In this latest edition of "On the score" (a video blog where I visit / interview artists and composers who utilize the TogaMan GuitarViol in profound ---even career enhancing ways). Although not the very first film composer to use the GuitarViol, Tyler Bates is, without a doubt, the one who made the initial "splash" on the scene (GuitarViol in Hand) with his work in the Movie "300". A typical day in Tyler's studio may include an initial writing session with a GuitarViol, looper and effects rig. In a creative stream of consciousness, GuitarViol textures (bowed, plucked, tapped) are layered (like multi track/sound on sound/ on the fly) into mini-orchestrations and themes. Later, these themes lead to fully orchestrated works for the Film/TV/Video Game Project at hand. Often, the sound of the GuitarViol appears on the soundtrack. Other times, the GuitarViol and looper are the pen and paper with which the themes assigned to other instrumentations are written. I hope you enjoy this visit with Tyler and please disregard my dodgy solo tripod camera skills..... ;-)
 | | On the Score: Tyler Bates |
Stay tuned for the next edition of "On the Score".
Be sure to check out AMC's "Hell on Wheels" (Sunday nights) and hear Kevin Kiner's (CSI Miami, Clone Wars) use of GuitarViol in the setting of 1800's trans continental railroad workers. Stay tuned!
Congratulations again to iZLER who's work on ABC's "Revenge" has been getting more awards! (Okay, I really can't keep up). Crazy, Revenge has me staying home Wednesday nights ...
To all you faithful GuitarViol artists/composers, please keep me in the loop and perhaps we can include your latest exploits on an upcoming edition of "On the score". :)
Back to the shop for now!
-Jonathan
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The Dreaded Bastard!
 | | TogaMan "Dreaded Bastard" Guitar |
The Dreaded Bastard?
A Bastarda Guitarviol and a Dreadnought Guitar meet in a bar. They have a child: The Dreaded Bastard!
Really.... what is it? About two years ago, I did a rebuild/restoration/completion of a 1970's era Martin D-28/35 kit for a customer who was not physically able to complete the build and Mrs. secretly brought it to me to bring to the finish line. It turned out to be an amazing guitar. It also inspired me (sad to let it leave!) and I realized that I did not have a Martin or any really good steel string of my own around. So, being a dirty bearded luthier with a fertile imagination, I decided to build one. I traced the body of the Martin, and being Jonathan, I whittled away my own design patterned after the Bastarda GuitarViol (figured I'd keep it in the family). It no longer looked like a Dreadnought. A dream to a guy like me....A traditionalists worst nightmare: The Dreaded Bastard! A long time client describes it's sound as that of a "a full range parlor". Hmmmm. The string spacing is something between a Classical and a Steel (for finger-style) and it is playable to all 24 frets on a 25.5" scale. More to come in the next edition!
The next Dreaded Bastard will be the subject of further R&D on the top Bracing and Bridge Doctor Experiment (Allowing for a thinner top and more scalloped bracing). Bottom line is I loooove this guitar and am happy as a clam at high tide... Next time I may even talk about my Flamenco which I recently dialed in the bridge. Stay tuned! ;-)
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More to come! I am changing up the format and frequency of these newsletters. "On the score" is a new series of studio visits, banters, and even impromptu jams with Film Composers and artists who love and use their GuitarViols in a profound and career enhancing ways. See what you think and let me know of any special requests for upcoming features!
Back to the shop for now!
Jonathan
818.268.5602
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