Sometimes a story or an idea is best vocalized
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Ep 127 : Buying an Acoustic Guitar with guest Mark Collins
.This episode, I am joined by my friend Mark Collins and we discuss the considerations in choosing your next acoustic guitar. The guidance is oriented for folks starting out, but is applicable to players at all levels.
Ep 122 : Dedicated Amp Pedals Without an Amp
In this episode I dive into the emerging trend to have a single amp in a single pedal and to use it without another amplifier, instead going direct to the PA, to FRFR speakers or to a recording interface
Ep 98 : The One Microphone for Recording Amplifiers
Hey listeners. In this episode I provide guidance on selection and placement for the one microphone every recordist show have to record amplifiers, of any kind at home. Listen in to learn more and be ready to record your work.
Ep 97 : Computer Based Amplifiers
In this episode I look at amps that exist in your computer, that sound like the real thing, that you can play back through monitors or through headphones and also use for silent recording. This may be the least expensive amplifier that you encounter.
Ep 95 : Are Your Strings Counterfeits?
Hello listeners. In this episode I talk about the increasing problem of counterfeit strings.
Ep 94 : Pedal Amplifiers
Hey folks. This episode I do a brief exploration on the growing world of pedal amplifiers. These tools may be just the thing to suit you.
Ep 78 : The Parts for a Reliable Pedal Board
In this episode, I look at the components needed to build a useful pedal board and what to gather, before you start adding pedals
Ep 76 : Getting Your Fuzz On
In this episode, I am joined by friend Fraser Moore to discuss what fuzz is, what to consider, and some thoughts on pedals to get started in fuzz. Or add to your existing fuzz pedals, because players do that.
Ep 70 : The Excitement of P90 Pickups
In this episode, I look at the history and build options in P90 picks that are in one of their peaking popularity cycles.
Ep 69 : Acoustic Pedals to Salvage Your Tone
In this episode, I explain why you probably aren’t impressed by the sound of your acoustic electric instrument and share three pedals to give your amplified or DI sound back what is missing.
Ep 68 : The Fascinating World of Picks
In this episode, inspired by listener David, I explore the evolution, materials and construction of picks or plectrums. There’s a lot more there than most people think
Ep 67 : Exploring Pickup Design
On this episode I dive into the different materials used in pickup construction. We also discuss different coil sizes, wiring and how a single coil can be made noiseless. If you want to learn the difference between metal and ceramic magnets, what if anything makes a gold foil different and why the sudden boost in CuNiFe, this is where you will hear it.
Ep 61 : Why an Attenuator
You’ve probably heard the term attenuation before. It means a reduction in signal strength and many of us first encountered the concept in condenser and ribbon based microphones as a means to prevent the signal from the microphone from overdriving the preamp in a recording desk or a mixer. In this episode we’re going to look at modern attenuators for physical amplifiers.
Ep 60 : The Most In Demand Guitar Effect
Join me as we spend this episode discussing the most in demand guitar effect. Can you guess what it is?
Ep 58 : The Benefits of a Keyboard for Guitarists
For guitarists working to improve their skill in music theory and in chord construction, a simple USB connected piano keyboard can be an incredible tool. Listen in to get ideas of how having a piano keyboard can help you build skill.
Ep 56 : Amplifier and Cabinet Plugins
Let's talk about how we can use plugins to give us most any amplifier and cabinet we want for playing and recording
Ep 55 : Semi-Hollow Body Instruments
In this episode I explore the use cases and unique value proposition of semi-hollow body guitars and basses
Ep 54 : Bass Preamps
I was recently searching for a new bass amplifier. My findings surprised me and that is why this episode is about bass preamps.
Ep 53 : Are Coated Strings Worth the Money?
There are probably more options in guitar string vendors today than ever before. In addition to many names available for years such as D’Addario and Ernie Ball from America and Thomastik-Infeld and Rotosound from the UK and Europe, we are also seeing more independent string makers such as Curt Mangan and Stringjoy. In addition to the number of brand choices, in many brands we are now seeing the option for regular (uncoated) strings and coated strings. Are the more expensive coated strings worth the higher price?
Ep 52 : Choosing a Pedal - Simple or Complex
Hey folks! This episode I want to explore with you three pedal categories, the simple single function, the more advanced single effect and the powerful yet complex multi-effect pedal type. Listen in and then please share via email or a comment which type of pedal you tend to buy most often.