TONEDONKEYS.COM

Nashville Amp Expo August 22-23

Tone Donkey — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:35:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CREATION AUDIO LABS, INC., ANNOUNCES THE FIRST ANNUAL

NASHVILLE AMP EXPO
AUGUST 22-23, 2009

HYATT PLACE, BRENTWOOD, TENN.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (July 1, 2009) Creation Audio Labs, Inc., makers of the world renowned MK.4.23 boost and Holy Fire distortion pedals, are proud to announce the first annual Nashville Amp Expo, set to take place on August 22-23, 2009, at the Hyatt Place hotel in Brentwood, Tennessee – just eight (8) miles south of downtown Nashville.

The first annual Nashville Amp Expo will offer musicians of all levels, as well as engineers, producers, and, of course, weekend hackers, the chance to try out some of the finest amps and gear on today’s market at “real world” volume levels. The entire Hyatt Place hotel has been reserved for both days, August 22-23, to allow players a rare opportunity to test out high-end, boutique guitar and bass gear without having to worry about being told to “TURN IT DOWN.”

On the contrary, players will be able to bring their own instruments, plug into some of the best gear in the world today, then “TURN IT UP,” try it out, and take it home or place an order if it suits their taste.

Only two other amp shows in the United States offer players this rare opportunity, and neither one is anywhere near Nashville – known around the world as Music City USA, and home to some of the finest musicians and recording studios on the planet.

“Nashville is a natural location to hold this type of show,” says Gary “Sarge” Gistinger, President of Creation Audio Labs. “With so much of today’s music being recorded and produced right here in Nashville, it makes perfect sense to have a show devoted to letting the recording professionals and musicians that work here – and the general public – try out guitar and bass gear at ‘real world’ volumes and settings. This event will undoubtedly prove to be a great exposition for both gear manufacturers and end users.”

Among the exhibitors already signed up to show off their products are: Marshall, Vox, Digitech (look for the DIGITRUCK – a 53’ touring showroom with its own live performance and demo stage), Korg, Pro Stage Gear/Pedaltrain, Industrial Amps, Sommatone Amps, Goodsell Amps, Ark Amps, Reason Amps, Jensen, Peavey, Blues City Music, Delgado Guitars, Big Orange Guitar, Paul Cochrane Audio, Wallace Amplification, Guitar Mill, HipKitty. Lion’s Den Custom Cabinets, Quidley Amps, Kingdom Amps, Bluesman Vintage, Retro King Amplification, Reinhardt Amplification, Tungsten Amplification, Metropoulos Amplification, Little Walter Tube Amps, VVT, Daab Amps, Tone Factor, RG Custom Basses, Rick Derringer, Dynamic Amps, Jimmy Velvet, Warehouse Guitar Speakers, Vango Digital, Inc., Landry Amps, Reeves Amplification, XITS Sound, Wizard, Stage Craft Gear, Vintage Instrument Services, Bluetron, Mather Amp Cabinet, Technical Audio Services, Channing Amplifiers, The Low End, PedalGear.net and Gopher Entertainment Group.

More exhibitors are being added everyday, so check the Web site (www.nashvilleampexpo.com) regularly to see if your favorite company has signed up. And if you don’t see them, “give ‘em a call and let ‘em know you’re going to the Nashville Amp Expo and you’d like to see them there,” says Gistinger.

In addition to the incredible lineup of exhibitors, attendees to the first annual Nashville Amp Expo will also be able to take advantage of a series of seminars featuring some of the industry’s top minds, including:

A special Q&A Session with world renowned engineer/producer Michael Wagener (Dokken, Motley Crue, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Queen, Ozzy Osbourne);

“Exploring Composite Signal” by Bryan Lionman, noted Nashville musician;

A seminar appropriately titled “100 Watt History Lesson and Comparison” hosted by Tommy Hatcher and Barry Weber; and

A “Master Luthier Class” conducted by Manuel Delgado of Delgado Guitars.

There will also be a Gear Giveaway Drawing on both days (Saturday and Sunday) at 6 p.m. Winners will take home some of the finest gear in the world, but must be present to win the prizes. Check the Web site (www.nashvilleampexpo.com) for more details.

Admission to the event is just $10 for a two-day pass, or $7 for a single-day pass. For more information, call (615) 884-7520, or send an email to showinfo@nashvilleampexpo.com.

About Creation Audio Labs, Inc.

Creation Audio Labs was founded in 2003 as a full service pro-audio repair center, specializing in large frame console refurbishment, and the modification and restoration of high-end professional audio equipment. Creation Audio Labs also specializes in the development of guitar effects and related gear for discerning players who can “hear the difference.”

Creation Audio Labs’ team of audio engineering professionals are considered some of the finest in their fields. Each one brings a distinct approach to pro audio and design that allows Creation Audio Labs to achieve superior technical specifications in all of its products. In essence, Creation Audio Labs is directly responsible for bringing the world of pro audio sound quality and signal preservation to the guitar and bass gear marketplace, consistently setting new standards for audio transparency, clarity, and tone preservation.

CONTACT:
Danny Zacharias                                Gary “Sarge” Gistinger
Creation Audio Labs, Inc.                   Creation Audio Labs, Inc.
(615) 884-7520                                  (615) 884-7520
danny@creationaudiolabs.com           sarge@creationaudiolabs.com

PREVIEW: Tregan Guitars' New SyrenXT

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:09:00 GMT

PREVIEW: Tregan Guitars' New SyrenXT

The SyrenXT is the second generation Syren by Tregan Guitars. The new look of the XT features a two-tone paint job, Floyd Rose licensed tremolo, Grover tuners, black hardware, a passive/active switch, along with the built in powered preamp, and a more comfortable tapered back. In passive mode the Alnico humbuckers give smooth tones. The active mode adds more bite and enhances tone and harmonics. The XT has Tregan's fast neck with twenty-four frets, Syren Wing inlays, and deep cutouts for easy access to all twenty-four frets.

www.treganguitars.com

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

NEWS FREQ: Check-in and Rock Out with Gibson and Opryland Resort

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:06:00 GMT

NEWS FREQ: Check-in and Rock Out with Gibson and Opryland Resort

News tip from MMR…

Don’t fret if you are booking a trip to Nashville and don’t want to “check” your guitar on the plane. If you book a room at the Opryland Resort in Nashville Tennessee you could lease a Gibson or Epiphone guitar with headphone amp for $50. They have a huge assortment of artist model electrics and acoustics for your playing pleasure!

LINK: www.mmrmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=01DC1CD967B54ED3ACD5BD6D08AD6281

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

PREVIEW: Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:04:00 GMT

PREVIEW: Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut

Parker Guitars has added the Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut to their line of electric guitars. Designed for the professional player, the Fly Mojo Single Cut brings a new single cutaway design to the Fly Mojo Series.

Parker engineers have designed the single cut series from the ground up, utilizing a solid mahogany body and mahogany neck joined together using Parker's multi-finger joint technology. The Fly Mojo Single Cut features Graph Tech Ghost Piezo Saddles on a TonePros bridge, a Seymour Duncan Jazz pickup in the neck, and a JB pickup in the bridge.

The Mojo Fly Single Cut is available in the following finishes: Black Burst; Black Cherry Sunburst; Dusty Black; Emerald Green; Galaxy Gray; Italian Plum; Majik Blue; Ruby Red; Trans Blue Burst; Trans Purple Burst; and White.

www.parkerguitars.com

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

PREVIEW: Godlyke's Power-All Deluxe Kit

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:02:00 GMT

PREVIEW: Godlyke's Power-All Deluxe Kit

The PA-9 Power-All Deluxe Kit from Godlyke is a 2000 milliamp, single outlet power supply designed specifically for guitar effects users. The Power-All Deluxe Kit provides nine volts DC at 2000 milliamps – more than enough current to power dozens of effects pedals, including up to 4 Line 6 Modelers. The Power-All Deluxe Kit can power eleven pedals out of the box, and comes complete with a variety of jumper cables that allow connection of phone plug, reverse polarity, digital, and battery-only pedal types. The new 18-gauge output cable allows for longer power runs without an extension cord. The Power-All's special circuit design is said to offer the lowest noise floor of any digital power supply on the market. The PA-9 now comes with a ferrite-core filter built onto its output cable to further reduce noise and hum. The PA-9 automatically converts any input voltage from 100-240 VAC to 9 VDC, allowing it to be used anywhere around the world. The Power-All features professional-grade construction and comes with a lifetime warranty.

www.godlyke.com

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

NEWS FREQ: Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing on Pedals

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:59:00 GMT

NEWS FREQ: Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing on Pedals

News tip from MMR…

Visual Sound has announced new lower prices on six models in their V2 Series line of effect pedals. The new pricing will remain in effect until the current economic crisis is over. According to Bob Weil, president of Visual Sound, "We recognize that although all of our pedals are reasonably priced, they're still a bit expensive for a lot of musicians during these difficult times. Now, we are offering four models for under $100, along with all our other V2 Series pedals that are still within reach of most guitar players."

The pedals affected by the stimulus pricing* are:
Son of Hyde (distortion) - $99.95
Route 808 (overdrive) - $99.95
Comp 66 (compression) - $99.95
Angry Fuzz (fuzz octave) - $119.95
Liquid Chorus (chorus) - $119.95
Double Trouble (dual overdrive) - $149.95

In addition, Visual Sound has two brand new models that are also priced to fit the budget:
Truetone (clean boost) - $99.95
Open Road (overdrive) - $119.95

LINK: www.visualsound.net

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

PREVIEW: New Guitar Straps from Planet Waves

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:56:00 GMT

PREVIEW: New Guitar Straps from Planet Waves

TONE FREQ REVIEW – Planet Waves Headstock Tuner

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:54:00 GMT

TONE FREQ REVIEW – Planet Waves Headstock Tuner

Planet Waves have been leading the way in terms of guitar gizmos and accessories; however they were late in the “clip-tuner” game. Their first entry in the market is a true winner. Clip tuners are a great way to get tuned up backstage before a show or for use for an acoustic singer/songwriter gig. When I use clip tuners at a gig I have to remove it due to the tuner rattling around on stage and looking rather clunky (then I misplace them). The Planet Waves Headstock Tuner’s compact and lightweight design doesn’t make it stand out like a sore thumb when using it on stage. The tuner’s sensitive piezo transducer tuning was accurate (even in a noisy rehearsal room) and thanks to the nice backlit LCD display it was also very easy to read! The clip clamps firmly onto your headstock and I am pretty confident if I were to do some jumps or guitar throws it would remain clinging on the headstock! If you don’t have a headstock tuner yet this would be a great buy. If you already have one and hate how it performs or don’t like how bulky it is this one is a real upgrade.

VERDICT: AWESOME!

High points: Compact, easy to read display and accurate
Low points: None

LINK: store.daddario.com/category/152540/Headstock_Tuner

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 JonesWorld and Michael James. 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: Paul Gilbert’s Fireman by Ibanez

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:49:00 GMT

PREVIEW: Paul Gilbert’s Fireman by Ibanez

Paul Gilbert, a longstanding Ibanez endorser, submitted the plans for his new custom guitar to the Ibanez L.A. Custom Shop in 2007.

  For this particular model, Paul took a stock photo of the Ibanez "Iceman" model and turned it upside down using image editing software. He then tweaked the design further, for better playability and balance. This model was to be a radical departure from any of his previous signature models. Soon after Paul received the finished guitar, it quickly made its way on to recordings and stages all over the world. It was originally called the "Reverse Iceman", but soon took on the nickname of "Fireman" due to its opposite nature to the "Iceman".  

In 2008, the Paul Gilbert "Fireman" quickly became a hot topic among fans, creating demand for a production version.

  In 2009, Ibanez decided to release a limited number of "Fireman" guitars in tribute to Paul's adventurous creation.

LINK: www.ibanez.com/images/contentEntries/2555/Fireman/index.html

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

PREVIEW: Graph Tech’s ResoMax Harmonic Bridge

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:46:00 GMT

PREVIEW: Graph Tech’s ResoMax Harmonic Bridge

Electric guitarists can now easily upgrade any guitar with a Tune-O-Matic bridge for better performance and sound thanks to the new ResoMax™ Harmonic Bridge System made by Graph Tech Guitar Labs, the world’s largest guitar nut and saddle manufacturer.

Each bridge contains Graph Tech’s proven performance String Saver Saddles™ in a Tune-O-Matic bridge. The base of the ResoMax Bridge is made from a high strength, light weight alloy designed to maximize harmonic content. More harmonics means more richness and sizzle in every note you pick or strum. The patented String Saver material will greatly reduce or eliminate string breakage and improve tuning performance for your electric guitar. The ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System is an unbeatable combination of materials that will improve your guitar’s tone, performance and, ultimately, your guitar playing experience.

Every String Saver Saddle is impregnated with Teflon™. A string resting on a metal saddle binds and locks the string in place. As the string vibrates it stresses the string on a very specific point and produces metal fatigue and then string breakage. The Teflon in String Saver eases the grip between the saddle and string, spreading the stress over a greater portion of the string, just enough to dramatically reduce string breakage. The difference can be dramatic.

String Saver Saddles are factory installed by: Schecter, Carvin, Peavey and Fender Custom Shop. You owe it to yourself to hear and feel the difference; it will dramatically improve the way your electric guitar performs and change the way you play.

”We are excited to make the ResoMax Bridge for the guitar industry. There is a lot of tone and harmonics locked up in every guitar that can be accessed with the ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System,” says Dave Dunwoodie President of Graph Tech Guitar Labs. “The combination of the super light alloy of the bridge, combined with the String Saver Saddle technology is an easy to install product that really does improve guitar tone and harmonic content while virtually eliminating string breakage.”

The tone of your guitar directly influences the way you play. Whether each note is rich in harmonic content or flat and lifeless, the sound of each note effects how you pick, strum, and phrase your playing. Also, having the confidence in knowing that your strings will hold up no matter how hard you play lets you concentrate on playing and staying in the moment, not worrying if you are going to break a string. Having your guitar perform to its maximum potential lets you perform to your maximum potential.

The Graph Tech ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System MSRP is $89.95 and is available at www.graphtech.com as well as from your favorite music retailer.

Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.

TONE FREQ REVIEW - Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:38:00 GMT

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.

Tone Freq’s LINK OF THE WEEK - Visual Sound Pedal Shootout

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:34:00 GMT

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

NEWS FREQ: Dunlop Re-Introduces Way Huge Effects Pedals

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:30:00 GMT

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.

NEWS FREQ: Guitar Hero: Van Halen

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:28:00 GMT

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.

NEWS FREQ: Gig-fx Awarded US Patent

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:21:00 GMT

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.

NEWS FREQ: The Gibson “Camp Fire?” Robot Acoustic Guitar Surfaces

Tone Donkey — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:12:00 GMT

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.

NEWS FREQ: Z.Vex Pedals Stolen at NAMM

Tone Donkey — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:52:00 GMT

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.

STAR RIGS: Les Paul’s Pedalboard

Tone Donkey — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:46:00 GMT

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.

TONE FREQ REVIEW - ISP Technologies Decimator

Tone Donkey — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:42:00 GMT

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.

PREVIEW: Tone King Amplifier Company Inc.

Tone Donkey — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:38:00 GMT

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.