tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22571233598578271942024-02-19T12:13:49.589+02:00Donovan BanksLife and MusicDonovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-13006811338291857612012-12-27T20:01:00.000+02:002012-12-27T20:01:11.842+02:00Hello again, sweet worldYes, it has been a loooong time since this blog has been updated. I left it on a bit of a sour note. I've since had my second son and he is 22 months. I can't play guitar if he's awake and I cant if he's asleep. <br />
<br />
<i><b>So whats up yo?</b></i><br />
I'm glad you asked. I'm still playing with <a href="http://www.bevanlynch.co.za/">Bevan Lynch</a> as we werechanges. We are going under the name <b>Lynch</b> now. I'll fill you in early next year about it as we are develpoing some stuff for you. <br />
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I'm expecting to get back into it big time this year. Some hopefuls include a short lesson with Rowan Stuart and his new project <a href="http://lightincages.com/">Light in Cages.</a> Check out the music page and hear the track "Sorry it didn't work out." I love it. <br />
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I've gotten rid of a bunch of gear. No more BR600. No Cube 80X and no more MIM Delxue Power strat. The latter was silly sale but I'm getting over it. Maybe if we're lucky I'll get my hands on a BR800 (if someone's keen to send me one in lieu of some video lessons...)<br />
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What else caught my ear was an interesting band from Durban, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GangsBallet?fref=ts">Gangs of Ballet.</a> Somewhat interesting as they are a normal band, but what stands out to me is the production of their songs I won't say much more, you can listen for yourselves... <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zlZPaUaiXA8" width="560"></iframe><br />
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oh, and just for fun....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BiJQolbCMFA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Cheers,<br />
DDonovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-48323171005265235032011-02-15T16:29:00.000+02:002011-02-15T16:29:34.563+02:00Too Many ExpertsI read many blog or forum posts from people who own studios, teach music or are in some way involved in the music industry where they claim to know and profess all truth.<br />
<br />
It seems to me that there are far too many experts who have done nothing further with their involvement that writing about it online. How do you now who to trust?<br />
<br />
I always like to look at it this way, has the person done enough with their knowledge to be considered known for it? meaning is the person at least semi-famous as an engineer, producer, musician, teacher etc. Have they written for any publications that matter or are they doing a buddy a favour?<br />
<br />
If the answer for that is no, then I consider how honest the person is. Do they say they are still learning but this is what I know so far? Are they humble about what they know? One can only despise the guy who says, "I teach people how to sing therefore I <b>AM </b>the authoritae on song writing." I've come across someone like that before. He tried to tarnish the good name of my band because we didn't agree with him.<br />
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I maintain one thought though, listen, take what you need and can work with . But <b>ALWAYS </b>follow your own thoughts. Nobody knows your plans better than you.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-72579161682072315752011-01-28T08:35:00.000+02:002011-01-28T08:35:31.337+02:00The Fat Strat DietI'm not a big fan of HSS Stratocasters. I've never liked the sound that you get from the humbucker. Maybe I don't use enough gain when I play a strat but it doesn't sound right. In fact it doesn't sound like it's matched to the others. It feels like such an afterthought. "Oh, Ibanez can do it, why don't we?"<br />
<br />
The Fender Stratocaster is awesome with 3 single coil pickups. They work well together, when matched correctly, and give you a sound and tone that only a strat could. They have made major improvements for noise reduction and their tone is only getting better.<br />
<br />
I put the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Accesories-099-2105-000-Noiseless-Electric/dp/B00092PGUS?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Fender Hot Noiseless</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00092PGUS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> pickup in the bridge. I left the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Accesories-099-2131-000-Electric-Guitar/dp/B001L8PIEI?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Tex Mex</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001L8PIEI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> pups in the middle and neck position even though I feel they are not 100% suited to the sound I am after. I am keen for a set of Toneriders or maybe Kinmans if anyone wants to send me a set to demo... hint hint.<br />
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Here's the video comparison for my now, better sounding, strat. Enjoy<br />
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<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3URqboPJVoE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3URqboPJVoE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-53489961912592495822011-01-26T17:11:00.000+02:002011-01-26T17:11:15.009+02:00Upgrading a Squier Stratocaster...Again.A while back I acquired a Fender Hot Noiseless pickup which I immediately <a href="http://africanstage.blogspot.com/2009/10/upgradin-squier-strat.html">chucked into a 1990 MIJ Squier Stratocaster.</a><br />
<br />
Well, I recently got my hands on a set of Fender pickups from an American Stratocaster. Of course the first thing I would do is apply them to my Squier and make a video of it. Wouldn't you?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i4DhN79oLv0?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="560"></iframe>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-44143267747585724352011-01-12T15:16:00.000+02:002011-01-12T15:16:14.619+02:00Answer Some QuestionsI do get the odd question from the videos I upload to YouTube. I thought I'd answer them publicly to make myself <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">feel important. ha ha</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first mail comes from Neil. </span><br />
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<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hi Donovan </span>Firstly, I would like to thank you for your youtube vids for boss br600. Really helpful. I wonder if you could send me a copy of the drum track list that you mentioned as I had trouble locating it on your blog page. Keep up the good work. Thanks Neil</blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks Neil and I </span>apologise<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> for </span>taking<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> so long to reply. I might have moved it or misplaced it when I changed servers. So I have loaded it <a href="http://donovanbanks.co.za/SongsheetBR600.pdf">here</a> for your benefit. Enjoy. I certainly found keeping a record of what I had done very helpful when arranging.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The second mail comes from Steve,</span><br />
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</span><br />
<blockquote>Hi there...I can export my ttrack 1 through 4 and 5/6 to my computer but when I try to export 7/8 it says card full...now I'm exporting so I don't understand why it says card full as I have plenty of memory left on the computer external card... Any help is appreciated and thanks for your other videos, I wouldn't be able to do this without your posts :) steve</blockquote>What the BR600 does when you export a track is copy the .wav file to the USB folder on the card. Which means that if you have recorded 8 tracks, then export 8 tracks there are effectively 16 .wav files on your card taking up storage space.<br />
What I found to be more effective is the Boss WAV converter which can be downloaded <a href="http://www.bossus.com/support/downloads_updates/eula.php?FileName=BRWC200.zip">here</a>. Basically it is more visual when downloading WAV files from the BR600. I will try get a video done for that soon.<br />
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Have fun recording guys.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-15007793743172405212011-01-04T22:51:00.000+02:002011-01-04T22:51:48.382+02:00How'd it Go?That's the question I hear all 65 of you ask about the recording of my last gig.<br />
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Not so great, is the answer.<br />
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There was a lot wrong with the way the whole event was executed to begin with and there are some things we can all learn from here.<br />
<br />
<b>Planning</b><br />
There were 13 bands, each playing 2 songs with no sound check in between. The stage was nicely laid out with enough gear and we as the band knew what was expected of us. We were prepared. So we thought.<br />
I got on stage and made use of a Laney Cub amp. I chose that over the other 2 Fender amps because I knew it had good tone and figured since it was mic'ed up, I could have the mix in the monitors and not hear it too much from the source. Unfortunately when I should have told the sound engineer which amp I was using I didn't because I was rushing to set up. I will NEVER forsake quality of sound for time. The result of this was that when I broke into my solo, and it was a great one, it was inaudible. You could hear nothing at all. I tried in between sections to crank the amp but it was at 10 and still nothing.<br />
<br />
<b>Execution</b><br />
I just carried on playing and by the second song I was definitely hearing guitar. My moment had passed. Nobody heard me. I checked with the engineer recording the audio and he had recorded the stereo mix and not each instrument on separate tracks. Recording stereo can work out awesome when the live sound is up to the right standard. Unfortunately, now there is a recording with absolutely no guitar, not even a track that can be compressed and amplified to rescue it. I can probably try dubbing some guitar over it after the fact but I am not sure how usable that track, or the recording will be.<br />
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We played our two songs with gusto and pizazz. The audience enjoyed us and we had fun. Hopefully the end product is usable, or at least YouTubable (c) so you can see it. Maybe I can also get my hands on the audio and add what guitar I can but we will see.<br />
<br />
Frankly I can't blame anyone for the shortcomings but myself. We knew what we were getting into and we prepared for it. I just disregarded lessons and experience that I have had from this same venue. I knew something was going to fail and didn't look hard enough at what could go wrong.<br />
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I still had an awesome jam though....Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-35045912406251557832010-12-11T10:40:00.000+02:002010-12-11T10:40:43.910+02:00Live DVD Recording<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH576RvTRNOe-rnhdQ2v0FSZn2SPQy258_qOx8nkTzKfnufhJQ2ezmOUFKoQJB7e0_HzvqrvhXZyNHObMtU8z1Uz2-4eLJKDp7TANu8wFajp553ynE-mga2U_IWk0lIdiOI7QxaXpQ6Y/s1600/13+DEC_Stereo+in+Flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH576RvTRNOe-rnhdQ2v0FSZn2SPQy258_qOx8nkTzKfnufhJQ2ezmOUFKoQJB7e0_HzvqrvhXZyNHObMtU8z1Uz2-4eLJKDp7TANu8wFajp553ynE-mga2U_IWk0lIdiOI7QxaXpQ6Y/s320/13+DEC_Stereo+in+Flight.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br />
We're playing a 2 song set along with some other great bands. The event is being recorded to be released on DVD with the Zack's compilation album. Stay tuned for more details.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-74775221199243048962010-11-18T16:08:00.000+02:002010-11-18T16:08:00.088+02:00A Big Cover Up<div class="MsoNormal">In South Africa the 6<sup>th</sup> Edition of Idols (ptui!) recently closed with a character named Elvis Blue being declared the winner. Now I usually don’t care about this drivel but there are a few things I feel I need to talk about to all 6 people who read this, thanks Mom… (actually if my mother reads this I’ll be very impressed ha ha)</div><div class="MsoNormal">I once interviewed the singer of a local band called The Spoonfeedas. They were relatively successful in SA having a few good singles and some radio play with good sales and a fantastic live performance. The singers, Peter Guthrie, told me how he auditioned for the first SA Idols and never made it through the first round. By the second Idols the contestants were singing one of their songs in the final rounds. It’s a pretty clear indication of where real success comes from, and it isn’t from sms votes…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What made me really mad about this latest outcome is that the “winner” is singing a version of “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7WYLPb8t8w&feature=related">Things My Father Said</a>,” by Black Stone Cherry. I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Folklore-Superstition-Black-Stone-Cherry/dp/B001B43IRG?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Black Stone Cherry</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001B43IRG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and funny enough I discovered this song shortly before my father passed away 2 days before my wedding on 11 December 2008. It is a brilliant piece of music and BSC deliver it so well. The song was released in 2008 so it is still very recent in the music world. South Africa hasn’t cottoned onto this band and I had to buy the album off Amazon and import it. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Then this twit from Idols releases his version as a single. Now I’m not fully against him, or cover versions but I do feel that a cover version that is arranged exactly the same as the original is a silly idea. I also reckon releasing a cover as your first single isn’t the best way to launch your career. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me knock the latter point out the park first. If your first release is a cover, you will gain fans for someone else’s sound. Do you remember <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Criminal/dp/B000WLNVQ2?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Alien Ant Farm</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000WLNVQ2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />? And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDl9ZMfj6aE">their cover</a> of Michael Jackson’s, “Smooth Criminal?” Did you hear any more from them? I remember one song and then they disappeared. Even the fact that they did the song justice with their arrangement didn’t help them because it did not allow the fans to get familiar with their particular style. All that happened was a group of closet Michael Jackson fans got to enjoy the song in public. Fall Out Boy also recently covered a MJ song, “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk8Pb17pcQI">Beat it</a>.” They too had some success with it with one difference. They were already established and their fan base grew by those same few closet MJ fans. The only artists I know of who have success with releasing only covers are the crooners and those who sell to old ladies. Michael Buble stands out because his follow up releases, especially his own work were very good and he has earned the respect of this writer…</div><div class="MsoNormal">Seether recently released a cover of Wham’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Careless-Whisper/dp/B00307WCKQ?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Careless Whisper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00307WCKQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. They added their own Seether twist to it and their fans enjoyed it. As well as a few closet Wham fans as well. Micheal Flower covered Oasis’ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy1ueZf1WMQ">Wonderwall </a>and arranged it unbelievably well. It makes the original sound like a cover. Alas this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Jimi Hendrix made <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bng3agUOYiI">All Along the Watchtower</a> his own as did Garth Brooks with Bob Dylan’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-You-Feel-My-Love/dp/B000VK1FZS?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">To Make You Feel My Love</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000VK1FZS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Jose Feliciano and the Doors’ single <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUkIkRmUr0Y&feature=related">Light my Fire</a>. They all made it in their own style. If it were done according to the original arrangement all credibility would have been lost.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why would any artist bother making an audio “photocopy” of someone else’s music? Especially as a first release. Please, be intelligent and learn from the mistakes others make.</div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-56998137597425613082010-09-20T12:54:00.000+02:002010-09-20T12:54:49.826+02:00Free Music Is A Rip-Off<div class="MsoNormal">I see so many bands these days giving out free music online. While I like the idea of free anything, I have to wonder where the product comes from. Where does the money come from to produce it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Copying music is free, as free as it gets. All you need is a computer. You don’t need to design album art, get CD’s printed, packaged and distributed. I guess the trick is getting people to actually download, or copy with intent to share, your music. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can see a reason for doing this. One can easily assume that people don’t want to pay for music. We hear a lot of talk in the press about how the downloading of music is hurting the industry. Then we hear the artists saying that they don’t mind, it is getting your work out there. The idea of millions of adoring fans is a great driver for many a musician. Having people sing along to your music at a gig is a great idea. You could be the next big thing, talked about by everyone, mentioned on every top blog; your songs could be on every celebrity’s iPod. You’ll be a star!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But you’ll be broke</span></b>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How will you have recorded your massive single? Who will have paid for your studio time? You could record at home, even with free software. Will it be good enough? It takes a massive amount of skill and effort to get a big studio sound out of a small home setup. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you think that these same people, who don’t want to pay for your music, will want to pay to see you perform? Will they pay to buy your branded hoodie? Who will hire you to play at their venue if the audience you attract, don’t want to pay for anything? How will the club make any money? Who will buy the beer? The same people who won’t pay for your music?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What if you get big enough to attract sponsorship from a large corporation? Do you expect this same audience, who don’t want to spend, to spend on your partnered brand? You may be attracting a crowd, but you’re not attracting a very good one. I don’t really see the point in being rich and famous, if you leave the rich out. Then you are merely infamous. Let’s leave that to serial killers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think the most disappointing factor about a band that gives their music away, is that they clearly don’t value their own product enough. Why would you make a product that you believe is not good enough to ask money for? There are many people who would pay $1 for a single on iTunes. It is an easy transaction. These same people would pay a few more dollars for more of your singles if they like it. They will also buy your merchandise, pay to see you perform and support your sponsors. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do bands think their product is so worthless that they have to give it away? I immediately think the band themselves don’t like the music. They don’t think they are worth someone giving them money for making it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Have some pride in your craft. Make great music, believe in it and sell it. If it is good enough you could sell 100, 000 singles worldwide. If you get 60cents per single you have made $60, 000 dollars. If 2% steal your music, then there will be a further 2,000 copies of your song out there, but you have a wad of cash so you don’t have to care. </div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-74823563736181498192010-08-27T14:21:00.000+02:002010-08-27T14:21:19.012+02:00Zzyxz Snap JackI got my hands on the Snap Jack, which is a guitar lead with a difference. The folks at Zzyxz have created a cable that you can separate at the Jack making the connection faster and a lot quieter.<br />
Take a look at my video<br />
<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jeqY2Ian6WI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jeqY2Ian6WI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br />
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I like it. I'm glad I have one and I want more...Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-53772734526974886392010-08-19T09:10:00.000+02:002010-08-19T09:10:50.352+02:00Acoustic SessionsLast night I played a short acoustic set with the singer of Stereo in Flight, Bevan Lynch at Zack's in Windermere rd. It was a simple affair, hosted by Steve Fataar and was very laid back. It is a lovely, intimate environment to play, especially if you want to interact closely with your audience.<br />
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Before I get into our little set, I must mention that there was a duo that played before us. They go by the name(s) Matt and Mike, or was it Mike and Matt? Thats aside, they were very good. I enjoyed their set and was very surprised to see talent like this floating around. Great voice, great guitar playing, excellent songs and a very personable interaction with the audience. I am hoping to see them a lot more often.<br />
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Our set was planned to be only two songs. Bevan played his Yamaha steel string, I don't know the model number, I played my Aria Nylon String. We played well and executed the songs well enough, but in the video that our drummer, Brett Robertson kindly took I noticed something about my guitar, well, the guitars in general.<br />
There was a major lack of bass presence in the out going sound. Which resulted in us sounding very thin and like half an ensemble. Sure, we were only half the band but plenty people play unplugged with no bass and get a good, balanced sound.<br />
<br />
I can only guess what the problem was out of a number of possibilities.<br />
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<ol><li>My Battery is a little flat. Any adjustments I make to the preamp above or below zero suck so much power out of the already dead batter rendering the guitar a lot quieter. I think it's time to invest in rechargeable's. We'll see how that turns out...</li>
<li>My guitar isn't the greatest sounding instrument. I have played guitars with a much better bass response. One of them being Brett's Ibanez that I <s>pinched </s>borrowed, another being a Martin that I played in store. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to start looking at a higher end Nylon String. For now I think I'm going to try the <s>stolen </s> borrowed Ibanez and see what comes of it.</li>
<li>We didn't do any sort of sound check. There was no EQ'ing done before we started. We merely tuned and played. It may have been a contributor to the lack of bass response as I don't recall any other performer's sounding very bassy either. </li>
<li>There were only 2 small speakers for the PA. I'm sure my guitar doesn't get down to the frequencies that require bass bins but it could have also contributed with the other, above-mentioned points. </li>
</ol><div>I think we did well last night. I am just being a little bit picky about the sound. Thankfully it was a small gig, not like we were making a DVD of it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I do think it is important to review your performances. If you can get a simple video of the band so you can watch it later, you get to have an outside look at your performance. Much like any sport you need to improve on your last gig so keeping a reference will help identify areas to work on for your next performance. </div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-5453907099256969592010-08-16T14:40:00.000+02:002010-08-16T14:40:37.491+02:00Humbling ExperienceYesterday I went to mass at my old Parish on the Bluff. I spent many years playing guitar in a small folk choir there. In fact I started out playing there.<br />
In my confirmation years we were told to do something for the parish and seeing as I just started playing, I tried my hand and joined this group. I had only just started playing and could barely hold a barre chord but I joined anyway. I sat at the back with my trusty old Nylon String and strummed away.<br />
I learned many things in that group. I was forced to play in front of people every week. I learned that mistakes don't count, you must just carry on playing. I learned about song structure and some very strange chord progressions. I made some good friends as well.<br />
I must have been part of that group for over 12 years. I only ever wrote one piece of music I consider a hymn. I taught this choir the song, never letting them know where it came from. they all fancied it and we played it a few times.<br />
I left that parish when I got married (just over a year ago) and haven't been back much. Last night was the second time I have returned in 18 months. I was listening to them play one of my favorite songs and it reminded me how grateful I am to be able to make music. It reminded me of my start, when I couldn't play Bm and I was so nervous. For all my dreams and hopes about music, the foundation was laid there.<br />
they finished the song and I felt humbled.<br />
Then they started to play their next song and a wave of goosebumps came over me. I had completely forgotten about the hymn I had written and they were singing it. They still have no idea who wrote it and I like it that way. It was so surreal. I just sat there, closed my eyes and listened to this small group perform a song that I penned. They sang it with heart and I could feel their belief in the words.<br />
What a humbling experience to know that not only have I written a song that is a spiritual connection for people, but that they sing it because they like it.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-26627953492040859112010-07-30T08:56:00.000+02:002010-07-30T08:56:20.303+02:00The kind of people you encounter at a gig<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal">When playing small gigs one encounters a variety of very strange people. It’s not always drunk people either. I will try list those I have come across and how to handle them professionally.</div></span></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Starer</b> – This is the person who saunters up really close to where you are playing and tries to take in everything without blinking. He/She will walk slowly back and forth across the front of the stage, or round the sides too if it is clear and will glare at every piece of gear on the stage. They only glance at you; the musician and try avoid eye contact. They may get a blank look on their face and their mouth may start to fall open. This is not a sign of awe but more a sign of complete brain shut down. The Starer is harmless but needs to be watched in case they turn out to be a crazy fanatic who thinks you are Elvis reincarnated and is looking for a souvenir to snatch and run away with. Keep an eye on this one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Drunk Dancer</b> – This one may appear to be really enjoying the music and embarrassing themselves on the dance floor. They do provide the band with some entertainment as well but may easily turn into the requester or the wannabe-member. Look, smile and enjoy the person who is enjoying you making music. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Requester</b> – This is the person who hangs around one of the members mid song. They usually target the most accessible, or the most accessible looking member. As the song finishes they pounce and make a request for Elvis, the Beatles, Dire Straits or Wonderful Tonight. If you can fulfill the request then do so if you wish. Always be polite but if they request something you hate playing, ask for all requests to be written on a R200 note. This generally gets them to leave you alone but it may just score you an extra R200.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Visiting Muso</b> – To me these can be either really encouraging or a massive pain in the butt. He tends to stand somewhere he thinks is inconspicuous but you can spot him a mile away. He stands leaned against a wall or railing with his hands in his pockets or arms folded. He will watch the member who plays the same instrument as him. One has to particularly worry when this one is part requester. He has the potential to approach a member and request the song he finds most difficult to play. When you say no, he will retort with, “Oh, I can play that.” Or, “Real musicians don’t need sheet music.” Or some snide remarks that will make you want to moer him with your instrument. If you are a musician watching a band, smile. Look approachable and happy to be watching the band. Remember the person on stage is just like you and could use encouragement and positive reinforcement whether they are better or worse than you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Wannabe Member</b> – She is the person who wants to sing a song. Part requester and usually inebriated this person suddenly gets the courage and talent and wants to be part of your band. My view is to not oblige these people. Politely say, “We have a rehearsed system and we’ll only make you look bad.” Or something else nice but firm. If you do allow them on stage, they could either be really bad in which case you have potentially made the most popular person in the bar look stupid making a few enemies, or they could be really good and make you look bad. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Interrupter</b> – The interrupter is usually one of the above but with no manners. They will approach a band member mid song, yes, while you are playing or singing and want to engage you in conversation. I have lost count how many times this has happened to me. This is a result of trying to interact with your audience. If you sense he is about to approach you employ the cold shoulder, if you are standing. The Cold Shoulder is deployed by turning your back on the person. If they approach you from behind they will have to make physical contact now which is unlikely. If you are sitting, then the death stare should help but is not very effective. You’re on your own.</div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-79853225446826966162010-07-13T08:45:00.000+02:002010-07-13T08:45:06.954+02:00String-a-lingI recently won a challenge on <a href="http://www.guitarforum.co.za/">Guitarforum.co.za</a> wherein we had to record a version of the SA National Anthem. The Prize was a year’s supply of strings, 12 sets of my normal strings. I am very chuffed and grateful to the guys from Guitarforum and it posed quite an interesting question for me, one I haven’t asked myself in ages.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Normally when I buy strings, I try different gauges and brands. I hardly stick to the same set even though I have been playing for years I still haven’t settled. Now that I am to choose a set that I will stick with for a year, what will I choose? </div><div class="MsoNormal">I tend to stick with lighter gauge strings on my electric guitars, and seeing as I play a lot more electric guitars than acoustic I will go for electric strings. I switch between 9’s and 10’s often. I am still undecided but the last time I put a set of 10’s on a guitar I found I was longing for 9’s more so I think I will stick with that. However, another problem has been arising of late. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have 4 electric guitars. One Epiphone Les Paul Custom Zakk Wylde Bull’s-eye signature, A 1990 MIJ Squier Stratocaster, a MIM Fender Deluxe Power Stratocaster and a Samick dunno-what-you-may-call-it Strat style guitar with a Floyd Rose Tremolo. I generally like to stick to the same gauge across all my guitars. I don’t have to but it seems the most practical; added to that it is cheaper and more economical to buy strings in a box of three sets than individually. Physically three of the guitars are the same scale length and the Les Paul is shorter. What I find on the internet is that the lightest gauge strings that suit a Les Paul is 10’s, and I am putting 9’s on them. </div><div class="MsoNormal">We often refer to the set by the gauge of the high E. Which means that a set of 9’s or 10’s would have the following string gauges across;</div><div align="center"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableMediumShading2Accent5" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: -1;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 517; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">String<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">9’s<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">10’s<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">E<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.009</div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.010</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">B<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.011</div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.013</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">G<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.016</div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.017</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">D<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.024</div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.026</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.032</div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.036</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">E<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.042</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.046</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On my Les Paul I often have the problem of the low E buzzing. This is not because of the setup and the action being too low. This, it turns out, is the fact that my lower string is too thin or the gauge is too low. The complicated answer is that the density, or linear mass of the string is low, and the length is shorter than my other guitars, meaning that the vibration pattern is wrong for this particular guitar. It is even worse if I use Drop-D Tuning. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Now my predicament is two-fold. I prefer lighter than 10 on my bottom strings, but I have to have heavier on the top. It seems manufacturers are considering this issue and now make sets with light gauge and heavy bottom, as some call it. </div><div class="MsoNormal">So what you do get is a set with the following gauges;</div><div align="center"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableMediumShading2Accent5" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: -1;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 517; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">String<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">9’s<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">10’s<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">E<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.009<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.010<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">B<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.011<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.013<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">G<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.016<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.017<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">D<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.026<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.030<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">A<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.036<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="background: #D8D8D8; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 216; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64; text-align: center;">.042<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="background: #4BACC6; border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent5; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 103.2pt;" valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;">E<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 72.85pt;" valign="top" width="97"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.046<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 87.7pt;" valign="top" width="117"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">.052<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am still in the experimental stage but I feel I am close to finding the right gauge string for me. Fortunately for me, and thanks again to guitarforum.co.za, I am going to have a yearlong trial of my choice of string. Incidentally I chose Ernie Ball, Hybrid Slinky’s</div><div class="MsoNormal">.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-2222-Hybrid-Slinky/dp/B0002PBS6S?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Ernie Ball 2222 Hybrid Slinky String Set (9 - 46)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0002PBS6S&tag=learfromtheaf-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0002PBS6S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-65644849455045300622010-06-24T09:10:00.000+02:002010-06-24T09:10:12.024+02:00The stupid things I doI was once accused of hiding behind my effects. It hurt me a little because I like to think that I don't. Then one day my GT8 broke and I had to play without it.<br />
<br />
I thought I could get away with it, after all, I only need a clean sound and a lead tone. My amp at the time had 2 lead channels which was more than I needed. That gig was a mess. I had no tuner to reference from, so my guitar was out despite my best efforts (I blame the wind. Thats my story and I am sticking to it)<br />
<br />
That played on me a lot. What if it were to happen again? So I went and bought an amp with effects built in. I went for the Vox VT50, but could have easily gone for any of the Roland Cubes or the Line6 amps. Even so I reckon I had better learn to do without any effects at all.<br />
<br />
I pitched up at a band practice without my amp or my pedal last week. I had to use my band mates Crate amp. It has a lead channel and a clean channel and I made do. Everything sounded fine, even though I use quite a few volume based effects I had to fiddle with the pickup switch and the volume control a lot more than usual but it happened.<br />
<br />
Than yesterday, I carried my amp and all my effects but I think I hit new lows in life when I realised I didn't bring a guitar. It was too late to drive all the way back home and I knew nobody nearby with a guitar I could borrow. So I had to make do with playing on an acoustic guitar. It was an <a href="http://www.google.co.za/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=ibanez+masa+commemorative&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Ibanez MASA commemorative</a> acoustic guitar. There isn't much info on this particular guitar but I can say that this one needs a slight neck adjustment, but all round it's a very nice guitar that belongs to our drummer.<br />
<br />
So there I played. I changed a few gain and eq settings to try avoid feedback and I played what is normally electric guitar lines on an acoustic guitar. Soloing was a little tough because it has one less fret than I am used to and the cutaway is hard to get into. Add to that an action that you can park under and there you have it.<br />
<br />
Why I write about this is that as an amateur musician, trying to get to the higher ranks, it can be good to be fussy about your gear, but if you are rushed into a studio, you might not have tome to go searching for your perfect guitar or to try find the best feel or tone. You could be in the right place at the right time and the right band will be in the studio. You wouldn't want to tell your favourite band, sorry I can't help you out, I don't have my lucky underpants guitar.<br />
<br />
Try playing well on anything, that way you can do it at any time when asked.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-44148020813385799152010-06-22T14:07:00.000+02:002010-06-22T14:07:22.703+02:00Good Sound and good fun.I played on Saturday evening with Swell band at a birthday party. Lately with Swell we have been focusing on getting the on stage sound right. This weekend we seem to have nailed it.<br />
<br />
The truth be told though, it seems we solved the problem by throwing money at it. Each of us had our own monitor, and we were mixing on a fairly advanced desk.<br />
I had my trusty Vox rather close to me but thanks to the variable wattage I turned the amp down to about 30W and miked it for the Front of House sound.<br />
<br />
I had to adjust the gain settings on my favourite lead patch on the Boss GT8 to prevent feedback and then the angels were singing.<br />
Sometimes this is necessary. Much like EQ and reverb gain needs to be set for the venue. Too much will cause headaches and too little will sound weaker than you want it to. The tone you get in the rehearsal room is tough to mimic elsewhere.<br />
<br />
I also decided that I was going to hold back a bit on my playing. Too often I try and be too flashy or fast and end up losing the plot. I played simple lines and kept with what I was 100% sure of. As a result my confidence was high and I left feeling like a king.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-78498101419482735172010-06-03T16:39:00.000+02:002010-06-03T16:39:11.928+02:0010 things to Check Before a GigIn my experience there are a lot of things that can go wrong with a gig. if there is a possibility if it going wrong, it probably will at some point in your career. Here are 10 things I like to check before I gig, big or small.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Strings</b>. Check your strings a few days before, after your last practice and the day before. If you need to change for whatever reason do it as early as possible so your strings are at least slightly stretched in before you play. Tuning between songs is fine, but if your guitar can't stay in tune for a whole song it's not good enough. Also make sure you have spare strings or a spare guitar. If you do have a spare guitar you need to check that as well.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Leads.</b> There is nothing worse than the noise a faulty cable makes on a loud guitar amp. It can make you look unprofessional and stupid to not have working leads. check them, carry spares and check those. Make sure you have more than enough to rig your gear.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Power</b>. Never rely on the venue to have enough extension cables or multiple adapters to supply your rig. Even if they do, they may be in an unsafe condition and could possibly kill you mid-gig. Bringing your won makes sure they are there, and that they work.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Batteries</b>. Does your guitar or pedal need batteries? Get new ones. or if you use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are charged and carry spares with you.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Stands</b>. Microphone stands, guitar stands and amp stands. Make sure you have packed all you need. Venues always seem to be one stand short and to save time or to prevent having to string a mic up from the rafters, just carry that one in your car in case.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Toolkit</b>. A basic toolkit in case quick repairs are needed should at least have screwdrivers, hex keys and spare parts for amps and guitars. I carry around a soldering iron as well but I've never needed it to date. The further you are away from home, or a quick place to get something fixed, the more prepared you need to be.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Spare Clothes</b>. You are a performer and unless your stage presence relies on you looking a mess it is advisable to have a change of clothes with you. All you need is to be waiting to go on stage, and some drunk bumbling buffoon (because they are there) will stumble and spill his drink and/or food on you.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Effects</b>. I like to double check that all my effects are working as planned. I have had my pedal fail on me once and I now have backup effects which I also check are working. I try have contingency plans for my contingency plans...<br />
<br />
<b>9. Rest</b>. Try get plenty of rest before hand. You don't want to perform while yawning, that sends a very bad message to your audience. If your energy levels are up you can give that to your fans and they will appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Be Prepared to Rock</b>. Get yourself into the right frame of mind. Nothing can compare to finishing a gig, having been in the right head-space. Just a short meditation or psyche up and you can get on stage pumped and full of the right energy to put on a great show and soak up some really good energy from a crowd who enjoy watching the performance. I like to stretch before I play, I don't listen to any music and I run through what I need to do in my head before I get on stage.<br />
<br />
It's always a great idea to be prepared, you may not be the best musician playing the most technical songs, but you definitely don't want to look unprofessional.<br />
Thanks Arjun for the topic.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-56144270277132937972010-06-02T22:56:00.000+02:002010-06-02T22:56:20.722+02:00Beware SA Bands...I once interviewed a band for a small magazine. They had just recorded an album and were about to sign a distribution contract. They were kind enough to give me a copy of their album and it was extremely well produced, the songs were amazing and the arrangement incredible. I would go so far as saying that it was the best album released in South Africa this millenium. Yet I know few people have heard of them.<br />
So what went wrong? I guess we'll never know. Maybe it just wasn't their time? Maybe the country wasn't ready for this calibre of artist? Maybe there is a conspiracy against SA rock music?<br />
<br />
This story has been bugging me for some time. As a musician, especially a rock musician it plays on me. How good do you have to be to be popular in this country?<br />
<br />
If I think about the bands that were popular in SA in the last 10 years and what made them stand out for me I see a tale of very fickle South African tastes.I don't want to look at specific bands because some of them irk me to Hellengone, but the general rule is that a band comes out that was different from the norm at the time.<br />
How on earth is one supposed to read the market? Maybe the best bet is to watch the charts and when there is nothing that sounds even remotely like you, and you believe you are good enough, then release your stuff. <br />
<br />
Whatever it is, there doesn't seem to be a clear formula. Maybe some sort of trend info would help decipher it and help us understand the culture better. It's either that or constant market surveilance which, I guess, is another area for record labels to handle....Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-6467608865837621232010-05-26T10:42:00.000+02:002010-05-26T10:42:06.462+02:00Riders on the Storm<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Following my last blog about amp placement I feel it necessary to speak more about stage preparation. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">There are many factors that influence how we perform, we need to be comfortable, prepared, sober, awake, and hear ourselves well. If these are met than the only thing between us and a good performance is how well we execute what we practiced. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Preparing a stage isn't too difficult, but you need to do it. You can't rock up and expect to stand/sit anywhere and perform at your best. You need to know the layout of the stage, what equipment is available and what you need, where the engineer will be and where the audience will be. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">A rider is much like a list of what to expect for a gig. You can see an example of J<a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/johnmayer/johnmayer1.html">ohn Mayer's rider here</a>. For the average band, compiling a stage rider for each performance is a good idea. It is helpful to make a list of what equipment the band uses, how many plug points are required, how many microphones and stands are needed and whether there is any gear that can be left at home. It is a useful planning tool for the live performer. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Good stage preparation will only leave you concerned with the performance, that should be all thats on your mind. Worrying about gear and how you sound should be left up to a sound engineer. Trust your rider and the team.</span></span></div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-26563396166445774082010-05-19T15:59:00.000+02:002010-05-19T15:59:55.993+02:00Amp PlacementI used to always have my amp standing on the floor when I played. I battled to get my sound right for ages.<br />
What was happening was that the majority of the sound was hanging out on the floor, and what was coming to my ears was only certain frequencies, mainly higher tones.<br />
So I got an amp stand and now I aim the amp at me, much like a monitor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs585.snc3/30877_394102978390_35569608390_4270236_4092474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs585.snc3/30877_394102978390_35569608390_4270236_4092474_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I am hearing the full effect of the amp, all the tones of my guitar and if I mic it up right, so should the audience. See my Vox on the left.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next problem comes in with what I had to deal with this week. I played on someone else's amp twice this week, once on Sunday and then again this morning, 19 May 2010. The difference it made as to where the amp was placed is huge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday I played on a small Fender combo amp. It was placed on a chair right behind me. The stage was small and tight and I was battling to stop any feedback. The amp and guitar were way too close together and as soon as I added any gain for lead sounds, it was uncontrollable. But, because I was in a rush and it wasn't my stage I couldn't change it around. Without gain it was fine, but very loud and it made me uncomfortable. When you sound good, your attitude comes right and then you play better. When you sound bad you focus too much on it and try to fix your sound instead of actually playing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning I played on a Roland JC120. The stage was much bigger and the amp was far away from me, pointing up at me again. When I added the lead patch on my GT8, no feedback, no uncomfortable noise, just pure goodness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is very important to take time and find your position for your amp and you. You don't want the amp pointing at the guitar, you will just get feedback. You don't want it aimed parallel to the floor, unless you have ears in your ankles. You want the amp aimed at your head so you can hear it clearly, sound good, and rock out properly.</div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-41967740045858711072010-05-13T11:35:00.000+02:002010-05-13T11:35:24.690+02:00What makes a music shop stand out.Being a musician is tough. Not only do we have to find money to buy great quality gear, we have to choose between a myriad of options, then we need to decide who to buy that from.<br />
I paid a visit to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=35121104576&v=wall&ref=ts">Coastal Music</a> in Durban to find out what makes my favourite local store tick.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Is it Stock?</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulKSqetCQDqYOu_F28p8xTHHqbwodHah8A9FEfeGi6mYmH2jeWkWxTT_UysUykDbnIBXt6MZxcLGaqmJWvCU90HhaK-K4Vjt6LW85of42oerBmSN8jaXuaTIV6X1U0SMlJ8t04CcYe1s/s1600/SANY0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulKSqetCQDqYOu_F28p8xTHHqbwodHah8A9FEfeGi6mYmH2jeWkWxTT_UysUykDbnIBXt6MZxcLGaqmJWvCU90HhaK-K4Vjt6LW85of42oerBmSN8jaXuaTIV6X1U0SMlJ8t04CcYe1s/s320/SANY0601.JPG" /></a></div>Coastal music is fairly well stocked with everything you would need, guitars, keys, drums, recording gear, microphones, some wind instruments, strings, stands and most other stuff your average musician would need. They keep and can get all the big brands but seeing as it's not consignment stock, but a buy and re-sell operation keeping a R1million Steinway that one would probably buy once in a lifetime doesn't make much business sense. Dieter Bender, who runs the store, is part of a group that owns a few stores around SA, and imports music gear. He tells me that they will stock any instrument or brand that people ask for, provided enough people ask.<br />
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<b>Is it Price?</b><br />
Durban is a very price conscious city. I don't think anybody knows the reason for that and I'm sure the recession hasn't helped anybody. Generally in SA prices of gear is the same throughout. I have bought a very well priced<a href="http://africanstage.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-addition-to-family.html"> Nylon String guitar</a> from here before, and have also been shown a more pricey PRS that was in store. Dieter told me about a limited edition Takamine that was one of 80 made for the world that was sold for over R50,000, yet you can get a great set of strings for under R100. I'm not sure money matters too much as they seem to cater for everyone.<br />
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<b>Is it Experience?</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuWDkqNMS9VNPB1yESB7Dx2MyvojcBIh3iTbrZT9udCTNgkkLx2r-n_1A5jrKGUzrqZQ0buhSCjriUYfcBjbuOT_anpaEXEp2S5C4VJqK9pw1VlZZp5Cw_5K5ZtiyH3_GsFJ5oEJG1hM/s1600/SANY0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuWDkqNMS9VNPB1yESB7Dx2MyvojcBIh3iTbrZT9udCTNgkkLx2r-n_1A5jrKGUzrqZQ0buhSCjriUYfcBjbuOT_anpaEXEp2S5C4VJqK9pw1VlZZp5Cw_5K5ZtiyH3_GsFJ5oEJG1hM/s320/SANY0600.JPG" /></a></div>Dieter has been in the game for many years. He tells me that he was a production manager and got offered a job managing a music store, so he took it. Now he runs a very interesting ship, with all the staff being musicians with experience on the instruments. "The biggest challenge is getting people through the door," he tells me,"Everyone who comes in here does so for a reason and we want to make sure they leave having had a pleasant experience. Even if they don't buy something, they will tell a friend about how great it is to be in Coastal Music." As he tells me this I seem to click, and if you have been in the store you will too. How everyone is very approachable, they are all interested in you, even if you don't know what you are looking for. I'll often pop in just to browse and Lee Loveridge or Ian Swart will show me the latest guitars or effect. We all know that when something bites you, you'll get it. I had a great opportunity to sit and test out the Roland GR20 and in the end I bought it from Coastal Music because they allowed me to experience it for quite a while, making quite a racket in the store.<br />
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Compared to the service you receive in other stores in Durban, Coastal Music is way ahead of the game. I remember once trying to look at a guitar in another store. A salesperson approached me, and before I could ask a question about the instrument, he reached behind me and turned the music up so I couldn't hear the guitar. I have never been back there again. I won't mention the name but it was such appalling service I do feel the need to tell all my mates about it.<br />
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<b>Community Activity?</b><br />
They do host in store workshops with the likes of <a href="http://www.mikedejager.co.uk/">Mike De Jager</a> and Nibs van der Spuy. They have about 4 or 5 a year and invite the customers to attend. They also have a legendary sale once a year. People Wait in anticipation for this sale and even queue up outside the door before they open. I hope to get some video footage of the madness, there is no way I can describe it. The prices are so low and people go nuts for it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoaW27BlcVSqcWfz2eC119aB13kogE7IWP8wgO-ZD7ysdxd1bsML5Y7l0bysaVQkFEXBtXnudiW3gbYNjldSA3dFeI41I4nHYebdJkMP0t8wrJZ0ZTIum_Na3NyAexmnXAESNWOoNsgI/s1600/SANY0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoaW27BlcVSqcWfz2eC119aB13kogE7IWP8wgO-ZD7ysdxd1bsML5Y7l0bysaVQkFEXBtXnudiW3gbYNjldSA3dFeI41I4nHYebdJkMP0t8wrJZ0ZTIum_Na3NyAexmnXAESNWOoNsgI/s320/SANY0604.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I asked Dieter if he had any wisdom to give to musicians out there. "If you want to make your mark, you need to practice and apply yourself. Even someone who is tone deaf can play music by learning to read music."<br />
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Keep an eye on the Facebook group for info on the sale or ask a question, they are always glad to answer.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-15678311382325010412010-05-12T08:13:00.000+02:002010-05-12T08:13:52.825+02:00Guitars Need Love tooA friend asked me to restring a guitar for him. It is a fairly old, no brand, Japanese made Nylon string. At first glance it was a nice little instrument in dire need of new strings and some TLC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSX6bq-OTr3j9bFm9MEwccyTrX7fCIGFed6E_kvf2PuTS3k7woij5CO321RAE94ZAUoDBzGhYrWfrDvVwY5vn4YLVnjLuWRwzoNjdpG1Jh-P9nzUc6YdfZrSU-d3GwgpDRea6w4yERTU/s1600/SANY0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSX6bq-OTr3j9bFm9MEwccyTrX7fCIGFed6E_kvf2PuTS3k7woij5CO321RAE94ZAUoDBzGhYrWfrDvVwY5vn4YLVnjLuWRwzoNjdpG1Jh-P9nzUc6YdfZrSU-d3GwgpDRea6w4yERTU/s200/SANY0608.JPG" width="200" /></a>There are a few items that I would like to touch on with this guitar that I found interesting. Let's look at it as a before and after exercise.<br />
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When I started removing the strings I noticed one of the tuning poles was cracked. I'm not sure how this could happen but it meant that I could not get a new string through the hole. I have all sorts of spares lying around so I could easily replace that part from bits and pieces lying around. It came out looking and feeling a whole lot better. There is a nasty crack on the head/neck that needs attention as well, but it is entirely fixable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswm6u97K8YAIj_SRTx_YHSVlPefYc4m5mVh60-iWlUH4p4xb5DYyHt3zGIg-B_3iLSTh3naCKxi8RDMWkvQ3__51MM1VcaxgbRHELZROjJvnow2KiZQxpJT6M-iqVKvj-YdbZWLIpvyQ/s1600/SANY0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswm6u97K8YAIj_SRTx_YHSVlPefYc4m5mVh60-iWlUH4p4xb5DYyHt3zGIg-B_3iLSTh3naCKxi8RDMWkvQ3__51MM1VcaxgbRHELZROjJvnow2KiZQxpJT6M-iqVKvj-YdbZWLIpvyQ/s200/SANY0629.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The way I string a nylon is very simple. I start at the bridge, then feed the string through the hole on the tuner and start from the outside I wind it over the piece that protrudes. I don't tie a knot as it makes taking the strings off quite tough. Basically I rely on the mechanics of leverage to stop the string from slipping off. I use the tension of the string itself to hold it in place and it works for me. My guitars are fairly stable and look neat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ThZxZT9saMbeqtjp7AjNjXm56_fisQKe03Y71KWi0UHrZCVDjUzitLCgcjWNdqq3FcmenbD0Fg8Uf03ggoQH_tzx9vxXRlhyOFxbqJtZhIx8wJePQjXuwqkasKKHDGtq7c7TOF-NcBM/s1600/SANY0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ThZxZT9saMbeqtjp7AjNjXm56_fisQKe03Y71KWi0UHrZCVDjUzitLCgcjWNdqq3FcmenbD0Fg8Uf03ggoQH_tzx9vxXRlhyOFxbqJtZhIx8wJePQjXuwqkasKKHDGtq7c7TOF-NcBM/s200/SANY0626.JPG" width="200" /></a>The tail-piece can be tricky for some and it should end up looking like this. What you do is make a loop around the string passing through and wind it twice around itself. Don't tie a knot as it can come loose or get stuck in the hole of the tail-piece.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a fair amount of dirt on this guitar and particularly the frets. which is nothing some Lemon oil can't clean off. I took a photo while I was halfway with the fretboard. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbXQHeva14lgmWCuOPMrzSqP29ftzJR2N3qdE6mFj-RMutPu5TyLAXGilgLbOS0ieIDjfs_L9a26qoz9NgykLa9AqQy1HxDSDI9PL43qc8uvkl0p48wSNQ9i-CS-85BYx4Q-Z9Yh49qM/s1600/SANY0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbXQHeva14lgmWCuOPMrzSqP29ftzJR2N3qdE6mFj-RMutPu5TyLAXGilgLbOS0ieIDjfs_L9a26qoz9NgykLa9AqQy1HxDSDI9PL43qc8uvkl0p48wSNQ9i-CS-85BYx4Q-Z9Yh49qM/s320/SANY0621.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is still a little more work to be done on this guitar, the action is way too low and it needs a new nut and bridge. But for now it certainly looks a whole lot cleaner and feels a little better. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the clean up before putting new strings on. I can appreciate the instrument so much more after that. </div>Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-28675187780870893802010-04-29T20:37:00.000+02:002010-04-29T20:37:57.147+02:00Label, No Label. The Independent Choice.The music industry has changed quite a lot over the last few decades.In the past, a musician or band was "discovered" by a record executive, was signed to the label and was then paid to make music.<br />
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Financially it was a tricky affair. While the famous image would be the band, they couldn't really make all the money. The record label had to make something, after all they put up the money for the record to be made, video's and promotions to be done. They had to recoup that money somehow.<br />
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So it was a problem, where the labels and musicians appeared to be working against each other. Labels were made out to be big, bad, corporate, greedy dragons that ate up all the hard work form the poor, tired old musician. It's hard work performing live show, doing interviews and being adored. Sure they had the creative product but the label had the vessel to sell that product. Without either, there was nothing.<br />
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There were also a lot of independent labels cropping up. It's not much of a phenomenon, as there is money to be made, and these smaller labels are operating as subsidiaries to the bigger labels, who in turn are acting as publishers and go-betweens. The basic model is still there though as the label and the band working together to create and sell a product.<br />
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Very recently bands have begun taking the marketing on for themselves. It's not as easy going as they hoped for. There are a lot of funds to be generated for recording of demo's and albums. Making of videos and publicity material. Contacting the press and venues for performances. There is all this work that needs to go into being a band on top of creating great music to sell.<br />
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I'm glad that is the case. We will hopefully see a bit of understanding for the record labels and how hard they must have worked presenting packages to the public. It should also guide musicians to be more responsible, not only with their product, but with their conduct. Imagine how far the Beatles would have got with their albums while they were stoned to high hills if there was no label pushing them to perform? They would have been wasted talent.<br />
Perhaps now, we will see a host of musicians coming to the fore who really <b>WANT </b>to be there. Not just people who were stumbled upon in a recording studio singing a song for his mother and became one of the worlds biggest stars by near accident.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-23053646070524046222010-04-29T11:23:00.000+02:002010-04-29T11:23:14.658+02:00Working OutI purchased a set off books recently that I think I should tell you about. They are a short series by David Mead and while I cannot vouch for the author, nor the accuracy of the content in the book, I always feel that if I learn one thing that improves my playing or attitude, then it is worth it.<br />
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I have the Basic Scales for Guitar, Basic Chords for Guitar, Basic Kit Repair and the Basic Guitar Workout.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=learfromtheaf-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1860743692&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Now I am very impressed with the Guitar Workout as it gives you some very good practice techniques which are very important.<br />
The book works on a simple principle that 10 minutes of good practice here and there is better than not practicing because you only have 10 minutes. How he structures the sessions is that you randomly open the book to any exercise, and spend 2 minutes doing it. He gives a guide on how many repetitions you should be able to achieve in those 2 minutes but the aim is to do as many as you can, while maintaining clear tones.<br />
Some of the exercises are rather tricky though he has split them into three categories, Warm-up; Co-ordination; and Ear Training. They really work your fingers and force you to practice real techniques that matter, not just speed but clarity across all available fingers.<br />
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I do like to buy little things like this. My main aim is to learn as much as possible, from all sources possible. That was my first and biggest lesson.Donovan Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03305143220675575803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257123359857827194.post-69132091195928003232010-04-26T08:57:00.001+02:002010-04-26T08:58:04.098+02:00Roland GR 20Not too long ago I purchased myself a keyboard to use for MIDI purposes in my music creation. It turns out I am not a keys player. I never have been and in the time it will take me to learn a whole new instrument I can make the money and hire someone to do it for me.<br />
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Then I heard about the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roland-GR-20-Guitar-Synthesizer-Pickup/dp/B0002D008W?ie=UTF8&tag=learfromtheaf-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Roland GR20</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=learfromtheaf-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0002D008W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> guitar synthesizer and figured this is a much better way to get the sounds I want, without having to hire a session musician.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNsgpJH91IyhjnstsATI5ri3NWSHmN34BFf596YhlepQteqbFiV38JEX-oEgOuBeCdHL7ttL4fYrxctuJz32_QR8i2t38Vpmn8WY3DXFJy_y9CWORcQeLlL1ypI9DVKg-WrskLKcKMN8/s1600/SANY0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNsgpJH91IyhjnstsATI5ri3NWSHmN34BFf596YhlepQteqbFiV38JEX-oEgOuBeCdHL7ttL4fYrxctuJz32_QR8i2t38Vpmn8WY3DXFJy_y9CWORcQeLlL1ypI9DVKg-WrskLKcKMN8/s320/SANY0568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It wasn't the cheapest of options but it certainly works well. But the toughest part is trying to play a guitar like you would a piano, or organ or trumpet etc.<br />
Some of the sounds are very cheesy, others just don't live up to what they should be, but if I want a violin in the background of my piece, you won't know the difference between the real deal, and the synthesized take.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FZ_EK5eK1jSm7U1xOij5G7nJDKnWEmCjBiW4ok6hmpbvxPuUyWg3vPmSSdRwAY7dvqN7JJzOGeEcmzhwD1TLs0dixDublea8wB37ATESlO_1DCAnKIAXW3hqJ5yL4QjPTmaJbKs5gA4/s1600/SANY0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FZ_EK5eK1jSm7U1xOij5G7nJDKnWEmCjBiW4ok6hmpbvxPuUyWg3vPmSSdRwAY7dvqN7JJzOGeEcmzhwD1TLs0dixDublea8wB37ATESlO_1DCAnKIAXW3hqJ5yL4QjPTmaJbKs5gA4/s320/SANY0574.JPG" /></a>The pickup isn't very hard to mount and can be fitted on all types of guitars. As long as it has steel strings, or steel core strings then it will work.<br />
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One of the coolest things you can do is split the guitar and synth signal. You can split it after the pedal unit as well so you can send the guitar signal to a guitar amp/processor, and the synth signal to a PA or another amp.I have used this in a band situation, we didn't have a bass player so I split a bass signal to a bass amp, and my guitar to the guitar amp.<br />
One can set the sensitivity of each string. In this case I had the top two strings on higher sensitivity and the bottom four on much lower. This prevented all my chords and general guitar work, from coming out of the synth and not sounding like a bass should. It would work wonderfully to use strings or other full sounding additions to really beef up your sound.<br />
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Here is part 1 of a 4 part video demo I put together.<br />
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Here are the rest, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTyBxNgcE4s&feature=related">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ufPA4CXbO4&feature=related">Part 3</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiUn6E3OE0Y&feature=related">Part 4</a>.<br />
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Please feel free to leave a comment or ask questions. Have fun for now...<br />
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