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Does the Type of Cable Affect Your Tone?
Does the cable you use really affect your tone? And if it does, will some cables make your music sound better? Below, we'll briefly talk about how cables can change the tones of your music and what that means for you. Some Cables Can Give Certain Improvements Plenty of premium cables out there claim to give your music a superior sound. These cables can provide specific improvements to your sound. For example, more expensive cables often have better shielding, meaning your cable will pick up less interference. If you want a cleaner sound to your music, then this could be a huge benefit. These cables can also give lower capacitance, which affects higher frequencies — the higher the capacitance, the more loss of higher tones. Some cables can leave out some of these higher frequencies, but not all of them. A more expensive cable will give you a greater range. "Better" Is Subjective While a more expensive cable can improve certain aspects of your sound, it's up to you to decide if that's what you want. Certain cables can make your music cleaner and give you the capability to play at higher frequencies. To some people, that type of tone is better — but for others, it's not. We recognize that cables do have some effect on tone, but we can't universally claim that one type is better over another. It really comes down to personal preference. If you're producing a pop tune, you might want a cleaner, fresher sounding tone to record the vocals over. But, for other genres, this type of tone might sound out of place. If you're in a metal or punk band, you don't want your guitar or vocals to sound super clean and crisp. A grungier tone is what gives those genres their character and identity. Try Out Different Cables If you're trying to create your own unique sound or looking to replicate a specific genre or musician, try experimenting. Most musicians have different equipment that helps give their music the tone they want, so it might be a smart idea to have a few different ones on hand. You can swap them in and out whenever you want to get the exact tone that you're looking for. Find High-Quality Cables from Planet Waves and Bananas at Large® At Bananas at Large®, we carry a wide selection of D'Addario Planet Waves Cables for a variety of equipment. Check out our inventory online or visit us at one of our locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Best Age to Start Guitar Lessons
Learning to play an instrument is an incredibly fun and rewarding hobby no matter how old you are. If you have a son or daughter expressing an interest in music or you have a desire for them to learn, enrolling your child in music lessons is a great thing to do. The guitar is one of the most popular instruments to learn — it's second only to the piano. Below, we'll discuss some factors that go into determining the best age for someone to start learning how to play the guitar. Motivation If your child is the one expressing a strong interest in the guitar, it can be a strong motivator. Whether they saw a great performance from a professional musician, a friend plays or they want to work in the music industry when they get older, it's key for your child to express an interest too. Whatever hobby a person may have, it's key that it's something they want to do — not something someone else is pushing them to do. Enrolling your child in music lessons is a good activity for them, but be sure that learning that particular instrument is something they are expressing interest in. If they aren't interested right now, maybe wait a year or two and see if their interests change. If they would rather learn ukulele or piano, try that first. All music lessons are good for the brain development of children, so don't feel that it has to be one specific instrument to start with. What's "Too" Young? There is a general minimum age for learning the guitar. Kids under seven years old typically just don't have the strength to keep their hands and arms in the right position and get a good sound out of the instrument. Sometimes ukulele can be a good starter instrument for kids five to seven, as its easier to play for smaller hands. Make sure that your child is able to sit and pay attention for at least a half hour at a time. Some guitar teachers discourage guitar lessons for kids until they're 10 years old or older, so check with the teacher to see what the minimum age they recommend. You can always try a lesson first with a loaner instrument before committing to regular lessons to see if your child is ready. Learning an instrument is a big commitment! There are the normal weekly lessons, building up finger and hand strength and practicing at home. The best way for them to learn is by being excited about it, committing to practicing, and having the right instrument for their size. So there really is no "best" age for starting guitar lessons. It's really up to you do decide what age to start your kid with lessons. One child may be able to start at seven, but another child may be best suited to start at twelve. Other Options Even just exposing your child to music is a great way to get them interested in learning how to play guitar themselves. Take them to concerts in different genres or have them meet one of your friends who knows how to play. Before you invest in the instrument and equipment, you can test out your child's interest. Remember, when they are excited about it, the investment pays off. You could also teach your child the ukulele, piano, drums, or other instrument. The basics of music learning including timekeeping and rhythm can translate to all instruments. So, if they start on one and switch to another instrument later, that's ok too! Learning any instrument is good for their development. At Bananas at Large®, we want to share our love of music with as many people as we can. No matter your skill level or age, you can learn how to play the guitar (or lots of other instruments) from one of our excellent music teachers. From beginner to expert-level instruction, we will work with you and help every step of the way. Find the perfect guitar for your beginner by shopping our large selection of Recording King guitars. Then learn more about our music lesson options today or schedule your first lesson.
Private Lessons vs. Group Lessons
So you've decided to learn an instrument? That's great! There are lots of ways that people learn to play instruments, from formal lessons to informal lessons from a friend. With more developments in technology, there's also an increasing number of people who teach themselves to play instruments using free resources on the internet. If you're serious about becoming proficient at an instrument, you should enroll in some type of formal lessons. When you're ready to take lessons with a music teacher, you'll have two options: private and group music lessons. Each type of lesson will have advantages and disadvantages. Consider the factors below before enrolling in your first lesson. Private Lessons Here are some of the perks of enrolling in private lessons instead of group lessons: Personal growth: When you work with a teacher on your own, you'll experience a lot more personal growth than you would from group lessons. In private lessons, you can set your own goals and then work specifically toward those goals. Individual attention: This is probably the main reason why people choose private lessons over group lessons. While you can get some individual attention at a group lesson, you'll get the teacher's full attention for the entire time during a private lesson. Every student learns a little differently. At a group lesson, it's impossible to cater to the needs of every student in the group. With private lessons, you don't have that issue. Develop technique: During the early stages of learning an instrument, it's key to develop the right technique. If you start bad habits early on, it becomes more and more difficult to correct them. If you're taking group lessons, it's easier to slide by while using those bad habits. But with a private lesson, your teacher can catch them right away and get you back on track. Work at your own pace: In a group lesson, you have to follow through the predetermined lesson plans. If you don't get something right away and need more time, you'll either slow down the rest of the class or have them leave you behind. On the other hand, if you progress more quickly than the rest of the class, you have to wait for them to catch up. Either way, you can't move at your own pace in a group lesson. With private lessons, you can move through the lessons as quickly or as slowly as you'd like. If you need to miss a lesson for whatever reason, it's no biggie when you're taking private lessons, too. If these things sound appealing, then enrolling in private lessons may be your best choice. Group Lessons Like with private music lessons, group lessons have their own benefits. Here are some of the perks of enrolling in group lessons instead of private lessons: Social experience: If you're looking to meet new people and have a weekly chance to interact with others, group lessons are a great pick for the social experience. Unlike some other ways to get the social experience, you're developing a great new skill at the same time: learning an instrument. Cost: Group lessons can be as much as half the cost of private lessons. If cost is a concern, you could enroll in some group lessons to see how interested you really are in learning the instrument. If you find that you love it and want more personal attention, you could always switch over to private lessons later on. Motivation: Having others around you, learning along with you, can be a great motivator. If you see someone is progressing more quickly, it may inspire you to put in more time to catch up. Performing: When you're used to playing in front of other people, you're better prepared for live performances. When you're only taking private lessons, you're accustomed to playing in front of one other person. Playing in front of a large audience can bring on a lot of nerves. You avoid that issue when you take group lessons. Playing in a group: If you're learning an instrument so you can start a band or another music group, group lessons will help prepare you to play along with others. If you're thinking about enrolling in music lessons, Bananas at Large® offers both individual and group lessons.
10 Pedals That Get You Out of the Box
Whether you're feeling like you're stuck in a rut or looking for ways to get more unique sounds out of your electric guitar, a new effects pedal may be just the thing. Below, you'll find some pedals that push the boundaries of typical guitar effects pedals. Incorporating any of these pedals into your pedalboard will force you to get your playing way out of the box. 1. Van Weelden Royal Overdrive Van Weelden Royal Overdrive pedals are dynamic, well-balanced and powerful, allowing the notes to explode off your pick with a tube-like sound. The Royal Overdrive provides a quiet performance with its flexible wide range and internally isolated DC input power circuit. As the most amp-versatile pedal, The Royal Overdrive can be used on any amp — including solid state amps. Additionally, this pedal offers excellent hi headroom dynamics and a low-end, tight and powerful crunch. Bananas At Large® is proud to be the only USA dealer and distributor of the Van Weelden Royal Overdrive Pedal. 2. Pigtronix Bob Weir's Real Deal Acoustic Preamp Pedal Providing a super loud, extremely clear acoustic guitar tone while sustaining the natural wooden sound of the instrument, Bob Weir's Real Deal acoustic preamp pedal provides an unmatched world-class guitar tone. This pedal offers an adjustable cutoff point of both filters with one knob — achieving the high headroom and ultra-low noise. 3. Hologram Electronics Dream Sequence Programmable Rhythm and Octave Built around a pattern-based rhythmic Sequencer, which allows for pitch shifting up or down one octave, the Dream Sequence creates easily customized, unique patterns and presets. It also features tap tempo, analog dry path and rhythmic gate — with dynamic ADSR morphing — and is digitally controlled with analog drive and tone. 4. Beetronics FX OctaHive Super High Gain Octave Fuzz With a clear-cut high pitch octave, the OctaHive is a high gain fuzz. You can achieve a large tonal range by turning on or off the side toggle switch — providing more versatility and chord friendliness. 5. Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus Chorus Pedal The Inspire allows you to produce those difficult-to-reach chorus tones by securing eight impressive stereo chorus effects. The Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus Chorus Pedal offers a variety of features, including a freshly designed circuitry offering more headroom while sustaining low noise. Other features include controls for effect select, depth and mix — true bypass and inputs and outputs for mono or stereo. 6. Hungry Robot Moby Dick Vintage Inspired Tap Tempo Delay A tap tempo delay, The Moby Dick offers a simplistic delay that provides only the essentials — no menus, hidden features or gimmicks. With a tone falling between a tape delay and an analog delay, the natural warmth of vintage analog delay comes together with the addition of "chime" and somewhat lo-fi imperfections. The Moby Dick provides a vintage tone but still includes all the modern features you're looking for. 7. Deep Trip Muffasaur Fuzz Pedal Fine balance and ideal wave symmetry are modded in the core circuit of the Deep Trip Muffasaur Fuzz Pedal, allowing you to have ultimate dynamic control over the tone by just altering your pick attack. Additionally, you can incorporate high mid-range frequencies as needed — producing varying, mid boosted fuzz/drive tones. 8. CopperSound Broadway Germanium Preamp With Pickup Selecting Emulation Pedal Featuring a three-way tone selector switch — employing the PNP Germanium transistor, the Tropical Fish and Silver Mica capacitors — the Broadway is a germanium-based preamp. 9. Alexander Syntax Error Pedal A small but strong pedal, the Neo Series is comprised of an advanced 32-bit micro-controller that allows for MIDI capability, expression and presets. The Alexander also provides access to up to four different preset tones, offering brilliant performance technology. 10. Meris Polymoon Delay The Meris Polymoon Delay pedal features immense multi LFO modulation controls, six custom-tuned LFOs with adaptable waveforms, 1200mS selective multi-tap delay line, exclusive feedback topology and so much more! If you're looking for unique effects pedals like these and other guitar equipment and accessories, you'll be happy to know that we've got anything that you could need. For a great selection and a knowledgeable staff, visit us online or in-store.
Best Year for the Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is the archetype electric guitar. When someone mentions "electric guitar," the body shape and style of the Stratocaster is probably what comes to mind. The Stratocaster is a classic guitar because it has a great build and an equally great sound. It's been used by music greats, like Jeck Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, and newer artists alike. Since its first model year in 1954, the Stratocaster has kept its distinct body shape and notoriety. Most of the vintage Stratocasters considered to be the best were made before 1965. That year, Fender's management transferred to CBS's control. This takeover marked a huge change in the company's reputation. Because of this change, Stratocasters made after 1965 are typically not as valuable as ones made before the takeover. A Brief History of the Stratocaster The Stratocaster is considered a revolutionary guitar, but it was never expected to be so influential. Leo Fender just wanted to make a great guitar — to improve on what was already done. However, it turned out very differently than the company's previous model, the Telecaster. Freddy Tavares designed its distinct body shape and Don Randall gave it its name. The Stratocaster also had three pickups instead of two. This feature, along with its other controls, gave guitarists more creativity through its greater tonal range. However, one of the Stratocaster's most notable new features at the time was its tremolo system. Musicians found, even more, uses for this feature than even the guitar's designers imagined. The Strat's popularity really took off after Bob Dylan played one at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Even though it hasn't changed much throughout its lifetime, the Stratocaster has had some stand-out years. Whether you're a guitar collector or a player, you can appreciate these guitars from some of Fender's best years in making Stratocasters. Honorable Mentions Before we talk about our favorite year for the Stratocaster, we wanted to share some others that we considered for the top spot. Here are our honorable mentions for the Stratocaster's best year: 1954: This was the Stratocaster's very first year in production. Similarly to first-issue books, the 1954 Stratocaster is the most collectible compared to all of the other years. Strats from '54 are being sold for $100,000 or more. And sometimes it's much more — at the time of publication, Reverb.com had a 1954 Stratocaster with a listed price of $225,000. 1957: The next great year for the Stratocaster came in 1957. With their maple necks and sunburst look, you could fall in love with one just by looking at it. And it sounds just as great as it looks. 1964: 1964 was a big year for the Stratocaster because it saw a lot more customization in color. You'll still get that full, rich tone that you're used to. The 1964 Stratocaster is everything a Strat should be. If you're into vintage guitars, the Fender Stratocaster is a true classic, especially before 1965. These are some standout guitars from that era, but any vintage Stratocaster would be a pleasure to play. If you ever have the chance to play one of these vintage Stratocasters, you should make sure you take advantage of the opportunity. The Best Year for the Stratocaster While certain years for the Stratocaster stand out, 1962 stands above all of them. Compared to other years, there were more changes made to the Stratocaster that year than usual. The Brazilian rosewood used for the fretboard of the neck was made thinner to bring out a brighter tone. The date of production also changed from being penciled on to being stamped on. The 1962 Strat was made with an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The best part is these vintage guitars only sound better the longer they're played. If you're looking for a vintage or new Stratocaster, browse through our inventory of Fender Guitars.
Differences between Amp Head & Cab and Combo Amps
Whether you just bought an electric guitar for the first time or are a pro looking for a new sound, it's time to buy a new amplifier! This can be a fun process, but it can also be a little bit overwhelming. You'll have some important decisions to make. One of the first choices to make is whether you want to get a head and cabinet setup or a combo amplifier. Both types of amplifier setup will do basically the same thing: project the sound of your electric guitar or bass. But each type functions a little differently and will give you a unique sound. Below, we'll discuss the differences between the amp head and cab and combo amp and the benefits of choosing one setup over another. Amp Head & Cabinet Setup The amp head and cabinet setup is two separate pieces of equipment. The head is an amplifier by itself with no speaker. The cabinet is the speaker. If you're at a huge rock concert, the tall stacks of equipment are an amp head and cabinet setup. Here are the benefits of choosing a head and cab setup over the combo amp: Weight: Since the head and cabinet are two separate pieces of equipment, each piece may be lighter than a combo amplifier. Even though you'll have to make two trips to get the head and cab where you need them, you won't have as rough a time carrying something super-heavy. Customization: There's a lot of variety when it comes to heads and cabinets. Since they aren't in the same piece of equipment, you can mix and match different heads with different cabinets. This lets you experiment with your sound and helps you find the perfect balance. Venue size: If you're playing at bigger venues, especially ones that are outdoors, the head and cab may give you greater projection. You may get more power, meaning more volume, with this amp setup. If these perks of a head and cab sound appealing, it might be the best choice for you. Combo Amps A combo amp has the amplifier and speaker, just like a head and cabinet setup, but everything is in one piece of equipment instead of two. These are some of the perks of a combo amp: Compact: Even though the head and cabinet may be lighter to carry, it's more inconvenient. With a combo amp, everything is compact in one piece of equipment and doesn't require more than one trip to haul. Cost: Because you're buying one piece of equipment instead of two, combo amplifiers are often less expensive than an amp head and cab setup. Open vs. closed back: With a combo amp, you'll also have the choice between a closed and open back. An open back lets the sound come out from both sides of the speaker while the closed back only puts the sound out from the front. Most combo amps are made with an open back. Venue size: If you play mostly small local gigs, a combo amp may be sufficient. You can get a lot more out of this type of amp than you might think. Now that you have more info on the differences between amp head and cabs and combo amps, you're better prepared to pick the right one for your own needs. If you can, test out both setups. See which one gives you the sound you like the most. If you're in the market for a new amplifier, we've got a wide selection of both amp head and cabinets and combo amplifiers. For great deals and a great customer experience, shop Bananas at Large®.
Breakdown of the Electric Guitar
When you're familiar with the different parts of your electric guitar, you're better prepared to take care of any issues and get a great sound out of your instrument. To help give you a better understanding of your electric guitar, we've broken down the different parts of this instrument and the other things you might need or want to get your best sound. Components of an Electric Guitar There are a few main parts of an electric guitar that also have other smaller components within themselves. These are the main parts of an electric guitar: Head: The head is at the end of the neck. The neck contains the tuners, the truss adjustment and the string retainers. Each string has a specific pitch. To get each string in pitch, you turn the tuners until it's the right note. The truss adjustment helps keep the strings from buzzing on the neck. The string retainers keep the right amount of tension on the strings and keep them in place. However, you won't find string retainers on all electric guitars. Neck: The neck is the long, slender piece of the electric guitar. Like the head, it has several smaller parts. The nut is right at the head of the guitar and holds the strings in place. The frets on the neck of the guitar are the small pieces of metal that are intermittently placed down the entire neck. Some of the frets have fret markers, which are usually small dots or other shapes that help the guitarist tell where they are on the neck. Body: The body is the biggest part of the guitar. There's the pickguard, which protects the body from getting scratched by your guitar pick. The pickups sense the vibrations from the strings and translate those vibrations into the sounds you hear from the amp. You change how the sound is picked up using the pickup selector. The bridge is the part that connects the strings to the body of the guitar. Finally, the volume and tone controls let you make adjustments to those settings, the input jack is where you connect your cable. Even if you don't play the electric guitar yourself, you know that these parts aren't the only important pieces of an electric guitar. Unlike the acoustic guitar, you need (or should have) other pieces of equipment and accessories to get the most out of this instrument. Other Equipment You can play an electric guitar acoustically, but you could have just gotten an acoustic guitar if you wanted to do that. To get its distinct sound, you need a few other things. To get the most out of your electric guitar, here are some other items that you'll need: Amplifier: There are two types of amplifiers — combo and head and cabinet. Both types have all of the same components, but the combo amp has all those components in one piece of equipment instead of two. Like we mentioned earlier, the pickups on your guitar catch the vibrations from the strings. Those vibrations then move to the amplifier, where they are translated into music. Cables: This piece is simple. You need cables to connect your guitar and amplifier together, as well as any effects pedals you're using. Effects pedals: From distortion to delay, there are all kinds of different pedals you can use that add unique effects to your sound. When you start using them, you can really get creative. Accessories: There are some basic accessories that you can use. Straps, cases and extra strings are very helpful. If you're looking for a new electric guitar or equipment and accessories for one, we've got you covered. Our extensive inventory of Jackson Electric Guitars has everything you'll need from a top brand. For amazing deals and excellent customer service, visit us online or at one of our two convenient locations near San Francisco, CA.
How to Choose the Right PA System
If you're playing gigs at venues that don't have their own PA system in place, you may want to consider investing in one yourself. A PA system, when you find the right one and position it strategically, will help every part of your music be heard. When you're playing in a small space, the drums and electric guitar may be drowning out your singer. A PA system will let you adjust your levels more to put extra emphasis on certain parts. It helps your music come out much more balanced. If you're planning on getting a new PA system, there are lots of different types available. Finding the right PA system for your specific needs is key to getting the best sound at your live performances. Below are some important things to considering before you begin shopping for your new PA system. Power Every PA system will have different power capabilities, which affects how loud they can get. The amount of power you need depends on how you plan on using your PA system. If you're performing in smaller bars or at house parties, you won't need as much power as you would at a bigger, more open venue. It's also important to take into account whether you'll be performing indoors or outdoors. When you perform in a smaller space inside, you don't need as much power — the sound will bounce around. But even if you're playing for the same size crowd, only outside, the sound won't act the same. When you perform outside, there's nothing to stop the sound. Playing outdoors you may need more power to reach every person in the audience. Portability Where you use your PA system will also affect which system you should get. There are PA systems that are completely portable and include all the necessary components, including a power source. A battery-powered portable PA system is really convenient, especially if you're playing shows outside and don't have another power source nearby. PA systems made with portability in mind are convenient and still bring the power you need. If you have a PA system that doesn't have its own power source, make sure you know exactly where one is that you can use during your gig. If you're performing outside, you may need to invest in a generator too. Other Gear The main parts of your PA system are the input device (microphone, etc.), an amplifier and the speaker. However, there's some other gear that you might need in order to get the best sound out of your PA system. Here's some extra equipment you may need or want to add to your PA system: Cables: You'll need the right cables to connect everything in your system. Depending on the equipment you're connecting to the PA system, you may need different types of cables in different lengths. Mixer: If you have a complex setup, you may want to consider getting a sound mixer, too. You can plug in all the different parts of your setup and then adjust the levels for each part. A mixer gives you a lot more control. If a level doesn't sound right, you can quickly adjust it. Microphones: You'll obviously need a microphone for all the singers in your group, but you may also need to mic some instruments. If you have any acoustic instruments, you may need to give them a microphone to make sure they're heard over the other parts. Stands: Unless you want the speakers to sit on the ground, you'll need stands to mount them When you're thinking of buying a new PA system, make sure you think about this other gear. Browse through our selection of Yamaha PA systems today for great deals on any equipment you might need as well as exceptional customer service from our experienced team.
Tools to Help You Practice Better
It doesn't matter whether you're sitting down for your first lesson on a new instrument or you've been playing for years — you have to practice. To improve your playing, there are some tools available to you that will help you get the most out of your practice time. 1. Use a Metronome A metronome is useful in lots of ways during practice. If a piece has a fast tempo, you will not be able to play it accurately at that speed when you first begin learning it. Using your metronome to learn it at a slower tempo will help you familiarize yourself with the music as you practice. Once you feel comfortable playing it at a slower tempo, you can start raising the tempo until you reach the suggested beats per minute (BPM) speed. If you're a musician, no matter your skill level, this tool is a must-have. Browse through our metronome inventory to find one to help your playing. 2. Use a Tuner If you play certain instruments, like pianos, you may not need one. Some instruments stay in tune mainly on their own. If you play an instrument that requires you to tune, like a guitar, using a tuner will help you keep it in pitch. Practicing with a tuner will not only help you keep your instrument in tune, but will also help improve your ear. The more you use the tuner while you play, the better you'll be able to recognize certain note. Having a better ear will also help you easily pick up on mistakes. If you don't quite get that chord right, you'll be able to tell right away. A tuner is a great tool because it is pretty inexpensive. Knowing how much it could help you practice better, check out our range of tuners online, from clip-on guitar tuners to standalone ones. 3. Record Yourself This is a really underrated tool that could help you improve your playing. You can make an audio or a video recording. With an audio recording, you can make notes of any areas where you're having problems and possibly pick up on certain things that you need to improve. A video recording would be very helpful if you're a performer. You can see yourself as the audience would see you without ever going on stage. You may notice some things that could make your playing, and your performing, much stronger. You could use Garageband to record yourself and other similar tools. But if you want a quality recording, even when you video record, too, you should get a high-quality microphone. Check out our inventory of microphones now to find the right one. 4. Make a Schedule If you like to put off practicing or just have a busy calendar, it may help to create a practice schedule. Use a planner or other similar calendar tool to map out which days of the week you'll practice and for how long. If you know your scheduled practice time is the only time you can practice, you're more likely to make the most out of it. On the flip side, if you tend to slack off while practicing, you can help yourself by doing more deliberate practice. 5. Create Multiple Sets of Warmups If you're just starting out, warmups will help you become a more confident playing and will give you the building blocks you need to learn more complicated music. Even if you're a pro, warmups will get your hands moving (depending on your instrument) before you dive into harder stuff. Professionals often practice and warm up before shows in order to make sure they are fresh and ready to play their instrument to the best of their ability when on stage. To find great deals on the tools we mentioned, and even ones we didn't, check out our store online or visit us at one of our two convenient locations in the Bay Area of California.
How to Mic a Snare Drum
Whether you're recording a sample for a track you're mixing or recording an album for your band, you're probably here because you're looking to mic a snare drum. The snare is a unique instrument and needs different mic techniques than other instruments. Unless you've seen someone mic one before, you may need some help. Number of Mics Some musicians prefer micing just the top of the snare. But you'll have a greater range of sound when you mic both the top and bottom. You can even add more than one mic to the top of the drum. You may have some space constraints when you're working with an entire drum kit. But when you add more microphones, you'll be able to pick up different sounds and tones. Even if you choose not to use some of the recordings, you still have the option to use them. Mounting the Mic There are a few options when it comes to setting up your microphone or microphones. You can use either a microphone stand or a mic clip. The type of mounting mechanism you choose will depend on the position you want to put the mic in. You can get a little more distance when you use a mic stand because it's a separate piece of equipment. You can get the mic closer with a clip because it attaches right onto the rim of the drum. Whichever mount you use will depend on how you plan on positioning the microphone, which we talk about below. Positioning The exact placement of your microphone will have a huge effect on the sound you record. Even a tiny difference — even an inch — can impact how your recording turns out. Think about these factors while you're setting up a microphone for a snare recording: Distance: Striking the snare drum on different parts of the head will produce different sounds. Hitting the drum dead center will give you a more dull, flat, staccato tone. Playing farther from the center will give that distinct crack. If you position the microphone towards the center of the drum, it picks up lower tones and not much of the sound from the snares. It will have a full sound but not sound as snare-like. Move it closer to the rim and the microphone will pick up more balanced tones. Height: How far away you position the microphone from the snare will also affect your end result. If the mic is right up close to the snare, you'll get a harsher tone. The farther away it is, the softer the sound becomes. Once you've decided how you plan on setting up your snare mic, it's time to actually put it together. Before Recording Before you start recording, you obviously have to set up all the equipment you need. Here's what you need to do before you can start recording: Get your setup ready: Are you recording on an entire kit or just the snare by itself? Make sure you gather all the instruments and hardware you need before you set up the microphone equipment. The mics shouldn't interfere with your playing. Tune your snare: To get a high-quality recording, you need to make sure the snare is sounding its best. Tune it up before you record. Test it out: When you first set up your equipment, it may not be right on the first try. Make some sample recordings to test out the sound and make any adjustments you think are necessary. By taking these steps before you begin recording, you'll be better prepared to get the best sound possible out of your snare. Experiment Like lots of other things, how you mic your snare will come down to personal preference. What you think is the perfect setup may not appeal to someone else. The best way to find what you think is best is to experiment. Test out different positions, different numbers of microphones and different settings and levels on your equipment. Playing around with how you set up your recording equipment gives you greater variety in the types of sounds you can produce, letting you get even more creative. Whether you're looking for a new snare drum or great recording equipment, you can find it at Bananas at Large®. We've got great deals on top-quality equipment, including LP Snare drums, along with excellent customer service.
What Is a Guitar Setup and When Do I Need One?
Chances are good you've heard "guitar setup" since you began playing guitar. It's frequently thrown around as common knowledge, but do you really know what a guitar setup is and why it's important? If you know don't know what a setup is, we're here to help! We've put together a basic explanation of what a guitar setup is and when you may need to get one. What Is a Guitar Setup? When you hear "guitar setup," what comes to mind? Is it the way you physically set up your instrument when you're ready to play? That would make sense, but that's not what it is. To put it basically, a guitar setup is providing your guitar with maintenance. Like your annual doctor's visit or scheduled maintenance for your car, your guitar needs maintenance too to keep it in the best shape possible. You can do your guitar setup yourself or have it done by a professional. However, you should only do your setup yourself if you have experience doing it or know someone who knows what they're doing. Doing a guitar setup incorrectly could permanently affect your guitar in a negative way. When you have a guitar setup done, you're making a series of adjustments to get it sounding the best that it can. Getting a setup makes your guitar play the right tones at the right places, handles at its best and reduces buzz. Why Does Your Guitar Need One? Most guitars are made of wood. This material gives your guitar that great sound you love, but it also changes as the temperature and humidity change. Day to day, this alters the way your guitar sounds. This change in sound is because of the changes in temperature and humidity causing the guitar to expand and contract. The change in your guitar isn't noticeable to the eye, but it's definitely noticeable in its sound. That's why your guitar setup is so important — the setup counters these changes to get your guitar sounding its best and to keep it in the best shape for as long as possible. When you get a guitar setup, the following work may be done: An evaluation of how the guitar plays and how clean it sounds Adjusting the neck, tightening or loosening the truss rod Removing the strings and replacing them if needed Cleaning the nut so the strings sit how they're supposed to Get the right intonation by adjusting the scale lengths of the strings Fine-tune the bridge's height A professional can give you a detailed rundown of how much work needs to be done and exactly which adjustments need to be made on your guitar. When Should You Get a Setup? There are a number of indicators to look out for that show you may need a setup for your guitar. If you recently purchased your guitar, you probably need a setup. Guitar manufacturers will do generic quality testing before a guitar goes out, but they likely won't be closely tested. A setup will help fine-tune your new guitar. The same principle applies if your guitar has been unplayed for a while. If your guitar feels difficult to play, it might not be you. A setup will help give your guitar the adjustments it needs to best fit your playing style and needs. A factory-standard guitar won't fit everyone perfectly — the setup can help customize your guitar for you. Do you feel like your guitar always seems out of tune, even after you've tuned it? If so, a setup will get your guitar back in pitch. If you're hearing your guitar buzz a lot while you're playing, you'll need a setup. But if you're just learning to play, it may not mean you need a setup. Beginners will hear this buzzing a lot until they improve their skills. If you continue to hear a lot of buzzing, you should get a setup. Even if you're not experiencing any of these issues, you should get a guitar setup every six months or so, depending on how often you're playing, to keep your instrument in the best shape possible. If you're looking for a professional who you can trust to give your guitar a setup, we've got you covered. Our setup and repair services will get your guitar back to sounding its best.
What's the Difference Between Passive and Active Pickups?
The pickup on your electric guitar or bass affects the tone. Whether you have a passive or active pickup, each type will give a different sound to your music. Below, we'll explain what exactly the pickup is, the difference between passive and active pickups, and which type you should use. What Is a Pickup? The pickup is the piece of metal or plastic that sits below the strings on the body of your guitar or bass. It "picks up" the vibrations coming from the strings and translates those vibrations to the sound you hear coming out of your amp. The pickup is made of a magnet and wound copper wire. When you strum the strings of the guitar or bass, it disrupts the magnet and alters the current that is running through the copper wire. That current then moves through the amplifier, giving you your sound. Passive vs. Active Pickups There are several differences between the two types of pickups. Passive pickups are how we described them above. They have two basic components — the magnet and would copper wire — which pick up the vibrations of the strings. The vibrations are read as a current, which then travels through your cable and then out of your amplifier. Passive pickups create a weaker electric signal than active pickups, making your amplifier more important. The amp is where your sound is boosted, giving it much better projection. Active pickups have a higher output than passive pickups because they rely on a power source, like a battery. Basically, active pickups will give your sound more power and give you a more consistent tone than a passive pickup. Which Pickup Is Better? Objectively, neither type of pickup is better than the other. Each type of pickup comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of a passive pickup include: Making your tone more expressive because the pickup is more sensitive to the vibrations of the strings Ability to pick up more subtle tones, giving your music a greater range More affordable than guitars and basses with active pickups Some disadvantages of passive pickups are: They have a more limited output If you have a slightly lower-quality guitar, it could have more of an effect on your sound than an active pickup Produce a lot more feedback out of the amplifier, which can interfere with the sound and tone of your guitar or bass If you're a beginner, you may not want to spend the extra money needed to get an active pickup. However, you can upgrade your passive pickup to an active pickup. If you like playing around with the subtleties of your music, the passive pickup would also be the better choice. The quality of your amp is also important in getting the most out of your passive pickup, since this type relies more heavily on this piece of equipment. The advantages of an active pickup include: Have less feedback than passive pickups, giving your music a cleaner sound Easier to handle with high-gain distortions Better tone than passive pickups with a lower-quality guitar or bass Some of the disadvantages of the active pickup are: Guitars with active pickups are more expensive than guitars with passive pickups If your battery runs out, the instrument is basically useless until you replace the battery Active pickups are more popular with bass players and guitarists who mainly play metal. For bassists, the active pickup gives the instrument a brighter tone that fits better with the style of their playing. The power you get with an active pickup is better suited to the energy of the metal genre of music. With their cleaner tones, active pickups are also better suited for studio recording. If you used a passive pickup instead, you'd have a lot more excess noise to work through while mixing the track. The type of pickup you choose will come down to the genre of music you typically play in, your playing style and your own preference. Test out both types of pickups, decide on the type you think sounds best, and then just go with that one. At Bananas at Large®, our team can help you find the guitar or bass with the right pickup for your needs. With great deals and a dedicated and helpful team, we can help you find exactly what you want and need.
