About James Koontz Expertise Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Amplifiers, Most anything Music related... Also most anything related to security, Fire and access control, as well as CCTV system.
Experience 20 years as a sound engineer, part time luthier, and general all around technical dude for many local bands. One of which was fairly large in the 80's and 90's with multiple recordings, and was the opening act for David Allen Coe, as well as got a nashville recording opportunity. The band disbanded before making it mainstream.
Organizations Loyal Order of the Moose, Boy Scouts,BMI
Publications Highlights for Children, Mystery Magazine,several online Publications, multiple cd's from various artists.
Education/Credentials I have 20 years experience, some electrical college experience. Studied Law, philosophy, and theology.
Awards and Honors well, too many to listm and none worth much more than a paperweight to hold down the ones that are on paper.
Expert: James Koontz Date: 4/30/2007 Subject: Guitar's strings !
Question QUESTION: Hi , I have a question about the strings . I want to know what kind of strings we can use for Classic & Parlor & Dreadnaught guitars ? For each one . Nylon ? Steel ? Anothere material ?
ANSWER: Well,
It's never a good idea to put nylon strings on a steel string guitar, because the nut and bridge are notched, and set-up for steel strings, and nylon wont hold tune properly, without resetting everything for nylon, it won't hurt it, but it just wont be completely in tune. It's NEVER a good idea to put steel strings on a classical, nylon string guitar. the tops aren't strong enough to handle the steel strings, they are generally made thinner, to get more resonance off the nylon strings, to increase the volume, and make it sound better. Steel strings require an enormous amount of tension.
For most acoustic guitars, I recommend using phosphor Bronze, gauge is something you will want to experiment with to find what works best for your guitar, but I will say, D'addario phosphor bronze 12's are a great set for a nice warm sound from your acoustic, even the parlor would like those... But gauge is going to be determined by the style of music you play, and the actual guitar you have. Also, your own comfort level is going to affect it. I use D'Addario EXP 15's on my Dreadnought, They are extra light, and allow me to do alot of bending. Parlor guitars are smaller, but generally can handle most string gauges, up to around a 12, anything bigger than 12's are going to cause some damage over time. Also, make sure to keep humidifiers in the areas of the guitar, even if it's just a wet sponge near the guitar, or in the case with it. Dryness will destroy a guitar. They must stay in a roughly 40 humid environment. This will ensure no damage is done, and keep your tuning longer. This will prolong string life, as your not stretching the strings nearly as much, and they stay stronger. Keeping them clean, using such items as Fast Fret, will also prolong string life. You can buy oils for your fret board, from most music stores, but they usually can get expensive. I have found that Bath and Body caries massage oils, and usually some end up in the discount bin, for a couple bucks, and you get enough to last roughly 10 years. rub a bit into the fret board during your next string change,and this will keep your fret board looking, and feeling good.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope this answer is what you were looking for.
Jim K
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QUESTION: Thanks alot Jim . Can you tell me ( as an expert ! ) , what's the difference between the songs of Classics & Dreadnaughtes ?
ANSWER: Well,
The Dreadnought guitar is just a size of the guitar, It increases the volume, and the bass response, so it BOOMS more, this and the Jumbo, are both very loud guitars, so they are the primary choice for Bluegrass pickers, and Country jams. Anytime you need to get loud to be heard over the other instruments, the Dreadnought is the one.. Now, you said classic, are you meaning classical? On the string question I just kind of covered all the bases, but if you are referring to something else, There is no real "classic" guitar... but I would say that the classical is the "classic" guitar,though the gut strings have been replaced for the most part by nylon, you still can get gut strings, it is used primarily for finger style picking, due to the soft nature of the tone. You would play more soft ballads, classical pieces from composers like Bach, Beethoven, etc. The smaller steel string guitars, like parlors, lend themselves to a very intimate sound, and are great for blues, and some very nice singer/songwriter type songs, something where it's you and the guitar.. There are some newer sizes out there now to, like the Concert size. This is a great size for just about anything. You get some fantastic volume, awesome bass response, and you can hold it easily in the lap. These are good for any style. Even Bluegrass, though you may find it hard to get above the banjos with it.. Hope this helps.
JimK
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QUESTION: Dear Jim , very thanks for your answers . Now , the last question ( excuse me for many questions ! ) :
I like the " Hotel California " of " Don Felder " . I want to know what kind of guitars he played ? Classical ? & what kind of strings ? Normal nylon ?
Thank you
Answer Hotel California, as played by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, is complex. It is a combination of 6 and twelve string electric guitars. The Hell Freezes Over live release features an acoustic version, and to play it, it takes two guitars. SO, it isn't really a song one can play by yourself. there are modified tabs available to play it. any 6 string steel string acoustic would work. You can find many for free by searching google for "Hotel California Acoustic tab" That should bring up a few decent ones. Keep in mind, none will get you sounding exactly like the recording, but it will be recognizable.. The Guitar that Don Felder played on the song, was a Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck SG, one 6 string and one 12 string... I actually had one of these myself.. simply because he did. I don't remember exactly what Joe Walsh was playing, I believe it was his sunburst Les Paul, Which he ended up giving to Jimmy Paige from Led Zeppelin. SO, get a buddy, and a couple guitars, a twelve string really works magic on Hotel California... and have fun!!
Oh, and Don't forget to give Don Henly, and Glenn Fry their due, They co wrote the song with Don Felder. ;o)
