Guitar Musings

I was on the Acoustic Guitar Magazine forum the other day, sharing my thoughts on the Guitar Tool Kit  for the iPhone.  One mentioned that this program was yet another reason to buy the new iPhone.  I wouldn’t go that far but if you have an iPhone or iTouch, the Guitar Tool Kit is a handy program to have around.

Features and Thoughts:

• Tuner:  Has many different tuning modes from standard tuning to modal or open tuning.  Initially, I tried the tuner on the 1st Gen iPhone and it didn’t work so well. The response was terrible and wouldn’t register the low E string and was rendered useless.  I now own the 3G iPhone and the tuner is working much better.  I’m thinking that the 3G has a better microphone.  Any thoughts on this?  As a test, I set my Korg tuner next to the iPhone to see how close they responded and the tool kit did very well.  The tuner does not work on the iTouch because of the lack of a microphone.  But you can use the “Tones” option which is a graphic representation of the six strings and you can run your finger over each string to act as a reference.
• Metronome:  My first impression of the metronome was annoyance.  The tones for the beats sounded like a trash can and there was no way to change those tones to something more pleasant.   After I  installed the update, the option to to change the tone was there so now the  metronome is usable and quite nice to have.  The current version of the tool kit only offers 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and “no time signature” as options for time signatures.  I would like to see a way to customize the time signatures and even an option on where you want the accents within the measures.
• Chord Chart:  Very handy little program with lots and lots of chords for you to reference.  What is nice is that you can move up and  down the fretboard to get your desired chords in different positions.  I would like to see is an option to illustrate where the root of the chord is located on the chart.  Even better, the 3rd, 5th, 7th etc… location as well.

So would I recommend this program? Definitely!  It’s not going to replace your current equipment but at only $9.99, it’s nice to have when you’re on the go and need something in a pinch.

Links:

Guitar Toolkit Homepage

Purchased an Acoustasonic a few weeks back because my old Peavy BackStage practice amp finally died and I must say I haven’t been disappointed. A nice little package with enough effects and drive to please most guitarists.

First thoughts:

I was happy to see that the Acoustasonic had the ability to sit on the floor at an angle.  Makes it so much easier to adjust my settings without having to hunch over to see the controls.  I plugged my Seagull S6 in and was impressed with the nice clean sound.  It did feel a bit punchy at times , I’m thinking it was because the LR Baggs system on my Seagull was driving the sound too much.  After working on both the amp and guitar, I found a tone that I liked.  Since I don’t currently play live, I can’t really give an opinion on how it would perform out in the field but it does have a line out so you can plug right in to sound reinforcement.  This makes me think that the possibilities are only limited to the mixer you plug into.  I was also skeptical with the claim that this was specifically designed for acoustic players.  I see that a lot and used to think that was just a gimmick.  To test, I plugged in my Stratocastor and it sounded like crap. I could never get a tone that I liked and eventually gave up after about 15 minutes or so.

The effects are solid and fun to play with.  You get a Vibratone (slow and fast), Chorus, Reverb/Chorus combo, Chorus Delay combo, Delay, Reverb/Delay(combo) and Reverb (hall, room and plate).  The only problem with this is that these are preset channels and if you want to customize your effect or try different combinations, you are out of luck.

Summary:

I love this amp.  It’s small enough to where I can keep it in my living room without getting in trouble and but it’s not wimpy sounding like a lot of practice amps.  If you are in the market for an affordable acoustic guitar amp, the Fender Acoustasonic 30 is worth taking a look at.

Pros:

• Clean sound and easy to dial in
• Nice array of effects to play with and can switch between effects quickly
• Line out for recording and playing live
• Ability to tilt amp to view controls (helpful on the old back)

Cons:

• Can’t tweak the effects at all.  This can be a deal breaker for many.
• My Stratocastor sounds like crap on it. (not really a con, maybe)

Links:

Fenders information regarding the Acoustasonic 30:
http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=2213300010

A few weeks back, I wrote a post about a guitar repair shop finder on the web, mentioning that I purchased the book “The Acoustic Guitar Adjustment, Care, Maintenance, and Repair,” so I could get a better idea of the inner-workings of my post about a guitar repair shop finder on the web, mentioning that I purchased the guitars.  I have become a firm believer that the more you know about your instrument, the better you will play.  At least that’s one reason why I feel I have improved.

First Thoughts:

After I started reading this book, I began to think that I might have went a bit over my head.  With some chapters like “Disassembly and Reassembly of Guitar bodies,” “Pearl Inlay Technique” and “Finishing and Refinishing”, I was wondering whether I would be able to use any of this information.  This book was definitely meant for someone with some experience in woodworking.

What I Found Useful:

After getting over the initial intimidation, I did find some chapters that I could use for myself.  I was able to utilize “String Action and Tension Rod Adjustment” and “Intonation and Bridging” to tune up and lower the action on my Seagul S6. 

Final Thoughts:

This book is obviously meant for a more experienced repairperson with more than a basic knowledge of guitar repair.  If you are curious about some of the techniques and tools used for some of the more extensive repairs, you might find this a good reference.  It has certainly increased my knowledge/appreciation of my instrument and the Luthiers who repair them.

Links:

http://www.repairmyguitar.com/

I asked in my last post if the statement, “This is acoustic music in your face”, was a warning or a prediction.  Still not sure which one it was but CD 2 was in my face and  Tommy got a little bit of help from Bob Littell on Harmonica.

Highlights:

• The mix: I know I said this in the last post but it’s so good and really makes the CD’s an experience to listen to.
• Working Man’s Blues:  Good old fashioned blues with Littell on the harmonica.  They played off each other well and had a nice little jam going at one point.  I’m not a huge fan of the harmonica but this was truly impressive.
• Morning Aire:  Beautiful song.  I don’t know if there is more I can say.
• Initiation:  Tommy Does a long version of this where he’s really working the delay but in the end there’s a point where you could tell he just releases and lets the music take over.  “Primal Guitar” as Michael Hedges used to say.
• Questions:  Last track on the CD and all I would write down in my notes was, “Wow!”

Any “lowlights?”  For me, I would say too much harmonica.   The first four tracks felt like they were Tommy featuring Littell.   There was great guitar in those tracks but the harmonica seemed to butt in like a third wheel at times.  My thoughts were, “I bought this CD for Tommy Emmanuel, not the harmonica.”  As I said before, I’m not the biggest fan of the instrument.  Great playing and I have a great respect for Littell’s playing but it was too much for me.

Final Thought:

Once again, if you don’t have it get it!  If you are still wondering and waiting, get it anyway.  You won’t be disappointed.  Can’t wait for the DVD!

“This is acoustic music, in your face…” is the introduction on the first track on Tommy Emmanuel’s  “Live, Center Stage” CD1.  Was that a prediction or a warning?  Either way, Tommy didn’t disappoint with his 2nd live double CD set in three years.

Highlights:

• The Mix:  Every song on CD1 was engineered to perfection.  From Tommy’s playing to the just the right mix of crow noise makes you feel like your there at times.
• Nine Pound Hammer:  Great improv solo much like Guitar Boogie.  At one point, Tommy is playing guitar with one hand a moving baseline on the other.   Oh yeah, he’s singing on top of all that.
• And So it Goes:  Beautiful arrangement of a timeless Billy Joel song.  This performance just might bring a tear to ones eye.
• I Go to Rio:  Just love that he plays this.  It’s partially because I performed this in Jr. High choir and he does an awesome job with it.
• Beatles Medley:  Not the best one that I’ve heard but it’s still worth mentioning.  He does like to mix it up so this version had “Here Comes the Sun”, “When I’m Sixty Four”, “Day Tripper” and “Lady Madonna.”

No “lowlights” that I could find.  Some of the Tommy detractors might not enjoy some of the rhythmic montages that Tommy has been known to get into.  I believe he goes into a three or so minute rhythmic trance during Mombasa.  If you don’t already have it, get it.  If you’re still wondering and waiting, my thoughts on CD2 will posted soon.