You guys have a sick store! I used to come to L.A a lot in the early to mid 2000s but back then I didn't play guitar. One day soon I'm gonna get myself over to that side of the world again and come check you guys out!
Brandon, you're a huge asset to Norm's store and the online channel - your knowledge and personality really do make it a better place. Bravo, young man.
Leo Fender was a true genius and the 7.25 radius guitars he made are the Gold of musical instruments and to have you and your store caring for them and getting them in the right hands is a mission. Thank you, Leo would be proud!
Norman's is easily one of the biggest gems there are in guitar stores. Nothing but top notch quality and atmosphere. Cheers Rhett for sharing the experience.
I absolutely love Norm’s. The people that work there are as or more guitarded/guitnerdy as I am. Norm the man is a legend! I hope he makes a full recovery from his recent surgery/treatments ASAP!
I love Rhett's playing because it's so musical, and I am instantly drawn in to whatever he's playing! And Chris's playing is so clean and smooth. So precise. 2 totally different styles, but both awesome!
I watched it on my huge screen TV. I am legally blind. So wonderful and these instruments are all being well stored and put into the hands of those able to channel their sonic wonder.
That first bass sounded so smooth. And the Strat at the end is magical. Rhett's face at the end is the face of a guy saying to himself : ''goddammit this sounds so good I need this. but it's so expensive'' haha!
The Strat at the end is using the wrong amp. The distortion is far too harsh. Too much volume for the Princeton (bedroom amp). Would love to hear that Strat thru a 1955 Bassman Tweed. THATS...an AMP!
@@drippinglass Playing a Classic like that distorted thru a cracker box practice amp is a very poor example. I'm sure Norm had much better Amps to play thru than a little Princeton. Los Lonely Boys Henry on How Far is Heaven. Plays a 60's Mexican Strat that sings. Its been said for many years that tone is in the fingers more than the guitar.
@@jzm6403 Entitled to your opinion but calling the Princeton a bedroom amp is miles off the mark imo. It's a renowned classic, and 15 watts is way louder than most folk will get away with playing at home. The strat sounded brilliant thru it.
Honestly the middle pickup has become one of my favourites on my strat. And yeah, that 56 is exactly what everyone thinks of when someone talks about the strat sound.
On the middle pickup, I have to agree and it looks like Clapton does too. He’s on that pickup for a lot of the Cream reunion show. It’s my first stop for clean rhythm.
Hard to believe how early those strats came along and got into the hands of people like Buddy Holly or Hank Marvin. Talk about an iconic part of music history.
Being an “older” musician, I have to mention West 48th Street in Manhattan circa mid/late 60’s to late 70’s. Of course there was Manny’s I actually remember the original where you had to duck going through the front door after descending a few steps below street level. Then they “moved” to the new store on the same block. A few doors down was the tiny but incredible “We Buy” and across the Street the expanded “We Buy” There was “Alex” guitars and “Rudy’s Music Stop” On and around there same block were dozens of luthiers. Often off the street via elevator. Carl Thompson and Charles LoBue, Dan Armstrong. I got an old Gibson Melodymaker (60’s?) and took it to LoBue to exchange the neck pick up with a new humbucker. Charles mentioned he some NOS firebird pickups and suggested the possibilities in installing a humbucker at the neck and a firebird in the bridge position. I went for it and a few weeks later Charlie called me to let me know it was ready. He excitedly played it over the phone. Amazing sound. Best I ever heard. Yup. I sold it years later! Lol Manny’s manager Stewart patiently brought up Precision after Precision until I found the Bass I felt good with. Those were the days. The Street of Dreams!
@@soofitnsexy yeah! IMOP The beginning of the end was Sam Ash. They bought a place next to Manny’s and opened an annex across the street (i think they bought the “We Buy” operation) and ultimately bought Manny’s. Sam Ash presaged Guitar Center. I think Rudy’s is still there. They have a place downtown. A pretty good place…I think Pensa Suhr guitars was tied in with them…good people. Dan Armstrong, of course moved to Greenwich Village. For a while a fantastic place. Bill Lawrence worked there. Charles LoBue (sweet guy and great luthier) and Carl Thompson split up…Carl continued to build basses mostly. The great thing about most of these places was a no name amateur was treated as if you were an international gold record machine! There are still some great music stores in NYC but they are scattered around the city.
@@JohnLnyc You will love it! He and Cindy build the most beautiful pieces by hand from real NewYork wood. There is a documentary made there that is well deserved. When they tore down McSorley’s Pub, they got some wood and they worked together to build beautiful Tele with burnt sculpture done and it sounded like a dream! They made everything on premises! That is a doc well worth watching!
@@soofitnsexy The amazing thing was the selection of new and used guitars and basses, amps, drums, keyboards, mics, any musical instrument. Or equipment. All on one block plus luthiers, repair shops it was really mind blowing. There was a real sense of musical community pro, amateur. You could try out stuff without sales pressure. Great street!
A great job! I’ve got a 54 myself, picked it up at a pawn shop for a broken Univox Les Paul copy and $125 in 1971 still have it today serial number 0260 pick ups by Tadeo Gomez, and wired by Gloria Sanchez, which is the name of my guitar
Sounds absolutely terrific! Not only the guitars, but the playing, as well! My uncle only recently sold his 1966 Thunderbird. This was a fun video. Thank you!
It's been a good long day Rhett, sit down turn on your channel and you have this, perfect! So enjoy being along with you and your family, listening/seeing and being educated about Les Paul's and Fenders of the yesterday's. I miss my 72 strat! John
Thank you Rhett! You have an innate ability To hear the voice of a vintage instrument And play the perfect thing to express its Uniqueness! And I wanted to give a shout out To Brandon Soriano, he is so articulate And knowledgeable and you two were Cracking me up! Last but not least I wanted Acknowledge Chris Marks, that Gibson Barney Kessel was singing like a bird With his sublime playing! Great job all around! This is one of those videos I can watch over And over!
I used to work at a pawnshop...the best strat I've ever played was a '58 a fellow would pawn for $150 about once a month. He inherited from from his grandfather who bought it new. The neck was a "Tuesday-Thursday" neck. It was the stratiest strat I've ever heard, magical! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
That is NOT how you play in a guitar store. You're supposed to play minor pentatonic scales at finger-blurring speeds and eardrum-rupturing volumes. Show them you're the boss! Tasteful, well-played licks have no place there!
@@Rookblunder I heard that you have to play stairway to heaven every single time u go into a guitar store... I hear that they will kick you out if you don’t play it....
@@madaxe79 Nah that's worng it's 'Hairway to Steven' that you have to play - whereupon they will take you out back and show you where all the original Gibson modernes are stashed (Norm bought them all at NAMM's used store last year)
My very first guitar was a 1954 Stratocaster. From all the Strats I have heard, the '56 is my favorite Stratocaster sound. Been playing 60+ years, BTW. I sold models like that red Fender bass, brand new back in Tallahassee. I sincerely hope Norm is getting better and will soon be back in the store!
The tele and the strat were great examples of their respective tone. Rhett's playing was, as usual, perfect. When is the UA pedal video going to get posted? I really liked this video.
The "crescent moon" thumbrest on the Thunderbird bass is called a "tug bar" because it was thought that bassist who transitioned from upright would use it to pull against with their fingers and pluck the strings with their thumbs.
16:22 The employee giving you the tour of the shop is using *devil horns* ..... ..... to reference something on a guitar. Of course he is. haha What a rockin' dude with an enviable job. Thanks for the video, Rhett.
Great video! That Barney Kessel sounded incredible... The early LP's are great if you change out the bridge for a MojoAxe or a Glaser. Also, that all rosewood tele is cool but so weird with the finish over the rosewood...like a Rickenbacker.
my friend has a 52ish goldtop without the gold cuz he got it at a garage sale for $50. those are good to go to. i also picked up my 67 jazz bass for $40 cuz “ it only has 4 strings”
I never use positions 2 or 4 on my Strat either, it sounds waaaaay too wimpy. I actually installed a 3 way switch on my Strat, that's how much I hate the wimpy 2 and 4 sound.
Well this is definitely the place to go for vintage guitars! Thanks for sharing this video Rhett and great playing too! Over here in Australia and some day I need to come over to Normans shop!
What an Interesting and Delicious visit to Norman's! Thank You, Rhett! Well done. I was born in 62 and I own a 64 Strat, my Dad bought my Mom, for $150.00. That 56 sure sounded sweet!
So cool. I am not a collector and love guitar but my heart is with the bass. What an excellent video showing the guitar history in Norms and some of the gems it has in its store. I was mesmerized watching what rare guitar came up next. Thank you for posting!
Ok..two of my usually cringy comments: 1.) Applause. big like & thumbs up for everything on this episode. But especially for Rhetts friend playing that jazz on the B. Kessel prototype! 2.) I visualize Joe Bonamassa already phonecall & right away jumping into his car to get him all those instruments you showed...
Rhett...I believe the Strat that you play at the end belonged to my father. He was a musician in the 50's and 60's. When he died he left me the guitar and I had others and didn't bother with it and needed money so I brought it to a consignment shop where it sold quickly and I was told it went to Buddy Guy. I recognized the case and the Fender spanish strings. I remember there was also an Electrovoice micophone I kept in the case but I'm sure that was pulled out of the case long ago. It was cool to see the guitar again after so long.
Love your playing Rhett that Stratocaster is from a different Universe the tone is amazing, going to Norms is a bucket list of places you want to visit, something about these older guitars have a certain characteristic it's almost like opening a time capsule, great video really enjoyed !
Also: Thinking about Norm , Really Hope he’s Recovering well after all he has been through.. Big Love from The Dodger.. London England 🏴❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏻🌞🌞⭐️🌞⭐️👍🏻🎸
Wow, cool to see! I bought my main bass, a messed up ‘61 P-bass, at Norman’s. I was on a school trip from Norway. It also has the «thumb rest» below the strings - and I use it all the time like Philip showed! I’ve heard it called a «tug bar», which I think makes sense in that context. I like it when playing with my thumb + a bit of picking.
The way he was handling those axes. It's such a confined space that I was sitting on the edge of the chair and holding my breath at times when he was tossing those axes around. Lol
One minute in an already I’ve got serious G.A.S!! I’m not in the market for an acoustic guitar; I hardly ever play acoustic guitar and I rarely listen to acoustic guitar but I want that Martin …it sounds F A N T A S T I C!!!
Love that Rhett is as obsessed with that Breakdown riff as I am. Would love to see an episode on Mike Campbell and why he was 100% perfect for Tom Petty.
These shops are a purgatory to rabbit holes (and it's always fascinating). Ps: just had a random thought about how strange our world is: walking in a street and watching people filming themselves, so actually talking to a piece of plastic/metal/whatever. Hieroglyphs are nothing compared to this mystery that upcoming civilizations will have to solve.
Wow! Those are the coolest vintage pieces out there! Amazing ! The Kessel has the best vibrant cherry finish ive ever seen, and the goldtop just looks so clean and classic You guys are so informative and your playing and tone are supurb! Thanks guys and god bless you norm, your the best!
I want a 7.25 neck Strat again!!! That 56 was it! Ceramics and all, the little bit of buzz on it and the Tele is being used to a 9.5 or flatter, setting up the pickups pole pieces for a 7.25 neck can be hard, and the player attack is delicate. I had a pawn shop special I put together, 57 body and neck 3 way switch but I put locking tuners on and the trem lock and claw was nice and heavy, and nut after lube was fantastic with 9s. I broke my shoulder and arm on my fretting, left shoulder and it grew crooked and I have a torn labrum ligament it really hurts and on my 12 in necks makes my hand go numb. I have a 12 string Epiphone acoustic with a 1 .895 nut, and a worn black Epiphone LesPaul Special I with P90s and 7. Billy Gibbon’s strings and it’s tolerable for a while, but my hand still goes numb. It makes me mad! I had a Left Hook that could kill a bull. 61 years of bare knuckle is not recommended as is throwing 80 lb boxes of beef. Anyway the 57 was a good burst, beautiful in a working class way. But I just remember how a friend who worked on guitar setups and loved Hot Rods likeI did traded wiring it shielding it and of all set the pole pieces that last little bit for that 7.25 neck for me porting a set of 289 heads to use 1.94 5/16 stem intakes and 1.525 11/32 stem exhausts and put them on his 66 289 Mustang that would wind up to 9000 rpms in each gear and live. He drove it for 15 years and sold it. But I got my guitar back and it was the most beautiful thing I ever heard. My fingers moved like magic on it , no fret buzz, and the trem with the lever in your hand while you picked and bent had the best touch just a forearm flex was all the trem needed. Someone stole it. That was between 30-40years ago. My favorite song to play, A Million Miles Away by Rory Gallagher. To get the Sonics . Man. I am done, but if I could ever get another 7.5 radius 50’s neck Strat or aTele. Leo Fender was a genius. His 1950s creations were never bested by anyone and to say that anything has, you are missing out on the sweetest and most powerful instrument ever made. It was an important lesson I have learned and I have seen it over and over. Don’t chase the market, make it chase you. And never forget that this is a musical instrument that when wielded by a musician of the sensitivity and power of a Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, you can unlock its secrets to a magic door that never gets you “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone” integrity. But for another 7.5 radius ‘57!!!
Seth Lover first designed the wide-range in the early 60s for Silvertone. They were mini-hums, made by Gibson but never used on a Gibson. I have a pair, put them in a '96 Gibson LP Special. Incredible sound. It is the pickup on the Silvertone played by Chris Issak on Wicked Games.
I've lived within 15 minutes of Norms shop for most of my life, and In all of the years I've been playing, I've always been way too intimidated to head over. You guys are living the dream! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve only driven by it once when visiting LA from up in Nor Cal… wouldn’t wanna go in and just play Green Day and other pop-punk covers… but I could talk about the history the models and pickups all day
I'm, personally, sick of hearing anyone that picks up a strat defaulting to Stevie or Jimi. It's a 50's strat, play some Buddy Holly or something from the era!
@@johnpaulpatton9786 Or some Hank Marvin, as you said The Krickets, maybe Richie Valens? Those artists are 50s. The later stuff is so similar but darker.
Hey MattyK! Been missing you guys during the Gristletime jams!! I catch them after they've aired. Fun, but not the same. 😉 And definitely praying for Norm!! 🙏💖 Hope to catch you all on the flippity flop!! 😁👍🥓🎸
The best Strats I have ever had were pawn shop basket cases and I love building them back. I love the 7.25 necks ( I wish someone made them to retrofit any bolt on neck, even the Epiphone LP Special I)over the 9.5 ones. Also I don’t feel as bad putting in locking tuners and a dump truck trem block and claw. You can lay it on your fingers and just a little move and it is a Sonny Landreth vibe, or a David Gilmour of a flex and a bend at the same time.
Nice video. Hope Norm is well on the way to recovery! One small nit/crit. The guitar audio recording has what sounds like mic pre overload distortion from time to time which would be good to avoid in your future location shoots. I'd even go to the trouble of setting up a second audio recording source to at least have a backup that might work out better during post work, I remember Norm from his pre Guitar shop ownership era when he would visit one of So Cal's original vintage gear sellers, Sol Betnun Music in Larchmont.
you can read the tags on most of them when he was playing them or holding them. 15:38 you can read the tag for the 1956 strat laying in the case, 13:01 for the rosewood tele, 10:27 for the gold top les paul, etc.
A bit of eagle-eyeing on the freeze frame and I managed to get all but 1 of them: 0.52 1946 Acoustic $7,295 1.48 1971 Fender Telecaster bass $6,495 5.22 1928 Tricone acoustic $12,500 5.41 1960 Gibson Barney Kessel $?? 9.15 1953 Gibson Les Paul Trapeze tailpiece Goldtop $29,900 12.58 1971 Fender Rosewood Telecaster $28,500 15.38 1956 Fender Stratocaster $35,900
Rhett what camera/mic do you use. I can hear the tones and textures of the guitars much better than the camera/mic that Jen normally uses for Norms Guitar Of The Day videos. Thank you man. This was great.
Thanks for taking us to Norm's with you! I see that one, and all I can think of is Garcia's Sunshine Daydream/"Veneta Strat"...the Tone Gods where smiling down upon him that day.
I’m in my 50s and I’ve always been a bit suspicious of the whole vintage market… There were obviously some amazing instruments from back then but I think it’s pretty silly to pretend that a lack of tools, understanding, machining abilities, etc. actually lead to a superior instrument than something you could make today. I’ve had those conversations with people of told me that Alder is the only worthwhile Guitar wood, and that nothing sounds like this or that… It’s funny now because I’m old enough to have had some experiences with these instruments so when I meet people today who tell me those type of things, I know they’ve actually never really played any of these instruments or effects or whatever. I’m not even trying to shit on vintage instruments here, I just want people to be more honest. You may love a 70s muscle car for example but when you try and tell me it’s more fuel efficient or better engineered then a car made in 2020 I’m just going to think you’re dumb. Feel free to just say you love that, and that’s fine. If you want to spent $xxx,xxx,xxx on a 54 Strat then go for it. When you tell me it plays better and is better engineered or has better intonation than a modern CNC’d, PLEK’D instrument, I’m going to roll my eyes. Just say it’s what you like. That’s fine…
As a cabinet , and furniture maker and museum restoration expert wood broker , and playing guitar since 1968 , I can tell you it has so much to do with the wood , old growth virgin woods are a completely different creature , in the way the work and tonalities , the tools available today can do extraordinary things QUICKLY, but the time , energy and spirit of the craftsman and the players DO EFFECT the instrument. Why are Stradivarius violins still the standard of perfection?
One of the most impressive parts of this video is that someone keeps all of these guitars set up or at least playable at all times.
It's really trouble to buy a new Strat because nut slots are barely cut and bridge is always loosened way forward for shipping.
It was such a blast meeting you guys and hanging out! Stop by any time you're in town, and I'm looking forward to visiting in Atlanta one day!
Have you ever heard of a Pearl (you know the drum kits) Export Guitar DeLuxe or Custom? Have you ever had one ...and if so what did you sell it for?
You guys have a sick store! I used to come to L.A a lot in the early to mid 2000s but back then I didn't play guitar. One day soon I'm gonna get myself over to that side of the world again and come check you guys out!
Brandon, you're a huge asset to Norm's store and the online channel - your knowledge and personality really do make it a better place. Bravo, young man.
@@MattyK-USA thank you so much man, that really means a lot!
Leo Fender was a true genius and the 7.25 radius guitars he made are the Gold of musical instruments and to have you and your store caring for them and getting them in the right hands is a mission. Thank you, Leo would be proud!
Norman's is easily one of the biggest gems there are in guitar stores. Nothing but top notch quality and atmosphere. Cheers Rhett for sharing the experience.
I don’t know what norms you went to but the atmosphere was dog shit when I went there. Super elitist and rude.
Overpriced but hey you gotta pay to play
Yea what if you’re starting to play and it’s all you know how to do while trying to get a feel for the guitar. Kinda uptight lol
That rosewood telecaster made me gasp when he opened that case. It's so beautiful
I absolutely love Norm’s. The people that work there are as or more guitarded/guitnerdy as I am.
Norm the man is a legend! I hope he makes a full recovery from his recent surgery/treatments ASAP!
guitarded lmao im gonna start using that
"Guitarded" 💀
I love Rhett's playing because it's so musical, and I am instantly drawn in to whatever he's playing!
And Chris's playing is so clean and smooth. So precise.
2 totally different styles, but both awesome!
I got chills when you played 'She Talks To Angels' on that old guitar!
Me too! That needs to be on a record with the Crowes!
Same!!!!
You know, this vid could have been 5 hours long and I'd be glued to my seat for all of it! :)
I watched it on my huge screen TV. I am legally blind. So wonderful and these instruments are all being well stored and put into the hands of those able to channel their sonic wonder.
Same here, nothing like it :)
You have a very boring life hoser...
Get a life
Absolutely loved hearing that guy talk! His explanation of what alnico (aluminum,nickel, cobalt)was blew my mind. Never knew
That was an awesome tour Rhett! Your playing ALWAYS amazes me! Thanks for taking us along!
That first bass sounded so smooth. And the Strat at the end is magical. Rhett's face at the end is the face of a guy saying to himself : ''goddammit this sounds so good I need this. but it's so expensive'' haha!
100%
The Strat at the end is using the wrong amp. The distortion is far too harsh. Too much volume for the Princeton (bedroom amp). Would love to hear that Strat thru a 1955 Bassman Tweed. THATS...an AMP!
It just sounded like Strat to me. A good guitar player could make a Mexi sound great.
@@drippinglass Playing a Classic like that distorted thru a cracker box practice amp is a very poor example. I'm sure Norm had much better Amps to play thru than a little Princeton. Los Lonely Boys Henry on How Far is Heaven. Plays a 60's Mexican Strat that sings. Its been said for many years that tone is in the fingers more than the guitar.
@@jzm6403 Entitled to your opinion but calling the Princeton a bedroom amp is miles off the mark imo. It's a renowned classic, and 15 watts is way louder than most folk will get away with playing at home. The strat sounded brilliant thru it.
That Chris Marks feller can sure play! Glad there's guys like him out there!
Honestly the middle pickup has become one of my favourites on my strat. And yeah, that 56 is exactly what everyone thinks of when someone talks about the strat sound.
On the middle pickup, I have to agree and it looks like Clapton does too. He’s on that pickup for a lot of the Cream reunion show. It’s my first stop for clean rhythm.
Hard to believe how early those strats came along and got into the hands of people like Buddy Holly or Hank Marvin. Talk about an iconic part of music history.
Rhett when that Tele came out I fell in love. Awesome sound and awesome playing. I enjoyed the entire video as usual.
Being an “older” musician, I have to mention West 48th Street in Manhattan circa mid/late 60’s to late 70’s.
Of course there was Manny’s I actually remember the original where you had to duck going through the front door after descending a few steps below street level. Then they “moved” to the new store on the same block.
A few doors down was the tiny but incredible “We Buy” and across the Street the expanded “We Buy”
There was “Alex” guitars and “Rudy’s Music Stop”
On and around there same block were dozens of luthiers. Often off the street via elevator. Carl Thompson and Charles LoBue, Dan Armstrong.
I got an old Gibson Melodymaker (60’s?) and took it to LoBue to exchange the neck pick up with a new humbucker. Charles mentioned he some NOS firebird pickups and suggested the possibilities in installing a humbucker at the neck and a firebird in the bridge position.
I went for it and a few weeks later Charlie called me to let me know it was ready. He excitedly played it over the phone. Amazing sound. Best I ever heard. Yup. I sold it years later! Lol
Manny’s manager Stewart patiently brought up Precision after Precision until I found the Bass I felt good with.
Those were the days. The Street of Dreams!
@@soofitnsexy yeah! IMOP The beginning of the end was Sam Ash. They bought a place next to Manny’s and opened an annex across the street (i think they bought the “We Buy” operation) and ultimately bought Manny’s. Sam Ash presaged Guitar Center.
I think Rudy’s is still there. They have a place downtown. A pretty good place…I think Pensa Suhr guitars was tied in with them…good people.
Dan Armstrong, of course moved to Greenwich Village. For a while a fantastic place. Bill Lawrence worked there.
Charles LoBue (sweet guy and great luthier) and Carl Thompson split up…Carl continued to build basses mostly.
The great thing about most of these places was a no name amateur was treated as if you were an international gold record machine!
There are still some great music stores in NYC but they are scattered around the city.
Have you ever been to Carmine’s he and his apprentice turn out some wonderful Teles that are works of Art.
@@fenatic7484 no. Will check him out. Years ago I bought a Larrivee Bakersfield Tele. Pretty amazing axe!
@@JohnLnyc You will love it! He and Cindy build the most beautiful pieces by hand from real NewYork wood. There is a documentary made there that is well deserved. When they tore down McSorley’s Pub, they got some wood and they worked together to build beautiful Tele with burnt sculpture done and it sounded like a dream! They made everything on premises! That is a doc well worth watching!
@@soofitnsexy The amazing thing was the selection of new and used guitars and basses, amps, drums, keyboards, mics, any musical instrument. Or equipment. All on one block plus luthiers, repair shops it was really mind blowing. There was a real sense of musical community pro, amateur. You could try out stuff without sales pressure. Great street!
A great job! I’ve got a 54 myself, picked it up at a pawn shop for a broken Univox Les Paul copy and $125 in 1971 still have it today serial number 0260 pick ups by Tadeo Gomez, and wired by Gloria Sanchez, which is the name of my guitar
That strat tone was magical
Looked for you and Phil at NAMM. Missed you guys.
Best wishes and a speedy recovery, Norm.
Sounds absolutely terrific! Not only the guitars, but the playing, as well!
My uncle only recently sold his 1966 Thunderbird.
This was a fun video. Thank you!
It's been a good long day Rhett, sit down turn on your channel and you have this, perfect!
So enjoy being along with you and your family, listening/seeing and being educated about Les Paul's and Fenders of the yesterday's.
I miss my 72 strat!
John
Thank you Rhett! You have an innate ability
To hear the voice of a vintage instrument
And play the perfect thing to express its
Uniqueness! And I wanted to give a shout out
To Brandon Soriano, he is so articulate
And knowledgeable and you two were
Cracking me up! Last but not least I wanted
Acknowledge Chris Marks, that Gibson
Barney Kessel was singing like a bird
With his sublime playing!
Great job all around!
This is one of those videos I can watch over
And over!
I used to work at a pawnshop...the best strat I've ever played was a '58 a fellow would pawn for $150 about once a month. He inherited from from his grandfather who bought it new. The neck was a "Tuesday-Thursday" neck. It was the stratiest strat I've ever heard, magical! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
What kinda neck is a "Tuesday-Thursday?"
@@Mirande62 A non- hungover day, 😂
@@Mirande62 wondering the same thing
And if he had told you the same exact guitar was a 1991, you'd have said it was "ok".
Same. I played a 58 once. It was bell and chime like.
Norm’s is an iconic, amazing store, and the crew is FANTASTIC! Am I credible selection of incredible instruments.
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize..!!!
What a treat! Great video boys. Love hearing Phil talk bass & love hearing Chris play too. You made that strat ring Rhett!
That is NOT how you play in a guitar store. You're supposed to play minor pentatonic scales at finger-blurring speeds and eardrum-rupturing volumes. Show them you're the boss! Tasteful, well-played licks have no place there!
He didn't even play Smoke on the Water or Stairway to Heaven.....
Brilliant comment‼️👏
@@Rookblunder I heard that you have to play stairway to heaven every single time u go into a guitar store... I hear that they will kick you out if you don’t play it....
@@madaxe79 Nah that's worng it's 'Hairway to Steven' that you have to play - whereupon they will take you out back and show you where all the original Gibson modernes are stashed (Norm bought them all at NAMM's used store last year)
Bullshit snobbery.Take a walk.
Somehow Norm's is my favorite guitar store even though I've never been
My very first guitar was a 1954 Stratocaster. From all the Strats I have heard, the '56 is my favorite Stratocaster sound. Been playing 60+ years, BTW. I sold models like that red Fender bass, brand new back in Tallahassee. I sincerely hope Norm is getting better and will soon be back in the store!
Great video Rhett. That kid from Norman's is a walking encyclpedia. 😅
I’m not a vintage guitar fan normally, but that Strat was badass.
The tele and the strat were great examples of their respective tone. Rhett's playing was, as usual, perfect. When is the UA pedal video going to get posted? I really liked this video.
love the rosewood tele and the strat... such tones
Wish I had that shop around the corner. Thanks Rhett, great video, great artists
The "crescent moon" thumbrest on the Thunderbird bass is called a "tug bar" because it was thought that bassist who transitioned from upright would use it to pull against with their fingers and pluck the strings with their thumbs.
16:22 The employee giving you the tour of the shop is using *devil horns* .....
..... to reference something on a guitar.
Of course he is. haha
What a rockin' dude with an enviable job.
Thanks for the video, Rhett.
Great video! That Barney Kessel sounded incredible... The early LP's are great if you change out the bridge for a MojoAxe or a Glaser. Also, that all rosewood tele is cool but so weird with the finish over the rosewood...like a Rickenbacker.
Beautiful playing Rhett, loved the tele part
Rhett’s playing is always so clean… like Tim Pierce, I never hear him flub a note. Enjoy his playing very much.
Godspeed Norm. Hope to see you back in the saddle soon!
What a great stream - love that knowledgeable gentleman from Norms he’s a real find - do more vids Rhett !!!
Great playing on that beautiful Strat!
Brandon is really awesome. He is super nice and really knowledgeable 👌🏻.
The Roswwood tele is the BOMB!! Great looking and sounding guitar!
Get better soon Norm! We ❤️ you man
my friend has a 52ish goldtop without the gold cuz he got it at a garage sale for $50. those are good to go to. i also picked up my 67 jazz bass for $40 cuz “ it only has 4 strings”
"I never use two or four on a strat"
My soul died a little bit when Rhett said that.
Don't show that video to Cory Wong! Never! 😳
I think he was lying a bit.. sometimes you just got to make it quack :)
What the quack is the best bit, I guess some people just don't like crackle.
I never use positions 2 or 4 on my Strat either, it sounds waaaaay too wimpy. I actually installed a 3 way switch on my Strat, that's how much I hate the wimpy 2 and 4 sound.
Gotta have the quack of position 2. And sometimes position 4 sounds mellower than 5 with certain pedals and amps. What is Rhett talking about?!
Well this is definitely the place to go for vintage guitars! Thanks for sharing this video Rhett and great playing too! Over here in Australia and some day I need to come over to Normans shop!
Great fan,🎖💫
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I bought a 1967 ES 330 from Norm in person. He has the mintest stuff and I hope he is getting well soon.
is the playing at 14:50 from any song? sounds lovely
What an Interesting and Delicious visit to Norman's! Thank You, Rhett! Well done. I was born in 62 and I own a 64 Strat, my Dad bought my Mom, for $150.00. That 56 sure sounded sweet!
you must get a 62
So cool. I am not a collector and love guitar but my heart is with the bass. What an excellent video showing the guitar history in Norms and some of the gems it has in its store. I was mesmerized watching what rare guitar came up next. Thank you for posting!
Ok..two of my usually cringy comments:
1.) Applause. big like & thumbs up for everything on this episode. But especially for Rhetts friend playing that jazz on the B. Kessel prototype!
2.) I visualize Joe Bonamassa already phonecall & right away jumping into his car to get him all those instruments you showed...
@@Halliday7895 Quality reply! 😄👍
Rhett...I believe the Strat that you play at the end belonged to my father. He was a musician in the 50's and 60's. When he died he left me the guitar and I had others and didn't bother with it and needed money so I brought it to a consignment shop where it sold quickly and I was told it went to Buddy Guy. I recognized the case and the Fender spanish strings. I remember there was also an Electrovoice micophone I kept in the case but I'm sure that was pulled out of the case long ago. It was cool to see the guitar again after so long.
Some of them tune and play like magic. It`s a really special thing to get ahold of a magic guitar. You can feel it immediately!
Yes, it's like when Harry Potter picks up the proper wand at Ollivander's.
Prayers to Norman. God bless all who love great guitars.
The dude giving the “tour” should do guitar of the day for Norm’s from here on out. Fantastic!
I remember when Lemmo took over.
Some things are just hard to say out loud.
He probably can’t play like Lemmo.
Love your playing Rhett that Stratocaster is from a different Universe the tone is amazing, going to Norms is a bucket list of places you want to visit, something about these older guitars have a certain characteristic it's almost like opening a time capsule, great video really enjoyed !
Also: Thinking about Norm , Really Hope he’s Recovering well after all he has been through.. Big Love from The Dodger.. London England 🏴❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏻🌞🌞⭐️🌞⭐️👍🏻🎸
Wow, cool to see! I bought my main bass, a messed up ‘61 P-bass, at Norman’s. I was on a school trip from Norway.
It also has the «thumb rest» below the strings - and I use it all the time like Philip showed! I’ve heard it called a «tug bar», which I think makes sense in that context. I like it when playing with my thumb + a bit of picking.
The way he was handling those axes. It's such a confined space that I was sitting on the edge of the chair and holding my breath at times when he was tossing those axes around. Lol
Me too - waiting for the headstock to hit, perhaps he practices?
@@AndiPicker I'm guessing the space might not be as confined as it seems on camera. Definitely had my heart racing though.
@@nuthinbutlove Plywood parctice prop and a lot of late night training sessions, just in case 🙂
@@AndiPicker 😆😉
Norm's is like being in guitar heaven. One of the best videos of the store I have ever seen. What a delight!
One minute in an already I’ve got serious G.A.S!!
I’m not in the market for an acoustic guitar; I hardly ever play acoustic guitar and I rarely listen to acoustic guitar but I want that Martin …it sounds
F A N T A S T I C!!!
I like that you rocked some classic riffs, I need to hear more of them in guitar reviews
Love that Rhett is as obsessed with that Breakdown riff as I am. Would love to see an episode on Mike Campbell and why he was 100% perfect for Tom Petty.
Wow guitar heaven. That strat and rose tele are beautiful sounds. I also like tele bass.
Mr. Brandon Soriano being on top of the spec checks as always...you should've gotten in on a Guitar of the Day!!!
Fantastic playing Rhett..Very inspiring..
Wanted to hear more from Chris Marks. I always enjoy his playing.
I really appreciate Brandon's input on all of his spec's of these gutars.
These shops are a purgatory to rabbit holes (and it's always fascinating).
Ps: just had a random thought about how strange our world is: walking in a street and watching people filming themselves, so actually talking to a piece of plastic/metal/whatever. Hieroglyphs are nothing compared to this mystery that upcoming civilizations will have to solve.
Wow! Those are the coolest vintage pieces out there! Amazing ! The Kessel has the best vibrant cherry finish ive ever seen, and the goldtop just looks so clean and classic You guys are so informative and your playing and tone are supurb! Thanks guys and god bless you norm, your the best!
The '56 Srat sounds killer! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 It's the sound that dreams are made of. 😎
agreed.
I want a 7.25 neck Strat again!!! That 56 was it! Ceramics and all, the little bit of buzz on it and the Tele is being used to a 9.5 or flatter, setting up the pickups pole pieces for a 7.25 neck can be hard, and the player attack is delicate. I had a pawn shop special I put together, 57 body and neck 3 way switch but I put locking tuners on and the trem lock and claw was nice and heavy, and nut after lube was fantastic with 9s. I broke my shoulder and arm on my fretting, left shoulder and it grew crooked and I have a torn labrum ligament it really hurts and on my 12 in necks makes my hand go numb. I have a 12 string Epiphone acoustic with a 1 .895 nut, and a worn black Epiphone LesPaul Special I with P90s and 7. Billy Gibbon’s strings and it’s tolerable for a while, but my hand still goes numb. It makes me mad! I had a Left Hook that could kill a bull. 61 years of bare knuckle is not recommended as is throwing 80 lb boxes of beef. Anyway the 57 was a good burst, beautiful in a working class way. But I just remember how a friend who worked on guitar setups and loved Hot Rods likeI did traded wiring it shielding it and of all set the pole pieces that last little bit for that 7.25 neck for me porting a set of 289 heads to use 1.94 5/16 stem intakes and 1.525 11/32 stem exhausts and put them on his 66 289 Mustang that would wind up to 9000 rpms in each gear and live. He drove it for 15 years and sold it. But I got my guitar back and it was the most beautiful thing I ever heard. My fingers moved like magic on it , no fret buzz, and the trem with the lever in your hand while you picked and bent had the best touch just a forearm flex was all the trem needed. Someone stole it. That was between 30-40years ago. My favorite song to play, A Million Miles Away by Rory Gallagher. To get the Sonics . Man. I am done, but if I could ever get another 7.5 radius 50’s neck Strat or aTele. Leo Fender was a genius. His 1950s creations were never bested by anyone and to say that anything has, you are missing out on the sweetest and most powerful instrument ever made. It was an important lesson I have learned and I have seen it over and over. Don’t chase the market, make it chase you. And never forget that this is a musical instrument that when wielded by a musician of the sensitivity and power of a Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, you can unlock its secrets to a magic door that never gets you “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone” integrity. But for another 7.5 radius ‘57!!!
Seth Lover first designed the wide-range in the early 60s for Silvertone. They were mini-hums, made by Gibson but never used on a Gibson. I have a pair, put them in a '96 Gibson LP Special. Incredible sound. It is the pickup on the Silvertone played by Chris Issak on Wicked Games.
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize…!!
YES!! That Strat sounds crazy good. Bet it feels amazing to play…
I've lived within 15 minutes of Norms shop for most of my life, and In all of the years I've been playing, I've always been way too intimidated to head over. You guys are living the dream! Thanks for sharing.
I bet it is like Cathedral to music. That is the vibe I get . Some fine Priests!
I’ve only driven by it once when visiting LA from up in Nor Cal… wouldn’t wanna go in and just play Green Day and other pop-punk covers… but I could talk about the history the models and pickups all day
@@johnwanderin3872 If you can afford to pick something up, I'm sure they'd be ok with you playing any songs you want.
@@AudioInstruments my guitar budget is lacking at the moment but I can buy a shirt for sure
Aw man, I had a huge smile on my face when you played "She talks to angels" on that resonator 5:00
Hearing that Strat's tone on Rhett doing Little Wing gave me goosebumps. Holy cats! 🔥🤯❤️
P.S. Get better soon, Norm! We love you man!
Me too, wow, the bends never choked out. That is the genuine article.
I'm, personally, sick of hearing anyone that picks up a strat defaulting to Stevie or Jimi. It's a 50's strat, play some Buddy Holly or something from the era!
@@johnpaulpatton9786 Or some Hank Marvin, as you said The Krickets, maybe Richie Valens?
Those artists are 50s. The later stuff is so similar but darker.
Hey MattyK! Been missing you guys during the Gristletime jams!! I catch them after they've aired. Fun, but not the same. 😉 And definitely praying for Norm!! 🙏💖 Hope to catch you all on the flippity flop!! 😁👍🥓🎸
@@Sammywhat Heyo, mate! Hope to see you on the stream sometime soon - cheers
Great to have you in LA, Rhett!
As a big history nut I love Brandon’s wealth of knowledge
Talks to Angels...nice. Great episode, Rhett.
I LIKE your version of Little Wing, Rhett !
That was awesome! Thanks Rhett.
All the Fender stratocasters are awesome from the MIM standards to the MIA pro II Fenders stratocasters
Sure they are.
The best Strats I have ever had were pawn shop basket cases and I love building them back. I love the 7.25 necks ( I wish someone made them to retrofit any bolt on neck, even the Epiphone LP Special I)over the 9.5 ones. Also I don’t feel as bad putting in locking tuners and a dump truck trem block and claw. You can lay it on your fingers and just a little move and it is a Sonny Landreth vibe, or a David Gilmour of a flex and a bend at the same time.
Nice video. Hope Norm is well on the way to recovery! One small nit/crit. The guitar audio recording has what sounds like mic pre overload distortion from time to time which would be good to avoid in your future location shoots. I'd even go to the trouble of setting up a second audio recording source to at least have a backup that might work out better during post work, I remember Norm from his pre Guitar shop ownership era when he would visit one of So Cal's original vintage gear sellers, Sol Betnun Music in Larchmont.
The only thing missing was you telling us the price of those instruments. 😋
Trust me, you don't wanna know.
you can read the tags on most of them when he was playing them or holding them. 15:38 you can read the tag for the 1956 strat laying in the case, 13:01 for the rosewood tele, 10:27 for the gold top les paul, etc.
A bit of eagle-eyeing on the freeze frame and I managed to get all but 1 of them:
0.52 1946 Acoustic $7,295
1.48 1971 Fender Telecaster bass $6,495
5.22 1928 Tricone acoustic $12,500
5.41 1960 Gibson Barney Kessel $??
9.15 1953 Gibson Les Paul Trapeze tailpiece Goldtop $29,900
12.58 1971 Fender Rosewood Telecaster $28,500
15.38 1956 Fender Stratocaster $35,900
love the strat but my wife would kill me if i spent 35K on a guitar.
Thanks for share with us!
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize..!!!
Rhett and lemmo in one video is like a cartoon crossover episode 😂
GREAT - TOTALLY ENJOYED - Thanks !
Paying tribute to the great Mr. Rich Robinson. Well done good sir.
I can't wait to get out there and meet Norm at the shop. Hoping he's all recovered and well and back in there soon.
How good is it to go to a music store and talk to someone who knows guitars and is passionate about it!
Nice jamming on that sick Strat, dude! Little Wing into CCR - what was the song after that?
I would gladly give my first born male child for that Barney Kessel...and he just turned 30.
Rhett what camera/mic do you use. I can hear the tones and textures of the guitars much better than the camera/mic that Jen normally uses for Norms Guitar Of The Day videos. Thank you man. This was great.
Man that strat sounds so good. Love that edge of breakup tone. What amp was it going through?
Looked like a Fender Princeton.
I actually really loved the tone of that rosewood tele.
WOW jazz guy really knows how to play, show us more of his playing
Thanks for taking us to Norm's with you! I see that one, and all I can think of is Garcia's Sunshine Daydream/"Veneta Strat"...the Tone Gods where smiling down upon him that day.
I’m in my 50s and I’ve always been a bit suspicious of the whole vintage market… There were obviously some amazing instruments from back then but I think it’s pretty silly to pretend that a lack of tools, understanding, machining abilities, etc. actually lead to a superior instrument than something you could make today. I’ve had those conversations with people of told me that Alder is the only worthwhile Guitar wood, and that nothing sounds like this or that… It’s funny now because I’m old enough to have had some experiences with these instruments so when I meet people today who tell me those type of things, I know they’ve actually never really played any of these instruments or effects or whatever.
I’m not even trying to shit on vintage instruments here, I just want people to be more honest. You may love a 70s muscle car for example but when you try and tell me it’s more fuel efficient or better engineered then a car made in 2020 I’m just going to think you’re dumb. Feel free to just say you love that, and that’s fine. If you want to spent $xxx,xxx,xxx on a 54 Strat then go for it. When you tell me it plays better and is better engineered or has better intonation than a modern CNC’d, PLEK’D instrument, I’m going to roll my eyes.
Just say it’s what you like. That’s fine…
Carbon, please shut the hell up!Thanks
As a cabinet , and furniture maker and museum restoration expert wood broker , and playing guitar since 1968 , I can tell you it has so much to do with the wood , old growth virgin woods are a completely different creature , in the way the work and tonalities , the tools available today can do extraordinary things QUICKLY, but the time , energy and spirit of the craftsman and the players DO EFFECT the instrument. Why are Stradivarius violins still the standard of perfection?
“I just want people to be more honest” = “I’m in my 50s and I’m right.”
Total goosebumps at 17:30...Rhett’s expression change at 18:30...this video is *way* too short!