Today started very early as usual with a walk around the kibbutz, giving the
dog a chance to do whatever she needs to do. This was followed by a quick
breakfast then into the car for a drive to Jerusalem. My wife had to undergo a
removal of an internal cyst: not a big problem, but it had to be done under
general anaesthetic, meaning that she had to spend the night in hospital for
observation. This reminded me of any first day when I used to serve in the
army reserves: hurry up and wait. That said, everyone in the hospital was very
courteous and helpful, especially the two nurses in the recovery room.
After my wife was released from the recovery room, it was up to the ward: the
'new' wing of the hospital (it's been open for several years) offers single
rooms to patients, including en suite bathroom, chairs and even a
mattress where an accompanying person can sleep. After she settled in (no food
or water, lest she become nauseous or aspirate), I was allowed to leave. I
then drove to the music shop in central Jerusalem where I intended to buy the
new Stagg guitar. It turns out that the shop is focused on drums and percussion instruments
(a drum lesson was underway when I was there), but they also stock some
guitars.
I saw hanging on a wall the same model that I came to buy, but in a natural
finish. The salesman said that he found this model at the same time as he found
the black one, so he thought he'd bring it out and display it. The black guitar
came in a cardboard box, accompanied by a guitar lead but no Allen key (for
adjusting the neck) or any other accessories. First I checked the neck to see
that it was straight, that the neck was bolted on properly, and that the frets
were set correctly and were the right size. The guitar passed the physical
tests. The intonation seems ok although there was some buzz when I played the
bottom string on its own - I'll rub some graphite into the nut when I change
strings, which will probably be soon.
I played the guitar for about half an hour, although only acoustically - there
was no nearby amplifier and the salesman didn't provide one. I hope that the
electrics are ok. That reminds me: the humbucker bridge pickup has plastic
wrap on it that I should remove, although this shouldn't affect the sound.
From Jerusalem I drove home, had something to eat and drink then took the dog
for a walk. Then it was down to the dining room air raid shelter for a final
rehearsal for the New Year show. Once this was finished, we took the equipment
- mainly the drum kit - up to the dining room and set up again. The guitars
went through the PA system via DI boxes; the bass guitar was fine but my line
didn't work. Eventually the guitar was heard, only for it to disappear then
reappear then disappear. When we came to perform, I had to start the first
song three times as twice the sound disappeared during the first line.
Again a huge sigh of relief when the show was over. Here's a video of one of
the songs; someone was kind enough to film the songs, but for some reason I
haven't been able to download the best song on to my computer. Maybe I'll
succeed tomorrow.
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