Nuno Style

ESP
02 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

SEYMOUR DUNCAN
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com 03
GUITAR INTERACTIVE_HOW TO USE
W
Randal
some o
with St
geniuse
Genfan
players
open tu
in our l
Weve a
amazin
from gu
How to use PA, aud
yes, an
teacher
Welcome to Guitar Interactive Issue 29 Its all h
Gary
Gary C
ARIA 225 CARLSBRO/STUDIOMASTER 135 CHORD 115 CRAFTER 213

IBANEZ 101 JHS 131 LANEY 79 LOWDEN 201 MARSHALL 49 MORLEY
SENNHEISER 167 SEYMOUR DUNCAN 3 STETSBAR 31 TANNOY 187 T

GET IN TOUCH
Editor - Brad Verlander
Gary Cooper brad@guitarinteractivemagazine.com
gary@guitarinteractivemagazine.com Video Editors -
Contributors - James Masterton & Dave Kidd
Levi Clay, Gary Cooper, Andi Picker, Sound Engineering -
George Marios, Richard Morgan Martin Hayles & Gwyn Mathias
Review team - Cameras -
Doug Cartwright, Michael Casswell, Rick Rich Jones & Mike Thorpe
W
elcome to GI issue 29! Nuno Graham. Andi Picker, Lewis Turner, Tom
Social Media Managers -
Bettencourt is a master at Quayle, Dan Veall
blending blistering solos with David Jones & Dan Smith
Columns -
funked-up rhythm. Elliott Publishers -
ll is a session veteran who created
Sam Bell, Michael Casswell, Martin
Road Rock Music International Ltd
of the finest solos ever recorded Goulding, Tom Quayle, Giorgio Serci,
Steve Trovato, Lewis Turner, Jaime Publishing Directors -
teely Dan. Meet both of these guitar
es inside this issue We also meet Vicki Vendera Kim Waller and Stuart Bull
n, one of the worlds leading acoustic Advertising Manager - Contact -
s and a mistress of the subtle art of Sales and Information line:
Helen Bavester
unings. Check-out Vickis amazing style + 44 (0)1708 757 337
live performances!
helen@guitarinteractivemagazine.com
USA Media and Sales - Fax Line: +44 (0)1708 757 528
a Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session, Lisa Spiteri Web:
ng competitions, tons of gear reviews, LisaSpiteri@guitarinteractivemagazine. www.iguitarmag.com
uitars and basses to combos and FX, com Twitter -
dio software and recording gear. Oh
Design and layout - @iGuitarMag
nd we also have some of the best guitar
rs in the business!
Simon Gibbs Facebook -
simon@guitarinteractivemagazine.com www.facebook.com/
here and its all free. Spread the word! Head of website design GuitarInteractiveMagazine
and production - Address:
Sam Marks
Unit A, Chesham Close,
sam@guitarinteractivemagazine.com
Cooper - Editor Romford, Essex, RM7 7PJ, UK
Animation -
(c) Copyright 2014 Road Rock Music International Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners. The views expressed in Guitar Interactive are those of the
contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher.
DADDARIO 23 DEAN MARKLEY 13 ELIXIR 97&221 ESP 2 FAITH 227 FISHMAN 73 FRACTAL 105
Y 125 ORANGE 145 PEAVEY 91 PRESONUS 179 PRS 27 RANDALL 15 ROTOSOUND 109&151
TASCAM 173 TC ELECTRONIC 47 TC HELICON 159 WASHBURN 17 XiTONE 31 YOU ROCK 183
GUITAR INTERACTIVE_CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INTERVIEWS COMPETITION WINNERS
010_Nuno Bettencourt - 058_In Issue 27 we gave away a
The Extremist! Levi Clay meets Sterling By Music Man JP60 John
one of the most influential Rock Petrucci guitar. Find out if you won!
guitarists of his generation as
059_Also up for grabs in Issue 27
Extreme tours the world with
we had three copies of the fabulous
Pornograffitti.
new book Sunburst by guitar
018_Elliott Randall - One of the historian Tony Bacon. Are you one
worlds greatest session guitarists - of the lucky winners?
and the man behind those immortal
DOWNLOADS
Steely Dan solos - speaks to Tom
Quayle. Richard Morgan offers a 060_All the featured downloads
career overview. from this issue + exclusive Guitar
Pro Lite tab software FREE
FEATURES
download!
034_Guitar Idol IV. Meet (and
REVIEWS - GUITARS, AMPS & FX
hear!) the three winners of this
years truly international guitar 068_Washburn N2TATTOOK
competition.
074_Washburn N4 ESA
TECH SESSION
080_MacPherson Pagan guitars
044_Nuno Bettencourt -
086_Fender iOS Strat
Introducing George Marios who
guides you through the trademark 092_BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string
style of a truly unique player.
098_Redplate 50RP50R combo
COMPETITION
0106_Hayden Lill MOFO head
054_WIN a Washburn Nuno
112_Supro Thunderbolt S6420
Bettencourt N2TattooK guitar in
combo
our free-entry competition!
118_Peavey ReValver 4 software
COMPETITION
126_TC Alter Ego vintage echo
056_WIN a YouRock Gen2 MIDI
pedal
guitar with the brand new RADIUS
neck in our second amazing free- 132_DigiTech Luxe and Drop pedals
entry competition!

140_Guitar Wing MIDI controller 214_Freshman Maple Ridge
Dreadnought & Renegade electro-
146_YouRock RADIUS neck
acoustic
LIVE SOUND!
222_Aria A18H travel guitar
Everything you need to take your
228_Dean Spider Quilt Maple
music live!
Resonator
154_Exclusive - Jaime Venderas
Quiet Room Columns
Vocal Bootcamp pt. 9
234_Giorgio Serci - Creative
Reviews:
Fingerstyle
160_H&K Pulsar PA system
THE BASSMENT
MAKING TRACKS
Reviews:
Recording for the practical musician
242_Burns Bison Bass
170_Andi Picker on mixing
248_PRS Kestrel SE Bass
Reviews:
254_ESP LTD Stream Bass
176_Genelec M040 active monitors
184_Sennheiser MK 8 large
COLUMNS
diaphragm condenser mic
260_Tom Quayle
190_iZotope RX4 repair software
264_Michael Casswell - Pro
Concepts
THE QUIET ROOM
270_Sam Bell - Extended Guitar
198_EXCLUSIVE! Vicki Genfan
274_Lewis Turner - Back To Basics
interview + live performances. The
art of open tunings. 278_Martin Goulding - Modern Rock
Techniques
Reviews:
284_Steve Trovato - Country style
208_Tanglewood Premier Deluxe
guitar
Dreadnought
INTERV HOT LICKS AND LIFE STO

VIEWS
RIES
INTERVIEWS_NUNO BETTENCOURT

EXTREMIST
Levi Clay meets, Nuno Bettencourt, one of GIs most requested interview
subjects, back on tour again with Extreme.
O
ne of the perks of living in get serious rather quickly. He would
the London area is that when take things so seriously that he would
theres a big tour, its safe to skip school and eventually drop out to
say its going to come to town and follow his dream.
people will flock from miles around to
see it happen. I can honestly say I dont Nuno joined the Boston based band
remember a time in recent memory in Extreme in 1985, who released
where there was as much buzz that their self titled debut on A&M records
when we heard Nuno Bettencourt in 1989. This album featured the
and Extreme would be coming to frightening guitar showcase, Play
town to play their seminal album, With Me which includes a furious
Pornograffitti. neoclassical rendition of Vivaldis The
Four Seasons, this piece was even used
Born in Portugal in 1966, Nuno in the hit film, Bill & Teds Excellent
Bettencourts family relocated to Adventure when Beethoven plays
Massachusetts when he was just four keyboards in 1988, because while
years old. He picked up the guitar Beethoven is cool, hes no Nuno!
relatively late after having a foundation
in drums, but the influence of players At this point, it was clear that Nuno
like Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page was something special, while there was
and Prince were enough for him to the obvious Eddie Van Halen influence
INTERVIEWS_NUNO
GEORGEBETTENCOURT
LYNCH
with the blistering picking and legato licks album was a classic from the day it was
and classical influenced tapping ideas, it released.
was really his unique sense of rhythm that
set him apart. Much like his hero, Eddie When it comes to gear, Nuno has been a
Van Halen, his rhythm playing is often long time endorser of Washburn guitars,
overlooked because of just how influential releasing a signature model in 1990 and
his lead playing has been, but as a rhythm currently having no fewer than 10 models
player, hes absolutely one of the best and on the market at the moment to cater
most exciting in the world. The funky to various budgets. Indeed, were giving
syncopations, palm muted legato and one away in this very issue! A very simple
slinky dominant double stop ideas really guitar in concept, the Nuno Bettencourt
set him apart. guitar as a type is known for being a plain
instrument with a natural wood finish and
While the response to this album was hiding all the unique features in harder
fantastic, it would be a drop in the ocean to spot areas. For example, the Stephens
compared to the acclaim that came when Extended Cutaway which offers incredible
the group released Pronograffitti in 1990. access to upper frets, The Seymour
This album features 64 minutes of flawless Duncan and Bill Lawrence pickups and the
guitar playing, compositions, and hooks Floyd Rose D-Tuna. Aside from that, its a
that youre still singing 24 years on. From standard high tech Rock guitar featuring a
the crushingly heavy funk rhythms parts single volume knob and three way toggle
on tunes like Decadence Dance and Get switch - nothing flashy, but something that
the Funk Out, to the timeless ballads like does the job time and time again.
More Than Words and Hole Hearted, to
the terrifying guitar licks on tracks like Its As for amps, back in the day Nuno was
a Monster or He-Man Woman Hater, this using the ADA rack gear, but he now
WHEN IT COMES TO
PEDALS NUNO IS VERY
SIMPLE IN HIS TASTES

DEAN MARKLEY
Nuno Bettencourt Interview
has a signature amplifier with Randall GT-8 multi effects unit, an NS-2 noise
thats as striking visually as it is sonically, gate, an OC-3 octave pedal and a TU-3
looking more like an old transistor radio tuner, its not extravagant, but is full of
than a modern amp, the NB King series easily replaceable components.
is available as a 100 Watt head and cab, After Pornograffitti, Extreme went on
a 30 Watt 1x12 combo and as a 15 Watt to release III Sides To Every Story and
practice amp, all featuring Nunos tight Waiting For The Punchline before the
distorted tone. band split, a development which allowed
Nuno to pursue a career in production,
When it comes to pedals, Nuno is very session work and a solo career. Extreme
simple in his tastes. His board actually would eventually reform and release
consists solely of basic BOSS pedals, the Saudades de Rock in 2008 and a live

RANDALL
album, Take Us Alive, in 2010. Fans are It really is hard to predict what the future
eagerly awaiting another studio album, holds for Nuno. Obviously, its likely to
which is something Nuno talked about be full of success, but who knows whether
recently. that will come with Extreme, or as a
The elephant in the room regarding session ace? Either way, I can honestly say
Nuno in recent years is landing the spot that seeing him with Extreme was one of
as Rihannas guitar player, a spot thats the best Rock gigs Ive seen in years, from
seen him tour the world playing shows to the on stage antics to the guitar playing
bigger audiences than the average Rock and flawless backing vocal, Nuno still has
band could ever dream of and hes still it, so dont miss the chance to see him if
rocking out and shredding like a monster you can!
on tracks like Shut up And Drive.

WASHBURN
INTERVIEWS_ELLIOTT RANDALL

STILL ROCKING
- STILL REELING
Elliott Randall might be the ultimate session guitarist. Though best known for his
ground-breaking playing with Steely Dan, he was worked with musicians as diverse
as Joan Baez, Chuck Berry and Gene Simmons - and dozens in between! Tom Quayle
met the legendary New York-born guitarist for our filmed interview. Richard Morgan
considers the career of one of the most liked and respected players in the business.
T
o the uninitiated, it must seem the business.
like Elliott Randall has made a
career out of saying no to great Roll the clock back to the early 50s, and
opportunities. This is the man, after all, the seeds of Randalls musical career were
who has famously turned down the chance already being sown. Able to read music -
to join Steely Dan, Toto and many others but not yet English - as a precocious three-
over the years. And who in their right and-a-half year old, he took up the piano
mind would balk at the chance to become at five, and the guitar (his first instrument
a talismanic part of a globe-trotting, chart- was a Stella) at nine. After a decade of
topping mega group? honing his chops with three memorable
and inspirational tutors, he decided he had
But Randall is different. Known chiefly to give back some of what hed learned,
as a session player - hes the man behind and began teaching the guitar to others.
that renowned Reelin In The Years Steely Amazingly, its a practice he has continued
Dan solo (which is said to be Jimmy Pages - alongside his various day jobs - all the
favourite ever lead guitar break) among way up to 2014: at the moment, he has
literally hundreds, if not thousands, of a core of between three and six regular
other cuts - he also continues to write, students.
produce, consult, engineer, tutor and
perform to this day, having recently By the time he had ended his teens,
celebrated his half century anniversary in though, Randall had already been a pro
player for four or five years. His first of a recording house band, he would
recording experience came - at the come to the office every day, with no
tender age of 15 thanks to a small idea of what hed be playing, or for
studio a block from his New York whom hed be playing it. One day it
home, which offered him a position would be Jazz, the next Rock n Roll,
as a rehearsal band player. Here, and the forced variation helped foster
Randall also got his first insights into an eclecticism that has never left
the production side of the business, Randalls playing.
becoming fascinated with the world
that lay on the other side of the glass. Stints as a genuine, crowd-facing
Fifty years later, that captivation rocker soon followed. Randall joined
continues unabated. the roots fusion act Seatrain briefly in
1969, and then signed to Polydor as
In 1967, Musicor Records (who something of a solo artist, releasing
gave the world Gene Pitney, among his debut, Randalls Island, in 1970.
others) offered Randall a coveted role
as a Staff Musician. Like a member It was actually the death of his
Elliott Randall Interview Part 1

good friend Jimi Hendrix - the is truly inspiring - and that many
two regularly jammed together - in of us will have heard, whether we
September of 1970 that helped recognised the player or not. Over
Randall to realise he didnt need to be the years, he has played and/or
the centre of attraction, the rockstar recorded with the likes of Joan Baez,
in the spotlight. Although he released Chuck Berry, Kate Bush, The Doobie
two more albums of original material Brothers, Peter Frampton, Art
in the 70s Rock n Roll City and Garfunkel, Albert Hammond, Bob
Randalls New York City, in 1973 Marley, Yoko Ono, Gene Simmons,
and 1977 respectively - the bulk of Loudon Wainright III, Gary Barlow
Randalls career during that decade of Take That fame, and many, many
and since has been working with more. In fact, the list of musicians
other artists and clients, providing on Randalls worked with CV is
solutions for their musical and genuinely as long as your proverbial
commercial success. arm - we printed it off his official
website and it took up pages and
The most well known four-and-a- pages!
half minutes of Randalls guitar life
are undoubtedly the idiosyncratic Then theres the other stuff. Randall
lead breaks he added to Steely Dans has soundtracked jingles for some
megahit Reelin In The Years in 1972. of the biggest brands in the world,
Hailed throughout the six-string including Coca-Cola, Budweiser,
world as a heartfelt masterstroke Cadillac, McDonalds, Citi Bank,
in taste, restraint and melodic Procter & Gamble, MTV, ESPN
playing, the songs defining solo - and BBC TV. Hes also performed in
which Randall nailed in a single, the pit for musicals like Jesus Christ
jaw-dropping take - is frequently Superstar on Broadway, and has
mentioned on lists charting the been a musical consultant for media
best of such things, not to mention institutions like Saturday Night Live
receiving acclaim from other players and the film director Oliver Stone.
who always feature prominently in
said lists. Randalls love - and mastery - of
guitars and related gear have also led
While being a favourite of Jimmy to him being used as a consultant
Pages is something most of us could by a range of MI brands, including
dine out on for the rest of our days, Korg, Roland and Yamaha. That said,
though, theres far more behind the the main weapons of choice in his
scenes work Randall has done that guitar armoury are part of a small and
select bunch. Head honcho is Strat Number 1 is its pickups. The Reelin
Number 1, the 63 model (with a neck humbucker is a 69 Gibson
65 neck) that he used to reel in all model, while the middle pickup
those years, and so much more. was for years a DiMarzio Stacked
Humbucker (which has recently been
A standard 63 when he bought it replaced with a Zexcoil model that
for a mere $175 in 1965, Randalls Randall loves). The bridge pickup is
Number 1 started life as a sunburst. the original Fender that came with
The reason it was sanded back to the guitar, and Randall has stated that
natural (and is missing its Fender it will never - ever - be changed.
headstock decal) is explained in full
in our accompanying video interview, The Number 2 guitar in Randalls
but revolves around a bassist-inspired collection is also, perhaps
decision for the whole band to paint unsurprisingly, a 63 Strat, bought
their instruments Metal Flake Silver used in the early 70s (in fact, a
in 1966. Guitarists, let that be a previous owner had done Randall
lesson to you! the favour of sanding this one down
for him). According to Randall, this
The other unusual feature of Strat one cost him nothing at all: during

DADDARIO
Randall himself says that around 80% of the session

work he does today is Internet-based

the same shopping trip, he also uses himself. The small list of said
picked up a 1972 Martin D28 and gear is on his official website, and for
a 1960 Fender Precision Bass (each fans who want more detail, Randall
for $1,000, a much heftier sum at goes into great detail about his main
the time), and the store owners threw six-string squeeze and his impressive
in the Strat for free! The store in rig.
question, incidentally, was We Buy
Guitars in New York - and theyre still These days, Randall continues as he
around if you fancy trying your luck! has the past 50 years, although there
is less producing work around, he
Amps-wise, Randalls use of his trusty says, based on groups not having the
1969 Fender hybrid Super Reverb budget to go about things the right
amp is well known in the industry, way - that is, in a proper, physical
although he also praises his early studio space. Randall himself says
Marshall Valvestate model in our that around 80% of the session work
accompanying video interview. An he does today is Internet-based,
acknowledged stickler for quality, meaning he sees a lot less studio time
Randall only endorses gear he actually than in the good old days, and a lot
Its all more proof, if required, that if you approach

things the right way, have the talent, the desire, and
the luck - and are prepared to put in the hard work -
you can spend your life playing guitar for money.

PRS
more computer screens. He can be Its a genuinely enviable position to

as picky and choosy as he likes with be in, and it means that Randalls
new projects, and accepts the ones love of music, and the making of
where he likes the client, and the job. it, remains absolutely undimmed.
Anything else, and he can live up Such is his standing in the business,
to his reputation as a tremendously Randall is able to hand pick the most
polite decliner. exciting and rewarding jobs, while

also devoting focus to writing and producing thoughts on the evolving industry hes grown
his own eclectic music, and performing and up and matured with. Its all more proof,
giving clinics and workshops when time and if required, that if you approach things the
desire allows. right way, have the talent, the desire, and the
luck - and are prepared to put in the hard
The video interviews that accompany this work - you can spend your life playing guitar
article provide a whole extra layer of detail for money. And all without having to wear a
into how Randall has achieved everything top hat, playing a million notes a second or
hes done up to date, so if you want to putting your name to the latest tube-powered
know how he went about carving out such nose trimmer!
an impressive niche for himself in such as
unforgiving business, give them a watch. Find out more at: www.elliott-randall.com
Randalls website is also a hive of useful info
on his gear, his musical projects, and his

Madison
XiTone
FEATUR W H AI NT T YE OR UV I RE W
E AS L FL RY O NME ET DH ET OG RKE

RES
KE NA OT WS
FEATURES_GUITAR IDOL 4
Idol
It Came! It Conquered! Again! Levi Clay reports on
2014s international Guitar Idol competition.
A
nother year and Guitar Idol the chance to come to London and change
returns with a spectacular live their future.
final featuring some of the most
exciting young guitar players in the world. Held at the London Electric Live show
An eventful day as always, and after much at the prestigious Kensington Olympia,
deliberation, the judges decided on a this years finalists were more diverse
winner. than ever before, from classic Satriani-
esque instrumental Rock, to modern
Now in its fourth year, the Guitar Idol progressive extended range Metal and even
competition has helped to launch the complicated Jazz Fusion numbers - it was
careers of numerous world class players an extremely level playing field with no
including Daniele Gottardo, Jack single finalist having any real edge.
Thammarat and our own Tom Quayle, so
its no surprise that guitar players the world UK resident Michael Tillotson was up first,
over entered this years competition for his Petrucci influenced Catch The Sun

l Pr o m i s e
succeeded in capturing the audience and it Following Damir is UK fusion ace, Jack
was a solid start to the show as he blended Gardiner. His song High Impact is a step
fluid technique with strong melody and on from his last Guitar Idol performance
powerful stage presence, his performance with funky Rock riffs and slick chord
landed him three vintage Rotosound changes which Jack solos over with
pedals along with a years supply of strings minimal effort and maximum technique.
courtesy of our friends at Rotosound. This is one guitar player no-one really
wanted to have to follow and he walked
Next up was Damir Puh of Macedonia away with a runner up spot, scoring a
with his Steve Lukather-edged PRS S2 Custom 24 and strings from
composition, Flathead. He gelled well Rotosound.
with the band and never loses his cool,
even when kicking it up to melody factor If anyone can do a great job of kicking
ten in the chorus and hitting us with a it up a gear from Jack its Italian maestro
melody that Satriani would be envious of. Luca Mantovanelli and his Greg Howe
He walked away with a full TC Electronic influenced composition Bluex. He takes
mini pedalboard and strings from everyone by surprise by choosing to not
Rotosound. play with the band and a backing track,
instead opting to play the piece as a power
Guitar Idol Video 1

e r - An d r e
Winn
trio and knocking the tempo up. Its a bold Jacknife on a Hairpin which he executes
move and it pays off as he took home a in a manner fitting of such a sharp title.
10th anniversary Musicman John Petrucci. His improvising is inspiring and his fluid
integration of eight finger tapping is
Next was the Greek born Yiannis humbling. As a runner up, he walks away
Papadopoulos and his brutally melodic with a PRS S2 Custom 24.
composition Castle Black, which
showcases his wonderful ear for melody The penultimate finalist is Canadian born
along with his flawless command of the extreme Metal player Morgan Reid. His
instrument, his sweep picking alone is to composition is heavy and his chops are
die for and he walks away with the Paul outrageous, its virtually impossible to fault
Gilbert shredder award, winning an Ibanez his tune even if stage levels cause issues in
Fireman from our friends at Headstock. the performance, its still enough to wow
the judges and he walks away with a Fret
Following Yiannis is the American King Ventura model.
fusion ace, Cameron Allen, with his tune
Guitar Idol Video 2

p - C a m e r o n
R u n ne r U

Last on stage is the Brazilian born jazz fusion guitarist Andre
Nieri. His career is already sky rocketing to the top after landing
the spot as Virgil Donatis touring guitarist and its easy to see
why. His competitiveness is strong, his playing is phenomenal
and he owns the stage. Hes not only good to listen to, but
mesmerising to watch. It doesnt take much for the judges to agree
hes the winner and Andre walks off with a Marshall stack and a
PRS Custom 24.
Its safe to say all of these gentlemen have great careers ahead of
them and we expect to hear a lot more from Andre in the future
as hes got exactly what it takes to be a true icon for the younger
generation of player.
Head on over to YouTube to watch performances from each of

our finalists!
Guitar Idol Video 3
TECH
SESSIO PUTTING I

H
ONS
T ALL TOGETHER
TECH SESSIONS_NUNO BETTENCOURT

The Guitar Interactive Tech Session
GETTING
EXTREME
Guitar Interactive welcomes George Marios to the team - with a
blistering Tech Session on the one and only Nuno Bettencourt!
Today were taking a look at the style of one of the funkiest, most tasteful guitarists and
songwriters of the last 30 years, Nuno Bettencourt.
Nuno, mostly known for his work with funk/rock pioneers Extreme, is renowned for
his great melodic runs, interesting percussive patterns and mind blowing chops.
Nuno Bettencourt Performance
His solos, as well as his rhythm playing, have slow will definitely help, as well as isolating
excellent narrative and always are very well the parts that give you a hard time.
constructed.
Nuno is a master performer and he will play
In this piece, we will be focusing on his lead the most mind blowing lines without busting
playing attributes, however, you will find that a sweatthats what you want!
your funk rhythm playing will improve after
practicing the piece too, because, as I say, Give it time, be patient and you will get
Nuno is a very percussive lead guitar player! there.
A very important thing to keep in mind Lets take a look at whats going on in the
working on this piece is to try and stay track:
relaxed when performing. The style of music Bar 1-4: The piece takes off with a Nuno-
is very much founded in groove and it is esque string skipping funky line, followed by
important to be at a place where you can a rapid diminished palm muted run, leading
deliver the song without having to think too into some horn type lines.
much about the challenging parts. Starting
Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session Part 1

TC ELECTRONIC
If you are new to this style of playing, it combined with the palm muting technique
would be good to practice riffing using creates a cool percussive effect.
adjacent string before attempting the five
string leap of the original lick. Bar 13-16: This is probably one of the
most challenging parts of the piece. It
Bar 4-8: The band kicks in and we are covers Nunos mind blowing palm muting
greeted by some catchy, melodic lines very technique, which like I said before, adds to
similar to iconic solos in songs like Get the percussive element of his sound.
the Funk out. In bar eight we can find the
trademark Nuno tapping triad lick, over an F Make sure to isolate the riffs, practice
and a G chord. them slowly and gradually speed up once
everything sounds good at a certain tempo.
Bar 9-12: The solo carries on and here we
can find some of the trademark, palm muted, Bar 17-20: In bar 17-18, we can find
pentatonic runs that are very widespread in some lines inspired by Nunos rhythm guitar
Nunos playing. That fact that he tends to playing. He does tend to include little riffs
hammer on strings without picking them, as part of solos, something that helps bring
variation to the sound, as well as emphasise
Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session Part 2

Marshall
the groove of the tune. The

two final bars of the piece will
give you a nice little technical
workout!
They are very much inspired by

Nunos flawless legato technique
and his ability to connect lines
using clever licks. Once again,
isolate the parts you find hardest,
practice slow and speed up
gradually.
I highly recommend getting any

Extreme record, as its a great
source of inspiration in terms of
songwriting and guitar playing,
crafted beautifully by one of the
greatest.
Saudamos Nuno!
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

Introducing George Marios
George Marios is a London-based simultaneously became very active
songwriter/session guitarist and in the local studio session scene.
tutor, who moved to the UK in
the age of 17 to pursue music and George has worked with
study at LCM. EMI,Urban Development, Animal
Farm Records, BBC, award
While studying, George became winning producer Ian Grimble
a Lick Library contributor and Jeff Calvert, as well as artists
through attending Guitar Idol and like Frances Wood (Voice), Kitty
Brucknell (X Factor), Olly Jacob
and the London Philharmonic
Orchestra.
His tutoring experience includes

hosting workshops in the UK,
Germany, Greece and the USA,
as well as running the Guitar
Getaways course, previously run by
the likes of Pat Martino and Nick
Kellie.
Georges songwriting can be heard

in London based Pop/Prog act
KODY, in which he is also the lead
singer and producer.
www.georgemarios.co.uk
www.kodyofficial.com
COMPET YOUR CHANCES TO

TITIONS
WIN
COMPETITION_YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Win a fabulous Washburn Nuno Be

WIN N2TATTOOK guitar in our free ent
What could be better in an issue featuring sums-up another great Rock guitar from
the astounding Nuno Bettencourt the Metal Masters at Washburn!
than the chance to win one of his
amazing signature Washburn guitars All you have to do is click to enter,
for free?! Were giving away a Washburn simply answer the simple questions
N2TattooK - and all you have to do to (tick A, B or C) and fill out the form!
enter our competition is answer a few easy One lucky winner with the correct
questions! answers will be chosen at random will
win our Washburn N2TattooK!
In our review in this issue, Doug
Cartwright says: It sounds authentic
in high gain Rock scenarios, feels great
in your hands thanks to the classic
Bettencourt neck profile and importantly
it does look the part! That certainly
ENTER
The Rules:
1/ All entries must be received by 3rd December 2014. 2/ Only one entry per person is allowed. 3/ No cash alternative is
offered instead of the stated prize. 4/ Employees of Guitar Interactive, Sound Technology or Washburn Guitars, and their
immediate families, are ineligible for this competition. 5/ One winner will be chosen, at random, from registered readers
of Guitar Interactive who provide the correct answers. 6/ The judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered
into regarding this competition. 7/ Winning entrants must respond to email notification of having won within 10 days,
otherwise prizes may be forfeited and alternative winners chosen. 8/ Winners may be responsible for import duty where
levied. Where possible prizes will be despatched from the winners own country, but this will not always be possible. 9/
Prizewinners must consent to having their name and city/country (e.g. Andres Segovia, Madrid, Spain) published in a
future issue.

ettencourt
try competition!
Questions
All you have to do is answer the following questions online.
Q1. The Washburn N2 Q3/ The inlay pattern used

TattooK features pickups by on this and other Nuno
both Seymour Duncan and Bettencourt Washburns is
Bill Lawrence. True or False? called?
A/ True A/ Mourning Widow
B/ False B/ Morning Glory
Q2. Nuno Bettencourts C/ Mourning Angel

band Extreme was formed in
which US city?
A/ Dallas
B/ Boston
One lucky winner with the correct answers will

be chosen at random and will our Washburn
TattooK! Please Note: Be sure to check your emails
regularly! Winners will be notified by email and we
have had a couple of unclaimed prizes, which have
been reallocated to other entrants!
COMPETITION_YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Win one of two amazing YouRock

WIN brand new RADIUS neck in our fre
In this issues second amazing competition and comfortable for all guitar players,
were giving you the chance to win one of especially those who favour a legato
these world-beating MIDI guitars - the or more left hand based approach to
YouRock Gen2 complete with the brand playing. Ive already used it extensively on
new Radius neck! recordings and couldnt be happier with
the results and playability. For those who
Tom Quayle reviewed the YouRock Gen already own the YRG Gen 2 this is an
2 MIDI guitar way back in GI issue 14, essential purchase, and for those on the
since when it has become a part of Toms fence, the Radius neck may be just the
personal armoury of top-end guitars. In required element to help you make the
this issue, Tom reviews the new Radius decision to buy. By far and away the most
neck from YouRock, which fits onto both effective MIDI guitar solution on the
the current Gen 2 and its predecessor market at this price point!
the Gen 1 models, transforming the
instrument into a more Rock-friendly ll you have to do is click to enter,
feeling guitar - but retaining that simply answer the simple questions
astonishing MIDI capability which makes (tick A, B or C) and fill out the form!
YouRock guitars so amazing! Two lucky winners with the correct
answers will be chosen at random will
In his review, Tom Says: The Radius win one each our YouRock Gen 2 with
neck takes the already great YRG Gen Radius neck MIDI guitars!
2 Guitar and promotes it to a serious
musical instrument that will feel familiar
ENTER
The Rules:
1/ All entries must be received by 3rd December 2014. 2/ Only one entry per person is allowed. 3/ No cash alternative is offered
instead of the stated prize. 4/ Employees of Guitar Interactive, YouRock Guitar, and their immediate families, are ineligible for
this competition. 5/ Two winners will be chosen, at random, from registered readers of Guitar Interactive who provide the correct
answers. 6/ The judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this competition. 7/ Winning entrants
must respond to email notification of having won within 10 days, otherwise prizes may be forfeited and alternative winners chosen.
8/ Winners may be responsible for import duty where levied. Where possible prizes will be despatched from the winners own
country, but this will not always be possible. 9/ Prizewinners must consent to having their name and city/country (e.g. Andres
Segovia, Madrid, Spain) published in a future issue.

k Gen 2 MIDI guitars with the
ee entry competition!
Questions
All you have to do is answer the following questions online.
Q1. MIDI stands for? Q2. In Toms review in this

issue, he reveals that the new
A/ Musical Instruction Radius neck has how many
Digital Information frets?
B/ Musical Instrument A/ 23
Digital Interface
B/ 24
C/ Musical Information
Design Instruction C/ 22
Two lucky winners with the correct answers will

be chosen at random and each will win a YouRock
Gen2 guitar with Radius neck and gig bag. Please
Note: Be sure to check your emails regularly!
Winners will be notified by email and we have
had a couple of unclaimed prizes, which have been
reallocated to other entrants!
COMPETITION_THE WINNERS!
GUITAR INTERACTIVE ISSUE 27 STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JOHN

PETRUCCI JP 60 GUITAR COMPETITION - THE WINNER!
We had an incredible prize up for grabs in Guitar Interactive 27

- a Sterling By Music Man John Petrucci JP60 guitar! Needless
to say, we were swamped with entries!
Also reviewed in issue 27, our reviewer described the JP 60 as

a fantastic modern Rock guitar but went on to explain that
its not just an instrument for John Petrucci fans - this is a fine
guitar for other styles too and would be just at home in any
number of different musical settings!
The question is - did you win?
AND THE LUCKY

WINNER...................
Congratulations, Paul!
Mr Paul Phillips of
Peterborough, in the
UK.

ISSUE 27 COMPETITION WINNERS - SUNBURST - HOW THE GIBSON
LES PAUL STANDARD BECAME A LEGENDARY GUITAR
Back in GI 27, we reviewed the latest book from prolific

SUNBURST
The Gibson Les Paul sunburst model the Burst
guitar historian Tony Bacon - a detailed examination of

was made between 1958 and 1960, and today it is
probed and picked over like no other guitar. Thats
because it really is like no other guitar. In fact, as we
discover from the musicians, collectors, and guitar-
SUNBURST HOW THE GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD BACAME A LEGENDARY GUITAR
makers featured in this book, it may well be the
just what it was that made the original Gibsons Les Paul
greatest solidbody electric ever made.
HOW THE GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD You only have to listen to the music made with this
BECAME A LEGENDARY GUITAR guitar to realise that its a special instrument. Its roots
Standard possibly the worlds most desired electric guitar.

are on Eric Claptons Beano album with John Mayall in
TONY BACON the 60s and Jimmy Pages classic work with Led
Zeppelin into the 70s; there are its appearances on
timeless cuts such as All Right Now and Hotel
California; and today we hear it bolstering Joe
Bonamassas worldwide blues-rock success. Many
more guitarists have found that the tone and feel of a
Burst come together in a magical blend that helps them
play better than ever before.
Like all of Tony Bacons books, Sunburst is meticulously

The sunburst Standard can be a beautiful object, too.
The pictures in this book celebrate the splendour of its
figured maple top, each one a unique signature, and
reveal the way that the rigours of time can turn the
researched, amusingly written and well illustrated - the

hardest-worked examples into careworn road warriors
with a history in every ding and paint-fade.
Sunburst is the latest book in Tony Bacons bestselling

guitar series, with a thoroughly researched text
perfect present for the guitarist who has everything (except

partnered by a gallery of full-colour pictures of great
guitars, rare memorabilia, and famous Burst players
from Keith Richards to Michael Bloomfield and Jeff
Beck to Billy Gibbons.
a 59 Les Paul, of course). In our review, we said: If youre

The book shows how Gibson slowly came to
understand and more accurately re-create the original
Bursts through its reissue programme, under way since
the early 90s, and how Gibsons artist models, limited
editions, and collectors specials have widened the
a millionaire Rock star youll want to send your butler out

TONY BACON
appeal of an already legendary guitar. Sunburst closes

with a reference section that provides production details
and identification clues for every significant model, new
and old, of this most enigmatic and revered instrument.
to buy a copy so that you can check your serial numbers

in the back to make sure yours is right (or to make sure
the author hasnt misquoted you). The rest of us will have
to make do with a copy by the bedside table to assist our
dreams. Unmissable!
AND THE LUCKY THREE WINNERS ARE:

Michael Ashcroft, of California, USA, Aurelio Passos, from Brazil and Ashton Wave, from Cyprus
Copies of your books are on the way - congratulations to you all!
iGUITAR_FEATURED DOWNLOADS
EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
Guitar Pro Lite FREE for Guita

Our downloads are now available
both in standard download
form, or as files for the fabulous
Guitar Pro 6 software package.
Registered readers of Guitar
Interactive can download a FREE
copy of Guitar Pro 6 Lite just by
clicking on the link on this page!
Guitar Pro 6 is perfect for editing

TAB for guitar, bass, and other
4- to 8-string instruments.
Compatible with both Windows
and Mac operating systems,
Guitar Pro 6 Lite is a powerful
editing tool and each license will
give users a preferential upgrade
(with a 50% discount) to the full
version!
CLICK HERE!

ar Interactive subscribers!
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS FOR LESSONS
Our TAB downloads are FREE for all subscribers in both PDF and Guitar Pro 6 Format.
To get your hands on this month's notation tablature, subscribe or download now!
Tech Session - Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Steve Trovato - Cascades DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Sam Bell - Extended Guitar DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Tom Quayle - Time Feel DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Giorgio Serci - Study n.18 DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
Martin Goulding - Legato Part 4 DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
LICK LIBRARY_DVD COLLECTION
GUITA
DVD guitar lessons, online lessons
LickLibrary Ultimate Guitar Lessons
CHECK OUT LICKLIBRARY.COM

AR LESSONS
s. All styles, beginner to advanced
VIEW THE FULL PRODUCT CATALOGUE
LICK LIBRARY_GET INVOLVED!
LEARN GUITAR ONLINE!

Hundreds of guitar lessons online
now, FREE for members to watch,
plus JamTrax, performances, and
more new content added each month!
Watch our expert presenters all top players and teachers in their own
right break down songs and techniques into digestible chunks. Individual
segments are played slowly first, then brought up to speed all you have to
do is watch and copy. Youll find youre learning and improving faster then
you ever believed possible.
Learn Eddie Van Halens exact solo for Eruption, get Comfortably Numb
off pat, nail that right to Sweet Child OMine there are hundreds of lessons
online and were adding to them all the time. Each track is broken down into
small sections so you can learn even the most complex solo.
Whether its acoustic finger-picking or full-on shredding, whether youre
a complete beginner or an accomplished player, youll find what you want
online at www.licklibrary.com
All styles,
GUITAR LESSONS 24/7 All levels

An Introduction to Licklibrary
Want lessons and FREE DVDs?

Any 3 FREE LickLibrary DVDs in every 6
month period
FREE unlimited access to not for note lessons to
over 300 classic tracks
FREE access to watch technique lessons for all
guitar styles
Jam with over 400 FREE guitar Jamtrax
More new lessons and jamtrax added each month
For more info and options CLICK HERE
www.licklibrary.com
THE
REVIEW GUITARS, A

E
WS
MPS AND EFFECTS
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW
Washburn N4 ESA
Many top players have had signature guitars down the years. Some have even
had several. But its a measure of Nuno Bettencourts importance in Rock guitar
that US manufacturer Washburn has entire series of Nuno Bettencourt guitars. In
the first of two Washburn N-Series reviews to accompany our interview with the
great man, Doug Cartwright tackles the US-made N4 ESA.
I
ntroduced in 1990, guitars. I wasnt disappointed!
the Washburn Nuno My first impression of this
4.5
Bettencourt signature guitar was of a raw, stripped-
series has gone on to become one back instrument thats been
of the most recognisable, longest- designed to rock. However,
running and most widely-played there are several modern design
STAR RATING artist models in commercial elements in the instrument that
guitar history. Such is its are cleverly hidden away and not
popularity that Nuno has created
PROS: an almost innumerable quantity
immediately noticeable at first
glance.
Supreme build of variants, playing around with
and finish quality finishes, extra strings, faithful The first and largest of these is
Massively versatile replicas of his iconic original N4 the Stephens Extended Cutaway,
Rock guitar guitar and, such as in the case of a design trademark of luthier
Top class specs Stephen Davies thats been a
this version, tonewoods.
and features licensed part of the N-Series since
Aesthetically mature, The N4 ESA (thats Ebony/ its inception and is apparent the
will please pro players Swamp Ash for anybody moment the guitar is turned over.
Bill Lawrence L500 wondering) is an established Featuring a bolt-on construction,
pickup is awesome!! classic of the N-series, featuring this massive C-shaped scalloped
Very well priced for a swamp ash body in place of the heel gets the body of the guitar
a US-made signature originals alder, and employing completely out of the players way
guitar premium quality components and offers superior upper-neck
CONS: and materials throughout. Its
also constructed in the Washburn
access for all 22 frets.
Addition of tone I say completely out of the way
knob would further USA custom shop, so I went into
this review expecting to play one because as long as you stick with
increase versatility
of the worlds truly great Rock rigid classical posture you cant
Many modern Rock
go wrong here; with your thumb
players require a 24-
fret neck

on the back of the neck you do indeed
have unhindered access to the highest frets.
However, unless you also bend strings
with your thumb on the center of the back
of the neck like Nuno does (and lets be
honest, does anybody else bend strings
like that?), youre still going to run into
problems with thumb positioning due
to the attachment of the cutaway on the
upper horn. Not the perfect solution then,
but still an improvement on the common
square heel joint and definitely good for
wide-stretch licks and other typically
difficult fretboard gymnastics.
Meanwhile the rest of the maple neck
featured a 25.5 scale, a thin D profile
that felt super-comfortable for a modern
Rock player like me, and an absolutely
gorgeous ebony fretboard, with a beautiful
grain pattern that really complemented the
bare swamp ash body. Nunos signature
reverse headstock was also present with
a 14 pitch-angle and scarf joint, along
with another modern design element; the
Buzz Feiten tuning system cut into the
locking nut. Ive sung the praises of this
intonation-improving system before in
The N-series As mentioned previously, the body is

constructed from swamp ash and features a
is one of only matte lacquer that shows off the natural grain
of the wood beautifully and feels great in the
a handful hands. The guitars loaded with the legendary
of current Original Floyd Rose tremolo in chrome,
an all-time classic design that remains my
production favourite locking trem to this day.
guitars I In another modern design twist, the guitars
body is recessed underneath the trem to
can think of allow plenty of space for up-pull, while the
that features guitars solitary volume knob is positioned
well out of the way of the picking hand so
pickups from it wont get knocked during whammy-abuse
two different sessions or furious alternate picking runs.
The three-way selector is also positioned
manufacturers. well out of the way on the lower horn, but
is still easily reachable for quick changes
(even if it took me a while to adjust to it its
positioning).
The N-series is one of only a handful of
these pages, and Im going to do it again; the
current production guitars I can think of
Buzz Feiten system is a simple but extremely
that features pickups from two different
effective addition that is welcome on any
manufacturers. The neck pickup is a
guitar, and ideal for instruments that will be
Seymour Duncan 59, one of the most
used for recording. Normally installed as a
popular Seymour Duncan pickups and one
modification, its always a welcome standard
which most Rock players are familiar with,
feature of an instrument and does help the
whilst the neck pickup is a Bill Lawrence
N4 to stand apart from its competition.
L500. This Californian pickup has taken

Washburn N4 ESA
on an almost mythical status amongst Rock bright, cutting tone that seems to accentuate
players thanks to its controversial trademark harmonics making pinches and squeals an
issues and associations with Nuno and absolute breeze and delivering supreme
Dimebag Darrell - arguably two of the finest articulation through even the most high gain
Rock players throughout the 1990s. As soon sounds. The SD 59 in the neck is a great
as I plugged this guitar in, I could tell why: match, providing the solid Rock tone that its
the L500 absolutely screams! It produces a known for with additional bite thanks to the
brightness of the swamp ash. players. Nuno fans will obviously love it, but
Although it would be easy to focus on the anybody looking for a solid, reliable Rock
fantastic Rock tones on offer from this guitar will also appreciate its solid build
guitar, its worth noting that its definitely quality and fantastic tones. The addition of
a versatile beast. Nunos been out playing the Stephens Extended Cutaway and the
in Rihannas band recently, and hes been Buzz Feiten tuning system help to give it
turning up with his N4 for those gigs too. character and ensure it stands out from the
Although the addition of a tone control competition, while its earthy good looks
would increase the versatility of the guitar give it an adult appeal that will set it apart
further, it sounds great clean and is perfect from the teenage Metal market and see in
for knocking out funk rhythms and melodic the hands of players on professional gigs the
chord playing. It also handles crunchy mid- world over.
gain tones with confidence and authority, Nuno Bettencourt is without doubt one of
with the Bill Lawrence L500 really forcing the worlds great Rock guitar players and
those Blues drive tones to scream! this guitar is the perfect instrument for him;
Overall, the N4 ESA is a fantastic guitar for without a doubt one of the worlds great
all contemporary Rock and modern guitar Rock guitars!
TECH SPEC
Washburn N4 ESA NM 25.5 scale
MSRP 2.099 US $2,999 Stephens extended
cutaway 5-bolt neck joint
Made in: USA Spanish Luthiers headstock joint
Swamp ash body 14 pitch-angled reverse headstock
22 fret maple neck Grover 18-1 tuners
with ebony fingerboard Buzz Feiten Tuning System GC31R
L500 Bill Lawrence bridge pickup (Case) included
Seymour Duncan 59 neck pickup
Original Floyd Rose tremolo

FISHMAN
Wasburn Nuno Bettencourt N2 Tatto

If youre after that Nuno Bettencourt sound but the fabulous US-made Washburn
N4 model Doug Cartwright also reviews in this issue is out of reach, how about
one of the much more affordable N2s? Can they possibly do such a demanding
job at a wallet-friendly price?
N
uno Bettencourt body cut, control layout and
is one of the most distinguishing reverse headstock
4.0
established and as many of the artists own
respected Rock guitarists in the instruments.
world. His technical command
of the instrument is the stuff of The neck is constructed from
legends, he writes classic riffs maple, with a rosewood fretboard
STAR RATING featuring 22 frets and the
and catchy choruses as easily as
he breathes, he sings great and Mourning Widow inlays that
is annoyingly good looking. Its have featured on many of Nunos
PROS: therefore understandable why guitars. The fret job on our
budding shredders the world sample was sound, with smooth
Solid construction
over wish to play a guitar that he fret edges throughout and the
and build quality
endorses, but theres a problem; locking nut and other hardware
Bill Lawrence
Nunos top-tier signature models was immaculately installed. The
pickup is a bonus
cost a lot of money. Fortunately neck profile is the same as the
for this price range
those considerate people at top-level models too, providing
Certainly looks the
Washburn have stepped in and an extremely comfortable playing
part!
provided us mere mortals with a experience that should prove
guitar affordable even for people enjoyable for any modern Rock
CONS: whose bank balance hasnt had player.
A Stephens the benefit of a chart-smashing Unfortunately the neck is bolted-
Extended Cutaway hit single like More Than on to the body using a traditional
would be nice Words! square heel joint, as opposed to
The Floyd Rose the Stephens Extended Cutaway
Straight out of the box the
Special isnt very. that is found on the rest of the
N2TattooK (to give it its
full Washburn model tag) is N-series guitars. Although theres
instantly recognisable as a Nuno nothing wrong with a square
Bettencourt guitar, with the same heel per-se (millions of players

oo
WIN
THIS
GUITAR!
use them and its the most common

bolt-on heel in existence), the Stephens
Extended Cutaway is such a signature of
Nunos guitars both aesthetically and in
terms of actual playing experience that
its disappointing to have it left off here.
Although Washburn are obviously trying
to keep costs down on this entry model for
the line, I cant help but think Id rather
have had the Stephens Extended Cutaway
than the Grover 18.1 ratio tuners if I were
reducing hardware specs from the top
models.
The body is a three-piece design

constructed from mahogany, although
it does feel a little lightweight for whats
traditionally considered a heavy wood. Its
left natural and covered in a matte laquer
though, which does look very appealing
and in-line with the rest of the N series.
Fortunately, the pickup choices are great.

Whilst the Seymour Duncan 59 in the
neck position has been replaced with a
Duncan Designed pickup, it still sounds
suitably full for high gain sounds and lead
guitar playing, and the bridge pickup is a
It sounds In general its just great to see such a pro-

quality piece of hardware included on a
authentic in guitar in this price range. Clean tones were
not as rich or full as on the more expensive
high gain Rock guitars, but still perfectly usable. In any
scenarios, feels case, most buyers of this guitar wont be too
bothered about clean sounds!
great in your The control configuration will be familiar
hands thanks for Nuno fans, with one volume knob
to the classic installed well out of the way of the picking
hand and the three-way pickups selector
Bettencourt on the lower horn for easy access and quick
neck profile and switches. Like many Rock players Nuno

doesnt bother with a tone knob, which Ive
importantly it personally never understood. Tone controls
dd so much versatility to a guitar. Im clearly
does look the in the minority though as its a popular and
part! enduring configuration used by some of
the worlds biggest Rock players, so as with
many elements of guitar construction its
really a matter of personal preference and
real Bill Lawrence USA L500 pickup. This
will probably attract as many guitarists as it
fabled pickup has obtained something of a
irritates.
mythological status in Rock circles, as I said
in my N4 review, and its easy to see why The N2Tattoo is fitted with the Korean-
on plugging in. It is absolutely superb for made Floyd Rose Special, and the body is
high gain lead tones and Rock rhythm, with routed beneath the bridge to allow for plenty
beautiful overtone accentuation that makes of up-pull. This raises an issue which weve
harmonics fly out of the guitar with ease. commented on several times before in GI

Wasburn Nuno Bettencourt N2 Tattoo
reviews of guitars from several top makers, differentiation means they feel different
by no means just Washburn. In our opinon, in the hand and are harder to set-up and
these bridges are inferior to the Original maintain pitch with, and the bar itself has
Floyd Rose systems found on the top-of- a fair amount of give in it before it actually
the-range guitrs, due in part to the use of does anything to alter the pitch of a note.
zinc alloy in their construction in place of This isnt just my opinion - its the consensus
steel and brass. Something about the weight view of all the GI review team. Still, it does
perform adequately and allows for plenty of happy. It sounds authentic in high gain Rock
squeals and motorbike-revving sound effects scenarios, feels great in your hands thanks
whilst holding tune reasonably well, so to the classic Bettencourt neck profile and
perhaps were being too critical on a guitar in importantly it does look the part! Matte
this price range. laquer is all the rage at the moment, as are
natural finishes, and this guitar combines
So, what do we make of the N2 Tattoo? As this with those killer Mourning Widow
you would expect for an instrument that inlays to create an axe with an eye-catching
sells for a fraction of the price of handmade modern aesthetic. There are a lot of options
US Nuno Bettencourt Washburns, the for aspiring Rock guitars in this price
N2 Tattoo is a different experience but it range, but the N2 Tattoo is certainly worth
contains enough of the features and specs investigation from any rocker looking to get
of the top-level guitars to keep Nuno fans their funk out!
TECH SPEC
Washburn N2 Tattoo 22 jumbo frets
MSRP 549 US $1,168.90 Nut width: 43mm
Bridge pickup: Bill Lawrence L500
Made in: Unknown Neck Pickup: Duncan Designed
Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system
Mahogany body with Matte Laquer Chrome hardware
Matte finish maple neck Grover exclusive 18:1 tuners
25.5 scale
Rosewood fingerboard
Custom Mourning Widow inlay

LANEY
MacPherson Guitars - The Pagan

Dan MacPherson is one of the backroom boys of the pro guitar world. After
years of working behind the scenes he has finally launched his new Pagan model
- a no holds barred electric, combining great looks with top class hardware.
Doug Cartwright looks spellbound.
D an MacPherson is instrument for each design in his

one of the luthiers catalogue; the Standard (which
4.5
on the frontline all three of these instruments
of British guitar making, with a fall under), the Stock Custom
wealth of experience and industry (whereby he modifies designs
knowledge under his belt. His with specs including exotic
STAR RATING previous company D.M. Guitars wood choices and tops) and the
started trading in 1990, offering a Private Order Custom where the
full repair, refinishing and custom customer can have a guitar built
PROS: guitar service. D.M. teamed up to their own exact specifications.
Elite instruments for with Burns London in 1993 for Even though all three Pagans
serious players and paint finishes and eventually were from the Standard line, they
professionals made bodies and pre-Chinese all had different specifications to
Handcrafted using Burns prototypes, as well as doing demonstrate the range of features
traditional tools and paint finishes for a host of other available from MacPherson
techniques by a British companies and carrying out the guitars; as Dan is building all
luthier with decades of entire production for JJ Guitars these guitars himself he often
experience from 2004-2010. In 2010 Dan changes up the details on each
started to phase-in MacPherson instrument, an advantage of
Exquisite detail and
Guitars, before closing D.M. being an independent luthier.
flawless workmanship
Guitars for good in 2013 to focus
Every instrument solely on his own brand of guitars Standard across all three
is unique by nature and basses. instruments were the S-style body
of design and shape, 24-fret Canadian rock
construction Dan brought three of his maple neck, bolt-on construction
CONS: creations into the GI studio for
me to test out, all variations of
and dual humbucker pickup
configurations. All three guitars
Probably wont his Pagan model which is the featured different neck profiles; a
retain resale value modern Rock guitar in his new flat D that felt familiarly modern
comparable to line. Dan offers three levels of and what I expected to find on a
mainstream brands

You might love
or hate that look
but whatever your
thoughts on the
aesthetics there was
no denying that our
sample was finished to
an excellent standard
throughout, and would
certainly turn heads.
contemporary Rock instrument, a modern

C profile which felt more traditional and
should please the legion of players who feel
uncomfortable on the thin neck profiles of
most mainstream modern Rock axes, and
a positively anorexic ultra thin D profile
which Dan created to prove it could be
done! Although the third profile proved too
thin for my taste I have no doubt theres a
shredder out there who would love it, while
the modern C and flat D profiles both felt
instantly familiar and comfortable in my
hands.
The three necks featured pau ferro, Indian

rosewood and maple fretboards, all bound using
wood cut from the fretboard blanks to ensure there
are no rough fret edges to spoil the smoothness
of the neck overall. The binding was finished
immaculately on all three instruments and looked
absolutely superb, a really nice touch and an indication
of the time, skill and dedication thats gone into
creating these instruments. They all featured a radius
of 9.5 to 16 inches, a large compound radius that Dan
has created that really feels unique under the hands; the
fingerboard feels like a vintage instrument close to the
nut and flattens out considerably towards the higher
frets. I instantly liked this design, finding it supremely
comfortable and intuitive under my fingers. The necks
also featured a 3.5 degree angled headstock for ideal
string tension and graphite or bone nuts.
The bodies of all review models were swamp

ash, with comfort cuts and a recessed neck
pocket for extra upper fret access and
weight relief. As would be expected from
a man with extensive paint experience,
the finishes on all three were fantastic,
with a transparent purple gloss finish, a
transparent red matte finish and a natural
matte lacquer which all looked absolutely
brilliant. My favourite of the three was the
transparent red, as the matte finish really
looked contemporary and suited the
stylings of the guitar overall.
The guitars all featured top quality

hardware from Hipshot, Schaller
and Gotoh, installed and set-up to
perfection. Each instrument featured
different pickups from three different
UK based pickup manufacturers;
Oil City, Gemini and renowned

MacPherson Guitars - The Pagan
British luthier Steve Smiths own Johnson Its important to remember that most
Buckers. I had no prior experience with MacPherson guitars are sold direct and
any of these pickups but found all to be therefore all of the options Im mentioning
excellent, with great dynamic range and here are selectable by the customer when
responsiveness. In the accompanying video placing an order.
I did my best to demonstrate the full variety
of different guitar sounds that I felt could In addition to all of the specifications that
be accomplished with any of these guitars. Ive gone through, a really key feature of
Pickups are really a matter of taste and these guitars is that Dan builds them all by
preference but I was genuinely impressed by hand using traditional tools and methods,
all three of the brands I encountered here, all without the use of CNC machines. This is
giving the more established pickup brands the mark of a true craftsman and really sets
a run for their money and definitely worth MacPherson guitars apart from the majority
thorough investigation from any serious tone of the competition. The exquisite details of
hound. the instruments and the perfection of the
work on all three guitars is truly outstanding,
and the handmade aesthetic ensures that each guitar is a unique,

personal creation which should really appeal for those in the
market for a custom guitar.
Of course, these guitars wont appeal to everyone. For many

people looking to spend north of US $2,500/1,500 on a
musical instrument, only a classic design by a world famous
brand will do. The influence of established player endorsements
and the legacy of some of the worlds great guitars has as
much influence on many prospective buyers as build quality,
aesthetics and tone, and this is a tough problem to overcome
for independent builders. In addition, the resale value of
instruments such as these is unreliable at best so they can
never be viewed (or justified to suspicious spouses!) as a safe
investment.
On the other hand, serious players and

professionals with experience of a variety of guitars
and a solid knowledge of exactly what they want
may prefer the personal touch offered by an
independent luthier, and the quality and diversity
of specifications on Dans guitars suggest that
anyone in the market for a top-of-the line electric
guitar and looking to buy something a bit special
and different from the norm would do well to check
out the MacPherson line.
When you take away the question of brand

snobbery, Dan MacPhersons Pagan guitars are
actually exceptionally good value for money,
costing a lot less than what are essentially
mass produced guitars from the industry big
names, while offering levels of quality and
personality that you wont get in many cases,
even from so called custom shop models.
We liked these. A lot.

TECH SPEC
MacPherson Guitars The Pagan headstock pitch
(Standard) Truss rod; 2 piece 2 way
Fingerboard; Pau Ferro 9.5 to 16 inch
Price as tested: Red and Natural compound radius
1,649. Purple: 1,749 Frets; 24 Jescar medium high Stainless
US and other prices on application. steel
Nut; graphite
Contact: www.macphersonguitars.com Pickups; Oil City Nightfighters
Machine heads; Gotoh H.A.P
Handmade in: UK Bridge/Tremolo; Hipshot Contour
Controls; Vol & tone pushpull for coil
PURPLE: split and 3 way toggle
Finish; Natural
Body; Swamp Ash 2 piece
Neck; Rock Maple, 3.5 degree RED
headstock pitch
Truss rod; 2 piece 2 way Body; Swamp Ash 2 piece
Fingerboard; Indian Rosewood 9.5 to Neck; Rock Maple, 3.5 degree
16 inch compound radius headstock pitch
Frets; 24 Jescar medium high Stainless Truss rod; 2 piece 2 way
steel Fingerboard; Maple 9.5 to 16 inch
Nut; Bone compound radius
Pickups; Johnson Buckers Frets; 24 jumbo wide nickel steel
Machine heads; Gotoh H.A.P Nut; Graphite
Bridge/Tremolo; Hipshot Pickups; Gemini Swamp Witch
Controls; Vol & tone pushpull for coil Machine heads; Gotoh H.A.P
split and 3 way toggle Bridge/Tremolo; Schaller STM
Finish; Colour wash purple Controls; Vol & tone pushpull for coil
split and 3 way toggle
NATURAL Finish; Blood red matt
Body; Swamp Ash 2 piece
Neck; Rock Maple, 3.5 degree
REVIEWS_iOS GUITAR REVIEW
Fender iOS Strat Guitar

Is the coming together of Leo Fenders 1952 masterpiece and Apples iOS a
marriage made in heaven - or a hopeless mismatch? Tom Quayle finds out.
W
ith the huge rise also, with a 5-way pickup selector
in the popularity switch and three knobs that look
4.0 of amp modelling

and guitar effects apps on the
iOS platform, it was only a
like they should be the classic
volume and dual tone controls,
plus the usual output jack on the
matter of time before a company front of the body. Its only once
STAR RATING as large as Fender realised the you look at the bottom of the
potential of a Strat with an in- body that you realise this is not
built audio interface. The Deluxe your ordinary Strat, thanks to the
PROS: Stratocaster HSS Plus Top with addition of a Mini USB port and
iOS Connectivity is the result of 1/8 headphone jack. Housed
Great playing and this realisation and represents the inside the body is a high quality
sounding Strat combination of a classic Strat and audio interface with great signal
Good classic looks high quality audio interface in an to noise ratio and dynamic range
affordable package. that allows direct connection to
Great sounding and any compatible iOS device or
well implemented The Deluxe s trat is a made Mac/PC with no need to install
audio interface in Mexico alder bodied guitar drivers or any software.
with a beautiful flame maple top
iOS and Mac/PC finished with a gloss polyester The guitar ships in a soft gig
compatibility Cherry Burst. The neck is bag with a pair of USB cables
Fenders modern C shape, in the front pocket. Fender has
made from a single piece of realised that most iOS users are
CONS: plain maple with a satin finish now using devices with the newer
for comfort, matched with a lightning cable so have provided
Interface is limited for
gloss headstock and chrome a mini-USB to Lightning cable,
use with this guitar
tuners. First impressions are of compatible with iPhone 5 or iPad
only
a standard deluxe Strat with a 4 and newer devices running
May be more cost bridge humbucker and two single iOS6 as a minimum. Also
effective for some to coils plus a very good two point included is a typical mini-USB to
buy a cheaper guitar trem with vintage saddles. The USB cable for easy connection to
and more flexible electronics appear to be standard a Mac or PC running OSX 10.6
audio interface

or Windows 7, neither of which
require any drivers to be installed.
Users of older iOS devices can
purchase a mini-USB to 30-pin
connector from Fender separately
or from other outlets very easily.
For our review, the Deluxe iOS

Strat was plugged directly in a
Macbook Pro and was recognised
immediately as a new audio
interface within both OSX
and Logic Pro X, allowing easy
selection of the guitar as both
the input and output device. The
beauty of this is that you can now
travel incredible lightly with just
your phone/iPad or laptop and a
guitar with access to all of the apps
or effects on your device with no
need for an external sound card. This makes from their device back to the guitar and
travelling, especially when flying, far easier monitor through the headphone output
for all musicians and gives users access to controlling the volume of the headphones
a superb on the road recording setup that with the volume control nearest the jack
is perfect for cramped hotel rooms or tour socket and the guitar volume with the
buses where a quality tone is required with control nearest the bridge. The middle knob
the minimum of fuss. is a master tone control for all five pickup
positions. The interface seems rock solid
Sound quality from the audio interface is too - on an 2011 Core i7 Macbook Pro the
superb with a crisp high end with great buffer size could be reduced to 64 samples
dynamics and reproduction of each pickup with no glitches or pops at all, resulting in a
position. The user can also direct the output latency of around 4ms.
Fender iOS Strat Guitar

Fender is onto shape is very approachable for most hand
sizes and works well for both chordal and
a definite lead playing. Tonally the pickups offer a
combination of the majority of classic Strat
winner here, sounds with the exception of a single coil
offering bridge tone, since the bridge humbucker
cant be split on its own. This humbucker
great value allows access to higher gain lead tones and
considering crunchy rhythm tones that offer more
versatility than a classic SSS setup would.
the quality of The two point bridge works very well
indeed, offering a more modern approach
the guitar and than the standard 6-screw version that is
interface. more controlled and smoother in operation.
Tuning stability is flawless too once the
guitar is well setup and maintained with
none of the intonation issues that can plague
other guitars at this price point.
Fender has done a fantastic job in subtly
combining their classic design with a modern Fender is onto a definite winner here,
audio interface and its great to see that they offering great value considering the quality of
havent tried to do anything too over the the guitar and interface. Youre certainly not
top such as adding too many controls to the getting a cheap feeling or sounding guitar
front plate of the guitar or an LCD display here with a gimmick thrown in. This is a
for example. Guitarists are very traditionally serious guitar with a great interface at a great
minded when it comes to aesthetics and they price point. Of course, you can only use the
will appreciate the unaffected appearance of audio interface with this specific guitar but
the iOS Strat. for travelling players or people who only
need one guitar to record with, the iOS strat
The guitar itself plays beautifully with a seems like a fantastic solution that is more
supremely comfortable neck thanks to great than worth checking out.
finishing and fret work. The modern C
TECH SPEC
Fender Deluxe Position Inlays: Black or White Dot
StratocasterHSS Plus Top
with iOS Connectivity, Maple Bridge Pickup: Standard Humbucking
Fingerboard, Aged Cherry Burst Middle Pickup: Standard Single-Coil
MSRP 814.80 US $849.99 Strat
Made in: Mexico Neck Pickup: Standard Single-Coil

Strat
Body Material: Alder with Quilt Maple
Top Controls: Master Volume, Master
Tone, Headphone Volume
Body Finish: Gloss Polyester
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:
Body Shape: Stratocaster Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2.
Neck Material: Maple Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3.
Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and
Neck Finish: Satin Urethane Finish Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
on Back of Neck with Gloss Urethane
Headstock Face Special Electronics: USB Output,
Stereo 1/8 Output
Neck Shape: Modern C
Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo
Scale Length: 25.5 (64.8 cm) with Vintage-Style Stamped Steel
Saddles
Fingerboard: Maple
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 (241 mm)
Tuning Machines: Standard Cast/
Number of Frets: 21 Sealed
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
String Nut: Synthetic Bone Control Knobs: White Plastic
Nut Width: 1.650 (42 mm)

Peavey
BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string

A BC Rich without the pointy bits? What next - a Martin with a whammy bar? Then
again, a 7-string at this price from a respected maker deserves very serious con-
sideration. Levi Clay does the business.
P
erhaps most known for punch in the mids to cut through
their outlandish pointy a mix. Its also worth noting
4.5
guitars, the Warlock, that the review model supplied
Ironbird and Bich, BC Rich are is deceptively light, which has
staples of the Metal genre. From gradually become a desirable
Kerry King, Michael Angelo feature over the years. The sleek
STAR RATING Batio and Mick Thompson to curves and contoured top are
Slash, Joe Perry and even Eric offset with a classy white binding.
Clapton, BC Rich guitars have
been seen in the hands of guitar The 7-string neck is built out of
PROS: players the world over, but theres maple with a black finish and a
more to BC Rich than guitars rosewood board and while its
High output pickups obviously wider than a 6-string
you could poke an eye out with,
Binding is a nice touch neck, were given enough
as the Villain series shows.
Fixed bridge stability thickness that its comfortable
Taking roots from the classic in the hand without being too
Gunslinger shape, this new intrusive when playing chords.
CONS: Villain Escape 7 provides a Everything is comfortable for the
Pickups require perfectly priced entry into the modern player as were treated to
decent EQ skills 7-string market with enough a nice 16 radius across the entire
Some may really features to keep up with guitars 24 fret fingerboard. This could
want a trem in considerably higher price be taxing at the nut for hands
Not be as pointy as brackets, all without having to not used to a flatter radius, but
youd expect from BC own something too polarising coming from that background
Rich! aesthetically. I personally feel quite at home
here.
Built in Indonesia, the Villain
offers classic Metal looks with The 7 in a line tuning pegs result
a gloss black basswood body, in good tension on the synthetic
which offers a little more warmth graphite nut for tuning stability,
than alder or ash and enough and paired with the fixed bridge

BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string
were actually treated to a guitar you can Things get really interesting when we plug
really beat on without fear of slipping out of the guitar in, especially as Id prepared myself
tune. The fixed bridge may be off-putting for for a guitar that streets at under $400 or
some, but at this price point Id rather know around 300, but BC Richs own B.D.S.M
my money is going on everything else on the 7 pickups are actually twice as hot as I
guitar rather than having a cheap licensed expected, and for a 7-string guitar playing
Floyd Rose thats going to give me many Metal, this is rarely a bad thing. Tonally
years of woe which also means corners have theyre a little muddy, but certainly nothing
to be cut elsewhere. that cant be curbed with some EQ on the

amp, or a graphic EQ on a pedal board, and the basswood body, rosewood board and
its certainly nothing that cant be controlled dark pickups, so I can see very few situations
with an EQ plug-in when recording. where the tone wouldnt be all the way up,
but its better to have the knob and not need
The electronics are a standard affair, a 3-way it than need it and not have it.
toggle switch giving bridge, bridge and neck
or just neck with a single volume and single All in all its hard to fault whats on offer. It
tone control. The only comment here is that might be nice to have more features like a
the guitar is quite dark in overall tone with good tremolo system but Id much rather
have a solid guitar without non essential guitar for you! And if the 7-string doesnt
features than have a guitar punching way quite tempt you, did you know theres a
above its weight. If you want to get into the similarly low priced 8-string version in the
seven string market with something a little range...?
bit different, the BC Rich might be the
TECH SPEC
BC Rich Villain Escape 7-string Headstock 7 Inline Pointed
MSRP 339 US $670 Hardware
Made in: Indonesia Nut Type Standard
Body Nut Material Synthetic Graphite
Construction Bolt On Nut Width 48mm
Material Basswood Tuning Keys B.C. Rich Diecast
Binding Single Ply White Bridge Type Hardtail 7
Hardware Color Black

Neck Control Knobs Barrel Knobs
Material Maple Electronics: Master Volume, Master
Finish Painted Tone, 3-way Toggle
Fretboard Rosewood Neck Pickup B.D.S.M. 7 String

Humbucker
Fretboard Radius 16
Bridge Pickup B.D.S.M. 7 String
Fret Size Jumbo Humbucker
Inlays Pearl Bones

ELIXIR
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
RedPlate RP50R
Short of finding something ancient and covered in tweed or purple vinyl hidden
away in a dusty loft, few amps get a real guitarists pulse racing faster than a
genuine handmade boutique special. We checked Lewis Turners pulse before
and after he tried the RedPlate 50R. Hes a real guitarist!
A
rizona based RedPlate checking out the video - but in
Amps was established the meantime heres my opinion!
4.5
in 2006, by Henry
Heistand. According to the On first looks this is quite an
company, Henry has been understated combo amp, Im not
involved with playing, servicing, sure what I was expecting, maybe
and designing tube amplifiers I thought for the price it might
STAR RATING rise from a plinth, surrounded by
for over 41 years and he works
to a golden rule - first get the dry ice, and be lined with gold,
PROS: cleans right. RedPlate are true
boutique amps, hand built and
but alas our sample came just
in plain black with red writing.
Amazing build with painstaking attention to However, once you get up close
detail. Sadly, those words usually and personal it quickly becomes
Amazing sounds clear that A) this thing has been
signify a hefty price tag and the
RP50R is no exception, but here put together well and is built
True classic valve amp
at GI we pride ourselves in the like a tank, and B) there are a
feel and response
diversity of gear we review, from multitude of knobs, switches and
Hundreds of tonal entry level, through to top end, hidden features. I recommended
possibilities no expense spared products - and that the camera guys went and
this amp certainly falls into the got a coffee while I familiarised
latter category. New for 2014, the myself with what everything did!
CONS: RP50R claims to finally answer The RP50R has a Tweed channel
Reverb control tucked the Blackface or Tweed argument, to cover those legendary break-
around the back combining RedPlates BlackVerb up tones, a Blackface channel
and Blues Machines models aiming for pristine cleans, as
Looks may not inspire into a single unit, intending to well as an overdrive section,
everyone make it the most versatile amp master control, and footswitch.
currently on the market. Is it? It also has a fully buffered effects
Well, you can be the judge by loop and a tube spring reverb.

REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
RedPlate RP50R
Basic controls such as Bass, Middle, Treble, the amount of bass gain in the input of the
separate channel volumes and presence all clean pre-amp stage - useful for matching the
work the same as on any other amp, but amplifier to the guitar type.
there are some interesting additions on the
RedPlate combo. There is a Bright switch Other things such as Line Out, Send and
on the front, centre = off, Up = normal Return Jacks so you can run an effects loop
bright response, Down = sound of new are also around the back, as well as the
strings - handy if you havent changed them Reverb control, which personally was one
for a while! There is also a Voice switch on feature that I wasnt too keen on. If you
the back which allows you to select, Fat, should you need to make a quick adjustment
Humbucker or Single coil, depending on on the fly, its not the most convenient
the type of guitar you are using, this sets positioning. Some of the knobs on the front
of the amp also offer a pull-out feature

IBANEZ
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
The Tweed channel didnt disappoint either. E

that classic break-up tone that valve amp fan
and bluesy leads.
to give a greater variety of tones, such as The Tweed channel didnt disappoint either.
reducing girth for the Brownface era tone, Even at a relatively low volume I was able to
or a reduction of extreme highs. There is get that classic break-up tone that valve amp
also a great switch on the front called Mode fans crave, making this ideal for crunchy
Selector, which offers different settings such rhythm and bluesy leads. Playing around
as Funk and Rock. It steps through five with the overdrive section of this amp, I
progressively fatter positions of the midrange was able to get smooth Fusion type lead
centre frequency and adds a stack lift of the tones and classic aggressive Rock. Theres
Middle control for even more midrange in not enough there for really saturated Death
position six. All this squeezed into a 50 Watt Metal type growl, but a suitable overdrive
all-valve combo! Once again be sure to check pedal in front will soon solve that. All
out the video as I demo all the different this can be controlled by the four button
controls and their sounds. footswitch (see video), and the best thing
is its actually included! So often you come
Plugging into this amp, my first impressions across high-end amps that cost the earth
were just how much power you get out and then they make you buy the footswitch
of such a compact combo - you really get separately!
the sense of having to tame a beast! The
Blackface channel offered some of the best The Red Plate RP50R is a truly fantastic
cleans I have ever heard. Pristine, bell-like combo amp. I would go as far to say one
clarity with plenty of bottom end and rich of the best I have ever tried. Henry and his
mids, combined with some of the pull team absolutely have the right idea: get the
features discussed above, this channel gives clean part right then everything else can be
you all the bottom end you could want for built on from that. So many manufactures
a vintage Jazz tone, or plenty of bite and seem to get this wrong, leaving you with a
cut through for a more modern Funk/Pop very thin, weak sounding amp with nowhere
sound, and everything in between. to go.

Even at a relatively low volume I was able to get
ns crave, making this ideal for crunchy rhythm
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
I would have liked to have had longer to order and get on the waiting list, but I can
play around with this RedPlate, as there are promise you it will be well worth the wait!
so many different tonal possibilities and I Also, you then get to choose whether you
probably only tapped into a few of them, want it with or without reverb, as a head
but what I managed to find, I loved. This or combo and you can choose the covering
is a true valve amp that responds and feels material and colour.
like a valve amp should. It delivers fantastic
dynamics, and had perfect touch sensitivity, After some debate we decided to give it that
so you can go from rhythm to lead by coveted extra half a star. How can an amp
lightening your attack or reducing the guitar costing this much be great value for money?
volume. Yes its expensive, but lets face it Well. Because you simply wouldnt get this
most of the truly great things are, these amps quality of sound without spending this much
arent mass produced you have to place your money - and in some cases, a lot more.
Our thanks to Coda Music for the loan of this review sample: www.coda-music.com
TECH SPEC
RedPlate RP50R Blackface and Tweed Channel
MSRP 2,339 US $2,899
Overdrive Channel
Made in: Handmade in USA
5x 12 AX7 Tubes
50 Watt all valve combo
1 x 12 AT7 Tube
Fully Buffered Effects Loop
2 x 6L6 GC/6V6 GTA Tubes
Tube spring reverb
4 Button Footswitch

FRACTAL
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
Hayden Lil MoFo Head and 112 Angl

With small amps ruling the roost thanks to better PAs and an emphasis on tone rather than
volume, UK manufacturer Hayden has a major contender - its eye-catching (and provacatively
named) all-valve Lil MoFo. But is a mere two Watts output enough to make the earth move
for Doug Cartwright?
H
ayden Amps handling and an oversized design
hail from the to help boost the low end output.
4.0
United Kingdom
being the guitar branch of the When I say oversized, dont get
world-renowned bass amplifier the wrong idea. The first thing
manufacturer Ashdown. The that immediately struck me
brand has been on the go since once I unboxed the amp and
STAR RATING cab was how startlingly tiny and
2006 but 2013 saw a major
lightweight they are. Carrying
PROS: overhaul of their entire line, with
the all-new Lil MoFo being one one in each hand was easy and
Great build quality, its difficult to imagine how a
of the revamped models hitting
looks aesthetically half-stack could really get any
shelves and drawing attention
pleasing smaller or more portable than
thanks to its eye-grabbing looks,
miniature size and promises of this. The head was constructed
Lots of volume and
disproportionate tone for both its with a durable steel chassis and
depth of tone for 2
dimensions and price bracket. really looked the business with
Watts of power
an industrial, textured finish
Magic Eye indicator The Lil MoFo is the smallest amp and oversized, vintage-style
might be the coolest in the much-lauded MoFo line, white control knobs. Theres lots
gimmick ever a practice and jam-orientated of ventilation integrated into
workhorse packing a mere two the chassis as well as integrated
Reasonably priced Watts of all-valve output power, a handles, giving the impression of
single channel, recording output a well-thought out design overall.
CONS: and a 3.5mm mini jack line input
for connecting mp3 players for
The cab matched perfectly with a
rugged black finish, steel corner
Not much headroom
jam track playback. We teamed caps and recessed carry handle
for clean tones
it with the matching Hayden which made moving it about a
Questionable real 112 Angled Cabinet, featuring simple task.
world practicality a front mounted 12 Hayden
Custom Vintage 60 speaker with Once Id got it set up and
That name! a 16 ohm input, 60 watt power plugged in, the first thing that

led Cab
caught my attention was the epic EM84 Magic Eye valve visible inside the head. Originally
designed as tuning aids on early radios, Hayden have reimagined the EM84 valve as a striking
signal indicator that lights up green every time you strike a note on your guitar. A standard
across the entire MoFo range, this blatant gimmick is nonetheless immensely cool and any amp
that comes with its own light show will certainly help anyone unleash their inner Rock god!
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
Hayden Lil MoFo Head and 112 Angled Cab
The mini amp Once the initial excitement of the

Magic Eye had died down I got on with
craze has been the more serious task of testing the
versatility of the amps single channel,
raging for a few which features a Gain control and
years now and typical 3-band EQ consisting of Bass,
Middle and Treble controls. Theres
is clearly going not a lot of clean headroom to be had
from strength to on the amp as it will start to break up
almost immediately, but the EQ is
strength. voiced in such a way that the Middle
and Treble controls react with one
another in a sort of audio balancing act
that is intuitively understandable and
really opens up the versatility of the
channel.

ROTOSOUND STRINGS
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
As the gain is increased the amp will quickly a little confused by who this half-stack is
pass its way through Blues drives and into really designed for. I struggle to see what the
strong modern Rock territory, where this function of a stack of this size is, as a 1x12
amp excels. Its really surprising to hear combo would clearly serve exactly the same
so much bark coming from such a tiny purpose. The half-stack is easily carryable
amplifier, with 2 Watts of power proving so clearly the weight of combining the two
to provide so much volume that I suspect into one unit wouldnt be backbreaking,
the amp may be named after the resulting and a practice amp is something that should
feelings of a parent whod been talked into easily be kept around the house and would
buying the amp by a child who assured them benefit from being as compact as possible.
it would be quiet on account of its size! Although having a separate head is more
useful for running into different cabinets and
Although the sounds and versatility of the speaker combinations, this is only a 2 Watt
amp were strong enough for a practice amp head and is clearly not designed for anything
to have around the house and the additions past home practice and recording; the line-
of a recording out and auxiliary in make ins and outs further suggest this. Its not
up a useful tool for hobby players, Im left

common that I feel the need for an auxiliary really the essence of this amp - its not an
input to play my iPod through a 4x12! essential piece of kit and if youre looking for
something serious Id suggest looking at the
The mini amp craze has been raging for a few Lil MoFos more powerful brothers (theres
years now and is clearly going from strength a 15 Watt mini head available to start with),
to strength. Hayden is plainly looking to but if youre looking for something to play
capitalise on this with the Lil MoFo and to about with and a bit of an indulgence then
be fair I cant fault the build quality or the youll have a lot of fun with one of these. For
tones for the size of the amp. The real clue all of its questionable real world practicality,
to what this amp is all about is the Magic your friends will think youre cool if they
Eye; its unnecessary and a bit silly, but its come round for a jam and you present them
fun and it puts a smile on your face. Thats with a Lil MoFo!
TECH SPEC
Hayden Lil MOFO head and 1x12 Effects Send No
angled cab
Effects Return No
MSRP 249 (head) 219 (cab) US
$TBC Pre-Amp Tubes 1XECC83
Made in: China Output Tubes 1XECC82
Power Output (RMS) 2 Watts All Distortion Gain control and master
Valve volume
Power Requirement Mains input H x W x D (mm) 135x205x155

voltage to suit country - NOT Weight (kg) 4
changeable
112 Angled Cab Specifications
Speaker Outputs 8-16 ohm minimum
Power Handling 60 Watts RMS
Line Input 3.5mm mini jack 100mV
sensitivity with mix control Speaker Configuration 1 x 12 Hayden
Vintage 60
Line Output Rec out with internal
dummy load Impedance 16 ohm
EQ Bass, middle and treble controls H x W x D (mm) 550 X 340 X 490

passive tone stack
Weight (kg) 13
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
Supro S6420+ Thunderbolt Combo

Supro is one of the brands that got away - but now its back with a vengeance! With pas
one of the most anticipated new amps in years - the Supro Thunderbolt. Would Michael C
4.0
B efore we talk about
this amp, lets very
briefly reflect on
its heritage. Back in the 1920s
were making through these amps,
right up to point when some guy
called Eric Clapton plugged his
Les Paul into a Marshall combo
National were making guitars. and turned that up full blast.
In the 30s National became Possibly this could have been
STAR RATING National & Dobro. National the first nail in the coffin for the
& Dobro then became Valco, Supro, because by the end of the
who started producing an amp 60s, the brand was gone.
called the Supro and the Supro
PROS: amp became the favourite amp Fast forward to 2014 and Supro
of choice for the Chicago blues amps are back to cater for the
A vast array of features
musicians of the time. It was huge demand for original retro
for such a compact
affordable and small enough to looks and sounds. Designed
unit
carry, but loud enough to fill a by Dave Koltai and Bruce
Good looks and build club with its great Blues tone. Zinky of Pigtronix, the modern
quality Around that time a very young day versions are based very
Jimi Hendrix was using a Supro closely on the originals and are
Useful ins and outs
Thunderbolt to back the Isley manufactured in Port Jefferson
with great audio
Brothers and Little Richard, and in New York. Trying to recreate
quality
a few years later, across the pond, the hand wired originals with
Flexible audio routing a young Jimmy Page picked up a their terminal strip construction
Supro amp up to start rehearsals would have made these modern
Pitch to MIDI
with his new band, Led Zeppelin. recreations just as temperamental
conversion
It is Rock history that the first as the originals, plus modern
Good Audio Interface two Zeppelin albums largely safety regulations simply do not
featured Jimmys Telecaster allow it, so each model has a trio
of printed circuit boards that are
CONS: cranked up through a Supro.
Much of the 60s UK Blues boom hand wired directly to each other
None to speak of drew inspiration from the sound and direct to the transformer.
those real Chicago blues guys

st users including Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page we couldnt wait to get our hands on
Casswell give it a whole lotta love, or would there be a communication breakdown?
There are no plastic connectors in the amp, which is a good sign that care to the design is
paramount, and what we end up with is vintage tone, modern construction and above all else,
reliability. Owning an original would soon become tiresome if it broke down on you every
month. Our modern Supro is ready to earn its keep night after night on tour playing those
Blues clubs up and down the land and it shouldnt let you down!
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
Supro S6420+ Thunderbolt Combo
The amp looks fantastic in blue Rhino

hide Tolex, which I presume replicates
the look of the originals.
Our review Supro was the S6420+ gig situations. What you do get at 35
Thunderbolt. There are several models Watts is quicker break-up. Setting it at 65
in the revitalised range: the 24 Watt Watts doesnt necessarily mean it is louder
1x12 1624 T Dual Tone, the 35 Watt (although it will seem like it is ) but its
2x10 Coronado and the 15 speakered more about having more headroom at a
Thunderbolt, which comes in basic and louder point before it goes into that bluesy
+ versions. The + is the rectified version, break up which is very controllable from
which means it can be stepped down your guitar volume pot.
from 65 to 45 to 35 Watts. We did our
review set at 35 Watts and there was more The Thunderbolt has a standard Class A
than enough volume to cater for most line-up with 12AX7s in the pre-amp and
a 6L6 output section feeding a custom

CHORD
REVIEWS_AMP REVIEW
designed 15 speaker. Apparently, Supro and set it depends on your guitar and pickups,
Eminence collaborated closely on the design and I quite liked it set around the middle
of the speakers that go into these amps and with a Strat. There is a Supro Dual Tone amp
came up with a specially wound voice coil, a in the range which has a single 12 driver
ceramic magnet and a stiff paper cone. The which is similar to the model Jimmy page
15 driver certainly gives a great, fat roar used on those early albums, but I do like a
that you can fine tune by the single tone 15 speaker and I can imagine a Thunderbolt
pot. Turn it one way it becomes brighter and a Dual Tone used side by side would be
with more high end, turn it the other and it an immense tone recipe!
becomes darker with more lows. Where you

The amp looks fantastic in blue Rhino hide on you as a player. There is no hiding behind
Tolex, which I presume replicates the look huge saturation and your touch and feel will
of the originals. There is no effects loop or be what gets amplified with a Supro, which is
fancy EQ, just a volume, a tone and your what good Blues or Jazz playing is all about.
rectification. You plug in and turn it up. If
you want to get really high tech, you could I have never played or even seen an original
put your favourite stomp box in line! The Supro Thunderbolt, but I liked this modern
sound produced is full of character and version very much. Its not for everyone,
mojo. Its very 60s, which is exactly what but it really demands to be checked-out if
its meant to be. The variation and character you are looking for an authentic 1960s tone
produced with this amp very much depends from a modern amp.
TECH SPEC
Supro S6420+ Thunderbolt 2x 12AX7EH
MSRP: 999 US $1,599 2x 5881 / 6L6WGC
Made in: USA 1x 5U4GB
Normal and Hot inputs Cabinet Dimensions: 23 5/8 x 19 x
35 Watts Class A 6L6 power 10 1/2
115 Supro TB15 speaker Weight: 45 lbs
5U4 Tube Rectifier
Blue Rhino Hide
Tube Complement
REVIEWS_AMP MODELLING SOFTWARE REVIEW
Peavey ReValver 4
Peaveys ReValver amp modelling software steps-up a gear with the launch of
version 4. Tom Quayle assesses one of the most ambitious packages yet offered
to tone fanatics.
W
ith amp been used by amp manufactures
modelling plug- when designing new circuits
4.5
ins becoming so as it allows you to model and
good these days that they have map each component of the
truly become viable alternatives design and listen to the effect
to real amps for both studio of every subtle change as if the
STAR RATING and live work, it takes quite a real amplifier were in front of
lot to make a product stand out you. The problem was that this
from the rest of the crop. Peavey technology was previously too
PROS: has always aimed for this lofty
goal with their ReValver amp
processor intensive for realtime
use but Peavey has managed
Fantastic sounding and
feeling amp models modelling software and with to pull the SPLICE tech into
Great effects and the release of version 4 they are ReValver 4 whilst retaining
stomp box options definitely on the path to that realtime modelling abilities,
ACT features for tone glory. giving the user all of the tonal
shaping and feel benefits that this ultra-
Following on from ReValver real technology brings.
Virtually limitless Mk.III.V, version 4 is a complete
tweaking opportunities rewrite, from the user interface Its obvious when you launch
Great array of Presets and graphical elements right ReValver 4 that a huge amount
GIG mode is very down to the modelling engine of time and care has gone into
useful for live work that powers the amp models. the visual design of the software.
Standalone and plug- In an attempt to create some The user interface is very easy to
in operation of the most realistic feeling navigate and each of the amplifier
Lovely user interface and sounding amplifiers ever modules has been recreated with a
and graphical work modelled in software, Peavey superb level of detail and fidelity.
Very good prices has decided to start from scratch The main interface is divided
CONS: and model each and every
component of the supplied
into three sections, Stomps,
Amps & Cabs and Effects with
May be a little
amplifiers using an engine called the ability to run two distinct
intimidating for first
SPLICE. Previously SPLICE has signal chains containing each of
time users

these elements. The Stomps
section presents the user with a
virtual pedal board on which a
number of beautifully recreated
stomp boxes can be placed in
any order desired. The Amps
& Cabs section allow the
user to select and place any
combination of amp and cab
modules with a dizzying array
of options available to owners
of the full package. The amps
modules are visually very
similar to the actual amplifiers
they are modelling (or identical
in the case of Peaveys own
models) and are very easy to
tweak, working just as you
would expect and are used to.
The cab modelling is all done

using Peaveys RIR technology
based on highly accurate
convolution based modelling,
Peavey ReValver 4
Peavey has added where the cab, mic and mic position are
sampled using an impulse response. Whilst
other impressive this is standard practice now, ReValver 4
offers a huge array of cabs and mics with
features to their multiple positions and the ability to change
newest version the mic pattern and proximity or filter lows
and highs and add room ambience.
of ReValver The final Effects section allows for the
including the addition of high quality rack style effects
highly useful ACT modules such as reverbs, delays and
modulation effects post the amp and cab
and GIG mode. section. Again, the visual flair is evident
and the ease of use impressive. With two
separate signal chains available and the

ability to chain multiple modules and pedals allows modelling of entire signal chains or
together in any order in each of the sections, tone genre types, even down to famous guitar
the number of tonal possibilities on offer is tones or for mastering a series of separate
immense and limited only by the processing tones to work well together on a gig. This is
power available and the users imagination. the first time that were aware of this kind of
feature being included in an amp modeller
Peavey has added other impressive features and its very successful, convincingly turning
to their newest version of ReValver including a custom Tele single coil guitar into a neck
the highly useful ACT and GIG mode. ACT pickup 335 with ease!
or Audio Cloning Technology is available on
the input and output modules and offers the
ability for the user to profile their guitar and GIG mode allows the user to load up to
then change the tone to model various other eight presets and seamlessly switch between
guitar types and pickups. The output version them using a midi controller. Switching is
immediate as the presets are preloaded into SPLICE technology works very effectively
memory so this feature makes ReValver 4 to create a very realistic modeller in
truly gig worthy as a real amp replacement. terms of dynamics and pick attack and to
A set of eight presets can be saved as a GIG produce high quality, believable tones. Very
preset allowing for entire set lists to be saved importantly for this kind of software, the
and recalled immediately. Practically all amps feel good to play as well as sounding
elements of each module can be mapped to great. Effects and stomp boxes are also very
a MIDI controller allowing for masses of well modelled, reacting in the way youd
expressive possibilities for live and studio expect with no noise digital harshness to
use and the mapping process is made very speak of. Of course, given all of the options
easy thanks to an impressive MIDI Learn available it is easy to create something
function. that sounds horrible, but you can equally
create incredible tones that fit directly into
Both in terms of tone and feel, ReValver 4 a mix with ease and thats the key here -
is a big success and classy performer. The with a suitable amount of tweaking and

tone searching you can create pretty much plug and play ReValver 4 comes with a ton
anything you want. of presets that are very nicely laid out for easy
browsing with some really useful tones on
Because of the component nature of the offer as well as some of the crazy sounds that
modelling engine, daring users can even go are achievable too. Theres too much on offer
into the schematic of each amp and alter here to mention in one review but it would
the fundamental nature of the design with take a lifetime to exhaust all of the possible
different tubes, resistor values and tolerances. combinations and features on offer here.
This level of detail is only for the educated
but its fun to see the schematic of each Peavey offers a number of packages for
module and fiddle with the parameters - ReValver 4 with a basic free version at the
almost educational in fact! Of course, for low end, shipped with two amp models and
those less daring individuals who just want to three cabs/mics plus a few effects, right up
to the fully fledged Producer Pack featuring ReValver 4 offers, to me, one of the most
all of the stomps, amps, cabs, mics and fully featured and best sounding and
effects that are available. Extra modules can playing amp modellers on the market
be purchased separately from the amp store, at a very good price point. With both
allowing users to tailor a budget friendly standalone and VST/AU plug-in versions it
package with just what they need, but given is a fantastic choice for anyone considering
the modest price point of the Producer taking amp modelling on their computer
version it makes the most value minded sense seriously whether for stage or studio. Highly
to go directly for that and have everything at recommended.
your finger tips.
TECH SPEC
Peavey ReValver 4 INCLUDED growing selection of new modules,
MODULES (FREE) cabinets & ACT Content
MSRP - as follows. AMP STORE PRICING
- Valveking & Custom Lite Amp Amp Modules - $7.99
Modules
Stomp Boxes - $3.99
- RIR 2 Lite Cabinet Modelling
Module (3 x cabs, 3 x mics, multiple Effects/Tools/RIR 2 - $4.99
mic positions)
ACT Bundles - $4.99
- Lite Green & Tremolo Stomp Boxes
RIR 2 Cabinets - $1.99
- C-Verb Lite Effects Module
Cabinet Bundles - $4.99
- Audio Stream Splitter
ReValver 4 Producer Pack -
- ACT Content (1 x Free Acoustic $99.99
Teaser Bundle, 2 x Electric Pickup
Bundles, 4 x Output presets) III.V Owners Upgrade to Producer
Pack - $49.99
- Access to the Amp Store for an ever

Morley
REVIEWS_PEDAL REVIEW
TC ELECTRONIC ALTER EGO X4 Vi

TC Electronics pedals never seem to miss the mark. But vintage echo effects are
tricky things to get right - even for Denmarks wizards of the stompbox.
Rick Graham makes his comeback...back...back...
F
or pedal designers, selected sounds, some of which
the challenge of have been modelled on various
4.0
recreating some of the classic units from yesteryear
classic analogue delay and echo including: a Watkins Copicat, a
sounds produced by units that Roland Space Echo, an Electro-
have graced some of the most Harmonix Echoflanger, two
STAR RATING popular recordings of our time Echoplex and Binson Echorec
has become somewhat of an models, an Ibanez DM 2 and
obsession, and understandably various others. Lets take a closer
PROS: so. With the advent of digital
modelling technology, the market
look at this unit to see what it has
to offer.
Extremely easy to use
has become pretty saturated with
Generally excellent products purporting to be perfect The Vintage Echo x4 is very
recreations of famous recreations of those classic units simply laid out with everything
echoes and although there are some clearly labelled, making it an
excellent products on the market, absolute breeze to use. On the
Looper & TonePrint many have struggled to achieve very front of the pedal, from
features that elusive balance of quality and left to right, youll find a rotary
practicality at an affordable price. control knob to select the 16
Well made different effects types, a time
Having already created a hugely
successful unit in the Flashback control with a rhythmic variant
CONS: x4 and the original Alter Ego including dotted delay settings, a
Hard to think of any pedals, TC Electronic has decided feedback control and a delay level
to delve further into the depths control.
of Delay and Echo, the fruits of Each of former three controls
which have been realised in the allow you to shape the range and
form of a brand new product: characteristics of each delay effect
The Alter Ego x4 Vintage Echo to wherever your inspiration takes
pedal. At the heart of this unit you. There are four footswitches
lies no less than than twelve

intage Echo
on the front of the pedal, three of which contain the factory presets, with the fourth
providing a tap tempo function.
The Alter Ego x4 isnt just limited to providing echo and delay either, as it also comes
loaded with a very useful looper function easily accessed via a toggle switch situated on
the front of the pedal. Once the looper mode is engaged, the four footswitches on the
front of the pedal operate the looper. The first operates the looper record function, the
second is the play function, the third offers a very useful once function and the fourth
allows you to undo the recorded parts that you have made on the fly.
TC ELECTRONIC ALTER EGO X4 Vintage Echo
The looper The Alter Ego x4 also features ample I/O

options too including MIDI in and out,
function will MIDI expression pedal connectivity, USB,
and mono and stereo input and output
prove to be a options.
great addition The sheer depth of options available on tap
for a lot of with the Alter Ego X4 is mightily impressive
and each of the delay settings offers
players too. something extremely usable. I couldnt help
but be impressed with the authenticity of the
some of the delays. The Copycat captures
the warmth and personality of the original
unit very well indeed, which is no mean feat,
with a vibe immediately reminiscent of those

classic Shadows sounds. The delays are not The looper function will prove to be a great
this units only strength though, and players addition for a lot of players too. Its a ton of
that have leanings towards those classic fun, is an absolute breeze to use and will no
psychedelic Rock sounds will no doubt find doubt have you coming up with lots of cool
great inspiration from the Echoflange and layers to experiment with in no time at all.
Echorec settings. The TR Organ setting
offers some great Jazz comping effects which As if all that wasnt enough, the TC, shares
can be taken to extreme levels for some very the companys excellent Toneprint facility,
unusual but fun sounds. which means you can download custom
programmed settinsg to your phone and
drop them straight into the pedal to use.
The Alter Ego x4 is an exceptionally good pedal. Not only does it recreate those classic retro
sounds remarkably well, its great fun to use and is a perfect companion for the mobile
musician looking for great quality and versatility at a manageable price point.
TECH SPEC
TC ELECTRONIC ALTER EGO X4 function
Vintage Echo
Independent loop and delay engines
MSRP: 209 US $269 (street)
True Bypass (optional buffer)
Made in: Unknown
Analog-Dry-Through
Twelve exclusive Delay sounds
Expression pedal input
TonePrint enabled
Stereo inputs and outputs
Beam enabled
MIDI enabled
Three Presets
Subdivision selector including dual
Tap Tempo delay
16 Delay Types 9 Volt DC power supply included
40 second looper with undo/redo

JHS
Digitech Drop & Luxe Stomp Boxes

Ever wanted to drop-tune without the hassle? Apply a subtle detune effect that
can also go berserk? Doug Cartwright checks out two newcomers from the US
FX masters at DigiTech.
DIGITECH DROP
D
igitech has and Roll! Digitech is one of the largest guitar
been at the effects manufacturers in the world and the
4.0 forefront of
pitch manipulation in
guitar technology since
construction is everything you would expect;
solid and faultless.
the release of its classic In terms of functionality, the pedal takes

STAR RATING the guitar signal fed into it and detunes it
Whammy pedal in the
early 90s and now the US completely by however many semitones the
company is back with the Drop, a dedicated user desires. The idea is to be able to play
drop tune pedal that allows detuning of the a guitar thats tuned to standard tuning
guitar signal from one semitone all the way (or whichever tuning you wish) and then
down to a full octave. As a modern Rock and manipulate the signal so that it sounds as
Heavy Metal guitar specialist I am all too if the guitar is tuned to a lower pitch. The
accustomed to the hassles of detuning, and practical application of this is enormous;
in particular gigging with multiple guitars to from tuning quickly to Eb to play along
accommodate a range of different tunings, so with classic Rock records and downtuning
this pedal seems like a potential godsend in the guitar by a tone for just one song on
terms of gigging practicality! a gig (perhaps to aid a singer) through to
pitch-shifting down a full octave for bass
The Drop wears its heritage on its sleeve with emulation and more extreme pitch variation.
the distinctive red paintjob and lettering
found on the classic Whammy pedal. It also In practice I found the Drop pedal to track
features the same LED indicator set-up for fantastically regardless of elements such as
moving through different tunings (essential fast picking and heavy palm-muting, two
for confirming youve set it right on a gig!) classic foes of this style of effect. When the
and the same black scroll-wheel to control pedal was downtuning the signal by a few
it. This eye-catching aesthetic has lost none semitones I was surprised and impressed by
of its appeal and absolutely screams Rock the transparency of the effect, in fact beyond

In practice I found the Drop pedal
to track fantastically regardless of
elements such as fast picking and
heavy palm-muting, two classic foes
of this style of effect.
usable I would describe it as recordable in

terms of accuracy. As the tuning became
more extreme the tone was noticeably
more digitalised, especially a full octave
down, but still produced a pleasing sound
that I think would be useable despite its
noticeably effected tone, albeit not one to
rely on for a full song or set.
One thing I was keen to experiment

with was applying the detune effect to
my 7-string guitar. With the current
trend for extended range guitars in
Heavy Metal I was curious to see if
this pedal would be able to handle the
super-low notes involved in pushing
my low B string down to the F# of an
8-string guitar or even the ridiculously
low C# of a 9-string instrument! The
C# proved to be a bit of a stretch for
the Drop (although in my opinion its
proving to be a bit of a stretch for guitars
in general!), but the pedal comfortably
converted the B string down to an F# for
realistic 8-string emulation. I think this
Digitech Drop Stomp Box
will really appeal to 7-string players, many of when the pedal is pressed and held, switching
whom are interested in experimenting with off again the moment you release your foot.
the lower pitches without making the full- This is great for fast trills, stuttering effects
time conversion to an 8-string guitar. and dropping just one or two notes, perhaps
in a riff originally designed for Drop-D or
Beyond the basic function of the pedal, similar tunings, and is something that I can
Digitech have thought of a few nice really see being used in all manner of other
additions that really open up the unit to creative ways once players start to get their
creative applications. The first of these hands on this unit.
is a Momentary On/Off switch that will
change the footswitch from a latching to a Another feature of the pedal is the OCT +
momentary switch depending on how its DRY setting which sees a blend between the
set; when latching the pedal works in the dry guitar signal and the signal tuned down
traditional manner as an on/off switch but a full octave. This is an absolutely massive
when set to momentary the pedal is only on sound that I completely love, and hope

STUDIOMASTER/
CARLSBRO
to hear more bands using in Rock songs. Overall this is a fantastic product with lots
Perfect for single note riffs and distortion, of real world use and potential. From the
it also creates a cool funky sound through practicality of retuning quickly for a singer
a clean channel that I think could have lots in a live setting to the creative uses of the
of real-world application as well. My only momentary switch and the blended setting,
real gripe is that the Wet/Dry signal blend is theres something here for everyone. Its
only available for the Octave down detune difficult to imagine a guitarist that wouldnt
setting; if you could blend the signal for any have a use for this pedal at some point in
tuning it would open up the pedal so much their gigging life, and considering theyre
for emulating harmony lines and would be even including the power supply I think
a dream feature for all pub cover bands with its extremely reasonably priced. Drop
a single guitarist in the line-up and a set- everything, you need one of these!
list including Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden
covers!
PROS: CONS:
Retune instantly to accommodate Wet/Dry blend knob would open up
singers/specific songs whilst full harmonising potential
maintaining fretboard familiarity
Creative functions including

momentary switching option
Solid build quality, power supply

included
DIGITECH LUXE
T
he Luxe is Digitechs first stand-alone polyphonic detune pedal,
provocatively tagged the Anti-Chorus pedal. I was a little unsure
4.0 what to expect from this one, but Digitechs own marketing blurb
confidently proclaims the Luxe simply just makes everything sound better.
Ignoring the pleonasm (out with the dictionaries, gentlemen! - Ed), I was
curious to see exactly what Digitech has created that has led it to make such
STAR RATING
a bold statement.

pretty close to happening during this review!
(Whats the betting he doesnt like Paisley Teles,
either? - Ed)
Moving past this aesthetic failure I plugged

the pedal in to give it a proper test drive. The
Luxe takes the detune effect from Digitechs
classic Whammy pedal and adds positive
and negative detune capabilities to add
consistent thickening to the signal without
the modulating side effects of a chorus
pedal. The pedal is controlled by a simple
detune knob which is neutral when set at
12 oclock and then adds a detuned voice
either increasing or decreasing in pitch to a
maximum of -50/+50 cents dependent on
turning it either clockwise or anti-clockwise.
The only other controls are a level knob that
blends the dry/wet signal and an on/off true
bypass switch with LED effect indicator.
After trying the Luxe out for myself I was

convinced that it does indeed produce a
pleasing fattening of the sound when the
detune effect is applied moderately. For
clean chords, single notes, Blues drives and
high gain sounds alike this pedal will create
a widening effect that really helps to boost
the impact of your pre-existing tone. This
The first thing that struck me when I opened effect is ideal for guitarists playing in trios
the box was that this pedal is definitely not or other scenarios as the only guitarist in the
going to make your pedalboard look better; band where the guitar may feel a little sparse,
its hideous 1970s graphic reminded me of beefing up the tone to really fill out the full
an old set of plates handed down to me by frequency spectrum. It would also be useful
my parents when I first moved out of home. for similar applications in the studio.
Although cosmetics are obviously subjective,
While subtle application of the Luxe is
there wasnt a single person present in the
obviously its primary purpose, fans of
studio that day that disagreed with this
extreme effects and messing with their signal
point. Ive never felt compelled to cover a
will also get a lot from this pedal. With the
pedal with a paper bag before, but it came
Digitech Luxe Stomp Box
Detune knob cranked to the max in either components used throughout. Theyve also
direction the signal sounds truly unhinged, included a 9VDC power supply in the box,
ideal for creating weird Buckethead-esque which is a big plus, and overall I feel the unit
horror movie lead tones. Applied to a is reasonably priced.
clean amp sound, fans of Korn will be able
manipulate the Detune effect to make many The Digitech Luxe isnt an essential pedal
of the freaky overdub sounds found on their for every guitar player, but its not a toy
records. Both of these ideas will have limited either. Guitarists who have a genuine use
use and appeal, but it does make a good for a pedal to thicken up their live rig will
studio tool and for players looking for these find the Luxe a fantastic tool for widening
kinds of sounds the Luxe offers them in a their signal, and players who enjoy weird
simple, easy-to-control pedal layout. and unusual effects will similarly find the
pedal an interesting addition to their arsenal.
As expected from Digitech, the construction Whilst I feel the tag line about making
of the pedal is bullet proof with quality everything sound better is a bit of a reach

on Digitechs part, and I would most definitely recommend a trip to the optician for whoever
approved that graphic, this is a quality product worthy of further investigation.
PROS: CONS:
Unusual concept that actually works The graphic on the pedal seems to have
been inspired by 1970s curtain designs
Quite a variety of applications
depending on subtlety of use Not an essential piece of kit for every
player
Well constructed, reasonably priced, 9V
power adaptor included
A great studio tool
TECH SPEC
DigiTech Drop: MSRP 119 US $199.95
MSRP 129 US $219.95 Made in: Unknown
Momentary or Latching Mode
Made in: Unknown 9VDC Power Supply Included
Variable Detune Range True Bypass
From -50 Cents to +50 Cents Input: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
Adjustable Detune Level Output: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve)
9VDC Power Supply Included Controls: Amount,
True Bypass Momentary On/Off
Input: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve) A/D/A Converter: 24-bit
Output: 1/4 Unbalanced (Tip-Sleeve) Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
Controls: Level, Detune Power Supply: PS0913DC-01 (US,
A/D/A Converter: 24-bit JA); PS0913DC-02 (EU, AU, UK)
Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz Weight: 0.36 lbs. (0.163 kgs.)
Power Supply: PS0913DC-01 (US, Dimensions: 4.75 (L) x 2.875 (W) x
JA); PS0913DC-02 (EU, AU, UK) 1.75 (H)
Weight: 0.36 lbs. (0.163 kgs.)
DigiTech Luxe
REVIEWS_GUITAR INTERFACE REVIEW
Livid Instruments Guitar Wing

In which our hero, Tom Quayle, ventures even further into the mysterious world
of guitar interfaces. In this thrilling episode - Tom Quayle vs. the Guitar Wing.
L
ivid Instruments of common shapes and can be
has been producing adjusted in numerous ways or
4.0
innovative MIDI strapped on to create the best fit
controllers with a modern visual for your guitar. Once attached,
style since 2004 and the Guitar the Guitar Wing communicates
Wing is the companys latest, wirelessly with a small USB
STAR RATING Kickstarter funded, controller dongle that attaches to your
designed to attach directly to computer or wireless MIDI
your guitar and give you a unique receiver in order to control any
PROS: way of controlling MIDI based MIDI compatible device or piece
Fully featured compact effects or parameters at the of software.
and well built controller tip of your fingers. You might
Huge array of potential initially wonder why anyone The unit itself has numerous
creative uses would want a MIDI controller types of controller on board,
Multiple controllers at
that is designed to be used with from the four velocity sensitive
the same time (as many pads along the top to the three
as you have fingers in your hands when, for years,
guitar players have been using touch sensitive ribbon controllers
fact!)
floor based units to keep their and 3D motion sensor, youre
Bundled controller maps
for all common DAWs hands free for performing, but certainly not left wanting for
and guitar software the Guitar Wing has some very mappable controls. In all there
interesting controllers that work are 18 mappable controllers that
CONS: best when used with the hands. can send note on/off data or, in
Have to use your the case of the motion and ribbon
Indeed, this device actually won
hands on the controller controllers, continuous controller
(problem for a guitar an award from Popular Science
magazine, earlier this year! data. Livid Instruments claims a
player!)
battery life of around eight hours
Has to attach to your
beloved instrument The unit attaches to the lower which is more than enough for a
(might make some horn or bout of your guitar via good few gigs or studio sessions
nervous) a clamp system with protective and the unit can be recharged
Requires a good working rubber housing, ensuring your by plugging it into a USB power
knowledge of MIDI to precious finish wont be damaged. port or computer using the
get the most from The design fits to the majority provided cable.

The build quality of the Guitar Wing is as each of the controls given its small footprint.
good as anything youll find on the market, The only downside comes when sitting
with a reassuring weight and solid feel that down with the Guitar Wing attached to your
would suggest it will survive all but the guitar, as it can move around a bit and feels
most violent of knocks or falls. Each of the odd sitting on your knee, making the guitar
controllers feels solid and responsive and the feel a little unbalanced in some instances.
matte finish prevents dirt or finger prints This is something youll get used to over time
from building up on unit. Some real design however, and while stood up the unit is very
hours have gone into the final product, comfortable and youll almost forget its there
which is well laid out with easy access to until you need it.
Installation on OSX or Windows is a simple process as the device is class compliant, meaning
it will be recognised without having to install drivers. The bundled software however, was
less simple to install and caused quite a few issues on my Macbook Pro, requiring some
workarounds that the average user would have big problems with, however, these difficulties
should be ironed out by the time of the Guitar Wings official release.
The Guitar Wing ships with MIDI maps for all the common DAWs such a Logic, Cubase,
Digital Performer and Pro Tools with installers allowing the user easy access to controller maps
for transport controls and mixer functions. This is super useful for guitar players, being able to
control your DAW directly from the guitar, and is an obvious benefit of having the controller

attached to your instrument. Controllers can also
be assigned to any parameter using the MIDI learn
function available in all of the big DAWs on the
market, making assigning a control very simple
indeed, although this is dependent upon the
method used by each DAW and will still require
a decent knowledge of MIDI in order to get the
best from the controller. As an example, for our
review, we assigned each of the pads to switch on
and off various effects within Logic Pro X that our
guitar was running through and used the ribbon
controllers to control a wah effect and tremolo
speed. Assigning the controllers was easy enough
and there are guides for each DAW within the help
files shipped with the Guitar Wing to help you
out.
Livid Instruments Guitar Wing
Once assigned, the controllers work flawlessly and accurately. Having access to the controls
directly from your guitar is both a liberating and unique experience that allows for very
creative effects that would be much harder to achieve with a foot controller. For example
you can instantly switch to different wah or filter positions with your finger on the ribbon
controller to create cool rhythmic effects whilst sustaining a chord or single note. You can also
use multiple fingers to control multiple parameters at a time offering far more simultaneous
controllers than when using just your two feet. The 3D motion control offers some interesting
possibilities although was less accurate and predictable than expected at offering serious and
reliable control.
Since it sends note data from the pads, the Guitar Wing can also work to trigger samples
or virtual instruments offering a great way of integrating synths and samples into your
performances. In many ways MIDI has become such a versatile protocol that the uses of the
Guitar Wing are only really limited by your imagination and offers a huge array of potential
uses in a musical context. The unit can also be used with any MIDI compatible hardware
using your computer as a MIDI interface or one of the readily available USB-MIDI interfaces
on the market, opening up all kinds of possibilities for hardware effects or synths. Livid
Instruments are kind enough to ship a stand alone effects program called Wing FX to get you
started and, upon release, a fully featured editor will be available allowing the user to assign
each controller to any given MIDI command or note, although this wasnt available for our
review.
Being compatible with any MIDI device out there and the unique nature of its attachment
to your instrument mean the Guitar Wing is a device that could really change the way some
guitarists think about controlling their effects and synths. It offers a huge array of possibilities
at a price that certainly wont break the bank and is well made enough to survive even the
roughest of gigs. It definitely wont appeal to everyone and requires a decent knowledge of
MIDI protocol to get the most from, and the fact that you have to use stop playing to free
your hands for a controller may make no sense to some, but for others this may be the coolest
guitar device theyve ever seen. Worth checking out for sure!
TECH SPEC
The Guitar Wing More details from:
MSRP 165 US $199 www.lividinstruments.com
Made in: USA

Orange
REVIEWS_MIDI GUITAR REVIEW
YouRock Guitar Gen 2 - Radius MIDI

Were great fans of the YouRock MIDI guitar but the first incarnation wasnt
without its drawbacks. Now theres a second generation design with an improved
neck. Tom Quayle, our man with the MIDI mind, takes stock.
W
hen we reviewed less like an alien experience that
the YouRock Gen hinders your playing. YouRock
4.5
2 MIDI guitar has also improved that string and
back in issue 14, we gave it great fret material and raised the height
praise for its tracking, price and of both for an easier and more
functionality. One of the biggest sensitive playing experience that
STAR RATING problems for the YRG Gen 2 improves further on the already
though was the non-standard excellent MIDI tracking.
neck shape and scale, making it
The YRG Gen2 with Radius
PROS: less than ideal for guitar players
used to certain scale lengths and neck will now track pretty much
Comfortable profile traditional fret spacing. Another anything you can throw at it,
and standard scale issue concerned the material with especially if playing using only
length/fret spacing which the strings and frets the left hand in touch mode,
were constructed, giving rise to a and you can be sure that if there
Enhanced sensitivity are any glitches or miss triggers
certain stickiness when sliding
and tracking they are user error rather than
or performing position shifts that
could lead to some fraying of hardware issues. For me, the
Vast aesthetic
the strings over time. However, Radius neck is a revelation,
improvement
theres good news! The chaps at thanks to the fantastic playability
Good value for money YouRock have taken all of these and tracking for predominantly
considering the things into consideration and left hand legato players who dont
technology on offer come up with their new Radius pick a great deal. For this kind
Neck with a comfortable C of player the YRG Gen 2 with
Enhanced longevity of Radius neck represents perhaps
shape profile, 13 radius and
string material the best MIDI solution that has
standard scale 22 fret board.
ever existed at this price point for
The shape changes have resulted actual performance and recording
CONS: in a far more user friendly playing with synth sounds. Hammer-ons
None whatsoever experience that feels very similar and pull-offs feel much smoother
to playing a real guitar and far and long flowing lines are

DI Neck
WIN
THIS
GUITAR!
YouRock Guitar Gen 2 - Radius MIDI Neck
Ive already used significantly easier to perform well, thanks

to the standard fret spacing. Chords are also
it extensively much easier to execute accurately with the
on recordings extra sensitivity offering even more ability to
perform complex chords with ease.
and couldnt be Visually the Radius neck is a much more
happier with attractive-looking solution too, and takes
the results and the YRG even further away from the slightly
toy-like look it originally had. The black
playability. fretboard and clear coloured strings give
a distinctive, futuristic look that is a vast
aesthetic improvement on the previous neck.

The neck is easy to change using a sliding lock switch at
the back of the body with no screws requiring removal or
fiddling with fragile plastic parts.
The Radius neck takes the already great YRG Gen 2

Guitar and promotes it to a serious musical instrument
that will feel familiar and comfortable for all guitar players,
especially those who favour a legato or more left hand
based approach to playing. Ive already used it extensively
on recordings and couldnt be happier with the results and
playability. For those who already own the YRG Gen 2 this
is an essential purchase, and for those on the fence, the Radius neck may be just the required
element to help you make the decision to buy. By far and away the most effective MIDI guitar
solution on the market at this price point!
TECH SPEC
YouRock Guitar Gen 2 - Radius 13 radius
MIDI Neck
Traditional C style contour
Price: Neck only: US $119.99 (direct
from www.yourock.com) 1-11/16 measured at the nut
Gen2 guitar including Radius Improved sensitivity

neck: US $309.99
Black fingerboard
Made in: Unknown
Clear colored simulated strings
Standard scale 22 fret fingerboard

ROTOSOUND PEDALS
LIVE
SOUND
ALL YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR S

E
D!
SOUND ON STAGE
LIVE SOUND_JAIME VENDERAS VOCAL BOOTCAMP
JAIME VENDERAS
Vocal Part 9
Bootcamp -
Jaime Vendera - the worlds top Rock vocal
coach - brings you everything you need to
know to deliver the perfect vocal performance!
In this issue - MORE HELP WITH KICK-
STARTING YOUR CONFIDENCE
This issues Vocal Bootcamp is actually a continuation from last

months boot camp where we tackled stage fright. So, now that you
have the tools to overcome stage fright and turn that nervous energy
into a powerful performance, we need somewhere to channel all that
energy. Besides channelling it into your guitar playing and your voice,
what about diverting a few kilowatts into your stage performance! No,
that wasnt a question; it was a suggestion ;)
We may sound great, and you may play great, but if your stage
presence sucks, I doubt youll develop much of a following. The visual
aspects of your performance MUST be as amazing as your guitar
playing and your singing. So, how do we get there? Well, here are a
few tips to get you started
AUDIENCE INTERACTION
Stage presence is mostly about audience interaction. After all, you
ARE an entertainer; therefore you must please your audience. I
find that interacting with your listeners will not only draw them in,
but will gain you many new fans. Therefore DO NOT under any

theyre the gateway to stage star success. This

reminds of my story in this months video
when I mentioned David Lee Roths effect
on me, pulling me in with his eyes, Josey has
this same gift of audience interaction, albeit
it in a much different way than Roth. I dont
recall Josey doing any splits of spinning back
kicks, ha-ha!
Bottom line, just glancing at your audience

can pull in dozens of fans at once. So, sing to
the audience with your eyes.
Huh? How do I do that, Jaime?
This can be tough, especially if youre a bit

stage shy. But, hey, we beat those jitters
circumstance, shy away from your audience. last GI issue, so lets push onThe key to
They are your life force feeding your connecting with your audience with your
performance, so learn to connect with each eyes is to look out into the audience, as you
and every listener. stay connected to the rhythm of each song,
moving from face to face with the beat, never
ITS IN THE EYES fully connecting for too long with one set of
So, whats the easiest way to connect to the eyes. If you connect too long, you risk the
audience? I find that true, honest audience chance of losing the flow of connecting to
connection is a magical trait that resides everyone. If youre afraid youll lock eyes with
within the eyes. I remember watching the someone and become entranced into singing
band Saliva when Josey Scott was lead singer. only to them, a quick fix is to look only to
Love them or hate them, Salivas front man peoples foreheads. Yeah, I know it sounds
was an AMAZING performer because he goofy, but it works. Bottom line; (yeah,
drew each person from the audience into the another bottom line, ha-ha) make everyone
music with a simple gaze of his eyes. Though in the crowd feel as if you are singing directly
Josey was very energetic on stage, he never to them with the small connection of a
had to become a crazy, running stage left/ glance.
stage right madman performer to capture
his audience; he could glide across the stage, STUDYING LIVE PERFORMANCE
pulsing to the music in a calm cool fashion, Okay, you got the eyes down, but its much
using an almost hypnotic glare from his eyes more than just gazing at each fan. Youve got
to pull in pure music fans, femme fatales, to know how to move to the music, and your
and rising rock stars. They eyes have it; moves MUST match your style. Referring to

MORE HELP WITH KICK-STARTING YOUR CONFIDENCE
Diamond Dave and Mr. Scott, lets analyze mine is Tony Harnell, lead singer of TNT. I
their moves. Dave was very theatrical which recently watched a ton of TNT Band Live
fit Van Halen. Josey has more of a bounce Performance 2014. Tony is very energetic
to his body as he moved, which fit Saliva and is a front man who likes to be among
well because of their rap-rock style. So, your the crowd, reaching out to his fans, slapping
moves must fit the music. If your music is their hands, hugging them, etc. I love
similar to John Mayer, or if youre covering a watching live performances because not only
song like Daughters at your gig, I dont think can I learn new moves from other artists,
bouncing like a rapper or doing flying spin I can see how they sing live, how they deal
kicks is going to fit the music very well. with each challenging song that was much
easier recording in the studio as opposed to
So, the easiest way to discover what using tons of body fuel rocking the stage and
musicians who play your style of music are maintaining their voice. So, not only will
doing on stage live is to head to a site like you learn about performing, you might learn
YouTube or Vimeo and type in Band name something about singing as well.
Live Performance. So, if we wanted to see
what John Mayer does on stage, wed type in STAGE MOVE MIMICRY
John Mayer Live Performance. Choose an
artist that relates to you and watch as many In the case of stage moves, imitation is
live performance videos as possible. Take best to start. So, as you study for favorite
notice of what they do. A good friend of performers in live situations, take notes
on the moves they repeat throughout the and laugh at me, thats your job, remember)
concert. What did your favorite artist do back in the early 90s. We were mainly an
that you like? Was it a certain dance step, 80s Rock cover band. We covered Rock
back had flips, banging their head??? Take Candy by Montrose and I had this idea to
the moves you like, head to your bedroom, make it sexy, well, at least I thought it was
push the bed to the side of the room so you sexy at the time, ha-ha. So, right before the
have some room to work, and then watch solo started, Id drop to my knees and let
yourself in a mirror. Crank up a tune from out the blood curdling, How, Sweet, and
one of the videos you studied and repeat the Stickaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeee. Then Id
moves as you sing along. How did you look lean forward and my lead guitarist would
in the mirror? Was it a little awkward or did prop a foot on my lower back as he played
you rock it the moment you added some the solo and pump my body to the beat
swagger? Regardless, try the move again and of the bass, like he was making me thrust
again and again until you learn to own the the floor. Dunno if I gained any fans dry
move and make it your own. Back in the 80s humping the dirt and sweat covered stage,
when I was agile, ha-ha, I worked over and but you get the picture. Bottom line; (for a
over and over again mastering a back hand third time) find the moves that work for you
spring just to perform the move in one song. and slip them into your songs to bring the
It takes dedication, so apply yourself, learn visual aspect to life.
moves that fit you and your music style, and
then get ready to add them to your set THERES MORE TO THE FORMULA
There is much more to stage performance
SETTING YOUR MOVES IN YOUR SET
that what Ive shared. Youve also got to learn
Yeah, ya gots some new moves, maybe a little to interact with your band, work your songs
more swagger, but it wont matter much if together in a set list that makes sense and
you dont know where to place those new flows from song to song, and know what
moves in your set. So, when youre rehearsing to say to the audience and when to say
with your band, start trying out those it to your audience. These are all covered
moves. Dont worry if your bandmates start in my video, Beyond Stage Presence at
laughing; they laugh at everything you do BeyondTheVoice.com. So, check it out and
because thats the role of all other musicians Ill see you next Vocal Bootcamp!
in the band---hassle the lead singer. I was in
a band called Chained Angel (yeah, go ahead Find out more from the ultimate Rock
singers tutor at www.jaimevendera.com

TC HELICON
LIVE SOUND_PA REVIEW
H&K Pulsar PA system

Germanys HK Audio has carved out an enviable reputation as one of the major players in
engineer Steven Carr checks HKs Pulsar system to see how it will stand up to life on the
O
ver the course of the past massively with the addition of the PL118
twenty years HK Audio 18 sub woofer, as might be expected.
has become recognised as a
high quality manufacturer of live sound The PL112FA has a Max SPL of 125 dB
reinforcement systems. Made in Germany, half space with a total power rating of
its systems are built to a high standard 1,000 Watts. The frequency response is set
yet remain affordable to a broad range of between 70 16kHz +/-3 dB so you can
customers. In the companys promotional see from the spec the addition of a sub is
literature it says it aspires to deliver perfect essential for full range playback music. A
sound and claims that its products are a listening test confirmed that. I wouldnt
result of a lifelong passion and pursuit of want to use the 112FA without a sub if I
this vision. We decided to put that to the was working with a DJ or band.
test by taking a look at one of its flagship
portable systems, the Pulsar range, to see if The built in power amp is controlled
this vision is materialising. by sophisticated DSP which offers a lot
of protection for your system. Theres
First lets look at the spec. The Pulsar range a subsonic filter that should work your
is made up of three different sizes of MID/ woofers more efficiently, a peak limiter,
HIGH, or top boxes: the PL110, 112 and RMS limiter and Auto standby. During
115. Each speaker is self-powered, two-way tests at high levels I was able to hear the
and combines a woofer with a 1 tweeter. protection kicking in which is reassuring as
The number in the name of the model refers it ensures longevity of the system, however
to the size of the woofer. Either 10, 12 or it may be set a little too cautiously. It sounds
15. Here we are looking more closely at like moderate compression in the mid to
the PL112 FA combined with the PL118 high end so isnt particularly noticeable or
self-powered sub. The tops are intended displeasing to the ear until you really push it
to be used in full range but are improved to its limit.

4.0
n small-medium sized band-friendly PA systems. GIs top FOH STAR RATING
e road.
PROS:
Good sound quality
Sturdy well built
Multiple inputs
Multiple
configurations
High powered
Multiple rigging
options and accessories
CONS:
112FA quite large
for a modern 12 inch
speaker
Sub quite heavy

for portable system
Protection circuit
possibly too cautious
The box comes fitted with two EQ switches, The amplifier itself has a simple built-in
stand alone or monitor config and EQ flat mixer that allows for multiple inputs. There
or EQ contour (The contour is basically a are two XLR/jack combo inputs, one of
mid range dip). These functions are fairly which is switchable between line and mic
self-explanatory and useful. Its great that the level, and a stereo phono input, each with
cabinet can be used as a floor monitor when their own level control. So in theory you
set to that mode. The contour EQ is useful could use the system without a mixer if you
when setting up the system in a reflective only needed a couple of inputs. The multiple
room. The sub has a toggle switch that tells inputs make it ideal for one person and a
the sub what type of configuration it is in, guitar scenarios or perhaps simple vocal to
e.g. is it in a stack or not? Again this optional backing track performances.
function that assists in the tuning of the The XLR inputs have thru outputs so
system is really useful and can help novices you can easily daisy chain multiple speakers
understand what is going on acoustically together with XLR cable from the same
with the rig. sound source or alternatively you can use the
H&K Pulsar PA system

Mix output which gives you the mixed for two different angles. The box is made
signal when using multiple inputs. from a hybrid MDF and is finished in
attractive black acrylic enamel. There are
I have to say, the build quality is rather tough plastic runners around the edges
good. As you would expect there are of the box to protect the finish and act
integrated handles and the cabinet as runners when the speaker is used as
features a duo tilt pole mount allowing a floor wedge. The grill is 1mm metal

backed with acoustic foam. The pattern of I feel that in the Pulsar range we have
the box is 90 degrees by 55 and listening a very versatile and useful system for a
around the box I have to admit that broad range of applications that can be
sound coming off the rear is minimal. We specified up or down in size to suit the
like that! venues you are planning to use it in. It is
a musical sounding system that clearly a
The system sounds good and well lot of care and attention has gone into. I
balanced straight out of the box. At like this system. It is neat and tidy, well
moderate volumes I would describe built and functional. There are plenty of
the sound as open in the high end and systems out there that fulfil the brief that
smooth in the mids. The lows are suitably this system sets out to fulfil but not all
rounded and boosted by the subs and I offer the value for money that this system
wouldnt want to use the system as a left/ offers.
right PA for anything other than a speech HK Audio engineered this line of speaker
PA without the subs. When I pushed the cabinets specifically for musicians and DJs
system harder I found that the highs lost who want state-of-the-art acoustics and
some detail and became a little ragged electronics packaged in a classic, portable
which isnt that unusual. Some pumping format. With the abundance of simple
from the protection circuit was noticeable yet useful features built into this powerful
but the mids seemed to hold up well. The rugged system I feel that in the Pulsar
lows and subs responded well. range it has certainly achieved this aim.
For unknown reasons, the Pulsar range isnt offered for sale in the USA (probably due to pricing
issues - Ed) so our apologies to American readers who would like to try one but cant.
TECH SPEC
HK Audio Pulsar system controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
DuoTilt, 3 separate inputs
MSRPs
PL110FA active top: 699 US $ N/A
PL 115 FA
PL112FA active top: 699 US $ N/A
PL115FA active top: 799 US $ N/A Powered, 1.000 W, 15/1, 135 dB
PL118FA active sub: 899 US $ N/A max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP
controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
Made in: Germany enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
PL 110 FA DuoTilt, 3 separate inputs
Powered, 1,000 W, 10/1, 132 dB
PL 118 Sub A
max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP
Powered subwoofer, 600 watts, 1x
controlled, 2 EQ switches, wooden
18, 130 dB max. SPL, hybrid design
enclosure, M 8 suspension points,
featuring a bass reflex port with
DuoTilt, 3 separate Inputs
resonator chamber, 1x M20, 2 x XLR
Combo In, 2 x XLR Thru, 2 x XLR
PL 112FA
Mid/High Out
Powered, 1.000 W, 12/1, 133 dB
max. SPL, 90 x 55 CD horn, DSP

SENNHEISER
MAKIN
TRACK RECORDING FOR THE R

NG
KS
REAL WORLD
MAKING TRACKS_LETS MIX IT UP A BIT
MAKING TRACKS - RECORDING F

Andi Picker delves even deeper into mixing

FOR THE PRACTICAL MUSICIAN
Lets Mix it up a bit
T
he materials written and making some artistic decisions to
arranged, the parts recorded make the result sound good.
and now its time to make Take a look at pictures of studios used
it sound like a record. Enter The for mixing and youll usually see rack
Mix! For our purposes lets define after rack of colourful boxes covered
a mix as being a 2-track (stereo) with switches and knobs and meters
presentation of the recorded parts and lights; take a look at a screenshot
of an arrangement of a song. What? of an ITB (In The Box) mixing session
OK, its the thing that you actually and youll probably see virtual racks
listen to. Its typically created from full of virtual boxes with all the same
multiple recordings mixed together bits, and all designed to add Ear
to (hopefully) create a result that will Candy to your sound. Its all very
involve and please the listener. Very pretty, but it hides the basic fact that
nice, so how do we make one? mixing is mostly about getting parts
When you listen to a recording the into balance and making room for
sound fits into a limited amount of everything to fit, and the main tools
space; it has width (typically) from for doing this are level, EQ and pan.
the left-hand speaker to the right- Level
hand speaker, it goes from so quiet
that you cant hear it to so loud that Level is a measure of how loud a part
your speakers cant handle it, and it is going to sound - consider a simple
goes from a low frequency of around track with nothing but a singer and
20Hz to a high of around 20kHz. a guitar. You could easily make the
Mixing is about fitting the song guitar REALLY LOUD and the
into that space and at the same time singer really quiet, but the end result
loud and up-front, a drum-solo quiet enough that 25 track Rock mix and the 200 track
that no-one will ever need to hear it, and so pop one too - you need to work-out what is
on. Some parts of a song need to be quiet, the most important part and then carve-out
perhaps an intro, or a quiet bridge before space for it in the supporting sounds.
everything kicks-in loud as hell for the final Pan
chorus. Setting levels is dead-easy, knowing
where to set them is the tricky bit and the Pan is both powerful and dangerous - it
only way that I know of to work that one- controls where in the balance of left-right
out is to listen to a lot of music - how hard we put a sound. In our guitar/vocal example
can that be? we could pan the vocal hard-left and the
guitar hard-right to separate them without
EQ (Equalisation) needing to worry about adjusting EQ; just
EQ is all about changing the balance get the overall levels about right and separate
of frequencies in the recording (or on them in space. This really does work very
playback). If you think about that for a well until someone plays the track back on
moment, its actually making level changes a mono system, or with a pair of speakers
that effect only part of the sound. Some standing right next to each-other, or when
EQs, like most of those found on guitars, it the track gets collapsed to mono for radio
simply roll-off the top end to make the broadcast, so heres a piece of advice: on
sound less bright, others might shift the whatever system you are using; mixing desk,
balance towards either the high or low DAW, summing mixer - whatever - get your
frequencies, whilst others allow separate basic balance sorted with NO panning -
bands of frequencies to be cut or boosted. either put everything dead centre or use the
The important thing about EQ in mixing is mono button on your output. Once you
that you can do it to individual tracks, so if can clearly hear all the parts through setting
you have a shrill guitar sound you can make levels and EQ, then pan them to where you
it warmer at the same time that you make a want them and hear your mix get massive. I
boomy vocal clearer - and thats incredibly quite often mix on a mono speaker, but still
wouldnt
powerful please many people;
for tweaking sounds.orNow do itimagine
the tracks
set panand a couple
positions forofL-Rroom mics,and
guitars thats
drum 25
other wayour
you have round - likewise
example trackyou withwont
just get too
vocal tracks
overheadsbefore
andwethe even
like,consider
and thealternate
momentparts
many fans. Somewhere
and acoustic guitar, the in the middle
sounds theres
themselves and
whenoverdubs.
I un-mono Its exactly
gives metheshivers
same job,
justits
aare
balance where
fine - but youyou cangethear
cant theall thequite
level words, just
about notevery
quitetime.
so easy any more.
and
rightthe guitarthe
- either supports
guitar isthetoosong andormakes
quiet, it Th e trick to setting levels,and
whether
it Grab a set of tracks try youve
this
makes the words hard to hear. Using EQis all
more interesting. Th ats what balance got two tracks or a couple of hundred, is
about.
on the Now
guitartake a full
track youband recording with,
can cut-away the 1. Setwhat
to decide levelspart
so that you can hear
is important a decent
at any
say, eight tracks of drums, two mics
band of frequencies that the vocal is using on each
to moment, balance
and to formake
mostsure partsthat
of the
partsong
can be
of two guitar cabs, each double tracked,
make it quieter, without changing the level a heard. If theres a leadtovocal
2. EQ as needed makethen thatforneeds
room the
mic and
of the DI on
higher thelower
and bass,parts
a stereo keyboard
of the guitar - to be clear,
most important parts of the mix - be
a guitar solo usually needs to
pair and a main vocal plus two
and suddenly you can hear the vocal AND backing vocal
often the vocals and instrument solos.
the guitar and the right level. This works for

TASCAM
Placing tracks in your mix
You may want to adjust your levels a Its very common for different parts of a song
bit after this. to need different treatment, levels especially
3. Pan similar parts (rhythm guitars,
can change a lot from one section to another,
drum overheads, keyboard L/R and so but a good static mix is a fine starting point
on) hard left and right, leave the vocal, for the detail work which well take a look at
bass, kick and snare drums in the next time.
middle for now.
Phase the very basics

If you make two or more recordings of the same sound, and the sound waves are not captured at exactly th
a single source, or a mic and a DI (sound travels slower than electricity), or even with a single mic when yo
added together, some frequencies will add and some will subtract, leaving you with a sound that isnt what
distance away from the source so that they catch the wave-form at the same point, or distant enough that t
they sound good together. Top-tip - set your amp for a loud hiss and move your second mic until the hiss i
future Making Tracks but for now just be aware that you cant avoid it; you just have to work around it.

You can find more articles about recording, or contact me on my website at
www.thedustbowlaudio.com
he same point, you can end up with phase problems. These are usual if you use multiple microphones on
ou have sound bouncing off walls and desks and floors etc. When signals that are not exactly aligned are
you started with. You cant totally get away from it - to minimise it either put your mics exactly the same
they hear different sounds. Alternatively, monitor the summed signals and simply move the mics until
is as strong as you can get it - then lock the mic exactly there. Ill go into more detail about phase in a
MAKING TRACKS_MONITOR REVIEW
As Andi Picker says,

Genelec M040 active monitors than Finlands Genele
project studios?
M
onitoring is its actually a quite different
serious business, beast with solid 21st century
and most serious environmental credentials. Firstly,
4.0 manufacturers have their own

ideas about how it should be
done. Finnish innovator Genelec
the NCE (Natural Composite
Enclosure) is made from an
environmentally friendly material
has been right up-there in the of injection moulded wood pulp
STAR RATING
A-list of serious manufacturers and polymer composite which is
for nearly forty years and its claimed to be both completely
monitors are rightly very highly recyclable (because we all like
PROS: regarded in professional audio to think about how well throw-
Very well made circles. The 8000 series nearfield away our brand-new speakers
Great version of the monitors have been around for the day we choose them) and
Genelec family sound a decade or so; they are easily sonically inert and rigid. Power
High efficiency design recognisable by both their curved is provided by a pair (80/50W
/ environmentally aluminium MDE (Minimum for LF/tweeter) of D-class,
friendly Diffraction Enclosure) and their (high efficiency, low power
Flexible EQ options to family sonic signature, and consumption, low heat output)
help with placement in are now joined by the M series amplifiers with Intelligent
a typical home/project Music Creation range. Given Signal Sensing (ISS) circuits
studio that the 8000s are classified as that switch to standby mode
Pro Monitoring, and given the (consuming a miserly 0.5W)
cosmetic similarities, it would be after approximately a half-hour
CONS: too easy to assume that the Ms
are just not-as-good 8000s. Its
without a signal being present on
the input.
May have been nice really not that simple.
to have a dB or The pair I had for testing is the
so of cut available The M series may look a bit like larger M040 with a 6.5 low
on the high-end the 8000s, it may share the MDE frequency driver and 1 dome
You have to pay for curves, the clever waveguide tweeter and quoted frequency
them contouring, 2-way bi-amped range of 48 to 20K Hz at the
architecture, and yes, it may usual -3dB level (the smaller
well sound kind-of similar, but M030 has a 5 LF driver and

, monitoring is serious business - and few speaker brands are taken more seriously
ec. But can Genelec live up to its prestige image with models priced for home and
way that the low-turbulence

bass reflex port now faces
downwards and exits on the
insides of the legs that
support either side of the
monitors on the desk)
Bass EQ (-2dB shelf centred

at 80Hz)
Tabletop EQ switch (-3dB at

210Hz) to help with mid-range
reflection induced EQ peak
when the speakers are placed
on a reflective table-top
-10/0/-20 dB level controls

along with mains power socket
and switch (110 230V),
and balanced Neutrik combi/
unbalanced RCA inputs.
Its always interesting to listen

to the effect of the tailoring
EQ on a set of monitors, and
to me the M040 EQs are
quotes 58 to 20kHz). The rear panel has a gentle enough to sound natural
set of tailoring switches to help configure and right pretty well however you set
the speaker for the space it is being used in them. In my space I ended-up with -2dB
Bass Level (-2dB/flat/-4dB at 100Hz) on the Bass Level, Bass EQ set flat and
to help compensate for wall/freespace/ power at -10dB which happens to suit
corner placement (also helped by the the calibration I have set on my monitor
MAKING TRACKS_MONITOR REVIEW
Genelec M040 active monitors
controller (I didnt even check the output level the frequency range has a proper
spec - 0dB was just far too loud for me to sense of being connected and there is the
mix with). I did try the Tabletop EQ setting classic Genelec forward sound that makes
with the monitors sitting on a piece of work- working with the higher frequencies very
surface, and whilst I get the general idea Id precise. If anything I might have liked to be
personally rather mount them off-surface and able to tame the highs just a little bit purely
set the EQ flat. as a matter of personal taste - I feel that way
with almost all monitors, and the clean and
What do they sound like? The bottom end undistorted high end never became tiring to
is clear and full with a nice bounce to it work with. With the monitor levels set flat
(to the point where I actually switched-in and an unbalanced input source connected
the low level EQ cut on the occasion when but muted, the only sound I could hear
I really cranked them loud). At any volume was a very low level hiss up to an inch or so

PRESONUS
MAKING TRACKS_iPAD DOCK
A great take on the classic Genelec sound, at

friendly engineering.

t a lower price point and with environmentally
away from the speaker - completely inaudible the range positioning isnt quite as simple
beyond that. Stereo image was stable and as not-quite-so-good versions of the Pro
wide enough that I never moved far enough Monitoring solutions. These are certainly not
to hear it wander, and I never noticed any
reflex port woofing nor the bass smearing
to the infamous ported-monitor single note
smudge. Very good!
On balance I think they sound pretty much

like I remember classic Genelecs sounding,
but heres the thing; when I tried a set of
8040s some years ago I wasnt convinced
that they were right for me, but I liked the
M040s straight away. I dont have any older
speakers to make a direct comparison with,
but my very unscientific gut-feeling is that
the Ms are possibly a little warmer than
I remember. I think the Ms are different
enough in their technology to stand on their
own; theyre certainly a cheaper option, but
at the moment Im struggling to find very
much that they actually seem to give away
for the difference (other than the rather nice
Iso-Pod mounts), and thats why I say that
MAKING TRACKS_RECORDING REVIEW
cheap-budget monitors, and they are in an ultra-competitive segment of the monitor market,
but Id certainly put a pair on my must-try list if I was monitor shopping and they fit my
budget and spec. A great take on the classic Genelec sound, at a lower price point and with
environmentally friendly engineering. If youre in this market, try a pair.
TECH SPEC
Genelec M040 Active Nearfield High Frequency Driver: 25mm (1)
Monitor dome
MSRP 539 each US $ 996 each Mid/Low frequency driver: 165 mm
Made in: Finland (6.5)
Type: 2 way, active, nearfield monitor Cabinet dimensions: 337 x 235 x 229
mm (13.25 x 9.25 x 9)
Frequency Response: 48Hz 20kHz at
-3 dB at 1 meter Weight: 7.4 kgs (15.4 lbs)
Maximum SPL: 107 dB

YOU ROCK
MAKING TRACKS_MICROPHONE REVIEW
Looking for a truly

Sennheiser Mk8 LDC Microphone Andi Picker may h
I
like microphones. You the speakers and we realise that
can reasonably expect were actually hearing just a nice
4.0
a decent analogue version of what we put-in. Given
mic to last a lifetime without time and use, these are the mics
worrying about operating system that often end-up being used on
or interface upgrades turning every session, and I believe that
STAR RATING it into a paperweight, and that the Sennheiser Mk8 is one of
means that theres some point in them.
investing in good quality kit and
looking after it. Back in GI issue 22 I reviewed
PROS: the stunningly pretty Sennheiser
If you need a microphone to MK4 microphone and noted
Very classy, neutral
do one specific job really well that it has a Hi Fi real sound
sound
(and accept that it may be pretty to it - its in that neutral plus
Very flexible bad on some other things) then a bit flattering list, (and it
youve got a bit of work to do also happens to be the best
Very stylish original for yourself; select a number of microphone Ive ever used to
looks mics that fit your budget and try record my daughters vocals).
them with THAT voice or THAT Well the Mk8 is the Mk4s bigger,
Solid build
guitar, perhaps in your own better equipped new playmate, so
Very good quality and studio, and listen for yourself for whats it got?
sound one that has the glimmer.
Actually, the Mk8 is the Mk4s
A great multi-purpose mic, on identically sized, better equipped
the other-hand, will tend to new playmate, because Sennheiser
CONS: have a mostly neutral sound has managed to squeeze the dual,
Optional shock that slightly flatters most things one inch, gold spattered, shock-
mount is quite costly that its pointed at. It takes some mounted capsules, along with
experience to get to grips with five switchable polar patterns,
these mics, and the first recording three levels of switchable trim,
session is often followed by a bit and two levels of low frequency
of an oh, is that it? moment, roll-off, into an enclosure that
when stars dont shoot out of appears to be identical except for

y great multi-purpose large diaphragm condenser mic for your project studio?
have the very thing...
Sennheiser Mk8 LDC Microphone
the three switches around the back. What mic, on acoustic guitar and on several electric
theyve done is to make a very flexible mic guitar cabs, trying different polar patterns to
even more so. either focus on the sound that I did want, or
to cut the sound I didnt. It worked well on
For me, the really exciting new feature is the everything (not great up-close on dirty guitar
choice of five selectable polar patterns, from cabs - I rarely use LDCs for this - but very
full-omni (records from all around) through nice as a distance mic about six feet back
various types of cardioid (rejection of sound from the cab).
from the back) to figure-of-8 (records front
and back equally with strong rejection to the I was pleasantly surprised to find that the
sides). I used the mic for spoken word and sound doesnt get unduly phasey as you move
sung vocal, as a room mic for a full band around the edges of the polar patterns, and
session, as a mono overhead, a kick-drum it has a reasonably consistent quality across

TANNOY
For me, the really exciting new feature is the
the different selections (bearing

that the different patterns are p
different parts of the sound in t
and experience different amoun
proximity effect). You might ex
all multi-pattern mics would ju
this way; they dont, it takes go
and engineering, and its one of
things that makes a better mic
paying for.
You also get low-cut filters at 60

100Hz which cover both botto
rumble and proximity effect ba
on close-mic positions and the
-10dB pads are useful for trimm
output to suit your pre-amps (m
TECH SPEC
Sennheiser Mk8 Microp
MSRP 690 US $749
Made in: Germany
Type Externally polarized du

diaphragm LDC
Pattern: Omni, Wide Cardio

e choice of five selectable polar patterns
g in mind coped fine at the flat setting at the levels I I thought that the Mk8 cardioid sound
picking up used the mic at so I didnt really do much was a little darker with the super-cardioid
the room with these). setting being more subjectively similar.
nts of
xpect that I really like the original Mk4, it has a The microphone market is pretty-well
ust work quality that makes it an easy and safe go- saturated at all levels, from mics that cost
ood design to when you just need to get recording as much as a takeaway to ones that cost
f those but the Mk8 takes the flexibility to a new as much as a car. At some point you need
worth level, and if youre not used to multi- to decide how much a microphone can
pattern mics you can simply start-out be worth to you; will you use it a couple
with it set to cardioid as a grab-and-go of times a year for hobby recording, or
60 and setting and experiment from there. If will it need to stand-up to constant every-
om-end youve used a Mk4, Ill mention that I did day use? If youve got a space in the mic
ass-bloom notice a couple of differences; levels from locker for a high quality, German made
-20 and the twin-capsule Mk8 are a little lower workhorse mic then stick the Mk8 on
ming the than the Mk4, and although the Mk4 is your shortlist.
mine described as having a cardioid pattern,
phone Cardioid, Super Cardioid, Figure- Sensitivity 17.4mV/Pa

of-8
Equivalent Noise 10dBA SPL
Low-cut Linear, -6dB/octave at
100Hz, -12dB/octave at 60Hz Dynamic Range 130dB
ual Maximum SPL 140dB
Attenuation 0dB, -10dB, -20dB
Frequency Range 20Hz 20 KHz Weight 485g

oid,
MAKING TRACKS_SOFTWARE REVIEW
Stuck with an audio problem that seems impo

iZotope RX4 Repair scientists at iZotope
S
ome years ago I was the last note of the best solo the
given some tracks to guitarists ever played is dying-
4.0
mix. The recorded out, video camera noise, room
performances were excellent but ambience, mobile phone chirps
there was a distracting rumble - the list of even common ones
all over the recordings. I tried is frighteningly long. Heres the
STAR RATING filtering and EQing and gating odd thing; most of those listeners
but got nowhere useful, and after wholl never notice when you do
wasting several hours I called a something really clever to make a
friend to ask if he had any ideas. recording sound great will register
PROS: He told me to send the tracks instantly the moment theres
Great functionality, over and the following day I got something wrong, and its a heck
thoughtful feature set them back, clean and clear. Of of a lot more difficult to fix it
course, he wouldnt tell me how than it is to mangle it.
Works very well he did it - it took many beers
before he admitted that the job There are some basic tools that
Basic functions is very you can use to remove or reduce
had taken him ten minutes with
easy to use noise but the big problem is
a thing called RX.
getting enough of the noise out
Audio recordings are horribly of the result without doing too
CONS: prone to catching sounds that much damage to the audio that
we didnt want and that no- we want to keep. This is one of
Theres a lot to get
one noticed at the time, or just those areas where a dedicated
your head around
didnt have the time or energy or tool can not only save time, but
Some functionality ability to fix. Classic examples are can also help us to do things
takes practice buzzing amps, air conditioning that we simply cant manage
noises, traffic (Ive had a with standard audio tools. Noise
helicopter hovering overhead for reduction tools tend to work
45 minutes and not noticed until by sampling noise and then
I listened back to the recorded removing it, or by applying
tracks), dogs barking, drummers profiles of known types of noise
falling over, chairs creaking, which you then fine-tune to suit
someone shouting YEAH! as your recording.

ossible to fix? Dont despair, says Andi Picker. Help is at hand from those rocket
iZotope RX4 Repair
Enter RX-4! The programme can run standalone or as a

plug-in in your DAW or NLE (Non Linear
RX4 is the latest version of that suite of Editor); Im going to work through the
restoration software from the clever folks at stand-alone version here because I think
iZotope. There are two versions, the standard its easier to get an overview that way - the
and the Advanced package. Im going to look functionality is there in the plug-in version
at the standard version here as it contains the too; you just choose which components you
core functions that are useful in everyday life, want to use in the DAW or NLE framework.
and box-out the highlights of the Advanced
version. Theres a lot in RX, so I suggest The main screen is mainly taken up with
taking a look at this articles video to see a large waveform display, with a toolbar,
what it looks like and to get an idea of how it meter and transport controls below, level and
works. frequency scales and a list of modules to the

right and a set of tabs above. The waveform got a problem with hum in your track you
display shows the common outline display want the Remove Hum module, if youve
of level against time in blue, and also the got clicks on a vinyl transfer, the Declick
orange/yellow spectral representation that module will help you, steady background
lets you see both frequency content and noise on a voice track - try the Dialogue
level against time - it can be a bit confusing option of the Denoiser module, clipping
if youve never worked with one before, but - Declip and so on. Spectral Repair takes
gives a lot of information, and once you get a bit of practice, but if you think of it as
you head around it youll find that you can allowing you to paint-over unwanted noise
actually see noises in your audio. then you wont be too far off the mark.
Alongside the repair functions is a range
The modules cover specific tasks which are of useful utility tools including 6 band
generally clear from the name - if youve parametric EQ and iZotopes own MBIT+
The basic RX4 is a powerful and flexible solut

good results with very little effort
dither and SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) functions that make the workflow about as
modules which are very good indeed. easy and safe as it can be.
Most of the functions are pretty easy to Unlike traditional audio processing where
get started with; without reading the we can do pretty well anything we like, and
documentation you can figure how to load if it adds mojo or vibe then its good,
audio then take a pretty good stab at what restoration work has a definite base-line; we
module(s) you need to fix your problem, can all hear what the initial audio sounds
and a helpful selection of presets will most like, and in general we to want it to sound
likely get you close to where you want to just the same, but without the noise. Of
be. If you need more then you can fine-tune course, there are limits to what can be done,
and tweak settings to refine your results to but those limits are a lot further away than
the level you need. Incidentally, iZotope they used to be. Restoration work needs
publishes an excellent (and free) overview of powerful and well thought-out algorithms
audio restoration called Audio Repair and and clear and informative interfaces, and
Enhancement Guide which is well worth these are areas where iZotope has consistently
reading. been amongst the best in the business, and in
my experience the RX series has consistently
If theres one major problem with restoration been amongst the restoration software front-
work, its knowing when to stop. If weve runners. The basic RX4 is a powerful and
got an unwanted noise thats distracting, flexible solution that is capable of achieving
then we need to reduce it to a level where it surprisingly good results with very little
isnt distracting - achieve that and our jobs effort, and some truly startling results if you
done. Of course, once we start to zoom- take the time to learn how to use it to its
in on a noise we end-up getting obsessed fullest capabilities! And once you do, there
with removing it, and too often end-up is the Advanced version which, while a lot
spoiling the audio that we want to keep. more costly, offers even more features and
RX4 cant stop us from doing this, but the abilities.
interface provides bypass, compare and undo

tion that is capable of achieving surprisingly
TECH SPEC
Izotope RX4 Operating System: Windows 7/8, Mac
Price: Basic US $349 Advanced US OS X 10.7 & later on Intel machine
$1,199
Type: Standalone or Plugin (AAX,

RTAS/Audio Suite, VST2, VST3,
Audio Unit
THE
QUIE
ROOM
WHEN ONLY ACOUSTIC WI

E
ET
M
LL DO
THE QUIETROOM_VICKI GENFAN

Vicki Genfan is one of the worlds great exponents of open tunings
on acoustic guitar. Shes also one of the foremost percussive acoustic
players, with her own unique Slap-Tap style. Gary Cooper asked Vicki
to explain the development of her unique approach and offers this
appreciation of one of acoustic guitars greats.
It takes a lot to impress the is that good and when we first

hardened guitar wranglers at heard her, giving a guitar clinic
Guitar Interactive. And if weve for US acoustic maker Luna,
been exposed to some impressive we knew wed discovered a very
playing down the years, just special artist. We arent the only
how good do you have to be to ones impressed. Vicki won her
enter a competition and wow a competition and was crowned
panel of judges including Andy Guitar Superstar. That was back
Summers, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, in 2008 - and she has got even
Elliot Easton, Brendon Small better, since.
and George Lynch? Vicki Genfan
There are several things that set Vicki apart young Vicki Genfan. She picked up the open
from most of her peers - and one of them tuning bug from another musical genius,
isnt that shes a woman. Great musicians Joni Mitchell, who was, herself, a pioneer
are great musicians and most of the worlds in this esoteric guitar art. Add a youthful
top orchestras are filled with female players, interest in Jazz, as well as the music of James
so lets just forget that can girls really play? Taylor and Bob Dylan, and you have the
stuff and get on with the music. influences which took Vicki on to what later
fused into a style that is all her own. She calls
The first thing that sets Vicki apart is her it Slap-Tap.
mastery of open tunings. Arguments roll
back and forth about who first started the Percussive acoustic playing has become
modern use of open tunings on guitar. My something of a thing for us in the Quiet
money is on the late Davey Graham, who Room. Weve had Manelli Jamal and Don
pioneered the use of DADGAD in the very Alder presenting columns. Weve hosted
early 1960s and whose astonishing breadth a session from Jon Gomm and weve
of vision saw him more or less invent what interviewed Tommy Emmanuel, but Vicki
later became known as world music two adds some unique graces to the genre. She
decades before the term was minted. But clearly takes a lot of her rhythms from dance
it wasnt Davey Graham who inspired the and Funk - think slap bass players - and she
Vicki Genfan Interview Part 1

Lowden
Vicki Genfan Interview Part 2

As if that wasnt enough, she adds harmonics to
make a curiously contrasting blend of the earthy
and rhythmic with the unearthly and melodic.

Vicki Genfan Performance 1

blends that with an extraordinary gift for some achievement!
open tunings (she has 29 that she uses). As
if that wasnt enough, she adds harmonics So, please sit back and watch Vickis
to make a curiously contrasting blend of the performances, recorded specially for Guitar
earthy and rhythmic with the unearthly and Interactive, then watch her interview. She
melodic. is a unique player who loves to teach (she
offers online live tuition and has a DVD
Did I mention that she can sing, write teaching course on sale) whose technique
songs and interpret others songs brilliantly alone open-up new worlds of possibilities
(witness her enigmatic version of John for guitarists who feel they have hit the brick
Lennons already puzzling Norwegian Wood, wall of inspiration.
in this feature) and you have the perfect
combination to make an utterly insufferable Ladies and gentlemen - Guitar Interactive
artist. Which, happily, she isnt. When Vicki proudly presents - Vicki Genfan!
came into the GI studio she charmed even Visit: www.vickigenfan.com
our grizzled, veteran film crew - which is
THE QUIETROOM_GUITAR REVIEW
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe

Dreadnought
The latest from Tanglewood moves the company into the heart of the hotly con-
tested upper-mid acoustic market. The brand new Premier models are designed
by the great Michael Sanden and said to offer fantastic value for the high quality
on offer. But was Michael Casswell impressed?
T
he Tanglewood business - so these new models
brand has been should be really special.
4.0
around since 1988,
originally producing very usable, The sample model Tanglewood
inexpensive guitars for beginners sent us was a Premier Deluxe
or semi-pro players. Specialising DC, which is a large, handsome
just in acoustics, the company guitar, clearly made to the sort
STAR RATING of standards that weve come
put a lot of passion into a market
sector often let down by the big to associate with the company.
PROS: brands, whose cheaper acoustics
could sometimes be pretty poor.
The cutaway makes higher
access easier and the action and
Great design from set-up seemed perfect, strung
Michael Sanden Its no exaggeration to say that
Tanglewood raised everyones with 12-53 DAddario EXP
Fine looks strings. As you so often find with
game.
Fishman pre-amp is Tanglewoods, the guitar looks
excellent The result was a huge success more expensive than it is, with a
A great stage guitar for the company, which rapidly very nice Englemann spruce solid
became established in Europe top (not laminated!), and a highly
CONS: as a major name in the acoustic figured tiger stripe mahogany
Maybe better amplified world. Recently the brand has back and sides. It looks great,
than acoustic begun to sell in the USA, too. and in theory we should get
brightness from the spruce top,
Tanglewoods new Premier range with serious mid and warmth
has been designed from the strap coming from the mahogany. The
buttons up by the Swedish master neck is regular looking mahogany
guitar builder Michael Sanden, and the fretboard and bridge are
who is one of the best in the rosewood. Open die cast tuners

Things certainly come
alive though when
you plug it in and get
that Fishman INK
pre-amp cooking!
complete the package, making for

what I think anyone would agree is
a very handsome guitar, regardless
of its asking price.
This is a new range of guitars and

ours was one of the first in the
country, which may account for
a sense that the DeLuxe was just
a little tight in its construction.
This isnt a bad thing and its
not unusual in acoustics, which
very often get better as they get
played-in. Weve all probably come
across new instruments from even
the most revered names in the
business and wondered why they
didnt quite set the world on fire
and thats often the answer - they
needed playing-in and a bit of time. have seen in the UK and it really is very
None of which is to say the DeLuxe was impressive, working particularly well on
bad, because it wasnt - just a little lacking this Tanglewood. The three-band EQ is
in responsiveness played acoustically. comprehensive and can easily change the
character, from a big fat dreadnought
Things certainly come alive though when sound, to a small bodied and delicate
you plug it in and get that Fishman INK parlour-like delicacy. With the Fishman
pre-amp cooking! Im always impressed INK on board the Tanglewood justifies
by Fishman onboard pre-amps and this itself as a hard working live tool, or a
is a great choice for the Tanglewood. studio mic it up and DI it tool. I know
In fact, this is the first of these newly if you stuck the right mic on this guitar
developed Fishman packages that we and plugged the Fishman into the desk,
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe Dreadnought

no one would know it is a mid-priced
instrument. The Fishman also gives you a
very handy onboard tuner which displays
very well and is accurate.
This is a very nice guitar and would

certainly fit the bill for many players
- especially those who need a guitar
which they can use on stage, where that
Fishman transducer system really would
come in handy. In a lot of respects its a
very honest guitar, delivering just about
everything you would expect from its
size, shape and style. In other words, its
all very familiar, with the exception of the
lovely tiger stripe mahogany body, which
does look good, although you would have
to get into the habit of telling your guitar
buddies that it isnt flamed maple, its
mahogany. Youll be saying that a lot!
So a well made, Fishman equipped, nice looking, mid-priced acoustic that does exactly
what it sets out to do. There are a lot of guitars to choose from in this price range, but the
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe SF is certainly one that deserves to be on your audition list!
TECH SPEC
Tanglewood Premier Deluxe Binding (top) abs black & white
Dreadnought
Binding (side) abs ivory
MSRP 599 US $ TBC
Saddle pps, compensated
Made in: China
Nut (width) pps (43mm)
Shape cutaway dreadnought
Scale length 650mm
Top solid aa Englemann spruce
Bridge pins abs black with white dots
Back tiger stripe mahogany
Machine heads open die-cast
Sides tiger stripe mahogany
Finish natural gloss
Neck (material) mahogany
EQ Fishman INK
Fingerboard rosewood
Strings DAddario exp16 12-53
Bridge rosewood

Crafter
Freshman FA1DNS and RENOCSB

Can a small Scottish acoustic guitar maker really compete against the industry giants? R
Freshmans efforts so far. But now the company is going head to head with some of the
Should one of these two be on your Christmas list? Lewis Turner finds out.
D
espite having recently reached Freshman Maple Ridge
4.5
its10 year anniversary, FA1DNS Dreadnought
Freshman guitars remains
a fairly underground company. Based Part of Freshmans Maple
just outside Glasgow, each of its guitars is Ridge collection, these guitars
designed in Scotland, with final production are designed to accommodate
STAR RATING a smaller budget without
handled by a dedicated production facility
in Asia, where each guitar is handmade. sacrificing quality. The
Currently Freshman Guitars has six key lines: FA1DNS is a Dreadnought sized acoustic.
Renegade, Maple Ridge, Songwriter Series, Its a great looking instrument with flawless
Apollo Collection, Cedar Creek and Manuel finish throughout. At this price range you
Ferrino classical guitars. In addition to this might expect to find the odd sharp fret edge,
they also offer a select range of ukuleles or bit of seeping glue here and there, but
and semi-acoustic guitars, as well as an there were no such issues on our sample. The
accessories range. In this review Im taking natural satin finish is classy and understated,
a look at two of Freshmans steel strung with the scratchplate included separately
guitars, the straight-ahead FA1DNS, and the should you wish to add it, depending on
electro-acoustic RENOCSB. Both of these your preference. The combination of a
guitars are in the lower price range, which is solid A grade Canadian Sitka spruce top,
currently a very competitive market. So how mahogany back and sides, with a rosewood
do these stack up to the competition? Dont fingerboard does a great job of tone
forget to check out the two videos to hear matching overall, with the mahogany giving
how they sound! depth/warmth and the spruce top adding
some mids and bright top end. Impressively,
despite the low price, this Freshman even
includes quarter sawn, scalloped X-bracing
inside - and thats something else you dont

Regular Quiet Room readers will already know we think a lot of
big names in the acoustic world in the very affordable market.
The playability
on our sample
was spot on,
as was the
intonation
and dynamic
continuity.
expect to see in this price range. gold machine heads that look and feel
like they belong on a far more expensive
The playability on our sample was spot guitar.
on, as was the intonation and dynamic
continuity. If you are used to low action Dreadnoughts are probably the most
and thin electric necks, then this set-up basic of acoustic guitars but there is
may take some adjustment, as the action still plenty of room for failure with
was a little on the high side, but thats poor construction, choice of woods and
not necessarily a bad thing: a slightly attention to detail. I am happy to report
higher action tends to yield better that no such problems exist with this one
tone and reduces the problems of fret from Freshman, this is a fantastic pull out
buzz. Being a Dreadnought size there and play guitar, with a head-scratchingly
was plenty of volume achievable, good low asking price!
resonance throughout and an array of
tones available depending on where and Freshman Renegade RENOCSB
how you played it. Tuning stability was electro-acoustic
great and that has a lot to do with the Freshmans RENOCSB is the same
Freshman FA1DNS Review

price as the FA1DNS
4.5
but comes as an electro
acoustic. This is made
possible I should think,
due to this model being
a Folk size rather than
STAR RATING
Dreadnought, and also
because the top, although
still Sitka spruce, is not solid. Also in
common with its sibling, this one has
a mahogany back, sides and neck with
a rosewood fingerboard. Acoustically,
compared to the FA1DS, it has to be
said there is not as much volume or
depth to the tone, although the sound is
still very pleasing, with nice warm mids
courtesy of the mahogany. The finish
was immaculate, and the playability spot
on. Both guitars were set up in a similar
way, so once again may take a little
getting used to if youre used to a lower
action.
The cutaway on this model made the

dusty end of the fretboard far more
accessible, although that has to be
weighed against having taken some
wood away from the instrument, and
therefore losing some of the natural
resonance.
The important test with this model,

though, was how it sounded plugged in.
The electronics are Freshmans own EQ
System and META 20GT pickup, which
has a built-in tuner. The addition of a
tuner at this price range is very pleasing,
especially as this may be bought for
the beginner guitarist. The EQ system
Freshman RENOCSB
was self explanatory and easy to use, as was As with the FA1DNS, the RENOCSB is
the tuner. Plugged straight into the studio equipped and finished to a much higher spec
PA system the pickup worked well, offering then you would expect in this price range.
warm tones and bright tops without losing No corners have been cut, just good honest
much of the natural acoustic tonal qualities, workmanship and attention to detail making
there were also no issues with feedback, this a serious contender for those looking for
despite being very close to the fold-backs. their first, or another electro-acoustic.

This was my first experience of Freshman guitars and I have been hugely
impressed by the high quality throughout, great playability and fantastic tones
for this sort of price. Competition is fierce out there at the moment for lower
priced acoustics, but these two should be placed right at the forefront. Dont
be taken in by the if its made by Brand X it must be better sales pitch. If
you judge these two guitars on their merits, they are both excellent. If you
are looking for a top quality, great sounding acoustic or electro acoustic then I
highly recommend that you go check these out.
PROS: CONS:
Both very well made Action and neck size may take a little
getting used to
Great sounds
Basic acoustic tone of the RENOCSB a
Quality materials and hardware little compromised for the electronics
Fantastic prices
TECH SPEC
Freshman Maple Ridge FA1DNS RENOCSB:
Dreadnought
Body Type: Folk Body Cutaway
Freshman Renegade RENOCSB Electro Acoustic
MSRP 199.95 each US $ TBC
Top: Sitka Spruce
Made in: China
Back: Mahogany
FA1DNS:
Sides: Mahogany
Body Type: Dreadnought Acoustic
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Hardware: Geared Diecast Machine
Back: Mahogany Heads
Sides: Mahogany Electronics: Freshman EQ System with

Tuner
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Finish: Sunburst Gloss
Hardware: Gold Machine Heads
Finish: Natural Satin

Elixir Acoustic Strings
Aria ASA 18H Travel Guitar

Small sized acoustics have taken the market by storm in the past few years. But while po
ing tone to achieve? Tom Quayle checks out a brand new model from veteran maker Ari
T
ravel guitars are a prefer), an alternative to the
great idea, especially more expensive mahogany more
4.5
in these days of strict normally used in this type of
airline rules on cabin baggage guitar. The top is also sapelli,
sizes and weights, which mean giving the guitar a unified
guitar players frequently have and classy look with a distinct
STAR RATING to fight to get their beloved but subtle dark grain running
instrument onto the plane with throughout and a lovely tobacco
them instead of at the mercy colour, matching beautifully with
PROS: of an unscrupulous baggage
handler. Whilst the concept has
the rosewood fingerboard. The
neck is constructed from nato, a
Superb value for been around for quite some time common choice on acoustics in
money now, there have been very few this price range, and looks great
Visually very pleasing aesthetically and tonally pleasing too with its slotted headstock and
Great playability and examples, with the results often vintage, open gear tuners. Arias
construction being either too ugly or too boxy decision to leave the fretboard
sounding to really be worth your free from inlays is a good one
Surprisingly good tone time. Aria are looking to fix these too, giving a clean look that
considering the size/ issues with their diminutive ASA could have become cluttered with
shape 18H Parlour guitar, combining this size of guitar. The design is
Travel bag included classic good looks with as much finished with a burnt in rosette
Mics up well tone as you can squeeze out of its that is cost effective and pretty,
tiny body. plus an intonated bridge saddle
Would suit beginners for great intonation across the
as well as travellers Theres no denying that the ASA range of the guitar.
18H is a looker thanks to the
CONS: traditional slotted headstock and Internally and externally the
beautiful clear, satin finished ASA 18H is a very well made
Limited tonal range as
wood. The body is constructed guitar that feels both solid and
youd expect from its
from sapelli (or sapele, if you cared for in the construction
size

ortability is something we all want, is it worth sacrific-
ia.
Theres no denying
that the ASA 18H
is a looker thanks
to the traditional
slotted headstock
and beautiful clear,
satin finished wood.
process. The inside of the review

sample was clean and precise
with the same attention paid
to the external finishing on the
neck and body with no rough
sanding or fretwork to speak of.
The design has resulted in a very
pretty guitar that benefits from
the wider bout at the back of the
body and feels very comfortable
in a sitting position without
feeling like the size of the guitar
is diminishing its playability in
any way. In many ways, these
travel sized guitars are easier
to play and youll find yourself
playing chordal parts that would seem far tuning stability was solid and reliable. The
harder on a longer scale length instrument tuners did their job well and didnt feel overly
and the Aria is no exception. stiff, which can sometimes be a problem
in this price range, whilst having enough
In general, playability was very good on this resistance to enable accurate placement.
guitar with a good factory setup offering
a sensible compromise between playing Tonally the ASA 18H will never be able to
ease and tonal quality. Moving around the compete with bigger bodied Parlour guitars
range of the neck there were no dead spots but, considering its size, it is an admirable
or untoward buzzing noises to speak of and performer, matching its good looks with

a bold and ambitious tone for such a small guitar. The attack is very piano like across the
range and responds well dynamically to a range of techniques without ever sounding like a
budget instrument. The only thing missing is a warm bottom end to the frequency range
but this simply cannot be achieved with such a body size and the tone is loud enough and
bright enough to be heard for campfire sing alongs or impromptu acoustic jams with enough
depth to work well miked-up in a studio. It has a unique tone all of its own once miked that
should be considered not as a replacement for a traditional acoustic but rather an interesting
Aria ASA 18H Travel Guitar
sound that could sit alongside an acoustic At this price point there isnt anything really
in the studio and offer something different. negative to say about the Aria ASA 18H.
For travellers, its intended market, the For the cost of some beginner guitars this
ASA 18H offers an attractive package that is a very capable performer with solid wood
finally combines a good looking guitar with construction and a very pleasing look that is
a decent tone that isnt overly boxy or mid perfect for travellers or those looking for a
rangy complete with a travelling bag, perfect small bodied bargain. If you can find one it
for the back of the car or the overhead bin on comes highly recommended.
an aeroplane.
TECH SPEC
Aria ASA 18H Travel Guitar Frets: 20F
MSRP 129 US $TBC Scale: 580 mm
Made in: China Nut width: 42 mm
Body: Sapelli Bridge: Rosewood
Neck: Nato Hardware: Chrome
Fingerboard: Rosewood Finish: Natural (Open Pore)

Faith
Dean Spider Quilt Maple Resonator

Always wanted to try a resonator guitar for that genuine Delta Blues sound? Put off expe
Michael Casswell may have found the answer...
S
o it turns out that playing along the way. Secondly,
Dean dont just make you need to be confident on an
4.0
guitars that Rock. No, acoustic guitar, and not just any
they also make guitars that will acoustic guitar, but an acoustic
treat you to some cool Country guitar set with up a high action to
and some dirty Blues! This brand complement your slide playing.
STAR RATING new trans black resonator will Lastly, it seems traditional with
certainly do both. A Resonator, a resonator to use some kind of
in case you dont know, is open tuning, of which there are
PROS: basically an acoustic guitar with
a metal speaker cone in the body,
many. So these are all factors to
consider if you want to purchase
Authentic sound which creates a glorious Delta our Dean Resonator in order
Very well made Blues sound that can only be got to create that great Blues sound
Great woods from this type of guitar. The holy convincingly. But if youve got
grail of resonators were made the chops, or are seriously about
Good price many decades ago by National trying to develop them, then this
and Dobro and such treasured could well be the right guitar for
CONS: vintage instruments come with you.
Like all resonators, can a very high price tag. This good
looking alternative, however, was What amazes me is how guitar
be be tough to play like this can be put together at
made in China, comes at a very
modest cost, and will give you all such a low price. The top back
the resonator mojo you need. and sides of the Dean are quilted
ash, but it looks like quilted
Playing a resonator is much maple, which is a luxurious
harder than it first seems. Ideally, wood. In any case, to make these
you should be a fairly competent guitars in bulk, Dean must have
bottleneck player, because part of scored a big consignment of
the true resonator guitar sound this highly figured wood, which
usually combines with some slide nowadays is not an easy task.

erimenting by the high prices resonators command?
Ideally, you
should be a
fairly competent
bottleneck player,
because part of
the true resonator
guitar sound usually
combines with some
slide playing along
the way.
In fact I am impressed by the

quality, depth and consistency
of its appearance overall. The
translucent black stain and gloss
poly finish certainly makes it
pretty in a modern look kind of
way. There are also natural and
distressed oil finished available.
Scale length is 24 3/4 and we

have 19 frets on a very dark piece
of rosewood. Again, dark

rosewood to me means
quality, although on very
close inspection, there are
tiny traces of filler around
the fret work and inlays
which would lead me to
believe that it possibly
might be stained darker
than it naturally is. But
please dont quote me on
this, it is pure speculation
and this rosewood
board could very well
be naturally dark. The
frets are not the nicest I
have seen and are fairly
small and thin, but really
this guitar is all about
using a bottleneck and
keeping the use of frets
to a minimum. Which is
why we have a mans high
action and heavy strings,
so if you do want to do
some delicate acoustic
style picking, it will take a

little more effort than usual! Obviously, every guitar is adjustable to how you would personally
like things, but this particular review guitar is definitely asking to break out your bottleneck.
I have played a few resonators over the years, and some - the really expensive ones, of course
- really grab the notes and sing. This guitar does sound cool but the resonance wasnt as good
as some I have played, which made me work a little harder than I would have liked. Saying
that, I would happily pick this up in the studio if I needed the very cool tone that a resonator
makes.
Dean Resonator Spider Quilt Maple Resonator
There are no electronics in this one, so its This is a very modestly priced guitar
all about your mic placement. Actually we (especially if you check out the street prices,
found when filming that it sounded just as rather than the quoted MSRPs) and for what
good wherever we put the mic. The single you get, it is a bargain. Chinese manufacture
spider cone in the body is what makes the keeps costs low and this will get those Delta
magic happen, and the sound made when Blues moments done with no problem.
combined with a slide is so iconic and creates Definitely worth a look!
instant mojo.
TECH SPEC
Dean Resonator Spider Quilt Neck Profile C
Maple Resonator
Fingerboard Rosewood Inlays
MSRP 639 US $747.50
No. of Frets 19
Made in: China
Tuners Sealed Die Cast
Top: Quilt Ash
Hardware Color Chrome
Body Quilt Ash
Binding Single Ply Black Body and
Neck Maple Neck
Scale Length 24 3/4 Finish Gloss
Neck Type Set Neck

ARIA & SUBSCRIBE
THE QUIETROOM_GIORGIO SERCI

Giorgio Serci
Creative Fingerstyle Study n.19
Hello there and welcome to Guitar This compositional and arranging
Interactives Quiet Room! technique is very common, and it is
a fantastic strategy to add an element
In this column well be looking at of surprise to the piece by using
another composition of mine called non-diatonic chords, which create a
Study n. 18. This piece features a more contrasting and less predictable
few arranging and compositional outcome.
ideas, the most recurring one being
the use of modal interchange. This Another recurrent strategy, which
consists of borrowing chords from I have used in this piece, is the use
the parallel scales. This piece, in of secondary dominant chords.
facts, starts in the key of E major and These create a momentary change of
as well as featuring diatonic chords harmony and add another element
(belonging to the key of E major), of tension and release. These are
it includes chords from the parallel described as direct modulations and
scales to E major. This is evident in consist of changing key via chord
bar 1, where the second chord can be V7 of the key we are modulating
seen as chord VI of E minor. into. This is evident in bar 5, where
Giorgio Serci
I modulate from the key of E to the key of A Eventually, these sounds will become part of
via an E7. your musical lexicon and youll be able to use
these with fluidity and effectiveness.
A variety of chord voicings and chord types
have been used. For example, drop 2, drop The picking-hand pattern is predominantly
4, close voicings and quartal harmony. (You as follows:
may want to research these and try to spot
them within the piece) (Please note E=low E string, e= high E
string)
I would strongly recommend exploring the
above-mentioned techniques to write your p and a play simultaneously the outer
own pieces. We have to allow ourselves notes of the chord then p ,i and m pluck
to make mistakes and we should try to respectively the D, G and B strings. Next,
understand why we like or not a particular p and a play simultaneously the E and B
sound, a chord progression or modulation. strings, and then mim. The time signature

is 4/4 and this pattern should consist of 8 Bar 7: (Beat 1-2) Barre on fret 4 Play fret
quavers. 4 of E and e, then fret 4 of G and B. Next
fret 4 of A and G, ring f on fret 6 of B and
Play this part in a relaxed and clear manner, middle f on fret 5 of e. (Beat 3-4) Arpeggiate
making sure your thumb is a little forward fret 4 of G, fret 6 of B and 4 of e.
compared to the i, m, a fingers, in order
to prevent it from colliding with the i Bar 8: (beat 1-2) As bar 7 but two frets
finger. As always, focus on attack and tonal down. (Beat 3-4) Arpeggiate fret 2 of G, fret
consistency. The melody and the supporting 4 of B and 2 of e.
harmonies will be played with the a finger,
so it is important to outline the melody with Bar 9: As bar 5.
more attack. Bar 10: (Beat 1-2) Open A and ring f on
Next we are going to look at the left hand fret 12 of e. Middle f on fret 11 of D, little f
part: on fret 13 of G and index f on fret 10 of B.
(Beat 3-4) Open A, then fret 10 of D, fret 9
Bar 1: (beat 1 -2) Open E and e, middle f on of G, open B and fret 10 of e.
fret 2 of A, little f on fret 4 of D and index f
on fret 1 of G. Open B and e. (beat 3-4) ring
f on fret 3 of A, open B, middle f on fret 2 of Bar 11: (beat 1) Fret 3 of E, G, B and little
A and Little f on fret 4 of D. Index to play a f on fret 7 of e. (beat 2) Fret 4 of A and G,
G#, fret 1 of G. ring f on fret 6 of B, middle f on fret 5 of e.
Bar 2: (beat 1 -2) As bar 1. (beat 3-4) ring f (beat 3) Fret 2 of E, G, B and little f on fret
on fret 3 of A and open B, followed by little f 4 of e. (beat 4) Fret 2 of A, G and e. Fret 4 of
on fret 4 of D and middle f on fret 2 of G. B.
Bar 3: As bar 1 Bar 12: (beat 1-2) Open e, B, G with fret 3

of E. Arpeggiate fret 2 of D, open G and B.
Bar 4: As bar 2 (beat 3-4) Open A, e and G with middle f on
fret 2 of B. Arpeggiate fret 2 of D, open G
Bar 5: (Beat 1-2) Open E and ring f on fret and fret 2 of B.
7 of e. Middle f on fret 6 of D, little f on fret
8 of G and index f on fret 5 of B. (Beat 3-4) Bar 13 till 16: Same as bar 1 till 4.
Open E, then barre on fret 7 and little f on
fret 9 of e, then fret 7 of e with the still in Bar 17: (beat 1-2) Open E with index on
position index. fret 1 of G. Fret 2 of A, fret 4 of D. (beat
3-4) Fret 1 of G, open B and e, followed by
Bar 6: (Beat 1-2) Open A and index f on little f on fret 4 of e.
fret 4 of e. Little f on fret 7 of D, ring f on
fret 6 of G and middle f on fret 5 of B. (Beat Bar 18: Open E, fret 3 of G, index on fret
3-4) Open A, then barre on fret 5 and little f 2 of B and e. (beat 2) fret 2 of B. (beat 3)
on fret 7 of e, then fret 5 of e with the still in Open E with fret 2 of D and G. Fret 1 of B.
position index. (beat 4) Little f on fret 2 of e.
Bar 19: Open E, e, B. Fret 2 of A, fret 4 of I hope you will enjoy playing this study piece
D and fret 1 of G. and that this will give you some ideas on how
to write your own solo guitar compositions.
Congratulations, you have completed Study If you have any questions you can find me
n.18! on twitter @giorgioserci as well as on
As always, you will be able to download a facebook.com/giorgiosercimusic or
transcription by selecting the menu option in www.giorgioserci.com where you can
this page. find my own CDs and some free guitar
scores.
I strongly recommend experimenting with a
few picking variations, changing the chords Till the next time, Goodbye!
as you wish in terms of voicing (higher or
lower), as well as trying the same picking
pattern on a different chord progression,
or using a capo on fret 2 for a brighter
outcome.
When repeating any section twice or more,

you may want to play sul ponticello, (closer
to the bridge) or sul tasto (over the frets) for
more contrasting results.
Make sure you highlight the melody (singing

is a great strategy to play the melody in more TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
assertive and singing-like manner)
Focus on minimum-movement approach, as GUITAR PRO 6 PDF

this will help delivering the piece in a more
accurate and consistent manner, while saving DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
energy.
This will complete this creative fingerstyle

lesson.

THE
BASSME THE

E
ENT
E PLACE FOR BASS
THE BASSMENT_BASS REVIEW
BURNS BISON BASS

Jim Burns was an enigmatic figure - one of a handful of innovators, like Jim Marshall and
wave of British 1960s bands. Jims legacy lives on in the form of Chinese produced produ
Dan Veall checks out a very affordable Burns legend - the mighty Bison Bass.
4.0 T
he story starts back in 1960 was re-established by Barry Gibs
when Burns Guitars were very originally a professional musician
much at the forefront of UKs Burns guitars for many years him
live music culture. Jim Burns (who died enthusiasm for the brand couple
STAR RATING in 1998) made guitars that were being own wood working skills moved
enjoyed by notable players of the time (and fan to reigniting and running the
still today for that matter!), such as Hank and enjoying much success today
Marvin, Elvis Presley (yes, really!), George
PROS: Harrison, Marc Bolan, Jimmy Page, Mark Today we have in the Burns Biso
Amazing range of Knopfler, Brian May, Tom Petty, Status Chinese made reissue of the orig
tones settings Quo and Slade. Not for nothing has Jim dont let that put you off! There
Great to play been described as the Leo Fender of the pretty poor instruments being m
Comes with a great UK. Manufacturers today like to push China (though they are getting r
case and loads of their innovations, however many of those some great ones - and this is defi
goodies new ideas somewhat surprisingly were first of the best ones!
Good value for money conceived many years before in the Burns
workshop. A few examples pulled from the Lets look a bit deeper at the Biso
Burns website include heel-less glued-in Weve a bolt-on hard rock maple
guitar necks, 24 fret fingerboards, knife-edge featuring a familiar rosewood fre
CONS: tremolo units, stacked coil pickups and even on to which 22 frets are neatly fi
Really none that I can active electronics! binding on the neck looks neat a
think of. Under the board is a bi-flex trus
Although itd be nice to do a whistle-stop neck adjustment and the tuning
tour of Burns history, Im afraid we cant the closed geared type that have
cover it all here, but suffice it to say that tuning action. Being a more com
companys twists and turns bring us to they also serve to keep the bass fr
1992 when the Burns London company any neck dive. Speaking of the n

d Tom Jennings of Vox, who provided the bedrock gear used by a
uction models and handbuilt versions made in London.
son, profile has a rounded carve that feels good

n who used too. Youll be happy to hear that the nut
mself. His width at 44mm is another familiar territory
ed with his for us bass players, so the Bison does feel
d him from immediately inviting to play. Did I forget to
e company mention the original batwing headstock?
y. Take a closer look, did you miss it the first
time? You wont from now on! 60s stylings!
on bass, a
ginal - and The 34 scale bass feels a smidge taller than
are some a Fender Precision bass. The contoured
made in body, made of Indonesian nato, with its
rarer) and emphasised upper and lower horns is
finitely one wrapped in a classic polyester finish and
certainly looks right for its era! Although
it has that slightly longer scale, I suspect
on spec: it is the exaggerated size of the horns that
e neck give this bass a slightly larger feel and look,
etboard though I think that there is probably not as
fitted. Side much in the size difference between it and a
and stylish. Precision, as you might at first think.
ss rod for
keys are of Incidentally, although our review model
a smooth came dressed with chrome hardware, the
mpact unit specifications also offer a gold hardware
ree of model too and I think thatd look great
neck, the against this luscious black poly finish!
Burns Bison Bass
Thats fit and finish looked at, now heres the really interesting part! Have you ever
felt a bit let down by tonal options on a bass guitar? A pan pot can be a usable
method of mixing between two pickups and theres nothing wrong with a coil
tap for variation either but Im here to tell you that the Burns Bison features, in
addition to volume and tone pots, two other rotary switches and delivers a vast
array of very useful bass tones. Not once did I think there was a weak sound on
this bass. They all had purpose and that is a big thumbs up for me.
Knob number one has four positions: Split Sound, Bass, Treble and Wild Dog.
The latter sounds like something too good to miss! With three pickups on the bass
theres plenty of options, but heres how the configuration works. Split Sound
selects the neck and bridge pickups, whereas the Bass setting routes just the
neck pickup to the output via the passive tone control for a big fat, round tone.
Logically, the Treble setting does the same with just the bridge pickup which
naturally has more mids and top than the neck pickup sound. There are three very

MELBAY
usable sounds right there and weve barely installed as standard. Flatwounds arent a
touched the surface. Wild Dog? Oh yeah, favourite of mine but they were extremely
thats the one that bites! Again its the bridge popular during the era when the Bison first
pickup soloed, but theres extra output and appeared so full marks for authenticity! In
perceived top end on this setting and I think fact its testament to the instrument to hear
it would deliver the goods being pushed in to a wide range of overtones coming from the
an overdriven valve amplifier! bass with this type of string. Personally, Id
be grabbing a set of DAddario Pro Steels - I
All of these settings are duplicated when the wouldnt be able to resist it!
second knob is turned from position A to
position B but this time with the addition of So, to sum up, heres a very different looking
the middle pickup, delivering another four bass that offers more tones than you can
tone options! I particularly liked the bridge shake a stick at, feels easy and familiar to
and middle setting as well as the neck and play and is simply beautifully made. For the
middle setting. Check out the video to hear right player, this is a really excellent bass and
those. dont assume that just means a 60s tribute
band as the Bison has been making quite a
Acoustically, the combination of neck and name for itself in recent years with a whole
body makes for a resonant tone that is full new generation of young players!
and rounded even with the flatwound strings

TECH SPEC
Burns Bison Bass Rosewood fingerboard
MSRP 699 US $ On application - Scale length: 34 22 frets

Burns UK
Bolt on hardrock maple neck
Made in: China
40mm nut width
One tone control
Classic polyester finish
One master volume
Burns deluxe machine heads
A/B pickup selector
Batwing original headstock
Three Burns Tri-Sonic pickups
22 frets
Wild Dog/Split Sound setting
Burns deluxe bridge unit
Indonesian nato body
Gold or Chrome hardware
Bi-flex two way type truss rod
Burns deluxe machine heads
Neck binding
Includes Burns Deluxe hardcase
PRS KESTREL SE BASS

Proving that bass playing definitely isnt just about P and J basses, the Bassment proudly
best known for its guitars - PRSs brand new Kestrel SE! Dan Veall investigates.
A
return for PRS to the also comes in solid black or a
4.5
Bassment with one of three colour sunburst.
two new offerings in
the SE line for bass guitarists. So, straight off: did I like this
Back in issue 25 we featured the bass? Yes I did! The alder body
absolutely superb Gary Grainger mates well with the 5-ply
STAR RATING maple and walnut construction
model four-string and also
interviewed Rhonda Smith, who neck-through to make for an
uses the model. A fabulous player acoustically rich and full bass
PROS: and a fabulous bass - though far tone. The rosewood fretboard
from cheap, as youd expect from has 22 frets perfectly installed
Great all-rounder that and who can miss those instantly
such a prestigious maker.
will settle in all genres recognisable bird inlays that used
Cut to In June 2014, however, to be the reserve of the premium
Superbly made
and PRS announced that its PRS models, but which now
Fine hardware highly successful and much can be enjoyed with the SE bass
respected SE product line was models too? Incidentally, both the
Great value for money being extended to offer two new Kestrel and the Kingfisher models
basses - the Kingfisher and the feature the same 34 scale though
Kestrel. The Kingfisher is geared the Kingfisher gets 24 frets for
toward a more modern vibe, with some extra up the dusty end
CONS: a pair of humbucker pickups and action.
No 5 strings or left unlike the Kestrel model here, no
pickguard, - which keeps lines Hardware comes courtesy
hand models of Hipshot. The tuners and
clean and the playing deck clear.
Limited colour The Kestrel could be considered bridge unit are premium parts,
offerings the slightly more vintage styled something I am very pleased to
of the two, a quality reinforced see on what is suggested a more
Nothing else! by the wonderful rich metallic budget offering. Not only that
red our sample came in However, - the bridge is actually superb.
should you fancy it, the Kestrel Its high mass, it means business

y presents another bass from a maker
and it also offers through body

stringing, with the advantages that
affords.
Plugged in you find that the PRS-

designed single coil pickups have
just the right amount of vintage
going on, producing a tone that
Id describe as rounded, with a
tasty slap when both pickups are
maxed. There is also a single tone
control to mate up with the two
volume controls - familiar Jazz
bass territory. The passive control
rounds-off the top end smoothly
as you walk yourself right in to the
lo-fi zone. Indeed, walking around
any style of music, the PRS Kestrel
seems to fit in just nicely. If image is
your thing, I think these SE models
will be comfortable in any genre.
The whole instrument feels good. It

is well planned out and comfortable
to play. In all honesty, for the
price tag, I dont have much to say
that is in any way negative. It is
competing against a massive market
of four string Jazz types and theres
plenty that are fighting the prices
down, but Id put this one aside
for my short list, simply for taking
PRS Kestrel SE Bass

HOUSE AD TO ADVERTISE
a different path in looks and styling. And if you follow that advice, youll be glad you did
because this is a fine bass. This is a lot nicer to play than most of its rivals.
The SE line has achieved great success in bringing the PRS brand to the more budget
conscious customer. The Kestrel more than upholds that fine and well-justified reputation for
offering excellent value for money!
TECH SPEC
PRS Kestrel SE bass Width at end of fretboard: 2.500
UK RRP 779 US $749 Fretboard radius: 7.500
Made in: Unknown Bridge Hipshot TransTone
Body Wood Alder Tuners Hipshot HB6
Number of Frets 22 Hardware Type Chrome
Scale Length 34 Electronics Passive
Neck Woods 5-Ply Maple with Walnut Treble Pickup SE 4B S Treble
Strips, Neck-Through Construction (PRS-Designed Singlecoil)
Fretboard Wood Rosewood Bass Pickup SE 4B S Bass (PRS-
Fretboard Inlays Birds Designed Singlecoil)
Neck Shape SE Bass Controls Two Volume Controls

and One Tone Control, pickguard
Depth at .5 fret: .792 mounted
Width at nut: 1.591 Strings 45-105 Gauge

BASS LESSONS
Bass Guitar from Scratch DVD Latest QX6:SCALES DVD wrap 5/6/08 16:02 Page 1
BASS FROM BASS

GUITAR SCRATCH A complete bass guitar course for
GUITAR
LIBRARY
absolute beginners with Phil Williams

This easy-to-follow tutorial is ideal if youve just
FROM SCRATCH
bought your first bass guitar, or if theres been a
guitar sitting around somewhere just waiting to
be played This DVD will take you from novice
level through to intermediate level. Yet it
BASS GUITAR FROM SCRATCH
requires no prior knowledge at all: it truly is for

someone starting from scratch.
Slowly but surely, the tutor guides you through

all the things that a beginner needs to know
and, very importantly, points out what can go
Phil Williams is a highly sought wrong. Each of the carefully designed chapters
after freelance bass player, introduce commonly used scales and technique
gradually and strategically, along with some
A complete
writer and teacher. He has
played and toured with many practical theory nothing too demanding, just
well known bands and artists as enough to help you understand what youre
doing and why.
bass guitar
diverse as Gary Barlow, Roger
Daltrey and Keith Emerson to
name just a few. His playing can Youll soon be playing scales, picking out
course for
be heard on numerous film and melodies and, hopefully, writing some songs of
TV soundtracks. your own! Making music has never been so easy!
absolute
Check out more of Phils
lessons on broadband TV at
Web Support
licklibrary.com Download bass guitar technique lessons
beginners!
Watch lessons on broadband TV
UK 19.99 Log on and learn at licklibrary.com
Musicians Community
BASSGUITARDRUM The easiest way to
RDR0198
2008 Roadrock Music International Ltd
learn bass guitar!
DVD bass lessons, online lessons.

All styles, beginner to advanced
ESP LTD STREAM 204-TSB BASS

We were so blown away from ESPs superb RBB1004 Rocco bass that we just couldnt res
that wed never see. Cue the ESP LTD Stream bass. Will it sink or swim? Dan Veall has the
We welcome back ESP to the Bassment - white finishes on these models av
4.5
and with a very warm welcome at that. Did Hardware, interestingly, switches
you all enjoy seeing the excellent LTD RB Id expected to see the Hipshot h
series bass we had in for review in issue 28? on the California made basses an
The Rocco Prestia model was a beautiful on the Japanese models, Gotoh b
STAR RATING instrument with a superb tone, so we Japanese company, but there you
couldnt resist asking if they had any more not sure why its the other way ro
like that on the way! Well, it seems they Ive used both Gotoh and Hipsho
have, because the company has now sent and they are both well respected,
PROS: us another fine specimen, this time coming hardware manufacturers. It really
from totally different angles: pointy ones! matter in the grand scheme of th
Access to ESP bass - Theres your pun, I promise no more for
stylings without the this review (thered better not be! - Ed). Naturally, coming from the main
premium price tag brand, these instruments are prem
Big tones and big Visually, this beast suggests Rock and quality and come with a price tag
gestures with this Rock Rock seriously! But first a short digression Those on more frugal budgets, ho
suited bass to explain the various options on offer. surely relish access to the Stream
approach in the shape of the LTD
Something different in ESP produces models of Stream basses. Stream 204 model that we have i
a market crowded with There is the Original model, built in Japan here. LTD is ESPs less expensive
Ps and Js featuring top grade specification including as weve repeatedly seen both her
seven piece padouk/maple/walnut necks, Bassment and over in the widdly
Great value for money flamed tops over a white ash bodies, EMG of Guitar Interactive, the gap bet
pickups and electronics and Hipshot mainstream ESP models and the
hardware. LTDs can be very small- far smal
CONS: can with the offerings of certain o
No 5 string, no The ESP E-II model is built in ESPs known guitar brands, thats for su
left hand, no black California facility and although very
hardware similar to the Original model it swaps out The LTD Stream-204 comes in
the seven piece neck for a maple one. A black, or the great looking tobacc
Nothing else! flame maple top offering looks tasty with a our sample came in. Both model
translucent finish and theres solid black and mahogany bodies that are bolted

sist asking the guys at ESP what else they had
e answer.
vailable too.
s to Gotoh.
hardware
nd Gotoh
being a
u are! Im
ound but
ot for years
, quality
y doesnt
hings.
n ESP
mium
g to match.
owever, will
styling and
D brand
in for you
e brand, but
re in the
section
tween
less costly
ller than it
other well
ure!
solid
co sunburst
ls have
to a skinny
neck which is super fast to navigate. 21 frets dive - so there the obvious comparison with
top to bottom are installed neatly, flanking a Thunderbird ends! I have to say though,
those big block markers. With the sunburst for me personally, as cool as it looks, I still
finish it gives the bass a certain vintage struggle with that upward body contour. My
styling that reminds me, naturally, of some long arms mean that my elbow falls foul of
of Gibsons offerings. Nothing wrong with this bass guitars forthright stylings!
that. The one thing that I will most definitely
make a point of mentioning though - and The Stream 204 is really acoustically resonant
I point it out on the video - sat down this and is full of upper mid range tonal richness.
bass is very well behaved. It doesnt neck The pickups on board transmitting that
ESP LTD Stream 204-TSB Bass

richness out to your amplifier are ESP designed SB-4B models that have a good output on
their own, but as I found in the review video, the passive pickups were very well supported
by the active 2-band EQ on board. To put it in perspective, when it comes to equalisation I
believe in a less is more sort of approach. I dont really like maxing dials out. I have to say
though, the 204 almost willed me to push that bass control up. It seemed to support the
instrument, positively in bringing it to life.
Have a listen to the video and decide for yourself whether you agree with me that this is a
purpose-built Rock monster of a bass. It not only has the looks of a stadium-shaker but its
well designed, well built, easy to play and has a sound to match. It is lacking something,
however. The price. This is another very aggressively priced bass from a company that is
impressing everyone at GI with some blisteringly good offerings. Great stuff!
TECH SPEC
PRS Kestrel SE bass Nut Width: 40mm
ESP LTD Stream 204-TSB Bass Nut Type: Molded
Neck Contour: Thin U
MSRP 449 US $713 Frets/Type: 21 XJ
Hardware Color: Chrome
Made in: China Strap Button: Standard
Construction: Bolt-On-Neck Tuners: LTD
Scale: 34 Bridge: LTD DB-4 Bridge
Body: Mahogany Neck PU: ESP Designed SB-4B
Neck: Maple Bridge PU: ESP Designed SB-4B
Fingerboard: Rosewood Electronics: Passive P.U. w/ Active EQ
Fingerboard Radius: 400mm Electronics Layout: Vol/Bal/ABQ-2S
2Band EQ
COLUM YOUR FREE GUITAR UNIVER

MNS
RSITY
COLUMNS_TOM QUAYLE
C O L U M N
Tom Quayle
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
T H E

Time Feel
Hi guys and welcome back to my column for practice method ensures that you are able
Guitar Interactive Issue 29. Were going to to improvise for a specific number of beats
be shifting focus for the next few issues and without losing your place within the bar. The
change our studies from Harmony to Time exercise can be made as simple or complex
Feel based pursuits. In the previous few issues as you like depending on your ability level,
things have been pretty complex so lets bring for example you could play the riff for three
things back down to a more approachable bars and improvise for one bar, or play the
level before we dive into some more involved riff for two bars and improvise for two bars.
time based ideas later down the line. If you shorten the riff you could even play
the riff for a bar and a half followed by two
For this issue were going to be looking at and half bars of improvisation for example.
our perception of time whilst improvising, Whilst practicing these ideas I recommend
something that many guitar players dont the use of a metronome or drum machine.
even think about whilst practicing. Many The metronome is useful as it only tells you
players think that your best bet for learning where the 1/4 note pulse is whereas the drum
to improvise is to justimprovise more, machine or even better, drum loops played
without really ever breaking down the by a real drummer, give you more of the
elements that make up great improvisations feel and fill in the 8th or 16th note pulse,
into their constituent parts and practicing depending on the rhythm chosen. Both have
them individually. Great improvisers have their advantages and I recommend you use
superb technique, tone, time feel and them equally.
harmonic knowledge and by looking at these
elements separately you can gain a much This exercise is great for helping you to figure
better understanding of and ability with out if there are any issues with your ability
improvising. to perceive musical lengths of time within
an improvisational framework and should
For our time based studies were going to be practiced at many different tempos and
be starting with a simple idea based around within as many different stylistic time feels as
becoming familiar with improvising within you deem necessary. On the accompanying
a specific, set period of time, followed by video I take a medium tempo riff and
playing a set riff. The riff will last for exactly demonstrate improvising for one, two and
one bar and can be played as many times as three bars within the framework of that riff.
we specify before being followed by a specific After this I might increase or decrease the
number of bars of improvisation, before tempo or change the riff completely, perhaps
returning to the riff in the correct place. This working with a swing time feel or another
COLUMNS_TOM QUAYLE
time signature to produce a more challenging Well be developing this more over the
scenario. The options are pretty vast here coming issues but in the meantime I suggest
and are only limited by your imagination. checking out the playing of Wayne Krantz
These kind of limitation exercises are really and Adam Rogers for some really cool
great for working on specific elements of rhythmic devices and incredible time feel.
improvisation and can be extended into These guys are as free rhythmically as they
other areas of your practice. For example, are harmonically and thats an amazing place
if you are a Jazz player you could practice to be. In the next issue well be dealing with
comping for a bar and a half followed by a ways to develop your internal metronome
bar and a half of improvisation or practice and improve this sense of time even further.
improvising for a set number of beats for Until then, good luck and keep practicing!
every four bars section of a tune, changing
which part of the four bar section you start
on each time.
Time Feel

Social Networking
COLUMNS_MICHAEL CASSWELL
MICHAEL CASSWELL
All imagery Louise Ince

PRO CONCEPTS23
I NC ORP OR AT I N G SL I D E S
Hi everyone. This issue we are going such as string bending or melodic

to take a look at a very simple and playing for example (we have covered
under used technique which is the many ideas), and then hopefully
very simple and humble slide. you have seen me try to explore on
This is actual finger on fretboard camera, different ways I might apply
sliding rather than the bottleneck or practice these ideas. Trying to be
variety. When used creatively, a creative as you practice really helps
slide placed at the right point in the the cool stuff to happen, and its all
run can really be effective and can about how you think about each
add bags of character and style to concept on the guitar.
your improvising. Its a very simple
technique that is often largely So for those that cant seem to tap
overlooked by inexperienced players, into a way of coming up with ideas
which why I thought it might be using different approaches, then
cool to take a look at this subject in this instance you can watch me
this issue. We have touched on this wrestle with some sliding possibilities
subject before but not quite to this on camera and mostly on the spot!
extent. We also can think of slurring The first place to start is obviously
the phrase and notes as a form of how you can make notes that are
sliding. a tone or a semi tone apart, sound
Largely the examples I have played to interesting when you slide and slur
camera are ideas that have occurred between them. Then maybe proceed
to me on the spot. Ideally one idea to increase the distance between the
should lead to another when you notes in your scale of choice. This can
are exploring your own possibilities, turn your box shape pentatonic into
but I know its not always as simple something that has a little flare and
as that for many players. We have colour. Even sliding between intervals
explored creative thinking in early of the pentatonic on one string can
issues of Guitar Interactive where you sound great and, dare I say it, has
have seen how I might pick a subject hints of Vai!

Taking high speed high to low good people to absorb if you want
note slides sound great but you to hear how great it can sound. Its
must be able to accurately hit the slides that use passing tones,
the note your are aiming for or interval leaps or chromatic lines
otherwise it can sound random that I call weaving and which
and unmusical. The opposite take an interesting route or path
works great too, going low to high as you play the phrase which
to get to a lick or a phrase high up really makes things sound cool.
the neck is very 1980s soft Rock Carl Verheyen really stands out at
power ballad. this, especially when he combines
it with string skipping. Carl is
What is much harder, but definitely one of my all time
worth putting the work into, is favourite players. We cover an idea
incorporating those weaving slides like this on film where I create a
and slurs during improvised runs. run that has a slide up, followed
Carl Verheyen, Larry Carlton, by a slide down as you cross the
Steve Vai and Steve Lukather are strings.
Incorporating Slides
A couple of trademark things I might do as a player would be my Beck style trem

bar usage plus how I might use slides. If you can really make a point of incorporating
sliding and slurring more, your playing will have more life and definitely sound a little
slippery (which is a good thing). As you read this my album Complaints about the
Noise will be available from October 1st for download on iTunes, or to order through
Amazon or Lick Library. The album hopefully illustrates many of the subjects we have
covered in this Pro Concepts column. If you do get a copy, please let me know if you
did or didnt enjoy it through Twitter or Facebook. I would love to hear what you think,
because I have the seeds of the next album brewing in my brain.
Use those slides!
Complaints About The Noise. The long-awaited new alb
Michael Casswell, one of

Guitar Interactives most
popular contributors, an
internationally respected
teacher and a top session
player, has a brand new
album out - Complaints
About The Noise!
You can get Complaints

About The Noise from
Licklibrary, Amazon or as
a download from iTunes!
BUY NOW!

bum from Michael Casswell!
Complaints About The Noise
EXT
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

TENDED
PART11
GUITAR by Sam Bell

Endeavour
Hello there Extended Range Guitar Lovers! motif followed by a chord stab. This little
I am back with the next installment of our triplet motif features throughout the riff and
look at Extended Range Guitar. In this issue should be played with alternate picking. The
we are going to take a look at a riff that is featured chord in this section is a Bm11b9,
featured on my band Mask of Judass old EP it requires quite a stretch and does look a bit
Axis - the riff is the main verse riff from the strange however it helps me to visualize this
song Endeavour. This riff was very inspired chord as a B5 power chord with a root on
by some chords I heard fusion/flamenco the low E string that is played with fingers 2,
virtuoso Al Di Meola using on one of his 3, and 4 whilst the first finger bars across the
solo albums. The chords sound very dark and top three strings at the 5th fret in order to get
dramatic due to the use of notes from the the b9, 11 and b7th of the chord. Due to the
Phrygian mode of the Diatonic Major scale. I repetitive nature of this first motif and the
used chords that highlight the sound of that accuracy that is needed to play it with good
mode in order to create a heavy riff that had delivery I would spend time practicing going
some interesting harmonic context within it. between the single note low B triplet patterns
followed by the larger strumming of the
For this riff I am using my 7-string in Bm11b9 chord. Start slowly and make sure
standard tuning: B, E, A, D, G, B, E. The you know where you are going before you
riff is based on a triplet feel open low B note attempt to build up the speed.
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
This first motif repeats around twice before place it on the 14th fret high E string so the
I use a transfer lick that smoothly brings us major 6th (13th) is highlighted and now the
up to the next set of chord stabs. The notes bar with the first finger at the 12 fret is now
in the transfer lick are taken from B Phrygian sounding out the b7 interval in the chord.
and use slides, octaves and string skipping in These two chords are played sequentially
order to create a flowing modern effect. This using the same rhythmic motif we used for
lick slides from the root to the b9 on the E the Bm11b9 chord. The riff then goes back
string and then with the little finger I aim to the original motif before we reach the
for the b6 sliding down to the 5th on the A ending phrase
before hitting the octave of the root on the
D string with another slide up on the same The ending phrase uses the same kind of
string to the b9 and hitting the next octave concept that we find in the middle transfer
up of the root note on the B string. This lick lick however this time we are using the top
uses 8th note triplets, be sure to practice this three strings and we holding down certain
one slowly as well, making sure the slides are notes to create dissonance between certain
articulate and in the pocket rhythmically. I intervals. We slide on the B string from the
use alternate picking on the string changes, 10th to the 12th fret with our little finger,
sometimes I like to play this riff using my highlighting the b7 resolving to the root
middle finger on the right hand to hybrid intervals. We then hit the 8th fret high E
pick the B string 12th fret so the note pops string to hit the b9 interval with our first
out and gives the triplet 8th note phrase a finger whilst still holding down the B string
little more rhythmic emphasis. note and descending down a B5 power chord
shape that crosses the B, G and D strings.
The original low B string triplet motif then We then move to a counter melody which
repeats once again however this time we uses slides around the root, b9, b6 and 5th
are moving to a different set of chords. The intervals. We slide from 13 down to 12 on
first chord is a Cmaj7 and the second chord the B string with the 4th finger followed by a
could be called an Am13. The Cmaj7 chord slide from 9 to 10 on the D string with the
is based around a C shape with the root first finger. We then hit the 12 fret G string
and the major 3rd on the A and D strings with the 3rd finger and slide down to 11. Be
respectively. Using the 3rd and 4th fingers sure to check out the tab to make sure you
on the fretting hand to access those notes have the right frets and phrasing. As with
leaving my first finger free to bar over the the last riff, practice this in sections and
top three strings to highlight the 5th, major make sure you retain the triplet 8th note feel.
7th and another major 3rd. The second chord Congratulations you have completed the riff!
is based around an Am bar chord shape at
the 12th fret with the root on the A string I hope this riff gives you some inspiration
however we take away our 4th finger on what and ideas to go into your own writing and
would usually be the 14th fret G string and playing. I think its really important to base

ideas of themes and use repetition in creative ways in order to create a coherent and
melodically interesting riff. Maybe try this idea and re-harmonize the notes and
chords so they fit around a different tonality, just imagine how it would sound in a
Lydian context, or better still twisting it a step more to make it fit around a Lydian
Dominant context. The choice is yours to make! Have fun and I shall see you next
issue!
Extended Guitar
I would also like to mention that my band Mask of Judas have just
released our new single GRAVITY. I have taught many sections from
this tune in previous columns for Guitar Interactive Magazine, its
both a terrifying and melodic 8-string tune!
You can find the new single to download for FREE from here:
http://www.maskofjudas.bandcamp.com/track/gravity
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
COLUMNS_LEWIS TURNER
B
Guitar Interactive reviewer and top session player,
Want to get back into playing after

WITH LEWIS TUR N E R
BACK TO
BASICS
, Lewis Turner takes us Back To Basics Column. Stuck in a rut?
a break? Lost in theory? Lewis helps you find the music again.
LESSON #5 FINDING NOTES ON

THE FRETBOARD
How well do you know your fretboard? You Players learn shapes for scales etc. rather
may well know a fair few scale and chord than the notes that make up that scale
shapes dotted around, but could you play
all the C# notes on the board straight away Reading traditional music and translating
without much thought? If the answer is no/ it to the fretboard is hard
not without a lot of thought or whats a A lot of players dont see the need for it.
C#? then read on! In my experience a lot of
contemporary guitarists are bad at knowing You may get a long way into your playing
the notes on their instrument, and I think without knowing the notes on the fretboard
there are several reasons for this. particularly well, or just enough to get
by, root notes for example, but if you are
Rock guitarists tend to learn from TABs truly keen to develop as a musician, open
rather than notation from a young age a whole new world of music and playing
COLUMNS_SAM BELL
COLUMNS_LEWIS TURNER
opportunities, then time spent really all the notes in music (other than quartal
learning your fretboard is a great idea. How tones, but this is neither the time or place to
will learning notes help you as a guitarist? go into that). 99.9% of music you hear will
use a selection of these notes. Notice that B
Combined with the ability to read mu- and E dont have a sharp (they do in some
sic, it will open up a whole world of mu- keys, but once again this is not the lesson
sic that you will be able to play. Jazz real to go into that). This is because if you look
books/musicals/classical pieces etc. all use at a keyboard you will notice every so often
standard notation rather than TABs a white key wont have a black key after it,
If you can find a root note you will be these are your B and E notes. Sharps (#) can
able to play a chord or scale in any key, be thought of as one note up, or one note
anywhere on the fretboard. higher, the opposite of this are Flats (b). If
we did the same notes but in reverse using
Understanding what notes you are play- Flats we would get the following order;
ing over any given chord will make you a
more proficient improviser. A Ab G Gb F E Eb D Db C B Bb
We end up with the same notes being
Knowledge is power! called two different things, A# and Bb
for example are exactly the same note but
In the video I demonstrate ways of learning called a different name, they are referred to
the notes on the fretboard with exercises and differently depending on the key you are in,
octave shapes, you will also find the Tab for which is called Enharmonic spelling and we
these examples. In this write up I want to will cover this at a later date. Just as B and E
recap the notes in music and how they relate dont have a sharp, you will also notice that
to your guitar fretboard. Some of you may F and C dont have a Flat. If you remember
not have done this since your school music these rules and the order of notes along with
lesson days, so its definitely worth a recap! your open string names; E A D G B E
The notes in music, regardless of instrument you will be able to find any note on any
are: A B C D E F G You then string.
go back to A. These notes make up all the Try the following exercise to test that you
white keys on a piano. However, we also understand it. Take the 5th string open
have black keys and these are your sharps which is A, the note at the first fret will be
and flats, if we add sharps, we now get the A# the second fret B and so on. Continue
following order of notes; A A# B C C# up the fretboard and if you are getting it
D D# E F F# G G# 12 notes, these are right, you should end up back at A by the

time you get to the 12th fret (2 dots), the been playing for a long time then it can be
notes then repeat themselves an octave very hard to go back to this state of starting
higher all the way up to the 21st, 22nd or all over again and feeling like a beginner.
24th fret depending on what guitar you However, you should embrace the challenge
have. Rinse and repeat on another string, and see the bigger picture, true practice is
3rd string G, first fret G# or Ab etc. etc. Also working on things that you cant do, not the
try it coming backwards but referring to things you already have down. I promise
everything in Flats. TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
that a little time spent on this side of your
playing will improve your knowledge, not
Do this regularly along with the exercises I just of your instrument, but of music in
give on the video and Tab, and very shortly GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
general. Next time we will be looking at
you will know your fretboard far better bending and Vibrato. Good luck with your
than you ever thought possible. If you have questDOWNLOAD
to find them notes!DOWNLOAD

Lesson #5 Finding Notes on the Fretboard
COLUMNS_MARTIN GOULDING
Modern Rock Techniques with

Martin Goulding

No. 5: Legato Playing Part Four: Developing
Full-Roll Quintuplet Runs.
Hi there and welcome to this months by Joe Satriani as the sound of liquid
Modern Rock Techniques column, with mercury, this fluid sounding technique is
the fourth part in our series looking at frequently used to build intensity during
the legato technique. This month we are solos and improvisation in the modern
going to look at ideas based around the Rock style.
quintuplet subdivision, which involves
playing five notes per beat using the full- This week well be playing our examples
roll hammer-on and pull-off technique. over the downloadable backing track Full-
Weve already looked at this technique in Roller, which features an uptempo hard-
issue 27, where we developed ideas using Rock feel based around the A Dorian mode
septuplets or groups of seven. Both of - which is the second mode in the key of G
these odd-note groupings are well used by major, and with a target tempo of 160bpm.
modern Rock players such as Steve Vai, Joe
Satriani and Richie Kotzen. Get the tone
This style of legato playing provides a faster To get a good modern Rock tone, set the
and more complex sound than the simpler gain on your amp to maximum, with
sextuplet-based half-roll style that we the bass and treble set slightly boosted (1
started off with in issue 26. Once described oclock), and the mid-range either slightly
scooped (10 oclock) for rhythm or boosted Once you have the three sets under control,
(1-2 oclock) for lead. For the lesson, i used link them together across all six strings,
my Ibanez J Custom with Bare Knuckles ending with the stop note before repeating.
VH II pick-ups, through an Axe-FX II When the example is consistent in timing
- set up with the Brit Super amp (based and tone - find your base speed and stay on
on the Marshall AFD head), along with a it for a week or so before increasing.
tubescreamer style overdrive pedal and some
stereo delay. Example 2a, b and c
Example 1 We can take our initial repetition exercise
to the next level by looking at an exit
The first example is based around the A or finishing phrase. This will allow us to
Dorian position 7 shape, starting from the generate musical ideas using the technique
b7th degree (G). To gain initial familiarity and help us to integrate the licks alongside
with this run, a good idea is to establish the our existing modern Rock-based vocabulary.
feel of the subdivision by dividing the whole
idea into three two-string sets covering the In example 2a, our run is played over the first
low E and A, followed by the D and G and four strings in the first bar. Try to pick lightly
finally the B and E strings. and hammer-on hard and from a height at
first - the fretting hand square and dropped
By isolating and repeating these individual with plenty of space from the underside of
sets for five minutes each, we can develop the neck to the cup of the hand, and with
the three fingerings used in 3-notes-per- the thumb in the middle of the back of the
string scale playing - fingering 1, 2 and 4 neck.
when using two consecutive tones, 1, 2 and
4 when using the semitone-tone shape and In the second bar, the pattern continues
1, 3 and 4 when using the tone-semitone to ascend before rolling back on the high
shape. In this position, the two string sets E string and using a hammer-on-from-
are symmetrical and provide a good starting nowhere on the B string to lead back up to
point for developing timing, accuracy and the root note. This bar is executed using the
stamina with the technique. alternative fingering - 1, 2 and 3 which sets
the hand at more of an angle and is well used
If you are new to legato playing, be aware by classic and modern Rock players when
that you may experience a rapid escalation leading into bends. Finally the b7 at the 8th
of tension or fatigue in the arms, wrists and fret B string is struck on the downstroke -
hands. When this occurs its very important bending up a tone to resolve back on the
to shake out your hands and arms until any root note and finishing with slow wide
tension has subsided. After a week or so of vibrato.
regular practice, with each example played
for five minutes per day as part of your In examples 2b and c, we then continue by
overall daily practice routine, youll notice an applying this finishing phrase to A Dorian in
improvement in your stamina. position 2 (Phrygian shape) - which gives us

No. 5: Legato Playing Part Four: Developing Full-Roll Quintuplet Runs.
TABLATURE DOWNLOADS
GUITAR PRO 6 PDF
DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

a finishing bend up a semitone from the 9th similar in feel to turning a key in a lock, and
to the b3rd, and then position 4 (Mixolydian with the fingers remaining closed together in
shape) which gives us the bend from the 4th support and rigid.
degree up to the 5th. As these three runs
all use strong chord tones (R, b3 and 5) Example 4
to resolve, they are the most stable choices
found within all seven of the potential scale In this example, the run ascends in position
shapes, and are key areas to build vocabulary 7 to resolve on the finishing semitone bend
around. on the high E string from the 9th to the
b3rd. Try playing this idea using the more
Once youve finished the phrase, try to classically based fingering - 1, 3 and 4, and
continue improvising using A minor with the bend on the third finger. As you
pentatonic ideas as a contrast. Further ascend up onto the high two string set, youll
to this - try playing a stock blues phrase need to angle the hand position slightly, with
before the run. By surrounding the new the thumb moving up onto the top of the
idea with existing ideas that you are already neck for the final bend and vibrato.
comfortable with, you will learn to integrate
new ideas into your playing quickly. Example 5
Examples 3a, b and c Our final example features a single-string
legato roll starting in position 2, and which
We can use our three master positions descends down through the positions on
concept to explore a range of different the high E string before moving onto the B
finishing ideas. In the following examples string and resolving with a semitone bend
well finish on the G string - using the from the 6th degree up to the b7th.
fretting hand first finger to pull downwards
for the vibrato. This will give us the resolving Moving away from the legato principle that
b3rd degree in position 7, the 5th degree the first note is picked and all subsequent
when finishing in position 2 and the root notes are played using either hammer-ons or
note when finishing in position 4. Again, this pull-offs, this lick features a picked note on
concept is targeting the stronger chord tones each beat which helps bring out the accent
of the minor triad - effectively providing every five notes.
a system which we can use to build our
Thats all for this month, thanks for joining
vocabulary around.
me and Ill see you next issue for the fifth
For the final vibrato, angle the hand as soon part in our legato series, which will be
as the final note is struck with the thumb looking at a solo based around this weeks
moving up and over the neck to form a pivot backing track Full-Roller. In the meantime,
with the first finger just above the knuckle. please feel free to visit my site at www.
From this pivot, use a rotation of the wrist martingoulding.com
and forearm to execute the vibrato motion -
COLUMNS_STEVE TROVATO
ro v a t o
te v e T
w ith S
Country Guitar
Techniques
Guitar Interactive is delighted to add yet another world
class player to our team, one of Americas most respected
guitar teachers, Steve Trovato. Steve, who will be teaching
us Country style techniques, is a renowned educator, having
published dozens of guitar instruction methods for Warner
Brothers, Hal Leonard and Alfred Music Publishers. He
has also released several recordings under his own name
all of which have been met with great reviews. Steve has
been interviewed by guitar music publications world-wide
and is the recipient of numerous awards as both educator
and artist. He currently holds a position as a member
of the Studio Guitar and Contemporary Popular Music
Performance Departments at the University of Southern
California.
Lesson 4: Head a lick and add open string notes between the
turning Cascades fretted notes as desired.
Objective: Example 1:
In this lesson youll learn the technique of To introduce the technique well start with
playing open strings interspersed with fretted a simple descending C scale in the 5th
notes to create an interesting cascading effect position. If you are using the CAGED
as I call it. Learn to play the C and G major system, this will be the G shape with the
scales using open strings. Learn to play 3 tonic or root tones on strings 6, 3 and 1.
licks using this technique. As you play the scale starting from the root,
youll see that the first five notes: C,B,A,G
r
This unique distinctive sound can be heard and F must be fretted. The E note typically
by guitarists in virtually all styles of music. would also be fretted on the second string
In this lesson well focus on Country guitar. 5th fret but notice that is also available as an
The idea of playing open strings against open first string. Replace the fretted E note
fretted strings is not new but knowing the with the open string E note played using the
technique and how to use it will provide middle finger of your right hand. Play all of
you with endless ideas for creating your own the fretted notes with your pick and all of the
licks and sounds. The technique is quite open strings with your middle finger. This
simple really. You begin by playing a scale or small example is the technique in a nutshell.
COLUMNS_STEVE TROVATO
Continuing on, play the remainder of the using this technique may be played in almost
descending C scale and replace fretted notes any key but work best in keys where all or
with open strings wherever possible. The most of the open strings are diatonic to the
D and C notes must be played on the third key.
string. The B note however is available as an
open string. Example 3:
The A note must be fretted on the fourth Lets try one in G. I call it walking the
string but the G is also available as an open ladder. It is the first lick on the video. Ill
string. The F and E are played on the 5th describe it here but be sure to watch the
string but the D is played as an open string. video for a visual. It consists of a descending
Finish with the C note on the 6th string. G major pentatonic Country lick using
fretted notes at the seventh fret and open
Strive to keep your fingers arched out strings.
over the fret board so all of the strings are
permitted to ring out throughout the scale. Start in the 7th position by pulling off
If played correctly, all 6 strings should be from D to B on the first string. Next play
ringing at the end creating a shimmering the G note on the second string then an E
chord reminiscent of holding down the by playing the open first string. This is the
sustain pedal on a piano. picking formula for this lick. Replace your
first finger on B at the 7th fret of the first
Example 2: string then on to G on the second string, E
as an open first string, the D on the third
Now lets learn the concept using the string is played by moving your first finger
descending G scale in the 5th position. Begin to the third string. Now that you have the
by pulling off from the G to the F# on the shape, continue moving across the strings by
second string. The next note, E is available moving your first and second finger over the
as an open string so play it with your middle top of each other until you reach the open
finger. Remember to allow the second string fifth string. End the lick on G at the third
to ring. Next, pull off from D to C on the fret of the 6th string.
third string. The B is available as an open
string to be played using your middle finger. Example 4:
Remember that the fundamental right hand The second lick is in the key of E and is
technique is done by alternating between played in the 9th position using a right hand
your pick and middle fingers with your pick technique called the banjo roll. The banjo
playing the fretted notes and your middle roll is done by playing three consecutive
finger playing the open strings. strings using your pick, middle and ring
fingers respectively in a forward rolling
Once the concept is mastered using a major motion. It is a form of hybrid picking. Begin
scale then you can begin to create licks. Licks this lick by pulling off from an E to a C#

note on the first string. Then closely follow play Eb on the second string followed by an
the video instructions for the two remaining E open on the first. Alternate between your
banjo rolls that will finish the licks. Strive to pick and middle finger.
keep your fingers arched over the fret board
allowing each string to continue to ring. Move to the second string and pull off from
Practice slowly to ensure that the banjo rolls D to C#. Followed it with B on the thirds
are even. string and back to C# on the second. The
remainder of the lick in played using this
Example 5: formula. The video will get you through the
last 8 notes.
This one is in the key of A. Start with a pull
off from A to G on the first string. Then Have fun!
Lesson 4: Head turning Cascades
www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com
www.iguitamag.com 288

Nuno Style

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Nuno Style

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

ESP

02 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

ARIA 225 CARLSBRO/STUDIOMASTER 135 CHORD 115 CRAFTER 213

04 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

06 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

08 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

10 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

12 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Nuno Bettencourt Interview

14 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

16 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

18 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Elliott Randall Interview Part 1

20 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Elliott Randall Interview Part 2

22 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Randall himself says that around 80% of the session

24 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Elliott Randall Interview Part 3

Its all more proof, if required, that if you approach

26 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

more computer screens. He can be Its a genuinely enviable position to

28 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

30 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

32 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

34 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Guitar Idol Video 1

36 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Guitar Idol Video 2

38 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

40 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Head on over to YouTube to watch performances from each of

Guitar Idol Video 3

42 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

44 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Nuno Bettencourt Performance

Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session Part 1

46 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Nuno Bettencourt Tech Session Part 2

48 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

the groove of the tune. The

They are very much inspired by

I highly recommend getting any

50 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

His tutoring experience includes

Georges songwriting can be heard

52 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Win a fabulous Washburn Nuno Be

54 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Q1. The Washburn N2 Q3/ The inlay pattern used

A/ True A/ Mourning Widow

B/ False B/ Morning Glory

Q2. Nuno Bettencourts C/ Mourning Angel

One lucky winner with the correct answers will

Win one of two amazing YouRock

56 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29

Q1. MIDI stands for? Q2. In Toms review in this

Two lucky winners with the correct answers will

GUITAR INTERACTIVE ISSUE 27 STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JOHN

We had an incredible prize up for grabs in Guitar Interactive 27

Also reviewed in issue 27, our reviewer described the JP 60 as

The question is - did you win?

AND THE LUCKY

58 Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 29