Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Jan 25 2015 08:57 PM
The shootout was in the Gear forum; it's about gear. Some people enjoy that aspect, some less so while they focus on other things. I doubt that either one taking a position of disdain toward the other is good for the digestion.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Jan 25 2015 09:00 PM
Badger wrote:
The shootout was in the Gear forum; it's about gear. Some people enjoy that aspect, some less so while they focus on other things. I doubt that either one taking a position of disdain toward the other is good for the digestion.
That isn't my point. I probably own the most posts made in the gear forum. And I think the reverb shoot out was a good thread.
This thread, and my comments, were just something to think about. Just reminding people, from my mistakes, that the focus shouldn't be on tweaking every cap/pot/tank/tube in a device. Or buying every device possible. My point is, get out there and do something with it even if it isn't perfect.
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Jan 25 2015 10:09 PM
JakeDobner wrote:
This thread, and my comments, were just something to think about. Just reminding people, from my mistakes, that the focus shouldn't be on tweaking every cap/pot/tank/tube in a device. Or buying every device possible. My point is, get out there and do something with it even if it isn't perfect.
I concur with your premise but don't think, generally, that people stop playing or creating simply because they haven't achieved some tone-nirvana, or because they're waiting on some state-of-perfect they can't define. Neither do I think folks who are still looking for something will discontinue delving into getting it. But I concur with your exhortation to play & create.
I like your comments regarding use of knobs by the way; right in the x-ring.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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blueruins
Joined: Mar 05, 2010
Posts: 362
Mauna Lani, HI
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Posted on Jan 25 2015 10:12 PM
I loved that thread!!!...taught me more in one night about those products than years of reading all of the opinions. I surf with the gear I'm blessed enough to have at the moment and spend nearly every day dreaming of gear I'd love to own.
Not sure how there's too much of that going on here, but we could all probably be using our time better in one way or another.
— http://blueruins.bandcamp.com
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SanchoPansen
Joined: Jan 04, 2011
Posts: 1588
Berlin L-Berg
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Posted on Jan 25 2015 11:54 PM
So, I have to apologize for the shootout now?
Jake, although I can not imagine that you mean it that way, but this comes as a direct offense against me and I do take it personal up to a certain point (we're still on the internet, so I could simply turn it off and forget about it).
To my defense: I played in 5 active bands (not only surf), played more than 60 gigs in 2013 - cut that down to much less in 2014 and yeah, I am a gearaholic. So there are some reasons that justify - more or less - my obsession with collecting gear.
I DO agree to your statement, though. Less thinking about tone and more playing will bring you much more tone than any amp/device ever could. There's more magic in your hands than in your tubes. And not only the reverb has knobs, but also the guitar and amps. Seem to missed out on the meeting when everybody agreed to crank everything up to 11.
So, just wanted to chime in, saying I feel somewhat offended, but I also agree.
— The Hicadoolas
Last edited: Jan 25, 2015 23:57:36
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 12:32 AM
SanchoPansen wrote:
So, I have to apologize for the shootout now?
Jake, although I can not imagine that you mean it that way, but this comes as a direct offense against me and I do take it personal up to a certain point
Absolutely not, it is a great thread as I also mention in a later post in this thread. This thread is a response to the Surfy Bear thread, lots of talk about the Flint recently, and the Reverb shootout.
Within the Reverb shootout, you presented the samples in a fantastic manner. Really easy to get a sense of what things sounded like as you gave five different types of playing played accurately each time. But people didn't guess well... And then they started talking about modifying things, buying other units, etc...
The point of this thread is to remind people to create music, to get out there and play. I say this, because I am guilty of overthinking reverb, guitars, amps, recording, etc... I could have been writing a song instead.
But you should not take offense, and you should not take personal offense. And you shouldn't have to apologize for it, the board is a better place for it. We just need to be careful!
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blueruins
Joined: Mar 05, 2010
Posts: 362
Mauna Lani, HI
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 12:45 AM
Just as interesting a psychological study as those who didn't guess well are those who didn't guess at all
— http://blueruins.bandcamp.com
Last edited: Jan 26, 2015 00:46:06
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 01:39 AM
Ivan--we looked at DD's rig and he had a Boss FRV-1 pedal. He had no Fender outboard tank. Maybe the pedal was a stand-in, maybe not. All I know is that in Memphis in 2013 and Pensacola in 2014 there was no Fender tank. We saw his amp heads and his wireless setup and the pedal. I was disappointed when we didn't see the Fender reverb tank; I wanted my wife to see one. I do not want to argue with you about it, your knowledge of surf far exceeds mine but I know what I saw on two instances.
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
Last edited: Jan 26, 2015 04:26:11
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SanchoPansen
Joined: Jan 04, 2011
Posts: 1588
Berlin L-Berg
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 01:56 AM
Thanks for clarifying, Jake. This got stuck in my throat a little, after first reading it and you have to admit that you CAN understand it in an offensive way, if you like to. But being around long enough on this site I was almost sure that this wasn't your intention and you just wanted to point out the obvious and get us grounded again (which I really appreciate in all of your posts).
My intention behind the shootout was simply. I just wanted to get over it, so people can pick their favorite and proceed to do what we all should be doing...creating music. I was tired of reading all the posts about the gear - while listening to it would be much more effective. Trying to describe sounds in words is only possible up to a certain point. After that it all gets subjective and blurry. When I started playing surf, there was no internet and all I had was a Gibson Trini Lopez and a SF Twin which I loved and I kept playing this setup for more than 10 years. 3 albums later I started to develop more interest in the tone department and things got out of hand. Yes, I've also been there and modded every aspect out of my gear. Today I personally would only pay once for what I really want.
Here's my pov and I think I am not as harsh as some of the folks in the previous posts: Let's compare it to chefs. You have the part where you are standing in the kitchen, cooking. You need to have the appropriate kitchen gear in order to prepare the food your are planning to serve. But going to the market and buying ingredients is just as much a part of the job. There is nothing wrong with carefully selecting between the most delicious ingredients. A good chef always uses what's available in his area and season. Atm, we are all stuck on the market and discussing about tomatoes for the bolognese that everybody wants to cook. Which is part of the job and okay, especially when a bunch of chefs come together. But I am sure we all will go back to the stove and prepare the most tasty bolognese possible. This applies to gear as well - at least for me. Isn't it all about sharing as much information as possible on this planet anyway?
So, no offense taken. Like said before, you can understand it this or that way, so I simply had to ask.
— The Hicadoolas
Last edited: Jan 26, 2015 01:57:49
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stratdancer
Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2533
Akron, Ohio
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 01:59 AM
I'm just glad I found the surfy bear. I have a little over 120.00 in it. Quite a breakthrough for me and many others in the future. It's dripping its way through my latest recording. Enjoy it on stage and practice. The blind test proved its contribution to surf. I'll post my latest song soon because the music is all that matters.
— The Kahuna Kings
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447
https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases
Last edited: Jan 26, 2015 02:02:41
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LoeD
Joined: Feb 29, 2012
Posts: 310
Germany
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 02:06 AM
Jake,
you are so terribly...
right!!!
For instrument playing, stuff should be a minor issue. But it is more an issue if your instrumet is an electric guitar instead of a violin. You have more things to tweak...
And you have guitarist that at least like the "stuff" part of guitar playing as much as the playing itself.
See the guitarholic thread to meet those... or talk to me.
But I think the conclusion of your "speech" is:
If you don´t feel comfortable with your playing, play more and don´t buy new stuff.
If this is taken into consideration more often, less frustration among guitar players might occur.
At least I should really pin your statement next to my paypal login password...
LoeD
JakeDobner wrote:
Get out there and play! Hit record on the DAW, the cassette deck, tablet. Form a band, write a song, play original music!
— here comes the WEST SAMOA SURFER LEAGUE
Last edited: Jan 26, 2015 02:08:17
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shake_n_stomp
Joined: Jan 09, 2014
Posts: 612
Vancouver BC
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 03:09 AM
A majority of us got into the surf guitar world via the First Wave tunes. With all that legendary music made in the golden past, it is easy to see that many of us young'uns are striving for that sense of authenticity. All those times we hear/read "yeah, those reissues don't hold a candle to the originals" it feeds the GAS/OCD.
Doing your own thing with the best tools available and intent is going to provide one's own authenticity - in the privacy of one's home or in front of numerous audience members or on a recording. When I was playing a gig on Saturday night, I wasn't obsessing that my RI reverb wasn't 'authentically' spec'ed and period-correct. I was more focused on the job and the fun at hand.
Hopping onto SG101's Gear section of the forum on my free evenings rekindles that intrigue about what made tunes like Baja sound so wonderful. I, for one, do not think that intense intrigue about reverb is unhealthy unless it detracts from actual guitar playing. If people want to chase down $2,000 original reverbs or switch pans in their RI or build a Surfy Bear, or using a Topanga or an FRV-1 and that makes them happy, all the power to 'em.
This is special music to a lot of people and I completely understand when people are drawn into the minutiae of something so integral to surf music as an outboard reverb unit. But it is so cool when I watch Youtube clips or learn about folks who - despite not having all the period-correct gear - are rockin' and surfin' and having a ball.
— Lorne
The Surf Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfShakers
Vancouver BC Canada
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bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 596
Stockholm
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 05:59 AM
I cant understand the warning.
I like the nerdy stuff!
Seriously, I do agree with LeoD:
LoeD wrote:
If you don´t feel comfortable with your playing, play more and don´t buy new stuff.
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alphaking
Joined: Jan 02, 2013
Posts: 214
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 06:49 AM
Jake, I totally agree with you to an extent and want to add. Years ago I sold my Eventide pedals because I spent more time tweaking knobs than actually playing. I still wanted reverb but without feeling like I'm at work on a computer, so I bought a Texotica unit and found this forum in the process. Reading the opinions here and youtube demos have been invaluable for me. Duncanjames' Tahitian demo was the reason I ordered mine. And in turn, while I couldn't find many demos for the other amps/gear I had piled up I felt like returning the favor and making a few demos (while not the best) that may/may not help people in their decision. Some may like em, some not. But at least they're available. I think the best part about making the shootout was that (especially as a sticky) there will be many newcomers that can find their answers there when looking for that "first" reverb unit. Although the settings for the G-Spring were way different than what I would use, it's a good starting point for people just getting into this and thinking "which reverb should I buy?" Did I go change my G-Spring settings after the video? No. Am I looking for a new pan? Nope. I love how it sounds and have no desire to experiment. I did that when my first one arrived. And I won't be ordering a Flint either. But I still gotta say hats-off to Sancho for putting the time in to make the demo. And for helping to answer these initial questions for people trying not to break the bank on their first purchase, or learn through expensive trial and error like some of us have. YES listening through a laptop is not an accurate representation and you can't hold Sancho accountable if your tone doesn't sound exactly the same as the video did. But it gives a bit of a reference point that may not have been available before. Maybe it doesn't bug me as much because I've been on TGP when a new Strymon pedal is unveiled. But I don't go back to read through the 267 pages of posts anymore either. I'm sure there will still be many "Hi, I'm new here and wondering which reverb to get" posts. But at least there is another resource available. But as far as playing more, learning better technique and spending less time tweaking.. I couldn't agree with you more.
Chris
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DesignSpy
Joined: Jun 19, 2013
Posts: 182
Augusta, Georgia
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 09:38 AM
Thanks to this thread I will not spend my money on a new pan for my reverb unit.
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 10:21 AM
SanchoPansen wrote:
Gibson Trini Lopez and a SF Twin which I loved and I kept playing this setup for more than 10 years.
Tell me you still own the Trini! I have an ES-355, which is just amazing.
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SanchoPansen
Joined: Jan 04, 2011
Posts: 1588
Berlin L-Berg
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 10:49 AM
I was stupid enough to sell it a couple of years ago...the darf side of being a gearoholic.
— The Hicadoolas
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josheboy
Joined: Mar 13, 2009
Posts: 2365
Twin Cities, MN
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 10:55 AM
My reverb isn't perfect.
My amp isn't perfect.
My guitar isn't perfect.
My playing isn't perfect.
My writing isn't perfect.
I'm ok with these things.
Even if by some crazy gear miracle I can achieve the first three (Our Lady of Reverb, pray for us!), it is the last two that are impossible, but are impossible in a good way. It is the last two I would focus on, and strive for, so I am in agreement with Jake on this.
Now if I could get the writing/playing bug again...
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2682
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 11:18 AM
I first used a Champ 25SE 25 watt hybrid with a Boss DD-3 delay, people said I had great tone.
Then I used a Super Reverb with a Hughes & Kettner Replex, people said I had good tone.
Then I got a Reissue Reverb tank and I thought, now I have good tone.
Then Bassmans, both black face & silverface, people said I had good tone.
In my current band I use one of my bandmate's Showmans with his vintage tank, it is nice to play through that combination to get the actual experience of how I sound through that, personally it is not my favorite, but it is definitely good tone.
I frequently play a Blues Jr with onboard reverb (MOD pan) and a Line 6 Delay, people say I have good tone. I also use an Excelsior with a reverb tank....you guessed it.
I think they were all right, all sounded great to me and were perfect for the moment. I embrace the differences, usually they are subtle. Different is not always better or worse.
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spskins
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3760
tn
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Posted on Jan 26 2015 12:54 PM
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