Homeskoolin’ Volume 19, Tom Bukovac, “Retro Twang”

Fellas....the T SHIRTS WILL ALL BE SHIPPING LATER THIS WEEK....please be patient. I originally ordered 150 and we have already sold over 200, so the guy making them is doing a double run...and i will get some 3XLs for all you big boned lads.
My garage is the noisiest “single coil pickup environment” on earth sorry.

[@NashvilleSingerSongwriter]

The Association, so rare, Never My Love, love that BeachBoys vocal style. A classic.

[@tylerthompson1842]

Good song.. I used to get chills listening to that as a sixteen year old thinkin about my girlfriend at the time. Even though we’re no longer together, I will love that girl till the day I die. Your videos are very inspirational and nostalgic to me. I turn 40 this year, been a musician my whole life. My folks were educated hippies, very supportive of the arts. I was raised on granola and The Beatles. All through my twenties I was a working musician, but when the financial juggling act became too difficult I became a CNC programmer/Machinist. We spine vinyl at the shop and a while back we were listening to “Wellcome To the Canteen” which is basically an untitled Traffic record. Anyway, during the song “Medicated Goo” it started skipping which created a very cool and unique loop. I recording it on my phone and later that night started writing a song around it. Changed the phrasing and put some passing chords in it. I finished it a few days later and the song has become a favorite of mine as well as some of my close friends. We’ve since listened to the record at the shop and it no longer skips in that same spot... must’ve had a lucky smudge on it or something. But It got me thinking about how many songs were written that way? The Gods of music work in mysterious ways I guess.

[@jamesduescher3462]

That is a good story and a great record!

[@alisonprestwood1879]

Got chills on “Never My Love”! Too cool

[@lukecyrus]

Love the old Starfires! A A Bondy comes to mind, he plays one in C standard and the sound is just divine on his records

[@realreels889]

His album “American Hearts” is really great

[@tylerboley1786]

oh man, how cool are you?! THe Association, wow, one of the most under rated groups of the 60s, harmonies to die for, never been topped. THank you!

[@Jeepin_Joe]

Love your videos Tom thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge for guitar!

[@middle_pickup]

I love these kinds of insights, Tom! Totally appreciate you sharing your 10,000+ hours experience with us. Keep up the videos as long as you enjoy it!

[@videovuer]

Superb volume today! Thank you, Tom. Very generous.

[@johnsharpenberg7086]

Thanks for all the videos Tom. You've inspired me to pick up a guitar again after a number of years. I've been having a great time getting back into it!

[@hkguitar1984]

Never have I been so glad to click on one of Tom's videos. So much great information in this episode. Thank You Tom.

[@sacasamusic]

Tom, Thank you for bringing the truth on every episode man. Generously contributing with your talent and wisdom in these times. Much appreciated. Listening from way down south in Nicaragua.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Man I've forgotten how good these early episodes were and why I still love your channel Tom! This was a particularly good episode beginning with The Association's "Never My Love' intro to the skinny on flatwound strings and great vintage sounding pickups! Pure quality through and through.

[@swanset7446]

Excellent melodic choice on Never My Love to set the retro tone ideas. Sounds killer. Ordering flatwounds today. Keep up the good work. Excellent.

[@christopherkuefler9839]

Freaking awesome Tom ! I would love to see more of that stuff. Played great!

[@stevestarr6395]

Such a beautiful song and Tim is such an awesome player!!

[@Jonsvintagetoycave]

Man! you are THE encyclopaedia that we need. It’s so awesome to hear your experience and knowledge. And I love how you seem to love to share it with all of us! ( funny was was watching the sandlot just the other day with my kids for I’m pretty sure the 25th time! 😆) thanks Tom

[@LarryGi]

Love the waiving cat in the background! Again thanks for your videos Tom. Solid gold.

[@josephpearce777]

Awwwwwe yeah, time for a moment of happiness today. Thx for posting

[@pomofett]

I have a 65 starfire 3 and it’s magic. Keep it going man. Dig the videos!

[@shanedeel2]

Thanks for your time. I look forward to your videos every evening after my shift in the coal mine in Virginia. Also we’ve been to Nashville a couple times and it’s a beautiful place. Appreciate it pal.

[@mikebennz584]

Love the studio insight. This is much more like bringing in an expert on pawn stars and getting a complete lesson in rock and roll history and vintage guitars than the typical gear talk. With the added power to skyrocket the used market before the digital apocalypse (or renaissance) completely takes over

[@thebatigs7087]

Really good podcast on The Pitch List. I enjoyed listening to it during my run this morning.

[@johncaban5731]

Tom, love your playing and sound and brand new to your KZbin page. I’ve got a lovely 1965 Guild Starfire III. It’s one of my favorite guitars in my rack. The bridge pup is a thing of beauty through a fuzz... Like a fine 50’s Broadcaster. Wishing you and yours all the best through all this.

[@bobbyb4312]

thanks Tom. Just inherited my fathers Star Fire. You put such a big smile on my face man. Things aren't so good right now and I truly appreciate the kindness. Stay safe man we need people like you.

[@akinfar]

O man, the two late entries made my evening Thanks Tom for pointing those guys out! Fun to get some insight and weapon secrets.

[@timvanngman]

Hey Tom. Love your work man! Funny how serendipity happens. Zac Childs mentioned your love for the Nobels ODR-1...then I checked out your rig rundown with Premier Guitar...then your Homeskoolin’ videos autoplayed. Now I’ve binged every one of them. Such soulful playing and engaging stories. Your newest fan from Australia :)

[@Lefthandman333]

The best songs take you on a journey before the lyrics even start. Something that's getting harder to find these days. You manage to capture this in your intros and I love tuning in to listen to it.

[@bobbylatina3733]

Love this episode Buk... couldn’t agree more on those vintage tones. Ever since you found me that Echoplex my sound (for years) was an EP3, Fender reverb tank and the old 59’ Gretsch Double Anniversary...maximum twang 🤘

[@MrYatesj1]

Love Ya Buk, always stoked to see your posts. love the inside tips even those I am no where near a "session Man" You take care out there man, this rona thing is fer real. peas'

[@davemassie3726]

Nice jazzmaster & Guild starfire! Thanks for sharing TB.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

I see Funcle Tommy, I click, I like, I watch, I vibe. Thanks for keeping it a buck Funcle Tom.

[@stanmuso1]

Thanks so much Tom. I put flatwounds on my 62 Jaguar recently. Such a great old sound that’s so fashionable again

[@krum41]

Always worth it watching you

[@briano.5746]

Hey Tom , just subscribed today cuz I just found the damn channel LOL! I was sent to ya by Michael at Guitargate. I been playin' guitar 40ish years and you are right up my alley Brother! I'm a total 70's prog rock and Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Allman Bros.,Beatles ect. Freak! I love your playing and tone. It sounds familiar Ha Ha! I was also born in Ohio. Dayton to be exact, but I've been in Southwest Michigan since 1976. I wish I still had my first guitar which was a Harmony electric but I can't remember the model. That Guild Starfire was what my Uncle played in his and my Dads band. My cousin still has it down in Pikeville Tennessee. Lookin' forward to more! PEACE 🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🌎👍

[@jasonpitts8395]

Thanks Tom the for pointing out the doink in certain songs. It does catch the ear, or at least mine. I Need You by Skynerd was another one that came to mind. As always great video. ps - don't think we don't notice you changing out things in the background. The true observers can spot the changes

[@cfender4737]

Always nice to see you playing Fenders..even though you turned me into a gibson fan.

[@jeffbenson6102]

Great show! I saw "The Association" live here in Albuquerque back in the day and the opening band was "Cream" Ha!

[@ericbrewerguitar1499]

Great tip on the flats for getting that old school late 50’s early 60’s rock tone. Gonna try that ASAP!

[@michaelreis8266]

Man I love the feel of Traffic, Steve Winwood is a monster musician 👍🏼

[@MrStraty13]

you like that resonant C/G chord don't you ! Can't deny it, I like it too. It should be your next t shirt . I'll buy it cause I love your new video series man. You're a great inspiration for many guitar player across the world. Cheers from southern France, Cedric

[@robslater5528]

Pretty gorgeous, Tom! The Association...whoda thunk?! Swell changes, and a lovely melody! And Jazzmasters rule. Guy I play with has a '64 he usually plays through a '61 Deluxe. Ear candy.

[@championhairpuller]

Dug that opening!! cool song and great take on it.

[@philroselle1514]

Thanks you Tom, your the best!!

[@scottbookman]

you're killing me smalls...the price of a guild starfire just went up at least $500

[@dep1001]

Haha so true :D

[@musicmnw1982]

Oh yeah!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Yes. True! I'm keeping my old 66 SF3, it's got the same pickups as Tom's and a decent break angle behind the bridge.

[@scottnewellguitar]

Just looked for one on Reverb....$4,148.99 OOF reverb.com/item/27547150-guild-starfire-ii-1962-cherry

[@IrishBog]

@@scottnewellguitar What !! Got a 66 with new pickups for 1300 from RockNRoll Vintage Chicago back in 2017 - probably the guitar I pick up the most

[@BLacKCatB0ne]

You’re absolutely right about these old Guild guitars. They are favorite vintage instruments as well! I own quite a few now and how owned dozens. One edit, I’m pretty sure the full sized Guild humbuckers didn’t get introduced until 69-70. Every 64-69 Starfire I’ve owned had the minis until the 71 model and others from the 70’s I had came with the full sized HB-1 pups which are also phenomenal.

[@erniesfo]

Playing and singing softly are keys to developing technique. Great video.

[@kfoxfour]

Beautiful!! Love it!!

[@misterknightowlandco]

Usually I hate gear talk, but gear talk like this I can get behind. When somebody knowledgeable actually explains why something is cool, how it works and what to use it for, it's a great lesson.

[@dragonsage6909]

Great share thanks Tom! I've been buying low cost Squire Teles and customizing with aftermarket parts, necks etc..way more economical than chasing the vintage market and Ive made some decent really playable axes..

[@stavrou0]

YOU'RE KILLING ME SMALLS!! Thanks for the Starfire tips Uncle Larry :)

[@acmebrandinc]

Wow, the sound on that Guild Bridge pickup had a banjo like quality to it. Sandlot? what a Great movie..Have a great weekend y'all.

[@iansnyder274]

He is the coolest cat out there....can't get enough of him!

[@whiteguard56]

How about something on the red '65 non-reverse Firebird? Give us the 'bird!

[@onemanswrld]

Yes....the BIRD....give it to us....

[@sccrhns]

I've always dug those Starfires. Very cool guitars. Also a fan of the 70s Guild acoustics as well.

[@ksharpe10]

My Old Gretsch Blackhawk a 68, when we bought it in 69, it came with flatwound strings. I was a Dumb beginner I used to think then well I guess you only replace a string if ya break it, I was an ohio hick, livin in Walton Hills. Well I asked my teacher this guitar sounds so dull, and he said buy these, he brings out a round plastic Container, that was how Gretsch strings came back then, and they were ROUND wounds, well he showed me how to put one on, and told me to do the rest at home on my own, They were Great!!! I would go along time before I would change them, but I did wipe them down after playing.

[@koho]

Dale Leftwich - wow, his entry sounds like Dave Rawlings on PPC. Love it!

[@francisgori5631]

Yes!!!!!! A visitor on top of the Marshall!!!!! Thank you professor!

[@alexhainesmusic]

Yes LTB! Good, Bad and the Ugly soundtrack which I’m studying at the moment has lots of that killer twang!

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Now we're getting into Buddy Miller territory, and I like it!

[@justinguitarcia]

Buddy is incredible. I remember getting my Swart after hearing how he used the trem on those. Dude has vibe for days

[@philf4086]

Well, that intro. brought me to tears. Not sure why. Well, not really - my sister, 9 years older, loved that song. Great sixties pop can't be beat. Love the tremolo.

[@SindhiSufiMusicofKutch]

Yeahhhh. Awesome to see you with a Jazzmaster (my main squeeze) and talking about flats. I switched to flat wounds on all my guitars (strats, casino) about two years ago and cannot go back to rounds. So done with the boing-boing and the squeak-squeak.

[@bobryan8793]

Beautiful man....thank you sir

[@frets52]

So cool the value of my silvertone just went up!

[@vhollund]

6:33 says sorry to his guitar Great, and we've all done it :)

[@riverman6655]

My first band played that song at the roller ring Friday night dances for high school...man that brings back memories..the Association...the Wriecking Crew magic!

[@tommymauro326]

Tom Thank you finally some who gets it, not drivin 300 miles an hour on the neck of their favorite sparkle Tele copy. I am 68 old school guitarist songwriter, I will not make video's of them playing some none melodic crap, thank you play few add 9 chords and have fun. You are genius no freakin gear conversations that go over two hours, I got a rare 59 Burst Standard, that my girl . Thankyou again you saved me with your laid back veiw. Be safe I'LL BE BACK , TOMMY GREENVILLE,TN .

[@cletussea-ray944]

Uncle Larry, thanks for talking gear...it’s important and the right thing to do for full guitar geekdom!

[@haroldsams-hs]

youtube is gona suck when u go back to work lol great videos ive enjoyed them all

[@mcmule2007]

Jerry Garcia played a Guild Starfire on the first Grateful Dead album...another cheapo guitar brand was Madeira...my first electric bought In 1978 was a Madeira SG copy....long gone but I still have the 1978 Vibro Champ bought that same day for $98.

[@TravisHY]

Oh, look out, Tom is gonna be playing Television solos next! THE JAZZMASTER AWAKENS!!!!

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

I'm witcha, brother!

[@TravisHY]

@@grandudetonesnob7107 I'd be VERY surprised if that happened, but not THAT surprised.

[@GIBKEL]

Tom, did you ever listen to the Calexico recordings from the late 90’s, early OO’s? Joey Burns and John Convertino just killed it with that jazz staccato beat and Airline Spaghetti-Western Guitar -an aural feast! Recorded at Wave Labs out of Tucson-Something special about that studio and the recordings they made. They also played with Neko Case on her ‘BlackListed’ record. Very few recordings from the past 25 years give me the goose bumps like these have, and that one especially. Shout out to Howe Gelb! Man out of time. I was an early DeArmond convert by accident. Built my first guitar with a pair of gold foil double mustaches that all started when my 95 Audi Quattro blew a head gasket. Long story short-Sounded great but the pole pieces were a mismatch for a strat or tele bridge-found out the hard way. No matter, I built it, I love it, worts and all. Quiet ......nobody move, I think I just felt a Reverb quake.......shush!

[@gregwilliams4201]

Hey Tom that guild was sweet sounded great.

[@56ackbar]

Thank you for the eq tip, great advice!

[@danielblom6605]

I remember walking into your old guitar shop and saw one of those old Guilds hanging there. I had just purchase a Shane Theriot instructional from Trufire that he was using one. I took it down, checked it out. You looked up and said, you got good taste man, those are great guitars. You are consistent in your opinion Tom.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Daniel Blom The old Starfire lll is such a great guitar. I've had a 66 for about 20 years and even though I don't play it a lot these days, mostly using a les paul special, the Guild has such a great sound.

[@MadsenMister]

"I don't want to say these are Secret Weapons, but I use these weapons secretly." You are the fucking oracle, buddy. This is my new favorite channel. I dig the vibe, the talk, the licks. I especially love how you treat us with tips, tricks, and knowledge, but one of the first things you did on this video is ask to learn. A true teacher is constantly learning. Secretly, of course.

[@BossHossStudios]

BUK is singlehandedly boosting the prices of these cool vintage guitars. Hey they are due to get a bump in value! They sound great Tom

[@Geosguitars]

Loved The Your Killin' Me, Smalls Reference...

[@tedfloyd4203]

Finally got to hear you sing! You have a style... kind of raspy, bluesy, whispery, but very cool. Love to hear more... you could develop that into a singer/guitarist career. Bet you have some original songs to record...I'd buy an album!

[@JimFothergill]

Great stuff today!!!! Thx!!!

[@lupcokotevski2907]

I love the retro watery sound on the Twin Peaks theme by NYC session man Vinnie Bell. Vinnie invented the electric sitar in the 1960's used on Green Tambourine, and by Steely Dan on Do it Again, if I remember correctly, played by Denny Dias.

[@mwagliardo]

Tom, your garage is likely the noisiest on the block for many reasons ; ) Dig that Jazzmaster!

[@smalllicks]

great tone and classy playin

[@TheOdditee]

"I don't wanna talk about gear much..." Proceeds to play a jaw dropping collection of guitars easily worth $100,000k+ Come on, man! We wanna know the story and tones and reason why you pick up one vs the other etc etc. Your subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) insight continue to inspire me to play more everyday. Cheers for that. -Odd

[@TheBigH1975]

I just got an old 60's Holiday from my uncle that had been under his bed for like 45 years. Turns out my dad bought it out of a catalog when he was in junior high, and never bothered to learn. Plywood body AND neck. The pickups are microphonic as all hell, but it's cool.

[@rdfindley56]

You're killin' me Smalls! People selling vintage Guild's should send you a case of Rolling Rock or 2..

[@BillSeipel]

Fletcher Munson curve describes your ear's ability (or lack thereof) to discern certain frequencies as volume increases. Perfect example: you EQ your gear for bedroom levels then take it to the gig and you perceive the tone to be completely different when you play the show due to the volume being much greater.

[@DreaNEO]

Whatching again for the ×# time...THANKS BUK!!!

[@Guitarrulez]

Haaa,what a nice surprise...Yesterday you said have a good weekend guys..I assumed no show for us...and woke up to this ! Yay! Lol, btw, these are my favourite lessons when you play mellow bluesy chords...super inspiring. Been meaning to ask, the other day on the live stream Michael mentioned that your way of setting up guitars was well known in the industry.Would you care sharing some of your “basic” tricks on to get a great setup on the guitar?

[@WilRockQ]

That was a fantastic song, Never My Love

[@peterpolfeldt3083]

Just been clickin to see some, maybe 10 - 12, of those entries ... some great guitarplaying there, well worth a watch. XTS challenge, not hard to find ..

[@bryk3146]

Love that song 😎

[@super-v900email8]

I have a Kent Americana with the old gold foil pickups from late 60's. There is not much power in-them-there gold foils but I do love them. I feel like the Americana is based on the Fender Coranado. It has taken some work to get playable but as Tom said break angle is everything.

[@johnhiggins6800]

Never My Love by The Association, You slay me Tom!

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

Chapters 00:00 - Twang jam intro 01:10 - Hello 03:00 - Weapons used secretly 04:42 - Fender Jazzmaster 05:15 - Midrange in the mix 06:28 - Harmony Silvertone Jupiter 09:10 - Guild Starfire III Bixby

[@jppagetoo]

Neil Geraldo is famous for playing Guild Starfire guitars. He's a legend for his tone. I'd love to own one. Many years ago I picked up an old Harmony Rocket (2 pickup with trem version). It has those wonderful DeArmond pickups. It's not a well made guitar and is a lousy instrument for slide, which was what I bought it for, but boy howdy with a Fender Deluxe on grit gain those pickups sound great! The word got out, you can't buy them for the $75 I picked up for back in the early 2000's.

[@timothyhoder4591]

The Cat is back!!!!

[@djwildhorse9138]

... and the waving cat ;-)

[@jasonpitts8395]

Yep. He never said what happened to that watermelon that was back there.

[@ththejackjumper]

Hey I have a Silvertone Bobkat with those pickups! Or at least those pickup covers. Cool! It's such an amazing guitar, neck like a baseball bat. But great action and great sound. Still has the wooden bridge.

[@guitarmagic]

Oh no!!! Don’t spill the beans on the Guild Starfires!!! They will skyrocket in price. But you’re right... they’re so wonderful.

[@TheSpydersBand]

I have a 60s Starfire with a Bigsby. It’s in crappy shape. My grandfather took it one time when I was out of town and refinished it, including shellacking the fretboard.

[@philroselle1514]

Best channel too!!