Hey listeners. In this episode I provide guidance on selection and placement for the one microphone every recordist show have to record amplifiers, of any kind at home. Listen in to learn more and be ready to record your work.

In this episode I look at amps that exist in your computer, that sound like the real thing, that you can play back through monitors or through headphones and also use for silent recording. This may be the least expensive amplifier that you encounter.

In this episode I explore the less travelled road of nylon string guitars. Join me, won’t you?

Hello listeners. In this episode I talk about the increasing problem of counterfeit strings.

Hey folks. This episode I do a brief exploration on the growing world of pedal amplifiers. These tools may be just the thing to suit you.

In this episode, I share what some may call the path of heresy.

In this episode, I take a deep dive into Impulse Response. What IR files are, why you might use them, how they are made and IR makers that I have had success with.

Hi folks. In this episode I want to explore the subject of knowing how much you can trust in YouTube videos, manufacturer social media, retail store ads and social as well as blog posts and podcasts. It’s lively and will probably annoy someone.

Hello folks, in this episode I look at helping you define the effects strategy that works best for you.

In this episode, I focus specifically on my recommended Digital Audio Workstation software for folks using Windows. The right DAW makes your recording life a joy. The wrong one is like hammering nails into your knees.

Hi folks, in this episode I go through the different types of inputs to our computer we will encounter when recording at home or in the field. I also give some tips on maximizing the quality of the recorded signals.

Hello folks, in this episode we talk about attenuators, with specific emphasis on load balancing attenuators to reduce the overall volume of your tube amplifier without compromising its sound.

In this episode, I touch on the things that impact a guitar’s action, why adjusting to suit is critical and how easy it can be to check.

Hey listeners. In this episode I sit down with recordist and producer Dylan Barros to talk about his thoughts on what is required for consideration when getting going to make recordings of your own music and songs at home.

Hey folks, in this episode, I spend some time talking about guitars, music, recording and related stuff with my friend James Ridings who is a Sales Engineer with Sweetwater Music in Fort Wayne Indiana. It’s good fun.

In this episode and with apologies to George Lucas, I look ar a small set of pedals said to sound like infamous Klon Centaur and provide a brief history and why current prices for original Klons are at a galactic level.

In this episode, I am joined by professional bassist Manny DeGrandis to discuss all things bass

Hey gang. In this episode I want to talk about string gauge and what difference, if any to the overall tone of your guitar. Personal preference of feel is a different thing, but there’s a lot of misunderstanding and complete nonsense related to string gauge.

Hey listeners. This time, I am joined again by Cody Shaw and we talk about the reasons why we, meaning musicians, continue to play whatever we play. I hope that you enjoy the episode, please leave a comment and if you have questions or suggestions for future episodes, please send an email via the link provided. Until next time, peace.

In this episode, I want to look into what goes into choosing a bedroom amplifier

In this episode, I look at the components needed to build a useful pedal board and what to gather, before you start adding pedals

Hey listeners. This time I am joined by professional musician Ryan Ainsworth and we talk about playing with friends, jamming, and playing live gigs when your instrument is an acoustic guitar.

In this episode, I am joined by friend Fraser Moore to discuss what fuzz is, what to consider, and some thoughts on pedals to get started in fuzz. Or add to your existing fuzz pedals, because players do that.

Hey gang. In this episode we meet Kia. She’s a very talented young musician just about to embark on a long road show. It’s great to learn her perspectives on music, gear and embarking on a career in the music industry.

In this episode, Ross is joined by friend Cody to take us through the different genres of metal, selecting a guitar, amplifier and appropriate effects, along with lots of practical insights.

Hi gang. In this episode I want to explore the utility and value proposition of one of the unsexy but really beneficial pedals, known as the noise gate.

In this episode, I share my experience evaluating acoustic guitar and acoustic bass amplifiers selling for under $1,000 as requested by my friend David who wants to replace his existing Fishman Loudbox Mini that he really does not like.

Hey listeners! In this shorter than usual episode, I share some of the challenges that I find in writing my own music, along with a couple of ideas on making it my own. Don’t look here for ideas on lyrics though, that’s a place foreign to me.

In this episode, I look at the history and build options in P90 picks that are in one of their peaking popularity cycles.

In this episode, I explain why you probably aren’t impressed by the sound of your acoustic electric instrument and share three pedals to give your amplified or DI sound back what is missing.

In this episode, inspired by listener David, I explore the evolution, materials and construction of picks or plectrums. There’s a lot more there than most people think

On this episode I dive into the different materials used in pickup construction. We also discuss different coil sizes, wiring and how a single coil can be made noiseless. If you want to learn the difference between metal and ceramic magnets, what if anything makes a gold foil different and why the sudden boost in CuNiFe, this is where you will hear it.

Hi folks, in this third episode in our home recording series I discuss best practices and solution for studio monitor speakers and studio headphones. Dive in to learn more!

In this episode we discuss what a Digital Audio Workstation is, what you can do with one, and how to select one for your personal recording use

In this episode, I speak specifically about what a recording interface does, what to look for in one and how to connect it to your computer. You need one to do home recording so let’s cut through the marketing bafflegab and help you all know what to look for.

This time, we look at friction as the enemy of tuning stability. Have a listen. Also please be aware that while products from Graph Tech are mentioned, I receive no compensation or benefit from mentioning this or any other product. I only recommend what I use and pay for myself.

Welcome to this episode, which I admit is a bit of a rant about the chronic misuse of the word vintage and its implications in the music industry

You’ve probably heard the term attenuation before. It means a reduction in signal strength and many of us first encountered the concept in condenser and ribbon based microphones as a means to prevent the signal from the microphone from overdriving the preamp in a recording desk or a mixer. In this episode we’re going to look at modern attenuators for physical amplifiers.

Join me as we spend this episode discussing the most in demand guitar effect. Can you guess what it is?

Hello listeners. In this episode I distinguish between acoustic electrics and electric acoustics and then delineate the specific requirements and design differences in electric acoustic guitars which are gaining in market awareness.

For guitarists working to improve their skill in music theory and in chord construction, a simple USB connected piano keyboard can be an incredible tool. Listen in to get ideas of how having a piano keyboard can help you build skill.

Hello folks. In this short episode I discuss why having a looper makes sense for any guitarist or bassist as a practice tool and even as a songwriting tool. The link to Paul Davids referenced in the episode is here.

Let's talk about how we can use plugins to give us most any amplifier and cabinet we want for playing and recording

In this episode I explore the use cases and unique value proposition of semi-hollow body guitars and basses

I was recently searching for a new bass amplifier. My findings surprised me and that is why this episode is about bass preamps.

There are probably more options in guitar string vendors today than ever before. In addition to many names available for years such as D’Addario and Ernie Ball from America and Thomastik-Infeld and Rotosound from the UK and Europe, we are also seeing more independent string makers such as Curt Mangan and Stringjoy. In addition to the number of brand choices, in many brands we are now seeing the option for regular (uncoated) strings and coated strings. Are the more expensive coated strings worth the higher price?

Hey folks! This episode I want to explore with you three pedal categories, the simple single function, the more advanced single effect and the powerful yet complex multi-effect pedal type. Listen in and then please share via email or a comment which type of pedal you tend to buy most often.

For guitar and bass players, we sometimes like to learn another stringed instrument. For my latest excursion, I have decided to the learn to play the Bluegrass Banjo.