In this video, I embark on a quest to capture the essence of my guitar tone in a digital recording. I explore various methods to achieve the most realistic sound, comparing direct input (DI), cabinet simulation, microphone placement, and impulse response (IR) loading.

The Experiment

I used a Marshall Origin amp and a Gibson Les Paul Standard to test different recording techniques:

1. Microphone Placement: I positioned a Shure SM57 microphone in front of the amp’s speaker cabinet, capturing the raw, unprocessed sound.
2. Direct Input (DI): The guitar’s signal is directly routed into the audio interface, bypassing the amp and speaker altogether.
3. Cabinet Simulation: A Torpedo Captor DI box is used to emulate the sound of a guitar speaker cabinet.
4. Impulse Response (IR) Loading: The amp’s signal is captured and processed through a digital IR, recreating the sound of a specific speaker cabinet.

The Verdict

After careful listening, I concluded that the IR loading method using the Torpedo Wall of Sound plugin offers the most realistic and nuanced sound. It captures the complexity and richness of the guitar tone, closely resembling the sound heard in person.

However, I acknowledged that the cabinet simulation provided by the Torpedo Captor is a simpler and more convenient option, especially for live performances or quick recordings. The microphone placement technique, while capturing the raw sound, can be less consistent and more susceptible to room acoustics.

Key Takeaways

• IR Loading: Offers the most realistic and detailed sound, but requires additional software and processing power.
• Cabinet Simulation: Provides a good compromise between simplicity and sound quality.
• Microphone Placement: Captures the raw sound, but can be less consistent and more susceptible to room acoustics.
• Direct Input: Best for clean tones and experimental sounds, but lacks the character of a guitar amp and speaker.

Ultimately, the best recording method depends on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, you can make informed decisions to achieve the desired sound for your recordings.

I waited nearly 20 years to buy this one, but it’s finally part of the collection! My brother and I saw the Fender So-Cal Speed Shop Stratocaster guitar in a catalog when it came out and we thought it was the coolest looking guitar ever. But, we weren’t really in guitar buying mode at that time, so it was a memory lost to time.

Then, when I was reminded of it, I knew that I had to make it mine. So, I searched for the cleanest one I could find. Many have dings and such from years of playing, but I wanted this to be a centerpiece for the collection. So, I paid a bit too much (I justified it because of the nice case it came with) and now it’s here forever!

Hear the rest of the story about this amazingly cool guitar in the video below.

The Sea Tea Comedy Theater in Hartford, CT invited us back for another great night full of music and comedy! The cast of improv players, lead by our longtime friend Matt Saccullo, listed to each song and then improvised scenes based on what they heard! It was so much fun and we were so happy to be part of it. The full concert and the interviews after each song is included in the video below.

On this edition of the Guitar Bucket List, I present my Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Jaguar in silver sparkle. This guitar caught my eye when I saw it as an exclusive to CME (Chicago Music Exchange). Something about that matching sparkle headstock just sold me…until I saw the price tag. I just couldn’t allow myself to spend over $500 on a Squier. That’s when the Fender website had their holiday sale…so I bought it for almost half that price!

Then, as always, something got in the way of this being the perfect deal…a small neck pocket crack in the lacquer. Happens all the time with these types of guitars. So I contacted Fender about it and they sent me some awesome Pure Vintage ’65 Jaguar pickups to put in the guitar! That MORE than made up for that little lacquer crack. And after the addition of my favorite pearloid cream pick guard (with some minor modifications), this turned into the Jaguar of my dreams… Well, I still wish it played a bit better. But now that I’ve polished the frets, sanded down the rough edges and gave it a good setup, it’s the best it can be. Will it ever be a Fender Custom Shop guitar? Nope. But I got it pretty darn close. Watch the video to find out more!