Category: Guitar Technology

Boss DD-5

Using A Boss DD-5 For Delay And Echo Effects for Guitar

Most guitar players are familiar with reverb. Beyond reverb we then move into the area of echo and delay effects. Boss have been at the forefront of digital delay effects pedals for years. This lesson takes a look at the Boss DD-5 effects pedal as well as discussing how these pedals came about.

What Does The Lesson Cover?

GMI guitarist Gary Clinton goes into detail about how echo and delay effects have evolved. By understanding how the effect was created, the guitar player can best understand how the current effects pedals have taken shape. The Boss DD-5 is a versatile and well known pedal. You will find out how to make best use of the pedals four control knobs. Understanding how these controls work together opens up a huge amount of possibilities for new sounds. As well as this, Gary refers to the sounds that have been created by guitarists such as “The Edge” from U2.

CONSIDERING BUYING THE BOSS DD-5?

Thinking about purchasing the Boss DD-5? You can still get the exact pedal demonstrated and explained by Gary on Ebay, but if you are looking for the modern equivalent, then the DD8 has got all the same features and some. GMI will receive a small affiliate fee for any purchases made by clicking the image below which helps with the running of this website.

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

13/06/2022
Akai Headrush

Akai Headrush – Can You Do Without It?

There are a number of pedals that are always the top of the list but not the Akai Headrush. There is the usual suspects; a distortion pedal, digital delay pedal, volume pedal etc. This video introduces you to an amazing piece of kit that every guitarist should consider purchasing. Gary Clinton gives it the once over and will open your eyes to exactly what is possible from this electronic wonder.

CONSIDERING BUYING THE AKAI HEADRUSH?

Thinking about purchasing the Headrush? You can still get the exact pedal demonstrated and explained by Gary on Ebay for not a lot of cash compared to the units original RRP!

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

11/06/2022
Boss OC-3

BOSS OC-3 Guitar Pedal – More Than An Octave Effects Box

People sometimes think that the Boss OC-3 is a one trick pony. It is good if you want to double up a note an octave below the note your playing. This is true, it does this and it does it very well. The tracking, or the pedals ability to keep up with the notes you are playing while doubling is very good. This effects pedal, however, is capable of a lot more than just this. Perhaps this misapprehension is one of the reasons that guitarists don’t buy an octave pedal first. They will undoubtedly look for a distortion, digital delay or even chorus pedal before an octave pedal. This has a lot to do with perceived value and how much different the sound of your guitar becomes after switching a new pedal on.

What More Can The Pedal Do?

For a start this octave pedal can actually add a second note two octaves below the note you are playing. This is really useful for imitating bass sounds. With one octave below, you can thicken up your guitar signal and it’s great for soloing. With two octaves below, it gives the sound a lot more dig. The other facility that the pedal has is it’s ability to deal with polyphonic inputs. You can for example plug in both a bass guitar and guitar if you wish and the Boss OC-3 can deal with this no problem.

The pedal includes a drive setting. Basically, the drive setting adds a distortion sound to the palette of sounds available to the user. So, in effect you are buying a distortion pedal all be it with a little less control than the Boss Super Overdrive.

Things To Watch Out For

A couple of things worth noting. When the main effect is taken down there is no signal; it’s either on or off. The other aspect of the pedal that is different from a lot of Boss effects pedals is that when choosing one mode, the knob controls do change in how they effect things. These are not so much problems as just operational points.

CONSIDERING BUYING A Boss OC-3?

You can buy this pedal around the world direct from Amazon. Find out detailed information and pricing by clicking the image below. GMI will receive a small affiliate fee for any purchases made by clicking the image below which helps with the running of this website.

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

11/06/2022
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler

Sound Modelling With The Line 6 DL4

If you don’t have much of an idea about what sound modelling is all about then this lesson will open your eyes to the amazing soundscapes possible and specifically with the Line 6 DL4.

For many guitarists, sound modelling is a cloudy and perhaps mystical area. Most people just want the shrink wrapped sounds that come with the pedals they buy. Plug in and boom, you’re there. For those who are a little more inquisitive and are looking to play with sound textures, then this is definitely an area you should be looking into.

What Does The Lesson Cover?

Gary covers all the bases with regards to the settings, knobs and capabilities of the pedal. He shows how the pedal knobs change as different modes are used. As well as this, he demonstrates a wide range of sounds from the extensive list of possibilities the the effects box has within it. The main point to remember about this lesson which is nearly fourteen minutes in length is that this lesson covers just a small part of what is capable with this effects box.

CONSIDERING BUYING A Line 6 DL4?

This is a legacy pedal, but you can still pick one up on Ebay, so if you like the sound of this pedal, grab yourself a bargain!

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

10/06/2022
Line 6 FM4 Guitar Synthesis

Getting The Most From The Line 6 FM4

Synthesis, let’s be honest is not for every guitarist. It’s for many a strange and weird world and a million miles away from distortion, digital delay or chorus. The sounds created through the use of synthesis and guitar pedals such as the Line 6 FM4 are for a special breed of guitar player. This is a pedal for players who are interested in sound and it’s use. In this lesson Gary Clinton demonstrates just some of the sounds that the Line 6 FM4 is capable of as well as helping you understand how the controls of the unit actually work.

What Does The Lesson Cover?

Gary covers all the bases with regards to the settings, knobs and capabilities of the pedal. He shows how the pedal knobs change as different modes are used. As well as this, he demonstrates a wide range of sounds from the extensive list of possibilities the the effects box has within it. The main point to remember about this lesson which is nearly fourteen minutes in length is that this lesson covers just a small part of what is capable with this effects box.

CONSIDERING BUYING A Line 6 FM4?

This is a legacy pedal, but you can still pick one up on Ebay, so if you like the sound of this pedal, grab yourself a bargain!

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

10/06/2022
Marshall Vibratrem

The Marshall Vibratrem – It’s Time To Vib Again!

You may think that the vibrato pedal has really had it’s day and the Marshall Vibratrem is for yesteryear. Yes, it was great in the sixties but times have moved on and it’s just not in anymore. If you think like this, then you are sadly cutting yourself of from some amazing sounds. There are a lot of bands today who are rediscovering the vibrato effect and mixing and matching it with other pedals to create new and exciting sounds. Gary Clinton takes the Vibratrem through it’s paces.

How Good Does The Vibratrem sound?

In a word – amazing! It’s a pedal that comes with a huge amount of control and it offers two modes; vibrato and tremolo. As well as this it also has controls for speed and depth as well as a very powerful shape control. Gary Clinton goes into depth about all of these effects in the HD video guitar lesson on this page. He demonstrates the wide variety of sounds that evoke both old and new sounds and takes the pedal through it’s paces.

CONSIDERING BUYING A Marshall Vibratrem?

Marshall still sell the Vibratrem, however, you can buy one for not a lot of money on Ebay, so if you like the sound of this pedal, pick up a bargain!

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

09/06/2022
The Electro Harmonic Microsynth

Exploring The Electro Harmonix Micro Synth

The Electro Harmonix Micro Synth is a bit of a beast, just as Gary Clinton, GMI’s guitar tutor explains at the beginning of the video. It can be used as just a distortion pedal believe it or not. To use it in this way would be missing the point though.

What Does The Lesson Cover?

Gary gives a detailed overview of the just what is possible from the Harmonix synth. Synthesizers are not for all guitarists. Most guitarists love the sound of the guitar without effects. This pedal was made for people who want to delve into almost a sound design world with their guitar.

The connection to the Harmonix box is simply through a jack which you will see in the HD video shown above. Gary talks about the controls found on the box which include the “Trigger”, “Voice Sweep”, “Attack Delay” and “Filter Sweep”. As mentioned in the commentary, for most guitarists, as soon as the filter sweep is mentioned they make a quick exit. Gary shows in simple steps what is possible as the actual controls of the synth are not hard to either understand or use. You will also here a large selection of sounds demonstrated and you will also see where the controls are placed to get these sounds.

CONSIDERING BUYING THE ELECTRO HARMONIX MICRO SYNTH?

This is a legacy pedal, but you can still pick one up on Ebay, so if you like the sound of this pedal, grab yourself a bargain!

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

30/05/2022
TurboRAT Distortion Pedal

Turbo Rat Delivers A Truly Massive Sound

Gary Clinton is as enthusiastic a guitar player as you’ll meet. Even we were surprised, however, when he was demonstrating and playing with the Pro Co Turbo Rat. When he starts opening up this little beauty of a stomp box, the smile is all over his face. If you’ve never heard of the Turbo Rat before then you are in for a treat. This small effects pedal really does pack a powerful punch in the field of sonic smashups.

Is The Pedal Hard To Use?

The simple and straightforward answer to that question is a definite no. As you can see on the initial thumbnail of the video it’s more or less idiot proof. Many guitarist just like to turn it up and let it melt the faces of the audience. Despite this temptation, Gary does take time to show you some subtle uses of the controls and what they can achieve. The Turbo Rat may not be the most well known effects pedal in the world, but it surely has to be one of the loudest!

CONSIDERING BUYING A TurboRAT?

Since we recorded this video, TurboRAT has gone through a few changes. Here is one of their latest iterations of the TurboRAT sound. Find out detailed information and pricing at Amazon by clicking the image below. GMI will receive a small affiliate fee for any purchases made by clicking the image below which helps with the running of this website.

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

26/05/2022
Buy Or Build A Pedalboard?

The Pedaltrain Terra 42 – It’s A Bit Of A Beast

The Pedaltrain Terra 42 is a BIG pedalboard. It’s also pretty expensive. This article is all about why you should consider buying a pre-built pedalboard rather than building your own. It’s often very tempting to consider building your own pedalboard. For most people, they consider what a pedalboard is and it’s just basically a board for your pedals. Hopefully this video will help you to reconsider if you’re wanting a board for your pedals and you think you can solve your problems by building your own.

We had a few audio issues when recording this video as we were trying out a shotgun microphone that did not give us the results we hoped for. Everything is understandable, it’s just not as clear as our other videos.

CONSIDERING BUYING A Pedaltrain Terra 42?

If you have liked what you see as Gary Clinton took you through the features of the Terra 42, then click Pedaltrain to see a range of their products or click the image below to view at their Amazon store.. GMI will receive a small affiliate fee for any purchases made by clicking the image below which helps with the running of this website.

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

13/05/2022
Setting Up Your Pedalboard

Creating A Guitar Effects Pedals Signal Chain

One area that is often misunderstood and more than a little tricky is ensuring that the sound your guitar gets from all your pedals is optimised for the units you are using. It’s easy when you start out and you just have one pedal; but what happens when you start getting a whole range of pedals that you need to consider.

Don’t Think Setting Up Guitar Effects Pedals Signal Chain Is Easy

There is a lot to consider and think about. Today, guitarists have digital delays, chorus, distortion, wah wah pedals, overdrive and a whole lot more besides. This is where proper planning and understanding what a guitar signal is and does really matters.

CONSIDERING BUYING A PEDALBOARD?

Thinking about purchasing a pedalboard? Clean up your pedal act and take the stress out of creating great sounds with this amazing pro pedalboard. Find out detailed information and pricing at Amazon by clicking the image below. GMI will receive a small affiliate fee for any purchases made by clicking the image below which helps with the running of this website.

Due to the nature of the guitar technology category, there are no downloads available for this video.

29/04/2022