Randolf Arriola (embryo) Guitar Gear 101
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embryo
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Using Headphones to get a good sound. What they can and will never do.
Noodle, it is very difficult to gauge levels and tone especially of guitar amps with headphones, mainly because of the "proximity effect" (notice more bass when u press the ear cups closer to ur ears) Also you will notice that you do not (never) hear an accurate representation of the amp' speaker and cabinets' configuration and characteristics.
Most consumer grade headphones for pc, ipod and hi fi use do not have a neutral flat frequency response. Most of these headphones have accentuated trebles and bass with slightly dipped mids. This is to help lessen the effects of ear fatigue over extended periods of headphone wear for the user. The headphone earpiece design whether over ear, on ear on in ear all have different characteristics in the overall frequency response. The most important difference to take into account is the fact that headphones eliminate the space of air between the amp's speakers and the ears and room acoustics that bounce off soundwaves. The reasons are plenty and point to the complicated subject off psychoacoustics but I hope you'll realize in general that there's a big diference between hearing the sound from the amp's speakers and monitoring the sound from headphones. Amps that have headphone outputs usually have a simple "speaker simulator" circuit that are not representative of the true sound that's coming out of the amp's speakers. Trying to tweak your sound with headphones in this case will be a confusing turning into frustrating experience.
Building your experience and practicing on a small footprint combo amp and suddenly going onstage to plug into a marshall stack for the 1st time with questionable tubes and what not speakers with the tones and gain knobs cluelessly set is always gonna be a recipe for your sonic and the band's performance disaster... or "hollywood" styled fabled magic if you want to believe in that.
Noodle, it is very difficult to gauge levels and tone especially of guitar amps with headphones, mainly because of the "proximity effect" (notice more bass when u press the ear cups closer to ur ears) Also you will notice that you do not (never) hear an accurate representation of the amp' speaker and cabinets' configuration and characteristics.
Most consumer grade headphones for pc, ipod and hi fi use do not have a neutral flat frequency response. Most of these headphones have accentuated trebles and bass with slightly dipped mids. This is to help lessen the effects of ear fatigue over extended periods of headphone wear for the user. The headphone earpiece design whether over ear, on ear on in ear all have different characteristics in the overall frequency response. The most important difference to take into account is the fact that headphones eliminate the space of air between the amp's speakers and the ears and room acoustics that bounce off soundwaves. The reasons are plenty and point to the complicated subject off psychoacoustics but I hope you'll realize in general that there's a big diference between hearing the sound from the amp's speakers and monitoring the sound from headphones. Amps that have headphone outputs usually have a simple "speaker simulator" circuit that are not representative of the true sound that's coming out of the amp's speakers. Trying to tweak your sound with headphones in this case will be a confusing turning into frustrating experience.
Building your experience and practicing on a small footprint combo amp and suddenly going onstage to plug into a marshall stack for the 1st time with questionable tubes and what not speakers with the tones and gain knobs cluelessly set is always gonna be a recipe for your sonic and the band's performance disaster... or "hollywood" styled fabled magic if you want to believe in that.
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embryo
New member
Tips on dialling in to get a good sound from your amps;
Most amps out available today whether solid state, tube, hybrid, combo, twins, stack, real or modelled are all pretty much in the hands of the user capable of producing tones ranging from heavenly to horrific. Option anxiety is the order of the day in this modern day and age so it helps to know how to navigate tru this maze of stuff out there to get to what matters most. Getting a good sound that's all your own. The Following tips below is just a guideline. Good luck! ;
1. Try out as many different amps and speaker combinations
2. Experiment and learn how to dial in useable sounds for yourself and the band and the audience in bedroom, rehearsal, performance and recording situations.
3. Practice and perform with the same amps.
4. Experiment and learn about Microphone types and placement techniques.
5. Experiment and learn about speaker and amp simulators and proper useage to get the most out of them in performance and recording situations.
Most amps out available today whether solid state, tube, hybrid, combo, twins, stack, real or modelled are all pretty much in the hands of the user capable of producing tones ranging from heavenly to horrific.
Option anxiety is the order of the day in this modern day and age so it helps to know how to navigate tru this maze of stuff out there to get to what matters most. Getting a good sound that's all your own. The Following tips below is just a guideline. Good luck! ;1. Try out as many different amps and speaker combinations
2. Experiment and learn how to dial in useable sounds for yourself and the band and the audience in bedroom, rehearsal, performance and recording situations.
3. Practice and perform with the same amps.
4. Experiment and learn about Microphone types and placement techniques.
5. Experiment and learn about speaker and amp simulators and proper useage to get the most out of them in performance and recording situations.
embryo
New member
Pedal Sound Clips...why they sound the way they do.
Pedal Sound clips always sound impressive and even after convincing u into buying the said "do it all, must have" pedal, amp or guitar gear featured on these clips u still don't sound anything like it at home. Sounds familiar almost too frequently doesn't it?
The sound of/from the pedal is still subject to the player, the instrument, the amp, the settings and everything else patched in b4 or after the pedal. Lastly but most importantly is the settings of all these components together.
Commercial sound clips always feature fine players playing through well tweaked rigs recorded professionally and mastered with additional tweaks to the compression and eqs. The finished sound is very often an accentuated different version of the original untreated raw tones.
Pedal Sound clips always sound impressive and even after convincing u into buying the said "do it all, must have" pedal, amp or guitar gear featured on these clips u still don't sound anything like it at home. Sounds familiar almost too frequently doesn't it?
The sound of/from the pedal is still subject to the player, the instrument, the amp, the settings and everything else patched in b4 or after the pedal. Lastly but most importantly is the settings of all these components together.
Commercial sound clips always feature fine players playing through well tweaked rigs recorded professionally and mastered with additional tweaks to the compression and eqs. The finished sound is very often an accentuated different version of the original untreated raw tones.
embryo
New member
Drive Pedals (stock, mods, boutiques)
Drive pedals these days come in many forms from stock, mods and boutiques offering many if not almost too much choices to the modern player. There are many stock pedals that have been around for decades. Try as many as possible to sample a taste of each pedal's tones and drive characteristics to your choice of instrument, rig and playing style. It would be unrealistic to try 'em all at one go and own them although that would be ideal for the long run. So what you can do is settle on a pedal that has the range to suit your needs and work on it for awhile before deciding what aspects of the sound you may wish to explore further. All variations of Drive pedals affect the bass, mids and trebles with variation and control in the amount of distortion.
Drive pedals these days come in many forms from stock, mods and boutiques offering many if not almost too much choices to the modern player. There are many stock pedals that have been around for decades. Try as many as possible to sample a taste of each pedal's tones and drive characteristics to your choice of instrument, rig and playing style. It would be unrealistic to try 'em all at one go and own them although that would be ideal for the long run. So what you can do is settle on a pedal that has the range to suit your needs and work on it for awhile before deciding what aspects of the sound you may wish to explore further. All variations of Drive pedals affect the bass, mids and trebles with variation and control in the amount of distortion.
HarrisonYeo
New member
hey randolf another question , wad's u're look towards hand wounded pickups compared to major companys which uses machines to wound thier pickups!
embryo
New member
Hand Wound Replacement Pickups
Harrison, there's been alot of fascination and much hype over and about the hand wound pickups. Understandably this came about when it was discovered the SRV's single coil pickups altho originally from Fender's early era where pickups were hand wound in the actory was unusually slightlyoverwound and also what's called scattered wound.
If you've ever observed closely the coils that wrap around the pickup's bobbin between a modern pup and an old old fender's single coil you'll notice how neat and evenly spaced and tightly wrapped the modern coils are compared to the almost questionablly untidy looking uneven wraps of the vintage version.
Because pups were hand wound in the factory by several different workers throughout the hours of any working day you can imagine the variations in consistencies and so the wide tolerences that were accepted then compared to modern day manufacturing standards of tight specs. These wide tolerences also mean that the pickups could range from slightly underwound to slightly overwound with endless variations of scatterwounds of the coils. Underwinding will result in slightly lower impedance which will result with a slightly softer sounding but glassier sounding pup. The reverse being slightly overwinding will result with a slightly hotter pickup with slightly more mids with less highs. These wide range in tolenrences from the old days of hand wound pickups were considered technically subtle then but sonically significant.
Major replacement pickup makers use sophisticated machine winding methods with wax potting to achieve high precision specs of number of winds with more even windings throughout the coils. This results in higher yield of consistency of expected performance and tone from any batch of production for the given model. This is good for the end user as they usually cost pretty reasonablly.
Certain boutique pickup makers focus on the mystic of hand wound pickups which requires them to manually oversee the whole process of creating every individual pickup in accordance to each unique customer's wants and needs. This is obviously a more labourious process and so understandably will cost more but the results can be anywhere from subtle to spectacular.
Harrison, there's been alot of fascination and much hype over and about the hand wound pickups. Understandably this came about when it was discovered the SRV's single coil pickups altho originally from Fender's early era where pickups were hand wound in the actory was unusually slightlyoverwound and also what's called scattered wound.
If you've ever observed closely the coils that wrap around the pickup's bobbin between a modern pup and an old old fender's single coil you'll notice how neat and evenly spaced and tightly wrapped the modern coils are compared to the almost questionablly untidy looking uneven wraps of the vintage version.
Because pups were hand wound in the factory by several different workers throughout the hours of any working day you can imagine the variations in consistencies and so the wide tolerences that were accepted then compared to modern day manufacturing standards of tight specs. These wide tolerences also mean that the pickups could range from slightly underwound to slightly overwound with endless variations of scatterwounds of the coils. Underwinding will result in slightly lower impedance which will result with a slightly softer sounding but glassier sounding pup. The reverse being slightly overwinding will result with a slightly hotter pickup with slightly more mids with less highs. These wide range in tolenrences from the old days of hand wound pickups were considered technically subtle then but sonically significant.
Major replacement pickup makers use sophisticated machine winding methods with wax potting to achieve high precision specs of number of winds with more even windings throughout the coils. This results in higher yield of consistency of expected performance and tone from any batch of production for the given model. This is good for the end user as they usually cost pretty reasonablly.
Certain boutique pickup makers focus on the mystic of hand wound pickups which requires them to manually oversee the whole process of creating every individual pickup in accordance to each unique customer's wants and needs. This is obviously a more labourious process and so understandably will cost more but the results can be anywhere from subtle to spectacular.
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embryo
New member
Time and Measure and Live Looping
Musical and effective Live Looping involves the need for an understanding and application of musical time and measure 1st and foremost. Other important aspects will include musical control over dynamics, phrasing and harmony.
So Gizer, looks like you'r probably grappling with timing issues which is common among first time live loopers. Dun give up so soon when it gets frustrating because even if you are a non trained musician but have determination to develop a good sense of groove, melody and harmony it only takes practice, practice and more practice to make it... with or without live looping devices.
Try and try again and when you want to either smash that pedal or yourself against the wall perhaps a one to one session would make it easier on you. Let me know how it goes. Good luck!
Musical and effective Live Looping involves the need for an understanding and application of musical time and measure 1st and foremost. Other important aspects will include musical control over dynamics, phrasing and harmony.
So Gizer, looks like you'r probably grappling with timing issues which is common among first time live loopers. Dun give up so soon when it gets frustrating because even if you are a non trained musician but have determination to develop a good sense of groove, melody and harmony it only takes practice, practice and more practice to make it... with or without live looping devices.
Try and try again and when you want to either smash that pedal or yourself against the wall perhaps a one to one session would make it easier on you. Let me know how it goes.
Good luck!
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embryo
New member
Guitar Setup and getting great tones from your guitar
Players come by with the amp head, pedals and fav guitar in tow for a Guitar 101 session to help them attain great tones out of their rig and most players share a common initial mistake. A lack of understanding and emphasis in the importance of a proper guitar setup.
Other than the obvious must dos in proper guitar setups like intonation, action and neck relief the most overlooked important aspects in guitar setups known among all self respecting guitar techs and experienced players include;
1. ReStringing techniques,
2. String Stretching,
3. Tuning and
4. Keeping the Guitar in Tune.
5. String Condition
Applicable for all guitars with traditional bridge and tuning heads and also those with locking bridges and those with rollers. I'd recommend that one spends more time getting acquainted with the above stated 5 points concerning getting your fav axe in tune because you'r gonna surprise urself how good your axe is gonna feel and sound. Gearwise a well tuned stable guitar is the most important step you must achieve consistently so as to make your own tonequest a much smoother and gratifying experience.
Wishing one and all here at very Merry X'mas and much much happier New Year! Cheers!
Players come by with the amp head, pedals and fav guitar in tow for a Guitar 101 session to help them attain great tones out of their rig and most players share a common initial mistake. A lack of understanding and emphasis in the importance of a proper guitar setup.
Other than the obvious must dos in proper guitar setups like intonation, action and neck relief the most overlooked important aspects in guitar setups known among all self respecting guitar techs and experienced players include;
1. ReStringing techniques,
2. String Stretching,
3. Tuning and
4. Keeping the Guitar in Tune.
5. String Condition
Applicable for all guitars with traditional bridge and tuning heads and also those with locking bridges and those with rollers. I'd recommend that one spends more time getting acquainted with the above stated 5 points concerning getting your fav axe in tune because you'r gonna surprise urself how good your axe is gonna feel and sound. Gearwise a well tuned stable guitar is the most important step you must achieve consistently so as to make your own tonequest a much smoother and gratifying experience.
Wishing one and all here at very Merry X'mas and much much happier New Year! Cheers!
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stranger12
New member
Give it to me.
Hey dude,
If you really wanna smash that pedal, please give it to me. I've been meaning to get into the whole live looping thingie.. it's just so hard to find a band to play with, at least with looping you can keep yourself entertained.. heh heh
Long time no see Randolf! Hope you're keeping well... Merry Christmas..
Roy
Time and Measure and Live Looping
Try and try again and when you want to either smash that pedal or yourself against the wall perhaps a one to one session would make it easier on you. Let me know how it goes.
Hey dude,
If you really wanna smash that pedal, please give it to me. I've been meaning to get into the whole live looping thingie.. it's just so hard to find a band to play with, at least with looping you can keep yourself entertained.. heh heh
Long time no see Randolf! Hope you're keeping well... Merry Christmas..
Roy
embryo
New member
Roy, ok u gotta clue me on this don't mean to sound so totally blur but it's bcos I've got off the top of my head a few Roy guitarists. Do update me as I'm slowy painfully building up my old contacts on the mobile phone since I last lost it.
Silly as this may sound I may be pretty savvy with cutting edge technology for all tings guitar and recording but I'm so ancient like when it comes to mobile fone technology. I have to find a way to be able to bak up my contacts in anticipation of ever losing my mobile again. Choi!!! Knock on wood! hehehe
Likewise Merry Xmas jn Happy Happy New Year to u and all at home Roy!
Silly as this may sound I may be pretty savvy with cutting edge technology for all tings guitar and recording but I'm so ancient like when it comes to mobile fone technology. I have to find a way to be able to bak up my contacts in anticipation of ever losing my mobile again. Choi!!! Knock on wood! hehehe
Likewise Merry Xmas jn Happy Happy New Year to u and all at home Roy!
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stranger12
New member
Heh..
The Roy who brought the Deluxe Reverb to you to change tubes? Play the blue strat? I went to see you play at Habour Front before you went to the US?
Heh..
Oh well.. you'll know when you see me I guess..
hahaha..
Cheers!
The Roy who brought the Deluxe Reverb to you to change tubes? Play the blue strat? I went to see you play at Habour Front before you went to the US?
Heh..
Oh well.. you'll know when you see me I guess..
hahaha..
Cheers!
embryo
New member
Ah yes Roy u! I remember of course especially becos u possess playing skills that come with a rare sense of feel! Of cos I remember u! How's tings with u and the amp and the music? Do kip in touch and do swing by Harry's at Dempsey Hill where I now play weds to sats nites. Let's a have jam over some live loops. Bring ur fav axe if u prefer. Swing by anytime ya.
stranger12
New member
Yah the latest Mobile Series. Sony and Fender Amps collaboration la...the 'G1000' Haven't you seen it???
Randolf: Sure man... I'll swing by to check you out after this crazy season.. heh heh...
Cheers!!!
embryo
New member
Randolf Arriola at Y2K7 International Live Looing Festival. Videos.
Happy New Year everyone! Tot I'd like to share some fond memories of a special occasion in m life playing at the recent Loopfest in Santa Cruz USA. These are some videos from fellow performers and members of the crew capturing me and others as well in one of my performances.
Watching these vids remind me of vivid memories of the cool early evening weather and light californian rain drizzling outside the venue and the toasty warmth in the room from all the attendees and fellow performers.
The 1st of the 4 videos I remember fondly as the a joint improv happening at the tail end of the great Per Boysen's (Sweden) breathtaking set.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KaHFgabmne0&feature=related
Happy New Year everyone! Tot I'd like to share some fond memories of a special occasion in m life playing at the recent Loopfest in Santa Cruz USA. These are some videos from fellow performers and members of the crew capturing me and others as well in one of my performances.
Watching these vids remind me of vivid memories of the cool early evening weather and light californian rain drizzling outside the venue and the toasty warmth in the room from all the attendees and fellow performers.
The 1st of the 4 videos I remember fondly as the a joint improv happening at the tail end of the great Per Boysen's (Sweden) breathtaking set.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KaHFgabmne0&feature=related
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