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Performing / Jun 1, 2011 1:00AM

Recording Heavy Guitar Sounds

DESPITE THE latest in digital modeling technology, it’s hellishly difficult— and some would say, impossible—to create a preset that captures the essence of a tube amp ripped to the max like a top fuel dragster coming off the line.

Performing / May 1, 2011 1:00AM

Five Sonic Missteps

TODAY, THERE may be a zillion signal-processing options available to the average guitarist.

Performing / Apr 1, 2011 1:15PM

A Re-amping Primer

A couple of years ago I was working on a song where I added a rockin’ guitar part, and, as I do a lot more recording than playing these days, it took quite a few passes before I got enough good bits for a decent comp track. Then, by the time I got all the other instruments and vocals onto the song, the guitar part sounded a little thin. I couldn’t bear to go back and re-record the darn thing. I spent a lot of time with various effects before I turned it back into something acceptable, but I couldn’t help but wish I had been able to choose the amp sound at mixdown. That’s when it occurred to me that I can! Well, not actually for that track, but ever since that day, I’ve saved my amp selection until later. Here’s the basic 411 on how I delay my tonal decisions.

Performing / Feb 1, 2011 1:00AM

Tips for Tracking Lap Steel

It’s now somewhat common for all manner of “Americana” instruments to show up at your studio, as more and more people wash out in the traditional rock-androll milieu, often turning to less-conventional instruments in an attempt to remain relevant.

Performing / Dec 1, 2010 1:00AM

Last-Minute Panic Guitar Fixes

How can it have gone so sideways? We’ve recorded tracks to the best of our abilities and gear—pushing man and mail-order recording equipment beyond all limitations, and now when it comes time to mix, the guitars sound wretched.

Performing / Nov 1, 2010 1:00AM

3 Reasons Guitarists Should Love Logic

Recording software and hardware manufacturers have been courting guitarists for some time, and many have been savvy enough to turn our fickle little heads with uncomplicated features that embrace the way guitar players like to work.

Performing / Oct 1, 2010 1:00AM

Delay Delights

Delay can add a galaxy of lush ambience and vibe to a guitar part.

Performing / Jun 1, 2010 1:00AM

Crafting A Country Twang With Modeling Software

Like any other form of music, country can be subdivided into many subgenres, but all a recording engineer needs know about tracking country twang can be divided into two categories: vintage and modern. Vintage twang is pretty much a guitarstraight- into-the amp affair, while modern country tones typically rely on an array of effects pedals too difficult to engage wearing cowboy boots. Now if pedal lust isn’t enough to make Chet Atkins spin in his grave, we’re going to explore crafting both vintage and modern twang tones using amp-modeling software.

Performing / May 1, 2010 1:00AM

How To Make The Bluegrass Grow

We will cover in this article some ideas on recording string instruments in the bluegrass style. When I think of bluegrass, I think of the father of bluegrass himself, Bill Monroe, and the way he sounds and feels to me. It’s a very open feel, full of the moment with all of its greatness and mistakes. The timbres of the instruments are in a wonderful bubbling blend waiting to jump out for their moment, and then come back into the mix. It’s a live feel, and that’s what we are shooting for.

Performing / Apr 1, 2010 1:00AM

The Frampton Method

Peter Frampton has recorded a couple of bitchin’ guitar albums in his career, including a little ditty called Frampton Comes Alive, and 2006’s Grammywinning Fingerprints. He’s also an avid home recordist—albeit with a much hipper and more gear-lush personal studio than the average musician. As the follow up to Fingerprints, Thank You Mr. Churchill [A&M/New Door/Ume] gets ready to drop this April, we thought a few words of studio wisdom from one of the world’s greatest rock guitarists might help you with one of your projects.

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