• From: Normal, IL
  • Registered: 2014-10-09
  • Posts: 117

Topic: Bonamini

So, "Santa" brought my son a 3/4 scale Epiphone Pee-wee Les Paul (Zakk Wylde Holy Grail Edition) for Christmas a few years back.  I was surprised how decent the thing is once I got my hands on it.  So, my question here is, since the  guitar has already been produced, wouldn't it be cool if Mr. B could pair up with Epi/Gibson to make a JB blues version of the package?  I mean a mini gold top with a "P-90" in it.  How cool would that be?  Besides, it sort of falls right in line with his Keeping the Blues Alive...creating the tools to help get kids fired up an early age.

"You can't put a price on cool."
  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Bonamini

Very cute!

I bought my son a 3/4 size LP(ish) clone when he was about 5 years old.  He loved it.  My son is now 15 and is a remarkably talented guitar player - so I guess I did good... smile

(Note: My Avatar pic on the left shows my youngest son playing the mentioned 3/4 sized guitar.  He has since gone on to take up the drums, so I guess my hit rate is not quite 100%... wink )

Would be nice to see a special run of 3/4 sized Epiphone JBLPs.  Joe already does well with the full sized Epiphone signature LPs - they are tremendous value for money guitars.

The only thing about the mini guitars is keeping them in tune - I know we can tune them higher to improve that, but then it was a challenge to show my son some AC/DC open power chords... big_smile

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: Normal, IL
  • Registered: 2014-10-09
  • Posts: 117

Re: Bonamini

Devan wrote:

Very cute!



The only thing about the mini guitars is keeping them in tune - I know we can tune them higher to improve that, but then it was a challenge to show my son some AC/DC open power chords... big_smile

You are right there.  It is tough to keep em in tune.  However, it is much easier for him to get his little fingers around the neck to fret some chords....in tune or not.  Ha.

On a side note, the Zakk Wyle LP came with a tiny Marshall "stack".  It is hilarious.  If Joe got on board, maybe they could mold his version in silver.

"You can't put a price on cool."
  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: Bonamini

Jelly Roll wrote:
Devan wrote:

Very cute!



The only thing about the mini guitars is keeping them in tune - I know we can tune them higher to improve that, but then it was a challenge to show my son some AC/DC open power chords... big_smile

You are right there.  It is tough to keep em in tune.  However, it is much easier for him to get his little fingers around the neck to fret some chords....in tune or not.  Ha.

On a side note, the Zakk Wyle LP came with a tiny Marshall "stack".  It is hilarious.  If Joe got on board, maybe they could mold his version in silver.

Why are they harder to keep in tune?  Is it because of cheap tuners, or what?!  Inquiring mind...

But I *love* the idea of doing a siggy JoBo Guitar in 3/4 size - what would be epic and really play to getting younger kids into the blues!!! smile

Kevin

  • Devan
  • Devan
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Bonamini

kestrou wrote:

Why are they harder to keep in tune?  Is it because of cheap tuners, or what?!  Inquiring mind...

But I *love* the idea of doing a siggy JoBo Guitar in 3/4 size - what would be epic and really play to getting younger kids into the blues!!! smile

Kevin

I guess it is more 'intonation' rather than 'in tune'.  The very short scale means as you move up the neck, a lot of the fretted notes are not perfectly in tune with the desired note.  Plus the shorts scale = very low tension on the strings, so the slightest pressure can overbend the string and put them out of tune if you are not careful.  Even picking the string too hard can make things snap from a semi tone too high to too low.

The best option is to increase the string tension and placement of the harmonics on the neck by tuning them up a fifth or so, which tends to bring everything back into balance.

But it is a bit of a double edged sword.  As mentioned, the initial setup is really easy for a young newbie to get their hands around and to be able to fret notes easily.  However, you have to keep a close eye on things, as once they begin to master the basics, the intonation issues will cause problems as they struggle to maintain accuracy and "sound like the records" so to speak.  Then it is probably time to move to a full size.

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"