Jack Blackwell's Page

Jack Blackwell replied to Jud Hair's discussion If you could only own ONE acoustic for the rest of your life ...

"I have 3 that each fulfill different roles. The BTO Taylor LKSM would be the first to go because it's such a niche instrument. Deciding between my McAlisters would be utter torture. The D-18 clone is easily the finest dred ever and the 1…"

Jan 3

Jack Blackwell replied to blake wright's discussion Taylor vs. Martin

"When Martins are they're very good but I find them hit and miss. Taylors, OTOH, are rather consistent. I'm not a dred fan but the D-18GE made sense to me. I had to have Roy McAlister build me his version to get it right. Most of my Taylors…"

Jan 3

Jack Blackwell replied to Mark Eldridge's discussion Looking For A Budget 12-String in the group 12-String Guitar

"The Seagull 12 looks to be the best bang for the buck in that range. Maybe a used Framus. With some careful setup and ditching the adjustable saddle they can actually sound pretty good, not unlike a Bozo. Yamahas and Takamine are worth a look.…"

Jan 3

Jack Blackwell replied to michael schwartz's discussion thoughts on a new capo in the group 12-String Guitar

"For a 12 string *anything* is better than a Kyser. The Paige is pretty good but I find them a little awkward to set. I really like how it stores behind the nut. For the way my guitar sounds for some reason my Planet Waves NS sounds noticeably better…"

Apr 30, 2012

Jack Blackwell replied to Jud Hair's discussion Good open-mic songs for 12-string players ??? in the group 12-String Guitar

"Do you fingerpick? I do "Ring, Ring" by Leo Kottke, "Mr Bojangles", "Can't Find My Way Home" and Howard Emerson's version of "Maybelline". Flatpicked, I found that "Burnin' Down The…"

Apr 30, 2012

Jack Blackwell replied to michael schwartz's discussion thoughts on a Martin J12-15? in the group 12-String Guitar

"In the 46 years I've been playing 12 strings Martin has failed to impress me, in fact I used to pick up 12 fret slothead Martin 12's for a song, re-neck them as 6 strings and sell them at a handsome profit. For that reason I haven't…"

Apr 30, 2012

Jack Blackwell updated their profile

Apr 11, 2012

Jack Blackwell replied to David Shade's discussion Why do you still play? in the group Oldies, But Goodies

"Not counting the toy plastic guitars that I used to rake across the bars of my crib, I've been playing for 50 years. Like many have said, it's therapeutic, a form of meditation. Never mind that even pushing 60, the chicks still dig guitar…"

Apr 11, 2012

Jack Blackwell joined David Shade's group

Oldies, But Goodies

This is a place for those of us who have been playing for 30 plus years to discuss our unique perspectives, experiences and concerns.

Apr 11, 2012

65 Comments

Jack Blackwell joined Michael Robertson's group

DADGAD

Exploring DADGAD tuning and building a collection DADGAD online resources.Got a question or comment? Post to the Comment Wall.Know of a DADGAD online resource? Add it to the Discussion ForumThanks, Enjoy your playing!See More

Apr 11, 2012

258 Comments

Jack Blackwell joined GNuck's group

Small Body Guitars

This group is for those that like small body guitars and other sizes such as "00", "000" OM, Baby Taylors, grand concert, grand auditorium and other non dreadnought style bodies. Join up, post pictures and discuss them here.See More

Apr 11, 2012

701 Comments

Jack Blackwell replied to Adriaan N Roggeveen's discussion "To Case or Not to Case, is that a Question?"

"I have 2 McAlisters and a BTO LKSM in koa. They never see the inside of a case unless they're leaving the house. This how it's been with me for almost 50 years. You can either be obsessively protective or you can enjoy your guitars…"

Apr 11, 2012

Jack Blackwell replied to Jud Hair's discussion Good open-mic songs for 12-string players ??? in the group 12-String Guitar

"I assume you fingerpick? I do Mr Bojangles, Can't find my way Home, If I were a Carpenter, Burnin' Down The House to name a few."

Apr 11, 2012

walter jemeni left a comment for Jack Blackwell

"Hello Dreamsinger, can I get some info on your custom LKSM-12.. how did you manage to persuade them to do a custom lksm? can you share the price/specs? any pictures/sound clips? TIA Walter"

Oct 2, 2009

Jack Blackwell replied to Robert's discussion Persistent Problems in the group 12-String Guitar

"An obsessively precise setup will cure just about any of the problems that 12's are notoriously famous for. By obsessive I mean each and every string is compensated and the crown of the octave string is exactly as high on the arc as the primary…"

Mar 20, 2009

Jack Blackwell replied to John Wilson's discussion Heavy and Low or Jingle-Jangle in the group 12-String Guitar

"In my perfect world I'd have a few more LKSM's in addition to my Leo Koattke (an LKSM made of koa) which is strung light and tuned to concert. This is a recent development for me since I'm concentrating more on my vocal work and…"

Mar 20, 2009