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Post by Cruachan on Apr 20, 2017 14:20:28 GMT
Wow, 3 minutes of endorphin induced bliss! Great stuff!
Mike 😀
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Post by Cruachan on Apr 17, 2017 13:34:36 GMT
Hi,
Without doubt, you folks truly are a welcome breath of fresh air! Thanks for all your interesting and inspirational posts. It's great to gain some insight into your lives, including those musical interests extending far beyond the core reason for this website. What is so unique about these forums is the sense we have of having become part of an extended family. As such, and perhaps inevitably, there will always be those fluctuations of mood, those occasional squabbles followed by the makings up, the genuine camaraderie shown between individuals, the humour and the willingness to empathise with those going through distressing periods of misfortune. Underlying it all is that feeling of goodwill, a desire to share our experiences and be helpful with a passion which brings us back here time and time again.
I'm proud to feel I am part of this family.
There will always be occasional periods of quiet and relative inactivity, never to be misconstrued as boredom or lacking of interest.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Apr 14, 2017 14:55:58 GMT
Hi Folks, I've been reading a few posts lately implying a somewhat negative view concerning the recent fall off in Forum posting. Some have attributed this to feelings of boredom as we hear and play tunes that have become all too familiar. I would argue that this is not necessarily the case and that the explanation, in fact, lies elsewhere. We have become distracted and understandably so. There have been a few posts in recent weeks that have shocked us to the core while giving us cause to pause as we are forced to contemplate the fragility of our own existence, both as individuals and as a group of aspirational musicians. It's an inescapable fact that, with the passage of time, eventually there comes a philosophical acknowledgement of what might lie ahead for each and everyone of us as we each approach our twilight years. This is perhaps an inevitability that needs to be faced head on. Allowing such morose thoughts as may arise to control our lives can be unhelpful, unproductive and potentially quite destructive. Instead, what is needed is a much more pragmatic and sanguine approach. 'What goes around comes around'. This forum and all its participants are shining beacons of the proper use of a particular type of digital communication. We share an interest and hobby based around our passion for a particular genre of instrumental music which attracted huge popularity several decades ago. Our respectful exchanges of views and analyses serve to highlight the unique nature of this site and the music which, like their so-called 'Classical' equivalents, appears to be showing every sign of lasting in perpetuity. We are, in effect, becoming part of history and it remains our responsibility to ensure that any visitors to these pages will feel inspired to keep the flag flying! Musical fads come and go and much of it is ephemeral in nature and certainly without much substance. However, it's very nature is what the younger generations find so relevant and appealing during the search for their identities. In time, however, this usually changes as the yearning for something of a more musical nature gradually supervenes. Many of us will know this to be true which is why I believe there will always be a place for those unforgettable tunes and evocative sounds as created by artists like Hank B. Marvin, The Shadows and certain of their contemporaries who shared occupancy of that memorable era of music. Getting bored? Then why not create your own unique interpretations of those melodies we have all come to know and love. While it can be a wonderful challenge to recreate familiar sounds as heard all those decades ago, there is nothing in the rule book that says we shouldn't allow ourselves to go off piste now and again to keep things fresh and a joy to play. I meet once every week or two with a friend who shares my interests in learning to play electric guitar. We try to vary the 'Set' (including the introduction of new tunes) each time, but two things never change: 1) We always warm up with a brief little ditty whose origins still remain a mystery, but has become our 'signature' melody and I have entitled it 'Dance Of The Trolls'. Each time we try to play it a little differently and this now happens with a degree of spontenaity that we both find very pleasing and satisfying. 2) We continue our chosen 'Set of the evening' with 'Apache'. I confess I've never mastered playing the gallop section at 'full speed' because, and for whatever reason, my alternate picking stroke just won't allow it. However, and quite by chance, I discovered that I could play it perfectly well by slowing down the tempo of the tune. Now we routinely play 'Apache' at varying slower tempos and, actually, it usually sounds pretty good! Different, yes, but as relevant as the original version because we find it allows much more in the way of expressive interventions while continuing to deliver ample pleasure and satisfaction So, really there can be no justification for any negativity. Most of us spend enough time honing our modest skills as guitar players to get bored. For the rest, I suggest musical innovation might be the key without feeling the need for slavish adherence to any particular style or musical genre. We have all the tools to make it happen, including the peerless and magnificent 'Hall & Collins Signature Echo' unit which provides so many sonic opportunities hitherto held at a tantalising distance from our grasp. Maybe we need a fresh topic to help rekindle our enthusiasms. Something along the lines of 'How you go about learning and, more importantly, remembering a tune', perhaps? Learning a tune is one thing, but how frustrating to come back to it a few months, or even weeks, later only to find you have to reinvent the wheel all over again! Any takers? Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Apr 1, 2017 12:00:28 GMT
Hi Emiel,
I don't believe you are alone in how you are feeling about this latest release. My reaction was somewhat the same. Indeed, my reaction was more one of disappointment that Hank had not taken the opportunity to produce something fresh to fuel his fans' interest in the Maestro as his playing continues to evolve. We all acknowledge his mastery of the instrument and we are all too aware of his movement in recent times towards gypsy jazz. I confess I'm not really a fan of the latter genre but can appreciate and applaud the different skill sets learned to execute it well. Perhaps in future he might consider revisiting some of his previous work and experiment by giving them more of a gypsy flavour which would serve to maintain his interest and enthusiasm while, at the same time, and hopefully, stimulating our appreciation of his more contemporary musical offerings.
I fear he may have decided to play safe with this collection. Perfect execution, as we have come to expect, and superb production as always. I have no doubt that it will sell very well and it is likely that was the intention all along. Regrettably, we live in a world which is defined all too often by commercial successes and failures. Perhaps, in the end, certain realities determined the nature of this release and taking a risk was not really a sensible option. Hank still fronts a huge loyal fan base, myself included, and certainly substantial numbers will be buying this CD, if only because it's very nature reassures everyone that he has not strayed permanently from his roots.
Glad to see he hasn't lost his sense of humour, though 😀
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Mar 27, 2017 20:45:09 GMT
........as for your "Limiting" Amp, I don't know...as you really need a compressor not a limiter.Phil Hi Phil, Apologies in advance for hijacking this interesting thread. I confess I'm not entirely au fait with this aspect of audio tech, but my understanding is that the GC-2 does in fact have Compressor capabilities. Quote: "The Keeley Compressor GC-2 Limiting Amplifier provides true high-fidelity compression and limiting." robertkeeley.com/product/gc-2-limiting-amplifier-compressor/Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Mar 27, 2017 18:39:33 GMT
Hi Phil,
What a great sound! For whatever reason, and for want of a better description, I've never been able to get close to that 'chirp' sound in 'The Frightened City'. Maybe I should be prepared to experiment more with my Keeley Limiting Amplifier GC-2. Perhaps getting rid of that ugly scratch, as seen on the original image, was the necessary vital ingredient 😉 You must be really chuffed with this acquisition.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Mar 14, 2017 1:18:41 GMT
Brief visit to the forum before turning in for the night and read your very sad announcement, Charlie. This is truly shocking news and so utterly unexpected. I can understand how you must be feeling right now, particularly under circumstances where it appears to have happened so suddenly with little or no time to prepare. Losing a friend and colleague is never easy but, as others have said, John's memory will live on in our hearts each and every time we experience those wonderful sounds produced by the collaborative effort which is the incomparable Hall & Collins Signature Echo. His genius will never be forgotten.
My thoughts are with you, Charlie, as well as with John's wife and family.
Best regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Jan 29, 2017 10:37:30 GMT
Hi Charlie,
Many thanks, I appreciate it. Looking forward to downloading the updated version.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Jan 29, 2017 9:50:50 GMT
Hi Tori, Sorry it isn't on the list. It is P14. I have added it to the next downloadable version. Regards, Charlie Hi Charlie, I wonder whether you have had time to update the list yet? I have been reading this thread this morning and you have made a few helpful recommendations which would certainly be worthy additions. In particular, you mentioned using P14 for Deep Purple, a favourite of mine. I popped over to the H&CSE site and looked at the latest list and note that it is still absent. Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Jan 18, 2017 11:08:54 GMT
Now, that's one I've never been able to play for love nor money. Well done, Charlie, and the band ensemble! The sound from Charlie's guitar is spot on. Great job!
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Jan 6, 2017 15:18:38 GMT
Great rendition, as we have now come to expect from this magnificent ensemble of musicians! I can play that....just about Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 26, 2016 16:28:01 GMT
Hi Oswald,
I suggest you have a look at IMGUR. Very easy to use. I used to use Photobucket, still do occasionally, but am finding it to be somewhat tedious and less user-friendly these days.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 26, 2016 16:24:51 GMT
Hi Oswald,
You lucky man, you've accomplished something only others can dream about! Did you manage to play anything together?
Best regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 22, 2016 10:11:20 GMT
Hi, Roland Blues Cube ArtistThis impressive new amp should answer a few prayers for those of you who still have some reservations about your current hardware. I'll let this video do the talking: youtu.be/pwuMEHsUeGURegards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 12, 2016 18:20:20 GMT
Hi,
Well done Istvan...and the rest of the band, of course! I used to be able to play that one, but haven't tackled it for quite a while. However, I do remember the need to keep your wits about you and, if I recall correctly, I think I could only manage to play it 90% full speed to maintain the flow and accuracy.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 9, 2016 15:38:20 GMT
Charlie and everyone here on the forums, Merry Christmas and, when the time comes, a very Happy New Year! This has been an eventful and interesting year and I have thoroughly enjoyed my daily visits (sometimes several times a day) to these forums. This has to be one of the most welcoming, helpful and entertaining sites on the internet.
Regards and best wishes, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 8, 2016 14:36:00 GMT
Hi Maurice,
I too share your concerns but, sadly, I'm as much in the dark as you are.
Knowing the support she has from the membership of these forums I do wonder why she has not provided an update on her progress or at least asked someone to do so on her behalf. Perhaps we should acknowledge the possibility that there has been a change in her circumstances and now she may well wish to keep such matters private. I really don't know but, reluctantly, we may have to accept her right to privacy.
Kind regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 1, 2016 23:00:46 GMT
Prefer plain 3 string on electrics, why because the tone changes when you go to wire wound. A lot of solo's use the top 3 strings and you dont want to hear the difference if the 3rd is wound. keep em guessing. Hi Phil, Thanks very much for your input. It's good to have options and for those of us lucky enough to have several guitars each can be strung to allow a quick switch as the choice of tune demands. I haven't tried a wound third on my Am Deluxes but I suspect it wouldn't work as these pickups would not be a good match - both sets noiseless, one samarium cobalt and the other N3 Alnico. The object of this exercise, I suppose, was to try to recreate those sounds of the 50s and the choice of instrument/strings forms an important integral part of that equation. That obsessive compulsion continues...LOL! Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Dec 1, 2016 19:24:06 GMT
The FAT-50's are a derivative of the originals developed in the early 50's, back then it wasn't normal practise to have a plain G....so no wonder you have a good result with a wound G. ...and that, I believe, nicely sums up why many consider it appropriate to use a wound third with the Custom Shop Fat 50s. I think I'll leave the wound third on my American Standard but will stick with the plain third on my American Deluxes. Thanks Rob! Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 29, 2016 20:43:00 GMT
Hi Rob,
I understand what you are saying, but......
Do you prefer a low or high action? Thinking of my current setup the 6th string is set higher than the 1st largely because of the greater tendency for the thicker gauge to hit the adjacent higher frets resulting in fret buzz. Does this mean that your action is set higher overall when compared with a standard setup? If this is the case then that would be another reason why I don't think I would be able to manage to play a similar string gauge set.
Bringing this thread back towards topic you will be aware that I have been trying a wound third. The gauge (0.018") is slightly larger than the plain third (0.017") yet I am finding it just as easy to play (I presume this is because it has a thinner core) tunes to pitch with very little effort and the sound produced is quite pleasant on the ear. However, I still have some reservations about not being able to achieve a full tone upward bend without pushing the string so much further than I needed to do with the plain. I note your third is twice the diameter and I have to wonder what it must be like to bend without resorting to using the whammy bar.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 29, 2016 11:23:26 GMT
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Finally managed to make time to watch both parts this morning. Very interesting and enjoyable insight into the workings of Brian's mind and his general approach to the execution of his art. It's nice to be reminded from time to time that our guitar heros are, in reality, just like the rest of us with their similar experiences, foibles and anxieties as they journey through life.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 28, 2016 19:16:48 GMT
Hi Rob, Yours: 14, 17, 32, 42, 52, 62 Mine: 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46 Wow! Apart from having to enrol with a gym to strengthen my left hand, this string gauge combination would, I suspect, have so many implications for the guitar's setup! With immense respect and admiration I think I'll decide to pass on this one To me, these are more like cables rather than a 'normal' 6 String guitar string set and without a bucket load of spinach I certainly wouldn't be able to cope with them...LOL! Honestly I wouldn't have believed that you could purchase such a heavy gauged set until I came across these: (11, 14, 18, 36, 52, 70) www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/electric-guitar-strings-sets-c189/6-string-sets-c303/ghs-ghs-boomers-gbzwlo-nickel-plated-steel-electric-guitar-strings-11-70-zakk-wylde-p2544Shows how much I know These may appear to be heavy, but strings 1-4 are, in fact, much lighter than yours, but still heavier than I could manage to play comfortably. I am assuming your choice of individual string combination on your 58 Strat is a very personal customised one and each string is purchased separately. Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 23, 2016 10:02:59 GMT
The other thing to mention which you have probably already found out, is that with the wound 3rd the bridge saddle has to be moved forward (towards the neck) to correct the intonation. Hi Roger, Yes, you're absolutely correct, I knew there was something else nagging at the back of my mind that I'd forgotten to mention. Thanks very much for reminding me. Once that small correction was applied, the string intonated with ease. Kind regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 23, 2016 1:23:43 GMT
Hi,
Charlie has stated that Hank disliked the inclusion of reverb in his final sound. So, I thought it might be interesting to invite you to explore whether or not you feel it is desirable to apply reverb to your sounds.
I can understand why Hank would consider it to be unnecessary as his recordings were mostly created under strictly controlled conditions in a studio or he would be performing in large venues where the sound stage makes the addition of reverb irrelevant as it is present naturally. Having said that, I'm sure reverb has been added to many of his recordings at Abbey Road.
For my part, I like a little reverb as it provides some desirable ambience which would otherwise be absent. We don't have the luxury of being able to play in large auditoriums and so feel the need to introduce some reverb to simulate what is missing. However, I think the emphasis probably should be on the 'little' as too much risks interfering/masking the carefully crafted echoes from our effects units.
Currently I'm experimenting with the 'tc electronics Hall Of Fame' reverb pedal. Decay, Tone and FX Levels are all set conservatively at 12 o'clock and I'm trying the 'Spring Reverb' setting with the Pre-Delay switch in the 'Short' position. The pedal position is last in the sound chain just before the amp. This produces quite a nice subtle effect without obscuring the echoes from my H&CSE.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 22, 2016 22:07:30 GMT
Hi Charlie,
May I join with all the others by wishing you a very happy 20th Anniversary of your first meeting with Hank. Your account of what transpired over this period, which lead ultimately to the development of the peerless Hall & Collins Signature Echo unit, is indeed a fascinating insight into a very interesting journey.. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Playing and sounding like Hank is a dream we have all shared for so many years. You would think that being able, finally, to reproduce those amazing sounds through ownership of the amazing Hall & Collins Signature Echo would be reward enough yet, for me, knowing one of the unit's creators and regarding him as a friend just adds that certain something which makes the experience so special and unique.
Best regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 22, 2016 20:42:59 GMT
First Impressions
1. The core of the wound third (0.018") is significantly thinner than the plain 3rd (0.017"). Does this, I wonder, make it more at risk of snapping during bends? 2. The nut slot of my Standard accommodates the 0.018" gauge with ease and no binding has been detected. 3. Tuning to pitch and intonation (see Roger's post immediately below) is much easier and with greater stability than with the plain third. 4. String noise is audible at times during slides - not a huge issue, just different. 5. Playability is good and chords show good balance of sound output across all six strings. No string predominates. Harmonics at the 7th and 12th frets sound great! 5. Output from the string picked up by the CS Fat 50s staggered 3rd pole seems well balanced with the other strings. 6. The current setting of the heel of the floating bridge (8/64" off the deck) does not allow an upward bend beyond 2 half tones compared to 3 half tones (minor third) with the plain 3rd. 7. Many have stated that bends are more difficult with a wound third. I can confirm that this is true, but only in the sense that the string has to be pushed much further to achieve a full tonal difference in pitch. Again, I wonder if this would place the string at risk of snapping if done too often. Bending, however, is easier as the string feels to be under lighter tension than the plain third. However, effectively bending is limited to half tones. I am finding that I need to use the whammy bar to pull up a full tone which is far from being ideal and requires an adjustment to my playing technique.
So, on the whole my initial impressions are quite favourable, but with some minor (?) reservations relating mostly to string noise and performance during bends. It wouldn't be fair to issue a verdict at this very early stage. It needs to be tested under proper playing conditions and my next jamming session comes up in a couple of days time.
Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 19, 2016 12:57:28 GMT
Hi Mike, Thanks, and sorry to disturb your rest! Regards, Charlie Hi Charlie, Lol, you didn't, I needed to 'relax' after marvelling and concentrating hard on your picking rate and evident proficiency during that number! Amazing, I wish I could do that. Actually, the rest of the band weren't too shabby either Like most things guitar related, to perform as well as this usually requires years of practice, confidence and familiarity. You have it all. Regards, Mike
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 19, 2016 1:56:11 GMT
Hey, well played Charlie! I need to sit down for a rest...LOL
Regards, Mike...phew!
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 14, 2016 21:54:30 GMT
Hi Mick,
Tell you off? I wouldn't dream of it and I'm sorry if it came across as such. Posting in forums can be such a potential minefield as sometimes stuff comes across in ways not intended by the author. I've edited the post so hopefully it now appears less confrontational, if at all.
Cheers, Mike 🍺
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Post by Cruachan on Nov 14, 2016 12:47:37 GMT
Hi Mike, I think he was counting from the low "E" so probably a simple error. (But he is still right) Ah, my bad. It's so easy to become entrenched by convention. Please accept my apologies, bobo. Thanks, Mike, at long last I have an excuse to justify all that expenditure . Now, I need to think of a convincing way to present my case...LOL! Will need to tread cautiously, however, as have just suffered a failure of one of a pair of graphics cards configured in *SLI and these things ain't cheap (*For those unfamiliar with the acronym, "Scalable Link Interface (SLI) is a brand name for a multi-GPU technology developed by NVIDIA for linking two or more video cards together to produce a single output. SLI is an algorithm of parallel processing for computer graphics, meant to increase the processing power available for graphics." One of my other passions is Flight Simulation which, to work well, requires very capable hardware. Sorry, off topic.) Regards, Mike
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