GORD'S B45-12 Close Up at Massey

[surgery4]

Here is a nice photo of his Gibson B45-12 string as it sits at "ready" - stage left - Massey Hall, Nov. 17, 2006.


Notice that this must have been one of two used that evening. Capo is fret 3 - most of his songs are played capo 2 on the 12 str. But for some shows, he brings out a spare (as many of you know) and this lessens his tuning issues by not having to relocate the capo. It can be a nightmare!

[ June 13, 2007, 01:59: Message edited by: B45-12 ]

[B45-12]

Here is a nice photo of his Gibson B45-12 string as it sits at "ready" - stage left - Massey Hall, Nov. 17, 2006.


Notice that this must have been one of two used that evening. Capo is fret 3 - most of his songs are played capo 2 on the 12 str. But for some shows, he brings out a spare (as many of you know) and this lessens his tuning issues by not having to relocate the capo. It can be a nightmare!

[ June 13, 2007, 01:59: Message edited by: B45-12 ]

[Jesse Joe]

Isn't it just a beauty, as if she was waiting for her master to come pick her up, and do his magic... :D

[ June 13, 2007, 16:34: Message edited by: Jesse-Joe D18 ]

[charlene]

and Mike's beloved Yamaha and Roland gear..
lol
what's the origin of the photo?

[vlmagee]

Originally posted by B45-12:
Capo is fret 3 - most of his songs are played capo 2 on the 12 str. But for some shows, he brings out a spare (as many of you know) and this lessens his tuning issues by not having to relocate the capo.

He has it for all concert length shows, to play either EMR or CRT. The only times he wouldn't bring it out would be very short appearances (of just a handful of songs), if he isn't going to play either of those two songs. Even at one set casino shows, he has it with him as any show of 20 or more songs will certainly include at least one of those two classics. And it would also include Wreck, capoed on the 2nd fret, so he needs both 12s.

I remember when he only had one 12-string, and would retune. This was back in the late 70s or early 80s. He would move the capo, check the tuning, fine tune, and then - once in a while - break a string. Although I'm sure he felt pressure - after all, he felt we were there to listen to music, not to watch him retune - his chatter and concentration were always an interesting aspect of the show. And we'd all sit there patiently (well, most of us were patient), knowing that EMR or CRT (or both) were soon to come.

[charlene]

[quote]Originally posted by vlmagee:

I remember when he only had one 12-string, and would retune. This was back in the late 70s or early 80s. He would move the capo, check the tuning, fine tune, and then - once in a while - break a string. Although I'm sure he felt pressure - after all, he felt we were there to listen to music, not to watch him retune - his chatter and concentration were always an interesting aspect of the show. And we'd all sit there patiently (well, most of us were patient), knowing that EMR or CRT (or both) were soon to come.

I used to enjoy the tuning part..the "belligerent "B's", and his little asides to the boys in the band..the facial expressions and body language when it didn't go as planned..
endlessly entertaining..
lol

[Doug]

Leo Kottke has to tune almost before every song and uses this time to entertain his audience with funny and goofy little stories. His concerts wouldn't be the same without and I enjoy it as much as the actual playing.

[New 12 String Mike]

The 12 with the cloth strap is set for "D" tuning. The base E strings are tuned down to D.

The 12 with the leather strap is in standard tuning for such songs as "Carefree Highway."

[Auburn Annie]

Originally posted by vlmagee:
I remember when he only had one 12-string, and would retune. This was back in the late 70s or early 80s. He would move the capo, check the tuning, fine tune, and then - once in a while - break a string. Although I'm sure he felt pressure - after all, he felt we were there to listen to music, not to watch him retune - his chatter and concentration were always an interesting aspect of the show. And we'd all sit there patiently (well, most of us were patient), knowing that EMR or CRT (or both) were soon to come.

Yep, happened when I saw him in 1974. He'd just tuned the guitar, started playing and PING! a string broke. Long pause, a shrug, then a mention of how stuff like this happens with live performances (said while he changed strings.) Meanwhile, Frisbees flew overhead while we waited in the college gym /auditorium for a restart. Oddly enough I can't remember if we sat on folding chairs or the floor - I'd remember it today, lol, if only because I'd need help getting off the floor.

[RJ]

re: Kottke tuning and story-telling..

Yes, Claudia, that's cool.. I just bought tickets to see Leo up at the Big Top at Chautauqua in August.. I've seen him a number of times and its always such a pleasure..

Great picture of the EMR/CRT 12-string.. what a beauty.. and a great shot the way the light glistens off the side like it is..

[Doug]

Originally posted by RJ:
re: Kottke tuning and story-telling..

Yes, Claudia, that's cool.. I just bought tickets to see Leo up at the Big Top at Chautauqua in August.. I've seen him a number of times and its always such a pleasure..

Great picture of the EMR/CRT 12-string.. what a beauty.. and a great shot the way the light glistens off the side like it is..

Oh, great - have fun!!! So far I've seen him the last four years here in the Twin Cities and I sure will do it again this year. Traditionally he usually performs here the weekend after Thanksgiving. This guy amazes me all the time, just him, two guitars and an otherwise empty stage and he keeps us highly amused and entertained for hours. Last time I had second row and my eyes were glued to his left hand - just stunning! I really admire him. I tried myself at 'Ojo' a year ago and failed miserably...

[RJ]

I do a pale imitation of 'William Powell'.. but I gave up at one point even dreaming of playing like the guy because (that double-jointed right thumb notwithstanding) his hands are just too strong.. Leo Kottke (I've determined) has thee strongest hands, of any guitar player I've ever heard.. there are so many parts of 'One Guitar, No Vocals' which (I can figure out the riffing and tuning etc. but) there's just no way on Earth my hands can do it.. no way.. it's a thing of wonder.. that's fer sure..

[charlene]

The picture was taken by D.Rosati from Hamburg.