Nashville Amp Show
Creation Audio Labs
Syndicate
Bio: Creation Audio Labs
Creation Audio Labs, Inc. manufactures high-end tone tools for musicians.
Guitar effects pedals, electronics and studio gear designed with true pro-audio specifications for guitar and bass.
With a worldwide reputation as leaders in restoring and modifying professional studio equipment, they are bringing pro-audio signal preservation and tone shaping to the guitar and bass market.
Creation Audio Labs™
Blow it out your amp!™
TONEDONKEYS.COM
TONE FREQ REVIEW - Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo
TONE FREQ REVIEW - Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo
Adding a tremolo onto a Gibson guitar can be a very daunting process and is not one for the faint-of -heart. I wanted a tremolo that would require no drilling or routing of my precious guitar. When researching options I stumbled upon a company called Stetsbar. Founder/inventor Eric Stets who’s Stetsbar allows for a non-evasive installation seemed to be the perfect solution. After speaking with Eric over the phone I ordered a Stetsbar Pro II for my Flying V. After receiving it I was able to install easily. After stretching the strings out and using some GHS GraphitAll on the nut the guitar stayed remarkably in tune. The tremolo pitches were on par to the bends found on a Bigsby but wasn’t as springy feeling.
Even though the Stetsbar Pro II is not designed for hardcore divebombs like that of a Floyd Rose or Kahler I tried doing some crazy bends and dives on it and it performed pretty well. Of course the strings didn’t spring back in perfect tune but that was to be expected. What I really dig about the system is that you could drop in the Stetsbar Pro II in place of the stoptail piece and tune-o-matic bridge with no problems. If you want to return the guitar back into its original configuration it’s easy to do! The smooth accuracy of the floating trem is great allowing Duane Eddy-esque effects a la the “Peter Gunn” without the worry of breaking the strings and having it all go out of whack.
If you are looking for an easy way to add a tremolo onto a Gibson style guitar without the mess of having to drill holes or route out the body the Stetsbar Pro II is the way to go!
For more information, please visit www.stetsbar.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Adding a tremolo onto a Gibson guitar can be a very daunting process and is not one for the faint-of -heart. I wanted a tremolo that would require no drilling or routing of my precious guitar. When researching options I stumbled upon a company called Stetsbar. Founder/inventor Eric Stets who’s Stetsbar allows for a non-evasive installation seemed to be the perfect solution. After speaking with Eric over the phone I ordered a Stetsbar Pro II for my Flying V. After receiving it I was able to install easily. After stretching the strings out and using some GHS GraphitAll on the nut the guitar stayed remarkably in tune. The tremolo pitches were on par to the bends found on a Bigsby but wasn’t as springy feeling.
Even though the Stetsbar Pro II is not designed for hardcore divebombs like that of a Floyd Rose or Kahler I tried doing some crazy bends and dives on it and it performed pretty well. Of course the strings didn’t spring back in perfect tune but that was to be expected. What I really dig about the system is that you could drop in the Stetsbar Pro II in place of the stoptail piece and tune-o-matic bridge with no problems. If you want to return the guitar back into its original configuration it’s easy to do! The smooth accuracy of the floating trem is great allowing Duane Eddy-esque effects a la the “Peter Gunn” without the worry of breaking the strings and having it all go out of whack.
If you are looking for an easy way to add a tremolo onto a Gibson style guitar without the mess of having to drill holes or route out the body the Stetsbar Pro II is the way to go!
For more information, please visit www.stetsbar.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Tone Freq’s LINK OF THE WEEK - Visual Sound Pedal Shootout
Tone Freq’s LINK OF THE WEEK - Visual Sound Pedal Shootout
A few months ago I had the pleasure of attending Visual Sound’s pedal shootout and it was one of the best gear-head type of events I have ever been to. Visual Sound president/founder Bob Weil and crew invited a number of Nashville session guitarists and producers to put their pedals to the test and get feedback on their new offerings. Also in attendance was chief engineer (and fellow pedal and amp guru) R.G. Keen to answer techie questions and lend his expertise to rabid tone chasers. The whole event was captured by a film crew and viewing all the videos is time well spent.
This link I share with you takes you to that very telling night and pits some classic stompboxes in an old-fashioned “thunderdome” where many pedals enter but only one pedal leaves! You should also check out their “mythbuster” videos on true bypass versus pure bypass and my personal favorite busted myth on the so-called “holy grail” of Op-Amp chips. Amazing!
LINK: www.youtube.com/user/VisualSoundUSA - www.visualsound.net
"Tone Freq" Aljon Go
Freq’n out? Found a cool link? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail.com
A few months ago I had the pleasure of attending Visual Sound’s pedal shootout and it was one of the best gear-head type of events I have ever been to. Visual Sound president/founder Bob Weil and crew invited a number of Nashville session guitarists and producers to put their pedals to the test and get feedback on their new offerings. Also in attendance was chief engineer (and fellow pedal and amp guru) R.G. Keen to answer techie questions and lend his expertise to rabid tone chasers. The whole event was captured by a film crew and viewing all the videos is time well spent.
This link I share with you takes you to that very telling night and pits some classic stompboxes in an old-fashioned “thunderdome” where many pedals enter but only one pedal leaves! You should also check out their “mythbuster” videos on true bypass versus pure bypass and my personal favorite busted myth on the so-called “holy grail” of Op-Amp chips. Amazing!
LINK: www.youtube.com/user/VisualSoundUSA - www.visualsound.net
"Tone Freq" Aljon Go
Freq’n out? Found a cool link? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail.com
NEWS FREQ: Dunlop Re-Introduces Way Huge Effects Pedals
NEWS FREQ: Dunlop Re-Introduces Way Huge Effects Pedals
Way Huge effects are back in a huge way. The new Way Huge website is up and takes you through Mr. Huge’s dingy laboratory with all kinds of secrets for you to discover. Dunlop has resurrected this brand in cooperation with Way Huge founder Jeorge Tripps and is bringing these hugely popular pedals back to the masses. The first pedals to arise from the lab are the Pork Loin Soft Clip Injection Overdrive, Swollen Pickle MKII Jumbo Fuzz, and the Fat Sandwich Harmonic Saturator Distortion all available now.
For more information, visit: www.wayhuge.com or www.jimdunlop.com
Freq'n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Way Huge effects are back in a huge way. The new Way Huge website is up and takes you through Mr. Huge’s dingy laboratory with all kinds of secrets for you to discover. Dunlop has resurrected this brand in cooperation with Way Huge founder Jeorge Tripps and is bringing these hugely popular pedals back to the masses. The first pedals to arise from the lab are the Pork Loin Soft Clip Injection Overdrive, Swollen Pickle MKII Jumbo Fuzz, and the Fat Sandwich Harmonic Saturator Distortion all available now.
For more information, visit: www.wayhuge.com or www.jimdunlop.com
Freq'n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: Guitar Hero: Van Halen
NEWS FREQ: Guitar Hero: Van Halen
According to Joystiq.com Activision will be launching another artist based sequel to the Guitar Hero series featuring none other than Pasadena rockers Van Halen. The game follows the successful releases of band-centric GH games featuring Aerosmith and Metallica. Rumored to be included are tracks like “Hot for Teacher,” “Jump,” “Panama” and “Eruption.” There will also be songs by fans of the mighty VH like Tenacious D and Weezer. Game developers are tight lipped about what VH members or alumni will be featured in the game (don’t expect to see Gary Cherone) but the one thing you can count on is the inclusion of the famous “Frankenstrat.” There are also rumors of a “head-cutting” duel between you and the grinning shredder himself! Expect the game to become “Unchained” before the Christmas season!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
According to Joystiq.com Activision will be launching another artist based sequel to the Guitar Hero series featuring none other than Pasadena rockers Van Halen. The game follows the successful releases of band-centric GH games featuring Aerosmith and Metallica. Rumored to be included are tracks like “Hot for Teacher,” “Jump,” “Panama” and “Eruption.” There will also be songs by fans of the mighty VH like Tenacious D and Weezer. Game developers are tight lipped about what VH members or alumni will be featured in the game (don’t expect to see Gary Cherone) but the one thing you can count on is the inclusion of the famous “Frankenstrat.” There are also rumors of a “head-cutting” duel between you and the grinning shredder himself! Expect the game to become “Unchained” before the Christmas season!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: Gig-fx Awarded US Patent
NEWS FREQ: Gig-fx Awarded US Patent
Gig-fx inc. has been awarded US patent # 7,476,799 B2. This patent protects the unique shape of gig-fx pedals as well as some of the advanced analog /MIDI algorithms in the Chopper and Prochop pedals.
The shape of the gig-fx pedals has function as well as a distinct appearance. Before that shape appeared, expression / wah pedals had to put control knobs on the side or make the pedal larger to put them next to the pedal, whereas the gig-fx shape elegantly contains as many as twelve knobs (using dual-concentric pots) and several switches, all within a standard-size pedal. The knobs and switches are protected by the height of the treadle but are easy to access as they face upwards.
US patent 7,476,799 B2 is a utility patent covering the functional aspect as it relates to the shape as well protecting the unique modulation features of the Chopper and Prochop. A separate design patent application is pending which covers the actual Trade Mark design elements of the pedal.
gig-fx designs and manufactures unique and innovative effect pedals. All gig-fx pedals are housed in road-worthy, lightweight aircraft aluminum castings featuring the patented, ergonomic shape described above. The pedals are manufactured to the highest standards featuring a true analog signal path with ‘better than true by-pass’ TM. More details on www.gig-fx.com
LINK: www.gig-fx.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Gig-fx inc. has been awarded US patent # 7,476,799 B2. This patent protects the unique shape of gig-fx pedals as well as some of the advanced analog /MIDI algorithms in the Chopper and Prochop pedals.
The shape of the gig-fx pedals has function as well as a distinct appearance. Before that shape appeared, expression / wah pedals had to put control knobs on the side or make the pedal larger to put them next to the pedal, whereas the gig-fx shape elegantly contains as many as twelve knobs (using dual-concentric pots) and several switches, all within a standard-size pedal. The knobs and switches are protected by the height of the treadle but are easy to access as they face upwards.
US patent 7,476,799 B2 is a utility patent covering the functional aspect as it relates to the shape as well protecting the unique modulation features of the Chopper and Prochop. A separate design patent application is pending which covers the actual Trade Mark design elements of the pedal.
gig-fx designs and manufactures unique and innovative effect pedals. All gig-fx pedals are housed in road-worthy, lightweight aircraft aluminum castings featuring the patented, ergonomic shape described above. The pedals are manufactured to the highest standards featuring a true analog signal path with ‘better than true by-pass’ TM. More details on www.gig-fx.com
LINK: www.gig-fx.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: The Gibson “Camp Fire?” Robot Acoustic Guitar Surfaces
NEWS FREQ: The Gibson “Camp Fire?” Robot Acoustic Guitar Surfaces
Gibson has been busy perfecting its next generation Robot (self-tuning) Guitar the Dark Fire. It has been a practical tool for electric guitarists who love that classic Les Paul shape. There is some good news for the acoustic fans out there. It seems that inventor Chris Adams has been working on a Robot Acoustic that uses the master control knob of the Dark Fire!
I suggest calling it the “Camp Fire.”
I’m serious.
Check out the video link below.
LINK 1: www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Blogs/dark-fire--the-inside-story.aspx
Link 2: images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gibson.com/__eme/images/022609_robot-acoustic.jpg&imgrefurl=http://forums.gibson.com/default.aspx%3Fg%3Dposts&m%3D183149&usg=__A5zQ6nFtixEUFZasm__Srn9Z-5o=&h=100&w=100&sz=4&hl=en&start=12&um=1&tbnid=AQ9G_jeewaWwyM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drobot%2Bacoustic%2Bguitar&hl%3Den&rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US&sa%3DN&um%3D1
Freq'n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Gibson has been busy perfecting its next generation Robot (self-tuning) Guitar the Dark Fire. It has been a practical tool for electric guitarists who love that classic Les Paul shape. There is some good news for the acoustic fans out there. It seems that inventor Chris Adams has been working on a Robot Acoustic that uses the master control knob of the Dark Fire!
I suggest calling it the “Camp Fire.”
I’m serious.
Check out the video link below.
LINK 1: www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Blogs/dark-fire--the-inside-story.aspx
Link 2: images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gibson.com/__eme/images/022609_robot-acoustic.jpg&imgrefurl=http://forums.gibson.com/default.aspx%3Fg%3Dposts&m%3D183149&usg=__A5zQ6nFtixEUFZasm__Srn9Z-5o=&h=100&w=100&sz=4&hl=en&start=12&um=1&tbnid=AQ9G_jeewaWwyM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drobot%2Bacoustic%2Bguitar&hl%3Den&rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US&sa%3DN&um%3D1
Freq'n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: Z.Vex Pedals Stolen at NAMM
NEWS FREQ: Z.Vex Pedals Stolen at NAMM
Z.Vex Effects is offering six pedals from his line as a reward to anyone who helps catch and successfully prosecute the thieves who stole several pedals from his booth at the Winter NAMM show.
According to an article posted on Premier Guitar the pedals were stolen mid-afternoon on Friday, January 16. One of the stolen pedals was a prototype of the company's new Distortion pedal. The pedal differs from normal production models in that it does not have a Z.Vex logo on the back edge (facing away from the player), and has a Production Prototype sticker on the bottom. It is the only production unit in U.S. circulation until late March or early April of this year. It also does not have a serial number. The other stolen pedal was the Seek Trem pictured below. It has the initials of the painter HMH on the front edge and serial number C097 on the bottom.
For more information, click to: http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/Daily/News/Z_Vex_Pedals_Stolen_at_NAMM.aspx
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Z.Vex Effects is offering six pedals from his line as a reward to anyone who helps catch and successfully prosecute the thieves who stole several pedals from his booth at the Winter NAMM show.
According to an article posted on Premier Guitar the pedals were stolen mid-afternoon on Friday, January 16. One of the stolen pedals was a prototype of the company's new Distortion pedal. The pedal differs from normal production models in that it does not have a Z.Vex logo on the back edge (facing away from the player), and has a Production Prototype sticker on the bottom. It is the only production unit in U.S. circulation until late March or early April of this year. It also does not have a serial number. The other stolen pedal was the Seek Trem pictured below. It has the initials of the painter HMH on the front edge and serial number C097 on the bottom.
For more information, click to: http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/Daily/News/Z_Vex_Pedals_Stolen_at_NAMM.aspx
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
STAR RIGS: Les Paul’s Pedalboard
STAR RIGS: Les Paul’s Pedalboard
After doing some extensive research on Les Paul I came across this cool article. It looks like Les is a “Boss” man.
REMEMBER: Les Paul doesn’t wear a watch; HE decides what time it is.
Note about Les Paul's FX Pedals by Rick Landers.
Before his performance at the Iridium Jazz Club, I got a peek at Les Paul's FX pedal setup, a photo of which you'll see below. The pedals, from left-to-right as they would face him, are: Chromatic Tuner (TU-2); Super Chorus (CH-1); Digital Delay (DD-3); Tremolo/Pan (PN-2); another Digital Delay (DD-3); and an Equalizer (GE-7). All pedals are by BOSS. In addition to the pedals, his FX holder contained a pair of sunglasses, electrical tape, a pair of pliers, screwdrivers, white out, and an extra guitar strap.
For more on the man, myth and living legend check out this link: http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/000818.html
“Tone Freq” Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts JonesWorld, Michael James Kolodziej and Vinyl Crush. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading instrument company. E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
After doing some extensive research on Les Paul I came across this cool article. It looks like Les is a “Boss” man.
REMEMBER: Les Paul doesn’t wear a watch; HE decides what time it is.
Note about Les Paul's FX Pedals by Rick Landers.
Before his performance at the Iridium Jazz Club, I got a peek at Les Paul's FX pedal setup, a photo of which you'll see below. The pedals, from left-to-right as they would face him, are: Chromatic Tuner (TU-2); Super Chorus (CH-1); Digital Delay (DD-3); Tremolo/Pan (PN-2); another Digital Delay (DD-3); and an Equalizer (GE-7). All pedals are by BOSS. In addition to the pedals, his FX holder contained a pair of sunglasses, electrical tape, a pair of pliers, screwdrivers, white out, and an extra guitar strap.
For more on the man, myth and living legend check out this link: http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/000818.html
“Tone Freq” Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts JonesWorld, Michael James Kolodziej and Vinyl Crush. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading instrument company. E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
TONE FREQ REVIEW - ISP Technologies Decimator
TONE FREQ - ISP Technologies Decimator
The Decimator guitar pedal offers a new approach to Noise Reduction processing with a high level of performance. Most noise suppression systems suffer from one major problem inherent in their design: The system cannot be immediately responsive to very short-term staccato notes. The typical downward expander sound reduction system suffers from a dead zone in the release response characteristic that causes a compromise in tracking both fast decaying notes and long sustained notes. The Decimator pedal's design offers a novel approach to tracking the envelope of the input signal called Time Vector Processing.
Due to this novel approach in controlling the expander, the Decimator system will instantly respond to short staccato notes and, at the same time, will provide a very slow ripple free control of long sustained notes. The Decimator noise suppression system is very transparent delivering high performance.
The Decimator pedal by ISP Technologies is extremely easy to use; simply insert the Decimator at the end of your chain of existing pedals or, insert the Decimator Pedal in the effects loop of your amplifier to clean up the noise present at the amplifier input as well as the noise in the amplifiers pre-amp section. Packaged in a rugged, beautifully polished smooth chrome chassis, the Decimator pedal offers reliability, performance and beauty in one compact pedal.
I have always been a fan of HUSH technology and was excited to find out that the original inventors improved upon it by making the Decimator. Out of all my pedals I’ve used over the past seven years I have never once thought of selling it. Because I play with a lot of gain this has become a mainstay in my rig. It has also taken plenty of abuse going around the world and being dropped more times than I can count. It is a solid performer and keeps unwanted noise at bay. Cheers to ISP for putting together such a great no-nonsense pedal.
LIST PRICE: $150 USD
Check out www.isptechnologies.com for more info!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts Jaux King, JonesWorld and Mister Happy. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading guitar company. Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
The Decimator guitar pedal offers a new approach to Noise Reduction processing with a high level of performance. Most noise suppression systems suffer from one major problem inherent in their design: The system cannot be immediately responsive to very short-term staccato notes. The typical downward expander sound reduction system suffers from a dead zone in the release response characteristic that causes a compromise in tracking both fast decaying notes and long sustained notes. The Decimator pedal's design offers a novel approach to tracking the envelope of the input signal called Time Vector Processing.
Due to this novel approach in controlling the expander, the Decimator system will instantly respond to short staccato notes and, at the same time, will provide a very slow ripple free control of long sustained notes. The Decimator noise suppression system is very transparent delivering high performance.
The Decimator pedal by ISP Technologies is extremely easy to use; simply insert the Decimator at the end of your chain of existing pedals or, insert the Decimator Pedal in the effects loop of your amplifier to clean up the noise present at the amplifier input as well as the noise in the amplifiers pre-amp section. Packaged in a rugged, beautifully polished smooth chrome chassis, the Decimator pedal offers reliability, performance and beauty in one compact pedal.
I have always been a fan of HUSH technology and was excited to find out that the original inventors improved upon it by making the Decimator. Out of all my pedals I’ve used over the past seven years I have never once thought of selling it. Because I play with a lot of gain this has become a mainstay in my rig. It has also taken plenty of abuse going around the world and being dropped more times than I can count. It is a solid performer and keeps unwanted noise at bay. Cheers to ISP for putting together such a great no-nonsense pedal.
LIST PRICE: $150 USD
Check out www.isptechnologies.com for more info!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts Jaux King, JonesWorld and Mister Happy. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading guitar company. Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: Tone King Amplifier Company Inc.
PREVIEW: Tone King Amplifier Company Inc.
Tone King Amplifier Company of Baltimore Maryland and designer Mark Bartel specialize in recreating classic American “Blackface” tones of the 50’s and 60’s. Hand-crafting every amp with the best American made materials and the finest workmanship possible they just ooze vibe! For you retro buffs I submit the Imperial. This amp has been a favorite for pros and tone aficionados for their art deco looks, era correct tone and splashy reverb. The Meteor II builds on the vintage tone and adds more beef, presence and a bias adjustment that is quick and easy that you could do it yourself. The cabinets are also well designed with custom made speakers. Custom wraps and grill cloths are also available to further your own customizing options.
Check out www.toneking.com for more info!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Tone King Amplifier Company of Baltimore Maryland and designer Mark Bartel specialize in recreating classic American “Blackface” tones of the 50’s and 60’s. Hand-crafting every amp with the best American made materials and the finest workmanship possible they just ooze vibe! For you retro buffs I submit the Imperial. This amp has been a favorite for pros and tone aficionados for their art deco looks, era correct tone and splashy reverb. The Meteor II builds on the vintage tone and adds more beef, presence and a bias adjustment that is quick and easy that you could do it yourself. The cabinets are also well designed with custom made speakers. Custom wraps and grill cloths are also available to further your own customizing options.
Check out www.toneking.com for more info!
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.