Bob Dylan Revisits Highway 61 VIDEOS!

We're celebrating Bob's 70th Birthday this May as Highway 61 Revisited performs Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" with breakout solos by Joel Gilbert, (lead vocals, rhythm guitar 1945 Gibson J-50), Scarlet Rivera, (violin) and John "JJ" Jackson, (lead guitar, arch-top Gretsch). Rivera was part of Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue Tour and is heard on many of his recordings.  Jackson likewise was an original band member of Dylan's and was part of his Never Ending Tour. Gilbert is a cinematographer (Bob Dylan: World Tours 1966-1974, NR 2004) and expert on Bob Dylan's music and instruments.   This incredible tribute band will be performing at BB King's Blues Club in New York City on May 30, 2011. Click the link here or see listings under "SHOWS" below for tickets.  Visit Highway 61 Revisited website for concert dates and band info'.
Notice: Copyright music and lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Special Rider -- for original, exclusive performances by Bob Dylan, check-out the official channel at Bob Dylan's TV Channel on YouTube

Rico Tabazio - Fender bass!

Gilbert, Dr. M & Peter after the show

Blowin' in the Wind and Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat. Check out Scarlet Rivera's violin solo while cracking up over Dylan's lyrics on Pillbox Hat.  Jackson's cool blues guitar solo at the end is NOT to be missed!

Gig Your Rig: Fender Passport Pro 500 Review

Fender's original Passport Deluxe PD-500 PA System

FENDER Passport® Deluxe PD-500
A lot of singer - songwriters have depended on the Fender Passport for small to medium sized gigs.  They really were a step up, allowing you to travel with a compact PA System that easily fits in the backseat of your car.  At about 53 lbs, the Fender Passport Deluxe PD-500  is considered light to have your 8 channel mixer, speakers, mics and cables all included in the weight. They work fairly well for vocals and drum / bass machines.  I still prefer a dedicated tube amp for the guitar but in a pinch you can plug an acoustic right in. Phantom power allows you to use more sensitive condenser mics but the Deluxe PD-500 came with two well made Fender dynamic mics.  Sounds pretty cool, right?

Fender Passport® 500 PRO Replaces the Deluxe PD-500
So when Fender came out with their series "upgrade", the Passport Pro, I was very interested in the next generation's innovations.  One thing is the weight.  The Passport Pro 500 is nearly 9 lbs lighter than the Deluxe PD-500 but there's a partial reason for that.  Fender touts the Passport Pro 500 as the "top of the line" in this series.  We beg to differ.  One issue is that you get LESS by way of accessories and quite a bit so.  The original PD-500 Deluxe came with two very solid Fender dynamic mics, cables, clips and cases.  These essentials are NOT included with the new Passport Pro 500.  So you are going to have to go out and buy mics and cables before you can gig this rig.  That would also bring up the weight!

The New Fender Passport Pro 500 is 9 lbs lighter

Another issue we found with the new Passport is that it only offers reverb in the FX department.  The previous Passport gave you a full array of rather professional plates including Hall, Room, Delay, Reverb and more.  The older Passport also came with high quality Celestion Speakers and heavy duty Speakon Cables.  Fender says the speakers are still made by Celestion.  No go on the Speakon Cables however.  The ones you get now are very thin in comparison and do not lock as the Speakons.


The "redone" Passport Pro 500 has a port that lets you record your performance with CD quality (.wav) straight to a USB flash drive, CD-quality .wav and mp3 file playback.  Passport's are adequate enough for live performances but I don't know too many artists wanting to record with it.  Most musicians just want to get in, set up and play with something that is reliable and rugged.  I've found Passports in general to be just that.  The new Passport has 10" Woofer, 1.2" Horn Loaded Tweeter.  The older Passport Deluxe PD-500 has Two 8" woofers and one titanium compression driver and horn per cabinet PLUS Neo-Precision neodymium speakers designed by Celestion.  Feedback Killer was also installed on the older higher end Passport series.

The Wrap:
As a musician, you have to determine what is really important to you and your audience.  While the new Fender Pro 500 is about $400 cheaper than the previous model, you will still need to purchase mics, cables, etc. before you can take it on the road.  While most musicians use a Passport for vocals, the loss of all but reverb for effects is not a good trade off.  Without multi effects you could end up sounding like you are singing through a PA system.  I'm sorry to see the older Passport Deluxe PD-500 go but was glad to have it repaired rather than replaced with the newer model.  All in all, not a good call on this one, Fender.

Once again "Old School Must Rule" but the old Fender Passport goes the way of the dinosaur.

C.F. Martin's New Cleartone Strings

Dr. M and Martin Craftsman, Dave Doll after restringing her D-16!

One of the things I have appreciated about being a Martin Guitar Owner is the excellent factory set-up all my guitars have received.  In general, most acoustics tend to have a higher action (distance between the strings and fretboard) than electrics.  This has not been a serious problem with my Martin D-16GT or SWDGT even after having them restrung at their Free String Clinics.

These new treated strings are now part of all factory set ups

Not only did I learn a lot about guitar mechanics, but these clinics gave me a chance to try out different Martin Acoustic Strings.  I recently switched from Medium Phosphor Bronze to Lights on my D-16 and was thrilled with the change.  The guitar plays like butter now!

It is worth it to experiment a bit because new strings are like giving your guitar a "voice lift".  Dead strings are just that, DOA.  New to Martin's line of acoustic strings are the Lifespans, treated with Ceartone for longer play.  I am looking forward to trying these out on my HD-28.  These are being installed on all new production Martins this year.  Oftentimes, guitar strings will sit on a wall at the music store and go dead before they can even be played.  Martin hopes to avoid this problem with the use of Cleartone strings which should be a boon to both dealers and their customers.

If you'd like to learn how to properly restring your acoustic, here is Martin Guitar's Restringing Video.
Dave Doll is the Martin Craftsman in the Video who did my D-16GT in the lead photo.  I can say that this is perhaps the best technique out there.  Simple, to the point, Dave shows you some insider tips such as how to keep your strings from slipping out of the posts and effectively seating the end pins with the ball end of the strings. Check it out and you too can get pro results on restringing your acoustic guitar!

C.F. Martin D-16GT

Big Book of Irish Songs

Big Book O Irish Songs from Hal Leonard

This time of year, everyone wants to be a little Irish and if you are playing local pubs and coffee houses, you might want to have a few Gaelic ballads on your set list.  Your audience will appreciate your inclusion of them even if they aren't Irish just based on their beauty alone.

Now while "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" is a lovely sing-along, there is so much more to Celtic music than that.  You would do well to look into the history of many of these songs which oftentimes were written in homage to the wealthy landowners from whom Irish peasants rented.

Playing the Harp & Guitar - Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Therefore many of the songs in this genre are not necessarily love songs as one might think.  More than that they were written out of respect and awe of people occupying a certain station in society. 
Think of how an artist renders his patron in a painting.  Very flattering!  In other words the one who pays the piper calls the tune.  Traditional Irish Folk Songs like Garryowen are used as a Bagpipe March and have patriotic lyrics.

Wake Songs are also another type of Irish music that might be misunderstood.  A parting glass and an Irish Wake was part of the experience of many who would leave Ireland never to return to friends or family.  Needless to say, these are very moving compositions.  Hal Leonard's Big Book of Irish Songs for Piano Vocal & Guitar offers lyrics and guitar chord diagrams in standard notation.  Not all are Folksongs but quite a few are from Tin Pan Alley such as those written by George M. Cohan (Mary's A Grand Old Name & Harrigan) The songs are alphabetically ordered for easy access and the book itself folds quite flat for your music stand or piano.  This is NOT a Fake Book so be prepared for multiple chord changes on the guitar.  Well worth the effort if you want to get the full flavor of each song.

Drum Major leading a band of Pipers playing Garryowen.

 

2011's BEST Guitar Gear FINALISTS

Eclectic Sound is very pleased to announce this latest video featuring our TOP picks for 2011's BEST Guitar Gear which includes some new releases from the 2011 NAMM Show.  All of the equipment was chosen for quality construction, ease of use and are what we consider to be essential to the gigging / recording musician.  Here are some noteworthy standouts in the following categories:

Best Guitar Straps:

Levy's Leathers Suede Tooled Leather Strap, shown here NEW for 2011
Planet Waves Planet Lock Strap
Sully's Handmade Leather Guitar Straps

Most Useful Guitar Accessories:

Audio-Technica's Guitar Wireless
Planet Waves Tru Strobe Pedal Tuner & Capo Tuner
Hercules Guitar Stands & Canvas Carry Bags
Guitar Hoodie

ProTec Music Pods for Pics, Capos, etc.

Most Useful Singer-Songwriter Accessories:

VoiceTone Create - XT
Audio-Technica's AT-4081 Ribbon Condenser

Best Tech Tools:
Sanyo Pedal Juice
Rock Prodigy iPod / iPhone App

BEST in Show:

BOSS GT-10 Guitar Multi-effector offers the most pedal, effects and amp options for the working guitarist.  Its like having a pedal board full of stompboxes plus a Wah all in one solid tour-worthy unit!

The BOSS Flagship Unit for Guitar, the GT-10

Farley's Stage Player II Guitar Stand Review

Farley's Stage Player II Stool & Guitar Stand

There are some things that just make life a little easier.  If you play guitar, Farley's Stage Player II by Nick Vail Designs is one of them.  Building on the success and design of the original Stage Player, the upgraded Stage Player II includes a foot rest.  A spring loaded locking pin allows a quick folding of the stool for easy traveling.  Throw it in the back seat of your car along with your guitar and go!

Stage Player II with an Aria Pro

Jams and professional studio sessions are often a mixed bag seating wise.  One of the best things you can do to help settle in is bring a stool that you're comfortable with.  The stage Player II goes one better by letting you park your instrument while taking a break.  Besides, sitting on a stool helps straighten your back and stretch your legs.  The fold down foot rest is perfect for classical guitarists who need to prop their instrument at an angle for proper fretwork.  Technique is everything and if you're comfortable, all else seems to fall in place.

The Wrap

The Stage Player II is available at Amazon.com for about $50.  It has multiple uses in the studio, gigs and jam sessions plus:

• Features:
  • No assembly required
  • Weighs 10 lbs
  • Fully padded and comfortable
  • Fits most guitars, bases, and banjos
  • Neck support and non-slip foam on the folding support arms
  • Fold-down foot rest
  • Safe for all finishes
  • Rugged metal construction
  • Holds up to 250 lbs

Things to Look Out For

The bottom guitar braces do not snap securely in place.  If you're wearing wide boot cut jeans, they might get caught on one of them as you're jumping off.  Not a cool way to exit your set!  I've found this to also be a problem when transporting the stool so the simple solution is to hold it upside down by the bottom cross braces.  Minor issues when you still have the best seat in the house for both you AND your guitar at your next  gig.



Video Demo of the Stage Player II

Humidity to Go

The Air O Swiss Portable Ultrasonic Humidifier is travel-ready!

Acoustics are more prone to drying out!

If you depend on your guitar and voice at least in part to make a living, you really need to protect your investments.  Winter dryness can wreak havoc with your acoustic guitar's structure and ability to stay in tune.  Really the same holds true for your voice!  Traveling poses a real threat to both because you have no control over the airplane cabin or hotel room's humidity levels.  Airplanes are notoriously dry so there's not much you can do about that but once you arrive at your destination, there is a workable solution to rehydrate yourself AND your instruments.

Air O Swiss makes a full range of ultrasonic humidifiers for the home and studio with some vocalists having one in each room to maintain optimal humidity levels, (between 45-55%).  Once you leave that comfortably controlled environment, well, you're on your own!
Air O Swiss has an answer for that too.  The AOS 7146 Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier offers a super lightweight, portable unit that gives you humidity output of 1 gallon a day using a simple plastic water bottle!  The no-leak adapter and balancing feet make it tip proof and stable plus it's quiet in operation.

The Air O Swiss 7146 Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier

This portable humidifier can be placed on your night stand or dresser for a great night's sleep.  The cool microfine mist immediately evaporates and if you are using bottled water you'll enjoy pure, fresh air as well.  Place your guitar on its stand and it will naturally absorb the moisture from the room humidifier. Both you AND your guitar can sleep well!  I've found my acoustic guitars staying in tune longer when they are kept properly humidified.  I also have less sinus and vocal issues in the morning after sleeping with an ultrasonic humidifier.  Now you don't have to leave behind all the comforts of home.  Take clean, moist air with you everywhere you go, even on tour.



Look in our banner ad section for more tips on Guitar Humidification including a video with Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars!   Also check out Levy's Leathers Touring Bag for your mics and cables.

Recording Studio Set Up: Mics & Preamps

This is YOUR year to get it done! Polished, mastered vocal and instrumental tracks are so easy with these stand alone preamps and Audio-Technica condenser studio mics. Better still, most of this equipment works well on the road too so check out Levy's Tour Bag, perfect for packing delicate microphones and cables, (we recommend Planet Waves Custom Pro Series Mic & Instrument cables). Now you can get professional recording studio results using these high tech, large diaphragm mics and preamps...at home! 

Audio Technica's AT-4081 Ribbon Mic

A-T Studio Headphones

             

Digitech Vocalist Live 4 Mic Preamp / Harmonizer

  

Preview of 2011's Best Guitar Gear!

Eclectic Sound TV scooped some of the BEST new gear from NAMM 2011 to see who's going to make the final cut on our list for 2011's BEST Guitar Gear! Here are some of the Award Show nominees but don't count out some surprise entrants being added!!! Our 2011's BEST Guitar Gear video will be the business so stay tuned and check out 2010's Best Guitar Gear Winners!  Please be sweet and Tweet 

Rock Prodigy App for iPhone / iPod Touch!

Sanyo Pedal Juice in BLACK!

Studio Side: Voicetone Create XT DEMO Video

Unless you can make it to the NAMM Show this week, you probably don't know how some of these effects pedals come in the box. Hey it all looks good set up on the promo videos but what's it REALLY like to purchase the T.C. Helicon Voicetone Create XT vocal effects pedal and put it to work in the studio? Also how does it REALLY sound without all the fancy speakers and mastering companies often use?
Take a look and get a listen....we've got your answers right here! No smoke and mirrors, this is how the Voicetone Create XT comes packaged, what's included, what you'll need and how it sounds right out of the box. Hey remember, please be sweet and RETWEET using the button below!















Hardtune or Autotune are just two of the studio vocal effects you can get from the Create XT Pedal. Just listen to the effects on recordings by artists like Kanye West, (shown here with Dr. M!), Lil' Wayne, T Pain and Jay Z. R & B, Pop and other genres use these same effects to add interest and a techno edge to their tracks. On the right in the photo above is the Sanyo Pedal Juice powering both the Create XT and BOSS DR-3 Drum & Bass Machine without an AC outlet. Mic used in the vocal portion is an Audio-Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser. Broaden your horizons and try something new!

2011 NAMM Show January 13th -16th

Audio-Technica Hall A, Booth # 6740
C.F. Martin Guitar in Booth #5454
Planet Waves & D' Addario in Booth #4834
Hal Leonard in Booth #4618

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