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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »

Permalink Solo Act

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tele_45
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Joined: Aug 28, 2012
Posts: 22
Bradenton, Florida
United States
Link Posted on Mar 31 2017 12:49 PM

Was wondering if anyone out there has done or is doing a solo or duo act playing surf tunes with backing tracks - no vocals - just instrumentals, even veering from the surf theme occasionally (old Ventures tunes, etc.) and some western swing, maybe. Not a lot of places interested in a band in this area (FL west coast) but thought some of the tiki bar places might be a place to start - at least it would be something different than Buffet and 'Brown Eyed Girl'. Thoughts?

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Stormtiger
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2675
Ventura, CA
United States
3 Calendar Pins 1 Download Pin 5 POTD Pins
Link Posted on Mar 31 2017 01:08 PM

When not playing with a band I use 2 inexpensive Zoom RT-123 Rhythm machines that I programmed bass and drums into, some classics and some contemporary. I can do about 3 hours of solo instros. After a while my friend joined me, adding sax and later some rhythm guitar. We play art shows, Surf Brewery and Vintage car and trailer shows at the Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard. We sound pretty trad and can keep the volume very low if necessary.

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Richard
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Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 1674
Georgia
United States
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Link Posted on Mar 31 2017 02:23 PM

That is what the Johnny Zoom Hi-Fi Show is, and he does a good job and seems to get some gigs? I say do it if you want to. It beats not playing or trying to do it without accompaniment (I am imagining), and like Stormtiger you might wind up picking up some bandmates while you do it.

—

The Mystery Men?
El Capitan and The Reluctant Sadists
SSS Agent #31

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shake_n_stomp
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Joined: Jan 09, 2014
Posts: 600
Vancouver BC
Canada
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Link Posted on Mar 31 2017 02:34 PM

About 25 years ago, I had my first taste of live surf/instro music at a large public market here in Vancouver. The crowd was captivated by a busking duo of guitarists, one playing a Jazzmaster and the other one was an acoustic. I think they both played through a single amp. I was only mildly aware of surf/instro as my only reference at that point was a bit of Duane Eddy and the Ventures from my dad's records.
I did not know what it was, but it was fun, light, and perfect for the sunny summer day. Acoustic guitars are nice and percussive so it was a very nice blend of sounds despite there being no bass or drums.

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Lorne
The Surf Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfShakers
Vancouver BC Canada

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blueruins
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Joined: Mar 05, 2010
Posts: 362
Mauna Lani, HI
United States
Link Posted on Mar 31 2017 05:00 PM

Did it for about 2 years but the venues wanted vocals so I had to add "Brow Eyed Girl" etc..:
If you find the right places I'm sure anything's possible.
My experience was that anything above 3 on the volume of my Old Fender Champ was too loud for anyplace that pays well.
Still beats working for a living...possibly

—

http://blueruins.bandcamp.com

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Las_Barracudas
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Joined: Apr 24, 2011
Posts: 1087
Surf City, NC
United States
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Link Posted on Apr 01 2017 07:27 AM

I do a solo act, but do include some vocals in the mix. I bill it as "Doug's Island Vibe Guitar Soiree"; it's a mix of Surf / Instro / Hawaiian Slack Key / Americana Roots and I added some open-tuned slide dobro to the mix last year. I try to play and eclectic mix of stuff that melds well together.

It seems to go over fairly well for the venues I perform at and I offer 1-2 hour gigs. I actually make more money playing solo than with my prior bands, but I'd much rather perform with a full band as it's much more stimulating and interesting for me as a musician.

—

METEOR IV on reverbnation

Last edited: Apr 01, 2017 07:28:00

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