Jan
25
Written by:
GP Blogger
1/25/2011 11:58 AM
As I write this, NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, is gearing up for its annual gear-fest this week in Los Angeles.
I’ve been on the fence about going since September. I’m connected enough to gain entry, but the time, cost, and hassle of going is an issue.
With flight, lodging, rental car, food, merriment, etc., I’m easily looking at a grand. Plus, my wife needs to go out of town this weekend for business. Who’s gonna watch the kids?
Nashville also got hammered by a whopping four inches of snow. Not near what the Northeast gets, but there’s enough ice on the secondary roads to close schools. It’s thrown my whole week out of whack.
C’mon, man. Write it off. It’s a business expense. Hire a sitter for the kids. Maybe dump ’em at the grandparents.
Think about all the NAMM networking opportunities…the parties. The concerts. Mingling with the legends. The nurturing of new and existing relationships. Face time!
Let’s cut the shit—I’d be taking a hit.
Oh, I’m not poor. According to AMEX and VISA, I could jet to Vegas after NAMM and swing nude from the chandeliers. But I, like many others, could use more liquidity and less debt.
Shouldn’t that be everybody’s yearly resolution?
Besides, why subject myself to a four-day marathon of checking out gear that I may want but don’t really need? And if I did come across something that I just had to have…
Easily, another grand. Probably more.
I should stay home instead. Submerse myself in a self-help book. Maybe practice or write something.
Speaking of resolutions, I need to lose weight. At my age, eating after 9 p.m. is never a good idea. Unfortunately, I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.
These are just excess pounds from a holiday rampage of food and beer. And I’m still vain and shallow enough to want them gone by spring.
But this blog ain’t about girth weight. It’s about gear weight.
I’m facing the music and coming to grips with my longtime love affair with gear.
After three decades of gigging, I’m currently in a self-imposed treatment program to uncomplicate my rig and curb my gear enthusiasm.
You’ll know I’ve been rehabbed if you see me jammin’ on Lower Broad while rakin’ in the coin with only a Sears Silvertone and a Champ amp.
OK, maybe that’s a little extreme, but bear with me.
I love gear. I get excited about certain new gear. I read Guitar Player to keep up on what’s new in gear as much or more than reading about famous and up-and-coming guitarists and the gear they use.
With players, I’m more interested in their journey. How did they navigate life in order to become a pro?
With new gear, I want to know how certain amps or effects processors might sonically take my mojo to the next level.
I don’t pay much attention to new guitars. I love used guitars.
I want them worn in. Show me battle scars, cigarette burns, and buckle rash. If it has a pawn history involving heartache, loss, and substance abuse, that’s even better.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about guitar playing in the last 30 years, it’s this: You’re gonna sound like you sound through any decent rig.
In fact, I bet you could line up a couple of star guitarists, let’s say Neal Schon and David Gilmour, resurrect three dead ones—how ’bout Hendrix, Stevie Ray, and Dimebag—have each plug into a clean tube amp with a dirt box and some analog delay, and they would sound like, well, themselves.
Sure, there might be minor tonal differences due to heavily calibrated studio/stage rigs (not to mention the rusty chops of the dearly departed), but their trademark awesomeness would still be heard. The players might notice the difference, but I doubt the listener would.
In 1980, when Eddie Van Halen first graced the cover of GP, thousands of guitarists (me included) finally got a glimpse into this kid from SoCal, the “Eruption” solo, and his rig.
In a world still a quarter-century from Google and YouTube, GP offered the only exposure to the guy who revolutionalized rock guitar.
The interview covered the obvious fret-board tapping technique he popularized, as well as his formative years spent playing piano and drums before settling on guitar.
But what impressed me the most about EVH were his riffs, rhythm playing, songwriting, and sound. How did he get that excellent tone?
Was it his modified Marshall? His homebuilt Charvel? His wax-dipped PAF? His clunky pedalboard with a beat-up Echoplex and MXR phaser and flanger? The Variac?
Was it all of those things combined? His…rig?
For me, the most revealing part of the interview was when he talked about touring with Ted Nugent.
Even obscenely confident, crossbow-totin’, wild-boar killin’ Ted was impressed and intrigued by Ed’s sound. So much so that he asked EVH if he could plug into his rig.
Ed let him.
Guess what? According to Ed, Ted sounded just like Ted through Ed’s rig.
So why do many, if not all, players constantly obsess over reinventing or supplementing our rig?
I don’t have an answer. I’m looking for help, therapy…an epiphany.
Maybe it’s pure seduction, courtesy of Madison Avenue.
How can I resist the temptation when that new pedal is so shiny and hyped with adjectives like “beefy” and “transparent”?
Be still my loins—check out that rack-mount effects processor with the blinking lights and glowing testimonials by the pros.
Oh my balls! What about that wicked boutique combo with point-to-point solder joints? One knob, one speaker, one hundred watts. Only $2800!
Maybe I can get that Dumble amp if I take out a second mortgage. Robben Ford and Eric Johnson use that amp. If I could swing that purchase, my tone would make any listener feel as though their ears had been kissed by God.
It’s never-ending.
I am a hopeless prisoner of new gear marketed to insecure pickers.
The marketing department knows me better than I know myself.
Design sexy gear and promote it with airbrushed photos of slutted-up babes. It’ll always get my attention and occasionally, my money.
I still achieve vintage wood when I see stacks. To this day, if I’m exposed to a wall of Marshalls book-ending Ampeg SVT bass cabs, I’m that much closer to a rock ’n’ roll stroke.
But let’s be reasonable. That’s a warm and fuzzy look from the ’70s. Even back then, a mic in front of a great singer’s throat was the loudest thing coming out of the PA.
If a guitarist knows what he’s doing, he can deliver the goods with one speaker. There’s no need, other than visual, for a picker to hump a mega-watt stack to a gig. It teeters on the red Corvette/small penis thing.
I’ve been there and honestly miss it. There’s really nothing like standing in front of a stack that moves enough air to power a blimp.
But over the years, I’ve heard “Turn down” and “Too loud” as much or more than “Great song” and “Good job.”
My wish for this year is not unrealistic like, say, world peace. But it’s close.
I wish all aspiring bands would commit to minimizing the backline gear and maximizing their monitor system. Some are already on board. Many are not.
This is the 21st century and it doesn’t cost thousands to put a band on an in-ear system. But it’s all or nothing. Every band member must commit or it will be audio chaos.
Once speakers are reduced to bare minimum on stage and “in-ears” replace the antiquated wedges, then the sound engineer can deliver a great mix through the PA.
The “too much stage volume” excuse for a shitty mix will be a thing of the past.
OK, back to my main point. Guitar gear. Too much time is wasted belaboring the latest and greatest.
It’s all about touch. The way you finger the fretboard and the attack of your pick and fingertips is the foundation for 6-string glory. Add to that the volume, tone, and pick-up selection on your guitar.
The physical collaboration between you and the instrument will sum up your sound. Like a singer, your voice comes from within and is then accentuated by technology.
So hone your tone. Develop it. Embrace it. Don’t dwell on perfection. Flaws reflect soul. Own your style like a bald spot, crooked teeth, or a lazy eye.
Oh yeah—write often. If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble onto something special and unique.
Like a great guitar song!
That’s what breaks through, anyway. I’m still trying. Are you?
Meanwhile, because I just can’t help myself, I’m thinking of designing my own overdrive pedal. Think I’ll call it “Blistered Taint.” It will sport a rare, German-made, fire-breathing tube formerly used in WWII military radios and appropriately housed in a flaming-red stainless-steel case.
I’ll suit up Jenna Jameson in a bomber jacket, mirrored aviators, and camouflage panties to promote it. This life-changing pedal will “street” for $199. Whaddaya think?
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24 comment(s) so far...
My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Even though I am a drummer, after reading this blog I am going to spend some moola on Charlie's new gear invention. Will it work on a snare drum?
By Tony Hammons on
1/25/2011 2:25 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
I LOVE IT!!! You're right Charlie...I really do sound like me no matter which rig I use. Maybe THAT'S the problem......
By Bob Yarbray on
1/25/2011 11:47 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
all true, great stuff as usual Chaz.
By gary hicks on
1/26/2011 1:40 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Good work and great details. Hell I'd buy the life changing pedal and I play keyboards!
By Steven on
1/27/2011 8:31 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Great blog entry! Fun and honest. Everyone can take a lesson from this - even those of us who've been doing it for 30 yrs. Rock on, brother!
By Kenny on
1/28/2011 12:16 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
this guy has some pretty entertaining outlooks. Yep, if I would've spent my youth finding tone rather than trying to emulate it, I might be known for something now, but no better time than the new year to start.
I am not sure if I will ever agree, however, with low stage volume. I mean, have you ever felt the wind and rumble of 1600 watts of SVT?
By Stephen Hunt on
1/30/2011 4:10 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
So I did some searching, this guy has other blogs related to the professional side of Gun-Slinging. Well written, too. here is an interesting thing about blogs: often times, they aren't full of new opinions or rare information, they are often rants about things that we all already know or share the opinion with.
but, as the great blogger that you are, the reader (me) still feels like they've (I've) gained something after reading your report. Thanks for the great writes, Charlie.
By Stephen Hunt on
1/30/2011 4:15 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
I LOVE IT!!! You're right Charlie...I really do sound like me no matter which rig I use. Maybe THAT'S the problem......
By Bob Yarbray on
1/25/2011 11:47 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
I concur my friend. Very entertaining reading. Great job Char!
By Jeff Kersey on
1/26/2011 6:04 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Let me know when it's available; I'll buy it and put in my board next to my "swollen pickle" fuzz pedal.
By Tim Nordstrom on
1/25/2011 12:20 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Music comes from within - not from without.
Loved you post, cheers from Belgium.
By Oli on
1/26/2011 12:08 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Thanks Charlie... the thoughts on used worn in guitars really helped me focus on reducing my gear load... the value is in the journey.
By da-no on
1/30/2011 4:47 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
I'm a keyboard player who got linked to this blog via a friend. It is so true! Gear lust makes us do crazy things we regret later! I own good quality pro level keys, but I don't own the latest and greatest. I've already got great sounds and now I'm downsizing to make gigging easier on me. Learning to use what I have and working on being a better player is my main goal now. Thanks for the reminder that it's about how you play and not necessarily what you're playing on.
By Steven Miller on
1/30/2011 5:22 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
nice story and great reflection on acquiring our own sound through minimal gear. it makes tonnes of sense and you just put it in a humorous way. so... when is Blistered Taint available?
By taisuan on
2/1/2011 1:12 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
At your post I met for the first time the acronym NAMM, so I decided to find out something about it, here is what I found: originally acronym NAMM stood for the National Association of Music Merchants, but has evolved from a national entity representing the interests of music products retailers to an international association including both commercial, reseller members, affiliates and manufacturers. Therefore, the long form of the name is no longer used, and it is simply known as NAMM, the International Music Products Association.
By Cystom essays on
2/4/2011 3:43 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Great article and so TRUE. I have "gear lust" and it is insatiable. It never ends. I am always fantacising (sp?) about the next guitar or amp. Even though my current rig sounds very good.
Interestingly, one of my instruments is a very inexpensive archtop (as a jazz player, I'm into archtops). Not once or twice but several times, I have climbed down off stage and complete strangers, some musicians - some frm the audience have walked up to me and stated some variation of the sentence "the tone of your guitar is beautiful". The guitar? An Epiphone Sheraton II - under $700.00 including case! Tone is in your fingers,your head, your heart and your soul.
By Fred C on
2/4/2011 1:53 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
At your post I met for the first time the acronym NAMM, so I decided to find out something about it, here is what I found: originally acronym NAMM stood for the National Association of Music Merchants, but has evolved from a national entity representing the interests of music products retailers to an international association including both commercial, reseller members, affiliates and manufacturers. Therefore, the long form of the name is no longer used, and it is simply known as NAMM, the International Music Products Association.
By Custom essays on
2/8/2011 8:50 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Thank you for the great information. I look forward to seeing more articles and what else you have to offer!
By tippmann paintball on
2/8/2011 4:08 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Absence to love is what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small; it inflames the great.
By eve isk on
2/27/2011 5:42 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
That's great news, good luck with that.
By modern canvas prints on
3/8/2011 9:30 PM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
I agree....but I keep remembering how much fun I had with my new tube screamer (1980something) and then my Electric Mistress.
By Jerry on
3/9/2011 12:36 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Great article. I feel your pain. Gotta disagree to some extent however, having just upgraded from a production line Marshall to a handmade Victoria - pretty sure it ain't my fingers that changed overnight, but my sound has gone from pretty darn good to awesome...yes, unashamedly awesome, and I can say that because I know it ain't all me - that amp is the business. It helps to have touch with this kinda box, but it's definitely a symbiotic relationship.
By Dad Rock on
3/15/2011 10:11 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I would like to see more posts like this .
By professional resume on
3/27/2011 1:49 AM
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My Rig Resolution By Charlie Crowe
Excellent article! We learn life lessons from our musical instrument purchase's along the our way. I was the kid who bought this guitar then that one, always trading upgrading. I never found any peace with the instruments I was playing with. I have owned way over 100 instruments in my lifetime. Then reality hit the hard way, a life changing accident (working at a music store - of course)that left we with a permanent disability and huge change of cash flow. Like a lot of us I hit the credit card's pretty hard to get what I do have, not a wise move with limited resources. I have a nice selection of guitars ranging from ESP, Ibanez, Fender, Squier & Yamaha etc. None of them are "top of the line" models, we are talking stuff that costs an average of $600 or less. I started thinking about my instruments as a trusty tool, rather than my view of my childhood. Most of them are not worth much at all, they all have vastly different characteristics as well. I can't carry an amp. I did not know for many years if I would even be able to play out again. I have to sit on a support device high as I can to play, as I am bound to using crutches or a wheel chair to get around. I hate chairs or most stools because they create a poor posture for my back and hands and I play Hard Rock or some Metal - I am very self conscious of what I look like up there when I do get to play out. It took me years to get over that - issue. The point coming up here is I started using digital & analog devices like the old Scholtz half rack equipment & Roland's GP-16 like that while I was working at the music store and learned the advantages & disadvantages back then. Those disadvantages are far less today with the gear we have available to use, mind you there is nothing wrong with a great amp and an expensive guitar. Now I use either a Boss GT-10, Guitar Rig 4 Pro or a POD Device or any combination of the stuff and run direct and use a nice and clean 300 watt monitor with a wide dynamic range so I can hear myself on stage. Lot of guys cringe when they look at my gear, wonder why I do not have more expensive equipment. Go figure? I used some of my resources to buy a small home recording set-up with Sonar X1 PE & Pro-Tools. I also play some keys and use various computer software powered solutions for sampling & synthesis. I write as much as I can and continue to try to be as competent of a guitarist as humanly possible, like any of you. The point is I am still me, still sound and play like me. I am happy with what I do have and very thankful for a wife that has not dissected me in my sleep over our 24 year marriage. I do get that look from her, when I am looking at the Fractal Audio webpage and drool over the Axe-Fx. We really are who we are and only get better by trying to. Quality equipment helps along the way.
By Dennis Saeva on
3/30/2011 1:56 AM
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