Hi all...wow we've had a lot of plays on radio3cbc since i last did a blog..a big thanks for all who listened and enjoyed.
Well..it's a new year and Sawyer and Hodge are gearing up to finish their 2nd cd/album and I am very excited about it. Some great songs we've done on this one, but yes I'm biased lol. This new cd is quite a bit more rock-ish still with a country rock flavour..I have been using more mandolin and at the same time a bit more raunchy guitar...I think that Rush/Kim Mitchell influence has sneaked into this cd creating a heavier yet more melodic album.
I am now using Yamaha Acoustics exclusively..I know some of you are going ewwww..Well Yamaha's work for me and I'm very proud to use them.
I've been asked several times now what guitars, gear and software I use etc (for the gearheads..you know who you are) so here it goes..
Electrics..My main electrics are an Epiphone LP Custom with Dimarzio Virtual Hot Pafs in neck and bridge, and an Epiphone LP Std with Dimarzio Air Classics neck and bridge, and an Epiphone Dot 335 with Dimarzio Air Zone and Air Norton's neck and bridge..all with micro switches for hum/single/series..You gotta love Dimarzios (there's a plug for ya :). I also use a 2007 Fender Strat and Tele US...and a couple of B.C.Rich Warlocks for major raunch with floyd's both. Just recently got a B.C.Rich Bich Special Edition and put in some Gibson '57 pafs..man it sounds like a dream..so I've nicknamed it "The Bastard" lol cuz, well it's not a bich anymore. I also use an SG with Gibson LP pickups in it, Custom Larrivee RS4, Fernandes Special Edition etc...
As for the Acoustics ALL YAMAHA: 2 Apx 5-A's, An FGX413SC-12 12 string, An FG720s, and aCG100ms Classical. A fender FM52s Mandolin. Occasionally I use a 56 Gibson J160e and a 1963 Gibson B-25 for that pure acoustic sound but they are very old and need some work :(
As for amps..I use a 1982 Gallien Kruger 250 rl (I'm so 80's lol) through an old 70's Hiwatt 4x12 bottom and a Peavey XXL 4x12 top cab. I also use a Vox ad50vt and run that through a Peavey XXL 2x12 Cab. I also occasionally use a Marshall JMP-1 Preamp through the Hiwatt..some pedals include a Digitech Bad Monkey Tube OD and a Boss CE-5 Chorus and CS-3 Compressor for clean. Cry baby original Wah from the 80's and an Ernie ball Jr. Vol pedal.
As for the studio stuffs...I'm using Adobe Audition 3.0 for recording software ( I do own protools le but if anyone can figure it out let me know lol) A Behringer Xenyx 1832 Board and several AKG C1000s mics a few 58's and 57's of course. I like to record as dry as humanly possible; then adding Reverbs/delays/comps after which I find gives everything that crystal clear sound.
I get asked all the time "How do you play all the parts in your songs" Well I have 12 arms...no just kidding. This is how I usually track a song.. 1. Click track for tempo..Then Drums (Mapex Pro M Series with evans Hydro heads), then I put down a throw away guitar track. then I start to wrangle a bass line out. I start putting acoustics on, then electrics or mando depending on what the song calls for..I leave the Lead vocals and bup vocals for dead last so i can get the real "feel for the music"..after that it's just mixing and editing..adding fx to my taste..and then I do a few different master mixes and listen to them for a few days and pick out what works and what doesn't..mix wise..fx wise..
So to all who've asked or showed much interest in my music or my recording techniques..I hope I've answered at least some of your questions. And to all who actually purchased the "Squandering Time" cd..Sawyer and Hodge thank you immensely.
Wishing all a merry xmas and creative new year :)
Peace brothers and sisters and be kind to animals..
P.A.Sawyer