Rob_J
Joined: Sep 29, 2007
Posts: 500
Sacto, CA
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 01:13 AM
How many of you guys have played an entire surf gig, or at least, a set-unplugged? Something like the Duotones do on acoustic guitars.
I'm in a "still forming" band, and we are considering putting together a strictly acoustic set (with the probable exception of electric bass).
Anybody do this? How does it go over? I know you don't get that raw, reverb soaked, unleashed, pure savage power of electric instruments that is so gratifying, but still, I think it could be fun.
Whadda ya' think?
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 01:28 AM
Personally it is something I'd never think of doing.
I love the Surf Coasters acoustic albums but those aren't really surf. That is something I'd go see live but I cannot imagine seeing a set of tremolo picked acoustic on the low e string.
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SurfBandBill
Joined: Mar 15, 2006
Posts: 1487
San Francisco
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 01:36 AM
We've done it in The Lava Rats, but it's not exactly something we wish to make a habit of.
I'm with Jake - it'sa fun novelty from time to time, but it's not something I'd necessarily want to check a full set of. Especially if you're thinking of doing it in connection with more fully-plugged sets.
~B~
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WoodyJ
Joined: Apr 05, 2006
Posts: 1544
Bethlehem, GA
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 01:36 AM
Yep, we do it...check out the link to AcoustaSonics at the bottom of the page. There are several pics and some sound clips on there.
Believe it or not, acoustic surf goes over VERY well. We normally play in venues that won't allow a loud, drum-driven surf band. We do use small amps, but the guitars and bass are acoustics with Fishman pickup systems.
— 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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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 01:41 AM
I just remembered the 'Verb played acoustic once on Clint's show. I wasn't there, I was in the hospital. Our music isn't very surfy compared to most surf rock so I think some of our tunes work better in acoustic arrangements than your typical surf fare.
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Surfgitar
Joined: Mar 16, 2007
Posts: 1342
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 07:28 AM
We have an acoustic set that we play for certain gigs. During the last song we segue acoustically from Night in the Sahara into a heavy electric version of Pipeline. It's a real crowd pleaser and sets the mood for the next set which is all electric. I play an Ovation MOB (My Other Board) for that set.
image
— CUTBACK
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surfer
Joined: Apr 12, 2007
Posts: 428
South Florida
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 09:07 AM
Whats wrong with the drummers face?
— www.cutbacksurfband.com
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websurfer
Joined: May 14, 2007
Posts: 1753
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 09:33 AM
For the acoustic surf guitarist? . . . 
image
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 10:58 AM
Not if you want a decent sounding acoustic. Probably doesn't play very nicely either.
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websurfer
Joined: May 14, 2007
Posts: 1753
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 11:45 AM
I don't think Fender has ever successfully entered the acoustic market. I have one of their 80's dreadnaughts. It's built like a tank, which is not a good thing for an acoustic.
I was in a cafe yesterday, and heard Miserlou arranged easy listening style, with a flute playing the lead melody, and hand drums in the background. It made me realize that even something as E string heavy as that can be adapted to any instument as long as there is an underlying melody to hang on to. I'd like to hear more acoustic surf music after hearing what Paul Johnson has been doing lately.
The 'Verbs' "Hull Breach Reef", "When it Rains", "All is Quiet at Sweetwater" would sound amazing acoustic.
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Rob_J
Joined: Sep 29, 2007
Posts: 500
Sacto, CA
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 12:00 PM
"Believe it or not, acoustic surf goes over VERY well. We normally play in venues that won't allow a loud, drum-driven surf band. We do use small amps, but the guitars and bass are acoustics with Fishman pickup systems."
That is exactly one of the reasons I ask the question. We are considering a couple of situations that loud volume would not go over very well.
Woody, I checked out your "Acoustasonics" page. You guys sound great!!!
And, "believe it or not"...I DO believe it. Paul Johnson and Gil Orr pull it off pretty well.
http://www.rhapsody.com/theduotones
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Feb 17 2008 12:21 PM
Yeah, Fender acoustics are abominations. There are tons of really bad acoustics out there. A lot of people have them and have no idea.
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kenposurf
Joined: Feb 23, 2007
Posts: 1650
Santa Rosa, CA
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Posted on Feb 19 2008 08:52 PM
We've done it and it's a nice change of pace. If you have a 12 string that will also add some spice. The Spanish style tunes work will as well as some of the more melodic standards like Mr Moto and Surfrider. There is a tailpiece you can get (forget the name) that clamps on and will add reverb...unplugged...if you must!
— www.northofmalibu.com
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tenderfoot
Joined: Feb 01, 2007
Posts: 308
Ellicott City, Maryland
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Posted on Feb 19 2008 08:56 PM
The Shadows "Guitar Tango" very nicely done on acoustic. Was just listening to.
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