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Tech Tips

inSync Tech Tips cover over 4,800 music and audio topics spanning 15 years of technological development. Look here to find answers to your tech questions, cool tips and tools for making music, and more.

Guitar Tech Tips

Permalink to Speakers for Open and Closed Cabs?
Jul 8 2011, 12:00 AM

Speakers for Open and Closed Cabs?

Q: Can I install any speaker into a closed-back or open-back guitar cabinet, or are some specifically made for one type of cabinet or another? A: Guitar speakers aren't sold as being specifically for one type of... Read more »
Permalink to The Little Things Matter with Guitar Tone
Jul 6 2011, 12:00 AM

The Little Things Matter with Guitar Tone

Not long ago, we recommended spending a few dollars and a few hours trying out different types and gauges of strings to find out which sounds and feels the best on your particular guitar. Now, we're going to take it... Read more »
Permalink to Gretsch Controls
Jun 30 2011, 12:00 AM

Gretsch Controls

Q: I'm confused by all the controls that Gretsch guitars have. What do all those switches and knobs do? A: The answer depends on the model, of course. But here are some general guidelines for figuring out Gretsch... Read more »
Permalink to Tracks and Space
Jun 28 2011, 12:00 AM

Tracks and Space

During his workshop at GearFest '11, producer/engineer David Isaac (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Eric Clapton, Marcus Miller, and many, many more) discussed how he enhances the sound of his... Read more »
Permalink to Bassman Blender
Jun 27 2011, 12:00 AM

Bassman Blender

Q: Someone was telling me that the Fender '59 Bassman has a "blender" mode? I don't see any switches or anything on the amp for this. How does it work? A: "Blender" isn't an official "mode" on the '59 Bassman, but... Read more »
Permalink to Godin ACS versus Godin Multiac
Jun 23 2011, 12:00 AM

Godin ACS versus Godin Multiac

Q: What is the difference between the Godin Multiac SA nylon string and the ACS-SA Slim nylon string? A: The two models are quite similar, but there are two big differences: the ACS has a thicker top, more like a... Read more »
Permalink to Volume Pedal in Effects Loop
Jun 22 2011, 12:00 AM

Volume Pedal in Effects Loop

Q: I saw yesterday's Tech Tip about running a delay without an effects loop. But what about an odd use for the effects loop: could I put a volume pedal in an amp's effects loop and control the amp volume after the... Read more »
Permalink to Delay in Front of Amp
Jun 21 2011, 12:00 AM

Delay in Front of Amp

Q: I've read that I should use delay effects in the effects loop of my guitar amp...but my amp doesn't have an effects loop! How do I get good results without a loop? A: No worries, guitarists achieved great results... Read more »
Permalink to The Cardinal Rule of Every Music Recording Session
Jun 15 2011, 12:00 AM

The Cardinal Rule of Every Music Recording Session

Make sure to check tuning on all instruments before beginning tracking, particularly if you will be overdubbing later with an acoustic piano or another instrument that can't be easily retuned. Nothing ruins a... Read more »
Permalink to Personalize Your Guitar or Bass
Jun 14 2011, 12:00 AM

Personalize Your Guitar or Bass

We're not talking about a new paint job with flames, chrome wheels, or a black light poster. But if you want to really dial in how your axe feels, in addition to making sure the setup meets your needs, spend a... Read more »
Permalink to Jamman Delay + Loop?
Jun 13 2011, 12:00 AM

Jamman Delay + Loop?

Q: Can I use the delay in the Digitech Jamman Delay at the same time as I use the looper? A: Absoutely! The delay functions separately, with its own preset switches, eight delay types, up to 16 seconds of delay, and... Read more »
Permalink to Les Paul Tailpiece Tip
Jun 10 2011, 12:00 AM

Les Paul Tailpiece Tip

In honor of Les Paul's birthday yesterday, here's a simple Les Paul (the guitar, that is) adjustment tip that can help you fine-tune the feel of the instrument: The stop tailpiece height is adjustable. With the... Read more »
Permalink to Martin D-35 versus Martin D-28
Jun 9 2011, 12:00 AM

Martin D-35 versus Martin D-28

Q: Is there a big difference between a Martin D-35 and D-28? A: These two guitars are definitely very close siblings, and carry the same price. The biggest difference is that the D-28 has a 2-piece back while the... Read more »
Permalink to Tech 21 Roto Choir in Stereo?
Jun 8 2011, 12:00 AM

Tech 21 Roto Choir in Stereo?

Q: I'm very interested in the Tech 21 Roto Choir for a Leslie simulator for my guitar rig. But I'm confused. It says it is a stereo pedal, but it only has one output jack. What's up? A: The Roto Choir sounds great... Read more »
Permalink to Louder Sound Without Compression
Jun 7 2011, 12:00 AM

Louder Sound Without Compression

Want to make a mix seem louder without resorting to heavy compression or limiting? One trick is to try adding some boost around 2kHz. This is the frequency range where our ears are most sensitive, so pushing the... Read more »
Permalink to Quick Detuning
Jun 3 2011, 12:00 AM

Quick Detuning

Q: I play fingerstyle acoustic guitar instrumentals, and I often change tunings on my guitar. It seems like I get the guitar in tune, but then after I strum a chord, it's out of tune. Any tips? A: This is a common... Read more »
Permalink to Identical Amps, Different Sound?
May 31 2011, 12:00 AM

Identical Amps, Different Sound?

Q: I have two identical tube guitar amps, but they really don't sound the same. When I have them dialed for the exact same settings, one is louder and bassier, the other is quieter and has a more mellow top end... Read more »
Permalink to Identical Amps, Different Sound?
May 30 2011, 12:00 AM

Identical Amps, Different Sound?

Q: I have two identical tube guitar amps, but they really don't sound the same. When I have them dialed for the exact same settings, one is louder and bassier, the other is quieter and has a more mellow top end... Read more »
Permalink to Playing Godin Multiac Guitar Through the Roland GR-55
May 26 2011, 12:00 AM

Playing Godin Multiac Guitar Through the Roland GR-55

Here's how to turn off the synth function in the Roland GR-55, so that you can play straight guitar. 1. Select LEAD 07-1 CONCERT GRAND. 2. Make sure that the GUITAR and SYNTHESIZER sliders are all the way up... Read more »
Permalink to Godin Multiac/Roland GR-55 Guitar/Synth Selection
May 25 2011, 12:00 AM

Godin Multiac/Roland GR-55 Guitar/Synth Selection

The Godin Multiac does not have a 3-position switch for selecting guitar, synth, or both. However, this does not mean that it won't work with a Roland GR synth! Simply control the guitar volume (or turn it off) and... Read more »
Permalink to Godin Multiac and Roland GR-55
May 24 2011, 12:00 AM

Godin Multiac and Roland GR-55

We've heard a few rumors that Godin Multiac guitars aren't compatible with the Roland GR-55. There is no truth to these rumors - the Multiac works fine with the GR-55. Setting the sensitivity and velocity properly... Read more »
Permalink to Roland GR-55 Tracking with Modeling Tips
May 23 2011, 12:00 AM

Roland GR-55 Tracking with Modeling Tips

We've heard from a few 13-pin synth guitar players that certain Roland GR-55 sounds seem to track better than others — that some have extra noise in them. After investigation, we've discovered the cause of the... Read more »
Permalink to Cool Tool: Creep No More
May 12 2011, 12:00 AM

Cool Tool: Creep No More

How often have you found yourself onstage or in the studio, in the midst of playing a song, and suddenly your sustain or damper pedal is not where you've left it? Those pedals have a tendency to move out of position... Read more »
Permalink to Byrdland Scale Length
May 10 2011, 12:00 AM

Byrdland Scale Length

Q: I heard that the Gibson Byrdland guitar is a short-scale instrument. If this is true, why did Gibson make it that way? A: The Byrdland is indeed a shorter scale length than most other guitars: 23-1/2", compared... Read more »

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