Tweed Couch Guitar Therapy Session: Recent Episodes
Dr. Tietjen
Welcome to the “Tweed Couch: Guitar Therapy Session” where we talk about all things guitar related. Dr. T is NOT a licensed therapist but he play's one on a Podcast. Join him and his friends as they discuss the thoughts of a guitarist and the decisions that are made.
Occasional co-hosts: Jason Cornelius, John Dougherty, Lloyd Garrelts, Andrew Barber, Beth and Jeromy Dorsing, and Nick Dell. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tweedcouch/support
We all have passions. When I was a kid I loved playing sports and collecting baseball and football cards. As a young adult I was into playing guitar and music. Now as a middle age adult I love being with my wife and kids. Teaching and learning. Being in the music industry. And obviously I love collecting, playing, and fixing guitars.
Of course not all of these things can make us money. And if I’m honest, generally speaking, none of these things are going to make you filthy rich on its own.
But how do we turn passion into a paycheck? Is it worth it to even try? What about burnout? Can there be too much of a good thing? What sacrifices need to be made? Do I need a side hustle? And venn diagrams… can we really use a visual aid on a podcast?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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Back in 1954, Leo Fender once again created a guitar that would revolutionize popular music. Although many changes have occurred over the last 7 decades… at the heart of it… the Stratocaster is still just as revolutionary today as it was back then.
Of course it has been a long journey since then. In 1965 the headstock was enlarged. In 1971 the 3 bolt neck began. In 1977 the 5 way switch became the stock design. In 1982 they began releasing Squier versions. In 1985 Japanese Strats started getting a humbucker in the bridge. In 1997 the US made, double humbucker, “Big Apple” Strat was created… and the story goes on and on and on.
But… what makes a strat a strat? Should we call similar designs an S-style guitar? Which is better, rosewood or maple fretboards? Can you call it a strat if it has humbuckers? What about a 5 switch? Should the tremolo be floating? Why do they call it a tremolo if its really a vibrotol? Is it really a strat if its a hardtail? What mods are worth the time? And sounds… what or should I say who makes the best “strat tone”?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed Couch.
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Every year I talk about how this festival feels like a family reunion and this year was no exception. It’s not just because I get to see my normal Tweed Couch Buddies and not just because I get to perform music with my bandmates. It is because of the bond we share because of our desire to see this Christ centered event be successful.
Of course, much like a family working together. There are plenty of stories, frustrations, laughter, sweat, blood, and tears as the event goes on… oh and a fair amount of shenanigans too.
But what bands played this year at Lifest? Did they use real amps? Who is Lord Meniscus? Why was I called “The Rabbit”? What is a guitar vault? Can you decorate them? Did my 12 year-old get to drive? Did my 16 year old help run the main stage? Did the Newsboys really go on without Michael Tait or Peter Furler? Are big name artists actually nice people? And rain… did lightning really nearly strike a stage?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen & Eli, on the Tweed Couch.
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There is something cool about the delay effect on guitar. Sometimes you need a little to add size. Sometimes you need a lot to add texture. Sometimes you need to go backwards or wobbly to do something completely different.
Of course delay isn’t perfect… and it could cover your sloppy playing but really… when done right… It's one of the best ways to sculpt your style and create a tasty tone.
But… who uses delay best? Is it the same as reverb? What do the knobs do? Does it have to be a pedal? Who makes the best pedal? I get ⅛ and ¼ note… but what does dotted and triplet do? Can I leave it on all the time? And… tap tempo… is it a must?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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There is a reason why we fall in love with the tones of songs from decades ago. The player, the phrasing, the technique, the gear. All of this ignites and inspires a guitar player.
Of course that gear has become harder and harder to obtain as time goes on. Plexi’s to JCM’s. Tweed to Silverface. Burst Les Paul to Korina Explorer. Pre-CBS Tele to Grunge Jagstang. If you want the real deal you will have to pay for it… if you don’t mind a newer reissue. then there might still be hope.
But… Are reissues the same as the original? Do they cost more? Why would people want the old model? Should you pay more to have it intentionally beat up? What is a clone? Is it better than a reissue? Who does them right? Who does them wrong? Does weight play a factor? What about the finish? Is time on its side? Who are reissues marketed for? And the automobile industry… when are you going to jump on board?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Some trade their gear in and trade up. Others sell their unwanted stuff off to finance other endeavors. Some feel the clutter and just want to regain space and sanity.
Of course you never know if you might need that gear again. And most of the time, selling it off is actually more of a hassle than it's worth. Then again the ROI is often lower and you’ll never be able to buy it back for what you sold it for. Add that up to the memories you’ve created with the stuff and you might just be better off keeping it or giving it to a budding new musician.
But what gear do we currently have that goes unused? Is there a reason for holding on this long? If we did sell it then where would we do it? Would I have to deal with taxes and shipping? Have we ever given gear away? Can I justify buying more? What’s a tire kicker? Is there a reason to hold on? How has the market looked since the pandemic? And… Skeleton’s in the Closet… Did Barber really forget that he owned two guitars sitting in a closet until this podcast?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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Some love them. Some hate them. Those that feel the love appreciate the history, tone, feel, and inspiration these guitars embody. Those that feel the hate. Disapprove of the hype and blinded devotion to a flawed guitar design that reeks of terrible tuning stability, inferior quality control, headstock breakage, high price, and heavy weight.
Of course these are a few examples of the extremes based on the guitars. Add in the sketchy corporate decisions that has led the company to bankruptcy more than once the acquisition of “non-guitar related businesses”, the lawsuits brought down on other popular brands, the campaign to “Play Authentic” and license the use of the guitars or else, and… ugh… the destruction of hundreds of firebird X guitars by an excavator… ya… they said they were “unfixable”... sure…
But why do people love Gibson guitars? Does it count if it's an Epiphone? Is Custom Shop really that much better? How are the acoustics? Is the weight really a problem? What's a pancake body? Does more price really get you more guitar? How many do Jason and I own? Were the robot tuners really that bad? What is neck dive? Should a Gibson cost more than a Fender? And… Ted McCarty… the man that is still saving the company today.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I’ve used inear monitors for over 20 years and floor wedges for even longer. Although there is a huge price difference between these two. Depending on the venue or concert you are playing, there is definitely a clear winner.
Of course a great mix with great musicians makes all the difference when it comes to the experience of the show. On top of that, everyone has a preference that suits their needs, style, and comfort level.
But is it okay to get budget level monitors? What options do I have? Can I control my own mix? Do I need to do the same thing as the rest of the band? Should I get custom molded inears? Is it okay to switch from one type to the other? Do I even have to have a monitor? And monitor mixes, iif I can’t hear something is the answer to just make it louder?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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By now we all know that I love Marshall amplifiers but I also love my Fender and my Vox.
Of course boutique amplifiers are incredible too and I’ve really enjoyed my Dr. Z, Clark, and Mesa amps. Then there’s Lloyd with his Saldono, Reason and Naylor… and Jason’s Carr… So many…
But what amps do we need? Why would we need more than one? Is every amp competing with Fender? What classifies something as a bedroom amp? How does wattage factor in? What if we take modeler’s off the table for discussion? How do you decide what’s essential? Does nostalgia matter? Are Dumble amps even all that special? Can I narrow it down to just one amp? And half stacks… who are they really for?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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My first overdrive was a tube screamer circuit. It turned my solid state amp into a broken up tone machine. A few years later I went with a tube amp, and although I could get it driven, nothing beat the tones I got with an overdrive pushing the front end.
Of course tone is subjective. Some love the colors an EQ or clipping can give. Others prefer something more transparent or with a slight bump in a certain frequency. Either way, overdrives are necessary and overdrives are inspirational.
But which overdrive is king? Do they all sound the same? Why would you want more than one? Does the price matter? How many is too many? Is a fuzz considered an overdrive? Which should I try? Is there anything original out there? And Robert Keeley… What does he have to do with all this?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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I’ve seen the gear reviews. I’ve joined the Facebook fan pages. I’ve updated and updated and updated software. I have captured with it. I’ve owned it for about three years and use it at least twice a week in a live setting. So I guess it's time I finally talk about it.
Of course it's pretty amazing but I wouldn’t call it perfect. Being a beta tester for the last three years has only proven that there is room for growth. On top of that there have been new modelers that have come out since, that do very similar things.
But… Does it really sound like the amp? Does it really sound like the drive pedal? What gear did it replace? How do I use it live? Can I run a vocal through it? Can I use 2 guitars through it at the same time? Why did Fender make a modeler? Why did kemper make a smaller modeler? And soon… what in the world does that mean?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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Who doesn’t like getting a package in the mail? The excitement. The anticipation. The dopamine release… Now add to it that what you ordered is a surprise and you’ve essentially doubled down on all of these emotions.
Of course, “doubling down” is an interesting way to put it. The Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking is kinda like gambling. Some people get guitars. Some get pedals. Others get GloKnobs and output jacks… It is those people who have dubbed this similar form of guitar gear roulette as receiving a “Box of Sad”.
But… Where is Jason? Did he participate this year? Where does Premier Guitar get this stuff? Does the Grinch pack the boxes? Why did a drummer buy one? Was it worth the $40? Expensive or not, will we even use this stuff? And… Box of Sad… will we do it again next year?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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Drummers are awesome. Their ability to use every limb of their body to create syncopation and energy is astounding. A seasoned drummer with finesse and dynamics can take a song from meh to amazing!
Of course they do have their quirks and downfalls to us guitar/vocalists. Their high volume and massive footprint create such a confined space in a mix and on a stage that it is easy to become annoyed… but then again we aren’t perfect either. Our quest for perfect tones and tendency to push tempo can drive a drummer to their breaking point. We noodle, we tune and retune, we switch out gear, we sometimes use their gear as a platform to jump off of… I mean… I can see we have our issues too.
But what are the drummer's pet peeves about guitar players? Do we even care? What are the guitar players' pet peeves about a drummer? Do they even care? Could we have the same issues with each other? Is it okay to tell them to stop it? Are these issues even solvable? And… collections… John said he owns how many drum sets and how many guitars?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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I’m not sure if you’ve ever been in this place for gear? Content. You love what you have. It inspires you to play. Simply put, you have found your voice and you have found your mojo…
Of course, you’d love some vintage gear. Or a custom built instrument. Or a signature artist’s piece of gear. Then there are pedalboards, amps, modelers, straps, mics, interfaces… You know, maybe no one is ever done. And if you only knew the amount of change that has occurred in Jason’s gear over the last 2 months… well your jaw would drop.
But… What new gear has Jason recently purchased? Did he sell anything off? How many custom guitar orders does he have in que? Did he sell a guitar to me? How many G’s are in the name Gregg? Why is he quoting sir mix-a-lot again? And drive pedals… is it possible that he’s overcompensating for something?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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How do you describe tone? Seriously… how do you describe guitar tone? Lush, responsive, meaty, throaty, organic… its a never ending thesaurus of adjectives to describe the feeling we have when we hear it.
Of course tone is very subjective and opinions may differ. Some like a tone that is flabby and others like it tight. Some like it scooped and others want it in your face.
But… Why do we use these terms? Do they have an origin? Is it okay to use them with the band? Can 2 people have a different meaning for the same tone word? When is the right time to use them? Are there naughty words of tone? Can you describe tone to a beginner? Can you describe tone to a sound engineer? When is it better to just talk in frequency? And… words like Transparent, Quack, Sag, Ballsy, and Trashy… are these good things?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed Couch.
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The magnificence of a big stage. The PA, lights, smoke, and the size that allows you to be able to move and perform with high energy.
Of course a small stage has its charm too. Generally it means a more intimate crowd, more accessibility to the audience, and less pressure to perform visually.
But which stage is better? Does it affect your gear choices? Is there more pressure on a certain stage? Should you use inear monitors or wedges? What is a thrust? Can I walk on it? How do you get a big stage gig? Should I turn down small ones? Can an amp sound different on different stages? And nostalgia… oh we have lots of stories.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love this festival! I love playing music at this festival. I love bringing my family. I love the community. I love this festival!
Of these 25 years of Lifest, I have been to 17 of them in Oshkosh, WI. In 2000 I was there to play with Echelon. 2004 - 2007 I played with Second Adam. 2008 I played with Echelon & Lynn Stoneking. And from 2012 - now, I have driven the 1300 miles up to play with Echelon, Lynn, Swen & Dean, and Jonathan Cain of the Hall of Fame rock band Journey. I’ve played Electric, Acoustic, Mandolin, Bass, and Drums. I ‘ve been an artist on their Grandstand, Edge, Pit, Kid Zone, Prayer Journey, Expo, and Bonfire stages. I have been the most used artist every year I’ve been there… and I love doing.
But what shenanigans happened this year? Is it okay to teach your kid how to do a B & E? Why was Matthew West throwing Cheese Curds? Does Lifest hate TV’s? How awesome was it to play on the grandstand again? Is there a reason we need a keeper of the keys? What does it mean to pull a snake? And… sketchy trailers… Well, we’re not going to Mexico.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen, on the Tweed Couch.
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The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, U2, Queen, Brad Paisley. What do they all have in common? They are part of the story of the iconic tone that is Vox Amplification. Starting out, I was a Fender guy. Early professional, I made my way to Vox Modeling amps. Professional, I rocked a Marshall half stack. Now I play them all when I can but when I fly into a gig I generally ask for Vox.
Of course, over time I had a lot of trial and error but it wasn’t until I played a cranked Vox AC15 or AC30 that I realized that I had missed the boat and there is something special… even magical about a Vox amplifier.
But what era is the best? Who do we know that plays these stellar amps? Where did the name Vox come from? Is there a difference tonally from amp to amp? What is a warfdale? Are Greenbacks or Blue’s better? Can you still find an AC30 for less than $500? What do the numbers mean? And settings… how do you find your Vox tone?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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My first guitar pedal was a Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde. My second was a Dunlop Crybaby Wah. Then I jumped over to the world of modulation and pedal building. As my pedal needs grew and my situations changed. It didn’t take long before I realized that I took longer to set up than the drummer and I needed to speed up which started me on the journey of finding the perfect pedalboard. But how do you layout a pedalboard? Are there templates or online resources? What is the best way to attach pedals to the board? Could you damage them? Who makes the best boards? How expensive are they? Do the cables matter? What about the power supply? And interventions… have we gone too far? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Gigs are great. Fly gigs are special. Weekend events are amazing. Doing all 3 with some of your best friends in the world… priceless.
Of course getting a gig, with fantastic gear and tone, is only one part of what makes touring special. Doing all this in a different region or town where you get to take in the sights, food, and visit a few guitar shops along the way is pretty awesome as well.
But how did the show in Minneapolis go? Who all was there? What kind of event was it? What gear did we play? How many Vox amps do you need? How many Tele’s do you need? Can you get a good complementing tone if both players play the same type of guitar? Who provided all the gear? And… what makes a sound guy a party pooper?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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There are many reasons why someone picks the gear they have. Influence, recommendation, budget, necessity… but at the end of the day, the gear that is picked creates your tone. Of course after a few decades of playing and some transitions in life you may find yourself a gear hoarder and what you have created is a timeline of tone.
But why did we purchase this gear in the first place? Is there a good story on how we got it? Did we get the sound we were looking for? What happens to the stuff that doesn’t get played anymore? Should I sell it off? Do we still have our first guitar? And… is the gear you tour with different than the gear you have at home?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Sometimes you just feel claustrophobic. You go one direction in tone… then another… then another. You join new bands, you scratch the itch of the new gadget, you find a deal you can’t pass up… years go by and then you see it and you feel it. Cluttered and Claustrophobic.
Now I realize this is a blessing and I also realize that this is a first world problem. So today we will talk about my recent Gear Purge and my justification of it. Also we are going to talk about where I’ve been the last couple months and the life changing diagnosis that has led me to my current situation and my new normal.
But what gear is Dr. T getting rid of? How do you choose what goes? Will there be any regrets? What life changing event happened in the last 8 weeks? Can I still continue to podcast over 40 times a year? Will the dynamic or the format change? And… what does this mean for the fate of the Tweed Couch?
Well we will discuss this, and more, on the Tweed Couch.
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I’ve said it for years, “Failure IS an option”. Most people hate this statement but it’s true. Of course I’d rather see success and sometimes things are out of your control but nevertheless… It is an option. Another statement I often remember saying was, “If you fail to plan. Then you plan to fail”. It is because of these statements that today we will discuss the failures we have seen, what we did to solve it, and how we took action to make sure we never had to deal with it again.
But how important is a backup? Does it matter what cases I use? Can others learn from my failures? Should I worry about my other bandmates? What do I do when the whole sound system fails? Does duct tape really fix everything? And who breaks a bass string?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jeromy, on the Tweed Couch.
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90’s country made a positive mark on me. I loved the stories they told, the sense of pride they carried, and the twangy stringed instruments. Of course Country wasn’t always like this. Country music pioneers, for better or worse, created new sounds and new tones by mixing genres in order to infiltrate and widen their market. People like Conway Twitty & Johnny Cash paved a way for 90’s country artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, The Dixie Chicks, and Sawyer Brown. People of the early 2000’s like Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and Big & Rich paved a way for today’s artists like Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, and Jason Alden. And that brings me to today’s topic of John Rich of Big & Rich. A little on his career, a little on his extracurriculars, and a lot on his whiskey “Redneck Riviera”.
But Where did John Rich get his start? Has he ever been in a full band? What is Texasse? Is his whiskey any good? Does it Mix well? Can you class up a Redneck Riviera? What does Proof mean? And is this the American version of a Canadian whiskey?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Nick, on the Tweed Couch
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There is no denying the ease of use of a modeler when recording. Sure there is an argument of simplicity when you put a mic in front of a speaker, hit record and let it be what it is… but there are downfalls of the analog situation too. Amps are bigger, have less options, more noise artifacts, and of course the elephant in the room… sheer loudness in order to get the tubes cooked and the speakers moving. Pedals have their issues too. Cables fail, powering issues, number of pedals, size of the enclosure, and of course buffering and impedance issues.
But why is a modeler such a good option? Can you record more than one track? What is re-amping? Does phase matter? Is phase really a math equation? How do you use modelers with an interface? Do you even need an interface? Can you fly with it? And… IR’s are they a tone game changer?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Beth, on the Tweed Couch.
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If you are listening to this then you have probably been there. You sit down to watch a movie and somewhere in there you see guitar gear. From Tom Hanks’, That Thing You Do to Rob Reiner’s Spinal Tap… nothing is more engaging, entertaining, and aggravating to a guitarist than a movie with guitar gear.
But what does Steve Vai, Ralph Macchio & Brittany Spears have in common? Did Back to the Future make critical Gibson, Fender & PRS errors? Is Huey Lewis’ hearing okay after Marty’s band audition? How great was LaBamba? How bad was the Buddy Holly Story? Is Stairway really denied? Is it really possible to turn to 11? And what is this thing called… suspend disbelief?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Paul, on the Tweed Couch.
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Ah the age old debate.. Is tone really in the fingers? From the grip of the neck to the pluck of a string. This debate has been heard time and time again. Of course the gear has to play a part too, right? I have been told that a 51 Nocaster is magical and a 59 burst is godly and if the right Marshall Plexi gets cranked to 11 then “ultimate tone” is achieved.
But where does most guitar tone come from? Does the gear really make all the difference? Can you get heavy metal tones out of an acoustic? Why is this subject even a debate? Should you focus more on gear or technique? Where does this stem from? And if tone is in the fingers then how does a robot play a guitar?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed Couch.
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It is hard to believe that nearly 3 years ago I started a podcast because all of my bookings had been canceled and I missed my music friends. Now that the gigs have started to return I thought about stopping this podcast and moving on with life.
But when I returned to gigging, what I didn’t expect was a stronger connection with the people I talk and play with a handful of times a year. Of course there have been frustrations, time constraints, thoughts of quitting, and naturally exhaustion but overall I love my music community that has now spread throughout the world into your music community. I have gained great support and new friendships with people I would never have met. Like Ohm’s in Hawaii, Ramsaphoto, and Steve from Kentucky. You guys rock and I thank you for the encouragement.
But… What is my co-host’s favorite thing about the podcast? Has anything been learned? Who is their favorite of the co-hosts? Do they have any more final thoughts? And… What possessed me to ask these people to do group guitar therapy?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this 100th Episode group therapy session with Barber, John, Lloyd, Beth, Jeromy, Paul, Chris, Nick, Owen, and Jason… on the Tweed Couch.
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Live music is amazing. I remember listening to Van Halen on the radio and thinking they were good but wasn’t sure what the fuss was about. Then I saw them live. At that moment I knew I was missing out on an important element of a band… the performance. But big rock concerts are more expensive and difficult to get to nowadays. This is why a quality cover band is a special breed. They focus on musicianship, stage presence, and quantity of music to make sure that people are having a great time without much hassle and expense.
But what makes a cover band good? Are they pretty much a living spotify or jukebox? How do you pick songs? Do the songs have to be exactly like the original? What gear do you need? Should you take requests? How important is stage presence? And… tribute bands, are they different?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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The term best is always subjective. Best for the price, best for the size, best for this sound… what we really mean is best for myself in this situation. With that said. This is why it is important to have a conversation with someone who speaks your language and can help you organize your thoughts. Today we do this with a Worship Leader who wants to buy a great all in one amp & pedal modeler for his church musicians to use.
But… What features are important? Is there a benefit to size? Can 2 players use 1 unit? Does the venue matter? Is the user interface important? Should I or can I go stereo? Does the type of guitar matter? And… Why not just use amps and pedals?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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It has been another year of Podcasting, Gigs, Gear, and Videos. Of course, with this being the the end of a new year comes time to reflect on the past and look to the future.
But did we accomplish all of our goals? Do we have new gear on the horizon? How well did the podcast do last year? Are we really in the top 15% of most followed podcasts? How did the 2022 resolutions go? How did I rescue a high end guitar from becoming trash? And New Year, New Tone… what do we have to look forward to in 2023?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love having a place I can call my own. Not just because it gives me a place to house my gear but because it gives me a place to take pride in. From the guitars on the wall to the knick knacks and memories. This Guitar Sanctuary is mine. I recently visited Lloyd at his converted Corn Crib, His Music Making Shred Shed, and today we talk about the place and the gear that is stored in it.
But what makes a good guitar man cave? Can you find it by accident? How personal should it get? Do you need to have a lot of gear to make it worth it? Why does Lloyd have a screen door hung up on his wall? How loud can you play? Will a pickup change rescue a Vintage Les Paul? And… cats??? Why are they everywhere and what did they do to Lloyds pedalboard?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Today on the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Mystery Stocking 2022… Strikes Back”
Way back in 2020, episode 22, Jason and I did the Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking. We got some cables, shirts, straps, coupons, and a GloKnob. It was a lot of fun and we vowed to do it again the next year. Unfortunately we missed out the next year… but not in 2022! Today we will unbox and discuss this mystery stocking that was shipped to our door.
But why does The Gear Page call it the Box of Sad? Did we get our money’s worth? What were the big ticket items? Was it worth doing again? Do we still have the Mystery Stocking stuff from 2 years ago? Did anyone get a GloKnob? And… after this year’s Stocking… will we do it again?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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There is no question that Bob Dylan has inspired many musicians over decades of playing. From his musical style to his lyrics he has a sound and flavor all his own. Of course other bands have covered his songs. Within the unique identity of the Byrds, Hendrix, and even Rage Against the Machine there is the soul and stink of Bob Dylan. Now he’s not just a Musician. He is also an artist and a whiskey aficionado. In the spirit of this, I would like to talk about the parallels between a song being covered and whiskey being rebarreled.
But what makes a cover band any good? Do you have to do the song exactly the same? What makes a double barrel whisky different? Are there any rules? What does Dolly Parton and Adelle have to do with any of this? And who did it better… Dylan or the band that covered it.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group tasting session with Nick, on the Tweed Couch.
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Nothing in guitar is more personal than the guitar itself but there are many factors that play into it. One of the big ones is string gauge. Whether you have a heavy hand or a light touch the gauge of a string can sculpt your tone and change your thinking. But does the gauge of string really matter? How does it affect feel? Does the brand matter? How does it change tone? What are the pros and cons? Why did Billy Gibbons name his strings the Safest & Cheapest? And did Chris and I just win the Mexican Lottery? Well, we will discuss this and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed couch.
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Well here is a week where I had some time but no one to Podcast with so I will discuss a common ailment that plagues a musician. As mentioned already… I am not a licensed therapist… or at least a licensed mental therapist. I am a licensed Physiotherapist, Educator, and Doctor of Chiropractic. In the state of Texas I have the education and certification to diagnose, treat, and educate conditions associated with muscles and joints. So without further adieu today’s ailment is, “Foot Problems”.
But how can foot problems affect your ability to play guitar? What symptoms should be alarming? Should I go see a doctor? Could it really be a problem in the low back or neck? Who treats it? What is thrombophlebitis? And did WebMD really tell me that I might be diabetic?
Well we will discuss this, and more, on the Tweed Couch
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There are many things in life that bring us enjoyment. Good food, a loving family, a new piece of gear, a podcast… and there are parallels to why we enjoy these things equally but different. Well today Lloyd has a list and would like to discuss, and convince me, of the parallels he has found between Cigars and Guitars.
But how do you compare two completely different objects? Is it okay to enjoy both? Do I have to like cigars to like this episode? What correlation can be made between the player and their cigar preference? And they make modeling guitar gear… do they make modeling cigars?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Most people will probably stop listening at this point but wait… I think it is important to cover this subject. From the instruments, to the artist, to the reason why it changed… The Evolution of Modern Worship holds many properties of non-worship styled music.
But… What are the deciding factors? Do acoustic instruments sound as good as electric? When did lights and fog become a thing? Should we pay these musicians? What does Martin Luther have to do with all this? Do I need to be ampless? Who has the best music out right now? And what is worship haze?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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Icons like The Who, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Beatles, and ZZ Top are really getting up there in age. As time went on…Van Halen, Guns N Roses, Black Crows, and the Foo Fighters moved that torch and kept Rock N Roll alive. Now we lack the mojo of old and it leaves us wondering… is rock dying figuratively and literally?
But… who’s still playing old school rock? How old are these bands getting? Are they still relevant? Should we just let it go? What gear is iconic to Rock N Roll? Will it make a comeback? And Manufacturers… Which iconic brand is doing it right?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Back in the day I played Danelectro mini’s, the Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde, & Vox Wah’s. Years later I started to dabble in pedal building with Build Your Own Clone. As time moved on, so did my needs, and I went to multi effects. Now I am all over the place but ready to get back into the pedal world.
But what’s out there? Does it have to be boutique? Is True Bypass still a thing? Does the power supply matter? Am I using the right cables? Should I do rack gear? Does the amp matter? Is PRS really in the pedal game? And Mount Rushmore Pedals… what are 4 iconic pedals that deserve monumental status?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed Couch.
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We’ve all had them. The aha moment when all of a sudden you realize something that changes your perspective on tone forever. Of course the epiphanies are generally not new. For many they are a no brainer and seem obvious but there is nothing like the aha moment, the epiphany, when you are the one who discovered or possibly rediscovered it.
But what is a gear epiphany? Should you act on it immediately? Are they the same for everyone? Do seasoned professionals already know it? Can you still have an original idea? And Vintage gear… did I just buy an iconic electric guitar that is almost 50 years old?!?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Today of the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Relic Guitars”
Some love them and some hate them but nobody can deny their controversy in the guitar community. Some love relics because they look old or think they sound better. While others despise relics because it shows a lack of care or it tells a story that the guitar or guitarist didn’t earn.
But… Why do people relic? Is it a money thing? Can a guitar be too relic’d? Which company does it the best? Do relic guitars sound better? Can you really relic a guitar by pulling it behind a truck? And YouTube Comments… Ya people are weird…
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Dumble’s, Pelxi’s, Tweed’s, Boutique, Rare, Vintage, High Gain... All of these amp types are amazing, expensive, loud and some are rare! I’d love to have an amp collection but don’t have the room or the money to support that new endeavor.
Of course amp modelers remedy most of those excuses. I can profile, capture, or emulate any one of these amps for a fraction of the cost and space. Then there is the portability to take it all on the road or into the studio.
But do amp modelers really sound the same? Do they have the right feel on stage? Does it matter to the audience? Does it matter to the other band members? Do inear monitors make a difference? Who’s abandoned using their tube amps? Will tube amps ever make a come back? And… pedal tweaking, is it really just the guitar player that notices a difference?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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Today on the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Lifest Music City, TN 2022”
This is the second year on Johnny Cash’s Hide Away Farm doing a music festival and it did not disappoint! Yes there were less stages but the quality of performer went up. Casting Crowns, Zack Williams, Steven Curtis Chapman, Skillet, Sidewalk Prophets, Swenless, and the list goes on…
But, what changed this year at the festival? Did we see any good gear? Where did all the tube amps go? Why are we now lighting guys? How did Lloyd crash the set of a main stage artist? Will he be allowed back next year? Why is Dr. T singing Elvis & Carrie Underwood songs? And why was a Kemper being mic’d?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Last year, before Lifest Music City, TN, Owen and I went into Nashville and visited some guitar stores. We had such a great time we brought our buddies Lloyd, Thomas, & Dave along with us this year. We visited Gruhn’s Guitars, Rumble Seat Music, Carter Vintage, Gibson Garage, and two different Guitar Centers.
But, was it as much fun as last year? Did we buy any gear? What were Lloyd’s thoughts about Gibson R9’s? Should you do a Murphy Lab? What year did the Gibson ABR-1 Bridge start? Do two Taylor’s of the same model and year sound alike? And YouTuber’s and Rock Stars, how do you act when you meet them in person?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen & Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Some people stay home and vacation. Some like to go to the beach. Some enjoy camping. Others like to sight see. My family likes to do Lifest. It is probably the only working trip that feels more like a family reunion.
Of course my experience is unique. I am an artist, as well as a production team member. I get the best of both worlds and the worst of both worlds…
But what is a Fluffy White Bunny? Do bad things happen to gear at a festival? Why does Owen hate brooms? Did a band really have a baby at the festival? Who played in their spot? Why is standing side stage not fun anymore? Is COVID19 still a factor? And, are keyboards taking over the world?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen, on the Tweed Couch.
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When I’m not playing my gear, I’m talking about gear. When I’m not talking about gear, I’m thinking about gear. When I’m not thinking about gear, I’m reading about gear. When I’m not reading about gear, I am watching gear on YouTube. It is apart of me. I love it. I want it. I need it.
But what makes someone a gearhead? Is it a bad thing? Should I feel guilty? Is there a checklist to determine my gearheadedness? Is that actually a word? And… is this condition only specific to guitar?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Jason and I recently went to an estate sale and picked up some great stuff for a great deal. This got me thinking about my life and the gear I have purchased over time. The deals that swayed my tone and the feeling of finding them.
But when is a deal more like a steal? Should you tell someone they priced too low? What did we buy at the Estate Sale? Is this the first time we’ve gotten deals like this? Will we ever go back? And our Dads… what an influence they have been on us.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this Father’s Day group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love supporting up and coming manufacturers when I can. Working with Martin Kretzmann of Kretzmann Guitars, Bob Weil of Visual Sound (Now Truetone), or Keith Vonderhulls of Build Your Own Clone has been a great joy as I have watched them grow and cheered them on every step of the way.
Now Jason has done this FAR more than I have and today we talk about his New Guitar Day of his Custom Order Serus J Novo Guitar.
But why did he order it? Was there something missing in his arsenal of instruments? How long did it take? Did he make any order changes along the way? Does he have any regrets? And… who is he trying to sound like when he plays it?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I remember the first time I modded a guitar. Putting my dad’s soldering iron to the volume pot of my Fender Stratocaster. It was nerve racking and liberating at the same time. I also helped a friend strip a lefty Stratocaster… Of course I had to stop that modification when my dad, rightfully, told me to leave that guitar alone for someone who could actually use it. I assume he meant a lefty.
But when does a partscaster become a partscaster? Are they just modded guitars? What if you buy a husk or donor guitar? Is it easy to refinish? Should I just buy a custom guitar? Does the name on the headstock matter? And… What announcement does Beth have with regards to the Kretzmann Guitar Family?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Beth, on the Tweed Couch.
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Access to a local guitar store is cool. Access to a local guitar store that has good gear is awesome. Access to a local guitar store that has good gear and actively finds ways for you to succeed in your musical passion is AMAZING!
But… What kind of guitar store do you want to be? Why haven’t you done it yet? How will you be different from other shops? Is the goal to be profitable? Who is the band Northlake? Why are we talking in Bon Jovi song titles? And… how has mom been an amazing encouragement.
Well we will discuss this, and more on this part 2 group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Tweaking guitars has always been interesting to me. Changing strings, doing setup, tightening loose parts, and changing pickups and pots. Now there are some things I don’t like doing. Like fretwork, headstock repair, or finish touch ups. On top of that, there is the fear of damaging the guitar worse than it was already.
But does my insurance cover stupidity? Should I do my own guitar work? When do I take it to a professional? Should I pot my own pickups? Who is a Luthier? And did Lloyd really destroy his Les Paul by adjusting the truss rod?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Much like a fine wine or spirit, a band or even a guitar, can really find its musical palate over time. Of course there are many factors that make this aging process one that we appreciate. Whether it be the finish on the guitar, the vibration of the wood, the style of the music, or the changes made over the course of its life, we all can agree that many find vintage gear to be better.
But… Does old really mean better? Is it the guitar or is it the player that changed? Can we speed up the process? Do Pickups need a break in time? Is Nitro better than Poly? Can a player get better over time or do they peak? And… who do we think has gotten worse with age?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this part 2 group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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There is something special about vintage gear. The history, the stories, the nostalgia… it really is not just 1 thing that makes it all so cool.
But what classifies gear as vintage? Are they actually better? What makes them different than modern guitars? Why does it cost so much? Would it make a good investment? Why are they so desirable? And what vintage gear have we experienced?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
P.S. Happy Easter!!! He has Risen!
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We’ve all seen iconic gear abuse. Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire, Paul Stanley busting up prop guitars, Richie Blackmore destroying a guitar on a TV camera, or Pete Townsend smashing guitars, amps, drums, stands, microphones, monitors, really anything in sight.
Of course this is the extreme. Obviously scratches and dents can happen through normal playwear and tear. Belt buckle rash, hand and arm friction on the body and neck, getting knocked by an instrument cable, stand rash, sun bleaching, luthier mishaps, pick and nail scratches…
But what are some war scars that we have seen on our own gear? Any good stories? How do we feel about used gear? Is it okay to buy relic’d? Should you repair a ding? How much does the value drop? And is it okay to break gear on purpose?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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Today on the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Buying and Selling”.
Although the people on this podcast probably think of Jason and I as buyers only, we do sell as well. After 25 years of buying and selling in person and online the stories have racked up and today we will need a whole lot of group therapy to get over it!
But how is the current guitar market? Is it better to buy and sell online? Which platform is the best? Would you rather buy and sell with a friend? Are trades okay? What good and bad stories do we have? And… when is it time to sell?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love the sparkle binding on my White Falcon, the gold hardware on my ES355, the artist top on my P22, and the features of my HX Effects. But I also love the simplicity of my Kretzmann, the traditional features of my Strat, the no electronics in my Gibson LG0 acoustic, and the single channel on my Marshall or Vox. Sometimes the frills are worth the extra money and sometimes they just get in the way.
But how do you decide what is worth paying for? Will you regret your choice? Is this only a guitarists problem? Can I go overboard with features? And how was it back gigging on the road up in Chicago?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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Today on the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Guitar Technology, Yay or Nay”
Purists scoff at new technology while many modern players look at it as a useful tool. Both Jason and I agree that new technology must have functionality and tone while fitting the look that inspires us.
But which new technology do we agree on? Can we turn this into a game? Do we know each other well enough to predict each other’s likes and dislikes? How many Journey & Sir Mix-A-Lot lyrics can we slip in? And… Brent, will this therapy session knock your socks off?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the tweed couch.
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When I was first starting out, I had a saying. “I get 10% better with every new piece of gear I get.” Of course that statement is not really true or accurate at all.
Sure some pieces of gear helped me gain more confidence, experience, and interest which all led me to playing more and getting better. On the other hand, some pieces of gear have done the opposite of making me better.
But what gear have we purchased for inspiration? Why did we decide to get it? Which purchases have backfired? Does it have to be guitar related? Is there such a thing as too much gear? And… is there a way to remedy Gear Acquisition Syndrome?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love my Gibson’s, I love my PRS’s, I love my Fender’s, I love my Kretzmann… but the expectations I have out of each guitar is different.
Every guitar company has their known quality control issues. From tuning stability, to fret sprout, to finish rejection, to dead on arrival electronics. Although this is an issue, we as players are willing to overlook these shortcomings each manufacturer or guitar has simply because of the name on the headstock or cost behind it.
But… Why do we have double standards? Are there any blanket expectations? What would it take for you to return a guitar? Does price matter? Should a case be included? How does customer service play a role in all of this? And… why is this group therapy session considered a tribute?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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According to verywellminded.com 77% of the people in the world deal with a fear of public speaking. Standing up, making a statement, telling a story, or playing music causes more anxiety than death itself.
Of Course, there are different variables that can aid stress. Preparedness, experience, audience members, and even size of the venue can change the perception.
But… How do we cope with anxiety? Will you ever get used to it? How do you prepare yourself? Is there a right and wrong way to do it? What if my problem is debilitating? and … what does a higher power have to do with any of this?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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The first band I played in had 3 electric guitar players and a drummer. I was not the best guitarist… but I also wasn’t the worst. So my buddy, by default, decided to buy a bass and started learning.
But what basses are good for beginners? Should you use a pick? What other gear do you need? Do you need a special case? What are the 2 kinds of bass players? And what Gibson bass did my dad, a guitar player, buy from a pawn shop back in 1966 that I used on these solo albums?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jeromy, on the Tweed Couch.
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I am a sucker for a good deal. Tickets to a popular concert with 2-3 bands costs anywhere from $30 in the back of a venue to $400+ to get decent floor seats. As an artist, putting on your own tour, there are struggles too. This is why I love Music Festivals. As a concert attendee or as a band I get the best of all worlds. But… What makes a Festival so different? Which ones should I go to? Are there any drawbacks? Why should you go and what should you expect? And… What is the full story on how Dr. T got to play Don’t Stop Believin’ on stage with Jonathan Cain of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame member from Journey?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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3 pickup guitars are amazing. 2 pickup guitars are also glorious.
But are 1 pickup guitars better? Are they just as versatile? Who plays a 1 pickup guitar? Does the neck pickup affect tone when it’s not on? What’s a dummy pickup? And is 1 pickup all you need?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch
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As we ring in another new year, many people may feel compelled to reflect on their previous year. Some tried to kick a bad habit. Some tried to take on a good routine... Some realized they completed all of their new years resolutions and others realized they gave up too quick.
But how did Dr. T & Jason do on their New Years Resolutions? Do they have new ones for 2022? How has the podcast done over the past year? Whatever happened to the Gloknob? And New Year New Tone… whats on the list? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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It seems there is always something. Managing the home, kids activities, maintenance of vehicles, work, sleep... There is always something that can get in the way of becoming a better player or simply getting to play the instrument that we love.
Of course, it's not that these things aren’t important either. A matter fact they are likely more important which is why it is so frustrating to not be able to get the time to practice and see your gear collect dust. This can leave you discouraged and uninspired.
But how do we find time to play guitar? Are we just organizing our day wrong? What if you have a limit on space or how loud you can play? Are there tools to aid in motivation? Do you need special equipment? And how much time is enough time to practice?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Paul, on the Tweed Couch
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My start into the music world came as a teenager playing campfire songs for my friends in the church youth group. Soon that turned to playing in a garage band with some friends. We played a pretty eclectic catalog of Skynyrd, Nirvana, Police, Sublime, Tom Petty… My brother joined a music ministry group and that is when I started really paying attention to Christian music like Jars of Clay, Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, and Third Day.
Of course at that time, late 90 and early 2000’s, worship music was very different than it is now. Most of the music at that time was chasing the sounds of popular music out in the secular world. The more Christian music evolved and was played on the radio, the more churches began welcoming it into their worship centers and sanctuaries to use in service. This caused a need for contemporary styled musicians and fortunately for the churches there were many musicians looking for a place to play.
But is there a worship music sound? Is there certain gear or tones associated with it? What stereotypes are there? How different is playing worship music than secular music? Is there a difference between being the worship leader and the worship director? And how do you prepare yourself for leading worship?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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As mentioned in the podcast intro, I am not a licensed therapist. What I am is a Doctor of Chiropractic. With that said, I couldn’t get anyone to do a group therapy session with me… so I think I will do another ailment that plagues the musician and this problem is: Low Back issues.
But what causes low back problems? Should I go see a doctor? Can low back problems be prevented? Is there a way to treat it at home? Can you play with a brace? And did Web MD really diagnose low back pain as subacute bacterial endocarditis, pyelonephritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or Lupus? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the tweed couch.
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For years I have wanted the much hyped Gibson Les Paul 1959 Reissue. Of Course, there are many reasons to want this iconic, desirable Holy Grail guitar. And honestly there were even more reasons that held me back from purchasing but today was my day!
But… What makes an R9 different? How close is it to the real deal? Is it really worth about $7k usd? Did I actually pay that much? What compelled me to get an R9 now? Did I have to sell gear to get it? Where did I buy it? And… Is it worth the hype?
Well we will discuss this and more, on the Tweed Couch.
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Fender guitars have been an icon for as long as the solid body electric guitar has been around. The telecaster was the innovation people were looking for. The stratocaster was the look people loved. Then the Jaguar and Jazmaster wowed the world with glitz and style. Of course where would they be without a quality amp behind them. Fender amplifiers have also been there from the beginning. Inspiring not only musicians around the world but also manufacturers. But… How far back does the influence of Fender go? Was there a better era to buy? Which Fender models have we owned? Is there anything good out there right now? And… Fender, better Amps or Guitars? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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There are times in everyone's life when they know exactly what they want and this is no different for a guitar player. It could be a guitar like their hero, an amp with all the features, the pedals with the cool name and sound, or other gear that fits the look and mojo. Whether it be for tone or the aesthetics, we are puting compromise aside and diving in deep to the what and the why of no compromise purchases.
But how do you decide what you should be picky about? Is it really worth it? What if you can’t afford a no compromise purchase? Is it better to have quantity or quality of gear? If you could dream big, what would be next? And should you think of no compromise purchases as potential heirloom’s?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Have you ever owned a guitar that you loved but wished were a little different? Maybe you wanted a guitar you couldn’t necessarily afford. It could be that you have particular wants but the guitar doesn’t exist. If any of this sounds like you then you are probably in the market for a Partscaster.
But what is a parstscaster? Are there any iconic players who use them? What have we owned and why? Does a partscaster have to come from a Fender guitar? Do they make them in lefty? At what point does a guitar go from modded to being called a partscaster? And how much should you spend?
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Back in the last week of July, my 13 year old cork sniffer Owen and I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and visited 6 guitar shops in one day. We checked out the iconic stores of Gruhn’s and Carter Vintage. We toured the more modern stores of Gibson Garage and Guitar Center. We looked outside the box and made our way to Corner Music and Fanny’s House of Music .
But what are these guitar stores like? Should you go? Are they able to create their own identity in a town filled with guitar shops? What is each store's niche? Is Guitar Center dead? Did we buy any new gear? And what is the difference between a mandolin and a mandola?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen, on the Tweed couch.
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There is nothing more frustrating than putting your heart and soul into a guitar performance just to find out afterwards that you were barely heard. It is easy to blame the drummer banging on their skins. It is easy to blame the bass player who thinks the low end is where you find the energy. Its easiest to blame the keyboard player who believes they need to play all the bass notes and the middle melody… but most likely the person we blame the most... is the sound guy out front.
But is it true that you get what you pay for? Could the issue be the guitar’s tone? What is the most important thing to hear in a band mix? Which instrument is most likely to ruin the sound? Does the room make that big of a difference? Is it the equipment's fault? And, could the problem be your monitors?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed couch.
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Join Dr. T and Lloyd as they do a short story therapy session of what it was like to tour Germany right after the Berlin Wall went down.
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Unless you started playing electric guitar in the 50’s or 60’s, almost every electric guitar player starts their journey with a solid state amplifier. Some then move on to tubes, others to modelers, and some stick to solid state. Regardless of where you started or ended, no one can doubt the impact of a tube amplifier.
Of course, there are vintage iconic amps from Fender, Marshall, Vox.. The modern, more suped up, renditions of Friedman, Dr. Z, Matchless... are tight contenders for incredible tone. Now if that weren’t enough to deal with, the ever impressive engineering and innovations of the modeling amplification companies like Kemper, Line 6, Neural DSP, and Axe FX have developed ways to harness this tone into ones and zeros, making it nearly impossible for an audience to notice the difference.
But which type of amp is more budget friendly? Are tube amps more dynamic? Is it easier to dial in a modeler? Which type is preferred, vintage or boutique? Which modeler is doing it best? And are tube amps dead?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed couch.
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After over 20 years of festivals in Oshkosh Wisconsin, Life Promotions has extended Lifest to Johnny Cash’s Farm in Bon Aqua, TN.
Of course, with a new region and a new venue, you can expect some new challenges to present. Fortunately for Life Promotions they have a recipe for success with bands they know, competent production companies, dedicated volunteers and workers, and a drive to make this festival thrive.
But how did Johnny Cash get this farm? Why are we doing a music festival on it? Did I get to play on stage? What gear did I play? How different is it to be Stage Management instead of Band Member? And, is it worth doing again?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed couch.
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I remember when I first learned guitar and I couldn’t afford a Fender Stratocaster. I wanted to look and sound like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix… Eventually I ended up with a Fender Strat but it didn’t look or sound like the ones my heroes played. So I started modding.
Of course, there is way more to sounding like these icons than parts and materials but that didn’t matter to me. As time went on I wanted to look and sound like other artists but didn’t have the money to buy all the expensive gear... And therefore I entered into a phase of my life where I started buying cheap guitars…
But who are cheap guitars for? What classifies a guitar as cheap? Are there any good ones out there? How do you know it’s time to upgrade? Are they worth modding? And what are the usual flaws?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed couch.
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Back in July 2000 I went to a festival in Wisconsin with a band named Echelon. I still remember watching other bands like Audio Adrenaline, Third Day, Relient K, and the OC Supertones. So much fun. From 2004-2008 I started going with my own band named Second Adam where we were known to play anywhere between 5 and 7 shows over the course of the 4 day event. A few years later I became part of Stage Management, aiding in the organization and implementation of what makes up the many venues, activities, and facets of Lifest as well as hopping around from stage to stage problem solving for the crew and bands as needed.
Of course, the real fun is in still being able to play the festival. From GrandStand to the Kid Zone (and all the places between) I will usually find myself with multiple bands playing a multitude of instruments... It is tiring and fulfilling.
But what was so special about Lifest 2021 in WI? Are there any good stories? How quickly can a stage be set up and ready to go? Did I get to see any good shows? And what perspective did my 13 year old have a member of the stage team this year?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen, on the Tweed couch.
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Barber shares a terrible acoustic gear fail which inspires Dr. T to share his fail with an acoustic as well. Check out this episode of the Tweed Couch Guitar Therapy Session where we share a short story from the couch.
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One of the greatest compliments a guitarist can receive from a manufacturer is the opportunity to have their own signature gear made. Whether it was Les Paul, Zack Meyers, David Grissom, or Jarod James Nichols. The list goes on and all of this gear is almost as impressive as the person who inspired it.
Of course, most of these instruments weren’t designed simply to just sell widgets. They were designed by a working man/woman for a working man/woman. Signature gear has more than just an artist's autograph on it. It has their stamp of approval and blessing to go create inspirational music.
But what signature gear have we owned? Who is the gear marketed for? What signature gear is on our radar? Is this gear only meant to play that artist's songs? Who makes the best signature gear? And have you ever tried to make a clone of someone else's guitar because it hasn’t already been made or was too expensive?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Jason goes on a "Guitar Safari" for a new acoustic and comes home with more. Check out this episode of the Tweed Couch Guitar Therapy Session where we share a short story from the couch.
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I remember when I was 13. I remember thinking the tone came from that sweet guitar. Slash on his Les Paul. Stevie on his Strat. Edge on his explorer. Richards on his Tele. BB on his 345.
Of course, eventually I would play these guitars and wonder why I couldn’t sound like them. So I started tone chasing. Ultimately I found myself in the same place that many other budding guitarists found themselves. If you want to get better… you need to practice. As I got better, I started to play with others. I joined bands, I met other musicians, and my own sound and style blossomed.
But what is the right process for learning guitar? Does cork sniffing start at an early age? Do adults get just as distracted as teens? What is the most difficult part about learning? Is there a stigma to what guitars are used for certain genres? And how does Dr. T’s 13 year old son do on his first Podcast?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Owen, on the Tweed Couch.
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Broken strings, burnt tubes, bad cables. These are all gear issues that can ruin a show. Of course, many of these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance of your gear but sometimes these things just happen. This is why having a good backup is important in the event of not just complicated problems but catastrophic failure.
But how often should you change tubes? What do you do with a scratchy pot? How often do you change strings? Should you do your own maintenance? When do you take it to a tech? And what are the worst gear fails on the road with Dr. T and John?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the tweed couch.
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If you have participated in a guitar forum. If you watch YouTube reviews. If you have talked with a sales associate at a guitar store. Then you have likely experienced cork sniffery.
If you have only played a hand full of tube, modeling, or solid state amps but believe tubes create ultimate tone for all. If you believe you can only get a great tone from expensive gear. If you believe the logo on the headstock is a deciding factor in whether a piece of gear has quality tone, woods, or manufacturing. Then you likely suffer from a form of cork sniffey.
But what is a cork sniffer? Is it always a bad thing? Where did the name come from? Is there a cure? And where does Jason and I rank as a cork sniffer?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed couch.
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There is nothing more frustrating than being musically inspired or having a gig coming up but not being able to do it because of health problems. As mentioned in the podcast intro, I am not a licensed therapist but I am a Doctor. I have a Doctorate in Chiropractic and I have been licensed to treat patients in the state of Texas since 2012. So I think it might be time for me to educate the world on probably the most personal subject that can plague a musician… “the injuries that limit your ability to play.”
Now there are many reasons someone might be limited in their ability to play at the level they once did. One of the more common ailments I have seen is wrist problems. From fractures and arthritis to carpal tunnel, sprains, and strains. Wrist issues can prevent a musician from doing the thing they love as a hobby. Or for professionals, the thing they do to pay the bills.
But what causes wrist pain? Should I go see a doctor? Can wrist problems be prevented? Is there a way to treat it at home? Can you play with a cast? And did Web MD really diagnose wrist pain as a Limes Disease, Hypothyroidism, or Lupus? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the tweed couch.
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Whether you have just a few guitars, pedals, and amps or you have a warehouse full like Billy Gibbons or Rick Neilson. At some point in your life you find yourself wanting to sell your gear to either pay a bill, make some room, or to buy more gear. Whatever your motivation, know that you share a common thread with people like Eric Clapton, David Gilmore, and Ted Nugent who all sold a number of their famous axe’s for charity or profit.
Of course it can be very difficult to part with gear as you develop and create memories with it. Nostalgia, value, or even promises to never sell can keep gear in your closet, collecting dust unused.
But how much gear is too much gear? What are the reasons to sell? Will there be any regrets? And what is on the incoming list for Dr. T and Jason? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Not everyone is cut out to be a touring musician. Not everyone is a session player who shreds 7 days a week. You may love playing guitar by yourself in your room or in the garage with your buddies. Maybe it's your calling to serve at church or teach lessons. But usually at some point in a musicians hobby or career they decide they would like to try playing in front of people.
But how do you get a gig? What if you don’t have a band? How much money do you ask for? Whose responsibility is it to market the show? How do you get more people there? And should I treat other bands as my competition?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the tweed couch.
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Back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, before the internet, guitars were either purchased locally or from a catalog. A local guitar shop would often become a hang out for musicians who wanted to see what was new or talk about what they liked. As the 80's and 90's came into full swing, so did the big Guitar Shop chains. Sam Ash (1924) and Guitar Center (1959) expanded out of their respective states and throughout the US.
But what makes a guitar shop great? Do they need certain products in their inventory? Do the sales associates matter? Is it better to buy online or in the store? Is price matching evil? And should you buy from the big box chain? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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The KEMPER PROFILER™ is a leading-edge digital guitar amplifier and all-in-one effects processor. As a guy who has used many “modeling type” amplifiers, this was the first digital guitar amp to really nail the full and dynamic sound of what we call “guitar tone”. For me, it gave me that “amp in the room” or “amp on the recording” sound.
Now part of what makes the Kemper special is the ability to profile. Profiling allows you to characteristically harness an amplifier's tone (or an amplifier stacked with some pedals tone) and place it into a computer that can be further tweaked to give you the best possible sounds at your fingertips in the studio, bedroom, or live.
Of course in the features, there are the faults. But is the Kemper worth having? Are there any tricks to getting a better tone? Which version of the KPA is the best? Are there better options out there? Do professionals use Kemper? Does volume matter? And is there a cure for tone paralysis?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the tweed couch.
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Celestion, Eminence, Jenson, JBL, Tone Tubby, Warehouse... There are 100’s of brands and thousands of guitar amp speakers. On top of that there are tens of thousands of Impulse Responses that digitally capture mic’d speakers and can be loaded into all sorts of gear.
But what is a good guitar amp speaker? Do they really differ that much? How many do you need? Is there a proper way to mic it? Does the cabinet matter? And what is Geekyfundom? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the tweed couch.
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The design of the Fender Stratocaster was the brain child of 4 people: Leo Fender, Bill Carson, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares. In 1954, a 25.5 inch scale, curvy, double horned, ash body with a bolt on maple neck was born sporting 3 pickups, 1 volume, 2 tones, a 3 way switch, and 6 tuners.
These instruments have been so loved by their owners that they have been affectionately named like old buddies in the school yard. Names like Clapton’s “Blackie & Brownie”, Malmsteen’s “The Duck”, Stevie Ray’ s “Lenny & Number One”, Harrison’s Rocky, and if you’ll allow it… Van Halen’s “Frankenstrat”
But what classifies a guitar as a strat? How long did it take to find the right one? What features set it apart from other guitars, and what is the strat sound? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the tweed couch.
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I’ve played arenas to gazebos; amphitheaters to auditoriums; county fairs to backyard bashes; main stage to truck bed trailer. In all of these venues, the most important thing I did was NOT the music.
Of course, the music IS important. But if you want to perform again in that arena or gazebo, you better make sure you know your role for the gig. Whether you are a guitar player, singer, stange hand, monitor engineer, or the buddy that came along for the ride; everyone needs stage etiquette.
But what is stage etiquette? Does it only apply to the band? Who am I trying to please? Do I have any good or bad stories? What is “spiking?” And who let in a drummer for guitar therapy?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with John, on the Tweed Couch.
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There are so many stunning features on a guitar. I love the curves. I love the woods. I love the hardware. But there are some things that I don’t love on a guitar that will cause me to not buy it. In fact, I might choose to not even play it if they have a certain feature or design. And one of the biggest turn off factors... is the headstock.
So what is the best headstock? Would you not buy a guitar because of its headstock? Is there a functional purpose? Why is there a string tree? Which headstock is the worst? And if you could design your own, what would it look like?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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Born October 28, 1972, Brad Paisley is an American Country superstar who has spent nearly 4 decades of his life in Country Music. He has sold over 11 million albums, won 3 grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and 2 American Music Awards. He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Toured all over the world AND has played for multiple Presidents of the United States.
But it is not his awards that set him apart from other performers. It is his humility, showmanship, technique, humor, dedication to fans, and songwriting talent. A true gentleman, author, husband, father, and entrepreneur. Brad Paisley is one of a kind.
But who is Brad Paisley? What does he do with all of his awards? With all those songs about drinking, what is his favorite drink? Did he really hire his future wife just so he could ask her out? And does Jason really have his phone number and what did he do to get it?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Two weeks ago Texas was hit with freezing temperatures, heavy precipitation, and families without power, water, and depleted resources. My main concern was for my family, loved ones, and neighbors. Of course, once I made contact and knew they were all safe my concerns turned to my music equipment.
But how do you protect the gear? What are the main concerns? Is there a process to decide which guitars to save? Are Texans really that bad at dealing with cold weather? And if it were all destroyed would you buy it all again or start over?
Well will discuss this, and more on this snowpocalypse check-in with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Whether it was a family member's old classic. A buddies pawnshop beater. A gift you received or an item you worked all summer to afford. Every guitar player had a first guitar. But what is the right guitar to start with? Should I get an acoustic or an electric? What’s a good budget? Are there guitars I should not get? And where do I go to buy a beginner guitar? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love this instrument we call, the guitar. I love its layout, I love its features, I love the accessories, I love the amps, I. love. the. tones... but sometimes the guitar and the gear doesn’t love me.
Have you ever made a regretful guitar purchase? Have you ever had rebound gear? Maybe you’re tone confused? Possibly you purchased the wrong guitar simply because it was a good deal? Maybe you are heartbroken over the gear that got away? Or you have been in an abusive relationship while tone chasing? If this sounds like you… we will discuss this, and more on this Valentine Special with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have people in my life who nurtured my positive interests and steered me away from negative ones. An interest I like to think of as positive... is the guitar. It stimulated creativity, built confidence, and gave me a skill that I have enjoyed nearly my entire life.
Now I’m not saying it was easy. It took hard work, determination, and lots of effort to gain the skills that I have attained... and it will take even more to attain the skills I wish to have in the future. But how do you mentor an electric guitar player? Can anybody do it? Where do you find a good mentor? What do I wish I had learned earlier and is there a difference between practicing and playing in a band?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Beth, on the Tweed Couch.
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The Gibson Les Paul was a guitar produced in response to the popularity found in Fender’s solidbody guitar called the Telecaster. To be clear, this therapy session is not about the history of a Les Paul guitar. This session is about the journey to find one.
But what features make a guitar a Les Paul? Is there a Les Paul tone? Why did it take so long to find the right one? Are the lawsuit guitars just as good? And which LP-style guitar out there is the best bang for buck? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the tweed couch.
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When you think of left handed guitar players you probably think about Paul McCartney, Kurt Cobain, Tony Iommi, and of course Jimi Hendrix. These are left handed players who restrung a guitar to suit their needs and set themselves up for success.
But how hard is it to find a left handed guitar? Do the pots and tuners work the same? Is the pedal industry anti-south paw? Is it cool to take a lefty guitar and flip it righty? Do lefties even think it's weird seeing a lefty?
Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.
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When you hear the name Keith Urban you probably think of passionate guitar playing, soulful vocals, and inspiring lyrics. But what is it about Keith Urban that makes him so great? Has he ever toured with another band? What gear is he using? And did Jason steal his guitar strap? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the tweed couch.
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When you hear the name Metallica you think of three things: Power driven Metal, Energetic live performances, and Rockstar lifestyles. Of course all these things can take a toll on a band that has been touring off and on for 40 years. But how did Metallica get started? Did James and Lars really meet through the newspaper? What does a Metallica whiskey taste like? Who's is Dave Pickerell and what is a Whistle Pig? And what's with the nickname Alcoholica? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group tasting session with Nick, on the Tweed Couch.
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As we ring in the new year, many people feel compelled to start off the calendar year right. Some try to kick a bad habit. Some try to take on a good routine... We call this, a New Year's Resolution. Of course some people fail within a week due to pour will power, low accountability, and a lack of proper support. But what are Dr. T & Jason's New Years Resolutions? How do we plan to keep them? What did we get for Christmas? Did we give any good gear as a present? Whatever happened to the Gloknob? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I grew up listening to my Dad's Blonde Fender Showman. It was big, loud, and clean. As my tone evolved, I started to like other amplifiers too. One of my favorite amplifier manufacturers is Marshall but the journey to get there took a while. But what is the Marshall sound? Is there a way to get the sound without a Marshall? Which Marshall is the best and what are the pros & cons? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.
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The tradition of hanging a stocking above a fireplace has been around for centuries. There are many theories, stories, and folklore that surround the origin of the stocking but the modern tradition uses the stocking as a place Santa Clause can put small gifts of toys, food, or clothing. Usually the stocking is a boot but Premier Guitar uses a box. But what's in the box? What did other people get? How did it get nicknamed, "the box of sad"? And what exactly is a Bird Cord? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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I love Christmas. I love the hunt for the best deals. I love giving the gift. I love giving the gift. Unlike some, for most things, I prefer buying online. I like shopping from the comfort of my own home. I like searching, putting it in my cart, looking for coupons or better deals... I like clicking on the "Process Order" button and I like the wait. But what are the concerns with shipping? Is there a right and wrong way to ship? Which carrier should I use and what if it takes longer than expected? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Largely described in the late 50s and 60s as an utter failure... the Gibson explorer has become an iconic guitar that brings on a personality of its own. As part of the modernistic series, the Gibson explorer, has caught the eye of Eric Clapton, Rick Nielsen, James Hetfield, Lizzie Hale, Dave Grohl, and the Edge. Many have played it. Many have copied it. Many have a redefined it. But there is no denying the impact of a Gibson explorer. But why was it a failure? Why did they re-release it? Was it really ahead of its time? And why were the first ones made of Korina and not mahogany like the rest of their catalog? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this session of the tweed couch.
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Born May 24, 1941 in Duluth, MN. Robert Allen Zimmerman was raised a few miles northwest in Hibbing, MN. While in high school, Zimmerman formed a number of high school cover bands on the Rock N' Roll music of the time. But for him, Rock N' Roll was too vain and lacked substance. So he went back to his roots of Folk. This marriage of Folk, Rock, & Substance created a musical poet. That poets name became Bob Dylan. But who is Bob Dylan? Why is he such an icon? Did he really create a bourbon and then name it after a song he wrote for a Western Style Movie? And what does Bob Dylan Bourbon taste like? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this spirited group therapy session with Nick on the Tweed Couch.
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Sometimes it's difficult to express gratitude. But at this time of the year it is important to count our blessings, take time to acknowledge, and give credit where it is due. So what genre of music brought us joy this year? Is there an artist that influenced us? Is there a manufacturer or piece of gear we are grateful for? If I was making a thanksgiving meal of tasty tone what would the courses be? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group gratitude session with Jason on the Tweed Couch.
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It only took me twice playing out with a band and taking longer than the drummer to setup before I realized I needed a pedalboard. But what size do I need? How do I attach the pedals? Do I need a power supply? What brand should I get or should I just make my own? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.
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Edward Lodewijk Van Halen born January 26, 1955 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Died October 6, 2020 in Santa Monica, California of tongue and throat cancer. He was a musician, songwriter, arranger, produce, an actor, a brother, a bandmate, a father, an inventor, and an entrepreneur. In 1972 he and his brother decided to start a band named Van Halen. What occurred after that was an explosion of Rock N' Roll which would shape the way music is done and played for generations to come. His energy, showmanship, and ability to play can be duplicated by some but surpassed by none. But who was EVH's influences? How did he shape the way music is played today? What is a frankenstrat? Can he still shape the future of music? What is the deal with the name Wolfgang? What do we do now that he's gone? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the tweed couch.
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When I hear Telecaster, the first word I think of is simplicity… a slab of wood with a neck bolted onto it. Then add some hardware, pickups, and tuners. No need for tremolos, no need for carved tops or belly cuts. Just simplicity… Now the second word I think of is versatile! No guitar sounds like a tele... yet, a tele can sound like so many other guitars. But what defines a telecaster? Is it the shape? Is it the sound? Is it the history? Maybe the name Telecaster isn’t even the term that should be used anymore and it should be T-style guitar? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason, on the tweed couch.
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There’s nothing quite like waiting for your gear to arrive. You spend your valuable time researching. You spend your hard earned money purchasing. You spend your small amount of patience waiting for that day that new piece of gear comes home with you. But what’s the process to finding the gear? Do you try it in a store? Do you watch reviews or read forums? Do you buy it online? Maybe you trade for it? And once you get it, how do you celebrate? Is there a wrong way to celebrate? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason, on the tweed couch.
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There is something about this beautiful solid bodied, singlecut, carved top, set neck, 22 fret, 24 and ¾” masterpiece. It’s shape, dimensions, and features are copied by many but few can replicate its tone and feel. So what is it about this guitar? Why do so many manufacturers replicate it? Is it the style? The familiarity? The history? We will discuss this, and more, on this session of, the Tweed Couch.
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Its a simple tool really… but there are so many different thicknesses, textures, shapes, hardness, materials, and quite honestly, opinions about this tool we call a plectrum or when you become friends with it… a pick. I use to be a guy who would grab a free pick at a guitar booth and use it for months. I was the guy who had a hard time shelling out $3 on a 12 pack of picks. But now I can justify upwards of 35 dollars on the right plectrum. So what happened? Under what circumstances would the cost of a pick be worth it? What tones can I expect from different shapes, thickness, hardness, and materials? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this Group Therapy Session with Jason on the Tweed Couch.
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Back in 1950 Fender made a leap into an endeavor called the solid body guitar. After a couple years, and a few seest and desist letters, this solid body was named the telecaster. In 1954 they made a curvier edition known as the Stratocaster. Since then there have been a few changes but the overall look and design remained the same for both guitars. But the differences between these guitars are more vast than their looks. Now if you could get only one… which would you chose? well we will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Beth, on the Tweed Couch.
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I grew up listening to my brother playing. To be honest, he played amazing… but only sounded okay. But one day he came home with an overdrive pedal. It transformed his sound from okay, to dynamic. That is when my love affair with overdrives started. But which one should I chose? How should I use it? Where do I put it in the chain? Can I use more than one at a time? Is all this dependent on the guitar? We will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the Tweed Couch.
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Some people are Fender enthusiasts. Others love a Gibson. Maybe PRS or Danocaster are your jam? Love Marshall, Dr. Z, Matchless? Wampler, Ibanez, Strymon? So why do we have such loyalty to a brand? Is it marketing? Is it the endorsement of a celebrity? Is it functionality or compatibility? We will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session with Jason… on the Tweed Couch.
PSA: Make sure you listen to the last 4 minutes... its my favorite part!
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Over the years, I have played in many bands and had many different gigs. Some were just me, others had me as part of an ensemble of musicians, and some had me as the sound person mixing monitors and the front of house. Sometimes people had big expensive rigs but you couldn't hear them. Some had small insignificant rigs and they cut right through the mix. How could this be? Was it the sound person? Was the musician? Maybe it's the EQ? Well, we will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the Tweed Couch.
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For most of us, learning to play the electric guitar started in a similar place. We had a guitar to learn on, a cable to plug in, and of course… an amplifier to make some noise. But now there are so many amp choices. Modeling, profiling, simulation pedals… what’s right for you? What should you get? Why should you get it? We will discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session… with Jason on the Tweed Couch.
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When I was little… I remember seeing my dad play and begging him to teach me to play guitar. My dad taught me a chord and in that moment… I got better. So in today’s day and age… how do we get better? How do I know I got better? Is there an app for that? We are going to discuss this and more, on this session of the Tweed Couch.
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It is time for some Group Therapy with Dr. T and Jason. Have you found yourself chasing your tail in the pedal world? Have you ever thought about trying a multi-effects pedals? Maybe you really like multi-effects and wish you had analog? We are going to discuss this, and more, on this group therapy session of the Tweed Couch.
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For the first few years on tour I lived dangerously. One acoustic, one electric, one amp, one set of pedals, no spare cables… NO backups… and I mean none… Then that unfaithful day occurred…But what gear do I need? How much of it do I need? Is there room to bring it and can I really afford back up stuff? We are going to discuss this, and more, on this episode of the Tweed Couch.
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Do your strings break too often? Maybe it is because the string doesn’t meet the needs of your technique? Maybe it is because you don’t change them enough? Or maybe you have a burr in your guitar? In this session, Dr. T will discuss these things, and more, on this episode of the Tweed Couch.
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Reversible modifications are a great way to revive a guitar or get a player out of a tone rut. Join Dr. T as he counsels on the effects of simple modifications like a strings, pots, caps, hardware, and of course pickups.
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The decision to buy a guitar can be difficult. Buyers remorse is almost worse... Let the logic and experience of Dr. T help you come to the right choice for you. Is he actually a licensed therapist? No, but he sure does make sense.
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Welcome to the Tweed Couch Guitar Therapy Session where we talk about all things guitar related. My name is Dr. T and I am not a licensed therapist but I play one on a podcast.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tweedcouch/support