11.22.2010
11.18.2010
Squier® By Fender® Announces The Stratocaster® Guitar and Controller For ROCK BAND 3
Fully operational guitar and controller created for musicians and gamers alike
Fender, the name synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, announces today the world’s first electric guitar that is also an officially licensed Rock Band™ 3 video game controller. Blending state-of-the-art gaming and guitar technology with the authenticity of Fender design and engineering, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is created for musicians and gamers alike and rocks both worlds—whether plugged into a guitar amp or into a video game console.
Designed exclusively for the Rock Band™ 3 Pro mode, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller allows players to play the actual notes and chords of their favorite songs while racking up high gameplay scores. Its position-sensing fingerboard responds to the touch, turning gameplay into real musical performances. Gameplay requires the use of the Mad Catz® MIDI Pro adapter (sold separately), compatible with the Nintendo® Wii™, Microsoft® Xbox 360®, and the Sony PlayStation® 3.
Additionally, Rock Band™ 3 features two training modes. The “Instrument Trainer” mode helps acquaint players with the guitar and the way it works within the game. Within a few lessons, players can go from plucking single notes to fretting chords and moving lines. The “Song Trainer” mode allows players to break down any song on the tracklist and master it, one phrase at a time. Both modes feature a full backing band, and offer the ability to slow tracks down, so players can learn at their own pace.
Features include an agathis wood body with polyester finish, 22-fret maple neck with polymer fingerboard and position-sensing electronics, enclosed tuners, custom bridge pickup, custom truss rod, hard-tail bridge, 1/4” output jack, standard five-pin MIDI output jack and Ableton® Live Lite 8 studio-quality recording software.
“This represents the first true bridge between gamers and guitarists,” said Justin Norvell, product director, Fender Electric Guitars. “Now, instead of taking a huge leap from five buttons to a full guitar, gamers can seamlessly transition from the Rock Band 3 environment to the real thing—plugging into their favorite amp.”
Pre-orders begin on Jan. 1, 2011, with the instruments becoming available in retail outlets on March 1, 2011 at an MSRP of $279.99. For more information, go to www.fender.com/rockband3.
Constructing Major Scales - Music Theory
All music theory really begins with an understanding of the major scale. The major scales is used as a constant to with which other elements are compared.
Below is an important tidbit of information before we get started.
All natural notes (A B C D E F G) are a whole step (2 frets) apart, except between E-F and B-C which are a half step (1 fret) apart.
A major scale is nothing more than a series of whole steps and half steps. Writing the natural notes from C-C will create a C major scale.
The easiest way to remember the formula for a major scale is this. There are 2 sets of WW 1/2 separated by a W. The W stands for whole step, and the 1/2 stands for half step.
W W 1/2 W W W 1/2
This same pattern can be applied to any set of 8 consecutive notes. For example if the natural notes between G-G were written, F would have to be raised a half step to F sharp in order to create the formula needed to make a major scale.
In the next example the notes from F-F are written. In this case the B would have to be lowered a half step to a B flat in order to conform to the pattern.
As I have mentioned before the major scale is used as a constant to with other elements are compared. For the purpose of comparison, the degrees of the major scale a assigned numbers from 1 to 7. These numbers are the function of the note within the scale.
Things to do
1. Pick any note on any string, preferably within the first 3 or 4 frets. Then play a major scale going up on one string following the pattern learned above. The names of the notes are not important for this exercise.
2. Play different major scale fingerings, getting to know the degree names (numbers 1-7). The scale fingering below is a good starting point.
3. Change the following sets of notes to create major scales. Remember that when construction major scales compare two notes at a time to see if they fit the pattern needed. If they do not fit then the second of the two notes must be changed by either raising of lowering it.
*note: sharps (#) or flats (b) come before notes in standard notation, but after the letters below.
D E F G A B C D A B C D E F G A
E F G A B C D E B C D E F G A B
F# G A B C D E F Bb C D E F G A B
Eb F G A B C D E Ab B C D E F G A
Db E F G A B C D Gb A B C D E F G
11.17.2010
Epiphone Announces 3rd Ltd Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard
Epiphone announced the release of the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard guitar, one of the most desirable guitars on the planet. The Les Paul model guitar is worshiped by players and sought by collectors everywhere as the "Holy Grail" of vintage instruments. Even within that short three—year time span, however, this legendary rock icon experienced a subtle evolution of specs and features. Epiphone's Ltd Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard comes in two distinct variations, therefore, to represent two equally beloved formats of this great guitar within the same year.
Epiphone's Version 1 Ltd Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard
Version 1 depicts the early 1960 Les Paul Standard, which mostly carried over the specs of the 1959 Les Paul Standard. As such, it has the'50s rounded "D" neck profile that so many players love on the '59 'Burst that preceded it, and is finished in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. Made in the image of Les Paul Standards from later that same year, Version 3 has the SlimTaper™ "D" profile that Gibson adopted in the early '60s, and is available in either Cherryburst or Heritage Darkburst finishes. Of course both versions are made with all the period—correct details that also helped to make all versions of the 1960 Les Paul Standard certified classics, including the time—tested tonewoods, rock—solid hardware, a flawless and superbly playable set—up, and two of Gibson's most accurate PAF—style humbucking picups with genuine Alnico II magnets.
The magical combination of select mahogany and maple tonewoods has always been at the heart of the Les Paul Standard's sonic splendor, and the Ltd Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard is no different. The body is made from solid (not chambered) mahogany for depth and resonance, and capped with a hard maple top for superb clarity, cut, and definition. To this, a premium Grade—AAA flame maple veneer is added to present the look of the most prized of vintage Les Paul's—further enhanced by a hand—buffed finish in three historical shades of 'burst. A solid mahogany neck is glued in with a deep—set neck joint for superior resonance and sustain and carved into either of two popular profiles to accurately represent necks found through the course of 1960.
On Version 1, there's a rounded '50s "D" profile that is beefy yet extremely comfortable; on Version 3, a thinner SlimTaper™ "D" profile that is fast and sleek. Both are topped with select rosewood fretboards with 22 medium—jumbo frets. A synthetic bone nut provides long life and unparalleled sustain, while it's 1 11/16" width yields the most popular playing feel for Les Pauls through the years. All of this tonewood and attention to detail would be nothing without the right pickups, and capturing it all perfectly is a pair of Gibson U.S.A. BurstBucker™ humbuckers. BurstBuckers™ are Gibson's most accurate recreation of the legendary PAF ("Patent Applied For") humbuckers of the late '50s and early '60s, and include magical details like unpolished Alnico II magnets, unpotted coils, and unequal turns of wire on each bobbin, which results in the added "edge" or "bite" for which genuine PAFs are famous.
The neck pickup is a Burstbucker—1 and is slightly under—wound for a "medium" vintage output. The bridge pickup is a Burstbucker—2 with slightly hotter vintage output that works well in combination with the BB—1 in the neck. One listen and you'll think you have a 50—year—old guitar in your hands! Rounding off this first—class package are a host of other premium components, including a Switchcraft™ toggle switch, Mallory 150™ tone capacitors, gold "top hat" knobs with metal pointers (plus gold inserts on V3), and the lauded combination of Epiphone's acclaimed LockTone™ versions of a nickel—plated Tune—o—matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, two further ingredients in that legendary Les Paul sustain.
Production of the Ltd Edition 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standards is limited to 1,960 worldwide (both versions), so check it out now at your authorized Epiphone dealer, and prepare to ROCK the world! All guitars include a replica brown Lifton—style case with pink lining, a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, and Epiphone's Limited Lifetime Warranty and 24/7/365 Customer Support. MSPR — $1,499
For more information, please visit www.epiphone.com
The Guitar Institute of London - Steve Vai Scholarship Info
The Guitar Institute, part of London’s Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, is excited to announce the new Steve Vai scholarship, awarding one deserving student a fully funded place on the Institute’s one-year Higher Diploma in guitar starting October 2011.
While many musicians fit easily into a single category, Steve Vai's unique musical vision remains unclassifiable. After more than 30 years, Vai continues to use unbridled guitar virtuosity and soulful artistry to explore the spectrum of human emotion. For more information on Steve, please visit his website: www.vai.com
The Higher Diploma is a specialist one-year full-time course, developed by the Guitar Institute to train and develop students of guitar for a career in the music industry. It was the first full-time course of its kind ever developed in the UK and achieving a place on the course continues to be an aspirational goal for young musicians. The newly-formed partnership between the Institute and Steve Vai highlights the relationship between music education and the industry, building on a fundamental aim for the school to provide the support for students to build their skills and create careers in the music industry.
All you have to do is upload a three minute video performance to the Steve Vai scholarship website, www.stevevaischolarship.com before January 7th 2011. A combination of an expert panel of judges plus public voting will select a top 10 and then Steve will be making his selection for this year’s winner!
The scoop on Rusty Cooley and Guitar Asylum TV
There's been a lot of buzz lately about Rusty Cooley's newest adventure, Guitar Asylum TV. The master metal guitar shredder and Rock House Instructor put together a video previewing what the craziest place on Earth for the musically insane is going to be all about. Whether your a guitar player or just a fan I don't think you're going to want to miss an episode of Guitar Asylum TV.
Coming to your computer monitor and select television markets in January 2011.
Cool Book Alert - ‘A Drummer’s Perspective’
A Drummer’s Perspective is an original and unrivalled collection of over 200 photographs celebrating the world of drumming.
This large format book brings together some of the finest unseen photographs of legendary drummers. It is a unique collection of pictures taken by the author David Phillips, who has been given rare access on stage and behind the scenes to many of the biggest bands in the world.
These images capture the raw emotion and sheer excitement of playing live: You’ll be able to see the view from behind the kit on stage in front of tens of thousands of people, get up close to the action at sound checks and see exceptional shots of some of the most amazing rock concerts and festivals.
The book features over hundred drumming legends from every type of genre and includes new photos of Dave Grohl, Joey Jordison, Zak Starkey, Ginger Baker, Dominic Howard, Neil Peart, Nicko McBrain, Mitch Mitchell, Roger Taylor, Dennis Chambers, Mike Portnoy, Nick Mason, Alex Acuña, Dave Weckl, Josh Freese, Chad Smith, Joey Castillo, Thomas Lang and this list goes on and on!
Renowned drummer, Terry Bozzio has written the foreword. Each picture is accompanied with details of where and when it was taken, recollections and anecdotes from the author, together with tour memorabilia such as backstage and photo passes.
Review of the Behringer Eurolive B215D By: Terry White
Have you been looking or shopping for your first or just another PA system? If you have there is a speaker I think you might want to check out before you start spending tons of money.
If you have ever checked into buying a PA system or if you already own one then you know just how much money you can spend for very little sound.
Most of us always find a speaker we like then a mixer we like and then we need a power source to get the sound to the audience and make it loud enough for everyone to hear without any problems.
In the last few years many companies have been designing what are referred to as active or powered PA speakers. What an active or powered speaker is just what it sounds like; it is a speaker that has its own amplifier built right in.
This is really noting new they have been around for several years now but until the last few years the amount of power you could get from a 15 inch 2 way speaker way limited. With the latest class D amplifiers available now not only can you get tons of power from a 15 inch 2 way speaker but you get tons of power in a light weight easy to set up and transport package that really does sound great.
I have been testing out the “Behringer B215D active PA speaker”
four almost 2 weeks now, and once more I have to say I am very pleasantly surprised.
First they weigh very little when you consider that they have a 15 inch woofer as well as a horn/aluminum dome compression driver, and also not one but 2 class D amplifiers inside. Each speaker only weighs around 50 pounds.
The B215D is rated at 550 watts per speaker max output. But trust me you will never need max output, I tried I really did. I have punished these speakers for the last week and the loudest that I needed to turn them up was a little past half way.
Of course you are not going to be able to play stadiums with only 2 speakers but because of the way their designed you can use just 1 speaker or you can string them together and use 10 or 20 of them.
Each speaker has an input for a microphone, or you can run a source like a CD player to them. I even used a distortion pedal with a couple of other effects and played my guitar through them.
Unless you are connecting more than a single microphone you really don’t even have to use a mixer. But if you plan to gig with them at all I would suggest a mixer of some kind. The cool part is that the speakers are powered so you will never have to use a powered mixer or any power amplifiers at all. All the power you need is already built inside of each speaker.
Prices for these speakers range anywhere from around $330.00 to around $350.00 each, and if you keep in mind that for that price you get the speaker and all the power it can handle in the same package it really is a great price.
Sound is as good as any speaker of this same type that I have used or heard. I have read that some people do not think there is enough bass output but I really can’t understand where that ever came from. These are PA speakers not subwoofers, there not designed to pump out a ton of bass. I have used them mostly for vocals and they sound just fine. I would not want any more bass from them.
They mount easily onto tripod speaker stands, or can be placed on their side and used as monitors.
I really enjoyed testing these speakers. In fact I am planning by next spring to get a set of 6 of them all together with just a simple mixer and use them as my main gigging speakers. I can use just 2 of them for smaller gigs, 4 of them for large outdoor gigs and still have the other 2 that I can use as monitors. And I will have only spent about half of the amount of money it would take for separate speakers, amplifiers, and mixers.
I am no different than most musicians out there; I just do not have tons of money to spend on just anything that comes to mind. I have to be very careful about how much money I spend. And I have to be sure that I get the most that I can possibly get for every dollar that I spend.
The Behringer Eurolive B215D gives me just what I need and fir a price I can afford.
Like I have said many times before, don’t just take my word for it, go out and find a pair and check them out for yourself. If there is a better active speaker with this much power in a package this light weight and easy to move and set up then I have not been able to find it.
Here are some of the specs.
High-power 550-Watt 2-way PA sound reinforcement speaker system for live and playback applications
Ultra-compact and light weight system delivers excellent sound even at extreme sound pressure levels
Revolutionary Class-D amplifier technology: enormous power, incredible sonic performance and super-light weight
Internal switch-mode power supply for noise-free audio, superior transient response and very low power consumption
Integrated sound processor for ultimate system control and speaker protection
Extremely powerful 15'' long-excursion driver provides incredibly deep bass and acoustic power
State-of-the-art 1.35'' aluminum-diaphragm compression driver for exceptional high-frequency reproduction
Ultra-wide dispersion, large-format exponential horn
Ultra-low noise Mic/Line input with Volume control and Clip LED
Dedicated 2-band EQ for perfect sound adjustment
Additional Line output allows linking of additional speaker systems
Versatile trapezoidal enclosure design allows different positioning:
Stand mounting with 35-mm pole socket
Tilts on its side for use as a floor monitor
Terry White
©2009 - 2010 Terry White and 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
11.16.2010
Music Gear Purchase Local Store verses Online Store
Is it better to make your music gear purchase at one of your local music stores or is it better to use an internet or online store to make your purchase.
This is a topic that I have wanted to do an article on for quite some time now but I always kept putting it off to another time.
With the holidays just a few weeks away now seemed like as good a time as any to write about this.
I want to start off by saying that neither I nor Rockhouse is or will in any way say that purchasing anything from an online source is a bad idea or a bad thing. Also I want to make it very clear that I shop for music gear from many different sources including online. This article is simply to weigh out the pros and cons of both methods of purchasing gear. And with that said let’s get to it.
In order for me to get a fair idea how my own local retailers feel about all the different internet sources that music gear can be purchased I went out and interviewed the two local stores that I shop at the most. Now these are not little tiny mom and pop stores, these guys are known all over the state, and they also know most of the musicians in the area.
The first of these two is “ Hames Music”
located in my hometown in Gaffney S.C. I have been a customer at Hames from my very first music purchase at around age 12 so this is a company that I know very well, and they know me. It is also one of the largest if not the largest music retailer in the state.
I spoke with Jason Tucker the current sales manager at Hames he has been with Hames for about 5 years now and here are some of his thoughts on the differences of shopping online or going into a local store.
The very first thing that he made very clear that a person loses by shopping online is the face to face contact between the customer and the sales person. He says that a person simply can’t get the same personal attention shopping online or even on the phone that you get by walking into a store. If you go into his store one of his sales staff and many times he will himself answer any question or concerns that you may have. Also you can spend all the time that you need to with that sales person as well as all the time that you need to try out the product that you are looking to purchase.
Another thing you lose shopping online is service, he says “if you pick up a guitar or an product in my store and anything at all needs to be adjusted or if you might want a different gauge of strings, or maybe the strings may just need to be changed we take care of any of that right away before you make your purchase.” He goes on to say that you lose service after the sale as well. “If you purchase a product from our store and by some chance you have a problem once you get home with it all you have to do is bring it in and we will make good on any problem you may have” And that is something you just can’t get by shopping online, for instance if you buy a guitar online and you have a problem with it, if that guitar is a product that his store is able to service they will service it for you but you will have to pay for that service. Or you can always just pack it up and ship it back to where you purchased it from and in around a month or month and a half you will get it back.
Let’s be honest here, it does not take a rocket scientist to know which of those would be better.
And of course the only money that you might save by making a purchase from an online dealer is the local sales tax, which if I remember correctly here in S.C. is around 7% or 7 cents for each dollar you spend.
He also says that of course he does not have the buying power that many of the online stores have or the warehouse space to store thousands of guitars. But he looks at that as a plus and here is why. They take the guitars out of the packaging and inspect them, make sure there set up correctly and check for any manufacturer defects. And yes on probably 90 or 95% of the items in the store he will match prices you will find online.
The second local retailer I spoke with is Trevor Isetts; Trevor is the owner operator of “BLVD. Music” in Boiling Springs S.C.
Trevor actually used to be the sales manager at Hames Music a few years ago and 3 years ago he decided to open his own store. Trevor has over 25 years’ experience in the music industry, and 15 years of that are in music retail.
Just like Hames Trevor makes sure that every product on the sales floor is in perfect working order long before you ever see it.
Trevor has a slightly different outlook on the internet music sales industry. One of the first things that he said to me is that if nothing else internet music sales have made local music stores a little more honest. They have done this by pricing items at kind of an across the board markup that either a local store can meet or lose the sale. He says there is no more haggling over prices. The internet stores have set the prices almost as low as they can be and still make enough money to turn a profit.
If you go into his store and you look at a price tag the price you will see on it is almost always the same as you will find on the internet. He likes this way of doing business, he says it keeps a potential customer from going to 3 or 4 different stores and getting 3 or 4 completely different prices, and he is right. Some of the younger musicians may not know this but I know anyone that has been in music as long as I have already know that 15 years ago you could go to any given store and get a price on a guitar or an amplifier and drive across town and the price for the same product would be priced as much as a hundred or two hundred dollars more. He likes everyone being on an even playing field.
But he will also be the first to admit that his biggest competition is from internet sales. And this is the same for both stores.
A problem that is happening more and more these days is a customer will come in and want to check out an amplifier or guitar. They will play around with it for as long as they like, and ask all kinds of questions. Before leaving they will tell the sales people that they would like to think about it, and as soon as they get home to their computer they will go online and order the product that they wasted all of the sales staff time playing around with and asking about.
People this is just wrong; it cost money and a lot of. These local stores have to pay these sales people and the reason they pay them is to help customers that shop in their store. When you use an hour or more of a sales persons time and get you finger prints all over their strings and you never had any plans at all of shopping there all you do is cost that store money and this can eventually cause price increases.
Trevor also agrees that you lose personal service before during and after the sale by shopping online. He has a very strict rule in his store, if it is not right he will do anything possible to make it right. And I happen to know firsthand that he is telling the truth. And this is true of both of these stores. I get great service from the both of them.
Another thing that Trevor reminded me about is if you happen to buy a product that maybe you are not all that familiar with, his staff will take the time to walk you through it and help you understand it.
With the holidays upon us one of the biggest selling items are jump start packs. These are like kits that usually include a guitar, a small amplifier, picks, extra strings, and in many of them an instructional DVD. Now if you order one online you may save a few dollars on sales tax but here is something else you will lose. It is never opened before it arrives at your home so you really never know if everything is in working order and nothing has been damaged, and if any of it has you have to pack it all up and ship it back for repair or to be replaced. Both of my local stores sell the same Jump Start packs you will find online but if you come in and make your purchase in the store they will open in right there before you ever leave the store. This way you never leave the store with a problem.
This same thing is true of any item you purchase.
I am sure that this is a debate that will go on for all time now that we have the internet and all of its power.
Don’t misunderstand me the internet is a great tool, and yes shopping at online music stores can also be very helpful and can also be a good experience. I buy things all the time from online stores. Normally it is only items that I buy a large amount of like picks, and strings, or if I need mic, or guitar cable in bulk. Or it could just be an item that I am not able to find at a local store.
Bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to make a purchase, just keep in mind service before during and after the sale is worth every single penny of sales tax that you would have to pay.
Also please remember this: if you are on the market for something please don’t waste the time of a sales person at a local store only to then go home and order online. At least tell the sales people up front what you are doing, in many cases you will find that they will try very hard to earn your business.
I have found from….. Well let’s not say just how many years, let’s just say many, many years of shopping for and buying music gear of all kinds manufactured by almost every company out there that there is more than enough room for all of us to be able to shop both in our local stores as well as our internet websites.
I have a great working relationship with a few online retailers as well as pretty much every music store within 100 or so miles of my home.
I always get a great deal from both of them and will continue to shop both online and at local retailers, and I not only get a great deal but I have made some great friend’s and if there is one thing that you will need to ever prosper and survive in the music industry it is great friends.
There is always someone out there that can teach you something no matter how good you may be. If you make $10.00 a year or 10 million a year it is just not possible to know everything. If I had learned that lesson earlier in life it could very well be my CD’s everyone wants to buy.
So whichever way you choose to shop do me and yourself a favor, stop and take a minute to make a friend, ask tons of questions, and take in all the advice that you can get because you can bet the bank that today’s beginners will be tomorrows superstars.
I count myself fortunate to call people like Curt and all of the Gang here at Rockhouse friends as well as guys like Trevor and Jason. There is no better tool at your disposal than being able to call up or email a friend when you need answers.
I want to thank both Trevor at BLVD Music and Jason at Hames Music for their help and thoughts for this article.
Terry White
This is trevor and his wife owners of BLVD. Music
And this is Jason the sales manager at Hames music.
©2009 - 2010 Terry White and 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
This is a topic that I have wanted to do an article on for quite some time now but I always kept putting it off to another time.
With the holidays just a few weeks away now seemed like as good a time as any to write about this.
I want to start off by saying that neither I nor Rockhouse is or will in any way say that purchasing anything from an online source is a bad idea or a bad thing. Also I want to make it very clear that I shop for music gear from many different sources including online. This article is simply to weigh out the pros and cons of both methods of purchasing gear. And with that said let’s get to it.
In order for me to get a fair idea how my own local retailers feel about all the different internet sources that music gear can be purchased I went out and interviewed the two local stores that I shop at the most. Now these are not little tiny mom and pop stores, these guys are known all over the state, and they also know most of the musicians in the area.
The first of these two is “ Hames Music”
located in my hometown in Gaffney S.C. I have been a customer at Hames from my very first music purchase at around age 12 so this is a company that I know very well, and they know me. It is also one of the largest if not the largest music retailer in the state.
I spoke with Jason Tucker the current sales manager at Hames he has been with Hames for about 5 years now and here are some of his thoughts on the differences of shopping online or going into a local store.
The very first thing that he made very clear that a person loses by shopping online is the face to face contact between the customer and the sales person. He says that a person simply can’t get the same personal attention shopping online or even on the phone that you get by walking into a store. If you go into his store one of his sales staff and many times he will himself answer any question or concerns that you may have. Also you can spend all the time that you need to with that sales person as well as all the time that you need to try out the product that you are looking to purchase.
Another thing you lose shopping online is service, he says “if you pick up a guitar or an product in my store and anything at all needs to be adjusted or if you might want a different gauge of strings, or maybe the strings may just need to be changed we take care of any of that right away before you make your purchase.” He goes on to say that you lose service after the sale as well. “If you purchase a product from our store and by some chance you have a problem once you get home with it all you have to do is bring it in and we will make good on any problem you may have” And that is something you just can’t get by shopping online, for instance if you buy a guitar online and you have a problem with it, if that guitar is a product that his store is able to service they will service it for you but you will have to pay for that service. Or you can always just pack it up and ship it back to where you purchased it from and in around a month or month and a half you will get it back.
Let’s be honest here, it does not take a rocket scientist to know which of those would be better.
And of course the only money that you might save by making a purchase from an online dealer is the local sales tax, which if I remember correctly here in S.C. is around 7% or 7 cents for each dollar you spend.
He also says that of course he does not have the buying power that many of the online stores have or the warehouse space to store thousands of guitars. But he looks at that as a plus and here is why. They take the guitars out of the packaging and inspect them, make sure there set up correctly and check for any manufacturer defects. And yes on probably 90 or 95% of the items in the store he will match prices you will find online.
The second local retailer I spoke with is Trevor Isetts; Trevor is the owner operator of “BLVD. Music” in Boiling Springs S.C.
Trevor actually used to be the sales manager at Hames Music a few years ago and 3 years ago he decided to open his own store. Trevor has over 25 years’ experience in the music industry, and 15 years of that are in music retail.
Just like Hames Trevor makes sure that every product on the sales floor is in perfect working order long before you ever see it.
Trevor has a slightly different outlook on the internet music sales industry. One of the first things that he said to me is that if nothing else internet music sales have made local music stores a little more honest. They have done this by pricing items at kind of an across the board markup that either a local store can meet or lose the sale. He says there is no more haggling over prices. The internet stores have set the prices almost as low as they can be and still make enough money to turn a profit.
If you go into his store and you look at a price tag the price you will see on it is almost always the same as you will find on the internet. He likes this way of doing business, he says it keeps a potential customer from going to 3 or 4 different stores and getting 3 or 4 completely different prices, and he is right. Some of the younger musicians may not know this but I know anyone that has been in music as long as I have already know that 15 years ago you could go to any given store and get a price on a guitar or an amplifier and drive across town and the price for the same product would be priced as much as a hundred or two hundred dollars more. He likes everyone being on an even playing field.
But he will also be the first to admit that his biggest competition is from internet sales. And this is the same for both stores.
A problem that is happening more and more these days is a customer will come in and want to check out an amplifier or guitar. They will play around with it for as long as they like, and ask all kinds of questions. Before leaving they will tell the sales people that they would like to think about it, and as soon as they get home to their computer they will go online and order the product that they wasted all of the sales staff time playing around with and asking about.
People this is just wrong; it cost money and a lot of. These local stores have to pay these sales people and the reason they pay them is to help customers that shop in their store. When you use an hour or more of a sales persons time and get you finger prints all over their strings and you never had any plans at all of shopping there all you do is cost that store money and this can eventually cause price increases.
Trevor also agrees that you lose personal service before during and after the sale by shopping online. He has a very strict rule in his store, if it is not right he will do anything possible to make it right. And I happen to know firsthand that he is telling the truth. And this is true of both of these stores. I get great service from the both of them.
Another thing that Trevor reminded me about is if you happen to buy a product that maybe you are not all that familiar with, his staff will take the time to walk you through it and help you understand it.
With the holidays upon us one of the biggest selling items are jump start packs. These are like kits that usually include a guitar, a small amplifier, picks, extra strings, and in many of them an instructional DVD. Now if you order one online you may save a few dollars on sales tax but here is something else you will lose. It is never opened before it arrives at your home so you really never know if everything is in working order and nothing has been damaged, and if any of it has you have to pack it all up and ship it back for repair or to be replaced. Both of my local stores sell the same Jump Start packs you will find online but if you come in and make your purchase in the store they will open in right there before you ever leave the store. This way you never leave the store with a problem.
This same thing is true of any item you purchase.
I am sure that this is a debate that will go on for all time now that we have the internet and all of its power.
Don’t misunderstand me the internet is a great tool, and yes shopping at online music stores can also be very helpful and can also be a good experience. I buy things all the time from online stores. Normally it is only items that I buy a large amount of like picks, and strings, or if I need mic, or guitar cable in bulk. Or it could just be an item that I am not able to find at a local store.
Bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to make a purchase, just keep in mind service before during and after the sale is worth every single penny of sales tax that you would have to pay.
Also please remember this: if you are on the market for something please don’t waste the time of a sales person at a local store only to then go home and order online. At least tell the sales people up front what you are doing, in many cases you will find that they will try very hard to earn your business.
I have found from….. Well let’s not say just how many years, let’s just say many, many years of shopping for and buying music gear of all kinds manufactured by almost every company out there that there is more than enough room for all of us to be able to shop both in our local stores as well as our internet websites.
I have a great working relationship with a few online retailers as well as pretty much every music store within 100 or so miles of my home.
I always get a great deal from both of them and will continue to shop both online and at local retailers, and I not only get a great deal but I have made some great friend’s and if there is one thing that you will need to ever prosper and survive in the music industry it is great friends.
There is always someone out there that can teach you something no matter how good you may be. If you make $10.00 a year or 10 million a year it is just not possible to know everything. If I had learned that lesson earlier in life it could very well be my CD’s everyone wants to buy.
So whichever way you choose to shop do me and yourself a favor, stop and take a minute to make a friend, ask tons of questions, and take in all the advice that you can get because you can bet the bank that today’s beginners will be tomorrows superstars.
I count myself fortunate to call people like Curt and all of the Gang here at Rockhouse friends as well as guys like Trevor and Jason. There is no better tool at your disposal than being able to call up or email a friend when you need answers.
I want to thank both Trevor at BLVD Music and Jason at Hames Music for their help and thoughts for this article.
Terry White
This is trevor and his wife owners of BLVD. Music
And this is Jason the sales manager at Hames music.
©2009 - 2010 Terry White and 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
CHILDREN OF BODOM Announce "The Ugly World Tour 2011"
Finland's most successful Metal-Export CHILDREN OF BODOM announce “The Ugly World Tour 2011” Beyond doubt, CHILDREN OF BODOM belong to the hardest working live-acts worldwide! Not only the energetic live-shows of the extraordinaire Guitarist Alexi Laiho and his bandmates Roope Latvala, Jaska Raatikainen, Janne Viljami „Warman“ Wirman, Henkka „T. Blacksmith“ Sepp�l� provide a hype, but also the unbelievable tour plan.
The band spent virtually their entire youth in the tour bus. After the end of the 2008 European tour with Slipknot and Machine Head, C.O.B. jumped by one nightliner into the next.
With the release of their very successful album „Blooddrunk“ CHILDREN OF BODOM reached the highest Chart positions in band-history! As with their previous albums „Blooddrunk“ achieved #1 on the Finnish album-charts and Top 10 positions in almost all European countries! “Blooddrunk” also reached a Top 25 position on US-Billboard-Charts the first time and Top 10 in Japan! The virus called “CHILDREN OF BODOM” makes no borders!
In 2011, the CHILDREN OF BODOM battle ship will see again in sting! The band has just announced a two-month long tour through 23 European countries. Here are the dates:
CHILDREN OF BODOM
THE UGLY WORLD TOUR 2011
Ensiferum
Machinae Supremacy
19.03.2011 OULU - Teatrie Oulu (FIN)
20.03.2011 TAMPERE - Pakkahuone (FIN)
22.03.2011 HELSINKI - Ice Hall (FIN)
24.03.2011 STOCKHOLM - Arenan (S)
25.03.2011 GOTHENBURG - Tr�dgarn (S)
26.03.2011 OSLO - Rockefeller (N)
27.03.2011 COPENHAGEN - Vega (DK)
29.03.2011 HAMBURG - Grosse Freiheit 36 (D)
30.03.2011 TILBURG - O13 (NL)
01.04.2011 NORWICH - UEA (GB)*
02.04.2011 MANCHESTER - Academy 1 (GB)*
03.04.2011 GLASGOW - ABC (GB)*
05.04.2011 DUBLINE - Vicar Street (IRL)*
07.04.2011 NOTTINGHAM - Rock City (GB)*
08.04.2011 BIRMINGHAM Academy (GB)*
09.04.2011 LONDON - Forum (GB)*
11.04.2011 OBERHAUSEN - Turbinenhalle (D)
12.04.2011 PRATTELN - Z7 (CH)
13.04.2011 MILAN - Alcatraz (I)
16.04.2011 ATHENS - Gagarin 205 (GR)
18.04.2011 ISTANBUL - Kucukciftilik Park (TR)
19.04.2011 SOFIA - Universiada Hall (BUL)
20.04.2011 BUCHAREST - Arenele Romane (RO)
22.04.2011 BUDAPEST - Pet�fi Csarnok (H)
23.04.2011 MUNICH - Backstage (D)
24.04.2011 LANGEN - Stadthalle (D)
26.04.2011 WARSAW - Stodola (PL)
27.04.2011 PRAGUE - KD Vltavska (CZ)
28.04.2011 VIENNA - Arena (A)
29.04.2011 LINZ - Posthof (A)
30.04.2011 LEIPZIG - Werk 2 (D)
02.05.2011 PARIS - Elysee Montmatre (F)
03.05.2011 BORDEAUX - Krakatoa (F)
05.05.2011 PORTO - Club Hard (P)
06.05.2011 MADRID - La Riviera (E)
07.05.2011 BARCELONA - Razzmatazz 1 (E)
08.05.2011 BILBAO - Rock Star Live (E)
09.05.2011 TOULOUSE - Le Bikini (F)
11.05.2011 STUTTGART - LKA Longhorn (D)
12.05.2011 ESCH / ALZETTE - Rockhal (LUX)
13.05.2011 ENSCHEDE Atak (NL)
14.05.2011 OSNABR�CK - Halle Gartlage (D)
15.05.2011 ANTWERP - Hof Ter Lo (B)
* additional Support: AMON AMARTH
ALEXI LAIHO LINKS
The band spent virtually their entire youth in the tour bus. After the end of the 2008 European tour with Slipknot and Machine Head, C.O.B. jumped by one nightliner into the next.
With the release of their very successful album „Blooddrunk“ CHILDREN OF BODOM reached the highest Chart positions in band-history! As with their previous albums „Blooddrunk“ achieved #1 on the Finnish album-charts and Top 10 positions in almost all European countries! “Blooddrunk” also reached a Top 25 position on US-Billboard-Charts the first time and Top 10 in Japan! The virus called “CHILDREN OF BODOM” makes no borders!
In 2011, the CHILDREN OF BODOM battle ship will see again in sting! The band has just announced a two-month long tour through 23 European countries. Here are the dates:
CHILDREN OF BODOM
THE UGLY WORLD TOUR 2011
Ensiferum
Machinae Supremacy
19.03.2011 OULU - Teatrie Oulu (FIN)
20.03.2011 TAMPERE - Pakkahuone (FIN)
22.03.2011 HELSINKI - Ice Hall (FIN)
24.03.2011 STOCKHOLM - Arenan (S)
25.03.2011 GOTHENBURG - Tr�dgarn (S)
26.03.2011 OSLO - Rockefeller (N)
27.03.2011 COPENHAGEN - Vega (DK)
29.03.2011 HAMBURG - Grosse Freiheit 36 (D)
30.03.2011 TILBURG - O13 (NL)
01.04.2011 NORWICH - UEA (GB)*
02.04.2011 MANCHESTER - Academy 1 (GB)*
03.04.2011 GLASGOW - ABC (GB)*
05.04.2011 DUBLINE - Vicar Street (IRL)*
07.04.2011 NOTTINGHAM - Rock City (GB)*
08.04.2011 BIRMINGHAM Academy (GB)*
09.04.2011 LONDON - Forum (GB)*
11.04.2011 OBERHAUSEN - Turbinenhalle (D)
12.04.2011 PRATTELN - Z7 (CH)
13.04.2011 MILAN - Alcatraz (I)
16.04.2011 ATHENS - Gagarin 205 (GR)
18.04.2011 ISTANBUL - Kucukciftilik Park (TR)
19.04.2011 SOFIA - Universiada Hall (BUL)
20.04.2011 BUCHAREST - Arenele Romane (RO)
22.04.2011 BUDAPEST - Pet�fi Csarnok (H)
23.04.2011 MUNICH - Backstage (D)
24.04.2011 LANGEN - Stadthalle (D)
26.04.2011 WARSAW - Stodola (PL)
27.04.2011 PRAGUE - KD Vltavska (CZ)
28.04.2011 VIENNA - Arena (A)
29.04.2011 LINZ - Posthof (A)
30.04.2011 LEIPZIG - Werk 2 (D)
02.05.2011 PARIS - Elysee Montmatre (F)
03.05.2011 BORDEAUX - Krakatoa (F)
05.05.2011 PORTO - Club Hard (P)
06.05.2011 MADRID - La Riviera (E)
07.05.2011 BARCELONA - Razzmatazz 1 (E)
08.05.2011 BILBAO - Rock Star Live (E)
09.05.2011 TOULOUSE - Le Bikini (F)
11.05.2011 STUTTGART - LKA Longhorn (D)
12.05.2011 ESCH / ALZETTE - Rockhal (LUX)
13.05.2011 ENSCHEDE Atak (NL)
14.05.2011 OSNABR�CK - Halle Gartlage (D)
15.05.2011 ANTWERP - Hof Ter Lo (B)
* additional Support: AMON AMARTH
Rob Arnold - Part 2 of "The Elite WW3 Mini-Movie"
Rock House Instructor Rob Arnold just posted part 2 of "The Elite WW3 Mini-Movie" series. An introduction to the band, and an in-depth look at the creation of their "WW3 EP". The Elite features Chimaira's Rob Arnold, and Bleed The Sky's Austin D'Amond.
http://www.myspace.com/theelite
http://www.twitter.com/officialelite
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Elite/102885023933
Rob Arnold - Rock House Instructor Profile
David Ellefson of Megadeth talking about Hartke and his bass tone
David Ellefson visited the Hartke headquarters in Hauppauge, New York prior to Megadeth's performance at the Nassau Coliseum the same night. In the video clip, David talks about the 20th anniversary of "Rust In Peace", how he recreates the same bass tone live as on the "Rust In Peace" album, the power of his Hartke gear and more.
DAVID ELLEFSON LINKS:
Chris McCarvill and The Samurai Cab Co. Video Screening Party
Rock House Instructor Chris McCarvill and his band The Samurai Cab Company have been working on a video for their song "I'll Be Fine".
In a news letter posted on the band Facebook site McCarvill stated "If I had to estimate, I'd say about a thousand of you have helped in some way or another with this, so the thank you list is a bit large..."
The reason for so many people? Well McCavill says "I'm not going to really say why but it literally took hundreds of friends to make the video. I spent the summer call in favors and talking to friends. I have real taste for adventure when it comes to music. So, it's possible that you may be in it and I want to share it with everyone."
"We will be showing the official "I'll Be Fine" video (probably more than once), as well as the rough edit (15 minutes long, thank you), plus all kinds of bloopers and funny stuff."
Be there or be square:
Cook's in Naugatuck
203 Church St # 1
Naugatuck, CT
11.15.2010
MARC RIZZO OF SOULFLY ANNOUNCES SOLO U.S. TOUR IN JANUARY 2011
Internationally-recognized guitarist MARC RIZZO, known for his exceptional solo work and involvement with SOULFLY, is planning a solo U.S. tour this winter in support of his new album Legionnaire, beginning on January 6th, 2011 in Reading, PA. The tour will make its way into the Midwest by the end of the month, and will finish in Jacksonville, NC on January 28th. See below for all current U.S. tour dates featuring MARC RIZZO.
New Jersey native MARC RIZZO first played solo for sold out crowds on his first U.S. solo in 2007. RIZZO released two solo albums with Shrapnel Records in 2006 and 2007, entitled Colossal Myopia and The Ultimate Devotion. In 2010, RIZZO released his latest album on his own Phlamencore Records, entitled Legionnaire. RIZZO has been endorsed by the likes of Peavey, Yamaha and B.C. Rich, and currently has a B.C. Rich Stealth Pro Marc Rizzo 7 String Signature guitar available for public purchase.
RIZZO is also well known for his position in popular metal act SOULFLY, with whom he has released four records to date; Prohpecy(2004), Dark Ages (2005), Conquer (2008), and Omen (2010). In addition, he took part in CAVALERA CONSPIRACY with SEPULTURA co-founders Max and Igor Cavalera, affixing his prowess to Inflikted in 2008.
MARC RIZZO SOLO U.S. TOUR DATES:
1/6 Reading, PA @ The Silo
1/7 Dayton, OH @ McGuffy’s House Of Rock
1/8 Sandusky, OH @ The Underground
1/9 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
1/12 Rockfod, IL @ Bar 3
1/18 Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbockers
1/19 Wichita, KS @ The Lizard lounge
1/20 Amarillo, TX @ Club Khoas
1/24 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar
1/25 Fayetville, AR @ Rogue
1/26 St. Louis, MO @ FUBAR
1/27 Nashville, TN @ The Muse
1/28 Jacksonville, NC @ Holligans
For more information on MARC RIZZO, please visit these sites:
New Jersey native MARC RIZZO first played solo for sold out crowds on his first U.S. solo in 2007. RIZZO released two solo albums with Shrapnel Records in 2006 and 2007, entitled Colossal Myopia and The Ultimate Devotion. In 2010, RIZZO released his latest album on his own Phlamencore Records, entitled Legionnaire. RIZZO has been endorsed by the likes of Peavey, Yamaha and B.C. Rich, and currently has a B.C. Rich Stealth Pro Marc Rizzo 7 String Signature guitar available for public purchase.
RIZZO is also well known for his position in popular metal act SOULFLY, with whom he has released four records to date; Prohpecy(2004), Dark Ages (2005), Conquer (2008), and Omen (2010). In addition, he took part in CAVALERA CONSPIRACY with SEPULTURA co-founders Max and Igor Cavalera, affixing his prowess to Inflikted in 2008.
MARC RIZZO SOLO U.S. TOUR DATES:
1/6 Reading, PA @ The Silo
1/7 Dayton, OH @ McGuffy’s House Of Rock
1/8 Sandusky, OH @ The Underground
1/9 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
1/12 Rockfod, IL @ Bar 3
1/18 Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbockers
1/19 Wichita, KS @ The Lizard lounge
1/20 Amarillo, TX @ Club Khoas
1/24 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar
1/25 Fayetville, AR @ Rogue
1/26 St. Louis, MO @ FUBAR
1/27 Nashville, TN @ The Muse
1/28 Jacksonville, NC @ Holligans
For more information on MARC RIZZO, please visit these sites:
www.myspace.com/marcrizzo
www.marcrizzo.net/Marc Rizzo - Rock House Instructor Profile
11.13.2010
The Best Guitar Gear EVER MADE!
©2009 - 2010 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
11.11.2010
David Ellefson's Advice on Finding Your Voice
After doing many clinics this year, playing on a ton of records and recently participating in the 10th Annual Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas the thing most on my mind these days is developing our own identities as players. Let's face it, all of us are fans of someone else's music but taking that inspiration into our system, filtering it through our minds, hearts and fingers and having it come out of our instrument with its own voice is not as easy as some might assume.
How do we develop this? Well, to start, "begin with the end in mind." In other words, I look at my mission; am I learning a song to perform it, record it or teach it to someone else so they can play it? Or, is it an original tune that I may be able to take some liberties and put my creative spin on it, thus making it my own? Both ways have their merit but while an original song can have your signature all over it playing a cover song has to be deterimed if it should be as close to the original or an opportunity to make it your own, too.
Most good working cover bands will probably want to stay true to form to help keep the audience from throwing stuff at them onstage! From there, it's time to listen to the other instruments and musicians playing on the song. Its very easy to become self obsessed with our parts and pay attention only to what we are playing, thereby missing all the dynamics that really make a song a song, and music a pleasure to listen to in the end. In fact, its OK to sometimes not even play at all! That's right, instead of just jumping in and playing "everything all the time" try to listen first, possibly even sitting the first time out with your ears wide open. Then, slowly start to add your parts to the song. You'd be surprised at the smiling faces gleaming at you from your band mates when you take this approach rather than busting into every song like a bull in a china shop and stampeding all over their creations and moments of glory!
Finally, serve the song. That's right, ultimately the happiest musicians are those who get the house a rockin' because everyone in the audience is groovin' to the tunes. That takes discipline, especially if you have some amazing chops in your bag and are aching for any chance to let everyone know it! OK, so that's it for now. In short; try to play a little less, listen a little more and make your audience number one!
Rock On!
David
Rock On!
David
11.10.2010
13 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET A BETTER PRACTICE ROUTINE
Take a look at this check list of 13 things to think about for you're practice routine. It's a handy list that you can post in your practice room. Comment and share other things you do for your practice routine so other can add you're ideas to their list.
1. Set aside at least 20 minutes every day for practice.
3. Practice sitting down. It's more comfortable than standing and makes it easier to develop correct had positioning.
5. Get comfy, rest the guitar on your thigh but make sure that the position you are in feels comfortable. This should be easy because every one or the Rock House DVDs has the instructor in the position you should be in. Here is a little tip you don't see in the Video, rest your foot on something that will elevate your leg, this helps get you into the correct position.
8. Watch that you are not to leaning over your guitar.
9.Flex your fingers to loosen your joints.
10. Check the tuning of your guitar and re-tune it if necessary. Never practice or play with an instrument that is out of tune. Use the online tuner or go get one from your local music shop.
11. Warm up by playing tunes that you are already familiar with.
12. Practice new material separately and stick with it for a while. Don't return to your old, familiar songs just because you are getting frustrated and impatient with the new ones.
13. Finish your practice session by playing music you already know, and polish your skills on it.
11.09.2010
Funk-Master Bootsy Collins Joins Up With Planet Waves
Planet Waves is thrilled to announce the latest addition to their artist roster, Grammy Award winning funk bassist, Bootsy Collins. Since the age of 15, Collins has been playing, recording and touring with world renowned musicians and has earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bootsy Collins was born in Cincinnati, OH, where he still resides. Early in his life, he became a staff musician at King Records which help to pave the way to world tours with acts like Hank Ballard and James Brown. Later in his career, Bootsy went on to collaborate with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, creating records that ended up becoming gold and platinum certified. Throughout his career, Collins has worked and recorded with artists such as Snoop Dogg, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phil Ramone, Keith Richards, Victor Wooten, Dave Stewart, Fatboy Slim, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Ice Cube, Motown’s Funk Brothers and many more.
“A lot of people have connections, but don't have the connection to the Funk Universe,” states Collins. “With my new Planet Waves Microphone, Instrument and Speaker cables, I stay funked up! I love the one's with the on and off switch, when you've had enough, you can cut the juice loose. Hey, when I'm funkin', the connection has to be James Brown tight you know that's right. Get connected and stay funked up like me by using these Planet Waves cables.”
“The amount of talent and dedication that Bootsy has shown throughout his entire career is inspiring to all musicians,” says Frank Aresti, Artist Relations Manager at D’Addario & Co, Inc. “We’re very excited to have Bootsy as a part of the Planet Waves family and look forward to being a part of his future!”
For more information on Bootsy Collins, please visit www.bootsycollins.com
For more information on Planet Waves, please visit www.planetwaves.com
For more information on Planet Waves, please visit www.planetwaves.com
Tascam Launches Their New Blue Ray Recorder
TASCAM has introduced the BD-R2000 high-definition video recorder, which captures to internal hard drive, solid-state media, DVD or Blu-ray™ discs. The multi-format recorder can store video on the hard drive, perform simple edits and author a disc menu before burning to standard DVD-Video or Blu-ray format. It supports video input from DV/HDV cameras (4-pin FireWire) and S-Video, or video files stored to USB 2.0 or SD/SDHC card. With support for several video, audio and still image formats, the BD-R2000 is an ideal fit for schools, house of worship, boardroom and other high-end installations.
The disc authoring system of the BD-R2000 improves on the shortcomings of competing disc-recording systems. Disc playback is seamless, avoiding the pause between scenes often encountered on other solutions. Scenes can be trimmed, separated and arranged on a menu before committing to a blank disc. One-touch dubbing allows an entire DVD or Blu-ray disc, USB drive or SD/SDHC card to be stored on the hard drive, then burned to Blu-ray disc at up to 32x speed.
With so many storage formats to choose from, TASCAM's BD-R2000 is the ultimate video recorder.
Media Features:
- HDD / Blu-ray™ / DVD Recorder
- 500GB internal hard drive
- BD-R drive records: BD-R (SL/DL), BD-RE (SL/DL), DVD-R (SL/DL), DVD-RW
- BD-R drive plays: BD-Video, BD-R (SL/DL), BD-RE (SL/DL), DVD-R (SL/DL), DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R (SL/DL), DVD+RW
- Recording formats: BDAV, BDMV (HDMV), DVD-Video, DVD-VR, JPEG
- DV and HDV video recording via 4-pin iLINK input
- Recording modes: MPEG-2 TS, H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC), MPEG-2 PS, Dolby Digital (audio), Linear PCM (audio)
- SD/SDHC card slot for recording/playback
- Tray lock during recording
- Playback resume
- Edit features: Create playlist, divide, delete, name disc, author DVD or Blu-ray disc and menu, photo slideshow
Input/Output Features:
- HDMI out (version 1.3a)
- Composite (BNC), component (BNC) and S-Video analog video output
- S-Video, composite video input
- Optical digital output
- 4-pin iLINK (DV or HDV) and USB 2.0 input
- RS-232C serial control port
- Wireless remote control
- 19" (W) x 3.46" (H) x 13.81" (D), 11.2 lbs
More at www.tascam.com
Tascam Brings Out HS-2000 & HS-4000 Broadcast Recorders
 |
| Tascam HS-4000 |
TASCAM is launching the HS-2000 two-track and HS-4000 4-track recorders for broadcast. The recorders use dual Compact Flash media for recording, which unlike tape is immune to vibration, wear and weather damage. Confidence recording mode is available to monitor the audio off the card during recording. A touch screen interface drives the recorder, and a simple UI makes menus easy to navigate. The HS-4000 can operate in dual-deck mode, allowing it to function as two separate recorders. Other broadcast features include On-air playback mode and adding tracks to a playlist during playback.
Interface options for the HS-2000 and HS-4000 include synchronization chase through RS-422, SMPTE timecode and parallel control. Pull-up and pull-down modes are available for post production workflows, as well as video sync to HD Tri-Level. Files are recorded as BWAV format, and AES31 import/export is also available.
Also being announced is the RC-HS32PD Remote Control Unit for the two recorders. This controller provides 32 keys for hot start with 64x32 dot matrix color LCDs for name display. It features a color TFT touch screen that mirrors the two recorders. Two 100mm faders include fader start by microswitch, 0dB level lock and on-air signal indication. A speaker and headphone output are provided on the RC-HS32PD for monitoring.
The HS-2000 and HS-4000 are a unique solid-state solution for broadcast logging, post product and telecine. Also available from TASCAM are the HS-8 8-track recorder with timecode and HS-2 stereo recorder with optional timecode expansion.
More at www.tascam.com
Shecter Guitars Introduces New 2011 Clothing and Accesories
Just in time for Christmas, Schecter Guitars has introduced some cool looking tee's and couple new guitar straps to their line of merchandise. The gear is all a part of their 2011 "Artists Series" featuring designs by Junker, Marc Vachon and Copperpeace.
More info at and pictures at http://schecterguitars.bigcartel.com/
11.08.2010
Gary Hoey's Annual Christmas Guitar Giveaway
Head over to Gary Hoey's web site and enter to win a 2010 Autographed Squier Strat by Fender on Christmas Day.
It's all pretty simple all you have to do is join Gary"s E-List.
Click Here to get started
If you are on the e-list already, you will be automatically entered. The winner will be announced by New Years Day. Good luck and happy holidays to all.
Day Of Reckoning feat. Rusty Cooley Releases 2 New Demo Songs
Rusty Cooley's new band Day of Reckoning is kicking it in the ass pretty hard. They just released 2 new songs for their debut album. "Slow Decline" and "In Quiet Disbelief" and the songscan now be heard at http://www.myspace.com/dayofreckoningmetal
A couple of reviews of the that are posted on the site:
"Both tunes are really cool! Sounds awesome man. Great riffs. Love the hyper-speed open G lick on the second one. The arpeggio sequences in both songs are sick".
-John Petrucci, Dream Theater
"Holy shit! This is awesome. I think you've found your sound bro. Your new singer has a lot of power and the hooks are very brutal and memorable".
-Oli Herbert, All That Remains
"OMG Totally Killer . Beyond impressive on so many levels. I am blown away my friend".
-Karl Sanders, Nile
Check it today!
11.04.2010
Native Instruments Introduces THE MOUTH
Native Instruments today introduced THE MOUTH, a unique performance instrument and sound processor by electronic artist and musical innovator Tim Exile. Based on versatile REAKTOR technology, THE MOUTH generates intriguing melodies and harmonies from any audio signal on the fly, allowing it to easily turn vocals, drum loops and other sources into rich electronic textures and highly original sonic mayhem.
THE MOUTH is the second instrument collaboration between Native Instruments and Tim Exile, following the notorious keyboard-controlled effects processor THE FINGER, and originating from the same custom REAKTOR-based live setup that is at the center of Tim Exile’s boundary- breaking stage performances. Equipped with automatic pitch detection and intuitive harmonizing controls, THE MOUTH provides an unlimited array of expressive and inspirational synthesizer, vocoder and talk box- style sounds and effects with a distinctive electronic character, offering new and original ways to enrich an incoming audio signal or even turn it into something entirely different and unpredictable.
THE MOUTH offers separate “Pitch” and “Beats” modes for tonal processing of all kinds of audio material, enabling anything from auto- tuning effects to unexpected chord structures and arpeggiated melodies. For flexible harmonization, musical scales can be either preselected or triggered in real time from a MIDI keyboard. The input signal can be seamlessly mixed and replaced with the output from separate “Synth”, “Bass” and “Vocoder” sections, complemented by an additional “FX” path. Each generator section offers a convenient preset matrix with additional editing options, while eight global performance controls make it easy to tweak the overall sound in a spontaneous and intuitive way.
THE MOUTH is based on advanced REAKTOR technology, and can be used with the free REAKTOR PLAYER and in the full REAKTOR 5.5 software, both as a standalone processor and as a plug-within a DAW or music sequencer
THE MOUTH is available at www.native-instruments.com/themouth
Planet Waves Signs Heavy Metal Band SHADOWS FALL
Planet Waves is excited to announce the signing of Massachusetts based metal quintet, Shadows Fall. Shadows Fall has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a D.I.Y. heavy metal group. Now, Shadows Fall has earned a countless amount of fans, worldwide fame, two Grammy nominations, and even a song on Guitar Hero. The Shadows Fall roster includes vocalist Brian Fair, lead guitarist Jonathan Donais, guitarist Matt Bachand, bassist Paul Romanko, and drummer and Evans endorsee Jason Bittner.
Shadows Fall has grown to help define the very essence of modern aggressive music with their unmistakable, seamless blend of metal and hard rock. Their hard work and musical innovation have been the forces propelling their career and continually revealing their talent.
"Planet Waves products, particularly the cable station line, are a necessary part of my touring gear,” says guitarist Jonathan Donais. “Quick, custom, and easy-to-make cables make my hectic schedule a whole lot easier!”
“We’re proud to have Shadows fall as a part of the Planet Waves roster,” says Frank Aresti, Artist Relations Manager. “The band has helped to shape the current heavy metal genre, and that is something we’re excited to be a part of.”
For more information on Shadows Fall, please visit www.shadowsfall.com.
For more information on Planet Waves, please visit www.planetwaves.com.
For more information on Planet Waves, please visit www.planetwaves.com.
All That Remains Scores Top Ten Debut on Billboard's Top 200
via www.peavey.com
The All That Remains juggernaut continues to grow as their new album For We Are Many scores a Top Ten debut on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart. The record sold 29,247 copies to come in at #10, while also grabbing the #1 spot on the Hard Music chart, and #2 Rock Album overall. These are career-best chart positions and the best sales week for the New England-based hard rock giants, who are released through a joint venture between Prosthetic Records and Razor & Tie.
Check the rest of the story at www.peavey.com
All That Remains features Rock House Method Metal Guitar instructor Oli Herbert
Check Oli's Instructional DVD's at www.rockhousemethod.com
Gibson Announces the Revolutionary Firebird X
Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz made an announcement that staggered the music world. Juszkiewicz unveiled Gibson’s latest guitar, Firebird X. But press, fans and celebrities in attendance quickly learned that Firebird X was much, much more than any guitar ever conceived. Speaking to an audience that included such guitar luminaries as Ace Frehley, The Roots’ Kirk Douglas, Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French from Twisted Sister, Lou Pallo, Russ Paul and others, Juszkiewicz described an instrument light years ahead of anything ever built.
“This is new. This is different. This is revolution,” he declared before unveiling the axe. “Nobody looks and spends the time to reinvent the guitar. This is a new guitar.”
The Firebird X guitar takes the guitar instrument to new heights of functionality and usability for the professional player and the aspiring enthusiast. Using technologies that did not exist even a few years ago, Gibson has enhanced an already outstanding instrument to unbelievable performance and creative heights. The enhancements touch every aspect of the instrument from improved manufacturing technologies to the latest electronics.
To drive this point home, Juszkiewicz grabbed a traditional guitar and smashed it to pieces. Afterward, the crowd buzzed over the announcement. And already, video of the occasion has leaked onto the Internet.
“This is new. This is different. This is revolution,” he declared before unveiling the axe. “Nobody looks and spends the time to reinvent the guitar. This is a new guitar.”
The Firebird X guitar takes the guitar instrument to new heights of functionality and usability for the professional player and the aspiring enthusiast. Using technologies that did not exist even a few years ago, Gibson has enhanced an already outstanding instrument to unbelievable performance and creative heights. The enhancements touch every aspect of the instrument from improved manufacturing technologies to the latest electronics.
To drive this point home, Juszkiewicz grabbed a traditional guitar and smashed it to pieces. Afterward, the crowd buzzed over the announcement. And already, video of the occasion has leaked onto the Internet.
More info at Firebird X
11.03.2010
Rob Balducci's Lick of the Week - Lesson On Tap Harmonics
via http://www.youtube.com/RobBalducci
Rob Balducci posted a new "Lick of the week" on his you tube site. The Favored Nations artist and Rock House Instructor gives us a nice in depth look at how he creates Tap Harmonics....it's a very soulful experience.
Rob Balducci posted a new "Lick of the week" on his you tube site. The Favored Nations artist and Rock House Instructor gives us a nice in depth look at how he creates Tap Harmonics....it's a very soulful experience.
David Ellefson In From The JÄGERMEISTER Tour - VIDEO
via http://www.megadeth.com
As the original "Clash of the Titans" lineup was reunited for a third time on the Jägermeister Fall Music Tour, David Ellefson discusses the origin of thrash metal and how the sounds of Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax evolved to what they are today. Check out what he has to say in this latest video and check out his Rock House instructional DVD's at The Rock House Store or Rock House On Demand
Children Of Bodom Films New Music Video "Was It Worth It?"
Via http://www.cobhc.com/
CHILDREN OF BODOM TEAMS UP WITH WORLD’s TOP SKATEBOARDERS TO FILM NEW MUSIC VIDEO.NEW SONG “WAS IT WORTH IT?” TO APPEAR ON AWARD-WINNING FINNISH BAND’s HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM
CHILDREN OF BODOM, the esteemed Finnish Heavy Metal band that features frontman and modern day guitar hero Alexi Laiho just wrapped shooting on a high energy music video for the brand new song “Was it Worth It?”. In the video, COB joined forces with two-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Thrasher Magazine “Skater of the Year” Chris Cole as well as noted pro skaters Jamie Thomas and Tom Asta (the current #1 Amateur skateboarder in the world). “Was it Worth It?” will appear on CHILDREN OF BODOM’s as-yet-untitled seventh studio album, which is slated for a spring, 2011 release via Universal Music.
Filmed on location at central Pennsylvania’s residential Action Sports compound Camp Woodward and directed by Dale Resteghini for Raging Nation Films (Pink Floyd, Santana, Mötley Crüe), the “Was it Worth It?” video was shot guerrilla style, sans treatment; honing in directly on CHILDREN OF BODOM’s high-spirited fire and the skaters’ eye-opening execution. Check out in-action stills from the video shoot now at this location.
"The video shoot was an awesome party; a big concoction of super Heavy Metal and the most awesome and craziest skaters in the world,” said BODOM’s Laiho. “High octane drinks and lots of fun! Chris Cole’s ollies over me while I'm rocking my guitar solo, that's fuckin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll right there! I never had this much fun during a video shoot. Thanks to the director and everyone involved."
"I've been a Bodom fan for a very long time, and never thought something like this would ever happen. It's a dream come true for me,” commented Chris Cole. “For the past three years Alexi and I have been saying to each other how we wanted to film this one scene that finally happened in this video. I had a blast and can't wait for this video to air!"
CHILDREN OF BODOM, the esteemed Finnish Heavy Metal band that features frontman and modern day guitar hero Alexi Laiho just wrapped shooting on a high energy music video for the brand new song “Was it Worth It?”. In the video, COB joined forces with two-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Thrasher Magazine “Skater of the Year” Chris Cole as well as noted pro skaters Jamie Thomas and Tom Asta (the current #1 Amateur skateboarder in the world). “Was it Worth It?” will appear on CHILDREN OF BODOM’s as-yet-untitled seventh studio album, which is slated for a spring, 2011 release via Universal Music.
Filmed on location at central Pennsylvania’s residential Action Sports compound Camp Woodward and directed by Dale Resteghini for Raging Nation Films (Pink Floyd, Santana, Mötley Crüe), the “Was it Worth It?” video was shot guerrilla style, sans treatment; honing in directly on CHILDREN OF BODOM’s high-spirited fire and the skaters’ eye-opening execution. Check out in-action stills from the video shoot now at this location.
"The video shoot was an awesome party; a big concoction of super Heavy Metal and the most awesome and craziest skaters in the world,” said BODOM’s Laiho. “High octane drinks and lots of fun! Chris Cole’s ollies over me while I'm rocking my guitar solo, that's fuckin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll right there! I never had this much fun during a video shoot. Thanks to the director and everyone involved."
"I've been a Bodom fan for a very long time, and never thought something like this would ever happen. It's a dream come true for me,” commented Chris Cole. “For the past three years Alexi and I have been saying to each other how we wanted to film this one scene that finally happened in this video. I had a blast and can't wait for this video to air!"
Rusty Cooley's Lick of the Week
Rusty Cooley's new project Guitar Asylum TV will be getting off the ground very soon. The Rock House Instructor has posted a lick of the week on the web site to give aspiring guitaist a taste of things to come. The new web series will not only be showcasing the talents of Cooley it will also include interviews with some of the best musicians in business.
Check out http://www.guitarasylumtv.blogspot.com/ for info and check out Rusty's instructional DVD's at The Rock House Store or Rock House On Demand
Gus G. Meet and Greet In NYC and Montreal
Meet Rock House instructor and Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Gus G. at Sam Ash (48th St.) on November 6th at 2PM prior to FIREWIND's New York City show @ The Gramercy Theater!
A couple days later you can get a chance to see the phenom guitarist in Montreal at Guitar Plus, 8780 boul. St. Laurent, Suite 2, H2N 1M4
Date & Time: November 8th at 6 PM
A couple days later you can get a chance to see the phenom guitarist in Montreal at Guitar Plus, 8780 boul. St. Laurent, Suite 2, H2N 1M4
Date & Time: November 8th at 6 PM
©2009 - 2010 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
11.02.2010
Review of Schecter PT guitar by Terry White
I have always wanted a Fender Telecaster guitar but not just any ordinary Telecaster; I have always wanted a Tele with humbuckers installed instead of the old Tele style single coil pickups.Not that there is anything wrong with the original Tele and the single coil pickups. An original Fender Telecaster is really a historic guitar. It had a sound all its own and thousands of songs have been written and recorded using that very guitar, and still even today guitarists in all types of music still use that single coil configuration.
I love the design and the feel of a Telecaster; I just want a bigger sound. And I want to be able to play many different styles of music and for that a Humbucker is almost required. Well at least most of the time, there are other alternatives to conventional humbuckers but we will save that for another article.
The problem that I have is that I am a left-handed guitarist and while anyone that is right-handed can easily find a Telecaster with a Humbucker (Or HH) set up Fender does not make any guitar at all in a left-handed model that uses humbuckers.
Well it just so happens that what I believe to be one of the best kept secrets as far as guitars are concerned is that a company called Schecter Guitar Research has a guitar called the “Schecter PT”
The Schecter PT actually has quite a bit of history behind it. The Schecter PT was designed originally back in the 1980’s and was a custom only model which were designed for Pete Townshend and I believe that it was actually 1979 when Schecter first custom built these Telecaster styled guitars using what was called “Super Rock” coil-tapped humbuckers and Gibson-type toggle switch, some with Sperzel locking tuners for “The Who” guitarist.
Well so much for the history lesson, needless to say Schecter does make a decedent of that very guitar today. And while much of it has changed as far as the manufacturing process, much of it still remains the same.
Schecter has added what they now call the Schecter PT (The PT actually stands for Pete Townshend) and it is included in their diamond series line of guitars. And it still uses pickups called “Super Rock “coil-tapped Humbucker pickups.
Here are the specifications for the latest version of the Schecter PT:
CONSTRUCTION/SCALE: Bolt-On / 25.5 BODY: Alder NECK/FINGERBOARD: Gloss Maple FRETS: 22 Jumbo INLAYS: Dots PICKUPS: Schecter Super Rock II ELECTRONICS: Vol/Tone (tap)/3-Way BRIDGE: PT-H BINDING: Creme Double TUNERS: Grover HARDWARE: Black COLOR: Gloss Black. And it is available in a Right-handed or left-handed model.
Two tapped Schecter Superock humbuckers let you play fat and chunky, or give you sweet, jangly single-coil sounds used in many country music songs. The Schecter PT is a truly classic, yet versatile guitar for almost any guitarist. There are all types of sounds you can get from this guitar, and it can be used to play many different types of music.
Now the guys at Schecter as well as a few other people that know me can tell you that I have had plans purchase one of these beauties for some time now. In fact my original plan was to purchase both the standard Diamond series Schecter PT, as well as ordering an all custom Schecter PT from the Schecter U.S.A. custom shop. But many things have come up over this last 6 months or so and I have not yet been able to accomplish getting either of them.
I did however get lucky a few days ago and found that a friend of mine that lives on the coast of S.C. who happens to also be left-handed already has a Schecter PT and he was kind enough to allow me to use it for a couple of hours.
Now while it may look very much like a Telecaster, and the weight and balance is pretty much the same that is really where the similarities end.
The neck is a little bit thinner and just a bit wider which to me helps the guitar play a little faster. You get really nice jumbo fret wires. Grover tuners so of course keeping it in tunes is simple enough, even if you change tunings a couple of times which I did just for testing purposes.
The finish was as close to perfect as you can get, and the coil-tapping works extremely well. You know right away that you have changed from a Humbucker sound to a single coil.
To be honest I really could not find anything at all to complain about with this guitar. As I said I only got to spend a couple of hours with it so there are still some different amplifier settings I would like to try on some different types of amplifiers.
While I love the sound of the Duncan Design Superock pickups which by the way maintains its clarity even at very high gain settings, you can still hear all of the notes in pretty much any chord your playing. It really is a great sound.
The only thing that I can think of at all that I might want to change, and I would have to spend much more time with one of my own before deciding this for sure. But there would be a small chance that I might change out the bridge pickup. But this would not have anything at all to do with the way the stock pickup sounds. If I did choose to change it out it would only be so that I could still keep using the same guitar even if I were playing a lead that needed a bit more gain.
But as I said, this is something that I would not decide to do for sure until I had much more time to spend with the guitar.
And here is the reason I call it one of the best kept secrets in the guitar industry:
You can buy this guitar in all of its glory and history for as little as $499.00. Honestly that price is almost an insult to the guitar.
The Schecter PT Diamond series guitar plays as well and in my humble opinion better than the Telecasters I have been able to test, and that includes the U.S.A. model. It is solid, and even for a bolt on neck you still get great sustain, the neck is designed to play fast and accurate.
The best part, like all Schecter guitars they stand behind them for a lifetime.
There are not too many companies out there doing that these days, certainly not for a guitar that you only had to pay $499.00 to own. So for me Schecter has proven yet again that you do not have to sacrifice quality in order to get a guitar for a decent price.
Just as soon as I am able to pick up one of my own I will test the guitar in much more detail and post the results right away.
If you get the chance pick one up in a guitar store, play around with it for a little while and then pick up a Telecaster. I really think you will agree that for the money, this one is a no brainer.
Link: Schecter PT Guitar
Terry White
©2009 - 2010 Terry White & 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
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