That Guitar Lover: Recent Episodes
Ross Chevalier
This podcast is for guitarists, bassists and home recordists and chats about gear, best practices and other items of interest
In this episode I explore the use of compressors on individual tracks and in the final mastering and mixdown process when engineering and producing songs in your DAW.
In this episode I talk about how a simplex external preamp changes the sound of your acoustic guitar that has a built in pickup dramatically and inexpensively. I want to thank Aaron at The Arts Music Store as our conversation this week inspired this episode.
In this episode we discuss what value the DAW brings to the individual musician and then discuss some of the better options for both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
In this episode, I talk about the idea of playing simply for better skill development and precision
In this episode I explore the benefits of having an acoustic pickup in an electric guitar.
Hi folks, sorry for the delay this time but I’m here with you now to talk about the value proposition of a MIDI keyboard, even for those of us who are not keyboard competent.
In this episode I discuss the construction, operation and some options for desk and pedal board suitable drum style delays
In this episode, I explore why most all musicians will benefit from carrying a DI box in the instrument case. Please support me on Patreon via the links provided.
Also please note that in the episode I talk about condenser microphones. All condenser microphones should have power of some kind, but even then, their output can be quite low. More critical, and left out by my error are dynamic microphones used in sound hole pickups as well as many voice microphones such as the Shure SM7 family that I mention. Most dynamics are very low output and you need to crank the input to get a decent level. Use a DI box as close to the mic as possible for the best possible signal.
Hey folks. This is an interesting question, and in today’s world of plugin overload, it’s worth asking. Let’s talk about it.
Hello everyone. In this episode, I want to discuss the two primary channels for connecting musicians with the ability to purchase instruments and gear. The industry is presently in a serious downturn, and how we choose to buy is going to impact us personally in the future.
Welcome to the episode where this time we discuss keeping strings clean and whether string cleaners are all that they are cracked up to be.
In this episode, I look into a specific member question into what to plug his modeller into for reasonable sound, without using headphones.
We take a short trip into the somewhat esoteric world of the oil can delay. They sound awesome and current products deliver the sound without the oil leaks
Hey folks. In this episode I explain why the sample tones in my reviews are only going to be made using one of my two favourite profiler units. No, I’m not getting rid of my amps, but limited time and no compromise in tone has made this decision easy. Have a listen to learn why this works.
In this episode I look into answering the question, “what’s the right amp for me” While this question is critical to beginners, we may ask it as we move through our musical journey. Make a monthly donation to support the channel by clicking this link.
Hello folks. In this episode I want to talk about going through the process of selecting the speaker cabinet design that suits your needs and wants best. Will it be a combo, or a separate head and cab? L:et’s talk about that. Please support my hard work by becoming a monthly donor via Patreon by clicking this link.
You can get a great guitar and save a bundle by shopping smart for a used instrument. In my collection, I have a lot of used guitars and because I shopped carefully, all of them are 100% keepers. In fact the only guitars that I have sold or traded were bought new, and I grew to discover they weren’t a fit for me. Used can be a very smart decision.
Hey there. When the music industry goes into its annual slump starting early January that lasts until March or so, the Internet, forums, magazines and the tubes all fill to the brim with speculative fiction and utter BS. Which is the best amp is one of those. Time to set that crap on fire and burn it down.
Happy 2025. In this episode I talk about the advantage of coated strings and my favourite readily available strings, the industry leading D’Addario XS family. If you like my work, please become a monthly supporter on Patreon by clicking the link on the main page at thatguitarlover.com
Hey listeners! In this episode I talk about the design and evolution of the Leslie speaker system and how that incredible effect is now available for guitar and bass. Please support my work by becoming a donor on Patreon.
I contend that you cannot get a more effective, more powerful in terms of function and more usable practice amplifier system than the Positive Grid Spark 2. This episode is not sponsored by anyone and I wasn’t bought off. I really believe this so have a listen and let me explain why. Help keep the channel running by becoming a supporter on Patreon.
Our use cases for amplifiers has changed over the last fifty years. What we had to have then, may be irrelevant today. In this episode I invite listeners to consider where they will be going on the subject of amplifiers and if willing to share with the audience by sending in a comment. If you get value from what I do here, please sign up to make a monthly donation on Patreon. Your support keeps the microphones and the computers working.
The Looper pedal is one of the most useful tools to a guitarist or bassist. When one is practicing alone or writing a song, the ability to construct passages or solos over a backing sound is very powerful and very important. While powerful backing tracks are available on the Internet, some free, some at cost, a looper doesn’t require that there be any gear involved other than you, your instrument, your looper and your ability to hear yourself, either through an amp or some device that feeds your sound to a pair of headphones.
Hi folks, in this episode I talk about three kinds of switchers that most of us could make use of. To support my work, please go to https://thatguitarlover.com and click the link to support me on Patreon.
In this episode I share my experience in getting more tonal range out of the pickups that are already in the instrument. Changing pickups can be fun, but perhaps there is a simpler and less expensive option. If you enjoy my work, please become a supporter on Patreon. Your small monthly donation is used to keep this channel up and running.
In this episode I explore the root causes of noise from our electric instruments and provide suggestions on how to reduce and kill it. Please support the channel by becoming a support on Patreon.
Hello listeners. In this episode I want to explore the value propositions of the tone controls, starting with the ones in your instrument, moving to a pedal style equalizer, the tone stack in your amplifier and EQ plugins in your DAW. And if you aren’t recording, we will consider the tone stack in the PA or sound board. Sound fair?
If you listen to these episodes, please consider becoming a Patron on Patreon and supporting the channel with a regular monthly donation.
Hello all. In this episode I discuss the value proposition of bass preamplifiers with speaker simulations that come in a pedal sized box. I touch on the capabilities of these devices in general and then drill down into the three that I recommend, the EBS Microbass 3, the Tech21 NYC DI-2112 and the Ampeg SGT-DI. Please become a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference to me.
I’ve recently been approached by some folks who have found that the output level from dynamic microphones that they have bought are very low and that to get a decent signal level requires almost cranking the mic preamp in the interface or on the stage mixer to the maximum. They want to know why, and here I will explain what to do to solve the problem. To support my work, please sign up to be a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation of support is sincerely appreciated.
Welcome to the episode. I want to dive into reverb this episode. What is it, what are the different types, how do we achieve it and what do you look for in choosing the reverb option that is right for you?
This is a pretty common topic, so I did my research and you may find what I learned surprising. Please become a Patron on Patreon to support my work.
In this episode I explore the different types of modulation effects that we find in pedals for live play and for recording and in plugins to use in the studio. Please become a patron on Patreon to support my work. Your small monthly donation matters a great deal.
About a year ago, I did an episode on Impulse Response systems. Time has passed, they have become even more prevalent and a lack of clear information has created a fog of confusion around IRs, Amp Sims and pedals that do both to directly feed a PA without any actual guitar or bass amplifiers involved. So that’s what this episode is all about.
The use of a great delay expands your soundscape and helps you as a musician tell your story. In this episode I go through the four primary delay types to provide some core knowledge that might help you find the delay that fits your needs best. Please support my work by becoming a Patron on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference to me.
As guitarists we are (most of us) always happy to spend time in a real guitar shop, looking around, and perhaps having a play on a guitar that strikes our fancy. Yet, when I ask players who have decided to own multiple guitars, I rarely hear of a baritone guitar. Twelve different Strats, for sure, or a number of different six string acoustics. Maybe the odd mandolin, or a 12 string, but baritones are rarer. Why is that? In this episode, let’s spend some time on the subject of the wonderful baritone guitar.
I have to admit that I get tired of the endless spew of BS that I hear thrown around at high velocity by people with strong opinions who are also unemcumbered by facts. Asking the right questions will result in a buyer getting the best instrument for his or her needs, but not asking the right questions can result in a customer who ends up not playing. This time, I want to provide a bit of insight into what might make a short scale electric bass the best choice for you. If you like what I do here, please become a patron on Patreon.
Welcome! In this episode I talk about what I call the China Syndrome, the widely found delusion that guitars made in China or other parts of Asia are inherently garbage. Please support the channel by becoming a Patreon member.
Hello folks. In this episode, I am joined by Will Bertram and we discuss the viability of modellers and profilers as amplifier and cabinet alternatives and when using them as such makes sense.
Welcome! In this episode we close out our recent home recording series with the topic of plugins to be used in your DAW. There are myriad different plugin deliverables and tons of options. So I try to clarify things to make your recording and production lives easier and also save you money. Please become a supporter on Patreon. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference here.
We continue the series on equipment and tools for home recording. In this episode I discuss studio monitors and headphones for studio use. If you like what I do, please become a sponsor of the channel on Patreon.
Hello everyone. This is the third episode in our series on recording your yourself or your band. This time we dive into microphones, where to start and what are good options. Please support the channel by becoming a donor on Patreon. Your support makes a serious difference.
Greetings! In this episode I cover the next piece in the home / band recording pantheon, that of the interface between your instruments and microphones and the computer. I’m keeping the price options low, because the options are great and so is the quality.
In this episode, I propose consideration of Universal Audio’s LUNA as your Digital Audio Workstation. When there are so many good ones, why LUNA? Have a listen and you might be convinced to give it a try.
Hello listeners. In this episode, I am joined by Drake Metcalf, a fine young gentleman who is both a working musician and sales professional with Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We talk about the value proposition of playing your instrument live with other musicians, in a jam, in a band or at a gig. Please support the channel by becoming a supporter on Patreon
This episode, I am joined by my friend Mark Collins and we discuss the considerations in choosing your next acoustic guitar. The guidance is oriented for folks starting out, but is applicable to players at all levels.
This episode is a thought exercise. I’ve been exposed to incredibly fast players who leave me tired, and more emotive players who use the space between the notes for magic. Please have a listen and see if you align to this idea. Please do sign up to support the channel on Patreon. Your monthly donation makes a big difference here.
Hey listeners. This episode is a bit of a rant, so fair warning. The statement that one can use AI to make useful music is a lie. Real music is created by humans, not by machines copying the work of humans. You make your own decision whether to agree or disagree. But do have a listen.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure to help a young player and his parents purchase his next guitar. it was a great experience for me, and the young man was very happy as well. Have a listen to the story. If you are currently not supporting the channel on Patreon, please consider doing so by clicking this link. Your monthly donation makes a big difference here. Thank you to all our current Patreon members.
This is a very common question that I get. The answer is yes. Or no. Listen to the episode to find out why. If you are currently not supporting the channel on Patreon, please consider doing so by clicking this link. Your monthly donation makes a big difference here. Thank you to all our current Patreon members.
In this episode I dive into the emerging trend to have a single amp in a single pedal and to use it without another amplifier, instead going direct to the PA, to FRFR speakers or to a recording interface
When playing instruments that have high impedance outputs and needing long cable runs, we suffer signal loss. A DI box converts that high impedance, unbalanced signal to a low impedance, balanced signal that supports longer cable runs and provides significant noise and interference reduction. If you play live through a distant PA, acoustic amp or to a recording interface, an inexpensive DI box can be a game changing thing,
If you are recording your own music, or for your band or your friends, you have already figured out that the mastering component is a very important process. It’s also a skill developed over time and with practice, but having a good place to start that is SIMPLE is always a benefit because you can hear what is happening, see the settings, play with them and learn by doing what each does. In this episode I talk about a great tool to get great sounding recordings quickly while learning the craft of mastering. Introducing the tc electronic Master X HD.
Please become a member on Patreon to support this channel. Your small monthly donation makes a big difference!
Hello folks. In this episode I explore the considerations that go into defining the best acoustic pedal board for you. Have a listen and feel free to send in comments or questions. Please become a channel member and support me on Patreon.
Hello folks. The use of channel strip plugins in your DAW can make your recording easier, quicker and less confusing, Join me in this episode as I discuss these options. Please be sure to support the channel on Patreon by becoming a member.
Hi everyone! In this episode we consider the often ignored EQ pedal and I offer ideas why every serious musician can benefit from having one. Please support the channel by becoming a member on Patreon.
Hello all. Channel Supporter David wrote me to ask why many guitarists have more than one pedal board and what pieces are needed in addition to your choice of pedals. So that’s this episode.
These simple upgrades can make a really significant improvement in the tone of your acoustic guitar. Have a listen to see how these upgrades may benefit you.
In this episode, we go a bit farther into the world of pickups. Please consider supporting the channel by becoming a member on Patreon.
In this episode, I go through how a pickup works, the components therein and how passive and active pickups differ. I hope that you find the episode worth your time. Please support the channel by becoming a member on Patreon.
Hello! In this episode, I welcome young musician Will Bertram as we talk about getting younger people into playing guitar and bass and Will shares his thoughts on keeping these people engaged.
In this episode, I explain what each of these phrases mean, what they do and why they matter, especially if you are recording your own music.
In this episode, I provide an introduction to the idea of resonator guitars. I apologize in advance for the shaky short intro, but we all have those kinds of days. For those who care, the slide is ceramic, the strings are Curt Mangan resonator strings and the guitar is an old Epiphone, all of which proved to be better than me this day. I hope that you enjoy the episode.
Hey listeners. In this episode we visit Birdland, the home I name for one of my favourite guitars and favourite basses. Please listen in to hear what I am talking about
Hey folks! This time I am joined by professional musician Shane Sukhu to talk about the idea of backpackable floorboard style amps and preamps. We’ll speak in depth about the Blackstar AMPED 3 and the TECH21NYC Ritchie Kotzen FlyRig 5 v2.
When you hear the phrase “S Shaped Object” in the context of guitars, it’s natural to think of guitars that look like Fender’s venerable Stratocaster. But what if you want everything that the Stratocaster SHOULD be? Listen in for my answer.
In this episode, I look at using plugins in the studio and live and the real world benefits of a hardware controller for a plugin, with emphasis on the TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay.
There is always web and YouTube chatter about real amps and cabinets vs amplifier and cabinet simulations. When it comes to really good amp and cabinet sims, can you hear a difference? They may be different, but the majority cannot tell which is which. In this episode, I talk about why the concern in actually irrelevant in the real world.
Today’s IR pedals are incredibly powerful and great sounding devices. In this episode, I explain what they are, how they do what they do and offer reasons why you might need one.
Hi listeners. Find in this episode my predictions for 2024. Some are rather dark, but there are opportunities for growth and money savings for all of us.
Hey folks, in this recap episode for the year end, I talk about some of the great successes in gear and tools that I discovered in the last twelve months. Please be aware that I made an error in the recording when I touched briefly on my build. I said Seymour Duncan pickups when I actually used DiMarzio PIAs.
Hey folks, this episode is my review of the musical instrument industry for 2023. A future episode will cover my 2024 prognostications, and another my favourite gear of 2023.
Hello listeners. In my quest to find the best sounding (to me) bass strings for my Fender Precision US Ultra (what most people call a PJ as it has both Precision and Jazz bass pickups), I want to share my experience with a new string type to me, those strings referred to as Tapewound.
Hey everyone. In this episode we explore the need for and the use of the noise gate pedal, to improve the playing and listening experience and to eradicate, hiss and hum.
Hey listeners. In this episode I provide guidance on selection and placement for the one microphone every recordist show have to record amplifiers, of any kind at home. Listen in to learn more and be ready to record your work.
In this episode I look at amps that exist in your computer, that sound like the real thing, that you can play back through monitors or through headphones and also use for silent recording. This may be the least expensive amplifier that you encounter.
In this episode I explore the less travelled road of nylon string guitars. Join me, won’t you?
Hello listeners. In this episode I talk about the increasing problem of counterfeit strings.
Hey folks. This episode I do a brief exploration on the growing world of pedal amplifiers. These tools may be just the thing to suit you.
In this episode, I take a deep dive into Impulse Response. What IR files are, why you might use them, how they are made and IR makers that I have had success with.
Hi folks. In this episode I want to explore the subject of knowing how much you can trust in YouTube videos, manufacturer social media, retail store ads and social as well as blog posts and podcasts. It’s lively and will probably annoy someone.
Hello folks, in this episode I look at helping you define the effects strategy that works best for you.
In this episode, I focus specifically on my recommended Digital Audio Workstation software for folks using Windows. The right DAW makes your recording life a joy. The wrong one is like hammering nails into your knees.
Hi folks, in this episode I go through the different types of inputs to our computer we will encounter when recording at home or in the field. I also give some tips on maximizing the quality of the recorded signals.
Hello folks, in this episode we talk about attenuators, with specific emphasis on load balancing attenuators to reduce the overall volume of your tube amplifier without compromising its sound.
In this episode, I touch on the things that impact a guitar’s action, why adjusting to suit is critical and how easy it can be to check.
Hey listeners. In this episode I sit down with recordist and producer Dylan Barros to talk about his thoughts on what is required for consideration when getting going to make recordings of your own music and songs at home.
Hey folks, in this episode, I spend some time talking about guitars, music, recording and related stuff with my friend James Ridings who is a Sales Engineer with Sweetwater Music in Fort Wayne Indiana. It’s good fun.
In this episode and with apologies to George Lucas, I look ar a small set of pedals said to sound like infamous Klon Centaur and provide a brief history and why current prices for original Klons are at a galactic level.
In this episode, I am joined by professional bassist Manny DeGrandis to discuss all things bass
Hey gang. In this episode I want to talk about string gauge and what difference, if any to the overall tone of your guitar. Personal preference of feel is a different thing, but there’s a lot of misunderstanding and complete nonsense related to string gauge.
Hey listeners. This time, I am joined again by Cody Shaw and we talk about the reasons why we, meaning musicians, continue to play whatever we play. I hope that you enjoy the episode, please leave a comment and if you have questions or suggestions for future episodes, please send an email via the link provided. Until next time, peace.
In this episode, I look at the components needed to build a useful pedal board and what to gather, before you start adding pedals
Hey listeners. This time I am joined by professional musician Ryan Ainsworth and we talk about playing with friends, jamming, and playing live gigs when your instrument is an acoustic guitar.
In this episode, I am joined by friend Fraser Moore to discuss what fuzz is, what to consider, and some thoughts on pedals to get started in fuzz. Or add to your existing fuzz pedals, because players do that.
Hey gang. In this episode we meet Kia. She’s a very talented young musician just about to embark on a long road show. It’s great to learn her perspectives on music, gear and embarking on a career in the music industry.
In this episode, Ross is joined by friend Cody to take us through the different genres of metal, selecting a guitar, amplifier and appropriate effects, along with lots of practical insights.
Hi gang. In this episode I want to explore the utility and value proposition of one of the unsexy but really beneficial pedals, known as the noise gate.
In this episode, I share my experience evaluating acoustic guitar and acoustic bass amplifiers selling for under $1,000 as requested by my friend David who wants to replace his existing Fishman Loudbox Mini that he really does not like.
Hey listeners! In this shorter than usual episode, I share some of the challenges that I find in writing my own music, along with a couple of ideas on making it my own. Don’t look here for ideas on lyrics though, that’s a place foreign to me.
In this episode, I look at the history and build options in P90 picks that are in one of their peaking popularity cycles.
In this episode, I explain why you probably aren’t impressed by the sound of your acoustic electric instrument and share three pedals to give your amplified or DI sound back what is missing.
In this episode, inspired by listener David, I explore the evolution, materials and construction of picks or plectrums. There’s a lot more there than most people think
On this episode I dive into the different materials used in pickup construction. We also discuss different coil sizes, wiring and how a single coil can be made noiseless. If you want to learn the difference between metal and ceramic magnets, what if anything makes a gold foil different and why the sudden boost in CuNiFe, this is where you will hear it.
Hi folks, in this third episode in our home recording series I discuss best practices and solution for studio monitor speakers and studio headphones. Dive in to learn more!
In this episode we discuss what a Digital Audio Workstation is, what you can do with one, and how to select one for your personal recording use
In this episode, I speak specifically about what a recording interface does, what to look for in one and how to connect it to your computer. You need one to do home recording so let’s cut through the marketing bafflegab and help you all know what to look for.
This time, we look at friction as the enemy of tuning stability. Have a listen. Also please be aware that while products from Graph Tech are mentioned, I receive no compensation or benefit from mentioning this or any other product. I only recommend what I use and pay for myself.
Welcome to this episode, which I admit is a bit of a rant about the chronic misuse of the word vintage and its implications in the music industry
You’ve probably heard the term attenuation before. It means a reduction in signal strength and many of us first encountered the concept in condenser and ribbon based microphones as a means to prevent the signal from the microphone from overdriving the preamp in a recording desk or a mixer. In this episode we’re going to look at modern attenuators for physical amplifiers.
Join me as we spend this episode discussing the most in demand guitar effect. Can you guess what it is?
Hello listeners. In this episode I distinguish between acoustic electrics and electric acoustics and then delineate the specific requirements and design differences in electric acoustic guitars which are gaining in market awareness.
For guitarists working to improve their skill in music theory and in chord construction, a simple USB connected piano keyboard can be an incredible tool. Listen in to get ideas of how having a piano keyboard can help you build skill.
Hello folks. In this short episode I discuss why having a looper makes sense for any guitarist or bassist as a practice tool and even as a songwriting tool.
The link to Paul Davids referenced in the episode is here.
Let's talk about how we can use plugins to give us most any amplifier and cabinet we want for playing and recording
In this episode I explore the use cases and unique value proposition of semi-hollow body guitars and basses
I was recently searching for a new bass amplifier. My findings surprised me and that is why this episode is about bass preamps.
There are probably more options in guitar string vendors today than ever before. In addition to many names available for years such as D’Addario and Ernie Ball from America and Thomastik-Infeld and Rotosound from the UK and Europe, we are also seeing more independent string makers such as Curt Mangan and Stringjoy. In addition to the number of brand choices, in many brands we are now seeing the option for regular (uncoated) strings and coated strings. Are the more expensive coated strings worth the higher price?
Hey folks! This episode I want to explore with you three pedal categories, the simple single function, the more advanced single effect and the powerful yet complex multi-effect pedal type. Listen in and then please share via email or a comment which type of pedal you tend to buy most often.
For guitar and bass players, we sometimes like to learn another stringed instrument. For my latest excursion, I have decided to the learn to play the Bluegrass Banjo.
Hello folks! In this episode I take some time to review the different types of equalizer pedals available for acoustic-electric, electric and bass guitars.
If you are considering adding a bass to your musical repertoire, or adding a new bass to your kit, this episode can help you make a great decision. It’s also helpful if you are buying a bass as a gift
In this episode, I talk about how flangers, choruses and delays are all related and how this relationship helps to define the sound of these powerful and popular effects.
Hello fellow musicians! Based on some questions coming in to info@thatguitarlover.com I thought that I should provide a quick explanation of stereo vs wet/dry amplifier rigs. When I use the terminology wet/dry, I am using the definition as provided by Dan and Mick of That Pedal Show whose videos you can find on YouTube. Anyways, have a listen and see if one option appeals more than the other.
I’m not sure why, but whenever I see a video or read an article about “real” amps, by which the author invariably means an amplifier powered by tubes, or an article about digital modellers, that the underlying theme is one of either or. Each author will tend to have a preference one way or the other, and it comes across sometimes clearly and sometimes subtly in their presentation. That’s ok, but for me, it’s always been either / and because I have spent the hard earned cash on both deliverables and that’s what I’m going to cover this episode
Hello listeners! In this episode I talk about the resurgence in interest and availability of headless guitars. If you’ve never played or even considered a headless guitar or bass, listen in, you might find this area worth your time.
Welcome to episode 44 of the Podcast at That Guitar Lover dot com. This time I wanted to talk about the Shawn Tubbs signature pedal called the Tilt from REVV Amplification.
In this episode I talk about some of the considerations that go into choosing a reverb pedal which you want if your amp doesn’t have reverb and that you probably want even if your amp does have built-in reverb. Judging by the number of options in the market, the latter is proven to be true every day!
As a big fan of Strymon pedals, I am excited to see their first plugin. Listen in to hear what I have discovered.
Hey folks. This episode we venture into the past to explore an effect that is making a resurgence. The Phase Shifter.
An increasingly reasonable question for the musician is the approach to effects pedals. Do I go the traditional route, building a pedal board with specific pedals for specific tones or do I instead consider an all in one multi-effects device? Things have changed a lot in the last decade. The sound quality from multi-effectors has improved massively as has the overall quality of the effects. Latency is not the problem it once was, and digital processing makes it nigh impossible to tell the original pedal from its digital alternative. Let’s look at pros and cons of both routes.
Hey folks, let’s take a short few minutes to talk about that most valuable of add-ons to the guitarists arsenal, the Capo.
It could hardly be simpler, so why don’t more guitar players use volume pedals? Let’s talk about that.
Pick the right headphones for your practice, recording and quiet time playing. The wrong headphones will make you angry and will very likely damage your hearing. Listen in for some practical real world experience.
Hello folks. This episode we look back to look forward and consider the value proposition of the flanger pedal.
Hello listeners! In this episode, I will spend a bit of time introducing the idea of what a control surface is and why you might want to consider one for home recording.
We sometimes find that our amplified instruments aren’t filling the space the way we would like, or sound lonely and right up the middle. Whether we play acoustic or electric, guitar or bass, what pedal can help create space filling sound? The answer as you will learn, is a delay pedal. Please listen in!
Hey folks! In this episode, I provide an introduction to the concept of plugins to be used in your digital audio workstation. Enjoy!
If you’ve ever wanted to blend your dry signal and your effected signal together and your pedals cannot do this, listen to this short episode to learn different ways to accomplish this goal.
Your point of integration with your stringed instrument are the strings themselves. What’s your process for keeping those strings performing their best?
Hello listeners! In this episode, I take a look at what is needed to get started recording at home. I break the process into two chunks, the DAW, and the Audio Interface. I also take a bit of time to introduce the subject of plugins for the DAW to help you make good decisions in this regard. Recording at home is easy and does not need to be expensive, so join me to get started.
I’ve talked about all digital alternatives to traditional amplifiers and speakers in a number of episodes. This time, I am going to focus on just one, the Neural Quad Cortex. This does not mean that others are not viable, it simply means that I am talking about this one. I own others and they run from fine to excellent, but I find myself gravitating to the Quad Cortex more and more, so I have been thinking about why, and if I could only recommend one, why it would likely be the Quad Cortex.
About three years ago, I did a review of the TC Electronics Sentry. It’s an example of a noise gate for a pedal board. Since that time, I have happily been binging on pedals and related gear yet I still hear and get questions about dealing with noise from the amplifier when the instrument is not being played. Sometimes it appears to be electrical noise but most often it’s pickup noise that creates some really annoying hiss. Adding a noise gate can be a simple method to deal with this.
Folks don’t think of power supply systems first, and often only consider them when problems arise. Understanding where we started with pedal power, helps us make better decisions when it comes to choosing a pedal power supply solution. A key criteria is isolation, so listen in to learn why.
To my mind, every guitarist or bassist should have a compressor on his or her pedalboard. Never as flashy as some other pedals, a compressor will richen your sound and help you fit the mix better. Listen in to learn more about compressors.
Hello listeners! Welcome to the Podcast from That Guitar Lover dot com There’s a lot of consternation about what difference the weight of the guitar makes in terms of usability. It’s not just about tone, although that is important of course. Let’s talk about guitar weight.
Welcome to the podcast at That Guitar Lover dot com. This time I want to talk about changing your guitar without replacing it, instead change the pickups to get the tone that you want out of a guitar that is otherwise excellent
We no longer need massive cabinets and powerful heads for most of our playing, and using such devices at home or for smaller gigs doesn’t make sense. Let’s look at what does make sense.
In this episode I explore dealing with your own work, that because you don’t gig out, or play in a band, and don’t do the social media stuff, how do you measure your progress?
Hello and welcome to The Podcast from ThatGuitarLover.com This time I will be addressing some myths about guitar strings, with specific focus on uncoated and coated strings. Enjoy!
Guitar cases have been around for a long time and there are more options today than ever. How do we decide on the best one for ourselves?
Hello listeners! Welcome to The Podcast at thatguitarlover.com
This time I want to give you a quick how-to for recording an acoustic guitar that does not have a pickup. While this was done for decades a lot of new guitars have built in pickups that can go straight to your interface. But not all these pickups sound good and a microphone is often a better route.
If you are recording, plugins are going to become part of your process. In this episode of The Podcast from That Guitar Lover.com I’ll introduce the concept of plugins and offer some thoughts on their use.
When playing and recording solo, what works great, may not work out, when you play in a band or are just jamming. Learn about how to fit instruments and vocals together in this episode.
In this episode, I dig into the value proposition of power conditioners. Power conditioners are NOT surge protectors or outlet strips. They are much more and extremely beneficial
This time around I want to talk about a term used in real estate and business that is increasingly relevant to guitars and related peripherals. What is Demand Destruction anyway and is it happening now?
In the old days, we plugged dynamic microphones right into the board, or the PA but recently a new set of dynamic mics have hit the market that have very low output levels and are just too quiet. What do we do?
In this episode, I briefly review some of the recent product and vendor announcements going into March 2022.
The order of the pedals on your pedal board is a personal decision, but perhaps you are looking for some basic guidelines to get started. This episode will help you do just that.
Many times, we try out gear, and what sounds ok in one place, doesn’t work out elsewhere. There are good reasons for this so here are a few tips on thinking about your total signal chain when trying gear out. It may be a bit more work up front, but always works out better in the end.
As musicians we are looking to move ahead, yet so much of what we encounter is a refresh of the past. Where is the innovation? It may not be where you think.
As a means to sell you new and more expensive amplifiers, some makers are offering “hand-wired” versions of select amplifiers. This certainly makes the amp more boutique, and definitely more expensive, but does it sound better? Let’s talk about that.
Every musician regardless of skill level will benefit from recording themselves. Rather than sit back and say to yourself “I’m not ready”, jump into the self recording pool and see how you can improve your skills and have a record of your creative impulses that lasts
Many players never even consider a looper pedal. Yet many professionals think it is the most important pedal after a tuner. Why? Listen in to find out why you need a looper.
The discussion of whether the wood matters in a guitar has been around for a long time. Listen in for considerations for both acoustic and electric guitars. It may encourage a different perspective for you.
Join me for a podcast episode on why a digital modelling system might be a good solution for your needs and to address some common misconceptions and myths about them.
Hey gang! Listen to this episode to learn which pedal purchases of 2021 are my favourites and highly recommended.
I’ve been looking at adding a dynamic microphone for voiceovers and podcasts and recently tested the Shure SM7B. Listen now to learn what I have discovered.
We play stringed instruments, so the strings are rather critical to the whole thing right? Let’s have a conversation about choosing strings and what you might elect to use as part of your selection criteria.