http://www.tuerkmusic.co.za

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echnology in the world of 2012, the company associated with brand new offices. For more info sound engineering seems to affordable pro audio gear looks to be check out our feature on Pg. 23.be taking on a whole new making huge strides forward. One Guitars seem to be taking centre Tlease of life this year, evident such product recently released is their stage again in this edition (when don’t

by some of the great new products new Powerplay Personal Monitoring they in the world of Live music?) We due for release though 2012. It won’t System – an affordable way in which feature reviews on no less than four be long before front of house sound musicians can control their own great guitars as well as a boutique engineers are seldom found behind a monitoring onstage. It looks like a real guitar amp and a wireless guitar single mixing desk monitoring levels winner and once again puts the system. and doing tweaks. They can be power of controlling your Also look out for our competition anywhere; in the audience, front left, performance squarely back in the giveaway. We’re giving away a on the stage.... with the remote hands of the individual. You can read Vintage V100GT autographed by access apps that are being integrated all about this in our cover feature. Midge Ure, he of Ultravox fame in the into all the new gear; mobility seems Last month I also attended the 80’s. Midge was out here for the to be big on the agenda of most Audiosure dealer evening which not Rewind 80’s Festival hosted in Durban developers. only showcased their impressive (and (of course) and kindly left a signed

Behringer is certainly one such diverse) range of products but also copy. Details on Pg. 14 alongside the company that has a whole range of impressed with the new technology review.new gear to be released. Winners of on display. It was also an opportunity Enjoy and keep that music flowing!the ‘Best in Show’ award at NAMM for the company to show off their Dave Mac

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EDITION 19 | APR/MAY ‘12 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!3

CONTENTStech

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Editors Note and Index

Cover Feature: Behringer Powerplay Personal Mixer

Gear News

Gear news

Gear News

Instrument Review: Vintage V100GT

Gear Review: Two Rock Jet 35 Combo Amp

Instrument review: G& L ASAT

Instrument review: G& Legacy Strat

Gear review: Samson AirLine Synth

Special Feature: Audiosure Dealer Evening

Gear Review: Boss RC-300 Loopstation

Instrument Review: Martin Acoustic DCPA4

Strategy and Planning by David Chislett

Guitar Maintenance with Alan Ratcliffe

Play Better Bass with Alistair Andrews

Play Better Guitar with Kurt Slabbert Your Private Universe with Jon Pike

4

Cover Feature | THE BEHRINGER POWERPLAY P16-M PERSONAL MIXER MONITORING SYSTEM | words: Nic Roos4

THE BEHRINGER POWERPLAY P16-M Personal Mixer Monitoring SystemDo you find that your keyboard player's laryngitis hasn't cleared up like he claimed and his backing vocals throw you off? Simply select his channel and mute him. Does your lead guitarist not know that the treble knob on his amp also turns down? Select his channel and turn it down with the P16-M's onboard EQ.

P16-M

s musicians it is vital on Thankfully, unlike some high-end stage to hear each other digital units, this personal mixer operates The input module can receive up to 16 and particularly yourself in at the extremely low system latency of analog or 2x 8 ADAT optical signals from order to perform with less than 1 millisecond. the main mixing console and converts confidence. In the often The unit’s In and Out options include them to either 44.1 or 48 kHz digital audio Achaotic realm of live CAT5e Ultranet Input (receiving up to 16 via a quality 24 bit A/D converter. Each

performance it can be difficult to rely on channels of audio from the front of house channel has four switchable gain levels (-the engineer to give you exactly what mixer via the P16-I input module) and 10, 0, +4, +22 dB). The P16-I feeds up to you need to hear, through sometimes Thru (for daisy-chaining the signal to 6 P16-M Personal Mixers via CAT5e battered and unreliable wedge monitor another P16-M mixer), a MIDI input cables. speakers. allows control of the unit via a MIDI

Behringer have introduced a brand controller such as Behringer’s BCF2000, new portable monitoring system for and a mono/stereo 1/4inch line-out sends

The distributor is a simple expansion unit performers in the form of the Powerplay your mix to active monitors or to a for the P16-I with one input feeding eight Personal Mixer monitoring system that wireless in ear monitor transmitter. This bus-powered outputs, meaning that six gives musicians direct control over what unit is powered by an included 12v of these connected to the P16-I could they hear on stage and in studio, letting Power supply.feed up to 48 personal mixers!the engineer focus on

delivering the best sound to front of house or to tape. The system Setting up the system is consists of the P16-M 16 as simple as connecting Channel Digital Personal the P16-I to direct or Mixer, the P16-I Input ADAT outputs of the main Module (and the mixing console, and up to optional P16-D six P16-M Personal expansion Distributor) Monitors, which feed and is compatible with either wireless powered powered external monitors, in ear monitors monitors, wireless in-ear or headphones. The monitors or optional P16-MP headphones. mounting bracket gives

you the option of attaching the compact

Personal mixer to a mic, This stereo mixer puts the music or drum stands. This control of your personal configuration alone should be monitor mix at your finger enough for most bands but tips. The control panel adding even just one of the features a 3 band EQ optional P16-D expansion (including sweepable mids), modules doubles the number stereo panning, mute and of personal mixers.solo switches, channel link,

group, store and recall options as well as channel volume, all of which are assignable to each of the 16 channels. A variable output limiter protects monitors and one’s ears from harmful sound pressure levels and finally an output level control adjusts overall volume to the monitors.

The P16-I

The P16-D

Setup

The P16-M

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5

Suggested Retail Price : P16-M: R 2,999-00 | P16-I: R 3,799-00 P16-D: R 2,399-00

Supplier : ProAudio | Tel. No : 011-8221430 Website: www.proaudio.co.za

P16-MBP0422 Set Up

P16-I

P16-D

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attempting a sound check at a venue with power and 16 signals to each Personal dodgy acoustics, or in studio, where a lot Mixers Each P16-M receives the same unaffected of expensive recording time is often Ultranet connector to daisy-chain up to audio channels that can then be spent by an engineer getting the forty-eight P16-M mixers for large individually mixed to personal taste monitors just right when there are a systems (in conjunction with P16-D) without affecting anyone else’s. For million other things to do. Ultra-low system latency of less than 1 example, a bass player might want to mix While similar systems exist, the P16-M millisecond in a little bit more of him or herself and promises great versatility, expandability Powered via external power supply the drums so that they lock in better. A and value for money. (included) or P16-I / P16-Ddrummer might want the same but with

Mounts easily on a mic stand with the more vocals and the vocalist would in all P16-MB mic stand mount (not likelihood mute the lead guitarist. While included) the P16-M’s intuitive control panel allows Extremely rugged construction you to ‘set and forget’, it is just as easy to 16-Channel Digital Personal Mixerensures long life even under the most recall up to 16 preset mixes for different 16-Channel digital stereo mixer to demanding conditions songs that were stored at sound check as create your personal monitor mix

well as tweaking mid-performance. Ultra-intuitive "analog" operation with Do you find that your keyboard player’s total recall and 16 presets for custom laryngitis hasn’t cleared up like he mixes Scan this tag to watch the Behringer claimed and his backing vocals throw State-of-the-art 24-bit D/A converters Powerplay explained in full at Namm you off? Simply select his channel and for premium audio quality 2011 on your Smartphonemute him. Does your lead guitarist not 16 Channel Select buttons with dual or simply got to museonline.co.za.know that the treble knob on his amp LEDs for perfect overview also turns down? Select his channel and Level and Pan/Spread control per turn it down with the P16-M’s onboard channel with LED meter EQ. 3-band EQ per channel with mid-band

frequency control Solo and Mute functions per channelGlobal Level and EQ controls plus In this day and age technology is putting Panic Mute functionmore and more control at the fingertips High power and "drummer proof" of performers. The importance of putting headphones output on your best performance no longer Fully adjustable limiter protects your

needs to be left entirely in the hands of ears and headphones

the sound engineer’s reliability to get the Additional mono/stereo line output to

monitor mix right onstage. The connect your powered monitor

Behringer Powerplay P16-M Personal MIDI IN port for real-time remote

Mixer monitoring system is an incredibly control of all channels by external MIDI

convenient and easy to use system that device such as Behringer BCF2000,

will stop potential inter-band volume BCR2000, etc.

wars, while giving each individual the Standard CAT5e connection delivers

control to hear exactly what they want in order to perform at their best. Its use will make front-of-house engineers lives easier by reducing excessive on-stage volume that can often negatively affect the front-of-house sound. It may even save you time, especially when

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MUSIKMESSE 2012: Warwick introduce new bass guitar models

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Distributor: Music Power011 466-9510 kevin@musicpowersa.com

The stalwart bass manufacturers, Warwick, showed off their new range of bass guitars at Musikmesse this year. Here’s the lowdown on their new babies...

WarwickThe Corvette Standard FSC Certified is the first bass model that will feature the coveted Forest Stewardship Council Certificate – FSC for short.The Jack Bruce Survivor Signature Bass is based on the Warwick Jack Bruce CRB Bass.Jimmy Earl returned to the Warwick endorser family, and his Jimmy Earl Signature model is based on the popular Streamer Bass.The Thumb Singlecut NT 6 String Broadneck is geared towards bass players that are sympathetic to the wide string spacing of 4-string basses.Warwick will be celebrating their 30th anniversary on 13 September 2012 and for this memorable occasion present the Streamer LTD 2012 Warwick 30th Anniversary Bass, which will feature a body made of cherry tree wood that has been ageing for over 20 years.The Warwick Artist Series will present the Steve Bailey Artist Series Bass, the Jack Bruce Artist Series Bass, as well as the Robert Trujillo Artist Series NT Bass.The Streamer Stage I bass is now also available as a neck-through Pro Series instrument.The unmistakable Alien Akustik bass will now be also available as a 6-string bass.

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

Gear News Basses,Amps&Rock’nRoll.

MUSIKMESSE 2012: Carlsbro relaunches classic amp series

Distributed by TV Audio 011 805-9910 | info@tvaudio.co.za www.tvaudio.co.za

using Silvered Mica Capacitors, and 'Sleep Mode' automatic muting with no input present. Tough ply construction, with durable covering and metal corners are essential for road use. Jack outputs are 2 @ 8Ω and 1 @ 16Ω allowing a wide choice of cabinets.

Best of all are the new heights this amp can reach, in terms of classic tone. Already on the road with players such as Gregg Wright (who knew and loved the original 50 Top) this amp has proved to be a real delight. Using the new 50 Top on his recent UK tour the great left hook rockin' bluesman exclaimed, "Whatever you guys

have done in the development of the 50 The relaunch of the classic British Top since I last played one, is outstanding."Carlsbro guitar amplifier marquee in the

As with the 50 Top, Carlsbro's British US at NAMM sees the American debut of

engineering team has carefully selected the re-issued and re-engineered range of and pre tested all valves prior to heritage tone guitar amps. installation; and only valves with a very Carlsbro is among the most famous high gain have been chosen to deliver the names in British guitar amplification and authentic Carlsbro vintage tone. Selected has been designing and manufacturing Celestion drivers have been used guitar tube amps since 1959, selling its throughout and are housed in high quality early models to Jim Marshall's shop in plywood cabinets.Denmark Street, London's famous 'Tin Pan Alley'.

The famous 50 Top and TC series revives the Carlsbro tube heritage, with uncompromising build quality, hand selected components and authentic vintage tone throughout. The 50 Top head and 4 x 12 cab are available in classic red and black liveries, while the TC series comprises three classic combos and a 15 watt head and 1x12 stack.

The re-issued 50 Top is the classic Carlsbro tube head and cab of the 60s and 70s revamped and re-engineered to even higher build standards and sonic performance. The new twin channel amp head has switchable channels & two master volumes, which are footswitchable.

The valve complement of 4x 12AXT's and 2x EL84's give 50 watts of incredible power at 8Ω or 16Ω's. The preamp has a host of features including Hi and Low sensitivity inputs, 3 band EQ

9

A M P L I F I C A T I O N

MUSIKMESSE 2012: Nord Electro 4D unveiled

Distributed by Tradelius Music Group | 031 502 3080 www.tradelius.co.za

In time for the 10th anniversary of the very first Electro Clavia introduced the new Nord Electro at Musikmesse last month.

The ultra lightweight (7kg) Electro 4D sports a 61-key Semi Weighted Waterfall key bed and the sturdy, great feeling drawbars found on the Nord C2D for full hands-on control, as well as support for both our constantly expanding Sound Libraries.

Sound-wise the Nord Electro 4D has a number of improvements under the red hood: The Organ section features a brand new tone wheel engine derived from our flagship organ Nord C2D. The Click-modeling has been improved and there's a brand new Rotary Speaker simulation with an amazing new Drive.

The Nord Electro 4D supports Long Release suitable for legato playing and selectable String Resonance. Handling programs is easy with 4 Program Banks and 4 Live Locations. The Effect section now includes a flexible new Delay Effect with tap-tempo, rate, amount and a stereo Ping-Pong mode and the USB port doubles as an USB-MIDI interface.

SHURE DRUM MASTERY 2012 Winner Announced

Wild & Marr | 011 974-0633 021 787-9378 | 031 564-3877www.wildandmarr.co.za

Gwen Guthrie, Beverley Knight, Omar, Roy Ayres to name but a few. He Shure’s search for Europe’s top drummer has a monthly (not currently earning a living from educational column in drumming!) started late last year, and after Drummer Magazine, over 1 million web hits, several thousand is a teacher at play-along downloads & hundreds of London's Institute of entries Shure announced the inaugural Contemporary Music, event’s winner as Antonio De Marianis of and has his own Italy.Drum Lesson For those of you who are hearing Academy where he about this for the first time, entrants had to teaches drummers of submit a video of themselves playing to a

Centurion was SA’s top finalist weighing in all levels. This was followed by a live battle play-along the company created which with a healthy 3119 votes. The 22 year old in a nightclub. involved drumming various different styles has studied at The Groove Regulators with The eventual winner was decided by including jazz, rock and drum and bass. Andries Visser for three years, completing a very trusty clapometer! To view the video The 5 finalists were selected from a his ATCL diploma through Trinity College on YouTube simply search for Shure Drum panel of judges and all got a trip to Iceland London.Mastery - Final Drum Battle in Reykjavik. for a one day master-class with Darren

Aside from the groovy trip to Iceland Ashford. Darren has performed with Chaka Antonio also received a 5000 Euro voucher Khan, Joss Stone, The Black Eyed Peas, for Shure products. Euan Nel from

IRON MAIDEN, SLIPKNOT + BLACK LABEL SOCIETY MEMBERS TO PLAY MARSHALL’S 50TH BIRTHDAY BASH

SA Distributor: Midi Music011 417-3400 | www.midimusic.co.za

music for eternity! Words cannot describe how pioneering Marshall is! I feel more than privileged to be involved in this event. We’re bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a moment in history. Expect pure rock ‘n’ roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall!”

The musicians who will turn it up to To celebrate the 50th anniversary of 11 for the celebration include guitar iconic amplifier brand Marshall, the virtuosos Joe Satriani, Yngwie company has announced that they will be Malmsteen and Zakk Wylde, along with taking over London, England’s Wembley Nicko McBrain, Mr. Big’s Paul Gilbert, Arena on Sept. 22 for a massive concert. Whitesnake’s Doug Aldrich and Brian The show will feature performances by Tichy, the Cult’s Billy Duffy and Slipknot / members of bands such as Iron Maiden, Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor.Slipknot, the Cult and Black Label The 50 Years of Loud celebration Society. will take place at Wembley Arena on

Marshall have teamed up with Iron Sept. 22. Marshall also promises to add Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain to put on several more “big names” to the line-up.the event, which promises to bring some of rock’s most legendary shredders into one venue.

“This is truly a celebration of a British icon – Marshall,” says McBrain, who will serve as emcee of the concert. “Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall and the team have shaped the sound of rock

Gear & Industry News | FOR DAILY GEAR, INSTRUMENT AND INDUSTRY NEWS VISITS MUSEONLINE.CO.ZA10

BEHRINGER’S NEW IPAD MIXERS IX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB

SA Distributor: Proaudio011 822-1430 | www.proaudio.co.za

BEHRINGER introduces three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad.

Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad's video out capability. The new XENYX iX Series, which include the XENYX iX3242USB, iX2442USB and iX1642USB, feature a built-in iPad docking station designed to send signal to and from the iPad with a wide range of routing options.

The innovative feature set included 32 editable, studio-grade presets such as "The new XENYX iX mixers in the new XENYX iX Series USB mixers reverb, chorus, flange, delay, pitch shifter demonstrate the innovation that stems from makes it possible to record and mix on a and multi-effects. In addition to literally our massive investment in Research and professional level thanks to the built-in, thousands of apps, the iX mixers use the Development, says Mark Wilder, VP of stereo USB audio interface. Connect these iPad to control the new KLARK-TEKNIK FX Marketing Communications."These are the mixers directly to a PC or Mac computer Processor App, enhancing the mix by first of many more ground-breaking via a single USB cable to record any signal allowing the user deep control of EQ's, products.”source connected to the mixer.compressors and reverbs and a full All iX mixers include the new dual-spectrum analyzer.engine KLARK-TEKNIK FX processor with

LINE 6Groundbreaking new products 2012

SA Distributor: Active Music Distribution011 466-9510 | info@activemusicdistribution.com

Many aspects of live sound have remained largely the same for decades… until now. At Winter NAMM 2012, Line 6 is unveiling a powerful new ecosystem of innovative live sound solutions—from the world’s first smart mixing system and most versatile speakers, to the fourth generation of the acclaimed Line 6 digital wireless platform. Designed to work together as an integrated system - or complement third-party solutions - the new StageScape™ M20d digital mixer, StageSource™ series loudspeakers and XD-V digital wireless microphone family represent the future of live sound.

StageScape M20d is the world’s first smart mixing system for live sound. Utilizing a groundbreaking touchscreen visual mixing environment, StageScape M20d streamlines the way you mix to get your sound dialled in quickly and keep you in the creative zone. The M20d features 20 inputs, massive DSP power on every channel, multi-channel recording with or without a computer, and remote control of the system via one or more iPad® devices.

The StageSource loudspeaker series combines multi-function design, powerful DSP and precision components to deliver the perfect blend of high-powered performance and true scalability. Comprised of the StageSource L3t 1,400-watt three-way speaker system and StageSource L3s 1,200-watt subwoofer, the StageSource series features Smart Speaker technology and L6 LINK™ digital networking to deliver best-of-class performance across the widest variety of live sound applications.

www.audiosure.co.zawww.audiosure.co.zaImported and distributed by:

Guitars | VINTAGE V100GT | words: Greg Bester 12

Before me here today sits a beautiful, faithful reproduction of the '55 gold top Les Paul, complete with P-90 pickups and a stop tail, Tune-o-matic-style bridge – all Wilkinson.

Vintage V100GT

am a complete sucker for gold The guitar is made by a company top Les Pauls. The distinct simply called “Vintage” and its title is shape and warm, inviting the V100GT, which is just one of their facade has endured through the many reproductions of guitars of the decades and has become an vintage persuasion. Truth be told, icon amongst guitar players there isn’t a lot of information around and aficionados alike, deeming on Vintage suffice to say that they are Iit a complete classic. The first made in Vietnam. Whatever that says.

Les Paul in 1952 had a solid mahogany One thing that actually does say body, a gold-sprayed maple top, a something however is that Scottish cream bound rosewood fretboard with guitarist Midge Ure of Thin Lizzy, trapezoid inlays, and two "soapbar", or Misfits and Ultravox fame is an P-90, pickups. This was the original. endorsee and in fact this very model I But it was not to be the last incarnation have here for review was used and of the Les Paul guitar made famous by signed by him at the Rewind Festival Gibson and copied by many that took place in February this year, in companies worldwide; some good and Durban. It will also be given away in a, some not so good. erm, give-away, so I probably shouldn’t

These days, when most people be smashing it on any stages, huh? think of a Les Paul they think of a big, heavy, solid guitar with two humbuckers. But the addition of the humbucker was only a later occurrence because, as I mentioned above, the

The Vintage V100GT is a beautiful copy original Les Paul was released with P-of a 1955 Les Paul gold top. The paint 90 soapbar pickups. Humbuckers only doesn’t quite have the depth of a real started appearing after 1957, with the ’55 and it has a slight metallic finish but PAF (Patent Applied For) original the colour is close enough, especially Gibson humbucker, the main difference for the price. The hardware is chrome being that the P-90 was single coil and and the pickup covers and mounted the PAF was dual-coil. However, this is pick guard are cream, which adds to its the beauty of the pre-1957 Les Paul; it vintage appeal. combines the thick sound of a heavy

When strapping the guitar on your solid mahogany body with the bright person the familiar weighty pull makes and cutting tones of the single coil you feel like you’re attached to pickup. The result is a guitar that is something real and its robust thick and chunky with a bright chimey construction comes through. It’s a well top end - a refreshing break from the made guitar. The chrome binding on often one-trick monotony of the the neck also gives a sense that it is humbucker-fitted Les Paul.more expensive than it really is and I Copies of the Les Paul suppose that is the point. shape are not in short demand

Lastly, all other standard features either but finding a good one you find on a guitar of this type are that stands up to the original available, namely, a three-way toggle almost always turns out to be switch, two volume controls and two a futile endeavor. We have the tone controls. saying "only a Gibson is good

enough" for a reason. That being said, there are

always exceptions. Before me here today sits a beautiful, faithful

reproduction of the '55 gold top Les Paul, complete with P-90 pickups and a stop tail, Tune-o-matic-style bridge.

Construction and Features

Guitars | VINTAGE V100GT | words: Greg Bester 13

Suggested Retail Price: R 4,995.00 incl. VAT Supplier: TIDTel. No: +27 10 5000 116Website: www.tidistribution.co.za

Midge Ure in action with his V100GT

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coil it has a resonant zingy strings that are currently on the peak, traditionally, of guitar, it was just screaming at me to 4.7 kHz, compared to play blues. I obliged. Moving to the the 6 – 8.5 kHz of middle position, the gain dropped a bit, other Gibson which is expected, but that put me in humbuckers. This range of a creamy, round, pillow-laden combines with the edgy clean sound that sustained for brighter single coil days. The tops are chimey but there is sound to give the not a hint of harshness. pickup a very full yet Finally landing at the treble position precise tonal I was presented with a bright and character that is cutting tone that reminds me of a lot of suited to many styles. nineties punk rock. This prompted me

to turn up the gain, which I did without prejudice. Many people reach straight for a humbucker when going for rock

In this review I used tones and this guitar had me asking, All hardware, including the pickups on my trusty Laney GH100L head through a “why?” The experience was the V100GT, is made by Wilkinson, a 1973 Marshall 4x12 loaded with harmonically rich and definitely of the British guitar parts brand founded by Celestion Greenbacks. even order, which only valves can do. Trev Wilkinson that has a good

After plugging in the V100GT and The detail in the notes is there and the reputation for quality and workmanship. setting the gain to supply an edgy clarity of the P-90’s really shines At this point, then, it might be crunch the first thing that caught my ear through.worthwhile to go into a little bit of was the fact that it made a bit of a noise. history of the P-90 pickup, since it is not A healthy buzz had materialized but I did so popular in today’s market and I like not let that get me down as it is an underdog. The Gibson P-90 was expected with this kind of guitar. It’s I am a big fan of the Vintage V100GT. It invented in 1937 and was originally just something single coil guitar owners is definitely a great buy for anyone known by the name “Laid Back”. Other deal with. What I will say is if you’re looking for a vintage looking guitar names included “Dog Ear” or “Soap interested in using obscene amounts of without the heavy price tag and I would Bar”, the latter being the most popular gain, this guitar just might not be for highly recommend it. Vintage has done today. It uses two bar magnets under you. a great job with this guitar and I really the coil and the coil is usually wound

As I started to play, the next thing mean that. No bull. around a clear bobbin. Like poles of the that got me was that the toggle switch magnets face each other and their was mounted the opposite way around. repulsion is counteracted by the use of Now I don’t know if this was a request the autographed conductive screws. or customization by Midge Ure, but it The screws, in turn, become a Vintage V100GT as signed struck me as odd. However once I got single magnet pole and serve as pole going I soon forgot about it because the pieces. The P-90 was chosen for its by Mide Ure. To enter sounds emerging before me were just versatility because it had the clarity of a beautiful. And I’m not saying that simply go to single coil combined with the full sound because this is a review. I really, really of a humbucker although, because of www.museonline.co.za or enjoyed the sound of this guitar.the nature of single coil pickups, noise

Moving the toggle switch to the is still a slight problem. Because of the scan this tag to enter on rhythm position is quite simply the specific thickness of the copper wire

your Smartphone.fattest sound ever and with the new and the amount of bobbin turns in the

In use

Conclusion

WIN

Midge Ure @ Rewind in Durban, 2012

Imported and distributed by: www.audiosure.co.za

http://www.tidistribution.co.za

Guitar Amplifiers | TWO-ROCK JET 35 COMBO GUITAR AMP | words: Alan Ratcliffe16

Two-Rock Jet 35 Combo Guitar Amp

wo-Rock is a relative The EQ controls newcomer on the guitar all have pull switches amplification scene, but on the controls have rapidly earned an (Bright, Mid Boost, impressive reputation for and Deep on the Tthemselves. They have a Treble, Mid and Bass

wide-ranging roster of users including controls John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, John respectively), as do Scofield and Carlos Santana. The Jet 35 the normal gain and has been designed to produce the Two- master controls Rock tone in a small, portable package and at a club volume level.

Power: 35 Watts from 2 x 6L6 valvesEQ: Three bandOther controls: Gain, Master, Lead

Cranking the clean gain does Gain, Lead Master, Reverb, Reverb not add any drive, merely Drivecompressing more, and it really Pull Bypass/Lead on Gain and Master starts singing at higher settings. controls, Pull Bright, Deep & Mid on You can get drive at higher Tone controlssettings, with the master control Foot Switch: Bypass/Lead foot switch turned up until the power valves (included)crunch, while the preamp stays (bypass, Lead), making for five pull Loop: Serial passive

clean. switches in all.Reverb: SpringThe tone generally is quite balanced The reverb has the usual volume Speaker 12" WGS

and modern, with enough range on the control on the front panel, but unusually, Dimensions (L x H x D): 38 x 46 x 25.5 controls and switches for a variety of there is a Reverb drive control on the rear cmtones. The amount of bass on tap is panel, which controls the signal level Weight: 18 kgamazing, given the size of the cabinet – going in to the reverb circuit.more than enough for most purposes.The effects loop is passive – a

simple send and return between the The Jet 35 is tiny for a 35W amplifier –

preamp and the power amp with no extra about the same height and depth as a

circuitry added to compromise tone. The Jet 35 takes the (long held) crown for Deluxe Reverb, but a full 16 cm narrower. the ideal “grab-and-go” club or studio It has the weight of a larger amp, so still amp – more than enough volume, tone feels substantial. One complaint is in the and flexibility for most applications and The control layout takes a little getting appearance - it has an unassuming, plain small enough to transport easily. It is not used to, particularly the two gains and look with nothing about the cabinet or a home amp, particularly for drive - it two masters, and takes a little time to set fittings belying the fact that it is an needs to be turned up at least halfway. It the balance between clean and drive expensive amplifier.also won’t make a heavy player happy – tones, but once you get the hang of it, it but any other style of player will be in is incredibly flexible. The effects loop let tonal bliss.me to integrate it into a TC Electronic G-

The gain structure of the Jet is interesting system-based rig without any difficulties

– it isn’t really a two channel amp, but and it takes stompboxes very well.

rather an amp with an extra switchable gain stage for overdrive sounds. The clean has the usual gain and master

The Jet 35 is an absolute tone monster. controls, as does the lead section. When Glorious full, chimey and bell-like clean the Lead channel is selected, the normal tones and a range of drive tones from gain and master controls stay active – so dynamic from bluesy, dynamic edge of you end up with two gain and two master drive, through classic rock crunch and all controls, all active. The two are also the way up to super saturated Santana. interactive – if you turn down the clean The only thing I couldn’t get from it is gain control it affects the gain of the drive high gain metal distortion tones. channel too.

Specifications:!

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First Impressions

In Conclusion

In Use

Features

Tone

Suggested Retail Price: R 26,100 Supplier: Guitartone Tel. No: 021 855-5963Website: www.guitartone.co.za

http://www.guitartone.co.za

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Guitars | G&L TRIBUTE ASAT CLASSIC & LEGACY USA STRAT | words: Greg Bester 20

G&L Tribute ASAT Classic & Legacy USA Strat

ASAT Classic

What's better than a Fender? Nothing, you say? Well, under normal circumstances I would agree but at this point in time, while staring at these two guitars hanging in front of me, I would almost have to disagree with you.

n fact, I do. I do disagree with you. Because here, hanging up in front of me, are two

The Legacy USA is a beautifully crafted absolutely gorgeous Fender-yet-not-Fender Stratocaster, for lack of a better description. If this guitars made by a company that started out was a review of a no-name Eastern brand I would with a huge amount of rep just because of hesitate to call it such and would probably put a Itheir namesake. I am, of course, talking “-type” somewhere in there but this guitar is about G&L guitars; a name comprised of the first definitely a Strat. initials of its founders, namely George Fullerton

The model I was given for review is 100% and Leo Fender, two icons in the world of guitar made in the USA and was custom built to order.luthierdom.

The Legacy USA has an Alder body and Leo Fender quietly passed away on the rainy solid finishes and a cream, three-ply pick guard day of March 21, 1991. To say that he was highly which gives of the impression that it has been respected is an understatement and it’s safe to “aged” a bit to look like it’s been in a smoky club say that the guitar world lost a hero that day. for years. It has three “G&L vintage style Alnico V However, his legacy lives on in G&L guitars, a single coil pickups”, a hard-rock maple neck and company founded by his long time associate, maple fretboard with a 12” George Fullerton, and a man named Dale Hyatt in radius. The bridge is a G&L the late 1970s. Since Fender was sold to the CBS Dual Fulcrum vibrato with corporation in 1965, it is a little known fact that chrome-plated brass Leo designed guitars for Music Man during this saddles. Lastly we see interim era through his company called CLF other features we’re used Research. When relations between the two to, such as a three-way companies soured, G&L was established; the selector switch, a volume unofficial mandate of which has been to take control, and two tone classic designs like the Fender Stratocaster and controls. Telecaster, and attempt to improve on them with

However, traditionally modern innovations. on a Stat the tone controls The two guitars given to me for review are are independent controls the ASAT Classic and a Legacy USA. that merely roll off the treble but on the Legacy, the two tone knobs control bass and treble and are actually global, The ASAT Classic is a solid body telecaster design which means they work for with a tobacco-burst finish, a tortoise shell pick any pickup selection. This guard, a hard rock maple neck and 9” radius takes the tonal possibility of fretboard. It has two “traditional-size Fullerton-this guitar to new heights made G&L Magnetic Field Design single coil that weren’t achievable pickups” and a swamp ash body. on a traditional Strat. Regarding the Magnetic Field Design

pickups: The bridge is a traditional boxed steel bridge, string-through-body Telecaster design with individual machined brass saddles.

Finally, other usual suspects are present including a volume and a tone knob, and a three way selector switch. If I might add, the tobacco-burst finish is so beautiful on this guitar and it just screams “classic” the moment you notice it. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this guitar is made in Indonesia, my friend. And don’t expect flashiness, either. This guitar is classic-to-the-max and will please even the most ardent purist.

Legacy USA

ASAT Classic

21

Suggested Retail Price: ASAT Classic R 8,995.00 | Legacy USA R 18,995.00 incl. VAT

Supplier: Tuerk Music Technologies | Tel. No: 011 792 8402Website: www.tuerkmusic.co.za

Legacy USA

hootout!

SConclusion

territory. The out-of-phase sound immediately sucked out the mids and lowered the output and there was jangle for days. Moving to the third position gave me my midrange back but with a softer top-end, good for clean sounds. The fourth position put me back into funk territory albeit with more low end and gave me a “scooped” impression. Weezer anyone?

Finally, the fifth position put me in the Bayou. Blues seeped from this thing and I

For this review I used a Marshall JVM50 could hear Buddy Guy telling me, “play me and a Marshall 1960A 4x12 loaded with something special”. It was quite possibly Celestion G12-75’s. one of the best blues sounds I have ever

I set the amp to somewhere between heard from a Strat and I was pleased and clean and dirty and plugged in expecting to satisfied. Now where’s my moonshine? hear the instantly recognizable twang that typifies the Telecaster sound which is exactly what I got. The bridge pickup is characteristically honky as one would expect but as I quieted down after playing If you had to ask me to some country-esque licks, it took a minute choose between these before it dawned on me that the noise two G&L guitars I produced by this guitar is very low. Come would be hard pressed to find out, the pickups of this guitar were to answer you. Of engineered to produce less noise than course, the fact that usual single-coil design and from the the Legacy is more sound of it (or lack thereof), they expensive than the succeeded. ASAT Classic comes

Pushing the gain a bit, I soon stumbled through because the (oops!) on crunch territory and this guitar tones produced by this just sang and I bathed in a harmonically guitar are quite exquisite rich bath of rock and roll. Flipping the and the workmanship is switch to the middle position gave me back clearly superior. And some low end but not at the expense of the considering a Fender top. It was still warm yet retained its USA strat can cost sparkle, which made me want to play almost R10000 more, I Hallelujah. would say that the

Switching to the neck position proved Legacy is the clear winner a wise move as the sound thickened up in this category. nicely with a bit more pronounced lower However, midrange, but still, not at the expense of that’s not to say the top end. This guitar just wouldn’t give that the ASAT isn’t up its clarity and overall it has a very a quality “smooth” sound. instrument. I

Next I turned my attention to the probably would Legacy USA. Picking it up, I instantly felt take it over a similar like I was holding something of quality, Fender model just designed in ages passed. From the finish, because it is less to the hardware, to the feel of the smooth noisy and it suits my C-shaped neck, the guitar just oozes personal style more. appeal. Plugging it in and setting it to the It sounds great, too! neck position, I was instantly presented All I have left to with a throaty, cutting tone that is typical of say is that you have to Strats. hear them for yourself

However, I soon tamed it into but given their pedigree something rounder by using a bit of treble and their innovative roll-off, thanks to the treble knob. I was advancements over Fender, I don’t think now in a place that cut through but didn’t you’ll have to listen very long before you tickle the ear-hairs. Switching to the second make up your mind. position on the five-way, I was in funk

Instrument Review | SAMSON AIRLINE SYNTH UHF WIRELESS GUITAR SYSTEM | words: Nic Roos22

Samson AirLine Synth

SA Distributor: Audiosure www.audiosure.co.za Tel: (+27) (0)11 790 4600 Suggested Retail Price: R 6,195.00 incl. VAT

UHF Wireless Guitar System “Compared to other wireless units it is a relief not having to deal with annoying belt packs...”ith a growing

number of large festival stages popping up around South Africa the Wpopularity of

wireless systems for microphones and instruments is on the rise. Already a hit internationally with the likes of Roger Waters and others, the multi-channel Samson AirLine Synth wireless guitar system provides great versatility and audio fidelity in an easy to use package.

tonal difference in using the AirLine than to plugging into the amp with a good quality cable. While maintaining line-of-

The system consists of the AG300 sight, I was also able to get a good 25 transmitter and AR300 receiver and meters from the receiver, before offers over 300 frequencies in groups of experiencing a significant loss of signal. 11 compatible channels, which are able When line-of-sight is not maintained

It also features an output level knob, to operate simultaneously. there are occasional momentary signal an Edit rotary knob/switch, for manual The AG300 Transmitter features drops and a minor compromise of parameter editing or automatic channel power and mute switches, a battery life frequency response but the Airline won’t scanning, and a Squelch knob that indicator, an LED channel display, an give up too easily: separated by 3 rooms, decreases the system’s maximum range infrared channel receiver, operates on a the signal still kicks through the amp.thus minimising any RF interference one single AA battery, offers 10 hours of might encounter.continuous play and plugs straight into

your guitar’s input. Conveniently, the Compared to other wireless units it is a input jack can be unscrewed and relief not having to deal with annoying repositioned to fit Stratocaster or side- With the receiver plugged into the amp belt packs and the grouped compatible mounted styled guitar inputs. It also has and all other connections made, a quick channels is a stand out feature. And a -15dB pad and gain control under the read of the detailed manual is required to while I had a few issues with noise the battery cover. understand the proper setup procedure. tonal clarity is definitely worth The AR300 Receiver features This involves angling the antennae for mentioning.automatic RF scanning and infrared maximum coverage, allowing the AR300 The thought of not having to worry programming, balanced and unbalanced to scan for the clearest channel, about a tangle of guitar cable at your feet outputs, which can be used switching the AG300 on 6 inches away is appealing, as is the degree movement simultaneously, 2 front or rear mountable from the receiver to allow the settings to and showmanship the unit allows. On the antennae giving clear reception, audio be store via infrared. Then some one hand, the average gigging guitarist and AF/RF signal levels, as well as balancing of gain and you’re done. dealing with local stages, many of which channel frequencies can be kept track of Testing the unit in various locations, aren’t big enough to fit an entire band on the backlit LED front panel display. yielded different degrees of RF and their equipment (let alone allow

interference, (all easily much movement), may have limited to dealt with using the cut the umbilical cord, so to speak,

Squelch knob), although unless they often find themselves at times a noticeable grainy heading for the bar mid-solo. On the

background hum seemed ever other hand this is an incredibly useful present and, while manageable through tool for the festival musician where an amp’s clean channel, it was very noisy sounding great and the freedom of when employing distortion. Other movement during performance are vital.attempts were completely noise free, operating with crystal clarity, as promised. While this mystery of the hum’s origin remains unsolved, I suspect the fault lies more with South Africa’s notorious ‘dirty’ electricity that drives many who work with audio equipment up the wall, than with the unit.

Encouragingly, (aside from this anomalous hum) there was no detectable

ANATOMY

CONCLUSION

IN USE

Muse Report | AUDIOSURE MOVE OFFICES, PUT ON A GRAND DEALER | Special Feature 23

Audiosure Move Offices,put on a grand dealer evening

n Tuesday, 13 March I’d give my manager the Audiosure unveiled their job of lighting control from new offices in Midrand by the dancefloor! hosting a dealer evening Dealers were divided to celebrate the move. It into two groups to Owas also a perfect accommodate the large

opportunity to show off their extensive attendance within the two range of products and to host their dealer showroom spaces. In the awards, rewarding their top dealers in second showroom, various categories. upstairs in their new

Demo highlights included the new building, attendees were Samson Auro range which features the treated to demonstrations D408, D410, D412, 415 Active speakers, of the TOUCHIT interactive as well as the DB1800A powered white boards, Vivitek subwoofer. What made the demo Projectors, Taiden particularly well presented was a special conferencing products, speaker switcher that allowed them to room management instantly switch between different sets of consoles and an speakers, with and without subs to get a interactive video true A/B comparison. The entire range conferencing boardroom sounded very impressive and looks (and demonstration. sounds) like a real winner from Samson. There was also a [Look out for a review on these soon, Ed]. ‘Studio room’ which

But the sound demo highlight was housed the formidable the Wharfedale Pro Delta series. The iLive digital mixer, and speakers were run through an Allen & some high end DJ gear Heath mixer with an XTA processor and including the A&H Xone powered by MC2 E45 power amplifiers. 4D, Denon MC3000 and The full range - 12”, 15” and the 18” subs 6000 controllers, and the were all taken through their paces with very cool DN S3900 Media each loudspeaker cleverly demonstrated players. both with and without the sub woofer The MI (Musical which further illustrated the versatility of instrument) room the two-way tops and the perfect match contained a selection of the sub brings to the sound. The Delta Albion guitar amps, Hartke 215’s proved to be the loudest of the lot Bass amps, and a whole and it was agreed that with the Delta range of STAGG guitars, series Wharefdale Pro are certainly drum sets, and musical competing with the ‘big boys.’ accessories.

Also on show and coupled with an The home theatre interesting display was Gavin Atkinson’s showroom was set up to demo of the Chauvet lights – most showcase the Wharfedale impressively the Show Xpress app he consumer speaker systems used from his iPhone to trigger scenes as well as the Vivitek HD and Andrews; “The trip is a reward for while roaming the showroom. They 3D projectors. This was an impressive dealers that have grown their business showed off the new range of lasers from display of world-class hi-fi and true HD year on year, or performed exceptionally Chauvet, including the new BLUE home cinema products leaving one a well. It is an opportunity for us to show version, intertwining with the red, green, little giddy at the prospect of kitting one’s these dealers who are passionate about yellow and cyans of the other models lounge out with this gear. the brand a side to the speakers, mixers, which looked like something Jean The grand finale for the evening was amps etc that they would never usually Michelle Jarre would be proud of! Well the lucky draw and the dealer awards. get to see, which further equips them to not quite, but certainly made one feel like Eight dealers in various categories inform their own staff and clients as to you were in a glitzy nightclub. With the earned their stripes by receiving a the high quality and heritage of the gear Smartphone app, bands and DJ’s can weeklong trip to the IAG factory in China they use.”quite easily control lighting while where all Wharfedale Pro products are A great evening was had by all, the performing without having to move manufactured. most impressive part being the diverse around too much. Heck if I was in a band Says Marketing Manager, Chris product range Audiosure offers.

Review | BOSS RC300 LOOP STATION | words: Alistair Andrews24

BOSS RC300 Loop Station The Triple-Stereo Mega Looper!

SA Distributor: MD Distributors www.musicaldistributors.co.za Suggested Retail Price: R 7,995.00 incl. VAT

ith the RC-300 from Boss you can take looping to a level never reached before on Wcommercially

available loop stations. It is ideal for instrumentalists and vocalists that incorporate live looping in their musical performances. It could also be a useful addition to your home studio.

I attended a Boss roadshow late in 2011, where clinician Alex Hutchins used the RC-300 Loop Station. I was so impressed by it, that as soon as it hit our shores I got myself one. Unfortunately I do not have enough space to outline all the features but this summary should give you a good idea.

You can plug in any instrument of your choice and create loops in real time. any connected sound source. Stereo You can create, stack, and An XLR input, with phantom power is outputs include independent main and manipulate multi-layered loops. Each of also provided, so singers, violinists, or sub jacks, and a headphone jack for the 3 tracks is independently controllable. anyone with a miked instrument can practice or stage monitoring. The Auto Recording feature starts become “loopers”. You can add up to Rounding out the rear panel are jacks recording the moment you begin playing three effects as you go, and its USB port for connecting optional Boss your instrument, or as soon as you start a lets you save your loops externally, as footswitches (up to four) and/or connected audio player. Likewise, Count-well as import / export WAV files. expression pedals (up to two), In mode provides one-bar of rhythm

providing additional real-time control before recording starts, and you can options advanced users. Undo / Redo as you go.The RC-300 also comes with a rhythm

Three stereo real-time phrase loop-guide and onboard sound library,

stations with dedicated footswitches which you can play along with as you

and controls for each Pros:record.

Dedicated fader per track 3 Independent Loop-Stations with You can Start/ Stop all Loops at once,

Expression pedal for effects control in amazing features as mentioned before.with a single switch.

real time The RC-300 is housed in a durable Up to 3 hours of internal recording and metal chassis.

It is quite straightforward and easy to use 99 onboard memories Wide variety of inputs and outputs.

although first time users of Loop Stations 16 Onboard effects optimized for Exceptional Sonic Quality.

could find all the options overwhelming. I looping USB connectivity to your computer to

found the interface quite easy to XLR Microphone input with phantom import/export WAV loop phrases.

navigate.power Interface quite easy to navigate.

The RC-300 is really a cut above the USB allows for connecting to a Advanced MIDI and Sync Features

rest, as besides 3 independent Loops computer to import/export WAV loop Through the Aux input you can record

Stations, it also includes expressive phrases. MIDI I/O is included as well backing tracks if need be. (Save it to a

onboard effects, including Slicer, Filter, 3 mini-sliders control the volume of choice of 99 onboard memory

Flanger, Phaser, Modulator, Transpose, each track. (Latch at the centre locations)

Vocal Effects, and many more. A position.) You can immediately stop a loop, (stop

dedicated LOOP FX footswitch is The RC-300 is housed in a durable at the end of the loop, or evenfade the

provided for instant activation of the metal chassis and offers 99 different loop out.) Wow!!

onboard effects. Control the effects memory locations, each with 3 Good value for money!

parameters in real time with the independent stereo or mono loop

Expression pedal for hands-free creativity phrases Cons:

onstage. You can apply the effects to any All the inputs can be used The effects are not always easy to edit.

single track as well as to the entire mix, simultaneously, giving performers the First time users of Loop Stations could

expanding your creativity and musical ability to record loops instantly with find all the options overwhelming.

expression.

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Main RC-300 Features:!

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Instrument Review | MARTIN DCPA4 ACOUSTIC | words: Nic Roos26

Martin DCPA4

Supplied by: Rockit DistributionTel: 021 511-1800 Suggested retail prices: R 14,995.00 incl. VAT

ACOUSTIC“A few cursory strums of even the most mundane open chords unlocks the rich tone contained within.”

rich tone contained within. Balance is the key word here. There is ample low end without a trace of boominess, a very balanced, clear mid-range, and loads of highs without any harshness as well as bucket-loads of harmonics. No note overpowers any other when playing chords unless played louder, and unlike lesser guitars the sound gets bigger the harder you play. Every sound seems he Martin name is greatly exaggerated yet perfectly in synonymous with tradition, proportion. Oh, and the sustain! It’s like quality and rich tone. Their the precise chime of a grandfather clock.Performing Artist series,

While the DCPA4 is intended mainly which is just above entry-for live use, its rich tone could be a great level, brings a few modern Tasset in studio. In fact, while it may elements to the table. The DCPA4 is a sound obtuse to say, listening to it with modern Dreadnaught with cutaway and a one’s eyes closed one could imagine the Fishman F1 pickup/tuner, aimed at the sound coming from a slick recording.gigging guitarist.

Without the prestigious Martin name, this remarkable tone and playability alone instil a sense of

Opening the DCPA4 hard case released a authority and confidence in the strong, pleasing aroma of wood and player. The level of expression the amber. This beautiful instrument is DCPA4 allows is astounding as I constructed with solid tonewoods. The found myself effortlessly and back and sides are matched from African articulately moving from soft, subtle sapele (which is similar in appearance passages to big and bright and tone to mahogany), while the flourishes. You would not need to soundboard is book-matched Sitka dig very deep within the tone for spruce and utilizes Martin's Hybrid "A- magic to happen.Frame" scalloped bracing. The neck has a comfortable slim taper and is thinner than on traditional acoustics, facilitating

With a thick warm tone that really faster, more comfortable fretwork. fills a space making it great for solo It also features the discreet and accompaniment, it also has elegant, Fishman F1 pickup/tuner with more than enough bite to cut one tone knob and one volume knob that through a full band. This doubles as a one touch tuner switch.guitar plays well with others.

So please excuse me Picking it up for the first time I noticed for gushing like a little almost immediately that this guitar is a school girl with a bad crush, little heavier than the average acoustic, but I am in absolute awe of which may make it a bit tiresome to use the artistry and grit of this standing up. However, after hours of instrument. With its easy noodling, I cannot emphasise enough and unrestricting how comfortable the DCPA4 is to play. playability and rich, The incredibly easy, low action as well as articulate and striking the slim taper of the thin neck makes it tone this is a true feel almost like that of an electric guitar. workhorse instrument, That, along with the modest cutaway certainly beating a lot of makes higher fret playing a breeze. other well known brands

In my experience, some acoustic in this price range which guitars with similar construction can often have the sparkle but not the display a certain degree of tonal punch and authority of the DCPA4. brashness, but my initial suspicion that While some of our hearts might sink the slim neck, cutaway and general at the sight of the price tag, at R14,995.00 modern design would compromise the (SRP, and by no means the most signature Martin boldness, was swiftly expensive Martin out there) the DCPA4 culled because the DCPA4 is an delivers in spades, and lucky for this incredible tonal beast! school girl there is a left-handed option at

A few cursory strums of even the no extra charge.most mundane open chords unlocks the

ANATOMY

CONCLUSION

PLAYABILITY & SOUND

http://www.rockitdistribution.com

Band Tips | STRATEGY AND PLANNING: GET AHEAD BY KNOWING WHERE YOU WANT TO GO | words: David Chislett 28

STRATEGY AND PLANNING: Get Ahead By Knowing Where You Want To Go

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 musicians

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

ost artists’ plan for there and what methods you need to see that some forethought can go a their careers can employ and go for it. So, the result is long way to buying you space in which easily be summed the easy one. You want to be the best to shine when your contemporaries are up as follows: band in town; you want each gig to still sharing bills as the same local Become famous, sell earn you more than 10K, that kind of venue.Mlots of records. thing. But how do you get there? So what you need to do is get

While this is a great end objective to Everyone you know probably has a specific. Define your end goal as have in mind, a plan implies a series of similar goal and we operate in a small precisely as you can, down to rands and steps that are designed to take you market. How do you cut through the cents, appearing on specific bills, towards that end point. And this is clutter to make your goals possible? releasing a certain amount of material where many fail themselves when it Firstly, you need to analyse the and selling a specified amount of comes to reaching their goals and terrain, Where is the clutter? Is copies. Then plot out over a month by dreams in the real world. everyone playing the same gigs? Do month time line WHAT you are going to

It’s easy to spot the ones that had a they all look the same, sound the same do WHEN and HOW in order to achieve plan of action, a real strategy. They are and promote in the same ways? Then those goals. You will find that, once you the big names: Goldfish, Good Luck, look for blue sky... open space where know WHERE you are going, it’s much Skwatta Kamp, Flash republic, no-one is competing. If everyone is easier to figure out HOW to get there. Watershed. Basically the music industry playing the same style right now, take it The primary error most ambitious falls neatly into two parts: those who one step further, or break it down 5 young artists make is that they do not have a plan and those who don’t have a steps back. Find new venues to play, articulate their ambition in specific clue. You can up your chances of find new artists to play with, new enough terms and it is therefore hard to succeeding overnight just by making a sounds to experiment with. The key see what is needed. Once you are clear, plan of action with a clear strategy for here is to differentiate yourself. Why the road opens. Once you have a clear your year. Unless of course you’d rather listen to one artist over another when strategy is becomes the simple matter spend more time telling people at the they are all much the same? But when of moving from bench mark to bench bar just how under-rated you are...? one is clearly different, clearly mark doing everything you have

Having a strategy can best be recognisable, the game changes. Make identified as necessary as well as you described as having a plan of action for sure your image and your marketing possibly can. Then all that is required is a defined period of time that aims to cannot be mistaken for the herd. the leg work. And lots of it. But that’s achieve a specific result. Set up a goal, Become a front runner not a sheep. another advice column.figure out what needs to be done to get From that brief description you will

http://www.soundandlightcity.co.za

Tutorial | TUNING PROBLEMS | words: Alan Ratcliffe30

TUNING PROBLEMS

e have all run across guitars with tuning problems, which continually slip out of tune while playing Wor are difficult to get

into tune. Often players just accept them as being "difficult" instruments. Sometimes they might try changing the tuning machines and, when this is unsuccessful, either sell the guitar or decide to live with the issues. However, in 99% of cases, the cause of these issues can be quickly identified and fixed.

This is actually a separate issue to tuning problems. Intonation problems are where

stretched or wound right out of the the guitar can be tuned and will stay in packet. The strings can also bind on the string tune, but will play out of tune in different

retainers (string trees) used on Fender places on the neck, particularly in the style electric guitars (which bring the upper registers, towards the body of the string height down so the strings wind The simple rule of fitting strings is to guitar. I've covered intonation adjustment evenly on the tuners and press down make sure you have as short a length of before and it is beyond the scope of this adequately in the nut). The best solution string as possible. To do this, make sure article.for this is replacing the existing retainers you have as few string winds on the Tuning issues are where the strings with Fender’s own roller string trees or tuner capstan as possible and, in the themselves do not stay in tune, where with the Graph Tech Black Tusq versions. case of a nylon string guitar, on the they are constantly slipping out and need

bridge too. Excess windings on either continual tuning. These problems are side will not only make for a longer string almost always down to one or two issues length to stretch, but can shift and catch and are usually simply identified and Worn-out tuners are the most often with changes in tension – particularly on fixed. suspected cause of tuning issues, but are electric guitars with vibrato systems. seldom the cause. Still, even the best Strings will also settle when first fitted tuners wear out over time and and excessive windings slow the settling inexpensive tuners do not wear as well. I can't stress this enough: Strings are the process down. Bad tuners will usually be indicated by #1 cause of both tuning and intonation

the pitch slipping down, never up and the problems. The first recourse in any cure is simple replacement.tuning issues is to change the strings,

Strings binding (catching) in the nut is a regardless of how new they are. The common cause of tuning issues. It is usual issue is strings that are uneven, as often easily identified as it usually causes uneven strings cannot vibrate evenly and Occasionally a vibrato bridge will not creaking or “ping” noises as the strings will introduce odd harmonics that clash return to “zero” (pitch) due to wear on move while tuning and often while with the fundamental tone. Unevenness the knife edge or the studs that it pivots bending them during play. This is caused is often a result of old and worn out against. However, care should be made by badly cut or worn nut slots and can strings as not only do strings gradually in making this diagnosis, as it is often often be temporarily cured by applying a stretch over time (and rarely stretch binding in the nut or string retainers dry lubricant such as graphite powder to evenly), but they wear unevenly on the rather than the vibrato unit itself. The fix the slots. Ideally the nut should be re-cut frets the more the guitar is played. is simply to smooth out any rough areas or replaced by a professional for a Unevenness is not limited to old strings on these two points of contact.permanent cure.though - occasionally manufacturing

defects will cause a string to be unevenly

INTONATION VS. TUNING

String Retainers

Incorrect Fitting

Tuning Machines

Strings

Nut

Vibrato Bridges

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews32

How to Choose the Right Bass Guitar PLAY BETTER BASS

Continued on Page 34...

hoosing the right It is important to get a bass Can I handle the weight? (Some bass is not always as that is easy and fun to play. The basses are heavier than others). easy as one would easier it is to play, the more hours Four string or five string? (Five think, but with some you will be able to put in on your string basses are more difficult to research, and if you instrument. The action of your bass play, but you can learn on them Chave a good idea of can be set to suit you style of play and with a lot of the modern

what you are looking for in a bass, by lifting or lowering the saddles styles it might be a must have.) you will probably find an on the bridge, or by tightening or instrument that satisfies your loosening your truss rod. Any I would not recommend six, seven, needs. reputable Bass dealer should be nine-string etc. basses for

able to help you with this.beginners. If you are a more advanced player you will also bring fretless/fretted into the permutation, especially if you are What is my budget? adding another bass to your Is the bass comfortable to play? arsenal.

3.

4.

Some very important questions to ask yourself are the following:

1.2.

Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews34

Neck with fret-board removed to expose truss rod.

Continued from Page 32...

Most electric bass guitars are solid- the frets can be a little off and as a instrument. If you are to be body electrics. But if you're looking result these basses don't play in standing up to play it's wise to have for a rounder and more acoustic tune, usually when you pass the one that is lightweight. Swamp ash sound you should buy a semi- 12th fret. These basses are useless wood is a lightweight soft wood hollow-body bass instead. There is and you shouldn't waste money on that produces low Mids and a also the option of an acoustic bass one. punchy tone. Alder is another guitar with a built in pickup, but Ensure that you get a decent lightweight wood except that the remember that feedback could be a tuning head on your bass. tone it produces is crisper. problem when amplified. Enclosed machine heads are better Although you should pay attention

If you're looking for a warm, than open tuning machines. They to the weight of the instrument, it's natural sound, you need a bass resist rust and airborne corrosives all about whether or not you like with a darker and more wood and you therefore don't have to the sound.fretboard. Like rosewood or ebony maintain or replace them often. You can choose any finish you for example; lighter woods like The number of frets you like since it doesn't really affect the maple generally produce a brighter choose is also a matter of personal sound of your electric bass. As sound. preference. You can choose long as you have a clear

The type of neck you choose is between 21, 22, or 24 frets. understanding of what you need it dependent on the size of your No matter how good the wood should be easy to find the right hands. There are different shapes of the bass is, if the pickups are not bass guitar.for you to choose from including up to scratch it defeats the object. When tuning, the strings may round to flat back, and anywhere in There are many pickup models, become very tight as they pull on between. Four string basses both active or passive. the headstock; this in return curves usually come with smaller necks You also need the right the neck slightly, like a bow and than five string or six string basses. combination of strings and pickup. arrow. Because of this bow and

The scale length is the In terms of neck, the best bass arrow motion, the strings may be distance between the nut and for you is all about your personal close or not–so–close to the bridge saddle. The longer the scale preference. If you want one that is fretboard, commonly referred to as the more distance there is between stronger, has better sustain and the action of your guitar. The lower the frets. The scale length chosen note resolution, buy a neck- the action, the easier it will be for is important because it is what through bass. But for punchier you to play your bass. However if influences the tonal quality of the sound, nothings beats a bolt-on your action is too close to the notes and the tension of the string neck; the only limitation is that they fretboard, you will get fret buzz.when a note is played. are more prone to having dead Choosing the right Bass for

A short scale of 30 inches, spots. your style of music you play is medium scale of 32 inches, Choice of wood is important. crucial. May your search for the standard scale of 34 inches, 5 The wood you choose will affect right bass be a fruitful one.string long scale of 35 inches, or an the tone and weight of the extra long scale of 36 inches? It all depends on the instrument you're thinking of getting and the tone you desire. If you have small hands, a short scale bass is probably the best bass guitar for you. Longer scale necks give more definition to low (thicker) strings.

A vital area to pay attention to is intonation. This is what determines whether the various notes on your bass play in tune. On some basses, the distance between

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER GUITAR | words: Kurt Slabbert36

elcome to play better guitar. I have decided to choose a topic that many beginners battle with and to be honest I have seen Wexperienced guitarist also struggle with this;

I am talking about bending and vibrato and the combination of the two together. Let’s start with vibrato.

What is Vibrato?Vibrato is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. There are two factors that determine your own Vibrato and these are how wide the pitch varies either side of the target note and the speed of your Vibrato. It could be narrow and fast or wide and slow, and we will use these different variants to add nuance to the note that we would like to focus on. We will look at a couple of examples of where vibrato is used later on in the lesson.

In most modern guitar styles we have got two different types of vibrato, namely classical vibrato, which is a parallel movement to the strings, and we have a horizontal type vibrato which is a lot wider than the classical type vibrato; the second type is employed by most contemporary musicians.

Classical Vibrato will be from left to right and generally, only using one finger to create the vibrato.

The type of Vibrato used in contemporary music generally uses all the fingers in support as there is usually vibrato added to a bend, but this is not a rule, you need to find what works for you! Here in this picture we can see the fingers supporting each other. Also remember this type of vibrato will have a Horizontal movement. Once again you can determine the speed and the depth of the vibrato by how fast you move the string horizontally and how far you bend it.

What is Bending?Bending is:A bent note is a musical note that is varied in pitch. Once again this can be done on any instrument and each different instrument would require a different technique.As a guitarist we all prefer our different string gauges and obviously the heavier the gauge the more difficult it can be to bend the string. At this point I must state that over practicing of this technique can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury) so please do not over do it!!!

Vibrato and Bending

PLAY BETTER GUITAR

37

The TechniqueThe most important part of bending technique is to realise that the strength to bend the string comes from the wrist and not the fingers. Your fingers alone are not strong enough to bend alone but rather use your wrist and the strength from your arms. Remember you can bend the string up or you can pull it down, once again this will be player preference.

Copyright Kurt Slabbert | Bluenoise Productionskurt_slabbert@hotmail.com

ApplicationsThe most important aspect to any guitar lines is how you start them and how you end them. Here is a lick or a run that uses a bend with vibrato at the end as a way of releasing the line and being as musical as possible.Here we have a lick that employs a run into a bend then a vibrato is added. Please note that the vibrato should only be added once you have bent to the desired note, which in this case is a semitone above the last note played. Once you have reached the pitch you can release your vibrato. Here you can try different types of vibrato, shallow and fast, deep and wide. Try and find your own voice with this technique.

ConclusionThere are no hard and fast rules to where you can and can’t use a bend or vibrato, this you need to explore. I would definitely check out the Blues player licks of Stevie Ray V and fusion player Eric Johnson and listen carefully to where they use these techniques to enhance their notes.Once again this is not an easy technique so it may take a while to understand and do properly. Good luck till next time, where we will look at a whole lot of licks in different musical styles using bends and vibrato.

Here you can see how the fingers support each other and how the thumb is also used, once again remember that the strength comes from the wrist!

Bending can happen using less fingers in support. This will totally depend on the position of your note that you are bending.

DIY absorption kits are widely available

Your Private Universe | BASIC ROOM TREATMENT FOR THE HOME STUDIO | words: Jonathan Pike38

BASIC ROOM TREATMENT for the home studio

Using any kind of absorption at your disposal

breaking up parallel walls can be to place a shelving unit, with multi-angular objects on the shelves, along the walls. This works because it will cause arriving few years ago in a When it comes to sound in a room sound waves to be reflected off in many previous article (Drum one of the first problems you will different directions rather than reflecting recording techniques for encounter are parallel surfaces and in a back and forth between the parallel walls the home studio Part 1) I home studio these are everywhere! and reinforcing. This concept of diffusion spoke briefly about some These parallel surfaces will lead to some can be a very useful tool for smoothing basic room treatment frequencies reinforcing in amplitude and A

out the frequency ideas for the home response of your room. studio. In this article I Have you ever seen those want to take another multi-angular wooden look at some cheap and walls at the back of effective ways of professional recording controlling the response studios? That is diffusion of your recording space at work.in your home studio. Of

Another way of course the treatment controlling the sound that you decide on waves reflecting around really depends on what the room is to use sound you want to record and absorptive material on the what genre of music walls. This will provide a your are working with. tighter, closer sound by The main point to preventing sound from remember is that the bouncing off reflective more reflective your surfaces creating a long room is the more “live” reverb tail that will colour your recordings will your recordings. An old feel. Conversely the thick carpet or rug (even more absorption you curtaining or drapery) hung on the walls will help

to absorb high frequencies. In order to control lower frequencies however you will need some kind of bass trapping. The 90° corners of a room are an area where bass frequencies build up and you will need a fairly thick absorptive material for treating these areas. Another useful DIY trick is to place an old couch, mattress, futon or even a large stack of thick cushions in the corner, if possible reaching from the floor to the ceiling. This will effectively trap the bass frequencies and prevent them from being reinforced in your recordings.

The last two areas that you can treat are the ceiling and floor. Any drapery tacked to the ceiling will help to absorb sound and may help to control any standing waves. Most engineers prefer a wooden floor but with any floor, movable carpeting will help with absorption. It’s

will therefore cause more of that nice for example to be able to place a particular frequency to be emphasized drum kit on a carpet to prevent in your recordings. In simple terms this reflections from the floor entering your could mean, for example, a boost at microphones.use in your room, the tighter your sound

100Hz in all your recorded elements The key to remember, when treating will be.leading to a “muddy” un-focused low your room, is that you can always add There are many companies that end in the mix. artificial reverb to create size and space produce very effective professional room

One solution to this problem is to try in the mix, but it is impossible to remove treatment solutions if you have the and break up parallel walls by using any room ambience once it has been budget. However we’re going to explore some kind of sound diffusion (don’t recorded-in. So often it is a safer bet to of few cheaper DIY options that will allow forget that your floor and ceiling are over-treat a home recording space and you to control the sound of your likely to be parallel too). A neat trick for then add ambience later on in the mix.recording room at home.

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