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Feature Yamaha and Guster make tracks Yamaha PR Rising Rock Band Uses AW4416 Workstation to Write Songs on and off the Road. It's been six years since Brian Rosenworcel, Ryan Miller and Adam Gardner met at Tufts University in Medford, MA. Back then, the trio often spent time reminiscing about their respective high school bands. Finding inspiration in their glory days and a desire to continue on a music-making path, the three joined forces to create Guster, self-described as a melodic-driven rock band. Since their formation and one independently-released debut, Parachute, the band signed to Sire London and has toured with such notables as Barenaked Ladies, Dave Matthews Band, and Bob Dylan. For the uninitiated, Guster's last radio single was 2000's "Fa Fa," which received rotation on top 40 and AC radio stations as well as MTV. In his early days, Dylan did not have all the high-tech recording gear available today. However, the members of Guster are well aware of what's out there now, and take full advantage of modern technology. An important element in their songwriting is a Yamaha AW4416 digital workstation with internal CD-R. While the pen and paper will never go out of style, Guster has been successfully using the Yamaha AW4416 to create "sketches," singer/guitarist Gardner says, of its songs. "We're writers. We're not trying to make perfect-sounding recordings, but we want to get our ideas onto CD. The AW4416 lets us burn those ideas right to disc." Built for compatibility, the AW4416 supports the "swapping" of projects between studios, a feature that comes in handy. Guster writes on [Digidesign] Pro Tools in the studio and "Yamaha sketches can be brought into that," Gardner explains. "We can export WAV files to Pro Tools powerful option in a portable unit." As one of two guitarists in the band, Gardner also appreciates the "plug-and-play" ability of the workstation. "The thing I like is that you can set it up anywhere. It's very portable, it's an idea machine. So, if I stumble onto something amazing, I can plug directly in. I also love the built-in effects. As far as vocals are concerned, we can dump a stereo pair of what we're working on in the studio to the AW and overdub on top. If we think the quality is good enough, it could make it to a final mix." The band is currently at work on their fourth studio release (set to drop in early 2002), and already has an eye on the road. Taking a seat with them on the tour bus, says Gardner, will be the AW4416. "The fact that it's portable and can take your project from start to finish is amazing," he says. "You can go from zero to a final disc. The virtual tracks are great, with several layers of undos. The editing is fairly easy to use, which is ideal for writing. Plus, the internal effects eliminate the need for a lot of outboard gear." An important quality to both Gardner and the band is user-friendliness. "We're not out to be tech-heads," he explains, "we just want to write and create songs. The AW4416 seems to be targeted to the 'everyday' musician. The basic recording techniques are simple and self-explanatory, and the learning curve is easy for those looking to jump right in. It's easy to use for simple functions, but if you want to get deeper into the machine, you can." For more information on the AW4416 Professional Audio Workstation, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Professional Audio, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/proaudio. Release Tsunami Adds 3 New Powered Mixer Models Press Release Tsunami Technologies, a company dedicated to providing high-quality products is introducing three new boxtop powered mixer models to its current line. The SE-1010P, SE-1075P, and the SE-1006 models are different than any other types seen on the market today. A convenience for any application. Here are some of the features: · Three amp channels (SE-1010P & SE-1075P) · 1000W of power 400W x 2 stereo mains & 200W monitor (SE-1010P) · 750W of power-250W x 3 (SE-1075P) · 600W of power-300W x 2 (SE-1006P) · Switch mode power supply (SE-1010P only) · 8 balanced XLR mic inputs 6 have balanced/unbalanced TRS line inputs and 2 w/ stereo unbalanced RCA line inputs · Each channel has 3-band EQ, monitor mix, effects send, HP filter, peak indicator, gain adjust, pan and level control · 256 combinations of digital effects assignable to mains & monitor · Separate 9-band graphic equalization for house and monitor mixes · Ό output connectors · Mic mute for breaks, which mutes mic inputs (SE-1010P & SE-1075P) · Rack ears included · Weighs 30 pounds (SE-1010P) Tel: 415-776-9705; 888-781-8881(Toll Free) Fax: 415-776-9214 Email: tsutech@tsunamitechnologies.com Web: www.tsunamitechnologies.com Release New Tech 21 Double Drive Distortion Pedal Press Release Tech 21s Double Drive distortion pedal uniquely offers two different types of distortion. Each is based on the power amp output stage of specific tube amplifiers: Drive A yields a Class A distortion, rich in even harmonics and Drive A/B provides a Class A/B distortion, which is rich in odd harmonics. The Drive controls can be used individually or together for a cascading effect. Setting both Drives at minimum provides a clean boost up to 10dB via the Level control. Other features include a very musical Tone control that actually shifts the center frequency of the high cut from 10kH to 1kH (maintaining the mid-range without getting muddy), a 1megOhm high impedance 1/4 input (same as traditional tube amps use), a 1kOhm low impedance 1/4 output (drives long cables without loss of signal integrity), and a smooth, silent-switching custom actuator. Operable with a 9V alkaline battery (not included) or optional power supply (Tech 21 Model #DC2). MSRP: $125.00. Tech 21, Inc., 333 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019. Tel: 212-315-1116. Fax: 212-315-0825. E-mail: info@tech21nyc.com. Website: www.tech21nyc.com. Release Randall Unveils the Evolution of Tube Technology Press Release Randall Amplifiers is pleased to announce the release of the New MTS Series, (Modular Tube System). Introducing the RM4 modular tube preamp, the first edition of the new MTS series. Now you can change your tone as often as you like, simply by plugging in your choice of any of the 10 available tube preamp modules. This 4-channel preamp gives you the flexibility to hot swap any of the 10 most desirable classics to modern tones. Anytime you want to change your combination of sounds, you simply take out a module and replace it with a new one. It's as simple as loosening two thumbscrews, pulling the module out, sliding the new module in, and tightening two thumbscrews. You can get started with one module and add more modules as desired. Order any combination of clean, rhythm, and lead modules ranging from vintage to modern. RM4 - PREAMP Features: All modules include two 12AX7 preamp tubes, 3-band EQ w/bright switch, and level control. Four independent channels (with your choice of vintage to modern voiced preamps) Parallel affects loops with front panel mix control Series effects loop MIDI in / through Pre and post loop outputs Two 12AX7's buffer the effects loop Nine 12AX7 preamp tubes (when used with 4 modules) Four button MIDI selectable footswitch Modules: Ultra - (based on Randall's new high gain tube distortion) Modern - (based on Randall's new modern gain distortion) Recto - (based on Mesa/Boogie(r) Dual Rectifier) SL + - (based on hot Marshall(r) Super Lead) Plexi - (based on Marshall(r) Plexi) Top Boost - (based on Vox(r) AC30TB) Tweed - (based on '59 Fender(r) Bassman) Blackface - (based on Fender(r) Blackface Twin) DLX - (based on Fender(r) Blackface Deluxe) Clean - (based on Randall's new clean tone) Fender(r), Marshall(r), Vox(r), and Mesa/Boogie(r) are all registered trade marks of their respective companies, and are no way affiliated with Randall Amplifiers. Release Hartke Introduces VX Series Bass Cabinets Press Release The new VX Series bass reflex cabinets were designed for bassists who demand excellent tone but prefer traditional paper cone drivers. These warm, punchy enclosures feature proprietary drivers with specially treated cones, impregnated fabric surrounds, matched convex dust caps all mounted in heavy steal frames. The high efficiency low moving mass design allows for maximum output and plenty of headroom throughout the full range of the driver. Rounding out the tone, each cabinet has a proprietary design horn loaded high frequency transducer. Using Heavy-duty plywood construction, the rugged carpet covered cabinet has strong protective corners, ergonomic handles and a recessed jack cup protecting its two 1/4 inputs. The VX410 handles 400 Watts of power driving its four 10 speakers, plus its horn loaded high frequency transducer. The VX115, handling 300 watts, features a 15 low frequency driver and the high frequency transducer. The new VX410 has an MSRP of $399.99 and the VX115 lists for $349.99. For more information about the VX series cabinets, please call Hartke Sales at (516) 364-2244, fax (516) 364-3888 or write to Samson Technologies Corp., P.O. Box 9031, Syosset, NY 11791-9031. Music Gear ReviewsLarrivee LV-10 Acoustic Guitars guitar center beat every ones price- maybe because they messed up the order 3 times and delayed ordering this guitar for 6 months. It was ordered out of denver for $1800 We revied all the acoustic guitars we could find in 2 years at any price, but not one of a kind. Martins performed well- all of them, but the only magic (playability, feel, sound etc) came in the 28-45 series; lowdens-too quiet; lakewoods - excellent overall, but not enough magic; Santa Cruz- like Martins with the occasional sublime instrument, Froggy Bottom-sweet, but playability is not perfect. I list these to show the caliber of Larrivee: perfect and inspiring sound naturally or amped, Fort Knox solid, and the playability...Beethoven to Jimi Hendrix, Woody Guthery to Phish, Pink Floyd to well just slapping it around Larrivee Guitars shine at every thing. It was the ONLY guitar to be able be played sweetly or with rage and still sound...sublime. This guitar will move you. This is why we had to invent the Zuni Guitar Strap's - guitar of the year award and name Larrivee the winner. We are in no way connected with the Canadian company, so take the time to see what we mean and play one. Dislikes: well to be honest the ease at which this guitar is played tends to bring out the best of my ability leaving me wishing I could play more difficult pieces. Solid- You can find reviews back 10 years. they have no real complants. Short of one of a kind or rediculosly priced instruments Larrivee is the best out there. The good news is all larrivee models have this sublime quality so you budget may dictate to trim level, but not the quality. 5 M.D. Miller Aria Pro II RS Knight Warrior Electric Guitars I recieved this guitar as a gift about 15 years ago. I have no idea how much it cost then and Aria doesn't make them anymore This is a good guitar for punk rock and metal which is what I was playing at the time I got it. It's got some funky hybrid pickups that are like single coil and humbucker mixed together. I'm not all that please with the action or the sustain and the tone is somewhat limited to thrashy kinds of music This guitar is very well made for a Korean model. I've had it 15 years and nary a problem with it. Not a bad guitar for beginners if you can still find one 3 Cowboy X Martin DM Acoustic Guitars Acoustic Outfitters / Stratham, New Hampshire. I specifically purchased it with overseas travel in mind. I had no desire to risk one of my better acoustics on underpaid baggage handlers and poorly designed luggage carousels. Purchase Price (w/Martin case) $615 The amount and quality of the sound of this instrument far exceeds what you'd expect for the money. I now use it for serious recording. Martin D-28/D-35 sound and feel, at a quarter the price. Quasi-satin finish. Looks like something Cousin Herb threw together in his spare time, while 'under the influence'. Ruggedly braced, but very light overall, which probably accounts for the big, rich voice. Great value, and forgiveable lack of decent cosmetics given the sound. Still -- it would be nice to see a decent finish. 5 Liverpool Lover Epiphone Les Paul Special Edition Classic Electric Guitars For Christmas of 01' I started searhing for a new guitar because my old Peavy was falling apart after six years. Well, I couldn't find what I was looking for until me and a friend went up to Mars Music nearby. While there I start play a bunch of Gibsons and ESP's. When I left this guy that worked there told me to check out the web-site. Well I did found my guitar for 399.99, orderd it then went to pick it up. The guitar is great!! It is just as good as a Gibson. It has a small, quick neck on it and very nice fretboard. The small space inbetween the frets makes it easy to bend. I love the tones you can get out the guitar! The things wrong with the guitar are very minor. The tuners slip very easily, the toggle switch conectors were bad, the guitar didn't come with strap-locks, and the action was very low causeing a little fret-buz. I think that all guitar's should come with srtap locks. Everything but the tuners and getting it set-up has been taken care of. The guitar was put together VERY VERY well. I've the guitar for five months and after jumping around the guitar has not a single blemish. The guitar is no PRS but is just as good as the real thing for a fraction of the price. I give the guitar a 4 out of 5. Not a 4 because Epiphone could have spent 20 more bucks to put a nicer toggle switch in it. Overall a very very nice guitar. 4 Kellette Taylor 310 Acoustic Guitars Aquired at Matt Umanov's, NYC, '98. Cost about $800 including hardshell case, and it was in tune right out of the box! Matt carries a number of Taylors and is an authorized repair shop for them. He's got a full array of acoustics and I played quite a few before I picked this one up. Great shop, no hassles, honest and they don't push, if you can believe that in NYC. I've been playing for 28 years now, on and off. Spent my idle youth with a beat up Strat (man I wish I had kept that guitar now!). Drifted in out of ownership of a number of no-name acoustics over the years. None of them ever played, sounded, was built, or looked like this Taylor. It's a no frills Taylor to be sure, but with the same smooth action, fast neck, immaculate finish and construction, and tone of many of the higher end Taylor line. All wood construction, Sapele back and sides, Sitka top, ebony neck and rosewood head overlay, simple black binding, standard 310 issue. For the price this guitar beat out higher priced Martins, Guilds, and others without a doubt. The tone and sustain are beyond the reach of the others. Quality of construction is a cut above. In these past two years it has opened up considerably and the tone is richer and more balanced on the mid and low end. It has a simple presentation but the sound is there. By the way, the Taylor customer service is unquestionably the best I have found of any ... repeat, ANY ... business I have dealt with after making an $800 purchase. Taylors have been accused of being a little bright out of the box. For this 310, that was the case. Now, I am finding a balance that wasn't there even a year ago. Patience has paid off. I wanted to trade up, but thought I'd wait and see what this one had to offer. Glad I did. For the price you'd pay today you would be hard pressed to find another all wood acoustic that is built like the 310, has the full tonal range, has the playability of that Taylor neck, and is finished with quite the same care. If you have the patience to keep one of these guitars for a while, and let it open up, it will sound like twice the price. Sometimes you have to let the wine sit a while before you drink it and sing your song. 5 |
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