Cornell Romany – Overview
Thanks to the guys at World Guitars I have a CORNELL ROMANY 10w single valve amp to review.
Cornell Romany
This is primarily aimed at the home and studio musician, is switchable between 10w, 2w and 1/4w and looks fantastic.
Here is a quick overview
Demo coming soon.
First steps to writing your own music
When I recorded my first music I decided to keep it simple and record a 4 track EP.
My EP
On a budget I recorded using the following:
- Macbook White (4GB RAM)
- Garageband (free with iLife)
- Line 6 Toneport UX1 (£60)
Took me about 4 months to get the tracks done and mastered to a level where I was happy releasing.
Getting reading for release
First step is to save them as projects in Garageband then save as mp3 (in Garageband, Share then share with iTunes), in at least 192kbps quality.
Lastly make sure all tracks a properly ID Tagged, adding your band name, track name etc.
Last thing you want is a fan to import into a music player and have to add the details themselves!
Artwork
Once you have your tracks and decided on a name for the EP and your tracks, then comes the artwork. Remember images you find on the net will mostly be copyright protected so don't get in trouble straight away.... I chose an image that I took a couple of summers ago, seemed to fit the bill for what I was after and I think looks kinda cool for an album cover.
Distribution model
Now comes the fun bit, are you going to give it away or charge?
I decided to give away a track on Myspace for a couple of months then start to charge a small amount for a download (£1.50). There are plenty of avenues for distributing your music nowadays with iTunes and alike springing immediately to mind.
After looking into various services I decided to take the brave move and sell myself, at least to start. I created a website, added a bio and music page adding a buy it now button provided via Paypal. This has worked out ok so far selling some copies. When I receive payment I send a download link which contains all of the tracks and artwork in a zip file. This can then be downloaded and added to your favourite music player.
If you take the iTunes road I would recommend using a company like CDBABY to help distribute, although going on your own is possible it does get tricky. Selling on iTunes requires getting a UPC code, which distributers can sort out for you.
So this is what I did, what have you done?
Bored being a bedroom musician?
In the last year I've gone from a frustrated bedroom guitarist to picking up an endorsement, having my music used as the theme music on the New York Rangers podcast and now this lovely site, which is getting some good feedback from various manufacturers.
I want to share the experience with you all to hopefully set some of you on your way to getting your music noticed and that there is a world out there for the bedroom musician.
I will be posting various articles over the coming weeks with an aim to guide anyone looking to follow in some of the same things I am doing.
Is Logic Pro worth it?
Logic Studio
Logic Studio from Apple is a big step up for home users of Garageband, is it worth it?
When purchasing a Mac for music the default for most will be the shipped Garageband (part of the iLife suite), but there are other options and Logic Studio is one of them.
Retailing at £399, it is a lot of investment for the average user which begs the question is it worth the upgrade.
First off, Logic Studio is a full suite of products including:
- Logic Pro
- Main Stage 2
- Soundtrack Pro 3
- Studio Instruments
- Impulse Response utility
- Apple Loops
Based on the above you can start breaking down the total cost e.g. it comes with all of the Jam Tracks (5 in total) retailing at around £60 each, gives a total of £300 just for these regardless of the rest. You can start to see that it suddenly seems good value given this is a professional package.
There are plenty of top acts (inc NIN and The Killers) who use Logic Studio for recording their albums and on stage for sell out tours.
You are reading this so I will bet there is a good chance you are a guitar player, this is where Logic Studio comes into it's own. With 25 amp and cab models and a whole host of effects this will save you a small fortune in pedals if you are looking to record straight into an interface rather than use a MIC.
The updated Garageband in iLife 09 now comes with some basic cab models too so don't discount it yet.
Garageband can't be beaten for the musician who has a MIC or want's a simple range of effects (remember you can also plug your existing pedals into your USB interface).
If you want to record quickly and simply and are not worried about using all of the loops etc then Garageband is your best bet.
If you are are an existing Garageband user who wants more loops OR someone who is interested in also plugging in a keyboard (to make use of piano samples etc) and is looking for something with a bit more advanced functionality e.g. flex time is great for changing timings.
The editing features in Logic Pro is unmatched in my opinion.
I chose to upgrade based on the fact I wanted all of the Jam Tracks and if you do that maths then it works out good value to get this instead, especially if are a student and can take advantage of Apple's discount.
All this said I recorded my EP using Garagaband and that has sold a few copies 
Check it out
REVIEW: PRS AL DI MEOLA
PRS AL DI MEOLA SIGNATURE
Al Di Meola with case
In 08 PRS produced an Al Di Meola Signature guitar featuring the following:
- 22 frets
- Unique Prism finish
- "9" curly maple top
- Mahogany neck and body
- 25" scale neck
- 57/08 pickups
- Mexican rosewood fingerboard (with new birds)
- Al's neck carve
Build Quality
The build quality is as you would expect with a high end PRS, exceptional. I can see no flaws, the top is stunning and the finish is well applied.
Pic (a) "9" curly maple top
As you can see from pic (a), the top is a figured curly maple. The wood selected is "9" top, which relates to the way PRS grade their tops. "10" top is the best on a normal PRS, this "9" is unique and is only available on this model.
The grain on the wood throughout the guitar is a work of art, even on the back where a lot of manufacturers aren't too worried PRS have picked a nice grain, but then at this price (£3499) you wouldn't expect any less.
Even compared to the Custom 24, this is a step up.
The new style birds are flawless and in my opinion better than the old ones (the previous ones were filled in rather than outlines).
Ease of use
This PRS has one of the most comfortable necks I've ever played. Same fretboard width as a wide/thin but thicker and a bit more comfortable for my hands (I'm more used to a 50's Les Paul neck). This guitar is so easy to play, the string spacing also feels comfortable.
The pickup selector is a toggle switch to go from bridge/middle/neck and when you pull up the tone control you coil tap the humbucker turning it into a single coil, remember you will get some hum.
As expected it comes with a hard case, which fits the guitar perfectly and has a handy compartment for storage.
Sounds
I can't see anyone not falling in love with the tone available at your disposal with the 57/08 pickups, if only it was easy to buy these separately. The history behind these pickups is that PRS bought winding machines with the original wire on them from the 50's, hence the name. These are limited and only seen on their top end guitars, they are very versatile and as you would expect very vintage sounding (think old Fleetwo0d mac, ala Peter Green).
The bridge is rounded and clear, middle is great for jazzy/blues (listen to some early Al Di Meola) and the neck is to die for if you are a blues man. I cant recommend these pickups highly enough, now only if I could get them on all my guitars and if you see some for sale snap them up.
Value for money
If you are looking at getting a PRS then you wont be surprised by the pricing for this (£3499), one thing to bear in mind though is that a guitar is (hopefully) for life and should the worst happen you will get most of your money back, especially on a signature model.
When comparing to my Custom 24 (retailing around £1800 mark), it's definitely a step up in terms of the woods used, time spent on the finish and the pickups, which is making the difference. The build quality on any PRS (even the SE range) is stunning and the same love goes into all of them so it's the time and materials used that makes the difference here.
Prism Finish
Overall
As you can tell this reviewer is in love with this guitar, although the finish wont be for all it's better in person believe me. Unfortunately for this model people will always judge on the Prism and take either a like or dislike to it straight away. If you take a look in person and see all the different finishes applied you really get an appreciation for it, the playability and sound will outway the finish in my opinion.
In summary, give it a try you wont be disappointed.
G | H rating 4/5 - one of the best playing and sounding guitars on the market but the finish wont be for everyone.
Video Demo
Part 1
Part 2
Guitar Info:
Headline (PRS UK) 01223 874301
Thanks to World Guitars - www.worldguitars.co.uk
Get a bit of Guitarist Hub History
Just a reminder that World Guitars are selling my cab
This has been used on most of the demo's we have recorded, using a Mesa Boogie nowadays but the Marshall is a cracking cab for the money.
DIY Music Manual – Recommendation
DIY Music Manual
The DIY Music Manual - Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan
Just wanted to give a shout out to a book I've recently discovered, which is essential for anyone who wants to produce, promote and distribute their music without being attached to a label.
The writers are both members of a band called Beatnik Turtle and it covers everything you need from producing the music to getting an online presence. Loads of good ideas and hints and tips on where to look, how to market and get noticed on the internet.
Can't recommend this highly enough if you are looking to get into your own music or promoting your own band.
G | H rating 4/5
Cornell Overdrive Special, review and sound demo
Cornell Overdrive Special
The Cornell Overdrive Special is a versatile OD pedal that covers a lot of tones, from a crunchier blues through to heavy rock. Retailing at around £199.
Cornell Overdrive Special
Build Quality
One of the best looking and built pedals I've ever used, mirrored finish and chunky controls means its a dream to use. LED's indicate which channel is active and the switches give a reassuring CLICK, quality right through the product.
Instructions are clear and explain exactly how to use it.
Ease of use
This pedal isn't overcomplicated, although you need to read the instructions first to get a handle on the gain channels.
Dials are easy to use and offer a lot of adjustment, LED's are bright and foot switches operate as you would expect.
Battery or 9v power adaptor.
Sounds
This pedal is more suited to blues and rock players than heavy metal. Very natural sound and works great in front of a tube amp, although our sound demo was recorded using a MAC and Logic Pro. It's got a warmth about the sound that I haven't heard from other OD pedals, even the staff favourite Digitech CM-2. Works great for playing some overdriven blues on a low gain setting ala Stevie Ray Vaughan, I've also got it rocking out to Led Zep.
Killer tone, end of.
Sound demo:
Value for money
At £199 this is an expensive OD pedal and you have to consider how often you are going to use it, its the best OD I've heard and the build quality is up there with the best. If you use OD a lot then definitely consider one of these, if its an occasional fling then try a few out before purchasing.
Overall
This is the best OD pedal I've heard and with a valve amp is heaven, expensive but worth it. Its a quality product made by one of the best companies out there today, as with the amps have quality written all over them.
G | H rating 5/5
Pedals supplied by World Guitars - www.worldguitars.co.uk
Cornell - www.dc-developments.com
Digitech TL-2 Metal, review and sound demo
Digitech TL-2 Metal Distortion Pedal
The TL-2 is a high gain pedal from the Digitech Hardwire series, retailing at around £100.
TL-2
Build Quality
The hardwire series are a solid batch of pedals, as is proof with the CM-2 earlier reviewed. Metal construction, battery compartment under the footswitch and well manufactured dials, this is one classy pedal. Not a problem if dropped, bullet proof.
Take a look at our unboxing to see what you get in the box, also gives a good idea of the available settings.
Ease of use
All dials are clearly labelled, easy to use and give resistance which gives you confidence they wont move mid song. Dials go left to right, two inner ones have additional dials for extra settings, these inner two would be a bit fiddly to use on stage. As with the other Hardwire pedals it comes with the patented stomp lock, allowing you to lock down your settings with a plastic cover so they are not moved during your performance.
Nothing out of the ordinary, click on and off.
Sounds
This is HIGH GAIN, kills other pedals I've used for playing anything from heavy rock to thrash metal. You can nail the tones of all your favourite metal bands, think Metallica, Iron Maiden.
There is a lot of adjustment so you can go from a fuzzy Van Halen tone all the way to a thick Metallica (think Sad But True) sound and with the volume control you can play at bedroom levels without annoying the neighbours.
Sound Demo:
Value for money
£100 is a lot for one distortion pedal but you can rest assured that Digitech have done their homework and produced a cracking distortion pedal with loads of adjustment. You might want to try the Boss HM-2 if you are on more of a budget and do a comparison, take a listen to both before parting with your hard earned cash.
Overall
This is an excellent distortion pedal and with the adjustment available, very versatile. If you are after a high gain pedal then definitely consider this against anything else you are trying, it's worth the extra bit of money for the build quality. If you are looking for something more old school blues/rock then look at the Digitech Hardwire CM-2 instead.
G | H rating 4/5
PRS Al Di Meola unboxing
Got a PRS Al Di Meola Signature for review, thought I would do a quick unboxing for you.
PRS AL DI MEOLA
This is a stunning guitar, amazing neck and the best pickups I've heard for a long time.
Guitar Info:
Headline (PRS UK) 01223 874301
Thanks to World Guitars - www.worldguitars.co.uk
Vox Time Machine review and sound samples
Vox Time Machine, Joe Satriani Series
Vox Time Machine
The Time Machine is a delay pedal with a host of features to make this one of the most versatile pedals on the market.
Build Quality
Vox have put a lot of effort into this pedal and it shows. The chicken head controls, LED's, switches and case are all of high quality, although it does have that hollow sound which makes me not want to drop it incase something becomes loose inside. The box is well presented and contains a wealth of information about the pedal and its creator, the amazing Joe Satriani.
Ease of use
All controls are clearly labelled and the foot switches have a satisfying click when pressed. One thing for me that makes this stand above other delay pedals are the LED's. The LED glows RED or GREEN depending on whether you are in modern or vintage mode, but the killer feature is that it blinks with the timing selected, even if you have tapped your own into the unit. Battery compartment is on the bottom of the unit, no problems there and you can also plug in a 9v power adaptor.
Sound
There is a massive amount of adjustment thanks to the chicken head controls, which allow you move it a miniscule amount rather than fixed stops as in some pedals. I compared this to a Boss DD3 in my review and the Vox comes out on top. The delay sound is very natural, what I'm trying to say is you don't lose any tone and the sound reproduced in the delay sounds the same as the original. There is some difference between between the modern and vintage sounding delay (although not massively noticeable) and the hi-fi / lo-fi switch is good at eliminating any highs.
Sound Demo Video:
Value for money
This is a bit more expensive than other delay pedals on the market and if you rely on a good delay pedal for "your sound" then look no further than this, if its not your primary concern but fancy adding a delay pedal to your armoury then you may want to look at something a little cheaper. That said, for the amount of adjustment on this then its worth spending a little more.
Overall
You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned Joe much in this review and thats for good reason, this pedal isn't just for fans of his music. You could take his name off the product and it would still be a cracking delay pedal, one of the best available in my opinion and worth the extra cash. Build quality is great, sound is amazing and feature list is long.
G | H rating 4/5
Thanks to World Guitars - www.worldguitars.co.uk
Been busy recording sound samples, reviews coming up in the next few days
Been recording samples of the Vox Time Machine, Digitech TL-2 and Cornell Overdrive Special.
Reviews will be on the site for all three over the next few days.
MonkeyFest 2010, festival for guitarists
Rob Chapman is organising a festival next year for guitarists, check it out
Cornell Overdrive Special Update
Just thought I would post to let you know that I have heard from Cornell and the Overdrive Special is made of stainless and any scratches should polish out.
Post being updated.
News – Whats coming up
Thought I would do a post about what we have coming up:
- Laney Cub 10
- Vox Time Machine
- Cornell Overdrive Special
- Digitech TL-2
- A guitar, thats all I can say for now.....
Thanks for the support and keep checking daily.
Digitech TL-2 First Impressions
I've also had a play around with the Digitech TL-2 today, what a pedal!
If you are looking for a high gain pedal to play anything from Creed to Slayer then this is the one, loads of adjustment and as with the CM-2 easy to use the level controls to get it to bedroom levels when needed.
Full report coming soon.
Vox Time Machine VS BOSS DD-3
Some initial thoughts on the Vox Time Machine and Boss DD-3.
Boss DD3 VS Vox Time Machine
Based on my time with both of these delay pedals here are my views:
VOX
- Pricey for one pedal (around £50 more than DD-3)
- Lights are great and indicate the timing being used, even when tapped one in yourself
- Very natural sounding delay, doesn't over process your sound
- Lots of adjustment using the chicken head controls and lo-fi switch
BOSS
- Less expensive
- Sturdy construction
- Has a lot of the features, just less adjustment
When deciding which to choose between these two great delay pedals for me it comes down to how you are going to be using it. The VOX has a more natural sound whereas the BOSS seems to process the sound and you lose some tone, the VOX also gives more feedback to the user i.e. lights to indicate timing.
If you are after a basic delay pedal you would probably have to look elsewhere at something a little cheaper given these are both (depending on where you shop) over the £100 mark, which is a lot for one pedal. But the point of this post is to choose and for my money its the VOX TIME MACHINE, for the following reasons:
- More adjustment
- Choice of vintage and modern delay
- More natural sounding, doesn't over process the input
Let me know what you think, I also may have a DD-3 for sale soon
This is a community, what do you think of DD3 VS Time Machine?
Let me know what you think
VS