Strings
Microphones
Keyboards
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Strings
-F. Davies
Here are the strings I've been using on various instruments.
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For the D'Angelico archtop I use GHS Nickel Rockers in gauges 10 through 50.
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For the ESP and SG guitars I use D'Addario XL Pure Nickel in gauges 10 through 45.
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For the Ibanez Dreadnought guitar I use GHS Vintage Bronze in gauges 12 through 54.
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On the 12-string I use Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Alloy Light.
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On the 5-string fretless bass I use Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Flatwound in gauges 45 through 130.
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On the classical guitars I use Hannabach 815 High Tension strings.
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Metaldude's Strings
-Metaldude
More at Metaldude's Garage, Gear pages.
Click below to purchase at Amazon |
Savrez Cantiga Premium
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Savarez Corum
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Hannabach Titanyl
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Hannabach Carbon
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String-Tie
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Sure PGA58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
-F. Davies
If you are on a budget and need a vocal mic, this Sure PGA58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone might serve you well.
Its weight of .65 pounds tells you something about the quality and how sturdy it is.
The frequency response of 50Hz-16kHz is simply good enough ...unless you have swallowed a dog whistle, and the clarity is excellent. It has what they call a dynamic polar pattern, meaning that it's less sensitive to sounds coming from the sides.
I like that its all black too as on stage it detracts less from the performer. It also has an on and off switch and XLR connector, both things I personally desire in a mic. |
Alesis Recital Pro
-F. Davies
I needed to add a piano to the instruments here, mostly for others to play when we get together to jam or record. Shopping around, comparing features I settled on the Alesis Recital Pro. Two main features I wanted were a full sized 88 key keyboard and weighted keys. I felt it important that it feel like a real traditional piano.
Of course this modern keyboard is all electronic and includes several other voices such as a bright piano, electric piano, vibraphone, organ, church organ, harpsichord clavi., synth., strings, acoustic bass and fingered bass. It also is MIDI (USB) so can run to the computer here as an input to software programs. But for the most part folks just seem to use it as a piano, and to my ears it sounds pretty good, and it's velocity sensitive so the harder one strikes the key the louder it is.
I usually run it straight to the mixer, amp and main speakers, but it also has built-in speakers and an additional jack for headphones. A couple of other cool features are that it has a sustain pedal, and the ability to split the keyboard. I'd give this critter a big thumbs up and recommend it to any looking to add a keyboard to their gear. |
Casio MT-240
-F. Davies
Wow, this Casio MT 240 is tiny but pretty cool for being made back in the 80's and likely sold more as a toy than a serious instrument. The one here at the shop was donated by Metaldude decades ago, but is still up and running. I used it mostly in conjunction with synth software as it is MIDI ...something a bit unusual considering its size and age.
It features just a whole bunch of pulse code modulated sounds and has the unique feature of being able to play two of them at the same time, for an even larger number of sounds it can make. It also has a built-in drum machine and a jack for headphones or sending to an amp etc. About the only downside is that it also has an automatic shut-off which is annoying at times.
I never really gave it much thought until reading what others had to say about it, including folks hacking it for various reasons. You can still find them used in flea markets or second hand stores going for just a few dollars or at Reverb for considerably more. If you see one, grab it for a sawbuck and give it to the kids if you don't like it. But it just might surprise you as it has so many others. |
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Gear made by Delphi O.E.M. Co.
(F. Davies)
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Solid-body classical guitar
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Clasical guitar stands
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Purpleheart flute headjoint
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Crab drumstick holders
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