Archive for the ‘Gear’ Category

April’s Pedalboard

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

So its been some time since I’ve updated this site with my current gear situations. I’ve gone through some minor changes, last I spoke, I was playing through a Divided by 13 JRT9/15 head w/2×12 cabinet. Sound was fantastic. But it was far too much guitar amp for my needs. It wasn’t even a space or weight issue, it was more of the fact that I didn’t want to be carrying around a large boutique style amp, that could be considered to be very valuable, and rare. It was nice, sounded nice, and I definitely see why Divided by 13 amps are held in such a high regard in boutique gear circles.

I’ve since moved to a 65Amps Lil’ Elvis 1×12 combo. I promptly swapped the tubes for some Mullard’s, since the last owner had put in some crappy Mesa tubes – That was a huge improvement, but I don’t think i’ve played the amp enough to give a full review on it. Fun fact: I used the amp in the music video that we had recorded at the start of April. You can see it in the photo to the left. The goldtop is also my current #1 – I friggen love this guitar.
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Review – Mule

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

img_0305Well, I got a chance to try out the Mule last night.

First off, the first thing I usually do with pedals, is compare them to ones I already have, just so i have an idea of what sounds it most mimmics… I could look up the specs, and the circuit design, and probably figure it out, but its better to do it with the ears.

First thing I noticed, at low gain levels, it sounds VERY much like my Gaspedals CARB that I got last month when I was in Texas for SXSW – BUT – it sounds like the CARB, when the CARB is turned up to half gain, I had the Mule at about 8o clock (barely on).

This surprised me – as I didn’t expect it, i’m used to fuzzes being too harsh sounding (which is why i’ve stayed away from them).

So then, I started comparing it to my Cusack Screamer Fuzz (the only fuzz pedal on my board). I was shocked at how good it sounded. It actually made me HATE the screamer fuzz to the point where I removed it, and replaced it with the mule.

Well, anyway.. after playing around with it for a bit, I noticed the Mule sounds really good stacked with my HotCake and even the Carb… they both add a bit more mid drive, which is nice at times… The Mule also doesn’t freak out when i’ve got the Tone Press on (something i’ve noticed about Fuzz pedals, is that they don’t usually play nice with compression pedals).

Either way, in all, i’m very happy with the Mule, I can see it staying on my board for a while.

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March Music Madness!

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

March is looking like a friggen crazy month for me…. its all kind of exploded really quickly, but in a really great way.

We were accepted to play at SXSW about a month and a half ago… which is amazing – i’ve never been to texas, and i’m thrilled to be playing in such an amazing musical event. I hope I get to meet some famous people or something!

Also, we’re playing at CMW in weekend before we leave for SXSW… This is another weekend long music festival hosted in Toronto – this is also quite exciting as it will be my 3rd year playing in it.

And ALSO! Last week we found out that we were accepted on a tour with Mishka. This tour is especially exciting, because its across Canada – i’ve never actually been to any of the prairie provinces, and i’m going to get the opportunity to see Calgary, Whistler, Saskatoon, maybe Moosejaw (where I was born).

So all this is going to be happening in the next 3-4 weeks… i’m leaving for Vancouver on Wednesday this week, will be on tour with Mishka for 10 days, will arrive back in Toronto for a week, to play a few shows (CMW), then off to texas for another week… CRAZZZZYNESS! I’m going to be trying to update this blog as much as I can while i’m on the road (thank you iPhone WordPress app!!). I’m actually looking forward to putting my 6gb iphone usage to the test while on this tour – maybe i’ll hit 1gb in a month!

Oh, one more thing….. There may be some flakiness with this site in the next day or two – i’m transferring domain registrars – and it might cause a short blackout period… but nothing you should be worried about!

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This is what it’s all about

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

Alnico Blue

Alnico Blue

Its been a long time coming – seriously. Not that i’ve been working with shit gear, but i’m finally getting to a place where I think i’ll be comfortable with my gear situation for some time. I’ve finally upgraded myself to a vintage 80′s VOX AC30 – and am in the process of capping it all off with 2 Alnico Blue Speakers. For those of you who don’t know – Alnico Blue speakers in this particular amp, are considered to be as good as it can get as far as tone. I’m thrilled with my sound right now.
Here’s a few photos I stole from Ben (from his blog) – thanks Ben!
stratplusvox

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