Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nuno Style
Nuno Style
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 03
GUITAR INTERACTIVE_HOW TO USE
W
Randal
some o
with St
geniuse
Genfan
players
open tu
in our l
Weve a
amazin
from gu
How to use PA, aud
yes, an
teacher
Welcome to Guitar Interactive Issue 29 Its all h
Gary
Gary C
W
elcome to GI issue 29! Nuno Graham. Andi Picker, Lewis Turner, Tom
Social Media Managers -
Bettencourt is a master at Quayle, Dan Veall
blending blistering solos with David Jones & Dan Smith
Columns -
funked-up rhythm. Elliott Publishers -
ll is a session veteran who created
Sam Bell, Michael Casswell, Martin
Road Rock Music International Ltd
of the finest solos ever recorded Goulding, Tom Quayle, Giorgio Serci,
Steve Trovato, Lewis Turner, Jaime Publishing Directors -
teely Dan. Meet both of these guitar
es inside this issue We also meet Vicki Vendera Kim Waller and Stuart Bull
n, one of the worlds leading acoustic Advertising Manager - Contact -
s and a mistress of the subtle art of Sales and Information line:
Helen Bavester
unings. Check-out Vickis amazing style + 44 (0)1708 757 337
live performances!
helen@guitarinteractivemagazine.com
USA Media and Sales - Fax Line: +44 (0)1708 757 528
a Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session, Lisa Spiteri Web:
ng competitions, tons of gear reviews, LisaSpiteri@guitarinteractivemagazine. www.iguitarmag.com
uitars and basses to combos and FX, com Twitter -
dio software and recording gear. Oh
Design and layout - @iGuitarMag
nd we also have some of the best guitar
rs in the business!
Simon Gibbs Facebook -
simon@guitarinteractivemagazine.com www.facebook.com/
here and its all free. Spread the word! Head of website design GuitarInteractiveMagazine
and production - Address:
Sam Marks
Unit A, Chesham Close,
sam@guitarinteractivemagazine.com
Cooper - Editor Romford, Essex, RM7 7PJ, UK
Animation -
(c) Copyright 2014 Road Rock Music International Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners. The views expressed in Guitar Interactive are those of the
contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher.
DADDARIO 23 DEAN MARKLEY 13 ELIXIR 97&221 ESP 2 FAITH 227 FISHMAN 73 FRACTAL 105
Y 125 ORANGE 145 PEAVEY 91 PRESONUS 179 PRS 27 RANDALL 15 ROTOSOUND 109&151
TASCAM 173 TC ELECTRONIC 47 TC HELICON 159 WASHBURN 17 XiTONE 31 YOU ROCK 183
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 05
GUITAR INTERACTIVE_CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INTERVIEWS COMPETITION WINNERS
010_Nuno Bettencourt - 058_In Issue 27 we gave away a
The Extremist! Levi Clay meets Sterling By Music Man JP60 John
one of the most influential Rock Petrucci guitar. Find out if you won!
guitarists of his generation as
059_Also up for grabs in Issue 27
Extreme tours the world with
we had three copies of the fabulous
Pornograffitti.
new book Sunburst by guitar
018_Elliott Randall - One of the historian Tony Bacon. Are you one
worlds greatest session guitarists - of the lucky winners?
and the man behind those immortal
DOWNLOADS
Steely Dan solos - speaks to Tom
Quayle. Richard Morgan offers a 060_All the featured downloads
career overview. from this issue + exclusive Guitar
Pro Lite tab software FREE
FEATURES
download!
034_Guitar Idol IV. Meet (and
REVIEWS - GUITARS, AMPS & FX
hear!) the three winners of this
years truly international guitar 068_Washburn N2TATTOOK
competition.
074_Washburn N4 ESA
TECH SESSION
080_MacPherson Pagan guitars
044_Nuno Bettencourt -
086_Fender iOS Strat
Introducing George Marios who
guides you through the trademark 092_BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string
style of a truly unique player.
098_Redplate 50RP50R combo
COMPETITION
0106_Hayden Lill MOFO head
054_WIN a Washburn Nuno
112_Supro Thunderbolt S6420
Bettencourt N2TattooK guitar in
combo
our free-entry competition!
118_Peavey ReValver 4 software
COMPETITION
126_TC Alter Ego vintage echo
056_WIN a YouRock Gen2 MIDI
pedal
guitar with the brand new RADIUS
neck in our second amazing free- 132_DigiTech Luxe and Drop pedals
entry competition!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 07
INTERV HOT LICKS AND LIFE STO
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 09
INTERVIEWS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
O
ne of the perks of living in get serious rather quickly. He would
the London area is that when take things so seriously that he would
theres a big tour, its safe to skip school and eventually drop out to
say its going to come to town and follow his dream.
people will flock from miles around to
see it happen. I can honestly say I dont Nuno joined the Boston based band
remember a time in recent memory in Extreme in 1985, who released
where there was as much buzz that their self titled debut on A&M records
when we heard Nuno Bettencourt in 1989. This album featured the
and Extreme would be coming to frightening guitar showcase, Play
town to play their seminal album, With Me which includes a furious
Pornograffitti. neoclassical rendition of Vivaldis The
Four Seasons, this piece was even used
Born in Portugal in 1966, Nuno in the hit film, Bill & Teds Excellent
Bettencourts family relocated to Adventure when Beethoven plays
Massachusetts when he was just four keyboards in 1988, because while
years old. He picked up the guitar Beethoven is cool, hes no Nuno!
relatively late after having a foundation
in drums, but the influence of players At this point, it was clear that Nuno
like Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page was something special, while there was
and Prince were enough for him to the obvious Eddie Van Halen influence
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 11
INTERVIEWS_NUNO
GEORGEBETTENCOURT
LYNCH
with the blistering picking and legato licks album was a classic from the day it was
and classical influenced tapping ideas, it released.
was really his unique sense of rhythm that
set him apart. Much like his hero, Eddie When it comes to gear, Nuno has been a
Van Halen, his rhythm playing is often long time endorser of Washburn guitars,
overlooked because of just how influential releasing a signature model in 1990 and
his lead playing has been, but as a rhythm currently having no fewer than 10 models
player, hes absolutely one of the best and on the market at the moment to cater
most exciting in the world. The funky to various budgets. Indeed, were giving
syncopations, palm muted legato and one away in this very issue! A very simple
slinky dominant double stop ideas really guitar in concept, the Nuno Bettencourt
set him apart. guitar as a type is known for being a plain
instrument with a natural wood finish and
While the response to this album was hiding all the unique features in harder
fantastic, it would be a drop in the ocean to spot areas. For example, the Stephens
compared to the acclaim that came when Extended Cutaway which offers incredible
the group released Pronograffitti in 1990. access to upper frets, The Seymour
This album features 64 minutes of flawless Duncan and Bill Lawrence pickups and the
guitar playing, compositions, and hooks Floyd Rose D-Tuna. Aside from that, its a
that youre still singing 24 years on. From standard high tech Rock guitar featuring a
the crushingly heavy funk rhythms parts single volume knob and three way toggle
on tunes like Decadence Dance and Get switch - nothing flashy, but something that
the Funk Out, to the timeless ballads like does the job time and time again.
More Than Words and Hole Hearted, to
the terrifying guitar licks on tracks like Its As for amps, back in the day Nuno was
a Monster or He-Man Woman Hater, this using the ADA rack gear, but he now
WHEN IT COMES TO
PEDALS NUNO IS VERY
SIMPLE IN HIS TASTES
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 13
INTERVIEWS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
has a signature amplifier with Randall GT-8 multi effects unit, an NS-2 noise
thats as striking visually as it is sonically, gate, an OC-3 octave pedal and a TU-3
looking more like an old transistor radio tuner, its not extravagant, but is full of
than a modern amp, the NB King series easily replaceable components.
is available as a 100 Watt head and cab, After Pornograffitti, Extreme went on
a 30 Watt 1x12 combo and as a 15 Watt to release III Sides To Every Story and
practice amp, all featuring Nunos tight Waiting For The Punchline before the
distorted tone. band split, a development which allowed
Nuno to pursue a career in production,
When it comes to pedals, Nuno is very session work and a solo career. Extreme
simple in his tastes. His board actually would eventually reform and release
consists solely of basic BOSS pedals, the Saudades de Rock in 2008 and a live
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 15
INTERVIEWS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
album, Take Us Alive, in 2010. Fans are It really is hard to predict what the future
eagerly awaiting another studio album, holds for Nuno. Obviously, its likely to
which is something Nuno talked about be full of success, but who knows whether
recently. that will come with Extreme, or as a
The elephant in the room regarding session ace? Either way, I can honestly say
Nuno in recent years is landing the spot that seeing him with Extreme was one of
as Rihannas guitar player, a spot thats the best Rock gigs Ive seen in years, from
seen him tour the world playing shows to the on stage antics to the guitar playing
bigger audiences than the average Rock and flawless backing vocal, Nuno still has
band could ever dream of and hes still it, so dont miss the chance to see him if
rocking out and shredding like a monster you can!
on tracks like Shut up And Drive.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 17
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
T
o the uninitiated, it must seem the business.
like Elliott Randall has made a
career out of saying no to great Roll the clock back to the early 50s, and
opportunities. This is the man, after all, the seeds of Randalls musical career were
who has famously turned down the chance already being sown. Able to read music -
to join Steely Dan, Toto and many others but not yet English - as a precocious three-
over the years. And who in their right and-a-half year old, he took up the piano
mind would balk at the chance to become at five, and the guitar (his first instrument
a talismanic part of a globe-trotting, chart- was a Stella) at nine. After a decade of
topping mega group? honing his chops with three memorable
and inspirational tutors, he decided he had
But Randall is different. Known chiefly to give back some of what hed learned,
as a session player - hes the man behind and began teaching the guitar to others.
that renowned Reelin In The Years Steely Amazingly, its a practice he has continued
Dan solo (which is said to be Jimmy Pages - alongside his various day jobs - all the
favourite ever lead guitar break) among way up to 2014: at the moment, he has
literally hundreds, if not thousands, of a core of between three and six regular
other cuts - he also continues to write, students.
produce, consult, engineer, tutor and
perform to this day, having recently By the time he had ended his teens,
celebrated his half century anniversary in though, Randall had already been a pro
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 19
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
player for four or five years. His first of a recording house band, he would
recording experience came - at the come to the office every day, with no
tender age of 15 thanks to a small idea of what hed be playing, or for
studio a block from his New York whom hed be playing it. One day it
home, which offered him a position would be Jazz, the next Rock n Roll,
as a rehearsal band player. Here, and the forced variation helped foster
Randall also got his first insights into an eclecticism that has never left
the production side of the business, Randalls playing.
becoming fascinated with the world
that lay on the other side of the glass. Stints as a genuine, crowd-facing
Fifty years later, that captivation rocker soon followed. Randall joined
continues unabated. the roots fusion act Seatrain briefly in
1969, and then signed to Polydor as
In 1967, Musicor Records (who something of a solo artist, releasing
gave the world Gene Pitney, among his debut, Randalls Island, in 1970.
others) offered Randall a coveted role
as a Staff Musician. Like a member It was actually the death of his
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 21
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
select bunch. Head honcho is Strat Number 1 is its pickups. The Reelin
Number 1, the 63 model (with a neck humbucker is a 69 Gibson
65 neck) that he used to reel in all model, while the middle pickup
those years, and so much more. was for years a DiMarzio Stacked
Humbucker (which has recently been
A standard 63 when he bought it replaced with a Zexcoil model that
for a mere $175 in 1965, Randalls Randall loves). The bridge pickup is
Number 1 started life as a sunburst. the original Fender that came with
The reason it was sanded back to the guitar, and Randall has stated that
natural (and is missing its Fender it will never - ever - be changed.
headstock decal) is explained in full
in our accompanying video interview, The Number 2 guitar in Randalls
but revolves around a bassist-inspired collection is also, perhaps
decision for the whole band to paint unsurprisingly, a 63 Strat, bought
their instruments Metal Flake Silver used in the early 70s (in fact, a
in 1966. Guitarists, let that be a previous owner had done Randall
lesson to you! the favour of sanding this one down
for him). According to Randall, this
The other unusual feature of Strat one cost him nothing at all: during
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 23
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 25
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 27
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL
also devoting focus to writing and producing thoughts on the evolving industry hes grown
his own eclectic music, and performing and up and matured with. Its all more proof,
giving clinics and workshops when time and if required, that if you approach things the
desire allows. right way, have the talent, the desire, and the
luck - and are prepared to put in the hard
The video interviews that accompany this work - you can spend your life playing guitar
article provide a whole extra layer of detail for money. And all without having to wear a
into how Randall has achieved everything top hat, playing a million notes a second or
hes done up to date, so if you want to putting your name to the latest tube-powered
know how he went about carving out such nose trimmer!
an impressive niche for himself in such as
unforgiving business, give them a watch. Find out more at: www.elliott-randall.com
Randalls website is also a hive of useful info
on his gear, his musical projects, and his
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 31
FEATUR W H AI NT T YE OR UV I RE W
E AS L FL RY O NME ET DH ET OG RKE
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 33
FEATURES_GUITAR IDOL 4
Idol
It Came! It Conquered! Again! Levi Clay reports on
2014s international Guitar Idol competition.
A
nother year and Guitar Idol the chance to come to London and change
returns with a spectacular live their future.
final featuring some of the most
exciting young guitar players in the world. Held at the London Electric Live show
An eventful day as always, and after much at the prestigious Kensington Olympia,
deliberation, the judges decided on a this years finalists were more diverse
winner. than ever before, from classic Satriani-
esque instrumental Rock, to modern
Now in its fourth year, the Guitar Idol progressive extended range Metal and even
competition has helped to launch the complicated Jazz Fusion numbers - it was
careers of numerous world class players an extremely level playing field with no
including Daniele Gottardo, Jack single finalist having any real edge.
Thammarat and our own Tom Quayle, so
its no surprise that guitar players the world UK resident Michael Tillotson was up first,
over entered this years competition for his Petrucci influenced Catch The Sun
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 35
FEATURES_GUITAR IDOL 4
succeeded in capturing the audience and it Following Damir is UK fusion ace, Jack
was a solid start to the show as he blended Gardiner. His song High Impact is a step
fluid technique with strong melody and on from his last Guitar Idol performance
powerful stage presence, his performance with funky Rock riffs and slick chord
landed him three vintage Rotosound changes which Jack solos over with
pedals along with a years supply of strings minimal effort and maximum technique.
courtesy of our friends at Rotosound. This is one guitar player no-one really
wanted to have to follow and he walked
Next up was Damir Puh of Macedonia away with a runner up spot, scoring a
with his Steve Lukather-edged PRS S2 Custom 24 and strings from
composition, Flathead. He gelled well Rotosound.
with the band and never loses his cool,
even when kicking it up to melody factor If anyone can do a great job of kicking
ten in the chorus and hitting us with a it up a gear from Jack its Italian maestro
melody that Satriani would be envious of. Luca Mantovanelli and his Greg Howe
He walked away with a full TC Electronic influenced composition Bluex. He takes
mini pedalboard and strings from everyone by surprise by choosing to not
Rotosound. play with the band and a backing track,
instead opting to play the piece as a power
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 37
FEATURES_GUITAR IDOL 4
trio and knocking the tempo up. Its a bold Jacknife on a Hairpin which he executes
move and it pays off as he took home a in a manner fitting of such a sharp title.
10th anniversary Musicman John Petrucci. His improvising is inspiring and his fluid
integration of eight finger tapping is
Next was the Greek born Yiannis humbling. As a runner up, he walks away
Papadopoulos and his brutally melodic with a PRS S2 Custom 24.
composition Castle Black, which
showcases his wonderful ear for melody The penultimate finalist is Canadian born
along with his flawless command of the extreme Metal player Morgan Reid. His
instrument, his sweep picking alone is to composition is heavy and his chops are
die for and he walks away with the Paul outrageous, its virtually impossible to fault
Gilbert shredder award, winning an Ibanez his tune even if stage levels cause issues in
Fireman from our friends at Headstock. the performance, its still enough to wow
the judges and he walks away with a Fret
Following Yiannis is the American King Ventura model.
fusion ace, Cameron Allen, with his tune
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 39
FEATURES_GUITAR IDOL 4
Its safe to say all of these gentlemen have great careers ahead of
them and we expect to hear a lot more from Andre in the future
as hes got exactly what it takes to be a true icon for the younger
generation of player.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 41
TECH
SESSIO PUTTING I
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 43
TECH SESSIONS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
GETTING
EXTREME
Guitar Interactive welcomes George Marios to the team - with a
blistering Tech Session on the one and only Nuno Bettencourt!
Today were taking a look at the style of one of the funkiest, most tasteful guitarists and
songwriters of the last 30 years, Nuno Bettencourt.
Nuno, mostly known for his work with funk/rock pioneers Extreme, is renowned for
his great melodic runs, interesting percussive patterns and mind blowing chops.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 45
TECH SESSIONS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
His solos, as well as his rhythm playing, have slow will definitely help, as well as isolating
excellent narrative and always are very well the parts that give you a hard time.
constructed.
Nuno is a master performer and he will play
In this piece, we will be focusing on his lead the most mind blowing lines without busting
playing attributes, however, you will find that a sweatthats what you want!
your funk rhythm playing will improve after
practicing the piece too, because, as I say, Give it time, be patient and you will get
Nuno is a very percussive lead guitar player! there.
A very important thing to keep in mind Lets take a look at whats going on in the
working on this piece is to try and stay track:
relaxed when performing. The style of music Bar 1-4: The piece takes off with a Nuno-
is very much founded in groove and it is esque string skipping funky line, followed by
important to be at a place where you can a rapid diminished palm muted run, leading
deliver the song without having to think too into some horn type lines.
much about the challenging parts. Starting
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 47
TECH SESSIONS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
If you are new to this style of playing, it combined with the palm muting technique
would be good to practice riffing using creates a cool percussive effect.
adjacent string before attempting the five
string leap of the original lick. Bar 13-16: This is probably one of the
most challenging parts of the piece. It
Bar 4-8: The band kicks in and we are covers Nunos mind blowing palm muting
greeted by some catchy, melodic lines very technique, which like I said before, adds to
similar to iconic solos in songs like Get the percussive element of his sound.
the Funk out. In bar eight we can find the
trademark Nuno tapping triad lick, over an F Make sure to isolate the riffs, practice
and a G chord. them slowly and gradually speed up once
everything sounds good at a certain tempo.
Bar 9-12: The solo carries on and here we
can find some of the trademark, palm muted, Bar 17-20: In bar 17-18, we can find
pentatonic runs that are very widespread in some lines inspired by Nunos rhythm guitar
Nunos playing. That fact that he tends to playing. He does tend to include little riffs
hammer on strings without picking them, as part of solos, something that helps bring
variation to the sound, as well as emphasise
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 49
TECH SESSIONS_NUNO BETTENCOURT
Saudamos Nuno!
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
www.georgemarios.co.uk
www.kodyofficial.com
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 51
COMPET YOUR CHANCES TO
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 53
COMPETITION_YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
What could be better in an issue featuring sums-up another great Rock guitar from
the astounding Nuno Bettencourt the Metal Masters at Washburn!
than the chance to win one of his
amazing signature Washburn guitars All you have to do is click to enter,
for free?! Were giving away a Washburn simply answer the simple questions
N2TattooK - and all you have to do to (tick A, B or C) and fill out the form!
enter our competition is answer a few easy One lucky winner with the correct
questions! answers will be chosen at random will
win our Washburn N2TattooK!
In our review in this issue, Doug
Cartwright says: It sounds authentic
in high gain Rock scenarios, feels great
in your hands thanks to the classic
Bettencourt neck profile and importantly
it does look the part! That certainly
ENTER
The Rules:
1/ All entries must be received by 3rd December 2014. 2/ Only one entry per person is allowed. 3/ No cash alternative is
offered instead of the stated prize. 4/ Employees of Guitar Interactive, Sound Technology or Washburn Guitars, and their
immediate families, are ineligible for this competition. 5/ One winner will be chosen, at random, from registered readers
of Guitar Interactive who provide the correct answers. 6/ The judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered
into regarding this competition. 7/ Winning entrants must respond to email notification of having won within 10 days,
otherwise prizes may be forfeited and alternative winners chosen. 8/ Winners may be responsible for import duty where
levied. Where possible prizes will be despatched from the winners own country, but this will not always be possible. 9/
Prizewinners must consent to having their name and city/country (e.g. Andres Segovia, Madrid, Spain) published in a
future issue.
Questions
All you have to do is answer the following questions online.
A/ Dallas
B/ Boston
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 55
COMPETITION_YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
In this issues second amazing competition and comfortable for all guitar players,
were giving you the chance to win one of especially those who favour a legato
these world-beating MIDI guitars - the or more left hand based approach to
YouRock Gen2 complete with the brand playing. Ive already used it extensively on
new Radius neck! recordings and couldnt be happier with
the results and playability. For those who
Tom Quayle reviewed the YouRock Gen already own the YRG Gen 2 this is an
2 MIDI guitar way back in GI issue 14, essential purchase, and for those on the
since when it has become a part of Toms fence, the Radius neck may be just the
personal armoury of top-end guitars. In required element to help you make the
this issue, Tom reviews the new Radius decision to buy. By far and away the most
neck from YouRock, which fits onto both effective MIDI guitar solution on the
the current Gen 2 and its predecessor market at this price point!
the Gen 1 models, transforming the
instrument into a more Rock-friendly ll you have to do is click to enter,
feeling guitar - but retaining that simply answer the simple questions
astonishing MIDI capability which makes (tick A, B or C) and fill out the form!
YouRock guitars so amazing! Two lucky winners with the correct
answers will be chosen at random will
In his review, Tom Says: The Radius win one each our YouRock Gen 2 with
neck takes the already great YRG Gen Radius neck MIDI guitars!
2 Guitar and promotes it to a serious
musical instrument that will feel familiar
ENTER
The Rules:
1/ All entries must be received by 3rd December 2014. 2/ Only one entry per person is allowed. 3/ No cash alternative is offered
instead of the stated prize. 4/ Employees of Guitar Interactive, YouRock Guitar, and their immediate families, are ineligible for
this competition. 5/ Two winners will be chosen, at random, from registered readers of Guitar Interactive who provide the correct
answers. 6/ The judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this competition. 7/ Winning entrants
must respond to email notification of having won within 10 days, otherwise prizes may be forfeited and alternative winners chosen.
8/ Winners may be responsible for import duty where levied. Where possible prizes will be despatched from the winners own
country, but this will not always be possible. 9/ Prizewinners must consent to having their name and city/country (e.g. Andres
Segovia, Madrid, Spain) published in a future issue.
Questions
All you have to do is answer the following questions online.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 57
COMPETITION_THE WINNERS!
Mr Paul Phillips of
Peterborough, in the
UK.
just what it was that made the original Gibsons Les Paul
greatest solidbody electric ever made.
HOW THE GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD You only have to listen to the music made with this
BECAME A LEGENDARY GUITAR guitar to realise that its a special instrument. Its roots
TONY BACON the 60s and Jimmy Pages classic work with Led
Zeppelin into the 70s; there are its appearances on
timeless cuts such as All Right Now and Hotel
California; and today we hear it bolstering Joe
Bonamassas worldwide blues-rock success. Many
more guitarists have found that the tone and feel of a
Burst come together in a magical blend that helps them
play better than ever before.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 59
iGUITAR_FEATURED DOWNLOADS
EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
CLICK HERE!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 61
LICK LIBRARY_DVD COLLECTION
GUITA
DVD guitar lessons, online lessons
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 63
LICK LIBRARY_GET INVOLVED!
Watch our expert presenters all top players and teachers in their own
right break down songs and techniques into digestible chunks. Individual
segments are played slowly first, then brought up to speed all you have to
do is watch and copy. Youll find youre learning and improving faster then
you ever believed possible.
Learn Eddie Van Halens exact solo for Eruption, get Comfortably Numb
off pat, nail that right to Sweet Child OMine there are hundreds of lessons
online and were adding to them all the time. Each track is broken down into
small sections so you can learn even the most complex solo.
Whether its acoustic finger-picking or full-on shredding, whether youre
a complete beginner or an accomplished player, youll find what you want
online at www.licklibrary.com
All styles,
GUITAR LESSONS 24/7 All levels
www.licklibrary.com
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 65
THE
REVIEW GUITARS, A
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 67
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
Washburn N4 ESA
Many top players have had signature guitars down the years. Some have even
had several. But its a measure of Nuno Bettencourts importance in Rock guitar
that US manufacturer Washburn has entire series of Nuno Bettencourt guitars. In
the first of two Washburn N-Series reviews to accompany our interview with the
great man, Doug Cartwright tackles the US-made N4 ESA.
I
ntroduced in 1990, guitars. I wasnt disappointed!
the Washburn Nuno My first impression of this
4.5
Bettencourt signature guitar was of a raw, stripped-
series has gone on to become one back instrument thats been
of the most recognisable, longest- designed to rock. However,
running and most widely-played there are several modern design
STAR RATING artist models in commercial elements in the instrument that
guitar history. Such is its are cleverly hidden away and not
popularity that Nuno has created
PROS: an almost innumerable quantity
immediately noticeable at first
glance.
Supreme build of variants, playing around with
and finish quality finishes, extra strings, faithful The first and largest of these is
Massively versatile replicas of his iconic original N4 the Stephens Extended Cutaway,
Rock guitar guitar and, such as in the case of a design trademark of luthier
Top class specs Stephen Davies thats been a
this version, tonewoods.
and features licensed part of the N-Series since
Aesthetically mature, The N4 ESA (thats Ebony/ its inception and is apparent the
will please pro players Swamp Ash for anybody moment the guitar is turned over.
Bill Lawrence L500 wondering) is an established Featuring a bolt-on construction,
pickup is awesome!! classic of the N-series, featuring this massive C-shaped scalloped
Very well priced for a swamp ash body in place of the heel gets the body of the guitar
a US-made signature originals alder, and employing completely out of the players way
guitar premium quality components and offers superior upper-neck
CONS: and materials throughout. Its
also constructed in the Washburn
access for all 22 frets.
Addition of tone I say completely out of the way
knob would further USA custom shop, so I went into
this review expecting to play one because as long as you stick with
increase versatility
of the worlds truly great Rock rigid classical posture you cant
Many modern Rock
go wrong here; with your thumb
players require a 24-
fret neck
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 69
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
on an almost mythical status amongst Rock bright, cutting tone that seems to accentuate
players thanks to its controversial trademark harmonics making pinches and squeals an
issues and associations with Nuno and absolute breeze and delivering supreme
Dimebag Darrell - arguably two of the finest articulation through even the most high gain
Rock players throughout the 1990s. As soon sounds. The SD 59 in the neck is a great
as I plugged this guitar in, I could tell why: match, providing the solid Rock tone that its
the L500 absolutely screams! It produces a known for with additional bite thanks to the
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 71
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
brightness of the swamp ash. players. Nuno fans will obviously love it, but
Although it would be easy to focus on the anybody looking for a solid, reliable Rock
fantastic Rock tones on offer from this guitar will also appreciate its solid build
guitar, its worth noting that its definitely quality and fantastic tones. The addition of
a versatile beast. Nunos been out playing the Stephens Extended Cutaway and the
in Rihannas band recently, and hes been Buzz Feiten tuning system help to give it
turning up with his N4 for those gigs too. character and ensure it stands out from the
Although the addition of a tone control competition, while its earthy good looks
would increase the versatility of the guitar give it an adult appeal that will set it apart
further, it sounds great clean and is perfect from the teenage Metal market and see in
for knocking out funk rhythms and melodic the hands of players on professional gigs the
chord playing. It also handles crunchy mid- world over.
gain tones with confidence and authority, Nuno Bettencourt is without doubt one of
with the Bill Lawrence L500 really forcing the worlds great Rock guitar players and
those Blues drive tones to scream! this guitar is the perfect instrument for him;
Overall, the N4 ESA is a fantastic guitar for without a doubt one of the worlds great
all contemporary Rock and modern guitar Rock guitars!
TECH SPEC
Washburn N4 ESA NM 25.5 scale
MSRP 2.099 US $2,999 Stephens extended
cutaway 5-bolt neck joint
Made in: USA Spanish Luthiers headstock joint
Swamp ash body 14 pitch-angled reverse headstock
22 fret maple neck Grover 18-1 tuners
with ebony fingerboard Buzz Feiten Tuning System GC31R
L500 Bill Lawrence bridge pickup (Case) included
Seymour Duncan 59 neck pickup
Original Floyd Rose tremolo
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 73
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
N
uno Bettencourt body cut, control layout and
is one of the most distinguishing reverse headstock
4.0
established and as many of the artists own
respected Rock guitarists in the instruments.
world. His technical command
of the instrument is the stuff of The neck is constructed from
legends, he writes classic riffs maple, with a rosewood fretboard
STAR RATING featuring 22 frets and the
and catchy choruses as easily as
he breathes, he sings great and Mourning Widow inlays that
is annoyingly good looking. Its have featured on many of Nunos
PROS: therefore understandable why guitars. The fret job on our
budding shredders the world sample was sound, with smooth
Solid construction
over wish to play a guitar that he fret edges throughout and the
and build quality
endorses, but theres a problem; locking nut and other hardware
Bill Lawrence
Nunos top-tier signature models was immaculately installed. The
pickup is a bonus
cost a lot of money. Fortunately neck profile is the same as the
for this price range
those considerate people at top-level models too, providing
Certainly looks the
Washburn have stepped in and an extremely comfortable playing
part!
provided us mere mortals with a experience that should prove
guitar affordable even for people enjoyable for any modern Rock
CONS: whose bank balance hasnt had player.
A Stephens the benefit of a chart-smashing Unfortunately the neck is bolted-
Extended Cutaway hit single like More Than on to the body using a traditional
would be nice Words! square heel joint, as opposed to
The Floyd Rose the Stephens Extended Cutaway
Straight out of the box the
Special isnt very. that is found on the rest of the
N2TattooK (to give it its
full Washburn model tag) is N-series guitars. Although theres
instantly recognisable as a Nuno nothing wrong with a square
Bettencourt guitar, with the same heel per-se (millions of players
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 75
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
reviews of guitars from several top makers, differentiation means they feel different
by no means just Washburn. In our opinon, in the hand and are harder to set-up and
these bridges are inferior to the Original maintain pitch with, and the bar itself has
Floyd Rose systems found on the top-of- a fair amount of give in it before it actually
the-range guitrs, due in part to the use of does anything to alter the pitch of a note.
zinc alloy in their construction in place of This isnt just my opinion - its the consensus
steel and brass. Something about the weight view of all the GI review team. Still, it does
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 77
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
perform adequately and allows for plenty of happy. It sounds authentic in high gain Rock
squeals and motorbike-revving sound effects scenarios, feels great in your hands thanks
whilst holding tune reasonably well, so to the classic Bettencourt neck profile and
perhaps were being too critical on a guitar in importantly it does look the part! Matte
this price range. laquer is all the rage at the moment, as are
natural finishes, and this guitar combines
So, what do we make of the N2 Tattoo? As this with those killer Mourning Widow
you would expect for an instrument that inlays to create an axe with an eye-catching
sells for a fraction of the price of handmade modern aesthetic. There are a lot of options
US Nuno Bettencourt Washburns, the for aspiring Rock guitars in this price
N2 Tattoo is a different experience but it range, but the N2 Tattoo is certainly worth
contains enough of the features and specs investigation from any rocker looking to get
of the top-level guitars to keep Nuno fans their funk out!
TECH SPEC
Washburn N2 Tattoo 22 jumbo frets
MSRP 549 US $1,168.90 Nut width: 43mm
Bridge pickup: Bill Lawrence L500
Made in: Unknown Neck Pickup: Duncan Designed
Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system
Mahogany body with Matte Laquer Chrome hardware
Matte finish maple neck Grover exclusive 18:1 tuners
25.5 scale
Rosewood fingerboard
Custom Mourning Widow inlay
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 79
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
4.5
on the frontline all three of these instruments
of British guitar making, with a fall under), the Stock Custom
wealth of experience and industry (whereby he modifies designs
knowledge under his belt. His with specs including exotic
STAR RATING previous company D.M. Guitars wood choices and tops) and the
started trading in 1990, offering a Private Order Custom where the
full repair, refinishing and custom customer can have a guitar built
PROS: guitar service. D.M. teamed up to their own exact specifications.
Elite instruments for with Burns London in 1993 for Even though all three Pagans
serious players and paint finishes and eventually were from the Standard line, they
professionals made bodies and pre-Chinese all had different specifications to
Handcrafted using Burns prototypes, as well as doing demonstrate the range of features
traditional tools and paint finishes for a host of other available from MacPherson
techniques by a British companies and carrying out the guitars; as Dan is building all
luthier with decades of entire production for JJ Guitars these guitars himself he often
experience from 2004-2010. In 2010 Dan changes up the details on each
started to phase-in MacPherson instrument, an advantage of
Exquisite detail and
Guitars, before closing D.M. being an independent luthier.
flawless workmanship
Guitars for good in 2013 to focus
Every instrument solely on his own brand of guitars Standard across all three
is unique by nature and basses. instruments were the S-style body
of design and shape, 24-fret Canadian rock
construction Dan brought three of his maple neck, bolt-on construction
CONS: creations into the GI studio for
me to test out, all variations of
and dual humbucker pickup
configurations. All three guitars
Probably wont his Pagan model which is the featured different neck profiles; a
retain resale value modern Rock guitar in his new flat D that felt familiarly modern
comparable to line. Dan offers three levels of and what I expected to find on a
mainstream brands
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 81
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
British luthier Steve Smiths own Johnson Its important to remember that most
Buckers. I had no prior experience with MacPherson guitars are sold direct and
any of these pickups but found all to be therefore all of the options Im mentioning
excellent, with great dynamic range and here are selectable by the customer when
responsiveness. In the accompanying video placing an order.
I did my best to demonstrate the full variety
of different guitar sounds that I felt could In addition to all of the specifications that
be accomplished with any of these guitars. Ive gone through, a really key feature of
Pickups are really a matter of taste and these guitars is that Dan builds them all by
preference but I was genuinely impressed by hand using traditional tools and methods,
all three of the brands I encountered here, all without the use of CNC machines. This is
giving the more established pickup brands the mark of a true craftsman and really sets
a run for their money and definitely worth MacPherson guitars apart from the majority
thorough investigation from any serious tone of the competition. The exquisite details of
hound. the instruments and the perfection of the
work on all three guitars is truly outstanding,
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 83
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 85
REVIEWS_iOS GUITAR REVIEW
W
ith the huge rise also, with a 5-way pickup selector
in the popularity switch and three knobs that look
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 87
REVIEWS_iOS GUITAR REVIEW
need for an external sound card. This makes from their device back to the guitar and
travelling, especially when flying, far easier monitor through the headphone output
for all musicians and gives users access to controlling the volume of the headphones
a superb on the road recording setup that with the volume control nearest the jack
is perfect for cramped hotel rooms or tour socket and the guitar volume with the
buses where a quality tone is required with control nearest the bridge. The middle knob
the minimum of fuss. is a master tone control for all five pickup
positions. The interface seems rock solid
Sound quality from the audio interface is too - on an 2011 Core i7 Macbook Pro the
superb with a crisp high end with great buffer size could be reduced to 64 samples
dynamics and reproduction of each pickup with no glitches or pops at all, resulting in a
position. The user can also direct the output latency of around 4ms.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 89
REVIEWS_iOS GUITAR REVIEW
TECH SPEC
Fender Deluxe Position Inlays: Black or White Dot
StratocasterHSS Plus Top
with iOS Connectivity, Maple Bridge Pickup: Standard Humbucking
Fingerboard, Aged Cherry Burst Middle Pickup: Standard Single-Coil
MSRP 814.80 US $849.99 Strat
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 91
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
P
erhaps most known for punch in the mids to cut through
their outlandish pointy a mix. Its also worth noting
4.5
guitars, the Warlock, that the review model supplied
Ironbird and Bich, BC Rich are is deceptively light, which has
staples of the Metal genre. From gradually become a desirable
Kerry King, Michael Angelo feature over the years. The sleek
STAR RATING Batio and Mick Thompson to curves and contoured top are
Slash, Joe Perry and even Eric offset with a classy white binding.
Clapton, BC Rich guitars have
been seen in the hands of guitar The 7-string neck is built out of
PROS: players the world over, but theres maple with a black finish and a
more to BC Rich than guitars rosewood board and while its
High output pickups obviously wider than a 6-string
you could poke an eye out with,
Binding is a nice touch neck, were given enough
as the Villain series shows.
Fixed bridge stability thickness that its comfortable
Taking roots from the classic in the hand without being too
Gunslinger shape, this new intrusive when playing chords.
CONS: Villain Escape 7 provides a Everything is comfortable for the
Pickups require perfectly priced entry into the modern player as were treated to
decent EQ skills 7-string market with enough a nice 16 radius across the entire
Some may really features to keep up with guitars 24 fret fingerboard. This could
want a trem in considerably higher price be taxing at the nut for hands
Not be as pointy as brackets, all without having to not used to a flatter radius, but
youd expect from BC own something too polarising coming from that background
Rich! aesthetically. I personally feel quite at home
here.
Built in Indonesia, the Villain
offers classic Metal looks with The 7 in a line tuning pegs result
a gloss black basswood body, in good tension on the synthetic
which offers a little more warmth graphite nut for tuning stability,
than alder or ash and enough and paired with the fixed bridge
were actually treated to a guitar you can Things get really interesting when we plug
really beat on without fear of slipping out of the guitar in, especially as Id prepared myself
tune. The fixed bridge may be off-putting for for a guitar that streets at under $400 or
some, but at this price point Id rather know around 300, but BC Richs own B.D.S.M
my money is going on everything else on the 7 pickups are actually twice as hot as I
guitar rather than having a cheap licensed expected, and for a 7-string guitar playing
Floyd Rose thats going to give me many Metal, this is rarely a bad thing. Tonally
years of woe which also means corners have theyre a little muddy, but certainly nothing
to be cut elsewhere. that cant be curbed with some EQ on the
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 95
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
have a solid guitar without non essential guitar for you! And if the 7-string doesnt
features than have a guitar punching way quite tempt you, did you know theres a
above its weight. If you want to get into the similarly low priced 8-string version in the
seven string market with something a little range...?
bit different, the BC Rich might be the
TECH SPEC
BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string Headstock 7 Inline Pointed
MSRP 339 US $670 Hardware
Made in: Indonesia Nut Type Standard
Body Nut Material Synthetic Graphite
Construction Bolt On Nut Width 48mm
Material Basswood Tuning Keys B.C. Rich Diecast
Binding Single Ply White Bridge Type Hardtail 7
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 97
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
RedPlate RP50R
Short of finding something ancient and covered in tweed or purple vinyl hidden
away in a dusty loft, few amps get a real guitarists pulse racing faster than a
genuine handmade boutique special. We checked Lewis Turners pulse before
and after he tried the RedPlate 50R. Hes a real guitarist!
A
rizona based RedPlate checking out the video - but in
Amps was established the meantime heres my opinion!
4.5
in 2006, by Henry
Heistand. According to the On first looks this is quite an
company, Henry has been understated combo amp, Im not
involved with playing, servicing, sure what I was expecting, maybe
and designing tube amplifiers I thought for the price it might
STAR RATING rise from a plinth, surrounded by
for over 41 years and he works
to a golden rule - first get the dry ice, and be lined with gold,
PROS: cleans right. RedPlate are true
boutique amps, hand built and
but alas our sample came just
in plain black with red writing.
Amazing build with painstaking attention to However, once you get up close
detail. Sadly, those words usually and personal it quickly becomes
Amazing sounds clear that A) this thing has been
signify a hefty price tag and the
RP50R is no exception, but here put together well and is built
True classic valve amp
at GI we pride ourselves in the like a tank, and B) there are a
feel and response
diversity of gear we review, from multitude of knobs, switches and
Hundreds of tonal entry level, through to top end, hidden features. I recommended
possibilities no expense spared products - and that the camera guys went and
this amp certainly falls into the got a coffee while I familiarised
latter category. New for 2014, the myself with what everything did!
CONS: RP50R claims to finally answer The RP50R has a Tweed channel
Reverb control tucked the Blackface or Tweed argument, to cover those legendary break-
around the back combining RedPlates BlackVerb up tones, a Blackface channel
and Blues Machines models aiming for pristine cleans, as
Looks may not inspire into a single unit, intending to well as an overdrive section,
everyone make it the most versatile amp master control, and footswitch.
currently on the market. Is it? It also has a fully buffered effects
Well, you can be the judge by loop and a tube spring reverb.
RedPlate RP50R
Basic controls such as Bass, Middle, Treble, the amount of bass gain in the input of the
separate channel volumes and presence all clean pre-amp stage - useful for matching the
work the same as on any other amp, but amplifier to the guitar type.
there are some interesting additions on the
RedPlate combo. There is a Bright switch Other things such as Line Out, Send and
on the front, centre = off, Up = normal Return Jacks so you can run an effects loop
bright response, Down = sound of new are also around the back, as well as the
strings - handy if you havent changed them Reverb control, which personally was one
for a while! There is also a Voice switch on feature that I wasnt too keen on. If you
the back which allows you to select, Fat, should you need to make a quick adjustment
Humbucker or Single coil, depending on on the fly, its not the most convenient
the type of guitar you are using, this sets positioning. Some of the knobs on the front
of the amp also offer a pull-out feature
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 101
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
to give a greater variety of tones, such as The Tweed channel didnt disappoint either.
reducing girth for the Brownface era tone, Even at a relatively low volume I was able to
or a reduction of extreme highs. There is get that classic break-up tone that valve amp
also a great switch on the front called Mode fans crave, making this ideal for crunchy
Selector, which offers different settings such rhythm and bluesy leads. Playing around
as Funk and Rock. It steps through five with the overdrive section of this amp, I
progressively fatter positions of the midrange was able to get smooth Fusion type lead
centre frequency and adds a stack lift of the tones and classic aggressive Rock. Theres
Middle control for even more midrange in not enough there for really saturated Death
position six. All this squeezed into a 50 Watt Metal type growl, but a suitable overdrive
all-valve combo! Once again be sure to check pedal in front will soon solve that. All
out the video as I demo all the different this can be controlled by the four button
controls and their sounds. footswitch (see video), and the best thing
is its actually included! So often you come
Plugging into this amp, my first impressions across high-end amps that cost the earth
were just how much power you get out and then they make you buy the footswitch
of such a compact combo - you really get separately!
the sense of having to tame a beast! The
Blackface channel offered some of the best The Red Plate RP50R is a truly fantastic
cleans I have ever heard. Pristine, bell-like combo amp. I would go as far to say one
clarity with plenty of bottom end and rich of the best I have ever tried. Henry and his
mids, combined with some of the pull team absolutely have the right idea: get the
features discussed above, this channel gives clean part right then everything else can be
you all the bottom end you could want for built on from that. So many manufactures
a vintage Jazz tone, or plenty of bite and seem to get this wrong, leaving you with a
cut through for a more modern Funk/Pop very thin, weak sounding amp with nowhere
sound, and everything in between. to go.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 103
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
I would have liked to have had longer to order and get on the waiting list, but I can
play around with this RedPlate, as there are promise you it will be well worth the wait!
so many different tonal possibilities and I Also, you then get to choose whether you
probably only tapped into a few of them, want it with or without reverb, as a head
but what I managed to find, I loved. This or combo and you can choose the covering
is a true valve amp that responds and feels material and colour.
like a valve amp should. It delivers fantastic
dynamics, and had perfect touch sensitivity, After some debate we decided to give it that
so you can go from rhythm to lead by coveted extra half a star. How can an amp
lightening your attack or reducing the guitar costing this much be great value for money?
volume. Yes its expensive, but lets face it Well. Because you simply wouldnt get this
most of the truly great things are, these amps quality of sound without spending this much
arent mass produced you have to place your money - and in some cases, a lot more.
Our thanks to Coda Music for the loan of this review sample: www.coda-music.com
TECH SPEC
RedPlate RP50R Blackface and Tweed Channel
MSRP 2,339 US $2,899
Overdrive Channel
Made in: Handmade in USA
5x 12 AX7 Tubes
50 Watt all valve combo
1 x 12 AT7 Tube
Fully Buffered Effects Loop
2 x 6L6 GC/6V6 GTA Tubes
Tube spring reverb
4 Button Footswitch
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 105
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
H
ayden Amps handling and an oversized design
hail from the to help boost the low end output.
4.0
United Kingdom
being the guitar branch of the When I say oversized, dont get
world-renowned bass amplifier the wrong idea. The first thing
manufacturer Ashdown. The that immediately struck me
brand has been on the go since once I unboxed the amp and
STAR RATING cab was how startlingly tiny and
2006 but 2013 saw a major
lightweight they are. Carrying
PROS: overhaul of their entire line, with
the all-new Lil MoFo being one one in each hand was easy and
Great build quality, its difficult to imagine how a
of the revamped models hitting
looks aesthetically half-stack could really get any
shelves and drawing attention
pleasing smaller or more portable than
thanks to its eye-grabbing looks,
miniature size and promises of this. The head was constructed
Lots of volume and
disproportionate tone for both its with a durable steel chassis and
depth of tone for 2
dimensions and price bracket. really looked the business with
Watts of power
an industrial, textured finish
Magic Eye indicator The Lil MoFo is the smallest amp and oversized, vintage-style
might be the coolest in the much-lauded MoFo line, white control knobs. Theres lots
gimmick ever a practice and jam-orientated of ventilation integrated into
workhorse packing a mere two the chassis as well as integrated
Reasonably priced Watts of all-valve output power, a handles, giving the impression of
single channel, recording output a well-thought out design overall.
CONS: and a 3.5mm mini jack line input
for connecting mp3 players for
The cab matched perfectly with a
rugged black finish, steel corner
Not much headroom
jam track playback. We teamed caps and recessed carry handle
for clean tones
it with the matching Hayden which made moving it about a
Questionable real 112 Angled Cabinet, featuring simple task.
world practicality a front mounted 12 Hayden
Custom Vintage 60 speaker with Once Id got it set up and
That name! a 16 ohm input, 60 watt power plugged in, the first thing that
caught my attention was the epic EM84 Magic Eye valve visible inside the head. Originally
designed as tuning aids on early radios, Hayden have reimagined the EM84 valve as a striking
signal indicator that lights up green every time you strike a note on your guitar. A standard
across the entire MoFo range, this blatant gimmick is nonetheless immensely cool and any amp
that comes with its own light show will certainly help anyone unleash their inner Rock god!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 107
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 109
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
As the gain is increased the amp will quickly a little confused by who this half-stack is
pass its way through Blues drives and into really designed for. I struggle to see what the
strong modern Rock territory, where this function of a stack of this size is, as a 1x12
amp excels. Its really surprising to hear combo would clearly serve exactly the same
so much bark coming from such a tiny purpose. The half-stack is easily carryable
amplifier, with 2 Watts of power proving so clearly the weight of combining the two
to provide so much volume that I suspect into one unit wouldnt be backbreaking,
the amp may be named after the resulting and a practice amp is something that should
feelings of a parent whod been talked into easily be kept around the house and would
buying the amp by a child who assured them benefit from being as compact as possible.
it would be quiet on account of its size! Although having a separate head is more
useful for running into different cabinets and
Although the sounds and versatility of the speaker combinations, this is only a 2 Watt
amp were strong enough for a practice amp head and is clearly not designed for anything
to have around the house and the additions past home practice and recording; the line-
of a recording out and auxiliary in make ins and outs further suggest this. Its not
up a useful tool for hobby players, Im left
TECH SPEC
Hayden Lil MOFO head and 1x12 Effects Send No
angled cab
Effects Return No
MSRP 249 (head) 219 (cab) US
$TBC Pre-Amp Tubes 1XECC83
Power Output (RMS) 2 Watts All Distortion Gain control and master
Valve volume
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 111
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
4.0
B efore we talk about
this amp, lets very
briefly reflect on
its heritage. Back in the 1920s
were making through these amps,
right up to point when some guy
called Eric Clapton plugged his
Les Paul into a Marshall combo
National were making guitars. and turned that up full blast.
In the 30s National became Possibly this could have been
STAR RATING National & Dobro. National the first nail in the coffin for the
& Dobro then became Valco, Supro, because by the end of the
who started producing an amp 60s, the brand was gone.
called the Supro and the Supro
PROS: amp became the favourite amp Fast forward to 2014 and Supro
of choice for the Chicago blues amps are back to cater for the
A vast array of features
musicians of the time. It was huge demand for original retro
for such a compact
affordable and small enough to looks and sounds. Designed
unit
carry, but loud enough to fill a by Dave Koltai and Bruce
Good looks and build club with its great Blues tone. Zinky of Pigtronix, the modern
quality Around that time a very young day versions are based very
Jimi Hendrix was using a Supro closely on the originals and are
Useful ins and outs
Thunderbolt to back the Isley manufactured in Port Jefferson
with great audio
Brothers and Little Richard, and in New York. Trying to recreate
quality
a few years later, across the pond, the hand wired originals with
Flexible audio routing a young Jimmy Page picked up a their terminal strip construction
Supro amp up to start rehearsals would have made these modern
Pitch to MIDI
with his new band, Led Zeppelin. recreations just as temperamental
conversion
It is Rock history that the first as the originals, plus modern
Good Audio Interface two Zeppelin albums largely safety regulations simply do not
featured Jimmys Telecaster allow it, so each model has a trio
of printed circuit boards that are
CONS: cranked up through a Supro.
Much of the 60s UK Blues boom hand wired directly to each other
None to speak of drew inspiration from the sound and direct to the transformer.
those real Chicago blues guys
There are no plastic connectors in the amp, which is a good sign that care to the design is
paramount, and what we end up with is vintage tone, modern construction and above all else,
reliability. Owning an original would soon become tiresome if it broke down on you every
month. Our modern Supro is ready to earn its keep night after night on tour playing those
Blues clubs up and down the land and it shouldnt let you down!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 113
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 115
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
designed 15 speaker. Apparently, Supro and set it depends on your guitar and pickups,
Eminence collaborated closely on the design and I quite liked it set around the middle
of the speakers that go into these amps and with a Strat. There is a Supro Dual Tone amp
came up with a specially wound voice coil, a in the range which has a single 12 driver
ceramic magnet and a stiff paper cone. The which is similar to the model Jimmy page
15 driver certainly gives a great, fat roar used on those early albums, but I do like a
that you can fine tune by the single tone 15 speaker and I can imagine a Thunderbolt
pot. Turn it one way it becomes brighter and a Dual Tone used side by side would be
with more high end, turn it the other and it an immense tone recipe!
becomes darker with more lows. Where you
TECH SPEC
Supro S6420+ Thunderbolt 2x 12AX7EH
MSRP: 999 US $1,599 2x 5881 / 6L6WGC
Made in: USA 1x 5U4GB
Normal and Hot inputs Cabinet Dimensions: 23 5/8 x 19 x
35 Watts Class A 6L6 power 10 1/2
Tube Complement
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 117
REVIEWS_AMP MODELLING SOFTWARE REVIEW
Peavey ReValver 4
Peaveys ReValver amp modelling software steps-up a gear with the launch of
version 4. Tom Quayle assesses one of the most ambitious packages yet offered
to tone fanatics.
W
ith amp been used by amp manufactures
modelling plug- when designing new circuits
4.5
ins becoming so as it allows you to model and
good these days that they have map each component of the
truly become viable alternatives design and listen to the effect
to real amps for both studio of every subtle change as if the
STAR RATING and live work, it takes quite a real amplifier were in front of
lot to make a product stand out you. The problem was that this
from the rest of the crop. Peavey technology was previously too
PROS: has always aimed for this lofty
goal with their ReValver amp
processor intensive for realtime
use but Peavey has managed
Fantastic sounding and
feeling amp models modelling software and with to pull the SPLICE tech into
Great effects and the release of version 4 they are ReValver 4 whilst retaining
stomp box options definitely on the path to that realtime modelling abilities,
ACT features for tone glory. giving the user all of the tonal
shaping and feel benefits that this ultra-
Following on from ReValver real technology brings.
Virtually limitless Mk.III.V, version 4 is a complete
tweaking opportunities rewrite, from the user interface Its obvious when you launch
Great array of Presets and graphical elements right ReValver 4 that a huge amount
GIG mode is very down to the modelling engine of time and care has gone into
useful for live work that powers the amp models. the visual design of the software.
Standalone and plug- In an attempt to create some The user interface is very easy to
in operation of the most realistic feeling navigate and each of the amplifier
Lovely user interface and sounding amplifiers ever modules has been recreated with a
and graphical work modelled in software, Peavey superb level of detail and fidelity.
Very good prices has decided to start from scratch The main interface is divided
CONS: and model each and every
component of the supplied
into three sections, Stomps,
Amps & Cabs and Effects with
May be a little
amplifiers using an engine called the ability to run two distinct
intimidating for first
SPLICE. Previously SPLICE has signal chains containing each of
time users
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 119
REVIEWS_AMP MODELLING SOFTWARE REVIEW
Peavey ReValver 4
Peavey has added where the cab, mic and mic position are
sampled using an impulse response. Whilst
other impressive this is standard practice now, ReValver 4
offers a huge array of cabs and mics with
features to their multiple positions and the ability to change
newest version the mic pattern and proximity or filter lows
and highs and add room ambience.
of ReValver The final Effects section allows for the
including the addition of high quality rack style effects
highly useful ACT modules such as reverbs, delays and
modulation effects post the amp and cab
and GIG mode. section. Again, the visual flair is evident
and the ease of use impressive. With two
separate signal chains available and the
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 121
REVIEWS_AMP MODELLING SOFTWARE REVIEW
immediate as the presets are preloaded into SPLICE technology works very effectively
memory so this feature makes ReValver 4 to create a very realistic modeller in
truly gig worthy as a real amp replacement. terms of dynamics and pick attack and to
A set of eight presets can be saved as a GIG produce high quality, believable tones. Very
preset allowing for entire set lists to be saved importantly for this kind of software, the
and recalled immediately. Practically all amps feel good to play as well as sounding
elements of each module can be mapped to great. Effects and stomp boxes are also very
a MIDI controller allowing for masses of well modelled, reacting in the way youd
expressive possibilities for live and studio expect with no noise digital harshness to
use and the mapping process is made very speak of. Of course, given all of the options
easy thanks to an impressive MIDI Learn available it is easy to create something
function. that sounds horrible, but you can equally
create incredible tones that fit directly into
Both in terms of tone and feel, ReValver 4 a mix with ease and thats the key here -
is a big success and classy performer. The with a suitable amount of tweaking and
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 123
REVIEWS_AMP MODELLING SOFTWARE REVIEW
to the fully fledged Producer Pack featuring ReValver 4 offers, to me, one of the most
all of the stomps, amps, cabs, mics and fully featured and best sounding and
effects that are available. Extra modules can playing amp modellers on the market
be purchased separately from the amp store, at a very good price point. With both
allowing users to tailor a budget friendly standalone and VST/AU plug-in versions it
package with just what they need, but given is a fantastic choice for anyone considering
the modest price point of the Producer taking amp modelling on their computer
version it makes the most value minded sense seriously whether for stage or studio. Highly
to go directly for that and have everything at recommended.
your finger tips.
TECH SPEC
Peavey ReValver 4 INCLUDED growing selection of new modules,
MODULES (FREE) cabinets & ACT Content
MSRP - as follows. AMP STORE PRICING
- Valveking & Custom Lite Amp Amp Modules - $7.99
Modules
Stomp Boxes - $3.99
- RIR 2 Lite Cabinet Modelling
Module (3 x cabs, 3 x mics, multiple Effects/Tools/RIR 2 - $4.99
mic positions)
ACT Bundles - $4.99
- Lite Green & Tremolo Stomp Boxes
RIR 2 Cabinets - $1.99
- C-Verb Lite Effects Module
Cabinet Bundles - $4.99
- Audio Stream Splitter
ReValver 4 Producer Pack -
- ACT Content (1 x Free Acoustic $99.99
Teaser Bundle, 2 x Electric Pickup
Bundles, 4 x Output presets) III.V Owners Upgrade to Producer
Pack - $49.99
- Access to the Amp Store for an ever
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 125
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
F
or pedal designers, selected sounds, some of which
the challenge of have been modelled on various
4.0
recreating some of the classic units from yesteryear
classic analogue delay and echo including: a Watkins Copicat, a
sounds produced by units that Roland Space Echo, an Electro-
have graced some of the most Harmonix Echoflanger, two
STAR RATING popular recordings of our time Echoplex and Binson Echorec
has become somewhat of an models, an Ibanez DM 2 and
obsession, and understandably various others. Lets take a closer
PROS: so. With the advent of digital
modelling technology, the market
look at this unit to see what it has
to offer.
Extremely easy to use
has become pretty saturated with
Generally excellent products purporting to be perfect The Vintage Echo x4 is very
recreations of famous recreations of those classic units simply laid out with everything
echoes and although there are some clearly labelled, making it an
excellent products on the market, absolute breeze to use. On the
Looper & TonePrint many have struggled to achieve very front of the pedal, from
features that elusive balance of quality and left to right, youll find a rotary
practicality at an affordable price. control knob to select the 16
Well made different effects types, a time
Having already created a hugely
successful unit in the Flashback control with a rhythmic variant
CONS: x4 and the original Alter Ego including dotted delay settings, a
Hard to think of any pedals, TC Electronic has decided feedback control and a delay level
to delve further into the depths control.
of Delay and Echo, the fruits of Each of former three controls
which have been realised in the allow you to shape the range and
form of a brand new product: characteristics of each delay effect
The Alter Ego x4 Vintage Echo to wherever your inspiration takes
pedal. At the heart of this unit you. There are four footswitches
lies no less than than twelve
on the front of the pedal, three of which contain the factory presets, with the fourth
providing a tap tempo function.
The Alter Ego x4 isnt just limited to providing echo and delay either, as it also comes
loaded with a very useful looper function easily accessed via a toggle switch situated on
the front of the pedal. Once the looper mode is engaged, the four footswitches on the
front of the pedal operate the looper. The first operates the looper record function, the
second is the play function, the third offers a very useful once function and the fourth
allows you to undo the recorded parts that you have made on the fly.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 127
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 129
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
The Alter Ego x4 is an exceptionally good pedal. Not only does it recreate those classic retro
sounds remarkably well, its great fun to use and is a perfect companion for the mobile
musician looking for great quality and versatility at a manageable price point.
TECH SPEC
TC ELECTRONIC ALTER EGO X4 function
Vintage Echo
Independent loop and delay engines
MSRP: 209 US $269 (street)
True Bypass (optional buffer)
Made in: Unknown
Analog-Dry-Through
Twelve exclusive Delay sounds
Expression pedal input
TonePrint enabled
Stereo inputs and outputs
Beam enabled
MIDI enabled
Three Presets
Subdivision selector including dual
Tap Tempo delay
16 Delay Types 9 Volt DC power supply included
40 second looper with undo/redo
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 131
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
DIGITECH DROP
D
igitech has and Roll! Digitech is one of the largest guitar
been at the effects manufacturers in the world and the
4.0 forefront of
pitch manipulation in
guitar technology since
construction is everything you would expect;
solid and faultless.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 133
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
will really appeal to 7-string players, many of when the pedal is pressed and held, switching
whom are interested in experimenting with off again the moment you release your foot.
the lower pitches without making the full- This is great for fast trills, stuttering effects
time conversion to an 8-string guitar. and dropping just one or two notes, perhaps
in a riff originally designed for Drop-D or
Beyond the basic function of the pedal, similar tunings, and is something that I can
Digitech have thought of a few nice really see being used in all manner of other
additions that really open up the unit to creative ways once players start to get their
creative applications. The first of these hands on this unit.
is a Momentary On/Off switch that will
change the footswitch from a latching to a Another feature of the pedal is the OCT +
momentary switch depending on how its DRY setting which sees a blend between the
set; when latching the pedal works in the dry guitar signal and the signal tuned down
traditional manner as an on/off switch but a full octave. This is an absolutely massive
when set to momentary the pedal is only on sound that I completely love, and hope
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 135
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
to hear more bands using in Rock songs. Overall this is a fantastic product with lots
Perfect for single note riffs and distortion, of real world use and potential. From the
it also creates a cool funky sound through practicality of retuning quickly for a singer
a clean channel that I think could have lots in a live setting to the creative uses of the
of real-world application as well. My only momentary switch and the blended setting,
real gripe is that the Wet/Dry signal blend is theres something here for everyone. Its
only available for the Octave down detune difficult to imagine a guitarist that wouldnt
setting; if you could blend the signal for any have a use for this pedal at some point in
tuning it would open up the pedal so much their gigging life, and considering theyre
for emulating harmony lines and would be even including the power supply I think
a dream feature for all pub cover bands with its extremely reasonably priced. Drop
a single guitarist in the line-up and a set- everything, you need one of these!
list including Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden
covers!
PROS: CONS:
Retune instantly to accommodate Wet/Dry blend knob would open up
singers/specific songs whilst full harmonising potential
maintaining fretboard familiarity
DIGITECH LUXE
T
he Luxe is Digitechs first stand-alone polyphonic detune pedal,
provocatively tagged the Anti-Chorus pedal. I was a little unsure
4.0 what to expect from this one, but Digitechs own marketing blurb
confidently proclaims the Luxe simply just makes everything sound better.
Ignoring the pleonasm (out with the dictionaries, gentlemen! - Ed), I was
curious to see exactly what Digitech has created that has led it to make such
STAR RATING
a bold statement.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 137
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
Detune knob cranked to the max in either components used throughout. Theyve also
direction the signal sounds truly unhinged, included a 9VDC power supply in the box,
ideal for creating weird Buckethead-esque which is a big plus, and overall I feel the unit
horror movie lead tones. Applied to a is reasonably priced.
clean amp sound, fans of Korn will be able
manipulate the Detune effect to make many The Digitech Luxe isnt an essential pedal
of the freaky overdub sounds found on their for every guitar player, but its not a toy
records. Both of these ideas will have limited either. Guitarists who have a genuine use
use and appeal, but it does make a good for a pedal to thicken up their live rig will
studio tool and for players looking for these find the Luxe a fantastic tool for widening
kinds of sounds the Luxe offers them in a their signal, and players who enjoy weird
simple, easy-to-control pedal layout. and unusual effects will similarly find the
pedal an interesting addition to their arsenal.
As expected from Digitech, the construction Whilst I feel the tag line about making
of the pedal is bullet proof with quality everything sound better is a bit of a reach
PROS: CONS:
Unusual concept that actually works The graphic on the pedal seems to have
been inspired by 1970s curtain designs
Quite a variety of applications
depending on subtlety of use Not an essential piece of kit for every
player
Well constructed, reasonably priced, 9V
power adaptor included
TECH SPEC
DigiTech Drop: MSRP 119 US $199.95
MSRP 129 US $219.95 Made in: Unknown
Momentary or Latching Mode
Made in: Unknown 9VDC Power Supply Included
Variable Detune Range True Bypass
From -50 Cents to +50 Cents Input: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
Adjustable Detune Level Output: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
9VDC Power Supply Included Controls: Amount,
True Bypass Momentary On/Off
Input: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve) A/D/A Converter: 24-bit
Output: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve) Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
Controls: Level, Detune Power Supply: PS0913DC-01 (US,
A/D/A Converter: 24-bit JA); PS0913DC-02 (EU, AU, UK)
Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz Weight: 0.36 lbs. (0.163 kgs.)
Power Supply: PS0913DC-01 (US, Dimensions: 4.75 (L) x 2.875 (W) x
JA); PS0913DC-02 (EU, AU, UK) 1.75 (H)
Weight: 0.36 lbs. (0.163 kgs.)
DigiTech Luxe
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 139
REVIEWS_GUITAR INTERFACE REVIEW
L
ivid Instruments of common shapes and can be
has been producing adjusted in numerous ways or
4.0
innovative MIDI strapped on to create the best fit
controllers with a modern visual for your guitar. Once attached,
style since 2004 and the Guitar the Guitar Wing communicates
Wing is the companys latest, wirelessly with a small USB
STAR RATING Kickstarter funded, controller dongle that attaches to your
designed to attach directly to computer or wireless MIDI
your guitar and give you a unique receiver in order to control any
PROS: way of controlling MIDI based MIDI compatible device or piece
Fully featured compact effects or parameters at the of software.
and well built controller tip of your fingers. You might
Huge array of potential initially wonder why anyone The unit itself has numerous
creative uses would want a MIDI controller types of controller on board,
Multiple controllers at
that is designed to be used with from the four velocity sensitive
the same time (as many pads along the top to the three
as you have fingers in your hands when, for years,
guitar players have been using touch sensitive ribbon controllers
fact!)
floor based units to keep their and 3D motion sensor, youre
Bundled controller maps
for all common DAWs hands free for performing, but certainly not left wanting for
and guitar software the Guitar Wing has some very mappable controls. In all there
interesting controllers that work are 18 mappable controllers that
CONS: best when used with the hands. can send note on/off data or, in
Have to use your the case of the motion and ribbon
Indeed, this device actually won
hands on the controller controllers, continuous controller
(problem for a guitar an award from Popular Science
magazine, earlier this year! data. Livid Instruments claims a
player!)
battery life of around eight hours
Has to attach to your
beloved instrument The unit attaches to the lower which is more than enough for a
(might make some horn or bout of your guitar via good few gigs or studio sessions
nervous) a clamp system with protective and the unit can be recharged
Requires a good working rubber housing, ensuring your by plugging it into a USB power
knowledge of MIDI to precious finish wont be damaged. port or computer using the
get the most from The design fits to the majority provided cable.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 141
REVIEWS_GUITAR INTERFACE REVIEW
Installation on OSX or Windows is a simple process as the device is class compliant, meaning
it will be recognised without having to install drivers. The bundled software however, was
less simple to install and caused quite a few issues on my Macbook Pro, requiring some
workarounds that the average user would have big problems with, however, these difficulties
should be ironed out by the time of the Guitar Wings official release.
The Guitar Wing ships with MIDI maps for all the common DAWs such a Logic, Cubase,
Digital Performer and Pro Tools with installers allowing the user easy access to controller maps
for transport controls and mixer functions. This is super useful for guitar players, being able to
control your DAW directly from the guitar, and is an obvious benefit of having the controller
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 143
REVIEWS_GUITAR INTERFACE REVIEW
Once assigned, the controllers work flawlessly and accurately. Having access to the controls
directly from your guitar is both a liberating and unique experience that allows for very
creative effects that would be much harder to achieve with a foot controller. For example
you can instantly switch to different wah or filter positions with your finger on the ribbon
controller to create cool rhythmic effects whilst sustaining a chord or single note. You can also
use multiple fingers to control multiple parameters at a time offering far more simultaneous
controllers than when using just your two feet. The 3D motion control offers some interesting
possibilities although was less accurate and predictable than expected at offering serious and
reliable control.
Since it sends note data from the pads, the Guitar Wing can also work to trigger samples
or virtual instruments offering a great way of integrating synths and samples into your
performances. In many ways MIDI has become such a versatile protocol that the uses of the
Guitar Wing are only really limited by your imagination and offers a huge array of potential
uses in a musical context. The unit can also be used with any MIDI compatible hardware
using your computer as a MIDI interface or one of the readily available USB-MIDI interfaces
on the market, opening up all kinds of possibilities for hardware effects or synths. Livid
Instruments are kind enough to ship a stand alone effects program called Wing FX to get you
started and, upon release, a fully featured editor will be available allowing the user to assign
each controller to any given MIDI command or note, although this wasnt available for our
review.
Being compatible with any MIDI device out there and the unique nature of its attachment
to your instrument mean the Guitar Wing is a device that could really change the way some
guitarists think about controlling their effects and synths. It offers a huge array of possibilities
at a price that certainly wont break the bank and is well made enough to survive even the
roughest of gigs. It definitely wont appeal to everyone and requires a decent knowledge of
MIDI protocol to get the most from, and the fact that you have to use stop playing to free
your hands for a controller may make no sense to some, but for others this may be the coolest
guitar device theyve ever seen. Worth checking out for sure!
TECH SPEC
The Guitar Wing More details from:
MSRP 165 US $199 www.lividinstruments.com
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 145
REVIEWS_MIDI GUITAR REVIEW
W
hen we reviewed less like an alien experience that
the YouRock Gen hinders your playing. YouRock
4.5
2 MIDI guitar has also improved that string and
back in issue 14, we gave it great fret material and raised the height
praise for its tracking, price and of both for an easier and more
functionality. One of the biggest sensitive playing experience that
STAR RATING problems for the YRG Gen 2 improves further on the already
though was the non-standard excellent MIDI tracking.
neck shape and scale, making it
The YRG Gen2 with Radius
PROS: less than ideal for guitar players
used to certain scale lengths and neck will now track pretty much
Comfortable profile traditional fret spacing. Another anything you can throw at it,
and standard scale issue concerned the material with especially if playing using only
length/fret spacing which the strings and frets the left hand in touch mode,
were constructed, giving rise to a and you can be sure that if there
Enhanced sensitivity are any glitches or miss triggers
certain stickiness when sliding
and tracking they are user error rather than
or performing position shifts that
could lead to some fraying of hardware issues. For me, the
Vast aesthetic
the strings over time. However, Radius neck is a revelation,
improvement
theres good news! The chaps at thanks to the fantastic playability
Good value for money YouRock have taken all of these and tracking for predominantly
considering the things into consideration and left hand legato players who dont
technology on offer come up with their new Radius pick a great deal. For this kind
Neck with a comfortable C of player the YRG Gen 2 with
Enhanced longevity of Radius neck represents perhaps
shape profile, 13 radius and
string material the best MIDI solution that has
standard scale 22 fret board.
ever existed at this price point for
The shape changes have resulted actual performance and recording
CONS: in a far more user friendly playing with synth sounds. Hammer-ons
None whatsoever experience that feels very similar and pull-offs feel much smoother
to playing a real guitar and far and long flowing lines are
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 147
REVIEWS_MIDI GUITAR REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 149
REVIEWS_MIDI GUITAR REVIEW
is an essential purchase, and for those on the fence, the Radius neck may be just the required
element to help you make the decision to buy. By far and away the most effective MIDI guitar
solution on the market at this price point!
TECH SPEC
YouRock Guitar Gen 2 - Radius 13 radius
MIDI Neck
Traditional C style contour
Price: Neck only: US $119.99 (direct
from www.yourock.com) 1-11/16 measured at the nut
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 151
LIVE
SOUND
ALL YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR S
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 153
LIVE SOUND_JAIME VENDERAS VOCAL BOOTCAMP
JAIME VENDERAS
Vocal Part 9
Bootcamp -
Jaime Vendera - the worlds top Rock vocal
coach - brings you everything you need to
know to deliver the perfect vocal performance!
In this issue - MORE HELP WITH KICK-
STARTING YOUR CONFIDENCE
We may sound great, and you may play great, but if your stage
presence sucks, I doubt youll develop much of a following. The visual
aspects of your performance MUST be as amazing as your guitar
playing and your singing. So, how do we get there? Well, here are a
few tips to get you started
AUDIENCE INTERACTION
Stage presence is mostly about audience interaction. After all, you
ARE an entertainer; therefore you must please your audience. I
find that interacting with your listeners will not only draw them in,
but will gain you many new fans. Therefore DO NOT under any
Diamond Dave and Mr. Scott, lets analyze mine is Tony Harnell, lead singer of TNT. I
their moves. Dave was very theatrical which recently watched a ton of TNT Band Live
fit Van Halen. Josey has more of a bounce Performance 2014. Tony is very energetic
to his body as he moved, which fit Saliva and is a front man who likes to be among
well because of their rap-rock style. So, your the crowd, reaching out to his fans, slapping
moves must fit the music. If your music is their hands, hugging them, etc. I love
similar to John Mayer, or if youre covering a watching live performances because not only
song like Daughters at your gig, I dont think can I learn new moves from other artists,
bouncing like a rapper or doing flying spin I can see how they sing live, how they deal
kicks is going to fit the music very well. with each challenging song that was much
easier recording in the studio as opposed to
So, the easiest way to discover what using tons of body fuel rocking the stage and
musicians who play your style of music are maintaining their voice. So, not only will
doing on stage live is to head to a site like you learn about performing, you might learn
YouTube or Vimeo and type in Band name something about singing as well.
Live Performance. So, if we wanted to see
what John Mayer does on stage, wed type in STAGE MOVE MIMICRY
John Mayer Live Performance. Choose an
artist that relates to you and watch as many In the case of stage moves, imitation is
live performance videos as possible. Take best to start. So, as you study for favorite
notice of what they do. A good friend of performers in live situations, take notes
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 157
LIVE SOUND_JAIME VENDERAS VOCAL BOOTCAMP
on the moves they repeat throughout the and laugh at me, thats your job, remember)
concert. What did your favorite artist do back in the early 90s. We were mainly an
that you like? Was it a certain dance step, 80s Rock cover band. We covered Rock
back had flips, banging their head??? Take Candy by Montrose and I had this idea to
the moves you like, head to your bedroom, make it sexy, well, at least I thought it was
push the bed to the side of the room so you sexy at the time, ha-ha. So, right before the
have some room to work, and then watch solo started, Id drop to my knees and let
yourself in a mirror. Crank up a tune from out the blood curdling, How, Sweet, and
one of the videos you studied and repeat the Stickaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeee. Then Id
moves as you sing along. How did you look lean forward and my lead guitarist would
in the mirror? Was it a little awkward or did prop a foot on my lower back as he played
you rock it the moment you added some the solo and pump my body to the beat
swagger? Regardless, try the move again and of the bass, like he was making me thrust
again and again until you learn to own the the floor. Dunno if I gained any fans dry
move and make it your own. Back in the 80s humping the dirt and sweat covered stage,
when I was agile, ha-ha, I worked over and but you get the picture. Bottom line; (for a
over and over again mastering a back hand third time) find the moves that work for you
spring just to perform the move in one song. and slip them into your songs to bring the
It takes dedication, so apply yourself, learn visual aspect to life.
moves that fit you and your music style, and
then get ready to add them to your set THERES MORE TO THE FORMULA
There is much more to stage performance
SETTING YOUR MOVES IN YOUR SET
that what Ive shared. Youve also got to learn
Yeah, ya gots some new moves, maybe a little to interact with your band, work your songs
more swagger, but it wont matter much if together in a set list that makes sense and
you dont know where to place those new flows from song to song, and know what
moves in your set. So, when youre rehearsing to say to the audience and when to say
with your band, start trying out those it to your audience. These are all covered
moves. Dont worry if your bandmates start in my video, Beyond Stage Presence at
laughing; they laugh at everything you do BeyondTheVoice.com. So, check it out and
because thats the role of all other musicians Ill see you next Vocal Bootcamp!
in the band---hassle the lead singer. I was in
a band called Chained Angel (yeah, go ahead Find out more from the ultimate Rock
singers tutor at www.jaimevendera.com
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 159
LIVE SOUND_PA REVIEW
O
ver the course of the past massively with the addition of the PL118
twenty years HK Audio 18 sub woofer, as might be expected.
has become recognised as a
high quality manufacturer of live sound The PL112FA has a Max SPL of 125 dB
reinforcement systems. Made in Germany, half space with a total power rating of
its systems are built to a high standard 1,000 Watts. The frequency response is set
yet remain affordable to a broad range of between 70 16kHz +/-3 dB so you can
customers. In the companys promotional see from the spec the addition of a sub is
literature it says it aspires to deliver perfect essential for full range playback music. A
sound and claims that its products are a listening test confirmed that. I wouldnt
result of a lifelong passion and pursuit of want to use the 112FA without a sub if I
this vision. We decided to put that to the was working with a DJ or band.
test by taking a look at one of its flagship
portable systems, the Pulsar range, to see if The built in power amp is controlled
this vision is materialising. by sophisticated DSP which offers a lot
of protection for your system. Theres
First lets look at the spec. The Pulsar range a subsonic filter that should work your
is made up of three different sizes of MID/ woofers more efficiently, a peak limiter,
HIGH, or top boxes: the PL110, 112 and RMS limiter and Auto standby. During
115. Each speaker is self-powered, two-way tests at high levels I was able to hear the
and combines a woofer with a 1 tweeter. protection kicking in which is reassuring as
The number in the name of the model refers it ensures longevity of the system, however
to the size of the woofer. Either 10, 12 or it may be set a little too cautiously. It sounds
15. Here we are looking more closely at like moderate compression in the mid to
the PL112 FA combined with the PL118 high end so isnt particularly noticeable or
self-powered sub. The tops are intended displeasing to the ear until you really push it
to be used in full range but are improved to its limit.
PROS:
Good sound quality
Multiple inputs
Multiple
configurations
High powered
Multiple rigging
options and accessories
CONS:
112FA quite large
for a modern 12 inch
speaker
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 161
LIVE SOUND_PA REVIEW
The box comes fitted with two EQ switches, The amplifier itself has a simple built-in
stand alone or monitor config and EQ flat mixer that allows for multiple inputs. There
or EQ contour (The contour is basically a are two XLR/jack combo inputs, one of
mid range dip). These functions are fairly which is switchable between line and mic
self-explanatory and useful. Its great that the level, and a stereo phono input, each with
cabinet can be used as a floor monitor when their own level control. So in theory you
set to that mode. The contour EQ is useful could use the system without a mixer if you
when setting up the system in a reflective only needed a couple of inputs. The multiple
room. The sub has a toggle switch that tells inputs make it ideal for one person and a
the sub what type of configuration it is in, guitar scenarios or perhaps simple vocal to
e.g. is it in a stack or not? Again this optional backing track performances.
function that assists in the tuning of the The XLR inputs have thru outputs so
system is really useful and can help novices you can easily daisy chain multiple speakers
understand what is going on acoustically together with XLR cable from the same
with the rig. sound source or alternatively you can use the
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 163
LIVE SOUND_PA REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 165
LIVE SOUND_PA REVIEW
For unknown reasons, the Pulsar range isnt offered for sale in the USA (probably due to pricing
issues - Ed) so our apologies to American readers who would like to try one but cant.
TECH SPEC
HK Audio Pulsar system controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
DuoTilt, 3 separate inputs
MSRPs
PL110FA active top: 699 US $ N/A
PL 115 FA
PL112FA active top: 699 US $ N/A
PL115FA active top: 799 US $ N/A Powered, 1.000 W, 15/1, 135 dB
PL118FA active sub: 899 US $ N/A max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP
controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
Made in: Germany enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
PL 110 FA DuoTilt, 3 separate inputs
Powered, 1,000 W, 10/1, 132 dB
PL 118 Sub A
max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP
Powered subwoofer, 600 watts, 1x
controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
18, 130 dB max. SPL, hybrid design
enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
featuring a bass reflex port with
DuoTilt, 3 separate Inputs
resonator chamber, 1x M20, 2 x XLR
Combo In, 2 x XLR Thru, 2 x XLR
PL 112FA
Mid/High Out
Powered, 1.000 W, 12/1, 133 dB
max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 167
MAKIN
TRACK RECORDING FOR THE R
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 169
MAKING TRACKS_LETS MIX IT UP A BIT
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 171
MAKING TRACKS_LETS MIX IT UP A BIT
loud and up-front, a drum-solo quiet enough that 25 track Rock mix and the 200 track
that no-one will ever need to hear it, and so pop one too - you need to work-out what is
on. Some parts of a song need to be quiet, the most important part and then carve-out
perhaps an intro, or a quiet bridge before space for it in the supporting sounds.
everything kicks-in loud as hell for the final Pan
chorus. Setting levels is dead-easy, knowing
where to set them is the tricky bit and the Pan is both powerful and dangerous - it
only way that I know of to work that one- controls where in the balance of left-right
out is to listen to a lot of music - how hard we put a sound. In our guitar/vocal example
can that be? we could pan the vocal hard-left and the
guitar hard-right to separate them without
EQ (Equalisation) needing to worry about adjusting EQ; just
EQ is all about changing the balance get the overall levels about right and separate
of frequencies in the recording (or on them in space. This really does work very
playback). If you think about that for a well until someone plays the track back on
moment, its actually making level changes a mono system, or with a pair of speakers
that effect only part of the sound. Some standing right next to each-other, or when
EQs, like most of those found on guitars, it the track gets collapsed to mono for radio
simply roll-off the top end to make the broadcast, so heres a piece of advice: on
sound less bright, others might shift the whatever system you are using; mixing desk,
balance towards either the high or low DAW, summing mixer - whatever - get your
frequencies, whilst others allow separate basic balance sorted with NO panning -
bands of frequencies to be cut or boosted. either put everything dead centre or use the
The important thing about EQ in mixing is mono button on your output. Once you
that you can do it to individual tracks, so if can clearly hear all the parts through setting
you have a shrill guitar sound you can make levels and EQ, then pan them to where you
it warmer at the same time that you make a want them and hear your mix get massive. I
boomy vocal clearer - and thats incredibly quite often mix on a mono speaker, but still
wouldnt
powerful please many people;
for tweaking sounds.orNow do itimagine
the tracks
set panand a couple
positions forofL-Rroom mics,and
guitars thats
drum 25
other wayour
you have round - likewise
example trackyou withwont
just get too
vocal tracks
overheadsbefore
andwethe even
like,consider
and thealternate
momentparts
many fans. Somewhere
and acoustic guitar, the in the middle
sounds theres
themselves and
whenoverdubs.
I un-mono Its exactly
gives metheshivers
same job,
justits
aare
balance where
fine - but youyou cangethear
cant theall thequite
level words, just
about notevery
quitetime.
so easy any more.
and
rightthe guitarthe
- either supports
guitar isthetoosong andormakes
quiet, it Th e trick to setting levels,and
whether
it Grab a set of tracks try youve
this
makes the words hard to hear. Using EQis all
more interesting. Th ats what balance got two tracks or a couple of hundred, is
about.
on the Now
guitartake a full
track youband recording with,
can cut-away the 1. Setwhat
to decide levelspart
so that you can hear
is important a decent
at any
say, eight tracks of drums, two mics
band of frequencies that the vocal is using on each
to moment, balance
and to formake
mostsure partsthat
of the
partsong
can be
of two guitar cabs, each double tracked,
make it quieter, without changing the level a heard. If theres a leadtovocal
2. EQ as needed makethen thatforneeds
room the
mic and
of the DI on
higher thelower
and bass,parts
a stereo keyboard
of the guitar - to be clear,
most important parts of the mix - be
a guitar solo usually needs to
pair and a main vocal plus two
and suddenly you can hear the vocal AND backing vocal
often the vocals and instrument solos.
the guitar and the right level. This works for
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 173
MAKING TRACKS_LETS MIX IT UP A BIT
You may want to adjust your levels a Its very common for different parts of a song
bit after this. to need different treatment, levels especially
3. Pan similar parts (rhythm guitars,
can change a lot from one section to another,
drum overheads, keyboard L/R and so but a good static mix is a fine starting point
on) hard left and right, leave the vocal, for the detail work which well take a look at
bass, kick and snare drums in the next time.
middle for now.
he same point, you can end up with phase problems. These are usual if you use multiple microphones on
ou have sound bouncing off walls and desks and floors etc. When signals that are not exactly aligned are
you started with. You cant totally get away from it - to minimise it either put your mics exactly the same
they hear different sounds. Alternatively, monitor the summed signals and simply move the mics until
is as strong as you can get it - then lock the mic exactly there. Ill go into more detail about phase in a
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 175
MAKING TRACKS_MONITOR REVIEW
M
onitoring is its actually a quite different
serious business, beast with solid 21st century
and most serious environmental credentials. Firstly,
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 177
MAKING TRACKS_MONITOR REVIEW
controller (I didnt even check the output level the frequency range has a proper
spec - 0dB was just far too loud for me to sense of being connected and there is the
mix with). I did try the Tabletop EQ setting classic Genelec forward sound that makes
with the monitors sitting on a piece of work- working with the higher frequencies very
surface, and whilst I get the general idea Id precise. If anything I might have liked to be
personally rather mount them off-surface and able to tame the highs just a little bit purely
set the EQ flat. as a matter of personal taste - I feel that way
with almost all monitors, and the clean and
What do they sound like? The bottom end undistorted high end never became tiring to
is clear and full with a nice bounce to it work with. With the monitor levels set flat
(to the point where I actually switched-in and an unbalanced input source connected
the low level EQ cut on the occasion when but muted, the only sound I could hear
I really cranked them loud). At any volume was a very low level hiss up to an inch or so
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 179
MAKING TRACKS_iPAD DOCK
away from the speaker - completely inaudible the range positioning isnt quite as simple
beyond that. Stereo image was stable and as not-quite-so-good versions of the Pro
wide enough that I never moved far enough Monitoring solutions. These are certainly not
to hear it wander, and I never noticed any
reflex port woofing nor the bass smearing
to the infamous ported-monitor single note
smudge. Very good!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 181
MAKING TRACKS_RECORDING REVIEW
cheap-budget monitors, and they are in an ultra-competitive segment of the monitor market,
but Id certainly put a pair on my must-try list if I was monitor shopping and they fit my
budget and spec. A great take on the classic Genelec sound, at a lower price point and with
environmentally friendly engineering. If youre in this market, try a pair.
TECH SPEC
Genelec M040 Active Nearfield High Frequency Driver: 25mm (1)
Monitor dome
MSRP 539 each US $ 996 each Mid/Low frequency driver: 165 mm
Made in: Finland (6.5)
Type: 2 way, active, nearfield monitor Cabinet dimensions: 337 x 235 x 229
mm (13.25 x 9.25 x 9)
Frequency Response: 48Hz 20kHz at
-3 dB at 1 meter Weight: 7.4 kgs (15.4 lbs)
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 183
MAKING TRACKS_MICROPHONE REVIEW
I
like microphones. You the speakers and we realise that
can reasonably expect were actually hearing just a nice
4.0
a decent analogue version of what we put-in. Given
mic to last a lifetime without time and use, these are the mics
worrying about operating system that often end-up being used on
or interface upgrades turning every session, and I believe that
STAR RATING it into a paperweight, and that the Sennheiser Mk8 is one of
means that theres some point in them.
investing in good quality kit and
looking after it. Back in GI issue 22 I reviewed
PROS: the stunningly pretty Sennheiser
If you need a microphone to MK4 microphone and noted
Very classy, neutral
do one specific job really well that it has a Hi Fi real sound
sound
(and accept that it may be pretty to it - its in that neutral plus
Very flexible bad on some other things) then a bit flattering list, (and it
youve got a bit of work to do also happens to be the best
Very stylish original for yourself; select a number of microphone Ive ever used to
looks mics that fit your budget and try record my daughters vocals).
them with THAT voice or THAT Well the Mk8 is the Mk4s bigger,
Solid build
guitar, perhaps in your own better equipped new playmate, so
Very good quality and studio, and listen for yourself for whats it got?
sound one that has the glimmer.
Actually, the Mk8 is the Mk4s
A great multi-purpose mic, on identically sized, better equipped
the other-hand, will tend to new playmate, because Sennheiser
CONS: have a mostly neutral sound has managed to squeeze the dual,
Optional shock that slightly flatters most things one inch, gold spattered, shock-
mount is quite costly that its pointed at. It takes some mounted capsules, along with
experience to get to grips with five switchable polar patterns,
these mics, and the first recording three levels of switchable trim,
session is often followed by a bit and two levels of low frequency
of an oh, is that it? moment, roll-off, into an enclosure that
when stars dont shoot out of appears to be identical except for
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 185
MAKING TRACKS_MICROPHONE REVIEW
the three switches around the back. What mic, on acoustic guitar and on several electric
theyve done is to make a very flexible mic guitar cabs, trying different polar patterns to
even more so. either focus on the sound that I did want, or
to cut the sound I didnt. It worked well on
For me, the really exciting new feature is the everything (not great up-close on dirty guitar
choice of five selectable polar patterns, from cabs - I rarely use LDCs for this - but very
full-omni (records from all around) through nice as a distance mic about six feet back
various types of cardioid (rejection of sound from the cab).
from the back) to figure-of-8 (records front
and back equally with strong rejection to the I was pleasantly surprised to find that the
sides). I used the mic for spoken word and sound doesnt get unduly phasey as you move
sung vocal, as a room mic for a full band around the edges of the polar patterns, and
session, as a mono overhead, a kick-drum it has a reasonably consistent quality across
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 187
MAKING TRACKS_MICROPHONE REVIEW
TECH SPEC
Sennheiser Mk8 Microp
MSRP 690 US $749
g in mind coped fine at the flat setting at the levels I I thought that the Mk8 cardioid sound
picking up used the mic at so I didnt really do much was a little darker with the super-cardioid
the room with these). setting being more subjectively similar.
nts of
xpect that I really like the original Mk4, it has a The microphone market is pretty-well
ust work quality that makes it an easy and safe go- saturated at all levels, from mics that cost
ood design to when you just need to get recording as much as a takeaway to ones that cost
f those but the Mk8 takes the flexibility to a new as much as a car. At some point you need
worth level, and if youre not used to multi- to decide how much a microphone can
pattern mics you can simply start-out be worth to you; will you use it a couple
with it set to cardioid as a grab-and-go of times a year for hobby recording, or
60 and setting and experiment from there. If will it need to stand-up to constant every-
om-end youve used a Mk4, Ill mention that I did day use? If youve got a space in the mic
ass-bloom notice a couple of differences; levels from locker for a high quality, German made
-20 and the twin-capsule Mk8 are a little lower workhorse mic then stick the Mk8 on
ming the than the Mk4, and although the Mk4 is your shortlist.
mine described as having a cardioid pattern,
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 189
MAKING TRACKS_SOFTWARE REVIEW
S
ome years ago I was the last note of the best solo the
given some tracks to guitarists ever played is dying-
4.0
mix. The recorded out, video camera noise, room
performances were excellent but ambience, mobile phone chirps
there was a distracting rumble - the list of even common ones
all over the recordings. I tried is frighteningly long. Heres the
STAR RATING filtering and EQing and gating odd thing; most of those listeners
but got nowhere useful, and after wholl never notice when you do
wasting several hours I called a something really clever to make a
friend to ask if he had any ideas. recording sound great will register
PROS: He told me to send the tracks instantly the moment theres
Great functionality, over and the following day I got something wrong, and its a heck
thoughtful feature set them back, clean and clear. Of of a lot more difficult to fix it
course, he wouldnt tell me how than it is to mangle it.
Works very well he did it - it took many beers
before he admitted that the job There are some basic tools that
Basic functions is very you can use to remove or reduce
had taken him ten minutes with
easy to use noise but the big problem is
a thing called RX.
getting enough of the noise out
Audio recordings are horribly of the result without doing too
CONS: prone to catching sounds that much damage to the audio that
we didnt want and that no- we want to keep. This is one of
Theres a lot to get
one noticed at the time, or just those areas where a dedicated
your head around
didnt have the time or energy or tool can not only save time, but
Some functionality ability to fix. Classic examples are can also help us to do things
takes practice buzzing amps, air conditioning that we simply cant manage
noises, traffic (Ive had a with standard audio tools. Noise
helicopter hovering overhead for reduction tools tend to work
45 minutes and not noticed until by sampling noise and then
I listened back to the recorded removing it, or by applying
tracks), dogs barking, drummers profiles of known types of noise
falling over, chairs creaking, which you then fine-tune to suit
someone shouting YEAH! as your recording.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 191
MAKING TRACKS_SOFTWARE REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 193
MAKING TRACKS_SOFTWARE REVIEW
dither and SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) functions that make the workflow about as
modules which are very good indeed. easy and safe as it can be.
Most of the functions are pretty easy to Unlike traditional audio processing where
get started with; without reading the we can do pretty well anything we like, and
documentation you can figure how to load if it adds mojo or vibe then its good,
audio then take a pretty good stab at what restoration work has a definite base-line; we
module(s) you need to fix your problem, can all hear what the initial audio sounds
and a helpful selection of presets will most like, and in general we to want it to sound
likely get you close to where you want to just the same, but without the noise. Of
be. If you need more then you can fine-tune course, there are limits to what can be done,
and tweak settings to refine your results to but those limits are a lot further away than
the level you need. Incidentally, iZotope they used to be. Restoration work needs
publishes an excellent (and free) overview of powerful and well thought-out algorithms
audio restoration called Audio Repair and and clear and informative interfaces, and
Enhancement Guide which is well worth these are areas where iZotope has consistently
reading. been amongst the best in the business, and in
my experience the RX series has consistently
If theres one major problem with restoration been amongst the restoration software front-
work, its knowing when to stop. If weve runners. The basic RX4 is a powerful and
got an unwanted noise thats distracting, flexible solution that is capable of achieving
then we need to reduce it to a level where it surprisingly good results with very little
isnt distracting - achieve that and our jobs effort, and some truly startling results if you
done. Of course, once we start to zoom- take the time to learn how to use it to its
in on a noise we end-up getting obsessed fullest capabilities! And once you do, there
with removing it, and too often end-up is the Advanced version which, while a lot
spoiling the audio that we want to keep. more costly, offers even more features and
RX4 cant stop us from doing this, but the abilities.
interface provides bypass, compare and undo
TECH SPEC
Izotope RX4 Operating System: Windows 7/8, Mac
Price: Basic US $349 Advanced US OS X 10.7 & later on Intel machine
$1,199
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 195
THE
QUIE
ROOM
WHEN ONLY ACOUSTIC WI
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 197
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 199
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN
There are several things that set Vicki apart young Vicki Genfan. She picked up the open
from most of her peers - and one of them tuning bug from another musical genius,
isnt that shes a woman. Great musicians Joni Mitchell, who was, herself, a pioneer
are great musicians and most of the worlds in this esoteric guitar art. Add a youthful
top orchestras are filled with female players, interest in Jazz, as well as the music of James
so lets just forget that can girls really play? Taylor and Bob Dylan, and you have the
stuff and get on with the music. influences which took Vicki on to what later
fused into a style that is all her own. She calls
The first thing that sets Vicki apart is her it Slap-Tap.
mastery of open tunings. Arguments roll
back and forth about who first started the Percussive acoustic playing has become
modern use of open tunings on guitar. My something of a thing for us in the Quiet
money is on the late Davey Graham, who Room. Weve had Manelli Jamal and Don
pioneered the use of DADGAD in the very Alder presenting columns. Weve hosted
early 1960s and whose astonishing breadth a session from Jon Gomm and weve
of vision saw him more or less invent what interviewed Tommy Emmanuel, but Vicki
later became known as world music two adds some unique graces to the genre. She
decades before the term was minted. But clearly takes a lot of her rhythms from dance
it wasnt Davey Graham who inspired the and Funk - think slap bass players - and she
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 201
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 203
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 205
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 207
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
T
he Tanglewood business - so these new models
brand has been should be really special.
4.0
around since 1988,
originally producing very usable, The sample model Tanglewood
inexpensive guitars for beginners sent us was a Premier Deluxe
or semi-pro players. Specialising DC, which is a large, handsome
just in acoustics, the company guitar, clearly made to the sort
STAR RATING of standards that weve come
put a lot of passion into a market
sector often let down by the big to associate with the company.
PROS: brands, whose cheaper acoustics
could sometimes be pretty poor.
The cutaway makes higher
access easier and the action and
Great design from set-up seemed perfect, strung
Michael Sanden Its no exaggeration to say that
Tanglewood raised everyones with 12-53 DAddario EXP
Fine looks strings. As you so often find with
game.
Fishman pre-amp is Tanglewoods, the guitar looks
excellent The result was a huge success more expensive than it is, with a
A great stage guitar for the company, which rapidly very nice Englemann spruce solid
became established in Europe top (not laminated!), and a highly
CONS: as a major name in the acoustic figured tiger stripe mahogany
Maybe better amplified world. Recently the brand has back and sides. It looks great,
than acoustic begun to sell in the USA, too. and in theory we should get
brightness from the spruce top,
Tanglewoods new Premier range with serious mid and warmth
has been designed from the strap coming from the mahogany. The
buttons up by the Swedish master neck is regular looking mahogany
guitar builder Michael Sanden, and the fretboard and bridge are
who is one of the best in the rosewood. Open die cast tuners
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 209
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
needed playing-in and a bit of time. have seen in the UK and it really is very
None of which is to say the DeLuxe was impressive, working particularly well on
bad, because it wasnt - just a little lacking this Tanglewood. The three-band EQ is
in responsiveness played acoustically. comprehensive and can easily change the
character, from a big fat dreadnought
Things certainly come alive though when sound, to a small bodied and delicate
you plug it in and get that Fishman INK parlour-like delicacy. With the Fishman
pre-amp cooking! Im always impressed INK on board the Tanglewood justifies
by Fishman onboard pre-amps and this itself as a hard working live tool, or a
is a great choice for the Tanglewood. studio mic it up and DI it tool. I know
In fact, this is the first of these newly if you stuck the right mic on this guitar
developed Fishman packages that we and plugged the Fishman into the desk,
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 211
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
So a well made, Fishman equipped, nice looking, mid-priced acoustic that does exactly
what it sets out to do. There are a lot of guitars to choose from in this price range, but the
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe SF is certainly one that deserves to be on your audition list!
TECH SPEC
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe Binding (top) abs black & white
Dreadnought
Binding (side) abs ivory
MSRP 599 US $ TBC
Saddle pps, compensated
Made in: China
Nut (width) pps (43mm)
Shape cutaway dreadnought
Scale length 650mm
Top solid aa Englemann spruce
Bridge pins abs black with white dots
Back tiger stripe mahogany
Machine heads open die-cast
Sides tiger stripe mahogany
Finish natural gloss
Neck (material) mahogany
EQ Fishman INK
Fingerboard rosewood
Strings DAddario exp16 12-53
Bridge rosewood
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 213
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
D
espite having recently reached Freshman Maple Ridge
4.5
its10 year anniversary, FA1DNS Dreadnought
Freshman guitars remains
a fairly underground company. Based Part of Freshmans Maple
just outside Glasgow, each of its guitars is Ridge collection, these guitars
designed in Scotland, with final production are designed to accommodate
STAR RATING a smaller budget without
handled by a dedicated production facility
in Asia, where each guitar is handmade. sacrificing quality. The
Currently Freshman Guitars has six key lines: FA1DNS is a Dreadnought sized acoustic.
Renegade, Maple Ridge, Songwriter Series, Its a great looking instrument with flawless
Apollo Collection, Cedar Creek and Manuel finish throughout. At this price range you
Ferrino classical guitars. In addition to this might expect to find the odd sharp fret edge,
they also offer a select range of ukuleles or bit of seeping glue here and there, but
and semi-acoustic guitars, as well as an there were no such issues on our sample. The
accessories range. In this review Im taking natural satin finish is classy and understated,
a look at two of Freshmans steel strung with the scratchplate included separately
guitars, the straight-ahead FA1DNS, and the should you wish to add it, depending on
electro-acoustic RENOCSB. Both of these your preference. The combination of a
guitars are in the lower price range, which is solid A grade Canadian Sitka spruce top,
currently a very competitive market. So how mahogany back and sides, with a rosewood
do these stack up to the competition? Dont fingerboard does a great job of tone
forget to check out the two videos to hear matching overall, with the mahogany giving
how they sound! depth/warmth and the spruce top adding
some mids and bright top end. Impressively,
despite the low price, this Freshman even
includes quarter sawn, scalloped X-bracing
inside - and thats something else you dont
The playability
on our sample
was spot on,
as was the
intonation
and dynamic
continuity.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 215
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
expect to see in this price range. gold machine heads that look and feel
like they belong on a far more expensive
The playability on our sample was spot guitar.
on, as was the intonation and dynamic
continuity. If you are used to low action Dreadnoughts are probably the most
and thin electric necks, then this set-up basic of acoustic guitars but there is
may take some adjustment, as the action still plenty of room for failure with
was a little on the high side, but thats poor construction, choice of woods and
not necessarily a bad thing: a slightly attention to detail. I am happy to report
higher action tends to yield better that no such problems exist with this one
tone and reduces the problems of fret from Freshman, this is a fantastic pull out
buzz. Being a Dreadnought size there and play guitar, with a head-scratchingly
was plenty of volume achievable, good low asking price!
resonance throughout and an array of
tones available depending on where and Freshman Renegade RENOCSB
how you played it. Tuning stability was electro-acoustic
great and that has a lot to do with the Freshmans RENOCSB is the same
4.5
but comes as an electro
acoustic. This is made
possible I should think,
due to this model being
a Folk size rather than
STAR RATING
Dreadnought, and also
because the top, although
still Sitka spruce, is not solid. Also in
common with its sibling, this one has
a mahogany back, sides and neck with
a rosewood fingerboard. Acoustically,
compared to the FA1DS, it has to be
said there is not as much volume or
depth to the tone, although the sound is
still very pleasing, with nice warm mids
courtesy of the mahogany. The finish
was immaculate, and the playability spot
on. Both guitars were set up in a similar
way, so once again may take a little
getting used to if youre used to a lower
action.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 217
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
Freshman RENOCSB
was self explanatory and easy to use, as was As with the FA1DNS, the RENOCSB is
the tuner. Plugged straight into the studio equipped and finished to a much higher spec
PA system the pickup worked well, offering then you would expect in this price range.
warm tones and bright tops without losing No corners have been cut, just good honest
much of the natural acoustic tonal qualities, workmanship and attention to detail making
there were also no issues with feedback, this a serious contender for those looking for
despite being very close to the fold-backs. their first, or another electro-acoustic.
PROS: CONS:
Both very well made Action and neck size may take a little
getting used to
Great sounds
Basic acoustic tone of the RENOCSB a
Quality materials and hardware little compromised for the electronics
Fantastic prices
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 219
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
TECH SPEC
Freshman Maple Ridge FA1DNS RENOCSB:
Dreadnought
Body Type: Folk Body Cutaway
Freshman Renegade RENOCSB Electro Acoustic
MSRP 199.95 each US $ TBC
Top: Sitka Spruce
Made in: China
Back: Mahogany
FA1DNS:
Sides: Mahogany
Body Type: Dreadnought Acoustic
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Hardware: Geared Diecast Machine
Back: Mahogany Heads
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 221
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
T
ravel guitars are a prefer), an alternative to the
great idea, especially more expensive mahogany more
4.5
in these days of strict normally used in this type of
airline rules on cabin baggage guitar. The top is also sapelli,
sizes and weights, which mean giving the guitar a unified
guitar players frequently have and classy look with a distinct
STAR RATING to fight to get their beloved but subtle dark grain running
instrument onto the plane with throughout and a lovely tobacco
them instead of at the mercy colour, matching beautifully with
PROS: of an unscrupulous baggage
handler. Whilst the concept has
the rosewood fingerboard. The
neck is constructed from nato, a
Superb value for been around for quite some time common choice on acoustics in
money now, there have been very few this price range, and looks great
Visually very pleasing aesthetically and tonally pleasing too with its slotted headstock and
Great playability and examples, with the results often vintage, open gear tuners. Arias
construction being either too ugly or too boxy decision to leave the fretboard
sounding to really be worth your free from inlays is a good one
Surprisingly good tone time. Aria are looking to fix these too, giving a clean look that
considering the size/ issues with their diminutive ASA could have become cluttered with
shape 18H Parlour guitar, combining this size of guitar. The design is
Travel bag included classic good looks with as much finished with a burnt in rosette
Mics up well tone as you can squeeze out of its that is cost effective and pretty,
tiny body. plus an intonated bridge saddle
Would suit beginners for great intonation across the
as well as travellers Theres no denying that the ASA range of the guitar.
18H is a looker thanks to the
CONS: traditional slotted headstock and Internally and externally the
beautiful clear, satin finished ASA 18H is a very well made
Limited tonal range as
wood. The body is constructed guitar that feels both solid and
youd expect from its
from sapelli (or sapele, if you cared for in the construction
size
Theres no denying
that the ASA 18H
is a looker thanks
to the traditional
slotted headstock
and beautiful clear,
satin finished wood.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 223
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
playing chordal parts that would seem far tuning stability was solid and reliable. The
harder on a longer scale length instrument tuners did their job well and didnt feel overly
and the Aria is no exception. stiff, which can sometimes be a problem
in this price range, whilst having enough
In general, playability was very good on this resistance to enable accurate placement.
guitar with a good factory setup offering
a sensible compromise between playing Tonally the ASA 18H will never be able to
ease and tonal quality. Moving around the compete with bigger bodied Parlour guitars
range of the neck there were no dead spots but, considering its size, it is an admirable
or untoward buzzing noises to speak of and performer, matching its good looks with
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 225
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
sound that could sit alongside an acoustic At this price point there isnt anything really
in the studio and offer something different. negative to say about the Aria ASA 18H.
For travellers, its intended market, the For the cost of some beginner guitars this
ASA 18H offers an attractive package that is a very capable performer with solid wood
finally combines a good looking guitar with construction and a very pleasing look that is
a decent tone that isnt overly boxy or mid perfect for travellers or those looking for a
rangy complete with a travelling bag, perfect small bodied bargain. If you can find one it
for the back of the car or the overhead bin on comes highly recommended.
an aeroplane.
TECH SPEC
Aria ASA 18H Travel Guitar Frets: 20F
MSRP 129 US $TBC Scale: 580 mm
Made in: China Nut width: 42 mm
Body: Sapelli Bridge: Rosewood
Neck: Nato Hardware: Chrome
Fingerboard: Rosewood Finish: Natural (Open Pore)
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 227
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
S
o it turns out that playing along the way. Secondly,
Dean dont just make you need to be confident on an
4.0
guitars that Rock. No, acoustic guitar, and not just any
they also make guitars that will acoustic guitar, but an acoustic
treat you to some cool Country guitar set with up a high action to
and some dirty Blues! This brand complement your slide playing.
STAR RATING new trans black resonator will Lastly, it seems traditional with
certainly do both. A Resonator, a resonator to use some kind of
in case you dont know, is open tuning, of which there are
PROS: basically an acoustic guitar with
a metal speaker cone in the body,
many. So these are all factors to
consider if you want to purchase
Authentic sound which creates a glorious Delta our Dean Resonator in order
Very well made Blues sound that can only be got to create that great Blues sound
Great woods from this type of guitar. The holy convincingly. But if youve got
grail of resonators were made the chops, or are seriously about
Good price many decades ago by National trying to develop them, then this
and Dobro and such treasured could well be the right guitar for
CONS: vintage instruments come with you.
Like all resonators, can a very high price tag. This good
looking alternative, however, was What amazes me is how guitar
be be tough to play like this can be put together at
made in China, comes at a very
modest cost, and will give you all such a low price. The top back
the resonator mojo you need. and sides of the Dean are quilted
ash, but it looks like quilted
Playing a resonator is much maple, which is a luxurious
harder than it first seems. Ideally, wood. In any case, to make these
you should be a fairly competent guitars in bulk, Dean must have
bottleneck player, because part of scored a big consignment of
the true resonator guitar sound this highly figured wood, which
usually combines with some slide nowadays is not an easy task.
Ideally, you
should be a
fairly competent
bottleneck player,
because part of
the true resonator
guitar sound usually
combines with some
slide playing along
the way.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 229
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
I have played a few resonators over the years, and some - the really expensive ones, of course
- really grab the notes and sing. This guitar does sound cool but the resonance wasnt as good
as some I have played, which made me work a little harder than I would have liked. Saying
that, I would happily pick this up in the studio if I needed the very cool tone that a resonator
makes.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 231
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
There are no electronics in this one, so its This is a very modestly priced guitar
all about your mic placement. Actually we (especially if you check out the street prices,
found when filming that it sounded just as rather than the quoted MSRPs) and for what
good wherever we put the mic. The single you get, it is a bargain. Chinese manufacture
spider cone in the body is what makes the keeps costs low and this will get those Delta
magic happen, and the sound made when Blues moments done with no problem.
combined with a slide is so iconic and creates Definitely worth a look!
instant mojo.
TECH SPEC
Dean Resonator Spider Quilt Neck Profile C
Maple Resonator
Fingerboard Rosewood Inlays
MSRP 639 US $747.50
No. of Frets 19
Made in: China
Tuners Sealed Die Cast
Top: Quilt Ash
Hardware Color Chrome
Body Quilt Ash
Binding Single Ply Black Body and
Neck Maple Neck
Scale Length 24 3/4 Finish Gloss
Neck Type Set Neck
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 233
THE QUIETROOM_GIORGIO SERCI
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 235
THE QUIETROOM_GIORGIO SERCI
Giorgio Serci
I modulate from the key of E to the key of A Eventually, these sounds will become part of
via an E7. your musical lexicon and youll be able to use
these with fluidity and effectiveness.
A variety of chord voicings and chord types
have been used. For example, drop 2, drop The picking-hand pattern is predominantly
4, close voicings and quartal harmony. (You as follows:
may want to research these and try to spot
them within the piece) (Please note E=low E string, e= high E
string)
I would strongly recommend exploring the
above-mentioned techniques to write your p and a play simultaneously the outer
own pieces. We have to allow ourselves notes of the chord then p ,i and m pluck
to make mistakes and we should try to respectively the D, G and B strings. Next,
understand why we like or not a particular p and a play simultaneously the E and B
sound, a chord progression or modulation. strings, and then mim. The time signature
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 237
THE QUIETROOM_GIORGIO SERCI
Bar 19: Open E, e, B. Fret 2 of A, fret 4 of I hope you will enjoy playing this study piece
D and fret 1 of G. and that this will give you some ideas on how
to write your own solo guitar compositions.
Congratulations, you have completed Study If you have any questions you can find me
n.18! on twitter @giorgioserci as well as on
As always, you will be able to download a facebook.com/giorgiosercimusic or
transcription by selecting the menu option in www.giorgioserci.com where you can
this page. find my own CDs and some free guitar
scores.
I strongly recommend experimenting with a
few picking variations, changing the chords Till the next time, Goodbye!
as you wish in terms of voicing (higher or
lower), as well as trying the same picking
pattern on a different chord progression,
or using a capo on fret 2 for a brighter
outcome.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 241
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
4.0 T
he story starts back in 1960 was re-established by Barry Gibs
when Burns Guitars were very originally a professional musician
much at the forefront of UKs Burns guitars for many years him
live music culture. Jim Burns (who died enthusiasm for the brand couple
STAR RATING in 1998) made guitars that were being own wood working skills moved
enjoyed by notable players of the time (and fan to reigniting and running the
still today for that matter!), such as Hank and enjoying much success today
Marvin, Elvis Presley (yes, really!), George
PROS: Harrison, Marc Bolan, Jimmy Page, Mark Today we have in the Burns Biso
Amazing range of Knopfler, Brian May, Tom Petty, Status Chinese made reissue of the orig
tones settings Quo and Slade. Not for nothing has Jim dont let that put you off! There
Great to play been described as the Leo Fender of the pretty poor instruments being m
Comes with a great UK. Manufacturers today like to push China (though they are getting r
case and loads of their innovations, however many of those some great ones - and this is defi
goodies new ideas somewhat surprisingly were first of the best ones!
Good value for money conceived many years before in the Burns
workshop. A few examples pulled from the Lets look a bit deeper at the Biso
Burns website include heel-less glued-in Weve a bolt-on hard rock maple
guitar necks, 24 fret fingerboards, knife-edge featuring a familiar rosewood fre
CONS: tremolo units, stacked coil pickups and even on to which 22 frets are neatly fi
Really none that I can active electronics! binding on the neck looks neat a
think of. Under the board is a bi-flex trus
Although itd be nice to do a whistle-stop neck adjustment and the tuning
tour of Burns history, Im afraid we cant the closed geared type that have
cover it all here, but suffice it to say that tuning action. Being a more com
companys twists and turns bring us to they also serve to keep the bass fr
1992 when the Burns London company any neck dive. Speaking of the n
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 243
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
Thats fit and finish looked at, now heres the really interesting part! Have you ever
felt a bit let down by tonal options on a bass guitar? A pan pot can be a usable
method of mixing between two pickups and theres nothing wrong with a coil
tap for variation either but Im here to tell you that the Burns Bison features, in
addition to volume and tone pots, two other rotary switches and delivers a vast
array of very useful bass tones. Not once did I think there was a weak sound on
this bass. They all had purpose and that is a big thumbs up for me.
Knob number one has four positions: Split Sound, Bass, Treble and Wild Dog.
The latter sounds like something too good to miss! With three pickups on the bass
theres plenty of options, but heres how the configuration works. Split Sound
selects the neck and bridge pickups, whereas the Bass setting routes just the
neck pickup to the output via the passive tone control for a big fat, round tone.
Logically, the Treble setting does the same with just the bridge pickup which
naturally has more mids and top than the neck pickup sound. There are three very
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 245
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
usable sounds right there and weve barely installed as standard. Flatwounds arent a
touched the surface. Wild Dog? Oh yeah, favourite of mine but they were extremely
thats the one that bites! Again its the bridge popular during the era when the Bison first
pickup soloed, but theres extra output and appeared so full marks for authenticity! In
perceived top end on this setting and I think fact its testament to the instrument to hear
it would deliver the goods being pushed in to a wide range of overtones coming from the
an overdriven valve amplifier! bass with this type of string. Personally, Id
be grabbing a set of DAddario Pro Steels - I
All of these settings are duplicated when the wouldnt be able to resist it!
second knob is turned from position A to
position B but this time with the addition of So, to sum up, heres a very different looking
the middle pickup, delivering another four bass that offers more tones than you can
tone options! I particularly liked the bridge shake a stick at, feels easy and familiar to
and middle setting as well as the neck and play and is simply beautifully made. For the
middle setting. Check out the video to hear right player, this is a really excellent bass and
those. dont assume that just means a 60s tribute
band as the Bison has been making quite a
Acoustically, the combination of neck and name for itself in recent years with a whole
body makes for a resonant tone that is full new generation of young players!
and rounded even with the flatwound strings
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 247
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
A
return for PRS to the also comes in solid black or a
4.5
Bassment with one of three colour sunburst.
two new offerings in
the SE line for bass guitarists. So, straight off: did I like this
Back in issue 25 we featured the bass? Yes I did! The alder body
absolutely superb Gary Grainger mates well with the 5-ply
STAR RATING maple and walnut construction
model four-string and also
interviewed Rhonda Smith, who neck-through to make for an
uses the model. A fabulous player acoustically rich and full bass
PROS: and a fabulous bass - though far tone. The rosewood fretboard
from cheap, as youd expect from has 22 frets perfectly installed
Great all-rounder that and who can miss those instantly
such a prestigious maker.
will settle in all genres recognisable bird inlays that used
Cut to In June 2014, however, to be the reserve of the premium
Superbly made
and PRS announced that its PRS models, but which now
Fine hardware highly successful and much can be enjoyed with the SE bass
respected SE product line was models too? Incidentally, both the
Great value for money being extended to offer two new Kestrel and the Kingfisher models
basses - the Kingfisher and the feature the same 34 scale though
Kestrel. The Kingfisher is geared the Kingfisher gets 24 frets for
toward a more modern vibe, with some extra up the dusty end
CONS: a pair of humbucker pickups and action.
No 5 strings or left unlike the Kestrel model here, no
pickguard, - which keeps lines Hardware comes courtesy
hand models of Hipshot. The tuners and
clean and the playing deck clear.
Limited colour The Kestrel could be considered bridge unit are premium parts,
offerings the slightly more vintage styled something I am very pleased to
of the two, a quality reinforced see on what is suggested a more
Nothing else! by the wonderful rich metallic budget offering. Not only that
red our sample came in However, - the bridge is actually superb.
should you fancy it, the Kestrel Its high mass, it means business
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 249
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 251
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
a different path in looks and styling. And if you follow that advice, youll be glad you did
because this is a fine bass. This is a lot nicer to play than most of its rivals.
The SE line has achieved great success in bringing the PRS brand to the more budget
conscious customer. The Kestrel more than upholds that fine and well-justified reputation for
offering excellent value for money!
TECH SPEC
PRS Kestrel SE bass Width at end of fretboard: 2.500
UK RRP 779 US $749 Fretboard radius: 7.500
Made in: Unknown Bridge Hipshot TransTone
Body Wood Alder Tuners Hipshot HB6
Number of Frets 22 Hardware Type Chrome
Scale Length 34 Electronics Passive
Neck Woods 5-Ply Maple with Walnut Treble Pickup SE 4B S Treble
Strips, Neck-Through Construction (PRS-Designed Singlecoil)
Fretboard Wood Rosewood Bass Pickup SE 4B S Bass (PRS-
Fretboard Inlays Birds Designed Singlecoil)
Bass Guitar from Scratch DVD Latest QX6:SCALES DVD wrap 5/6/08 16:02 Page 1
FROM SCRATCH
bought your first bass guitar, or if theres been a
guitar sitting around somewhere just waiting to
be played This DVD will take you from novice
level through to intermediate level. Yet it
BASS GUITAR FROM SCRATCH
A complete
writer and teacher. He has
played and toured with many practical theory nothing too demanding, just
well known bands and artists as enough to help you understand what youre
doing and why.
bass guitar
diverse as Gary Barlow, Roger
Daltrey and Keith Emerson to
name just a few. His playing can Youll soon be playing scales, picking out
course for
be heard on numerous film and melodies and, hopefully, writing some songs of
TV soundtracks. your own! Making music has never been so easy!
absolute
Check out more of Phils
lessons on broadband TV at
Web Support
licklibrary.com Download bass guitar technique lessons
beginners!
Watch lessons on broadband TV
UK 19.99 Log on and learn at licklibrary.com
Musicians Community
BASSGUITARDRUM The easiest way to
RDR0198
2008 Roadrock Music International Ltd
learn bass guitar!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 253
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
4.5
and with a very warm welcome at that. Did Hardware, interestingly, switches
you all enjoy seeing the excellent LTD RB Id expected to see the Hipshot h
series bass we had in for review in issue 28? on the California made basses an
The Rocco Prestia model was a beautiful on the Japanese models, Gotoh b
STAR RATING instrument with a superb tone, so we Japanese company, but there you
couldnt resist asking if they had any more not sure why its the other way ro
like that on the way! Well, it seems they Ive used both Gotoh and Hipsho
have, because the company has now sent and they are both well respected,
PROS: us another fine specimen, this time coming hardware manufacturers. It really
from totally different angles: pointy ones! matter in the grand scheme of th
Access to ESP bass - Theres your pun, I promise no more for
stylings without the this review (thered better not be! - Ed). Naturally, coming from the main
premium price tag brand, these instruments are prem
Big tones and big Visually, this beast suggests Rock and quality and come with a price tag
gestures with this Rock Rock seriously! But first a short digression Those on more frugal budgets, ho
suited bass to explain the various options on offer. surely relish access to the Stream
approach in the shape of the LTD
Something different in ESP produces models of Stream basses. Stream 204 model that we have i
a market crowded with There is the Original model, built in Japan here. LTD is ESPs less expensive
Ps and Js featuring top grade specification including as weve repeatedly seen both her
seven piece padouk/maple/walnut necks, Bassment and over in the widdly
Great value for money flamed tops over a white ash bodies, EMG of Guitar Interactive, the gap bet
pickups and electronics and Hipshot mainstream ESP models and the
hardware. LTDs can be very small- far smal
CONS: can with the offerings of certain o
No 5 string, no The ESP E-II model is built in ESPs known guitar brands, thats for su
left hand, no black California facility and although very
hardware similar to the Original model it swaps out The LTD Stream-204 comes in
the seven piece neck for a maple one. A black, or the great looking tobacc
Nothing else! flame maple top offering looks tasty with a our sample came in. Both model
translucent finish and theres solid black and mahogany bodies that are bolted
vailable too.
s to Gotoh.
hardware
nd Gotoh
being a
u are! Im
ound but
ot for years
, quality
y doesnt
hings.
n ESP
mium
g to match.
owever, will
styling and
D brand
in for you
e brand, but
re in the
section
tween
less costly
ller than it
other well
ure!
solid
co sunburst
ls have
to a skinny
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 255
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
neck which is super fast to navigate. 21 frets dive - so there the obvious comparison with
top to bottom are installed neatly, flanking a Thunderbird ends! I have to say though,
those big block markers. With the sunburst for me personally, as cool as it looks, I still
finish it gives the bass a certain vintage struggle with that upward body contour. My
styling that reminds me, naturally, of some long arms mean that my elbow falls foul of
of Gibsons offerings. Nothing wrong with this bass guitars forthright stylings!
that. The one thing that I will most definitely
make a point of mentioning though - and The Stream 204 is really acoustically resonant
I point it out on the video - sat down this and is full of upper mid range tonal richness.
bass is very well behaved. It doesnt neck The pickups on board transmitting that
Have a listen to the video and decide for yourself whether you agree with me that this is a
purpose-built Rock monster of a bass. It not only has the looks of a stadium-shaker but its
well designed, well built, easy to play and has a sound to match. It is lacking something,
however. The price. This is another very aggressively priced bass from a company that is
impressing everyone at GI with some blisteringly good offerings. Great stuff!
TECH SPEC
PRS Kestrel SE bass Nut Width: 40mm
ESP LTD Stream 204-TSB Bass Nut Type: Molded
Neck Contour: Thin U
MSRP 449 US $713 Frets/Type: 21 XJ
Hardware Color: Chrome
Made in: China Strap Button: Standard
Construction: Bolt-On-Neck Tuners: LTD
Scale: 34 Bridge: LTD DB-4 Bridge
Body: Mahogany Neck PU: ESP Designed SB-4B
Neck: Maple Bridge PU: ESP Designed SB-4B
Fingerboard: Rosewood Electronics: Passive P.U. w/ Active EQ
Fingerboard Radius: 400mm Electronics Layout: Vol/Bal/ABQ-2S
2Band EQ
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 257
COLUM YOUR FREE GUITAR UNIVER
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 259
COLUMNS_TOM QUAYLE
C O L U M N
Tom Quayle
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
T H E
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 261
COLUMNS_TOM QUAYLE
time signature to produce a more challenging Well be developing this more over the
scenario. The options are pretty vast here coming issues but in the meantime I suggest
and are only limited by your imagination. checking out the playing of Wayne Krantz
These kind of limitation exercises are really and Adam Rogers for some really cool
great for working on specific elements of rhythmic devices and incredible time feel.
improvisation and can be extended into These guys are as free rhythmically as they
other areas of your practice. For example, are harmonically and thats an amazing place
if you are a Jazz player you could practice to be. In the next issue well be dealing with
comping for a bar and a half followed by a ways to develop your internal metronome
bar and a half of improvisation or practice and improve this sense of time even further.
improvising for a set number of beats for Until then, good luck and keep practicing!
every four bars section of a tune, changing
which part of the four bar section you start
on each time.
Time Feel
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 263
COLUMNS_MICHAEL CASSWELL
MICHAEL CASSWELL
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 265
COLUMNS_MICHAEL CASSWELL
Incorporating Slides
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 267
COLUMNS_MICHAEL CASSWELL
BUY NOW!
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 269
EXT
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 271
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
This first motif repeats around twice before place it on the 14th fret high E string so the
I use a transfer lick that smoothly brings us major 6th (13th) is highlighted and now the
up to the next set of chord stabs. The notes bar with the first finger at the 12 fret is now
in the transfer lick are taken from B Phrygian sounding out the b7 interval in the chord.
and use slides, octaves and string skipping in These two chords are played sequentially
order to create a flowing modern effect. This using the same rhythmic motif we used for
lick slides from the root to the b9 on the E the Bm11b9 chord. The riff then goes back
string and then with the little finger I aim to the original motif before we reach the
for the b6 sliding down to the 5th on the A ending phrase
before hitting the octave of the root on the
D string with another slide up on the same The ending phrase uses the same kind of
string to the b9 and hitting the next octave concept that we find in the middle transfer
up of the root note on the B string. This lick lick however this time we are using the top
uses 8th note triplets, be sure to practice this three strings and we holding down certain
one slowly as well, making sure the slides are notes to create dissonance between certain
articulate and in the pocket rhythmically. I intervals. We slide on the B string from the
use alternate picking on the string changes, 10th to the 12th fret with our little finger,
sometimes I like to play this riff using my highlighting the b7 resolving to the root
middle finger on the right hand to hybrid intervals. We then hit the 8th fret high E
pick the B string 12th fret so the note pops string to hit the b9 interval with our first
out and gives the triplet 8th note phrase a finger whilst still holding down the B string
little more rhythmic emphasis. note and descending down a B5 power chord
shape that crosses the B, G and D strings.
The original low B string triplet motif then We then move to a counter melody which
repeats once again however this time we uses slides around the root, b9, b6 and 5th
are moving to a different set of chords. The intervals. We slide from 13 down to 12 on
first chord is a Cmaj7 and the second chord the B string with the 4th finger followed by a
could be called an Am13. The Cmaj7 chord slide from 9 to 10 on the D string with the
is based around a C shape with the root first finger. We then hit the 12 fret G string
and the major 3rd on the A and D strings with the 3rd finger and slide down to 11. Be
respectively. Using the 3rd and 4th fingers sure to check out the tab to make sure you
on the fretting hand to access those notes have the right frets and phrasing. As with
leaving my first finger free to bar over the the last riff, practice this in sections and
top three strings to highlight the 5th, major make sure you retain the triplet 8th note feel.
7th and another major 3rd. The second chord Congratulations you have completed the riff!
is based around an Am bar chord shape at
the 12th fret with the root on the A string I hope this riff gives you some inspiration
however we take away our 4th finger on what and ideas to go into your own writing and
would usually be the 14th fret G string and playing. I think its really important to base
Extended Guitar
I would also like to mention that my band Mask of Judas have just
released our new single GRAVITY. I have taught many sections from
this tune in previous columns for Guitar Interactive Magazine, its
both a terrifying and melodic 8-string tune!
You can find the new single to download for FREE from here:
http://www.maskofjudas.bandcamp.com/track/gravity
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 273
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
COLUMNS_LEWIS TURNER
B
Guitar Interactive reviewer and top session player,
Want to get back into playing after
BACK TO
BASICS
, Lewis Turner takes us Back To Basics Column. Stuck in a rut?
a break? Lost in theory? Lewis helps you find the music again.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 275
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
COLUMNS_LEWIS TURNER
opportunities, then time spent really all the notes in music (other than quartal
learning your fretboard is a great idea. How tones, but this is neither the time or place to
will learning notes help you as a guitarist? go into that). 99.9% of music you hear will
use a selection of these notes. Notice that B
Combined with the ability to read mu- and E dont have a sharp (they do in some
sic, it will open up a whole world of mu- keys, but once again this is not the lesson
sic that you will be able to play. Jazz real to go into that). This is because if you look
books/musicals/classical pieces etc. all use at a keyboard you will notice every so often
standard notation rather than TABs a white key wont have a black key after it,
If you can find a root note you will be these are your B and E notes. Sharps (#) can
able to play a chord or scale in any key, be thought of as one note up, or one note
anywhere on the fretboard. higher, the opposite of this are Flats (b). If
we did the same notes but in reverse using
Understanding what notes you are play- Flats we would get the following order;
ing over any given chord will make you a
more proficient improviser. A Ab G Gb F E Eb D Db C B Bb
We end up with the same notes being
Knowledge is power! called two different things, A# and Bb
for example are exactly the same note but
In the video I demonstrate ways of learning called a different name, they are referred to
the notes on the fretboard with exercises and differently depending on the key you are in,
octave shapes, you will also find the Tab for which is called Enharmonic spelling and we
these examples. In this write up I want to will cover this at a later date. Just as B and E
recap the notes in music and how they relate dont have a sharp, you will also notice that
to your guitar fretboard. Some of you may F and C dont have a Flat. If you remember
not have done this since your school music these rules and the order of notes along with
lesson days, so its definitely worth a recap! your open string names; E A D G B E
The notes in music, regardless of instrument you will be able to find any note on any
are: A B C D E F G You then string.
go back to A. These notes make up all the Try the following exercise to test that you
white keys on a piano. However, we also understand it. Take the 5th string open
have black keys and these are your sharps which is A, the note at the first fret will be
and flats, if we add sharps, we now get the A# the second fret B and so on. Continue
following order of notes; A A# B C C# up the fretboard and if you are getting it
D D# E F F# G G# 12 notes, these are right, you should end up back at A by the
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 277
COLUMNS_MARTIN GOULDING
Hi there and welcome to this months by Joe Satriani as the sound of liquid
Modern Rock Techniques column, with mercury, this fluid sounding technique is
the fourth part in our series looking at frequently used to build intensity during
the legato technique. This month we are solos and improvisation in the modern
going to look at ideas based around the Rock style.
quintuplet subdivision, which involves
playing five notes per beat using the full- This week well be playing our examples
roll hammer-on and pull-off technique. over the downloadable backing track Full-
Weve already looked at this technique in Roller, which features an uptempo hard-
issue 27, where we developed ideas using Rock feel based around the A Dorian mode
septuplets or groups of seven. Both of - which is the second mode in the key of G
these odd-note groupings are well used by major, and with a target tempo of 160bpm.
modern Rock players such as Steve Vai, Joe
Satriani and Richie Kotzen. Get the tone
This style of legato playing provides a faster To get a good modern Rock tone, set the
and more complex sound than the simpler gain on your amp to maximum, with
sextuplet-based half-roll style that we the bass and treble set slightly boosted (1
started off with in issue 26. Once described oclock), and the mid-range either slightly
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 279
COLUMNS_MARTIN GOULDING
scooped (10 oclock) for rhythm or boosted Once you have the three sets under control,
(1-2 oclock) for lead. For the lesson, i used link them together across all six strings,
my Ibanez J Custom with Bare Knuckles ending with the stop note before repeating.
VH II pick-ups, through an Axe-FX II When the example is consistent in timing
- set up with the Brit Super amp (based and tone - find your base speed and stay on
on the Marshall AFD head), along with a it for a week or so before increasing.
tubescreamer style overdrive pedal and some
stereo delay. Example 2a, b and c
Example 1 We can take our initial repetition exercise
to the next level by looking at an exit
The first example is based around the A or finishing phrase. This will allow us to
Dorian position 7 shape, starting from the generate musical ideas using the technique
b7th degree (G). To gain initial familiarity and help us to integrate the licks alongside
with this run, a good idea is to establish the our existing modern Rock-based vocabulary.
feel of the subdivision by dividing the whole
idea into three two-string sets covering the In example 2a, our run is played over the first
low E and A, followed by the D and G and four strings in the first bar. Try to pick lightly
finally the B and E strings. and hammer-on hard and from a height at
first - the fretting hand square and dropped
By isolating and repeating these individual with plenty of space from the underside of
sets for five minutes each, we can develop the neck to the cup of the hand, and with
the three fingerings used in 3-notes-per- the thumb in the middle of the back of the
string scale playing - fingering 1, 2 and 4 neck.
when using two consecutive tones, 1, 2 and
4 when using the semitone-tone shape and In the second bar, the pattern continues
1, 3 and 4 when using the tone-semitone to ascend before rolling back on the high
shape. In this position, the two string sets E string and using a hammer-on-from-
are symmetrical and provide a good starting nowhere on the B string to lead back up to
point for developing timing, accuracy and the root note. This bar is executed using the
stamina with the technique. alternative fingering - 1, 2 and 3 which sets
the hand at more of an angle and is well used
If you are new to legato playing, be aware by classic and modern Rock players when
that you may experience a rapid escalation leading into bends. Finally the b7 at the 8th
of tension or fatigue in the arms, wrists and fret B string is struck on the downstroke -
hands. When this occurs its very important bending up a tone to resolve back on the
to shake out your hands and arms until any root note and finishing with slow wide
tension has subsided. After a week or so of vibrato.
regular practice, with each example played
for five minutes per day as part of your In examples 2b and c, we then continue by
overall daily practice routine, youll notice an applying this finishing phrase to A Dorian in
improvement in your stamina. position 2 (Phrygian shape) - which gives us
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 281
COLUMNS_MARTIN GOULDING
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 283
COLUMNS_STEVE TROVATO
ro v a t o
te v e T
w ith S
Country Guitar
Techniques
284 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29
Guitar Interactive is delighted to add yet another world
class player to our team, one of Americas most respected
guitar teachers, Steve Trovato. Steve, who will be teaching
us Country style techniques, is a renowned educator, having
published dozens of guitar instruction methods for Warner
Brothers, Hal Leonard and Alfred Music Publishers. He
has also released several recordings under his own name
all of which have been met with great reviews. Steve has
been interviewed by guitar music publications world-wide
and is the recipient of numerous awards as both educator
and artist. He currently holds a position as a member
of the Studio Guitar and Contemporary Popular Music
Performance Departments at the University of Southern
California.
Lesson 4: Head a lick and add open string notes between the
turning Cascades fretted notes as desired.
Objective: Example 1:
In this lesson youll learn the technique of To introduce the technique well start with
playing open strings interspersed with fretted a simple descending C scale in the 5th
notes to create an interesting cascading effect position. If you are using the CAGED
as I call it. Learn to play the C and G major system, this will be the G shape with the
scales using open strings. Learn to play 3 tonic or root tones on strings 6, 3 and 1.
licks using this technique. As you play the scale starting from the root,
youll see that the first five notes: C,B,A,G
r
This unique distinctive sound can be heard and F must be fretted. The E note typically
by guitarists in virtually all styles of music. would also be fretted on the second string
In this lesson well focus on Country guitar. 5th fret but notice that is also available as an
The idea of playing open strings against open first string. Replace the fretted E note
fretted strings is not new but knowing the with the open string E note played using the
technique and how to use it will provide middle finger of your right hand. Play all of
you with endless ideas for creating your own the fretted notes with your pick and all of the
licks and sounds. The technique is quite open strings with your middle finger. This
simple really. You begin by playing a scale or small example is the technique in a nutshell.
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 285
COLUMNS_STEVE TROVATO
Continuing on, play the remainder of the using this technique may be played in almost
descending C scale and replace fretted notes any key but work best in keys where all or
with open strings wherever possible. The most of the open strings are diatonic to the
D and C notes must be played on the third key.
string. The B note however is available as an
open string. Example 3:
The A note must be fretted on the fourth Lets try one in G. I call it walking the
string but the G is also available as an open ladder. It is the first lick on the video. Ill
string. The F and E are played on the 5th describe it here but be sure to watch the
string but the D is played as an open string. video for a visual. It consists of a descending
Finish with the C note on the 6th string. G major pentatonic Country lick using
fretted notes at the seventh fret and open
Strive to keep your fingers arched out strings.
over the fret board so all of the strings are
permitted to ring out throughout the scale. Start in the 7th position by pulling off
If played correctly, all 6 strings should be from D to B on the first string. Next play
ringing at the end creating a shimmering the G note on the second string then an E
chord reminiscent of holding down the by playing the open first string. This is the
sustain pedal on a piano. picking formula for this lick. Replace your
first finger on B at the 7th fret of the first
Example 2: string then on to G on the second string, E
as an open first string, the D on the third
Now lets learn the concept using the string is played by moving your first finger
descending G scale in the 5th position. Begin to the third string. Now that you have the
by pulling off from the G to the F# on the shape, continue moving across the strings by
second string. The next note, E is available moving your first and second finger over the
as an open string so play it with your middle top of each other until you reach the open
finger. Remember to allow the second string fifth string. End the lick on G at the third
to ring. Next, pull off from D to C on the fret of the 6th string.
third string. The B is available as an open
string to be played using your middle finger. Example 4:
Remember that the fundamental right hand The second lick is in the key of E and is
technique is done by alternating between played in the 9th position using a right hand
your pick and middle fingers with your pick technique called the banjo roll. The banjo
playing the fretted notes and your middle roll is done by playing three consecutive
finger playing the open strings. strings using your pick, middle and ring
fingers respectively in a forward rolling
Once the concept is mastered using a major motion. It is a form of hybrid picking. Begin
scale then you can begin to create licks. Licks this lick by pulling off from an E to a C#
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 287
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com
www.iguitamag.com 288