Guitars

[Tweaky]

2 hours ago, Hilltop Hippy said:

Hey guys,

 

So the guitar has been a huge hit! 

 

Back at lessons yesterday. Her teacher said to get a drum beat app (anything free he said). It got me thinking, there's probably some good play along type apps out there (she plays guitar, app does the other instruments?). Any suggestions? I don't mind paying.

 

Also, what's the best way to plug a phone into an amp for such things? She's got the Katana Mkii 50

 

Her teacher said "I'll put away this Ford Laser, and you get out your Rolls Royce", referring to his student guitar v her new one. Made her day (she loves cars)

 

This was 2 seconds after she plugged it in on Christmas Day

 

 

 

 

I don't know what phone she has, but if you go to the link below you can read the manual for this bit of kit that would do the job, called IK Multimedia iRIG2 .

I know a lot of guitarists who use laptop and don't want to lug around a full soundcard module use these devices.

Link to manual below - Although the quick start manual only shows how to hook it up ]

https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irig2/index.php?p=manuals

 

I see Manny's Music have them for $99 ATM.

It comes with some software, which I think is a cut down version of Amplitube guitar Amps/Pedals emulation software [If got the full version on my music PC]

If she has a recent iPhone, I think it would already have Garage Band as a pre-installed App, I'd check that out if I were you.

 

 

Edited February 20, 2024 by Tweaky

[betocool]

Re ultimateguitar... Yes it's 30 dollars US, but only if you sign up for free, then don't pay, and then wait for the last email that drops it to 29.90 for the first year. Original price I think was something like 70 or 90 USD.

 

I like ultimate guitar OK. You can select between midi or actual played tracks, and you can turn individual tracks on or off. A colleague and I jam at work after hours and whatever we feel like playing we turn on the drums and synth. It also plays midi, but the sound is a bit meh. Good thing about midi, you can change tempo and pitch, something the actual backing track does not allow.

 

Hydrogen Drum Machine is pretty good. You program drum patterns every 4 beats and play. Done. But it takes a while to learn.

 

My 2c.

 

Cheers,

 

Alberto

[Jake]

I started with the iRig myself some years ago, it's great for the task at her stage. Also, Youtube is absolutely chockers with backing tracks of every kind you can imagine. I use YT all the time for jamming despite having a small home studio of sorts.

[Tweaky]

5 hours ago, Jake said:

I started with the iRig myself some years ago, it's great for the task at her stage. Also, Youtube is absolutely chockers with backing tracks of every kind you can imagine. I use YT all the time for jamming despite having a small home studio of sorts.

Yeah, it's good when it works, but as mentioned in the 2nd video, the Amplitube software doesn't work with other IOS or ANDROID software, which sort makes it fake advertising IMHO.

It does if you go for one of the more feature rich iRIG's that have built in processing [Which one is that I'm still unsure TBH], it could be the $249 IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 Guitar Interface for iOS, Mac & PC, or the $339 IK Multimedia iRig Pro IO Audio/MIDI Interface for iOS, Android, Mac & PC.

 

It's a pity Hilltop Hippy didn't buy the Positive Grid SPARK amp that was recommended in his previous questions on which amp/guitar to get, as he wouldn't have had to buy anything, it's already all built in, you need the free SPARK software for iPhone/iPad or Android phone to operate it.

 

I suppose the next best option might be to NOT get a iRIG, and check out the Positive Grid Guitar Audio Interface w/Bias FX 2 LE S/ware iOS and Desktop (Black), which is around the same price of $149, and seems from first look to do the same thing.

https://www.mannys.com.au/positive-grid-guitar-audio-interface-w-bias-fx-2-le-s-ware-ios-and-desktop-black

 

I would definitely check this unit out before making a decision between it and a iRIG.....A couple of videos on the unit.

 

 

[betocool]

A good amp, good volume control and two channels is what you really need mostly. I started years ago trying out many pedals and such, ended up tinkering with the pedals more than playing guitar. Now I'm more of a less is more kind of guy, but then... I'm still looking for a compressor

 

Cheers,

 

Alberto

[Jake]

18 hours ago, betocool said:

A good amp, good volume control and two channels is what you really need mostly. I started years ago trying out many pedals and such, ended up tinkering with the pedals more than playing guitar. Now I'm more of a less is more kind of guy, but then... I'm still looking for a compressor

 

Cheers,

 

Alberto

Indeed, there is a lot to be said for simplicity. I do love a good pedal though and currently working on building a killer pedalboard. I'm in no rush being retired (and definitely not gigging) and it's great fun exploring the sounds. Speaking of simplicity a few weeks ago I spied a Fender amp on the footpath around the corner from me (we have Council Cleanup twice a year). So I pulled up for a gander and it is a late 80s Princeton Chorus (solid state) and it worked! Well, it did work until I started to clean it up, I think there must be a few dry solder joints. New pots ordered as well as the input jack seems dodgy af. But it is amazing how great it sounded just on its own with a bit of onboard chorus in the mix. I have already replaced the grill as I had some grill standing by for another project (yes, it's a bit wonky, my first time).

[betocool]

Ha! I bought a Fender Performer 650 over a year ago from a Music Shop that was closing around the corner, also solid state, but man, pristine condition and MEGA LOUD! I had to add an intermediate volume control in the effect paths to be able to play it at home volumes...

 

Cheers,

 

Alberto

[Tweaky]

I'm still procrastinating with my ultimate Telecaster build, so many options, which TBH you would think there wouldn't be with a guitar as simple as a Telecaster, but I'm amazed by what I have found out over the last week on just how much little things can drastically alter a Telecasters sound, and I don't mean just the pickups.

 

I have put finish on 3 necks [Tele, Strat and a Bass], which came out really well in regards to the way they feel.

I used Diggers Timber Oil Quicker Dry Concentrate [Boiled Linseed oil with additive] mixed 50/50 with Mineral Turpentine.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diggers-1l-timber-oil-quicker-dry-concentrate_p1670039

 

THE NECKS

I put a thick coat on first and really rubbed it into the wood before wiping the excess off and let it dry for 4 days, then put another thinner coat over the top, and have left that for a month to dry hard.

One problem with this stuff is it absolutely STINKS, I had to put the necks out on my balcony because if it, but even then, any gust of wind that blew in also carried the smell, so I've been living with that for the last 6 weeks.

I used the neck off a Bass Guitar kit I bought ages ago as the test subject [RE is I should sand it back or buff it ], and have just tested sanding the finish back with some 1200 grit sandpaper.

WOW, it still smell a bit, but once sanded the finish on the back off the neck is the silkiest, smoothest neck finish I've ever come across, so it was definitely worth it in that regards.

 

All the necks have Rosewood fretboards, and I had treated them all with the oil mix as well.

Well sanding back the finish on the fretboard , even with very fine 1200 grit, and then rubbing it back didn't end up looking that good, so I decided to just vigorously rub it back with some terry toweling, without sanding, and that does look good.

The Rosewood on both the Stratocaster and Telecaster necks is very good quality, with the Telecaster especially so.

Now with the finished rubbed back, the Telecasters fretboard looks very dark, like ones found on old 59- 63 era Fenders that used a thick "Slab" of Brazilian Rosewood, so I'm ecstatic about that.

 

THE BRIDGE & SADDLES

I had bought a Wilkinson Telecaster bridge with 3 Brass compensated saddles, as I was under the impression from what I had read that they would solve the intonation problems Telecasters can have with the original bridge saddles, but it seems they also still suffer from not being able to have a Telecaster intonate properly.

Looks like a easy fix if I buy a set of GOTOH "In Tune compensated Brass saddles" $42 from Real Parts......More money, it never ends.

https://www.realparts.com.au/bridge-saddles/te-style/gotoh-in-tune-saddle-set-brass.html

 

THE CONTROL PLATE DILEMMA

One problem with Telecasters is that the metal plate that holds the knobs and pickup selector switch, has the volume knob placed so close to the pickup selector switch, that when going to adjust either the volume knob or the pickup switch, you can knock either of them from where you want them.

Some Tele players turn the control plate around the other way, so the pickup switch is at the back, and have the Tone knob closest to the switch....yeh, that could work, but still a PITA IMHO.

I knew that somebody made a metal plate that had the holes drilled so that the knobs were further back from the switch, which does solve the problem.

I spent yesterday trying to find the maker, turns out they are in Germany, and the plate was EURO 18.90 but shipping cost more than the plate, which always annoys the crap out of me [would of ended up around AUS$75 stuff that ! ]......me thinks surely somebody has made one like it, and won't cost me stupid money for what basically is a blank piece of metal, and after a few hours searching I found that sure enough, somebody has, not only that, but it has a angled switch slot...even better, as this saves bending the switch arm, which always gets in the way on a telecaster....All for the princely sum of AUS$20 delivered

https://www.amazon.com.au/Musiclily-Control-Narrow-Spacing-Electric/dp/B0CCS9TBLN?th=1

 

I've been reading about problems with the standard Telcaster jack plug fitting, and better quality the run of the mill jack plugs.

Apparently the standard ones can come loose and fall out, and its a PITA to get fixed if they do, just because of the way they are fitted to a Telecasters body.

I'm still reading up on what to get, as there are differences with the thread on the best jack plug to the the standard jack plug fitting, USA V other sized.

 

I found the Telecaster master know all on the YouTube channel Ask Zac, he's been the guitar tech for some of the best Telcaster players around, like Brad Paisley.

What he doesn't know about Telecasters isn't worth knowing, well worth viewing his videos if you want to find out the finer details of this guitar, and what effects what.........Its made me want to get a Ashtray bridge cover for my Teles, as it can change the sound like I didn't think possible.

[ Easy to slip on and off thankfully]

 

https://www.youtube.com/@AskZac

 

 

 

[Hilltop Hippy]

On 21/02/2024 at 3:25 PM, Tweaky said:

It's a pity Hilltop Hippy didn't buy the Positive Grid SPARK amp that was recommended

 

I agonised over that a bit.....we dont like wireless devices here, so it kind of cancelled itself out unfortunately.......I messaged Positive Grid but they didn't really answer me on this, does the RIFF with Bias FX 2 have the same functionality as the Spark Amp or are they two different beasts?

 

Its mostly the learning aspect I'm interested in. The recording and effects stuff isn't much of a concern at this stage

[Jake]

@Tweaky my homemade Thinline has the Wilkinson bridge with compensated saddles and it intonates and stays in tune beautifully. Wilkinson is made by Gotoh of course. Input jack is by Electrosocket and the 2 screws solve the Tele problem of a loose jack. Kinman angled control plate ftw!

Edited February 23, 2024 by Jake

[Tweaky]

50 minutes ago, Hilltop Hippy said:

 

I agonised over that a bit.....we dont like wireless devices here, so it kind of cancelled itself out unfortunately.......I messaged Positive Grid but they didn't really answer me on this, does the RIFF with Bias FX 2 have the same functionality as the Spark Amp or are they two different beasts?

 

Its mostly the learning aspect I'm interested in. The recording and effects stuff isn't much of a concern at this stage

 

I'm not sure of all of the RIFF's abilities ATM, I'll do some reserch for you to find out and post back, I only found out about it while looking at the Manny's Music site, where it was listed alongside the various iRIG's.

 

On a different note, I just got a alert on two very exciting pieces of new gear that are being released, one which I think might be able to be used purely for HiFi playback.

 

The first is the LONG awaited update to the ARTURIA KEYLAB 88 to MK3 status.....finally, I've put off updating my much lesser Keylab Essential 61  in anticipation of the 88 MK3 release.

https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-essential-88-mk3/overview

 

Apart from a new display, the MK3 has some nifty new features like

 

Keyboard Split.

Program a split point to load two different sounds across the keyboard. Combine to your heart’s content and create that perfect performance-ready setup.

[I imagine a lot might depend on the grunt of your PC on how well this works.]

 

CHORD Play

Play rich, full, powerful chords with a single key by selecting from built-in chord presets, or inputting your own custom chord shapes - great for when you need to lay some new ideas down.

 

SCALE MODE

Set your playing free and never go out of key with KeyLab Essential’s Scale mode, which quickly locks the keybed to one of several built-in scales.

[This has got me intrigued on how this works, and how you might best used it ]

 

Arpeggiator

Turn chords or selections of notes into vibrant melodies and rhythmic ideas with a built-in Arpeggiator, complete with Hold function to keep the notes flowing.

I expect the current 88 MK2 will be heavily discounted from its current $1800 ish mark, and the MK3 costing around the $2100 mark.

 

The other bit of kit that MIGHT ? be able to be used in a HiFi setup, is the IK Multimedia ARC Studio which is a new hardware room-correction system designed to bring the benefits of DSP-based correction to any monitoring setup.

 

I have yet to read up on it fully, but have a look at the link below for more details.

https://www.soundonsound.com/news/ik-multimedia-unveil-arc-studio

 

I have a pair of their MTM active studio monitors [they sell them singularly] each comes with its own USB Mic for setting up the speakers internal DSP room correction.

I imagine this will be a much more powerful version of that.

 

 

 

Edited February 23, 2024 by Tweaky

[Tweaky]

9 minutes ago, Jake said:

@Tweaky my homemade Thinline has the Wilkinson bridge with compensated saddles and it intonates and stays in tune beautifully. Wilkinson is made by Gotoh of course. Input jack is by Electrosocket and the 2 screws solve the Tele problem of a loose jack. Kinman angled control plate ftw!

 

Very Noice.

I knew somebody made a Tele setup that had a pre bent pickup selector, I couldn't remember where I saw it.

Obviously the KINMAN website when I ordered a set of their P90's and a set of humbuckers for a Jazz guitar.

I've got a set of Kinman Traditional MKIII's with the 9 way wiring option on my main Strat......Greg Kinman has made a small fortune out of me over the years.

https://kinman.com/index.php

[Jake]

5 minutes ago, Tweaky said:

 

Very Noice.

I knew somebody made a Tele setup that had a pre bent pickup selector, I couldn't remember where I saw it.

Obviously the KINMAN website when I ordered a set of their P90's and a set of humbuckers for a Jazz guitar.

I've got a set of Kinman Traditional MKIII's with the 9 way wiring option on my main Strat......Greg Kinman has made a small fortune out of me over the years.

https://kinman.com/index.php

Chris Kinman. I used to hang out in his shop in the late 80s when he had Kinman Guitars in South Brisbane. I had one of his Blueprint Strats years ago, should never have sold it.

[Jake]

The IKM kit looks good. I have used this software with good results, using my own Behringer mic. 
https://djcity.com.au/product/sonarworks-sw5sx-sound-id-5-for-headphones-and-speakers-with-xref20r5-mic/

[Tweaky]

Just now, Jake said:

Chris Kinman. I used to hang out in his shop in the late 80s when he had Kinman Guitars in South Brisbane. I had one of his Blueprint Strats years ago, should never have sold it.

 

The one with those huge bodied single coil pickups on it ?

OUCH, that would hurt.

Pity he moved to the Philippines and sells everything at US$ prices, it ends up costing we in Australia a lot more, still, if you want the best its going to cost you one way or another.

[Jake]

2 minutes ago, Tweaky said:

 

The one with those huge bodied single coil pickups on it ?

OUCH, that would hurt.

Pity he moved to the Philippines and sells everything at US$ prices, it ends up costing we in Australia a lot more, still, if you want the best its going to cost you one way or another.

Yeah, I have a set of his new Strat pickups, don't ask the price! Still need to build the guitar for it. I may buy some of his P90s but really the price is getting ridiculous.

[Tweaky]

17 minutes ago, Jake said:

Yeah, I have a set of his new Strat pickups, don't ask the price! Still need to build the guitar for it. I may buy some of his P90s but really the price is getting ridiculous.

 

OMG !

You weren't kidding on the current KINMAN prices.

I just worked out that your TELE pickups and harness/switch's with mounting plate now cost GULP ! AUS just under $800

To buy the same as what I have on my STRAT is now a bit over AUS $900.

And both those prices are without postage or GST [Although I don't know if we would get hit with GST if the order was under AUS $1000

 

I'm glad I bought mine when I did, although the currently lousy AUS $ V US$ is a big factor in the huge price tags

Edited February 23, 2024 by Tweaky

[Tweaky]

17 hours ago, Hilltop Hippy said:

 

I agonised over that a bit.....we dont like wireless devices here, so it kind of cancelled itself out unfortunately.......I messaged Positive Grid but they didn't really answer me on this, does the RIFF with Bias FX 2 have the same functionality as the Spark Amp or are they two different beasts?

 

Its mostly the learning aspect I'm interested in. The recording and effects stuff isn't much of a concern at this stage

 

Hilltop Hippy, you will find that if you want to use any mobile device and run any form of modern software for teaching guitar, you will find that the software will most likely NEED constant internet access, so that means WiFi, which you have stated is a no no.

 

From what I've been reading, within the software that comes with the RIFF there is a feature called Auto Chords, this software is also available on the SPARK amp.

It can take any music track take from Apple Music, YouTube or Spotify and analyze the song, then produce a Chord Chart of the song used in that song so you can play along with it.

https://www.positivegrid.com/blogs/positive-grid/spark-auto-chords-technology

 

The problem is, all those sources for the songs require internet access.

 

JAKE

That IK ARC Studio turns out to be a LOT cheaper than I thought it would be, and if you are already using ARC 3 software there is a discount to upgrade to the ARC 4 version.

 

 

Edited February 24, 2024 by Tweaky

[Hilltop Hippy]

3 hours ago, Tweaky said:

The problem is, all those sources for the songs require internet access.

 

Thanks heaps for looking into it, much appreciated.

 

Ah, I see, I didn't understand the need for the source material. Hmm, ok. What if we used the HTPC and TV? I believe it works on PC.

 

If I can get her the functionality,  it'll be the best of both worlds.

[Tweaky]

2 hours ago, Hilltop Hippy said:

 

Thanks heaps for looking into it, much appreciated.

 

Ah, I see, I didn't understand the need for the source material. Hmm, ok. What if we used the HTPC and TV? I believe it works on PC.

 

If I can get her the functionality,  it'll be the best of both worlds.

 

Yes that would work.

Its a pity, but think its a oversight by Postive Grid that the Auto Chords software can't use songs that might of been source from iTunes stored on your phone, my big guess would be that the software is using tagging information for something  like Gracenote to identify the song....Just a guess.

 

I'd download and read the Quick Start guide for the RIFF just to check if you see any possible problems / conflicts with software,

You haven't mention what sort of HTPC you have and the version of Windows [I hope not Linux ] you have installed, I think WIN 8 at least is required.

https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405935019789-RIFF-Quickstart-Guide

 

Also here's the FAQ and Trouble Shooting page for the RIFF.

https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/categories/4405506984461

 

I was under the impression that the software also included the Free version of Studio One called Prime, this is a very cut down version of the full software, but still great for a beginners entry into the world of DAW's [Digital Audio Workstation] recording onto a PC.

I use the full Pro version 6 of this software, and it's a lot easier to get your head around, as you can do a lot of things by simply dragging and dropping.

 

Presonus, who make Studio One, used to have a separate download for the PRIME version, but now it seems you have to download the full Pro version of it, and just choose if you want to upgrade to a higher version of the software, which would only entail buying the needed license and enter the code to unlock it, saving you having to download a different version again, which makes sense come to think of it.

 

They also have a subscription based model of Studio One called SPHERE, which costs AUS$269 PA.......it gives you access to all the other extras that Presonus make.....I wouldn't go there for various reasons, plus you would definitely need a dedicated PC to use all the features

 

If you download the Studio One software and not upgrade it, it will be free and will still operate, but only at PRIME level, the next version up is ARTIST which costs AUS$159, which wouldn't something to seriously consider at a later stage.

If you eventually wanted to upgrade from Artist to the full blown Pro version 6 it would cost you AUS $439 [Much too complicated for a KID, plus you REALLY need a dedicated PC to run it properly.

 

 

One recommendation is that if you decide want to upgrade to ARTIST that you buy the upgrade from a store in Australia, otherwise it will end up costing you more with currency exchange and added GST if you buy the upgrade from the USA Presonus website.

 

One Caveat with all versions of Studio One, it needs to be a 64 bit version of Windows 10 or 11 for to work, here are the required specs.

Windows

Windows 10 20H1 (64-bit only) or Windows 11 (64-bit only)

Intel® Core™ i3/AMD A10 processor or better

4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB or more recommended)

 

All Computer Systems

Internet connection (needed for installation and activation)

Monitor with 1366 x768 resolution (Retina display recommended)....Any 1080 monitor will work

Multi-touch enabled monitor with TUIO support is required for touch operation

 

Content Storage

40 GB free hard drive space (Studio One Professional)

20 GB free hard drive space (Studio One Artist)

2.5 GB free hard-drive space (Studio One Prime)

 

The video below shows you how to get and install the free Studio One Prime software.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2024 by Tweaky

[Gregg Froman]

First gig with the Taylor 954ce 12 string was a success!

 

 

 

[Hilltop Hippy]

@Tweaky sweet! Thanks So much. Its Windows 11, only about 12 months old, so plenty powerful enough. Cheers!

[Tweaky]

Ever wanted to try a rubber bridge on your acoustic ?

I just ran across this very simple and cheap hack that can give you a similar sound, all you need is two rubber bands.

 

 

[ray4410]

[Tweaky]

19 minutes ago, ray4410 said:

 

Surprised on the date of the patent, as he had been making them in small batches since April 1954 and full production in October 1954.

I've had a few of the old ones in my hands over the years, the really old 54 ones have a neck similar to today's C shaped neck, but then you get more often than not, ones made around late 55 to mid 57 that have IMHO, absolutely horribly sharp V shaped neck .

[The most uncomfortable neck shape I have ever held in my hands]

From what I've read this change was due to the person[s] charged with shaping the necks during that time, which was done by hand on a sanding wheel, I guess that the person[s] responsible left, or moved to another dept in the Fender factory around 1958, because the necks after then are far more rounded.

A brilliant design to this day.