low-gain (predominantly) instrumental guitarists?

UnclePsychosis

It won't be to everyone's taste but a few years ago I heard this in a record shop and had to buy it on the spot:



The band is called Rangda, the guitarists are Richard Bishop and Ben Chasny. The drummer is Chris Corsano. 

No idea how to describe it, other than...awesome. 

ArchtopDave

I'd recommend Johnny A as well, though for his first 2 CD's. The last one, which he did on his own, isn't in the same class. I believe he's got another CD coming out sometime soon, so it'll be interesting to see whether this is an improvement on the last one.

The comment above about Preston Reed isn't strictly accurate. He can play both conventionally, as well as left hand over the top of the fretboard with equal facility. 

EricTheWeary

Philly_Q said:

EricTheWeary said:

munckee said:

axisus said:

I'm looking for inspiration - instrumental guitar music but either pretty clean sound or not too heavy on the gain. Preferably not Jazz or fusion widdling, something with more of a song structure.

I'm thinking more your Hank Marvin's rather than Robben Fords I guess.

Any suggestions?

Surf music- Dick Dale, The Chantays, The Bel-Airs, The Ventures.  There is an old chap on youtube called Phil McGarrick who does really nice covers of the shadows, carpenters, abba and stuff.  

There is modern surf that isn't just recreations of old choons as well. Los Straitjackets are the obvious ones but The Bambi Molesters take a wider approach and definitely tick all the boxes in the OP. Messer Chups are quite fun although they have some vocals. Quite a few modern surf bands and surf itself is broader than people often think with Eastern European influences, for example. 

I like The Mermen, although they don't particularly have that real twangy surf sound - they're psychedelic and sometimes quite heavy.  It's definitely instrumental and melodic though.

Listened to a couple of tracks. Psych surf; Pink Floyd meets The Ventures. Really nice stuff. 

thebreeze

I like Paddy McAloon's guitar playing.  Great song writer but his playing and sound are also good.  Gerry Garcia is also an interesting player and plays mostly clean.

SimonC

James Wesley, previously Chris Isaacs guitarist. His solo stuff has a definite Hank Marvin vibe.

proggy

Roy Buchanan.

JezWynd

proggy said:

Roy Buchanan.

Great invention. Horrible tone mostly.

Love this one -

Kitsune

Causa Sui

Kitsune

How could I forget - EARTH!

go second phase rather than the first era. If you want low gain than Earth 2 will probably make you flee in terror. 

Try Bees Made Honey In The Lions Skull

guitars4you

ArchtopDave said:

I'd recommend Johnny A as well, though for his first 2 CD's. The last one, which he did on his own, isn't in the same class. I believe he's got another CD coming out sometime soon, so it'll be interesting to see whether this is an improvement on the last one.

a tick from me as well regarding Johnny A

joetele

UnclePsychosis said:

It won't be to everyone's taste but a few years ago I heard this in a record shop and had to buy it on the spot:



The band is called Rangda, the guitarists are Richard Bishop and Ben Chasny. The drummer is Chris Corsano. 

No idea how to describe it, other than...awesome. 

I saw these guys a long time ago at one of the All Tomorrows Parties weekends - fantastic. Also saw the Flowers/Corsano duo which was more nasty synth and drums, but still worth checking out. 

Phil_aka_Pip

Worth a try: Bill Nelson on the Bebop Deluxe albums. Not all "instrumental" numbers, but music strong enough to stand up without vocals. And not all wildly distorted either.

Edit. Try also Wishbone Ash (any lineup) there's loadsa good stuff in there especially the Mk II lineup with Laurie Wisefield ...

TheMarlin

Brian Setzer

Phil_aka_Pip

TheMarlin said:

Brian Setzer

wis