John Mayer's new toys.......

[ntasca]

Was just doing a bit of cruising around the net this evening and came across this - thought you might be interested in seeing what John Mayer got for Christmas!

http://www.fender.com/freestuff/johnmayer/

His new CS "Try!" Strat. I've been slowly putting a reverse headstock strat together, now that this is out, every kid (and his girlfriend!) will want one. Grrrr

The other toy seems that John Mayer has copied our other dear friend Mr Clapton and gone for a Crash decorated Strat. Certainly doesn't look half as cool as Mr Clapton's though!



Bit of info here on it http://www.modernguitars.com/CRASH/archives/000667.html

I've been doing some listening to the John Mayer Trio CD and seem to be in a bit of two minds about it. Sometimes i love it, sometimes hate it. Above all though, it's put me onto the path of trying a few different things on the guitar, and certainly pushed me over the line to try and get into a gigging band here in city (only been in this city a short while)

Anyhow.......

[GUITARmole]

WOW!!! That guitar is as beautiful as John Mayer's lyrics (sarcasm intended)...in other words it makes me feel kind of sick like I could puke.

[5965]

Ex-Hendrix guitar body:

http://www.emplive.org/images/visit/...ratocaster.jpg

[3StringGuitar]

Meh stick with the reverse head stock. I used to play a Squier Jagmaster and we got labeled grunge, altho we played ska go figure. People will think what they want to think reguardless of what you're playing.

[tazzboy]

Originally Posted by 5965

Ex-Hendrix guitar body:

http://www.emplive.org/images/visit/...ratocaster.jpg

Yeah that was the guitar he used at Montery Pop Festival. He didn't actually own it was Pete Townsend guitar and Hendrix swipe from him paint and then did the deed to it.

[5965]

If you mean the well-known one he burned at Monterey, emp says that was this one.

http://www.emplive.org/images/explor...erey_strat.jpg

[Gearjoneser]

I bought the new John Mayer Trio CD last week, and have been listening to it in my truck everyday. It's actually a fine CD. I dunno why, but John Mayer seems so easy to dislike, but you gotta admit, he's a real musician, and the kid can play. I like his new direction, moreso than his debut pop stuff.

That multi-colored strat thing looks awful, in my opinion.
I hate Claptons guitar too. I guess I'm a tradionalist, and much prefer Blackie, and John Mayer's sunburst sig strat.
That's actually a really well designed strat!

[ntasca]

I agree, that Crash strat certainly is ugly. Clapton's i think is ok, but that one

I'm quite a fan of his new CD too, but as i said, some of the songs don't do much for me. I agree though that this new direction he has taken is a great step forward over the pop stuff of the first 2 albums.

The thing that really switched me onto his blues based playing was the single song spot he did on the Clapton "Crossroads" DVD - the jammin part prior to actually starting the song. I know a lot of his licks are stolen, but listen to what JJ Cale says on the DVD in an interview, "I'm here to try and steal some licks off these guys"

[Dennis68]

Anyone who is a DirecTv subscriber, you can cath The John Mayer Trio on Ch. 124 all weekend for Free.

[Greg M]

I saw that free concert this morning Dennis and it was pretty damn good IMO. Mayer had such smooth tone on his guitars and the other members of his trio were really smokin'. I saw him do a song on Letterman a while back with the trio, and now that I've seen this show I've got to get the disc.

But man oh man, do I get tired of hearing the fruitless and pointless bashing of this guy. People who dismiss Mayer because women like him or because he hasn't invented his own genre of music (!?) are really doing him and themselves a disservice. So he stole some blues licks. Who hasn't? Clapton did, Hendrix did, SRV did. hell, even Robert Johnson did. I still like all of those players and would wager they were pretty popular with the chicks too. But can we please step into the present and appreciate some new music for God's sake?

And if we can't, can we at least not chime in with the obligatory "his solos are weak/his voice is whiny/he steals licks" comments every time the guy's name appears in a post? Don't complain about a musician's lack of originality if you can't muster a little originality in your constructive (or not) criticism of them.

Way too many green-eyed monsters around here. On ESPN, they talk about player-haters. Around here, we've got Mayer-haters I guess.

A suggestion: If you hate John Mayer for whatever reason, that's your right. But do the rest of us a small favor and IGNORE POSTS THAT MENTION JOHN FRIGGIN" MAYER! It will only benefit both sides of the discussion.

Rant over. Back to copying Hendrix licks I go :P .

[Colo Springs E]

Originally Posted by Greg M

And if we can't, can we at least not chime in with the obligatory "his solos are weak/his voice is whiny/he steals licks" comments every time the guy's name appears in a post?

....don't have so much to say about his guitar playing--I'm sure he's a real gem--that frikking voice has go to GO.

I can't reach for the radio knob quickly enough when I hear that whiney-assed voice of his.

Sorry if my comments bother you, but this is a discussion page. I hate every song I've ever heard by him, that's my contribution to this discussion. Don't like it? Don't respond!

-Eric

[Dennis68]

I tend to understandand the argument on both sides of the aisle regarding Mayer's sound. I will say this though, I truly enjoyed watching that Trio concert the night before last that is being aired on DirecTv. It was a very entertaining show by my deduction. But to each their own...

[Greg M]

Originally Posted by Colo Springs E

sorry if my comments bother you, but this is a discussion page. I hate every song I've ever heard by him, that's my contribution to this discussion. Don't like it? Don't respond!

-Eric

It doesn't bother me when someone disagrees with me bro. It bothers me when people who have heard one or two songs (or none at all) from someone completely write them off as a hack or unoriginal or whatever. Many, many people are totally opposed to hearing anything new. I'm sure we all know a few.

You told me what you don't like about him. That's great. It's an opinion that's based on your dislike of something--in this case, his voice. Then there's those who say "his solos are so lame and unoriginal, I hate him". That is more like what I was aiming at.

I do like how you responded to my suggestion of ignoring Mayer threads because you don't like him: "sorry, can't oblige". That's choice stuff.

[lchyi]

I get flamed for this at HC and I'll probably get flamed for this here.

John Mayer has love for music. He loves what he does and in many, many respects would be like a typical forum browser like you and me here. He's a gear head, he's a guitar freak, and from what I hear, he's a killer guitar player and songwriter (opinions on this will differ but you have to admit he's better than your average joe).

He'll be around and be one of the most influential guitar players of this decade and if he keeps going at this pace, the next decade as well.

[Mark Davis]

http://music.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=405816

Go down to near the botton of the page and you will see some vids.

[Triple Threat]

thanks for the link Mark. Cool to see his playing a 335 on the song Try

[Colo Springs E]

Originally Posted by Greg M

I do like how you responded to my suggestion of ignoring Mayer threads because you don't like him: "sorry, can't oblige". That's choice stuff.

....You can't follow your own advice. You had the option of ignoring my post, no?

[tweeddeluxe]

This thread took a nose dive fast. Let's see if we can salvage it.

Thanks to Mark Davis for posting the link to the live Mayer concert and letting the music speak for itself. But for those too close-minded to give it a listen I'll put in my $.02. Despite it being hosted by AOL, it has great quality sound; decent, but not great video quality; and some damn fine musicianship; nice song selection; and nary a whine (no cheese either, thank you) that I could find.

I encourage all John Mayer bashers to check this link out. I should also point out that I too am one to quickly turn off his pop emo pablum on the radio, but this stuff bears no similarity to the tunes he made a mint from pandering to his teenybopper fans. And you can understand the lyrics!!

Sure, there's not a lot of originality, but wtf, who doesn't sound like somebody else as Greg M so aptly stated. In his playing and singing I hear a lot of SRV, some Robert Cray, BB, etc. And with a rhythm section consisting of virtuosos Pino Palladino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums, how bad can it be?

It's nice to hear music of this quality from a mainstream pop radio artist. I get the sense that this is the stuff he wants and likes to play, but until now couldn't for economic reasons. You gotta give him credit for his business sense. I hope this cd soars up the charts.

PS, I still can't watch his facial contortions when he sings at times. So what; I can't see him in my car.

Still, a nice puff of fresh air.

Tom

Sha do be...

[TDPRI]

He may not be everyone's cup O'tea but I've seen him live twice and would jump at the chance to do it again. I really like his songs, his playing, his voice and his nice-guy persona.



Don't exactly know why folks dis him so much. But luckily it takes all kinds to make the worhl dough round.

Paul Green

[Dennis68]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Don't exactly know why folks dis him so much. But luckily it takes all kinds to make the worhl dough round.

Paul Green

Here's another way to look at John Mayer: I've heard the comment once that he represents more of the image of the average person than someone who is seemingly "star-orientated", and that reflection places him at a closer elevation to onlookers for more scrutiny. After thinking about that viewpoint, I tend to agree with it more and more.

I would not pass by one of his concerts either...

[3StringGuitar]

Yeah, I think he's good for what he does. He's a really funny man too, he had the "John Mayer Show" on like VH1 I think it was for a month or so. He'd do goofy little skits like dress up in a bear costume and interview fans in the parking lot before a show and rip on himself, he's mispronounce his name and point out how he copies everyone. I got respect for what he does but I'll be honest, all the teeny-booper girls do turn me off of his music though.

[Smokin' Joe Picante]

I actually like the "Crash" graphic, but wearing The "TRY" guitar would look like you're wearing a billboard. No thanks.

I said it before the album came out. and I'll say it again... It's going to be really interesting how many "haters" change they're tune about Mayer with this album and tour. I've always dug his stuff, and he can definitely play, write, and sing in my book.

Another point: What his detractors often miss is just how very many kids (and adults) he's turned onto playing guitar, and good guitar playing. Those youngsters who dig him and get into his vibe may just start to get into other young blues contemporaries, and better yet, people like Buddy Guy, Clapton, etc. because that's the company he keeps. Obviously he's had an impact. Enough so for Fender to put out a couple signature models with his name on them. Believe me, they expect to sell a lot more than a couple, and certainly not just to "starry eyed girls" at their asking price for that guitar. They know he reaches a LOT of real players.

[andy__woods]

I like John Mayer first off. I have most of his CD's and don't mind his voice at all, I think it's unique. He's a great guitarist, no matter what style you like. If anyone is up for a great show, check out the CMT Crossroads of John Mayer and Brad Paisley. He's a great player, and fun to watch, except for his facial expressions, those drive me nuts too.

Oh, and for what it's worth, I've got the Try! cd, and love it. It's very different from his other stuff, and loaded with great guitar playing

[Heather Anne Peel]

Originally Posted by webmaster

He may not be everyone's cup O'tea but I've seen him live twice and would jump at the chance to do it again. I really like his songs, his playing, his voice and his nice-guy persona.



Don't exactly know why folks dis him so much. But luckily it takes all kinds to make the worhl dough round.

Paul Green

You have summed up what I like about John Mayer very succinctly. He is also turning a lot of people on to blues guitar, which can ONLY be a good thing these days!
8) Heather

[GopherTele]

I could care less about the larger sociological consequences of what someone's guitar playing will bring about.

In other words, if he encourages more kids to play blues--well that doesn't mean a whole lot to me.

What I do care about is how the dude sounds and to me and many others he is just rehashing SRV.

Yes, he MAY grow out of this and do something a little more original later, but for now he's rehashing and even goes so far as to copy the SRV faces when he solos.

THIS is the objection. Not that he is too cute, or too popular or whatever.

[Stratosaurus]

Originally Posted by GopherTele

...but for now he's rehashing and even goes so far as to copy the SRV faces when he solos...

You make some interesting points. But I'd like to add that he was making those faces when he was doing his pop stuff too.

And in at least one interview he has stated that his expressions are not intentional. And that he cringes when he watches himself play on a TV screen. I believe he said something like "I don't mean to make those faces. It just happens. If I try not to do it, I make even sillier expressions. So I don't do anything about it."

[Cat]

See this is where I come from with Mayer:

I am 21 and I guess Im a bit unusual because I came up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Cream, The Who, The Stones etc exclusively. When I was younger MC Hammer was all the rage but I never got into that stuff and I was just a bit too young to listen to Nirvana.

My point being, when I hear Mayer I feel a little ripped off. Now just judging by his playing he is just discovering or has just discovered Hendrix. This is made evident by the ways he covers Hendrix ie: he seems to miss the "feel" and the "spirit" of Hendrix all together. He plays Hendrix more like the Police would play Hendrix than anyone else.

Now why am I saying all of this? Reason being that while he is a fantastic guitarist and obviously a huge Stevie Ray Vaughan fan who I think really "gets" SRV's music, he all of a sudden plays a few Hendrix covers, plays them terribly and starts talking about how he's a huge Hendrix fan and the media pick it up and run with it and all of a sudden "John Mayer Is The New Jimi Hendrix".

Now this is bull**** because while he is a very talented pop songwriter and a talented guitarist he still lacks the "feel" and "spirit" that needs to go into the blues. That said he totally has that feel and spirit in his pop songs but his blues are just dry imitations of other guitarists.

Now if you are saying "oh well at least he brings the blues to a younger crowd" my question is:

1. Well the blues he is bringing is lacklustre and boring which does a real dis-service to the genre so would you have young kids think that Mayer is all that blues has to offer?

Also, how many other young and extremely talented guitarists out there are playing great blues and are really capturning the emotion and the spirit of the blues (I promise I wont say "spirit of the blues again :D )?

Joe Bonamassa kicks Johns arse at guitar, yes thats what I said, kicks Johns arse on the guitar and plays the blues about 100 times better than John Mayer. Now he doesnt write pop songs like John does dont get me wrong, John takes just about anyone there but if you are looking for a new young face in blues guitar look to Joe not John.

Now I guess to sum up I must say that I am a John Mayer fan. Ive been to a few concerts and even attended at TV show that he was interviewed on. But I just have to say that his album "Try" is really lacklustre and doesnt capture the best of the blues by any stretch. It is clearly a form that he doesnt quite understand yet and definitely not his strong point. I think the guitar based pop/rock of Heavier Things is where he is best because he can combine his fantastic songwriting ability with great guitar work but the all out "blues" thing just doesnt work.

Finally: He is not the ****ing saviour of guitar!!!

Cat

Just gotta add:

1. I apologise for the rant its just that I have alot to say on the topic

2. I feel that my criticism of John Mayer is valid and based on fact and directed at his music. Please note that I did not talk about how I think I am better than him or that I dont like his hair or that I dont like the guitar strap that he uses. I aim my criticism at his music and I criticise the media for the way it portrays him and its obvious ignorance of blues and guitar based music (I am not blaming that part on Mayer). I just feel that he is trying to go places that he doesnt have the talent to go at the moment, maybe he will in the future, but not now and the media just seems to go with it and doesnt check him on it which just highlights their ignorance.

[billygoat]

Well, I'm a couple years older than you...Old enough to have seen nirvana live when I was in highschool. And i am a huge srv fan. And I like the new JM album for the same reason I like Doyle Bramhall II's last effort so much. Using the blues idiom in a rock format. Well.

Sorry all you fans, I can't listen to Kenny Wayne Sheppard, doesn't float my boat. Same old, same old. But I think On Try! John Mayer's take on an old form is pretty good. it's not purist and that'll upset some, but I'm loving it.

As for the playing. He has hendrix's broken chord rhythms down. Listen to Another Kind of Green ...love that tune. Well played.

I'll jump on the unpopular side. I like it, and I think it's legit. He's playing what he likes, and it shows.

[Billy Claire]

I just listened to Mayer on Leno last night and on Ellen today. Fender must be so proud of him. They put out a Mayer sig guitar and he's on the tube playing a Hendrix... nice job of promotion.

He epitomises the reasons why I don't play a Strat anymore. He was so sloppy, had nothing new to offer, and sounded like a bad night at the blues jam to me. Pino and Steve looked like they were trying to maintain a high profile- that's the only reason I can see them playing with him.... and what a waste of a couple of Dumbles, too. Horrible Strat tone...

I tried to have an open mind... but his playing and sound made my skin crawl. Give me a Tele anytime over that...

Billy

[tazzboy]

The song that he was doing on Ellen was basically trying sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Not every good at all. I know that SRV used One with Dumble Overdrive special for Texas Floods and the switch the Steel String Singers afterwards.

[shakedancer]

If I want to hear Hendrix, I'll listen to Hendrix. If I want to hear SRV, I'll listen to SRV. If I want to hear the Blues, I'll listen to Muddy, Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmie Rodgers, Sonny Boy etc., etc., etc..... If I want to hear a John Mayer, I'll go down to the Blues Jam on Sunday. There are a ton of them there. But one thing no one can deny about John Mayer, he's laughing all the way to the bank!!!! 8)

[rand z]

i dont know...

im not a big john mayer fan or even a pop muisic fan, anymore.

but, i am familar with some of his work and can see the value of someone who obviously loves guitar and music and is contemporary enough to pull a young audience into some decent material (and guitar).

he'll probably mature into a really great guitarist and keep the instrument we all know and love on the airwaves (or satellite waves), and in front of people, for a good long time to come...

and, IMHO, there's really something WONDERFUL about that.

rand z - tropicalsoul.net.

[mardin]

His interview in Guitar Player magazine this month suggests he knows he's not God's gift to blues guitar, but he likes to play it, and he knows he's copying SRV, but he sees it as keeping this kind of music out there and being heard. I really don't see what's so objectionable about this.

For a major selling Grammy winning artist to put out a blues-trio record suggests he is taking chances. There's just no way the company encouraged him to go in this direction. They probably told him it's a career killer.

On the other hand, some of his comments suggest he is still a young man, one who thinks his opinions are highly valuable because he has them. Well, no.......

[mojocasterman]

The problem w/ John Mayer is that, on top of being insufferable, he is trying way too hard to be EC and SRV. Bottom line: he's bound to fall short on both accounts. He might as well go back to being himself. At least he was successful then.

This said, the other musicians in his current trio absolutely rock, especially Palladino.