The thing I’ve noticed recently is that a lot of people have been asking me about my guitar gear. Being exposed (oooh, Missus) on YouTube and wherever else, means that other like-minded gentlemen are given the opportunity to quiz yours truly about his setup. Now for me there’s nothing more boring than talking gear. I can imagine its like those guys who stand at the bar and say to each other “Sooo…what car are ye driving at the moment?” and then they belt through the various performance stats of each vehicle.
No…I was a bit of a gearhead once, but I’ve actually found my ideal setup. I hate to mention it, but all this gear works sweetly together. But that’s not the point, I guess it is kinda nice to have people ask about your guitar and how you get certain FX. I’ve had one guy asking me advice about the Godin xtSA (Great guitar, watch out for the dodgy nut), another asking me about my synth tones (send me over your patches via email – no frigging way, buster) and yesterday one chap wanted to know the ins and outs of a gnat’s arsehole. While I don’t mind answering general questions like “What do you think of the Boss DD-20” or “What can you recommend for stereo looping”, some enquiries are just a little bit like being interrogated by a crazed roadie.
I sat there and thought to myself “figure it out yourself, like I had to”, but then the natural helpful person comes out and, I must admit, I do get a thrill out of teaching people things. I should have been a teacher or something, but decided that writing was the life for me…oh well, we all make mistakes, eh? But anyway, I answered all this guys questions the best I could…
Q: I’ve got this list of equipment (includes list) how do I connect it up
A: It’s up to personal choice but try this (I include a sample setup idea)
Q: What are the 1/4″ jacks for on the Godin xtSA?
A: They are for the piezo acoustic and electric pickups. Download the manual for the guitar here.
Q: How do you get your sustain?
A: That’s a secret…
Q: Can I have a picture of your setup?
At that point, I included a picture of Alex the Wonderdog laying over my gear and a little doodle of my equipment show exactly how they are all connected. I am including this diagram for any other young chaps who need help. I don’t mind helping out but some of the details are a little, how do you say, anal?
