Tag Archive for "Phil Taylor" tag

This is the cover of the second (hardback) edition of Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’.

Published by Hal Leonard, it will be available from all good retailers, and probably some rubbish ones, from 22 September.

It has a changed layout, a total of 160 pages (that’s 36 more than the first edition) and some previously unseen photographs.

Please note that this is not the one which comes included with the David Gilmour Stratocaster; that’s the first (softback) edition, which is no longer available.

Should anyone be waiting for some official comment about the price of the Signature Strat(s), please don’t, because, clearly, none is forthcoming. The prices are here, in the Fender Custom Shop’s latest catalogue. Your local music shop should be able to help you further.

The chatroom is closed today, but open tomorrow from 11:00 (UK).

Here it is: the long-awaited Gilmour Signature Strat.

It has the same maple neck, black pickguard, shortened tremolo arm and custom electronics as the original and comes presented in a black case with centre pocket, snazzy green lining and Fender Custom Shop embroidery.

First, the good news.

It will be released on 22 September. That’s September this year.

Now, the bad news.

‘Live in GdaÅ„sk’ will be pushed back a week for a same-date release.

However, the three-disc version (live double CD, plus concert DVD) will be stuffed into said centre pocket.

The hardback edition of Phil Taylor’s ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’ will also be released on 22 September, a signed, softback copy of which will also be found inside the guitar case.

A set of GHS strings will also be included, as well as an Evidence Audio cable, as used by David. You even get a deluxe Fender strap and a David Gilmour plectrum thrown in.

And, before you ask… No, I don’t know how much it will cost, but hope that a firm date and photo will be enough to deter the doubters.

Please click the image for a closer look and, if you think you can take it, see Latest News for more excitement.

A quick note to remind you that the first edition of Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’, will no longer be available after 31 July.

That’s the softback edition, signed by Phil, available only from TheBlackStrat.com.

Expect more on the “expanded and updated” second edition, which will be a hardback, to follow shortly.

As per the last post about this book, ’15 September’ is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be available in September.

And, as I know you’re wondering, because I can feel your eyes burning into your screens and reflecting back at me through mine…

There’s still no word on when that Signature Strat will be available from Fender. Sorry about that. But, just to keep you informed, David wants it to be of a certain (high) quality and available at a fair price. Until those terms are met by all concerned parties, there can be no further updates.

I’m sure you understand that and appreciate that there will be news on this guitar, here, at the earliest possible opportunity. That said, I do apologise for the disappointment that such uncertainty can cause.

Just to put a temporary dampener on things…

Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’ will hopefully be available in hardback edition from 15 September, published by Hal Leonard.

The hardback copy will hopefully be an extended version with additional pages, but “144 pages” is not true, because the specifics have yet to be confirmed, so please take that figure with a pinch of salt.

In reality, the deal hasn’t yet been finalised, so all of the above is subject to change.

There will be an update from Phil as soon as details are official, including news of those extra pages.

You can pre-order the hardback edition from the usual online retailers – at your peril, of course – but do consider your local bookshop, if you can.

What’s not open to question is the fact that you can still order a copy of the first edition softback from TheBlackStrat.com. The price has been reduced to £15.95 and Phil is going to be signing the remaining stock.

Please note that books ordered since yesterday afternoon, and those that will be ordered right up until Phil’s supply has gone – from TheBlackStrat.com – will be signed. No books were signed prior to those ordered yesterday, when the price was reduced.

Don’t forget that the chatroom will be open from 13:00 (UK) today.

Sadly, we’ve not only reached the end of our Christmas raffle, but we’ve also reached the end of Phil Taylor’s Q&A.

Hope you’ve enjoyed both.

Thanks again to Phil for his time, and to everybody who sent in a question or two.

Our final raffle winners are Nate (1) and Linda (9). Nate wins a rare US radio promo disc, whilst an exclusive PBS CD of tracks from David’s stint at Abbey Road last year will be winging its way to Linda.

Please let us know where they should be sent.

Finally, and as if enough tears haven’t already been shed thanks to the opening line, this is also the very last entry for 2007, so do have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you all very much for your support over the last two years.

There was supposed to be a chat today, but, due to technical problems, now there won’t be. Sorry to disappoint you.

What is the preferred recording platform at Astoria? Is it all straight to tape or a digital/analogue dump? (Paul B)

Different people have different preferences, with choices made for flexibility, rather than purely for audio resolution. Generally, these days, Protools gets used – our system has Euphonix converters and Shunyata cryogenic power distribution with Kimber and Van den Hul cabling. Contrary to popular belief, the digital recording platform is the hardest medium in which to retain the resolution (audio quality), everything makes a difference to the sound and digital is very susceptible to degradation. If you want to know more about this, check out an interview I did with Tape Op magazine about Astoria a couple of years ago.

Do you have an amusing anecdote you could share with us, be it about David, or anyone else? (Rob)

Yes, my mum still wonders when I am going to get a proper job.

Three winners today, and their numbers are: 31, 82 and 84.

Meddle, you win a copy of Phil Taylor’s book.

Peter McConnell and James Ward, you each win a set of GHS Boomers for the guitar of your choice, so please let me know whether you want a set of strings for a Fender Strat or a Gibson Les Paul, along with your addresses.

Congratulations to you all.

The final draw takes place on Wednesday.

The chatroom will also be open that day, between 11AM and 1PM (UK).

A quick update on Phil’s book…

It will be available from the larger of the UK’s Borders stores in 2008, not only up until the end of this year, as has been reported. We’d still recommend TheBlackStrat.com for orders, though.

Here’s a wee bit more from Phil’s Q&A to wrap up for another day.

Thanks to Julie and Linda for providing the questions.

What is the most disastrous technical experience you have encountered during a sound check/concert? (Julie Davies)

David’s amplifier/effects rig failing at a Pink Floyd show in Helsinki – during the show. If anybody else in the band’s equipment fails, the show carries on; if David’s fails, the show stops until I get it working. Not much pressure there, then.

What is the best David Gilmour/Pink Floyd gig you ever worked on? (Linda)

Very difficult, there are many reasons for liking different nights. Sometimes just one song from one night can be fantastic. As a tour, the most enjoyable that I have ever done was ‘On an Island’ last year: great music, great band, great crew. The best one I ever saw from the audience – in fact the best gig I have ever been to – was Pink Floyd at Earls Court in London in 1973: a stunning audio-visual-surround experience.

Today’s winners are Paul C (20) and Davie (72), who, respectively, win Best Buy and Borders copies of the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD. These were exclusive to the US and are Region 1, don’t forget, but they’re certainly nice items to add to the collection.

The Best Buy version comes with a three-track CD featuring ‘On An Island’, ‘Take A Breath’ and ‘High Hopes’ from the AOL sessions. The Borders version comes with a poster of David playing at Abbey Road.

Well done, both. Let me know where your prizes should be sent.

The next prize draw will be on Monday, when a copy of Phil Taylor’s fine book, ‘The Black Strat: A History Of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’, and some equally-fine (apparently, I don’t play) GHS strings for the guitar of your choice will be the prizes at stake.

If you don’t want to be considered for these, please say so.

Don’t forget, you can find out more about both Phil and his book at TheBlackStrat.com.

Just the one answer from Phil today, but it’s a lengthy one.

Your thoughts, as always, are most welcome.

Do you reckon it’s true that David himself is the secret to the Gilmour sound (i.e. he could pick up an 80 quid Strat copy and still sound like Gilmour, or is that just a sweeping statement used by people who find that they cannot get ‘the sound’?) (Emma)

Yes, no question, it is true. David’s choice of notes and sense of melody and timing, both the physical attack and subtleties with both hands in playing of the instrument and his setting of the equipment and control of it to work in conjunction with what he is playing. It is the combination of all this that is his sound. This said, the quality of the sound can be enhanced by using better sounding equipment. Think – does it sound like David if he is using a Telecaster, Les Paul, Gretsch Duo Jet or a Lap Steel instead of a Strat? We once did a TV show with Mark Knopfler – he used David’s Red Strat with David’s amp on David’s settings and who did he sound like? Mark Knopfler, of course. Like any great guitarist, so much of the sound is him. I have never heard anybody sound like David, because this is the real deal from the man who created it. You can only sound like yourself, perhaps trying to imitate somebody else. Like the mimicking professional parrots, such as in Roger Waters’ band or Pink Floyd cover bands, who try their best, but it does not sound like David. It is best summed up by an analogy: it is like a facsimile of an original piece of artwork.

The all-important numbers for this draw were 32, 45, 46 and 59, meaning that our winners today are: Ulli (who wins a signed programme from the ‘Remember That Night’ premieres, plus an Odeon Leicester Square VIP pass), Paul Sexton, Robyn, and Joe from Canada (who each win a programme and a pass).

Congratulations to you. Please let me know where your prizes should be sent.

There’ll be another prize draw on Friday, with US-only exclusives of the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD up for grabs. If you don’t want to be considered for either a Best Buy, or Borders, disc (the former includes a three-track CD, the latter comes with a rather nice poster), please speak up.

Here’s some more from Phil Taylor.

I’d be interested to hear which three guitars you’d choose, by the way…

If you could hypnotize David into handing over three of his guitars to you, which would they be and why? (Buffalo Phil)

Why stop at three?

I just read on this site that David is a “Gooner”. Are you a “Gooner” also? (Barbara Phillips)

Man. United for ever.

In your opinion, which delivers the ‘true’ Floyd tone, the Pete Cornish P-2 or the newer G-2? (Randall Yeager)

Neither, David has almost never used Pete Cornish distortion pedals – a popular misconception. He has them in pedal boards, but only as alternates to his favourites, and as separate pedals. He has tried them (as he has many other makes: Rat, Boss HM2, etc.), but his choice is nearly always EH Big Muff, BK Butler Tube Driver, and, in the earlier days, a Fuzz Face or a Colorsound Overdriver.

Thank you for entering our Christmas raffle by sending in your six numbers over the weekend. Please click the image to your left see if any of them proved lucky for you.

Prize draws will take place on Wednesday and Friday of this week, Monday and Wednesday of the next.

The prizes/draws are as follows (feel free to opt-out of any draw, if you so wish):

Wednesday 12 December: Premiere Draw, four winners

One programme, from the ‘Remember That Night’ premieres, signed by David, plus an Odeon Leicester Square VIP pass. Three runner-up prizes of an unsigned programme and pass.

Friday 14 December: DVD Draw, two winners

- One Best Buy ‘Remember That Night’ DVD (Region 1), with three-track CD.
- One Borders ‘Remember That Night’ DVD (Region 1), with poster.

Monday 17 December: Guitarists’ Draw, three winners

- One copy of Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat’.
- One set of GHS strings for the guitar of your choice: Strat or Les Paul.

Wednesday 19 December: CD Collectors’ Draw, two winners

- One three-track US radio promo CD.
- One exclusive four-track Abbey Road/PBS CD.

We kick-off this evening with a special prize draw just for the ladies.

We have two brand new, never-before-seen David Gilmour scarves – of all things – (one in navy, one in crimson), which are due for production next year.

Made in Uruguay from 100% pure lambswool, embroidered with tassels, no less, they both have the wireman logo at one end and the now-familiar ‘David Gilmour’ logo at the other. The navy one has white embroidery, the crimson one has black.

The winners of these are Lynn (42) and Stephanie (57).

Well done, both. Please let me know where your prizes should be sent.

The chatroom will be open tomorrow from 3PM (UK time), should you wish to talk about scarves, or anything else.

Here’s a bit more from Phil Taylor…

Are the red Strats modified, besides the EMG and electronics? Perhaps a pre-CBS or Callaham bridge block? (Ernest Peske)

Not currently. They have had different parts: bridge saddles, string trees and springs at times.

It’s been said that Eric Clapton retired Blackie because the guitar became unplayable. With electric guitars, and particularly Strats, being so interchangeable (swapping necks, changing electronics, etc.), can a guitar like a Strat truly become unplayable, and, if so, how much more life do you estimate is left for David’s black Strat? (Andrew)

Parts can always be replaced on a Strat. See my book ‘The Black Strat’ for all of the changes to David’s.

I was wondering, was David’s black Strat used on ‘Live at Pompeii’, or could it possibly be the Strat that El Magnifico used on last year’s tour? (Amedeo)

No, see my book, ‘The Black Strat’, for more information.

It’s Christmas, not to mention two years to the day since the launch of David’s website, so we’ve got some goodies for you to celebrate.

Indeed, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without some sort of raffle. Yet, in spite of my best efforts, the last one got a bit crazy, what with only having one brain (which is such a drag) and others demonstrating that they didn’t even have that (just kidding).

So, for this one, please choose six numbers between one and 100. One of these numbers will be chosen for you. You can only have one number, nobody else can share it, and there will be several draws in the run-up to Christmas (using the same numbers).

Please get your numbers in by 6PM (UK) on Sunday.

Numbers will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to regular contributors. My decision will be final, taking into consideration the volume and frequency of posts submitted by individuals. If your chosen six numbers have already been claimed by others, unfortunately, you miss out.

If you have a problem with that possibility, please don’t bother entering.

A grid showing who has claimed each of the 100 numbers will be visible to all on Monday, along with a list of prizes.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

What’s David’s most valued piece of gear? (Jorge Rivera)

I have no idea. You would have to ask him and define what you meant by ‘valued’.

David’s ’55 Fender Esquire looks pretty beat up. What is the history behind this guitar? (Shane Y.)

David got it from Seymour Duncan in the early ’70s in this state. David just really likes it as an instrument and is not concerned with its look. It is interesting that there are wood saw marks across the body, leading us to refer to it as The Workmate (after the Black and Decker bench).

David’s technique of playing, and particularly his bends, requires frequent changes of the strings; but does it also significantly decrease the life of the frets, requiring often refrets? (Andrew)

No, I don’t think so. I don’t know what the expected life of a fret is.

For anyone looking to buy the David Gilmour signature strings, produced by GHS, here are some links for you.

They aren’t expected in shops in the US until next week (at the earliest), but you can make arrangements to order a set in advance.

First, it goes without saying that it’s always worth supporting your local music shop, so why not ask them to order a pack for you?

If they need a helping hand, tell them to visit Rocktron, click WHERE TO BUY from the menu bar, and, if you’re in the United States, you can search by city or zip/area code.

If you’re not in the US, click here for a list of international dealers.

The chatroom will be open tomorrow from 12PM (UK).

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

I know David uses two Hiwatt heads and two speaker cabinets. Are they all used simultaneously or are different head and cabinet combinations used for different songs? (Ax)

Generally they are used simultaneously. For the ‘On An Island’ tour there was a third amp and cabinet for his Long Delay setting for ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’.

Tube types in the Hiwatts… EL34s or KT-77? (George Gipe)

Mullard EL34s are what we have always used.

I’ve looked at genuine 1970s Hiwatt SA212s, but fear I may not be able to maintain them adequately. I see Hiwatt do a reissue David Gilmour SA212, another option. More importantly, I’d like your view on what I should buy, maybe even Fender? (Paul C)

First, you most likely do not need a 50 watt amp at home – more like a three to 10 watts good tube amp would do. Original Hiwatts are known to be about the most reliable amplifiers ever built, but far too powerful for home. They would only just tick over. Better to use something smaller and drive it a bit more. (I have tried and compared some of the new Hiwatts and they do not sound like the old ones.)

Just to remind fans Stateside that you may still be able to see an hour from ‘Remember That Night’ on PBS over the next week. Make a pledge and you not only bag yourself a copy of the DVD, but you also get an exclusive four-track ‘Live from Abbey Road’ CD thrown in for the hell of it.

This CD is certainly one for the collection. It 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’.

See the calendar for broadcast details.

Thank you all for the comments about Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat’. It’s good to hear that you’re enjoying it.

Here’s the latest batch of Phil’s answers to the questions you submitted recently.

Does David use ear protection? If not, what’s his tip for playing loud, not becoming deaf and still having a perfect ear? (Cromer Franck)

No, he does not use ear protection. Don’t play too loud and keep the speakers focused lower, i.e. not pointed at your ears.

Does David only use Evidence audio cables or does he use both? And why did you change over to EA? (Matt Surdin)

All of David’s audio signal and speaker cables are Evidence Audio and I have had them all cryogenically frozen for enhanced performance. During the ‘On An Island’ tour, all the stage cables for all the musicians were swapped over to these – with great results.

How important would you consider the cables (in terms of quality) in the signal path? (Andreas)

Very important – the cable is what transfers the sound of your instrument to the amplifier. This can make a big difference to the level, frequency response, depth and detail of information, and extraneous unwanted noise. This also applies in a similar way to the speaker cables.

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.

I’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 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 under-estimated at the outset, or else I probably would not have undertaken it – is appreciated.

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, just 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.

I 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.

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, I 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.

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 GdaÅ„sk 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, so stick with me.

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.

The Blu-ray version of ‘Remember That Night’ is now out in the US. 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. They’re still Region A.

With your help, I’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 David’s official 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.

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 my decision, so please don’t ask why this is so, or if there are any ways to get around it. It’s (disappointing) news to me, too.

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.

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 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 the 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.

I often end the scheduled chat sessions with what I like to think of as a ‘lock-in’.

These are for anyone who shows up before closing time. 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 who know the day’s password.

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 I 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.

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.

As I 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, I’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 all 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.