My Guitars, etc.

On the right, my oldest, most trusted guitar - the basis for most of my recordings. It's an Eko Ranger VI, made in Italy. I've owned it since 1969, and it's better now than it was then.

On the left is her sister, an Eko Ranger XII, which I bought a few years back at a pawn shop.

On the left, my GK F-4, currently my most-used electric. It's made in China, not an expensive guitar, but I love the feel of it, and the sound, when I record it electrically and acoustically at the same time.

The red one is a Harmony H-72 from the late 60s. It's my 2nd-favourite electric, but its neck is just slightly clubby, compared to the GK. Both are light weight, and a dream to play all night.

My Jerzey acoustic-electric bass guitar. This baby has a really long neck! It's a bit buzzy around the neck/body join, so I don't play up there very often. It's fun to sit around watching tv, and when a commercial comes on, I try to quickly find the key and jam along.

I often record it electrically and acoustically together. It's very light weight, but I've never tried playing it in public or standing up. I don't play in public very often anyway. 

  I have a few more guitars plus a couple of amps, but no good pictures available right now - I'll get around to that soon.

Accents

My friend J.P. Arial makes these rakes. By sliding the ring washer up or down the bundles, you get an open, flammy sound, or a tight solid stick sound. They are available for $20 a pair plus shipping, and also available in 'light' configuration, made with smaller gauge dowels.

To order, email

PriMarilee took up the bodhran, and I took up carving beaters. I found there's more to it than just whittling a piece of wood until it feels good. These are all too big to be good beaters.

For really good beaters, contact the Ottawa Folklore Centre, and ask about bodhrans and beaters by Dr. T, aka RayeThomas, PhD.