diversePosted by Ulrik FM Sat, June 30, 2007 11:21There's yet another Grateful Dead book avaible. This should attract special interest among finnguitar-members. The book is written by Blair Jackson and the full title is GRATEFUL DEAD GEAR:
All the Band's Instruments, Sound Systems and Recording Session, 1965-1995
The content has the following description:
"Grateful Dead Gear" is the very first in-depth examination of every aspect of the Dead's technical side, including their recording methods. From the "acid tests" of the mid-'60s to the famous "wall of sound" in the '70s and up to their exceptional later touring systems, the Grateful Dead were always on the cutting edge of technological innovation and experimentation. This exhaustive study includes clear and concise explanations of the band's equipment technology, instrument design, and studio recording techniques, plus a history of the group. It's the fascinating story of how a colorful cast of tech geniuses and visionaries merged art, technology, and commerce into one of the most successful touring businesses in music history.
I imagine we will learn a lot more about Weir & Garcia guitars when reading this.
Ulrik
musicPosted by Ulrik FM Fri, June 22, 2007 08:09Hi
There is brand new interview with Claus Bøhling and Karsten Vogel from Secret Oyster. It is made 20th of june in USA:
http://progpalaceradio.com/interviews/secretoyster/secretoysterinterview.mp3
Enjoy !
// Ulrik
guitarPosted by Finn Guitar Sat, June 16, 2007 08:30Is Fender new VG strat with extra modelled sounds worth considering?
The VG is essentially an American Series Standard. Along with the three American standard single coil pickups there is a Roland VG pickup. These two systems are the heart of the guitar. The standard magnetic pickups allows the guitar to function as a normal analogue guitar. The VG pickup opens up the world of digital modelling.
The second tone controller is replaced by two smaller Strat-like knobs for mode and tuning control. The mode knobs firsts position ‘N' single coil pickups are selected and the five-way selector switch, the volume and the tone work as a normal strat.
The other four position on the mode control are fed from the VG pickup and are all modelled sounds. The four modelled sounds are:
- Modelled Strat (S) with five sounds
- Modelled Telecaster (T) with two sounds
- Modelled Humbucking (H) with three sounds (Bridge, both, neck)
- Modelled Acoustic (A) with five acoustic sounds
The tuning control has six different sounds. The first position ‘N’ is normal. Then the five modelled sounds does not work with the un-modelled strat:
- Dropped D (DADGBE)
- Open G (DGDGBE)
- D modal (DADGAD)
- Baritone B (BEADF#B)
- 12 string
Comments:
The five modelled strat sound are close to standard, but a little darker and lacks a little sparkle and dynamics. Still no modelled sound is better than analogue sound.
The telecaster sound are well matched to the original but not so definitive.
The humbucking sound is not exactly a classic Les Paul Gibson, but the dark and fat grunt can achieve fat distortion or a smooth jazzier tone.
The acoustic simulates a thin and bright sound. Is ok for live but far from a classic Martin for recordings, a better alternative as an acoustic modelling effect pedal.
The live guitarist gets a lot of sounds in just one guitar both the original analogue and the new modelled sounds. In gigs the guitarist only have to bring one guitar – the VG strat covers form acoustic over single coil Fenders to humbucking Gibson guitars. And it is easy to use. It can be used for studio takes but not real enogh.
Four AA batteries is needed. If battery run dry the analogue part will still work. With NiHM rechargeable batteries should be 10 hours. The VG cannot be updated with new sounds, it would be nice to have for example open E for slide guitar. The guitar cost more that the competitors, but in general the VG strat is a good choice and is an example of a technology that may shape the future.
musicPosted by Ulrik FM Wed, June 13, 2007 16:49Claus Bøhling - the real Hurdy Gurdy man has released a brand new album with his regular working trio for the last 13 years, Elektrum. It is only their 2nd release and is called "In The Far Field" - a title refering to the location where the recordings took place. In a country side studio in the fields outside Aalborg.
Claus Bøhling is also doing the first ever reuniontour with Secret Oyster. The band disbanded in 1977 and three former members has joined forces with a new bassplayer ae well as a new keyboard - neither Jess Stæhr or Kenneth Knudsen is performing live anymore. Apart from Karsten Vogel and Bøhling drummer Ole Streenberg makes a spetacular return to rockmusic. Streenberg took a 5 sabbath from drums after leaving Oyster in 1976 and there after only played jazz-jazz. In fact Ole has never touched anything that smelled of rock music apart from his 4 years with Secret Oyster in the 70's. Now well into his 60's and a legend on the danish jazzscene he makes his return. And clockwise this will be Claus Bøhlings 1st crossing with jazz ever since the 70's. It will be amazing and exciting to see & hear how Claus will work together with other major musical personalities after playing endless guitar solos for the last decade. Some discipline will be needed !
Secret Oyster plays several lowkey gigs in Copenhagen in june. And will perform on Copenhagen Jazz Festival, NEARFEST in USA and amagerbio in the forthcoming months
