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YAMAHAYAMAHAYAMAHAYAMAHA

www.yamaha.co.za

mplifierTHR10 Guitar Amplifier

Unique Quality

PDP Concept Drum Kit

Reviews on...

GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS TUTORIALS by

KURT SLABBERT & DAVID CHISLETT

FenderFender

Takamine LTD 2012Takamine LTD 2012

Fender

Takamine LTD 2012

IM715 IMIX

Ibanez RG

Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX

ALISTAIR ANDREWS | JON PIKEALAN RATCLIFFE

SUPER CHAMP™ X2

Iron labelBlackstar ID30 TVP

Winner of the best Guitar Amp Combo Award - Mipa 2013

For trade enquiries or to find your closest retailer : Call (011) 250 3280 | orders@hybrid.co.za

www.hybrid.co.za

K-LA Full System Price: R 165,850.00

8 X K-LA 28 Line array cabinets (Dual 8” MF Drivers, dual1 “HF Drivers - 4 Cabs per side) 2 x Bumper Frames for the K-LA array speakers 4 x Audiocenter VA1201 Amplifiers 4 x Dual 18” Bass Cabs

Total system power: 15 Kilowatts

Components

AUDIOCENTER Dynamic Audio Solutions

unbeatable price, unbelievable sound

Line Array System

Includes:

VA1201

K-LA 28 Dual 18’’ Bass Cab

EDITION 25 | JUN/JUL ‘13 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!4

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uitar amps! It seems amplifier. This baby seems to be the behind your axe. Nic loves the new to be our main focus ideal travelling companion for Blackstar ID30 and Alan, a man not in Muse Tech this practicing and recording and enables easily impressed, took a liking to the edition. More one to pick up on a jam almost Fender SUPER CHAMP™ X2 as well.accurately digitally anywhere. It also includes a nifty But it’s not just amps we played Gmodelled guitar iPad app which means you can play with. Greg tried out a new Ibanez RG

amps. If our reviews this month tell along with songs from your music Iron Label guitar and Kalin got to try us anything, it’s that digital collection and cancel out the guitar out a top of the range Takamine LTD modelling has come a long way and parts so that you can play them 2012, a pricey, but exceptionally well is now finding its place in yourself! Guitar playing may not be crafted acoustic/electric. conventional gear and instruments. as easy as DJing, but you have to And finally, we also looked at Sure there will be the detractors who admire progress; with the tools some back room gear in the form of are still suspicious of anything digital available today, there is little excuse the competitively priced ZED60-10FX (I just watched Dave Grohl’s movie - not to get your skills down. Greg mixing desk from Allen and Heath Sound City, which is pretty anti takes a closer look on Pg. 6. and the proudly South African digital) but the collection of amps Nic [Roos] and Alan [Ratcliffe] speaker cabinet from Imix - the we’ve reviewed clearly present a also got their mitts on some new Im715. strong case for this new age, both in guitar amps which boast digital amp It’s a packed edition so please terms of affordability and flexibility. modelling and a range of effects and enjoy.

Our cover story features the editing options to enhance your brand new Yamaha TRH10 guitar playing and recording experience Dave Mac

Editors Note and Index

Cover Review: Yamaha THR10 Guitar Amplifier

Gear News

Gear Review: Fender SUPER CHAMP™ X2

Instrument Review: Ibanez RG Iron label

Gear Review: IMIX IM715 Loudspeaker

Gear Review: Blackstar ID30

Instrument review: PDP Concept Series Drum kit

Instrument Review: Takamine LTD 2012

Gear Review: Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX

Tutorial: Tips for Upcoming Bands

Guitar Maintenance with Alan Ratcliffe

Play Better Bass with Alistair Andrews

Play Better Guitar with Kurt Slabbert

Your Private Universe: Ribbon Microphones

http://www.segma.co.za

n an age where convenience is But you can’t always partake in such digital modeling amp with two built-king and versatility is luxuries, particularly if you live in a in 8cm full-range speakers that offers paramount, it seems nowadays space shared by others or if your digital recording and playback via even guitarists seldom have apartment is sandwiched between USB. There are other features that time or back strength to lug those little old grannies living above are USB-based but we’ll get to that Iaround anything larger than and below. shortly.

hand luggage. The modeling age is Yamaha remains a company that First thing to know is that the clearly in full swing and so we see prides itself on innovation, variety amplifiers were modeled using digitally driven amplifiers slowly and versatility. I’ve said it before; Yamaha’s proprietary VCM (Virtual taking the place of the traditional, they manufacture pretty much Circuit Modeling) technology that has otherwise one-trick-pony valve everything that appeals to us men; been used to model classic effects amplifiers of the past, particular motorcycles, wave runners, boats, found in their professional audio when it comes to recording and four-wheelers, keyboards and pianos, consoles and later on in their vintage practicing at home. drums, guitars, high-end hi-fi range of VST plugins.

Some of them are not half bad, systems, pro-audio equipment; the All in all you get five amp types; either; the technology has certainly list goes on. It’s no wonder, then, that Deluxe, Class A, US Blues, Brit Blues, come a long way. I mean, look at they came up with a nifty little, shall and Mini, along with Bass, Aco products like the Kemper modeling we say, 'ampliface' (amplifier + audio (acoustic) and Flat (no emulation). amp or AxeFX. It’s no secret that The interface) called the THR10 for those These are switchable by the first Deftones recorded their last record, needing great tone in a small rotary switch to the left of the top Kio No Yokan, with one and it suited package with a USB output for panel. All effects are VCM as well, their sound just fine. This, of course, recording to your computer as well. including the usual standards such as bolsters the proposed usability of chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, these simulated amplifiers because in delay with tap function, delay/reverb, the mind of many, “if the big stars hall reverb, compressor, and noise The THR10, which runs on either AC can do it, why can’t we?” gate. The compressor and noise gate power or eight AA batteries, was

There’s still a lot to be said about are only available in the THR editor, designed for use in every off-stage a roaring all-valve full-stack, though. which we will get to shortly. EQ is application, namely practicing and There’s just nothing quite like it when also straightforward with separate recording. It’s about the size of a you’ve got one moving some serious controls for Bass, Middle and Treble micro guitar head like Mesa air behind you. I, personally, am a and there are also the usual Master Transatlantic, albeit a little bit longer. huge fan, which is why I own one. volume and Gain controls. Quite simply put, it is a miniature

Features

Gear Review | YAMAHA THR10 GUITAR AMPLIFIER | words: Greg Bester 6

DIGITAL AMP MODELING TAKES ON A NEW LIFE: COMPACT, USABLE AND IDEAL FOR PRACTICE AND HOME RECORDING

YAMAHA THR10 GUITAR AMPLIFIER

7

Once you have got your desired Yamaha effects have always been top setting, there are five preset buttons drawer and the TRH10 is no I was able to personally check out the that are set by simply depressing exception. THR10 at the World of Yamaha in them until the preset is stored for Sandton, graciously hosted by Ryan instant recall. Other features include Shnettler from the Yamaha sales an on-board tuner, a headphone out department. Needless to say, he’s a The THR10 is certainly a step in a and a mini-jack aux input for much better guitarist than I so it was new direction for the modern playback of true stereo sources from a pleasure to hear him play me a few guitarist. If you need a small practice devices such as an iPod. When licks through the THR10. amp that doubles as an audio utilizing this feature, there are two First impression was that the THR10 interface, the THR10 should most dedicated knobs to balance the mix has got a surprisingly large tone for definitely be on your list to test drive. between Guitar and USB/Aux how small it is. The two 8cm The tones are realistic, the effects are playback, certainly a necessary speakers really out performed what entirely usable and the fact that you inclusion. I’d expected from such a compact can record through it only makes it Speaking of the USB, there are a unit. Well, we’re not talking huge more appealing all round. There are few features available. Firstly, it bass here, but the overall sound was two models on offer: the TRH10 as transforms the THR10 into a quite astounding for such a small reviewed here and also the slightly recording interface with stereo amp, considering it looks merely like smaller TRH5, which incidentally has playback facility. Cubase AI is an amp head. the same size speakers and output bundled with the amp so you can lay The tones themselves were as rating, yet is marginally smaller in your worries to rest if you don’t representative as they could be for actual size and has a few less already own a DAW. The other each type. The clean tones were nice features, one of which is not as many feature that’s quite nifty is the THR and glassy and as you moved up the amp emulations as its bigger brother. Editor. Available as a download from dial through crunch toward modern The TRH10 also has 3 derivatives and download.yamaha.com, the THR lead sounds the tone got thicker and the TRH5 2 variants, each with a Editor allows in-depth editing of all thicker. For someone practicing or slightly modified feature set, so best amp and effect parameters. recording in their bedroom, the THR to look at what each offers versus As mentioned before, two further could prove very helpful. your budget. This THR series is effects – compression and noise Particularly nice was the Bass certainly a wonderfully compact gating – are available only through emulation. I really cannot stress how practice and recording piece of guitar the software. Additionally, there is a surprised I was by the sound that gear that’ll no doubt be finding its companion app for iOS called THR was emerging from the 8cm way into many personal studios and Session where the user can play speakers. The effects? Well, they also music spaces. along with their music library, cancel sounded good. Not muddy or lost in A big thumbs up for innovation and out the original guitar, or speed up the fray. Every effect came through quality from Yamaha once again! and slow down the music for an clean and precise and if I don’t sound enhanced lick-learning experience. overly excited it’s simply because

Sound

Conclusion

Supplier: World of Yamaha | Tel: (011) 259-7700 | www.yamaha.co.za Expect to pay: THR10: R 4,999.00 | THR5: R 3,499.00 [winter promotion prices - more info on their website]

Gear & Industry News | FOR DAILY GEAR, INSTRUMENT AND INDUSTRY NEWS VISITS MUSEONLINE.CO.ZA8

Gear News

Innibaai is a Johannesburg based Tune-bot is an electronic drum tuning company aimed at supplying the music

device now widely available in South industry with better products at better prices. Their wide range, which caters to the needs Africa.and wants of musicians, can be found at

The product was developed by Overtone Labs various stores across the country.

in North America and is locally distributed by Tune-bot is now available at music stores

Innibaai Distributors. The device was all over South Africa. To find out which stores

developed to fulfil all a drummer’s tuning stock Tune-bot and other Innibaai products,

requirements. Its individual lug pitch visit www.innibaai.co.za. For more about Tune-

measurement, as well as overall pitch bot, visit their website www.tune-bot.com

measurement, tunes to either exact frequency (up to .5Hz) or to chromatic notes, and has over 80 save slots in which to save your tuning preference.

Trade Enquiries: Innibaai(011) 414-4956 | www.innibaai.co.za

Palmer FAT50 Tube Series amplifiers are headroom. The FAT50's High Gain circuit for the guitarist in search of the distinct provides massive overdrive for a and highly individual sounds only a true comprehensive set list of quintessential all-tube design can produce. Full of riffs and classic lead lines.character, yet straight forward and In addition to their outstanding uncluttered Palmer amps are back - with sound quality Palmer amps offer tons of tone, high quality components, unsurpassed reliability on stage and in rugged construction and attractive the studio. Premium quality tubes are cosmetics to fulfil the demands of used throughout for safe and stable discerning players. operation. With two foot-switchable

The no-compromise FAT50 design master volumes and a solid 50 Watts of incorporates a rainbow of sounds with true tube power FAT50 amps are built to punch and definition - from subtle crunch be heard!to maximum saturation, and a lively and dynamic clean tone with extended

Distributed through Segma South Africa (011) 312-1846 | www.segma.co.za

t an exclusive press event in midrange drivers the acoustic space they Tokyo, Shure introduced the need to be heard clearly and accurately.SE846 Sound Isolating “Audio quality and durability are Earphones featuring Quad signatures of Shure products, and these AHigh-Definition MicroDrivers innovative earphones are no exception.

with a three-way system configuration for The SE846’s unprecedented low-pass dedicated low, mid and high frequency filter is a combination of simplicity and distribution. effectiveness that ensures an unequalled,

The patent pending design of the perfectly tailored listening experience,” SE846 includes a ground-breaking low- said Matt Engstrom, Category Director pass filter with true subwoofer that for Monitoring Products at Shure. “The enables deep low-end performance SE846 achieves subwoofer sound quality frequency response allowing adjustable without sacrificing clarity or detail. with clarity and detail in less than half of a sound signatures - balanced, warm, and

Designed for professionals and square inch.” bright options are included. audiophiles, the SE846 extends the The SE846 provides a combination A premium accessories package legendary heritage and performance of of sound quality, noise isolation, and includes sleeves in multiple shapes and Shure’s widely-adopted SE215, SE315, durability, in a comfortable, sophisticated sizes, an additional detachable cable, and SE425, and SE535 Sound Isolating design. Lightweight with a low profile two carrying cases. These flagship model Earphone models. The SE846 delivers shape, the SE846 has a detachable cable earphones will soon be available from strong, impactful bass, enabling the for easy replacement, and an optimized Wild and Marr in South Africa.midrange and high frequencies to shine nozzle angle that’s designed to rest individually. The natural roll-off of the comfortably in the ear. A first for Shure, subwoofer provides the tweeter and the earphone features a customizable

Wild and Marr | (011) 974-0633 www.wildandmarr.co.za

SHURE REVEALS SE846 SOUND ISOLATING EARPHONES

PALMER PFAT50 50 W TUBE GUITAR COMBO

New flagship model combines Quad High-Definition MicroDrivers with True Subwoofer experience

TUNE-BOT NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

9

The 16-channel PLL UHF stereo in-ear ! 19" rack ears includedmonitoring system is designed to enable

! Supplied in ABS flight casea performer to hear a monitor mix

! 50.0m maximum rangedirectly via in-ear headphones. This system eliminates the need for stage monitors and delivers faultless foldback with freedom of movement. Also, any number of beltpacks can receive from a single transmitter, allowing groups to use this system for conference, training and translation applications.

! UHF 16-channel PLL synthesized

! Backlit LCD display on transmitter & receiver

! Stereo or Mono operation

! Rack ear or rear mounted antenna

! Professional in-ear headphones included

! Additional wired headphone output (6.3mm jack)

! Balanced line inputs (2 x combo)

Supplied by TV Audio(011) 805-9910 | www.tvaudio.co.za

Plug-Ins - with as low as sub-2ms latency - so recordists can monitor, audition, and “print” audio through stunning analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Apollo 16's onboard UAD processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can employ UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

Apollo 16 boasts straightforward 16x16 analog I/O via convenient DB-25 connections. Two Apollo 16 units can be cascaded over MADI for an expanded system with eight UAD processors and 32x32 simultaneous analog I/O, capable of handling large professional mixes. Dedicated XLR monitor outputs and stereo AES-EBU digital I/O round out the Apollo 16’s rear-panel audio connections.

Universal Audio (UA), a leading recording with classic analog sound. Apollo 16’s routing capabilities

manufacturer of professional audio “Building on the success of the include four stereo cue mixes with

recording hardware and software, original Apollo interface, the Apollo 16 is individually assignable outputs, and a

recently announced their new Apollo 16 our flagship audio converter,” says Bill new “Virtual I/O” feature that allows for

Audio Interface. Delivering world-class Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder and Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks

conversion with 16x16 analog I/O, this CEO. “Its sound quality and scalability and virtual instruments.

uncompromising FireWire/Thunderbolt- make it ideal for pairing with mixing ready interface combines superior sound consoles and outboard preamps, and the and flexible routing with powerful ability to track through UAD plug-ins in onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing. real time provides powerful sonic options

With its professional DB-25 for professional studios.”connectivity and multi-unit cascading for With its standard UAD-2 QUAD up to 32x32 analog I/O, Apollo 16 sets a processing onboard, Apollo 16 allows new standard in high-resolution real time processing with UAD Powered

Tuerk Music | (011) 792-8402 www.tuerkmusic.co.za

IEM16 UHF IN-EAR MONITORING SYSTEM

UNIVERSAL AUDIO ANNOUNCES FLAGSHIP APOLLO 16 HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO INTERFACE

Gear Review | FENDER SUPER CHAMP X2 GUITAR AMP | words: Alan Ratcliffe10

FENDER SUPER CHAMP X2 GUITAR AMP

Supplier: Musical Distributorswww.musicaldistributors.co.za

Expect to pay: R7,995.00

voicings, covering a variety of classic and modern amps. Fender’s own amps are well represented, alongside classic models from other brands, so there is enough choice for most players. Most of the amp models are good, particularly the clean to lower gain amps. While the higher gain amps are decent, there is also a little harshness from the speaker that doesn’t do them justice. Plugging in an extension cab with a good 12” speaker makes a big difference to the amp tones, taking them to the next level.

The effects are simple to use – the selector for the type of effect (including combinations) and a parameter dial, which is usually used for the amount of effect, while the tap tempo switch is used to set the speed or time of time-based effects like delay or modulation. The real power of the effects comes in when you start using the software via USB.

The freeware Fender Fuse software adds The first channel has a single ybrid modelling/valve a lot of tweaking ability, allowing

volume, while the second has volume amps were not new when adjustment of more settings than are and gain controls with a 16-position amp the Fender Super Champ available from the front panel. This voicing rotary switch. EQ is a simple XD came out, but the XD includes additional settings for the amp treble and bass control layout, while the took a different approach models, including added EQ controls and effects also have two controls – a 16-to most. While most H some more esoteric settings like sag and position effects selection rotary switch hybrid amps used a valve in the preamp biasing. It also gives you access to extra and an adjustment dial. The effects section with a solid-state power amp, the effects like noise gate, compression and section also features a tap tempo button.XD used a solid state modelling preamp distortion as well as the ability to tweak a

The back panel sports an 8Ω with digital effects and coupled it with a lot of the effect parameters.speaker output, line out, footswitch and valve power amp. the USB socket. The footswitch (not This was a good combination, with a included) allows for channel switching convincing valve-amp feel, flexible and and turning effects on or off. USB recording is via ASIO and Core good-sounding range of sounds in a

Audio drivers and speaker emulation is small, affordable combo.added for a more realistic tone, which is The Super Champ X2 is the updated surprisingly similar to the real speaker’s version of the XD, which adds a USB port The first channel has a blackface-style output.for software editing and direct recording. voicing which has the sparkly clean tone

The review model is a limited-edition you expect and love from a Fender version with blonde tolex and oxblood blackface amp. There is plenty of grille cloth, but otherwise identical to the headroom, so it manages to stay clean The Fender Super Champ X2 is a worthy standard “blackface” black and silver virtually all the way up. successor to the XD – a good sounding, model. It is also worth noting that the X2 However, due to the 10” speaker, it simple to use small amp that is very is available in a head-only configuration. does lack a little of the low end you flexible. It could, however, do with a

would expect from the larger blackface speaker upgrade.amps like the Deluxe and Twin, leaning more to the tighter, brighter tone of a The X2 is a 15W 1x10 combo which uses Princeton. At higher volume levels, the two 6V6 output valves with a 12AX7 speaker does tend to lose a lot of phase inverter. It has two channels which definition and adds a bit of harshness in share common EQ and DSP effects the high end.sections.

The second channel has 16 different

Effects

Software

Recording

Sounds

Summary

Features

http://www.musicaldistributors.co.za

12

IBANEZ RG IRON LABEL RGIR20FE-BK

Instrument Review | IBANEZ RG IRON LABEL RGIR20FE-BK | words: Greg Bester

banez guitars and basses have surprise, then, that the Iron Label design, a welcome feature for me had a long prosperous history series of guitars emerged from the since I abhor Floyd Rose bridges since their inception that black depths of hell to spawn their normally found on guitars such as spans more than 80 years. crushing riffage onto the world. this. I’m so glad metal got over that Originally part of the Hoshino Metal is the word and Bob’s your craze and came to its senses. IGakki company, the musical uncle. Probably one of the coolest

instrument sales division of the features of this guitar is the Kill Hoshino Shoten bookstore chain, Switch that allows the player to Ibanez emerged on the scene in manually control a strobe effect that Based on the classic designs of the 1929 when Hoshino Gakki began only Gibson-style guitar players Ibanez RG and S-Series models, the importing Salvador Ibáñez é Hijos were allowed to enjoy. Finally, it has Iron Label range was designed with acoustic guitars from Spain to a single, global volume control that one thing in mind: metal. Japan. affects all pickups.Incorporating other metal-friendly

As is the case with most features all-round that we’ll get into Eastern knock-offs, in 1935 Hoshino in a moment, the guitars are aimed Gakki began making his own at being the heaviest, most Well, I’ll be honest. Picking up this Spanish acoustic guitars under the aggressive beasts on the market. guitar I was instantly drawn to it. It Ibanez Salvador brand as a result of Simply put, the six-string RG- felt extremely well built, the action the sale of the company who he inspired Iron Label RGIR20FE-BK (a was perfect, and it appealed greatly previously imported from. Later on long model number, I know) is a to my sense of minimalism. It just he dropped the ‘Salvador’ part of super strat shape in a black finish felt right. Personally, I don’t like a the name and simply used ‘Ibanez’. with white binding around the guitar with too much clutter or This is how the Japanese guitar entire circumference of the guitar. embellishment. manufacturer came to have a There are no frills or fancy Since I had an Orange Spanish sounding name. dragon or vine inlays. You don’t Rockerverb 50 at hand kindly

Nowadays Ibanez boasts a wide need dots on the fretboard, do you? supplied for my session once again range of guitars and basses to meet Good. It has none apart from teeny by Anton at Music Connection, I the need of almost any conceivable tiny ones on the binding. The eagerly plugged in. Of course, one style. Indeed, despite being fretboard, of course, is rosewood. can only start with the heaviest associated mostly with the heavier No sissy maple here. The darker the setting possible so I turned the gain side of the scale, they also make a better, right? on the distortion channel up to mean hollow body guitar the likes Of course, no metal guitar about 90 percent, cut the mids a bit of which are used by such mega- would be complete without the (these amps can be a bit honky) and names in jazz such as George obligatory EMG pickups. This boosted the lows and highs; the Benson, Pat Metheny and John basswood body guitar has active 60 classic metal EQ approach. The Scofield. For anyone that isn’t and 81 models installed at the neck Orange amps, while heavy as they aware of any of these beautiful and bridge, respectively. My amp is come, can be a bit “spongy” guitars, such as the Artstar, become already cowering in the corner. The sounding so what I was looking for aware. Become very aware. neck is a three-piece maple/bubinga was for the EMGs to tighten things

All that being said, yes; Ibanez Nitro Wizard, a super fast version of up. makes a very, very good guitar their RG Wizard neck on RG models Sure enough, I got a suited to playing heavy styles. past. Of course two pickups require fantastically tight and chuggy

Having a look through their a three-way pickup toggle switch so bottom end with a very satisfying endorsee list, one would find that is exactly what you get. Do I chimey midrange. The top end just names like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, need to explain this one? seared through like a hot knife and I Mick Thomson, Munky and a host Starting in the down position, could definitely see some of other guys who make a living its bridge, then both, then neck. longhaired Viking melting faces pounding out heavy riffs. For this Simple. The bridge is a fixed from stage left with this thing. they are world-renowned so it’s no Gibralter string-through-body

Features

Sound

13

Supplier: Midi MusicTel: (011) 403-0199www.midimusic.co.za

Expect to pay: R 8,199.00

Next I decided to give the Kill Switch a go and was surprised to find that it didn’t kill the sound entirely. It left a tiny little bit of signal bleeding through, which, after I thought about it, made sense because the strobe effect would still have the same result while the small amount of bled signal would keep the tonal undercurrent flowing.

Switching the amp to clean tone, I decided to try out the other pickup selections to see whether the EMGs were one-trick-ponies or not. They’re not. They sound fantastic for clean tone, particularly the middle and neck positions. The middle position gives a sort of scooped sound that’s great for strumming clean sparkly passages. Switching to the neck position I was met with a thicker lower midrange albeit while retaining that beautiful top end shine.

What I really loved about the other pickup positions was that there was no volume change from position to position. This, I assume, is due to the active electronics and makes A/B-ing a little more constructive.

Okay, I admit, I’m not a player in the metal genre. While I like a good dose of high gain and bit of chug-a-lug, the RG Iron Label would not under normal circumstances be my first go-to choice.

However, and it’s a BIG however; I love everything about this guitar. The feel is great, it plays like a dream, and its tone is fantastic. In fact, I would bet that this guitar would excel at styles outside of the metal genre but if your aim is to play metal with a quality guitar that delivers everything and more, the Iron Label series is your best choice.

Now go melt some faces.

Conclusion

http://www.sosofttrading.com

Gear Review | IMIX IM715 | words: Greg Bester 16

IMIX IM715 Supplier: Imix Sound and LightTel: (011) 974-1121Website: www.sosofttrading.comSuggested Retail Price: R 1,910.00 each

t seems that every other day we are being relatively flat between 300 and presented with a new unknown 10,000Hz within +/-2dB. A single 15” brand looking to break into the driver with a 3” voice coil handles low loudspeaker marketplace. Indeed, frequency duties and a 1,75” compression the Chinese manufacturing industry driver handles the top end, which is Imust be smiling all the way to the crossed over at 2000Hz with a

bank because just about every 24dB/octave filter. It can produce a max loudspeaker company, from the smallest SPL of 123dB and has a nominal to the largest, has an ‘affordable’ speaker dispersion of 40 degrees vertical and 70 that it manufactures in the East and degrees horizontal. Connections include pushes by the boatload to the masses. two Neutrik Speakon connections on the

And, as we all know, affordable does rear of the speaker.not always mean quality. In fact it often means quite the opposite.

However, how many of these brands Stepping into the So Soft Trading are local? Very few. Here on our shores warehouse in Germiston, my hopes were we see many international brands that not high for an objective review. There market their wares at a very specific price we were, standing in what amounted to a point because price point, after all, is very reverberant and hard-surfaced room, what it’s all about. Quality is incidental. joking that the demonstration may be But how would you feel about a quality pointless. Happily it was not. local product sourced and manufactured Hooked up to an IMIX CS1400 power in the East? amplifier, which delivers 300w per

Well, IMIX Sound, a division of So channel at 8 Ohms, the power rating was Soft Trading, has been doing just that almost matched to the IM715s. Once we since 2007 and is now a pretty prolific got the somewhat nebulous CD player/DJ supplier of automotive sound, navigation mixer/iPod dock working we were met systems, stage lighting and effects, line with extremely powerful, clean, low-arrays, amplifiers, and now their IM range distortion sound. Well, no more distortion of passive speaker systems. I was called than what the Dubstep we were listening upon to review their IM-715 loudspeaker was supplying. and was a little intrigued to see how a I must definitely say that, given the local company planned on breaking into room we were listening in, the sound was the market. quite impressive. There seemed to be an

Let’s take a look. infinite amount of headroom and we dared not go beyond half way because the volume level became too much.

The first thing the little voice inside my What I liked about the IM715 was head said to me when I saw the IM715 that the top end was clear and present was, ‘thank god it’s not another plastic without becoming strident on the ears. molded cabinet’. You’ve seen the type. The low end just simply thumped, hitting Almost every budget brand has that same you right in the chest. The midrange - the box they purchase by the millions from telltale range - was clear and unobtrusive. China and then just plonk their name on There was no honk to speak of. Overall the front. the speaker had a nice warm tone and it

This particular box is made of 15mm made me feel good to know that it was a MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which proudly South African product.is the preferred material in the construction of most decent speakers. The overall ruggedness of the design, the Need a good speaker system from a modern look of the cabinet and the South African brand? Try the IMIX IM715. resistant textured black finish also instills From what I heard they definitely have a a sense of confidence in me. Overall, the quality product that isn’t just cheap speaker just looks right. Chinese rubbish and if I was looking to

The IM715 is a passive 2-way full- put together an affordable, powerful, range loudspeaker. It boasts a power decent sounding system, I would handling of 350w RMS at 8 ohms and has certainly preview these ahead of making been measured to perform within a my final purchase. frequency response of 65Hz to 18kHz

Sound

Construction and Features

Conclusion

NEED A GOOD SPEAKER SYSTEM FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN BRAND? TRY THE IMIX IM715.

http://www.mediatech.co.za

BLACKSTAR ID:30 TVP30W SOLID-STATE PROGRAMMABLE GUITAR AMP

Gear Review | BLACKSTAR ID:30 TVP | words: Nic Roos18Supplier: Rockit DistributionTel: (021) 511-1800Website: www.rockitdistribution.co.zaExpect to pay: R 5,995.00

you the option of using a speaker emulated output when recording into your DAW. There is also a cassette-player-styled interface that plays your mp3s for you to jam along to.

For total control in a live context the tuner, presets and effects are accessible via the FS-10 Foot controller, which is specifically designed for the ID range and gives you instant access to most of the amps features. Sadly, but understandably, it is sold separately.

Tonally, the ID:30 TVP does not disappoint. With plenty of rich low-end available, should you need, and the now familiar ISF knob, which changes the EQ character from a British to American flavour, it offers a huge range especially with the different preamp voicings.

With True Valve Power engaged, the sound changes dramatically as if going from sepia to techni-colour. It’s louder and faithfully reproduces the output stages modelled.

The EL84, famously used in Vox amps, reproduces the compressed bottom and chiming harmonics it's

Valve Power technology, models the known for. I also particularly love the 6L6 onventional wisdom says tonal responses of 6 power valves found setting's extended lows and highs, and is never trust a product that in famous valve amps - EL84, 6V6, EL34, particularly sweet with the ISF at more tries to do too much. These KT66, 6L6 and Kt88. American settings. Similarly the KT88, are often words to live by in

Blackstar realised that the power- loudest of the models, sings with a very my experience with guitar amp section of valve amps have a great rich and dynamic midrange when amps. Some have one Cinfluence on their sonic character, so overdriven.fantastic sound while others promise using these power amp models in Impressively, none of the sounds everything but sound less than stellar conjunction with the ISF gives you a suffer when gain is introduced, in fact the and have too many unusable gimmicks.wider range of sound and greater valve ample overdrive sounds on offer are Sometimes, though, someone gets amp feel. harmonically detailed but never fizzy, it right.

The effects section features even at extreme gain settings.Like Blackstar whose new ID:30 TVP modulation effects, reverbs and delays The on-board effects are highly combo defies the odds and offers a (four different types of each). usable, again unlike on other amps. The wealth of great sounding, usable

There are 12 pre-programmed phaser, flanger, chorus and tremolo may features, and while it may not be a total presets and 128 user saveable presets be slightly limited in range but sound game-changer it makes the strongest arranged from low- to high-gain in three sweet enough to use instead of pedals. I case yet for affordable modelling amps.banks across four channels. There's also love the tape delay for its warmth and The ID range aims to be completely a manual mode - something often smooth trail and the plate reverb is very programmable, giving you total control missing in other amps with presets. This impressive and rich.to customise your own individual sounds allows you to make changes on the fly if Although the amp's playing and store them. you find your patches aren't compatible response is still a bit linear, betraying its with a venue’s acoustics. solid-state innards, the sound is

Another surprise is the amps USB incredibly convincing.At first the ID:30 TVP appears rather connectivity, which, along with ordinary but a closer look reveals some Blackstar's Insider software makes deep surprises between Blackstar's usual gain, editing, preset creation, direct recording

Blackstar have made a huge leap with the level, master volume, bass, treble and and even re-amping possible. (Insider is ID30. They have put a truly huge variety ISF controls. available for download from their of fantastically rich sounds into an The Voice control provides 6 website.)affordable amp and provided the means preamp voicings - Clean Warm, Clean The software gives you control over to almost infinitely tweak and control Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1 and all the amp's functionally including an on-them to your individual satisfaction. I OD 2. board tuner, a noise gate found on the highly recommend you check it out.The amp's biggest feature, its True OD1 and OD2 voicings, and also gives

SOUNDS

AT A GLANCE

CONCLUSION

http://www.rockitdistribution.com

Instrument Review | PDP CONCEPT SERIES (MAPLE CM7) | words: Matt Bester20Supplier: Music Power |Tel: (011) 466-9510

Expect to pay: PDP Mainstage 5 Piece: R 8,495.00PDP Concept 5 piece Birch: R 14,995.00

PDP Concept 5 piece Maple: R 15,995.00PDP Concept 6 piece Maple: R 18,595.00PDP Concept 7 piece Maple: R 19,595.00

PDP CONCEPT SERIES (MAPLE CM7)

was somewhat tickled to have a go at the new series of drums from Pacific Drums and IPercussion,

otherwise known as PDP. My first drum kit, in fact, was a birch FX series kit and despite being low to medium cost, it was a quality set that always delivered.

Pacific Drums and Percussion is a fairly new company spawned from the world famous Drum Workshop (DW) company in Santa Monica, CA in the year 2000 with the goal to create a line of high quality drums and equipment at an affordable price point. With their factory based in Ensenada, Mexico, no doubt to cut down on manufacturing costs, it’s safe to say they achieved as simple as ordering one in the colour toms were mounted onto the bass drum that goal. After all, 13 years later they are and size to match your kit. This is a big as is seen on a lot of low to mid level kits, still around and producing otherwise added value feature for me. and the 8” tom was mounted on an excellent drums for the common man. The maple and the birch kits are external stand. The drums are sturdily

offered in 7 ply shells for everything but constructed and made me feel secure the snare, which is 10-ply. Here's a list of that they could take a beating. drum sizes. The first thing that I noticed was the The Concept Series has a variety of

sound and feel of the bass drum. It hit customizable options to suit any player. me nicely in the chest and then right ! 7x8" Rack TomThe birch kits have two options: 4-piece between the eyes. For want of better (CB4) and 5-piece (CB5). PDP also offers ! 8x10" Rack Tomwords it proved clean, punchy and sexy. them in two colour varieties: cherry to ! 9x12" Rack Tom In my opinion it’s the most impressive black fade and natural to charcoal fade.

! 12x14" Floor Tom drum of the kit. The toms were balanced The maple kits definitely have the bulk of and sang harmoniously with one another. ! 14x16" Floor Tomthe style options with five different kit Gorgeous. varieties up to seven pieces in six ! 5.5x14 Snare Drum

The only grievance I have - and I've different colours: Pearlescent Black w/ ! 16X20" Bass Drum experienced this with PDP in the past - is Black Hardware, Pearlescent White, Red ! 18x22" Bass Drum the snare. It seemed slightly dull and to Black Sparkle Fade, Silver to Black ! generic. However, this snare was a step 18X24" Bass Drum (Maple only)Sparkle Fade, Transparent Cherry

up from past series’, but still, not quite as Lacquer, and Transparent Walnut complementary as the rest of the drums.Lacquer.

Some hardware features to note; I sampled the CM7 kit at Marshall music DW-style STM (Suspension Tom Mount) in Woodmead and I have to say that my mounting systems, True Pitch tuning and Overall? I like. I like it a lot. Apart from the first impression was, well, yummy. The retro-inspired dual-turret tube lugs on all shortcomings of the snare, which may or CM7, as indicated by its model number, floor-standing drums. may not have been the result of poor is the 7-piece maple kit with a 22" non-

The nice thing about both maple tuning, I think that PDP, in sticking to their virgin bass drum. This particular set had and birch kits are the available add-on philosophies, have once again delivered a transparent walnut lacquer finish and features. PDP gives you eight different a high quality drum kit at an affordable included 8, 10, and 12” rack toms, 14 and rack toms, floor toms, bass drums, and price.16” floor toms and a 14” x 5.5” snare snare drums to choose from to assemble Heck, if I were in the market I would drum. your kit. probably get one myself. Who doesn’t The kit was obviously straight out of

So, if you decide to get the 4-piece like maple drums, right? the box and had roughly tuned single ply birch and you want to add a floor tom it’s Remo heads fitted. The 10 and 12” rack

Anatomy

In Use

Conclusion

Distributed by Music Power South Africa | Tel: 011-4669510 | kevin@musicpowersa.com

Everything you’d expect from a kit designed by

PRO-LEVEL, CUSTOM INSPIRED DRUMS

MUSIC POWERMUSIC POWER

Colours available: Cherry to Black Sparkle Fade | Pearl Black, with Black Hardware, Silver to Black Sparkle Fade|Transparent Cherry |Transparent Walnut

Pearl White,

Mainstage 5 Piece: R 8,495.00 Concept 5 piece Birch: R 14,995.00

Concept 5 piece Maple: R 15,995.00 Concept 6 piece Maple: R 18,595.00 Concept 7 piece Maple: R 19,595.00

All-Maple or all-Birch Shells Speciality Lacquer FinishesF.A.S.T (Fundamentally Accurate-Sized Toms)STM (Suspension Tom Mounts)Proportional Counter HoopsTrue Pitch TuningDual Turret LugRemo HeadsSnare Upgrades

What’s included:7” x 8” tom with STM mount rack |812” x 14” floor tom with legs | 14” x 16” floor tom with legs | 5.5” x 14” snare drum | 18” x 22” bass drum

” x 10” tom with STM mount rack |9” x 12” tom with STM mount rack

RETAIL:

http://www.tvaudio.co.za

Instrument Review | TAKAMINE LTD 2012 | words: Kalin Pashaliev 24

TAKAMINE LTD 2012

Supplied by: Active MusicTel: (011) 466-9510Suggested Retail: R 29,995.00

n 1962 the Takamine guitar brand was launched in the small town Apart from its renowned Palathetic™ of Gifu, Japan as an economical pickup system - which features six derivative to other acoustic piezo-electric transducers, one for brands like Taylor and Guild. In each string, concealed underneath the Ithose days Japan was on a bridge saddle - the 2012 Limited

dogged mission to propel its industry Edition also features the onboard ®in just about every alcove it could think Cool Tube preamplifier that utilises a

of: lenses (cameras), electronics, time- 12AU7 dual triode vacuum tube. This keeping devices and even whiskey, a analogue feature does exactly what source of inspiration for most, if not most tube technology is known for, all, successful musicians in those giving you a warmer and bigger genres that matter. sound. But don’t worry, the tube does

In ’78 the company made strides not heat up or glow and thus won’t by being one of the first to introduce jeopardise the instrument’s materials.acoustic-electric guitar models and the The Cool Tube’s control panel, brand began to hold its own. Ten years located on the anterior side of the later and Takamine launched its first guitar’s body, gives you several Limited Edition guitar, which was - and possibilities to alter the sound to your still is today - a symbolic gratitude that liking, although it is also advisable to pays homage to the company’s history use a good quality microphone and in, of course, a very Japanese way. bypass the electronics altogether if

But enough of the history lesson; you’re looking for the instrument’s let us take a look at 2012’s Limited virgin or natural sound. Edition acoustic steel string and what If you do opt to use the Cool

®you can expect from this high-end Tube , you will see that you will be instrument. able to manipulate its variables via a

simple low, mid and high graphic equaliser, as well as a master volume controller. An additional mid semi-The first descriptor that might cross parametric EQ dial is added, which your mind when looking at this covers a frequency range between particular instrument is ‘country’. But 250hz and 4.5Khz. this is no revelation – since about the

To the left of the mid-frequency mid-1970s Takamine has in effect ®dial is the Cool Tube rotary dial made its guitars exclusively for the

which lets you choose the amount of American market and this has without tube effect you wish to employ. There doubt influenced the design is also the auxiliary pickup master philosophy back to the makers in which is reserved should you decide Japan. to add an extra pickup to the guitar.This LTD 2012 is crafted in a solid choosing their instrument.

A real handy feature is the black finish. Its top is made of solid When going through the Cool addition of a LED chromatic tuner on ®spruce, while the sides, back and Tube one must be careful not to crank the same control panel that you can bridge are fashioned out of rosewood. up the EQ, volume or play at 100% calibrate from A438 to A445. The fingerboard is ebony, the neck tube capacity as the sound may get

mahogany, the nut is real bone and the overwhelming. Play at 75% tube tuners are gold-plated, just to remind capacity if you’re looking for that you why you have paid top dollar for The Takamine LTD 2012 is an absolute bottom end and if you enjoy playing in it. In its entirety the LTD 2012 is a pleasure to play and even more so to a muted, percussive style. luxurious instrument where the details listen to. Its natural sound, before you have not been spared and where go through its electronics, is well-shortcuts have not been taken. rounded and snarly, possessing

This guitar is definitely worth it, if your Take for example the vine theme somewhat of an aggressive tinge to its budget allows. adornments that symbolise growth timbre. Its corpus sustains notes like

and prosperity and the company’s 50 few others can and its open string years in the business of guitar making. harmonics may just tear up those with ‘Michi’ is this guitar’s nickname, which volatile emotions. Play full and forceful means road, route or path of chords and you’ll be reminded of the discovery. intro to Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On.

But of course all this is capital This guitar also has very much a piano mumbo-jumbo. What really matters is quality to it, which is something many its sonic capabilities... acoustic players search for when

®The Cool Tube

Appearance

Sound and Playability

The Verdict

The EG444C-VV NEX features a flame maple top for a broad dynamic range. Stage ready with the TP4T preamp with onboard chromatic tuner.

R 6,195.00*EG444C-VV EG481SCX

EG523SC EG540DLX

Includes the famous Takamine under saddle pickup and TP4T preamp with three band EQ and built in tuner.

R 5,495.00*

The EG523SC jumbo is our largest body guitar. Stage ready with TK40 preamp with onboard chromatic tuner.

R 8,995.00*

Deluxe trim features include genuine abalone rosette, purfling and fretboard inlay. Gloss natural finish adds to the enduring beauty.

R 8,495.00*

2012 LTD Edition Sante Fe TSF48C

This darkly splendid dreadnought cutaway has all the beauty, power and projection you’d expect from Takamine withonboard Palathetic™ pickup and CTP-2 CoolTube® preamp for powerful onstage presence and performance.

R 28,995.00*

Includes Takamine’s Palathetic™ pickup, known in the industry as one of the most accurate and natural sounding acoustic/electric

pickups. The electronic performance package is beyond state of the art with the Cool Tube® Preamp – the first and only

tube preamp in an acoustic guitar.

R 22,995.00*

* Recommended Retail incl. 14% VAT

music distribution

FOR TRADE ENQUIRIES CALL:

Tel: (011) 466-9510 | Fax: (011) 466-9514

info@activemusicdistribution.com

6 String Acoustic / Electrics

Gear Review | ALLEN & HEATH ZED60-10FX | words: Nic Roos 26

ALLEN & HEATH ZED60-10FX

Supplier: AudiosureTel: (011) 790-4600Website: www.audiosure.co.zaExpect to pay: R 5,795.00

The faders are a superb addition to the ZED series. Aside from the obvious added accuracy and great tactile feel that faders provide in studio, the colourful fader knobs are much easier to see in a darkened club.

In a live context, whether you are a solo performer, in a small combo or band, or even as a DJ, the ZED60-10FX could prove invaluable. It is small enough to fit on any stage making it easy to mix yourself, set up your own monitoring, and even play music between sets from an mp3 or CD player via the playback input, or even from your laptop via the USB input.

The high-impedance guitar inputs on channels 3 and 4 make acoustic shows a breeze without the need for separate DI boxes and the FET found in Allen & Heath's flagship uilt on Allen & Heath's preamps really add a rounded tube desks. These presets include reverbs, popular ZED-10FX 6 flavour to one's tone.delays, a doubler, a flanger and a channel mixer (reviewed

The unit is a nifty recording tool chorus.in our August/September too and is great for making quick The ZED60-10FX's output section 2010 issue) which offers stereo recordings.is quite versatile. The Main Out has a a multitude of I/O and BIts quiet operation, smooth EQ and hi-balanced XLR output as well as a line routing options in a very small, highly quality effects will guarantee great out. There are also recording and portable package, the new ZED60-sounding results and with its routing multi-source monitor outs, each via 10FX adds 60mm faders and options and the Record and USB RCA. A bi-directional USB port allows individual channel muting into the outputs you can record while still outgoing signals to be recorded onto mix. mixing a live show.your DAW or it can be used as a ‘tape’ This portable unit has a lot on The USB In/Out is bi-directional but return from your DAW or media offer, particularly for a solo or small cannot do both simultaneously. While player.group live performance setting but it delivers an output signal sample rate also in small recording situations of up to 48kHz it is limited to 16 bit. where few inputs are required.This output is also limited to a single

Right off the bat, the most obvious of stereo signal which imposes a few

the ZED60-10FX's assets is its small limitations on recording.

size. It could easily fit into a laptop bag The ZED60-10FX's fully top-mounted and comfortably carried along with control panel features four mono other equipment to a gig.mic/line inputs, each with a 100Hz

The Allen & Heath ZED60-FX is a Secondly the number of quality high-pass filter, three-band EQ section, welcome addition to the already features packed into this small mixer fx and aux sends, pan control, popular ZED range. It's faders and is impressive. The mic-pres don't separate record and monitor busses, muting round out what may have undermine Allen & Heath's reputation channel muting and finally a high been missing previously.one bit and sound fantastically clear quality 60mm volume fader. Channels

The mixer's limited USB and crisp for a mixer of its class. The 3 and 4’s line inputs have high functionality does quell any suspicion three-band EQ is very sweet sounding impedance FET pre-amps specifically one might have in this day and age and the sweep-able mid range is for DI-ing guitars.that the ZED60-FX could double as a particularly useful and sounds great There are also 2 stereo channels fully fledged audio interface. That even when boosting a fair amount.with line inputs and exclude the high would be expecting too much.The on-board effects give you a pass filter. The first stereo input offers Its flexible I/O and routing options wealth of ambience options that both ¼ inch jack and RCA phono within its small size should have broad should suit almost any situation. The inputs, the second offers jack inputs, appeal from club owners, djs, solo reverb and delay combinations sound an input feed from USB port.performers and bedroom recorders.fantastic particularly when used subtly Also included are 16 adjustable fx

on vocals and acoustic guitars.presets using the same algorithms

IN USE

ANATOMY

CONCLUSION

www.audiosure.co.za

see us at

Imported and Distributed by

Band Tips | GET YOUR 15 SECONDS OF FAME | words: David Chislett 28

GET YOUR 15 SECONDS OF FAME

Author of “1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music

Industry,” Dave Chislett offers Music industry tips for aspiring

bands and musiciansespite all of us hating Once you know who your market so called ‘overnight is, you’ve got to ask yourself: where success stories’ and do I find them? Listening to radio? In

speaks through the clutter directly to one hit wonders, we shopping malls? Watching TV, online? your audience. So, be recognisable. are all looking for that Twitter? Nightclubs? Once you know Make sure everything you put out into Dillusive gap into the big these things you have to ask yourself, the market is well done, well made, time, a quantum short cut from where how do they like to get their attractive, expressed clearly and we are now to where we want to be. information? Email, Twitter, Facebook, concisely and is heading straight for Marketing is often seen as the key to radio, newspaper? And then you have the right people. Don’t put half baked that shortcut, but very few of us really the job of putting all those things rubbish out there; you may as well not know how it all works. A bit like rocket together and creating a version of do anything at all for the amount of science or quantum mechanics, we your message that uses the platform attention it will retain.know it’s there but have no clue your market prefers to talk to them

You also need to be in it for the where to begin. where they want to listen to you about long haul and across many platforms. Actually it is really simple. what you do. Cross selling is the best way to grab Marketing is the process of taking Don’t let the digital world sway and retain attention. If your audience your product to the market place. So, you too much either. Old School begins to realise that you are on radio, the first things you need to know is: posters and flyers still work in certain on Twitter, Facebook, the news and Who is your market? Your market is markets and in certain areas. If your YouTube, the momentum you start to usually defined in terms of age, market falls into these areas, you’d be build will result in a critical mass that gender, race, geographical location foolish to ignore this in favour of a will see your reputation grow and income bracket. So for example, Facebook event page alone.exponentially after a sustained effort. readers of this magazine are no doubt Simple hey?But be warned, the words sustained of all race groups, both genders but Not really. Apart from getting that effort are crucial here... you need to with a male bias, located in urban fine balance of your mix right, you log the hours and do the homework to areas around South Africa and of LSM also have to compete with all your build that wave front of momentum. 6, 7 and 8 (upper middle class). You buddies also trying to get the attention

So you see there are no such can find out what yours looks like by of this market, plus all the corporate, things as overnight successes. But asking your audience what radio brands and services out there also there can be 15-seconds of fame. station they listen to and what targeting your poor fans. You need to That’s what happens when you don’t magazines or newspapers they buy stand out from the crowd.do your homework. Do the work and it and then using those marketing titles What this means is that you need could be more like 15 years.as a benchmark for your own. a clear, recognisable message that

Author BlurbDavid Chislett has been in the SA music industry for 25 years. Bassist, journalist, manager, publicist, film maker, author and consultant, he has gotten his hands dirty.

His book 1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music I n d u s t r y i s a n e a s y t o understand, no holds barred self-help book for anyone wanting to do better in the business.

It is available from Exclusive Books, Look & Listen stores and all good independent shops.

He also hosts workshops and private consultations to help artists get ahead.

www.davidchislett.co.za

For trade enquiries or to find your closest retailer call: Tel: 011 250 3280 | orders@hybrid.co.za

OPERA 510 DX | R 7,160.00OPERA 512 DX | R 8,365.00OPERA 515 DX | R 8,702.00

Prices are recommended retail incl. 14% VAT

www.vivaafrika.co.za

Guitar Maintenance | MAINTENANCE – CLEANING FRETBOARDS | words: Alan Ratcliffe30

MAINTENANCE: CLEANING FRETBOARDSeeping your fretboard clean and oiled is a simple task and keeps your guitar playing well and looking good, but one most people Kdo not bother with or do

incorrectly. This edition we are going to look at various methods of cleaning your fretboard.

Finished fretboards have a layer of clear finish over the surface and do not need oiling, just occasional cleaning. All maple boards are finished, but some rosewood boards are too (notably on Rickenbacker guitars). Cleaning a finished board is simplicity itself – use whatever guitar polish you use on the rest of the guitar.

Unfinished fretboards are usually made of rosewood or ebony and require cleaning and occasional oiling to keep them in top form.

Prestick/Blutack to remove them and throw it away afterwards.When you have a really dirty fretboard

you will sometimes need to use a fine The method for cleaning an unfinished steel wool to remove the build-up and fretboard depends on how dirty it is. also smooth smaller scratches from the Firstly, what you should never use are Sometimes when a fretboard has not wood surface. conventional wood polishes, which are been cleaned for years it will have a huge

designed for finished woods and, in This is also a great way to clean and amount of tough grime built up that takes some cases, can penetrate and damage polish your frets. Make sure to work a more aggressive approach to clean. the wood or make future repair work like along the grain, up and down the length Also, there can be an appreciable gluing, refinishing and refretting difficult. of the board rather than across it, as this amount of wear on the board (from

will usually leave visible scratches. The untrimmed fingernails), causing divots to other thing to be aware of is that steel form in the wood under the strings. In wool throws off a lot of iron filings which these cases, the only approach is to For normal cleaning when changing can scratch a finish if you pick them up in scrape the board. While sanding is a strings, often a clean, dry cloth will do your polishing rag, so make sure to possibility, it is difficult to do evenly and the job, but the most thorough method is blow/dust off any filings before polishing. without damaging the frets themselves. to use naphtha, which you can find sold

Electric guitars take a bit of extra To do this, use a new sharp Stanley as lighter fluid at most supermarkets. prep work, as the pickup magnets attract blade, drawing it along the surface of the Naphtha is a great all-round cleaner for and hold iron filings very effectively. fretboard, between the frets, along the guitars as it removes oils, waxes and dirt Apply masking tape across the top of the grain of the wood to scrape away the easily and doesn’t affect even the most pickups and when you are finished with grime and the top layer of wood to delicate finishes. You can also use the the steel wool, put more tape over the lessen the divots. “lemon oil” sold in music stores top of the filings gathered on the Once you have scraped the board, occasionally (which is mostly naphtha magnets and pull both layers away with finish up with fine steel wool as per with a small drop of mineral oil and the filings trapped safely between them. “Heavy Cleaning” above and oil if lemon scent), but try not to use it too If you still get some filings working their needed. often as the oil will eventually penetrateway to the polepieces, use some

Finished fretboards

Unfinished fretboards

Heavy cleaning Cleaning unfinished fretboards

The grunge of ages

Normal cleaning

Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews32

MINOR SCALES INSIDE WESTERN CLASSICAL SCALES

PLAY BETTER BASS

Continued on Page 34...

In Western Classical Music the most popular three scales used The : are: This is the 3rd mode of the Major Scale

(We will only deal with the ascending versions of the two minor scales.)These three scales could be started from different points and we get what we call the modes. (We dealt a little bit with this in some of the previous issues.)

Let us look at the minor scales within the G major scale:The concept will obviously be the same in all 12 keys.

G Major Scale consists of the following notes: The could be used over Bm and Bm7

(Please note that this Mode will clash with m6 and m9 chords, as There are Three Minor Modes within the the 6th and 9th degrees are flattened.

The : (minor 3rd interval =G)This scale is also called the Natural Minor scale, and is the same as the descending

The If we look at the 3rd degree of this scale we notice that we get a minor 3rd interval (C)

The E Aeolian Mode could be used over Em, Em7, Em9, and E m11 chords.

The could be used over Am, Am6, Am7, Am9, Am6/9, (Please note that the Locrian Mode: F#, G, A, B, C, D, E, F# will Am11 and Am13 chordsnot work over minor chords, because although there is a minor 3rd in the scale the 5th (C) is flattened.)You can create interesting Bass lines and solos using this mode C Locrian (C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C) works over diminished over the chords mentioned. The notes of C Dorian Mode: C, D, and min7b5 Chords.Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C

Using the same approach with minor scales (Melodic and The Dorian Mode is used a lot in II, V, I progressions, as it is falls Harmonic) we can add four more minor options to our arsenal.on the 2nd degree of the Major Key.

B Phrygian Mode

1) The Major Scale2) The Harmonic Minor Scale3) The Melodic Minor Scale

G, A, B, C, D, E B Phrygian and F#.

1) Dorian Mode (second mode) A to A E Aeolian Mode2) Phrygian Mode (third mode) B to B3) Aeolian Mode (sixth mode) E to E (Natural Minor)

A Dorian Mode:

A Dorian

B, C, D, E, F#, G, A, B

MAJOR SCALE:

E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E

A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, A

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A SUMMARY OF THE MINOR MODES STARTING ON C:

Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews34 Continued from Page 32...

NATURAL MINOR

C D Eb F G Ab Bb C

HARMONIC MINOR

C D Eb F G Ab B C

MELODIC MINOR

C D Eb F G A B C

DORIAN MODE

C D Eb F G A Bb C

PRYGIAN MODE

C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C

MEL. MIN MODE II

C Db Eb F G A Bb C

HAR. MIN MODE IV

C D Eb F G A Bb C

Let us check out the Minor Scales within the The Scale sounds very Eastern. This scale scale. has 2 Minor Scales: Mode I (C to C) and Mode IV (F to F).

The Melodic Minor has 2 Minor Scales within itself. Starting on C and D respectively.

This scale and its modes are used a lot in World Music. (minor 3rd interval

=Eb)This is actually a Major Scale with a flattened 3rd. In some circles it is called the Jazz Minor.Without getting too technical this could also be called a Dorian with the 7th sharpened.

This Scale works over. Cm, Cm(maj)7 and Cm(maj)9 chordsThis scale will also clash with the min7 as the 7th is flattened in these chords

(Romanian This Scale works over. Cm, Cm6, Cm6/9 and Cm(maj)7 chords Scale or Dorian#4)

It will clash with the min7 as the 7th is flattened in these chords.

(also called Dorian b9)

This scale work over Fm, Fm6, Fm7, Fm9, Fm6/9 and Fm13 chords.

Once you really get into the modes of the various scales, you can increase your “vocabulary” for soloing tremendously. You can also create more interesting basslines.

This Scale works over Dm, Dm6 and Dm7 ChordsIt will not work with min9 chords because of the flattened 9th.

C MELODIC C HARMONIC MINORMINOR

C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C

C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B, C

F, G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F

D, Eb, F, G, A, B, C, D

Harmonic Minor Mode I:

Melodic Minor Mode I:

Harmonic Minor Mode IV:

Melodic Minor Mode II:

It is a great idea to practice all these scales in all 12 keys and over 2 octaves.You will notice that these scales are very similar in construction, but one note can make a big difference.

I trust that you will have fun with these minor scales.

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER GUITAR | words: Kurt Slabbert36

If you have any questions please drop me an email on kurt@bluenoise.co.za

THE MODES OF THE MAJOR SCALEPART 2

PLAY BETTER GUITAR

Copyright Kurt SlabbertBluenoise Productions

kurt_slabbert@hotmail.com

Welcome to play better guitar.

In the last lesson we looked at the Major scale and where it comes from, we also saw that on each note of the major scale we can build a chord therefore giving us a harmonised major scale.

Harmonised as 4 note chords we get the following:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1C D E F G A B CMAJ7 min7 min7 MAJ7 Dom7 min7 m7b5 MAJ7

Cmajor scale Harmonised in 7ths, 4 note chords.

Just as you can build Seven Chords off this scale you can also build 7 Scales; these scales we refer to as the 7 Modes of the Major scale,

37

Let’s build!

C D E F G A B CD E F G A B C DE F G A B C D EF G A B C D E FG A B C D E F GA B C D E F G AB C D E F G A BC D E F G A B C

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

So this may look like a word puzzle, but all it really is, We will look at chord progressions and some ideas is showing you the notes of the different modes, as and target notes in the next issue.you can see the only notes that are present are the notes of the Cmajor scale.

PRACTICESo what does this tell you?

Take these chords of the Cmajor scale and try and All the modes that come from Cmajor share the same record a couple of bars of each chord, like 8 bars of notes. each at a slow tempo like 90 bpm.

Okay but then how do they sound different? CMaj7 Dm7 Em7 FMaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5 Cmaj7

The sound of the notes will be determined Once you have done that then play back the chords and play a Cmajor scale slowly over the chords and by the chord you play them over;take note how the scale sounds over the different If I play a Cmajor chord and somebody plays a Cmajor chords. You are going to find some new sounds and scale over it, then you get a Major sounding scale but you will see how certain notes over certain chords if I play a Cmajor chord over a Dminor chord then the really spice things up.sound changes drastically and now I get what we call

a Dorian sounding scale. You see the Harmony You could even record that if possible and then go (Chords) will determine how the scale sounds,back and look at what you played and which notes If I play a Cmajor scale over an Emin7 chord you will over which chord sounded really good.hear it will sound Turkish with hints of Latin.

The step after that is to get the sound into your head So what does this mean?and make it a musical exercise as opposed to academic exercise and try and recreate that sound

In a nutshell, remember that your chord changes will whenever you play.

determine how your scale sounds not the other way around. This is a very academic approach but at least

To sum it up, I do believe that being musical is a lot it will give you a point to practice and hear exactly stronger and more important than being academic, how these different scales sound.although practice and knowing how stuff works can only strengthen your journey as a musician; learn all

As guitarists and I speak for myself, we have too long the scales rules and chords so you can be a stronger

relied on shapes to get around the guitar as opposed musician.

to being able to hear sounds. Practicing scales and chords are important but they should never replace

Till next time keep practicing!the practice of music and hearing, getting to a place where you can sing these scales and hear them as you play the chords.

Your Private Universe | RIBBON MICROPHONES | words: Jonathan Pike38

RIBBON MICROPHONESmicrophones do not suffer this he last two issues have problem as they use improved focused on the magnets and more efficient construction and transformers.characteristics of dynamic

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Ribbon microphones also were fairly expensive to construct and generally have a great transient they were quite fragile and thus broke response, due to the light diaphragm, easily. For a time many manufacturers as well as having a low internal noise stopped making them, but more floor and can be made with a flat recently they have made a comeback.frequency response. For these Ribbon microphones use a reasons they are becoming more and transduction method that is very more highly regarded and are making similar to that of the moving coil response and warm sonic character a major resurgence into the high-end dynamic microphones that we looked and as such are generally regarded as microphone market. Due to the at a few months ago. A Ribbon an essential for any large format construction a ribbon microphone microphone replaces the heavy recording facility. If you take your usually has a bi-directional polar moving coil with a light, thin home recording seriously and are pattern, meaning they can pick up corrugated metal ribbon. This ribbon prone to recording a variety of voices sound most effectively from the front is stretched within the air gap and instruments they are well worth and the back.between the poles of a powerful having a look at... if your budget

Traditionally Ribbon microphones magnet. The ribbon is clamped allows.were very fragile and simply blowing securely at each end, but is free to That concludes this series of or coughing into the microphone move throughout its length. Just like articles on microphone technology could damage the ribbon, and in the the moving coil microphone, any and characteristics, so the best advice old days ribbon microphones were movement of the ribbon between the I can give is to get out there and also very expensive. Modern poles of the magnet will induce a experiment with different microphone construction materials however have fluctuating electric current within the types on various sound sources and changed this and ribbon microphones ribbon itself. This electrical current is decide what mics you want to keep in are much more robust and can be an electrical representation of the your arsenal. used for loud sound sources without changing air pressure associated with As always, what sounds pleasing fear of damaging the ribbon. the acoustic sound source. to your ear is what really matters.

The cost has come down The voltage induced in older significantly too, but many ribbon ribbon microphones was very small microphones are still fairly expensive.so all traditional ribbon microphones

Ribbon microphones are a very incorporated a built in transformer in versatile addition to your studio order to boost the signal voltage to a because of their wide frequency useable level. Modern Ribbon

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