10.31.2009

The Weekend Read October 24th - 31st ; Guitar Lessons, Articles and More

The Rock House Blog Weekend Read.

Bring you the best articles from around the web. Articles include guitar lessons, guitar bass guitar news, guitar playing tips and tricks and just some plain old good reading.

Cameron Mizell - Guitarist - Inspired by my recent recording session, a panel discussion at the Dewey Beach Music Conference, and a few conversations with producers, engineers, and musicians at this year’s AES convention, I decided to write an article about getting the most out of a professional recording studio...New Article: Preparing for the Recording Studio

Dolphinstreet Guitar Gear Blog - The new Mack GEM is out, and I have played it quite a bit over the weekend...Low wattage guitar amp - Mack GEM


Fretbase - Nice news feed for all that is guitar related...Fretbase


Guitar Flame - An article about an overview of different tonewoods for acoustic guitar...How to pick your acoustic guitar based on the wood it is made of

Guitar Noize - I have used a few software amp modelling applications before but I had never tried Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig even though I used to use one of their Synth modelling programs years ago called Generator. When I saw that Native Instruments was about to release the 4th version of their amp modelling application I was keen to finally try it out for myself... Review: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 4


Guitarz - You probably never saw such an incredible guitar, one that is not just meant to look bizarre, but obviously an experimentation on sound...Hoyer Fantastik

I Heart Guitar - A little while back I reviewed IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 2, probably my most frequently-used program apart from Pro Tools...REVIEW: IK Multimedia AmpliTube Fender

Jason Shadrick - Guitarist - Fingerstyle or classical guitar seems daunting at first.  Like any other style of guitar, however, the basics apply to everything.  The purpose of this article is to get you playing some beginning patterns with the right hand fingers...Basic Arpeggios for Classical Guitar

Jemsite - There are plenty of small instruments you could try. But I'm going to tell you about one that is very useful to any guitar player...Guitar Practice Tip: Learn Another Instrument? 

Not Playing Guitar - What are the essential accessories you wouldn't be without to learn to play guitar?...5 Essential Guitar Learning Accessories

Share My Guitar - Over the years I have been a big fan of comedians who play guitar. Lets face it, it takes balls to get up in front of a bunch of strangers and attempt to make them laugh!...Funny People Who Play Guitar

srv1 Blog - This guitar is representative of what I am currently building...RAY GANDER, LUTHIER - HAND MADE UNIQUE DESIGN SOLID BODY CUSTOM ELECTRIC GUITARS

Strat-O-Blogster - Here we have Billy Penn from 300Guitars.com demonstrating how to age metal guitar parts...How to Relic and Age Metal Guitar Parts

The Classical Guitar Blog - When the Classical Guitar Blog first started, I wrote an article about Goal Oriented Guitar Practice. At the time, I was just beginning to develop my own practice philosophy based on experience and observation...Goal Oriented Guitar Practice (revisited)

Truth in Shreading- Rusty Cooley: premier guitar legato exercises

Now that's a lot of reading to do. I gotta go hit the now.
Have a Rockin' weekend everybody!

Sarge


10.30.2009

How To Mic A Band - Types Of Speakers You Should Know About

A couple of weeks ago we talked about a few different types of microphones that can be used to mic a band (How to Mic a Band - Types of Microphones). Last week we talked about pick-up and polar patterns in microphones (How to Mic a Band - Pick-up and Polar Patterns). This week we dive into the some of the different types of speakers and what their basic functions are when it comes to the sound you are wanting to get. They each have a particular use.


Types of Speakers

* Woofer Loudspeaker:
Designed specifically to reproduce low frequencies (usually below 500 Hz). Woofers sometimes are used to reproduce both low frequencies and some mid frequencies (normally not higher than 1.5 kHz). Typically, cone-type drivers are used as woofers, measuring from 8 to 18 inches in diameter.

* Midrange Loudspeaker:
(Formerly called "squawkers," though this is an archaic term from the hi-fi world)- designed specifically to reproduce mid frequencies (typically above 500 Hz). The highest frequency reproduced by a midrange unit is usually not higher than 6 kHz. If a cone-type driver is used as a midrange loudspeaker, its diameter typically ranges from 5 to 12 inches; if a compression driver is used, its diaphragm diameter may range from 2.5 inches to 4 inches (with a few special units up to about 9 inches in diameter).

* Tweeter Loudspeaker:
Designed to reproduce the highest frequencies (normally higher than 1.5 kHz and usually above 6 kHz). If a cone-type driver is used, its diaphragm diameter usually ranges from 2 to 5 inches; compression driver diaphragms range from under 1.5 inches to about 4 inches.

* Full-Range Loudspeaker:
Integrated systems incorporating woofer and tweeter (and, if used, midrange) drivers in a single enclosure. As the name implies, they are designed to reproduce the full audio range (more or less). In practical terms, their range rarely extends below about 60 Hz.

* Subwoofer Loudspeaker:
Used to extend the low frequency range of full-range systems to include frequencies down to 20 or 30 Hz. Their range rarely extends above about 300 Hz. Cone-type drivers are used nearly exclusively, and typically measure from 15 to 24 inches in diameter, although a few special units are available with cone diameters approaching 5 feet.

* Supertweeter Loudspeaker:
Used to extend the range of full range systems in the highest frequencies (usually above 10 kHz). Typically, these are either compression drivers or piezoelectric drivers in professional sound systems, although hi-fi type systems use some more esoteric technologies.

* Monitor Loudspeaker:
Full range loudspeakers that are pointed at the performer on stage, rather than out at the audience. They are used to return a portion of the program to the performer, to help him or her stay in tune and in time, and are sometimes loosely referred to as "foldback." In recording studios, a studio monitor or control room monitor loudspeaker is a full range, high accuracy loudspeaker system designed to permit evaluation of the sound being recorded.

* Headphones:
Full range transducers designed to fit snugly on the ears. Some designs block out ambient (external) sound, while others do not. Headphones are sometimes used in sound systems as monitors for click-tracks, and may be used by engineers to check a live mix or a recording during a performance. Headphones also appear as components of intercom systems.

* Passive Crossovers:
Passive crossovers are simple networks that are designed to pass high signal levels. They are inserted between the power amplifier output and the drivers.

* Biamplified Crossovers:
A two way loudspeaker with an active crossover and two power amplifiers (or two halves of a stereo amplifier) each handling a different frequency band. They work at lower signal levels and are inserted before the power amplifier.

Next week I'll be posting some tid-bits on mixers and signal processors. Hit the subscribe button to make sure you get notified when it publishes.



10.29.2009

Video Guitar Lesson w/tab - Bending Exercises From John McCarthy

In this Video lesson with John, the creator of The Rock House Method system of learning, introduces those players who are yet familiar with bending. The following three riffs utilize different bending techniques in the context of a lead. Each riff uses the A minor pentatonic scale in a different position. These are just a few examples of how to use bending techniques in the context of scales and leads using different left hand fingers. The video comes from the DVD "Learn Rock Guitar Intermediate DVD". You can get it at The Rock House Store 

Example 1










Example 2









Example 3














10.28.2009

Children of Bodom World Tour Wrap Up


From The COBs' blog on their my space site http://blogs.myspace.com/childrenofbodom

World Tour is Done!

We started in May 2008, when the album came out. With Megadeth in USA. Summer arrived and we escaped to Australia's and New Zealand's winter. Then a longer flight to Japan, back to warmth and the perfect noodle soups. We also did some festivals in Europe including Wacken and Download.

Back to USA as headliner, after which we hit arenas with Slipknot and Machine head in Europe. Here and there a couple headliners in between. Christmas home and new years too. Beginning of the year was time for the long awaited headlining in Europe. Managed to get Cannibal Corpse and Diablo with us. Then experienced a couple of weeks of spring time in Finland, and off we go, with Lamb Of God, North America. Somebody falls from his bunk and we go home. Summertime, everything healed, and we hit some festivals, but also had the chance to enjoy the Finnish summer. Summer ends and we fly to spring of Buenos Aries, from where we start the last thing of this cycle. Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, USA, Canada, Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Beijing, Taipei and finally Moscow.

We toured with many bands, many crew. Met a lot of nice people, weird people, funny people. Tasted weird foods, emptied minibars, swam in the ocean. Pounded Brazilian Churrascaria beef, had tons of nigiris in Tokyo, french fries animal style in Cali and poutine in Canada. We enjoyed the tropical heat, fruits and surf in Honolulu, also the hospitality of locals in the Irish Bar, and the day after around the island, ending in Gyu-Kaku.

Played many cities where we never headlined before, including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Clifton Parks, Beijing, Taipei, Hongkong, Honolulu, Monterrey, Buenos Aires...

Learned to say hello in Chinese and Cantonese, not to forget the dirty phrases in Japanese in Rock-Rock.

We wanna thank all the fans we had the honor to play with!

And the really nice fans who we were able to meet!

Thanks goes to all the bands we toured with, all the cool crew we met and worked with, especially our own crew and our management.

All the locals who made shows happen, all the locals who helped us out, whether it was ordering a pizza or showing me the Tiananmen square.

We re done now for a while. Concentrating on writing.

But after all is done, we will do the same again!!!!

Henkka and boys

10 New Free Guitar Tabs From Guitar Edge December Issue


The December issue of Guitar Edge Magazine is out. The free online edition of the magazine has published 10 new guitar tabs for you to print off and play your ass off to.

Here's the list with a direct link to each. 
 


Bass Guitar Lesson - Beginning Funk by Chris McCarvill



 Rock House Instructor Chris McCarvill, who just went out on  The House of Lords 2009 European Tour left us with cool beginner bass guitar lesson on funk.

We strongly suggest you use a a metronome or drum machine for this one.

Funk’s barely controlled, bubbling energy attacked me at a young age. I liked the music before I understood that it was the bass creating this high-tension groove thing. Once I began dissecting the music, I realized exactly how cool funk bass is and how talented its pioneers are. The bass takes on a dominant role in funk, which is also the godfather of disco, rap, hip-hop, dance and a lot of techno types of music. Learn to funk and suddenly everything you play sounds great.

Example #1




Audio (Funk Slapping)

Now, with your fretting hand, get ready to play the 7th fret of your D string. With your plucking hand, take your 1st finger, and curl it beneath the D string. Now forcefully pop the string away from the bass keeping your finger curled. The string will snap back to the bass. That is called a pop. When I pop, I like to think of it like a drummer hitting a snare drum. This will help you with knowing WHEN to pop as opposed to slapping.

Example #2


Audio (FUNK POPPING.MP3)

For you new folks, do a lot of popping and you WILL get a blister from it. Take it easy until you build up a callous. Yes, your hands will stay sexy, people.

For this lesson, we’re going to be slapping the low octave and popping the high octave, just like examples #1 & #2, but now we’re going to do it over a beat. Plus we’ll change up some of the octaves. Oh they all will be octaves, but watch the left hand fretting.

Example #3



Audio (FUNK ROUNDUP 1.MP3)

Now let’s play the same thing at a quicker tempo and a more disco flavored beat. Use example #3 for the tab.

Audio (FUNK ROUNDUP 2.MP3)

Now let’s crank it up, and make this a little heavier. We’re going to double the slaps, but keep the pops single. Double pops at any speed are quite tricky, so we’ll work on that another time. For now you want to concentrate on not rushing the double slaps. Get all your notes even and perfect and it will sound totally funkay.

Example #4


Audio (FUNK ROUNDUP DOUBLE.MP3)

The last part of this lesson is a modified version of example #4, only in a slightly different feel. Notice how much funkier it is. Also notice the slide at the beginning of the phrase. It needs to be there for the full-on effect. The pops are muted slightly as well. You can do that by releasing a little pressure on the fretted notes right after popping them. Just don’t let go of the string all the way. Really accent the first note, don’t rush, and you’ll soon feel the pulse of this.

Example #5


Audio (FULL ON FUNK.MP3)

Once you master this entire lesson you are formally allowed to wear star shaped and sequined sunglasses.

Some suggested listening for feelin' the FUNK !!!
Scissor Sisters (Baby Daddy on bass): Filthy Gorgeous
Vintage Nintendo Game System: Mario Brothers
Loverboy: Turn Me Loose




A common, easy technique used in funk is the octave slap. If you’ve watched my “Slappin’ and Poppin’ for Bass” DVD, then you know all about the physical technique of this. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do if you haven’t watched it.

Start by playing the 5th fret of your A string but instead of plucking it, use the side of your thumb to strike it and quickly move your thumb out of the way so the string can ring out. This is called “slapping”. I like to think of a slap like the equivalent of a drummer kicking the bass drum. Here’s a couple slaps for your ears.


10.27.2009

Giveaway: Living Colour Concert Tickets @ Highline Ballroom


News from Rock House Instructor Doug Wimbish - www.myspace.com/dougwimbish

Legendary Downtown NYC rockers Living Colour launch a massive tour next week that will take them all over South America and Europe to promote the best album they’ve released since they reformed at the beginning of the decade - The Chair in the Doorway. To help prepare for the overseas gigs, the metal/funk act will play a few shows in the Northeast including a hometown show at the Highline Ballroom on Friday night.

As part of our timeless Everybody Wins When I Plug Something And In Return They Offer Me Free Shit To Give Away we’re offering up one pair of tickets to Friday night’s show. Tickets are selling fast, but we’ve secured a pair of ducats for one lucky reader. Simply leave a comment at the end of this post telling us about your favorite Living Colour song and we’ll choose one commenter at random to win the tickets.

To enter the contest leave a comment at : http://www.glidemagazine.com telling us about your favorite Living Colour song and why.

All comments must be longer than 10 words
Your comment must be left by 11:59 PM EST on Wed., Oct. 28
Winners will be selected at random from all commenters
Winners receive one pair of tickets to see Living Colour at the Highline Ballroom on Friday night October 30

Good luck! The contest ends on Wednesday night at 11:59PM.


Review of The Pedal Riser and The Guitar Hanger

The Rock House Method GEAR 411 Review - Tony Pasko

Hey everyone I’m back!!!!!!!!! I know it’s been a while since my last set of reviews and articles. I have been so busy doing clinics, writing for Premier Guitar magazine, and designing some new products for a few companies. Nothing I can elaborate on now, but rest assured that you’ll be the first to know when they are going to be released.

This month I’m reviewing a couple of really cool accessory products that you just can’t live without. The first one I want to talk about is the Pedal Riser www.pedalriser.com It’s one of those, “Why didn’t I think of this” kind of product. It does exactly what it says it does. It raises the second row of pedals up so you can access the pedals without having to tap dance over the first row of pedals.




It’s made from 18-guage steel and fits perfectly under most size pedals. The riser also allows for routing cables under the pedals and keeps your board clean and cable free. The riser comes with the Velcro attached, so you are up and running in minutes.

The riser retails for $16.99 so even in this tough economy it’s affordable for any gigging musician, and the riser makes a good gift option. For more cool ideas like this one go to: www.stagetrixproducts.com they have a bunch of cool and affordable accessories for today’s musician.

The second cool product you need to have is the Guitar Hanger www.theguitarhanger.com Again “Why didn’t I think of this?” At first glance I was like “Why?” But then I hung a couple of my guitars up and noticed I had added floor space in my studio.




I also liked to be able to have the guitars on hand but put away when I didn’t need them. Usually I have to pack guitars up in the cases and put the cases away, or unpack cases to get to guitars etc… I didn’t realize this was a problem until I tried the Guitar Hanger.

It really made things easier, and don’t worry about the guitar falling or the hanger not being strong enough to hold your instrument, the Guitar Hanger is made from Stainless Steel and Nylon/fiber and can hold a majority of headstocks. The Guitar Hanger retails for $30.99 and is a great gift for any guitar/ Bass player.

Like I’ve said so many times before, I only review products that I feel are cool, and add something to our musical lifestyles. These are a couple of new products that I feel can and will make a difference.

Cheers,
Tony J. Pasko


10.26.2009

Rob Balduccis' Lick Of The Week - "My Desire"

In Rob Balducci's LOTW, Rob talks about and playing a bit of his song "My Desire" from the CD Violet Horizon.

Rob is using his Ibanez RG Prestige LAC guitar plugged into his Cornford MK5011 head and using George L's cables. He has a Maxon Delay plugged into the effects loop.

The Rock House Instructor and favored Nations artist said on his web site;

"The inspiration behind the tune comes from My Desire for music and the guitar. It is about an attitude for learning and keeping that excited feel you had when you first picked up the guitar. On this CD I thought back to the time when I first played guitar. It was an exciting time in my life and I tried to get that back. I think I was able to do that on this CD. I love everything about the guitar even the way the case and guitar smells when I open it up lol..... People talk about the new car smell, well frigg that, I want the new guitar smell!!"





PRS Sunburst 245 and 22 Electrics - GW Review

For more gear reviews and videos check out www.guitarworld.com

In this video Guitar World's gear editor Paul Riario demonstrates the features of the PRS Sunburst 245 and 22 electrics. 






UNEARTH video for ‘Grave of Opportunity’

UNEARTH’s latest music video for the track Grave of Opportunity is set to premier exclusively on the massive gamming community site Destructoid.com Monday, October 26th. The video for Grave of Opportunity off of UNEARTH’s latest album, The March, was shot with Artificial Army and vocalist Trevor Phipps describes that "with our video for Grave of Opportunity, we wanted to give the vibe of a party meeting music. That goal was achieved and then some with the video game/kegger theme. Check it out!" So make sure to head over to Destructoid.com on Monday October 26th and judge for yourself.
 


 

10.24.2009

Rock House Member Jim Shelp Tearing It Up!

Hey every one check out Rock House member Jim shredding some guitar. This should insipre all of you to practice this weekend,

10.23.2009

Leads Two String Arpeggio Riff, From Lead Guitar DVD (Rock House)

In this video lesson with John McCarthy, creator of The Rock Rock House Method, he gives you a two string arpeggio riff to work on. From his DVD Lead Guitar, Techniques for Creating Solos. Get it at www.RockHouseMethod.com

The Weekend Read October 17th - 23rd ; Guitar Lessons, Articles and More

The Rock House Blog Weekend Read.

Bring you the best articles from around the web. Articles include guitar lessons, guitar bass guitar news, guitar playing tips and tricks and just some plain old good reading.

Truth in Shreading - Zakk Wylde performing the Star Spangled Banner...Zakk Wylde: tna wrestling!

Thumbrella - Words to a void - After my brief review of James McMurtry's new album here (I'd have written a  longer review if I'd waited a few days - the songs really got in my head and I have listened to it...These songs write movies in my head - James McMurtry at The Cluny

The Classical Guitar Blog - One of the most challenging and beautiful aspects of classical guitar is the ability to play contrapuntal textures. Most of the time we think of counterpoint within the context of a fugue, but counterpoint is fundamental to all types of classical music – even in the simplest of repertoire...A Counterpoint Study for Guitar

Strat-O-Blogster - About the same time I began Stratoblogster- a little over 3 years ago- another blog called "Building the Ergonomic Guitar" was also starting up...eLutherie.org - Exploring the Limits of Guitar Design

Share My Guitar - One of the big differences between a good blues player and a blues player that sucks is the sound of the scales. There is a distinct pattern to the style of fair-to-middlin’ players. It is a natural sound, reflecting the fact that they are still playing the scale rather than the notes...How to Not Suck at the Blues: Part 1



Marks Guitar Blog - This week we are going to learn a simple device to help you build coherent phrases with the Pentatonic or Blues Scales.  If you do not already know these scales, you can download a worksheet on the Minor Pentatonic Scale Here :...Pentatonic Phrasing Lesson 1

John Horn - Guitarist - Working through the 50 Blues Licks course is a bit like a attending wine-tasting with an expert sommelier...Review: 50 Blues Guitar Licks You Must Know

I Heart Guitar - This week’s announcement of a 7-string Gibson Explorer has got me thinking – wouldn’t it be great if 7-string versions of some of our other favourites were made?...FEATURE: Wait, they made a 7-string of that?!?

Guitar Player Zen - So how can you create that amazing concert every time you play, and begin to build an army of followers?...Building An Army Of Fans Every Time You Perform

Guitar Noize - I stumbled on a book released by Fender, The Soul of Tone, which was published to celebrate 60 years of Fender amplifiers... The Soul of Tone

Guitar Flame - Can you ever watch/listen your own concerts fully happy with the result?..What’s the worst that could happen?

Guitar Bassman - Anytime you’re given the chance to listen to one of the greatest guitar players ever to walk this planet talk about his new guitar, his new signature model, my advice is to listen...Eddie Van Halen Talks About His New Guitar

Freekbass' Blog - NEW SONG - "I Fell From Orbit And I Fell For You" - Freekbass and Tobotius

Double Bass Blog - So, regardless of which teacher type you have acquired, now you have to figure out what to do with it. Teachers have lots of complicated features, and often we just throw our hands up in the air, press the start button, and hope that they workPBDB: Care and Feeding of the Bass Teacher, Chapter 2 – Common Problems and Solutions

Have a rockin weekend

Sarge



10.22.2009

Video Guitar Lesson - Arpeggios and Small Sweeps w/ Tab

In this video guitar lesson with John McCarty, the creator of The Rock House Method system of learning, John introduces arpeggios and give a good through explaination of how each string is pick along with the direction the hand should be moving.

If you're stuck in arpeggio hell, these excercises should help clear things up.

This lesson comes from the Rock House DVD "Learn Rock Guitar - Advanced". You can get it at the Rock House Store






















10.21.2009

How to Read Tablature for Guitar and Bass

I have to admit when posting guitar or bass lessons I sometimes forget about the person that has just started to play. Today I'm focusing my attention on helping those aspiring players out with an explanation of how to read guitar and bass tablature.

StaffsTablature (or tab) is a number system for reading notes on the neck of the guitar. It does not require you to have knowledge of standard music notation. This system was designed specifically for guitar. Most music for guitar is available in tab. Tablature is a crucial and essential part of your guitar playing career.

The six lines of the tablature staff represent each of the six strings. The top line is the thinnest (highest pitch) string. The bottom line is the thickest (lowest pitch) string. The lines in between are the 2nd through 5th strings. The numbers placed directly on these lines show you the fret number to play the note at. At the bottom, underneath the staff, is a series if numbers. These numbers show you which left hand fingers you should use to fret the notes.

Guitar Tablature Explanation












Reading Chord Tablature

Chords can also be written in tab. If there are several numbers stacked together in a column, those notes should be played or strummed at the same time. Here are the Am and Em chords with the tablature written out beneath each diagram. Since the fingerings are shown on the chord diagrams, there is no reason to repeat them underneath the tab.















Bass Tablature Explanation

Tablature (or tab) is a number system for reading notes on the neck of the Bass guitar. It does not require you to have knowledge of standard music notation. This system was designed specifically for guitar and bass. Most music for bass guitar is available in tab. Tablature is a crucial and essential part of your bass playing career.The four lines of the tablature staff represent each of the four strings. The top line is the thinnest (highest pitch) string the first string. The bottom line is the thickest (lowest pitch) string the fourth string. The lines between are the second and third strings. The numbers placed directly on these lines show you the fret number to play the note at. At the bottom, underneath the staff, is a series if numbers. These numbers show you which left hand fingers you should use to fret the notes.


Rob Balduccis' Lick Of The Week - Float

In Rob Balducci's LOTW, Rob talks about and playing a bit of his song Float ( I Remember...) from the CD Violet Horizon.


The Rock House Instructor and Favored Nations Artist said on his web site:

"This song is a very ambient tune. It was recorded using two different amps, both on clean sounds and I was using different delay and chorus setting on each amp for the track off the CD etc... I had a little bit of an idea of what I wanted to do but it was basically improvised. We also added a keyboard track as well on the recording. We did two takes and I choose the one that is on my CD Violet Horizon. In this demo of the tune, I am using my Ibanez RGA LAC guitar and going into my Cornford MK5011 head and using a Maxon ad 999 pro delay and an Ernie Ball volume pedal."
"The name of the tune and the inspiration behind the tune is a very personal one. I have diabetes and I have it since I am 11 years old. When you have Diabetes you sometimes have what is called a diabetic reaction in where your blood sugar goes to low and at times you can pass out or sort of get really out of it as though you feel kind of like you are in a weird space. When you are in this state the people around you are worried and trying to help you and sometimes things can get crazy... but even though I may seem really out of it and people think that I do not hear them or see them, I do. It sort of feels like you are Floating in space or something. I do remember what was going on when I come out of it, hence the title Float ( I remember...)"

Check out Violet Horizon at http://www.robbalducci.com/




ROLAND SHIPS TD-20SX V-PRO SERIES V-DRUMS


Roland Corporation U.S. is pleased to announce general availability of the new V-Drums® V-Pro® Series TD-20SX (http://www.rolandus.com/products/TD-20SX). With a stunning new look, highly expressive sounds, and upgraded hardware throughout, the flagship TD-20SX provides the best and most natural playing experience available from Roland’s storied V-Drums line.

The TD-20SX debuts a completely new look for the V-Pro Series, with striking brushed-metal V-Pads™ and V-Kick™ shells, a more substantial V-Kick for a solid, natural feel, silver colored V-Cymbals®, and a rock-solid chrome drum rack with new metal clamps and internal cable management. In addition, the newly designed V-Pads allow drummers to easily change shell wraps for their V-Pads and V-Kick to customize the look of their kit.

At the heart of the TD-20SX is the new TD-20X Percussion Sound Module, which combines the features of Roland’s TD-20 and TDW-20 expansion board. With 920 drum instruments, 100 drum kits, new sound layering and enhanced editing features, new compression algorithms, and new ambience choices for a wide variety of live environments, the TD-20X brings the quality and sound expected from the leader in electronic drums.

The new MDS-25 Drum Stand, designed for professional stage use, provides rock-solid stability with its advanced weight-balanced design. The newly designed metal mounts for cymbals and toms provide a highly flexible setup. The rubber protective sleeve shields the cables from damage, while the new clear-cabling system complements the overall design.

The TD-20SX is now shipping with an MSRP of $8,169.00.


10.20.2009

How to Mic a Band - Pick-up and Polar Patterns

Last week we talked about a few different types of microphones that can be used to mic a band (How to Mic a Band - Types of Microphones). This week we are going to talk about pick-up and polar patterns in microphones.

Microphones are classified not only by the method of transduction but also by their pickup pattern. The pickup pattern is the way in which the element responds to sounds coming in from different directions, and there are several different standard patterns. (This is akin to the polar response of a loudspeaker… in reverse.)

Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional elements, as their name implies, pick up sound more-or-less equally from all directions.

One might think that omnidirectional microphones are never used in sound reinforcement, since they offer no protection from feedback. This is generally the case, but not entirely so. There is a myth that cardioids are better, but omnis have better low frequency response, and less susceptibility to breath noise ad wind noise. Because omnidirectional mics tend to have much smoother frequency response than directional mics, there are fewer peaks to trigger feedback, so sometimes a good omni is as useful (or more so) as a mediocre directional mic. Lavalier mics (mics worn on a lanyard around the neck, or clipped to a shirt) are often omnis. Omni mics are quite useful in recording, and virtually every studio owns at least a few of them.

Cardioid
The cardioid is unreservedly the most popular of all microphone pickup patterns. Note that the pattern is heart-shaped - hence the name "cardioid." As the figure clearly shows, the cardioid microphone is most sensitive to sounds coming in on the primary axis, and rejects sounds from the sides and rear of the microphone.

The directional qualities of the cardioid make it a natural choice for sound reinforcement, since they help in reducing feedback and increasing system gain. This effect is overrated, and omnidirectional mics are often a better choice for close work than is a cardioid. Cardioids tend to have more coloration when sound does not arrive on axis because their directional qualities vary in frequency.

Cardioids are quite common in recording, since they can be used to diminish unwanted sounds arriving from off-axis. Their frequency response is usually rougher than that of an omni and they are somewhat more sensitive to wind noise and breath popping.

Supercardioid
The supercardioid is highly directional microphone element.

Note that, in contrast to the cardioid, the supercardioid does exhibit more of a rear pickup lobe, though small. It thus supplies far less rejection of sounds coming in directly from the rear than does the cardioid. The forward pickup lobe is far more concentrated and the supercardioid offers superior rejection of sounds coming in from the sides.

Supercardioids are used in special situations where greater side rejection is desired, but some rear pickup may be tolerated. Because of the concentration forward lobe, they also may "reach" farther than typical cardioid, and are sometimes used for pickup of distant sources.

Incidentally, the supercardioid is similar to, but not identical to another very directional microphone, the hypercardioid.

I hope this helps explain some of the basics on why some mics are used and hopefully you are thinking about situations where one type may work better than others.
 
Next week I'll be posting about types of speakers. Hit the subscribe button to make sure you get notified when it publishes.

©2009 Fred Russell Publishing, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email curt@RockHouseMethod.com


Rock House Behind The Scenes With Eric Peterson of Testament

This week we're in the studio with founding member of Testament Eric Peterson. Eric who is the bands main songwriter is here at the Rock House shooting his new instructional DVD.




David Ellefson's Rock Shop - Episode 20 Building Your Music Industry Team


Rock House Instructor David Ellefson has just come out with a new episode of his ever popular web video series Rock Shop. In this, the 20th installment, the heavy metal bassist talks about building a music industry team for you and/or your band.

David hits on three main areas of the team and explains what their rolls should be for you and what you should expect from them. The manager, who will be there to help Improve the profile of your band and help improve your profit. The Booking Agent, who will find opportunities to perform for you and the attorney, who will look over and review legal aspects and contracts of the music business for you.

You can catch up on the series by searching here on the blog for Rock Shop, or you can simply head on over to Davids' You Tube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/davidellefson




10.19.2009

Pre Order Michael Pagets' New Rock House Guitar Instruction DVD


Everyone's been waiting for it and now it's getting closer. Rock House Methods newest addition to their staple of products, Leads & Riffs, Creative Concepts for Metal featuring Michael Padget from the band Bullet For My Vallentine,  can now be pre-ordered for delivery. I just got my prerelease copies from Rock House HQ so they should ship very shortly. You can get you copy at The Rock House Store 

Below is a description of the program chalked full of guitar lessons.

In this program, Michael “Padge” Paget, lead guitarist of "Bullet For My Valentine," teaches the elements of his aggressive lead style and the vibrating riffs he pounds out to inspire a new generation of guitarists. Learn minor pentatonic and full seven note scales across the neck used to create crafty leads. See how Padge constructs many of his signature leads as he takes you step-by-step through “Tears Don’t Fall”, “Scream Aim Fire”, “Eye of the Storm” and others. Learn to write melodic leads, how to improvise, and ways to develop your own style. Padge explains how he applies bending, three string sweeps, tremolo picking and hammer pull-offs to his leads. The full band backing tracks put you at the center of "Bullet For My Valentine’s" Earth-shattering sound.

Each Rock House video Includes an E- tab booklet, iPod-ready video, and free lifetime membership to Rock House's online lesson support. Enhance your learning experience to links with instructors, download backing tracks, access message boards, and much more. You'll connect with a community of musicians around the world learning to play music using The Rock House Method. DVD Features:

  • 36 E-Tab Book

  • Free lifetime web membership for online support

  • iPod-ready video, plus bonus lessons

  • Language: English

  • Length: 70 minutes

  • Zones: The DVD is zoned to play anywhere in the world




  • Go get it today!