Small Questions Which Don't Deserve Their Own Thread

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Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Ireneo Funes posted:

I have two questions:

1. What do you guys with decent-sized pedal boards use to power all of your gear? I've been looking at the cheaper power supplies like the 1-Spot and Godlyke (what an awful name) but all the reviews I've read complain that they give off a ridiculous humming sound.

I power something like 13 pedals with my 1spot, and there's no hum because I don't live in an 18th century crapshack. There are better power supplies, but not for anything nearly as cheap as the 1spot.

Try to stay away from places like Zzounds, musiciansfriend and Harmony Central for reviews. Zzounds and Musiciansfriend is full of teenagers bitching about why their Frontman 212 won't let them sound like Atreyu, and Harmony Central might as well change it's name to Hyperbole Central.

# ¿ Nov 19, 2009 02:58

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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 19:31

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

cat doter posted:

Is it worth the money to replace the tuners on a MIM strat with some grover locking tuners? Also, is it just me, or are the stock saddles on it loving lovely?

Absolutely. Worst comes to worst, you have a great set of tuners that you can put into your new guitar if you want. The saddles are an easy replacement too (you can get the Graphtech string saver ones for like 12 dollars).

# ¿ Nov 19, 2009 15:39

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Crankep posted:

What should a music theory beginner learn and know by heart to have a good solid foundation?

All of it.

# ¿ Nov 28, 2009 16:58

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Midget Gems posted:

Which flange pedal would people recommend? I'm, obviously, looking at the electric mistress, as well as the mxr flanger. What other alternatives are there? Any with true bypass as well?

The Deluxe Electric Mistress is the best flanger pedal bar none. It's one of those things that will always be on my board even if I decide I hate EHX later on in life, becuase it's that good. It is the poo poo. Cream of the crop.

# ¿ Nov 29, 2009 02:26

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

screaden posted:

Eastwood guitars. Yay or nay?

Hell yay.

# ¿ Nov 30, 2009 12:23

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

screaden posted:

I was hoping for a bit more information. I probably should have mentioned that before. Aside from the looks (which are badass), I would like to know more about them

They're a quality brand with a decent reputation and great prices. What more do you need to know?

Obviously give them a test drive at your local guitar shop if possible, but poo poo, Carbohydrates has one, and he only has awesome guitars. I almost bought one, but I don't really ever have the ability to buy guitars. I suck, but those guitars are tight. That's really all the info I have.

# ¿ Dec 2, 2009 11:57

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

mezzir posted:

I suppose this is the best place to ask this, since the mods aren't around too too much. A few things I've come across in the last month or so made me want to post a PYF inspiration type deal, but just songs. And i realize that would seem to fit in PYF, but ideally it'd just be something from musician to musician of what type thing you listen to when you're in a rut or what song you just heard that broadened your horizons or what'd you just hear that you think is a cool idea you want to emulate or think other people could use to hear. Any interest anyone?

I'd love a thread like that! My answer would be Tera Melos' eponymous album.

# ¿ Dec 3, 2009 03:50

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

stairway to hippo posted:

I've never heard about this being possible, and I've been reading some forums with a lot of EHX-fanboys. The set of parameters being controlled is pretty different on the two pedals. Also, it's my impression that EHX is a pretty decent company, and if the foot controller was the same for both pedals, they'd probably be clear about that.

As an EHX fanboy, I can tell you that they do almost anything they can to save money. The space drum, one of their less popular pedals, was only allowed on the product line because the designer managed to fit it in a Big Muff Pi enclosure. The reason this is relevant is because if the two controllers were the same, EHX could just slap two jacks on it, label it a foot controller and call it a day, as opposed to labeling them differently. I imagine that's what the case would be if they were the same.

Not that it's not possible for them to be different, but by the end of 2010, I hope to be able to confirm that they're different :frogbon:

# ¿ Dec 14, 2009 08:51

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

stairway to hippo posted:

I can take a look inside my HOG FC when I get home from work and see if I can find any gut shots of the 2880 FC to compare.

When you think about it, though, if you're willing to make the $900 plunge for a 2880, a HOG and it's controller (plus all the space they take up), and you're not willing to pay another $100 for an appropriate controller, that's kinda weak, dude.

# ¿ Dec 14, 2009 09:05

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Rivethead posted:

Why in the hell do people take the trem cover off the back of their guitar and never put it back on? I've been a used guitar shopper for a long time and I've noticed a lot of guitars are missing it. Are people so lazy they can't put it back on after adding/removing springs or making an adjustment to the trem system?

I just don't get it

A lot of people perpetually leave them off (some boutique builders don't even bother including one) because players are constantly making adjustments to the tension and whatnot. I'm more of a "set it and forget it" kinda guy, but that's why I don't mess around with trems in general. Too much loving hassle.

# ¿ Dec 14, 2009 19:26

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

I'm looking at the user manual for the iSP Decimator ProRack, and it has this page describing the inputs and outputs:

Now, I have a vague idea of what balanced/unbalanced/high impedence means, but what I'd basically like to know is could I run the signal from my guitar to Input 1, from Output 1 to the amp's input, from the effects in the effects loop to Input 2, then from Output 2 to the amp's effects return? If that's possible, is it ideal? I saw a video where the guys from Periphery all use 2 noise suppressors and they say that that's the reason they sound so tight, and I want that.

Basically like this:

Here's the Periphery Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF8hBHok2xI

Gorilla Salsa fucked around with this message at 09:32 on Dec 16, 2009

# ¿ Dec 16, 2009 09:19

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Would I be able to use the ART Pro VLA II with a guitar signal?

# ¿ Dec 18, 2009 02:01

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Hungry Gerbil posted:

I need someone to create sheet music based on a youtube video for me.

I'm willing to pay money. Please look at my SA-Mart thread if you are interested:
http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3253252

Or tell people that might be interested about the thread. Thanks.

Man, you have to post this as school is starting up? Here's 4 measures. That'll be :20bux:

(I'm joking about the money.)

# ¿ Jan 12, 2010 15:18

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

CalvinDooglas posted:

Gah! no offense dude, but you gotta learn some notation or get better software! TWO staves, man. Gotta use the grand staff for the piano. Also, that's not what the pianist is playing.

Eh, you get what you pay for.

I used Powertab because, even though I've used GuitarPro for months now, I still know Powertab like the back of my hand, and I'm not going to attempt to obtain Finale or Sibelius by whatever methods for 4 measures, sorry. I started off with a grand staff, but everything on the bass side was up on the top ledger lines, so I just combined it into one staff.

Hungry Gerbil posted:

This is not for school. What kind of school would make you transcribe videogame music into sheet music anyways?

vvv this vvv

TylerK posted:

Pretty sure he was saying that he himself is about to start school and thus would not have much time to tackle it, though he would be inclined to do so.

# ¿ Jan 12, 2010 23:53

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

the wizards beard posted:

What's the advantage of having a brass nut on guitar? It looks like there was a trend of doing this in the late 70s, is it just a mojo thing or do open strings actually sound different?

I know Yngwie Malmsteen has a quote out there where he says that they have more sustain, but all of that stuff is subjective anyhow. What is objective is the fact that they never loving break or wear down. That's why I like them.

# ¿ Jan 19, 2010 12:28

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Horse Divorce posted:

Question 1: Can I use this switch on my pedal?

Yes, you could drill out the necessary hole to wire that switch if space permitted, but since it's probably made out of plastic, I can't tell you anecdotally if that would be best. If you're uncomfortable doing it, you could always look at the current (faulty) switch and see if it's replaceable with one of these.

Horse Divorce posted:

Question 2: Using the 3rd pole, can I replace the factory LED with something a little brighter and more to my taste?

If you went with the 3PDT switch, absolutely. Otherwise, you'd have to find out what resistor DOD used for the LED and hope to god that you can change it to a lower value.

Horse Divorce posted:

I'll post pictures of the guts inside the pedal if necessary, but I'm tired and have a toothache right now. Now I doubt this'll work, I'm just not that lucky to get it right on my first shot. So if you have any ideas about installing a stomp switch that will light up an LED, let me know.

This would be helpful in any case.

# ¿ Feb 5, 2010 11:51

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

HappyHippo posted:

So I just bought new strings for my violin, and after a week I break the D string. I can't find a place in town that sells individual strings, and D'Addario's website doesn't ship to Canada. Is there some sort of online retailer that would sell me Helicore's that does ship to Canada?

JustStrings will ship internationally for $6.95 according to this info section on their site.

JustStrings.com posted:

First Class Mail - US$6.95 For Any Size Order. (Packages over 13oz. Ship via Priority Mail) Tracking and Delivery Confirmation Service is included for all destinations in the USA. A Signature is Not required. United States Postal Service Delivery to USA (includes APO, FPO) and Canadian destinations only.

Gorilla Salsa fucked around with this message at 21:43 on Feb 26, 2010

# ¿ Feb 26, 2010 21:36

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Valtaherra posted:

Strange question, and I'm hoping some of you guys might help.

Basically, I need a euphonium. I don't really have the available money to buy one outright, but I'm aware of rental and rent-to-buy options. I'm curious if anyone has 1) done this, particularly with a euphonium, or 2) has some knowledge indirectly of either a national chain, northern california local retailer, or online business that does this in a reputable fashion.

Or, conversely, if anyone is aware of a relatively cheap euphonium for sale ( > $500), that would own too.

I knew plenty of people that rented instruments for Band in high school using their own money, and it's really a per-shop kinda thing. If you have any common sense for sketchiness, you should be good.

# ¿ Mar 5, 2010 11:24

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Isnak posted:

What's the best way of getting rid of old/beat up starter instruments?

Craigslist.

# ¿ Mar 7, 2010 02:13

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Twlight posted:

I really want to try and learn to solder my own pickups and pots, whats a good type of solder and soldering iron that I should start off with. Also where can I find Concentric Pots, that are a decent value?

Radioshack irons are handy for beginners, and you can get concentric pots from places like Allparts and Parts-express.

# ¿ Mar 13, 2010 16:13

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

tuwhitt posted:

Posted this in the pedal board thread but thought this would be a better place for it I think...

I just bought a EHX Memory Toy, but something is totally messed with it I think. How often does this happen? Does it happen? I get mostly clean guitar through it, but if I gently caress around with it long enough, I'll get loads of crazy noise and poo poo, but basically no delay at all. The blend knob pretty much just makes the guitar tone disappear. I swapped batteries but that was no help. (that's not a load of delay at the end it's me picking over and over btw)

http://www.mediafire.com/?mmzyn2j4wjt

return that poo poo pronto, yo.

# ¿ Mar 18, 2010 09:53

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Am I correct in my assumption that if I bought an electronic drumset, MIDI capable interface, recording software and a drumset VST, I could "play" drums and record them on the computer?

# ¿ Mar 25, 2010 07:19

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

reach42 posted:

are there any good (preferably free, though I do have Logic Express) computer programs that can accurately simulate a looping pedal so I can practice with it before deciding whether or not I'd want to drop $200 on a pedal?

You do.

# ¿ Mar 29, 2010 10:01

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

reach42 posted:

Logic express doesn't have the looping pedal or mainstage. I'm aware that the full logic 9 does though. I'm not sure what would be more worth the investment, upgrading to the full logic 9 or getting a pedal.

I meant looping is a poo poo ton of fun, and you most certainly do want to spend $200 on a looper.

EDIT: Is it possible for Logic to repeat a certain section, say, for instance, if it were highlighted? That could give you the gist of it. Otherwise, try writing a few different phrases and just copy/pasting them a few dozen times.

Gorilla Salsa fucked around with this message at 12:16 on Mar 29, 2010

# ¿ Mar 29, 2010 12:12

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Reset_Smith posted:

So I just picked up a Fender Deville 4X10 amp, with some nice, warm sounding, after-market tubes. The tone is lovely in the clean channel, but the drive isn't all it could be. I play a lot of bluesy stuff, but I'm also quite into metal. I was thinking that I'd just leave it in clean, at all times, and pick up a decent distortion/overdrive pedal(or a combination thereof) for when I'm feeling savage. Does anyone have pedal recommendations for Fender tube-amps?

(note: I enjoy squealing pinch-harmonics on the high end, and deep punches-to-the-gut for the lows)

any/all pedals work well with the Deville. (what's up, Deville 410 brother?) You should look for an overdrive that suits your musical tastes. What would those be?

I had a lot of fun with the EHX English Muff'n, for the record.

# ¿ Mar 31, 2010 19:13

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Reset_Smith posted:

I listen to a wide variety, but my instrumental abilities don't extend as far.
On the bluesier end (which is where I'm rooted in technique, as I learned to play out of an infatuation with Jimmy Page) I tend to aim towards Gov't Mule's tone. Warren Haynes cleanliness goes well with this amp, as you already know. I like to break out the wah-wah and get down to some 1970's porno-music, every once in a while. But on the heavier end, I'm into metal that varies in the realm of Every Time I die, All That Remains, and Between the Buried and Me. Though, I certainly cannot shred like the latter two.

For overdrive, I'd still suggest the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret. I haven't played it, but the overdrive junkies at TGP gave a raging hard erection for it, so it may suit your needs. For Distortion, the Wampler Triple Wreck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZYiO6dMaok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF5TlBI--2A

Gorilla Salsa fucked around with this message at 22:09 on Mar 31, 2010

# ¿ Mar 31, 2010 22:05

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Reset_Smith posted:

It's Gorilla Salsa you should thank... Unless you're talking about my erection... (you're welcome )

Anyway, since I'm already having good luck with this thread, how about some pickups?
I've had the same electric for about nine years, and rather than buy a new axe (my roommate is already pissed off that I bought the amp before paying rent (don't worry, I'm good for it)) I was thinking about trying some guitar necromancy.
It's a Gibson Les Paul Special (the kind of "special" that has mittens pinned to its jacket) with all the original hardware.
The bridge pickup cuts out frequently, and it's become quite annoying.
Any thoughts on a good place to start?

Are you looking to repair or replace?

# ¿ Apr 1, 2010 02:53

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Reset_Smith posted:

Gorilla Salsa to the rescue
Replace. Maybe just one of them. I already checked out the connections at the toggle switch, input, and volume/tone knobs. It all looks fine, so I'm guessing the problem is in the pickup itself (which I have not removed. I'm alright with electrical workings, but I'll admit I'm afraid to gently caress it up worse)
Anyway, I figure this might be a good time to upgrade. Perhaps install something with a more robust high-end for the bridge pickup.
I enjoy making it scream.

Pickups are a touchy thing, and we actually have a thread here on SA about them. I'm not 100% sure what your tastes are, so I'm not going to throw out blind recommendations for you (I'm much more well versed in pedals than pickups). That said, Dimarzio has a really cool pickup finder tool on their website, as well as audio samples (taken from various artists' songs). Seymour Duncan has both a tone chart and audio samples for their products.

Based on what I know of your tastes and of these pickups, I'd check out the PAF Pro from Dimarzio and/or the SH-1 59 from Seymour Duncan.

# ¿ Apr 1, 2010 03:58

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

vlack posted:

There's music I want to learn to play. I'll have to listen to the same section over and over and over in order to get it, because I'm not very good at learning things by ear. Is there some software that will let me stick sections of a song on repeat? All I can do right now is manually seek back and forth in iTunes, and it is really frustrating.

Someone must have written this software, right? I cannot figure out how to search for it.

Oh yeah, I use Mac OS X.

This is a really weaksauce response, but Audiko.net will let you do this, even though it's meant to make ringtones with.

# ¿ Apr 8, 2010 18:26

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

^^^^^^

Ferrous Wheel!!! :argh:

^^^^^^

The Bananana posted:

I just snapped a string, so on that note(), any suggestions for good steel acoustic guitar strings? Gotta go get new ones, so any recommendations would be great.

Anything D'Addario is normally fantastic.

# ¿ Apr 13, 2010 17:38

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

The A-Team Van posted:

Please tell me I made the right decision by passing on this guitar

ESP Explorer JH2 James Hetfield signature

IIRC, the "real" versions weren't made in China or:

Body: Mahogany body (Basswood)
Neck: Set maple neck
Pickups: EMG humbuckers
Inlays: Rosewood "deer skulls". 22XJ extra jumbo frets
Bridge: Tune-o-matic
Hardware: Black color hardware

Looks too much like a cheap Chinese copy to me.

Did I make the smart move by saving my $460?

You would have made the right decision passing on it if it were legit, worry not.

# ¿ Apr 22, 2010 05:46

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Ferrous Wheel posted:

So I'm thinking of picking up a boost pedal. I thought about this MXR but then thought a simple linear boost would probably make a great first pedal build. Anyone have opinions on a good one?

I think a super clean boost would probably be the most useful to me in general but it seems hard to go wrong with a Rangemaster clone. BYOC is the easiest place to find but I think I remember someone mentioning a cheaper dealer. Anyone want to remind me?

Fake edit: Maybe it was General Guitar Gadgets? They're currently closed for the sabbath so...

BYOC has something called a "confidence boost" that is literally $15 and is designed especially for first-time builders. GGG is super christian, and I think they include bibles with every order, so that's what's up with the sabbath thing.

EDIT: That's kind of weird though. It's not like they couldn't just chill out on Sundays and let the computer take orders for them to fulfill on Monday, but to each their own, I guess. I can't say I wouldn't personally be bothered if I owned a business that whiny elitist atheists refused to shop at.

Gorilla Salsa fucked around with this message at 16:02 on Apr 24, 2010

# ¿ Apr 24, 2010 15:59

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Furry Neo posted:

Just saw this (Epiphone Dot Studio) on sale at a nearby pawn shop for $200 used; seems a bit high as they're occasionally marked down to that much new.

Would it be better to ask for a lower price, or to ask them to throw in a gig bag or something?

Look at the loving scratches on that thing. Even Guitar Center couldn't get away with charging $200 for that. Not unless it had upgraded pickups. Haggle to the best of your abilities, but knowing Pawn Shops, you'll get nothing.

# ¿ Apr 27, 2010 11:44

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

I'm looking at getting some monitors for my pseudo-studio use. Since I don't make any money doing this kind of stuff, I want something cheap, but I think the point of using studio monitors to begin with is so you can work on sounds knowing your speakers aren't biased towards any one frequency. I had previously looked at some KRK Rokit 6s, but I've always wanted to try my hand at making one of parts-express.com's speaker kits, so I thought maybe I could kill two birds with one stone. I was looking at this kit because I'm much more comfortable with that price, and they describe it as "on the warm side of neutral", which I think is good (I could absolutely be wrong.) What I'm concerned with most is that I have no clue about any of this. Do I need a powered monitor or a passive monitor? Am I just asking for trouble?

# ¿ Apr 29, 2010 16:05

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

The Mystery Date posted:

I personally don't like compression as a pedal effect, but a lot of good things have been said about the Barber Tone Press here, and since most Barber pedals sound delicious I feel ok recommending it.

If I'm not mistaken, the joy of the Barber Tone Press is that it doesn't give that squashed out sound that he's looking for. If I'm wrong, go for the tone press. If I'm right, go for the Philosopher's Tone, Achtane/Epi Lepi.

# ¿ May 2, 2010 14:19

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

rt4 posted:

Is it really that bad out there or am I just a snob?

It's really that bad. The ones I laugh at the most are the "bands" who "already have a guitarist, we just need a drummer, bassist, keyboard, singer, and 2nd guitarist."

That's not a band, buddy.

# ¿ May 2, 2010 17:16

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

Does anybody have any thoughts on the Alesis DM5 Pro Electronic Drumkit? I'm looking to buy it for simple recording purposes because not only can I not have an acoustic drumset where I live, but I really don't want to worry about micing up an acoustic drumset either. So my grossly oversimplified plan is to buy this drumset and use it as a MIDI controller for Superior Drummer. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to improve upon this plan (I know that V-drums are the poo poo, but the price on them is not) or is this plan incredibly uninformed, and if so, how?

# ¿ May 9, 2010 23:13

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

CalvinDooglas posted:

and that takes care of the phase issue?

Why do Line 6 pedals use AC power? I bet if I opened one up there'd a big old transformer right there, they just put it inside so you'd have to feed it AC. Especially considering you can run it with a bunch of 6 volt batteries.... I know they're not blasting AC current through a circuitboard.

likely so that all of their products can use similar power adapters.

# ¿ May 19, 2010 01:06

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

James K. Polk posted:

Can anyone tell me what kind of body this guitar has?

It has a Stratocaster neck with no visible model number, but the neck and body are slightly different colors and the body is obviously not a strat.

looks like a BC Rich something-or-other.

# ¿ May 20, 2010 04:45

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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 19:31

Gorilla Salsa: Dec 4, 2007; Post Post Post.

James K. Polk posted:

Which I guess leads to a bigger question, why would someone do that?

Desperation.

# ¿ May 20, 2010 14:44

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > No Music Discussion > Musician's Lounge > Small Questions Which Don't Deserve Their Own Thread

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