Playing with my camera out by the pool...

[mmcquain]

I know things have been slow around here so I thought I'd add some new pics
for you all to check out - sorry but they're not "those" kind of "pool pics" :lol

Anyway, we'll start with my Taylor T5 Standard Flamed Maple Blue Edgeburst:

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/T5_Barb/T5_Shine2.jpg

Followed by the rest of the family...

First, my Fender Nashville Telecaster Amber with Upgrade Pickups:

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/NashvilleTele/Tele_Shine2.jpg

Next up, the honeyburst "twins":

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Audrey_Paul-1.jpg

And my Les Paul "dynamic duo":

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Paul_Jacob-1.jpg

My Hamer Vector Flying V:
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/HamerV_ByPool.jpg

And finally, the whole family sunning themselves by the pool:

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Family_June2007.jpg

[bluesjuke]

Cool by the pool!
Nice collection you've got.

Do they still have the festival every year in Tarpon Springs?
I used to come up there to it when I lived in Tampa.

[mmcquain]

Cool by the pool! Nice collection you've got.
Do they still have the festival every year in Tarpon Springs?
I used to come up there to it when I lived in Tampa.

Thanks. Yep, they still do the Greek festival in Tarpon Springs, Gasparilla festival in Tampa, etc. I love it here... nice place to live IMO.

[sliding-tom]

Great pics of some beautiful guitars! What's missing is a full size acoustic!? :lol2

[bluesjuke]

Tarpon Springs is one of the most beautiful places in Florida without a doubt.

[gakees]

That new LP is really nice. I like that area in the grain just above the tailpiece.

[bluespckr]

Methinks you've found PARDISE! Nice "family" you got there.

Um ... do you know how to play any of them :lol ???

Just kidding. The Honeybursts are especially gorgeous.

[sliding-tom]

I'm sorry for you that you have to let go of the R0, mmcquain.
Hope that everything turns out well for you and your family whatever it is. :jm

[mmcquain]

Bluespckr - Yes, I play 'em all... rotate the electrics out each week playing at church (based on the particular song selections that week). The T5 is used twice a month playing at a local nursing home (and sometimes at church). For just around the house I tend to grab one of the Gibsons if I'm just jamming away on something (but the T5 also sees some playing time at home).

SlidingTom - Thanks. It will all work out (its just one of those things that comes up when you least want it to). On the good news side of things, if I'm lucky I may hang on to enough from the R0 sale to get a Gibson Les Paul Classic Antique (one of the new chambered models this year). This will give me something lighter than my Custom and will help me "recover" :) from having to sell the R0. I'll then just have to start saving up again for another Historic.

[Nelson F]

Beauties what is this one ????http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/T5_Barb/T5_Shine2.jpg

[sliding-tom]

Taylor T 5

[Huckleberry]

Nice pics. I bought a nre digital camera some time back. I suppose i should line 'em up & take some pics!

[mmcquain]

Nelson - As Tom pointed out, its a Taylor T5 acoustic/electric with a flamed maple top in blue edgeburst. Since I'm primarily an electric player this is the perfect "acoustic" for my needs. Nice low action (close to an electric) but it has heavier strings than the 9-46 sets I use on my Les Pauls so bending strings is a little harder.

[ToXiK]

very nice guitars;)

[mmcquain]

First, thanks ToXiK. Now I wanted to give you the latest "family" update...

As some of you may know, I'm having to sell my new Les Paul 1960 Historic Reissue R0 Lemonburst for financial reasons - don't ya' hate those unplanned expenses! :wah

Anyway, I was able to hang on to enough money from the sale to snag a Les Paul Classic Antique in Honeyburst. Now here comes the kicker... I actually like the Classic BETTER than the Historic - I know that's crazy talk :## to many of you but let me explain...

First, both guitars look very similar (see pics below). I'm surprised at how close the lemondrop and honeyburst look alike under the right lighting. The R0 had a subtle flame that changed into almost a plaintop at certain angles. The Classic is similar but with a higher amount of flame.

Next, I think I just like the sounds of Classic 57 pickups better than Burstbuckers. This is a personal preference but the 57s are just "warmer" somehow. I know a lot of people are going to say "what about the chambering" (Classic) vs. a true "solid body" (R0). Both sound great and sustain nicely... different yes, but some great sounds out of either of 'em. As for weight, the Classic Antique is 7 lbs 12.8 ozs. and the Historic R0 is 8 lbs. 9.7 oz. (so my back is happier by about 1 lbs).

As for the finish details, fretwork, etc. - the R0 has Pleked frets and is nicer than the Classic. However, after a setup and slight fret dressing, the Classic will be a great playing guitar as well (its nice now but I know it can get even better with a little touch-up). Otherwise, the binding and overall appearance of both guitars is very similarly good. I really think the Gibson USA shop can do great work just like the Custom Shop when you catch (either of) them on a "good day"

I'll be taking more pics of the Classic Antique later (waiting for some sunshine to really capture the top) but here are the 2 side-by-side before I finish boxing up the R0 for my buyer. Some day I'll get another Historic Reissue, but until then, I'm pretty darn happy with my Classic Antique (which was LESS THAN HALF the price!!!)

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique2.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique3.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique4.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique5.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique6.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/RO_vs_ClassicAntique1.jpg

[sliding-tom]

Well, congrats! That Classic looks georgeous! Don't worry about "Historic", Standard", "Classic" etc. bla bla bla... if it's a great guitar, it's a great guitar! :yay So bad things can turn into good things sometimes.

[thucydides]

Very nice! I love the Lemonburst; I wasn't familiar w/that finish. And, I've had a thing for honeyburst since seeing Martin Barre playing a honeyburst LP in the photos that were in the "Living in the Past" album!