Lunch Report for Friday, October 28th, 2011......(sniff)

[Sean Clavin]

Well, we've come to the end of me......well, at least this week. Before we get to the last one, I would like to say to everyone reading and replying, Thank you. It's been fun.



Lunch: Well…….more like breakfast, I was up late playing and recording.
Fried eggs and toast….again.



G&L Topic: Pickup/Guitar Combos.

I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 guitars, most of them are Fenders and I only own 1 G&L (I will remedy that). Over the past few years my ASAT DLX has become my #1 player for studio and live gigs. I’ve owned several dual HB guitars (I only have two at the moment) but none of them I would have ever dreamed of them being my main axe as I was very much a Strat guy since I was a kid. Even the other dual HB guitar I own doesn’t get too much stage time, so I have to believe it’s the HB’s and the ASAT combo. The wood, scale length, Saddle Lock bridge and the Seymours make for a perfect storm if you will. I’ve had the same pickups in different guitars, and while I liked the sound, I never really thought I could stray from the single coil camp as much as I have in the last five years. I still play my Teles and Strats, but I rarely play any gig without my ASAT. Or maybe I’m just a bit insane….



Non G&L Topic: Home Recording.

I have recorded in big studios, small studios in music stores and bedrooms, our drummer’s studio in his house (where we put out eight albums over 16 years), local (when I lived in So Cal) studios where I’ve done hundreds of jingles, demos and played on other albums for other bands, solo artists and even for a movie (unreleased…. ). I’ve helped push buttons and clip wave files and auto tuned voices, but never really had done that much with the recording software by myself. I decided (2 weeks ago) to go VERY low budget and bought myself a Tascam DP0004. Cost me less than $200 usd. Kind of a cool demo rig and very easy to use. I bought it for recording and uploading onto reverb nation some band demos for getting gigs but mostly to record some audio samples for my amp company that I’m trying to expand so people can hear them without having to live in the tri-state area. I know there are a few of you guys that are into recording, either as a hobby or a profession, so I thought I would pose this question. I know very little about software and I’m not going to spend a fortune on something I don’t need (Pro Tools) that would be overkill for my objective. Has anyone tried Audacity’s free software and is it any good for what I’m going to do? Not looking to make gold records….or even tin, just want to have some fun and not spend any money doing it.

And again in closing, I’m glad that John, jwebsmall, chose me to do the Lunch Reporting this week. It’s been fun getting back on this board and I’ll be adding this place to the other sites I frequent from now on. I really did miss this place.

Thanks again and happy Lunching!

Sean

[sickbutnottired]

Thanks for the good week, Sean.

I love my ASAT Deluxe as well. I don't have 18 guitars, but have been playing my Deluxe a lot.

I am not a recording expert. But I use audacity to mix together some song ideas and Jam tracks. Works for me. It's a little clunky, but good enough that I don't want to spend any money and time learning something else.

Cheers, jg

[Lefty]

Good job, Sean!

It's always interesting to hear what others are doing to pursue their love of guitars.

[Kit]

I've had a busy week and did not manage to respond to your lunch reports, but I usually get caught up late in the day.

I did some home recording back in the 1980s with a Tascam 4-track cassette. In 2002 (or was it 2003) I bought a Fostex digital 8-track and started using it for recording. Then I found out how difficult it was to mix on the 8-track so I bought a cheap recording/mixing software named ntrack, although I still do all my recording on the 8-track. For mixing I found ntrack to be quite easy to use and yield very decent home-recording results. Unfortunately the computer that I had install ntrack on died earlier this year so I'm out of mixing software.

I considered re-buying ntrack, but I thought I'd give Audacity a try. Funny you should mention Audacity since I downloaded it a couple days ago and played around with it for about an hour. It seems to do the job OK although I have already run into a couple of things that were easy to do on ntrack, but I have not found how to do them in Audacity. For example, once I added a track of wav file to a project I have not found a way to remove it (I can mute the track to silence it). On ntrack it was extremely easy to position a track along the timeline, but I have not found a way to accomplish the same in Audacity. I also played around with a couple of effects on Audacity and so far I'm not over impressed by them.

All these could be just because I have not found the proper documentation that describes how to do those things. I intend to read the documentation more thoroughly soon before I decide on Audacity. I figure that it is worth every cent since it is free.

Kit

[darwinohm]

Great job this week Sean. It is always fun to have Pros who make a living at this jump in for a LR week.You folks are the ones who should be driving this guitar market and the manufactures hopefully consider your experiences. I also was a Fender guy, still have more of them than I need but enjoy the attributes of different brands and fortunately, I do not have to make a living with them or I would be broke! They are very rewarding to me anyway. It is interesting that the ASAT has earned your respect and that tells it all.

I was going to approach the recording projects much the same as you. I di end up with a DIGI Rack 002 and Pro Tools LE after doing a lot of research. My budget numbers changed considerably as I started moving forward. I have made two CDs with a couple more in the working and it was challenging to learn the software as it is not intuitive. My first project was designed to learn the software. There is also a lot in Pro Tools that I will never use for music production. I have a product that I use on vocals called Melodyne. This is a time saver in editing vocals and will make a not perfect pitch, perfect. It has been fun for me and it was all consuming for several months. I tend to get too involved and burn out a bit and it takes time for me to get back into it. But for a retired guy who should have time, I need to get back to it. Hope you enjoy your new recording equipment and thanks for the fun week.-- Darwin

[willross]

Guitar/pickup combos: I think there are no rules anymore. They've all been broken. Home studio: Yeah, I got one. It's "old school digital", if that means anything; TDM, etc. Fortunately, it has been fully depreciated as capital equipment. Actually about to reconfigure for a recording project in March. I hooked-up with an old friend and we're goin' for it!

* Sorry about yesterday's post. I don't consider myself a gun-toting pacifist, but have collected a bit from gun/knife/hunting shows over the past few years. They are a HUGE responsibility. I do not carry and use beater guitars for gigs so I don't get beat-up in the parking lot...


Cheers,

Will

[Philby]

Great week Sean, thanks.

I'm also venturing into the world of 2 humbucker guitars and am surprised how much I like the tones. Perhaps the novelty will wear off but for now my single coils are sitting in their cases.

I've used a four track recorder for years but have built a software based DAW over the last couple of years. Reaper is a hard to beat piece of software down the free end of the scale. Cakewalk and Presonus also have stripped down packages for PC that aren't free but are pretty cheap for what they do. I think the Cakewalk product is called Guitar Tracks or something similar.

[jwebsmall]

The ASAT Deluxe is a very compelling guitar. It can cover a lot of sonic territory
for one guitar.

I have only two e-guitars at the moment, the USA Legacy in my avatar and an
Eric Johnson Strat. I'm torn over which guitar I'm going to get next or I may just
sit tight. My short list of candidates is the ASAT Deluxe, Invader XL, and the
Fiorano GTS. (I'd like to have an S-500 but sonically it wouldn't diversify what
I can cover now.) There is a lot of territory a strat and particularly the Legacy with
its rosewood fingerboard can cover if I am forced to make do with what I have.
Fine tweaking of the PTB can do some amazing things and will take time to become
fluent with it's capabilities.

I started off playing short scale single cutaway guitars. As I learned to play
better I came to appreciate long scale single coil guitars. I do miss the humbucker
sound for some songs hence the reason I'll looking at humbucking G&L's. But I
find more varied uses for the long scale and single coil sound in mixes. A short scale
humbucking guitar isn't as sonically versatile IMO. It does get that distorted wail and
screeching harmonic over tone like nothing else but that's it. However that split coil LP
traditional pro is surprisingly flexible.

My Legacy sustains and is louder unplugged than the EJ strat. But I love
the tone of the EJ for some songs - the EJ strat is much harder to play well with its
vintage frets requiring a lot more precision and concentration. The Legacy has some
of the tonal qualities of the EJ ('57) strat sound but doesn't replace it. While the
EJ strat is well built the G&L build quality is over the top. I may let the EJ strat go
eventually - don't know yet. BTW I played a Squier Classic Vibe 50's strat last
night at Best Buy. I was shocked at how good it felt and sounded (a nice poor
man's '57 strat for sure!) Any kid could get that to play until he earns a pro guitar
and not be deprived in the slightest! It's good enough to take him the distance
and on the cheap!

I try to limit myself to 2 e-guitars at a time so if I get a third I'll play them all for
6 months and then decide who goes. I find that I have to focus on one or maybe
2 guitars at a time to really learn what the guitar can do. It takes time to master
a particular instrument (it needs TLC and lots of attention before you unwrap its
charms). I may end up with what I got now and learn to really play them well. Too
many guitars for me is too distracting and besides I don't have a lot of closet space.
I'm still saving up so I have more time to decide before placing an order anyway.

[zapcosongs]

Nice week. Thanks!

I have two double-humbucking guitars. One is an early '90's Japanese reissue of the '72 Tele Thinline (LOVE those "wide-range" humbuckers!) and I have one of these that I bought new a dozen or so years ago: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul ... 20bded83c9 These are no-frills Les Paul double cuts, built only for two years (1997 and 1998). The cool thing about them is that they are chambered - and thus light. They provide the LP power and growl in spades, plus have a good dose of that ES-335 depth to boot. The weak point is the standard non-compensated wrap-around bridge, which makes the intonation a bit imprecise. But that is easily remedied. Fantastic value, IMHO.

Home recording: Don't get me started. I'm such a moron. I've spent (wasted) a lot of money on recording equipment that I never learned to use properly. I'm such a moron that I cannot for the life of me play anything decent while trying to record it. I'm fixing to pay someone to do the deed, but I'm such a crappy player that I'm going to have to hire real musicians as well. Yeah, pass me the bottle... ;+) - ed

[Boogie Bill]

I have a Korg D-1600, but I haven't done much with it. The best recordings I've ever done were two room mics, direct into my Revox A-77 reel-to-reel recorder. That's what a real rock band is supposed to sound like--all of the presence, all of the dynamic range.

Here's a pic of my ASAT Deluxe, and it has the DF Vibrato.





As you can see, it is a pitiful excuse for a guitar. My apologies if this ugly guitar offends anyone.

My understanding is that this guitar was sent from the factory to Art Alexakis of Everclear, a G&L endorser. I like this guitar a lot, but it doesn't get much playtime. I've decided that when I want a 2HB guitar, I'm better off using my Les Pauls or the 335. Not sure why I'm hanging onto the AD, but...it's the only 2HB guitar I have with a vibrato, so it is staying--at least until someone offers me a boat-load of money for it.

Even if it is ugly.

I've figured out that playing the rhythm parts in single-coil mode, I can get I nice solo boost simply by switching to HB mode. It is a really versatile guitar, for sure.


=================


These are more my style; I guess you say I like three color sunbursts.




The Legacy on the left is "Judy", my girlfriend at the time I bought this, my first Legacy. The only G&L I've ever bought new, and somewhat of a rarebird--this is one of the few Legacys with the serial number on the bridge plate. The finish is supposed to be poly, but it is very thin--I'd swear it was NCL. Gorgeous guitar, and a slim fast neck.

The Legacy Special on the right isn't a LS--it is a stock Legacy with the LS pickups. My second Legacy, and this one also has the really slim neck. It was used, kind of beat up and reliced when I bought it--and just filthy dirty. (It's the one I wrote about in my last Lunch Report, where I describe what I do with a new guitar. This was my sofa guitar for several years, and is the "Leslie" Legacy. Oh btw, the knobs look like they are "cream", but they are just naturally aged.





The Comanche in the bottom pic is actually the Tobacco Sunburst on ash, with the GOT neck. I traded a Honey ACSH straight across for it--he was a tele guy, I'm a strat guy, and we both walked away happy.

The S-500 was one of my first G&Ls, bought used in the early '90s, with money from my mom's estate, so it has been named "Mom". It has a Duncan JB, Jr. in the bridge. That is a nice sounding pickup, thick and humbuckery, but it is all the way up and still over-powered by the high-output MFD's. I have the original pickup, so one of these days, I will have to re-install it. Sweet neck and a beautiful ash body (notice how the grain of the wood just jumps out, compared to the ash Comanche); this guitar is a real sweetheart, just like my mom. I always say a little prayer for my mom whenever I play it, and give thanks for the gifts she gave to me.

I haven't taken a pic of my other 3CSB Legacy, which is alder and has a maple neck. I've been playing that one a lot lately. The set-up was all messed up on it, and I suspect that's why I got it so cheap. Turned into a really great guitar, and I love the neck on it.

Drool all you want. I'm outta here!

Bill

[jwebsmall]

Nice week. Thanks!

I have two double-humbucking guitars. One is an early '90's Japanese reissue of the '72 Tele Thinline (LOVE those "wide-range" humbuckers!) and I have one of these that I bought new a dozen or so years ago: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul ... 20bded83c9 These are no-frills Les Paul double cuts, built only for two years (1997 and 1998). The cool thing about them is that they are chambered - and thus light. They provide the LP power and growl in spades, plus have a good dose of that ES-335 depth to boot. The weak point is the standard non-compensated wrap-around bridge, which makes the intonation a bit imprecise. But that is easily remedied. Fantastic value, IMHO.

Home recording: Don't get me started. I'm such a moron. I've spent (wasted) a lot of money on recording equipment that I never learned to use properly. I'm such a moron that I cannot for the life of me play anything decent while trying to record it. I'm fixing to pay someone to do the deed, but I'm such a crappy player that I'm going to have to hire real musicians as well. Yeah, pass me the bottle... ;+) - ed

The wide-range humbuckers on the thin line are very nice!

What kind of setup do you have for home recording?
Recording guitars so they sound good is an art!

[Sean Clavin]

Nice Legacy's Bill. And if you ever feel the need to give an ASAT to a perfect stranger....I'm as strange as they get! I was on the G&L artist list for awhile as were a few guys I know personally, not sure why they took our names off. My buddy Gary said they must have heard us play! I really enjoy the split sound on the ASAT Dlx, more so than my other HB guitar. I'm going to put in push pull pots so I can split them individually for more variety, just haven't gotten around to it yet.


Thanks again for all the responses this week to my questions. I had fun!

Sean

[jwebsmall]

Bill,

are you sure your Comanche is ash and not alder? It looks like alder to me.

John

[Boogie Bill]

Yeah, this one I'm sure is ash. This picture doesn't do any justice to the grain of the wood. I think the ash is, or was, standard with the Tobacco Sunburst, which is a Premium finish. It is gorgeous.

Thanks for the compliment Sean. And funny thing is, that guitar might have the best flame of any guitar I own, even better than my Les Pauls.

Bill

[darwinohm]

Oh boy!, I think we may have another Ash/Alder mystery on our hands. The 3 color sunburst is a standard color and I have owned 2 G&L 3 color sunbursts that were alder. I posted one about a month ago and always believed it was Ash until the forum straightened me out. I believe the Comanche on the left is Alder. Beautiful guitars Bill.

Sean, if G&L removed some of you Branson pickers from their artist list, it is their loss. There are some fine pickers in Branson and the fact that your working attests to that. -- Darwin

[Boogie Bill]

Nope, Darwin...it's ash. It's like the body is quarter sawn, vs the flat sawn body of the S-500 beside it. The subtle color difference of the Tobacco Sunburst isn't as visible either, but the TBSB is much richer looking than the 3CSB.

I'd also say that this Comanche is ash, by the tone. I'm pretty sure my Baby Blue/RW is alder, and it has the softer attack, and sweet airy resonance of alder. The TBSB has a more focused, quicker attack and more sustain...characteristics of ash.

I may have to get some more pics to please everyone, but I am certain as can be that this Comanche is ash.

Bill

[suave eddie]

I would never have guessed (by that photo alone) that the Comanche was Ash. Very plain grain compared to most.

[KenC]

Bill,

Is there a story behind the bridge S/N on "Judy"? Your post makes it sound like there are at least a few more of these. Was this some sort of limited edition, or old bridges making it out of the factory on production guitars? I'm intrigued.

Ken

[willross]

I have a couple 90's Legacy's & S-500's with older DFV's. I heard it was because they were "lefty" and G&L was using-up inventory...


Cheers,

Will

[Boogie Bill]

Bill,

Is there a story behind the bridge S/N on "Judy"? Your post makes it sound like there are at least a few more of these. Was this some sort of limited edition, or old bridges making it out of the factory on production guitars? I'm intrigued.

Ken

Yeah, my understanding is that these guitars used up the old stock of DF bridge plates. I think there are around 100 of them on Legacys.

Bill

[louis cyfer]

Nice Legacy's Bill. And if you ever feel the need to give an ASAT to a perfect stranger....I'm as strange as they get! I was on the G&L artist list for awhile as were a few guys I know personally, not sure why they took our names off. My buddy Gary said they must have heard us play! I really enjoy the split sound on the ASAT Dlx, more so than my other HB guitar. I'm going to put in push pull pots so I can split them individually for more variety, just haven't gotten around to it yet.


Thanks again for all the responses this week to my questions. I had fun!

Sean

sean, can i suggest for you to use a push push pot instead of the push pull, they are much nicer to work with for live switching. most people don't even think about them, but once tried they never go back.

the comanche indeed appears to be alder.

[Sean Clavin]

I've tried them all, switches, push push, push pull, integrated into the pickup selector and I've found I like the switches and push pull pots. I like the visual confirmation that the pick ups are split. Since I don't want to drill another hole in my ASAT, my next choice is push pull pots. Not sure if I'll use the mini switch already installed for a phase switch, leave it in or remove it and place a decorative plug in the hole.

[louis cyfer]

I've tried them all, switches, push push, push pull, integrated into the pickup selector and I've found I like the switches and push pull pots. I like the visual confirmation that the pick ups are split. Since I don't want to drill another hole in my ASAT, my next choice is push pull pots. Not sure if I'll use the mini switch already installed for a phase switch, leave it in or remove it and place a decorative plug in the hole.

gives you a visual confirmation. it works exactly like a push pull, just easier to switch. takes a tap. another tap to switch back. the visual confirmation is still the same.

[Sean Clavin]

The one's I've seen (Ibanez comes to mind) didn't pop up when split, it just looked like the same height. I'll have to research it a bit. It would be quicker to push than grab the knob and pull. Thanks louis!

[louis cyfer]

The one's I've seen (Ibanez comes to mind) didn't pop up when split, it just looked like the same height. I'll have to research it a bit. It would be quicker to push than grab the knob and pull. Thanks louis!

i use the one allparts sells and it switches up and down exactly like the push pull. the only difference is the ease of switching. everyone who has tried my guitar so far said they prefer that to the push pull. i started using it because with the traditional strat knobs pulling is really difficult, but even with the g&l and tele style knob the switching is quicker. i have them on all my guitars now.

[jwebsmall]

One of the most sonically useful short scale guitars I ever played was a Les paul with a humbucker
in the bridge and a P-90 in the neck.

Any way I saw this new Yamaha Pacifica (please don't laugh) 611 with a humbucker
in the bridge and a P-90 in the neck. I got GAS again.

[youtube]RIaAtO6OABE[/youtube]

I suppose I could get a USA Invader XL and replace
the neck with a ASAT special/custom MFD or Korina JR P90.
But the factory won't do this I don't think.



I played mostly the bridge pickup of my Tribute Invader XL.
I suppose the HSS Invader standard might do the trick without any mods.

Does any body have extensive experience with a Floyd Rose trem? I don't
and I'm not sure I want to mess with it -that is the hassles.