Secrets Of The Surf Guitar Sound

ColtsSurf

Joined: Apr 03, 2008
Posts: 477
United States

Posted on Nov 15 2016 09:50 AM

Some surf guitar appreciation from Pro Guitar Shop; a shout out to SG101 in the comments.

http://proguitarshop.com/andyscorner/secrets-of-the-surf-guitar-sound

—

Paul

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DannySnyder

Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11078
Berkeley, CA
United States

Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:22 AM

That was pretty good, always glad to see some positive press for surf music.

This guy in the comments typifies what's wrong with rigid thinking:

Stefaun says:

There are NO substitutions in the area of surf music equipment. A Venture’s model Mosrite
( preferably a sunburst model), or a Fender Jaguar. My sunburst Mosrite that I bought in the 60"s new, still says SURF. Still have my Fender, bought new, for it’s single coil sound, and Fender Showman with built in reverb and vibrato, with a JBL D130- 15” speaker. Bought all of this back then new, and still use it. Listen to a Beach Boys record, listen to the guitar tone.. Nothing made now will come close to this amp and guitar tonality. Do your self a favor ..... the equipment above is the only way to get the Surf Sound.

Then how come many people's favorite band is the Bambi Molesters, who use Fender Deluxes I believe? Lots of great music is made on all kinds of different gear. If one wants to play surf music, do what the author suggests. Listen to a bunch of surf music and just play

—

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

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OnedinGiraldo

Joined: Jul 17, 2016
Posts: 103
Sacramento
United States

Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:29 AM

Agree with you @DannySnyder. There are a number of very good bands that have pushed the surf/instrumental sound using "non-traditional" equipment and I am thankful they have! If it sounds good, it sounds good!

—

The Me Gustas
https://themegustas.com

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Ariel

Joined: Aug 29, 2009
Posts: 1556
Israel
Israel

Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:37 AM

DannySnyder wrote:

Stefaun says:
...
and Fender Showman with built in reverb

Pay attention Danny. Whoever wrote this, doesn't mean a word. It's not even trolling, just dumb.

Top

DannySnyder

Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11078
Berkeley, CA
United States

Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:38 AM

DreadInBabylon wrote:

DannySnyder wrote:

Stefaun says:
...
and Fender Showman with built in reverb

Pay attention Danny. Whoever wrote this, doesn't mean a word. It's not even trolling, just dumb.

I know Ariel, I wanted to see if people caught the inconsistencies.

—

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

Top

DonKiyote

Joined: Aug 26, 2014
Posts: 138
Kent
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 16 2016 11:48 AM

Don't agree with the guys's comments (obviously) but not sure I understand the references to the Showman? They made a Showman Reverb I thought? Happy to be educated! More relevant to me is the reference to the Beach Boys - some bloke called Dick Dale had a view... "the music wasn't surfing music... real surfing music is instrumental." - and who am I to disagree?

—

Wherever you go, there you are

http://rogerfowles.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8

Top

Brian

Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19353
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
United States

Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:17 PM

There was a CBS made Showman Reverb in '68... it was a head only, but if he is referring to the "classic" Surf period, Showmans (brown or black) had no built-in reverb.

—

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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DonKiyote

Joined: Aug 26, 2014
Posts: 138
Kent
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:22 PM

Thanks Brian - consider me enlightened!

—

Wherever you go, there you are

http://rogerfowles.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8

Top

Ariel

Joined: Aug 29, 2009
Posts: 1556
Israel
Israel

Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:29 PM

Brian, thanks that's what I meant. Surely this fastidious gentleman (strawman more likely) would allow no silver in his world.

Danny

Danny Snyder says:

I disagree completely with the comment above insisting on a specific type of equipment to play surf music. There are many many bands that play very successfully with all kinds of gear. I agree with the author, to play surf music just listen to a bunch and then go for it. It’s easy and tons of fun. Play along with the classics and then start digging into what all the modern bands have done with the genre. For all things surf music go to www.surfguitar101.com.

Last edited: Nov 16, 2016 13:35:26

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Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Nov 16 2016 05:39 PM

Don't roll around in the mud with the pigs; you just get dirty and the pigs enjoy it.

Nice to see the write-up though.

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

Top

SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Nov 17 2016 02:03 PM

That article is not new, in fact I must had read it somewhere else about a year or so ago. I wonder if it is the same author or if someone else just completely ripped it off?

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

DonKiyote

Joined: Aug 26, 2014
Posts: 138
Kent
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 17 2016 03:22 PM

The original..?

http://tonereport.com/blogs/tone-tips/secrets-of-the-surf-guitar-sound

—

Wherever you go, there you are

http://rogerfowles.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8

Last edited: Nov 17, 2016 15:34:09

Top

da-ron

Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 18 2016 07:13 AM

I hate it when someone exposes the secrets of surf guitar.
A guitar,
An amp
Some reverb.

I think, damn, now someone else will form a surf band, now they know the secret!

—

http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/

Top

DonKiyote

Joined: Aug 26, 2014
Posts: 138
Kent
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 18 2016 08:48 AM

Wait - you need a guitar??

—

Wherever you go, there you are

http://rogerfowles.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8

Top

da-ron

Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1307
The original Plymouth, UK.
United Kingdom

Posted on Nov 18 2016 08:59 AM

DonKiyote wrote:

Wait - you need a guitar??

Ssssh! It's a secret

—

http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/

Top

ColtsSurf Joined: Apr 03, 2008 Posts: 477	Posted on Nov 15 2016 09:50 AM Some surf guitar appreciation from Pro Guitar Shop; a shout out to SG101 in the comments. http://proguitarshop.com/andyscorner/secrets-of-the-surf-guitar-sound — Paul Top
DannySnyder Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11078 Berkeley, CA	Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:22 AM That was pretty good, always glad to see some positive press for surf music. This guy in the comments typifies what's wrong with rigid thinking: Stefaun says: There are NO substitutions in the area of surf music equipment. A Venture’s model Mosrite ( preferably a sunburst model), or a Fender Jaguar. My sunburst Mosrite that I bought in the 60"s new, still says SURF. Still have my Fender, bought new, for it’s single coil sound, and Fender Showman with built in reverb and vibrato, with a JBL D130- 15” speaker. Bought all of this back then new, and still use it. Listen to a Beach Boys record, listen to the guitar tone.. Nothing made now will come close to this amp and guitar tonality. Do your self a favor ..... the equipment above is the only way to get the Surf Sound. Then how come many people's favorite band is the Bambi Molesters, who use Fender Deluxes I believe? Lots of great music is made on all kinds of different gear. If one wants to play surf music, do what the author suggests. Listen to a bunch of surf music and just play — 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 Top
OnedinGiraldo Joined: Jul 17, 2016 Posts: 103 Sacramento	Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:29 AM Agree with you @DannySnyder. There are a number of very good bands that have pushed the surf/instrumental sound using "non-traditional" equipment and I am thankful they have! If it sounds good, it sounds good! — The Me Gustas https://themegustas.com Top
Ariel Joined: Aug 29, 2009 Posts: 1556 Israel	Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:37 AM DannySnyder wrote: Stefaun says: ... and Fender Showman with built in reverb Pay attention Danny. Whoever wrote this, doesn't mean a word. It's not even trolling, just dumb. Top
DannySnyder Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11078 Berkeley, CA	Posted on Nov 16 2016 09:38 AM DreadInBabylon wrote: DannySnyder wrote: Stefaun says: ... and Fender Showman with built in reverb Pay attention Danny. Whoever wrote this, doesn't mean a word. It's not even trolling, just dumb. I know Ariel, I wanted to see if people caught the inconsistencies. — 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 Top
DonKiyote Joined: Aug 26, 2014 Posts: 138 Kent	Posted on Nov 16 2016 11:48 AM Don't agree with the guys's comments (obviously) but not sure I understand the references to the Showman? They made a Showman Reverb I thought? Happy to be educated! More relevant to me is the reference to the Beach Boys - some bloke called Dick Dale had a view... "the music wasn't surfing music... real surfing music is instrumental." - and who am I to disagree? — Wherever you go, there you are http://rogerfowles.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8 Top
Brian Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 19353 Des Moines, Iowa, USA	Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:17 PM There was a CBS made Showman Reverb in '68... it was a head only, but if he is referring to the "classic" Surf period, Showmans (brown or black) had no built-in reverb. — 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 Top
DonKiyote Joined: Aug 26, 2014 Posts: 138 Kent	Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:22 PM Thanks Brian - consider me enlightened! — Wherever you go, there you are http://rogerfowles.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8 Top
Ariel Joined: Aug 29, 2009 Posts: 1556 Israel	Posted on Nov 16 2016 01:29 PM Brian, thanks that's what I meant. Surely this fastidious gentleman (strawman more likely) would allow no silver in his world. Danny Danny Snyder says: I disagree completely with the comment above insisting on a specific type of equipment to play surf music. There are many many bands that play very successfully with all kinds of gear. I agree with the author, to play surf music just listen to a bunch and then go for it. It’s easy and tons of fun. Play along with the classics and then start digging into what all the modern bands have done with the genre. For all things surf music go to www.surfguitar101.com. Last edited: Nov 16, 2016 13:35:26 Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Nov 16 2016 05:39 PM Don't roll around in the mud with the pigs; you just get dirty and the pigs enjoy it. Nice to see the write-up though. — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Nov 17 2016 02:03 PM That article is not new, in fact I must had read it somewhere else about a year or so ago. I wonder if it is the same author or if someone else just completely ripped it off? — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
DonKiyote Joined: Aug 26, 2014 Posts: 138 Kent	Posted on Nov 17 2016 03:22 PM The original..? http://tonereport.com/blogs/tone-tips/secrets-of-the-surf-guitar-sound — Wherever you go, there you are http://rogerfowles.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8 Last edited: Nov 17, 2016 15:34:09 Top
da-ron Joined: Jan 02, 2009 Posts: 1307 The original Plymouth, UK.	Posted on Nov 18 2016 07:13 AM I hate it when someone exposes the secrets of surf guitar. A guitar, An amp Some reverb. I think, damn, now someone else will form a surf band, now they know the secret! — http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/ Top
DonKiyote Joined: Aug 26, 2014 Posts: 138 Kent	Posted on Nov 18 2016 08:48 AM Wait - you need a guitar?? — Wherever you go, there you are http://rogerfowles.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUsTNis44w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKauwombaC8 Top
da-ron Joined: Jan 02, 2009 Posts: 1307 The original Plymouth, UK.	Posted on Nov 18 2016 08:59 AM DonKiyote wrote: Wait - you need a guitar?? Ssssh! It's a secret — http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/ Top

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Secrets Of The Surf Guitar Sound