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bensmithguitar
United Kingdom
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 29 พ.ค. 2014
The home of guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ben Smith. One half of Smith & Brewer, TH-cam presenter for Andertons Music, and host of the podcast Making & Breaking Guitars.
The Rapier Mercury - tiny, but MIGHTY!
Another Rapier that's really channelling some early 1960s vibes for me. Short, 24" scale, but a comfortable fat neck with 24 frets, and it weighs virtually nothing. Interesting switching options for the Burns style pickups too, from the extra bass cut control and the middle pickup with it's own switch and volume control. A fun little guitar. :-)
0:00 - intro jam.
1:16 - What is the Mercury? Specs etc...
3:16 - Switching and electronics! Extra switches, and an extra knob.
4:10 - let's go through the pickups.
5:00 - the bass cut switch.
6:28 - How to engage the middle pickup with the switch and dedicated volume control.
8:10 - Using bass cut and the middle pickup with the other pickups.
10:20 - Summing up
11:40 - outro jam
Here's what Rapier say about it -
Designed by the legendary UK guitar builder and hardware specialist Alan Entwistle, the new Rapier Mercury is based on original 60s iconic brands that played a major role in the industry of British built guitars and basses from the 1960s.
Whilst maintaining all the visual charm of the originals, like all models in the Rapier Series, the Rapier Mercury features significant upgrades to meet the needs of the modern player.
This superb short -scale, double-cut model with its reduced cutaway on the underside of the body, allows easy access to the full length of the mahogany neck and all 24 frets of the bound, double octave jatoba fingerboard.
Looking extra cool finished in Gloss Black, Greenburst and Mahogany (mahogany with gloss maple fingerboard), hardware includes 3 aside Wilkinson machine heads, precision-cut GraphTech Nu Bone nut, roller bridge and super-smooth Hi Lo vibrato, a tried and tested hardware format that assures accurate return to pitch, rock solid tuning and spot on intonation.
Installed with a trio of Entwistle designed low-noise Astrosonic pickups with switchable middle pickup and Bass Cut circuitry, this delightful model effortlessly delivers crystal clear sonics in abundance, with a tight weighty response, distinctive mid-range frequencies and high-end clarity. With ample output to drive pedals and the amp’s front end, the Rapier Mercury is a first choice for a host of music genres from country to jazz, pop to rock
Body: Okoume.
Vibrato: Rapier Hi-Lo.
Pickups: 3 Alan Entwistle Astrosonics.
Controls:
Entwistle Double Switch System, Volume, Tone, Bass Cut Slide Switch.
Machine heads:
6-inline Wilkinson WJN-05 machine heads provide simple, effective action for maximum tuning stability.
Neck:
Maple, all White for AW. All Blk for BLK model, GB headstock with GB neck stripe for GB model.
Fingerboard: Jatoba single white binding.
Scale Length: 24" / 609.6 mm.
Frets: Medium Jumbo.
Nut: Nu Bone.
Headstock: 6 in Line Rapier.
Link - www.jhs.co.uk/products/rapier-mercury-electric-guitar-black?_pos=1&_sid=56e0ffd62&_ss=r
0:00 - intro jam.
1:16 - What is the Mercury? Specs etc...
3:16 - Switching and electronics! Extra switches, and an extra knob.
4:10 - let's go through the pickups.
5:00 - the bass cut switch.
6:28 - How to engage the middle pickup with the switch and dedicated volume control.
8:10 - Using bass cut and the middle pickup with the other pickups.
10:20 - Summing up
11:40 - outro jam
Here's what Rapier say about it -
Designed by the legendary UK guitar builder and hardware specialist Alan Entwistle, the new Rapier Mercury is based on original 60s iconic brands that played a major role in the industry of British built guitars and basses from the 1960s.
Whilst maintaining all the visual charm of the originals, like all models in the Rapier Series, the Rapier Mercury features significant upgrades to meet the needs of the modern player.
This superb short -scale, double-cut model with its reduced cutaway on the underside of the body, allows easy access to the full length of the mahogany neck and all 24 frets of the bound, double octave jatoba fingerboard.
Looking extra cool finished in Gloss Black, Greenburst and Mahogany (mahogany with gloss maple fingerboard), hardware includes 3 aside Wilkinson machine heads, precision-cut GraphTech Nu Bone nut, roller bridge and super-smooth Hi Lo vibrato, a tried and tested hardware format that assures accurate return to pitch, rock solid tuning and spot on intonation.
Installed with a trio of Entwistle designed low-noise Astrosonic pickups with switchable middle pickup and Bass Cut circuitry, this delightful model effortlessly delivers crystal clear sonics in abundance, with a tight weighty response, distinctive mid-range frequencies and high-end clarity. With ample output to drive pedals and the amp’s front end, the Rapier Mercury is a first choice for a host of music genres from country to jazz, pop to rock
Body: Okoume.
Vibrato: Rapier Hi-Lo.
Pickups: 3 Alan Entwistle Astrosonics.
Controls:
Entwistle Double Switch System, Volume, Tone, Bass Cut Slide Switch.
Machine heads:
6-inline Wilkinson WJN-05 machine heads provide simple, effective action for maximum tuning stability.
Neck:
Maple, all White for AW. All Blk for BLK model, GB headstock with GB neck stripe for GB model.
Fingerboard: Jatoba single white binding.
Scale Length: 24" / 609.6 mm.
Frets: Medium Jumbo.
Nut: Nu Bone.
Headstock: 6 in Line Rapier.
Link - www.jhs.co.uk/products/rapier-mercury-electric-guitar-black?_pos=1&_sid=56e0ffd62&_ss=r
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The Revo Custom Supreme Baritone VI - Is it a Baritone? Is it a Bass VI? Yes! (And I love it!)
มุมมอง 47114 วันที่ผ่านมา
The @VintageGuitarsOfficial Revo Custom Supreme Baritone VI works as a Baritone or a Bass VI depending on how you string it. Here I have it in Bass VI tuning, E to E an octave below standard. It's a wonderful, fun, inspiring guitar to play, and oozes character and vibe. I had a lot of fun with this one. :-) 0:00 - Intro Jam 2:19 - Is it a Baritone? Is it a Bass VI? What's the difference, and ho...
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Making And Breaking Guitars is my podcast that I started a few years ago and then never actually followed through with. I thought I'd try and resurrect it, so you can listen in the usual podcast places, but I thought that I might as well put it here too. I'm going to be doing a series on my own guitars, just a bit of a chat about them, then me playing them. Today I'm playing an early 70's Harmo...
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Another cool variation on the Surfmaster shape comes with this VERY playable 12 string thinline model. More than enough jangle for the usual 12 string fare, but the Astrosonic pickups and the ATN5 tone selector really make it a lot more versatile than you might expect. And it even stays in tune! 0:00 - Intro Jam 1:24 -What am I looking at today? 2:25 - Specs 4:24 - The Pickups and switching/ele...
Making And Breaking Guitars Podcast - S2E01
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Making And Breaking Guitars is my podcast that I started a few years ago and then never actually followed through with. I thought I'd try and resurrect it, so you can listen in the usual podcast places, but I thought that I might as well put it here too. I'm going to be doing a series on my own guitars, just a bit of a chat about them, then me playing them. To kick off I'm going to look at my l...
The Revo Custom Supreme. Supreme rhythm tones that you can tailor to your needs.
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The @VintageGuitarsOfficial Revo Custom Supreme is big, glorious, retro - inspired guitar that offers a huge selection of tonal options via it's seven pickup selection options and unusual, but useful, midrange control. Lots of fun to be had here... :-) 0:00 - Intro Jam 1:26 - What Am I looking At Today? Specs etc... 3:16 - Bridge Pickup 4:18 - Middle Pickup 5:04 - Neck Pickup 6:16 -The Combinat...
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The Vintage Revo Elektra - bolt on neck 60s acoustic vibes that's ready to hit the stage.
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If you're looking for a gig ready acoustic guitar that is very immune to feedback, doesn't need batteries, but still has a wide range of tonal options, then the @VintageGuitarsOfficial Revo Elektra is for you. Throw in the fact that it also holds it's own acoustically, and that it's basically got a super comfortable electric style neck and you're getting the idea of what the Elektra is all abou...
The Rapier Deluxe - huge tonal variety from 3 pickups with some clever switching..
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The Rapier Deluxe does a great job of capturing that sixties vibe, and keeps some of those more unique switching ideas that really open up your tonal options with the guitar - a bass cut switch and a middle pickup with it's own volume control. 0:00 - Intro jam 1:58 - What am I looking at today - The Rapier Deluxe specs 3:43 - Pickup demos - Bridge & Neck 7:26 - The Middle Pickup, and what you c...
The Revo Superthin - more like Superfun! 3 pickups, 4 switches, 7 available settings! 🤯
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Retro vibes with modern playability and 7 - that's right, 7 - possible pickup settings make the @VintageGuitarsOfficial Revo Superthin a super flexible tonal tool that can do more than you might think... Lot's of fun to be had! 0:00 - Intro Jam 1:57 - What am I looking at today - The Vintage Revo Superthin 2:46 - Specs 4:00 - Pickups and Switching 5:24 - Individual pickup demos (With and withou...
The Vintage REVO Colt HH Hardtail. Short scale rock'n'roll fun... :-)
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The @VintageGuitarsOfficial REVO series are great fun. REVO stands for Retro Vintage Original. They're retro inspired original designs, and are a lot of fun to play. :-) The Colt has a hardtail bridge and a pair of Humbuckers, with tonal options increased even further with a bass cut switch. It works really well, and is nice and comfy to play. 0:00 - Intro Jam 1:01 - What is it? Specs! 2:18 - T...
The Fret Dancer - an authentic sounding old fashioned fingerpicker with some modern surprises..
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The @VintageGuitarsOfficial Fret Dancer ticks a lot of boxes for me - punchy midrange and some nice mid twentieth century styling, designed by a great player, and all the better for it. I had a lot of fun with it. :-) 0:00 - Intro Jam (Mic Only) 1:04 - The Fret Dancer - a bit of backstory of the guitar and it's design.. 2:06 - Specs 3:13 - Strumming demo and thoughts 4:15 - Bluesy picking and m...
Surf's Up! The Vintage REVO Surfmaster is a thinline vibe machine! 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
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The @VintageGuitarsOfficial REVO Surfmaster Thinline is a ton of fun in a cool, retro inspired package. 2 pickups, but 15(!) different tones thanks to the ATN5 Variator, this can cover a lot of ground, and you'll have huge amounts of fun doing it! 0:00 - Intro Jam 1:31 - What is the Surfmaster Thinline? Specs... 3:53 - The bridge pickup 4:51 - The neck pickup 6:10 - Both pickups together 6:47 -...
Super Simple Lead Guitar Lesson 2 - 4 more notes! (Intro to the Pentatonics pt.2.)
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Welcome back! Lesson 2 will take you through the next 4 noted of the Em pentatonic scale in the open position, and having you playing lead lines in no time! You don't need to know any theory to try it, you just need to try it. In case you missed it, here's lesson 1 - th-cam.com/video/6N6SFJqDQbM/w-d-xo.html Have fun! 0:00 - Intro Lick 0:28 - What are we doing today? 0:47 - Lesson 1 Recap 1:04 -...
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Do you not know where to start with playing lead lines and improvising? Well then you've come to the right place! This is the first lesson where I will take you through learning to play and improvise solo lines, starting off by using only 4 notes of the E minor pentatonic scale. You don't need to know any theory to try it, you just need to try it. Have fun! 0:00 - Intro Lick 0:26 - What are we ...
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Thanks for the demo. Definitely adding this one to my list. I already own 5 Vintages. Looks like that will be 8 soon between this, the Surfmaster 90 and the Integra
nice outro jam
what were you playing through? sounds excellent.
Straight into my Hamstead Soundworks Artist 20+RT - Killer amp!
I’ve been looking at more expensive surf style guitars but they are to well built and lack that that vibe of the guitars JUST THINKING I PRO SHOP MAYBE
Beautiful guitar perfect for the surf stuff it’s got that sound reminds me of my first guitar I ever got so much fun it was lovely playing it’s making you smile that’s great it’s not the cost but the vibe it gives you inspiration of the guitar spaghetti western
That's has real character both in looks and sound. Another brilliant bit of design from Alan.
great demo, another interesting design from the revo range.
Interesting guitar, for many reasons. You seemed to genuinely enjoy playing it! Those pup's sound killer, love the quack sound when you pulled in the middle on the bridge.
Alan This sound remember me to Duane "Twang" Eddy.Greetings.Riccardo
Nice!!! Good notes from your guitar.I'm playing guitar again Thanks so much.Merry Christmas for you.Cheers.Riccardo
Is this body the same size about like a j45
It is very similar
cheeky little shuffle stick - very nice
Didn't know what to expect price wise.....just followed the link, now then! I like that price. Fantastic slide at the end there.
I’m digging that!
Great vid, after 12:44 was viceral! Also, occurred to me that there seems to be a lack of 6-string banjo videos on YT, and none with overdrive, seeing as you are good with those finger picks...!!?!
I can have a go - the trouble is that when you start adding OD to a banjo head, the feedback problems can be pretty intense! Leave it with me...
Anybody know what the nut width is? That’s kinda important, I think.
Un format OM intéressant. Le rapport qualité prix a l'air bien !
I would recommend that you try perhaps the most famous Canadian acoustic guitar, the Seagull S6 Original. It has a cedar top which gives it a much warmer tone than spruce. The back and sides are made of the same Canadian Wild Cherry that is used for the Fifth Avenue. There are countless reviews of this guitar actoss YT and I do believe that you would be most interested. I have played one myself and it is pure majesty. The Godin Metropolis Classic costs about $1,100CAD while the S6 Original can be had for about $800CAD. I would say that the tone of the Seagull S6 Original is superior to that of the Godin Metropolis Classic, of course, that is only my opinon and you may disagree. Regardless, Seagull is a Godin brand and the guitars would likely be made in the same factory as the Godin Metropolis Classic (along with Simon & Patrick, Norman and also Art & Lutherie Guitars) so you can expect the same quality of components and Godin's high-level of manufacturing skill and finishing. I know for a fact that the Seagull S6 Original can be purchased in the UK and is THE quintessential Canadian acoustic guitar. Cheers!
Very nice demonstration Ben! Your playing is superb and you really bring out that guitar's voice. Absolutely top-notch! It does make me wonder though... Why doesn't Anderton's carry Godin or Seagull guitars? You can see for yourself how amazing that they are. I just find it surprising since major vendors in North America like Long & McQuade, Guitar Center and Sweetwater all carry Godin and Seagull. It would seem that the UK is missing out on a great line of instruments from the Commonwealth. Sad, really.
Great opening piece Ben. Could you give me an idea of he chords used please so I could give it a go? Cheers.
It's in Drop D, going between D and G for the most part, then to A occasionally. Enjoy!
Does this fit in a regular gigbag/case ?
I'll check..
Way better video than the "official" demo of this guitar...
What a vibe! Could get lost in that.
I've just shared this video with my son.....he will want one of these !!!!!!!! What a great guitar
It is great fun! 😁
You brought some groove! Easy to see you're having a blast with this. It records really well with the round wound strings and that bass roll off. Would it soften the attack too much with flat wounds?
No, flats are a lot brighter than people generally think, I use them on my main electrics, and they're great. And they last ages, which helps! 😂
Thanks for explaining the bass vi vs baritone setup! I’d been looking at this one on a couple of sites and couldn’t figure out which it was 😅
Sounds killer! Do you think smaller Baritone strings would fit, or the nut would need to be replaced?
That was fun! cool whip.. Toasters?
Yup, humbuckers, but pretty low output, super responsive and dynamic. 👍
Great work Ben and have to say you really got the best out of an interesting guitar
Bert Jansch and John Renbourn come to mind. Pentangle.
I heard this unit last week at a friend’s house and it sounded crazy good! It is a real shame it doesn’t offer the ability to switch between the 4 settings via foot switches…
Thanks… fantastic review and looks/ sounds like a fun guitar. Can I ask what it is like standing up? Is it balanced?
A bit late to the party I love the look of the blue one of these, but are the pickups to hot to get clean tones. Great playing btw
this is very very cool. i am trying to understand how envelope followers work ever since i owned a q-tron+ and put a delay in its effects loop. Do more videos like this plz
Great video, but man they are frustrating things to get used to….
I found this series so helpful! Please keep making videos in this finger picking series it was so good! Most people teach a simplified pattern but these 2 blend together a lot of techniques which I found really helpful!
Man im thinking of either this, the alvarez ag70 or the guild om 140. Someone help me!!
Truly inspired
Does anyone know the nut width/neck carve or dimensions for the super thin? I see Ben saying it's a reasonable sized neck but not sure where that lands.
i still play like a chimp holding a banana , its something ive avoided for 30ys , but thanks for the video and i will try to do a bit more
This looks and sounds great. How close you can intonate it though? I own a Vintage ICON SG which is unfortunately impossible to intonate correctly
Awesome performance! It takes a great player to make a 6-string banjo sound that good. I have one but have only played guitar for a couple years and not proficient enough to play the banjitar at the level it requires.
not bad - not at all bad,-
The great jazz guitarist Gary Sargent(Tommy Bennet) uses this guitar and it sounded AMAZING!!!! I purchased one it sounds Amazing!!!
Nice! Those filtertron-esque pups sound pretty Gretschy too. Thanks! Great playing there mate.
Very appealing review, it was like sitting across from a friend who just bought a new guitar, and is sharing his thoughts & reactions to playing it.
Would like to hear it without effects on.
The only effect that is on there is a little bit of reverb from the amp, no pedals, apart from the looper in the intro/outro.
Sounds great! If you could make a longer video in the style of the first 2 mins of this video that would be awesome. 🙏
Hi Ben You made an Ord thumb pick for a while ago. I totally loved it. Sorry to say I just dropped it and it broke! Just wondering if you could crank out another one. Thanks Stephen Taylor
I just picked up a new vintage vsa550 pretender. It’s a Dave grohl style guitar. A lot lot cheaper than the epiphone one at £1300. Just lowered the action and it sounds sublime. Vintage are often disregarded. Sometimes they need a little work but make for killer guitars. Watched you alot on Anderson’s. Always liked your reviews. So new subscriber here. I have 11 guitars at present and 3 are from the vintage brand. They get played as much as my Gibson or Eastman guitars. They’re great !