Homeskoolin’ Volume 285, Tom Bukovac “The Top 5 Most Asked Homeskoolin’ Questions”

[@whiskybravo4648]

You crack me up every time with the, “Then I’d be happy”.

[@doc_matter]

I absolutely love it! Laughed my ass off when he said it with a dead pan straight face the other day, his little smirk today after saying it just cracked me up!

[@SixStringSicario]

That was some funny shit. I laughed my ass off as well:):)

[@0goaway0]

Every time. Cracks me up

[@stringlocker]

If I ever get laid again then I'd be happy

[@beachcomber4141]

'No upgrade you can make or purchase in your life will fix the black hole that has always plagued you since you were a child" So profound and so true!! That just tickled me.

[@denmar355]

As an older guy, I’ve realized there is many times more value in the wanting than the possessing. That black hole doesn’t eat at me so much. I’ve simplified life a bit. And what I value isn’t an object held in my hands.

[@Fishbulb77]

I remember Spock saying that

[@BeefNEggs057]

Oh man I get that. I hate waiting but the looking forward to something fun is often (sadly) better than the fun itself. Loving what you got and putting limits and rules for yourself makes life better not worse. Turns out freedom is best for someone that has learned some semblance of self control.

[@peternoble3691]

Well said! I feel much the same way. I’m not immune from the urge to consume, but i generally feel a bit flat when I do buy new stuff. Nought wrong with a simple life!

[@JackBond-in3og]

St. Thomas Aquinas said “Our hearts are restless, Lord, until they rest in You”. (Heaven)

[@mojo6778]

So, once again you proved a good point, the pickups don't make near as much difference as does the person playing the guitar, they all sounded great.

[@0goaway0]

Exactly

[@emperorOfMustard]

I would say that it's the same as with any piece of gear. Different pickups are like different colors. It's up to you what you can make with them.

[@mikedr1549]

You lose a lot of the subtlety's over the youTubes - but yes - a great player will sound great on anything.

[@jameslawson5772]

But when the same great player, plays them all back to back you can definitely tell the difference

[@googo151]

@@0goaway0 Nailed it!

[@evilgiraffe]

"the burning black hole that has always plagued you since you were a child"

[@gtr1952]

I'll be 72 on March 28. As I get older I've found that the most value is not in possessing something, it's what you do with what you have. I used to go to a Saturday morning old time country jam about 50 miles away, after playing a gig the night before. Nobody knew me, and I took an old Martin Sigma 00 prototype made in PA. For 2 hours I sat around with some really nice people just playing 3 chords and the truth songs. Talking about nothing important, giving/taking zingers, laughing at ourselves. How the kids were doing type stuff. I'd dredge up some old John Prine nobody ever heard, or Ray Willie Hubbard, and completely blow the lyrics, and everyone would laugh. But it was the people, made my heart feel good. Right here, now, Uncle Larry's smiling face. Out on the street he wouldn't know me from a bag of beans. But right here, for 14:28, we're all friends. That's cool, special, and it makes my heart feel good. Thanks so much to Tommy, for making this happen!! Peace, love, happiness. 8) --gary

[@bryanwilliams6032]

Your signature Dusenburg sounds great like old Gretch and Les Paul had a baby.

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

Hope its better than the clunky 49er 59er,s i had. Funky bad

[@roberthokemusic]

Old beats new on all guitars you demo'd. That was insightful. Thanks.

[@koho]

Not for me. Liked the newer SG pups, and the Duesy neck.

[@AdamGotheridge]

I felt the same way, and not really close to me. I still wonder why that really is though.

[@TNNLZ]

My takeaway is that it’s the player more than the gear - Thanks for reminding me to focus on what’s important.

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

Yes its all about the player.. pissed he doesnt have good gear. Instead if buying an r9 or rwhatever try buying an old melody maker and pop a dimarzio and a badass on it.. oh.. dont forget the grovers

[@RyanWellsMusic]

The Session Man has the most pleasing tone to just listen to out of this bunch. Very balanced and pleasant timbre. That first tele is a winner too. Has a bell tone to it and sounds like it would sit nicely in a mix and leave room for other instruments/tracks.

[@dhh488]

I really like the orphan tele, early 60's neck and later body.

[@DJBuglip]

See, I like the second one, the Esquire, a bit better. Sounded a bit more "springy". Its all subjective.

[@Frettedchaos]

Hey Tom, we need Uncle Larry coffee mugs.

[@davidsummerville351]

Yes definitely

[@leechild4655]

Cheap guitars out there that sound good. Maybe I was lucky when I went to a pawnshop a few years back, found a weird `Starcaster` I didnt know anything about it and it was fairly low cost. Plugged it in to see if it worked. Rattled a couple untuned strings and okay. it checks out. re-strung it and, wth it sounds like an old vintage strat. How! Chunky blonde neck but its a rock n roll machine. Score!

[@stringlocker]

What's that got to do with coffee and I agree a coffee mug would be cool

[@NickJimPip]

Nobody I’d rather watch playing them great guitars . Think I’ve accidentally just spent all day watching uncle Larry play . Awesome😊

[@Charis-ul2xh]

Uncle Larry, on the topic of "then I'd be happy" and the "black hole": another one along those same lines I've come to recognize as I get older is "it's just . . . ". As in, "it's just this promotion, once I get that, everything will fall into place", " it's just this breakup, once I get over that . . . ", "it's just this relationship, once we fix that . . . ", it's just this or it's just that. At the end of the day, maybe it's just us. It's the human condition. Much love brother, as always, thanks for the videos and sharing the wisdom.

[@John_2Much_Coffee]

Hello Sir. Great video, thank you. Love the Burst LP. Really liked the original SG tone bridge, sounded very similar to the fender esquire. Cheers. I did really like them all just the Burst the most.

[@kzlpapa]

Hey Larry, longtime listener, first time caller. Your comment “No purchase or upgrade in your life is ever going to fix the burning black hole that’s always plagued you since you were a child.” struck me as hilarious and profound! I almost fell out of my chair laughing! I had to stop and rewind ( showing my age) that part several times! Once I got past the humor, it struck me how emotionally profound that statement was. Thanks for making me stop and think for a moment. I appreciate the Homeskoolin’ videos for sage advice on licks, techniques, guitars, amps, effects, music, and sometimes just life itself. Honestly, you’re probably not aware of all of the nuggets of wisdom that you’ve shared with us the viewers, or how your tips/advice/suggestions have helped people in their lives. I can attest that the Homeskoolin’ I have received has been helpful and enjoyable. Keep the lessons coming! Cheers!

[@danford7918]

Wisdom, cutting humor, and great guitar playing

[@jonathangreen4833]

Great morning to you all Homeskoolers!!!

[@Sammywhat]

Cheers!!

[@mikephillips2103]

I always tell people that taking lessons is more inspiring than buying more equipment.

[@user-no1cares]

Hey! No guitar virtue signaling. I want another guitar, a better amp, a big pedal board, special guitar strings, a cool guitar strap and a blah, blah blah. 😂

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

Not me, every time i get somthing else vintage songs start coming out. Its crazy

[@QuincyJamesMusic]

Also properly setting up what you’ve got.

[@mikephillips2103]

However I don't always follow my own advise

[@stringlocker]

We are shopaholics. But then again I think almost everybody is. I love amplifiers I mean I really love amplifiers.

[@frankadams4586]

Each guitar was stellar....no doubt about that. I think any one of us would be "happy" to have any of those guitars in the stable. But, I thought the Duesenberg had a very unique personality - it seemed like more of its own thing than a representation of something else. Maybe that's just my ears, but it was cool getting a taste of each guitar in quick succession. So many gear demos run so long on KZbin and go down so many rabbit holes that it was nice just to hear a down-and-dirty sampling with no fuss or muss. Great video Uncle Lar...and much appreciated.

[@virgilbprince]

thank you for being you and doing this

[@antkn33]

The purchase I love most is my bidet toilet seat. Can’t live without it.

[@misterknightowlandco]

The best guitar, pickups and amps are the ones that make you sit down and play them every time you walk by them in the house. Whether that’s a 58 burst into a 60’s Princeton, a 61 Strat into a Marshall or a squier bullet Tele into a peavey bandit… if it makes you want to play it and gives you the sounds you want then that’s the best one. Whatever makes you enjoy you playing and learning is what’s best and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

[@jameslawson5772]

This weekend I did a deep dive back into some of your old vids. I went back to the garage…an by far #75 was my favorite. That funk loop you played was crazy! For those of you reading this, find episode #75 an check that out!

[@stringlocker]

So technical pointed right at the phone

[@AndreaAustoni]

Lol yes that was the best part. I wouldn't want it any other way

[@BeefNEggs057]

Beats the DI fake garbage with simulated speaker, cab, room sound, mics - I say just fake yourself too and let the computer play for you too because I’m not listening anyway. Rather have iPhone quality.

[@cpost1558]

Yes Tom! I have learned if I am dependent on my outside circumstances for my happiness and serenity, I will not be. I must look with in. I must be open minded, accepting change, seeking, and have a gregarious, positive attitude. You have said all these things over Homeskoolin class. Thanks bro!

[@pawlowski6132]

Stupid

[@stringlocker]

I think what you just proved their is that it is all in your hands

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

Wrong.. its in your soul, the hands are just laying it out

[@stringlocker]

How dare you I am never wrong

[@stringlocker]

But I do see some room for compromise.

[@unclesamsniece2064]

@@stringlockerwow you really are becoming quite the open minded fella these days, huh?! Haha

[@unclesamsniece2064]

@@stringlockerhonestly, I look forward to your funny ass comments. You’re part of the channel’s sass😉

[@stratmatt73]

I've been here lurking since the lockdown started all this, and I've watched and heard Uncle Larry play just about every kind of guitar and amp imaginable. It's the player, peeps. Not the gear. Universally. Find a guitar, and amp, and maybe a couple of pedals that make your pants get tight when you play them, and do that. Play them. Love ya Buk. Never change.

[@BeefNEggs057]

tone wood 😂

[@mwrable]

The old stuff still excels even when recorded on an iPhone and delivered via KZbin. The biggest different to my ears was the SG. The Teles were different too but a big difference between models to compare. Whether the difference and vibe matters is a personal thing. Thanks for the demo.

[@tehorix789]

Tom, it's interesting that most of the questions you get asked are about gear, especially given that you're the Session Man and so much of the Homeskoolin' vibe has been about how to approach playing and to play to the song and about melody and emotion. But I guess we all get sucked into the irresistible allure of shiny objects! (Gear can certainly inspire us, though.) Anyway Tom, just wanna say that your Homeskoolin' videos have always reminded me of my days in graduate school when I would sit down for my weekly meeting with my mentor (professor). It's great just sitting down and shooting the shit with someone "who's been there before" and "it ain't their first rodeo." Thanks!

[@fixedgear37]

It's the capitalist need to buy: people have to ask about gear because anyone can purchase shit, asking about "how to play like Tom" won't get them any satisfaction because it won't happen. So if they can have the same guitar etc, as Tom they're practically "there". Endless gear swapping is a viable substitute for a comparative lack of skill... If only I had an original PAF then I "could be the next Jimmy Page, that's all that is holding me back"

[@hausf.kartreit1111]

Bravo UL🎸I'm kindly partial to your 58 Burst & both Teles but they all have their qualities. I was very happy with a set of Gibson Burst Bucker Pro pickups that I installed in an 04 Epiphone LesPaul Standard back in 2005. I need to do some troubleshooting on the guitar now as the pickups don't work right away when I plug in. They take a little coaxing. May have a cold solder or something may be going on with the Toggle switch or V & T pots but I was very happy with the sound of the pickups✌️🤠🏜

[@marcwheeles8445]

Easy to hear the subtle differences in those pickups, and I can see how your selection for a song can change the vibe of the song. Which sounds best dry, which is best if you're using delay or chorus, darker or brighter. Good stuff man

[@mboykin6047]

Love the mouth open thumbnail. Must click... Must click...

[@timothyheflin8118]

I’m a new subscriber just discovering this amazing talent. Tom , thank you for sharing your genius! I am 64 and You have inspired me to continue my guitar playing journey. Best Regards, Tim H.

[@alnico68]

Listening to vintage vs new guitars gives me the same feeling as looking at analog photographs vs digital ones. Something more “real” in the vintage stuff. The 58 LP really sounds like a record, such a familiar tone.

[@beascott]

Love that Jim Brown photograph in the background!

[@rpavich]

At the 2:40 minute mark, that was a great insight on Tom's part...that nothing here on earth can ever make us truly happy and satisfied...only Jesus Christ can do that...we all instinctivly recognize that and try to fill that hole many different ways.

[@jasonhyatt4899]

I’m a nobody just playing anytime I can, regardless of the gear. Gear is fun don’t get me wrong, but playing whatever you have is way more important. Thanks Larry!

[@gyugug]

Tom. Good morning. Question about your day job: Is it common (or was it in days of yore) for session players to get points for a track or album? Have you ever got points? See ya.

[@michaelheinz3954]

Hey Tom, that was great fun to watch. Thank you for setting up the comparison between old and new. I found all the old guitars sounding more balanced and smoother than the new ones. Then again we would probably be happy with the new ones anyway as they're good guitars in their own right.

[@SSvebor]

Man...those old ones got a certain kind of sweetness and nastiness that the newer ones ain't got.

[@davedeville6540]

It’s very subtle but I agree.

[@WadMartin]

Burst, SG with Lollars, Esquire. Although I have a funny feeling if I was in the room, I might change my mind about the SG. Thanks man, you make my day, daily.

[@bigrig4385]

Uncle Larry, I was going down a rabbit hole and saw you playing acoustic guitar on stage with Roseanne Cash and Kris Kristofferson on one of my favorite songs ever. Just another day at the office? So cool to see you holding it down with the acoustic. I can only imagine how many amazing performances you've been a part of in the studio and on the stage.

[@blonk333]

My desert island guitar would be made from tone coconut and strung with shark tendon.

[@Nowandthen-zen]

It’s hard to beat that old skool gear . Old skoolin it with Uncle Larry✌🏻🎸

[@davidkrantz2778]

I for sure am inclined, for your future lessons!

[@EJK1965]

Dearest Uncle...... I watched a Genesis vid from 1973 and there's a double neck Rickenbacker. WOWSERS. Lot's of love from your long lost brother, and Daisy the spaniel.❤🐶

[@bradconklin2878]

I love that you don't change pickups.

[@svbarr]

"Then I'd be happy.." Great timing dude!!! The 'black hole' can be mostly avoided by helping others - like giving advice for free on the Internet to hordes of hungry fans...

[@macarius8802]

Sound wisdom right there, Larry. It's true. Authentic happiness only comes from an internal state not anything external...

[@rickamati3498]

Hard to say witch one sounds best...all sound like uncle Larry...saying that I believe all guitars have their oun voices that should be honored. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT THINGS YOU DO.

[@chrislute1211]

I miss taking in whole records , still do on long drives. I used to listen to a single Tom waits or Lucinda album for six months straight .

[@SergioAureo]

These latest thumbnails are absolutely hilarious. You're the best Tom!

[@ericgrauer9866]

Tommy evaluate my playing, thats a good one, like Louis Hamilton watching me drive, or going to the mall nude.

[@anthonydiamandi4152]

Hey Uncle Larry, Your channel brings me peace. You’re like the guitar yielding, beer drinking Mr. Roger’s. The awesome uncle that always makes visiting the family on the holidays worth while and fun. Not to mention the guitar playing and lessons which I’m not sure I’m fully getting, but feel like somehow I’m soaking all this up through osmosis. Thank You for being You! Much Love! Oh yeah for the VCB, (Greatest of all time?) NFL Quarterback, Running back, and Wide Reciever?

[@billycarter4832]

The Esquire was crisp...SG's smooth...Les Paul blissful..Basically anything in your hands is primarily the same tone...Loved the rapid fire shootout...lol

[@kevinafflack]

All the vintage pickups sound like they're ready to go out and party and the new ones want to stay home with the lights low and the shades drawn.

[@LLVG83]

I wanted to hug Bob Dylan after seeing him in that Greatest Night in Pop movie... standing between these amazing singers, afraid to sing, so uncomfortable, but sticking around the entire time.

[@LiveMusicCT]

I laughed out loud when you said… “Then I’d be Happy” (pause, look directly at the camera) 😆

[@michaelmorrisguitar]

I’ve enjoyed this flood of videos, always enjoy new Uncle Larry videos. Man thanks for sharing you’re an awesome dude.

[@Squareheaddude]

I couldn't tell the difference in the pickups. You sounded great with all of them.

[@stevestage4]

I finally come to the realization concerning equipment, guitars, and knowledge of all things guitar is that the Top 5 shows that I’ve ever put on was at recorded practices

[@davemorgs7635]

classic episode mate !!... If a band sounded average with that 2006 SG & the second Tele on stage we wouldn't be blaming the guitars !!

[@profoundsamurai745]

lol @ thumbnail. Uncle Larry getting down with the algorithm. Go get em my dude. I'll keep clickin.

[@TheFeelButton]

I'm always too busy loving the one I'm with when it comes to guitar tone. Cheers Tom!

[@dahlbaker]

I believe Stills sits in with Tom from time to time. 😂

[@herringbone72]

Great video. Over my TV, I heard less difference between the Duesenburg and the Burst. The Esquire and the vintage SG sounded more alive and dynamic than the 2 with newer pickups. But man, you make 'em all sound good Tom.

[@johnmundt7834]

Tom, any suggestions on a speaker to pair with the Princeton? I just picked up a handwired clone and I’m not loving the eminence speaker in it. I’ve never gotten along with their stuff, something about the top end that’s always been painful for me. It’s got a 12” currently, wondering if the 10” is part of the magic. Suggestions from the home skoolers welcomed, too

[@chuckjillson1756]

Each one of those instruments are just magic in the hands of the infamous Startship Trooper. The Sugar Ray of the guitar kingdom. The Ali of the punch that beholds you. Great playing Tom. I wish I was that shitty. Peace

[@jasoncarpenter4542]

cool video. to my ears, Session Man>LP, old SG destroyed the newer one and the teles were about even- surprising! Also, the fact that you rarely swap pickups speaks volumes.

[@EastboundStudios]

I watched that "We are the World" documentary. Best part (for me) was Stevie Wonder showing Dylan how to sing this like Dylan would sing it. Pretty cool to be able to see this unfolding that night

[@willnixon69]

The most valuable things I’ve learned from Uncle Larry in my own words is that you get back out of something what you’re willing to put into it, if you want to drive buy a car but if you want to be a race car driver don’t buy a pinto however even though you might buy a race car if you don’t learn to drive it you spent a lot of money on a grocery getter.

[@VictorRochaGaming]

I had none of those questions. I figured giving lessons would be your #1 question.

[@MrKevbo82]

I love your face when you bend that note on the les paul and can’t even start to hide your opinion. To me the bridge pickups of the SG’s were pretty close, but the neck pickup in the old one was soooo much more pleasing to my ears.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

Nothing is better than Walylon walking out!

[@californiasurfpunkmetal6207]

Good ole boys don’t speak Swahili..

[@mkf628]

wow Larry ALL of those pickups actually make you sound pretty decent!

[@winston67]

Dropping Magnus Karlsson name! Very cool 🤟🏼

[@ShawnHeath-g2o]

Coolest guy on the planet! Man i agree with what the other guy said, its like hanging out with an old buddy. I just wanna sit and drink beer and jam out with you.

[@liontone]

I bought a newer SG (2013) fhat sounded amazing acoustically, but just so so plugged in. Kept the pickups, and just swapped out pots and caps for 50s spec. Amazing difference. Totally opened it up.

[@Kcapgar]

I can tell he loves that 61 sg special. He rips on it.

[@martinaddison4880]

I have a 2020 Gibson Les Paul Special that I compared with Peter Stroud’s 57 LP Special and they were amazingly close. Peter posted his comments on FB when I told him my results.

[@sevenpoundsalad3878]

I couldn't explain what makes this show so addictive. I've been watching it since 2020 and it's still my favorite. I think Uncle Larry has the great ability to make viewers feel like they're in the room with him hanging out. Ola Englund's show is like that, but I like this one more for some reason.

[@stavrou0]

Great vid Uncle Larry! Once I get that 67 Camaro SS, then I’ll be happy, 😂. Serious question though… if you go to get a six pack of road sodas, and there are no Rolling Rocks or Yuenglings,,, then what do you do, what is the fall back brew? I usually fall back to a Corona or Dos XXs .. or are you walking out of there empty handed ?

[@kevinpaige5746]

You've proved that it's all about the player! Eric Gales once sat in with me and made my shitty rig sound like a million bucks!

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

I disagree slightly about purchases not making oneself happy. Like so many working class people, I lived 1-2 or 3 paychecks between paying rent or being homeless. The day I was able to buy my own place (single lump payment in full) permanently eliminated that stress, and enabled me to focus on other life qualities (health, friends, relationship, etc.). Material or consumerist things, yeah that's all fleeting joy. But being free of landlords or banks is pure joy.

[@megawattblue]

Tom, they all sound great in your hands. The Duesenberg, Burst, and '61 SG Special did stand out to me, though. I think we all play better, more creative stuff when we're digging the sound of our instrument.

[@rstevenhanson]

Larry is going to be the coolest old man.

[@celyda2]

What is the wing velocity of a swallow?

[@fixedgear37]

ahh the vintage copper wire wound by mythical old ladies that made pickups sound so much better.. the tiny amount of electrons flowed so much better back then.

[@macintune]

Love the video Tom. Great time to be a bedroom musician, we have things I never dreamed of when I was 12 years old in 1966 Playing my sisters Stella with rusty strings until my fingers started bleeding and took $1.97 to Woolworth and got a set of Black Diamond strings! I was Happy!!!!

[@gitarmats]

They all sound great when you can play like that!

[@gregeddins5854]

"if I could just get a Les Paul, I'd be set"...gets a Classic. "If I could just get an Historic Reissue I'd be where I should be"...gets 3 before it's all said and done. "I really need a Robin Ranger, that's the ticket"...got it. OWNING a particular piece of gear doesn't create an improvement in playing...playing and practice do that. I've been flailing around at this for 50 years and by any standard I'd be considered below average by my skill. I'm not ok with that, but I do accept the reality. I work hard (I play in our worship band at my church on Sundays), to make sure I play and sound the best I can. I love it. Playing guitar, even at my level has been my solace, my hiding place, my equalizer since childhood. And I am so grateful for that. And happy to be out of the black hole. It took me about 40yrs and countless thousands of $, but I'm content with my gear. I'm working on my chops still and always will till I can't. That'll make the difference. I desire to PLAY better...the sounding better will come with that. I am thankful for this channel. I cannot express enough how much I've been challenged and encouraged these past 4 years. Thank you so much.

[@JonathanCurry-rs4kh]

Makes my day when you post a video Thanks man

[@MrGreglarry]

Man that Tele bites .... great crunch!

[@johnmaloney1681]

I can't believe "Where did the Uncle Larry handle come from?" wasn't in the top 5!!

[@budgetracing3425]

Uncle Larry makes all his guitars sound good!

[@Charlee_Murphee]

The Duesenberg is my favorite all day long if I could only own one guitar.

[@johnnydiablo1100]

Right on, Tom for the VCB deep dive- and for your last episode where you spilled on those love issues. When you least expect it . .

[@billw8648]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us Tom! Your Logo, looks Cleveland Browns inspired! Did you design it yourself? I think it's awesome!

[@liveatalexs]

So glad I have a black panel 65 Princeton.

[@StandbyCymbalist]

ok, but that esquire was explosive. haha, thx uncle

[@cthomasmitchell]

The question I want answered the most is, where are all Tom's subscribers, huh? Where are you guys at? He has nearly 100 thousand subscribers, puts out top quality content that we should really be paying for, and yet only about 10 percent of his subscribers actually watch and 'like' his videos. It's only a couple of minutes out of your day people, you clicked on subscribe for a reason so why don't you show some appreciation?

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

Lol...😂 you're killing me with these thumbnails