Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

[Pastor of Muppets]

and general acoustic duties...what would you go for and why? OO size, or bigger?

Anyone played an old Gibson LB-1 or B25?

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

For fingerstyle blues I prefer parlor guitars, maybe it's my fault but with big acoustic my fingerpicking doesn't sound as clear and articulate, but then again I'm a sloopy player.
I've been GASing for one badly and like an idiot I played a Taylor.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

Robert Johnson and others like him traditionally used Stellas. They were inexpensive at about $5 compared to Martins and Gibsons that were in the 50 to 100 range. That is what they used, but a lot of Blues palayers used Martin Mahogany guitar, like either a OM17 or a D17. These are all Mahogany guitars, so they have a little more even tone than say a 00028 or a D28 which are Rosewood guitars. I would also consider an OM15 or a D15. These are newer models, are fairly price and with a good setup play and sound great. Another good choice would be a 0018 or OM18. These are similar, but have a spruce top with Mahogany back and sides. The Gibso that Robert Johnson was famously photographed with is a Style S, with the mandolin type of scroll. I don't think he actually used this, I would say most of his work was recorded with a Stella.

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

That is what they used, but a lot of Blues palayers used Martin Mahogany guitar, like either a OM17 or a D17. These are all Mahogany guitars, so they have a little more even tone than say a 00028 or a D28 which are Rosewood guitars. I would also consider an OM15 or a D15.

Interesting - I am going down to try out a load of guitars this guy has, mostly Gibsons and Martins..halfway down this list is a mahogany LGO 1965...

http://www.glennsguitars.com/guitars/gibson/gibson.html

He has some really interesting stuff, but he also has 40+ guitars and I have only a couple of hours, so I'm trying to cherry pick a 'must try' list before I get down there...

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

Robert Johnson and others like him traditionally used Stellas. They were inexpensive at about $5 compared to Martins and Gibsons that were in the 50 to 100 range. That is what they used, but a lot of Blues palayers used Martin Mahogany guitar, like either a OM17 or a D17. These are all Mahogany guitars, so they have a little more even tone than say a 00028 or a D28 which are Rosewood guitars. I would also consider an OM15 or a D15. These are newer models, are fairly price and with a good setup play and sound great. Another good choice would be a 0018 or OM18. These are similar, but have a spruce top with Mahogany back and sides. The Gibso that Robert Johnson was famously photographed with is a Style S, with the mandolin type of scroll. I don't think he actually used this, I would say most of his work was recorded with a Stella.

I've had the distinct honor of having met two different individuals who played with and knew Robert Johnson and he did indeed play with a Gibson. (The individuals I'm speaking of are Robert Lockwood Jr. and David "Honeyboy" Edwards)

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

I've had the distinct honor of having met two different individuals who played with and knew Robert Johnson and he did indeed play with a Gibson. (The individuals I'm speaking of are Robert Lockwood Jr. and David "Honeyboy" Edwards)

Wow.
That's awesome man!
How are they in person?
How did you meet them?

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

I live and play here in Clarksdale (a place Robert Johnson lived and played for a while) and they come through town very regularly. I used to manage and run sound Ground Zero Blues Club here in town and I also play at all the blues festivals so I've had the opportunity to meet (and sometimes play with) blues greats like Big Jack Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Henry Gray, Robert Lockwood Jr., David "Honeyboy" Edwards, etc. It's been a wonderful experience for me.

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

I live and play here in Clarksdale (a place Robert Johnson lived and played for a while) and they come through town very regularly. I used to manage and run sound Ground Zero Blues Club here in town and I also play at all the blues festivals so I've had the opportunity to meet (and sometimes play with) blues greats like Big Jack Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Henry Gray, Robert Lockwood Jr., David "Honeyboy" Edwards, etc. It's been a wonderful experience for me.

You met and played with Hubert Sumlin?! :eek2: :notworthy
I'm a huge fan of Mr Sumlin, he's one of my favourite musicians of all time.

Seeing them live and talking to them must be a truly wonderful experience.
I must confess, I envy you.

 

[ZoSo0789]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

You met and played with Hubert Sumlin?! :eek2: :notworthy
I'm a huge fan of Mr Sumlin, he's one of my favourite musicians of all time.

Seeing them live and talking to them must be a truly wonderful experience.
I must confess, I envy you.

I second that one....

 

[shawnr]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

Look for an old "30's Kalamazoo--there's a wide body model with a wide neck. They look kind of odd, but are great for that style of playing. An LG or B25 is good too, but will probably cost more. Also Harmony ooo size can be decent, I have an all mahogany H165 that I pulled off the curb a few years back, needed some work, but you can't beat the price.

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

Re: Acoustic for Robert Johnson fingerstyle blues

Look for an old "30's Kalamazoo--there's a wide body model with a wide neck. They look kind of odd, but are great for that style of playing. An LG or B25 is good too, but will probably cost more. Also Harmony ooo size can be decent, I have an all mahogany H165 that I pulled off the curb a few years back, needed some work, but you can't beat the price.

The guy I'm going to see has a '59 LG1 and a 65 B25 both within my price range...