Dugz Ink

I received the new neck from Doug (Soul Mate Guitars), called him, and said "DAAAAAAAAM!" Yeah it looks that good. And he says some of the pieces were just scraps. I have to shape the headstock, put finish on the neck, wire the pickups/switches... there are a few more things that need to be done... and I'm building a cabinet right now (furniture, not amp)... so the guitar won't be finished this month. But you better watch out: this neck could win the GOTM by itself. D~s

I love my acoustic/electric bass, but I want to add an internal piezo pickup. (It already has an under-saddle transducer.) However, I hate A/B switches, and would like to use a blend pot, which would be wired between the pickups and the 9-volt pre-amp. I also don't want a big round knob mounted on the face of this guitar, and there isn't a "good" spot to mount one on the side. However, I could mount a 60mm slide pot parallel to the top of the pre-amp controls. So, I'm wondering if any of you electronics gurus have a source for a sliding blend-pot... like the ones that are in the "DJ" mixers. (They allow you to fade from one turntable to the other turntable.) Anybody know where I can buy one of these? (I haven't found anything on Mouser, yet.) Also, if you forsee any problems with this plan, please tell me. D~s

I had to vote for the metal beast; it just reached out and grabbed me. I don't know that I would want to own it, and I know I wouldn't want to polish it, but it's eye-catching. Of course, Godin's did too; it looks very similar to the string thru body that I designed and started building half a year ago. (THIS ONE) BTW: Doug (at Soul Mate Guitars) has just about finished the neck... to replace the warped one that I had originally put on the body... so I hope to post updated pics (maybe in GOTM) of it within a few weeks. D~s

Some of us use our hormones for something other than growing hair. D~s

Check out this web page: Various Scale Lengths (compiled by Warren Allen)

I stumbled across a site that had guitars like you're mentioning. It looked like he was using something similar to standard string-thru ferrules on the head, and then (as you mentioned) a special bridge that would allow for tuning... similar to the Steinberg headless guitars. However, I can't remember the site or the name of the company. D~s

First, I don't like the Dremmels that have battery packs; not enough torque, and they don't last long enough. Second, I don't use mine for heavy removal. If I need to take out a lot of wood, I use the router or other tool(s). Third, when it's time to use the Dremmel, nothing else works as good. By the way, mine hangs over my bench from an empty pipe that allows it to slide from one location to another. Also, I use a flex-shaft; that allows me to use the Dremmel bit like a paintbrush... not a chainsaw. How useful a Dremmel can be will depend on how you want to use it. D~s

I have to agree with the post that idch made; if you can afford a Mackie 1202, it would be better than the mixer or the mic-pre that I listed. However, if you only have $100 (and don't forsee having a lot more in the near future), you can at least start with the Behringer 1204, then buy better gear after you have a better understanding of your specific needs. A lot depends on what you want to accomplish, too. I use the Behringer because I'm just laying down "work" demos; recordings that I take to real studios so the musicians can get an idea of what the song will sound like. I don't need high-quality mic-pres for that. That's also why I use the Samson C01 mic; they're very inexpensive, and do a fantastic job... for the price. Does the C01 sound like a Neuman U87? Nowhere close. BUT... it DOES sound good enough for demos... especially since I'm recording in a half-bath that has half-ass sound treatment. However, if you have the budget (and the space) to set up something nice, the Mackie mixer and a better microphone might be right for you. Even then, that "RNC1773" compressor would still be a great addition. D~s

We have received enough questions about "how can I record my guitar" that I thought it was time to start a thread specifically listing gear that 1) does a decent job, and 2) most people can afford. I am only listing gear that I have used. Please add any gear that you KNOW does a decent job. People can read reviews and product specs everywhere, but it would be helpful to read what other players are actually using. Do not turn this thread into a flame war! There will be differences of opinion; deal with it. Behringer UB1204 analog mixer This is the least expensive Behringer mixer that is worth buying. The smaller rigs (502, etc.) have crappy mic-pres and are prone to RFI/EMI. But the 1204 is realtively quiet. No, it's not "perfect"... but it's only $100... so don't expect it to sound as nice as a $50,000 pro-level mixer. However, it sounds better than anything in it's price range, and more than adequate for "home" recording. It has "ALT 3/4" outputs that make it easy to monitor a previously recorded track through the mixer, and record a new track (also through the mixer) without re-recording the previous track. It's also small enough (13" x 10") to fit on a desk... as long as you don't have too much other stuff on the desk. Forget about the UB1204-FX model; the effects aren't worth the extra money. M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI sound card All I can say is "WOW!" For less than $100 you can have a sound card that has very low latency (delay) and an extremely low noise floor. (-92dB) As far as analog inputs, it only has 2 (typically used as "right" and "left"), but that's not a problem if you use it with something like the UB1204 mixer. Presonus Tube Pre I don't think you can find a better pre-amp for $100. You might find some in that price range that sounds about as good, but I really don't know of any that sound better. It will work for microphones or instruments; it has balanced XLR jacks and unbalanced 1/4" jacks. It offers phase inversion, a -20dB pad, 80Hz cut, and phantom power... each at the touch of a button. Behringer Ultra-DI 100 direct box This little beast was designed to be abused! You can plug almost anything into it... even some un-reasonable power levels. Why worry about which guitar is high/low Z... just plug it into the DI 100 and play. Personally, I run the DI's outputs into the Presonus' inputs. That sends a clean hot signal to the mixer. Also, the pre-amp's phantom power can be used to power the DI, so there's no need for batteries or more power pacs. Add in the DI's "ground lift" switch, and you have a fairly bullet-proof rig. FMR RNC1773 compressor It could be the ugliest compressor on the street, but it is also the best sounding compressor that you can buy for under $500. The fact that it costs less than $200 makes it an even better deal. Everybody who has heard one has described these units as "transparent"... meaning that you don't realise that it's hooked up and working... which is really how a compressor is supposed to sound. (If it's evident, it's either set wrong or built wrong.) Cakewalk Home Studio recording/sequencing software This is very good. It's fairly easy to learn, comes with enough effects and options to keep the "newbie" busy for a while, and is powerful enough to produce some nice demos. Best of all, you can buy Home Studio, register it, then upgrade to Sonar (their full-throttle sequencing software) for a total cost that is less than the retail price of Sonar. Hmmm...

We were just talking about inexpensive mics and acoustic guitars on another forum. I'm absolutely amazed with the results that I got today; a co-writer came over, and we set up a set of cheap ($100/pair) Superlux SMK-H8K mics in the middle of the room... 3-4 feet from my co-writer... and then we recorded the entire writing session. Here's a short sample. (Yes, two mikes are best for acoustics.) However, to go with these small-diaphram (1/2") condenser mics, you also need mic-pres that supply phantom power. In this case, I'm using an ART Tube MP ($60) on one mic and a Presonus Tube Pre ($100) on the other mic. I panned the mics hard right and hard left, and the ART is much noiser than the Presonus. (Some of the noise is because I was also running two computers and an air purifier.) So... you need condenser mics, mic-pres with phantom power, and an audio interface... or an audio interface that has good mic-pres (but no phantom power) and dynamic mics, unless you're recording an electric guitar, in which point you could... (the options are overwhelming) You need to decide what you want to accomplish before you buy anything. If you just want to have fun, buy cheap and play. If you want to record rough work demos (like I do) then expect to spend at least $500 on your setup. If you want to record and produce your own stuff, prepare to spend money on everything from power conditioners to sound treatment for the walls... plus all of the really good audio gear. D~s

Applying heavy compression after any delay effects can have a negative affect, because it over-rides the "natural" decay... that's why your effects unit works the way it does. If you hear a good reason to compress and re-compress the signal, then I would recommend putting the Boss pedal ahead of the effects unit; that gives you a steady signal going in. And, like Rich said, I would make the first compression very light... like a top-end limiter. But the key is to use it if it really provides a positive impact on the sound. D~s EDIT: What the %$&@ just happened to my post? Something added "%2~~~~~~b" to one line.

I have started this because of something that happened on another forum. I critiqued a Hip Hop song that was written by a 14 year old who lives in Queens. Imagine that: a 40-something Country songwriter offering advice to a teenage Hip Hop wanna-be. As strange as that might sound, he appreciated my advice, and has started sending PMs to me... asking for more advice. I don't know what I'll accomplish on the forums that I have joined, but I thought I would start a poll and a thread... for all of the people who wander in here and spend their spare time adding their input to the collective knowledge. What are we seeking? Are we hoping to help others, the way that I have helped the kid I mentioned? Do we hope to make ourselves feel important by providng all of the "right" answers? Are we here simply for our own benefit? Or did we come here seeking help, only to find that WE were the ones who were providing that help to others? I think I have found my answer. What is yours? D~s

Well... I figured it would happen: Behringer Sued By Roland (Boss) So... Roland pretty much said "yeah, their pedals look and feel just like ours"... and they did it on their own web site! In a manner of speaking, they just told everybody that the Behringer pedals are comparable to Boss pedals. DOH! If I ran Roland, I would start by shooting the person who put together that release, then I would start an ad campaign that portayed Boss/Roland owners as "real" musicians. But, I'm not in charge... and you see what happens. D~s

The best sound card for the least money (right now) is M-Audio's Audiophile 2496 PCI card. That's not a personal opinion; that tests and specs prove it. (Noise floor: -92dB... THD: 0.002%) The only drawback is that it does not have balanced inputs. However, the RCA jacks still provide better audio transfer than the cheesy 1/8" stereo jacks that are on the game-player sound cards. You would also need a seperate pre-amp, which is why I didn't put it on my list. BTW: the Line6 interface is not a MIDI interface, and it's not just a sampler. D~s

Meth or not... noob or otherwise... I still recommmend neutering the puppy. D~s

You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about! WHAT A GREAT SOUND! I was looking for something that I could plug into the FX Send on my mixer, that way I could rock the pedal and apply it to my synth, a guitar, or vocals while recording. I just think that would be totally awesome. Several years ago, I bought a church organ (that had 18-Gazillion vacumm tubes inside) and two leslies. Not only did it take 6 people to move the organ into the house, it litterally shook the entire house when I turned on everything. I loved it... but the wife was not happy, so I sold everything... and had to find other people to move the organ out because the people who helped me move it in knew what they were in for and came up with various excuses. So I figured a pedal would be better... if it can actually replicate "that" sound. D~s

If that connection is not "decent" (ie: barely touching) you can pick up radio stations. Been there, heard that. That's the only reason I have reservations. If Sambo does a nice tight job, then you're right... but I hate recommending that kind of thing without some warning(s). D~s

Well... it was a Yamaha church organ, not a Hammond... but same concept. I did locate something (listed under "vibrato" not "tremolo") that looks like it will do the trick, but I hate to spend $140 on a pedal without knowing anything about it. Will the Dunlop Rotovibe sound decent? Or are their claims of being "an electronic rotating speaker simulator" over-blown? D~s

Background When I was a kid, we had a small church organ in our house, with a Leslie that was almost as big as the organ. You could control the speed of the Leslie speakers with a lever that was located near your knee; the harder you pressed on the lever, the faster the speakers revolved. That was great for sustained notes! What I Want I've been searching sites for a tremolo pedal that does the same thing. In this case, I want a pedal that adjusts the amount of the effect... NOT a foot switch that turns on/off the effect and has a small knob for adjusting the effect. In other words, I'm looking for a non-springloaded pedal that works like the adjustment knob on the typical tremolo boxes. When the pedal is tilted one way, you have a very slight tremolo effect, but the effect increases as your foot tilts the pedal the other way. (I hope that makes sense.) Does anybody know where I can find something like that? D~s

My wife works at Nashville Humane Association, and she's read numerous studies that show that neutering has a positive impact on bad dogs; the reduction in testoserone leads to a reduction in agressive dominant behavior. If the mods could neuter this member, then I'm sure he would quit jumping on people. D~s

Some home stereos have a headphone jack that allows the audio to pass to the speakers unless headphones are plugged in. A lot of those have extended prongs, that would touch contacts until you plugged in the headphones; then the plug would push the prongs far enough to break the contact(s) for the speakers. However, when you consider how prone that type of connection is to RFI, you probably want to avoid it. I would think that a mini-switch would be easier and less prone to problems. D~s

Okay, I understand who owns what, but I never really considered Behringer to be European.

I didn't quote a Hammerfall, or anything close to that category. I quoted basic interfaces that would allow him to record a track that will sound like what he may be used to hearing out of his amp. OEM sound (or even an Audigy2) will not do that... unless he has bad hearing. And it's my personal opinion that telling people they can use a cheap sound card and a Radio Shack cable or mic to record their guitar is like telling somebody they can protect their project guitar and get a "stained finish" by using Creosote. I can't do that. If he wants to try the headphone-jack-to-sound-card trick, that's fine... but he needs to know before he plugs in his guitar that it will not yield incredible results. And he needs to know what his next step should be, so that (if he's serious) he can save up his money and buy an interface that will actually do what he expects. Bandaid-in-a-Box will get him started. I wouldn't have recommended it, but he has it. He'll figure out what he can do, and what it won't do, and he may eventually upgrade to something like Cakewalk's Home Studio... at which point he'll have the right interface to go with the right software. (At least until he can build a beautiful studio and buy that Hammerfall.) But he won't have the enthusiasm to do anything if he starts recording (expecting beautiful tones) and hears a weak impersonation of his favorite guitar. We have to give him complete advice, not just answer his question, if we're going to help him pursue his dreams. That's where I'm coming from. Ummm... it may be time for a hearing test. D~s

Please tell me that half of you guys were just joking! I mean, if you just want to capture guitar-like sounds on a PC, then most of this advice will work just fine... but If you really want a good digital recording of what your guitar sounds like, don't waste your money on cheap fixes. $100 Absolute entry-level gear is stuff like the Line6 Guitar-Port, a USB interface that does a resonable job of turning the output of an electric guitar into digital audio. It won't sound like a recording studio, but it will sound a LOT better than plugging a $30 Radio Shack mic into a game-player's sound card. $150 If you want more clarity and a bunch of inputs, step up to something like the M-Audio Delta 44; 1/4" jacks in a breakout box that can safely handle the headphone/line output(s) from your practice amp. And the A/D conversion is good enough that it will actually sound like a guitar. It's only fault: it's not made for non-amplified guitars. $200 If your computer can handle a firewire interface, buy the MAudio Firewire Solo and have something that actually does what you need. It is designed for guys like you! One mic input, one guitar input, line inputs and outputs on the back, and a headphone jack with it's own pot. It's everything you need for now... and maybe for the next several years... if your computer will handle it. Or, you could try some of those cheap "fixes" and bitch about how crappy it sounds. D~s

The Bananas at Large site has a long list of products (including Behringer pedals) that you can pre-order. The projected delivery date simply says "First quarter of 2005." I'm not a huge fan of Behringer, but those prices look real tempting! D~s