David Gilmour: November 2007 Archives

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November 30, 2007

More from Phil

The winners of the David Gilmour GHS strings are: James Geary and Ernest Peske, who each win a set for a Strat, and Paul B and TomiSue, who each win a set for a Les Paul.

Well done, all four. Let us know where we should send your prizes.

We'd love to hear more of your thoughts on Phil's book, 'The Black Strat', which many of you will have by now received. Phil has been delighted with the feedback and sends you the following note:

"I hope people like the book, now it is finally out there. From what I can tell, it seems generally to have been well-received. I have had some complimentary responses from people, so it's nice to know that all the work - which I seriously underestimated at the outset, or else I probably would not have undertaken it - is appreciated." - Phil Taylor

Remember, you can only get a copy of Phil's book by visiting either TheBlackStrat.com or one of the UK's main branches of Borders. Please do check with Borders before you make a special trip in their direction, as it is not stocked at all Borders stores.

Quick reminder for fans in Latin America: You can see an hour from the 'Remember That Night' concert on HBO tonight, with repeats next week and Christmas week. Click here for all the necessary details (for Brazil, to give you an example, so do check your own country's page).

Be sure to also click the Vídeo tab for some 'interesting' animation.

We leave you for another week with some questions regarding the David Gilmour Signature Strat, which will be launched sometime next year. We've no updates for you concerning its manufacture, unfortunately. As soon as there's news to report, it will be here.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

The little button on the black Strat, that combines the neck and bridge pickup (so I read some where, is it true?): is it going to be on the David Gilmour Strat? (Graham Knight)
- Yes, it will be on the Fender David Gilmour Strat.

Will the Gilmour Strat become a staple of Fender's, i.e. like the Clapton and S.R.V. models have? (Randall Yeager)
- That is the plan. It is not meant to be a limited edition. David has insisted that it is a really good replica in terms of its sound, set-up, playability and looks - and that it should be affordable. He will not let Fender make a limited edition, to be purchased and put away by a few who can afford it as an investment.

Is the black Strat body made of two pieces of alder? (GianLuca)
- I don't know, it seems to be covered in black paint.

How are the pickups on David's black Strat wired to the pickup selector? (Andrew McHarg)
- See my book, 'The Black Strat', for this information.

Posted by Features Editor at 10:53 AM | Comments (77)

November 27, 2007

GHS lottery

As you may know, GHS are putting out some David Gilmour signature strings - Boomers - for the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul.

For the very first time, the following string gauges will be available in sets: 0.10, 0.12, 0.16, 0.28, 0.38, 0.48 (Stratocaster) and 0.10.5, 0.13, 0.17, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 (Les Paul).

They'll be available in all good shops, starting in the States, but eventually worldwide, within the next week or two.

To win a set, just choose any one string gauge.

If you'd like a set of strings for a Strat, choose one from either: 10, 12, 16, 28, 38 or 48.

If you'd like a set of strings for a Les Paul, choose one from either: 10.5, 13, 17, 30, 40 or 50.

Simply match one of the two numbers selected by me, Lotto-style. Everybody with that number will then be entered into one of two prize draws, from which winners will be chosen purely at random.

Please get your number in by 1PM (UK) Thursday (that's this Thursday, 29 November). Winners will be announced on Friday.

As usual, it's strictly one entry per person only - no excuses, no entering on behalf of parents, siblings, friends or pets. And, if you've got a Strat and a Les Paul, we don't care. Just toss a coin and choose one or the other, please.

The best of luck to all.

Here's the latest instalment from Phil Taylor's Q&A.

What gauge does David use on his electric guitars? (Frank Par)
- Different strings on different electrics. GHS Boomers for Strats/Teles/Gretsches, 10, 12, 16, 28, 38, 48; and for Les Pauls, 10.5, 13, 17, 30, 40, 50. GHS are soon to release these two sets of "David Gilmour" strings.

Which strings do you use on lap steel guitars? (Emilio)
- David currently uses D’Addario EHR360 half rounds on his electric lap steels.

Are the lap steel guitars tuned differently to normal EADGBE, or does David prefer to keep everything the same? (Emma)
- They are different. His favourites are EBGEBE or EBG*EBE or EBGDBG.

Posted by Features Editor at 7:00 PM | Comments (177)

November 26, 2007

Live CD

Oh, how many times you've asked about a live CD...

Well, there is going to be one.

It will be from last August's Gdańsk concert.

It will be out sometime next year.

There will be one or two assorted extras thrown in for good measure...

And that's all you're getting for now, so please don't bother asking for more. This is obviously a work in progress (with any 'assorted extras' as yet undecided, by the way).

There'll be more on this as and when details are confirmed.

That wasn't such a bad start to the week, was it?

The Maestro Rover has been an important (and often overlooked) piece to Gilmour's sound for many years. Since using them myself for quite a while now, I cannot see going without them... and I fear the day they will eventually die. Years ago, you and Pete Cornish developed 100 watt variations of this unique, aging and difficult-to-replace unit. Any hope of that design being released to the public, or an amp builder for limited production some day? (Gary Griffith)
- David only used the Rovers when recording the 'Division Bell' album. To recreate this sound live for the ensuing tour (as the Rovers are low powered, therefore too quiet and not suitable for large stages alongside his 4 x 12 cabinets), I decided to replicate the Rover sound and function with a high powered version utilising not one, but two, stacked high powered 6" drivers. I asked Paul Leader from Leader Sound to source the motors and work out the speed control system for me. Between us, we put together the 'Doppolas', as they were christened. The guitar audio signal is first eq'd with a modified Boss GE 7 graphic; this then goes into a Hiwatt amplifier and then into the Doppola through mercury contacts to the drivers. There are no plans to make them available.

You know the part of 'Comfortably Numb' David plays, when the mirror ball starts to open on the '94 tour, what exactly does he add to achieve this sound? Is it simply more delay? (Kristopher Junner)
- Yes.

Is it true that during the late '60s and early '70s David used a pedal called Orange Treble and Bass Booster? If not, what effect was used live and in the studio to create his overdrive tone (e.g. from 'Embryo', 'Cymbaline' or 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond')? Or maybe it was good old Fuzz Face? (Rafal)
- Mostly he used a Colorsound Treble and Bass Booster, a Fuzz Face and an EH Big Muff.

Posted by Features Editor at 9:44 AM | Comments (139)

November 22, 2007

Blu-ray retailers

The Blu-ray version of 'Remember That Night' is now out in the United States. If you have a copy, do let us know what you think of it.

It will be out in many parts of Europe next week: on Monday 26 November.

As it's only being released in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, the UK and the Ukraine, we'd like to remind you that there are only three regions on Planet Blu-ray (click here for a helpfully-coloured map):

Region A covers North, Central and South America; North and South Korea; Japan and South East Asia.
Region B covers Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Region C covers China, Russia, India... and pretty much everywhere else.

So, just because there's no local release in, say, France or Italy, this does not mean that French and Italian fans cannot play a disc from neighbouring Austria or Germany. It's still Region B.

Likewise, just because there's no local release in Brazil or Canada, this does not mean that the discs on sale in the US are of no use to you. They're still Region A.

With your help, we'd like to compile a list of shops and sites where you can get a copy of 'Remember That Night' for your region, albeit through the post. If you can recommend any retailers, please do.

Anthill, providers of official David Gilmour merchandise, say they will be stocking both Region A and Region B Blu-ray discs soon, but consumer choice is never a bad thing.

Here's more from Phil Taylor, whose book you shall be able to purchase in the larger UK Borders stores from next week. Please contact your local branch to check that they stock it before venturing out.

Don't forget that the items donated by David for Crisis to auction off on eBay will be sold to the highest bidder on Saturday from 5PM (UK).

Good luck if you're hopeful of winning and thank you very, very much for all your bids.

Has there ever been a major catastrophe that you have been blamed for when, in actual fact, it was human error? (Ripper)
- Are you suggesting that I am not human?

Has David ever gotten/been given, the 'wrong' guitar during a gig? (Penny)
- Not that I recall, but I have gone on stage to give him the correct guitar for the next song and he has decided to keep using the one he already has.

Thinking along the lines of outdoor concerts such as Knebworth '90, has the rain ever caused any serious damage to any of David's guitars? (IMcK)
- No, I dry them off immediately before putting them away. The only one I can think of is a Baby Taylor acoustic that David left out in his garden overnight in the damp after a campfire party that rather changed shape.

Posted by Features Editor at 6:02 PM | Comments (73)

November 19, 2007

Help Crisis

A reminder, as promised.

The items donated by David to Crisis, the leading UK charity for the homeless, will all be here, on eBay, by 9PM (UK) tonight.

If you haven't seen all the items yet, please click here to have a look.

We'd greatly appreciate any effort you can make to help bump up the final price.

All items have been added to eBay at 15-minute intervals, so that they end at staggered times.

The items run for five days, so all auctions will close on Saturday 24 November.

Please note: it is clearly stated that these items will only be posted within the European Union. This was not our decision, so please don't ask why this is so, or if there are any ways to get around it.

Here's a little more from Phil Taylor to finish with.

David bends his strings further than any other guitarist I have seen. Do you do anything special to them to keep them from snapping? (Mat)
- Just change them for every show.

What do you do to David's guitars so that they don't go out of tune easily, considering David's liberal use of the tremolo arm? (Bryan)
- Stretch the new string properly and check all the relevant parts are secured and lubricated as necessary.

Do you use any type of lubricant on David's guitars to help them stay in tune? (Paul Sexton)
- Yes, KY Jelly! Just kidding. Sometimes I sparingly use oil (too much deadens the sound) or graphite powder.

Posted by Features Editor at 7:00 PM | Comments (85)

November 16, 2007

The chatroom

Thank you for entering our latest contest. If you didn't, it's too late now.

The winner will be announced later today, so do check back this afternoon.

The all-important word, by the way, was 'Black'. You need to have chosen that one - and many of you did - to stand a chance of winning, so feel free to express your disappointment, or anticipation, through imaginative use of the English language. It won't influence the outcome, but heck, it sure does pass the time.

The chatroom is open, if you want to call in. It will be open until 12PM (UK time).

Do arrive before closing time: you won't be able to get in should you arrive at five minutes past.

Newcomers are most welcome. You must first register, but it's incredibly easy to do so.

Just about all you could possibly wish to know about the chatroom can be found here. This includes how to register, how to move between rooms, and a list of our common-sense rules.

Please take a moment or two to skim through the starter's guide.

The chatroom is not open continuously, but opening and closing times for each session can be found on our calendar.

If you have any additional questions or comments about the chatroom, this is the time and place for them. But please do see that starter's guide first, as everything should be covered there.

Very important, this next bit.

David does not visit the chatroom, so please don't turn up hoping to catch him. The chatroom is for David's fans only.

We often end the scheduled chat sessions with what we like to think of as a ''lock-in'.

These are for anyone who shows up before closing time, and all who use the chatroom regularly. They give people the chance to chat for a bit longer. A random room password is set in place, so the only people able to enter the chatroom after closing time are the ones trusted with the password. It is issued, by e-mail, to all who prove that they can behave (unfortunately, some people have proved that they can't, so they're no longer welcome).

Everyone is welcome to use the chatroom (well, unless they've been banned, that is). It really is a case of 'the more, the merrier' and it's in no way a members-only club. All we ask is that you take note of the rules on your way in, respect them, and make an effort to be friendly (lurkers arouse suspicion, so please don't be too shy to join in). Do this and you're welcome to the lock-ins, too.

In one of the photos from last year's rehearsals, David can be seen playing the red/sunburst Telecaster with rosewood neck he played 'Dogs' on during the 1977 'Animals' tour. Is there a reason why he didn't use this guitar in 2006? (Henning)
- I took it to rehearsals to see how it compared to the recently acquired Tele that we had got in the USA, with a view to David using it or carrying it as a spare. The brownburst Tele had a problem with the bridge pickup not working – a replacement pickup was quickly put in, but it did not sound as good. I took a 52V Tele as a spare on the next leg of the tour instead.

How does Gilmour fatten up the sound of his black Strat for distortion parts: one of the three EQ pedals or Tube Driver? (George Gipe)
- David sometimes uses other things, but his usual choice would be an EH Big Muff or a BK Butler Tube Driver, which then occasionally may be tweaked with a modified Boss GE7 graphic.

I've seen a picture from the 70s with David playing on a black Stratocaster double neck. Have you got information about this guitar? (TeD)
- Yes, plenty - in my book, 'The Black Strat'. It explains all about it.

Posted by Features Editor at 10:43 AM | Comments (76)

November 14, 2007

'The Black Strat'

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED (16/11/07)

Frank Par wins a signed copy of 'The Black Strat'.

Well done, Frank. Please let us know where we should send your prize.

Phil Taylor's book, 'The Black Strat: A History Of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster', can now be ordered from TheBlackStrat.com. This is the only way to obtain one at present. You cannot order it anywhere else, although this could well change in the not-too-distant future. We'll keep you updated on that.

Written to accompany Fender's long-awaited David Gilmour Signature Strat, the book is a must-have for guitarist and non-guitarist alike, owing to its magazine-style mix of photos (there are many never-before-seen shots) and facts. There's also plenty of technical detail and history.

The Strat will not be available this year. However, when it does become available, should you wish to purchase one, you will also get a copy of Phil's book, a copy of the 'Remember That Night' DVD and a set of GHS strings, all housed in a special case.

Courtesy of Phil, we have a signed copy of 'The Black Strat' for you to win.

To be in with a shout, just visit TheBlackStrat.com and take any one word from the homepage, looking carefully at the title. Then post it here, with your daily comment.

No more than one word, no need to explain why you chose it, but please make your chosen word very clear.

Those who opt for the word that I have chosen will be entered into a raffle, with one name selected at random on Friday, when the winner will be announced.

One entry per person only, please. Entries must be submitted by 9.30AM (UK), Friday 16 November.

Good luck.

Once you've done that, please click here, see the bottom-left of the page, and vote responsibly. Planet Rock hope to determine the 'Best (Living) Guitarist', and we all remember 'Comfortably Numb', 'Echoes' and 'Take A Breath' from last year's tour, don't we?

And, once you've done all that, you can enjoy some more of Phil's answers to your questions.

I heard you removed the Alembic Pre from this rig this tour. I work at Guitar Center and one morning I see that we all are looking for a vintage one because you called... or something along those lines. Why was it removed and is it going back now? (Matt Surdin)
- It was not me who called, I have a few already. The modified Alembics are only used in David’s big Pink Floyd rig - which has not been out since 1994 - and another one with the Yamaha RA200 cabinet, last used in David’s barn earlier this year. See Polly's photos.

I know David uses a big rack of effects, but, when I went to the Ritzy, he only used one amp and got his distinctive sound. What amp was it and were other effects used from the desk? (Anthony Green)
- Get some new glasses. He used two amps: a 1958 Fender Tweed Twin and a 1958 Magnatone 280A, with one of his effects valve pedalboards that I had made.

I'm wondering how you made the black Strat so incredibly quiet on stage! What has changed since the last Pink Floyd tour, when David was still using EMG pickups? (Ben)
- Nothing has changed on the guitar. The source of this problem is normally generated from the touring lighting and effects systems. This is picked up by the guitar’s single coil pickups and amplified as noise and interference. The improved designs these days mean that there are few problems. David has great control over his equipment and the way he uses it, and is very good at getting through a show with interference and masking it if needed.

Posted by Features Editor at 6:30 PM | Comments (176)

November 12, 2007

Crisis auctions

As we mentioned a few weeks back, David has very kindly donated some rather interesting tour paraphernalia to Crisis, the homelessness charity of which he is vice-president, to auction off on eBay.

Bidding starts next Monday at 5PM (UK time). Of course, we'll remind you before then.

Items include signed proofs of the 'Remember That Night' DVD artwork, as well as a signed photograph of David with David Bowie.

If you'd like to see these items (minus the photo, that is), and perhaps contemplate placing a bid for any of them, please click the (slightly fuzzy) scan above. We would greatly appreciate any effort you can make to help boost the final price.

It goes without saying that these items, unlike much of what you see on eBay, are completely authentic - not to mention original and highly collectible. Whilst we hope that they go to a good home, our main hope is that their sale will help those unfortunates who have no home.

Here's a little more from Phil Taylor to finish with.

David used many different types of guitar on his last tour - more than previously, I think, and more songs with guitar changes. Is this a headache or a pleasure? (Kieran)
- There is always a challenge in both putting together everything that I am responsible for on stage, and making it all work perfectly, every time that David and/or Pink Floyd do anything. It is just normal for me; it is what I like to do. So, in short, a pleasure.

David and Phil Manzanera have been playing some interesting Gibson Jumbo acoustics on this tour. Can you tell us more about the models and vintages? (EchoesBob)
- They are both Gibson Country and Western models. One is 1958, the other is 1959.

Can you tell us a bit about David’s "new" blonde Telecaster (the one he started playing during the US leg of the 'On An Island' tour)? (Henning)
- We were in Oakland and, during sound check, David decided he wanted to play 'Astronomy Domine'. I was not carrying a Tele on the road. A quick call to Billy Siegel at Fender, who responded magnificently and instantly (he made the FedEx man wait until he had found a suitable guitar, it was late Friday afternoon). It arrived the next day and it required a little work to be at its best. David then used it during the rest of the tour. He later gave it to Charlie, his son, for Christmas.

Posted by Features Editor at 6:56 PM | Comments (67)

November 11, 2007

Phil answers your questions

You asked, Phil answered.

Thank you to everyone for sending in a question (or three) for consideration. Special thanks to the names listed below and, of course, to Phil for taking the time to give such honest, insightful answers.

We've plenty more to follow over the next week or so.

Phil's book, 'The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster' is released very soon. More on that as the week progresses, including your chance to win a copy.

The winners of our latest contest were Tom from NE Scotland, Simon J and Rick Strang.

Congratulations to you. You each win a PBS exclusive live CD from Abbey Road. Please let us know where you'd like it sent.

If you're interested, our chatroom will be open tomorrow between 1PM and 3PM (UK time).

We'll also have details of the Crisis charity auctions tomorrow, so do come back for those.

You have one of the best jobs in the world. What do you enjoy the most about working with David? (Mat)
- Being there when he plays, particularly standing on the stage three foot behind him during a sound check and hearing/feeling the power, sound and control. Very few people can ever experience how good this can be.

How did you meet David and land this prestigious gig? (Buffalo Phil)
- I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and they made me an offer that I could not understand.

When not touring, what are you supposed to do? Maintaining all Mr Gilmour's rigs in working condition? Looking at new gear? (Frédéric)
- I am kept busy. I wear a selection of different hats: I run the Astoria recording studio, David's equipment warehouse, maintain and find new equipment, look after David’s home studio, be a guitar tech when David makes an appearance, sometimes production director for live shows, and a few other duties besides.

Posted by Features Editor at 9:04 PM | Comments (58)

November 8, 2007

Blu-ray countries

EMI's Blu-ray version of 'Remember That Night' is only being released in the following parts of Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, the UK and the Ukraine.

It will be released on Monday 26 November.

It will also be released (by Sony BMG) in the US on Tuesday 20 November.

Please bear this in mind when reading of 'Europe' and 'North America'.

As you will see from our Latest News, it will "probably" be released (by Sony BMG) in Canada, Japan, Korea and South Africa, but at a later date.

November 7, 2007

Caption contest

The above photograph, taken by Polly, is from the Ritzy in Brixton. This is where David premiered 'Remember That Night' for the benefit of North American cinema audiences (back in September).

And it's just asking for a caption, really, isn't it?

Over to you.

The prize is an exclusive four-track 'Live from Abbey Road' CD, available only in the US to those who pledge money to PBS. (Basically, pledge more than a certain sum, as will be decided by each local station, for a copy of 'Remember That Night' and you get the exclusive CD thrown in free.)

The CD comes in a cardboard case, is shrink-wrapped, and features the following tracks, recorded live at Abbey Road last year: 'The Blue', 'On An Island', 'Take A Breath' and 'Smile'.

As you'll expect from the prize, there is a PBS television special coming up. Details to follow very soon.

One caption per person only, please, to be submitted no later than 6PM (UK) on Friday 9 November. Winners will be announced on Monday.

Thank you for your varied comments about the ringtones. I don't think anyone really needs more, which is why the previous entry is now missing a comment form, but we do appreciate your feedback.

'Remember That Night' is released in Japan today.

Last, but by no means least, our chatroom will next be open tomorrow between 10AM and 12PM (UK).

Posted by Features Editor at 6:34 PM | Comments (188)

November 6, 2007

Ringtones

You will have seen our Latest News by now, but, if you haven't, the gist of it is that you can get a free full-length 'Remember That Night' track - both audio and video - for your 'phone, as well as having the option to purchase a ringtone and/or ringback, too (but only if you're in America and on the Verizon network).

That's right: you don't have to buy anything (but these tracks will expire after nine weeks, at which point, you can buy them).

You can have 'Comfortably Numb' (that's with Richard Wright, not David Bowie), 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and 'Wish You Here'.

From Friday 16 November, each song will be available, in turn, for three weeks.

You can, at the same time, purchase matching tones.

'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' is up first, available to buy as a ringtone/ringback from the get-go. 'Wish You Were Here' will follow in the fourth week, with 'Comfortably Numb' available from the seventh.

Once a song becomes available, it stays available until the nine weeks are up. When the nine weeks are up, if you can't bear to be without them, you can buy the songs. They'll cost $1.99 each. Videos will not be available after this time, however.

If you want a ringtone to go with it, the cost of each song is $2:99. If you want the ringback, the cost of each song is $1:99. You can have both ringtone and ringback for a bargain $4:49 (per song).

Your thoughts on the above, as always, are very welcome; your queries, less so. That's all we can tell you for now, sorry, and there are no prizes awarded for the most awkward question.

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on the recent Barn photos. The above is definitely the last in the set, but we're very glad that you enjoyed them. Many thanks to Polly for sharing them with us.

The chatroom is open today between 3PM and 5PM (UK time).

Posted by Features Editor at 10:17 AM | Comments (114)