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!