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Take a look at the "file section" for some surf standards, both "old
school" and Third Wave. It's wide-open from there ? although I am
learning mostly 60s-era surf tunes, my personal goal is to create a
band with the psychedelic approach of The Mermen. Slacktone is another
good band. Get your hands on all the different surf music you can find
(check out Phil Dirt's web site for suggested bands), check out the
music of the guys on this site - there are some great traditional and
non-trad surf players who frequent Surf Guitar 101.
As for gear, there's hundreds of opinions on this site. Most guys
favor Fender gear of the proper vintage (early 60s Showman & Dual
Showman amps, Fender Twins, Fender Supers), either vintage or reissue.
Ditto for guitars ? lots of players choose Strats, Jags, or
Jazzmasters. But there's also strong opinions in favor of other axes:
diPintos, Mustangs, Danelectros and Reverends, Mosrites, and more.
Basically, the players seem to favor single-coils, but who is to say
you can't surf rock out with a Gretsch or a Les Paul? (Having a good
tremelo helps...)
Finally, reverb, the Holy Grail of the surf sound. Again, Fender rules
here. Most guys (and I say guys, 'cause I don't think a single woman
lurks here, as much as we'd all like that). If you can afford it, the
Fender '62 Reissue or an original Fender tube reverb box is the
ticket. Premier also made a good reverb box, the Model 90. But you
take your chances...about 1 in 3 has real issues. Or, you can try
pedals (see previous posts for opinions on these).
Best wishes, amigo. Welcome to Surf Guitar 101.
Gavin "Windansea Beach Boy."
