Is it all in my head? Thoughts and musings from a guitar nut

[@Marius-eu8dh]

Mouth open... such melodic complexity ought to be a jumble, but every note is crystal-clear... and you are coaxing every possible tone out of that monstrous Gretsch as you ramble through styles and invent phrases on the fly! Your playing never ceases to amaze. Just gorgeous.

[@frankbolam7812]

Thank you Paul, brilliant as always. Hope you enjoyed your day in Glasgow. Maybe someday I’ll get the chance to shake your hand and tell you how much you are appreciated. Hope you have a good weekend and best wishes from Glasgow 👍🎸

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well it would be a pleasure to shake your hand Frank. 🍻

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

Fabulous phrasing and a devilish walk through the blues jazz alley! Thanks for sharing.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Corey 🍻

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

Still one of the best guitarists on the planet.

[@emlyngriffith5846]

Good stuff! I always learn something new from your guitar musings….👍🍷

[@jagercaster]

What a pleasure to hear relax playing guitar that way ❤

[@LennySugiono]

Mokka pot brewed, crumpets spread and wonderful gretsch playing !! Phenomenal phrasing as always, inspiring ❤ Love GG. lovely and super knowledgeable folks there ! Big up from Glasgow

[@Mindboggle100]

A Master Class in Jazz Blues Turnarounds... I can hear so many influences in those, you are such a gifted natural player, its almost supernatural!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Mindboggle, your words have left me smiling! 🍻

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Paul you have done more for my playing than anything else.Thanks.

[@charlesbarkley2262]

Beautiful playing. Sound is excellent.

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

Man, your playing is insanely good, FANTASTIC!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hey Krenar, I’m delighted you still drop by my wee KZbin show. Cheers mate 🍻

[@garcdonald]

Clean. Love the 6120. Ty for the es339 shout-out. I was unaware of it till now. Wonderful lesson, too. Had to subscribe. Alohas

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Garcdonald, delighted you liked the lesson 🍻

[@geraldtaylor1968]

I really enjoy the way you break down the process 👍🏽

[@ThomasNeily]

Thanks Paul best ever it's really helping the rut I'm in thank you

[@geoffrey4513]

Beautiful blues. And what a guitar!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you kindly! 🍻

[@jonnybeck6723]

Great lesson BTW, Thanx Teach

[@rescd4]

Paul, been a fan from the start. Thanks for the inspirational videos, As a "mature" person, your life adventures and perspectives resonates. Thanks for sharing. "You're a good egg" as they say LOL

[@gd9986]

I live in the states now but whenever I’m back in Glasgow i stop by guitar guitar for a drool. Their selection is world class!

[@2NatoStandard]

Perusing YT, saw this and thought.. okay! It was right at that moment you said, We don't do rock machines here at PSC, that I gave you the thumbs up. I live in a house with character I drive a car with character, and I own guitars with character. Lovely playing buddy

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I took a wander round there in the summer, ended up taking in Kenny's Music & Merchant City Music as well. I'd like to have a look at Jimmy Egypts shop in the West End next time I'm over that way, should have some interesting stuff.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Graeme. It’s funny, that’s exactly the same shops as I visited today (except Jimmy Egypts). Maybe I’m getting old (and my iPhone said I’d already done 10k steps), but Jimmy’s shop seemed the “straw on the camel’s back”. And so maybe next time. Definitely better than Edinburgh for guitar shops though.

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Definitely, you’d need to get the underground over to the West End for Jimmy Egypts. I miss McCormacks in Glasgow which was in the city centre, that was a brilliant shop, closed a good while ago though. Edinburgh is missing out. Although nearer me there’s Joanies Music in Stirling which is wee but really good.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

@@GraemeCampbellMusicNext time I’m near Stirling I’ll check out Joanie’s music 👍

[@thomasbarr5940]

Jimmy now also in old strung out shop near merchant city​@@GraemeCampbellMusic

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Oh I love that Gretsch. Your Dad has great taste!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Absolutely fantastic playing brother. Gorgeous.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Jeremy, glad you liked it. 🍻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

@ you’re welcome brother

[@geraldtaylor1968]

And those Sick Gibsons!♥️

[@riffcodger]

Great stuff Paul.

[@johndodson4527]

Cheers paul.b well.thank you.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers John 👍

[@mortonwilson795]

Great to hear the Gretsch! Always enjoy yout lessons, Paul. Interesting getting a glimpse into the Glasgow scene (my mother is from Glasgow, emigrated with the whole family to NZ back in the '30s). Ampwise the two brands I have been watching closely are Supra & Magnatone. 'Boutique' I guess, with prices to match, altho Supra seem to have some tasty smaller amps that won't break the bank. The Magnatone Stereo Tremolo strikes me as an ideal small studio amp . . . dreamy (sep. for your style of playing!).

[@jonnybeck6723]

I'm SO digging them REALLY Nifty* runs you are sprouting... They is knockin' me socks right off (Pun intended) *(My highest praise)

[@stratpod]

feck knows how you remember all that stuff . Had one of those Gretsch's in for repair the other week. My first encounter with one, nothing like i expected. Super low action (when I'd finished with it 😁) and extremely stable tuning . Amazingly light and comfortable to play. Controls a bit confusing the way the p/ups effect each other with volume. The prices in store are just ridiculous now . Must still be an awful lot of rich folk still out there

[@huynhstin]

Fantastic blues playing!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you huynhstin 👍

[@karllongbottomguitars9192]

Sounding wonderful as always Paul. Have you considered one of the hybrid pedal amps from Victory or the Milkman one. I did once have a quick play on a Victory dutchess pedal amp and was impressed with it

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Actually, no I haven’t tried a pedal amp yet. I really should get out more 🤣. On a different note, that Blackstar Dept. 10 boost is a great sounding wee pedal! Very fat sounding. I think I’ll feature it on a video soon! Cheers Karl

[@estenray5385]

Now this is great fun! Thanks for taking us guitar browsing in Glasgow with you Paul! My favorite type of tourism! Glasgow is definitely on my bucket list of places I hope to visit Edinburgh as well! I’m definitely with you on the Mini Cooper analogy “put four doors on them and they loose all sense of proportion” however VW Golfs with 4 doors look much better! But on the Gibson 335 I don’t see it!But the 339 seems not quite right in comparison. I find that for clean tone I haven’t found much better than a Roland Jazz Chorus! I have a RJC 20 that I’m very attached to. Thanks so much for the quick primer on those “jazz progressions”! Great short lesson!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Estenray. Maybe I should change direction and do car reviews 🤣

[@estenray5385]

Hey Paul! Love your post’s! No need to change anything! I definitely understand your perspective on how (apparently) small changes in size or other details can radically change the appearance of balance and proportion. The car analogy certainly is a good example but I don’t think we need to take it any further than that lol! However I definitely have a soft spot for auto’s and motorcycle’s! So if you feel up to starting a new UTube channel on the subject I’ll definitely follow and would gladly be your 1st subscriber! However of the two subjects I definitely prefer guitars and playing them! So a huge thanks for what you do here!👍🙏🫶

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Estenray, yeah I’ll stick to guitars 🤘

[@aadityakiran_s]

Excellent playing. 💖

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks, delighted you liked my playing

[@aadityakiran_s]

@paulstaffordcook8799 Did you compose that blues or was it completely improvised?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I wish I could say it was “off the cuff”. But quite the opposite. I’ve been noodling with that particular piece for months, carefully refining it to the point where I can play it in a relaxed and confident fashion. So no, unfortunately I’m not good enough to have just improvised it on the spot 🤣

[@aadityakiran_s]

@paulstaffordcook8799 Haha.... But I think mostly it'll be like this with most anyone. (To various degrees). But to your credit, it looks as if it's off the cuff. Very relaxed and easy as u said.

[@gordonlaw5530]

Hi Paul! If your really after a semi-acoustic I'd recommend a WESTONE RAINBOW GUITAR. one of my first guitars I bought back in 1982. I still have my old guitar in walnut. but if you search there is a lovely red one. Still love your channel. Keep it up Mysterio 😉🤞

[@scottbee501]

When I was 21, 1973, I was working at a Caterpillar tractor factory in Peoria, Illinois (the States). Every 2-3 weeks I would trade or purchase a different guitar or amp. I wish I I had my old es335 and fender twin reverb. Everyone has one of those stories.

[@twelthstring]

Paul, it might be a good idea to try the Boss (Roland) Katana Artist gen3.

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Mini Cooper is the best analogy I've heard in relation to the 339!

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

Ha! I've been to that Brazilian restaurant on my one trip to Glasgow.

[@michaelbentley4182]

Gretsch Goodness ! 😊

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Michael 🍻

[@psolista8380]

Brilliant playing as always Paul. re the twin - intermitant crackle could be tubes needing replacing?

[@jeremyschuhmann9671]

Great playing, nice lesson! WRT tube amps, the problem is that it’s getting harder and harder (and more and more expensive) to find well-made tubes, so I sympathize with your quest to find a nice sounding, reliable, lightweight, solid state amp to gig with. In the States, Quilter amps have been becoming more popular, particularly with jazz players wanting a clean sound (e.g. Aviator Cub combo, Tone Block 101/202 head). Not sure if they’re available there, or if they even make them for European voltages though.

[@stewartmckenzie5209]

Where did you get your mug ? Like it .

[@mikeblue385]

sounds like the twin needs new capacitors. i tried the tonemaster deluxe. sounds like a picture of an amp.

[@JazzKatzs]

Very nice- I’ll be in Glasgow in June, ( 1st time in Scotland) what vintage guitar stores are there ?

[@mooseymoose]

My backup is a Quilter Superblock US, as close to tubes as you can get. Reverb on them is meh, but you can carry it around in your gig bag and plug in the speaker of your combo if something goes wrong.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yeah, I’m hearing the name Quilter coming up quite a bit…. I gotta try one if I can find one.

[@mooseymoose]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Well if you want something for a backup that is extremely close to the real deal but is pedal sized with 22 watts, the Superblocks are stellar. None of that digital emulation stuff going on. I went through a TON of things; UA Dream65, Simplifier, Iridium, Walrus AC1, plugins galore (honorable mention to Nembrini Faceman cause I still use it, also Scuffham S-gear) and the Quilter is king of them all. $250 ya can't go wrong.

[@JosephCompton66]

Wow

[@steveburrows101]

Thank you Paul. Have you tried a Quilter solid state amp? If not then do. Sadly few dealers in the UK but those who have them swear by them (including me).

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Actually, I forgot to mention Quilter. You’re right, they keep coming up in my research. Haven’t tried one but I’ll definitely check supply periodically 👍

[@steveburrows101]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 See @leonardgriffieblues5845 latest, on the 101 Reverb. I have a Toneblock 202 - overkill for my needs but superb.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Look into universal audio dream 65 and a power can or direct into a daw

[@natrelacoustix]

You probably won't see this comment, but don't make up your mind till you've tried a Blues cube Artist 80. I was on the same quest as you. I wanted a Fender sounding tube amp without the weight and reliability issues. For me, the blues cube had it all. The sag and compression of a true tube amp in a solid state (all be it digital) package. It performs at all power soak volumes and even at a quite large gig I never got up to it's full 80watt setting. It's clean tone is is gorgeous with a strat, tele or les paul and the break up into drive is just right. The reverb is excellent and it takes pedals brilliantly. A strat a blues cube and a boss blues driver and you're set... honestly. Check one out.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well I did see your comment, and I’m glad I did. Yes, it seems the Blues Cube Artist has quite the fan base! Ok, in that case, I will keep my eyes peeled for one in Scotland that I can try. Cheers 🍻

[@grantbuchanan3616]

Enjoyed that Paul thank you! You have previously spoken highly of the Boss Katana, was the Boss not an option for a solid-state alternative?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Grant. Whilst I’m a big fan of the Katana, I see them as a great blues crunch kinda thing. Whereas these days I’m way more into pristine shimmering clean tones….. Hence my love of American voiced amps.

[@Mr.ColdNote]

Check out the Quilter Cub amps. But what happened to the Katana?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, the name Quilter keeps coming up…. I gotta try one. The Katana was sold a few years ago. As much as I loved it, I’m now a much cleaner player in terms of tone. The Katana is a great “edge of breakup” amp, but less convincing as a shimmering clean tone machine.

[@Mr.ColdNote]

@paulstaffordcook8799 You might like the Quilter Aviator Cub U S. It has 3 inputs : Black, Blond and Tweed.

[@Rolf_D]

Hello Paul, I think, you should give your Twin Reverb a Chance and let it be repaired by a good repairman. It ist one of the best Tube Amps you can get!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Rolf. Yes, if I could get it to be reliable that would be awesome, because it does sound wonderful.

[@Clayton-t6k]

Hello, from Florida! I began watching your videos a few days ago, and I’m a big fan. Thank you for the lesson.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Clayton, and it’s amazing to think my wee videos are being watched from so far away. Greetings to you in Florida, from a rather dull Edinburgh 🍻

[@BedeLaplume]

​ You sure know how to play this guitar, mixing Jazz and blues phrases. I have a Korean-made Gretsch 5410T that sounds and also looks very well. However, the Japanese-made ones that are higher-end seem to have more resonance or sustain. Maybe it's the amp. BTW the Jazz Chorus has the best chorus sound ever..

[@jonnybeck6723]

I've never even touched or plunked a Gretsch ...or a Dynasonic. In your opinion, are aftermarket Dynasonics good enough to get the feel of the originals? (Gee-whizz I'm such a GAS addict 👀)

[@ruger9two]

The Roland solid state amps are fantastic, I've been using a Roland Blues Cube Artist (with the "Ultimate Blues" tone capsule). They certainly aren't cheap, but they are GREAT. I've even gigged it no problem... it's LIGHT, can get loud if necessary, but the most important thing: it sounds great at any volume. I have the 1x12 combo.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Ruger, I’m desperate to try one. I’m going to keep my eye open for the next time there’s one in my local guitar shops. 🍻

[@philh27]

I did say that the noise issue would grind you down! The JC120 is a great amp, but not really a ‘back up’ to a valve amp such as the Cornell. It is a very different beast and does different things (very well).

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, I’m well and truly ground down! I’m dying to try a Roland Blues Cube Artist.

[@gutterpunk]

Paul have you tried a Fender 68 custom pro reverb , its tube, completely new design not based on the old pro reverb has nothing to do with it really , its half a twin reverb, really is. I'm considering it as my main tube amp myself the now ever since i played it. Its the same tubes, everything as the twin , sounds identical,half the watts half the weight the form is very appealing man and most of all it sounds like it and feels like it . Cant comment on reliability though but its a nice amp ! Id avoid the jazz chorus personally , it soon sounds very cold to your ear and you can't escape it once you notice it I'm sure whatever you get you'll make it sound great anyway , Excellent playing as always mate 👍

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Actually, I haven’t tried the Pro Reverb yet….. I’ll take your recommendation to try one if I see one. 🍻

[@mikebarnard2689]

You are a class act, unlike modern Fender amps. I could see you with a good old ( well serviced ) Princeton . Chris Fantana builds “ class act” PR12s , check out his site and KZbin channel…. You will not get pops , bangs and interference from these properly built and obsessively wired amps. Oh and thanks for showing me the lefty ‘54 Goldtop in GG, I can’t unsee that now !!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for the info Mike, I’ll check out Chris Fantana’s stuff 🍻

[@mikebarnard2689]

@ sorry forgot .. Chris is Rift Amps

[@therealdoug1000]

It's all about that first snort of new guitar smell when you swing the guitar store door open. It's the smell of honey mixed with money.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

“Honey mixed with money”…. I like that 🤘

[@StepanVasylyshyn]

S = N classic. ;)

[@rachelleo8881]

Lovely playing PSC. Enjoy Glasgow. It’s such a shame you’re all alone though.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, sadly my wife is not allowed to accompany me (city council rules). Oh well, I’ll just have to go get me a hooker.

[@gwbuilder5779]

​@@paulstaffordcook8799 😂

[@dwaynejessome1728]

The Lord loves a Goldtop

[@thomasbarr5940]

Much prefer 339 tbh I think 335 is unweildy somehow lol

[@RealROCKnROLLA]

It's not in your head Paul. Solid state Roland amp is analog and Fender is digital, so two completely different technologies there. Maybe you like one and don't like the other

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yeah, that’s how I perceived it. Cheers for watching 🍻

[@gwbuilder5779]

Definitely not just in your head, well... Maybe.😂 Keep in mind you are comparing completely different things. There is nothing like a valve/tube amp, the depth, tone, and voice are just a fuller sound and feel to your senses. Perhaps consider a Carvin, I don't know what might be available there, but they are certainly much more manageable than the Twin and a 30 watt or something around that would be more than enough for all your needs. All of the samplers and digital tech stuff might have nifty features to play around with, but have the same sickness that most of us experienced musicians have, you already know what you want in your sound, it's going to be valves/tubes.😂 The young kid in you loves the unruliness of that Twin, but the "Mature" (being generous) grown-up side of you thinks you should be sensible, but you know that's not really what you want. I went from a double Marshall full stack to a Peavy Renoun (very loud and abnoxious) to a Calvin. The Calvin was plenty powerful and provided all of the familiar response in a far more manageable package. There is no practical way to compare the different types of amps because they literally different in every way. The digitals can only try to duplicate or imitate the real thing and that is what is messing with your head.🤙

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, you’re right. Oh the rabbit holes are endless aren’t they! 🍻

[@gwbuilder5779]

@paulstaffordcook8799 I don't know what you are talking about?😂🤣🍻

[@4amsolo]

Hi Paul, I share your frustration about Fender amps, be it Handwired or regular. I was thinking of buying a re-issue Handwired 64 Princeton. I looked around at reviews then I came across this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHvNf3uoopmYpZI It's beyond comprehension how they are able to get away with this shoddy work at extortionate prices. New amps with noise & bad components. I'm sure your Fender amp could be sorted out by a good Tech. I'm not sure you will get what your looking for from a modeling amp. But I could be wrong.....Good luck.

[@JuanReyes-ht1bd]

It’s all in your hands and head 😂. Seriously……

[@JosephCompton66]

Get a Henriksen bud 6 thank me later.

[@petergoddard1960]

Sounds like it's time to sell/trade in the Fender Twin. I was wondering if the Tonemaster range manage to authentically model the crackle and hum that those '68 Custom Series are so well known for. Maybe you could program in a mid gig failure for that true experience. I jest of course. There's much to be said for that flexible attenuation they offer. With solid state getting a good break up tone is the trick I suppose, so be sure whatever you choose takes your favourite pedals well. Back in the day I got a massive amount of mileage from one of those old Roland Cube 100 solid state amps and a ton of Boss effects. Never let me down and I rue selling it to this day.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Peter. Yeah, everyone is saying good things about Roland….