Holiday Gifts: Audio Technica's ATH-M50xBL LIMITED EDITION Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M50xBL

LIMITED EDITION Professional Monitor Headphones

It's that time of year again! We find ourselves scrambling for just the right gift for the musicians and music lovers on our list. This year Audio Technica has come out with a Limited Edition version  of the ATH-M50xBL Professional Monitor Headphones. These are studio quality cans for use by DJ's, recording artists, musicians and people who enjoy the muff-style headphones for general listening. Here's what they are saying at the Audio Technica website:

D'Addario's NEW Planet Waves NS Artist Guitar Capo

In the Studio: D'Addario, Planet Waves NEW NS Artist Capo, another guitarist's dream tool.

Farmingdale, NY I'm sure you can imagine how important an artist's tools are to his craft, you can begin to understand how this also transfers to musicians. As artists of sound, we quickly hone in on accessories that work in a number of settings, such as in the studio or performing live. The point is that they have to be reliable and work every time.

NS Artist Capo
So that's why I was pretty excited when Planet Waves sent me their NEW NS (stands for Ned Steinberger designed) Artist Capo to review. Their sturdy capos are all that I use right now but I was curious to see how they could possibly improve on an already good thing.

NS Artist Capo in packaging

Artisan StudioWorks Stone Guitar Pick Jewelry

Beautiful Brazilian Agate natural polished stone from Artisan Studio Works, Santa Ana, CA

Guitarists can also be classified as artists.  I guess that's why Greg Atkin of Strum in Comfort, (the original SharkTooth Pick) introduced me to his Artisan StudioWorks lovely natural stone pendants. These are beautifully polished and the lead photo is a translucent Brazilian Agate wrapped with sterling silver wire and a delicate rose design at the top. The necklace is made of black leather with a lobster claw clasp and built in extender. I know what I'm wearing for New Year's Eve. Fabulous!

Interchangeable semi-open sterling silver wired pendant.

I still have one of the first stone pick pendants which I love because I can change the look by adding a different polished stone heart to the holder. These new sterling silver wired necklaces are even more dramatic and elegant. The above stone pick holder has a stylized G-Clef and can be changed to match your outfit or mood by switching out the stone of your choice. Stop by Artisan StudioWorks.com to see more designs and products from artist, Greg M. Atkin.

Artisan StudioWorks
Artisan StudioWorks now has a secure & convenient Etsy site where you can purchase one of a kind guitar accessories and stone guitar pick jewelry designed by artist Greg M Atkin. In addition, several other artisans have helped develop hand tooled and painted leather wrist cuffs, ornate guitar pins and a banjo clip.

I'd like to thank my friend, artist Greg M. Atkin for sending me this collection and have added them to my Lucky Gift Guide as well as my Guitar & Vocal Gear.

D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Tuner

You know what they say, "Small things come in good packages!" D' Addario Planet waves NS Micro Tuner for guitar, bass, mandolin, uke and banjo.

D'Addario & Co. Farmingdale, NY Just when you thought it couldn't be done, Planet Waves takes center stage with the world's smallest guitar tuner. I have their NS Mini Headstock Tuner which is also very small...so tiny in fact that I simply leave it on the guitar's headstock when placing it in the case! I reviewed it here along with other Planet Waves Guitar Tuners.

Small But Mighty
I really liked the Mini Headstock Tuner when it first was released. First of all, you couldn't beat it for portability but even more than that, it is extremely accurate. I used to use my Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner before each studio session but now I just tune up with the Headstock Tuners.

PW's NS Mini Headstock Tuner is the forerunner to the new micro version.

Like Having a Built in Tuner
I had my Fender Stratocaster modified with a built in tuner that went under my volume knob. The thing is GREAT but when I have to change the 9v battery, I'll have to take the guitar apart. It wasn't easy installing it either. I took it to a professional music shop and had it done as I did not want to blow up my guitar . Why go through all of that when these tuners are small enough to be left of the headstock during transport?

Performing with the Micro Tuner
Another thing that you'll like is that unlike some other tuners, the audience can't see it on your headstock! I've performed with it and no one could tell it was there. So stealthy. Since it's hanging out there on the headstock for the whole set, you can tune up as much as you like. Amazing.

My Mini Tuner is there. Can you see it?

Mini to Micro Comparison 
So what is the difference between the two tuners, besides size of course? Based on how I've tried it, turning on the Micro Tuner is much easier. It has a dedicated, universal power button unlike the previous model which required repeated pressings to scroll through to the desired options. Same thing for turning it off. One button, one press. Genius.

Micro on the left, Mini on the right!

NS Micro Tuner-The Wrap 
Like the Mini model, (Ned Steinberger design), the Micro has an easy to use ratchet clamps and can be mounted on either the front or back of your headstock. The NS Micro Tuner has the added features of a reversible multi-color display and a visual metronome. The Power Button allows you to press to toggle the tuner off and on but the tuner automatically powers off in 10 minutes to save battery life.

Color Codes: The unit shows the actual note and Red indicates:out of tune, Yellow: almost in tune and Green: in tune.
The cursor buttons: allow you to press either arrow to adjust tuner calibration from 410-480Hz. While in Metronome Mode, press wither arrow to adjust tempo setting from 20 to 270bpm. Most tuners can't do that!
Flip Button: Press to change screen orientation. This is really helpful for tricky headstocks that make placement of the tuner hard to see. Orient the screen they way you want for easy viewing.

You get TWO tuners in a pack so you'll have twice the tuning fun for multiple instruments. A great value all the way around and definitely something to consider for the Guitarist on your gift list this year.

Joe Satriani's 2013 Europe Tour & Artist Designs

Guitarists, Joe "Satch" Satriani of the US and David Middleton of London, England on the 2013 European Tour. (Walthamstow, UK)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Perhaps one of the most talented guitarists on the planet, Joe Satriani continues his 2013 European Tour with a stop over in London, England. My friend and fellow musician David Middleton, (lead guitarist for Chaysa), caught up with him backstage after his seriously riveting performance. All UK shows have guest Matt Schofield opening for Satch.  Here is a highlight clip from Joe's London England concert:

 

Joe is considered a guitar prodigy by most accounts and his virtuosity is near legendary. I so enjoy the way he uses guitar effects to the full but his skills continue to shine through. That is what sets him apart.  Artistry like this doesn't rely on weird effects and gimmicks. One of the things I learned in guitar class was to get the basics first and then any effects you want to add would layer over good technique instead of replacing it.

Joe Satriani's artistry isn't just limited to music. A few years ago Joe designed a series of signature guitar Straps for Planet Waves. These are all his own, original designs reproduced for guitarists like me to enjoy. I have his Skull N Bones Design Planet Lock Strap which is on my Aria Pro II Fullerton model below:

Joe Satriani designed Guitar Strap by Planet Waves & signed VIP pass from my friend David Middleton

These designs are first drawn free hand by Joe and make up a complete series of artist-generated locking guitar straps with matching picks available at Planet Waves.

Details on my Skull and Bones strap designed by Joe Satriani for Planet Waves

Below, Joe demonstrates and discusses his artistic method and creations for Planet Waves.
 

So if you can't make Joe's European Tour this year, pick up one of his artistic guitar straps. Here's Joe's 2013 Europe Tour Dates.

Joe Satriani's signature on the back of my VIP Pass from David Middleton!

 

Irish Eyes Are Still Smiling

St. Patrick's Day Jam Materials

With Saint Patrick's Day coming up you might want to add a few Irish songs to your gig or jam.  In fact, Bluegrass music is a direct descendant of Celtic music.  Many songs we like to do in Bluegrass are simply adaptations of old Irish Fiddle Tunes.  A few examples of Bluegrass tunes taken from Irish Seisuns are Old Joe Clark, Cripple Creek, The Girl I Left Behind, Soldiers Joy and Shady Grove. Other fiddle tunes like Leather Britches and Pretty Polly actually have Scottish roots.

Hal Leonard's Big Book of 75 Irish Songs!

If you listen to and play a few of these, you'll appreciate the Celtic heritage that is at the core. In fact, there are about 120 fiddle tunes that make up the average Irish Session repertoire whereas you can get away with about 50 for Bluegrass. Another difference is like Jazz, Bluegrass allows for each jam participant to "take the lead" in what's known as a breakdown.  Each player has the opportunity to embellish on the melody and add some fast licks and improvisation on the spot.

Musicians such as Merle Travis raised the breakdown to a highly sophisticated art form so much so that while traditional Celtic music does not allow for this, Bluegrass has flourished on its account.  There's something about having poetic license to create on the moment that appeals to the soul of most musicians.  There's something incredible about taking that break and doing something amazing with it!

Musicians Who Have Defined the Genre
When you think of Bluegrass, you have to list Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs and Merle Travis among the first generation of artists who shaped the sound. Many Bluegrass artists hail from Appalachia among the Blue Ridge mountains where our Scottish, Irish and English ancestors first landed when coming to America.  The backbone of the music was Celtic but the flesh was shaped by a fusion of African (banjo) and uniquely American influences. 

Thom Bresh, son of  Bluegrass pioneer, Merle Travis

Today, punk rock fusion bands like Dropkick Murphys
have aggressive elements of traditional Celtic music blended in.  Ever checked out an Electric Autoharp? Have you ever heard a rock-bagpipe?  It's being done and it's fresh and exciting to hear what newer artists are coming up with.  They are pushing the limits of what we would recognize as core Irish & Scottish music. However, the challenge is to be true to who you are without simply regurgitating the same songs from the past.  Check out NewGrass too.

I think once you become familiar with the origins of a particular musical genre, there is no stopping what innovations you will come up with.  This St. Patrick's Day, take the time to play a few Irish tunes and see where they take you!

Playing our guitar and Autoharp at the Belmar, NJ St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

Planet Waves Dual Action Capo + Tuner

Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo & Tuner

Spring is the time that we think about playing out more at jams, gigs and music festivals. Folk festivals are some of my favorites for informal performing.  I like the New Jersey Folk Festival for that reason.  I can remember people in the audience bringing their instruments to play along with us up on stage.  Now THAT is audience participation!  So anything that helps make bringing an instrument along easier is going to get my attention.

The PW Capos fit my Martin Guitar necks perfectly.

Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo...

PW NS Dual Action Capo

When the original Planet Waves Dual Action Capo first came out, I loved it. It is sturdy, easy to adjust, (I could actually take it off and move it on the fly) and stays put. The adjustable spring allows for the perfect fit and the curved back seems to fit my Martin necks perfectly.

PLUS Tuner
My womanly hands are small but I have no problem clamping and unclasping the Dual Action Capo.  So when the upgrade arrived, I had no problem switching over.  The mechanism is the same only now you have a little tuner on the end!  The tuner is very accurate and easy to activate. The only downside is that it doesn't display the actual note. I've used it mostly to tweak a properly tuned guitar using a pedal tuner like their Tru-Strobe.  Once your guitar is tuned to the proper notes, you just need a little fine tuning so seeing the note you are playing is not as important at that point.

Planet Waves Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner should be your starting point for accurate baseline tuning

NS Capo Tuner

Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo - Tuner  
One of the things that I like about this combo capo & tuner is somewhat obvious.  You don't have to bring two guitar accessories as you have both the capo and tuner in one.
What is cool is that you can offer it to someone whose tuner is failing and they always say. "Wow, your capo has a tuner on it too?"  You look like the genius in the room and your playing buddy gets their instrument tuned.
Here are the specs on this tuner straight from the Planet Waves website:

NS Capo Tuner The NS Capo Tuner combines the widely acclaimed NS Dual Action Capo with a Planet Waves precision chromatic tuner. the first of its kind, the NS Capo tuner provides accurate tuning at any fret or when clipped on the headstock of your acoustic or electric guitar. the patented compound action of the dual action capo reduces the force necessary to open and close the capo. it also eliminates side pulling the strings out of tune, a common issue with standard trigger-type capos. lightweight, accurate and easy to use, simply adjust the micrometer tension knob just enough to eliminate string buzzing and enjoy repeatable in-tune performance at every fret. Designed to fit standard 6- and 12-string guitars. The upper lights indicate sharp conditions in the same manner as the lower lights indicate flat conditions. Tuner will automatically power off after 4 minutes. Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards Intergraded Single hand operation tuner and Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret Single hand Aircraft grade aluminum construction Aircraft grade aluminum construction Designed for 6- and most 12-string guitars Planet Waves NS Series capos are the result of an ongoing collaboration between famed product designer Ned Steinberger, Jim D'Addario and Planet Waves. PW Headstock Tuner I mostly use the tiny PW Headstock Tuner these days because it shows the the musical note and it is small enough that I can leave it on the headstock and put the guitar in the case.  It sort of lives on the headstock now and I haven't noticed any scratches or discoloration as a result. However I still bring along the NS Capo Tuner to gigs to use and to have in case one of my band-mates tuner fails or gets left at home.  This goes for myself as well!!!  It's good to have a backup plan and having a dual action capo / tuner like this on board is just good policy.

My Karaoke Machine allows me to change keys for my vocal track keys which I then capo up the neck of the guitar.

Eagle Mania!

Steve French (l) and Ken Darcy tearing it up during Eagle Mania's set at Monmouth Co. Library HDQ's in New Jersey

I have to say I truly enjoyed a pre-Valentine's Day treat catching Eagle Mania (an Eagles Tribute Band) in concert this afternoon. If you know the Eagles, you know their tight, complex harmonies are truly something to hear...and to replicate.  If you can remember me covering Hwy 61's concert, (they are a Bob Dylan tribute band) it really takes musicians with a heart and soul of respect for the original artists.  While I really appreciated their music, most of Bob's stuff is before my time even though I play some of his music on acoustic guitar.  Bob Dylan was not what I danced to when I was in high school.  It was the Eagles! The concert was only 90 minutes but flew by as they did: Take It To the Limit, New Kid in Town, Boys of Summer, Tequila Sunrise, The Best of Your Love, Lying Eyes, One of These Nights, Already Gone, Desperado, Hotel CA, Life in the Fast Lane and quite a few encores (by that time I was up dancing)!

Frank Marino, Steve French and Ken Darcy of Eagle Mania doing "The Long Run"

So I think I was a bit more critical of their performance because 1.) this was MY music and 2.) I actually remembered how the songs went.  When music is attached to some of your most joyful memories, you want to hear them done perfectly.  Eagle Mania did not disappoint!  The lead vocals were clear and tender and the music itself conjured up the essence of the Eagles' 70's style of rock.  Implementing a double necked guitar for the Eagles iconic Hotel California, guitarist John Gaechter hit every note and riff just like the original recording.  John Weiswasser's drum solo was fantastic as was his entire performance. The flavor of the Eagles is less rugged than let's say Credence Clearwater Revival but bears similar southwestern, Tex-Mex guitar strains that makes them identifiable as a LA formed group. 

Monmouth Co. Library Headquarters is an acoustically sound venue and while the capacity tops off at 500, it was estimated that there were over 700 people in attendance throughout the building listening in.  How people were able to sit there without getting up to dance was beyond me but I did see a few (myself included) who could not resist.  As a musician and vocalist, my greatest reward to see the audience fully getting into the concert and enjoying themselves.  I hope this first concert of the year is a harbinger of things to come in 2013.  That bands like Eagle Mania will be invited again to perform and bring back memories for yet another generation of music lovers. Check out Eagle Mania's schedule of upcoming concerts at their fan page on Facebook: EagleMania Band

Lead vocalist-guitarist Ken Darcy and Dr. M

Red Taylor Swift's Latest Album Release

Taylor Swift's latest Album, Red dropped October 22, 2012

One of the things that I respect Taylor for is that she is one of the few truly creative young singer-songwriters on the scene today.  Like Justin Bieber, Taylor got her start on YouTube as THAT is one of the social media places up and coming artists hang out to exchange ideas and music.

Taylor using AT Mics

Her latest endeavor, Red, is her latest full length album under Big Machine Records recorded in Nashville, TN (Blackbird Studios, Pain in the Art Studios).  This is Swift's fourth studio album since her last commercially successful release in 2010 of  Speak Now.

Taylored Style
I'd have to say that Taylor's pure vocals and effervescent style merge country and pop seamlessly so that neither emerges as dominant. She writes and sings about what she knows which she revealed on the Ellen Degeneres Show includes horrible intuition in picking the right guy!
Women can relate to those love lost themes and men wish they could have a chance on Taylor's arm.  

The first track, State of Grace right out of the blocks reminds me of an updated version of the iconic Bruce Springsteen E-Street Band anthem, Born to Run.

The album title Red, is one of my favorites. "Loving him was burning red..." I think most can relate to someone who made us feel that way especially if they were the one we didn't end up with.  Both Treacherous and I Knew You Were Trouble are honed from the same theme.  Taylor's propensity to lead with her heart instead of her mind.  The album has its share of slower ballads, which I am not terribly enamoured with but they are done with tenderness and virtuosity.   I really like Track number 6, 22 (Keep dancing like we're 22) as it has a great beat and reflects my feelings when I'm skating.  Actually I feel like I'm 15 when skating but you get the idea!  Likewise I really enjoyed Track #9, Stay, Stay, Stay.

Taylor has time for the old slow stuff.  Dollie Pardon is the queen of country ballads and while Taylor has nothing to be ashamed of vocal-wise, her youth and exuberance are better showcased with more upbeat and even quirky offerings.  A great example is the music video featured below.  Check out the cool Autoharp cameo!

We're Never Getting Back Together Again

  

The Singing Machine Pedestal Karaoke System

The latest pedestal Singing Machine delivered to my studio in time for the holidays!

As soon as fall hits, I look forward to spending more time in the studio, working on my vocal tracks and doing some recording.  Last month was my birthday so my wish was to get a new Karaoke System.  I reviewed my first Singing Machine in 2009.  That was the iSM 1010 which was purchased at Sam's Club. I loved that thing and we did use it for lots of studio sessions and holiday parties.  The only problem is that after a while, (about 2 years) the CDG player stopped working properly.  The music and mic would cut out. Maybe it was due to the fact that I didn't have it plugged into a power surge strip like my other musical electronics.  Whatever the case, it no longer worked properly and there is only a 90 warranty on it.  Customer service was of no real help and I've seen similar complaints about this company's karaoke products/service online.

Surge Protection
So before plugging this new unit in, I purchased a surge protector and so far so good but I will keep you posted on what happens. Even with a surge protector, I unplug all of my electronics during a lightening storm.  Since I owned the previous model, I can tell you a bit about the differences & similarities between the two.  First the similarities:

Both have very good sounding twin tower speakers with tweeters 
Both have both a plug in and a remote mic
Both have random play, program, repeat track features
Both allow you to dock your iPhone, iPod, etc. to stream music
Both have a 7 inch full color screen, (it will also play videos from your iPhone, iPod like a television screen)
Both have a FM Radio and AUX settings
Both are built somewhat thin plastic parts

The new iSM1028XI Singing Machine

The unit is made in China and suitable for home use, not professional KJ work although we had many parties with it.  The Singing Machine is made of lightweight plastic and simply not sturdy enough for heavy use or taking on the road.

The Differences:
The newer model Singing Machine, iSM 1028XI does not have a built in video camera as did the previous model. It was poor quality anyway so unless you really enjoy seeing yourself singing on the 7 inch screen, you could do with out it.
I will say that the quality of the microphones has improved but the only vocal effect is still echo which can be turned up to +4.  There is a key control allowing you to raise or lower the pitch of the song by four increments. You have to open the CD player door manually, (the previous model had a button) and there are a few more controls to adjust the brightness and color quality of the screen.

The Take Away

I prefer sending lead vocals through a studio mic

The Singing Machine is what it is.  You can read other reviews on the web telling how these machines broke right after the 90 warranty was up.  I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt however as I have had other electronics that weren't surge protected get fried after the terrible lightening storms we so often have in the north east.

I like having the graphics and lyrics right there for studio practice but prefer to use the Singing Machine for the music and back up vocals while using Audio-Technica studio mics for the lead.  The lead vocals are sent through my Voice Tone Create and Roland Stage Amp stack.  If I am playing guitar, I plug into my guitar amp (Tech21 NYC) so the result is a full surround sound with the different parts beings picked up by the various mics and coming through multiple amps.

I also like to just sit on a stool and sing through the Singing Machine with the headphones on. This really gives you an intense vocal workout and with the iPod docking feature, I'm able to access many more Karaoke songs via YouTube.  I've gotten so much enjoyment from this karaoke system that I took a chance and replaced it but as mentioned before, took extra precautions and invested in surge protection.  Take it out for home birthday, Christmas and New Year's Eve parties and you have an instant ice breaker.  Karaoke is VERY popular and having two microphones included with this unit allow for duets and harmonizing.  Think about getting a Karaoke machine for your home for the upcoming holiday season. 

Fall is studio-time!