peggyfoster
Joined:
20 Jun 2008
Posts: 83
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 Posted: 02/23/2009 at 11:10 PM Post subject: Beanis Envy |
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Is someone suffering from a little "Beanis Envy"? (Tee hee, just kidding!)
I like this site. We all have one thing in common: our passion for TBG's. We don't need to have anything else in common. I like Hank, he's a very nice man, he deserves better than the guff he's gotten lately.
I like Vincent, I enjoy his company, he's very smart, generous with his vast knowledge of guitars, he deserves better than the relentless personal criticisms he has endured here.
I love Marc and Travis and the instruments they invented.
If there is any person who deserves our wrath it's Gary Kramer - there would be a lot more Travis Bean Guitars for all of us if it weren't for him - in fact, Travis and Marc would still be making them.
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rlrlrl
Joined:
24 Dec 2007
Posts: 260
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| Posted: 02/24/2009 at 1:03 PM Post subject: RE: |
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I pretty much agree with that... my apologies if my posts ever seem contentious, because they're not meant to be!
... except about the Gary Kramer point, on which I have to be agnostic. We all care about music, about art, about all of these idealistic things. And yet at a certain point, of course you have to put food on the table, and you have to find a way to live. It's a shame when commerce gets in the way of art, but if Kramer wanted to take a great idea and find a way of selling it to a wider audience, I suppose it was his right. Not that I would have done it that way. But I don't believe that Kramer put Bean out of business. Or am I missing part of the story?
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peggyfoster
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20 Jun 2008
Posts: 83
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| Posted: 02/24/2009 at 5:49 PM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy/Gary K. |
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Hi rl,
Yes, you are missing part of the story. Gary was vice-president at Travis Bean (he claims a lot more credit than that). One night, he took some blue prints off of Marc's desk, and some blank checks, and disappeared. Marc & Travis had no idea that he was even mad at them for anything. Months later, he surfaced in New York, making Kramer guitars - eerily similar to Travis Beans but with the end of the head cut off to get around the trademark T. There's more to it, but that's enough to explain my comment about Gary causing the demise of TBG. I was interviewed for Hank's movie and talked about it so I don't want to elaborate here as I don't know how much of the story will end up in the finished movie and I wouldn't want to scoop anything.
I am quite sure that Marc and Travis would still be making evolving versions of Travis Bean Guitars if it weren't for Gary.
Peggy
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holmes
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29 Feb 2008
Posts: 182
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| Posted: 02/25/2009 at 8:01 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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although vincent could be a real prick with his messages, (and had aload of clueless fanboy dicks on here) and even though 95% percent of the people who posted negative things about him came across as complete idiots, he does have the biggest collection of beans out of ANYONE on this board, and a profile large enough to attract the kind of interest that this film deserves. to notinclude him in the film seems really dumb to me actually...thats if he isnt in it. i would have thought he'd be one of the first people contacted.
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rlrlrl
Joined:
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Posts: 260
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| Posted: 02/25/2009 at 8:46 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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wrong thread dude?
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JohnBR
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20 Dec 2005
Posts: 223
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| Posted: 02/25/2009 at 5:20 PM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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wow Peggy, that is very interesting. I curse Gary Kramer, especially since the only documentation about him leaving Travis is his article that is easily found where he talks about showing up one morning and seeing that Travis had been up all night turning part of the factory into a room covered with egg cartons and having some idea of doing some project involving drums. He includes a photo of the room and if I recall, he basically says this was the last straw. He may have hinted at drug use, but I am going by memory. I guess sometimes we speak without knowing the full story, but then, how else could we find out the full truth but for communication. Thanks for the other side of the story.
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peggyfoster
Joined:
20 Jun 2008
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| Posted: 02/26/2009 at 1:20 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy, Gary K. |
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It's the least I could do, John.
I read Gary's long 'article' about his side of the Travis Bean story ...
it made me sick.
Peggy
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peggyfoster
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| Posted: 02/26/2009 at 1:27 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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P. S.
I hope you get to see the other documentation some day: Travis Bean checks for Cash that he wrote to himself and endorsed.
Peggy
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peggyfoster
Joined:
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| Posted: 02/26/2009 at 1:32 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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PPS
(The clumsy way I wrote that sentence above isn't clear who wrote what ....)
I mean - I hope you get to see the other documentation some day: Travis Bean checks for Cash that Gary wrote to himself and endorsed and cashed at the bank.
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Jimbeans
Joined:
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Posts: 11
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| Posted: 02/28/2009 at 11:01 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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I agree with holmes going to be a bummer if a movie is made without a gallo appearance mr bean man himself
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Jimbeans
Joined:
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| Posted: 02/28/2009 at 11:05 AM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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Even if that involved taking donations for traveling and accommodation fees to make that happen
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rlrlrl
Joined:
24 Dec 2007
Posts: 260
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| Posted: 02/28/2009 at 4:14 PM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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this is how rumors get started. nobody said anything about this. there hasn't been even a peep about why mr gallo is no longer participating in this forum, or at least not under his own name.
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theNewTerritories
Joined:
13 May 2008
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| Posted: 03/01/2009 at 4:33 PM Post subject: RE: Beanis Envy |
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Interesting what you say about Mr. Kramer, Peggy- the first time I heard this side of the story was from Mr. Gallo. I have to say I found his stance on Mr. Kramer rather hypocritical in light of his enthusiasm of Mr. Mussolini, who he claimed was misunderstood. (unfortunately with his posts deleted, I can't provide the evidence, hopefully some of you can remember both of these posts)
For clarity, I would just like to point out that I never criticized Mr. Gallo on this forum, I don't believe in character assissination.
I don't think that Mr. Kramer's unscrupulous character or nature should have the effect that the guitars he created should be outright dismissed and ignored.
Just because Heidegger was a member of the NAZI party should we just forget any of the influences he had on modern philosophy- even in works that were written prior to the existence of the party?
As I said in an earlier post, where does this story come from? Who wrote that story, what were the motives and agendas of the individual who wrote this story?
Just curious to know more, but even if it is true I will still say that I like Kramer guitars and I can see how they are a natural (although admittedly inferior in my own opinion) progression from the design of the Travis Bean guitars.
Personally, I think that you give Mr. Kramer too much credit in the decline of Travis Bean and I even dare to say maybe you are making Mr. Bean out to be somewhat of a heroic martyr type figure. Come on, I don't know the man and I respect his work in a profound way, but what is wrong with him being human and making mistakes or losing interest or wanting to pursue other things?
Furthermore, Kramer guitars are what led me to Travis Beans and the role they played in this journey to me have always been important.
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jonsau
Joined:
04 May 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: 03/01/2009 at 6:45 PM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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well guys, the bottom line is.....kramer aluminum guitars and basses are SHIT. i don't know if you have ever compared the 2 but it there is no comparison. they have no low end, play like shize...nobody should even mention them. i owned a flying v kramer aluminum many years ago...shit. i would love to break that thing in 2. i have owned over 15 beans, includiing 3 wedges, so please trust my opinion. i do however have 3 egc's , including a flying v and they rule like a mother.
ole my friends
j
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Joefish
Joined:
11 Dec 2008
Posts: 106
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| Posted: 03/01/2009 at 6:56 PM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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Hi jonsau, Do you happen to remember the numbers for those Wedges?
Thank you in advance!
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theNewTerritories
Joined:
13 May 2008
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| Posted: 03/01/2009 at 7:17 PM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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Wow- I should have known that my post would illicit the usual knee-jerk reaction.
Jonsau, thanks for your opinion and input, you think Kramer's suck- great, I am glad to know your opinion- but seriously, don't you think you should let other people make up their own minds or at least give them reasons that are a little more illuminating of why?
"nobody should even mention them"
Let's try to be open minded shall we.
To be clear- yes, I agree Travis Bean guitars are better guitars in many respects. However-
I feel that their similarity to and history with Travis Beans makes them a good topic of discussion on this forum.
I trust your opinion as to what it can do for yourself.
I am not trying to champion Kramer guitars, but please, give them a chance and formulate your own opinions- don't be turned off by the fact that they 'play like shize' in Jonsau's opinion.
I for one disagree- the way I have my 250g (early model- the flying V is a much later style of Kramer- differs in so many ways, if anyone wants me to go into it I will, but for now I am saving my time) set up it is VERY playable and actually quite pleasurable.
Sure, I like my Travis Bean better- but that fact alone won't make me turn around and conclude that the Kramer is 'shize'.
Furthermore, my post wasn't about which guitar is better- it had to do with the fact that I find it somewhat unsatisfying that Mr. Kramer's supposed treachery and ill repute can be enough reason for one to ignore or dismiss the guitars that were made under his name.
This is the bottom line:
The Kramer flying V you had (was it an XKG?) is quite different than the early (more Beanish) Kramers (250, 350, 450). I am glad that you have found what works for you, let other people decide what works for them and if you have advice or advisories do you think that you could please make it more substantial than - they have no low end and they play like shize?
Okay, I get it- Travis Bean's are better, Kramers suck- great, but we can we please not have all these "kramers suck" posts every time someone mentions one- it's getting old, it doesn't add anything new or of value to the conversation. Kramers are and will continue to be the weird bastard step-brother and there is no getting around that fact so let's not just lock it in a basement and forget it with a quick throwaway opinion.
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charlie
Joined:
06 Jan 2008
Posts: 250
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| Posted: 03/01/2009 at 9:02 PM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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I have never played an early Kramer, but I admit to being curious about them from both a historic and sonic perspective. Despite the potentially unethical history of Kramer, I do agree that they are instruments worth discussing in this forum. I also agree that just claiming something sucks is a pointless conversation killer.
I do find it interesting that Kramers were an attempt at a more profit oriented instrument and that pursuit probably lead to an inferior instrument. All this information potentially helps the progression toward better instruments such as the ones being made by our contemporary aluminum guitar makers.
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Jimbeans
Joined:
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| Posted: 03/04/2009 at 5:48 PM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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I have owned 3 kramers......... the bass had a dead E string the dmz 3000 was great the 450 g could have been built better
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ReneVanLien
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20 Jul 2002
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| Posted: 03/06/2009 at 3:55 AM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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Well, I don`t get all that emotional about Gary Kramer. I do not buy a Travis Bean because of Mr. Bean. I love my TB1000S more than my TB500 I think. I own many other guitars as well including 4 Kramers and an EGC standard. I play diverse music but always use my TB500 for aggressive attacky sond. The 1000S for more body, but also aggressive and attack sound. The Kramers have a lot less attack but do have the sparkling sound and sustain (well 3 of my 4 Kramers do, the DMZ is well¦ DMZ). I play "acoustic on Kramers usually.
The Kramers are less favorable to me in the end, but I like the design they came cheap to me (inc original cases and documentation). I would not spend more than 500E on such a guitar though, they feel a bit weird (but NOT all of them). I own 2 x 350G, 1x DMZ2000 and a 250G. The neck on the DMZ and 250G... not my favorite. sound is good and all... but I get no vibe from it. Still ..choosing between a vintage aluminum Kramer or a modern squire (or a guitar like that)¦ I think Kramer has more soul and value in the end. Materials on Kramer are not cheap.
The 350G however looks closest to the TB design and is a more naturalistic looking guitar. I got 2 of those and they are both super nice to play and look at.
I do love Hondo Stratocasters as well ! I love cheap guitars in the end ... as long as they are not tooooo bad.
I thought I would not buy any more equipment... but now I want a good acoustic or semi acoustic guitar.. or something like those Gibson ES or Silvertone hollow body guitars...+ a good small amp that would have enough power to do small concerts and mainly play at home. I started singing songwriting recently after years of being in a band. and I love it! I just don't have the right gear for it now.
Some gear I have, I never use, but seems collectable/good stuff.
Any ideas on the original blue faced palmer speaker simulator pd-03?
Peggy, al lot of reviews on this thing mention Steve Vai using it. Any idea on that?
I am selling 2 of the Kramers also and hopefully I will then be able to buy some decent acoustic ;)
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TomWanderer
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| Posted: 03/06/2009 at 11:56 AM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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I have owned four Kramers, the only one I got rid of was a DMZ 2000. I still have an early koa 450g, a factory black 450g and a DMZ 3000. My great interest in Travis Beans ultimately lead to the realization that, unless on fell in my lap for less than a grand, I would never have one. I haven't paid more than 500 dollars for a Kramer, the black 450g and the DMZ 3000 were under 400. These guitars are an incredible value for the price I paid, and though they were fetching about a grand before the economic downturn, they are very affordable once again.
They are not Travis Beans, period.
If you can get over that, you will find that they have excellent sustain, balance and feel. (except the feel of the DMZ 2000, I just didn't find comfortable. This may speak for more of the later models)
Despite the claim that they have no low end, I find the tone to be monstrous. I was shocked when I first plugged in my first 450g after playing an Epiphone SG for years. The Kramer had huge sound with low end to spare, I keep the neck pickup turned down to 7 because there is so much low end and mid tone. And once you strike a chord or a note it will ring and ring, not to mention that they are almost indestructible. I play rock, garage, surf, drag...etc and I am happy with the Kramers. They have a very powerful sound.
I have seen different body styles of the 450g, my koa model has a chunkier, more square neck pocket where as it is rounded and lower profile on the black one. Either way, I think a Kramer 450g is an excellent value on a guitar, whether you are interested in a Bean and can't afford it or just want something different.
I am not saying they are the best guitars out there by far, I'm just saying that they can't be written off as pure shit because they pale in comparison to the truly legendary (and truly expensive) Beans.
My desire for an aluminum neck though guitar has lead me to ECG where I am having a guitar custom made for a price I couldn't believe. (very affordable) I'm sure it will have characteristics that blow the Kramers away, but the point I'm trying to make is that in the midst of the money mania over the aluminum neck guitars Kramers remain very affordable and are worth forming your own opinion over.
Sorry for the tirade, but I feel that this is one of the few subjects I can weigh in on with conviction on the forum. Have a nice weekend everybody.
-Tom Wanderer
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peggyfoster
Joined:
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| Posted: 06/30/2009 at 1:04 AM Post subject: RE:Beanis Envy |
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To Rene:
Sorry for taking so long, I just now read your question to me ...
Steve tries everything new that comes on the market and some prototypes of gadgets before they are manufactured. I don't know what his favorites are lately, but his website (Steve Vai Official Website) shows a new Ibanez Jemini. I would love to hear him play a bean ...
Peggy
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