ROK-LOK - Universal Strap Lock Solution for Guitarists
Certainly, strap locks are essential for the gigging musician (although home/studio musicians who play standing would benefit with the added security), particularly if guitar tricks are your thing, e.g., 360-degree flip around the back. What I don’t like about strap locks is that some are unattractive (big knobby buttons), while all require modification – and anyone who has experience with strap locks know that sometimes there are issues with screws and pre-drilled hole sizes.
The Rok-Lok system is completely different, in that it attaches to your guitar strap, which means you can use the same strap on multiple guitars without any modification, without having to purchase multiple sets of typical strap locks for all your guitars, and it connects/removes in seconds.
The accompany video addresses several of the features, and I even took a hammer to one of them. I didn’t hit as hard as possible, but did give it several good strikes. Absolutely not a scratch or crack, although the video will show a touch of dust from the dirty hammer.
Although the Rok-Lok system is made of scratch-resistant, proprietary resin, it comes with protective pads that you can apply, which is ideal for bare wood, or guitars with a thin lacquer/coating. Depending on how the guitar hangs (relative to the guitar’s body and the strap positioning), there may not be much, if any contact between the Rok-Lok base and the guitar. I watched a few videos on this product, and it was stated that there was no visual wear caused by the Rok-Lok, nor were there ever any issue with it unlocking accidentally, and these were gigging musicians.
The cost is very reasonable, at $19.99 (get 2 sets for $34.99), particularly considering if you use only one strap, then you need only one set. As stated, this is much better than buying strap locks for every guitar, in that a single set will cost at least $19.99. Multiply that by 5 guitars, for example.
Overall, the Rok-Lok system is simple, ingenious, affordable, practical, and a long time coming. Highly recommended, and available at: https://www.theroklok.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Heavy Hatchet Distortion: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
92
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GREAT SPACE DECEPTION - A Musical Journey
Music created using SynthMaster from Band-in-a-Box www.pgmusic.com
A look at some of the deceptions and lies from NASA and about space, space travel, and the true nature of our realm.
406
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4
comments
Heavy Hatchet Extras
Comparing the Heavy Hatchet distortion to the Purple Nightmare Preamp (pretty darn close), and hearing how the Heavy Hatchet cleans up, and if there's a sound difference whether in front of the amp (distortion mode) or in an amp's FX Loop (Preamp mode).
https://driftwoodamps.com/
156
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HEAVY HATCHET Distortion by Driftwood Amps
From classic rock to modern metal, Driftwood's Heavy Hatchet delivers four mode combinations of distortion (Vintage, Modern, Lo-Gain & Hi-Gain) that are amp-like and thick. Run it in front of a clean amp or as a preamp through an FX Loop (two modes). This is one addictive pedal that sounds simply fantastic!
https://driftwoodamps.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
149
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Band-in-a-Box 2024 (demo sampling)
There are several videos covering the new features of BIAB 2024, as well as feature videos on how to use the program, etc. This demo includes a some of the newest styles (with my improv) that were created in BIAB, and as I cover some of the more basics behind the newest features.
https://www.pgmusic.com/
340
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1
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Sonicake's BASS FACTORY PREAMP
Full spectrum EQ, optical compressor, gain (OD to distortion), pre- or post-EQ, and 1/4-inch & XLR balanced outputs. Hook up to a cab or PA and you're ready to go, from fat and smooth, to punch and hard-hitting. $79.99 USD or less, as per the links below:
https://www.sonicake.com/products/b-factory
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR157S8T?th=1
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006572679604.html
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
BC Rich Mockingbird Heritage Classic bass
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
280
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3
comments
Line 6 POD EXPRESS (Guitar)
There are a lot of multi-effects units on the market, but for the price, the sound quality is amazing right out of the box... very little tweaking is required and you're ready to go with killer guitar tones, from clean to nasty.
https://line6.com/podexpress/guitar-effects
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
388
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2
comments
Sonicake's ACOUSTIC PREAMP FACTORY
Great value and plenty of features, including 3-band EQ, buffered bypass, notch gain/filter, on-board reverb, 1/4-inch and XLR balanced outputs. And it does not color your guitar tone. $69.99 USD or less, via the links below.
Sonicake Online Store: https://www.sonicake.com/products/a-factory
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP1T28X2
AliExpress US: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806121340922.html
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Ibanez Vai Euphoria acoustic
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
238
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4
comments
NEOKLON - King of the Klons (Hagerman Amps)
With a better response, greater headroom, and much reduced noise (this pedal is very quiet!), NEOKLON goes that extra step beyond the classic and with this new modern version.
https://www.hagamps.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Master Plan mastering: https://www.musikhack.com/
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Hagerman ONE WATTER amp: https://www.hagamps.com/
KSR Vesta: https://ksramps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
316
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GOODBYE (music video)
A music video. We are unable to advance beyond a point. If a Phoenix Event doesn't get us, the elite and controllers will.
GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering (Master Plan): https://www.musikhack.com/
Casio Privia PX-160: https://www.casio.com/
Roland Integra-7 sound module: https://www.roland.com/us/products/integra-7/
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
377
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7
comments
MASTER PLAN - Ultimate Music Mastering Plugin
If this isn't the best, and likely one of the easiest to use, then it has to be right up there. The quality, clarity, separation, and loudness with this software is amazing.
https://www.musikhack.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
This Heavy Earth pedals: https://thisheavyearth.com/
LiberaToe pedals: https://www.liberatoe.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
205
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FLESH ROT v2 - Sample Riffing
This may be a Doom pedal, and the VH140c chip may have its roots in that genre. But this is an intense rocking machine, as well. Rip through riffs with intensity, and hear those lead lines sing!
https://thisheavyearth.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
KSR Vesta Preamp & Cab IRs: https://ksramps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
319
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FLESH ROT v2 - Ultimate Death Metal Pedal
Big, thick and heavy... and it cuts! If you're looking for that grain that rips, but doesn't sound like a chainsaw out of control, then Flesh Rot v2 is the beast! Intense, but it doesn't punch you in the face like the Diesel Herbert.
https://thisheavyearth.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
KSR Vesta Preamp & Cab IRs: https://ksramps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
305
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The Dinosaur Myth
Dinosaurs are nothing more than lizards that did not survive a reset. They are not millions of years old, nor do fossils suggest as much. Rather, fossilization and petrification happen much faster than we realize, and in some instances, within an instant. Another extensive video on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA7dVszSHF4&t=1758s
MUSIC GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
AMP 1 Iridium: https://bluguitar.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
582
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2
comments
The Greatest Awakening - A Musical Journey Into Our Lies
PAYPAL & PATREON: Your donation greatly appreciated to create these time-consuming videos. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CoolGuitarGear
https://www.patreon.com/CoolGuitarGear?fan_landing=true
If you enjoy this presentation, donations welcomed! This was created with demos, with intentions of creating a live rock opera.
GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Gear I use is presented at the end of the video, with a few notables in my song creation:
Band-in-a-Box: https://www.pgmusic.com/
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
5K
views
4
comments
CABINETRON - Ultimate IR Creator & Loader
If you're using IRs, then this program is a must. Tailoring your sound never was easier, whether customizing IRs you like, or using the hundreds available with CABINETRON, you can stack up to 8 IRs (no kidding!), create a balance, a unique impulse response, and so much more. This program is addictive!
https://www.threebodytech.com/en/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
KSR Vesta Preamp: https://ksramps.com/
Hagerman One Watter amp: https://www.hagamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
344
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Nice Knob!
Various guitar knobs on some of my instruments, with a few extra included. One of the easiest ways to customize the appearance of your guitar.
https://www.vandykeharms.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JunkShopAudio
295
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Guess the Preamps and WIN V-Picks
Three random winners will receive a starter pack of V-Picks, valued at $30 each. Contest open to US residents only (one entry per person). Place the preamps in the correct order in which they are played, and send your answers/address to vinni@v-picks.com
Contest closes Dec 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.
https://v-picks.com/
PREAMPS in the Video:
Diezel Herbert
Victory Duchess
Victory Sheriff
Victory Kraken
KSR Vesta
Driftwood's Purple Nightmare
280
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VOL - Virtual Jeff add-on pedal + Interview
If you want to see and hear the new addition to the Virtual Jeff, so that you can use your whammy as a Volume controller and other cool sound techniques, jump to 35:30
The first half of the conversation talks about what the Virtual Jeff can do, why it was created and the work involved in getting this device launched, and the influence of Jeff Beck.
https://www.fomofx.com/
324
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Hagerman REACTOR - 5W Reactive Load!
If you have a small tube amp (5 watts and under), it can cost more for a reactive load, for direct recording, than the cost of the amp. This has changed, with Hagerman's REACTOR.
https://www.hagamps.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Hagerman Half Watt & One Watter amps: https://www.hagamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
STROBELCASTER travel guitar: https://www.strobelguitars.com/
246
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Quality Gift Ideas for GUITARISTS 2023 - Christmas Edition
I went shopping on Etsy this year and found eleven of my favorite things.
Do visit the artisan’s sites & shops, as they offer a lot more than is presented in this gift guide.
John Julian on Piano: https://www.johnstetch.com/
Guitar Clock (0:12): https://www.etsy.com/shop/NardoDesignCo
Guitar Gripper (1:00): https://www.etsy.com/shop/ExzibitB
Guitar Coasters (1:38): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparkedUpStudio
Guitar Pick Collection (2:27): https://www.etsy.com/shop/GuitarPickCollection
3-D Gift Cards (4:08): https://www.etsy.com/shop/musiccardsGuitarday
Skull Pick Holder (5:02): https://www.etsy.com/shop/PRINT3DPRODUCTSCA
Pedal Rack (5:22): https://www.etsy.com/shop/codahandmade
Guitar Knobs (6:45): https://www.vandykeharms.com/
Amplifier Pillow (7:23): https://www.etsy.com/shop/Yorokobitigershop
Circle of Fifths (8:14): https://www.etsy.com/shop/GTownCreative
Amp & Guitar Badges (9:13): https://www.etsy.com/shop/DroplightIndustries
321
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2
comments
Wylde Audio NOMAD - demo + mods
The Zakk Wylde NOMAD guitar (in RedRum finish). Heavy construction, solid, and a quality instrument. I made a few modifications (sound & cosmetic), but this is a very decent guitar for the price, and if you like thick necks and active pickups, this should be a consideration.
https://www.schecterguitars.com/guitars/wylde-audio
MODIFICATIONS:
Virtual Jeff Pro whammy: https://www.fomofx.com/
Van Dyke-Harms Ultra-Grip knobs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VanDykeInnovations
Spike Toggle Switch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JunkShopAudio
Fret Mute/Dampeners: https://gruvgear.com/collections/fretwraps
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
UA Del-Verb: https://uaudio.com/
GRIM3 drive: https://thisheavyearth.com/
Guitar Grip guitar hanger: https://www.guitargrip.com/
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Maple Rock Pedalboard: https://www.maplerockpedalboards.ca/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
370
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3
comments
KSR Amps' Cab VESTA Preamp - Bold & Cutting
You get three channels, including a Fenderesque clean (great pedal platform), an aggressive crunch, and a full, singing lead (both distortion channels are different). The VESTA sounds big and thick (very amp-like), yet the detail remains clear, even with the gain up full. With switches for Bright, Feel, and Mode, there's a lot to like and a lot of different tone qualities possible.
https://ksramps.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
La Flaca guitar by Pure Salem: https://www.puresalemguitars.com/
Wylde Audio NOMAD guitar: https://www.schecterguitars.com/guitars/wylde-audio
Well-Hung guitar strap: https://reverb.com/ca/shop/well-hung-guitar-accessories
Guitar String Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dremeworks/
Guitar Grip guitar hanger: https://www.guitargrip.com/
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Maple Rock Pedalboard: https://www.maplerockpedalboards.ca/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
334
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3
comments
KSR Amps' Cab IR pack
Two cabs (V30 + Creamback) with 10 different mics, which means over 120 tone combinations. These are the real deal, with excellent impulses response and tone... not those cheap IRs you get with most gear.
https://ksramps.com/product/ir-rcs-212-full-pack/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Purple Nightmare Preamp: https://driftwoodamps.com/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
Music Man Majesty guitar: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/john-petrucci
Well-Hung guitar strap: https://reverb.com/ca/shop/well-hung-guitar-accessories
Guitar String Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dremeworks/
Guitar Grip guitar hanger: https://www.guitargrip.com/
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
Maple Rock Pedalboard: https://www.maplerockpedalboards.ca/
Mission Engineering 529i power supply: https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/power/529i/
Carl Martin Pro Power V2: https://carlmartin.com/propower-version-2/
Shielded Power Cable: https://docmusicstation.fr/en/22-power-cables
223
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Guitar Flatter (transform from fretted to fretless in minutes)
Well, almost instantly (you have to attach between the strings and frets). Best of all, no damage, drilling, etc., and it is very affordable. Why buy a fretless guitar when you can have the FLATTER? Quick installation and quality sound that is both traditional and unusual (relative to fretted instruments). And, yes, I find this easy to play. For single notes, you aim for the fret and not between the frets. And so, if you are playing an A note, then the fret closest to the bridge direction is what you land on, whereas any slight deviation will produce a minor off-note (which can be very desirable with vibrato techniques). Chords are more challenging, but not much so... think of reduces chord shapes with open strings (if and when applicable), rather than trying to barre all six strings, etc.
https://guitarflatter.com/
OTHER GEAR IN THE VIDEO:
Kali Audio IN-8 Speakers: https://www.kaliaudio.com/
Audio Mastering: https://emastered.com
KSR Vesta Preamp: https://ksramps.com/product-category/products-all/
Band-in-a-Box (backing track composer): https://www.pgmusic.com
BandLab’s Cakewalk DAW: https://www.bandlab.com/
Parker Dragonfly guitar
Well-Hung guitar strap: https://reverb.com/ca/shop/well-hung-guitar-accessories
Guitar String Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dremeworks/
Guitar Grip guitar hanger: https://www.guitargrip.com/
GraphTech TUSQ picks: https://graphtech.com/pages/tusq-picks
V-Pick: https://v-picks.com/
Spectraflex cables: https://spectraflex.com/
295
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