Tired of Guitar Hero?

Congratulations to DAVID MACDONALD, winner of our May Guitar Gear Give-Away!

Get a real guitar!

PHOTO: Dr. M and her North American made Fender Standard Stratocaster in Chrome Red. Guitar Cable by SnapJack.

Haven't you had enough? You see these poor kids and even worse, adults buying video guitar games, trying to play like Slash. Well, if you are like me and would rather play a real instrument, don't despair. Here is our down and dirty list of what you need to get for a younger player or even yourself without selling your firstborn. In fact, buying a musical instrument will be a much better investment than any video game purchase. We're even going to recommend some great DVD's to go with that new guitar in case you're a little rusty.

What's a Good "First" Guitar for a Child?

If you want to get a child their first guitar, unless they are as big as an adult, a small sized body instrument will often work better. The child will have a easier time holding the instrument and that extra comfort level may be enough to help him or her stick with it when the going gets tough. Fender Stratocasters, namely the Squires are reasonably priced, easy to play and often come as a package which includes a small practice amp. The Strat, by design, is very easy to play and the body shape makes it quite comfortable to hold.

If you prefer not to worry about purchasing an amp, consider purchasing a Little Martin (LX Series) or small body acoustic guitar. Again, these are scaled down in size for smaller hands and are much more comfortable for a child to hold than say a full sized Dreadnought. The sound is still very good so no sacrifice there. Acoustics are a bit more delicate but you will not have to worry about amp issues as these types of guitars can go anywhere.

Get the child involved in choosing the color or style of their guitar. That way they will bond with the instrument and want to spend more time playing it. Children are generally very sensitive about colors and shapes. They may surprise you about what colors appeal to them so keep an open mind. Martin's small body LX Series come in many bright colors such as the purple shown below. Let them play the guitar first and pick the color they personally like. This way, they are part of the decision process and invested in playing that particular guitar. No one is going to benefit by having a guitar sit in the case growing old.

PHOTO: Martin LX in Purple

A lot of the appeal of the Guitar Hero games is due to the bright colors of the guitars and computer graphics. What may seem outlandish or garish to us often comes across as fun and exciting to a child. This acoustic, small bodied guitar also comes in natural, red, black, blue, pink or even decorated with cartoon themes.

The point is, real guitars aren't boring anymore! These instruments are just as attractive as their video-game counterparts. Better still, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made an investment in the child learning to play a real instrument. Musicians, especially those who go on to read notation often also excel in math. Learning time signatures, quarter, half and whole notes are all math related skills and can crossover to help your child in these areas. Can a guitar video game do that? In this tight economy, it is wise to keep a check on our investments. Most video games have a very short shelf life. Game manufacturers often discontinue game systems after about two years or less. This means that the software or game cartridges you've purchased at about $75 a pop are no longer going to work on the upgrade. Just look at the evolution of GameBoy and you'll know what I mean.

How About a Good "First" Guitar for Me?

Really, if you are just starting out or returning to playing after a number of years, you might look into purchasing a second hand instrument. North American made C.F. Martins, Taylors and Fenders are all good choices and often hold their resale value well. If you insist on new, Martin has reintroduced production of the 1-Series Dreadnought, (see it in the banner ad section). Satin finished all around it retails for under $900. The Fender Standard Stratocaster shown above is made in North America and is under $700.00 even with Fender's recent price increases.

PHOTO: Taylor 410ce acoustic/electric

If you want a more than an entry level guitar but comfort and versatility are also important, you might consider a C.F. Martin cut-away or this Taylor 410ce acoustic / electric with a Venetian cutaway as shown here. I've played this Taylor model and while I prefer the wider body and sound of a C.F. Martin, it's neck had a modern feel with the cut-away offering greater access to the frets closer to the sound hole. Now this is not going to be as comfortable as a Stratocaster but you can see how the body is more contoured to fit yours. Better still, these models, (both C.F. Martin and Taylor make acoustic / electrics with Venetian cut-aways), give you the choice to play acoustically or with an amp. This means you may only need one guitar for everything. Play it acoustically at jams and informal gatherings. Play it with an amp onstage. The choice is yours! Visit C.F. Martin Guitars online at: http://www.martinguitar.com/ and Taylor Guitars online at: http://www.taylorguitars.com/

What About an Amp?

One caveat here. A lot of companies are doing double-speak with their amps these days. They will say something like, "Designed in the U.S.A. - Manufactured in China". Guess what? Its a Chinese amp, chums. My recent experiences with Fender's line of China imports has been less than stellar. I tried one of their China-tone tube amps last summer, (Super Champ XD-something). It wouldn't even fire up on the showroom floor. It was brand new and hadn't even left the store! Real smooth. Another Fender amp I had only lasted 18 months before the power source blew up, (during a concert actually). Needless to say I'm not thrilled with them any longer. The good news is that you can still buy quality American made amps at very affordable prices.

PHOTO: Tech21 Trademark 30

If you are going to choose the Fender Strat, acoustic / electric C.F. Martin or Taylor Venetian Cutaway you'll need a decent practice amp. One that will more than do the job, won't break the bank and is proudly designed and manufactured in the good 'ol U.S.A. You should definitely look into Tech21's Trademark 30 shown in the photo.

Tech21's Trademark 30 boasts 30 watts, a 10 inch Celestion speaker, true spring reverb, and like its big brother, the Trademark 60, allows direct recording via a XLR out. The Trademark 30 is actually based on Tech21's legendary SansAmp GT2 Pedal. So the sounds you can achieve are quite similar to the Trademark 60 which we are currently using in the recording studio. The best news is it that you don't have to sacrifice tone as the Tech 21 has all the warmth of a tube amp but is a much more reliable and road worthy due to its solid state construction. Check them out at Tech21: http://www.tech21nyc.com/

DVD Lessons to Get You Going

Greg Douglass Lead Guitar DVD If you've played before, even a little, what you don't need now is to go back to square one with lessons. Oh it sounds like a good idea but believe me, the tediousness will drive you crazy and you won't stick with it. At this point you want to play your guitar already. Greg Douglass is extremely versatile and as a platinum artist, has toured with Steve Miller, Van Morrison and Eddie Money. His approach is fresh, not tedious in that you can really play what he does. My favorite section is the one on the Em Pentatonic Scale Licks. You can quickly expand your lead repertoire with this DVD. Chapters are numbered for easy access and include scale patterns, slide techniques, alternate positions, phrasing and much more. Website password included with the DVD allows you to download and print all of the lessons or just parts that you need. Sweet! Douglass also has a Fingerstyle Guitar DVD available from Icons of Rock.


Tommy Bolan Metal Primer DVD I love Tommy and after speaking with him personally, I can tell you he is a committed instructor and musician. Bolan is also a vibrant player and a passionate performer but what he unleashes in this DVD is awe inspiring. He covers speed techniques, harmonics, scales, string skipping, pendulum picking, arpeggios, tremolo tricks with live gear demos.
I think anyone will benefit from Tommy's techniques and lessons, even if you are not a metal-head. His DVD helps build speed with accuracy. You will enjoy lessons as never before with these two DVD's. See if your local music store or college offers guitar lessons or find a musician's guild that you can play with regularly. Try a style not too familiar if you really want to stretch out and expand your technique. This DVD came with a free offer for set of GHS Strings, who is also participating in our FREE May Give-Away. A really great little extra!
Both these DVD Guitar Lessons and more are available online from Icons of Rock: http://www.iconsofrock.com/

MAY GIVE-AWAY ENDS May 31st 2009!: Oh Yeah! It's our FREE May Guitar Gear Give-Away!!! Your chance to win more free goodies from C.F. Martin, GHS Strings and Planet Waves. Our happy winner will receive a gift bag of premium guitar (electric & acoustic), banjo or mandolin strings and a Planet Waves Acoustic Quick Release Padded Guitar Strap. Simply include your email address & leave a COMMENT by clicking the link below and tell us: "What was your first guitar (or stringed instrument) and do you still have it today?"

Concert Survival Guide!

Getting Ready to Go On Stage at the NJ Folk Festival! Warm weather & sunny skies contributed to a massive turnout. Headstock Tuner and Woodstock Guitar Strap by Planet Waves. Denim jacket and Special Edition D-18 guitar in sustainable cherry wood both by C.F. Martin & Co. and made in the U.S.A.

PHOTO: NJ Folk Festival performers Magda Miczak, (harmonica) and Ray Rettger, (banjo), stay late to jam after the show with two event attendees.

Well, there's no denying it. Our concert season began this weekend at the 35th New Jersey Folk Festival! Record crowds were in attendance as the sunshine filled temperatures soared into the 90's. When playing the summer concerts and festivals, you'll need to observe a few rules of the road so you'll last the distance. First off, you'll need to make sure to stay hydrated. Caffeine filled sodas, coffee and tea beverages are actually diuretics meaning they help rid your body of fluids. So drinking them instead of pure water will actually dehydrate you even more. You'll also need to choose your clothing carefully. Pick outfits that not only show up well on stage but allow proper ventilation to your skin. Most of us sweat even a little when we perform but large dark perspiration stains on your shirt (or pants!), look really scary on stage. Remember the saying, "Never let 'em see you sweat"?

Staying Cool On Stage

What I have found are a few essentials that help me endure the harsh conditions of outdoor concerts and jams. Here I am after playing a set in 90 degree, sunny weather. The cowboy hat isn't a prop. It is by Dorfman-Pacific and offers serious sun protection so my face doesn't get burned. It is made of airy straw with lots of meshing in the crown so my hair isn't soaking wet from being steamed. My blouse is by ExOfficio, http://www.exofficio.com and is called the Next-To-Nothing Zeph'r for good reason. It completely allowed my skin to feel every passing breeze while I was performing. I might have been a bit misty but it surely didn't show. More than that, I was entirely comfortable through out the whole festival. This blouse is wrinkle resistant so it's perfect for throwing in my gigbag or overnight case. Every bit as road-worthy as my guitar! In fact all of ExOfficio's pieces pack extremely well. This shirt is lightweight, super quick drying and even has a secret zippered security pocket. 3/4 length sleeves stay out of the way of my guitar strings. What more could you ask for?

Festival Players Warming Up
Life on the road can disrupt your usual practice schedule and routine.

Increase your studio time now and you will be able to make the transition with ease. The best thing to do is to arrive early as you see my Bluegrass friends doing here, and warm up. I used Planet Waves' new Headstock Tuner this year. Very accurate and compact enough to leave on the guitar while playing. While you are tuning your instruments you will also tune your voice so you don't lose it in the middle of a performance. I often take along a saline nasal mister because it quickly hydrates the upper nasal passages and back of the throat. This clears your head and gives your voice extra clarity and resonance. Arriving early also allows your set list to come together with decisions on what key you'll be playing in being made before you go on stage. This is the time to hydrate yourself with plenty of water which is especially true if it is hot and dry. Take a quick restroom stop before you hit the boards and knock 'em dead! If you don't get enough water before going on, well, you may be the one getting knocked dead.

Jamming After the Concert

Ideally, you'll want to have plenty of juice left at the end of your concert to get together with a few people after the show to talk and play. This is how you grow as a musician and performer. I can't emphasize this enough. If you are so wiped after a weekend of travel, rehearsals and performing that you miss the "real party" afterwards, its time to rethink your diet and exercise program. Great tours don't just happen. You have to condition yourself for them. Your training table should consist of lots of complex carbohydrates, whole grains and nuts, lean meats and LOTS of pure water. Try to walk or ride your bike for shorter errands now that the weather is getting warmer. This will all add up to increased stamina on the road and you can be the last man or woman standing when all is said and done. Here I am still picking until late after most performers had left. People must have liked the sound of my Martin D-18 because it kept getting borrowed! I really wasn't tired and enjoyed meeting a lot of new musician friends and fans after the show. That's what it's all about, right?

PODCAST ALERT! You can check out many of the items mentioned in the article in the banner ad section to your left. Didn't get a chance to attend this festival? Listen to a LIVE Podcast from the 35th Annual New Jersey Folk Festival at: Dr. M's Radio Show, http://doctorm.tumblr.com

IN THE MIX: We'll be road testing the Audio-Technica 3000 Series Wireless Microphone System this season! It comes with the acclaimed ATM710 condenser mic and is available with its own case so it is perfect for going on tour. See you out there!

Martin's FREE Guitar Clinic!

Photo: Robbie's Music City owner, John, Martin Guitar Luthier, Dave Evans and Dr. M enjoying the Martin Guitar Clinic

Dave Evans putting Martin Acoustic SP medium strings, (Phosphor Bronze) on my D-18 made of sustainable cherry wood. According to Evans, Brazilian rosewood ceased being used as a standard wood to make guitars in 1969.

This was the first Martin Guitar Clinic Robbie's Music Center of Hackettstown has hosted. Based on the long line of jovial customers who turned up despite the driving rain, I would say it was a huge success. Customers with any make of 6 or 12 string guitar received a free set and installation of their choice of light or medium gauge Martin SP Strings. Action adjustments were also done absolutely free of charge.

In this tight economy, you might consider replacing your strings before replacing your guitar. New, quality strings will make a major difference in tone and even playability. Evans also replaced the strings on my Martin D-16GT. Medium SP strings were replaced with lights as I mainly use this guitar in the studio for recording and highly amplified with pickups for stage performances.

Customers also reveled in trying out some of the new & limited edition Martins on the floor that day!

One of the guitars Martin has brought back is the 01 Series. It is a very straightforward instrument but with a price point of under $900.00, it is surely going to be a hot seller. In fact the sample 01 models Evans brought to the clinic that day were all sold out. The store also ran special guitar sales up until 4 pm when the clinic was officially over.



Customer Janet Schuring pictured here owns three Martins including the Backpacker she's holding. She received new strings on all of the Martins she brought in that day.

Clinics like these are a great way to meet other guitar owners and get some insight on your instruments specific needs. Upon having her Backpacker's strings replaced, Schuring found that the instrument had been drying out in the gigbag. Removal of the strings caused a dried piece of wood to come loose. Repairs were made with a little wood glue and she purchased a humidifier for the instrument to prevent further damage. Another benefit of a Guitar Clinic is being able to try different types of strings that you would not normally use.

Generally, medium strings will allow you to drive your Dreadnought's tone for greater volume and projection. If your guitar has pickups, you may not need that much acoustic volume. Lighter strings might work better depending on your style of playing.

Hear our live Podcast from this Martin Guitar Clinic as Dave Evans discusses the differences of the woods being used in Martin guitars. Listen in at Dr. M's Radio Show: www.doctorm.tumblr.com

Be sure to check our listings below under SHOWS-CONCERTS-JAMS for the next FREE Martin Guitar Clinic on April 18th! We'll also be doing another GUITAR GEAR GIVE-AWAY featuring C.F. Martin, GHS Strings & Planet Waves goodies so check back!

String Time Arrives at C.F. Martin's FREE Guitar Clinics!

PHOTO: Display of Martin Acoustic strings for Studio & Performing. Listen to some Martin Guitar strings in action right now on Dr. M's Radio Show: http://doctorm.tumblr.com/.

My guitar teacher agrees. One of the best things you can do for your guitar's sound and playability is to change the strings frequently. In fact, for optimal performance, your strings should be changed after every 40 hours of playing. If you play a little more than an hour each day, you'll quickly rack up that much time in a month. Still in my experience, nothing makes your guitar sound brand spanking clean like a new set of strings.

Signs of the Times

The good times you've had with your guitar show up as dark patches and discolorations all along the length of the string. Your strings will also have a dull tone and not resonate well. Once they get "patchy", there's not much you can do to remedy the situation except change them. With a bit of forethought, you can extend your strings' playability.

Getting the most life out of your strings means taking a few steps to keep them clean and ringing true. Also keeping the humidity level between 40-45% in your guitar case will also be a great help. This is because over-humidification which often comes with the spring rains, will cause your strings to accelerate in oxidation. That means rust city so be sure to be extra careful when using your guitar at outdoor folk festivals and jams.

See our article here on Spring Guitar Care: http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2009/02/spring-guitar-care.html

Players also should make a habit of washing their hands before picking up their instrument. Corrosive acids and salts in your sweat will transfer from your fingers onto the strings. When you are playing, pass on the salty, greasy chips and other such snacks that may be around. Salt is a true enemy to string life!

GHS makes an excellent line of electric guitar strings and guitar care accessories. To extend the life of your strings, you can use their String Cleaning Cloth. This specially treated cloth is used dry over steel guitar or bass strings to clean and restore tone.

Another product from GHS that I like to use is their Fast Fret. Like the cloth, it is a string cleaner but also benefits the fingerboard. It comes in a stick which just glides along your strings and fingerboard. Wipe off the excess with the cloth that is included and you're ready to play! These products won't damage or stain your guitar's finish and are made in the U.S.A. I keep them handy as they are easy to pack for the studio and the road. Some say it allows them to play faster along the fretboard. I'll take any help I can get but practicing is the only way I've seen to really increase my speed. Visit GHS online for all of their quality products at: www.ghsstrings.com

So there is a lot that you can do to keep the life in your strings and improve their sound along the way. The Martin Guitar Clinics are completely FREE and allow you to meet other musicians and see some new model guitars up close and personal as they usually allow you to play them. You can ask questions and gain some insights on your guitar. You'll also have the opportunity to try a free set of new strings and have them put on by an expert luthier all at no cost. He'll check the action and make suggestions on the best type of strings based on your instrument and playing style. You may have been playing with the wrong strings all these years. You owe it to yourself, (and your audience), to get the right strings on your guitar. Don't miss out on an opportunity like this! See the upcoming dates and locations under our CONCERTS-SHOWS-JAMS header down at the bottom of the page. You may also contact C.F. Martin directly to schedule a free factory and museum tour or for more information about their Free Guitar Clinics. C.F. Martin website: www.martinguitar.com

Photo: Dr. M. & her Martin D-16GT, in solid spruce & mahogany

The Next FREE Martin Guitar Clinic is on Saturday April 11th 2009 in Hackettstown, NJ with master luthier Dave Evans. Get a set of premium Martin Strings installed FREE! See Details under SHOWS-CONCERTS-JAMS
Now that Spring is here, it's jammin' time! Don't sit at home. Come out to the Concerts, Folk Festivals and Jams coming up. (Check the listings in our banner ad section) We'll have more FREE Guitar Gear Give-Aways too!
Up Next!!! Listen in to Dr. M's Radio Show Podcast at: http://doctorm.tumblr.com

Spring Guitar Care

Need New Strings this Spring? Get 'er done at Martin's FREE Guitar Clinics listed under our:

SHOWS-CONCERTS-JAMS

Martin Guitar Luthier Gives Us the Inside Story!

Dr. M and seasoned Martin Guitar tech & luthier, Dave with her newly serviced D-16 gloss top. Here he shares his professional secrets to keeping your guitar in top condition.

Spring is a wonderful time of year. It also poses new challenges for keeping your guitar at the proper humidity. As the dryer winter weather wanes, the changing weather replete with spring showers will cause an increase in the air's humidity. So while we were concerned about keeping our guitar humidified during colder weather, now we have to be concerned about over-humidifying our instruments which can be just as bad. Trust me, I know. One of my guitars became almost unplayable because it was so "water-logged" and rounded out. My Martin Guitar tech, Dave spotted the underlying problem and gave me some sage advice which I will pass on to you. Keep reading, it gets real interesting! Let's start off with a tour of where these masterpieces are made and stored.


The Martin Guitar Factory Tour...Your First Clue

The Martin Guitar Factory Tour is rated one of the BEST factory tours in America. These are the experts in guitar building and care. In fact C.F. Martin invented the Dreadnought which is today one of the most copied guitar designs in the world. Touring the Martin Factory will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the fact that among other things, your guitar is subject to changes in temperature and humidity. This goes with the territory of owning a hollow body acoustic. I've always been careful to warm up my car on a cold day or turn on the air conditioner on a hot one before stowing my instruments. If it too far below freezing, I don't take my acoustic guitars out at all. I'll bring a solid body instrument on the road instead. These react less to ambient changes unlike hollow body guitars.


Custom Care for Your Guitar

Here is a photo of an expert Martin luthier doing restorations in their Custom Shop. The beautifully inlaid guitar he is holding is valued at over $40,000. They see it all here! Dings, cracks, splits, buckling... most of which could have been avoided if the guitar was keep properly stored and humidified. In fact, the entire factory is optimally maintained at just the right humidity for guitars. That would be between 40-45%. As you move along the tour, you'll see the steps taken to turn a wood block into a finished instrument. More than that, you begin to understand that the wood itself will respond to the environment. Visit The Martin Guitar Museum. You'll experience the same perfect level of humidity there too. There is a reason for this! The easiest way to keep control over those conditions is to store your instrument in its case. So how do you know what's going on inside? Dave, our expert Martin guitar tech, suggested having a hygrometer inside of each guitar case. "This way I know just what the humidity is in each of my guitar cases." The problem that I encountered was not knowing whether or not the guitar case was over or under-humidified. If you can't gage this information properly you'll be flying blind and guessing that your guitar needs moisture when perhaps it doesn't. The result will be either an instrument that is shrunken and under-humidified or bloated and over-humidified. Either way, these conditions can put your instrument out of tune and even make it unplayable. Not good. Well, here's your solution coming right up.

Oasis Digital Hygrometer w/Clip

If you want to know both the temperature and humidity levels in your guitar case, you'll need an accurate thermometer/hygrometer. This Oasis O-H2 model is completely digital and especially made for use inside of most guitar cases. In fact there are many models of guitar cases which have a hygrometer built in. The clip on the Oasis O-H2 allows it to stay put without rattling around in the case and possibly scratching your instrument. I've seen others that attach with a magnet but I'm always leery of such devices around the on board electronics and pickups.


Monitoring Made Simple

Having a digital hygrometer is an easy way to know if and when to add humidity to your guitar inside the case. I also have a weather station which gives me both the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity levels. When the days are consecutively dry, that is below 40%humidity, the indicator actually says, "dry". This is a heads up to check my guitars in their cases which once again is the best place to store your prized instruments. Here is my Oasis unit doing its job inside of my guitar case next to my Martin D-16GT. The on/off switch saves battery life and the unit retains previous high/low readings. I simply clipped it onto the storage lid inside of the case. It has Velcro fasteners so it can also be removed. Keeping your guitar at the proper humidity level has never been easier as this unit will help you stay between the recommended 40-45%.
The Oasis Digital Hygrometer w/Clip #421666 is available for only $27.95 from Musician's Friend by clicking this direct product link: Oasis Digital Hygrometer w/Clip http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Oasis-OH2-Digital-Hygrometer-wclip?sku=421666






1-800-776-5173

We would like to personally thank C.F. Martin & Company located at 510 Sycamore Street, Nazareth, PA and Musician's Friend for their participation and expertise in contributing to this article. Be sure to treat yourself to a tour of the Martin Guitar Factory this spring, (see our photos for a virtual tour) and check out Musician's Friend fantastic guitar gear with quality service and the best prices around.

Look!!! Have a FREE set of strings installed on your Martin Guitar at one of their traveling Guitar Clinics listed under our SHOWS-CONCERTS-JAMS header down in the left hand column.

Recording & Burning CD's

Congratulatons to the WINNERS of our Martin Guitar & GHS Strings Valentine's Day Give-Away: David MacDonald, Stan Grzes and G. (anonymous entry). Check back for our next Guitar Gear Give Away!

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Here's some inspiration for writing and recording that first love song. Capture your work on a radio-ready CD. Studio headphones and distressed tee by Audio-Technica.

Valentine's Day for me marks the fact that winter is slowly coming to an end. It makes me think of the romance of spring to come and inspires me to get my ideas down on paper. Where do you get such material, one may ask? I've found that the best songs begin with a page from your own life's experience. Torch songs are only effective if the singer "inhabits" the lyrics. This means that the song has to have some connection to your being. Whatever you do, you've got to have conviction. Tell the story! So how do you begin?

Got An Idea?

Some people find that the lyrics come first, pretty much like writing a poem. Then they sit down and try to construct a melody with chord progressions. If you have the opportunity, jam with some professional musicians on a regular basis. You will find a lot of ideas flowing out of a set, especially if you play a break. When you are called on to solo, you are improvising on the spot and creating your own melody line against the written tune. This is especially true for the blues and jazz but other styles also allow this sort of free form creativity.

Photographed here are a few members of my musician's guild whom I regularly play with. We do mostly Bluegrass, Gospel, Folk and Country. In our workshops, we always ask if there is a song someone is working on. You kick it off and they will come in with their individual breaks and comps. This way you can hear what your song could sound like with just the right mix of bass and lead solos. If you ever get to do studio work, you'll find that most today use click tracks or drum and bass machines. Drummers are seldom used in session work anymore so it may be a good idea to get used to playing with drum and bass tracks or at least a metronome. Still, there is nothing quite like playing with a group of live, seasoned, spontaneous musicians like these guys. It's something that just can't be replicated by a machine. Get more information on jamming by reading the article, Bluegrass Season is Here: http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2008/04/bluegrass-season-is-now-open.html

Recording Your Work

When I have an idea or even just the "hook" for a song, I use my MP3 player or similar digital recorder to capture the moment. This way, the little nuances in the melody or vocals can be saved. This makes it easier for when you decide to transfer your ideas to sheet music. The main thing is to seize the moment! However don't get too stuck on replicating what you did on any given day. Why? Well, that was what you were inspired to do at that particular moment. You might do it even better in a subsequent recording session. Once your preliminary work has been saved onto an MP3 file, you can download it onto your computer. This way you can share it with others.

The Best Vocal Recording Mics... Audio-Technica Condensers

What is the best microphone to use to record vocals? When you are shooting for studio quality recordings, you'll need to invest in a very well made condenser mic. You can skimp on a lot of things such as studio monitors, mic stands, etc. but this is one piece of equipment you should be serious about. Condensers in general are much more sensitive and responsive as compared to dynamics. Which studio mic do I use? Audio-Technica's AT4047/SV. It comes with a matching shock mount and is the best large diaphragm, side address condenser I've ever used. Wonderfully sensitive without being testy with feedback. Adds all the polish and warmth you're looking for while setting your work apart from the rest. It actually works quite well as an instrument mic too but I stand by it for vocals. You do not have to spend $3,000.00 for a quality studio mic like this anymore! This mic has been compared to the upper priced Neumann and Sienhiesser mics by professional recording studio engineers and recording artists. The AT4047/SV more than holds its own against these and other high-priced microphones. What we especially appreciated is that the 40 Series mics all come with matching shock mount and dust cover as furnished accessories. Other microphones require that you purchase these pieces separately. As a follow up on Audio-Technica's 40 Series, we'll also be using their AT4050 Multi-pattern Condenser microphone for our recording project with C.F. Martin & Co. Visit Audio-Technica's website for all of their excellent mics at: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/c35da94027e94819/index.html

Burning Your Work Onto a CD

Once you have your ideas sketched out and saved either onto your MP3 player or digital recording device, you will want to back it up by saving onto a CD. This is good to do if you want to keep a hard-copy record of your studio work and even down to your finished project. A digital recording studio allows you to "punch out" mistakes or even record alternative tracks for the same song. That's what all those radio remixes are that you hear in the clubs. Phrase looping is also easy to do with a digital recorder as is over-dubbing. Since music files eat up a huge amount of space on your computer, I would recommend getting a stand-alone recorder like the BOSS BR1200CD pictured here. It has a 40 GB hard drive, 12 tracks, (no waiting!), and mic / instrument input jacks right up front. Phantom power is also available for your condenser mics and there's a vocal effects kit as well as a mastering toolbox to give your CD that "pro" quality everyone expects today. Best of all, you have complete control over your work, from your first idea to the final production. Save alternate versions of the same song to work on later. Visit BOSS online at: http://www.bossus.com

Did you just miss out on winning some cool PRIZES such as some of these great Martin strings you see here? Look for our next Guitar Gear Give Away! No purchase necessary. Simply enter a post under the "Comments" link shown at the highlighted contest article. That's it! Check back often and get in on the FREE guitar gear from the top named companies you see featured at "Eclectic Sound"!

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Accessories, Etc.

Dr. M. and her Martin D-18 Sustainable Wood Dreadnought. Long Sleeved Tee by C.F. Martin & Co. Peace Pick necklace by Strum 'n Comfort.

Here is where I get to share a few of my "favorite things" with my readers. There are some guitar accessories that I would rather not do with out. Simple, well made items that allow your practice and performance time to go so much easier. If you are fighting with low lighting on your music stand, tuners that go nuts in a noisy room or finger picks that just don't make the grade, I have some viable solutions.

New! Super GigLight Music Light

The original GigLight made our list of Best Guitar Gear in 2008 with good reason. It does the job. Well, it's back and brighter than ever! This little guy throws a ton of light on a full two pages of sheet music and even outshines the previously manufactured ConcertLight. It can also be clipped on your laptop or computer workstation if you are using editing software programs for your music.

The Super GigLight fully illuminates your music stand without adding eyestrain or glare. Battery powered on the road or use their AC adapter in the studio. Either way, it is the one musician's accessory I use everyday. If I am not sure of the lighting conditions at the venue I'm playing, this gets packed in my gigbag. Stage lighting is something you'll often have no control over but you can be prepared by bringing your own music stand light, even if it is just for your set list. One less thing to worry about. The Super GigLight folds up compactly into its own included tote. The AC adapter allows you to save your battery life, (about 20 hours), for the road. On and off switch is right in front of the light hood and the lamp arm is fully extendable to position the light just where you need it. Visit Lampcraft online at: http://www.lampcraft.com or click their banner ad in the left hand column of this page.

Intelli IMT-500 Chromatic Tuner

I must have a drawer full of tuners, most of which never really worked well or were just too cumbersome to take with me to jams or gigs. If you've followed the saga of this tuner, the first production was under the name Intellitouch. The new Intelli IMT-500 while based on the Intellitouch design and function, is a major step forward. The Intelli IMT-500 is absolutely unbeatable when trying to tune your guitar in class or recording session when other musicians are trying to do the same.

This is because it senses the vibration of the strings to accurately indicate if you are in pitch. Best of all, it clips onto the end of your headstock and is easily visible in all types of lighting conditions due to its poseability and back lit screen.

Small but mighty, it is easy to pack along or clip onto your music stand. That way you'll always have a tuner handy. Some have complained that the previous model, the Intellitouch did not register the low E string. The newer Intelli IMT-500 doesn't seem to have that problem. PRO TIP: Proper instrument humidification keeps your guitar in tune longer. When you axe is properly humidified, all you'll need are a few quick tweaks of the tuning pegs and you're ready to play. See the article on Guitar & Vocal Humidification by clicking here: http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2008/10/guitar-and-vocal-humidification.html

The Intelli IMT-500 is available from most music dealers such as Quality Guitars at: http://www.qualityguitars.com or check their banner ad on this page.

Pro-Pik "Fingertone" Fingerstyle Guitar Picks

These Pro-Piks have become my ultimate favorite for the electric Autoharp. The plastic ones don't stay on as well as these. The Pro-Piks allow a bit of your finger to show through so you get a greater sensitivity or feel for the strings. This offers increased control and a natural feel. Just by the way you angle your fingers to strike the strings, you can bring in subtle nuances of tone and timbre.

I have even recorded a live performance with these and the sound was incredible. If you are into finger style guitar picking, you should definitely check these out! The Pro-Piks come in medium & large and are made of nickel-silver. I won't part with mine! Made in the U.S.A. by Guptill Music at: http://www.guptillmusic.com/propik/fingertone.html

The New Eclectic Sound Experience would like to thank all of our industry participants & endorsements for their continued support. 2009 is off to a rockin' start and we are looking forward to providing even more insight for the savvy musician. In this tight economy, consumers are reading reviews here first before buying. We've got it going on!

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Guitar Pedals

Creation Audio Lab's Holy Fire Overdrive and Distortion pedal gives you that warm, tube-driven tone for your guitar or bass.

We've chosen the most versatile pedals to give you the most bang for the buck. These are also the essential stompboxes no respectable pedal board should be without. After playing for a while, you'll find that you've collected a case full of pedals but only use a few on stage. You may also find that you'll only get one tone using the same sequence of boxes on your pedal board. While there is a logical order to using foot pedals, you needn't be bound by them. Looking for a warm vintage tube sound? The Holy Fire distortion / overdrive pedal offers a tube driven tone for both guitar and bass players. Want to switch it up? Keeley Electronics allows the most adjustments due to their under the hood and topside trim knobs.


Holy Fire by Creation Audio Labs

Often times you'll need to streamline your pedal board so that set up is quicker and you have better control over your tone. Look at the rigs of seasoned players like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, who has been quoted saying, "Sometimes when you start from an area of complexity, a composition can be crushed under its own weight". You'll see that they do not have overly cluttered pedal boards. Yes, they utilize rack mount units but their on the floor set up is often quite simple. How do they do it? They get the most versatile, key pedals and then tweak them for the tone they are looking for. The Holy Fire pedal pictured here comes with an AC adapter but I run all of my other pedals off a VooDoo Lab Pedal Power Plus II power source. This means less wires and clutter. The Holy Fire Pedal imparts a tube like warmth to your rig. With four control knobs topside, it is easy to adjust for your signature tone. Gain, overdrive and distortion levels are all very easy to dial in with their topside controls. Amazing sound out of this one box but its even better when coupled with the Keeley Fuzz Head. Very unique pedal looks like it's on fire behind the letters! It does get warm. Solid built, it is very gig-worthy. Made in America and now available by direct sale to musicians. Visit Creation Audio Labs online at: http://www.creationaudiolabs.com/

Keeley Electronics Compressor

This is perhaps the best compressor you can get! A compressor is actually an amplifier so it should go in the front of your signal chain. Put it before the Fuzz Head and/or the Holy Fire pedals. Compression is so important to your tone. Without it, your performance lacks the guts and attack necessary for soaring leads and blistering riffs.
My VL4, (Vocalist Live), signal processor has compression built in and I've come to appreciate it on vocals. Here Keeley offers the same killer effect but for your guitar. If you would like to record, I would recommend their 4 Knob Compressor as adjustments are easier to make topside. Built like a brick. Made with pride in the U.S.A. with Keeley's ice blue light.
Visit Keeley Electronics online at: http://www.keeleyelectronics.com

Keeley Fuzz Head

Keeley's Fuzz Head is what we recommend to be paired with the Holy Fire distortion/overdrive pedal. Why? Well, the Fuzz Head on its own terms, is an amazing fuzz pedal. There is no doubt about that. Still, when coupled with a serious distortion pedal like Holy Fire, it literally sings forever! The synergy is incredible. I found that the sustain you get when using the Fuzz Head next to a distortion pedal is unreal. So place it after the Holy Fire on the way to your amp and try a classic metal or rock riff like Smoke on the Water. In fact all of the Keeley pedals we've tested have worked extremely well with other pedals including wahs. The Keeley Fuzz Head is a very adjustable pedal which allows you to dial in just the right amount of "Fuzz" due to the inner trim knobs. Very cool too with its signature blue light and germanium toggle switch on top! Quality made in the U.S.A.

Visit Keeley Electronics online at: http://www.keeleyelectronics.com

For more information check out our article: Guitar Pedals: Get the Effect-Part III

http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2008/07/guitar-pedalsget-effect-part-iii.html

We're back in the studio recording with our NEW Audio-Technica AT4047/SV large diaphragm condenser mic and all new Spectraflex mic and instrument cables! The AT4047/SV is in my opinion THE BEST vocalist recording mic, period. We now have the CD recording of our live performance for the Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Assoc. and hope to share some of these tracks and recording sessions online. Stay tuned and all the best in 2009!

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Strings 'n Things

Dr. M. & her vintage, Aria Pro II - Fullerton model. New strings make all the difference! ("Dizzy" Blouse by Fender - The Collection)

We've found some of the best guitar tools, parts and accessories to help keep your axe fit as a fiddle. (O.k. maybe as a guitar!) If you are willing to learn how, changing the strings on your guitar is probably the best way to keep your tone pure. There are many different rules but my guitar teacher said after something like 40 hours of playing, the strings should be replaced. This may sound like a lot of work but many professional musicians change strings much more frequently than that. In fact, they often have guitar techs that tour with them to do JUST THAT before each concert. With the right tools, you can change your own strings and even experiment with new types such as the coated varieties. Either way, you can save time and money if you do it yourself.

Gravity Guitar Innovations-Pro Bridge Pin Puller

Here are some serious tools to have on hand to make the task not only easy but will lessen possible damage to your instrument. This Pro Bridge Pin Puller by Gravity Guitar Innovations should be first on your list.

Extremely well made and foldable, Gravity's Pro Bridge Pin Puller easily removes bridge pins for quick string changes. It fits all standard bridge pins and will not damage the bridge or pins. I like the fact that this bridge pin puller is easy to hold and chrome plated. Comes with a key chain clip to keep it handy. Its the best pin puller I've found! By Gravity Guitar Innovations.

Ernie Ball - NEW Extra Slinky Strings

Made for electric guitar, Ernie Ball has come out with an upgrade to their famous coated Slinky strings. I attended a Heavy Metal workshop taught by the lead guitarist of Jack Frost and he said he uses these strings. He did rip it up, I might add! I've found these to be very light and easy to bend. They have a great feel for sliding fretwork, hammer ons and pull offs. In other words, they won't work your finger pads.
Our expert guitar tech, Randy Cauvanaugh pictured below, did the set up said these strings are similar to Elixir's. He aslo said the reason why many guitarists choose coated strings is because they tend to last a little longer than non-coated ones. If you don't like to change strings so frequently, this might be just what you're looking for. Made in the USA. Visit Ernie Ball http://www.ernieball.com or click on thier banner ad in the left hand column on this page to check out their online store.

Planet Waves Pro Winder Tool

You can literally wrap up your string changing job with one of Planet Wave's most useful multi-tools, the Pro Winder.
The Pro Winder is touted as the ultimate all in one restringing tool. It both winds and cuts. It's extendable handle increases torque and control. It has a hardened steel cutting edge, (comes with a protective cover), that clips evenly. The overmolded plastic head accomodates a variety of pegs with a sure grip. My guitar teacher demonstrated how to change strings in class but one thing he forgot to bring was his winder. He recommended that we definitely invest in one! Saves time and gives your strings a nice shop finish. I would definitely go with the Planet Waves Pro Winder because it has just about everything you'll need to change your strings except the strings themselves! Visit Planet Waves online at: http://www.planetwaves.com

Pro Guitar Tech - Randy Cauvanaugh

We'd like to thank our professional guitar technicians of Freehold Music Center, namely Randy Cauvanaugh, for his expertise and participation in this article. Mr. Cavanuagh is himself a professional musician and does all of the set ups, upgrades and modifications to our electric guitars.

Want to learn how to replace your guitar strings yourself? Read the article, "How to Change Your Guitar Strings" at abclearnguitar.com by Kathy Unruh right here: http://www.abclearnguitar.com/guitar_strings.html

Hey! We're still rockin' down to the wire with the Best Guitar Gear for 2009! Who knows? You might get some cash for Christmas so you can buy your own gift. We'll keep it goin'.

Also see 2009's Top Gifts for Audiophiles over at the Best Picks BLOG!!!: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/drmiczak/index.blog/1345195/2009s-top-gifts-for-audiophiles/

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Educational Tools

It's about time! The Chromatic Watch shown above, gives you the 12 semi-tones of the chromatic scale and intervals in Circles of 4ths and 5ths.

We all need to stay on top of our game and for any musician, this means keeping up with music theory. Reading notation is not necessary to be a good player but I have found that having the ability to read both standard sheet music and tabs gives you a definite edge. If you are even thinking about composing or writing your own songs then you will need to start with music theory.


We have found some really innovative and yes, portable ways of taking your lessons with you for easy transposing and on the spot chord to key changes. The best music education tools are going to be ones that come along for the ride and are there at hand, (or on your wrist), ready to roll. Here are two must haves for your favorite guitarist and musician:


The Chromatic Watch Company Invented by William T. Hankinson, The Chromatic Watch Company produces beautiful quartz watches and clocks with the 12 semitones of the Chromatic scales as shown in the photo here or Circles of 4ths or 5ths. This wall clock is absolutely perfect for a recording studio, practice room or guitar classroom. Musicians and students can just glance at the wall for the time or the all the halfsteps found in an octave. There is an association you will begin to make with seeing or visualizing the semitones of the chromatic scale this way. Soon you will see them in you mind's eye and they will become part of your "chops" as a literate musician. Now who wouldn't want that? These clocks and watches are very well made but have an added bonus. Having a wristwatch with the chromatic scale or even intervals of 4ths or 5ths is a fantastic way to take this information along with you. The numbers have been replaced with major root keys a 4th or 5th apart in clockwise order. Having it handy and visible right on your wrist will make the notes more accessible to you especially if you are at band practice or a jam session and need to have the next interval. This has happened to me at jam sessions when someone has changed the key the song is being played in. You're told the first note and the key it is being played in but where do you go from there?
These watches are truly "golden" for this application. I have the demure, Ladies Quartz Circle of 5ths as shown in the middle photo on the right. It not only looks great but gives me my intervals of 5ths right there on my wrist. Genuine black leather strap. Needless to say it is what I choose to wear for any musician get-togethers or jams. These make a fantastic gift for any guitar player or musician on your list. MSRP is $39.99. Check out all of the fine timepieces by The Chromatic Watch Company online their banner ad on this page or at: http://www.chromaticwatch.com

The Guitar Wheel
Wouldn't you like to ditch all those manuals and music books but still take along a library worth of guitar and music transposition information? Well, it can be done. All that you need is the Guitar Wheel. Invented with some heavenly inspiration by Dennis Cheatham, the Guitar Wheel is a serious educational tool for musicians. You won't believe how much information is found on the Guitar Wheel but even more amazing is the fact that when you flip it over, it gives you a whole world of Music Theory too!
The Guitar Wheel is very thin and easily goes where you go. To a concert, jam or guitar class, it is the on tool you will find indispensable for:


Chord Inversions for alternate chord fingerings
Enharmonic Equivalents
Comparing Scales such as Major, Minor, Pentatonic & Blues Scales
Determining Concert Pitch
Transposing
Finding Minor 7th Chords
Finding Dominant 7th Chords

The Music Theory on the flip side of the Guitar Wheel offers even more with a piano keyboard & staff, concert pitch, intervals and transposing abilities built right in. If you are serious about advancing your composing and song writing skills to the next level, I highly recommend the Guitar Wheel. It is used in many guitar classes across the country with children as young as eight. The Guitar Wheel is configured like a curved guitar neck complete with numbered strings and frets, therefore making it easy to visualize how the chording or fingering works. Understanding that most musicians don't play in a vacuum, the Music Theory side of the wheel brings in keyboard access with major & minor scales, pentatonic scales, blues scales, degrees and eharmonic equivalents. The Music Wheel can be as simple or complex as you need it to be. All the same, it is an educational tool that will grow with you as you go deeper into music theory. This is important especially when you are spending about $15.00 for Book One then after out-growing the material, having to purchase Book Two. The Guitar Wheel is made of tough plastic, not cardboard and I figure if eight year olds can't destroy it, well, it should hold up for you! The MSRP is only $24.95 and the wheel comes with an instructional DVD highlighting its uses. Visit Music Master Publishing and the Guitar Wheel online via their Guitar Wheel, banner ad in the left hand column of this page or order it online at Amazon.com by clicking the link here: Guitar Wheel on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/The-Guitar-Wheel-TM-gw01/dp/B001DW6RJC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1228243757&sr=8-1

"Jingle all the way...." We're keepin' it real by giving you the best gifts for guitarists and musicians. Keep checking back as we countdown till Christmas with the Best Guitar Gear for 2009!