Kurt Kikendall
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 11 Oct 2007 4:15 am |
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Hello all.
This is my first post. I have been lurking for over a year, but finally have a real reason to post a topic.
My CruzTone is here!
First, a little introduction. I have noticed threads about members who are pilots, hams, etc. I am both a pilot and a Ham (KI4NQX). I played lead guitar primarily, but a motorcycle wreck broke both my wrists. I have an 8" titanium plate in my left wrist now and had some screws in the right one. No matter how vigilant you are, there are some CRAZY maneuvers cars can perform which can get you! I have been riding a lot of miles since I was 18 (39 now), but I guess my number was finally up.
The wrist injuries made it un-fun to play guitar, so I haven't really played in a few years except for one "reunion" with my old band for old time's sake.
I had messed around with lap steel a little, and now that I am not playing my Strat, steel has been my main focus for a while. (actually ukulele and mandolin initially after the accident, then steel moved to the forefront).
Now, the real reason for my post:
It took longer than anticipated, but as they say, "Good things come to those who wait". My CruzTone 8-String recently arrived.
This is one beautiful instrument. Excellent craftsmanship. Aesthetic design. Very comfortable. And what tone! Also of note is the excellent customer service Colin provided. He really stands behind his product.
This is my first non-pedal steel with legs. What a joy! I can now play lap-steel without the back and neck pain. YAHOO! I had gravitated towards pedal steel because playing my Gold Tone lap steel was such a pain in the neck (literally).
I like this guitar so much, that my other lap steels are going to be for sale as soon as I can get my digital camera working again.
I am looking forward to trying to record this new CruzTone to see if I can do it justice. I am still a neophyte player, but will share my recordings if I don't embarrass myself too much just to have more samples of the tone of this instrument available to others who may be interested.
I have only played it so far through my Fender Blues Jr amp and that has been a real joy. I started off clean and was impressed with the tone. Then I hit the "fat" switch, cranked up the gain and was blown away by the awesome sounds emanating from my amp... It was one of those times where you find yourself noodling repetitiously and grinning the whole time because the tone is so sweet. I don't typically play steel "cranked" like that... I like slants, harmonies with 3rds, etc so I normally play clean, but this thing can really sing the blues too...
Oh well... I'm sorry to have been so long winded here. I am very excited about really becoming proficient with my new lap steel. Here is a picture of my new baby. Ain't she a beauty?
Kurt
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 11 Oct 2007 7:12 am
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Isn't that some oxalis growin next to The variegated New Zealand Flax? Just kiddin guys. 
Kurt, that's a great lookin guitar. I've been kickin around the idea of a new 8 string lap and these are awesome lookin guitars. I would be interested in hearin one of your recordings to get an idea of their sound. |
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