Con permisso,
assuming that by retired you mean over 50 (?), I see it almost insulting to treat a guy like a noob that can't handle buttons. If he has decades of experience with an acoustic - he probably picked up a thing or two or maybe much more than that.
Anyway, his learning curve will be different than a kid's - faster in some aspects, but maybe the opposite too.

Great instruments make everything easier and smoother. He needs to be transitioned, not challenged. In other words- easier for him would be to transform in a linear fashion, according to his already realized talents, and not in steps.
These would be individual, but you want him in as fast as you can.

I say, get him the best instruments money can buy, that he'll feel comfortable with.
Once he gets the hang of it, he will want to get into the intricates of electric gear, at least to a degree, so save him the "beginner's chase".

MIM strat is a good default choice. I touched ones that were good and ones that were bad.
Skip the Champion, please. Choose the amp according to the band's vision and venues.
What's the Reverb situation? A Surfy-Bear kit would be ideal. Easiest choice would be

Make him excited to dive into it full on, with respect to the sound you're looking for to complete your band. No need for compromise this case IMHO, life's short.
Also, from the emotional aspect, one just wants to play more with great gear, and it's a kind of commitment that in your case seems relevant.

Good luck! Sounds like a great opportunity.

Last edited: Apr 12, 2016 16:24:49

Do you have extra gear you can let him borrow? Or at least let him borrow for a little while.

His amp should be in line with yours in terms of power and how loud your drummer hits.

Interesting. Don't think anybody would say a MIM Strat is faux surf. How about a Mustang III? 100 watts and the '63 reverb setting ain't too bad. Thing is, I have no idea what the guy would be willing to spend.

Last edited: Apr 12, 2016 20:30:15

What he said. Always buy used and if you need to think of resale, buy Fender. SF amps are so plentiful and cheap in most urban areas.

casey wrote:

Blackface or silverface vintage, or used reissue, won't depreciate if purchased at a reasonable price. I don't think a rhythm player needs a tank.

Squink Out!

I think some great points have been made here so far.
I'd add that, in the teaching end of things tell him that the melody or lead guitar is the "vocal" of the ensemble. Don't play over the "vocalist" or melody. No melody, no song, no listeners.
This tip has helped a few fill ins for us and even some sound men when approaching how to mic/mix us

and

IT'S NOT THE GEAR! He just needs any guitar or amp that HE can get THE sound.
It doesn't have to be vintage, it doesn't have to be "pro"....etc.

Cheers,
Jeff

http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic

JakeDobner wrote:

Do you have extra gear you can let him borrow? Or at least let him borrow for a little while.

Jake makes a real good point, humanistic, nice guy approach, however, if the applicant doesn't have the gear to audition, what is he doing auditioning for a slot in 1st Wave?

I've taken the "kind guy" approach before with never positive results.

It is akin to auditioning someone who does not know what surf music is, or played Pipeline or Wipeout as a kid, but quickly moved on to Waters, Hendrix, Clapton, Beck, Johnson or whoever.

When seeking a replacement, all of us have, at one time or another, put common sense and good judgement out of the selection calculus, then, a few months later, when finally seeing progress, having fun, that inevitable call comes: "Hey man, I found a band that plays the stuff I really like. Gotta go. Good luck."

Believe me. That call will come. That said, I am not suggesting Jake's approach is wrong.

Geez. This is SO obvious: do whatever to get him in the band. I mean, there is a post in the current main posts list right here on SG101, right now, from someone who lost their ryth, guitarist asking what to do. Do this: Don't treat this music like it's high art or rocket science. Let him play whatever and get going and be thankful someone wants to play this almost extinct, glorified garage band music. Yeah- I said it. I agree with El Greg taking on the comment that MIM Fenders are "faux gear". We have a show this weekend where at some points we will all be playing Squiers- without apologies (through Mustang amps too)! Guess what- NO ONE will know. I know because we've done it lots before. I have USA Fenders, a 60's Fender that never leaves the house, $2,000+ Rics, boutique amps, etc. and we play whatever we feel like whenever we want- sometimes for what color it is. $1,000+ Fender Jag or used $185 Squier Jag? Whatever. Let me say this three times as so many never get it: Tone is in the PLAYER. Tone is in the PLAYER. Tone is in the PLAYER. Or... sit around dead in the water for a few years looking for someone with the "acceptanble" surf gear who will solder in an orange drop capacitor and use the preferred bias with his tube amp or buy a tank because so many bedroom players tell you that's what MUST be done. Just, you know...be MUSICIANS and get out and play.

www.jetpackband.com
https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand

Jetpack wrote:

I mean, there is a post in the current main posts list right here on SG101, right now, from someone who lost their ryth, guitarist asking what to do.

From the same guy interestingly enough.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

I also agree completely with Jetpack. In my profession,"only a poor craftsman blames his tools"....... "JUST DO IT"!

Salud!

Mark

Last edited: Jan 11, 2017 12:09:50