Classical Guitar Guide: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

How do i connect my combo amp to a cabinet?

guitar y cable image

Flames Mil

I have a Fender Super Champ XD and I want to buy a Super Champ 112 Cab for it. Would I have to use a Y cable to connect it or what?

Answer
Hello there,

There should be an external speaker jack on the amp. Most likely it is a 1/4 inch phone plug. Run a speaker cable (not a guitar cable) from the external speaker jack on the amp to the input jack on the speaker cab.

Later,

How do you use a wah pedal to make a guitar sound like a harmonica?

guitar volume pedal
on Vintage 1960s DeARMOND 610 VOLUME/TONE pedal UNUSED - Guitar museum

guitar volume pedal image

Crispus E.

Is it possible to combine the wah pedal and the volume pedal into a single unit?

I've heard that most volume pedals make your guitar quieter when you depress the pedal. Is it possible to make a wah unit with a volume pedal that gets louder as you depress the pedal?

What are some good wah pedals to use?

Answer
Here is a great thread on making your guitar sound like a harmonica http://acapella.harmony-central.com/archive/index.php/t-2574799.html

What is the best electric guitar magazine?

guitar magazine
on QTX VHF HANDHELD & HEADSET MIC - DISCO * DJ * P.A. EQUIPMENT - GRAVITY ...

guitar magazine image

SeafoamGre

Hi, I play the electric guitar and I have read several different guitar magazines. I have hated them all; they are filled with way too many ads, mostly feature METAL bands (I like rock, but not metal. I like bands like alternative and punk), and talk too much about image and not actually about playing the guitar! Can someone please tell me about a GOOD guitar magazine that ships in the U.S., not U.K. I would appreciate it vry much, thanks

Answer
guitar world
guitar one

Can I remove sticker glue of my guitar head head stock with ronsonol?

guitar zippo on Briquet Zippo Guitar in Flames � Personnaliser

guitar zippo image

I bought my strat 5 years ago.
The stupid store HAD to put their store logo on the guitar head. I ripped the sticker of because I got mad at it and now there is a pretty big spot of glue on the guitar......great

Will ronsonol or any zippo style fuels damage the guitar finish?
It says on the container that it is excellent for removing glue. But im afraid of damaging my guitar

Answer
Lighter fluid (naptha) works very well, and used sparingly (not allowed to puddle and dry) will not damage your finish. Just apply a little to a soft cloth (microfiber is best), and gently remove the offending glue. Since you left the sticker on for so long, the glue itself may have etched the finish; in that case, use a quality guitar polish (after the naptha) to smooth the surface. Best regards, Dana

P.S. Norm has a lot more experience than me in working with guitar finishes, so I would defer to his recommendations. I have always had good success with naptha, but maybe I have just been lucky!

Does my guitar need to be professionally adjusted?

guitar buddy
on Musicos Grosos | M�sica Gratis | tipete.com

guitar buddy image

XVlightnin

I bought a Peavey guitar from a buddy a few days ago and when I play the high E string on the first fret it seems to vibrate on the second fret a bit so it sounds off to me. My main question is: Is there something that I can do to fix this, or do I have to bring it in somewhere and have them look at it?

Answer
In my opinion a professional setup is always a good idea. Should run you $40 or less.

Where can I take old, slightly broken Guitar Hero equipment and other electronics for money?

guitar hero ps2
on Guitar Hero: Pink Floyd (HACK) - PS2 | NTSC - Muambeiros Download

guitar hero ps2 image

Okie

I have some old Guitar Hero (PS2) equipment, drum set and guitar, that I no longer use. A few wires have come loose, nothing major, so I don't wanna just toss it all in a junkyard if there is someone who could repair it and use it. So where could one take such items to sell? What sort of venue? I also have an old laptop that has a battery that is worn out, that I also no longer use.

Answer
Ebay

Will a dreadnought acoustic fit in a classical gig bag?

guitar gig bag
on Gp COMPARE Sizes of the Best Travel Guitars

guitar gig bag image

alexandra

So I have a 4/4 dreadnought Takamine and I was wondering if it will fit in the Thomann Classic-Guitar Gig Bag (I can buy it really cheap). What do you guys think?

I measured the bottom part of the guitar and it's about 41 cm but the gig bag has only 40 cm - do you think it will fit nice? Thanks in advance!

Answer
Classical guitars typically have much smaller bodies than dreadnoughts. It's not simply the width (which you've measured as 1cm too narrow) how about the length and depth? It looks like the gig bag is 105 x 40 x 12cm What are the other dimensions of your guitar? No matter how good the price, I think I'd shy away from the deal unless you could actually try it out first.

Should I get the Soul by Ludacris SL150 headphones?

guitar iphone 4 case
on Guitar iPhone 4 Cases, Guitar iPhone 4S Case/Cover Designs

guitar iphone 4 case image

Matthew

Right now I have the Skullcandy Hesh 2.0 and I think they're okay. I've been looking into the Soul by Ludacris SL150 and SL300 headphones because on Amazon they're like $99.98 to $115.99 when they retail for $199. There is nothing wrong with my current headphones, I just want something better. If I were to get the Souls, I will be giving my Skullcandy headphones to my older brother. I don't usually have money (I'm 15, turning 16 May 4th) but since my birthday is coming up I will have enough money. Should I keep my current headphones or get the Souls (I REALLY want them btw). Thanks in advance.

Answer
Buy Ludacris SL300WB

I have been listening to the SL300 for the past couple of weeks quite a lot and enjoying every second of having these. The outstanding feature of these headphones that make them a high quality music experience is how well balanced they are. I go to quite a lot of live music and when the sound engineer gets it right you enjoy every instrument and vocals on their own and together. That is what I feel listening to these. The Sl300 to me in no manner or form have too much bass, they let you feel the backbone but also everything else.

I have been listening to a lot of my favorites on these which I have heard hundreds of times in order to compare to past headphone experiences. And I am impressed. Crisp, full sound, GREAT vocals, everything is separated and distinct but that works to create a deeper layered experience. I have even noticed some of my inferior MP3 recordings with these more. They reproduced the poorly engineered ones clearer than my other headphones. But the good recordings have shined like never before.

I have been using the Sl300 on my iPhone and Zune. You get 2 cords. Both are a perfect thickness and they really haven't tangled up. The difference is one has a three button remote control for IOS devices and the other one doesn't. You can use whichever cord whenever, but the remote will only work for IOS devices. The remote is handy on the iPhone. It sits close to your head and you can't see the buttons. But various combinations of button pushing lets you pause, skip tracks, fast forward, volume control, answer calls, and ignore calls. Would also be useful at night in bed with an IPad at your feet letting you pause, fast forward, skip scene, etc. The case is nice and has a useful inner mesh pocket where you can store the other cord, airline connector, etc.

The other important aspect to headphones beyond the sound is how comfortable they are. If they are a pain to wear then the sound quality doesn't matter. The Sl300 are heavy...but thankfully very comfortable. You can't wear them running. But kicking back, mowing (awesome with the sound cancelling), walking, house work, no problem. Very well cushioned ear pieces, easily adjustable sizing, and comfortable head band. Sound cancelling works well. I barely heard my electric mower, which is not as noisy as a gas mower but still makes good noise. Around the house I can't hear anything, not even someone next to me. You have the option to use them without noise cancelling and they sound good. Not as good, but better than most headphones.

There is a moderate amount of sound leakage. Not too bad, but there is some. There is also a high low output option. On the iPhone and Zune I have had it set at high and I am listening at around 50%-70% volume on those. They will go higher than comfortable so good sound output. One odd thing I noticed was how thin and frankly cheap the plastic is on the outside of the earpiece where the Soul logo is. Then I realized it was a trade-off to get the glowing effect other reviews have mentioned. You can light up the head pieces and they had to make the plastic thin to make the lighting effect more dramatic. No big deal and it doesn't distract from an excellent pair of headphones useful for almost any imaginable musical genre.

I listen to Bob Schneider, Phish, John Williams (Star Wars and classical guitar), James Taylor, Gomez, John Mayer, Cannonball Adderley, Altan, Van Morrison, Slaid Cleaves, to name a few of my favorites. Basically everything but, ironically rap, country, and heavy metal. But these are, thankfully, not headphones for the rap lover soley but for all music lovers. And I am thankful that I am enjoying music more than ever before with these.

What is the latest Guitar Hero game for Wii?

guitar hero wii
on Guitar Hero 3 Wii Gibson Les Paul guitar

guitar hero wii image

CMO

I have a Guitar Hero World Tour for Wii but, it broke. I want to buy the newest Guitar Hero for Wii. What is it.

Answer
Guitar Hero (Game Only) is a great title for anyone who ever wanted to play guitar with a rockin' band, but hasn't yet devoted the time to learning how to play. If you've ever turned your stereo up and rocked out, this game's for you. If you've had a rough week and you just need to dance it out... go buy Dance Dance Revolution.

How much would it cost to ship a guitar?

guitar epiphone
on ... guitar 1965 epiphone crestwood deluxe backup guitar 1964 epiphone

guitar epiphone image

Captain Ca

I'm thinking about ordering this electric guitar.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-g-310-sg-electric-guitar
I'm not sure where that company's located... (you look for it if you want your 10 points!)
I want it shipped to Chicago.
How much would you estimate that shipping costs.

Additional question: Should I get warrenty with my guitar?

Answer
Usually while you're checking out online it will tell you how much it will cost to ship it. You dont have to buy it, just go through the steps and it should say.

What is the best size guitar for a woman's build?

guitar junior
on USA Fender Hot Rod Blues Junior Electric Guitar Tube Amp Amplifier PR

guitar junior image

michelle_1

I am wanting to purchase a guitar, but I do not know the best size for a woman's build. Is there any specific size that is best? Thanks.

Answer
24 inch - Empiehone Les Paul Junior

What is the best electric guitar for an intermediate guitarist?

guitar junior
on Photos and information on Gibson Les Paul and Les Paul Junior guitars

guitar junior image

Ryan S

Right now, I'm debating over a Fender Strat or an Epiphone LP Junior. I've played the acoustic for about a month and I'm looking at different electrics to experiment with.

Answer
If your an intermediate guitarist after playing acoustic for a month, your cranking right along aren't you. Well, take this to heart. I wish some one had told me this along time ago. Buy the best Fender Strat ( American made), or Gibson Les Paul you can afford. Why? Because they don't go down in value. After you have mastered the guitar and move on to something more challenging, like brain surgery or something, the money you invested will still be sitting in your guitar case. And all the while you will be playing a truly great instrument.

What programs can I use to record my voice on PC using a Guitar Hero Mic?

guitar to usb
on ... usb an entry level 3 channel mixer with usb ports offering exceptional

guitar to usb image

Hannah

I want to be able to record myself singing to post on my Youtube account, but I have a shoddy camera with a broken mic and a Guitar Hero USB mic. I was wondering what applications or programs I could use that would be compatible with this mic?

Answer
If it works like a regular USB mic, then any program for recording audio should be able to use it. The best free one is Audacity. (audacity.sourceforge.net).

You need a driver for it that makes Windows see it as a standard input device. This may be part of Guitar Hero, or it might be a separate driver you have to install.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

How much would it cost to fix a guitar with fret buzz?

guitar tools
on Cigar Box Guitar Tools Long Shaft Nut Bridge File Set 40 01 01 | eBay

guitar tools image

Adam

How much would it cost to fix a guitar with fret buzz? I looked online on how to do it myself, and it told me to sand down the frets, it solved the problem for the specific fret but then created a new fret with the same problem. Im pretty sure i must have screwed up the neck of my guitar, is it still possible to fix my guitar now?

Answer
Yeah, it's possible. Google "how to adjust truss rod" and buy an appropriate-sized allen key or a guitar multi-tool in case of other future problems.

Anyone know how to make a guitar pick necklace?

guitar pick necklace
on GUITAR PICK PATTERNS | Browse Patterns

guitar pick necklace image

Maiah Noik

I wanted to make my boyfriend a guitar pick necklace for Christmas along with some cologne I got him because he's been playing guitar for awhile and he obsessed haha now Christmas is next week and I have no lie how to make it! Thanks!

Answer
If you have a drill with a small drill bit, that would work best. If not try a needle, may have to heat it up first, or just a nail and a hammer. You might also want to put a jump ring (cheap at Michaels) through the hole to attach it to your chain.

What are some good easy guitar songs i can sing and play to, without bar chords?

guitar books for beginners image

Sienna

I just started learning guitar and im bored of playing boring songs out of the beginner guitar book. The main reason why i took up guitar was because i wanted to be able to acompany myself on guitar. I asked my teacher to teach me F major and B major but he said that since they were bar chords they are hard and im not ready. I will work on them tho, so for now what songs can i play? I've already learned "Teardrops on my guitar" btw. I really like any kind of music, not really country tho, despiteba couple Taylor Swift songs. But something good please, preferably a fairly recent song that i proboably already know of.
Thanks :D

Answer
Every Rose Has Its Thorn, by Poison
It's a great ballad, and it's a song that may get you a lot of guys/girls (can't tell what gender you are when answering :P)
There's a Miley Cyrus version, but trust me; that one really sucks.

Your guitar should be tuned half a step down, but playing in standard should be fine. There are no barre chords I can think of.

Is there an easy way to get rid of fret buzz?

guitar repair
on Guitar Repair & Building Program, Guitar Building School - SE

guitar repair image

AtreyuXfor

My electric guitar has a lot of fret buzz on the 6th 5th and I think 4th string. I've only been playing for a few years, so I don't know much about guitar repair. I have my guitar lessons in a few days, so should I just wait until then, or is there an easy way that I can solve the problem myself?

Answer
In my experience the two most common causes for this are:
* Your action is too low (ie, the strings are too close to the fretboard).
* or the neck has some bad curvature and needs adjustment (via the truss rod).

If you think your action might be too low, look online for instructions for adjusting it for your particular guitar type (it varies depending on type of guitar). For example, on a Les Paul you just need to raise the bridge with the two screws on either side of it. Then, obviously, you need to get it tuned back up, and re-adjust the intonation.

If this doesn't help, or you're pretty sure this isn't the problem, wait until you go to your lesson. Don't try to adjust the truss rod or do any other drastic changes.
Ask your instructor to take a look at it. Be sure to ask and watch what they do, so you can know for future reference.

What drum programs will the guitar hero drums work with?

guitar hero drums
on Technological Life: Broken Guitar Hero Drums Or Guitar?

guitar hero drums image

Jonathan

My friends and I were going to buy a synthetic drum set and we heard that the guitar hero: world tour drums can be used as a synthetic drum set. I am just wonderig what computer program I need to download in order to use the guitar hero drums successfully as a synthetic drum set.

Answer
I would recommend ezdrummer or addicting drums. they are VST- Plugins, though, so you will need something like sony acid or cubase. there is also a stand-alone program called n-track that could work, but its drum sounds aren't the best.

What is proper sitting posture to sing while playing guitar?

guitar foot rest
on ... FS100B Adjustable Folding Guitar Foot Rest Stool Footrest New | eBay

guitar foot rest image

Frankie Do

I am quite experienced guitar player but I've just started learning how to sing. I've noticed, while singing posture is quite important, but I can't find any good posture for singing while sitting playing guitar. All postures are while standing. :/

Answer
I typically stand as well when I'm singing and playing, but when I've wanted to sit and create a more casual feel, I find the best way is to use a stool with horizontal slats. I put my right heel up on the slat so the knee is up and the guitar rests across that leg, and I leave my left leg down so my foot is flat on the floor about a foot in front of the stool. This helps me be able to keep my back straight and not be slouched over, which is important so you can sing properly.

How to use a computer as a guitar amp?

guitar usb interface
on lulusoso.comBSI Hotel Electronic Mortise Lock BSI integrates superior ...

guitar usb interface image

Quinn

If i buy a normal male to male guitar cord, then buy this converter http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Guitar-USB-Interface-Link-Cable-PC-Recording-USB-/150596238212?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23103c3b84#ht_2462wt_1139

along with some amp computer program, will that be enough to use my computer as an amplifier?

Answer
That's a recording interface. A computer isn't a guitar amp and should not be used that way. If you need an amp, buy an amp.

How can I get my wireless Rockband guitar to work with Guitar Hero on PS2?

guitar hero ps2 image

ChadC

I bought Rockband for my PS2 and want to use the wireless guitar to work with Guitar Hero for PS2. Looking under google, it works but I can't figure it out. The little box that plugs in to the console blinks when the Rockband disc is in but doesn't blink when Guitar Hero III is in. Just wondering what I need to do?

Answer
Hey - I have rockband and my guitar won't work on guitar hero. i was always told that guitar hero guitar CAN work on rockband, but rockband guitar cant work on guitar hero. sorry!

How to fix nasty electric guitar buzzing?

guitar overdrive pedal
on ... Tone Bug Tonebug Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal 811059011028 | eBay

guitar overdrive pedal image

A A

When I plug my electric guitar up to my amp I get a horrible buzzing sound. It happens right after I plug the thing in, and it's constant.

I'm not actually able to get any sound from the guitar at all. It's not background noise like you'd get from an overdrive pedal.

There's definitely something wrong with the guitar itself, it's not the cables/amp.

I'd like to fix it myself rather than taking it to a shop. Any ideas?

Answer
Troubleshooting a problem like that always starts at the amp. Make sure the amp jack is clean and working. Then make sure the cable is as well. Cables are normally the #1 culprit. If both of those are working properly, then you need to troubleshoot the guitar. Does it make the noise on every pickup selection? With the volume up or down? It could be a loose wire, ground, bad pot, bad connection, bad jack, dead battery, etc.

What is the best acoustic guitar and what is the best electric guitar for a beginner?

guitar cases hard acoustic
on the sound of a boisterous chorus of voices, backed by electric guitar ...

guitar cases hard acoustic image

Spaceboy

What is the best acoustic guitar and what is the best electric guitar for a beginner? Should I buy new guitars or used guitars.

Answer
It's really hard to give an answer to this question when you have not eluded as to what music you want to play and what sort of budget you are working with.

Yamaha, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Fender all make good beginners electric guitars. Taylor's student line are a good choice for an acoustic, but if they are too expensive, the same names mentioned for electric guitars, make good student acoustic guitars as well. I would at one time steer beginners away from Fender acoustic guitars, as their quality was pretty iffy in the past, but the newer ones are acceptable. If you go with a Fender acoustic, buy a new one.

Used guitars are a good way to get a better guitar for your money. If you know of an experienced player that would be willing to go with you to test them, you can find many good deals in the want ads and craigslist. Don't do this alone though, as there are some people that will try to fob off junk to a beginner. Local music stores also often have good deals on used gear.

Do not buy your guitar at a big box store. Those deals that seem too good to be true, usually are. Names can be confusing here. "Starcaster by Fender" and "Maestro by Gibson" are really crappy Chinese guitar kits, that have licensed the respective names. They are poor at best and often unplayable out of the box. In most cases, either they cannot be fixed, or the cost of repair is greater than the value of the guitar. Same is true with many no name guitars sold in big box stores and online. If you must buy online, I recommend you use Musician's Friend. You won't get a counterfeit guitar from them. They also have a reasonable return policy, should you get a lemon.

Shop at a local music store. The prices will be competitive with Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc. and they will be more helpful to get you what you need, whereas the corporate backed stores are only interested in how much money they can get out of your pocket on the given visit. Local music stores depend on repeat business and customer loyalty, so you'll get better service all around. When you end up with questions and/or problems, you'll be glad they know you. when it's time to buy more gear, you'll be glad they know you, as they tend to give regular customers better deals.

xx

how can i get rid of a really bad oder out of my guitar case?

guitar case image

VAmp

my guitar case has a really fowl odor and i cant stand it. i tried spraying febreeze on it and leaving it outside but the odor wont leave....help?

Answer
after trying the baking soda..if there is still a stench... try spraying it with vinegar, closing it for a day and then allowing it to air out.

What is a good free program for guitar instruction on the internet?

guitar instruction dvd
on New, in-depth Van Halen guitar instructional DVD now available

guitar instruction dvd image

lord100jac

I have been enjoying guitar lessons on Comcast and I have purchased an Alfred Music DVD Teach Yourself to Play Guitar. I was thinking of subscribing to Guitar Player Magazine on line because they have guitar lessons. I think the subscription is free. Are there any other freebies out there?

Answer
Go to GuitarMasterClass.net BEST SITE EVER FOR GUITAR