The Acoustic Sound

[BrianD]

There is much information on the Strats, echoes and amps used by the Shads over recent years and the current tour, however, I would be interested in information on their acoustic guitars and, in particular, what pick-up systems they are fitted with.

I have four acoustic guitars, a Martin HD28, a Patrick James Eggle Saluda Baritone, Patrick James Eggle Saluda 12-string and a Patrick James Eggle Linville C all of which I have had fitted with the L R Baggs iBeam active system and would be interested to know what Hank and Bruce use. Also, what acoustic strings they use?

Brian

[Phil McGarrick]

Hi Brian,
I also would like to know what set up they used on their acoustics.. Like you I use the LR Baggs Ibeam active system on my Gibson dove and found it sounds great with no feedback problems and a genuine acoustic sound.

I was chuffed that Cliff used a J200 maple - the same as I have got - I had a good view being near the front and Cliff had it tuned to a chord and used a capo at the 2nd fret. What with Bruce's superb sounding Martin and Hanks variety of acoustic guitars, the acoustic sound at the NIA on Sunday was the best I've ever heard.

Hope it comes through on the DVD

Phil

[JimN]

Even from nearly a quarter of a mile away at the O2, I could see (admittedly from the video screen) that Cliff had the J200 tuned to an open chord and was simply barring straight across.

Was that the "Apache" J200, do you think?

JN

[AlanMcKillop]

Did "JJ" (stageleft) not comment on the last site that Cliff had the 'original' refinished in Sunburst?

[abstamaria]

I thought that the Gibson J200 that the Shadows used for Apache and the other very early pieces was the first series J200 - all mahogany - rather than the later all maple model.

Our Shadows cover band (playing either as Walking Shadow or as part of the larger Madeleine Cookie Company) does use a J200 on stage, plugged through a direct box to the house mixer. The tricky part is shifting to an electric for pieces such as "Raggy Tramline" (where a Jazzmaster would be correct?).

Here's our rhythm guitarist Roy Marinduque at a show this September.

Andy
Manila