Rob Van Niel
Just me, a band of one. Solo fingerstyle instrumental acoustic guitarist. I love to play ragtime but recently started to do my own fingerpicking arrangements of pop/rock tunes. I seem to have a knack for coming up with melodic arrangements of popular songs that kind of sound like the originals sans vocals.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Classically trained violinist turned guitarist. I've been playing since age 17, about 30 years. For the first 20 years though, I was primarily playing electric guitar. It's only in the past few years that I've turned my attention to fingerstyle acoustic guitar.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play occasional local open mics, but I also play live over the internet using Paltalk and Second Life. "Virtual" performances are a good way to rehearse for live shows. On Paltalk, I use the nickname troubadour44 and I can be found in the live music rooms. On Second Life, my name is Picker Apogee and I have regular gigs every week. Look for me! ;-)
Your musical influences
For the past ten years: Stefan Grossman, Ton Van Bergeyk, Dick Fegy, John James, Lasse Johansson, Eric Schoenberg, Ton Engels, Dale Miller
Before that: Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, progressive rock
What equipment do you use?
2004 Martin OM28V guitar with K&K quantum trinity system, 2000 Lakewood M54 guitar with K&K quantum trinity system, Ultrasound 100DS2 amp, Behringer Eurorack MX 802A mixer, M-Audio Audio Buddy Mic Preamp, MXL 991 and Oktava MK-012-01 condenser microphones, Planet Waves NS, Shubb and occasionally use Kyser capos, Martin Fingerstyle SP Lights.
Anything else?
Thanks for reading AND listening! Feel free to comment on my music. I'd love to hear what you think.
