I was thinking about this the other day... It's sometimes helpful if we know who we're talking to, so just as a matter of curiosity, I was wondering "who" our membership is. How many "pro" players, how many intermediates, and how many new players, and who are they?
So how about a questionnaire?
How old are you (range)? How long have you been playing guitar (range)? What style(s) do you play? Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Are you in a band (or have you been)? Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? How often do you play live?
I'll start:
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 52, mentally 25.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 45 years.
What style(s) do you play? Primarily rock\hard rock and NWOBHM, but I've also played blues, jazz, country, disco, funk, and pop/top 40.
Do you play other instruments? Yes
Which ones? Bass, drums, some keys. I also sing lead (baritone with some tenor range).
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes. About 5 presently - a '70s disco band, a Chicago tribute, an Etta James tribute, and a couple of weekend top-40 bands. I also do a lot of freelance\sit-in work - I seem to be the guy people call when they need a sub for guitar, bass, or drums.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? You betcha.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Concerts supporting major label albums, though the majority of that was in the mid-late '80s.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? All of the above . Mosly clubs and corporate gigs now, but every so often something bigger comes up. For example, I'm flying to Germany in July to play the Headbanger's Open Air festival.
How often do you play live? Two years ago, I was down from every night to only 4 or 5 nights a week. But times have changed and clubs don't want to pay enough, so I only play a few times a month now. That said, the summer festival season is upon us, so the disco, Chicago, and Etta bands will be working a ton.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 20+
What style(s) do you play? Alt-rock, Alt-country and singer-songwriter type stuff.
Do you play other instruments? Yes
Which ones? Mando, Slide, Ukulele, some Pedal Steel, keys, Hammond, drums, bass
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Turning down more and more for studio work. Getting old, just love the studio more.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Yep.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Again mostly studio stuff, my work is on TV, movies regularly... toured with bands in the last 15 years, got to meet a lot of great people and was fun!
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? I produce, own a pretty nice studio and have a number of artists on my record label.
How often do you play live? Once to twice a month.
I mostly geek out on the studio side. Been mixing and producing about 14 years now and have got to work with some A-listers and great people. Makes what I do sound even better. Trying to song-write more too, cause my work is on TV and movies but I notice the people that write the songs get the better deal :-) Also love my guitar collection, got my own signature guitar too made by Danny Songhurst.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 8+ years.
What style(s) do you play? Rock and Hard Rock, Metal, some Metalcore/proggy stuff, country, pop, funk, and dance (electronic).
Do you play other instruments? Yep, I play trumpet and have been playing electric bass recently on some of my recordings (for convenience and lack of a bass player nearby). My vocal tone stinks, so I mostly keep to singing layered background vocals.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yep -- Balanced is my main band. We do mostly classic to really hard rock. I also do studio session playing and producing with a few other acts in a few different genres.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Yep. I had a session job for a while 2 years ago. Now the playing I'm doing is still largely "professional," but it's more on the independent label side of things, since I self-produce in my studio. I'm continuously expanding my personal studio, and hope to build it into a large and hopefully sought-after pro studio eventually.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Major label demos, major label songwriting/session work, publishing company showcases/demos, independent/smaller-ish studio session work, co-writing with/for other artists, etc.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)?
How often do you play live?
I generally don't gig right now... being a full-time college student makes it really hard to rehearse and play live with my band. So pretty much everything I'm doing now is in the studio.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Several years of on-again/off-again
What style(s) do you play? Metal. Faves are Zakk Wylde and Kirk Hammett
Do you play other instruments? No
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes, a Slayer cover band
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Nope
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? None
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Home Studio =)
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 25 years
What style(s) do you play? I like RUSH, Racer X, Greg Howe, Andy Timmons (coolest local guy EVER!), Yngwie, Dream Theater, Stride, Symphony X, Helstar, Pantera, Priest, Ark, Pagan's Mind, Adagio, Kansas, Maiden, Lynchmob, Dokken, Satch, Eric Johnson, SRV, Ed Guy, Cloudscape, Porcupine Tree, etc...
Do you play other instruments? No..not really..I guess it depends on your definition of "play"..
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Nope..No one wants an old, fat, ugly dude that sucks in their band..go figure?
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? No..have made money from playing in the past, but not much, and never enough to live on for more than a few hours.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? I played in "metal" bands in college and after, was in a band that won a "Battle of the Bands" and got to open for Blue Murder/Billy Squier (weird bands to tour together eh?)in like 1988, opened for Eric Johnson that same year, also opened for Greg Howe and his brother Albert (Howe II), then after college played with some cats that opened for Pantera a lot..they were local back then and played at "Joe's Garage" in Fort Worth several times a month..was coolest times of my life back then! But I suck now, so no one wants me
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? I don't. I just jam with a few other old guys near me now and again.
How often do you play live? Every night I can..in my "man cave"..! LOL..!
How old are you (range)? I feel like I'm in the early 30's range now that I've lost those 38 F-in lbs of fat....
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Since I was 12 & heard M.J.'s "Beat it" solo w/ some guy named Edward Van Something or other.......
What style(s) do you play? 90's covers, Pop & Melodic Rock & my own brand of original instrumental type melodic, pop, Tremonti infused Saraceno slippery legato type music......
Do you play other instruments? I slap da bass man.......& program drums & Rap like a white boy in heat.......
Are you in a band (or have you been)? I play(ed) for the all 90's tribute band "The X-Generation" for 3-years & was the sub for the Mega-80's band..........6-years at Kensington church as a non-paid player & 4-more as a paid Semi-Pro......(playing out & or even getting paid doesn't make you a pro though in my mind though)....It makes you a working musician & that's way cool too .....fwiw
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? NO.......I played 50+ shows a year for 3-years straight (so a little over 160 shows in total)......but kept a day job.......& had to quit last year due to a great new job.......but I sure do miss the gigs.......& sub w/ other bands now that X-Gen folded.......
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Bars......(The Fat Years....lol)
On T.V.............
More Bars....(Shitty Camera Phone Video)
Opened Sterling-fest for R.E.O. Speedwagon..........
Played side gigs at a Mega Church w/ some real Pro musicians......& used the 11-Rack..........(1st gig out w/ my 11-Rack & I had just lost the 1st 15lbs too)
More Church Chat......w/ the 11-Rack & I lost all the weight here......Yea!
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? When my job is not killing me (& it is) I fill-in all over the place........I like to write songs, make videos & do jams w/ my 11-Rack brothers all over the globe.......
I created a series of videos called "X-TV" that was 100% Eleven Rack influenced.......
Helped make a video for a global jam with all of my Brothers "O" Eleven.....
How often do you play live? Every day I play live for my two dogs Rocco & Zeus.......& I think that they love just it! I also just did a global video jam w/ some new (& old) buddies that will break real soon........Lead by a very interesting/creative soul named Cranky.....somethin.....somethin.....Ray.....somethin....
I like to dress-up in costume & it doesn't take much to make that happen.......I love dogs & animals........Chicks with HUGE Racks........Beer........Going for long walks (ok, 13.1 mile runs..lol)......Being held tight on a cold night .......Beer......& anything to do w/ some dude named Mark Tremonti......Oh & add more boobs & even more beer & you have a great idea of who I am, what I look like, what I play like & what I'm all about.............I'm also a HUGE fan of THIS forum (& it's peeps) & the Eleven Rack.........The Eleven Rack is a game changer......It makes you a better player & helps you create music......
Oh......& I gave myself the nickname "X-Mann" & just loved it until my mom got on Facebook & started calling me it....... ....& now I'm fine w/ just plain old Tim......
Peace! Tim (aka X-Mann, Guitar Hobbyest, lover of music, Husband, Father & Alter Bridge lover) \m/
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 34 years
What style(s) do you play? Really like songwriting - all styles of rock, blues, pop. Love 80's hair metal.
Do you play other instruments? Only a little.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Not currently. I was in a band in the San Francisco Bay Area called "The Particles" from 1990-2000.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? No.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? I've played out at clubs. Only local band stuff though.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Not currently. I really love recording in Pro Tools and am engineering/mixing these days.
1) Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes, though not as frequently as I'd like.
2) If so, do you record covers & or originals? Originals
3) Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Always
4) If so, how did it sound & work for you? It's great live, for guitar and for bass gigs.
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I used to play golf in the summer and hockey in the winter ( I AM Canadian after all, and if I didn't play hockey, I'd have to renounce my citizenship! ) I sucked at both, but it was fun and some exercise. But I don't do either much anymore; just work, piddle around the house, and hang with my wife and our two kids (9 and 13). Everything else seems to be music related - gigging, learning songs for another gig, maintaining my gear, writing.
Optional Q: Married, single etc...etc....etc... Married.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 36 years
What style(s) do you play? Who knows? I just call it rock-n-roll.
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Keys, bass, Cajon, and I sing
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Played with two bands for about a decade during the late 80s to late 90s. These days I mostly play with church worship bands.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Quit my job in 95 to go full time with the music, but by 97 my wife and I were building websites for a living.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? clubs, youth functions, colleges, festivals
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Church worship bands
How often do you play live? As much as I can.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? I'd love to but haven't had time.
If so, do you record covers & or originals? I would record both.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Always
If so, how did it sound & work for you? It has been wonderful, and I get lots of nice compliments on my sound.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Hey, I workout! I enjoy hiking and taking photos in the great outdoors.
Am I married? Married my best friend in 1991 and we've been blessed to be able to hangout together 24 hours a day for the last 20+ years.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? I started playing on my 16th birthday so that would be 7 years ... Man I suck to be playing 7 years
What style(s) do you play? Primarily Heavy Metal but sometimes Blues and jazz fusiony backingstuff. I also like to cover 8bit music on guitar ( For those who don't know what 8bit is)
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? I started playing bass a couple of months back.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Sadly never been in a band My local scene totally sucks: everyone who plays an instrument seems to be in either the most brutal of death metal or songwriterstuff ... Just the other day I travelled 4 hours with a friend to see Periphery ... which is crazy since in 5 hours you can make it from one border to the other in Belgium (small country ). Most bands also refuse to play in Belgium because of the ridiculious DB-rules
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Nope
X-Mann's Questions: 1) Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes! Nearly every day ...
2) If so, do you record covers & or originals? I record some covers (the music I like is crazy difficult) but I mostly record some crappy metal backings or remixes of video game music.
3) Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Nope
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Me and my best friend (been friends for 20 years now) get together once or twice a week to play some Call of Duty and watch movies.
39 year old male with 26 years of guitar playing/teaching/recording, seeking someone that likes 80s metal and glam (or pretends to) and looks SUPER HOT!
I've never done the live thing, but like the occasional live get together, or just watching someone else. When I'm watching something live, my tastes open up quite a bit. I can enjoy some country live, blues is just 10x better, jazz is pretty cool too.
I like to do other stuff, but mostly just like to make sure the kids have tons of games and things to do. I'd like to hit an arcade, go for walks, church service, just hang out with friends and family and do whatever.
Getting kinda old, and was pretty unhealthy so I guess it's a hobby to try and get back in shape lol. I bench pressed for the first time I don't know how many years have passed. My back I think is getting much better and everything's coming together for my health this year.
I have three "jobs" I guess (four if you count "dad") but don't really make a lot of money. But those are very awesome and tell you a lot about what I like to do: Write, Shoot Video, Play with software, buy & sell electronics, make kids laugh. I like consulting and solving problems too. The bigger the problem, the better (unless it's mine then I can't consult myself). Always an answer for everything.
The key to success in music I think, and my best work in recording was to record an album in a studio situation and realize just how tough it is to perform vs. all the time in the world to do punch ins and retakes in Pro Tools & Cakewalk. Spending a day trying to record 12 songs really makes you appreciate spending a week to record one lol.
BTW success=just doing it.
Play on your worst day and see what you got.
Play on your best day and have fun with it.
Play those extra harmonies and guitars when you already think it's good enough. I'm no Vai, but I could make a few lol
Be happy when you got the time and put something down even if it SUCKS! lol
I hope to see the country again, and some of these spots. But actually get out of the truck and look around, maybe shoot some videos of the whole tour and make it a travel documentary and try to show some things that people don't realize are nice to see...like how cool some stuff is at night with all the lights, etc. Some roadways and cities are so beautiful. You get caught up in all the day traffic and rushing around and miss a lot of it.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? I started playing my freshman year of college. Played through college, started working and quit until I picked it back up about 6 years ago.
What style(s) do you play? Mostly Rock but I do play some bluegrass also.
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Not any more, played Sax for years when i was younger.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? I played for money for about 5 years in my late high school and early college days but not on guitar. I played sax in Jazz bands, pop bands and for theater.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Sorta, when I played in my early years on sax and a few other instruments, it was my only source of income but i was going to school, not working full time.
X-Mann's Questions: 1) Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes!
2) If so, do you record covers & or originals? I have finished three original songs. Working on some more.
3) Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Nope
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I'm retired and travel quite a bit. I also fish at least once a week. I also spend as much time with my kids as I can. They are grown and working now but live close.
How old are you? [b]I am 44 (man where did the last 20 years go?
How long have you been playing guitar? Have played for 30 years and still try to play everyday
What style(s) do you play?
I play blues,rock, metal but now getting into Jazz/Fusion more.
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Bass a little
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes I play in a professional AC/DC Tribute Band
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Never played full-time, but for last 10 years have done the ac/dc tribute gig, 3yrs in UK and 7yrs in USA
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? In Highway to Hell we play major festivals all over FL, Daytona Bike Fest etc..and have played some big international shows. Some video of us live in Mexico Oct 2011 Hermosiloo
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I'm retired and travel quite a bit. I also fish at least once a week. I also spend as much time with my kids as I can. They are grown and working now but live close.
Brother what did you retire from? This is honestly one of my #1 goals in life and I would love to do it by 50....any advice?
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? In Highway to Hell we play major festivals all over FL, Daytona Bike Fest etc..and have played some big international shows. Some video of us live in Mexico Oct 2011 Hermosiloo
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? ~14 years
What style(s) do you play? I grew up listening to Rush and like almost all styles of music, so that comes out in my playing. Favorite players are Alex Lifeson, SRV, Jimmy Page, Dave Weiner, Andy Summers, Tim Mahoney, The Edge, Johnny Marr, Tony McManus, Martin Simpson, and a bunch more. Learning different styles from the 80's has been a real education and great for pulling my playing in new directions.
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? No - though I wish I could sing.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? I was in a classic rock cover band for 3.5 years and have been playing in an all 80's cover band for the last seven months - we play lots of pop/rock, some hair band/hard rock, and a few one-hit wonders.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? No - I'm not that good and I like my day job:)
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Clubs and private parties.
How often do you play live? 2-4 times a month.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? A little bit. I don't know PT that well - enough to record a basic track. If I wasn't learning covers, I would be recording my own stuff and will be one of these days.
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Mostly covers for practice.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? It's all I have and need.
If so, how did it sound & work for you? Loving it - very happy with my tones.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Reading, working out, and listening to RUSH wherever I go (looking forward to their tour this summer!)
Married to a very understanding wife who also loves music (great voice), and have two great kids, 11 and 5. Both already love music and know about Rush:)
How old are you (range)? I'll be in my mid 30's in October
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 14 yrs
What style(s) do you play? 90's grunge, classic rock, but I LOVE jazz and jazz fusion
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Bass, keys, mandoline, some banjo, some drums ( i can keep a beat!), I can rock a shaker if I have to. I also sing, mostly harmony if I can help it.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Not now but I was when I was younger. We would play in bars back in Pa, and I was always the rythm guitar, I actually choose the rythm on everything I play it seems. When I moved to Sc, I wanted to continue to make music, so I began learning some lead. I have my go to licks, but I'm no shredder....YET BABY!
I think it takes something special for a band to gel....it is connecting on a level many people never get to experience. I had that when I was younger playing out, and haven't come close to syncing up with other players like that in my area yet.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Nah,
At what level do you primarily gig now Until recently I played at church every service (small church about 250-300 people). Bass for the main service, Acoustic gtr for the contemporary teen service, Piano for the young kids, and I was the baritone singer in a quartet.
I traded it all in to run sound for our church. It was too frustrating to have something go wrong every service. Music director would turn the eq fader on the board to a "V" every service and then say he couldn't hear out the monitors which would end up with louder volume and then....a squeal...yup every service. So I talked the church into buying a Studiolive mixer and I have it locked out now haha....I hope to run it from my ipad in the near future.
X-Mann's Questions: 1) Do you record with your Eleven Rack? I use a studiolive mixer for my interface, but I do use the 11r for guitar processing. My DAW is Cubase 5
2) If so, do you record covers & or originals? mostly originals. I love the satisfaction of starting with an open session and then have a complete track when I'm finished. I might be my biggest fan....but its good for my soul haha
3) Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? no I haven't....but I'm ready to!
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I like shooting guns, I love technology. We live on the lake, so I love jetskiing, boating and being around water!
Optional Q: Married, single Married 7 years 3 kids under 6...
5) What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I'm retired and travel quite a bit. I also fish at least once a week. I also spend as much time with my kids as I can. They are grown and working now but live close.
Brother what did you retire from? This is honestly one of my #1 goals in life and I would love to do it by 50....any advice?
I've got some advice for ya A.B......STOP BUYING EXPENSIVE PRS GUITARS & take up knitting......
Ok.....Jokes aside I'd like to know how you pulled off this early retirement too crhfish.........
Oh & I just thought of another instrument that I ROCK the hell out of & "No" it's not the skin-flute........Cowbell& of course MORE Cowbell......
I'll throw mine into the mix . . . I don't have a ton of time these days to interact on the forum, but I'm out here lurking! How old are you (range)? 33
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 21 years
What style(s) do you play? It's varied throughout the years, but you could just call it "rock." I grew up on tour with my parents - all my early memories consist of singing into microphones in front of seas of faces in random places. Sort of a folk-rock style dominated my early music years. Started running sound for my parents around age 8, playing/singing with them as well as solo gigs. Early styles were country/blues/folk, high school was all about punk rock, went about as heavy as I could later (screaming and all), and have since found a happy medium somewhere in energetic epic rock-land with lots of delays, both dotted 8 and 1/4 note.
Do you play other instruments? Yes Which ones? Vocals were always my main emphasis, guitar was for accompaniment originally. I also play bass, mandolin, some banjo, piano, the saw, or whatever else I can get my hands on.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes. Have been constantly in at least one band since I was 12.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Yes.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Backing bands for album releases & tours throughout the years, producer & recording engineer, FOH, and for the last 11 years I've been the full time music director at an 1100 person church - think rock band, not choir.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Worship. I've had numerous opportunities in recent years to tour, etc., but Jesus has my entire focus & I serve where I'm needed the most for His glory - at this point in the local church.
How often do you play live? At least once a week. Always with the 11R through the PA. I love it so much that I've sold almost all of my old gear.
Examples of songs I've written, recorded lead vocals, played most of the instruments on, and produced/recorded in my home studio: The Unknown Almighty You're Still Here
My office at work:
And in the spirit of X-Mann's extensive video post . . . I don't have many videos of me playing, but I found this one that someone at a conference videotaped with a shaky handheld camera and stuck on YouTube. It's just acoustic (through 11R believe it or not), but you'll get a good sense of "me." I actually play electric guitar 90% of the time with a band . . .
How old are you (range)? 29 (Will be 30 next January)
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Since I was about 12-13...let's see, that's...carry the pi...I guess 16-17 years, but for about 5 years after I turned 19 I only picked it up on occasion so not nearly where I should be this long playing, got serious again at about 24 or so.
What style(s) do you play? Hard Rock (old school and new, mostly original), Praise & Worship, Bluesy stuff...
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Trumpet, Bass, baritone uke...
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Been in several, none that ever did anything much. Play full time in the church Worship team as lead guitarist.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Never paid, but have been doing the church thing and lots of smaller cell groups and youth events with our church with just acoustic.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Church, cell groups associated with church, church events...lol.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Every week at least once, sometimes as much as 3-4 times.
How often do you play live? Every week (again, just church though)...
Do you ever record with your Eleven Rack? Weekly...
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Originals only. I can enjoy covers, but not when I'm doing them. I would rather focus my energy on my original material.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Every week at church, works great, but looking to upgrade to the Axe Fx 2 in the not-so-distant future...
What are your favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Love to hang with my wife and kids, enjoy shooting guns, hanging with the church fellas, going to movies, writing (music & stories), griping about politics (lol), so on and so forth...
Optional Q: Married, single Married 6 years to wonderful woman, 2 beautiful kids, Joanna (2) and Jack (8 weeks), Blessed man...
I was in the oil and gas business, mostly natural gas. I helped start a company and had a minority interest. I was lucky, at the right place at the right time. The company went public, got really big, to big for me and I sold my shares. I had a non compete agreement that lasted for 2 years. By the time I could start up again the business here was a train wreck. It still is. I may jump back in just waiting until it feels right.
I did not help start the company because I wanted to. My company got sold and I did not want to move so I was forced to do something. I wanted my kids to stay put because they were doing good in school. Lucky, like I said. It was the right time to get into energy right after the Enron scandal.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 24 years
What style(s) do you play? Rock/Hard Rock & Metal
Do you play other instruments? yes Which ones? piano
Are you in a band (or have you been)?yes
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? yes but not so much anymore
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? played everything from big arenas to small venues. Have played shows as tour support for: All American Rejects, 12 Stones, Hinder, Ace Frehley, The Nixons..
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? an occasional club gig
How often do you play live? 1-2 times per month tops
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 57, mentally 12.5.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 50 years off and on. Out since 73+/-
What style(s) do you play? At the moment, blues Staxx type band. Have played anything that paid money. Church to German UM-Pa music. I'm naturally a ZZTOP fan (being from TEXAS), Johnny Winters, Warren Haynes, Allman Bros, Mountain, Trower, The Three Kings (Freddie, Albert, and BB) the BLUES in general since I was small. I don't know why a skinny young white boy from Galveston Tx would love the blues but I do.
Do you play other instruments? No
Which ones? NA
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes. Blues band and a 4 piece Jam Rock Band.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? In the 70's and now. (I'm retired)
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Everything from small to med-large over the years.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Mosly clubs and corporate gigs now, but every so often something bigger comes up. Just played a gig for about 1500 at Pasadena fair grounds.
How often do you play live? Two to five times a week.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Both but I'm learning PT's and I use it for practice.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Yes, I'm trying to work it in more and more. BUT, I'm no X-Mann!
If so, how did it sound & work for you? Amazing always. The included effects could be larger but, most everything is included to get you by.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Camping, Backpacking, Fishing
I'm picking up on a lot of common traits between ALL of us for the most part.......& I think THAT is why this is such a cool place to hang-out & share your thoughts, ideas, songs, tunes, licks & pics.....
We all seem to be around the 12 to 15 year old mentality range, all love guitar, music, family, kids & we all wish we were just a little bit better of a guitar player (I want to be VSA if I grow up)...... & that's what keeps us going.......Plus we LOVE the 11-Rack like a FAT kid loves cake!!!......
I think most forums are like FaceBook so to speak where you ONLY post the good stuff going on in your life & or playing......but I believe that anything can be posted here.....people want to help & encourage each other on this 11-R forum........Plus I strongly believe in the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything" phrase.....
SO....I encourage all the guys creating 11-Rack music, be it covers or originals to share what they are doing w/ no fear of being judged........In the begining I didn't want to share anything w/ VSA dropping AMAZING guitar licks & tones all the time.....but over the past few years I tried to learn from others here & challenge myself & I can really hear (to me at least) the progress in my playing & phrasing now that so much time has gone by.........
I've enjoyed this forum & it's User base more then I could have ever imagined......& I've found this thread very interesting in a lot of different ways too......
So share your music no matter where you are at in your musical journey....& my alter ego will give you a virtual fisting (aka fist-bump) or chest bump for your efforts...... & comming from a nobody/part time/crazy mo fo like me it should mean absolutley nothing really.....
I already salute everybody here who had the ballz to step up & share on this cool thread by Mr. Moff....... ....& hey all you LURKERS (Yea....YOU!), get a login & jump on in.....The water is fine & VERY warm in my end of the pool.... ....We'd love to see your gear & hear your story......
Peace! The 40-year old (Virgin) trapped in the mind of a 12-year old goof-ball kid...... (aka X-Mann)
PS - Thanks for letting me ramble like I do & try to bring the funny when I can......Just remember.....They can't all be jems people.....
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 57, mentally 12.5.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Yes, I'm trying to work it in more and more. BUT, I'm no X-Mann!
See....Another 12 year old!!!!!
"X-Mann" is a mental creation of the player I want to be & not who I am (yea, right)...... ......I only post the good stuff & try real hard to impress (or not totally embarass myself) you guys.....
I do have over 50-friends on Facebook though & I can run like the wind now!!!!
OK this I can't resist! (I can resist everything but temptation...)
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 46, mentally I'm as old as the woman I feel (yes married! and bought me my 11 rack , Les Paul Supreme, PRS 21, Jem, Strat & Ibarnez AGR73T -I gentlemen am one lucky dude!!! )
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Play is strong word , lets just say I've owned guitars for about 35 years
What style(s) do you play? Again that word play well I make a noise that sounds like Rush/Classic Rock/80's metal in my head but my ears tell me a different story......
Do you play other instruments? errr...thats a bit of a personal question don't cha think?
Which ones? yikes...see above...
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes it's me and my Rush Bobble heads, we rock!!!
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Only in my dreams......
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? In my dreams? 11 of course!!!
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Bedroom closet, I am a leg-end in my own lunchtime
How often do you play live? Well last time I looked I still had a pulse so I guess every time the fancy takes me. I'll be sure to update this if I get bit by a zombie, vampire or a zombpire (now that would be cool!)
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 46, mentally I'm as old as the woman I feel (yes married! and bought me my 11 rack , Les Paul Supreme, PRS 21, Jem, Strat & Ibarnez AGR73T -I gentlemen am one lucky dude!!! )
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Play is strong word , lets just say I've owned guitars for about 35 years
I laughed , I cried & I in fact I enjoyed all of your responses Rushian.......Hell, I even love ur user name.....
Oh &.....It is me Julius, I'm your brother!!!!!!
If things don't work out with you & the wife, have her look me up son......I can be had for a new PRS Tremonti guitar (I cook & clean too) & I'm easy.........
Jokes aside (yea, right), I think that ur joy for the guitar (& the holy trinity) comes thru loud & clear bro........
Peace! X-Mann
PS - You have a great gear collection too.........So what the hell do you do to get the wife to even let you have all these cool toys?
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Started at 15... played for about 7 years... took about 13 years off... been playing again for about 10 years.
What style(s) do you play? Crappy... wait, that's my technique. Style - 80s rock is my pocket - grew up on old Rush (Moving Pictures and older), Van Halen, Scorpions, Ratt....
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? A bit of bass... have sat in on drums for the youth band I lead at church.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? I play in a worship band at church (risen.bandcamp.com -- we have a few originals)
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Eh... no.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? N/A
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Church
How often do you play live? Most every Sunday - 11R 1/4" out to a DI to the board
What style(s) do you play? I like listening to all kinds of music, but when I play, I'm best at Hard Rock/Metal
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Bass, Drums, Keys, various tsrange intruments around the house
Are you in a band (or have you been)? I was in lots of local bands, various degrees of local success & failures
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Pro? No, but best gigs included legendary CBGBs in New York and headlining the Trocadero in Philadelphia...lots of radio play on those big city "loud & local" type shows
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? No gigging these days...but grooming an all internet band- all are welcome!
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 34 years
What style(s) do you play? Mostly Rock, Hard, Classic, some contemporary Christian stuff at church
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? I have a bass for recording, and attempt to sing
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes, I have always been in a gigging band since I was 16
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Yes, but now just a weekend warrior - once or twice per month. After graduating college back in '87, my cover band toured the midwest, playing 5 or 6 night club gigs in IA, NE, ND, SD, MN, WI, IL for a year. I would have loved to been in an original band back then instead - both are fun.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? clubs, town celebrations, a few concerts back in the day, opened up for Brett Michaels at a local arena show last fall
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? primarily clubs, some town celebrations
How often do you play live? somewhere between 2 - 4 times per month.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? Around 28 years but I had a period of 2-3 years where I didn't play much at all.
What style(s) do you play? 80's music like Ratt, Dokken, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Pink Floyd, White Lion, Tesla...and Praise & Worship
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Bass, Keyboards and Drums
Are you in a band (or have you been)? One in High School and College. Play full time in the Church Praise Team and the Youth Praise Team as lead guitarist.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Not paid but have played city wide Church youth events or other area church's.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Played at clubs during high school and college. Play at Church, Youth Events now.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Church and Youth Events
How often do you play live? 2 times a week, every week.
Do you ever record with your Eleven Rack? Starting to, since I just received it.
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Working on originals but I've recorded cover's in the past.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Will be using it at Church next week
What are your favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Spending time with the family, working out, playing racquetball, working with the youth at church (not a hobbie but something I enjoy).
Optional Q: Married, single Will be married 19 years in a couple of months to my first love that I have been with for 25 years. Have 2 girls, one almost 13 and one 9.
Julius? JULIUS! my god bro...where have you been!???? My...you've grown, you're a lot taller and buffer then I remember..hey what's that housekeeper doing...
Originally Posted By: X-Mann
If things don't work out with you & the wife, have her look me up son......I can be had for a new PRS Tremonti guitar
She's mine I tell you, ALL MINE!!!! Back of dude or I'll give you nasty wedgie!! oh...wait a minute...you're the tall buff guy......DAMN
Originally Posted By: X-Mann
I'm easy.........
I bet you say that to all the boys
Originally Posted By: X-Mann
hell do you do to get the wife to even let you have all these cool toys?
I make sure she has all milk she wants and as much gold as she can eat.(I'm still saving up for the asses and slaves! )
But seriously X-Mann, if I made you laugh and cry, then I have paid back a small part of the debt, I have with you for making me giggle like a rabid hyena and cry like a politician caught playing his instrument! I live for your posts and X-TV
Originally Posted By: X-Mann
I'm easy......... PS - You have a great gear collection too........
I live by the motto - He with the most toys when he dies wins! One of these days I'll post pics of the 'collection' so that the burglars know where to come !!
Ok time for me to go back into bedroom closet and enter lurking mode
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 22 years
What style(s) do you play? rock, praise & worship
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? I can fake it a bit on keys & bass
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Played full-time with a band in the 90's These days I mostly play in church.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? I guess I do now...My full-time job is to lead music @ church, so I've got a weekly "gig" with an audience of 700 or so. I used to play with a band in high-school/college that released several albums and toured quite a bit...we got paid, but not much
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? youth functions, colleges, festivals, opened for Geoff Moore once
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Church weekly with about 700 or so in attendance.
How often do you play live? Weekly
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? I'd love to but haven't had time. I used to run a studio (back in ADAT days)
If so, do you record covers & or originals? I would record both.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Been using it weekly for the past 5 months or so. Replaced a Budda SD30.
If so, how did it sound & work for you? Been going good, I've even weaned myself off most my pedals...but I WISH WISH WISH that the 11R could send tuner info via MIDI...for my set-up I lose the benefit of all the stage clutter.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Ride my bike to work each day, dream of golf (don't have time/money to play anymore) and hanging with my family.
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 20 years, but very much on and off. There have been periods of 4-5 years when I have barely touched a guitar. I am only just getting really serious about my playing.
What style(s) do you play? Metal, 70's hard rock, classic rock, blues, fingerstyle country blues and fingerpicking in general (I basically learned to play the guitar by playing old Black Sabbath songs and Eric Clapton's Unplugged album).
Do you play other instruments? Which ones? Not really. Since I know the notes I can sort of fake a 4/4 or 6/8 bassline if I'm forced to, but I can't play anything fancy.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Nope. I rehearsed with a couple of guys for a few weeks in college, but the other guitarist and the drummer were total beginners, and me and the bassist/vocalist were a bit more experienced. We ended up mostly playing really boring (to me) songs where all I did was bang out power chords. Nirvana, Green Day, The Offspring, things like that. When we occasionally did play something like "One" by Metallica I had to do all the hard parts, and I wasn't really good enough for that. xD
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Nope. Never wanted to either. I only play because I think it's fun, and I wouldn't want to ruin that by having to play things that other people like.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? N/A
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? N/A
How old are you (range)? Chronologically 59, mentally 18 (well as far as enthusiasm and wonder at the world goes. Just beginning to realize that I ain't made of steel).
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? About 48 years.
What style(s) do you play? What is now termed as classic rock (late 60' thru 70's), Blues, Country, Rodeo Rock (think Chris LeDoux), Western Swing, Cowboy (Think Dan Roberts), and Bluegrass. Worship music, at least in my church, is a combination of rock, blues, and gospel. Do you play other instruments? Yes
Which ones? Bass, Fiddle, and a little keyboard. I have a Sam Elliot kind of voice, so I am not often asked to sing.
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes. Worship band, if that counts. I also play in a blues/blues rock band. I jam and sit in on/with others on occasion and I do some session work from my little project studio. I haven't for a while, but I used to go to a lot of bluegrass festivals where my brother and I would play together.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Well......not full time. I used to make a pretty large portion of my income with my instrument, but I still held a day job.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? I was in a band in high school and college playing at the time top 40 covers (classic rock to most of you laugh ) and that paid my housing in college. I was also in the house band of a night club (well country bar) during the 80's 80 through 87 actually, playing 6 nights a week.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, worship, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, bar mitzvahs, house parties)? Mostly clubs, openings, some festivals, etc. Open mics with friends, that kind of thing now.
How often do you play live? As the blues band, a couple of times per month. Worship, weekly. Open mics etc. a couple times per month. Session work - a few times per month average.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes. I use it with my 003 Rack Plus.
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Both
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Yes. I actually bought a second 11R so that I could leave one permanently in the studio.
If so, how did it sound & work for you? I works great! I can run the 11R through FOH, get a good in ear monitor mix, and also through a powered speaker for on stage monitor.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Horses. I've had horses most all of my life since I was 2 (granddad was a horse trainer as well as a big band drummer).
Optional Q: Married, single etc...etc....etc... Married - Three kids - Five grand kids - 5 horses - 2 cats
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 53-15=38
What style(s) do you play? Rock!, Rock!, Rock!, little county rock(because I have to, to pacify others in the band)
Do you play other instruments? Yup, sort of
Which ones? Harmonica, Drums (own a kit, but is stored away, probably for good, now use Addictive Drums), Bass (does that count? JK) Oh, Oh, bass solo!!! Primarily love the guitar!!!
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes, currently only gigging a couple times a year with some friends, was in a band for 12 years (yes, same 5 guys)
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? No
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Just for fun or sense of accomplishment, but did spend 3 years recording an original LP,(CD). Had a contract with a small time studio.
At what level do you primarily gig now (large concerts, corporate events\festivals, The one and only CARPFEST ( very small time fishing opener gig, once a year)
How often do you play live? Couple times a year.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? Yes, Pro Tools 10 and 11 via s/pdif into Saffire Pro 40, Mac Pro (project studio)
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Both
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Not yet, just got it Nov 2013, but will, with an awesome EV ELX112P (this speaker is amazing.) So is the ER. also, have the HD500 with DT50, but love the ER.
If so, how did it sound & work for you? N/A yet
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? Golfing, Hockey, Snowboarding, chasing wife around the house (kids are gone)
Optional Q: Married, single etc...etc....etc… Married 33 years, 5 kids(3 married), 11 grandkids, 1 dog, some mice (live in the country)
How long have you been playing guitar (range)? 39 years, professionally for 35 years
What style(s) do you play? Classic rock, Blues, Country-rock, some Country, Disco, Dance, Pop, anything else that makes people dance at the corporate gigs we do.
Do you play other instruments? Yes
Which ones? Percussion (timbales, congas, etc.), keyboards, bass, drums and I sing
Are you in a band (or have you been)? Yes, and have been in one or more for the past 35 years.
Do you play (or have you ever played) professionally (full time)? Yes, and I still do.
If so, at what level (clubs, concerts in support of a major label release, etc)? Mostly corporate gigs and weddings now, with the occasional club gig. From 1987 through 1991 I had a band called Looking For Marck that saw a little bit of success with an album and a couple of top 40 singles in Canada in '89 & '90. Good times, and I miss that terribly.
At what level do you primarily gig now? See above.
How often do you play live? Just about every week, often more than once a week.
Do you record with your Eleven Rack? No
If so, do you record covers & or originals? Mostly covers, but with software like TH2 and Kuassa.
Have you ever used your Eleven Rack out at a live gig? Yes. Many gigs.
If so, how did it sound & work for you? Going direct through a PA and it sounds very good.
What are your other favorite hobbies besides music & guitar playing? I'm a graphic artist, so that's not a hobby but I do enjoy it. Other than that... reading (novels), the occasional movie.
Optional Q: Married, single etc...etc....etc... Single, sadly.
. Mosly clubs and corporate gigs now, but every so often something bigger comes up. For example, I'm flying to Germany in July to play the Headbanger's Open Air festival.
....& now I'm fine w/ just plain old Tim...... 
, lets just say I've owned guitars for about 35 years 
oh...wait a minute...you're the tall buff guy......DAMN 