watch step-by-step how to build a killer guitar tone from scratch with the Line 6 POD X3. See just how simple it is, and also see how many options you have, should you so choose - quick and easy or ultra-detailed, it's YOUR choice!
signal chain = guitar > POD X3 > USB port, using Line 6 Gearbox software. The process is exactly the same just using the hardware itself... but that wouldn't make a nice-looking video, now would it? LOL
**I purposely go kinda slow so you can see what is going on... and for those haters who say "I don't like to fight for my tone", as if this is somehow difficult or confusing to use - you're full of crap. These are the EXACT same steps you'd go thru using plain old tube amps, pedals and microphones. "But I just wanna plug-n-play" cry the whiners... okay, choose an amp, plug in your guitar and play - simple as that.
and now the really persistent crabapples will think I am "anti-tube amp" simply because I own a POD X3(news flash: you'll find some flavor of POD in nearly every recording studio in the world) or something else as utterly ridiculous... listen real closely at this next part:
I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU PLAY THRU - it's your choice, as long as YOU like it, it's all good. And the same goes for me. You also DON'T have to choose one or the other *gasp* who woulda thunk it?! Seriously, you people shouldn't spend so much time on internet guitar forums... *yawn*
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
NEW at summer NAMM 2010: MUDHONEY II
T-Rex Mudhoney II
T-Rex has updated their popular Mudhoney pedal with a second channel, effectively making it a dual high-gain fuzz powerhouse. One of the most impressive features of the pedal is the massive amount of range the dual controls offer.
http://t-rex-effects.com/
Monday, June 14, 2010
can the Bugera V55H do metal?
...blink-blink... "HOLY CRAP!"
and that's a good thing.
http://www.bugera-amps.com/EN/products/V55HD.aspx
**DISCLAIMER - so if you've read anything here, you've seen several posts about Bugera gear... well, I am NOT connected in any way with Bugera, or any manufacturer of anything at all, for that matter. I am just a guy who plays guitar and has an internet connection... *shrug* I am also NOT rich, so gear that is both inexpensive AND sounds good is quite appealing to me.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
NEW from Electro-Harmonix: Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi
Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi
The Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi features two independent circuits, one Overdrive and one Distortion, that can be used individually or in series. The Overdrive and Distortion circuits each use a pair of N.O.S. NKT275 Germanium transistors.
The Overdrive section features independent controls for Gain, Bias, Tone and Volume. The Distortion section provides independent controls for Gain, Bias, Volts and Volume. The Bias controls adjust the tonal character of the distortion by changing the bias of the signal before it is distorted by the Germanium Transistors. The Volts control enables the player to dial back the amount of voltage supplied to the Distortion side and create varying “dying battery” sounds.
Stack the overdrive and distortion in series and the player has two individual control sets that work in combination for a hybrid tonality that can be mixed and balanced. When combined, the four germanium transistors are stacked providing a new power edge in performance.
Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi specs:
http://www.ehx.com/
Source: Press Release
_________________________________________
**EH rocks! Seriously, they're one of my FAVORITE effects companies. I've not heard this pedal - it's not out yet - but I love nearly everything they make... they're like wacky/evil geniuses - and that's always cool in my book.
That being said, I'm not sure why they attached the 'Big Muff Pi' moniker to this, considering it's not a fuzz pedal(or maybe it IS a fuzz pedal, since it has germanium transistors in there???). 'Brand recognition', I know, I know...
EDIT -
It IS a fuzz pedal - AND an overdrive. They can be used independently or stacked, which is what alot of guitarists do with individual pedals... now you can do it with one box! There's also the additional of bias and voltage controls, so you can screw with the sounds even more... EH scores a home run again!
The Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi features two independent circuits, one Overdrive and one Distortion, that can be used individually or in series. The Overdrive and Distortion circuits each use a pair of N.O.S. NKT275 Germanium transistors.
Stack the overdrive and distortion in series and the player has two individual control sets that work in combination for a hybrid tonality that can be mixed and balanced. When combined, the four germanium transistors are stacked providing a new power edge in performance.
Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi specs:
- 4.75” high x 5.75” wide and 1.5” deep
- true bypass
- equipped with a battery
- uses an optional 9DC-100 power supply
- MSRP: $193
- shipping date to be announced
http://www.ehx.com/
Source: Press Release
_________________________________________
**EH rocks! Seriously, they're one of my FAVORITE effects companies. I've not heard this pedal - it's not out yet - but I love nearly everything they make... they're like wacky/evil geniuses - and that's always cool in my book.
That being said, I'm not sure why they attached the 'Big Muff Pi' moniker to this, considering it's not a fuzz pedal(or maybe it IS a fuzz pedal, since it has germanium transistors in there???). 'Brand recognition', I know, I know...
EDIT -
It IS a fuzz pedal - AND an overdrive. They can be used independently or stacked, which is what alot of guitarists do with individual pedals... now you can do it with one box! There's also the additional of bias and voltage controls, so you can screw with the sounds even more... EH scores a home run again!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
street price on Bugera TriRec!!
*Bugera TriRec = $789.99 found here(but not available yet):
http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=1243
I sincerely hope that is a mistake.
I have said it before, and I'll say it again, Bugera desperately NEEDS to keep their prices at $700 or below. If that's possible or not, I don't know, that's their problem - I'm just a guy who plays guitar and is not rich, hence, smack dab in their marketing demographic. They are white-hot right now... it would be a shame to price themselves right out of the market niche they are currently dominating.
...my 2 cents.
*http://www.bugera-amps.com/EN/products/TRIREC.aspx
http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=1243
I sincerely hope that is a mistake.
I have said it before, and I'll say it again, Bugera desperately NEEDS to keep their prices at $700 or below. If that's possible or not, I don't know, that's their problem - I'm just a guy who plays guitar and is not rich, hence, smack dab in their marketing demographic. They are white-hot right now... it would be a shame to price themselves right out of the market niche they are currently dominating.
...my 2 cents.
*http://www.bugera-amps.com/EN/products/TRIREC.aspx
Monday, June 7, 2010
trampled under HOOF!
It's been a long time since a fuzz pedal made me sit up in my chair and go "holy shit!", but that's just what happened... so here, check out The Hoof fuzz from EarthQuaker Devices...
The Hoof is a no-fuss, easy to use device capable of sounds from warm, gritty overdrive to a huge sustaining fuzz. It's a germanium/silicon hybrid muff style fuzz (based on the old green russian muff) with massive amounts of volume on tap and smooth amp-like sustain. It has a tighter, cleaner sound than most muff's which makes it more cutting and discernible in a band setting. The newly added shift control changes the frequency response of the tone control, mainly on the treble side (but takes out the mud on the bass side). Clockwise scoops the mids and counterclockwise enhances the mids. When the shift control is set dead center it has roughly the same frequency response as the original hoof (almost flat but still slightly scooped).
Measures
4 5/8" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/2"
Power
9v Battery or any standard 9 volt DC power supply with a negative center 2.1mm barrel.
Controls:
Fuzz
Tone
Level
Shift (mids)
http://www.earthquakerdevices.com/devices/hoof.htm
*******************************
no, that's not me in the video - it's the (in)famously cool 'gearmandude'... and NO, for the seven millionth time, he's not Jack Black.
The Hoof is a no-fuss, easy to use device capable of sounds from warm, gritty overdrive to a huge sustaining fuzz. It's a germanium/silicon hybrid muff style fuzz (based on the old green russian muff) with massive amounts of volume on tap and smooth amp-like sustain. It has a tighter, cleaner sound than most muff's which makes it more cutting and discernible in a band setting. The newly added shift control changes the frequency response of the tone control, mainly on the treble side (but takes out the mud on the bass side). Clockwise scoops the mids and counterclockwise enhances the mids. When the shift control is set dead center it has roughly the same frequency response as the original hoof (almost flat but still slightly scooped).
Measures
4 5/8" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/2"
Power
9v Battery or any standard 9 volt DC power supply with a negative center 2.1mm barrel.
Controls:
Fuzz
Tone
Level
Shift (mids)
http://www.earthquakerdevices.com/devices/hoof.htm
*******************************
no, that's not me in the video - it's the (in)famously cool 'gearmandude'... and NO, for the seven millionth time, he's not Jack Black.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Pro Co Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT
Love what the RAT pedal does for your guitar tones? Then you need to put this amazing limited stompbox underfoot! Pro Co takes you back to where it all started, with the Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT. That's right — it has the original graphics, the original chip, and the same original bulletproof construction as the '85 model. Go from warm, chunky rhythm tones to wailing, distorted lead sounds with three easy-to-use (and easy-to-reach) controls. The RAT is a legendary pedal, and the Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT brings it all back home!
While some reissues are simply retro paint jobs, the Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT is the real deal — inside and out! Pro Co packed this pedal's original '85 enclosure with the original electronics, so you know you're getting the genuine original RAT sound when you stomp it. Don't wait to get yours; the Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT is only available for a limited time!
Pro Co Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT Distortion Pedal Features at a Glance:
- Original enclosure and graphics
- Original electronics
- Distortion, Filter, and volume controls
- Single footswitch
- Tough, compact metal enclosure
Pro Co's Limited Edition Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT is your opportunity to get that original RAT sound!
http://www.procosound.com/products/catalog/show/103
***street price = $199
my 2 cents: the RAT is without a doubt a CLASSIC dirt box... but I'm not sure I would personally fork over two benjamins for this re-issue. I dunno - maybe it's just me? Ibanez recently came out with their TS-808 Tube Screamer Hand-wired edition, and seriously, there's no damn way I'd pay THREE bills for it, sorry bub. Boo-teek, schmoo-teek.
The THREE practical criteria to buying guitar amplifiers
There are THREE practical criteria to buying amplifiers - or any gear, for that matter:
1) do YOU like how it sounds?
seems pretty self-explanatory, eh? Do YOU like it - NOT, do your buddies nor (especially) do a bunch of strangers on an online guitar forum approve...
2) will it suit YOUR situation?
we're not all playing Carnegie Hall, now are we? That rock & roll icon, the 100 watt stack, came about in the 1960s - primarily due to requests from Pete Townshend of The Who, according to Jim Marshall(founder, Marshall amplifiers)- because PA systems simply did not exist, either at all, or at the sound quality/levels that they do today. Also, disregarding size, will it suit your style of music? Andy Summer's or Eric Clapton's tones won't do you abit of good if you're playing Cannibal Corpse tunes... and vice-versa.
3) can you afford it?
because you can like it all you want, but if you aren't able to literally get it into your possession, then it really doesn't matter, does it?
Now, you'll notice - I said PRACTICAL criteria. This has nothing to do with personal preferences, biases or prejudices. That's all your/our own hang-up...
1) do YOU like how it sounds?
seems pretty self-explanatory, eh? Do YOU like it - NOT, do your buddies nor (especially) do a bunch of strangers on an online guitar forum approve...
2) will it suit YOUR situation?
we're not all playing Carnegie Hall, now are we? That rock & roll icon, the 100 watt stack, came about in the 1960s - primarily due to requests from Pete Townshend of The Who, according to Jim Marshall(founder, Marshall amplifiers)- because PA systems simply did not exist, either at all, or at the sound quality/levels that they do today. Also, disregarding size, will it suit your style of music? Andy Summer's or Eric Clapton's tones won't do you abit of good if you're playing Cannibal Corpse tunes... and vice-versa.
3) can you afford it?
because you can like it all you want, but if you aren't able to literally get it into your possession, then it really doesn't matter, does it?
Now, you'll notice - I said PRACTICAL criteria. This has nothing to do with personal preferences, biases or prejudices. That's all your/our own hang-up...
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Blackstar Announces Gus G. Signature HT-Blackfire Valve Distortion Pedal
Blackstar has announced the launch of their first artist signature product. Developed with Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind), the HT-Blackfire is a two channel, valve-driven, metal distortion pedal.
Gus approached the Blackstar R&D team with the aim of producing the ultimate heavy metal valve distortion pedal. After many months of listening tests, the HT-Blackfire was born. The HT-Blackfire is a dual channel valve distortion pedal. The channels are named after the fan-favorite Firewind track, "The Fire And The Fury." The Fire channel delivers a high-gain classic distortion, while the Fury channel takes you to screaming lead and beyond. Other features include an ECC83 valve, patent-applied-for ISF control, independent Gain and Volume controls for each channel and an industry-standard speaker emulated out.
The HT-Blackfire features a black finish, orange and red LEDs, black grille and Blackstar-designed Gus G. logo. Limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, each pedal includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Gus G. and an exclusive Gus trading card. Price: TBA
For more information: http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/
Source: Press Release
Gus approached the Blackstar R&D team with the aim of producing the ultimate heavy metal valve distortion pedal. After many months of listening tests, the HT-Blackfire was born. The HT-Blackfire is a dual channel valve distortion pedal. The channels are named after the fan-favorite Firewind track, "The Fire And The Fury." The Fire channel delivers a high-gain classic distortion, while the Fury channel takes you to screaming lead and beyond. Other features include an ECC83 valve, patent-applied-for ISF control, independent Gain and Volume controls for each channel and an industry-standard speaker emulated out.
The HT-Blackfire features a black finish, orange and red LEDs, black grille and Blackstar-designed Gus G. logo. Limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, each pedal includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Gus G. and an exclusive Gus trading card. Price: TBA
For more information: http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/
Source: Press Release
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