Hi John, I am a beginner. I've been looking at this g4 music roundback guitar and Harley Benton HBO-600 and Fender FA125 ce as well. Which one would you recommend. Thanks!
No, the current model seems to come from a different maker. I bought the newer version because it had a tuner added but I could never get the thing to stay in tune. Probably best avoided. If you think of the Harley Benton as an alternative then its drawback is the strong acrylic smell which does not fade away. In other words, save up for an Ovation!
Hi John. Advice please. I have a Tanglewood Oddysey TMO-7s. Its nothing special but is very old now. I primarily play electric anyway, however id like to start playing more acoustically. Ive been looking at a £520 Martin DX1-e, because the Tanglewood when plugged in (the high E is much louder) and also when playing the 13th fret on some strings it sounds exactly the same as the 12th fret! Is this expensive to resolve? I dont want to take it to a guitar shop and get ripped off so an approximate price would be appreciated from you. Also, I am considering sticking a Soundhole Pickup on the Tanglewood guitar. If I get the guitar set up/restored and put the soundhole pickup on her, I wont need to get the Martin, or would you get the Martin and give up on the Tanglewood? Thanks for your advice.
I have never been a fan of old guitars, for the majority the treble has all but disappeared and can only be briefly restored with a fresh set of strings. I would go for the Martin.
Hello I’m a ukulele player but I want to learn guitar but I don’t know which guitar I should choose... I know that I want a little guitar like a 3/4 guitar, electroacoustic, and folk but I can’t find one like that on internet... Can you help me ? if you know one guitar like that!
The first thing to do is place a shim under the existing saddle. Plastic from an old bank card or a sliver of wood will do. You can do this a couple of times but if the saddle starts leaning over under the string pressure then it is time for a new saddle. They tend to range from 6 - 9 mm in height.
Hello John, I've just bought one (as a gift for a friend's son I am teaching) on the strength of your acoustic demo. Can you give some details of the reverb/delay effect used in the pick-up demo? Lovely tones all round (and to think what I paid for my Martin OM21!) Well done mate. regards Warwick Jones
+Warwick Jones The effect is from a Tascam DP-01fx eight track and is called Moody. It is actually listed as a vocal effect but it makes the guitars sound good.
+John Coupland Thanks for replying so quickly. I've got a Tascam DP02 and I've used "Moody" with vocals. Thanks for the tip and power to your elbow. Warwick
I pulled the strings tight through the posts and tied a simple knot as close to the post as possible. As nylon strings stretch a lot you still get plenty of turns around the post.
Hi John. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your video on this guitar. I searched for a review of it as I am thinking of buying one as an addition to my electric. I haven't been playing for very long and would like to ask you if you think one can benefit or get more enjoyment from playing both types. Will be watching your other videos now.
+Robert Hooles I find that I go through phases. While classical is my favourite style I do like to play both acoustic and electric for a change. As a song writer I find that writing a batch of hymns, then a few instrumentals, then some folk songs stops my material from turning into 12 variations of the same song.
Hello, I am a french beginner guitar, unfortunately I can not understand everything in your videos, I would like this guitar to start and I wanted to know if it was a good choice? I'm a fan of the design of this guitar, I like the flat rating, but the plastic case scares me, the sound is it good even without amp? Would you recommend it? Thank you
That's quite a nice guitar there. By any chance do you plan on reviewing the Squier Affinity Strat? I'm thinking about buying one and can't find a decent comprehensive review on it.
MrShaunh99 The instruments I review either belong to me, my friends or my pupils so unfortunately I cannot access this guitar. Still there is no harm in asking.
Yes, they need to be widened but not deepened. If you are unsure then paint the slot so you can see where you are removing material. Remember to work the file parallel to the guitar's head and not to the fingerboard.
***** Yes the top of the guitar is just the same as on a conventional instrument and the sides slightly less responsive but still there should be no problem.
Hi John. I've just subbed and watched your video for the first time. Great upload. I've just acquired a Wesley Bowlback. Have you had any experience with this guitar and is there any feedback you can provide? I'm having my first lesson next week. Thank you
@@JohnCouplandguitar Hi John. Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your reply. Once I'm up and running with it I'll let you know how it feels. It looks fantastic. Wishing you a great week
Hi John, I was impressed by this guitar... but tell me: in terms of playbility and quality what would you recommend me between this gear4music (bowlback model) and the harley benton hbo850 (the blue one) ??
***** They both sound very similar but the HB does have a faint smell of plastic which began to annoy me. After making the video of the G4 guitar one of my pupils ordered one and I had to do a small repair to it as the battery compartment would not stay shut. Easily done but G4M do not seem to check the guitars before dispatch. They were advertising for 10 new staff on Facebook so perhaps they will rectify this in future.
John, are you familiar with this model www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Thinline-Electro-Acoustic-Guitar-by-Gear4music/ENG#full-des from G4M? If so, what do you think of it?
Hi John, me again :) I really enjoy your videos! I've been playing guitar for 3 years, I'm more of an electric guitar player but I have 1 acoustic which is a LAG Tramontane T66A which is great and was my first proper guitar, my other was given to me by a friend, its a Suzuki classical guitar made in Japan, do you know anything about them? I go to Islay and like to take my guitars and recording equipment but I was wondering if you could recommend a good sturdy guitar? Also, is that guitar in the video ok with steel strings on? Is it good for recording? Cheers :)
+Ledzep Lover If you want a really sturdy instrument then the old Eko Ranger is the beast. A friend of mine hit a mugger with one and nearly killed the guy. (The guitar was fine.) I had a Suzuki classical a few years ago which I got cheap because it would only play in tune with a capo fitted. I did the fret calculation and found that the distance from the nut to the 1st fret was too great so I took 2mm off the fingerboard then replaced the nut and all was well. The G4M bowl back sounds not bad with Martins or D'Addarios once they have lost their initial brashness. The pick gives a good balance and less hum than many more sophisticated units.
Gear4music do not make a nylon string model but here is an alternative:- 'Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue.' www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbo_850_classic_blue.htm
Well it started off as E but one thing I have discovered is that not all electronic devices play back at the same speed. With one of my cameras I have to increase the playback speed by 1.017 otherwise by the end of the video my sound track and image are out of sync.
I find the lower Portion of the bridge is slightly oval... This because of the tension of the strings? Or this is just a style of this type of guitar..i have the same
Excellent review John, I've just received that very model from Gear4Music. I just love that tone, I also had no idea that you could put nylon strings on an acoustic guitar ! I want to learn to tune my guitar by ear, what would you recommend ? TURK
Most folk need something to give them the starting note with old style pitch pipes being the best. An electronic tuner that produces an audible note works as well. Simply relying on a tuner's LED wont teach you anything. When piano tuners are comparing notes they listen carefully to the beats that are produced when two notes approach one another. These beats start when the notes are close and disappear when the notes match. The effect is best heard on electric guitars using distortion but will still work on acoustics.
Hi John, and many thanks for the quick response. I tried one those online guitar tuners, it's almost like doing it by ear, just comparing what comes out your computer speakers and the string you're plucking .............. unfortunately, for a beginner that's also very difficult. To the point, that I snapped a string!!!! : ( Now I can't continue until I've purchased another set of strings. Could you recommend any of those clip-on guitar tuners I see everywhere ? They do seem a little cheap. TURK
These tuners are all much the same but be aware that they may tell you that a dominant harmony is in fact the right note. e.g. if you are trying to tune the E string, a B note can sometimes register as being in tune! Common sense needs to be applied. Regarding strings, you can buy them singly rather than 6 at a time. If changing the entire set then doing it one string at a time removes the need for quite so much guess work.
Hi John, Many thanks for your help, very much appreciated ; ) As it's only a budget guitar ( but still a very good one, as your review clearly shows ), I think it's probably a good idea to put decent strings on it. Think I'll get a complete set ( and a few spares! ) of light gauge strings. Just been looking at videos on string types, light, medium and the differences. Very interesting stuff. Think I'll go and watch the rest of your videos also. Many thanks for your time. TURK
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
See what I like bout your reviews, is that you’re very honest and focus more on the sound than the looks.
Very nice guitar playing and guitar sounds.
That sounds amazing with nylon strings. I've never done that before. Maybe I'll try it on one of my older semi acoustics.
Great idea! Crossover nylon strings. Easier to play than the wide classical necks :)
Yes indeed!
O love this guitar. Was best electro acoustic I had, super comfortable esp coming from electric guitar
Hi John, I am a beginner. I've been looking at this g4 music roundback guitar and Harley Benton HBO-600 and Fender FA125 ce as well. Which one would you recommend. Thanks!
My preference would be the Gear4music bowlback. Cheers.
Hi, The guitar sounds good but is it the one that is now retailing at £99. If so unbelievable price! Will buy if it is!
No, the current model seems to come from a different maker. I bought the newer version because it had a tuner added but I could never get the thing to stay in tune. Probably best avoided. If you think of the Harley Benton as an alternative then its drawback is the strong acrylic smell which does not fade away. In other words, save up for an Ovation!
@@johncoupland9700 Thanks for that!
Hi John. Advice please. I have a Tanglewood Oddysey TMO-7s. Its nothing special but is very old now. I primarily play electric anyway, however id like to start playing more acoustically. Ive been looking at a £520 Martin DX1-e, because the Tanglewood when plugged in (the high E is much louder) and also when playing the 13th fret on some strings it sounds exactly the same as the 12th fret! Is this expensive to resolve? I dont want to take it to a guitar shop and get ripped off so an approximate price would be appreciated from you. Also, I am considering sticking a Soundhole Pickup on the Tanglewood guitar. If I get the guitar set up/restored and put the soundhole pickup on her, I wont need to get the Martin, or would you get the Martin and give up on the Tanglewood? Thanks for your advice.
I have never been a fan of old guitars, for the majority the treble has all but disappeared and can only be briefly restored with a fresh set of strings. I would go for the Martin.
Does the plastic back feel thin?
No, the guitar is very sturdy.
@@JohnCouplandguitar not even a little bit toy-like?
Nice playing!
Thanks for listening
Hello I’m a ukulele player but I want to learn guitar but I don’t know which guitar I should choose... I know that I want a little guitar like a 3/4 guitar, electroacoustic, and folk but I can’t find one like that on internet... Can you help me ? if you know one guitar like that!
The one that springs to mind is the Yamaha APXT2 but if you search for travel guitars you might find some alternatives.
Hi John. How much larger is the saddle to be able to reduce buzz?
The first thing to do is place a shim under the existing saddle. Plastic from an old bank card or a sliver of wood will do. You can do this a couple of times but if the saddle starts leaning over under the string pressure then it is time for a new saddle. They tend to range from 6 - 9 mm in height.
Hello John. Does this bowl back have a radiused fretboard? Best regards.
Yes it does.
@@JohnCouplandguitar Thanks for the information. They are going for £90 now.
Great review, thanks 😎👍
Hello John, I've just bought one (as a gift for a friend's son I am teaching) on the strength of your acoustic demo. Can you give some details of the reverb/delay effect used in the pick-up demo? Lovely tones all round (and to think what I paid for my Martin OM21!) Well done mate. regards Warwick Jones
+Warwick Jones The effect is from a Tascam DP-01fx eight track and is called Moody. It is actually listed as a vocal effect but it makes the guitars sound good.
+John Coupland Thanks for replying so quickly. I've got a Tascam DP02 and I've used "Moody" with vocals. Thanks for the tip and power to your elbow. Warwick
Hi John, Could you please tell me how you tied on the nylon strings at the headstock?.
I pulled the strings tight through the posts and tied a simple knot as close to the post as possible. As nylon strings stretch a lot you still get plenty of turns around the post.
John Coupland Many thanks:)
Hi John. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your video on this guitar. I searched for a review of it as I am thinking of buying one as an addition to my electric. I haven't been playing for very long and would like to ask you if you think one can benefit or get more enjoyment from playing both types. Will be watching your other videos now.
+Robert Hooles I find that I go through phases. While classical is my favourite style I do like to play both acoustic and electric for a change. As a song writer I find that writing a batch of hymns, then a few instrumentals, then some folk songs stops my material from turning into 12 variations of the same song.
Hi John, the volume is really quiet on this one. Difficult to hear you. Mind you, that may be my old computer or even older ears.
Hello,
I am a french beginner guitar, unfortunately I can not understand everything in your videos, I would like this guitar to start and I wanted to know if it was a good choice? I'm a fan of the design of this guitar, I like the flat rating, but the plastic case scares me, the sound is it good even without amp? Would you recommend it?
Thank you
It is a good guitar for the money.
John Coupland even to okay without amplifier ?
Thanks
Not as deep or loud as a Dreadnought, quite similar to a parlour sized guitar.
Does it have a truss rod?
Yes it does.
That's quite a nice guitar there. By any chance do you plan on reviewing the Squier Affinity Strat? I'm thinking about buying one and can't find a decent comprehensive review on it.
MrShaunh99 The instruments I review either belong to me, my friends or my pupils so unfortunately I cannot access this guitar. Still there is no harm in asking.
Did you get this as a pack or just the guitar? Also the headstock reminds me of Redding guitars.
I just got the guitar. I now have the 12 string version which I reviewed here ruclips.net/video/UiW7Xv-JamM/видео.html
Did you have to adjust the grooves on the Nut? to fit the Nylon strings??
Yes, they need to be widened but not deepened. If you are unsure then paint the slot so you can see where you are removing material. Remember to work the file parallel to the guitar's head and not to the fingerboard.
Thanks for prompt reply and your advice, much appreciated.
can you play finger style (like sungha jung all that percussive stuff etc) on a roundback?
***** Yes the top of the guitar is just the same as on a conventional instrument and the sides slightly less responsive but still there should be no problem.
Hi John. I've just subbed and watched your video for the first time. Great upload.
I've just acquired a Wesley Bowlback. Have you had any experience with this guitar and is there any feedback you can provide? I'm having my first lesson next week. Thank you
I have not tried their acoustics but I did have one of their electric guitars a few years ago. It was well made if unexceptional.
@@JohnCouplandguitar Hi John. Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your reply. Once I'm up and running with it I'll let you know how it feels. It looks fantastic. Wishing you a great week
your a wild maverick John. play on
Thanks Rick you made the wife laugh.
Hi
What is the fretboard wood?
Correction, laminated poplar.
Forgive me for another question, as I know poplar is a bit soft as wood, has it survived finely till now?
There is no noticeable wear.
Hi John, I was impressed by this guitar... but tell me: in terms of playbility and quality what would you recommend me between this gear4music (bowlback model) and the harley benton hbo850 (the blue one) ??
***** They both sound very similar but the HB does have a faint smell of plastic which began to annoy me. After making the video of the G4 guitar one of my pupils ordered one and I had to do a small repair to it as the battery compartment would not stay shut. Easily done but G4M do not seem to check the guitars before dispatch. They were advertising for 10 new staff on Facebook so perhaps they will rectify this in future.
Nice sound --- What kind of reverb are you using?? very nice.
I am using a tascam DP-01fx 8 track to record the sound track. One of its vocal effects, 'Moody,' is what you are hearing.
Hi
John, are you familiar with this model www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Thinline-Electro-Acoustic-Guitar-by-Gear4music/ENG#full-des from G4M? If so, what do you think of it?
Hi Don, that is one I have not come across.
Hi John, me again :)
I really enjoy your videos! I've been playing guitar for 3 years, I'm more of an electric guitar player but I have 1 acoustic which is a LAG Tramontane T66A which is great and was my first proper guitar, my other was given to me by a friend, its a Suzuki classical guitar made in Japan, do you know anything about them? I go to Islay and like to take my guitars and recording equipment but I was wondering if you could recommend a good sturdy guitar? Also, is that guitar in the video ok with steel strings on? Is it good for recording?
Cheers :)
+Ledzep Lover If you want a really sturdy instrument then the old Eko Ranger is the beast. A friend of mine hit a mugger with one and nearly killed the guy. (The guitar was fine.) I had a Suzuki classical a few years ago which I got cheap because it would only play in tune with a capo fitted. I did the fret calculation and found that the distance from the nut to the 1st fret was too great so I took 2mm off the fingerboard then replaced the nut and all was well. The G4M bowl back sounds not bad with Martins or D'Addarios once they have lost their initial brashness. The pick gives a good balance and less hum than many more sophisticated units.
Hola quiero una guitarra del mismo modelo pero en cuerdas de nylon.
Necesito que alguien me ayude.
Gracias.
Gear4music do not make a nylon string model but here is an alternative:- 'Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue.'
www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbo_850_classic_blue.htm
@@JohnCouplandguitar
Thank you so much.
Tak så mycket.
Muchas gracias.
@@JohnCouplandguitar
Thank you so much.
Tak så mycket.
Muchas gracias.
is you guitar tuned to E or Eb?
Well it started off as E but one thing I have discovered is that not all electronic devices play back at the same speed. With one of my cameras I have to increase the playback speed by 1.017 otherwise by the end of the video my sound track and image are out of sync.
Thanks for your reply :)
I find the lower Portion of the bridge is slightly oval... This because of the tension of the strings? Or this is just a style of this type of guitar..i have the same
The top is very thin that's why its gives a nice sound...but maybe because of the tension the lower portion of the bridge is upside oval..vey slightly
I do not think it is a fault, it is just the way the guitar is designed.
Excellent review John, I've just received that very model from Gear4Music. I just love that tone, I also had no idea that you could put nylon strings on an acoustic guitar !
I want to learn to tune my guitar by ear, what would you recommend ?
TURK
Most folk need something to give them the starting note with old style pitch pipes being the best. An electronic tuner that produces an audible note works as well. Simply relying on a tuner's LED wont teach you anything. When piano tuners are comparing notes they listen carefully to the beats that are produced when two notes approach one another. These beats start when the notes are close and disappear when the notes match. The effect is best heard on electric guitars using distortion but will still work on acoustics.
Hi John, and many thanks for the quick response.
I tried one those online guitar tuners, it's almost like doing it by ear, just comparing what comes out your computer speakers and the string you're plucking .............. unfortunately, for a beginner that's also very difficult.
To the point, that I snapped a string!!!! : (
Now I can't continue until I've purchased another set of strings. Could you recommend any of those clip-on guitar tuners I see everywhere ? They do seem a little cheap.
TURK
These tuners are all much the same but be aware that they may tell you that a dominant harmony is in fact the right note. e.g. if you are trying to tune the E string, a B note can sometimes register as being in tune! Common sense needs to be applied. Regarding strings, you can buy them singly rather than 6 at a time. If changing the entire set then doing it one string at a time removes the need for quite so much guess work.
Hi John, Many thanks for your help, very much appreciated ; )
As it's only a budget guitar ( but still a very good one, as your review clearly shows ), I think it's probably a good idea to put decent strings on it. Think I'll get a complete set ( and a few spares! ) of light gauge strings.
Just been looking at videos on string types, light, medium and the differences. Very interesting stuff. Think I'll go and watch the rest of your videos also. Many thanks for your time.
TURK
1,000th sub :)
To be honest, acoustic guitars don’t sound as good on the pickup.