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Donna

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Posts posted by Donna

    Eq And Other Questions

    in Music Production and Recording

    Posted

    I knew you would show up, "Pal O' Mine".

    Did you know there is a song by the title of "O Pal O' Mine, Where Are You?" or something similar. I bought the sheet music for it once at a garage sale.

    OK, got it, check. Engineering sound is math! Thanks, Prometheus. I'll be making a chart soon, a visual one based on the EQ article, adding also whatever y'all have set out in this rec forum.

    Um...so is db's the same as volume? (ie: cut/boost)

    (*pushing her luck?*)

    Eq And Other Questions

    in Music Production and Recording

    Posted · Edited by Donna

    Hey Nick,

    Thanks. That Q link is dense and I'll refer back to it.

    What I meant was, it sounds like if one has the equipmnent, thtat they can set, alter or fix the Q...which the only thing come to mind comparable was manipulating synth pathch or however it's termed, to make one's own sounds, not having to rely on presets.

    "Use your ears"...lol, isn't that a given? I'm trying to figure out the terminology/its application.

    So does this mean, if there's nothing "on" the mixer to denote db's (as there is with eq, 2.8k, 8k, etc;) then knowing db's is like common knowledge, like knowing the dif between red-violet and violet? One doesn't nec. need a reference chart?

    I wanted to know exactly how the db's are measured in order to try the "identifying a frequency" experiment verbatim as written. So I hear exactly what they're talking about (I'm sure there are differences dep. on equipment, what instrument used, all that). Which will help me figure out other terminology, at least in my head.

    Writing Uptempo Songs

    in Songwriting

    Posted

    Hey Sprees,

    This can be a toughie - certain periods I've written only slow songs.

    Both John's and Lazz' ideas are good. And I've tried both of those ways in the past with good results.

    It will take experimentation and maybe a few false starts. It's amazing how one's view can open simply by being willing to do the experimenting.

    The only idea I have is a goofy one: try to see life in cartoons - remember the older ones? That's great music, and very uptempo.

    Or look at real life cartoons - children playing, particularly young ones.

    Eq And Other Questions

    in Music Production and Recording

    Posted · Edited by Donna

    Hey all~

    I have various beginner questions in preparation to engineering again. It seems to me it may be becauese my equipment is so scaled down that I'm not understanding some things, but who knows.

    From Page 3 of the Songstuff EQ article re: using EQ to rectify common problems:

    Identifying a frequency

    Firstly, be careful! Turn down the volume before you start so that the sound coming from your monitors is pretty quiet. If you don't you run the risk of damaging both your ears and your monitors. Set the Q to a very narrow bandwidth and set the boost to between + 6dB and +12dB. Using the EQ frequency control to sweep the frequency range in question. When you get to the correct frequency it will be obvious because of the jump in volume. Once you have identified the problem frequency change the boost to a cut of -6dB. Set the overall volume back to normal listening.

    1. How does one judge the db's of the boost or cut? Does this mean the black/red UV meters?

    2. Just to understand, is setting the Q comparable to manipulating one's own synthesizers sounds (ie making their own)? AFAIKI my unit has a fixed Q.

    Thanks!

    + Hoping

    in Performance

    Posted

    Hey~

    Long story how it came about, but I got to play guitars with someone. He's one of Pete's students, which I found out after we'd chance met.

    Anyway, he has the same Cort I'd wanted and I got to play his plugged in, as he said (and I heard it for myself compared to my borrowed Ibanez) that it's not much sound unless plugged in.

    So...I'm rethinking things now. Does anyone know, is there always going to be compromise with an acoustic electric? That the electric is going to sound thin etc; when not plugged in?

    What's most important to me...trying to figure it out. Well, it's very important that when I pick thhe axe up to play, that I don't want to go running for an amp.

    OTOH, I like the thought of getting effects and all - should I be playing out, which I plan to do.

    BTW, I found some other things out tonight: Could def play out w/ another guitarist in the mix - I'm sure 2 or 3 songs could be worked up in a short time. Which is really nice to know. Sometimes I have no ability to judge what is coming out of me.

    Two, it really helped me following the bits he brought in. Three, he was catching on quick. Four, I'm more steady than I'd thought as a rythym player. Five, as always, the music got too loud and I could've blown my throat out.

    Next time we'll jam at his house where I can completely check out the effects and all w/ his Cort/amp.

    Any suggestions or thoughts on acoustic vs acoustic/electric guitars?

    Business in the works

    in Music Industry

    Posted

    Hey Jon,

    If you wish, I'd be happy to forward this thread/info onto an accomplished musician's attention. He's totally set up for production, too, and has recording clients as well as being quite the composer and musician. Then if he wanted to speak more with you about possibilities...

    Encouragement

    in Songwriting

    Posted

    Lazz, mutual thinking here...have wanted to check out your newest songs or person(s) you're managing's songs for weeks now. Too many obstacles.

    Well, you're right. It does a heart no good to remain beastly.

    This encouragement thread consoles me.

    Encouragement

    in Songwriting

    Posted

    Thanks guys..mean it.

    JB hit it: it's not time I need, it's SPACE. I often draw a perimeter around my person around the children ("THIS is how much space I need"). I don't get it - when we were kids we wanted to get away from the parents. Mine don't.

    So...it's just like when I joined here, my first post when I was trying to make a clean spot at table to eat at. I have so much material in my head, but can't get at it, I'm numb. Motherhood is much harder on brain cells than any other kind of abuse.

    I start playing and whoom! there's sweeties all round.

    I'm not enough of a bitch, that's the real problem :)

    It's seven children, btw, JB.

    Encouragement

    in Songwriting

    Posted

    To fight to get some space, what did Rudi say way back when? Somebody said it, we need space and lack of stimuli in order to access... to be able to let the art out.

    Just tell me that can be done again. Provide a recipe if you have one, but not too many steps, for my mind is harrried.

    OK. Y'all are cool and thanks.

    + Hoping

    in Performance

    Posted · Edited by Donna

    John Nightwolf, good to know the pick up can be inserted. It's nice to hear your friend has one as well. This man, Pete, is a high test classical guitarist. I was surprised and kinda confirmed I was on the right track cause he has the same exact Cort, which I didn't know til after I'd played it.

    (Long Freakout on Pete: He said it'll be fun to go over all this stuff - and I knew he meant just that! I wanto bring Husband too so he can freak out on Pete as well. Those two'd get on.

    (I've never met such a store owner, can't think of one who truly strives w/ determination but laid back excitement to get ppl hooked up with what they want and need. I'm so lucky to have found such a musician to bouce stuff off of, cause that's been the bulk of the exchanges, not me buying stuff. Ya apologize (kinda) for the state of your axe or case and he says, "that's good - it means it's being used." You tell him your playing is done on your doorstep and he says, "I am SO glad to hear that." You realize this guy, this heavy musician wishes he could walk down a street to hear (even) fumbling chords on the doorstep.

    (It's a second generation family store. I heard him giving the lesson while trying the guitars and actually quieted down...after the brass player gave a lame reading of the exercise, Pete asks him, "what is it about this song that makes you play like that?" Pause. "Is it boredom?" Pause (maybe because a crazy womaine was in the foyer playing guitar and hearing him, a beginner!) But he asked a couple more questions which went right into my soul as it were, I deja voo-ed as if I was a kid again, knowing I wasn't doing what I ought to come lesson time. I wish someone woulda nicely nailed me like that to get it out in the open and not kept secret even from me, why I didn't put my heart into whatever thing. I have never known a teacher to do that, though there must be others. Seemed like a lot could be accomplished that way. Freakout done).

    Yeah boys, I'm already in love - with it's acoustic unplugged sound. Never played an acoustic plugged in, I don't think.

    OK Al, I'll just enjoy the ride!

    + Hoping

    in Performance

    Posted · Edited by Donna

    Rudi, thanks for asking.

    It's a red Cort, with a pick-up. The body is kinda big. I'd never heard of the name. Pete has one.

    Set up a time w/ him to check out stuff again...and he said, to plug 'em all in so I can hear the difference in pick-ups. And try it out standing, all that stuff. He wants to see if there's something comparable (lower price) I'd be happy with.

    I'd said doors seemed to be closing for people to help, but I meant they're closing as far as doing recording how I used to, where I'd write the song, show up, play (maybe) one instrumental line and sing.

    In many ways, there are more folks than ever helping out - Songstuff heads the list! I'd never seriously looked into mixing prior to. And Pete, I know he wants to help me out.

    It's just a little unnerving, now I've had some time to catch my breath since I began Songstuff, and see that things seem to be opening up and nudging me toward doing stuff in my own right, other than writing/singing/drumming.

    But I'm sure I'll be properly thankful and excited shortly :)

    (woo-hoo, I'm gonna get a new axe! It may take awhile, but it'll happen!)

    + Hoping

    in Performance

    Posted · Edited by Donna

    Hey all~

    3 nights ago I said out loud "I need a guitar I can play." I thought it was me at first, but now know the Ibenez is ____, tho grateful for anything at this point.

    Husband encouraged me to visit Pete (the green guitar pick guy). He was just beginning a lesson but quickly tuned 1/2 a dozen acoustics and set them out for me to try. "Note what you like about each, and at this point don't worry about color and etc;. Leave this list with me and we'll set up a time where we can go over all the possibilities based on what you like."

    Well, the one I like is 3 times the amt I have. (Tho I did ask Pete if it was going to stay in tune). So I'm thinking how I can get extra work to buy that axe (if I still like it in days to come). This is the hardest part about being a Mom. Lord-a-mercy, if I had two stupid weeks, ten business days free during the day to work, I'd probably have enough for a new bass, too. It's such a STUPID problem! The $ is so close! It's possible to attempt enlisting short term (gratis) help...one day so-and-so comes over multiplied by 2 weeks. I also need to find temproary work.

    When I played it, I found myself thinking, "I could get good enough on this to walk into an open stage situation...I could gig, even one song." Can't imagine anything getting me better as regards singing/playing/writing than a gig - even one song.

    So...after playing just enough these past years so that I haven't regressed (much), I think I have loved guitar for a long time, but didn't realize it til I played that guitar in Pete's store.

    And it seems like doors are closing for others to help...Terri, it looks like, cannot play on the song. (That means, once I accept I'll have to do the guitar parts myself, someone will show up, right?) The mere thought of playing a song solo I could never seriously entertain, as well.

    What's happening? Who am I - musically, I mean? Things is changing, or I'm maybe being added to.

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