ChadShivers
Joined: Sep 07, 2010
Posts: 560
Atlanta
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 11:31 AM
I was listening to a couple of new releases from 2016 yesterday (thanks to Hunter for compiling a fabulous list!) and heard the mark of one of my personal heros, Ivan Pongracic of The Madeira/Space Cossacks, and it got me thinking. Who are the most influential surf guitarists of the modern era? Those whose playing can be heard in others. In addition to Ivan, I of course hear Brian Causey aka Star Crunch of Man or Astro-man?, Danny Amis/Eddie Angel of Los Straitjackets, and to a much lesser extent Jim Thomas of the Mermen.
— The Squares - 1995-2002
The Mystery Men? - 2012-
MOONBASE - 2012-2017
The KBK - 2017-2022
The Frigidaires 2021-
Southern Surf Stomp!
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crumble
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 01:16 PM
In terms of sheer performance Alex Faide (Los Twang! Marvels) must come near the top. He may not have had the benefit of a blank canvas like some of the early pioneers but It would be hard to deny his modern day composing skills.
Last edited: Jan 13, 2017 13:18:57
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remora1
Joined: Jan 04, 2008
Posts: 1278
San Pedro, CA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 01:23 PM
John Blair pretty much laid the groundwork for me and he's still killin' it. Does 2nd wave count as the modern era?
Right up there also is John's Nightriders bandmate and Slacktone guitar master Dave Wronski.
— Bill S._______
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stratdancer
Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2537
Akron, Ohio
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 03:24 PM
All of the above would be at the top of my list and add Shigeo Naka plus Lorenzo and Martin Cilia. This list will get pretty huge. There are a ton of great surf guitarists playing and they all influence!
— The Kahuna Kings
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447
https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases
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shake_n_stomp
Joined: Jan 09, 2014
Posts: 620
Vancouver BC
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 04:06 PM
I don't listen to modern surf too much as I am still having fun mining the first wave, but the guitarists my ear gravitates to are Danny Amis and Jim Thomas (what can I say?...it is the old Pink Floyd fan in me that loves the stretched-out jams and atmospherics).
Dave Wronski and Ivan Pongracic play exciting, tuneful guitar and I have to explore their recordings more.
I listened intently to the entire NSSR Top 101 Surf Revival countdown and I have made some notes of who I need to look into.
— Lorne
The Surf Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfShakers
Vancouver BC Canada
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The_Evanstones
Joined: Nov 02, 2016
Posts: 17
WA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 04:54 PM
These guys have been out for a while. But in terms of 2016 releases "Stompin' Garage", Frankie De La Torre of the Volcanics has some impressive chops. There's a video of them at Surfer Joe on youtube. You can hear some Paul Johnson in his style.
— the-evanstones.bandcamp.com
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bigtikidude
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25681
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 05:46 PM
Dave Arnson and 2nd guitarist at that moment
From the Insect Surfers.
— Jeff(bigtikidude)
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SilverFlash
Joined: Jul 14, 2015
Posts: 478
Near Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 06:15 PM
Great question, Chad. You were Dave's 2nd guitarist for the Insect Surfers' show in Atlanta, so I agree with what bigtikidude said. 
I agree with everyone mentioned so far, but if there can be only one, my Highlander is Ivan Pongracic.
— -Tim
MyYouTubeChannel
My Classic Instrumental Surf Music Timeline
SSS Agent #777
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11075
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 06:30 PM
Everyone mentioned is tops on my list. Especially Ivan, I'm still awed by his talent.
Phantom Frank is one of my big heroes. Not for his technical ability (which is great) but he really digs in and plays with great feeling, accomplishing so much with relatively simple parts.
Also both guys in Laika and the Cosmonauts Matti and Mikko, everytime I listen to them I get blown away.
And of course Dalibor and Dinko from The Bambi Molesters.
Sensing a theme here? It's not all about flashy playing, as much fun as that is. It's creating a identifiable style and the full package of great chops and really good songwriting.
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
Last edited: Jan 13, 2017 18:31:52
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The_Cholla
Joined: Jan 21, 2015
Posts: 191
Newport Beach, CA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 06:42 PM
Oleg Gitarkin from Messer Chups is also unbelievable, such a unique style ! He is the master of vibrato, I was fascinated by its way of keeping the bar in hand while playing and never sounding off-key. Plus he is a genius when it comes to composition.
— Yannick
Lead Guitar in Blackball Bandits : https://blackballbandits.bandcamp.com/
Solo project : https://thechollasurf.bandcamp.com/releases
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19335
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 06:44 PM
Not mentioned so far: Evan Foster (Boss Martians) and Frankie Blandino (The Fathoms).
— 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
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kruelkats
Joined: Mar 26, 2012
Posts: 206
Bogor, West Java
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Posted on Jan 13 2017 10:25 PM
I'm gonna add Bill from The Reluctant Aquanauts and Fjellgren brothers from The Surfites
— Umar
The Mentawais
The Rentones
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crumble
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 05:07 AM
John Oceanic - Bang! Mustang!
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Clarry
Joined: Oct 01, 2014
Posts: 519
Streatham, London
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 07:09 AM
You're all heroes. For keeping the music alive and getting up there and doing it.
I'm starting a surf band for my 50th in June. I'm sharing lead with a friend who has played in front of 5000 as part of the Therapy backline. But he said sat in front of only me playing Journey to the Stars was more nerve-wracking. I feel the same too. Scarier than singing or playing a solo.
So yes, you're all heroes and also those behind the scenes bringing the music to us.
Guess who is getting sentimental having a lunchtime drink in a Szczecin pub...
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JohnnyMosrite
Joined: Jun 14, 2006
Posts: 909
New York City area
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 07:14 AM
Without mentioning names, I like the lead guitarists in the Nebulas, Madeira,
Los Straitjackets, The Ventures, and some guy named Dale.
And - unapollogetically - ME 
J Mo'
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WoodyJ
Joined: Apr 05, 2006
Posts: 1547
Bethlehem, GA
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 10:13 AM
Martin Cilia
— Jack Booth
(aka WoodyJ)
The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005)
The Hula Hounds (1996-current)
The X-Rays (1997-2004)
The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012)
Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990)
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19335
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 10:43 AM
Clarry wrote:
I'm starting a surf band for my 50th in June.
That's awesome Clarry!!! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
— 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
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Chippertheripper
Joined: Mar 11, 2011
Posts: 819
Semass
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 01:50 PM
The_Cholla wrote:
Oleg Gitarkin from Messer Chups is also unbelievable, such a unique style ! He is the master of vibrato, I was fascinated by its way of keeping the bar in hand while playing and never sounding off-key. Plus he is a genius when it comes to composition.
Oleg is pretty ridiculous. I can't remember who, but somebody said he played guitar like an octopus on crack. Or speed. I can't remember.
Either way, it painted the picture.
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Wombat
Joined: Oct 13, 2011
Posts: 251
Byron Bay, Australia
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 02:22 PM
To me there are lots of surf guitar hero's, lots of types of hero's, like
Double-piking Demons (like Ivan)
Songsmiths (like Dave Wronski)
Tonemasters (like Jim Thomas)
Riff Kings (like the guys from Pilgrims)
Pluggers who just keep going year after year (there's only one King)
So many great players. Maybe we are all guitar hero's in a way, because we choose to play music that's different
— 'Surf Music Lasts Forever'
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Squid
Joined: Aug 22, 2010
Posts: 1019
Portland, Oregon with Insanitizers
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Posted on Jan 14 2017 03:32 PM
Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and Jerry Reed Hubbard influenced my surf guitar most, so are my modern heroes. Strong non-modern influences are Beethoven, Bach and Mozart. Favorite still recording/performing is The Charades of Finland, but they're not an influence.
— Insanitizers! http://www.insanitizers.com
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