[Tomás F. Calvo]

Howard,

I think it’s good that you bring this up, as it prompts me to point something out. The essay you mention is nothing but a hit piece. First, the writer is not the David Stewart that has worked with Ringo and former member of Eurithmics. It’s some random guy on Quora, a place where a lot of … hmm … crap is posted. Secondly, I disagree with everything said in that post.

I have noticed there’s a tactic to discredit someone or something is by saying “I’m a fan of X” and then trashing X in every way. For some reason I have seen this happen to The Beatles over and over again. Whether it’s for shock value or simply to trash them. Quotes like “I’m the biggest fan of John Lennon, but he was a bad person” are obviously a lie, and prompts me to think that whoever is stating that is saying that they are a fan of bad people. It’s a way of perpetuating a lie, giving themselves an authority that they do not have and to put themselves above one of the greatest examples of Peace and Love we have ever seen.

Saying that the Stones have more musical ability than The Beatles is not only devious, but absolutely inaccurate. To produce the music that they did, it doesn’t come from thin air, they are masters with their instruments. Clearly the musical impact of The Beatles dwarfs everything the Stones ever did. Yet, the writer slithers his way to trash the individual members starting with Ringo. There’s a lie being perpetuated that John Lennon said that “Ringo isn’t the Best drummer in The Beatles”. He never said that, and he regarded Ringo as the best drummer. That quote came from a comedian in the 80’s making a pun on Pete Best’s name, yet they’ve attributed it to John and spread it regularly.

I don’t know how somebody can say with a straight face that the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney is equal to that of Jagger and Richards. I guess he was writing, so… he could have been giggling and we wouldn’t know.

I’ve learned long ago not to engage online with those posts as they are usually trolls trying to pick a fight.

In this safe space I wanted to point out that I have seen this pattern out there and it has ill intentions.

Tomás

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Thank you Lisa for taking the time to look that up! I’ve been listening to John and paying close attention to his finger picking style, as well as others like Chet Atkins. It is not easy 🙂 and John is certainly a master at it. It has made me try to expand my handful of basic patterns.

Thank you!

BTW: I would LOVE to see those videos, should we be so lucky. Those honest human moments are priceless.

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Saw the movie, and I really think it’s a must see for anybody, let alone Beatles fans. Though for those that are not Beatles fans, they may be a grouch, so not sure what they’ll enjoy. 🙂

I thought it was great that all the singing was done “live”, meaning that they didn’t record in a studio and then lip-synced. They recorded it all on set. A few takes sure, but it shows Himesh Patel (the lead) is a good singer/performer. Obviously Ed Sheeran is as well. I loved all the actors, Kate McKinnon had me rolling with laughter.

I feel it as a love letter to the Beatles, and not surprisingly the critics trashed it, but it was sweet and wonderful (Magical? Fab?).

On a side note, without spoiling the movie plot, I don’t think that if I were the one to re-write the Beatles songs I could produce more than one or two. Can anyone sit down and write the whole lyrics and the chords to their songs? Can you write down the full lyrics to “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” by heart? I failed miserably.

[Tomás F. Calvo]

The Uke looks great Roger, very nice.

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Angelo. Knows. Guitars.

Thanks for such a thorough question, and FAB answer!

[Tomás F. Calvo]

I got this message earlier on another forum, made me happy!

Thank you Tomas!!! the MonaLisa Twins are FANTASTIC! I’ve always loved and listened to John Sebastian, Joe Cocker, the Beatles, Janis Joplin and and and… this family is a gift and Blessing... thanks for sharing!

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Welcome William! I also found MLT through their “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” video, been hooked since. And YES, isn’t this site amazing? with everything they offer!?
Or should I say YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, this site is amazing! 🙂

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Yes, certainly they could earn a living with graphic design, also I can attest that they would easily earn a living in the entertainment industry in Hollywood behind the cameras. However, I’m thrilled they are sticking to their guns, and doing it their way, all the way. Our windfall!

[Tomás F. Calvo]

WOW, MaxHouse,  those are no ordinary guitars… Fab for sure, and then some.

Please share more as you can. Personally I love looking at guitar collections.

Tomás

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Have you seen the prices paid!!?? His top Strat went for almost 4 million!! It was bought by the same guy who bought  the Beatles gear. Of course he had to buy a case for his guitar, so he bought the case for $175K. Truly, stupid money. The ones like mine went for $240K. Unreal.

That Gilmour has some multiplying factor for guitar values…

[Tomás F. Calvo]

I think on “If I Needed Someone” it’s a 330/12 not a 360/12, but I doubt there’s much of a difference, does anyone know the sound difference? I’m lucky to own a 1965 360/12

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Fantastic Roger! Let us know when you get it. You had me looking at ukes on reverb and ebay. Fun!

And congratulations on the new puppy!

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Hi Roger, There are so many variations of Ukes that it really comes down to a personal choice. That said, there are essentially 3 types: soprano (smallest), concert (mid) and tenor (bigger). There are many more, inc banjoleles. I have a custom one that I got on craigslist for $250. It’s nice, and I like the concert size. Solid wood, rather than laminate wood is the biggest difference to me, then a Spruce top has better resonance to my ears.

Lisa’s Uke on the Daydream video is a Lanikai USB concert. I think it’s this one. Lanikai is a great brand to my understanding, meaning good product at a reasonable price.  You can go to a music store with bigger inventory and play around with what they have to get a feel for them, then let some time for it to sink in and see what feels right for you.

Hoping this helps,

Tomás

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Thank you Michael. It’s fantastic how songs can go in 1000 directions at the same time.

[Tomás F. Calvo]

Thanks Roger, I think the video may be gone but you can see it here:

https://twitter.com/tomcalvo/status/916082772959203330

The real truth about guitars and amps is that 99.9% of the sound and tone is in the fingers 😉 Even if I have his base and amp, clearly I’m no Macca !! (but I have fun!)