The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Miscellaneous Rumbles: Tell me about yourself. Name/job/age/bio/shoe size/whatever!

Tell me about yourself. Name/job/age/bio/shoe size/whatever!

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- Rated: 52 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 2:12 a.m. bigalthethird:

This thread is cool. Thanks for replying, everyone!

Dub, I might take you up on that.
- Rated: 22 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 4:58 a.m. Konrad:

I go by Konrad, but my name is Preston.

Grew up in a great family in Texas, but I caused a lot of problems. When I was 19 I split for the summer and worked in Yellowstone. Came back, got a college B.A. in journalism, then a masters that I finished in France. Got in a lot of trouble in France, which I prefer not to talk about. Did some boxing for cash. Went on a serial live-with-a-hottie time in my life. Mostly foreign girls. French, Czech, Ukrainian, Slovakian, Polish, Russian, etc. I'm the kind that feels guilty, however, and I ended up getting married to an angel in Poland.

[Edited to explain that I have lived most of my adult life overseas... Melbourne and Bacchus Marsh Australia; Annecy, Grenoble in France; Ostrava and Prague in the CR; Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny, Pulawy and Warsaw in Poland, etc.]

Did quite a bit of investigative journalism in Poland and have been in a lot of trouble for it. Questioned by police. Sued. Been attacked. Had the house wrecked, etc. My angel's pretty tough, however. Kind of hard to believe she's stuck it out. One thing you may have heard of, I'm the guy that found Abraham Goldberg, the Aussie who founded Speedo and then split when $1.5 bln (Aussie dollars) disappeared. He had 17 counts of fraud on him and no one could find him for 10 years. I found him, however... Did an interview even together with Aussie jounralist extraordinaire Eric Ellis, and we were nominated for a Walkley Award.

Been in war zones. Done mafia stories. Big bottles of nerves.

Have always played music, but my damaged hands (boxing, martial arts-Praying Mantiss) have in the end held me back. Played in Austin with some great players. Was a Soul Hat fan and still am. Played in the CR, in France. Have a couple of bands in Poland, although Hoodoohat is my true love. www.hoodoohat.com.

The boxing/fighting means that at the tender age of 42 I'm 6 feet tall, weight 188 and still in fighting shape - but I have a bad hip now and my right knee is a mess.

More if you want it.

Stuck with journ
- Rated: 45 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 7:48 a.m. Tsar Nicholas :

My name is Nicholas. I'm 20 years old, 6"2 probably somewhere close to 200 of your 'pounds'. So I'm no Slim Jim. Size 12 boots, please.

I was born in and have lived in Dublin for all 20 years of my life. It's a parochial little town that has ideas above it's station. I kinda like it though. The Guinness is good here.

I'm studying English and Film at UCD, going into my second of three years. That, however is beside the point.

To say that I love playing music would be to make a serious understatement. I live for music. I spent alot of time buying cds instead of beer in my formative years so I have a wide-ranging cd collection.

I love American music. Blues, jazz, folk, rocknroll.. I love Jazz in all but it's most convoluted forms.

My main European influence is punk rock and classical music. The Clash and Frederic Chopin.

The Stax sound runs through my veins. Green Onions is the soundtrack to my life.

Rock 'n' Roll is my number one, for sure, in all of it's very many forms. It manifests itself in me in the form of Garage Rock. I can't help that though. It's the sound of angry young white kids and that's just what I am.

I think I'm a pretty good guitar player, I can make it make the sounds I want it to. There's nothing I love more than playing my guitar. Well.. besides the missus.

Outside of music, I love things with engines! Old cars and motorcycles get my blood going. I'm a speed freak.

I also love cycling. It clears my head. Nothing like going out for two or three hours and punishing yourself over hill and dale to make you feel awful and yet wonderful.

I love escaping the city. Going to the country for a weekend is good for my soul.

I could go into more detail, but that's me at the most basic level!
- Rated: 31 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 9:47 a.m. Suprdave5150:

My name is David, I go by Dave mostly, I'm 44 years old 6' tall about 180 lbs. size 12 shoe, if that matters.I live in Evansville, In and I sell automobile parts for high line automobiles at a local car dealership. I've been selling parts for semi tractor trailers and auto's since I was 18. I always have a song in my head and one in my heart and I always felt like I should be able to share my inner music with the world. When I was 15 I finally picked up a guitar and I've been trying to teach yself how to play ever since. I was never good enough to play in a band so I sang in my first bands in high school. In the last ten years or so I've managed to play good enough to start a band with some friends and we only do music that I've written. In some ways my dreams are starting to come to life but I'll never be famous at my age, Oh well.

I have been married to the most wonderful woman in the world for the last 17 years. I was married once before for 4 years 2 weeks and three days. Yes....it was that bad though we did produce an awesome daughter. My kids are 21,22, and 25 and I have a 5mo old granddaughter and a 5 year old grandson. I love swimming, the outdoors, music, Pretty girls and People unless they're rude. I don't understand Hate and I wish I could feed the world. My heritage is Ukrainian and Kentuckian so I'm basically an American Mutt. I never went to college and I love working with my hands. I have a side bussiness Painting murals of large size on walls in Churches and Dance studios or wherever I get hired and I also Wait Tables at a local resteraunt for the last 15 years on sundays to help supplement the income.

I also ramble on a lot. I love the GDP!
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 10:25 a.m. bigfoot yancy:

matt mayfield. born on first day of 1976. Occupation- Photographer cars- '87 volvo 740gle '91 volvo 740 wagon motorcycle '74 honda cb550four Started to play guitar two years ago. Gretsch was my first guitar. Always wanted one. Other than shooting, and playing I study Chinese Kenpo and recently our system incorporated jujitsu incorporated from the Gracie family. if all goes well, in June of 2010 I will have completed the mastery level of 4th degree. I am also into ancient weaponry, especially from the feudal times in China. Another prized possession next to the Gretsch is a hand made folded steel Katana sharper than a razor. I also love balisongs (butterfly knives) and finally purchased a real one (Benchmade).

Love to travel and fortunately my camera is my passport.

I'd say I am an adventurer, and love a good time.

Grew up dirt poor, remember going to places to pick up government sponsored food products, but my parents worked two jobs to send my sister and I to private school.

Lived in a bad neighborhood and hung out with the wrong crowd. did all the drugs you can imagine, was lucky to move beyond that, unfortunately though, some of my friends didn't make it. I can drink most under the table, and am lucky to have the greatest friends and family.

I live in an old late 1800's warehouse district in a 5000 sq. foot warehouse that in 1901 was a candy factory.

My great great granfdather was born on the boat, crossing the Atlantic from Ireland, settled and made his living in the same West Bottoms in Kansas City, where I now reside. Back then it was the wild west with rows and rows of saloons and brothels galore.His name was Wild Jack Fitzmorris Now there's only a few bars and a few speakeasies (I had one until I got raided by undercover state liquor control last year. Made great money and donated good portion to a local domestic violence shelter for women and children- and even in rare cases-men). The coolest one left is called The Ship. And no more brothels, only the most sad story lot lizards.

Have a wonderful girlfriend who is a talented artist and very supportive in everything I do, as I am with her. No kids yet. Two cats Chico and Goose, whom I also gave street names so they can have street cred. They are known in the streets as Fuzzmaster Flash and Suitcase Jefferson, respectively.

Another passion I have is the Gretsch Pages. Thanks Bax, and all of you fine people!
- Rated: 39 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 5:34 p.m. Rocketman:

I wrote my life story but got a proxy error.
- Rated: 57 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 5:54 p.m. Curt:

My life story IS a proxy error.
- Rated: 13 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 8:24 p.m. Joao Erbetta:

Trying to live a life without proxy errors here... Joao Erbetta. Born (in 1972) and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Living in Washington DC since Spring 2006. About to move to NYC (Brooklyn). Expecting my first baby girl in two or three weeks. Wonderfull wife who doesn't care much about twenty five plus cases around the house (but I do! I want my studio!!!). I'm a professional musician recording online for Brazilian and European producers. I'm a composer and also a producer working with videogame, documentaries, plays and TV soundtracks ( http://mongastudio.com/ ). Dying to score a movie. Just got my new CD ( The L.A. Sessions with Pete Curry on drums ) which is already at CD Baby ( http://cdbaby.com/cd/joaoerbetta ). There will be a release party in DC (October 8th at Velvet Lounge). I'll be playing some of the "Guitar Bizarre" tunes too ( http://guitarbizarre.com/listen.html ). I have a strange trio in Brazil called Los Pirata ( http://www.myspace.com/lospirata - watch the videos! ) and also a more "stoner" (uh?) project called UB313 ( http://www.myspace.com/ub313music ). Since last year I'm playing "New Orleans Jazz" with Yamomanem ( http://www.myspace.com/yamomanem ) here in DC and it's been a blast to me. I'm learning a lot and having a lot of fun. I started my own record label in Brazil ( http://mongarecords.com/ ) and I'll be down there in December to play some gigs and introduce my little girl to the family. I'm producing some local artists and I really enjoy to make records. Too bad there's no money on it anymore. I used to have Duo Jets, a Hot Rod, an old Corvette and I still have my Country Club but I'm looking for a trade... I wanna go back to filtertrons (with Bigsby, of course) so I always looking for an old CC with the "right price". I love guitars in general. Tele, JM, Jaguar, SG, ES125... I dig old Fender amps and Magnatones but I'm in love with my Swart Atomic Space Tone. Chet Atkins, Les Paul, RY Cooder, Brian Setzer, All Caiola, Eddie Biebel, Jim Campilongo, Del Casher, Josh Homme, Deke Dickerson and Wes Montgomery are some of the guitar gurus for me. I do care for other styles, other instruments and the whole music thing. I'm a geek. I think "Huff" was the best TV show ever. I like Wes Anderson's movies. I prefer winter over summer. I can't stand the heat. I like soccer and I don't understand baseball (but I like the concept). My first car was a 73' VW Beetle and I'm a Zipcar enthusiast now. I love to travel. Love Danmark, Italy and Uruguay. I love to be here in the US. I'm 6.1 and 240 pounds. I have 8 tattoos. I have two cats. I love all animals but rats and cockroaches. I wanna go to Graceland next year to pay homage to Elvis. That's me.
- Rated: 66 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 8:41 p.m. Walter Broes:

Joao said: I'm producing some local artists and I really enjoy to make records. Too bad there's no money on it anymore.
You're not kidding....I'm this close too looking for a different line of work, and not particularly happy for it.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 9:27 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

Carl here. I'm 34. I grew up in Chattanooga Tennessee (just outside of really). Music has been about the only thing that really mattered to me for about as long as I can remember, until I met my fiance' and had my baby boy just over a year ago.

I cut my teeth on Gospel, Bluegrass and classic country. My Mom was also a huge Elvis fan (not the weird kind) but I never really latched on to that. I also ended up getting into radio play 80's RNR and by the time I was in 5th grade, I got totally wrapped up in alternative and punk rock. I also got into Blues and 60's stuff about the same time.

I started playing guitar, the first time, when I was about 15. I really didn't take it too seriously. I just wanted to be in a band and get girls through High School. So I ended up in a few bands but was mostly a singer and songwriter. I would play a little rhythm if I wasn't singing but there was always someone else who was a better guitar player than me so I was mostly a front man. I figured that's who the chicks were checking out anyway.

Just out of High School, I fell in with some unsavories. I liked to travel a lot (still do) and when I was away on a trip, I came back to find all my gear gone. Well, I decided I wasn't very talented (and I'm not) and that I would just listen to other people play.

So, on I went. I traveled a lot and went to see a lot of shows, especially Dead and Phish shows, but tons of other great bands. I also love to be in the outdoors so I finally ended up in Alaska when I was 21.

I spent my first Summer ther and decided I liked it so much that I had better leave (before I got stuck). I moved to Maine for the Winter and then spent a couple of months in Mexico and Central America and stopped in Montana for about six months before I finally got back up there.

I got back there and met an Irish woman, who I was with for a few years. We lived in Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon and finally ended up in Limerick City so she could go back to school. Well, I liked Ireland to visit but I wanted to live in Alaska, so we parted.

I went back and started Commercial fishing and working in the Oil Fields, blah blah blah. I have done a ton of stuff for work. Everything from Restaurants to Construction to Sales to the afformentioned. I counted recently and I have had something like 45 Jobs (and that's just what I can remember).

So anyway (it's coming to a close, I promise). So about 4 years ago, I was working on the North Slope and I had a 2 wk on/2wk off schedule. I wanted to travel a bit and get out of Alska on my 2 wks off. I had some friends in Montana from when I lived there before and I knew Missoula was a great prty town with lots of hotties running around (something AK is pretty short on) so I rented a place and started coming down here. Well, Of course I met a girl. She's the Love of my life. She did come with 4 kids from a previous marriage (yes it's a LOT of work) but I love them all so I'm not complaining. A year later I proposed and another year later she got pregnant and another nine months later, I got my only baby bot (you better believe we got her tubes tied!!)

Now he's a little over a year old. He's been a great joy in my life. I never really cared one way or another if I had a kid but but I'm sure glad I do. It would have had to been an accident though. I probably would have never felt like I was ready.

Anyway, back to guitars. Around the time I found out she was prego, I had decided I wanted to get back into playing. My Mom had been hounding me for years to get back into music and I don't know if it was a midlife crises or just to grab a piece of my youth or what, but I finally had the desire again.

So, I bought a cheap Ibanez and Marshall mini stack off Ebay and started to make a go of it. That of course didn't satisfy me.

I was a huge fan of the Cult back in the day, and my dream guitar had always been a White Falcon. Well, I wasn't going to go that far just yet. I had to prove to myself that I was serious this time. I also didn't have the cash. So I bought a 5120.

Then I found this site. I knew that 5120 was not the Gretschy thing I was looking for. I ended up coming up with some cash from back in my oil field days and said what the heck. I am serious about this and I am going to get the guitar(s) I want. So I did. And Amps. And Pedals. So my my $300 dip my toe in the water has turned into a life of GAS, music and too much time on the GDP

I'll tell you honestly though, this place has been an inspiration. Gretsches have been an inspiration. It's all pushed me further than I ever went with my first go around. I know I'm more mature and am doing it for better reasons but I am 10 times the guitarist I was when I quit the first time. I mean, I still feel like I don't really have any natural talent per se. I have to work for every little bit. The first time round, after 2 years, I didn't know a bar chord or scales or even think about solos (lame I know) but now I am coming along, slowly but surely. Thanks to all Y'all and Gretsch.

Now if I would have started this again back when I was in my cabin in Alaska with nothing else in the world to do instead of waiting til I had kids and wifey and a million gazillion things going on, I'd be a ROCK STAR by now
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 1:50 a.m. bodr1:

This post has been deleted
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 1:50 a.m. bodr1:

Ill keep it short..... 35, born TX live in PA Former Us Marine Former cop currently employed by the government first album learned start to finish. Metallica Kill em All. Currentlt listening to Dictators, Ramones, Rev Horton Heat, Ventures, G an R, Betty Blowtorch.. I play Combat Arms at least 2 hours everyday. I need rehab for online gaming.
- Rated: 5 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 3:34 a.m. kristian012:

Kristian, 21 Ballarat, Victoria Australia. Lived here all my life. It's damn cold at the moment.

Surveyor (hopefully not forever though)

Size 10. Around 85 kgs. Don't ask me what that is in pounds.

I've been playin' guitar for around 8 years. I heard a song called "Pictures In The Mirror" by a band called The Living End and that's why a picked up the guitar and lusted after Gretsch guitars ever since.

I got my first Gretsch in 2004, a silver electromatic. I intend to sell that soon as I've ordered the new G6116CCT Chris Cheney model which is due to arrive in the next 2-6 weeks.

I also play a 2006 White Falcon and 2004 red Hot Rod.

I'm currently building a pedal board. It's taken way longer than I expected. I'll post pics here when it's done. I think you guys will like it.

Nothing much exciting going on right now however, I'm going to Stray Cats in Melbourne in February next year.

I'm planning a trip to the States next year as well. I don't know what to see or do there yet. I mght have to start another thread to ask you guys about that. (thats if a proxy error doesn't stop me in my tracks!)

Maybe I can meet some fellow GDPers?

I love getting on The GDP. I always intend to reply to a lot of threads but I can never think of anything to say.

Oh... one day I'll get around to making my avatar pic
- Rated: 20 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 7:33 a.m. Mark G:

Mark G. No “nom de web” . Born in Ft. Belvoir, VA. My Dad was in the Army so we travelled a bit. Now I live not 8 miles from where I was born. The mysteries of life. However I’m an adopted Texan cause I lived more than half my life there. Started playing piano as a kid but when the Beatles hit while we were living in Germany, I dropped all that and just HAD to have a guitar. Eventually I switched to bass and played in bands for years. Attended University of North Texas (back then it was North Texas State University) and got a couple of degrees in pipe organ performance. Good God.

While at college I continued to play in bar bands put also got part time church organist gigs. Often I’d play a bar on Saturday then haul myself to the church to play the organ and maybe wave my arms at the choir. I’ve kept the organists job going throughout the years wherever I’ve lived. Nice extra income for a lot less work than playing 4 hours in a bar. But even now I’ll still play the Saturday night gig and then do the church thing in the morning. Out of college I fell into building, rebuilding and tuning pipe organs. I did that for over 20 years in Texas until SSL hired me to work in their pipe organ control systems division in 1999. That took us to Livonia Michigan for a couple of years till we moved the office to Alexandria Virginia.

Guitars – always loved ‘em. Always listened to rock. Even though my playing went fallow in the ‘80s I still had the urge to play. Finally in the mid 90’s my wife told me to buy a new guitar so off to GC I went a bought a white MIJ Strat. I played that thing relentlessly. The more I played the more I started seeing (or re-seeing) the larger guitar world and GAS started to set in. I bought a few more guitars the most recent being my 1968 Tenny which of course is my favorite.

Married in 1980. One beautiful daughter, two fantastic grand kids. I’ve taught them to say on cue, “Granddad needs MORE guitars”.
- Rated: 18 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 10:47 a.m. CharlieL:

I'm 6' 7"

I'm 48 years old but STILL don't know any better

I've got at great wife, two kids I love, and a cat I hate.

I'm a 22 year radio veteran, on the air at K-FROG 95.1

I love music, old monster movies, and foods I shouldn't eat.

I have a 5-Gretsch habit (6120, Tennessee Rose, Rancher 6022c acoustic, Broadkaster bass, and a Monkees model) and I can't play any of 'em worth a damn. Just your basic strummer.

I love songwriting -- a few samples can be found HERE and HERE

BigAl -- cool post! In all this time I never knew this stuff about anybody here. Welcome!

Beatles 6120 -- Blu-ray & Beatles memorabilia! We should get together -- I have a house full of both too.

GoDogGo -- you're a funny guy!