Sometimes a story or an idea is best vocalized
This podcast is available for download here, and is also on iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and Google Podcasts
Ep 147 : Getting More From Your Pickups
In this episode I share my experience in getting more tonal range out of the pickups that are already in the instrument. Changing pickups can be fun, but perhaps there is a simpler and less expensive option. If you enjoy my work, please become a supporter on Patreon. Your small monthly donation is used to keep this channel up and running.
Ep 146 : Killing Hum and Hiss
In this episode I explore the root causes of noise from our electric instruments and provide suggestions on how to reduce and kill it. Please support the channel by becoming a support on Patreon.
Ep 145 : Equalizers and Tone Stacks
Hello listeners. In this episode I want to explore the value propositions of the tone controls, starting with the ones in your instrument, moving to a pedal style equalizer, the tone stack in your amplifier and EQ plugins in your DAW. And if you aren’t recording, we will consider the tone stack in the PA or sound board. Sound fair?
If you listen to these episodes, please consider becoming a Patron on Patreon and supporting the channel with a regular monthly donation.
Ep 144 : Pedal Style Bass Preamplifers
Hello all. In this episode I discuss the value proposition of bass preamplifiers with speaker simulations that come in a pedal sized box. I touch on the capabilities of these devices in general and then drill down into the three that I recommend, the EBS Microbass 3, the Tech21 NYC DI-2112 and the Ampeg SGT-DI. Please become a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference to me.
Ep 143 : Getting a Decent Signal from a Dynamic Microphone
I’ve recently been approached by some folks who have found that the output level from dynamic microphones that they have bought are very low and that to get a decent signal level requires almost cranking the mic preamp in the interface or on the stage mixer to the maximum. They want to know why, and here I will explain what to do to solve the problem. To support my work, please sign up to be a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation of support is sincerely appreciated.
Ep 142 : Understanding Reverb Options
Welcome to the episode. I want to dive into reverb this episode. What is it, what are the different types, how do we achieve it and what do you look for in choosing the reverb option that is right for you?
Ep 141 : Does Country of Manufacture Matter?
This is a pretty common topic, so I did my research and you may find what I learned surprising. Please become a Patron on Patreon to support my work.
Ep 140 : Modulate This
In this episode I explore the different types of modulation effects that we find in pedals for live play and for recording and in plugins to use in the studio. Please become a patron on Patreon to support my work. Your small monthly donation matters a great deal.
Ep 139 : Amp Sims, Impulse Responses and Pedals for Both
About a year ago, I did an episode on Impulse Response systems. Time has passed, they have become even more prevalent and a lack of clear information has created a fog of confusion around IRs, Amp Sims and pedals that do both to directly feed a PA without any actual guitar or bass amplifiers involved. So that’s what this episode is all about.
Ep 138 : Delay in Depth
The use of a great delay expands your soundscape and helps you as a musician tell your story. In this episode I go through the four primary delay types to provide some core knowledge that might help you find the delay that fits your needs best. Please support my work by becoming a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference to me.
Ep 137 : Should Your Next Guitar Be a Baritone?
As guitarists we are (most of us) always happy to spend time in a real guitar shop, looking around, and perhaps having a play on a guitar that strikes our fancy. Yet, when I ask players who have decided to own multiple guitars, I rarely hear of a baritone guitar. Twelve different Strats, for sure, or a number of different six string acoustics. Maybe the odd mandolin, or a 12 string, but baritones are rarer. Why is that? In this episode, let’s spend some time on the subject of the wonderful baritone guitar.
Ep 136 : Why A Short Scale Bass May Be Right For You
I have to admit that I get tired of the endless spew of BS that I hear thrown around at high velocity by people with strong opinions who are also unemcumbered by facts. Asking the right questions will result in a buyer getting the best instrument for his or her needs, but not asking the right questions can result in a customer who ends up not playing. This time, I want to provide a bit of insight into what might make a short scale electric bass the best choice for you. If you like what I do here, please become a patron on Patreon.
Ep 135 : The China Syndrome
Welcome! In this episode I talk about what I call the China Syndrome, the widely found delusion that guitars made in China or other parts of Asia are inherently garbage. Please support the channel by becoming a Patreon member.
Ep 134 : Modellers and Profilers
Hello folks. In this episode, I am joined by Will Bertram and we discuss the viability of modellers and profilers as amplifier and cabinet alternatives and when using them as such makes sense.
Ep 133 : DAW Plugins
Welcome! In this episode we close out our recent home recording series with the topic of plugins to be used in your DAW. There are myriad different plugin deliverables and tons of options. So I try to clarify things to make your recording and production lives easier and also save you money. Please become a supporter on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference here.
Ep 132 : Studio Monitors and Headphones
We continue the series on equipment and tools for home recording. In this episode I discuss studio monitors and headphones for studio use. If you like what I do, please become a sponsor of the channel on Patreon.
Ep 131 : Your First Microphones
Hello everyone. This is the third episode in our series on recording your yourself or your band. This time we dive into microphones, where to start and what are good options. Please support the channel by becoming a donor on Patreon. Your support makes a serious difference.
Ep 130 : Your First Recording Interface
Greetings! In this episode I cover the next piece in the home / band recording pantheon, that of the interface between your instruments and microphones and the computer. I’m keeping the price options low, because the options are great and so is the quality.
Ep 129 : Consider UA LUNA as your DAW
In this episode, I propose consideration of Universal Audio’s LUNA as your Digital Audio Workstation. When there are so many good ones, why LUNA? Have a listen and you might be convinced to give it a try.
Ep : 128 Playing Live - An Interview with Drake Metcalf
Hello listeners. In this episode, I am joined by Drake Metcalf, a fine young gentleman who is both a working musician and sales professional with Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We talk about the value proposition of playing your instrument live with other musicians, in a jam, in a band or at a gig. Please support the channel by becoming a supporter on Patreon