], then here it is with my effects [turns on effects, plays entire song]"...


Here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZuwFqI2EIE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZuwFqI2EIE)
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: Johnny Mac on October 21, 2008, 08:40:32 PM
I really enjoyed it. I think it showed the way Britain embraced the electric guitar and more or less took over.
Pete Townsend is a great musician and song writer in one of the coolest bands in the world. I've seen them live and they're a fantastic band. But we're doing the opinion thing in here at the moment  :P
Johnny Marr and The Smiths, well it's a bit like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. I don't mind them and their song 'How Soon Is Now' does make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. He is very creative. They should have done John Squire from the Stone Roses as he is a quality guitarist too.
I thought it was good, even though they lifted some footage on a documentary on Heavy Metal from the 80's, (The Metallica clips, Ozzy and scenes from Nottingham's Rock City)
It's not going to appeal to everyone as there are so many players and genres to cover. I'm just grateful for the instrument to be in the spotlight for a change instead of rapping, which as you all know is wank.
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: MrBump on October 21, 2008, 08:51:23 PM
I was a little annoyed by this last episode. Way too much focus on British players. Way too much Townsend who comes across as a pompous @ss. (I think he should get one lash of the whip for every guitar he destroyed)

Pete Townsend?  An A$$, Surely not!!!

 :wink:
Title: Re: The history of the Guitar BBC Documentary
Post by: murf58 on September 24, 2009, 09:46:00 PM
Out of interest - does anyone know what song/music is playing on the outro of the 2nd season episode. It is a famous blues piece but I just cannot place it.
It comes on as they commentator starts speaking about what is coming up in episode 3.

Thanks