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Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 4 2010, 08:55 AM

JACKSON KELLY PERFORMER

I recently bought a JACKSON KELLY PERFORMER that had been upgraded with EMGs. Here are some pix. Review to follow!


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In this review I"m going to talk a bit about the ROCKTRON G300. This unit is a multi-effects pedal that makes use of some very sophisticated internal processing to create lush soundscapes and big guitar tones. This is the top of the line in this range of units. There are two units beneath it that feature the same internal features but have fewer stomp buttons, smaller case etc. I bought my unit from musiciansfriend.com and and it arrived in perfect shape. The list price is about $560 U.S. but the street price is bout $400 U.S. Here is a link to the manufacturer web site product page.
http://www.rocktron.com/products/floorprocessors/utopiag300/

Let's break this down in to a few areas.

1.)Sound Quality
2.)Build Quality
3.)Value for your Dollar/Euro

SOUND QUALITY:The overall sound quality on this unit is just amazing. It's got very little noise, all the effects are very natural and clean sounding and the built in presets will cover about 90 percent of every tone you will want to have at your finger tips. The delays are particularly good as are the chorus and flanger. The distortions sound very convincing and there is a cabinet simulator built right in so that you can run to a PA and skip the amp or record direct via USB out or Optical out.

****The bad news is that even though this will get you 90 percent of the way to tone heaven right out of the box, it's that last 10 percent that kinda wrecks it. The presets are all pretty good, but there is not a preset for hardcore/extreme/metal type gain/distortion suitable for leads and rythms that require it. You can tweak the presets, BUT there is a limit to how far you can tweak them. For example, you can adjust the amount of bass, mid, etc. But you can't select the frequency being manipulated. It's as if they expect you to just leave the presets in place and not really mess with anything.

BUILD QUALITY: Excellent. The build quality is frankly the best I've seen in a pedal board in this price range. Pro level build quality through and through. The unit is solid, stable, heavy, and rugged. The wah/volume pedal is very solid and the foot switches feel sturdy as well. This unit looks like it could take a serious beating and not miss a beat.

VALUE: Overall, the street price of this unit makes is a really good value. It's very flexible, and very well built. It looks, feels and sounds like a Pro Level unit. For most players this unit would make getting good tone very easy. However, if you are looking for a unit that will let you tweak your heart out in search of perfect tone, or if you are looking for a Death Metal/Thrash/Super High Gain Lead Shred tone, keep looking as this unit will not give you what you are looking for.

Here is a Quick Vid from GuitarPlayer Magazine walking you through some of the tones.


Todd

Posted by: Fran Oct 4 2010, 04:28 PM

Great review Todd, just addd it to the knowledge base here:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/ROCKTRON_G300_Review

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 7 2010, 04:05 PM

ADDING A MIDI KEYBOARD (Reviewing the M-Audio KeyRig 49 USB/MIDI Controller)

At some point, you may need/want to add a MIDI keyboard to your home studio. One way to go is to get a "dumb" MIDI controller. These can be had for about $100 for a nice unit. Keyboards used to cost wads of cash as they used to be stand alone units with expensive hardware inside. Thank goodness, most Keyboard sounds/samples/virtual instruments can be done entirely in software. Whatever DAW you are using, you can probably use virtual instruments right away or just by downloading some free software or buying what you need. LOGIC has some amazing virtual instruments as does GarageBand and many other DAWs contain similar features.

A keyboard is a handy way to trigger string/symphony samples, drums, or anything else you can trigger with MIDI control. Even if you can't really play the keyboard, it still makes a handy device for triggering samples and laying down custom drum beats.

A Midi Keyboard that I use and can recommend is the M-Audio KeyRig 49 USB/MIDI Controller. These are about $100 new from any music retailer. The keyboard has "semi-weighted" keys so it does not feel like a real PIano. However, for the price, you would not expect fully weighted keys. The keyboards in this price range use spring loaded keys that are "semi-weighted" or in other words, counter weighted by springs. So if you are a hardcore keyboard player, skip this unit. But if you are a guitar player wanting a good midi controller this is worth a look. Here is a link to more info on the vendor site.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/KeyRig49.html

The unit connects to your PC/MAC via USB cable so no midi interface is required. Also, it's driverless so just plug and play. I recently started working on Movie Soundtracks and this keyboard came in very handy for triggering string section samples using SAMPLE TANK. So grab some software, get a keyboard and add some depth and new instrumentation to your tracks!

Here is a link to some free virtual instruments to get you started.
http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Synthesizers.htm

Posted by: Fran Oct 14 2010, 05:03 PM

Review added to the knowledge base:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/M-Audio_KeyRig_49_USB/MIDI_Controller_Review

Keep them coming Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 28 2010, 12:26 AM

EZ DRUMMER / DRUMS FROM HELL :

If you are doing home recording, you have probably run in to the problem of creating drum tracks without a drummer. There are many solutions to this problem. You can pre-record your drums with a drummer at a studio, (a bit pricey), you can use a midi drum kit or drum triggers or a Dpad to put in beats manually. You can use a midi keyboard with a drum patch to put in drums via finger tip. Or you can use something like EZ DRUMMER.

EZ Drummer can run as a plugin or as a stand alone application. If you are using something like REAPER or PRO TOOLS or LOGIC, EZ Drummer is a great way to get drum tracks created that sound great with a minimum amount of fuss. You launch the plugin from within your DAW and preview hundreds of drum patterns and fills that were created by killer drummers from great bands from all over the world and recorded in a pro studio. The sounds are great. The patterns and fills are great. Over all this is an amazing product that you can buy for a song, if you excuse the pun. The newest version, SUPERIOR DRUMMER 2.0, is even better and also costs a bit more. It's more flexible but also a bit more complicated. So EZ Drummer is a great place to start if you are new to the world of software drums and it's much cheaper than their flagship product. Here is a video from the company that makes EZ Drummer to introduce you to the interface.



If you play Hard Rock or Heavy Metal, right after buying EZ Drummer, RUN don't walk and buy the DRUM KIT FROM HELL expansion pack. Worth every penny. If features drummers from top Metal bands and wads of killer tracks and fills. Here is a little demo I put together in about 30 seconds.
 dft_todd.mp3 ( 396.86K ) : 481

And here is a video from Toontrack introducing DFH and all the killer drummers that it features.


In short, this is a great product and well worth having. If you have yet to take the plunge in to software drums, this is a great way to go. Best of all you can get EZ DRUMMER and the DRUMS FROM HELL EXPANSION for $99 for BOTH!

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Toontrack-EZ-Drummer-and-Free-EZX-Expansion?sku=485953

Practice!
Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 2 2010, 03:25 AM

After playing this guitar for a while I can comfortably say the following. AVOID THIS GUITAR LIKE THE PLAGUE!

I was drawn in by it's flashy good looks and brand name and incredible price! $200 U.S. I first saw it in Guitar Center here in Atlanta and thought it was a pricing mistake, but no! It was really that cheap! I bought it without even touching it. I got it home and plugged it in and that's where things started to go wrong. I plugged it in to my rig expecting hot, searing, Jackson Monster Tone! Sadly, I got limp, weak, buzzy, outright lame tone. The pickups in this thing are just crap.

The clean tone was no better. Thin, weak, no punch. Utterly just bad. Then having given up on the pickups, and figuring I could just put in EMG's and still have a great axe for cheap! Sadly again no.

The action on the guitar was just terrible. I thought it just needed a setup and I proceeded to give it one. I whipped out my tools, adjusted the truss rod and bridge, tried to get the intonations roughly right (nearly impossible) and re-tightened the strings. To my dismay, the guitar played no better after the setup and I started noticing that the frets, actually extended off of the neck. Yes, that's right, as you run your hand along the neck, the misaligned metal frets actually poke in to your hand. As a result, some of the notes on the low strings buzz quite a bit as the fret is seated a bit far south.

So to conclude. I hate to say it but this guitar is crap. If you bought one of these and yours is amazing, please take no offense at this review. It's just one guitar and one guys opinion. Maybe I got a bad one? I certainly hope so



Todd

Posted by: Fran Nov 2 2010, 12:16 PM

It's on the knowledge base

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Jackson_Kelly_JS32T_Review

Sorry to hear it was so bad, at least it was cheap... nice read anyways

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 20 2010, 07:32 AM

I recently puchased a NADY AUDIO PCL-800 POWER CONDITIONER and I must say I'm impressed. The unit is rock solid and can be had for under $40. I bought it from Musicians friend on clearance and they are out of them, but I also found it at Amazon.com for $39, here is a link.



I've got my guitar amp, a separate mixer/amp, two racks full of gear, and a computer plugged in to this thing and it has yet to fail in any way. The power is always clean and free of noise. Something I can't say for my previous off brand unit. There are 8 power plugs on the back and a lighted switch on the front. It's a simple device but very handy for powering your gear with a single switch. If you are looking for a new power strip/power distribution unit/power conditioner, give this one a try. It's a great unit and the price is hard to beat. Here is the feature list from the Nady Site

Features:
*Triple mode varistor surge and spike protection
*Eight rear outlets (with room for four “wall warts”) controlled by front panel switch
*15 amp rating (1800W) with rear panel circuit breaker (UL)
*Rugged single-rack space metal housing for maximum reliability
*EMI/RFI filtered, spike/surge protected and switched

Here are some more pix.

Todd

Posted by: Fran Dec 20 2010, 12:47 PM

Added to the wiki Todd
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Nady_Rack_Mounted_Power/Line_Conditioner_RF/EMI_Filter_Review

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 4 2011, 08:28 AM

BEHRINGER - ULTRA-DI PRO DI4000 (Active 4 Channel Direct Box)



Original Author: Todd Simpson

Weapon: Direct Box/Pre-Amp

Make: BEHRINGER
Model: ULTRA-DI PRO DI4000

Price: 85 € (Thomann.de)
http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_di4000_ultra_di_pro.htm

Introduction

If you are interested in using software like GUITAR RIG or AMPLITUDE, you may have noticed that it's sometimes hard to get enough gain to make the emulation sound like the real thing. The device is an answer to your prayers. It turns your guitar signal in to a "Balanced" signal and then puts +20DB of gain on it without adding wads of noise. The result is that your emulation of a Marshal Stack finally sounds like a Marshal Stack!

The DI4000 gives you four first-class DI channels in one rack space. With two inputs (XLR and 1 /4 " TRS), a balanced output (XLR) and a 1 /4 " link output per channel, up to 40 dB of switchable input attenuation and up to 20 dB of gain, the DI4000 is equipped to deal with virtually any input signal, while our OT-1 output transformers ensure clean, powerful output.

Under the hood

The unit converts unbalanced line inputs (your guitar signal/jack) into balanced outputs while retaining highest signal integrity. In addition, it has some very handy features.

*Ultra-flat frequency response due to renowned BEHRINGER OT-1 transformers.
*Prevents hum and noise pick up due to special transformer decoupling
*+20 dB gain switch for preamplification of low-level signals (This is the SMART BOMB feature of the unit and worth the price of admission all by itself)
*Phase Reverse switch allows you to instantly correct phase problems
*Switchable High-cut filter (8 kHz) for guitar applications
*Ground Lift switch eliminates typical ground loop problems
*Accurate 8-segment LED level meter for optimum performance
*1/4" TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors
*Illuminated switches enable perfect operation in dark stage environments


Sound

The unit has clean, flat, even sound. It doesn't color the signal as it's not meant to. I've found the unit to be quiet, dependable and predictable. A good Direct Box should be pretty transparent and this one is. Certainly, you could spend a lot more money and get a far nicer unit that would be appropriate for a multi million dollar studio. However, for the home studio, this unit works great and is priced right at under 100 Euro.


Overall Impression

The unit is very well built and feels solid. It doesn’t feel cheap and light like it’s made of plastic. It is a rack unit so it slides in to the rack and mounts very solidly. The steel construction of the face place and housing adds to the pro feel. The lighted buttons on the front are a nice touch and handy for dim studios and gigs. The individual level meters are also a great feature.


Alternative Weapon

PALMER PAN 03 (EUR 182)
http://www.thomann.de/gb/palmer_pan_03.htm

Sounds

Here is a sample taken from GUITAR RIG 4 using a custom high gain patch. (+20 DB Gain Engaged)
 GuitarRigMonsterGain.mp3 ( 1.38MB ) : 769

Here is another sample take from GUTAR RIG 4 using less gain, more of a blues tone. (+20 DB Gain Disengaged)
 TubeyBluesy.mp3 ( 1.75MB ) : 235

Posted by: zeus Dec 7 2011, 09:55 AM

Hi Todd,

I noticed that "guitarRigMonsterGain" isn't in the tone vault thread.

It seems like without the 20db gain the tones are muddy. I have an M-Audio Mobile Pre which offers a 40 db gain boost to my guitar. I see a little difference. But overall, I am not pleased with the tone that I hear when I record on the PC. I think I may just continue to mic my 4x12 amp, even though I'd prefer to use Guitar Rig because it is easier.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 10 2011, 05:27 AM

Well hey Have you tried any of these patches yet? Also, notice the BEHRINGER DIRECT BOX review. I'm using it to pump up the gain quite a bit before it hits guitar rig. Also, I'm using a good bit of compression and noise gate to tame it, and I'm not using any of the AMP heads. I always use the sans amp rack module instead. I didn't like any of the amp heads.

Here is a screen grab from the MONSTER GAIN preset.


See how it's built? Noise cancellation, compressor, transamp, eq, etc. Here is the patch.

 GMC_LESSON_87_MONSTER_GAIN.ksd.zip ( 5.56K ) : 206


and a sample


Let me know what you think

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Dec 10 2011, 03:50 PM

Great thread Todd, these reviews should come in handy!

Posted by: Michael AC Dec 10 2011, 09:50 PM

How do you think this compares to the Line 6 HD 500? They are about the same price range.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 19 2011, 09:39 AM

It all comes down to what you as a player are looking for and your ears, but having said that, I'd say go LINE 6! Personally, I didn't like the distortions on ROCKTRON. It's build quality is the best I've ever seen bar none. However, the tone quality was not up to the level I expected from ROCKTRON. They make some amazing Rack mount units and entire touring rigs for HUGE players all over the world. I realize this is a stock piece of gear. Still, the distortions lacked enough gain for me (again personal call) and there is a very limited control over signal path/routing/compression settings. etc.

In short, a bit to "preset" and not near enough "METAL" in the tone for my liking. There's more to any pedal than it's ability to play METAL, but even without that in the equation. The lead tones didn't impress me and the limited control settings were a let down. So yeah, LINE 6!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 31 2011, 03:45 AM

WESTINGHOUSE HDTV 40 inch Class (Replace your Computer Monitor with a MONSTER!)

I recently replaced my two 24 inch Computer Monitors with a single 40 INCH HDTV set in my home studio and I'm shocked at how much better it is. When working on music, reaper, Logic, everything is just easier to see/read/manage/arrange. The screen real estate is just massive. I fist saw Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park using this approach and have since seen others adopting it. It's something of a trend in it's early stages. Even a 32 Inch HDTV would be a good start. You can output directly from your laptop or computer and get a HUGE monitor for a fraction of the cost of an actual computer monitor. The resolution is limited to 1920x1080 but that's actually perfect for me as my apps seem to tiny when i go above that. I have gear on my desk between me and the monitor. So having a huge monitor is just perfect. I could not be happier. You can get one of these for about $349 US which is a killer deal. Here is the link to the product site.

http://westinghousedigital.com/products/lcd/32-40/vr-4030/


And here is the unit installed in my studio. It's a GAME CHANGER! I Love this thing. I don't know how i managed to work before this but I'm never going back. I thought this was just silly when I first heard about it, but don't knock it til you try it! once you try, you won't believe it.



QUICK TIP: NOT FOR PC GAMERS! If you are a Hardcore PC Gamer, this monitor may not have enough refresh rate or resolution for you. This is not for PC GAMING really. It's more for Music/Video/Content creation.

Posted by: Fran Dec 31 2011, 04:16 PM

Wow Todd, your studio looks like something from a star wars movie, you rock man

Posted by: Rammikin Dec 31 2011, 08:23 PM

That's a really interesting setup. I can see how it eliminates the "tiny unreadable things on the screen" syndrome.

But does this mean you actually have a net loss in how much you can display (tracks, plugin windows, etc.)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 3 2012, 05:42 AM

NEW GEAR! Need a 16 Port USB HUB For Your Studio!

Good news! They are on clearance Pricey but made of solid steel and I kept running out of usb ports in my studio. Witch this guy it's not a problem. $80 U.S. from think geek.com


http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/cef0/

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 8 2012, 07:24 AM

FINALLY! THE PERFECT PICK! (FOR ME)

I"ve been working with Vinni from V-Picks and he designed a pick just for little old me and it's WONDERFUL. Comes pre sharpened and beveled along the sides from the factory! Finally. No more carving picks up with a pocket knife! These are really fast picks and I"m digging them. I have to pay for them mind you and don't get any cut when he sells them so I"m not trying to sell here. They are 3.99 each and I made my initial order for 10 of them. They RAWK! Here is a link and a pic.

http://bitly.com/vpicktodd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 8 2012, 10:58 AM

P.S. If you get a chance, try the new Guitar Rig 5 demo, and Amplitude Free. Both are really good. Also, try the OVELOUD products Th1 and Th2. I have some presets available for download. They were created with zero additional input gain so they should rip hard!

Here is my TH2 Preset Thread

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42250

and my TH1 Preset Thread.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42013

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 21 2012, 12:27 AM

MEGA CHEAP DISTORTION PEDAL/BOX

$20 U.S. For this "Danelecto D-3 Metal" Distortion Pedal

It honestly can't be very good for this price, but at that price I had to try it Also, I want to evaluate it as a really really really cheap preamp to be used with software emulation patches like Guitar Rig etc. I know most folks don't have rack mount preamp like I"m running to spice up my custom Guitar Rig/Overlour TH1/TH2 patches, so I figured I'd look for something really cheap that does the job well enough.

To be sure, if you bought a tube based stomp box/preamp it would sound WARMER/BETTER/etc. but those are pricey and out of immediate reach of many players so I wanted to find a "Make Do" pedal that would get you most of the way there. I'm going to review this one and try to use it in Next Saturday's Video Chat.!

https://plus.google.com/photos/114929578787414227320/albums/5711350086615912241?banner=pwa

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Feb 21 2012, 12:56 AM

It's really bargain! You sure it's not plastic toy ? .. I mean- it is, but anyway !

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 21 2012, 04:19 AM

For $20 U.S. you were expecting a Metal case? Nope. My goal was to find the cheapest possible way to to put a little more gain ahead of a software emulator the same way people put a tube screamer before a mesa boogie, to give it more punch This far from a Mesa and Tube Screamer, but again, going for minimum dollars spent.

Here is an Audio Demo!

1.)FIRST SOUND BIT IS GUITAR RIG 4 PATCH ONLY (No blue light on Pedal)

2.)SECOND SOUND BIT IS GUITAR RIG 4 PATCH WITH PEDAL ( Blue light is on)

(PEDAL SETTINGS: GAIN 0% - TONE 25% - VOLUME 75%)

BOTTOM LINE:

It really punches up the sound of a emulated patch. I was pretty impressed that it gave the patch this much chunk and crunch for only $20. I'm all for great pedals that cost $300 each, but with a cheap pedal and a decent emulator (EVEN A FREE ONE LIKE AMPLITUDE FREE) you can have just TONS of CRUNCH!

Todd

Posted by: audiopaal Mar 12 2012, 01:17 PM

Great, thanks for sharing!
Good read

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 12 2012, 11:30 PM

Happy to do it It was a fun test and I was shocked how much punch that little pedal added and it's sooooo cheap!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 4 2012, 08:51 AM

Todd here with a review of the IBANEZ XIPHOS XPT 700

First up. The Features.

The Ibanez XPT700 is a Xiphos series electric guitar model, introduced in 2007 as part of the Ibanez X series. It is the first Xiphos model introduced by Ibanez. Featuring include a neck-through-body construction, a double locking tremolo and DiMarzio pickups.

Body material:
Mahogany
Neck joint:
Neck-thru
Bridge:
Edge III tremolo
Hardware color:
Cosmo Black


NECK
Neck type:
Wizard II
Neck material:
5-Piece Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard:
Bound Rosewood
Inlays:
Reversed Sharktooth
Frets:
24 / Jumbo

ELECTRONICS
PU Config:
HH
Neck PU:
DiMarzio D Activator
Bridge PU:
DiMarzio D Activator
Controls:
1 Volume / 1 Tone / 3-Way Toggle

REVIEW

This is a SHREDDERS guitar plain and simple. First off, it's pointy. Jazz/Blues men, seldom walk on stage with reverse head stocks, and pointy star shaped guitars. This Axe looks the part of what it's built to do. Play METAL. Not to say you couldn't play jazz or blues on this guitar, because you certainly could. You could honestly play pretty much anything on it. The neck is VERY thin and VERY fast, and the pickups are DIMARZIO ACTIVATORS and can go from super clean to FACE MELTING with the turn of the volume knob. So it's a sonically flexible instrument. But one look and you know what it wants to do. It wants to Kill and Destroy

I really like this guitar. The neck is one of the best I"ve played and reminds me of my precious RG560. So fast and thin it's crazy. Also, the pickups SCREAM and the double locking trem is stable and smooth. The NECK THROUGH BODY construction aids in sustain and playability. The large body points also seem to help with sustain and overall tone. Pickups are hard mounted so that helps a bit as well.

I had bought this guitar instead of saving a bit more and getting either an original Ibanez RG565 or the Reissue version. And while I really dig the guitar, I still prefer the body on my RG560, perhaps because I"ve been playing for 10 years. So I"m going to part with this shredding beast and try to find it a good home and start saving again.

**VIDEO REVIEW TO FOLLOW
(For now here are some pix!)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 27 2012, 03:25 AM

Here is the first of my ORANGE TINY TERROR JIM ROOT EDITION videos that I'm working on. The Video is unliested and not released yet, but you guys get a preview!!

Posted by: korblitz Nov 27 2012, 09:22 AM

Whoa..just whoa!

Amazing video review, amazing player, amazing video editing. I love the off-axis interview part...I love that you said it like it is..."not a lot of clean headroom", people usually skip the "negative" parts of the amp.

Looking forward to see new gear videos.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 28 2012, 02:06 AM

Thanks man! I think your the only one who saw the post Or at least the only one who commented. Thanks for the feedback! We really put a lot of work in to this vid so I honestly thought it would generate more response. It turned out great '

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 14 2013, 08:59 PM

[/b]


I"m doing some work on my Dean Razorback and I have to share how AMAZING the neck turned out. I had a luthier re-profile the neck so it's more like my IBANEZ RG560, which has the fastest/thinnest neck I"ve ever found on a guitar. It's finally been put back on the guitar and I"m gonna give it a whirl!!!

Here is a pic. Is that not the thinnest Dean Neck you've ever seen?

*Next Up!!! Pickup Replacement. The stock pickups in the razorback are just not doing the trick for me. I"m going to try some custom, hand wound, crazy output pickups. More to come!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 31 2013, 11:04 PM

This is my FIRST CUSTOM BUILDER GUITAR!!!!. I usually buy off the rack and I"ve been wanting to try a guitar from a custom builder for a while.


QUESTION: Anyone else have a guitar from a small builder/vendor/custom shop?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 30 2013, 05:31 AM

*REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!!

After a few months of painful waiting (I fear I nagged Dennis @ Pro Tone nearly to death) Dennis offered to upgrade my purchase of the Misha Custom Overdrive to the Misha DELUXE overdrive and I said, "YES!!!!!!"

It showed up and plugged it in and WOW. I have to tell you guys. GET ONE OF THESE PEDALS!!!

I've tried many, many overdrive pedals as you guys know. I own about a dozen of them currently. I'm going to put them all on ebay. I can't go back to them. This pedal is so much better, so beyond what the others can do that it's just staggering.

These pedals are not cheap and they are not easy to find. It's a limited edition run, and they are going to stop selling them @ Pro Tone so you may have to use Ebay or a music store to get one. But either way, GET ONE!!!

Here is a vid about the new features. It really is the secret to MISHAS killer tone.



Here is my personal unit My new baby.



Paired with a Strictly 7 Cobra 8 string, it's pure ARMAGEDDON!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 30 2013, 10:31 PM

Here is a quick and dirty vid I did to show the Bulb Deluxe Overdrive from ProTone Pedals on BASS GUITAR. I'm using a cheap Ibanez GIO 5 String bass. The pickups in this bass are crap and sound like there is a blanket over them. But click on the pedal and BAM, the tone gets clear and aggressive.

It's an old studio trick to use a Tube Screamer on bass guitar to make it "growl" a bit I"ve done this myself. But it's never sounded like this. I WOULD NOT USE THIS SIGNAL BY ITSELF. I'd layer it over top of the original bass recording to add definition and clarity. That way I can keep the really low bits from the original track and dial in as much definition and growl as needed.

This would mean "re-amping" through the pedal but that's not complicated and well worth teh benfits of tone. So far I have not found a setting on my fav plugins that adds this kind of clarity and growl for bass but I'll keep looking

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 5 2013, 04:16 AM

I FINALLY was able to shoot my review/playthough video for the Strictly 7 cobra. I gave up on shooting in the DAEL studio where I shot my ORANGE vid and shot in my home studio. Turned out spiff Here is the vid.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 16 2017, 06:44 PM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 26 2017, 10:12 PM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 27 2017, 06:09 PM

Posted by: Fran Mar 1 2017, 05:53 PM

Thanks Todd for these reviews. I'll add them to our wiki! (the ones that are not already there!)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 2 2017, 08:39 PM

Thanks much ! Here is a video with some good sound comparisons using the POD HD BEAN a REVV 120 amp and POSITIVE GRID BIAS. Gives a good example of why I just didn't like this unit. Great on cleans, great on fx, but for me the High Gain channel is yes or no button for any bit of kit.

Posted by: Fran Mar 17 2017, 01:33 PM

Here's a first batch of wikied reviews, thanks Todd:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Line_6_POD_HD_%28Bean_Version%29
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Digitech_Genesis_3_Review
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Dean_Rusty_Cooley_Exotic_Edition_7_String_Guitar_Review

More to come!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 17 2017, 09:21 PM

Many thanks! I saw a post asking about a main link on the first page to the wiki? I thought we had a first page link? Am I missing it or did it get moved?

Posted by: Fran Mar 18 2017, 11:52 AM

There was a link up in the main page in the past. Easiest way to get to the wiki is just typing /wiki after the main page url

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 21 2017, 11:40 PM

I hope they put it back! Maybe even across the top after the FORUM link?

Posted by: Fran Mar 24 2017, 01:27 PM

Two more

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Protone_Bulb_Overdrive_Deluxe_Review
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Strictly_7_Custom_Cobra_Review

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 24 2017, 09:50 PM

Thanks much!! I hope we get that WIKI button

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 31 2017, 09:45 PM

HOTONE XTOMP "Purple Plexi"

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 5 2017, 09:57 PM

Check this out. Both of these Guitars are IBANEZ XIPHOS Series. One is an XPT700 one is an XPT750. The only difference is the pickup set and the color. At least on paper and according to the Ibby Wikki. However, take a look at these pics. The XPT750 has a much thinner neck. I noticed this as I switched between playing them. It was a drastic difference. So much so that I sold the white one. The red ones are quite rare these days as it was a limited edition and had Dimarzio pickups instead of the "INF" pups. If you are looking for an ibby, try finding a used xpt750 if you don't mind pointy guitars that is Check this pix.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 25 2017, 07:42 PM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 3 2017, 07:38 PM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 24 2017, 10:44 PM

The Ibanez RG3570Z is an RG series Prestige electric guitar model introduced in 2009. Features include a basswood body, DiMarzio pickups, an Edge Zero tremolo and a bound fingerboard with wedge sharktooth inlays. Unique are the classic Ibanez 80s finishes combined with yellow pickups and control knobs. It was introduced at the 2009 Winter NAMM for the US market and added to the line-up in Japan later that year. For 2010, it is available worldwide. New for 2009 and this model was the Super Wizard Prestige neck profile. In 2010 it was renamed the Super Wizard HP neck, now with KTS Titanium reinforcement rods.


Specifications for RG3570Z
Name: RG3570Z
Years: 2009-2012
Areas: Worldwide
Made in: Japan
Finishe: LB (Lazer Blue) (2009-2011)

Body material:Basswood
Neck joint:AANJ
Bridge:Edge Zero with ZPS3
Hardware color:Cosmo Black
Neck type:2009: Super Wizard Prestige
Neck material: 5-Piece Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard:Bound Rosewood
Inlays:Wedge Sharktooth
Frets:24 / Jumbo
Electronics
PU Config:HSH
Bridge PU:DiMarzio Tone Zone
Mid PU:DiMarzio True Velvet
Neck PU:DiMarzio Air Norton
Controls:1 Volume / 1 Tone / 5-Way Lever




REVIEW: This is honestly the best guitar I've ever played. The neck is straigh as an arrow and the action is so low that I can barely believe it. The guitar almost plays itself. It's got the Super Wizard 17mm @ the nut super slim profile that makes playing almost effortless. There is very little arm fatigue, even after extended playing times. Very little finger pressure is required to fret. This guitar would make a great addition to any collection. It's 5 way switch and dimarzio pickups allow a wide variety of tones from humbucker to single coil, to blends in between. It's a hugely versatile instrument, at home playing Metal or Jazz.

These are no longer made which is a shame. They are amazing instruments. If you can find one, especially in decent shape, expect to pay around $1,000 U.S. for it. Give or take. If you do find one, GET IT!! you will not be sorry. It's the jewel of my collection and I find myself not playing my other guitars at all. I've got two Golden Era MIJ RGs but they do not compare to this guitar in terms of easy of play. I never knew a guitar could be this good. The sustain is amazing, the resonance is astounding, the entire thing is just amazing.

*DEMOS:
*Here I am playing on a collab from GABE


*Here is GMCer BEN with his RG3570z and me on the rare XIPHOS XPT750.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2017, 10:04 PM

My new IBANEZ 3570ZLB ( Z for the Zero Point Trem, LB for Lazer Blue) is a big hit over at the RG SERIES forum on FACEBOOK. Evidently I'm not the only one that has wanted one of these for a while I must admit to being a bit jealous of BEN having found one in Europe long before I found one in the States! Although his had to travel the length of his country I believe to make it to him.These are getting harder and harder to find it seems. Didn't expect 152 likes on just one pic, but I can't blame em, I like this axe too.

The action is the same at the 24th fret as it is on fret 1!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/213258302154580/?multi_permalinks=940086886138381&notif_t=like&notif_id=1498984831899764

Posted by: Fran Jul 19 2017, 01:20 PM

Here's that nice Ibby at the wiki:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Ibanez_RG3570Z_Review

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2017, 04:15 AM

Cool!! It's hard to believe this guitar is almost a decade old and is still in this good of condition with the neck straight as a board and the action able to be so low. My old RG560 has a bit of bow in the neck but this new one has zero. Plays like a dream

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 18 2018, 07:41 PM

Still have a great time with the hotone xtomp. Every time they release an update, it's like getting a wad of new gear to try out. Granted, they are emulations of gear, but still, helps keep my G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome) in check I really liked a couple of pedals in the last release. Thought I should add them to this thread.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 23 2018, 07:20 PM

Cleaning your frets does not have to be a chore. with the right gear, which costs less than $20, you can clean all your frets quickly and easily without damaging your fretboard. Put the steel wool down and never use it again imho. Here are a couple of simple tool to knock out the job with easy and precision and without damaging your guitar.



Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 27 2018, 02:14 AM

Here is a playthrough and explanation (after the playthrough) of the ART SGX LT preamp. It's an old bit of kit made in 1992 so it does sound dated. If you are looking for something that sounds like it's ripped from the late 80's / Early 90s in a single rack space, this is it!!! Perfect for cover bands doing tunes from this era or just as a cheap way to get lots of fx. These go for about $50-$75 U.S. which is a steal. Midi controllable, one rack space. Even if you skip the distortion and just use it for FX, it's a great value.

Posted by: Mertay Apr 27 2018, 07:03 AM

Yep it definitely reminded me of my childhood

Funny thing is finally nowadays we get to use them to the max. I only had a super small and crappy amp those days but through amp sim.s finally can get an idea how it would work with a big Marshall.

Todd, if you haven't yet definitely try to find an older (preferably american made) digitech Grunge pedal.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 27 2018, 09:17 PM

I"ve tried the Grunge pedal!! I liked it I also liked the GRUNGE setting on several DIGITECH devices that I've owned over the years. IMHO it's one of their best high gain algos!!! I'm having a big time getting these old units and making demo vids of them I'm looking for a ART SGX T2 for my next conquest! But I'm open to just about anything retro! The vid then serves as a promotional device to sell the item on ebay to fund the next one

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 6 2018, 04:37 AM

I don't think my previous ART SGX NITRO vid was in my Gear Review Thread, so it's high time I put it in!

This is the ART SGX NITRO. It was a single rack space processor made by ART and they made several variants. The Big two rack space SGX 2000 was the end of the line. These processors were popular in the early 90s. They are now "Vintage" gear. They used to be very cheap to pick up, now for some reason, the price of these units seems to be going straight up. If you can find a cheap one in decent shape, grab it. They are a lot of fun

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 18 2018, 09:47 PM

I tried the new BLACK HOLE VPICK and I like it better than my Signature Vpick. It's got a hole in the middle just like the VONHOTCH picks which I ADORE that were hand made by our own vonhotch. Adding this hole makes the pick not slip in your hand which is why I liked it on the VONHOTCH. I would not be suprised if we start seeing holes put in more picks the same way that vendors caught on to making pointy picks a few years back

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 8 2018, 07:02 PM

Read about this pedal online and wanted to give it a try. It's called "THE BUTCHER". It's a hand made boutique pedal from Latvia. The words on the pedal are in Latvian, so I've labeled them in English on my playthrough. It's great for DOOM, SLUDGE or anything that needs a very beefy, deep, throaty, drive. It's got a Mastodon vibe to it at lower gain settings. It's ideal for rythm parts that needs a Doomy vibe. Here is my quick playthrough. http://www.jānis.lv/


Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 28 2018, 10:04 PM

Here the some technical data on the Loudster.
portable floor power amp
Loudster is a compact power amp specially designed for guitarists.
This portable 75-watt power amp puts out a huge, natural tone with musical power. With Loudster at the end of your FX chain, you can forget about hauling an amp around－plug into any cab and you’re set.

FEATURES
✪ Portable floor power amp designed for guitarists
✪ Compact size, lightweight aluminum casing
✪ Gives volume and voice to your drive pedals and amp modelers
✪ Up to 75 Watts output power
✪ Compatible with cabinets of different impedances ranging from 4-16Ω
✪ High quality tone with simple volume control
✪ High input impedance keeps your tone immaculate
✪ 18-20V DC power supply (center positive)
This is a diagram of signal routing using various approaches.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 20 2018, 07:53 PM

The fine folks at KALI audio monitors have sent me a pair to review. I saw some vids about these on the interwebs and it got me wanting to try a pair! I've been using my trust KRK ROKIT 6 monitors for year. The KRK monitors are in almost every home studio I've ever seen because they are predictable and semi linear. You know what you are gonna get and they are not too pricey.

These monitors are about $300 a pair and are said to be the best monitors under $600 ever built. Quite a bold statement. They are very inexpensive considering they are compared with monitors that cost twice as much. The people behind this company are folks who used to work at JBL but left to start their own thing. I've got the LP6 which has a 6.5 inch driver. There is an 8 inch driver version as well. Unboxing and review to follow!!!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not being paid for this review and I'm not getting free gear. These are on loan from the company and I"m sending them back after the review. I have recently found out that folks I really trusted for reviews are being paid $1,000 or more per review. This seems to taint the results a bit imho. If I was being paid 1k for a review, id have a hard time saying bad things.
Anyhoo, they just showed up. So not even out of the box yet!!

Posted by: Mertay Oct 20 2018, 09:15 PM

If possible, recording music playing through them isn't a bad test when reviewing monitors for youtube. Since you have the popular krk's, even with a camera mic. the changes should reflect for the viewer to have an idea.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 20 2018, 09:40 PM

Planning on putting up a room mic using a condensor micrphone to give folks a better idea. The mis on handycams are notoriously crap. Im always amazed when I see speaker demos recorded with low quality cam mics as it just sounds like the cam mic. So not to worry, I"ll be using a real mic
Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 22 2018, 06:09 AM

This is a short "Unboxing" video of the KALI LP6 audio monitors that I just got in. I was able to get them set up and have been doing listening tests. I'm frankly blown away by these. I can't believe these are $300 a pair. They are $100 per pair cheaper than my krk rokit 6 monitors which I've trusted for many years. The sweet spot is HUGE. They have a larger mid range thank my KRK and more air Also the bass extension is greater. I'm going to do some mixing / recording and see how it goes!!