‘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. I’ll keep you updated on that.
Written to accompany Fender’s long-awaited 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.
This 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, I 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.
This book will be HISTORY in the making…good luck with it Phil!
My chosen word is – ICONIC
hi, fed
how are you today? I installed my new hd, so – one happy bunny here….
my word of choice is BLACK – obvious choice, isn’t it?
[I'm good, thanks. - Features Editor]
“iconic”
Hey Fed
My chosen word is- GUITAR
It feels like forever since I last made a post about anything but,hey,I’m back,lol.
I dont know about anyone else but I have had a great couple of weeks! I have spent my time helping my mum decorate her house and I have loved it!!
Anyway,I’ll see you all on next chat.
Be good everyone and take care
Melanie
BLACK
Hi FEd,
Long time no blog.
B-day slowly sneaking up on me and Phil’s book is on my wish list, so here is my try: ‘favourite’.
Best regards,
Ralph
I’m enjoying Phil’s answers even though I know nothing about the technical aspects of guitars. It’s interesting to hear about what goes on behind the scenes.
My chosen word is ‘history’.
Mine is……favourite.
Cheers
Paul
black
I choose the word…
“Iconic”
Even though I have the worst luck and never win anything, I will be waiting to order after the contest is over just in case. It will make a swell gift to myself, as I would never be able to teach my wife how to get the computer going to order it for me:)
I’ve learned something today, know your equipment, only then is it possible to master it (in reference to the quietness of the Strat). Thanks Phil
My word for the competition is: History
It would be awesome to win this, as the ‘rents aren’t too keen on paypal, so I highly doubt this is going to be a stocking filler this Christmas!
THEBLACKSTRAT
Liked the THEBLACKSTRATback-filtered.png with the shape built by the hands…
Best regards,
Taki
Bavaria
PS. I bought a copy right away; 33,37 Euro for this kind of book is not expensive IMHO.
The book looks great and probably has many previously unpublished photos in it too.
Chosen word: ‘History’
Dave
“awaited”
My word is HOME
My Chosen word is : Sand
Cheers, Simon J
Oh dear, no new strat for me this year. But the final package when the guitar is released, does sound great!
My chosen word is `Pompeii`
God, I hope I`ve read the rules right?
Here is my word
Black
Thanks Fed..hope you are having a great week…been keeping busy huh?
Renee B
Fontana, Ca USA
Hi Fed,
Another contest- how cool. my word is ‘The’
Phil Taylor signed on with PF at 22 years old?? Talk about an awesome career move.
This is turning out to be quite a package- there is the Signature Strat, with the accompanying ‘The Story Of’ book, accessorized with the GHS Boomers, it makes me wonder what else will get thrown in.
Have a good week, Fed and everyone
Mike
[Please don't. DVD, case... and that's it. - Features Editor]
Hey Fed and everyone!
It’s Wednesday! half a week is gone! (I know, half a week to go…but…it feels good!)
Love the artwork of the book! (what we can see on the site).
My chosen word is: backline
On my way to vote!
iconic
The word: “official”
The comment: David likes his tools Taylor-made.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a guitar. No problem about having two copies of Remember That Night. One for work and one for home.
And my word is: Strat
reunion
My chosen word is: BLACK
Thanks Phil for sharing this fantastic book! It really means a lot to me. Can’t wait reading it.
Thanks FEd for this amazing competition!
P.S. FEd, Perhaps another crisis auction suggestion: a “David Gilmour guitar Plectrum”?
Cheers,
Ernest 8~)
History.
~E~
Hmmmmm…..
Black
Cheers FEd.
FEd,
My chosen word is:- HISTORY.
It’s Phil’s book, it’s his story. It’s history in the making.
Some nice tempters on Phils’ site, a must have for all, me thinks.
I’ll wait until Friday to make my purchase, purely on the off chance I may make history and actually win a comp.
Good luck everybody.
How big is the print run on the 1st Edition FEd. Do you know?
Tried to vote for David on the Planet Rock site but there seems to be an error ot the page… :0(
[I don't know, sorry. - Features Editor]
My one word is: Home
Home, home again
I like to be here when I can
And when I come home cold and tired
There’s that hot new Black Strat by the fire
Yes, dream a little dream of me
Oh, give me a home where a Black Strat can go
Where my friends and I can play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Home, home again
Where my friends and I can play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
How often at night where the heavens are bright
With the light of the glittering stars
Have I stood there amazed and asked as I gazed
If their glory exceeds that of ours
Home, home again
Where my friends and I can play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Please, win me a DG Black Strat
Where the bright diamond sands at
Flows leisurely down to the stream
Where the graceful white swan goes gliding along
Like a maid in a heavenly dream
Oh I would not exchange my old home on the range
Where my friends and I can play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Dream a little dream of me…?
“Whut in tarnashun! Whoa thar, DG. wait fer me!”
How about Fender? The Black Strat would not exist without Fender!
Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’
Keep movin’, movin’, movin’,
Though they’re disapprovin’,
Keep them products movin’ Fender!
Don’t try to understand ‘em,
Just rope and throw and grab ‘em,
Soon we’ll be living high and wide.
Boy my heart’s calculatin’
My true love will be waitin’, be waiting at the end of my ride.
Move ‘em on, head ‘em up,
Head ‘em up, move ‘em out,
Move ‘em on, head ‘em out Fender!
Set ‘em out, ride ‘em in
Ride ‘em in, let ‘em out,
Cut ‘em out, ride ‘em in Fender.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Fender!
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them products rollin’
Fender!
Rain and wind and weather
Hell-bent for the better
Wishin’ my gal was by my side.
All the things I’m missin’,
Good vittles, love, and kissin’,
Are waiting at the end of my ride
CHORUS
Move ‘em on, head ‘em up
Head ‘em up, move ‘em on
Move ‘em on, head ‘em up
Fender
Count ‘em out, ride ‘em in,
Ride ‘em in, count ‘em out,
Count ‘em out, ride ‘em in
Fender!
Keep movin’, movin’, movin’
Though they’re disapprovin’
Keep them products movin’
Fender!
Don’t try to understand ‘em
Just rope, throw, and brand ‘em
Soon we’ll be living high and wide.
My hearts calculatin’
My true love will be waitin’,
Be waitin’ at the end of my ride.
Fender!
Fender!
Hello Fed – my chosen word for the Black Strat Competition is
BLACK
Can’t wait for Monday auctions to start. Where’s my pink piggy bank?
regards to all
dave
I choose “history”.
“HISTORY” is my word
This book is going to be absolutely amazing, just looking at the sample photographs and be able to see it in detail is incredible, i can tell i’m going to be altering my black strat again soon.
WOW!
I just purchased the book via its site and can’t wait to read it.
I would like to enter the contest to get a signed one. If I understood the rules correctly my word is “Lengendary” hope that was the way. It’s the best way to describe the guitar and David.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest.
(-:Tomi Sue:-)
Oh Wow FEd so much going on!!
Competition for Phil’s eagerly awaited book (so glad he hasn’t delayed any longer to coincide with Fender! As one of their greatest endorsee’s they’d better make a good job of David’s sig guitar when it finally materialises!)
And more of Phil’s great Q & A’s. Only wish the chatroom was open to share the excitement!!!
The vote was easy, although there appears to be too many Jimmy Page fans out there knocking our man off the top spot. So I hope you’ve all voted and in case you have more than one person in your household that wants to vote, they can do so but only if you delete all cookies via your internet options page first ;-)
Anyhow, my word would be “STRAT”.
Best wishes to Phil and sincerely hope the book goes well.
Hope to catch some of you Friday AM in the Lobby.
Good luck to you all for the raffle.
Paul
Well F’ed the word I chose is BLACK
I must confess that interesting as I find Phil’s answers, it does little more than point out my almost total ignorance of the technicalities of the guitar and what it takes to put on a Rock Gig.
This may account for my own limited abilities on my cute red Strat-a-like, but I still love it of course.
Phil would no doubt be appalled that I did not change the strings for the first 10 years, resulting (along with the dodgy pick-ups) in a splendid tone rarely appreciated either in Abbey Road, the Astoria or indeed the Barn.
My one word is:
Wave
I’m off on vacation. Hope to catch up later.
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Keep in mind those who are not so well off.
Love to you all,
Jan
[Wave? I must have missed that one. - Features Editor]
Hey FED,
I have been on a training course the past 2 weeks with little time to post. Things should be back to normal next week.
In the meantime, my chosen word for the contest is “Strat”
Cheers, Howard
Hey FEd,
My word is: LEGENDARY
Penny
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm….
‘The’
By the way, I tried to vote and got an Error 404, page not found, etc.
Penny
The word that attracted me is “PinkFloyd”
I love the photo on the front cover. Where is it taken : north Africa, Arizona or else?
I love that website too.
Raymond
[Arizona. Click your name below for specifics. - Features Editor]
Fed
I might not have the right word, but my word sums it all up. The word is “iconic”. What else could it really be? A legend playing a legendary instrument.
I like the book’s cover, good job Phil. I’d love to have one in my library.
bye for now
Wilko
Just checked the Planet Rock site. DG the best living guitarist 24% and Jimmy Page 2nd. Great stuff – I think they’re both great. Memories of growing up in the 70′s.
Good news Fed?
Wilko
[I'd take first place, yes. - Features Editor]
Will there be another american tour,if so,then when?
I have been a fan, since the late 70′s, early 80′s. I was about 8 or 9 years old when I first heard Pink Floyd, and have loved the music, and the sound ever since. It takes me to another place where I feel relaxed and free. Awsome feeling!
Keep on playing and I”ll keep on hearing and listening.
Mark
[If there was to be another tour, in any part of the world, we'd tell you all about it right here. Nothing's planned right now, sorry. - Features Editor]
Very clear word choice: HOME
Looking forward to the DG Strat, I’m actually buying my own Black VG Strat this week, so it kinda sucks this one isn’t available yet, but when it comes out and the specs are known I will consider one of these for sure!
Heart
The one word I choose is: “FAVOURITE”
In the States, we don’t spell it with a U. It caught my eye, just seeing it spelled that way.
The technical nature of the questions Phil answered for us here, is not for me. Still, if anyone could make this stuff interesting to a non-musician like myself, it would be Phil.
I might get the book just to gander at the pictures.
“Strat”, because it just sounds great!
Green tip: If you are interested in having children think about adopting a child instead of making your own.
We need to rethink ourselves. The time has come for the world to make a major change in thinking. The impact of adopting a child is tremendous for the child who has no home, and dreams of being loved and having a family of their own. You or someone you know could benefit by creating a family for someone who needs one. If you stop to think of the carbon footprint all of us put on this planet in a lifetime….well, it’s pretty big.
The falacy lies in the notion that we must have children “of our own”….it’s just come to a point where we need to rethink that notion. If that seems to much for you, then maybe you might consider having less children.
Consider these thoughts, and share them with other poeple you know. The population on earth grew five times its size in the last century…we need to start helping ourselves now.
Think about it~
I just ordered my copy of the Black Strat. Needless to say, I look forward to it in a great way.
Since it would make a great gift for a friend, I’ll throw in my luck for the competition with the word HISTORY.
Good luck to everyone.
OK I think I did not read the question thoroughly.
If I can get another chance I will choose only one word “BLACK”
That’s it.
Raymond
[Sorry, but it also quite clearly says that it's one entry per person. - Features Editor]
Hi Fed, my word is ABOUT.
Is it the 20th fret or the 21st fret? I don’t know what else to say other than: Hello everyone.
My one word: Black
I am going to hold off till Friday before purchasing. You never know…I have “high hopes” that my instinct might serve me well?
Good luck all!
[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.]
FEd, will you be giving us a chance to win that also? Sorry, I am getting a bit too greedy here, am I?
[Maybe just a little bit. - Features Editor]
Not sure if I understand this correctly, but nevertheless…..
“STRATOCASTER”
Hi fed, hope all is well. My word would be stratocaster.
Mmmmm……… What a nice package the guitar and Dvd and book etc..
I think the word might be ‘legendary’ but with my luck i doubt it!
Fed any date yet for the Canadian Blu-ray version of RTN?
[We haven't said that there'll be one yet. More as soon as possible, Nigel. - Features Editor]
STRATOCASTER!!!
Hello Fed. Another entertaining contest. How do you come up with all these good ideas? Ok, yes I will resort to the old “buttering up”! Anyway here is my word.
“Floyd”
I really do have to be honest. I was not too excited about this book, not knowing much about guitars, but from what I have read so far it is very interesting. I can’t wait to read the book.
Thanks Phil, and of course, thank you Dear Fed.
Good luck fellow Bloggers!
Thanks again Phil.
David is currently number one as I speak in the Planet Rock voting at 25% ahead of Page and Clapton.
My word Fed, “Black”. Hope it’s the right one for the book.
Hi Ho All,
Well the word I would choose is “black”.
And my daily comment, well I have two usualy; “Hi Ho” and “Top of the day”. So … Hi Ho, top of the day to you all.
Cheers
Christopher
Happy Thursday,
Meddle
Now this book is something that I would like to have regardless of if I win one or not.
Thanks for the opportunity regardless
Pete – Coventry
Regarding the Planet Rock Best (Living) Guitarist, I didn’t get to vote, shame on me. I was too carried away reading the blackstrat site and by the time I tried to vote, it gave me an error message that the URL cannot be found.
Could that be the voting was only for Wednesday, Nov 14?
[No, you can still cast your vote. - Features Editor]
My chosen word for the comp is BLACK.
Can’t find the Planet Rock voting site for best living guitarist but as soon as I do I’ll vote like crazy.
I did find an interview with Roger W some of which I read on the train this morning but gave up cos he was going on so much about David not doing this, that or the other that it basically got on my nerves! Does anyone think he regrets splitting up PF cos I seemed to sense a modicom of regret when reading between the lines.
Oh well nothing lasts forever.
Lyn
BLACK
That’s my word: the most luscious, intense, inspiring, and stylish colour in the world.
Thanks so much to Phil for answering, and nice to see them in the retrospective and nowadays pictures.
Hello everyone,
my word is ‘Black’.
Just voted for the poll and I see David is right in the first place.Can we vote everyday yes?
Great answers from Phil,and the book’s site is quite cool,love the images I’ve never seen.
Hope everyone have a nice day!
ciao
emi
I just ordered the book yesterday evening, so I won’t try the contest to win a copy.
Thank you for making this book available to all those who won’t be able to afford a custom shop Stratocaster signature (even if this guitar is fabulous).
I’ve been really looking forward to this book; should be a great read.
My chosen word is ‘legendary’.
Hey – just to let you know that my prize arrived safe and sound. Thanks very much.
[You're welcome. Please don't put it on eBay. - Features Editor]
I have chosen the word “BLACK” for the contest
greetings from Belgium….
Hi Fed,
Congratulations to the winners of the last competition!
I think I’m going to like this book. I dabble in playing the guitar. Not done much since my kids have been born though. But its the history angle that I think I will find interesting.
I have done a similar thing with the Dalek props from Doctor Who and made a website about it. My brain likes to look a pictures of things through time and chart the changes. Dunno why!
Anyway… my word will be “history”.
Cheers,
Jon
Personal.
Black Strat Raffle.
Gary Hurley.
London England.
” HISTORY ” is my word chosen from the “BlackStrat” homepage.
I’ll be intested to see what word is the most popular, as I will be to read the captions for the recent photo.
Have a good day
Ian Pearson
I’ll go with “Pompeii.”
- James Ward.
The book looks lovely, that’s one christmas present dilema solved.
…and the word – Pompeii (it’s a Gilmourette thing
A certain Mr Gilmour is leading the pack with 26% of the vote…
NaNaNaNanananana…….. :-)
And why isn’t Francis Rossi in the list Fed??? ;-)
The word I’ve picked is backline
Great site!!!
BLACK
Any word? “black”
Brilliant! Have just ordered mine….thanks for the heads up. Gotta love Paypal…too easy.
The First Edition comes with the DG edition Stratocaster doesn’t it?
N
Black
Thanks for keeping these contests interesting.
Howard
p.s. Tried voting for my favourite living guitarist and it’s coming back with a 404 error. Anyone else should also keep trying back later on to make sure your vote is counted properly.
And before I forget… David’s solo on “Fat Old Sun” on RTN should imho also go down as a noteable piece from the greatest (living) guitarist. And my one word for the signed copy is (predictably) “Stratocaster” because the name is synonymous with David Gilmour…and more importantly no-one, living or dead, has managed to make it sound as good as DG.
N
Here’s hoping:
“STRAT”
Thanks
Chosen word Black. Voting done. Q and A very interesting and a great insight.
Just one small silly question F’Ed. In the DVD West Coast clip when Rick has the camera and they are talking about hairstyles, is the man with the mullet Scott Page?….
Have a great weekend everyone and good luck with the word!
[The band did meet Scott Page while they were on the road, so it could be. - Features Editor]
Stratocaster
-Elaine
I guess I’ll go with the word “history” since the Black Strat and Phil’s book are all about it.
Being a non-guitar player I still find it very interesting reading about the setups and effects used…until it goes over my head that is :-)
Thanks for answering the questions Phil!!!
Caption Competition…
Hushed voice of David Attenborough:
Here we see the extremely rare Black Strat stalking its pray, a lone guitar tech taking a dump…
Great news about the book. Finally we don’t have to guess anymore about this very special guitar.
Too bad that we have to wait until next year for the guitar itself, but at least now we have something to read these cold winter nights by the fire place :-)
Black
Hmm, who said that? ;-)
Anders
My word is STRATOCASTER. It looks a great book.
hey
word : guitar
[Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm....'The' - Posted by: Nate]
Brilliant Nate!
Leave it to you…
mine is “story”
thanks
“Pompeii”
Awesome news about the book, cant wait to get some money and order one!
I would have to say “Contact”
Thanks for the Chance!
“remember”
Thats all I have to say today.
[Now you're taking the piss, right? - Features Editor]
Good news. I need to get me some GHS Gilmour Strings.
“artwork”
[Thanks for blowing your chance, Matt. (If you have any pets, they're not eligible.) - Features Editor]
Choice word ?
FINGERS
[On TheBlackStrat.com's homepage? Where? - Features Editor]
There are Surdin-ly alot of folks here with the same last name?
The book looks great but, I am going to wait to buy it with the guitar:-)
My word is “technician”