Month: March 2014

Guitars Reviews

Alpha Rhythm Generators (double album release by David Oakes)

Recently I wrote my first ever music semi-review for the Evangelos Koudonas album Into the Blue. A semi-review is when I honestly review music I most likely have a biased opinion on. Most likely biased? Well I have come to know the artist through social media. This time I’m reviewing Alpha Rhythm Generators which is a double release by David Oakes. This isn’t some random music that my editor throws on my desk to review. This is music I already like and need to inform other people about while explaining why. I should mention now that I don’t really have a desk. Or an editor. But I sure did sound important for a second there.

To the second semi-review! … Alpha Rhythm Generators (double album release by David Oakes)

Amplifiers

52 Amplifier Heads, week 13—Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 5

If this website had colour in it, I’d say that this week’s amplifier was well suited for the blues. Because it glows a lovely shade of blue from … well, everywhere. But this website doesn’t allow colour and the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 5 deserves a better introduction than that. Unfortunately, I write as I think and I rarely go back to amend something once I’ve put it out there. I get the feeling though that if I’d purchased this amplifier head I wouldn’t go back on that decision either.

There we go. Article saved. … 52 Amplifier Heads, week 13—Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 5

Guitar Gear Reviews

iLine—seriously cool cables

I love cables. I have two large boxes filled with the cables I’ve collected over the years. These cables range from those used to connect DVD players to televisions, stereos to speakers, line splitters and cables for devices that connected to computers. Why do I have so many cables? One answer is that I’m a hoarder. Another reason is that I can never remember which cables I have because they all live together in one of two boxes. What if I could have one simple collection of cables that were not only conveniently housed, but that looked good? What if those cables were gold tipped (for increased audio goodness)? Well I say “What if nothing?!” Thanks to the IK Multimedia iLine range that’s exactly what I’ve now got. … iLine—seriously cool cables

iOS Reviews

Into the Blue (fresh new music by Evangelos Koudonas)

Regular visitors to this website know I have issues with colour. As much as possible I try to strip it from my website. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but Evangelos Koudonas has released the first album that I’ve decided to write about and included a colour in the album name. Obviously Evangelos couldn’t have known that I’d write this article, but still he has made me say Into the Blue is an outstanding album. Even if it does say blue. … Into the Blue (fresh new music by Evangelos Koudonas)

Guitars

The ultimate guitar lesson

Back in 2010 I wrote an article for another website of my own which was dedicated to any subject I chose to write about. I guess realistically the theme of that website was no theme. Recently events have unfolded that have reminded me of that article once again. In fact, these events are now the reason I’ve decided to re-post that article’s content here (read on for more). Hopefully you’ll also see why I believe it’s now relevant on this website (dedicated to my ongoing fascination with all things music/guitar related).

Before I share the article, I’ll quickly let you know the events that have brought me here. … The ultimate guitar lesson

Amplifiers

52 Amplifier Heads, week 11—Ampeg GVT5H

I’m not sure if you knew, but I recently made a music that I don’t hate (I’m trying very hard to turn made a music into a popular saying by the way). What I perhaps didn’t make as obvious as I should have was the fact that the bass on this track was recorded in AmpliTube on an Ampeg (emulated) bass amplifier. This is all lovely you’re no doubt thinking, but what does that have to do with this week’s amplifier head article? Well impatient person, this week I’ve discovered the Ampeg GVT5H amplifier head and it’s for the six string variety of guitar. My favourite. … 52 Amplifier Heads, week 11—Ampeg GVT5H

Guitar Gear iOS Reviews

GuitarCapo+ for iOS—a virtual instrument and a whole lot more

Every now and then I am lucky enough to come across something before it’s officially released. Not in the illegal torrent kind of way either. I’m talking about when a developer lets me know that I may be interested in something guitar related they’ve developed. To be fair, if it is guitar related, I’m interested. I’ll often let developers know this by saying “You had me at guitar”.

What I really look forward to though are those awesome moments when I come across something new (before its official release) that I love. The upcoming version of GuitarCapo+ is one of those somethings. Yes, a change is coming for this app. … GuitarCapo+ for iOS—a virtual instrument and a whole lot more

Guitar Gear Guitars

Rise—my entry in the Pro Tone Pedals Winter Riff Wreckage contest

Did you know there is a Pro Tone Pedals Winter Riff Wreckage contest going on right now? Well, there is. I know because I decided to enter (plus I like to keep up to date with all-things Pro Tone Pedals on account of my awesome Skumstortion pedal). Anyhow, you’re probably wondering how terrible my entry is. Never fear! My entry (also embedded at the end of this article) is terrible in playing ability, but awesome in tone. I’m hoping that helps me win the third prize of kudos.

Regardless of the outcome, you can learn how I made my recording by continuing to read this article. … Rise—my entry in the Pro Tone Pedals Winter Riff Wreckage contest

Guitar

Audio interfaces. Who knew there were so many!?

I’ve been playing guitar terribly for many years now. I’ve also been recording my terrible guitar playing using various iOS interfaces and the apps I love for many years. Lately I decided it was time to try and record my material onto the PC using a USB audio interface. Little did I know exactly what I was getting myself into. I assumed I could simply search the Interweb for USB audio interface and pick the obvious recommendation that was suggested. I’d have liked for that to happen, but no. It seems there are multiple options each seemingly as good as each other. Damn you Interweb!

So what could I do? The answer seemed pretty obvious to me. Just ask the Interweb to decide for you. Easy right!? … Audio interfaces. Who knew there were so many!?