I've been going to a jam session every Sunday from 5 to 9 pm at the American Legion Hall put on by the Illinois Country Music Association. The place is full of vintage gear and vintage songs. Last night there was a '73 Tele, a Hagstom Bass from the 60's, a Jaguar from the early sixies that had the metal pickguard, an old Gretch Country Gentleman and a few old tweed fender amps. There was a younger player there that had one of the new Brent Mason Sig models. He let me play with it a bit-the neck was really wide and thick, but the tone controls and tone variations were wild. I took my Strat with me, and the only amp available was a solid state Yamaha amp. I couldn't dial in a decent sound to save my $@!. I was playing songs I had never heard of before, and some of the musicians there were beginners to say the least. But there were some real ace players too. The older players were playing those big fat jazz chords and some really tasty lics.
If you ever want to challange yourself, and put yourself in a totally unfamilier situation, playing with out of time beginners as well as seasoned pros, go to an old timers jam like this one. Just take a guitar and play thru something you're not used to.

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Life is like a sh*t sandwich. The more bread you have, the less sh*t you have to eat.

I hear ya....I've hosted a few jams like that and it's even more of a challenge trying to pair up the talent (or lack of in some cases).

It's all good though...some learn and get inspired and others get to show their stuff.

I've never had a solid state amp in the backline of any blues jams that I've hosted though. The Brent Mason sig is a cool axe!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I want to go to a jam, really badly. I'm not ready yet. But it sounds like loads of fun!

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riley

Sounds fun. The San Antonio Blues Society holds an open jam every other Wednesday evening. I've been several times as an audience member, but I'm not quite ready to participate. Someday...

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

I have found that jamming is one of the best ways to improve your chops. Playing with and listening and watching other musicians playing different genres can really build up your reserve of licks and keeps you on your toes.Over the past 40+ yrs I've attended countless jams and have really helped develop my technique by playing with very accomplished players.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I sure wish I could find a jam like that.

+1

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I Can't Explain