Effects Bay

It Might Get Loud – here is a cool widget from WBAB.com which includes some exclusive audio clips from the movie.

Popularity: 1%

I just heard that the Jim Dunlop (makers of the MXR and Way Huge pedals) just opened their online store. I’ve been a fan of Jim Dunlop products for a while. Thinking about the MXR pedals I’ve owned in the past and what I own today, to the Tortex picks I use now, to the Way Huge Swollen Pickel I’ve been thinking about picking up, they’ve been a name I constantly kick around from day to day.

You can now purchase Dunlop items directly from their site, as well as find a dealer in your immediate area. They have their entire catalog of guitar effect pedals along with electronic parts, guitar accessories and picks. Visit the Jim Dunlop Online Store.

Curious, what is your favorite MXR pedal out there? This could be a pedal in production now, or a vintage pedal.

Popularity: 6%

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I just created a new page titled “Guest Posting“. This page has a little more information regarding guest posting. I know a few of you had some questions regarding that. I’m sure I’ll be adding more information as time goes on.

We are definitely interested in guest posts relating to reviews, as well as posts relating to musician interests focusing around guitars, amps, musicians and effect pedals.

This is a good opportunity to advertise your blog or band page by writing a review of your favorite pedal. If you’re interested, please contact me!

Popularity: 2%

The following is a guest post review of the Raven RG200 2×12 Combo Amp by George DesRoches. If you are interested in guest posting, please contact me!

The Raven RG200 amp is a well priced bargain amp that I believe is only available at Guitar Center. It is large, loud, and amazingly clear. With it’s 200 watt power, it is without a doubt the most powerful amplifier you can get in its price range. Like all Raven amps, it is covered in a soft black material and has a black metal grate in front of its dual speakers. This 2×12 solid state amp is amazingly priced (and to make it better is almost always on sale, reduced all the way down to the price of the RG100 at time). With it’s punchy and amazingly clean tones, this amp is perfect for people who get their tone from pedals (like I do).

The RG200 has two channels: a lead channel (distortion) and a rhythm channel (clean). Both sides you have the three band EQ knobs, and a Level knob, and the Lead channel has an added gain knob. The rhythm channel, especially with a slight reverb (which is included, and will be described later) is perfect for clean tones from any pickup, though it sounds particularly good when a bridge humbucker is used. Even with the added reverb, though, there is little coloring of the tone with the amp, so you get as direct a song as possible, making this amp PERFECT for musicians who prefer to make their tone with an array of pedals. I myself prefer the use of stompbox effects over amp sounds because you literally can control every aspect of your tone by stepping one of several boxes.

The lead channel is unfortunately not as great as the rhythm channel. It’s distortion is, for lack of a better way to put it, crappy. That’s the drawback to all of the Raven amp models: the distortion kinda really sucks. There’s probably somebody who likes it, but the distortion is too weak to do any metal or hard rock, yet too hard to do anything seriously bluesy. To be honest, you get a more natural sounding overdrive when you turn up the amp all the way on the rhythm channel (which you can, which makes that channel even COOLER). As stated above, you have the three band EQ (Treble, Mid, and Bass), a Channel level, and a Gain, though the only knob that really makes a difference is the level knob, because the distortion isn’t one you can really tweak.

Besides the two main channels, you have both an internal effects loop and ports for an external effects loop. The amp comes with 16 effects/dual effects: Spring, Room, and Hall Reverb, a Flanger, a Rotary effect, an octave generator (low octave, not high octave), an “autowah” effect (a modulation effect that makes it sound like a wah pedal is opening and closing at a steady and unchangeable rate), a “Rotoverb” effect (rotary/reverb), a Tremolo, a Phaser, a Delay, a Chorus, and a Slapback, as well as 3 crossover effects: Tremelo reverb, delay reverb, and chorus reverb. You can activate the internal digital effects loop by either pressing the DSP button on the front panel or by using an external dual latching foot switch (a BOSS FS-6 seems to work best). The first switch changes the channel (which can also be changes by a button between the channel knobs on the front panel), and the second turns on/off the internal effects. There is also a level knob to alter the level of the selected effect (chosen with an adjacent knob), but there is no what to control rate, depth, or any other parameter. As a note, I’m almost positive that while there is anything connected to the amp through the external effects loop in the back, the internal effects cannot be used.

The amp has, as said before, ports for an external effects loop and a footswitch (all of which using basic 1/4″ cables). It also has a 1/4″ input for headphones (which doubles as a “record out” port). To put it plainly this amp is a bargain amp: massive volume and cleans for mediocre distortion and effects (though to be honest the standard reverbs are pretty good sounding. I have the spring reverb on at all times to make my sound more spacious). It really is a loud amp, though, so I honestly recommend that, unless you want massive volume and an amp that needs pedals to play with, you’d be better off getting something like the Peavy Vyper 60 Watt amp or something around the same price. It’s a good amp, and it sounds great with pedals, but just because it’s 200 watts doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. To put it plainly, you get what you pay for, and the volume and moderate cleans don’t compensate for the lead channel and effects.

About the author:
George DesRoches

My gear: Fender HSS Stratocaster, Dunlop Dimebag Darrel Cry Baby From Hell, BOSS MD-2 MegaDistortion, DS-1 Distortion, TR-2 Tremelo, CH-1 SUPERChorus, and DD-20 Giga Delay, with a Raven RG200 amp and a Line 6 Spider III 15 watt when needed.

Check out my band, T.R.B., at http://www.myspace.com/teearebee

You can follow George on Twitter (@TeeAreBee)

The Raven RG200 Combo Amp can be purchased for $349.99 at Musician’s Friend

Popularity: 23%

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So, I’m going off on a tangent this morning. This has NOTHING to do with pedals, but has to do with our guitar tone. Why I wanted to post about this, because I wanted to illustrate how the variance in equipment can drastically change your tone. Somethings that can change your tone you can easily take for granted, for example guitar instrument cables, pedals, etc. Other things you have to settle with like guitars and amps. But with amps and cabinets, you have the luxury and the ability to change the speakers without breaking the bank. Another factor, that someone could end up writing a book on is changing tubes as well.

I’ll talk with people about speakers, and often it’s perceived that a speaker is a speaker and is ‘neutral’ when it comes to guitar tone. The amp creates the color and the speakers make it audible. But it’s very important to note that amp manufacturers pair up their amplifiers with speakers that compliment the tone that they were going for. This is especially true with high-end boutique amps (Matchless, Rivera, etc, etc).

I came across this great speaker shoot out video produced by Rivera. It compares the Celestion Vintage 30, G12H30, G12T75 and the K100 speakers. Same amp, same amp settings, same guitar, same riff. When you see them side by side, you clearly hear what each speaker provides or lacks, which you would normally need to compensate with EQ or settle with. I really with Green Backs were included in this shoot out.

My rig (using a Rivera head) is a Marshall 4×12 cabinet with Vintage 30s and a Avatar 2×12 cabinet with 1 Vintage 30 and 1 G12H30. The Vintage 30/G12H30 is a very popular combination these days. Do you have any thoughts about speakers with your gear? Please comment. Let me know what you think!

Popularity: 13%

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The following is a guest post review of the BOSS MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal by George DesRoches. If you are interested in guest posting, please contact me!

The BOSS MD-2 Mega Distortion really lives up to its name. This metal foot pedal, once activated, unleashes one of the fattest distortions you can get in a stompbox, which is perfect for anything from grunge to numetal to hair metal to shred. This pedal is extremely versatile, being able to encompass uncountable levels of distortion due to it’s dual distortion circuit, from a medium overdrive to an in-your-face hellstorm of punchy power.

The MD-2 has 3 knobs (from left to right: level, distortion, and gain boost) and one concentric knob for EQ; a basic tone knob in the center, which controls the overall tone of the distortion, and on the bottom a “bottom” knob that controls bass frequencies, which make it extremely useful for really low tunings, 7 string guitars, and basses. It also has an input and output jack to hook up to your guitar, amp, or other pedals, and can be powered by either a 9 volt battery or an AC adapter (if you have many pedals, I recommend a daisy chain, like the 1 Spot one I use).

As I said before, this distortion can range from a medium overdrive to an extremely fat, extremely powerful distortion, making any amp sound like a beefy tube amp. With the concentric knob and the gain boost, you have complete control over exactly how you want to sound. Personally, I like a punchy EVH-style distortion: I keep the level and bass knobs at about 12 o’clock, and the Tone, Distortion, and Gain Boost knobs at around 1-2 o’clock. This gets me a punchy sound almost identical to that of Eddie Van Halen, which is PERFECT for my band’s style. Me and my band T.R.B. are an alternative metal band from Rhode Island, and the Mega Distortion, as well as several other BOSS pedals, have become key to our sound.

The one real issue is that, with lots of distortion comes lots of noise, sometimes unwanted. I dont really have that much of an issue, but for people who want more distortion, I’d recommend getting a noise suppressor (NS-2 works perfectly) to rid of that low-lying white noise that can appear. That only really shows up if you’re using crappy cables or your pickups aren’t good, so if you’ve got a good setup you should be all set.

Really, if you want a powerful distortion, this is the pedal for you. It’s a raw, punchy, and fat distortion perfect for nearly any genre, and with it’s versatility it makes it a perfect choice for any metal, hard rock, or grunge guitarist. I must admit, it’s one of the greatest mid-priced pedals I’ve tried, and it might very well be the best $89 dollars I’ve ever spent on anything in my rig.

My Rig (so you know how I get my sound): Fender HSS strat with stock pickups, Dunlop Cry Baby From Hell (Dimebag Darrel model), MD-2 Mega Distortion, DS-1 Distortion, TR-2 Tremelo, CH-1 Super Chorus, DD-20 Giga Delay, all into a Raven RG200 200 watt amp.

About the author:
George DesRoches

My gear: Fender HSS Stratocaster, Dunlop Dimebag Darrel Cry Baby From Hell, BOSS MD-2 MegaDistortion, DS-1 Distortion, TR-2 Tremelo, CH-1 SUPERChorus, and DD-20 Giga Delay, with a Raven RG200 amp and a Line 6 Spider III 15 watt when needed.

Check out my band, T.R.B., at http://www.myspace.com/teearebee

You can follow George on Twitter (@TeeAreBee)

The BOSS MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal can be purchased for $79.00 at Musician’s Friend or look up eBay deals at Pedal Nerd.

MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal

Popularity: 7%

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I came across a tough site today and I’m hoping we can all help. It’s about Joseph Moore, a musician, friend, husband and all around good guy. A month ago he got extremely sick, to the point of being unconscious for several days. He was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and is recovering nicely now.

The problem is that he and his wife are like many of us with no health insurance trying to make a living. The hospital bill for Joe’s stay was $36,000 alone! This doesn’t count the tests or the additional treatments he’ll need. I’m hoping that we can all throw a few bucks in his guitar case to help ease that amount a bit. You can read more about it at a blog they created for him. You can also donate there as well.

Below is a video of him playing and singing. Let’s help the guy out!

Popularity: 1%

If you’re a gigging musician and have to pack up the gear and setup you know why I’m posting this. Currently, I have a couple of road cases for my gear, pedals, etc. I do NOT have a pedal board, and I feel like it’s finally time for me to pick one up. The idea of popping the top off of a case and basically ready for rock is starting to be very appealing.

I’ve looked a few models, and I think I want something simple and rugged. I’ve seen the ones that are powered, angled, etc, but something simple is very appealing to me.

Doing some looking, I saw the Road Runner effects pedalboard, and I think this might be thing I’m looking for. Do any of you have any recommendations?

Here is the official description about the pedalboard:

The Road Runner pedalboard is the safest and most convenient way to transport your valuable effects pedals to and from rehearsals and gigs. The base of these solid aluminum pedal cases are fully lined with Velcro while the lid is padded with thick nub foam. Road Runner includes self-adhesive Velcro tape for securely mounting your pedals. The pedalboard case features a nickel-plated steel spring handle, heavy duty hinges, and chrome plated butterfly locks.

Road Runner Effects Pedalboard Features:

• Solid Aluminium Case
• Small case Holds 4-5 pedals
• Large case holds 6-8 pedals
• Interior Covered With Velcro
• Including Self-Adhesive Velcro Tape For Secure Mounting Of Effect Pedals
• Inside Of The Lid Padded With Nub Foam
• Nickel-Plated Steel Spring Handle With Transparent PVC Covering
• Aluminium Edges And Chrome-Plated Corners
• PVC Feet

The price seems to be right, and I see it’s currently on sale at Musician’s Friend from $79.99 to $129.99 depending on the size. Hmmm… gears are turning.

Popularity: 8%

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I was very bummed today to discover the Les Paul passed away. He died from complications related to pneumonia. He was 94 years old.

Les Paul was a amazing human being. Unique in the respect of his level of guitar play along with a very technical mind. He was inducted in the Inventor’s Hall of Fame. He created multi-track recording, the modern pickup, solid body guitar, etc, etc. On top of his great inventor’s mind, he could absolutely slay on the guitar.

Les Paul Trio / Les Paul & Mary Ford.. you should youtube some of this stuff up. It’s fantastic.

Here is a link to a web site discussing his passing:

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=425984&GT1=28102

If you have an opportunity, you should watch “Les Paul – Chasing Sound”. This is a fantastic documentary about the man. Here is a small clip:

Popularity: 2%

Just found another sneak peak video for the upcoming “It Might Get Loud” movie. This one features the great Jimmy Page! This is from SpinMagazine.

Popularity: 4%

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