MiltyG565

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1367388268' post='2064921'] This confirms my policy for me. I never use their insurance, as there are so many exclusions to payouts and that they will wriggle and squirm their way out of a claim however they can, so the money you pay can be absolutely worthless. I must have saved literally thousands this way as I guess I must have sent at least a hundred guitars/basses/amps/cabs with couriers over the years. I take responsibility for packing the item bomb-proof myself. If there is damage I will cover it myself. However I have never had an item I have sent damaged by a courier. I will continue using them, as it opens up the whole of the UK and Europe to me as a market to sell gear. But I will also continue to pack items to withstand very heavy handling. It can be done. [/quote] Yup, same here, except I haven't sent that many things. The only thing is, making parcels bombproof takes time. What you are selling commercially needs to make enough profit to cover the extra time spent packing (with packaging materials). But I suppose that's offset by the lack of insurance. But you see the way they are throwing around parcels, it just takes one fool to throw it, and it land wrong, and you've got half a bass and a set of strings.

Do you reckon the diameter of the outer wrap makes a difference to longevity? It's something I've just thought. I could just be talking balls though.

[quote name='Earbrass' timestamp='1367398036' post='2064999'] Reminds me of a story I heard years ago (possibly by PG Woodhouse???) Apologies if I get some of the fishing terminology wrong. Country squire arrives at the Pearly Gates and is welcomed by St Peter. "I won't be much trouble", he says, "if you could just find me a nice stretch of river with a few trout in, that'd do me nicely. Fishing's the only the thing I've ever really cared about, don't y'know". "Ah", says St.Peter, "come with me, I think we have the very thing for you", and he leads him through the gates and at length they arrive at an idyllic river scene, with soft grassy banks, beautiful trees for shade, set in glorious rolling countryside. "This is perfect!" exclaims the squire. "Glad you like it", says St Peter, and hands him the most exquisite rod he's ever seen. The squire handles it admiringly, feels the free-running reel, the perfect balance of weight and elasticity, and prepares to cast. The moment his line hits the water, a magnificent specimen of trout takes the bait, and after a few minutes of playing him, the squire reels him in to his landing net. "Fabulous!", he thinks, and prepares to cast again. Once again, no sooner has he cast his line than another huge trout is caught on the hook. Again, he carefully reels in his catch. "Well I never!", he says to himself, "I've never had a day like this in all my life!". His third cast and fourth cast are met with further instantaneous successes, and when his fifth cast has the same result he feels just a trace of annoyance. After a dozen catches, he is starting to get a bit fed up. He turns to St Peter and says, "look, old chap, if it's all the same to you, I think I'll try a bit further along, and see what it's like there". "I'm sorry", replies St Peter, "I'm afraid you have to stay here until you've caught them all". "Oh hell" says the squire. "That's right" says St Peter. [/quote]

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1367367860' post='2064879'] Fear not Milty! Lurks is absolutely right that Logic doesn't natively support VST plug-ins... [i]but[/i] it does support AU plug-ins (Audio Units: essentially a Mac-only version of VSTs). You can download a version of SPAN - a superb and free spectrum analyzer plug-in that includes everything you need to do the K-metering - using the link below: [url="http://www.voxengo.com/product/span/"]http://www.voxengo.com/product/span/[/url] (The download links are near the top of the page in a green box). 51m0n here is the man to advise on setting up SPAN as a K-Meter. He's given tips on this earlier in the thread and I'm sure would be happy to help. I can give you some pointers myself too (although I'm a newcomer to K-meter stuff) but not right now as I'm off to bed Oh and welcome aboard mate. Good to have you in the Recording forum! [/quote] Thanks! I'm off to bed myself when I finish downloading the tracks! Don't expect too much from me. In fact, expect what I mix to sound completely dreadful.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1367367015' post='2064872'] meaning you can use more treble boost. [/quote] Eeewww

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367366245' post='2064869'] I fear that logic is waaaayy beyond me, as it sounds a bit like pro , even at 1, never mind 9 ed but it doesnt do VST from a quick google . what that means in the real world , someone who knows sh*t will say [/quote] Ah, so what do i do now?

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367365924' post='2064865'] Sorry Milt , I missed the course bit that you have signed up for , yeah , do that , it will start to put lots of your ideas into perspective . [/quote] Yay!

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367365718' post='2064863'] Total overkill , but awesome , next is to maybe introduce some of that skill into one of the comps , when I can use it, I will demonstrate a practical understanding and application , and I fear that bit will take some time [/quote] I think it's a cool cover. It's a difficult song to cover so well, I reckon.

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367365235' post='2064856'] Its simple , just download the VST ..... just a thought .. do you have a DAW that doen't do VST ? or Download Reaper , then download the VST , it is purely to level out the mixes so that volume is not an influence of the quality. this is a 'never mind the width , feel the quality' kind of competition [/quote] I have Logic Pro 9... does it do VSTs? Oh, I have heard of the loudness wars before, and I have to say, i'm all for a quieter mix for sound quality. I always thought Californication by RHCP was mixed badly. It seemed to always be right on the verge of distorting, but apparently that's the way they wanted it.

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1367169186' post='2062058'] Don't worry Lurks! 'Sidechaining' is when you use the ouput of one instrument to control a dyanmic processor attached to another.... hmmm, that's no clearer is it?! Ok, as an example: you might run the output of a kick drum into the 'sidechain' input of a compressor that's linked up to a bass guitar. So... every time the kick hits, it sends a signal to the compressor that 'ducks' (reduces) the volume of the bass, helping the kick to punch its way through the mix more easily. That's one common use of side-chaining but there are plenty more. Worth experimenting with, but it's not a [i]vital[/i] skill to learn like EQ'ing (IMO). PS: I started on the mix yesterday, and can I just say that I'm really liking this track!! Really, it's grown on me lots. I think I might actually be a closet country fan [/quote] Here's a visual example... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeE4mjS1BKM

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1365587415' post='2041333'] OK, we're halfway through April (well nearly) and have only just chosen some stems, so in the interest of my sanity and everyone elses I've decided we'll run this one through the end of April and start the voting on or around May 15th (5 weeks time) to give everyone a fair crack of the whip. That way we can leave the poll up for a week or two and choose more stems in time for June. So the rules this time are as follows:- [color=#ff0000][size=5]We will run the contest blind again, so do not post any mixes directly into this thread or you will effectively disqualify yourself[/size][/color]. Instead PM me with a link to wherever on the web you have put it (private soundcloud with download enabled has worked very well, dropbox is OK) If you have the bandwidth do upload a wav (sample rate and bit depth the same as the recording would be best) Do feel free to talk about what you are finding difficult, and discuss possible solutions - this is not so much a competition as a learning experience for everyone... [color=#FF0000]Do [b]not[/b] treat this as a mastering exercise[/color]. I would like you to check your level with the K-Meter so it hits 0 dB at most on K-14. No this isn't using the K-Metering system 'properly', its just using a known and defined meter that pretty much everyone has access to via VST or whatever for free (google is your friend here) so that we get the same perceived output level from every mix, or there abouts. If something is wildly out I will endeavour to re-render it at the correct level if I have time, if I dont you may not get added to the poll. Just install the K-Meter, put it on your Main mix output effects area, set it to K-14 and drop the level of your mix until it never goes over 0dB - simples! Yes you can use limiters and whatever on the mix buss, but your overall average level[i] must stay at or below that 0dB level throughout the track[/i], which means the harder you hit the limiter the quieter your transients will be compared to the overall level (thats the nature of the k-meter), your level will still be comparable to everyone else's though. Neat.... [size=5]And so onto the stems - you can get them here:-[/size] [color=#0000cd][size=5][url="http://cambridge-mt.com/ms-mtk.htm#UncleDad"]http://cambridge-mt....tk.htm#UncleDad[/url][/size][/color] Yup we are mixing [b]Uncle Dad: 'Who I Am' [/b]which is a nice slice of Country and Western y'all. If this doesn't drive you all loopy then nothing will! Oh and the stems should be top drawer for this one, so there oght to be no complaints there at all! Good luck all of you, look forward to hearing your efforts.... [/quote] I've been advised (or instructed) to throw myself in at the deep end on this thread and get to work on mixing, but what is this K-meter thing? (sorry if that's a stupid question).

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367362695' post='2064839'] NOOOOOOOOOOO Do it Milt ( This month is still OK , it is running over ) You HAVE to understand the process , if you are no good at it , get someone to do it , but you dont need to do a course , just get involved , you have great confidence in all the reviews you do , just apply a bit of yourself . I love the way you would pass off the mixing and mastering to someone else with the confidence that the recording is totally in your control and sorted, it kind of has a really sweet naivety to it . ed for sp [/quote] Lol, it really is a sweet naivety, but one born out of affordability. I really couldn't afford a grand or 2 to go an record and have mixed and mastered all the things I want. I'm assuming that mixing and mastering would cost a couple of hundred. If I get a good interface and DI, I might not even bother with a mic this time around (money, again) unless I can get a hold of one at a good price. I'm still going to do the course though. It's a music course. It's bleeds in to all aspects of popular and modern music.

[quote name='sblueplanet' timestamp='1367349292' post='2064584'] Ive often wondered if there is a system for choosing strings that will stay 'as new' for the longest playing period. Is there a choice of string wind, or metal that truly makes the difference irrespective of brand? [/quote] Possibly. I know that GHS nickel plated rounds last nowhere near as long as similar strings from Ernie Ball or D'Addario. I think the sound and life of the string has as much to do with it's construction and the quality of the material it's made from. Having said that, I have no idea why the GHS strings died so much faster than Ernie Balls or D'Addario. Honestly, they died after a month of light use. If you want long lasting strings, there are plenty of suggestions. Elixirs new coated stainless set I've heard are just the bees knees when it comes to longevity. Similarly though, my bass teacher was using a set of D'Addario prosteels for over a year before he took them off, and they still have a good amount of life left in them. If you're gigging heavily though, you should probably just pick what string you think sounds the best, because you'll likely change them often enough to not have to worry too much about how long they will last.

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1367360819' post='2064819'] Milt , I have just been through this thread , and I think the advice and the input has been awesome , I really do , these guys really know their stuff , and no disrespect either way , but I don't think you understand the advice and that it will NEVER kick in until you gain the experience of trying the sh*t out , I bought a home recording kit 2 years ago and fluffed it from the off , firewire ports ......to a PC ..... etc etc etc , so I sold stuff on cos I was a total numpty , I still am , but its not until you try the kit that you get to the bones of it , I reckon that half of the advice on this thread will take at least a year to understand for me , and I am starting to get it Join in with the mix and composition comps , you WILL learn shedloads and quickly , you will probably win one before I get a vote , but the learning curve is awesome , and when Si discusses something with those who also knows sh*t , and you actually understand it , it just feels great . What I am saying is, dont fret over the minutiae of your masterplan , get Reaper, a Focusright Scarlett 2+2 , a cheap mic and record the world when you've done that you can tailor the advice because it will start to make sense in a practical way HTH ed to change the word stuff , I use it to much, WTF , sh*t is probably a better word , I was even going to change the word fluffed , because it rhymed with stuffed ...............................but I didn't [/quote] Cheers for the viewpoint, Lurks! Yeah, I get that it's a learning curve, but it is kinda the direction I want to go in, so if I spend some time and money now, and decide that it's not for me, at least i'm not shelling out and wasting years on a course I won't ever use, if that makes sense? I reckon I likely will like it though. I've kind of jumped the gun too and bought Logic Pro 9 (I got loads of iTunes gift vouchers for christmas and my birthday so used them on that). Maybe I will get involved in the mixing comp, but I never really intended on mixing and mastering my own recordings, just recording them and farming off the recordings for somebody else to work their magic on. I reckon that would be worth whatever it costs, rather than trying to fluff my way through it. I'm guessing the mixing comp has closed for this month anyway, eh?

[quote name='Rubbersoul' timestamp='1367357976' post='2064773'] Don't know him. Is he with anybody currently? [/quote] Nope, not that I know of. If you know anybody in The Big Grizzly they could put you in touch, or PM me and i'll send you a link to him if you like.

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1367355109' post='2064707'] That's the thing, really. The fact we're here on a muso site talking about stuff like this means most of us are more than usually interested in the subject. As for yourself, you've already started charting your course, viz the proposed study course. Well, that's nice. Perhaps another person gently introduced into the equation might perform the function of a catalyst. Hope springs eternal. [/quote] I'm not too bothered if he wants to form an act or not. He said he would help me write my songs and provide a few solos or whatever. It would be cool if we did start an act though. It would only be a hobby kind of thing though, nothing serious, I suspect.

[quote name='Rubbersoul' timestamp='1367354424' post='2064694'] We're based in and around Belfast and have our own practice space at Ballygowan. We play heavy alternative rock. The website link is in my sig and you can hear a preview of our soon-to-be-released ep (drummer permitting) through that. [/quote] Do you know Aaron Cushenan? He might be worth a try.

[quote name='Rubbersoul' timestamp='1367353468' post='2064682'] This. Our drummer left and we haven't been able to find a replacement. Still writing, still jamming, but going nowhere without a drummer. [/quote] What kind of stuff are you playing and where are you based?

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1367350547' post='2064607'] I take your point Milty and it is a good one. Yet - and speaking only for myself - I can't help thinking that I might have achieved more of my musical ambitions if I'd set myself a few ground rules about the sort of band I wanted to be in. Rather than dick around in 'mates' bands for years (which was all very nice), a more focussed approach might have obviated the need for luck to shine its face upon me. Which it didn't. So, if I'd once said 'This is the sort of band I want to be in', it would have been silly for me to throw those rules / objectives over the side if I'd decided to [i]start [/i]a band rather than join an existing outfit. And to Telebass's list of must-have's, I'd append 'Willingness to read and fully comprehend written communications essential'. Meeow! [/quote] I've decided that there aren't many musicians that I know of in my area who have the same views, ideas and determination with music as I do. I did befriend somebody recently who seems to share my views and tastes. We've jammed a few times, and it has always been cool, but I don't think he wants to form a band or anything.

Just to let you know, i'm still working on songs to record, although it will be a while because of financial circumstance, but I thought you should know that your advice wasn't in vain

Disappointed to see this hasn't been commented on! It's a good effort for a 6 month player! I think i'm still unable to play it after 2 years! Anyway, I think basically you just need to tidy up your fluency. The notes are a bit jerky in places and don't exactly flow together, but that will come with experience. There's one major mistake, but never mind, it's easy to lose yourself in the moment, I know! Just keep practicing. You're pretty good (for a guitarist)

Fantastic! Put ads on it and we'll make it go viral. It's a win win situation

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1367347654' post='2064562'] wow just imagine - guitarers with big amps AND keeping the volume down AND no egos ok so the volume thing is just wishful thinking i know but dont knock me please im having an optimistic five minutes here [/quote] Let me introduce myself Edit - I actually have no amp.

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1367347149' post='2064548'] To be fair, the OP keeps saying that it's not an ad and that it never was. It's a wish-list that exists only in his mind. In the same way, it's a bit misunderstood for us to suggest that he's some sort of power-crazed dictator. Just unfortunate that he phrased the spec in the second person singular, because there's very little in that list that any of us would disagree with if [i]we [/i]were asked to spec out the ideal band. I get the sense that some us may also be inclining towards the 'Who do you think you are, chum?' thing, which would be a complete misreading of his post. [/quote] Of course it's ideal, but nobody ever gets what's ideal unless they have been incredibly lucky. You can find musicians who are willing to gig, but aren't willing to gig 100 times a years, and you can find musicians who are willing to gig 100 times a year but think they are God. The most I would expect to start out with is that all the members get along and gel well together, and are decent enough to be in a gigging band. Then start to fine tune until you get to a compromise you are happy with.

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1367322024' post='2064101'] Sorry Telebass but I think you are wanting the Moon on a Stick! I know you have said its your Pie in the Sky ideal. However, whilst I can appreciate the level of detail you have put into the information, I think it would out several people off. If you want to start a successful project, I'd recommend you rein in your expectations and chat to people when they respond to a less intimadating advert. To be honest, I think your equipment demands should be secondary to your primary aim of finding like minded musicians with your commitment and playing aspirations, so I'd focus on that and worry about equipment afterwards. Good luck! [/quote] Yup, intimidating is the word for this advert. It's very commanding. Don't do this, you need to do that, we won't be doing this, here's what you need. And, no egos. Holy hell, that's a task in itself, let alone finding 3 of them that fit your description you have written! Ask people you know who might be interested, and have a chat with them about it. Outlining the fine details of it in an ad is a bit heavy handed to my mind. I think you need to give the rough outline, then explain all the other stuff in a conversation with them. like - "I want to start a cover band that will do approximately 100 gigs a year, or 2 a week. Ideally a 4 piece." etc etc etc. Then after you get a response, let them know all the ins and outs of it. I think a lot of people wouldn't even be bothered to read that far, and mightn't even reply just based on the attitude of it.