Guitar "Purists"

rhinocaster · December 19th, 2007, 12:50 PM

This made me laugh so hard it hurt!

A local paper interviewed a Guitar Center manager when the Gibson Robot guitars came out. He referred to people that didn't care for the technology as "Purists!"

I'm a purist because I see no need for a self tuning guitar?

So if I play a Carbon Fiber Parker Fly into a Digital Modeling amp with a wireless system I'm a purist?

Our language seems to change overnight!

mad dog · December 19th, 2007, 02:14 PM

No, that's not a language problem. That's marketing, done poorly, via blame and insinuation.

rhinocaster · December 19th, 2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad dog

No, that's not a language problem. That's marketing, done poorly, via blame and insinuation.

Done poorly or not, they sold out their inventory in no time.

I did read the article in the newspaper instead of on line, so I guess that makes me a news purist!

Pete Galati · December 19th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad dog

No, that's not a language problem. That's marketing, done poorly, via blame and insinuation.

Sound accurate.

The guy's blame and insinuation isn't going to work. I still don't want technology in my guitar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhinocaster

Done poorly or not, they sold out their inventory in no time.

I did read the article in the newspaper instead of on line, so I guess that makes me a news purist!

Those sales were in the bag though.

WickedGTR · December 19th, 2007, 02:33 PM

Robot tuners?

Another gimmick to get you buy their overpriced, under engineered junk.

I am a purist. I only like the good stuff.

Gilamnstr · December 19th, 2007, 02:37 PM

Wow! I'm a purist!

rhinocaster · December 19th, 2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Galati

Sound accurate.

The guy's blame and insinuation isn't going to work. I still don't want technology in my guitar.

Those sales were in the bag though.

I agree that what the manager was trying to say was VERY transparent! But, as far as technology goes, isn't the guitar loaded with it? Geared tuners were modern technology at one point. So were pickups and adjustable saddles. We currently have technological advances to the instrument that are quickly embraced. I don't have a problem with technology.

The self tuning guitar is an answer in search of a question.

Tele Fan · December 19th, 2007, 02:42 PM

Funny, I don't feel pure.

rhinocaster · December 19th, 2007, 02:47 PM

You know, I do get kind of tired of all these guys bringing out their latest "Re-invention of the wheel" guitars that are ugly and toneless and gimmicky and then complaining that guitar players are too traditional.

When did they make the last radical FLUTE advancement?

getbent · December 19th, 2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Galati

I still don't want technology in my guitar.

A guitar is a piece of technology. even acoustic guitars are 'just' technology.

The day that some guy invented frets... that was a pretty major piece of technology... mechanical tuning pegs Whooeeey! intonatable saddles????

Get some fire, get a rope! hang'em then burn'em... Gregorian chants are the only way!

getbent · December 19th, 2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele Fan

Funny, I don't feel pure.

If you'd either pull your pants up or take off your socks it will help!

tiktok · December 19th, 2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhinocaster

When did they make the last radical FLUTE advancement?

Well, to be fair, the flute has been around for a lot longer than the guitar, so it's pretty much settled down. Its acoustic nature also constrains you in many ways that an electric guitar isn't.

woodman · December 19th, 2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele Fan

Funny, I don't feel pure.

tuning your own guitar keeps you pure in heart!

Chris Callahan · December 19th, 2007, 03:15 PM

I could see the application if you use alot of different tunings on an album and want to recreate that timbre in your live performance.
I would just hate to play a Blueburst LP Studio.

blue metalflake · December 19th, 2007, 03:16 PM

All things considered, I'm happy to be pure.

Pete Galati · December 19th, 2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhinocaster

I agree that what the manager was trying to say was VERY transparent! But, as far as technology goes, isn't the guitar loaded with it? Geared tuners were modern technology at one point. So were pickups and adjustable saddles. We currently have technological advances to the instrument that are quickly embraced. I don't have a problem with technology.

The self tuning guitar is an answer in search of a question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

A guitar is a piece of technology. even acoustic guitars are 'just' technology.

The day that some guy invented frets... that was a pretty major piece of technology... mechanical tuning pegs Whooeeey! intonatable saddles????

Get some fire, get a rope! hang'em then burn'em... Gregorian chants are the only way!

When I say technology, I mean more like digital technology. Like anything that involves computers or modeling or tuning systems.

If you want that stuff, fine with me, but my not wanting it hardly makes me a purist. Even though I am to a large extent. I have no qualms about popping humbuckers into a Tele, but they have to have a jack cup. Out of tradition. So there's a fair amount of purist in me, but not wanting a guitar that tunes itself has nothing to do with it.

The level of technology I want in guitars was already being used by the mid '50s.

Tele Fan · December 19th, 2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

If you'd either pull your pants up or take off your socks it will help!

Never!

getbent · December 19th, 2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Galati

When I say technology, I mean more like digital technology. Like anything that involves computers or modeling or tuning systems.

If you want that stuff, fine with me, but my not wanting it hardly makes me a purist. Even though I am to a large extent. I have no qualms about popping humbuckers into a Tele, but they have to have a jack cup. Out of tradition. So there's a fair amount of purist in me, but not wanting a guitar that tunes itself has nothing to do with it.

The level of technology I want in guitars was already being used by the mid '50s.

Pete, I get you... my point is just that the telecaster was as heretical to a lot of people as the new 'technology' back in the 1950's. People scoffed and laughed at the telecaster as much (if not more) than the self tuning Les Paul or the variax type stuff.

Nick JD · December 19th, 2007, 07:16 PM

I'm glad Gibson invented the Robot Guitar. If I ever go deaf I'll get one.

JStella · December 19th, 2007, 07:16 PM

I'm not interested in buying one, but I do play several tunings and if one fell in my lap I'm guessing it would become a very well played guitar. I'll bet I would decide I liked the finish as well (I have only naturals and traditional bursts on guitars I've picked out). I don't like being sneered at as a "purist" but I'll bet it's a pretty great guitar.

Just wait 'til piezoelectric technology advances to the point they can make strings out of it. No tuners - just voltages running into them... Damn - I should run and patent that :)

- Josh

PS> I've been trying LP style guitars as I've gotten GASsy for them lately. A/B ing them against my Casino and my Tele I just don't hear what they have to offer. The tele is the most versatile guitar I've ever played. I always thought they were "country only" with a little punk on the side, but they have most tones I want in there if I work at it. Glad to not have the GAS!!

tele12 · December 19th, 2007, 10:42 PM

I like the idea of the self tuning guitar a lot.

Here are your options:

1. Tune between songs annoying the audience and slowing down the pace of the show. Worst for the audience, cheapest for the guitarist.

2. Have a guitar tech tune another guitar offstage and switch guitars between songs. Better for the audience, very expensive for the guitarist.

3. Get the self-tuning guitar. Best for the audience, in the long run cheaper than a roadie.

tjalla · December 19th, 2007, 10:54 PM

4. Play a tele that holds its tune:) Best all around!

Oster · December 19th, 2007, 10:55 PM

Go Gibson! Neat invention (honestly).

Hilarity could ensue if the system went a little bonkers mid-show, though...

rhinocaster · December 19th, 2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

December 19th, 2007, 12:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,144	Guitar "Purists" This made me laugh so hard it hurt! A local paper interviewed a Guitar Center manager when the Gibson Robot guitars came out. He referred to people that didn't care for the technology as "Purists!" I'm a purist because I see no need for a self tuning guitar? So if I play a Carbon Fiber Parker Fly into a Digital Modeling amp with a wireless system I'm a purist? Our language seems to change overnight! __________________ Just because I "Don't" get it doesn't mean I "Won't" get it!

December 19th, 2007, 02:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
WickedGTR Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hillbilly Hollywood Posts: 2,050 4 Photos	Robot tuners? Another gimmick to get you buy their overpriced, under engineered junk. I am a purist. I only like the good stuff. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/jameswilsey

December 19th, 2007, 02:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gilamnstr Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southern CA Age: 45 Posts: 470 6 Photos	Wow! I'm a purist! __________________ Mac

December 19th, 2007, 02:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tele Fan Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville, Ky Age: 29 Posts: 826	Funny, I don't feel pure. __________________ Life is better when you just make it up as you go along.

December 19th, 2007, 02:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,144	You know, I do get kind of tired of all these guys bringing out their latest "Re-invention of the wheel" guitars that are ugly and toneless and gimmicky and then complaining that guitar players are too traditional. When did they make the last radical FLUTE advancement? __________________ Just because I "Don't" get it doesn't mean I "Won't" get it!

December 19th, 2007, 02:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
mad dog Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 677	No, that's not a language problem. That's marketing, done poorly, via blame and insinuation.

December 19th, 2007, 03:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
Chris Callahan Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson AZ Age: 43 Posts: 415	I could see the application if you use alot of different tunings on an album and want to recreate that timbre in your live performance. I would just hate to play a Blueburst LP Studio. __________________ Chris

December 19th, 2007, 03:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
blue metalflake Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ireland Age: 54 Posts: 2,274 10 Photos	All things considered, I'm happy to be pure.

December 19th, 2007, 07:16 PM	#19 (permalink)
Nick JD Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: North NSW, Australia Age: 35 Posts: 1,768	I'm glad Gibson invented the Robot Guitar. If I ever go deaf I'll get one. __________________ It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up. W. Somerset Maugham

December 19th, 2007, 07:16 PM	#20 (permalink)
JStella Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shepherdstown, WV Age: 37 Posts: 490 14 Photos	I'm not interested in buying one, but I do play several tunings and if one fell in my lap I'm guessing it would become a very well played guitar. I'll bet I would decide I liked the finish as well (I have only naturals and traditional bursts on guitars I've picked out). I don't like being sneered at as a "purist" but I'll bet it's a pretty great guitar. Just wait 'til piezoelectric technology advances to the point they can make strings out of it. No tuners - just voltages running into them... Damn - I should run and patent that :) - Josh PS> I've been trying LP style guitars as I've gotten GASsy for them lately. A/B ing them against my Casino and my Tele I just don't hear what they have to offer. The tele is the most versatile guitar I've ever played. I always thought they were "country only" with a little punk on the side, but they have most tones I want in there if I work at it. Glad to not have the GAS!!

December 19th, 2007, 10:42 PM	#21 (permalink)
tele12 Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NY Posts: 526	I like the idea of the self tuning guitar a lot. Here are your options: 1. Tune between songs annoying the audience and slowing down the pace of the show. Worst for the audience, cheapest for the guitarist. 2. Have a guitar tech tune another guitar offstage and switch guitars between songs. Better for the audience, very expensive for the guitarist. 3. Get the self-tuning guitar. Best for the audience, in the long run cheaper than a roadie.

December 19th, 2007, 10:54 PM	#22 (permalink)
tjalla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,529 7 Photos	4. Play a tele that holds its tune:) Best all around!

December 19th, 2007, 10:55 PM	#23 (permalink)
Oster Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melonville, Ontario Age: 38 Posts: 2,471	Go Gibson! Neat invention (honestly). Hilarity could ensue if the system went a little bonkers mid-show, though... __________________ "The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake those, you've got it made." - Groucho Marx

December 19th, 2007, 10:57 PM	#24 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,144	Quote: