I’ve been kind of focused on arpeggios lately, and trying to incorporate some diminished tones into my licks as well. So what could be more appropriate then diminished arpeggios. A cool little lesson from Robert Renman that will help you add some new flavor to your leads.
I recently had an idea for a product very similar to this. I was right to assume someone else must have already thought of it too.
The Rigmaster is a system that allows you to control any analog dial with a foot pedal or a tablet. So any knob on any amp or pedal could be controlled. It seems like most equipment will eventually have this capability through usb or midi connections. But until they do, this looks like a well thought out solution, though a bit expensive.
The KickStarter page is HERE.
This looks like it really turns the electric guitar into a truly portable instrument. And better yet, one you might actually want to play. Though it’s not much different then plugging in any other electric guitar to your iphone, and using amp sims to play and record. But it makes it a bit more convenient, and the built-in amp means other people can hear you too.
It’s realistically priced too. You can pre-order one from there IndieGoGo campaign for $399. They have already made nearly double their goal of $35k.
Here’s an interesting little device, currently in KickStarter mode. It basically is just an adjustable string damper, but the video shows it doing a pretty convincing banjo sound. I’d have thought the head, that makes up the top of the banjo, would be the major part of the sound. Guitar-Jo Kickstarter Page.
“Sketchy Setups” is the first in a series of visual guides for setting up your guitar, from Irish luthier Gerry Hayes of Haze Guitars. It targets the Fender Stratocaster in particular, and is written in a very clear, conversational tone, by someone who obviously has a lot of experience with the subject. It almost feels like having a skilled luthier at your side, guiding you through the whole process.
You are taken step-by-step through the entire process, starting with a list of the needed tools, and paying special attention to the necessary adjustments needed by the Strats trem system, both vintage 6 screw and modern 2 point. You’ll also learn how to adjust your trussrod, nut, saddles, action, pickup height and intonation. I believe the use of illustrations, over photographs, was a great choice as many of the concepts would be very difficult to show with photographs, or text alone. They help give extra clarity to what is already, very clear, explanations and advice.
If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of attempting a setup yourself, or if your just curious about the magic your repair tech does to make your guitar play so well, I highly recommend “Sketchy Setups”. It’s a mere $5, or only $4 if you buy it today(Aug 8 2015). You can buy it – HERE.
If you’d first like to get an idea of the quality of the information you’ll be getting, Gerry Hayes already has a free guide available on his website – “Truss Rods Made Easy”.
