Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal

Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal by Creation Audio Labs

We may have just a few boutique pedals, vintage ones or a whole case.  Each pedal adds something to the signal chain...we just don't sound the same without them.  See Custom Pedal Boards vs BOSS GT-10

Add to this the fact that some guitarists prefer single boxes to a multi-effector unit and you will get even more opinions on how to create tone. I think the argument goes something like if one box blows up, it is easy enough to remove it from the pedal chain and continue with the gig.  If something happens to your multi effector, well you might find yourself playing without any effects at all.  I've done lots of shows with both and never had a problem although I DID have my Fender PA System shut down on me...a couple of times!

Since I play mostly acoustic guitar onstage, all I need is a little compression and chorus. In the studio however, I like to dirty it up a little and a slightly distorted Fender Strat is what I record with.

HOLY FIRE OVERDRIVE - DISTORTION
One of the cool things about my vintage Crate Amp (GT-20) is that it has built in overdrive.  Not the best but for a solid state amp, not too shabby.  As this 20 watter is more of a practice amp, I've had to use a direct box to have it heard onstage.  Still overdrive and distortion are still the lynchpins of classic and contemporary rock and having those features built into my Crate has been a plus.

The Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal is the real deal however, truly a boutique pedal.  Each comes with a 10 Day money back guarantee so if you're not pleased with your tone, ship it back.  The pedal has the following features:

• Clean and Transparent GAIN
• Dynamic and Smooth OVERDRIVE
• Thick and Rich DISTORTION
• with high-cut control and unique L.E.D. interaction
• Total Saturation with NO Tone Loss or Coloring

You can compare boxes and if you are a true overdrive - distortion snob, you will hear the difference.
 

The Guitar Wheel

Middle school children learning music transposition and theory with The Guitar Wheel.  PHOTO Credit: The Corning Observer Newspaper

The Guitar Wheel

Wouldn't you like to ditch all those manuals and music books but still take along a library worth of guitar and music transposition information? Well, it can be done. All that you need is The Guitar Wheel. Invented with some heavenly inspiration by Dennis Cheatham, the Guitar Wheel is a serious educational tool for musicians. You won't believe how much information is found on the Guitar Wheel but even more amazing is the fact that when you flip it over, it gives you a whole world of Music Theory too!

The Guitar Wheel is very thin and easily goes where you go. To a concert, jam or guitar class, it is the one tool you will find indispensable for:

Chord Inversions for alternate chord fingerings
Enharmonic Equivalents
Comparing Scales such as Major, Minor, Pentatonic & Blues Scales
Determining Concert Pitch
Transposing
Finding Minor 7th Chords and Finding Dominant 7th Chords

Music Theory on the flip side of The Guitar Wheel offers even more with a piano keyboard & staff, concert pitch, intervals and transposing abilities built right in. If you are serious about advancing your composing and song writing skills to the next level, I highly recommend the Guitar Wheel. It is used in many guitar classes across the country with children as young as eight. The Guitar Wheel is configured like a curved guitar neck complete with numbered strings and frets, therefore making it easy to visualize how the chording or fingering works. Understanding that most musicians don't play in a vacuum, the Music Theory side of the wheel brings in keyboard access with major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, blues scales, degrees and eharmonic equivalents.

The Music Wheel can be as simple or complex as you need it to be. All the same, it is an educational tool that will grow with you as you go deeper into music theory. This is important especially when you are spending about $15.00 for "Book One" then after out-growing that material, having to purchase Book Two. The Guitar Wheel is made of tough plastic, not cardboard and I figure if eight year olds can't destroy it, well, it should hold up for you.

MSRP is $24.95 and the wheel comes with an instructional DVD highlighting its uses. Order it online for a super discount at Amazon.com by clicking the link: Guitar Wheel on Amazon.com

Performing with Your Own Microphones

Audio Technica Microphones will again grace the stage for the 2012 Country Music Awards Show on April 1st.

AE5400 used on CMAs

Nearly every year it has been televised, Audio-Technica's have been the main mics used on the annual Grammys and Country Music Awards Shows.  One of the things musicians depend on is a quality vocal mic.  Surprises on a high budget production like the Grammys Award Show and CMA broadcast is not going to be tolerated.  Take a cue from the pros on this one and check out this Artist Elite Series AE5400 they use on stage.  Why do you think they use them year after year?  I used to just keep the house microphone provided by the venue but quickly learned that can come back to bite you.

Whereas the soundman rules, you can still arrive early and speak with him regarding using your own mic.  I've done this and you'd be surprised at how accommodating they can be.  Besides most sound techs want to try new equipment so if you have a really nice mic or preamp, they are likely going to be interested.

GETTING VOCAL
One venue I played, I checked in with the soundman and discussed the equipment I was bringing.  He assured me that he would be able to integrate it into the house sound system.  The day of the gig, I arrived early and helped set everything up.  The result was a smooth, comfortable performance with no mic issues or sound surprises.  In fact, I was one of the first performers to bring and use a condenser mic onstage.  The house mic was a dynamic, you know that good 'ol Shure SM58!  After I finished the set, I took my Audio Technica ATM710 Artist Series condenser microphone with me.  We later stopped by to hear the band that followed but... couldn't!  The house microphones were barely picking up the vocals and instruments.  They were practically shouting into them. 

I knew that feeling.  I don't (want to) remember how many places I've played using the equipment that was there only to have to just about scream into the microphone to be heard, (barely).  Something like that just throws off your whole performance because now you've got to position yourself closer to the mic which may be unnatural to hold.

INSTRUMENT MICROPHONES

AT 4081 Ribbon Instrument Mic

The same thing for your instrument and amp mics.  Years ago, bringing something as sweet but fragile as a ribbon mic to a performance was pretty much unheard of.  Ribbon microphones are amazing but dropping one means several hundred dollars down the drain.  Now with new technology, the AT 4081 Ribbon Mic is much more rugged for travel and work outside the recording studio.  In fact if you are using this equipment in the studio, i.e. a drum and bass machine, vocal preamps, guitar pedals, BRING THEM ALONG too.  The familiar will make you more comfortable and confident when facing the crowds.  
The main thing to remember is that YOU are the artist.  Not to get all "Diva" on you but I think you'll find bringing your own microphones and preamps will give you the most control over your sound and performance.  They you can relax and play.

My Voicetone Create vocal mic preamp & DR-3 Drum and Bass Machine powered by a Sanyo Pedal Juice.  A little bit of my studio that goes with me on the road.

Planet Waves Mini Headstock Tuner Review

NEW!  Planet Waves Summer NAMM release of their Mini Headstock Tuner

Planet Waves, the ultimate innovator in guitar gear has in fact done it again.  As if it were possible to top their already super small Headstock Tuner, they have topped even that.  Unlike the previous Headstock and Dual Action Capo Tuners, (which are fantastic by the way), the new NS Mini Headstock Tuner actually gives you the note.  This makes it even more complete because now you can see the actual note or key for more sure tuning.  Don't let the tiny size fool you.  Planet Waves makes some of the most accurate guitar tuners on the market.

Planet Waves NEW Mini Headstock Tuner

The new Mini Headstock Tuner still uses the red to green indicator to tell you when "you're there" but it is so small, it can rest nearly unnoticed on your headstock.  No need to remove it!  

UPDATE:  We tested this tuner in the studio on a Martin HD-28 acoustic which is a very loud and powerful guitar.  Martins are known for their booming lows which causes some tuners not to read the low E at all.  This wasn't a problem with this tuner and both the high and low E's were easily detected.  

Once you adjust the clip to the width of the headstock, there is really no need to take it off the instrument.  Just keep in mind that you'll be looking at the underside of the headstock to read it.  Not a problem because the LED lit screen is very bright and clear.  It also automatically turns off after a set time if no signal is detected which will save battery life.  This tuner takes watch batteries but due to its size, you'll see why no other type would fit.

Some musicians prefer to see the actual note they are tuning to which is a plus with this tuner.  Each note that registers is clear and bright with extra lines to tell you if you're going sharp or flat.  Really I would recommend it being kept on the headstock as it is so small, it would be quite easy to leave behind! 

Great Guitar Gifts for Under $100!

Yes, it's that time of year again. Christmas! Most of these featured items are way below $100 with perhaps just one, (the Audio-Technica Headphones), being a bit more. See our Guitar Gifts for Under $100 MUSIC VIDEO HERE!  

All the same we've put together some tried and true gear that your favorite guitar player, (could that be you?) or musician would LOVE to see under the tree. Click this link NOW to enter our 2011 Holiday Guitar Gear Give-Away 

Guitar Stands: Stands that Deliver

Wooden & metal guitar stands at work in Martin Guitar's Pickin' Parlor

Hercules Guitar Stand's Auto Grip levers with a Dread

While a guitar stand choice is often a personal one, I'd like to think that I'm doing all that I can to protect my investment.  I've been at an outdoor jam and watched in horror as my friend's prized dread accidentally blew off the bench.  I've also seen a beautiful Taylor 800 Series get kicked off the stand and chipped by it's owner during a performance.

As disturbing as these events are, they don't have to happen if you: 1.) Invest in a quality guitar stand  2.) Take it with you where ever you play  3.) Use it religiously

Hercules GS415B
One of the best guitar stands that I've seen has been the Hercules line.  In the photo above it is holding a huge Martin Dreadnought and here to the right it is holding a heavy Fender Stratocaster.  I did not have to change or adjust the headstock yoke.  So what ever guitar I am playing at the time fits immediately into this stand.

Some of the features I like are the automatically releasing headstock levers and padded legs.  The whole stand folds up instantly in seconds, making very portable.

I use it in the studio and when it's time to play out, it goes with me.  A carry bag is available (GSB001) so you can easily pack it on gigs or on tour.  No matter what, when I take a break, my guitar is safe and protected from falling and breakage.  I can really relax!

This is due to the fact that the whole stand itself tilts back on three legs which gives it a very stable base.

Auto Grip System levers open when you lift the guitar, close to hold it securely.  Yoke folds down for easy transport.

Comfort Grip feature quickly adjusts the height of the stand to fit a variety of guitar bodies.

Padded legs tilt back, giving the guitar a more secure resting position.

Guitar Stand & Stool
Another stand that I like is the Stage Player II combination guitar stool and stand.  This will hold both you and your guitar but just not at the same time!

Very comfy padded seat and foot rest.  This packs up like a folding chair and is easy to take along.
In fact I take it with me to most every gig, outdoor and indoor jam.  I bring the Hercules Stand also which means I can offer this stand to someone who forgot theirs.

This guitar stool-stand makes a great gift so you might want to take note of it for yourself or a strumming buddy.  the Guitar Buyer's Guide over at Gavethat.com

The Stage Player II is available now from Amazon

Guitar Care: It's the Humidity

Guitar: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"

Now that fall is here, (or just about), we have to start thinking about the care & feeding of our acoustics a bit more.  The best place to keep control over temperature & humidity is still the guitar case.  I prefer the molded thermoplastic cases that came with my Martin Guitars and keep a hygrometer / thermometer inside each one.  Gigbags are great but they are porous and will not maintain optimal humidity and temperature conditions very well.  You need to get serious about storing and monitoring your instruments during times of excessive wetness as well as drier days that come with the fall.  PHOTO: Planet Waves Hygrometer

Now I've been guilty in the past of "over-feeding" my Martin acoustics as top guitar technician, Dave Doll can attest.  I was using the older Humidi-Pak by Planet Waves without a monitoring system inside the case.  As I could not tell what the levels were, the guitars became over humidified and difficult to play, (think REALLY high action).  The Humidi-Pak claims to regulate the humidity, adding/subtracting moisture so you stay roughly between 45-55%.  It's been very rainy the past few weeks and I have to say that the humidity in the case only went up to 59% so I'll call that a success. All the same, I think it's a mistake to leave any humidifying gadget inside your guitar or case without periodically checking to see how the guitar's levels are interacting with the environment.

Another way of dealing with low humidity levels is to simply humidify your ambient environment and store your guitars in a climate controlled room or area.  Your recording studio should definitely be under climate control especially for the benefit of your most precious instrument, your voice.  I like to keep at least one guitar out on the stand for easy access so it's great when the whole studio is properly keep at the right moisture level. PHOTO: Air O Swiss Travel Humidifier

The BEST Guitar polish...
I don't like to polish my guitars that often and I've been told to let the wood breathe for a full year on a new guitar.  Part of keeping the wood moisturized is to use a good guitar polish.  Everyone has their favorite mixtures and elixirs but Virtuoso Instrument Cleaner and Polish are some of the best I've ever used.  The most impressive results will come if you clean and polish your guitar before they get embedded with grime and dirt.  Still the Virtuoso cleaner does a very good job of even dealing with poor, neglected instruments.  I like Martin's Polishing Cloths and try to wipe my guitars down after every use.  Since they all have a light coat of Virtuoso Polish at this point, that;a quite easy and those forearm smudges are a thing of the past. 

The Wrap
Keep in mind that when you buy a new quality acoustic guitar from a reputable dealer, it will be kept in a climate controlled area such as what you see here at Russo's Music Center.  Once the guitar leaves that perfect environment, it begins to dry out.  The sound of that perfectly conditioned guitar is most likely what led you to buy it, right?  You can keep that first spark alive by properly humidifying your instrument at home or in the studio.

This Martin Sustainable Series Guitar is kept in the store at 45-55% humidity.

Christmas Guitar Gear Give Away!

Levy's Mock Croc Leather Guitar Strap-NEW for 2012!

WINNER...Dustin of Alpharetta, Ga!  Great job Dustin and congratulations from all of us at Eclectic Sound, Levy's Leathers, Martin Guitar and Planet Waves.

CLOSED!  Entry Deadline was Midnight, December 19th, 2011

Christmastime is here!  Eclectic Sound wants to celebrate the reason for the season with this year's Christmas Guitar Gear Give-Away plus our fantastic Video of Gifts for Guitarists.  We have BEAUTIFUL gifts for under your tree, (or maybe a special bandmate?), so check out the goodies this year:

2 SETS of MARTIN LIFESPAN TREATED STRINGS - Light and Medium

Planet Waves 10 ft Circuit Breaker Cable

Levy's Leathers Gig Bag / Luggage Tags

LEVY'S LEATHERS PREMIUM GUITAR GEAR!

Levy's Leathers Accessories Pouch

We Have a WINNER - Martin Guitar String Giveaway!

Martin's NEW Lifespan SP Strings treated with Cleartone!

The WINNER of Eclectic Sound's Summer Guitar Gear Giveaway is JOHN M. of New Jersey who wrote:

"That's easy - Playing the guitar on the deck in the summer reminds me of the summer of 1976 (and who doesn't want to remember being 18 again?) when we would haul our band equipment (who doen't wish they held on to that 62 Strat?) onto our drummer's patio a few times a week and practice the entire Peter Frampton Comes Alive album until Mr. Temborelli shouted from his window and threatened to call the police."

John Wins:

1 Set 80/20 Bronze Mediums

1 Set 80/20 Bronze Custom Lights

1 Set .012 Phosphor Bronze Lights

1 Set .012 Bronze Lights

Thanks to all of you who posted your thoughtful entries.  Look for our next Guitar Gear Giveaway at Eclectic Sound!

Like a Rolling Stone, Dylan Hits 70!

Bob Dylan's 70th Birthday celebration TODAY, (May 24th), wouldn't be complete without his music.  Here Highway 61 Revisited does his perennial favorite, Like a Rolling Stone.
Highway 61 Revisited, the world's ONLY Bob Dylan Tribute Band performs this month at BB King's Blues Club in NYC, NY so check the CONCERTS listing at the bottom of the webpage.  Notice: Copyright music and lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Special Rider -- for original, exclusive
performances by Bob Dylan, check-out the official channel at www.youtube.com/bobdylan.

Joel Gilbert - lead vocals on a Gibson J-50

John JJ Jackson lead guitar Gretsch Arch Top