D'Addario EZ890 super light strings review and demo

I always struggle with the strings of my acoustic guitar because Im so used to playing an electric guitar. So I've looked online on where to buy a super light tension acoustic guitar strings and I've found one. It's the D'Addario EZ890 Super Light Acoustic Strings.

It's really nice, made a big difference to the tension of my Fender DG60CE and the sound is also very good. You will find it a bit odd though that the third string is also steel and not round wound. Also it's super light that you think you are using an electric guitar. It might sound a bit thin if you are use to gauge 10 strings. But apart from that, it's a lovely set of strings.

Digitech RP55 review and demo

Things you need to know about Digitech RP55 before you buy

Here's the quick overview of the pedal. It's a very simple-to-use multieffects pedal. Just two pedals; up and down to change effects. Editing is straight forward, using the edit button which are left and right. Then another set of buttons left and right to change values and also acts as your master volume. Then a store button to save patches. Use up and down foot pedals to scroll location on where you'd like to save your patch. It has built-in tuner and you can activate it by simultaneously pressing the two foot pedals and hold for 2 seconds. To activate bypass mode, just press the two foot pedals simultaneously, like a quick tap only. Just watch the videos below for a quick run through of the pedal.

This pedal has 80 patches in total, 40 presets which you can't edit and 40 user patches for you to edit and save. Here's the first 20 preset patches:

Here's the second batch of the video. Preset patches from 21-40. Just to have an idea of what it sounds: 

This pedal has a built-in drum machine for practise. You an turn it on by pressing drums. Then you can change the patterns as well as the tempo and level by pressing the Edit button to highlight Pattern, Tempo or Level. Then you can adjust by pressing the button (Values/Master). Just watch the video below to see how to do it and hear the drum patterns so you got some ideas before you buy this pedal

Amp Sim list and corresponding sound copied

• Blackface (b): based on the ‘65 Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb amp (Fender 2×12 Twin Reverb Cabinet)
• Boutique (o): based on the ‘01 Mesa/Boogie Mark II amp (Mesa/Boogie Vintage 30s Cabinet)
• Rectifier (r): ‘01 Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp (Mesa/Boogie Cabinet)
• Hot Rod (H): ‘96 Matchless HC-30 (Marshall 4×12 Straight with Celestion Cabinet)
• Classic Tweed (t): ‘57 Fender Tweed Deluxe (Fender Cabinet)
• British Combo (C): Vox ‘63 AC30 Top Boost (Fender Cabinet)
• Clean Tube (c): Digitech Clean amp (Marshall Cabinet)
• British Stack (S): ‘77 Marshall Master Volume (Marshall Cabinet)
• Crunch (U): Digitech Crunch amp (Mesa/Boogie Cabinet)
• High Gain Tube (G): ‘83 Marshall JCM900 (Marshall Cabinet)
• Fuzz (F): Digitech Fuzz amp (Marshall Cabinet)

Quest for Like a stone by Audioslave Zoom G1xOn patch

We've been playing this song for a while now. It was about 5 years ago I think when I joined Crossedwind (a band from Norwich) and we played this song. I was using Digitech RP55 that time and I just improvised by connecting an expression pedal on the unit. I think I wrote a blog about my Digitech RP55. So, just have a look on that one.

Now back on this Zoom G1xOn quest for Tom Morello's patch setting on the song Like A Stone by Audioslave. I looked online actually on what effects he was using and then try and copy it using my Zoom G1xOn. It didn't work. I looked on YouTube and found Chris Benton, check him out guys he's got loads of patches using Zoom G1On. Having said that, I copied his settings but because he was using Zoom G1On, it doesn't have an expression pedal to act as a Whammy pedal. But still the intro, verse and chorus were all great patches so I copied it.

Now on the guitar solo part, that was the most difficult one. I continue to search for the patch setting via YouTube and even online community and for some reason when I go started again to really get Tom Morello's tone, I accidentally used my Slash tone patch and just added the Whammy which is PdlMnPit effects by Zoom and edit the parameters and play around with the effect chain. Plus I added delay which I already knew about it because on my previous settings where I covered this song Like A Stone, I have always used the delay for the guitar solo. And yes, jackpot, I found that tone.

Note: I did a video about Effects Pedal Chain on my YouTube and also a blog about Quest for Slash Tone. Please watch it because it might help you as well to learn and know more on how I customize or setup my Zoom G1xOn.

Here's my simplified version of Like A Stone, the first settings that I did. This might help as well for you to understand or use on other effects pedal that you might have.

Thank you and please support my YouTube channel.

Quest for Slash Tone using Zoom G1xOn

Our quest for Slash tone doesn't stop by using only Zoom G1xOn, there's loads of factors and obstacles to consider. First is the guitar Im using. Although, it has humbucker pickups but it's totally different guitar from Slash. It's a Silvertone SRK1 SG copy guitar. Pickups were changed to Warman Zebra humbuckers. I don't have an amp so we are using the Zoom G1xOn amp simulator for our Marshall amp, which is MS Drive so that there's a bit of distortion. Then I added Plate reverb to it so that it will have like a delay/echo for doing some lead stuff. That's all that there is in terms of gear. Now on the guitar, I mainly use the neck pickup and put volume all the way up and then tone between 1-2.

Oh by the way, the MS Drive settings are Gain: all the way up, Tube: 40 and Level: 103. Then the Plate reverb was just added as an effects and did not change any of the parameters.  Now, let's put this patch to the test.

Now, that we know it's working and it did sounded great. We will add some more effects to it and save some more patches on our Zoom G1xOn as Slash's patch.

Our clean patch is going to be same amp simulator but this time just the MS 1959 so that it has less gain. Then, will add some chorus effects and Hall reverb. Will save it as Slash Chorus.

Then, we will save our Slash lead as our second patch. So that from clean tone and we want to jump to lead, it's just the next patch. But this time, we will add Wah effects on our previously saved patch. We will use Wah100 which is copied from an Ibanez wah pedal.

Our last patch is our crunch patch with a bit of delay. Slash used this on the intro of Welcome to the Jungle. And that's it, that completed our quest for Slash's tone. Hope you like it. Here's the video for detailed settings of the patches we made.

How to get the guitar effects for No Roots by Alice Merton using Zoom G1Xon

I was face with a challenge when I was asked to learn the song No Roots by Alice Merton. First is the odd timing and then second, playing the bassline and at the same time strumming the guitar funky breaks. And the ultimate challenge was the guitar effects settings where a bass sound was combined with the guitar sound.

So, here's how I did it. I used Just Funk is patch B4 on Zoom G1xOn and might be the same on Zoom G1On and then added an effects called MonoPitch. Just watch the video because it's hard to explain it here. Also please support my blog as well as my YouTube channel. I would gladly appreciate if you can follow me and subscribe. Cheers!

How to remove the noise of Zoom G1xOn

I've had several questions on my channel on how to remove the noise or hum of Zoom G1xOn and my answer to them normally are: Check if it's the power adapter causing it, if it's the guitar lead, if it's the amp, or try the battery option. But, I've really never considered to check the pedal itself. Because Im quite happy with my Zoom G1xOn and have used it during gigs, rehearsals and even recordings. And, Im happy with it, my bandmates are happy and even the sound engineers are happy with my pedal.

However, recently, I made a video as an experiment or comparison for my Zoom G1xOn by using two different guitars and used different leads plus trying out plugging the Zoom G1xOn directly to an audio interface versus guitar amp. I was surprised that it was not the guitar or pickups or amps or leads that's causing the noise, it's really the pedal.

Here's the video that I did:

So, after I watched this video, it made me think that there should be a solution somewhere. And so, by pure luck, YouTube recommended a video for me from AshBass5 about noise reduction for Zoom G3, G3X, G5 and I've watched the video and learned from something from him. I thought, aha, I can use this for Zoom G1xOn.

So here it is. This is how to remove or minimize the noise of your Zoom G1xOn. Just go to EDIT and add effects, scroll and look for ZNR, then either turn the DETCT to Gtr-In and turn the THRSH up to 17 or 18. Or, you can leave the DETCT as Efx-In but put the effects first on the chain before the amp.

Hope you learned something useful here and please don't forget to subscribe on my blog as well as on my YouTube channel. All the very best to you guys. See you later!

Mosky 4-in-1 DTC delay converted to spring reverb

Here's how I converted the delay pedal into a spring reverb. It is very useful if your amp doesnt have reverb or you dont have a reverb pedal. Also reverb effects pedal is more expensive than delay pedal.

I put the level to 1 o'clock, delay at 9 o'clock, and repeat at 9 o'clock. It might vary, depending on what delay effects pedal you've got. But, for this Mosky 4-in-1 DTC, this settings works. Also if you don't have acoustic simulation effects pedal, this could be the solution.

Then I setup my overdrive for boost during lead or as a rhythm crunch. Level at 1 o'clock, drive 8 o'clock, and tone at 10 o'clock.

Distortion setup volume 1 o'clock, presence 1 o'clock, tone 10 o'clock and gain at 2 o'clock. I use this during lead or heavy distorted rhythm

Gear used:

Lyon by Washburn electric guitar, neck pickup.
Plug to Mosky DTC 4-in-1
Then out and into my Behringer GDI21
(It's like a DI box/amp simulator. I used the clean fender-ish option.)
Then out and plugged to Focusrite iTrack pocket
To to my iPhone 7 using Impact app that comes with the Focusrite iTrack Pocket.

Mosky 4-in-1 DTC overdrive as boost

How to setup your Mosky DTC 4-in-1 overdrive as booster pedal for your distortion.

1. Overdrive volume/level should be all the way up. Then gain/drive around 3 o'clock. Tone 9 o'clock.

2. Distortion volume/level 12 o'clock, Tone 11 o'clock, Presence 1 o'clock, Gain 8 o'clock, Voice/mode on high.

3. Delay is optional but here's my setup Level 11o'clock, Delay 8 o'clock, Repeat 9 o'clock.

Don't throw your Zoom G1on/G1Xon original box

This is my latest hack for my Zoom G1Xon. Actually, I already got this idea ever since I bought this unit but I never got the chance to do it or I don't have the materials to do it. Anyways, the idea was to make use of the box and improvise it to a semi-hardcase gigbag.

So, I already know that I will put a handle but doesnt know yet what handle to use, is it cloth or rope or something. Then, I already know where to put it and I know it will work. Around that time, I don't have a cutter yet and don't have that handle/strap to use plus I don't have a cutting board. So, after few years of trying to improvise a case for my Zoom G1xOn, (here's link: diy-gigbag-or-case-for-zoom-g1xon ), I finally got what I wanted.

Materials used:
Cutter
Cutting board
Ruler
Pen
Old Zoom G1xOn box
Old box handle/strap

Be creative and improvise. Cheers! 

How to reset your zoom G1on or G1Xon to factory setting.

1. Hold the HOME button before turning your Zoom G1on or G1Xon power.

2. In order to do this, you either need your power adaptor or your batteries.

3. If you are using your power adaptor, whilst pressing on the HOME button, gently plug in your adaptor jack and it will turn your unit on and this will appear on the screen "ALL INITIALIZE".

4. Turn the dial or knob to either YES or NO. Yes if you want to proceed and restore your unit to factory default setting. No if you want to cancel it.

5. Same goes when you are using your batteries. So put all batteries in, then you will be needing your guitar cable or lead.

6. Press HOME button whilst you are plugging in your guitar jack through guitar input to activate or turn your unit on.

7. ALL INITIALIZE will appear on the screen.

8. Turn dial or knob to YES or NO. 

Zoom G1xOn Looper Tutorial

1. Press the rhythm/looper once and it will activate the drum machine or the rhythm channel. Press it again and it will activate the looper.

2. You can change the TIME from manual to 1-64 notes/beats. Then adjust the tempo by selecting BPM to your desired beats per minute or speed. Then LVL is your volume.

3. Left pedal is Play/Record. Press it once and it will record then press it again to play. If you press it again, it will overdub. It can layer as much loop as you want or as necessary.

4. To stop your loop, use the Right pedal or the Stop pedal. Hold or step on it for 5 seconds to Clear your recording.

5. Now to use the drum machine, just simply press Rhythm/Looper button. You can adjust the PATTERN for the style/drum beat you like. There are loads to choose from. You can use a click for metronome or a proper beat from Rock, Jazz, Bossa, March, Reggae, etc.  Then BPM to change the Tempo and LVL to change the volume of your drum machine.

6. You can exit looper by pressing HOME button and change your guitar patch from clean to rhythm to lead or use bass simulation, organ, etc. Then back to looper to overdub and back to HOME screen again to change patch.

D'Addario Pro Arte EJ43 light tension string review

Bought this new set of strings for my Valencia electroclassical guitar because the ones I put in was already worn out and I did a review of that strings too here in my blog, the Augustine low tension classical strings. It's very good string for the price. Took a long while though to settle.

Now, with this D'Addario light tension strings, the bass immediately settled after I put the strings on. However, the nylon ones took a while so I left it overnight to settle a bit and gave it a stretch. In the morning I tuned it again and tried and it wasn't that bad but still adjusting. So, I kept on tuning it and gave it a bit of stretch again. Then after tuning it, I gave it a go and used my Zoom G1xOn looper and jam a bit just to hear the sound as well as the feel of the strings.

Well I can say that the light tension strings is very easy to use. Despite that its light tension, the fullness of the sound is till there. I think my fingers are meant for light tension strings. After few tunings, it did settle this evening. So technically it took about 24 hours to settle. I am very happy with this set of strings. Highly recommended for slender fingers or young guitar players. Indeed value for money!

Fender FA610 Dreadnought acoustic guitar gigbag review

Bought this item because I received an Amazon gift card from TutorCare, a training centre in Gatwick. Had my train the trainer there and enjoyed it. So I promised them I will put it to good use and decided to buy this one.

At first, I was doubtful in buying this Gigbag because of the reviews on Amazon, I even asked online if it will fit my Fender DG60CE electroacoustic guitar and the reply I got was a stray copy fits this gigbag. And another thing, I had hard time looking for the measurements of this gigbag. So here it is now. It answered all my questions. It fits my acoustic guitar.

Gigbag measurement: Length 42.5, upper body 14, lower body 16 inches.

• Material: 600 denier polyester
• 10 mm padding
• Microfibre lining
• Water repellent zipper
• Comfortable two-part handle
• Ergonomic backpack strap
• Front pocket with business card window
• Inner pocket for spare strings
• Solid bag for tools
• Colour: Black

Ammoon cajon beatbox

Details:
Made of wood with beautiful texture in special blue color. With several strings inside for special buzz-like effect or tone. Can loose or tight the strings via the included allen wrench to adjust the sound of the cajon. With 4 rubber feet in the bottom of the cajon. A sound hole is cut on the back side. Suitable for band accompaniment, street performances and rhythm practice. Specifications: Brand: ammoon Material: Wood Item Size: Approx. 30 * 31 * 48cm / 11.8 * 12.2 * 18.9in Item Weight: Approx. 3800g / 8.4lb Package Size: Approx. 31.5 * 32.5 * 50cm / 12.4 * 12.8 * 19.7in Package Weight: Approx. 4400g / 9.7lb

Can Zoom G1xOn be used on an ElectroClassical guitar?

Im doing this experiment where an electric guitar multieffects pedal particularly Zoom G1xOn is used on a electroclassical guitar. This is a weird combination and I think no one has tried it. Mostly, what you're going to do is buy an acoustic amp or an acoustic effects pedal. But not using something that's not intended for its purpose.

Anyways, the outcome was great and I had fun. To be honest, I was impressed. that I did part 2 to this experiment. So here it is, enjoy and leave on the comment section below your thoughts about this. Cheers!

Amazon echo quick review and demo and setup

Quick installation guide and review of Amazon Echo

First is to connect your Amazon Echo's power supply and wait for the orange light to go off. Then install the Amazon Alexa app on your phone, iPad or computer. Connect your phone or tablet to your Echo's Wi-Fi network. So go to settings and open WiFi and look for your Amazon Echo. After connecting to Amazon Echo, switch to the app and choose Set up a new device. If prompted, enter your Amazon username and password. If you already have an Amazon account then that's handy but if you dont have just register or create one. Now select your home Wi-Fi network and enter its password. That's it the Alexa assistant is ready to use. It will guide you through. It's also very intelligent that it learns skills quickly. Identifies your voice and gets used to your commands.

There are loads of online tutorials, demos, reviews and guides on how to use your Amazon Echo. There are variations to this product so there are lots to choose from. Here we got the Amazon Echo, there also Amazon Echo Dot which the smaller and cheaper version to this. The Amazon Echo plus which is bigger and the Amazon Tap which is wireless and portable.

We bought this as a gift for Mother's Day and also to use it as DAB radio, alarm clock, timer when we cook and as a quality speaker in the house because of its Bluetooth capability.

Aroma portable folding guitar stand review

If you're looking for a lightweight, portable and foldable guitar stand, look no further this is the one for you. I bought this Aroma folding guitar stand which is all-in-one because it can fit your electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar and even classical guitar. It is lightweight, easy to assemble and can be folded and keep in your gigbag. Meaning, you're assured that your guitar is safe during gigs or rehearsals as well as it keeps the tuning of your guitar ready while waiting for your gig. I don't know what else to say but all good stuff about this stand.

Augustine classic black low tension nylon strings review

Here's unboxing and test of Augustine Classic Black Low Tension classical nylon guitar string set.

And my honest opinion and review on this strings.

First, it is very affordable and of good quality.

Second, it's got it's own characteristic and tone.

Third, low tension which is what I needed.

And the list goes on.

The only trouble or downside is that after you put the strings, it takes a long while to adjust. So you have to keep tuning it not just for few hours but it took a couple of days to adjust.

So my search for nylon guitar strings is not yet over. So far so good but I think there's still something that I want. It's either a proper setup for this Valencia vc104ebk or maybe a different set of strings. So stay tuned and follow my blog for you to see and hear what's next on this classical guitar journey. In the meantime, watch this video so you can hear and see the guitar and the strings in action.

How to efficiently use your Zoom G1xOn plus Patch Settings

First is the tuner, I use it to mute my guitar when Im trying to setup on stage or during rehearsals or recording. It means that I avoid making noise, blasting sound on the amp whilst setting up. And obviously, tune my guitar discreetly. Also when waiting for our turn, backstage, I can double check and tune my guitar.

Second is the batteries. I can use the battery option and not worry if there's a power outlet near me on stage. Plus save me time on plugging my power adaptor. Another thing is giving me the chance to tune my guitar backstage without worrying of any power outlet. Plus I can jam anywhere, anytime. Like outdoor gigs. I can just plug my guitar to my Zoom G1xOn and use the headphone out plus batteries and enjoy.

Third, is the direct line stereo output. Saves me whenever the backline is playing up or during rehearsals when Im unable to bring my amp or during open mic when there's no extra amp to use. I can simply use the direct out and plug my effects pedal straight to the PA system.

Now, about my patches. My first patch (A0) is bypass mode or setting. It's very useful during live gigs especially if the organisers are the one providing backline for the band. Meaning the amps are already there. Using the bypass mode/setting, Im able to check the dry sound of the guitar and the amp and it's easy to tweak the EQ, gain and other effects like Reverb, etc.

Zoom G1xOn has only two footswitches which control up and down option for your saved patches. Even though there's only two switches, Im able to improvise and use it like three stompbox. So, my A1 is clean tone, A2 crunch, and A3 lead tone. This is my generic setup. Meaning I can jam with any band or musicians or play any song with this setup. I got clean sound with just reverb on and the option to turn my wah pedal on. Then my crunch or rhythm, is when I need a bit of overdrive which is subtle for any rock music. And lastly my lead tone which is much louder and produces a lovely tone and sustain.

PATCH SETTINGS:

A1 - Clean  

FD Combo (amp)
Gain: 24 Tube: 30 Level: 86
Treble: 48 Mid: 45 Bass: 44
Pres: 52 Cab: FD combo 2x12 Out: Line

Hall (Reverb)
Decay: 10 Tone: 5 Mix: 46
PreD: 49 Level: 130 Tail: Off

A2 - Crunch

Big Crunch (amp)
Gain: 82 Tube: 30 Level: 80
Treble: 51 Mid: 42 Bass: 59
Pres: 61 Cab: BigCrunch 1x12 Out: Line

ZNR (noise gate/reduction)

Thrsh: 5 DETCT: Gtr In Level: 100

Carbon Delay (delay)
Delay: 360 Regen: 33 Mix: 30
Mod: On Width: 31 Speed: 28
Tail: Off  Sync: Off

Hall (Reverb)

Decay: 10 Tone: 5 Mix: 31
PreD: 10 Level: 100 Tail: Off

A3 - Lead

Booster (boost/overdrive/tube screamer)
Gain: 83 Tone: 26 Level: 120

BGN Drive (amp)
Gain: 73 Tube: 15 Level: 100
Treble: 41 Mid: 54 Bass: 40
Pres: 62 Cab: D2 Drive 4x12 Out: Line

ParaEq (equaliser)

Freq1: 200Hz Q1: 2 Gain1: 3

Freq2: 400Hz Q2: 4 Gain2: -8

Level: 100

Delay
Time: 560 F.B.: 37 Mix: 40
HiDMP: 5 P-P: Mono Level: 100
Tail: Off  

Hope you find this helpful and you enjoyed my blog. Please subscribe for more hacks and tricks that I will be sharing on this blog. Cheers!

Review of Chase CCG400C Classical Guitar Gigbag

I bought this gigbag for my Valencia VC104ebk. This softcase is really value for money. The material used and how the bag was built is of good quality and standard. Here's the specifications of this gigbag.

Features:

- subtle integrated reflective integration (reflectorised)
- comfortable foam mesh carrying handle
- additional grab handle on the back
- no.8 two-way zipper (heavy duty)
- built-in polyester bridge, headstock and strap-pin protector
- soft, non-scratch, quilted nylon interior lining
- A4 music pouch with zippered accessory pocket
- ergonomically designed mesh lumbar support
- 15 mm soft padding
- luggage grade 600D polyester
- number of compartments (4)

Internal Dimensions:

Length:  102 cm
Width:    41.5 cm
Depth:    10 cm

M-Audio Keystudio vs Evolution MK249C2 MIDI keyboard

This is a comparison of two 49-key USB MiDi keyboards that I own. The Evolution MK249C2, which I bought 8 years ago from carboot sale and I fought for this MiDi keyboard. It was £20 but I bargained it to £10 and the guy selling it wouldn't so we agreed at £15. No USB lead and/or software when I bought it and I was new with MIDI keyboard that time so I really don't know what to do with it apart from I know I will make use of it for recording. Oh the other thing was, the power button is playing up. I had to clean it with WD40. I used Audacity when I first tried this keyboard and Mixcraft.  Until, I got a proper software, which is EnergyXT and then in recent years Garageband.

The other MIDI keyboard is the M-Audio KeyStudio which is also 49 keys was given to me on my 40th birthday this year. It came with a lead. Looks neat. No problem whatsoever.

I can't detail much about MIDI keyboards because Im not an expert on this. But I will state here the obvious like the Evolution MK249C2 has got LED screen and got lots of knobs and buttons from effects, transpose, tuning, assignable buttons, effects, expression, etc. Also it has sustain pedal input, MIDI output, power input and the USB connectivity.

The M-Audio has less buttons, in fact only three; one for edit and two for octave (+/-). Then the slide bar for volume and the pitch bend and modulation which Evolution MK249C2 got. It only has USB connectivity and sustain pedal input. Although it has less buttons, it has almost the same function with the other one. I've looked online for the manual and it says that when you press the Edit button, you can activate certain programs by pressing the black keys for example to transpose and other functionality.

When I tried both keyboards using Garageband, the sustain pedal worked but when I tried it using EnergyXT software on a laptop, the sustain pedal is not working. I mean the program doesn't allow it.

It's very difficult to choose which program is the best because on Garageband, apart from limited choices, the sound quality is so realistic and the speed is very good. On the other hand, EnergyXT got lovely electric piano and strings and a lot more trance program to choose from. But then no sustain and a slow speed and not so good sound quality than Garageband.

Just hear for yourself the difference.

M-Audio KeyStudio MIDI Keyboard using Garageband

Evolution MK249C MIDI keyboard using EnergyXT

Valencia vc104ebk Unboxing and quick review

Valencia 4/4 black electro classical nylon guitar vc104ebk retail price £149 bought £71 on eBay from Ebony and Ivory Ltd. Well packed. Double boxed with bubble wrap and plastic plus two balls to cushion the Valencia box itself. Guitar is inside Valencia labelled box and wrapped and well protected inside.

Out of the box, upon quick viscual check, it really looks good. Then I immediately opened the battery compartment and put the battery in. Then, after tuning the guitar, played a little and it sounded very good.

This time a thorough inspection: The headstock and body are done beautifully especially the gloss finish. However, the neck has sharp edges, the frets got visible glue stain or marks and looks  cheap. The worst part is that it’s got a spot/scratch on the fretboard as shown on the video. Apart from that, it rather sound very good unplugged.

It's night time, so I had to get my ZoomG1xOn pedal and plugged this electro-classical using bypass mode and then plugged my headphones. I put it on bypass mode. It sounded superb pluuged in. It has built in tuners where you can adjust pitch. 3 band eq with presence and phaser. The builtin phaser though doesn't have any control apart from a button to press on and off. So you won't really hear a very distinct phaser sound but you can feel that when you press the button there's a change to the sound but not prominent and you can't adjust or alter it. I did try the guitar using a patch that has got reverb on in my Zoom G1xOn and it's beautiful especially turning the builtin phaser effects on from the guitar. Also I tried it on the Acoustic Simulation patch of Zoom G1xOn and it changed the character of the guitar, it's more crisp and it's like a pro guitar, the one you would use for gigs and stage performances. I think this could be a very good recording guitar or a project guitar for a certain song, album or music that you experiment.

Overall, this guitar is very good. If only they put more effort to that neck. A little more on quality assurance or last check before sending the guitar.

Here's the sound of the guitar:

Unboxing Chase CSP-01 universal sustain pedal

Chase CSP-01 Universal Sustain Pedal with polarity switch.  This Classic-Style Pedal Works With Casio, Yamaha And Any Other Keyboard Or Digital Piano. Also the 1/4 inch plug is an angle one so it's neat and convenient to use and the lead or cable is 6 feet long. The polarity switch is very handy because you got options when using the pedal on different keyboards as well as different computer software or program.

First hand experience, it's very responsive. It feels durable. Lightweight to carry. In short, a reliable and functioning sustain pedal.

Here's the test:

Unboxing of Cobra Case for 49-key keyboard

Ordered this gigbag for my MIDI keyboards because I got two at the moment both 49-keys and almost the same size with slight difference in terms of thickness and length. Also I needed a case for the keyboard because I got an upcoming gig, which is going to be a regular gig if Im lucky.

The bag is constructed nice plus there's two-year warranty with this bag.

Dimension: 870 x 330 x 100mm

Lots of compartments. Like for your adapter, cables and for music sheet. Even a laptop or iPad can fit in one of the compartments.

Overall, very good material and looks professional. Happy with my purchase.

MIDI keyboard to iPad problem solved

First thing's first, you will need a MIDI keyboard. It doesn't matter what brand, size and features it's got as long as you have a working MIDI keyboard. I got two MIDI keyboards. One is Evolution MK249C which I bought from carboot sale 8 years ago. Then just recently on my 40th birthday, our friends Mark and Chris gave us this M-Audio KeyStudio MIDI keyboard. I will do a comparison of the two keyboards in the near future. The other thing that you will need is an iPad or iPhone. Because we will be using Garageband for our MIDI keyboard. Now, the last thing that you will be needing and it's the most important one, the adapter. I thought I can buy any as long as it's the right pins for the ipad/iphone and convert to USB but I was wrong. There are specifics to it.

Right, let's take my phone and ipad as an example. Im using iPhone 7 and iPad Pro. Both uses lightning connectivity or jack. So I would need a lightning to USB adapter. Went to nearest Apple store, asked around, some staff are very helpful but there's one guy who's a bit snobbish. Went to him to pay actually but he was busy talking to his radio and then after he finished talking or reporting something he went back straight to his iPad and did'nt say a word to me. So I looked for another person and this time a young lady. She was very helpful. Because when I told her about the plan of buying that lightning to USB camera adapter that I will be using it for my MIDI keyboard, she already mentioned to me that there are some issues that they encounter. She said that it might not work because it depends on what sort of MIDI keyboard Im using. So I asked her if I can return the product if it won't work and she said yes, there's 14-day return policy. All I need is the receipt and the product as well as the box.

Went home and tried the lightning to USB camera adapter and it didn't work. It says the device uses too much power. I tried looking around for a solution. Good thing my other MIDI keyboard (Evolution MK249C) got a power input. So, I tried looking for a suitable power supply. It says 9-12 volts. The only problem now is the polarity. I tried my Zoom G1xOn adaptor because it's 9 volts but it didn't work. So I looked for my old Digitech multieffects power supply and it worked on that one. Connect it to my ipad and iphone and it worked. But I wasn't satisfied, I thought that I really wanted the ipad/iphone to work without plugging my MIDI keyboard to a power supply. So I can also use my M-Audio KeyStudio because this MIDI keyboard doesn't have a power input. Good thing, my good friend Creed on YouTube, saw one of my post about the lightning splitter for my iTrack pocket that didn't work, and he mentioned to me to buy a lightning to USB 3 camera adapter with the power port. Because he had similar problem. That's when I decided to return and change my light to USB adapter.

After I changed it, it was perfect. No need for power supply and it work for my iPad and iPhone as well as to both of my MIDI keyboards, the Evolution MK249C and M-Audio KeyStudio. Im very happy now.

Note: Always buy original apple accessories to avoid incompatibility issues. But also buy the right accessory.

iPhone 7 lightning usb and earphone dongle splitter review

Review of this 2 in1 Lightning to 3.5mm Earphone Jack Adapter Charge Cable for iPhone 7

I bought this iPhone 7 splitter lightning and 3.5 mm jack adapter on eBay in hopes that it will work faith my Focusrite iTrack Pocket but it didn’t. The idea was I really wanted to my iPhone 7 to be my portable recording station. so I can plug lots of stuff to it hence a bought a splitter. To be fair, it worked according to what the description says that it is for charging whilst listening to music.

Oh another downside was the first time I put the earphones in, it was too hard and it broke immediately the silver cover. I superglued it and it’s fine. Such a shame that my plan didn’t work.

       

G1xOn Hack on how to make footswitch for looper and home button

DIY footswitch home and looper button

An inexpensive and simple way of fixing the home and looper switch button where you won't have to bend down and press to switch but instead you can improvise and use your foot. Here are the things that you need:

Adhesive Felt Pads 

Cutter

Scissors

Pen

Ruler

Self-healing cutting mat

Cardboard or thick paper

First, I did an outline on a piece of paper what shape and size to use. So I did trial and error method to know which one will fit and what to use. So I did few trials and it did work. However, there was a bit of challenges encountered. One was it got stuck so I had to put paper underneath so it won't stick. But it doesn't look nice. It was raised and really not pleasing if you look at it. Although it works, I had to improvised again. So this time, I just doubled the felt pad. Stuck it together and used the cutter to cut it into shapes. Two circles and two triangles. Just small ones that will fit the buttons. The two circles were used to the Looper/Rhythm button and Home button. Then the triangles were use on the up and down buttons to switch between banks from A through J. It's looking better than the previous and works well. So happy with this improvisation to my effects pedal.

How to lower the action of your acoustic guitar

Lower the action of dreadnought guitar

Things you needed:
Pencil
Pentel Pen or Marker
Ruler
Sandpaper
File
Clean cloth or paper towel
Brush


The first thing you need to do is either you remove the strings if you intend to clean your guitar and put on a new set of strings or if you just put new strings on and forgot to adjust the height of your strings, all you need to do is loosen the strings as much as you can then carefully remove the bridge saddle.

Once the saddle is removed, use the ruler to mark it as to how much you're going to sand it down. Put a line using the pencil as your guide as to how far you're going to sand it down. Then use the marker or Pentel Pen to mark the bottom of the saddle to know if you're sanding it evenly. And when you're doing it, do it gently and keep on checking how far you're going. Then use a file to smoothen the area.

Once you're happy or near your target line as to how much centimetre you want to remove, brush the area off or wipe with a clean cloth and put it back. Then check if you're happy with the height of your strings. Note that it is not advisable to sand it down too far and make the strings too low because it will be prone to buzzing and you wont be able to reverse it. So it's better to just sand it down little by little. Also the string pull is great when it's a bit high. So, limit it to 1 cm or less when you lower the action of your guitar.

Put saddle back and try to tune it and play the guitar. Even though you lowered it a centimetre or less, you will still feel the difference. Hope this helps.

How to clean and change the strings of you dreadnought acoustic guitar

D'Addario EZ890 super light 9/45 bronze review and demo

It's been three years already after I bought this Fender DG60CE electro-acoustic guitar and I haven't changed a single string yet. So, I thought it's time to do it. I bought a super light set of D'Addario bronze acoustic strings. It's mainly because I'm so use to light strings and low action electric guitar. Let's see if this will do the trick.

I also ordered online tools as well as guitar maintenance kit. Some of you might have read my previous post on cleaning the guitar fretboard using Jim Dunlop 02 deep conditioner and I've used  improvised improvised fret guard protector out of an old ID/debit card. But now, I have the proper fret guard that I bought online. It's cheap but works fine. Also I bought a string cutter/winder, no brand, cheap gear. It came with the fret guard and brush, etc. I also bought a soundhole plug/cover or nowadays called "screeching halt." Unfortunately, it didn't fit well. I tried to force it because it's made of rubber and it did fit in the end but I decided not to use it because the main purpose why I bought it is to lessen the sound of my dreadnought so I can record or use my guitar in the night but it didn't work as I wanted it to be. Plus it's so hard to put in and remove.

Hope you find this review/demo on how to change strings, clean the fretboard as well as review of products i.e. D'Addario EZ890 bronze super light acoustic strings, imitation of D'Addario Planet Waves string cutter/winder, Jim Dunlop 02 deep conditioner rosewood fretboard, No brand soundhole cover/plug "screeching halt," and other maintenance kit tools and cloths (microfibre).

Feel free to write comments, like, share and subscribe. Thank you!

Mosky DTC 4-in-1 plus Zoom G1xOn combined

4-in-1 Analog plus Multi-effects Processor

I have connected my Zoom G1xOn through Loop effects of Mosky Audio DTC 4-in-1 pedal and I was amazed by the result. It was fun using them both. But I think if I compare and do a battle of the two, I would choose Zoom G1xOn as the winner. Right, that's going to be another topic. For now, let me share to you my experiment and experience with these two pedals.

So, I wanted the Mosky DTC 4-in-1 to be my main pedal and then hooked in the loop effects would be my additional functionality i.e. tuner, reverse effects, reverb, etc. So the first thing that I tried was the tuner and it worked. I was really pleased with it. Then, I tried the reverb, so I can have a clean channel with reverb as well as crunch with reverb and again it worked. However, when I did the bypass mode, I thought it won't affect the tone of the pedal but it did. Maybe because of the loop or maybe because it's a multieffects processor and being digital.

Next was the reverse effects, and as expected it worked the way I want it to be. And the last thing that I enjoyed the most was the looper. I don't have to switch back to home and change effects from clean to crunch to lead because my Mosky 4-in-1 does the trick on that one.

Westquay The Festival of Lights Experience

The Festival of Lights at Westquay

One cold Saturday, we went to Westquay to shop some clothes for my little boy who's growing fast and needed some new clothes from socks to trousers, t-shirts. And then some shorts for his swimming lessons and also for the forthcoming Summer. And we're really looking forward to that one. By the way we shopped at Matalan. Then after we finished shopping, we were hungry so we went inside Westquay at the dining floor and couldn't decided where to buy because there were loads of people at the time, so the easiest choice would be McDonald's. Anyways, my little boy loves Happy Meal because of the toys.

After we finished eating, we went down and shop some more. Actually, it was my lovely wife who went for shopping. My boy and I were just by the corner or sitting by the side of the corridor waiting. My wifey went in Steamer Trading Cookshop whilst were were outside by M&S. Such a shame, the chairs outside were jampack because of the phone charging station. Then, wifey and my boy went inside Smiggle. Now, Im all alone waiting outside. Hehehe. Then, they went inside Cath Kidston but my boy got bored and tired so he went outside and stayed with me.

Fastforward..... we bought water in Superdrug and headed to the Festival of Lights. It was rather cold but worth it. Because, it was really amazing from the sound effects to the projector and the water fountain and all the lights. Kids just loved it. Running around, getting wet because of the fountain but there's no stopping them. Even my little boy was wet because of running around in that fountain. Lots of amazing lights. There were queues but we didn't mind. It was all fun. Head back home, while walking back to the train station in Southampton, the moon looks like having a lunar eclipse. We weren't sure and we couldn't get a decent photo but it was looking weird like in a movie. Then, there were train delays that evening. So we were stuck at the station for nearly an hour. We did manage to reach home. And that was our Festival of Lights experience.

Bestway Perdura Air Chair Review

Gamer Inflatable Chair

Features:
Sturdy pre-tested vinyl
Interlocking quick release valve
Comfortable flocked surface
Sturdy i-beam construction
3 air chambers construction
Cup holder
Heavy-duty repair patch included

Contents: One chair repair patch made in China.

Measurements: 1.02 m x 86 cm x 74 cm (40 x 34 x 29 inches)

Does not come with a pump. Good thing I got my old air pump from our old inflatable bed and it works nicely and perfect fit as well. If you have a pump, it's quite easy and quick. There are three chambers to fill. It's very comfortable to sit on and it's quite a decent size. I was planning to put it in my son's room but I think it was a bit bigger than we anticipated. So, it stays in the lounge for now. The repair patch was the one that my son felt and said "there's a hole" on his review. But actually that was the patch itself when you opened the box. I had hard time looking for that repair patch to be honest. And I think I will probably lose it. Because it's small and I don't know where to put it. Unless I will save the box and keep it there. Im thinking this is an indoor chair but the description on eBay says indoor/outdoor. I think it's safe to use this indoors only.

Well Being vibrating neck massager review

Neck Massager Review

Bought this gadget as a post-Valentine's gift for my wife from Red5. It's a very neat and useful piece of gadget especially for people who works in a care setting, who is almost always tired coming home from work. It's handy and easy to use. You can sit in the lounge, watching your favourite program on the telly and use this. Perfect as well during winter time, because it can be use as a neck warmer. Not that it produces heat or something but because it's worn like a scarf.

It does not come with batteries, so you'll be the one to install batteries. Requires two AA batteries. There's a zip on the side. Unzip and pull the battery compartment and slide to open. Just follow the polarity symbols on how to put the batteries properly then close compartment and put it in properly and zip. Now your unit is ready to use.

In my opinion, I don't think this is a massager, it's more like a vibrating neck cushion that makes you relax. There are two settings, one strong and one light massage/vibration. I like it best when Im lying on it or pressing on it. Because I can feel the vibration more. It is a bi difficult to put on at first maybe because the hole and the control end does not fit properly. Probably because it's new, the hole is not stretched yet. Another thing, I think my son played with it and dropped it and the batteries got dislodged so it stopped working but I simply checked the battery compartment and put back the batteries properly and it's back in business again.

How to clean your guitar fretboard

My first attempt in cleaning my fretboard

Materials needed:

Steel wire wool grade 0
Microfibre cloth
Polishing cloth
New set of strings
Oil-based cleaner/conditioner polish
Fret guard or adhesive to protect the fretboard

This was my first attempt on cleaning and polishing my guitar fretboard. It was made possible because of the help of my friend DelPlaysGuitar. He recommended me what to use and gave me tips on how to do it. Also I've look on Google as well as on YouTube on how to go about it. I did get some ideas like the improvised fretguard made from old credit card or old ID.

Overall, the experience was exciting and scary because being new to it, I don't want to damage my guitar or commit errors that may affect my guitar cosmetically or functionality.

Here are some of the brands I used in this video:
1. Dunlop 02 deep conditioner
2. Clayton ProBuff quality guitar polishing cloth
3. Abelli Studio Pro wipe
4. Grade 0 steel wire wool
5. Fender 250 R

A Quick Look at Mosky DTC 4-in-1 Effects Pedal

Mosky DTC 4-in-1 Effects Pedal

Another cheap pedal with very good functionality. Actually, if Im being honest, this is my ideal pedalboard. Just Delay, Overdrive and Distortion. I would be happy to play my guitar with just these three effects. However, this Mosky DTC got a bonus switch which is the Looper where you can add a chain of pedals and loop it around to add colour or flexibility to your pedalboard through Send/Return jack.

Right having said that, here's my opinion on this pedal. First, it came from China when I ordered it and there was a fear of either it will not be delivered or there will be dents and scratches because it will be shipped long distance. And the waiting was another issue, because the time frame that was given was about a month. But it did arrive, working order and in very good condition. On the photo, it looks bigger but when it arrive it was a bit smaller than I expected. So, if you got massive foot, I won't recommend this pedal because the buttons/switches were close to each other.

I had a quick try of the Delay effects and here's the demo/test run video:

Here's the Overdrive demo/test run and some nice settings to it.

Here's the tone test and demo of the Distortion.

And here's how the Loop Effects works and how to setup it up.

Hope this helps and thank you for taking some time watching and reading my blog. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my blog for more reviews, hacks and tutorials. Cheers!

How to convert your kids guitar from right-handed to left

Convert Right-Handed Classical Guitar To Left

1. Remove the strings. You can save the strings for later if you don't have new set of strings yet. But if you do, just chuck old strings away.

2. Put strings in reverse order. Top string goes to the bottom and the rest will follow.

3. Your low E string which is your 6th string goes to 1st or your high E.

4. Your A string which is your 5th string goes to 2nd string which is your B.

5. Your D string which is your 4th string goes to 3rd string which is your G.

6. Your G string which is your 3rd string swap places with 4th string which is your D.

7. Your B string which is your 2nd string swap places with your 5th string which is your A.

8. And, obviously, your high E string which is your 1st string swap places with your 6th string which is your low E.


NOTE: Because this is the quickest or the simplest way to convert your guitar, there are other stuff that's important to know like the nut and the bridge. In some cases you will have to turn it around as well to accommodate the string thickness. However, most acoustic and classical guitar are fine apart from the electric guitar which is a bit trickier.

Hope this helps.

How to change regular machineheads to locking tuners

Simplest and quickest way to change tuners

1. Remove the strings safely. If you got a new set of strings then better cut the old strings but if you want to use it so you can test your newly fitted locking tuners then better carefully remove it and left it in the bridge.

2. Use the spanner to loosen the bushings. Be careful and don't rush. Also it's really easy so just use minimal force to remove this.

3. Turn the guitar around and unscrew the old tuner. Best to get one tuner first and fit your new locking tuners to see if you need some changes or if it's the right tuner in terms of length and/or width.

4. Once you're happy with the fitting as well as angle, etc. of your new locking tuner. Then, just proceed and remove the rest of the tuners and install your new tuners.

5. Always put the screw first at the back to the tuners in place. Then turn the guitar around front facing and put the washers first then the bushings. Tighten it gently using a spanner.

6. Turn the guitar again to double check the screws at the back if it needs a bit of tightening.

7. Once all is set and you're happy with the way it looks and feel, then time to put back the strings or put your new set of strings. You might need a pair of pliers to pull the strings. Remember to angle the hole of the tuners in line with strings and lock/tighten it up before turning the tuners and tune.

8. That's it, easy and straight-forward. Don't forget to cut the excess string and use a cutter.

THESE ARE MY TWO CHOICES:

                                                           

                                                              

How to swap patches on Zoom G1xOn

How to swap patches

1. First is to go to the patch/preset that you want to swap for example Acoustic Simulation. Then press the menu button.

2. Wait for the screen to change, then scroll down to swap. And then you will be able to navigate on the bank/patches. Just keep scrolling to the bank that you want the patch to go to. For example the Acoustic Simulation is on bank E5 and you want to put it to bank A5, just navigate to bank A5 and press save.

3. The purpose of doing this is that it will be easy for you to organise your effects. For example, my setup on Bank A0 is bypass. I normally use this to check how the dry sound of the amp and my guitar. Then I save on A1 a clean sound which only got reverb on. Then, A2 for crunch or overdrive setting, which I normally use as rhythm. And, A3 for my lead tone where I put more gain and a bit of delay and a bit of volume so that when I do solo, it will standout.

4. My bank B0 on the other hand, is intended for my band Subtle Culprits' song Incognito lead 1 which got reverse effect. Then B1 for my clean sound which I use on verse and chorus. Then B2 for my outro solo. As you can see, the start of the song my patch will be on B1 then first lead goes down to B0 then back to B1 for second verse and chorus and then B2 for the outro lead.

5. My bank C0 is another original song from my band Subtle Culprits which is called Picture Perfect. C0 is dry clean sound almost like bypass mode. Then B1 for rhythm/crunch and B2 for my delay effects on the outro of the song.

6. That's why I saved my patches like this mostly on the first 3 patches is because I can easily navigate or jump from one bank to the other using the cursor (as shown on the photo below) where you can simply press the up and down button and it will jump from Bank A0 to J0.

7. Another way of re-arranging your patches/bank would be depending on the song arrangement.  Let's take for example the song Like A Stone, the intro got tremolo effect then the chorus got a bit of distortion and then the solo got whammy and bridge is just acoustic. So, I arranged my effects in that order. I saved it on E0 for the tremolo, E1 for the distortion/crunch, E2 for the whammy effect and E3 for the acoustic simulation. That way, I know where I saved my patches and I can easily navigate using the cursor up/down on my effects pedal to change banks.

Here's the video of that song and you can watch how I change patches so easily.

Hope my blog helped you and please don't forget to subscribe. Leave a comment if you have questions or any concerns. Cheers!