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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »

Permalink Performing unplugged.

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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?

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.

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~

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)

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.

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

Whats wrong with the drummers face?

www.cutbacksurfband.com

For the acoustic surf guitarist? . . . Confused

image

Not if you want a decent sounding acoustic. Probably doesn't play very nicely either.

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.

"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

Yeah, Fender acoustics are abominations. There are tons of really bad acoustics out there. A lot of people have them and have no idea.

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

The Shadows "Guitar Tango" very nicely done on acoustic. Was just listening to.

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