I’m kind of a technological lunkhead, so I’m not sure if you’re talking specifically about computer programs or about digital amp emulation in general. I suspect it’s the former, but if you’re talking about the latter, I got quite a bit of mileage out of a Digitech GNX3 unit (two, actually) over the years. In recent times, I’ve switched to a more idiot-proof distortion pedal -> amplifier rig.
I used to use it as a headphone amp, but over the years I’ve gotten dissatisfied with that approach. I don’t think an electric guitar sounds good unless it’s moving some air.
I know Pod Farm and the like are a good, and call me old fashioned but, there is something about having the live tube sound with all it’s quirks and wires.
Even if they are more of a pain in upkeep and in eqing for a room or whatever, I like it.
My old band that I was a bassist in, the guy used a POD for all pre and it sounded pretty good.
I should record some demos for this one plugin called Redshift I played with last night…it’s a pickup emulator. I was shocked at how much more metal I could make my semihollow tele sound with it. :lol:
I went to Best Buy yesterday and spent 4 hours playing guitars in the music department. After those four hours, I concluded that the guitar I have right now is EXCELLENT, and I don’t think I’m going to be buying a new guitar any time soon.
Fender Deluxe Player’s strat, modded with a bridge Seymour Duncan Hot rails. I might get a new amp soon though.
I’ve never played a Best Buy guitar, but guitars sold by non-music businesses don’t inspire much confidence.
I have a guitar with a Hot Rails in it. It has a lot of punch for such a small pickup, but it’s not really for me. Lots of compression, lots of treble and high mids. Good qualities for metal, I imagine, but that’s not a style that I find myself gravitating towards in my playing.
I’ll probably put a DiMarzio 36th Anniversary pickup in my next guitar. It’s a vintage-type PAF pickup with low output and the perfect EQ curve: throaty lower mids, chewy bottom end, and treble that’s defined yet smooth. Seymour Duncan has a similar pickup called the '78, but it’s made to order, and thus, much more expensive than the DiMarzio.
I just went and demo’d a new vox VT50 earlier. Honestly, that is one of the better solid state amps I’ve ever played. You really can get a lot of good tone of out of it, it’s affordable, has a nice warm sound because of the one tube in it, and is versatile. I was really impressed with it and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good amp without breaking the bank.
Also replaced the tubes in my Musicman 212HD today, man I love that amp.
The guys at Best Buy’s music department knew their stuff pretty well. I played a sweet Gibson Explorer, One of those Taylor Solid body guitars, and a few Schecters. I didn’t go there to buy a guitar, but to scout for a guitar that I would purchase on musicians friend.
I feel the same way. Its not till you play 20 other guitars that you realize that your own guitar feels, sounds, and plays 20x better.
I recently sanded my fretboard with #0000 very lightly and put guitar honey on the fretboard; then added new strings. It feels so… so… good. No words! lol
Hey guys, have some sloppy playing to demo the plugins I’ve been playing with.
part 1 is clean…it’s pretty funny. ash body semihollow tele, bridge pickup.
part 2 is with line 6 gearbox preset 80’s metal rhythm
part 3 is with line 6 gearbox preset 80’s metal rhythm and redshift pickup simulator set to dime double.
Difference between 2 and 3 is subtle, but significant. I find it interesting and worth playing around with.
I guess my kind of music isn’t really appropriate for the metal thread, so I’ll mention it here: my band has a couple of new songs up on our MySpace. Listening is appreciated.
Edit: damn, forgot this was an older picture but I don’t have blackouts in the caparison anymore, fuck those things. I got a custom pickup from http://www.stanhinesleypickups.com/ for the bridge “the hellion” and a caparison made neck pickup that has such a nice warm sound that I can’t replace it.
[media=youtube]-yPEewaalik"[/media] also, this guy guthrie govan has single-guitaredly (lame I know) revived my passion for music and his two books (Creative guitar 1 and 2) are a huge help for anybody that feels they are in a slump. Check him out and his cd erotic cakes. super clean player and his songs have such a great feel to them.
