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Post by jamieisles on Jan 26, 2015 19:28:37 GMT
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Post by alexkirtley on Jan 26, 2015 22:56:15 GMT
It's an early 50's J-50
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Post by jamieisles on Jan 27, 2015 0:14:33 GMT
Thanks Alex, here is a debate that has probably been going in circles for 100 years ...I own a Martin OM 28 and often feel that authentic Blues sound is more of a Gibson sound. They seem to have a fuller bass and a cutting top end compared to the Martins. I like the sound of the Martin but sometimes feel it is possibly a bit woody and soft. I often think about getting a Gibson but never know which one to go for are any of the modern ones any good can you compare them to the older Gibsons?
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 27, 2015 0:22:30 GMT
As far as I know John had that guitar from new and while he sounded wonderful playing any guitar, it was with the Gibson that he really was at one with his instrument. The only time I ever heard John say that he would struggle to play a particular guitar was when I handed him my 12 string National Havana!
John Jackson was a lovely man, an incredible musician and a lot of fun to hang out with. He was a real old school Southern gentleman. I have some very precious memories of sitting around with John singing and playing whatever songs came into our heads. John playing the Gibson and me playing old timey Dobro. I think forum members Phil Thorne and Pete Towers may have been around a few of those sessions too.
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by pete1951 on Jan 27, 2015 13:41:42 GMT
He was a real Gentleman , I have a tape of him talking to some of us (at Exeter Uni.) remembering his early years and how good squirrel tasted! I also think he said he had had the guitar from new.
PT
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Post by slide496 on Jan 27, 2015 15:01:24 GMT
Nice to hear these brief memories of him ...
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Post by blueshome on Jan 27, 2015 15:36:24 GMT
John bought the guitar second hand in the late 50's so he told me. I think the story involved something about someone passing by with the guitar.
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Post by pete1951 on Jan 27, 2015 16:23:18 GMT
I`m sure Phils memory is better than mine. I don`t have contact details for Trish who could confirm.
PT
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Post by bod on Jan 27, 2015 16:35:06 GMT
On the other hand if, like me, you'd not really heard of him before, you might find the following of interest (I did). REMEMBERING JOHN JACKSON (according to the linked article, he picked his Gibson up secondhand sometime around 1960)
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 27, 2015 17:26:55 GMT
I could ask Trish about the history of John's guitar. If I am in touch with her at any point, I will.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by bluefolk on Jan 27, 2015 18:08:48 GMT
. I like the sound of the Martin but sometimes feel it is possibly a bit woody and soft. I often think about getting a Gibson but never know which one to go for are any of the modern ones any good can you compare them to the older Gibsons? You could try the new Gibson J45 TV..The all mahogany 15 series Martins are worth looking at to.. Prices on the 40,s 50,s J45/50 are a bit mad.(at least in the uk)
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Post by jamieisles on Jan 27, 2015 22:34:02 GMT
I purchased the Don't let your deal go down transcriptions of many of Johns songs. But the song I am actually looking for is Railroad bill. I don't suppose anyone on the forum has a transcription of this song I would really appreciate it if you do. I have looked all over for it but no luck at the moment.
I would defianty be interested in a bit of background on that guitar, he said that he did't have a guitar for about 15 years or maybe he just did't play but that guitar definitely has a story to tell and I would love to hear it
Thanks for all the response I really appreciate this forum
Regards
Jamie
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Post by washboardchris on Jan 28, 2015 5:48:47 GMT
Hi, I had forgotten about Railroad Bill as a song.It was the first song I learned to pick (43 years ago) I did a search on you tube for John Jackson's version & its very similar to the one that I learned + & - some variations.Chords are dead easy & it just depends what you want to do with them.There is a vid of a chap called Patrick Costello who runs through a basic version of the song(which may set you on the right track)my search on youtube led me to a chap called Frank (guitar Frank)Hovington who does a very nice version. I had never heard of him before but he was a contemporary of John Jackson's & well worth a listen.Hope this may be of some help.
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Post by gordon on Jan 28, 2015 9:30:03 GMT
Nice to have some more talk about John Jackson.
Hard to say what, but there's something in his playing and his voice that really speak to me. I wish I'd been there in Exeter all those years back to meet him.
There's a video on Homespun with John and Roy Bookbinder, and a collection of video recordings of John playing that's available through Stefan Grossman's company, both are great.
I've learnt a few of his songs and when I have the time I'd be happy to work out how he plays Railroad Bill, and either put something on youtube or do a skype thing to show you, Jamie.
You're right about Frank Hovington, washboardchris, What a great voice !
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 28, 2015 10:16:18 GMT
Hi Jamie, I would think that if you know some of John's tunes and how to play them, that learning Railroad Bill is not difficult to do by ear. However, if you are looking for a TAB or someone to teach it to you, I would suggest you contact the French guitarist, Michel Lelong. Michel knows John's repertoire and used to be a bit of a John Jackson clone with his playing style. Michel speaks English and I am sure will be pleased to hear from you, his website is ... assoc.mailody.free.frWhile you're there can you tell him that he is using my photo without a credit or permission.  (photo by MM 2001©) Please say that I recommended you contact Michel. Shine On Michael |
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