Do You Want to know a secret?
To Mod or Not To Mod
I ordered my George Harrison Limited Edition Telecaster in January of 2022. I received confirmation that the guitar would be shipped late April.
In the meantime, like everyone else, I was shocked to see the prices skyrocket on the internet. As more and more were delivered, it seemed the prices kept going up, and the guitars sold quickly.
It had never been my intention to sell the guitar. George’s playing and writing style had always been one of my favorites, and this telecaster had been in the back of my mind ever since I saw the first telecast of the rooftop concert. ( the original, and in black and white I might add, as we still did not have a color TV in our home!
Early April I received notification it would be late May.
Early May, notification it would be late June. Then, July, August, and finally arriving in September of 2022.
Prices on the internet had peaked earlier, but were still at 3 times the price I paid. Once I had in my hands, I still had in my mind that I was going to “peel and play”, but before I did, I circulated my “unboxing video” asking for feedback on my choice.
Later in the day, doing a full setup with the technician, we noticed a flaw in the neck when we actually had the gauges on the fretboard. Fender was contacted, and they asked us to ship it back. We received word that they would replace.
Even though I had only held the guitar for 10 minutes, I had made up my mind I was keeping, and would Peel and Play as soon as I received the replacement.
While I waited, ( until late November) I began to think about if I wanted to modify to make the guitar more “modern”. and what mods could be done without making any permanent changes that would damage the guitar or hardware.
I settled on changing out the stainless steel saddles for brass compensated ones. The control bar was flipped so that there was now (from neck to bridge) Volume, Tone, and the pickup selector - reversed to still match neck, combined, and bridge choices. I changed the strap buttons to locking.
The one thing left was the Ashtray. I liked the vintage look, but the issue of being able to dampen strings when desired is lost with the ashtray in place. Without the ashtray, the compressed tone from the effect of the ashtray on the pickup field is lost.
I ordered in a few new ashtrays from Fender, and set to work.
With my drawings, I went to TCS Waterjet Cutting. Working with Stephen Knight, (a fellow guitar player) we made the cuts in the ashtray over the bridge / saddles to allow for the palm muting desired.
It works great, and we think the look is a great compromise.
All without making any cuts to the original ashtray.
TCS ( Technical Cutting Solutions) is located just outside Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in Sherwood Park.
Contact is info@techcut.com
To Mod or Not To Mod
Update - a second change to the ashtray ( adding 1/4 inch to opening at the but end and 1/8 inch to the neck end) has allowed easier muting of the two E strings. Muting is improved, with some techique learning.
I will post more videos as progresses.
My You Tube is accessible from the Home page of this site, or at
Aheadofitstimemusic on You Tube
Comments and questions will be monitored and considered.
the Mayor to Minnesota
In the 90’s, McDonalds Restaurants was changing out all the play places that featured the Ronald McDonaldland and it’s characters. I was lucky enough to salvage a Mayor McCheese statue, and he resided in our backyard, weathering the elements, and 6 interprovincial moves.
Our children were 9, 7 and 6 when he first appeared in their play space. Our grandchildren are now 11, 9 and 6.
While his presence has been a landmark for us, we are downsizing to reduce the need for upkeep, and make it easier to travel.
In January, 2022, I received an e mail from Tom, in Minnesota. He had stumbled onto my website, and noticed the Mayor in a photo of the back yard. Tom inquired as to whether or not the Mayor was for sale, as he is establishing his own collection of the statues.
I replied that yes, we were willing to pass on the responsibility of his upkeep, but that due to the especially harsh winter we were experiencing, his base was frozen to the brickwork and I would not risk moving him until a full thaw.
Over the following months, (and more snow!) we finally agreed to meet at the Coutts border crossing. We would meet him in the parking lot on the Canadian side of the border, and he would cross, pick up the Mayor, returning to the US. Essentially, a Flagpole turnaround visit.
May 23 was chosen, as it is a Federal Holiday in Canada. We agreed to meet at noon.
We arrived at 11:50 to our designated parking lot, and within 10 minutes, got a text and photo from Tom that he was 5 cars away from the border window.
Time passed. Photo and text updates came, with status updates on the progress of the line.
Finally, a text that he had been requested to pull over and provide his vaccination documentation.
Then, an update. They were searching his car.
With dogs.
Apparently, the guards didn’t understand who Mayor McCheese was. ( perhaps the dogs were looking for cheese).
Finally, after 30 minutes, the bay doors at the north end of the inspection building opened, and there was Tom, with 2 Border agents, pointing at my wife and I with our truck, and the Mayor.
10 minutes for the exchange, and Tom was on his way.
(Note - returning to the US, Tom was asked the purpose of his 40 minute visit to Canada. A quick explanation, the border agent looked in the SUV at The Mayor, laughed, and waved Tom on. I guess it was an older border agent!
Tom sent pics of the Mayor in his new home.
We hope to stop by for a visit on one of out driving holidays in the future
The Mayor
I originally did this to save not throwing out the hose roller that I broke. (save the landfill) It worked out so well to organize all my extension cords, ( especially as I play music at events) that I sent in the suggestion to the company that makes the roller.
I explained that I had frozen and then cracked the roller, but that I had come up with what I thought was a marketable product that they could probably make and sell with few modifications from their current product.
Their reply? “There is no warranty on items that were broken by failing to drain the roller.”
I think they hope I keep the secret.
The Autoholic
Hi.
My name is Alan, and I'm an Autoholic.
I've lived with this affliction all my life.
My grandfather owned an auto wreckers.
My father was the oldest of six brothers.
Evidence seems to support that this disease is genetic.
There are many signs of auto holism.
It can influence most aspects of your life.
The following symptoms are some of the signs to watch for.
Childhood
You remember the year, make, model and colors of all your parent's cars.
You have looked for them on the internet.
You remember the year, make, model and colors of all your toy cars.
You have looked for them on the Internet.
You learned the alphabet with GTO, GTX, GS, RS, SS.
Ownership
You remember the year, make, model and colors of every car you've owned.
In order.
You have looked them up on the Internet.
You have owned a British Car.
You bought a second British Car.
You bought a "parts" car.( this may be represented by the previous 2 symptoms)
You have owned a car from every decade since you were born, or more.
You have owned a car that is from a manufacturer that is discontinued.
(Studebaker, Hudson, Packard, etc.)
You have owned a car you paid $50.00 for, and drove daily.
You always have a "winter beater".
You own more than 2 cars, registered and insured.
When you order a new car, you pay the extra for " Racing Stripes".
You truly believe that a rear wing improves the handling.
Upon delivery of your new car, you look at the other new cars on the lot as you drive away.
You stopped your new car, got out to look.
You spoke to the salesman.
There are certain makes of car you would never buy, but you still slow down as you pass that dealership to see what' new.
You have owned more than one set of personalized plates.
You park in the furthest spot from the mall.
You drive a standard, downtown, at rush hours, twice a day.
You have the list of dream cars in your wallet, in case that lottery ticket is a winner.
One of those is The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile.
You have gone to look at a "great deal", and when every fibre of your being said no, you bought the car.
Family
The number of photos of cars in the family album are more than your children,
(pictures with both the car and the children constitute a tie)
When you speak to your children on the phone, the conversation always includes "How's the car running?".
Holidays
Most of your holidays are driving holidays.
You spent a family holiday ( christmas day) working on a car.
If you took a trip to Italy, you would have Maranelo on your itinerary.
You have given a car as a gift.
A Christmas tree is where you stage.
Entertainment
You have seen "Bullit" more than 5 times, but can't really explain the plot.
You own more than 5 movies where "the car is the star."
You dwell on personal plate puzzles.
You attend more than one car show per year.
You find something in every car worth looking at. ( How long have you studied an AMC Pacer?)
You have had your car in a car show.
When you are on international holiday, the local car museums are on your itinerary.
Fashion
You own a ball cap with an automotive logo.
A t shirt.
A belt buckle.
A watch.
A coffee mug.
You received one of these as a gift.
You have given one as a gift, to your daughter. ( she doesn't wear it)
You considered going back to the store because maybe she would like the blue one better.
Lifestyle
The first time someone mentioned Yoga and the " Lotus Position", you pictured a reclining position, with you head, neck and shoulders raised, arms stretched over your legs.
You belong to a car club representing a specific make or model.
You sold that car, but still pay your annual dues, just in case you buy another one.
When someone drives by in an import, right hand drive, with the full fiberglass kit and coffee can exhaust, you wonder what that would be like.
You watch more than 2 hours of car tv per week.
You asked the bartender to switch off the " game" because " Barrett Jackson" is on the other channel.
The bar was crowded.
The home team was playing.
It was the playoffs.
You found a restaurant that used to be a service station.
They use hubcaps for dishes.
You remember the dates for the Daytona 500, but struggle with your children's birthdays.
You have a CD with your favorite Driving tunes.
Automobilia
You own a "collection" of toy cars.
They are on display.
You have a "collection" of old car magazines. (Read - can't throw them out)
You own a "limited edition print" on display.
You have more than 2 past years of car calendars. ( Read - can't throw them out)
When they pose the girls in the bikini on the car, your first thoughts are " Those high heels are going to scratch the paint!"
Do It Yourself
Your tools are easily identified by the black marks because you don't actually have to unhook the battery if you're careful.
There is a "seperate" handwash sink your spouse has designated as yours.
You have the Chiltons Automotive Manuals for all the cars you've owned.
You pay the extra price for premium because the manual says to.
You own a torque wrench.
You can explain Wankell.
They know you on a first name basis at your local " Pick a Part".
You have worked on a major component at the kitchen table.
You have been to the cosmetics counter to purchase an eye liner pencil. ( you used the one at home to mark your snow tires)
When you needed a muffler replaced, you took it off at home so you could drive it to the install shop with open exhaust.
You took the long way, the next day.
Your research on the lubricating qualities of motor oil includes "John Force recommends it."
You have had something re chromed.
There are boxes with spare parts for cars you no longer own in your garage or basement.
You wash your car by hand. (spray bays count if more than 10 dollars is spent and you dry off the car by hand.)
Your detail kit includes a toothbrush.
You think" Sham Wow" is the greatest invention ever.
Computers
Your passwords are auto related.
Your list of Favorites includes " Cars in Barns".
"Super Mario" refers to Andretti.
You have purchased parts on line.
You currently have several " watch this item" listings on cars you can't afford.
You have purchased a car on eBay.
You worry your spouse will catch you on line in the middle of the night, checking out a new set of rims.
Relationships
You had to ask someone to get your papers from the glovebox for the officer while on a first date.
When first beckoned to the back seat, your first thought of the upholstery.
You carry a picture of your car.
Your spouse "understands".
You spend time with people whose company you don't enjoy, but they have nice cars. ( see car clubs)
They spend time with you because you have a nice car. ( see car clubs)
You are looking for a cure, but like me, you're looking for it in a showroom.
If you were keeping score, and achieved over 50, you have a problem. Over 80, you are certified.
Happy hour starts when the light turns green.
RIP BLIPPI
As long as I remember, Halloween has been a special day. The first Halloween I remember, I must have been 4, because I know we moved from that house the summer before I was 5.
Back then, parents did not take their kids out. A few of the older kids in the neighborhood would take their brothers and sisters, and collect all the neighborhood kids as well. The groups would be 5 to 10 kids, everywhere. No one was alone. ( The older kids knew they didn’t have to dress up, and everyone still gave them candy for being the supervisors.) As a kid growing up, you looked forward to the day you could be the supervisor.
I always had jobs where you were encouraged to dress up for Halloween. The work always seemed easier on those days.
When we had kids of our own, I tried my best to get the night off, but those first years I was in a position that required working Month End Inventory, and I missed too many. It was also the time before cell phones and multi pics. I regret that.
Once I was in a position to get out, I loved taking my kids out. The exception was the scariest Halloween of my life. West Edmonton Mall, reacting to predictions of a minus 30C Halloween, decided to advertise an indoor Trick or Treat night on Halloween. I packed up the kids in costume, and off we went.
Now, I have been in crowds. The Rolling Stones Seattle concert, with The Clash comes to mind. But nothing prepared me for this. Trying to maintain a handhold with 3 kids and only 2 hands in what was a costumed mop still makes me shiver.
Now, with grandchildren, I look forward to Halloween more than ever. Not just because I see the joy in my grandchildren’s faces, but because I see it in the faces of my children as they set off into the night.
Stay away from the Mall!
The aloha shirts
People ask why I wear the Aloha shirts.
There are several reasons.
First- Hawaii is not a state. It’s a state of mind.
The first time I tried surfing, I was hooked. Granted, I was in a place that had waves, and my longest ride was just over a minute, but I was hooked.
However, I don’t live near the ocean or a surfing beach, so I wait.
I did take up snowboarding and skateboarding to “tide” me over. They are great, but not surfing.
Second- I do believe in the reality of climate change. Not just the “we need to stop oil now” but the reality of the world climate cycle that has repeated through the millenia. Of course, we contribute to that, and we must progress our technology and habits to reduce our impact. One of the ways to reduce our “throw away” mentality on so many things, including clothing. (Donating to third world countries so that they are piled like mountains before they are burned is not the answer. And shipping them over adds to the problem)
I buy shirts at Value Village whenever I drop off anything for recycling and repurposing. Wearing those shirts is often the catalyst for striking up a non-confrontational conversation on the issues.
Third- For 35 years I worked in jobs where I was required to meet certain appearance standards set by others. I wanted my “uniform” to more closely reflect me.
Forever Young
In 1969, I heard the whispers about Woodstock. (Vancouver area seemed a world away). I was 14.
The fashion of Rock and the hippie movement had been slowly showing up for several years, but Festival Fashion seemed to amalgamate all fashions into one.
The spring of 1970 held the release of the movie Woodstock. For many of us, this was our “immersion” into the world that was changing.
I spent the rest of that spring and summer mowing lawns, babysitting, delivering papers, saving money to buy “that jacket”, so I could get back to High School wearing it. I wore that jacket every day, everywhere, for years.
Then, the 80’s. The jacket went to the back of the closet. Time, and pounds, got between myself and that jacket.
Since taking semi-retirement, and focusing on losing weight (85 lbs) over the past 3 years, that jacket moved to the front of the closet, and became my target for success of my program. I tried it on once at the end of each month to monitor my progress.
This Halloween, having officially retired “Blippi” to the bottom drawer of the closet, was time for a 70’s revival. Stella, my co-worker at Innovations Music where I work part time, joined in a 70’s tribute with her Star Wars salute.
Stella has been my guide in the virtual world. Her teaching / supporting and patience in learning the ins and outs of the website, TikTok, YouTube world has been invigorating and has been appreciated.
I encourage younger people to seek out us “baby boomers” to share your skills with, and those “baby boomers” who are still young at heart to seek out the assistance of the younger generations to leap the hurdle of the electronic mediums. Together, a legacy of ideas and inspirations can be shared and benefit both.
Yamaki Boogaloo
I purchased my 1974 yamaki ay351s brand new in 1974.
I have owned 34 guitars over the years. ( there was a 30+ year period where I did not play at all, with kids, career, etc.. When I retired, ( the first time) this was the only guitar I had not sold. I pulled it out from under the stairs, only to discover the bridge had pulled free. The tech did a repair, and a full set up. It plays better than ever.
If you research Yamaki, you will find they only made these “More Martin than Martin” guitars for a few years before being forced to stop the “cloning”. They are known for the hazing and discoloration of the finish over the years. ( it’s called “patina”)
I have written over 100 songs on this guitar. Every day, my warm up begins with my “Yamaki Boogaloo” exercise.
I hope you enjoy it.
Dosage Tracking
There are several reasons I chose to get the vaccine.
First – I’m 66 years old
Next- I have a chronic lung disease from years in the steel mill
Last - My wife said “you’re getting the vaccine.”
To date, I have not felt sick. (Full disclosure, I have not had a test.)
I made the decisions for my own reasons, listening to both sides. I don’t belong to a “group” that views this decision one way or another. I understand the decisions of individuals based on everything from fears, rationalizations, “the media,(both sides) religion, money, and on and on.
I decided to design this t shirt and mask because I believe that inviting conversation, (respectful) between individuals is far more productive than “taking sides” in or against groups. Understanding that most decisions are made personally, and for every reason under the sun, is needed to advance our ability to move forward as an inclusive society. Also, understanding that most “groups” have an underlying agenda should be a warning that more is needed in terms of understanding.
Most of us wear our t shirts with a message or image that we want to use as an invitation for conversation. That is why the shirt and mask are blank and leave it up to the person to fill in using a permanent marker to the degree they wish to.
Sure, there are going to be times where someone responds critically. That can happen with every message. How we react is the more important. Sure, you can’t change all people’s minds. But that should not be the goal. The goal is understanding.
Understanding that much of the underlying problems are trust. Trust of governments. (be sure you have a long time to talk!)
Trust of media. (Let’s face it; they are about making money-all of them)
Trust of science. (Pluto was a planet for a long time)
Also, an understanding of people making mistakes. We all make them. We will all make more.
It’s learning that makes a difference.