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Michael Watts
United Kingdom
Приєднався 18 лют 2010
“Michael Watts doesn't so much play songs as sculpt moods... He is a beautiful musician”
- Jon Gomm
“Michael Watts's skills as a composer, arranger and performer build upon one another creating an aural masterwork”
- John Thomas - Fretboard Journal
“Michael Watts sings with a human voice through the guitar... I have not heard a guitar sound more beautiful than this”
- Michael Chapdelaine
Buy the debut album Vetiver here! www.michaelwattsguitar.com/music
Michael Watts is a guitarist based in London UK. He is a previous winner of the Guitarist Magazine Acoustic Guitarist of the Year award and has shared a bill with some of the greatest musicians in the world. He is known for his onstage charisma, exquisite touch and the depth of feel and colour in his playing and writing.
- Jon Gomm
“Michael Watts's skills as a composer, arranger and performer build upon one another creating an aural masterwork”
- John Thomas - Fretboard Journal
“Michael Watts sings with a human voice through the guitar... I have not heard a guitar sound more beautiful than this”
- Michael Chapdelaine
Buy the debut album Vetiver here! www.michaelwattsguitar.com/music
Michael Watts is a guitarist based in London UK. He is a previous winner of the Guitarist Magazine Acoustic Guitarist of the Year award and has shared a bill with some of the greatest musicians in the world. He is known for his onstage charisma, exquisite touch and the depth of feel and colour in his playing and writing.
Six Months Later - My CASIMI GUITARS C1 Custom Signature Acoustic Guitar
It has been an eventful six months since I returned from Cape Town South Africa with my new Casimi Guitar. Getting to know this guitar as its voice develops has been quite an experience and in this video I share some of the things I have noticed, learned and enjoyed as well as the challenges!
Until next time, stay tuned
Michael
Until next time, stay tuned
Michael
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Відео
Jason Carter - Incredible Music On a 23 String Harp Guitar!
Переглядів 6332 години тому
I've been a fan of guitarist Jason Carter for many years and a chance encounter with the man himself in a London train station led an opportunity to capture his deeply soulful playing following a chat for Life On The Fretboard - my podcast for Fretboard Journal. I hope you enjoy Jason's playing as much as I have over the years. You can learn more about Jason here jasoncarter.net/music/ If you e...
The Ultimate Gibson Acoustic? The Gibson Custom Shop J200 Art Gallery
Переглядів 1,3 тис.7 годин тому
What an extraordinary thing - a Gibson Art Gallery J200 - one of only six ever made. It's ornate, it's loud and it has a surprisingly sophisticated and nuanced voice for all that. I really liked it despite myself. In fact - I'm really going to miss it! Thank you to @theguitarshowroom6243 for the loan of this beautiful instrument theguitarshowroom.co.uk/product/gibson-custom-sj200-art-gallery-1-...
We Need To Talk about Kathy Wingert!
Переглядів 2 тис.19 годин тому
Can you believe this is the first time I have ever filmed a Kathy Wingert guitar? I know, me neither! I have loved Kathy's guitars for decades but have never had the chance to get in front of the camera with one until today. Thank you to my friends at The Guitar Showroom @theguitarshowroom6243 for the loan of this beautiful instrument - you can see more here theguitarshowroom.co.uk/product/kath...
There's Something About A Ralph Bown Acoustic Guitar - Ralph Bown OM 42
Переглядів 4 тис.19 годин тому
If you've been guitar shopping online at any point in the last 30 years you will probably have come across the name of the British acoustic guitar luthier Ralph Bown. Ralph's guitars are rare and very sought after and it was a pleasure to spend some time with this beautiful Bown OM42 - thank you to my friends at The Guitar Showroom@theguitarshowroom6243 for the kind loan of this gorgeous guitar...
There's Something About a Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar Lowden! Lowden F38 Acoustic Guitar
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I know - this is an acoustic guitar channel but I’ve only played a Lowden guitar here a couple of times! Here’s a golden opportunity to rectify that state of affairs with a beautiful Lowden F38 model in Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar that I borrowed from my friends at The Guitar Showroom @theguitarshowroom6243 It’s here if you would like to know more theguitarshowroom.co.uk/product/lowden-f38/ I ...
MAXI JAZZ Of FAITHLESS Had INCREDIBLE Taste In Guitars! Bonhams London
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www.bonhams.com/auction/30196/the-maxi-jazz-collection/ It's safe to say that anyone who lived through the beautiful dance music phase of the 1990s remembers exactly where they were the first time they heard Insomnia by Faithless! The late Maxi Jazz was a keen guitarist with sublime taste in guitars and it was a pleasure to visit Bonhams London to see three of the instruments coming under the h...
RIALTO 2024 - Casimi Guitars C1 Custom Signature
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An exploratory performance of my original track Rialto on my Casimi guitar I hope you enjoy it! Michael
7 Bizarrely Beautiful Chords in Standard Tuning
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Just a bit of fun - do make sure you are well warmed up though - some of these are particularly stretchy! If you enjoyed this video please drop me a super like! Until next time, stay tuned Michael
Eric Clapton wrote WONDERFUL TONIGHT On This Guitar! At Bonhams London
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Bonhams London are auctioning the Martin Guitar that Eric Clapton wrote Wonderful Tonight on. I know! It was a pleasure to catch up with Claire Tole - Moir Head of Popular Culture at Bonhams and learn more. www.bonhams.com/auction/29854/rock-pop-and-film-the-wonderful-tonight-guitar/?page=2 It's a 1974 Martin 00028 with some very interesting little details including this enormous sticker! Huge ...
The Sound of The 1960s British Folk Revival? The Epiphone Texan
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I have always been fascinated by the British Folk Revival of the 1960s spearheaded by guitarists such as Davey Graham, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Martin Carthy and many others from the Les Cousins scene. It occured to me recently that so many of the aforementioned musicians have changed instruments several times throughout their careers. However, there is one man who has kept the same instrume...
Martin's Greatest Hits? Eric Clapton vs John Mayer Martin Acoustic Guitars shootout!
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Having spent some time with an Eric Clapton signature model - the 000 28 EC - recently, I've been keen to explore more artist models by The Martin Guitar Company. I was very happy to hear that my friends at The Guitar Showroom had just taken in an OMJM, one of John Mayer's signature models for the uninitiated. This would give me a chance to compare the two! To the untrained eye these instrument...
One Thing I Learned from Al Di Meola
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Through a truly extraordinary set of circumstances I once found myself hanging out with legendary jazz fusion flamenco guitarist Al Di Meola in studio 3 at Abbey Road - hanging out with an 1830s Martin Stauffer guitar. I know right? Massively unlikely but it did happen. It was a real “record scratch - I bet you're wondering how I ended up here” moment. A day that I look back on as a massive sou...
The Most Important Guitar Of The 1990s?
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In the 1990s something wonderful happened that led directly to a resurgence of interest in acoustic music and the acoustic guitar in particular. MTV Unplugged! Perhaps the most important of these “acoustic” concerts was performed by Eric Clapton and his band in 1992 at Bray studios - the resulting album would sell over 26 million copies worldwide and become Eric Clapton’s most successful record...
Modern Luthier Acoustic Guitars - Just For Fingerstyle?
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These hyper-responsive modern luthier made guitars are all very well - but are they just for fingerstyle players in drop tunings? I’ve been getting this question a lot lately which I see as a good sign that more flat pickers are becoming interested in the sort of guitars I love. So… I put my guitars in standard tunings and had at them with a pick in the name of science. I hope you enjoy the res...
Treating Standard Tuning Like An Open Tuning - Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar
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Treating Standard Tuning Like An Open Tuning - Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar
This Is Just Mindblowing! - Emerald Guitars 3D Builder
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This Is Just Mindblowing! - Emerald Guitars 3D Builder
What I learned From John Mayer's SOLO Show in London
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What I learned From John Mayer's SOLO Show in London
I feel like I may have made a mistake here
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I feel like I may have made a mistake here
THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR GUITAR PLAYERS?
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THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR GUITAR PLAYERS?
EMERALD X20 CARBON FIBER GUITAR - NO TALKING DEMO
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EMERALD X20 CARBON FIBER GUITAR - NO TALKING DEMO
CARBON FIBER GUITARS? I HAVE QUESTIONS AND I BET YOU DO TOO! EMERALD GUITARS
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CARBON FIBER GUITARS? I HAVE QUESTIONS AND I BET YOU DO TOO! EMERALD GUITARS
THORPY FX BUNKER - Love Tone Brown Source - Marshall Plexi - Handwired Guitar Pedal
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THORPY FX BUNKER - Love Tone Brown Source - Marshall Plexi - Handwired Guitar Pedal
James Collins Sapphire GTO - Luthier Made Electric Guitar
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James Collins Sapphire GTO - Luthier Made Electric Guitar
KINTSUGI - Casimi Guitar - Improvisation
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KINTSUGI - Casimi Guitar - Improvisation
The Most Versatile Acoustic Guitar?
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The Most Versatile Acoustic Guitar?
Taylor 314ce LTD - 50TH ANNIVERSARY - NO TALKING DEMO
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Taylor 314ce LTD - 50TH ANNIVERSARY - NO TALKING DEMO
Do Taylor Guitars All Sound The Same?
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Do Taylor Guitars All Sound The Same?
Archtop Acoustic Guitar with a Flat back! BLIND GUITARS B51-A
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Archtop Acoustic Guitar with a Flat back! BLIND GUITARS B51-A
KING FUZZ - Bigfoot Engineering - My New Favourite Fuzz Pedal
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KING FUZZ - Bigfoot Engineering - My New Favourite Fuzz Pedal
Sounds absolutely magnificent! Truly special. Your intuition was incredible to request a first ever non-cutaway version
@@RickyPLopezMusic thank you Ricky!
Wonderful, I'd never heard of Kathy, time to check her out. Thanks for sharing.
@@ellenrik oh you’re in for a treat. She’s amazing!
Not a fan of the bling, it does nothing for the sound, only the overall look for the player. Now it does look fabulous and sounds even better especially in the hands of such a player. I have a handmade OM Spruce and Rosewood that is still developing, yes 20 years after it was made, love it, a definite keeper.
@@ellenrik ornamentation isn’t for everyone but I think it suits this guitar!
Which gauge of string do you use on your D35? Just curious.
@@TcouchMrI use Elixir 12-53 Phosphor Bronze at all times
Terrific. Do you always use a plectrum?
@@murraykuun6009 thanks Murray! I use a plectrum very rarely indeed
Great episode! Love your posts! Thank you 😊
@@PhilHyland thank you so much Phil!
I certainly has one of the most pleasing tones I have heard.
@@UncleDanBand64 thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed it
Glorious playing Michael of a beautiful instrument 👌
@@robchrystal thank you for listening Rob!
It's a beautiful guitar Michael. I don't know if you're into naming your instruments, but I kind of feel it needs a name. Like a legendary warriors sword. As an acoustic guitar maker I aspire to one day making such a glorious instrument and having it played by someone as talented as you.
@@frontphil8335 ha thank you! I don’t go for naming my guitars other than serial numbers and especially giving guitars women’s names makes me queasy - unless you’re BB King! That said, I call this one THE CASIMI and it answers to that.
Such a lifetime investment in both your craft and yourself, worth every bit its price. So beautiful and alive, and much improved after only 6 months of being played in. Thank You for the update, so glad you're bonding with this instrument (its not always guaranteed to happen). ❤
@@hkguitar1984 thank you so much! You’re right, bonding with an instrument is never guaranteed but I’ve been so fortunate to work with Jason Kostal and Casimi Guitars over the years and their guitars are very special indeed
@@MichaelWatts So many Blessings 🙏
Speechless.
I know the feeling
My favorite luthier-made guitars are currently Somogyis and Walkers. Having acquired two Somogyis, I got my first Kim Walker OM (Adi./Braz.) six months ago. Six months later now, this dream guitar roars louder than a lion.
I make no secret of my love for Ervin and his work - Kim is a recent friend and his guitars are nothing short of divine. I look forward to playing more of them!
Your channel has become my go-to for reliable information. I trust your research and analysis.
I really like this guitar, like alot 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Me too Jim, me too
I'm sure there are some sick kids in a hospital near you which would enjoy hearing that guitar. Sure, us guitar heads love it, but kids with not much time left to live would appreciate it even more I bet, in person.
I think it's important to talk about how a handmade guitar will "open" up with time. I think that another video at one year would be a fantastic update. Also, great descriptions about the qualities of an exceptional instrument, thank you. Fantastic video. (glad to see there's no pick guard on that beauty!)
Thank you so much for watching - the pickguard is on the inside Just kidding
10:15 Clonk. Ha, love it!
It can happen!
Thank you for sharing the joy of music with us. Casimi = sonic boom. 😎
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching
Samba Pa Ti. Nice choice!
@@maxwirt921 ha! Well spotted Max and thank you for listening!
Raindrops in canyon Old wet rocks echo quietly But the drops are pure
@@bhandarischmandari first ever haiku, Comment I have received here, and I am grateful
I am so pleased to see this wonderful performance using the capabilities of this instrument to great and beautiful effect. Too often an instrument like this invites a sort of unmusical gimmickry. Thank you!
Jason is a beautiful player and this piece is one of my favourites
The tone is absolute magical!
@@Ronas577 thank you Ronaldo! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@MichaelWatts Thank you, Michael. I really like your playing too. It's clear, tight and enhances the compositions. Congrats!
The immediacy, as you mention - an almost complete lack of inertia.... The incredible evenness of response across the strings and up and down the fingerboard - almost a 'wall of sound' effect.... The bloom of harmonics / overtones after that initial attack... the sustain for days... truly a beautiful instrument that a man could spend many, happy years growing with. Magical stuff from you and the team there in ZA, thanks for this!
@@douglasnelson3569 that’s it exactly Douglas!
I got a base price quote of $40,000 for a slot at the end of 2026. Been having trouble breathing ever since. Tachycardia too I think.
@@williamwinecoff1779 that’s about an eighth of the price of a prewar D45 and I know what I’d rather make music with
The auditory response of that guitar is astounding.
@@stickman55100 that is true!
It is the satisfying sound of satisfaction.
Bad Ass Guitar!
@@cugir321 that it is!
What's the opening tune?
@@andybaldman ah that’s a new one I’m working on!
That is an amazing sounding guitar! Notes ring forever. Clean and clear as well. I'd like to know what strings you have on it and the scale length, please. Also, is the recording unedited? I have a couple of guitars made for me by excellent luthiers and while I really enjoy them, and paid a LOT less than Casimi go for, this one sounds inspiring. Thanks for posting.
@@45northband29 thank you! There is no EQ, reverb or effects on these or any of my acoustic recordings. I use Elixir strings and a 25” scale length
@@MichaelWatts Thanks for the response, Michael, and the info. Would not have had time in South Africa when we were there in May but it must be a wonderful experience to be in the Casimi shop. Again, thanks for your posts.
I can guarantee you that daddario Strings Medium Guage 13-56 XS will improve your sound. I changed my Lowden from Elixers to daddario and WOW! Noticed a difference immediately.
Great stuff! There's a mellowness to it now that I didn't hear in your first takes. Wonderful guitar and playing!
@@kinnjohn thank you so much John!
I saw Jason Carter about 15 years ago and his music was pretty amazing then, seemed inspired by Michael Hedges. He hasn’t slacked off at all, this is exceptional playing and Jason understands truly less is more.
Thanks Mark!
Some lovely playing there bruv. Some sweet chromatics. Nothing more needs be said about the guitar. SY
@@ambientpeace4586 thank you mate!
Thank you for sharing Michael, but frankly there should be a law against such things. βυθίζομαι, πνίγομαι όταν ακούω αυτόν τον ήχο.
@@bertrandapostle641 I know… but it has to be done!
@@MichaelWattsby the way Michael when tuned in dadgad do you use a standard Elixir string set or some sort of "true medium" set with heavier 1rst, 2nd and 6th strings ?
We would so love to hear this guitar live. I am sad I missed it before you took it away with you. Thanks for this video Michael, so nice that the Guys not only made a beautiful instrument but they made an exceptional musical tool. To be inspired by an instrument is truly wonderful and extraordinary. 🙂
@@auntyflo-fv1oc ah next time! Will let you know
Excellent!! Can't wait! 🙂
A wonderful guitar as well as great playing, what a combination for success.
@@ellenrik thank you so much
Olson Sj cutaway in mahogany and sitka. Hopefully though my favorite luthier built instrument has yet to have been in my hands. The Casimi sounds massive and beautiful!
@@jamesturtle ah… there’s something wonderful about a mahogany Olson… but I know what’s coming and that’s very very cool too!
What's the scale length of this one ?
@@Jason_Music 25 is the sweet spot for a 12 in my opinion
"The player I'd like to become" boy, that's worth a video discussion right there.
@@paulboden7850 ha! Glad you like it Paul
1. These are truly the best guitars, that just push you along the journey, 2. I'm curious where you are headed with your style.
@@szabolcsmezei4088 we shall see!
I'm working with Guillaume Rancourt on a special archtop right now. It will be a while yet until it comes to fruition.
@@ChuckNicholsonTRM oh how wonderful! I may have some archtop news to share soon too!
Thanks for sharing this update, Michael. It sound great and it sounds like it's been a great experience with much more to come!
@@ChuckNicholsonTRM thank you Chuck!
Curious, this is probably an unfair question… How would you describe the voice of this instrument compared to your Kostals? It would be interesting to hear you play different passages side-by-side with the different instruments you have and your gut impressions of what you’re hearing. I don’t mean to try to make a comparison in terms of better or worse just the difference you hear. I know they are all exceptional instruments and you are exceptionally gifted musician!
@@scottfishkind5335 once this one has opened up a little more then sure!
I think that is a keeper Michael. What will it sound like in 3 years? 15-20 years?? ❤
@@smandez2023 well exactly!
It's undoubtedly a superlative union of engineering and art. Oddly, knowing it inspires you makes me happy. I wish you many years of continued happiness and growth with that beautiful instrument.
@@Supe-for-the-soul thank you very much, I really do appreciate your kind words
Incredible end-game instrument. Not to disparage it in any way, it’s a work of art, but it sounds similar to my Doerr. What mic and preamp are you going through? Sounds amazing
Hey, would that be John Doerr from Ontario?
@@ellenrik Most likely the late Tom Doerr. He was an amazing builder
I recently got into the world of luthier-made guitars and I was so incredibly sad to find out that he passed. He was so young too. His guitars are legendary
@@roscoe2311 So sad, but we're talking about a different person. I am happy that you found a gem, wishing you many years of playing.
@@gabrielr4329 thanks Gabriel - I like Tom’s work a great deal, he was a real talent. I use Gefell mics and UA interfaces
Beautiful hearing your melodies on different instruments, particularly this one. Bravo!
@@Calatriste54 thank you so much!
I love the passion with which you describe this guitar, Michael.
@@hughmcevoy4119 thank you Hugh!
What is the scale, nut width, fret radius, etc??
@@JimB802 I go into detail in other videos on my channel Bob - check them out - there’s a whole play list
What a nice Christmas present that you gave yourself!!!
@@JimB802 the irony is that I had been almost impossibly naughty
What are the neck specs??
Delightful. Is this a Linda Manzer instrument?
No it’s by Sean Woolley in France
@@inspirecreativeinternationalamazing looking piece