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Old 06-05-2013, 02:45 PM
Warrenaines Warrenaines is offline
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Default Use Amp To Improve Touch/Technique?

Does anyone plug-in for purposes other than performing (or preparing for performing)? For example, does anyone use an amp simply to try to develop a smoother, lighter touch or quieter chord changes?
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Old 06-05-2013, 03:12 PM
JanVigne JanVigne is offline
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Nope. I have to admit, that's one of the many reasons I prefer an acoustic guitar.
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Old 06-05-2013, 04:03 PM
Knollhaven Knollhaven is offline
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Yep, I do plug in to practice, even with my acoustic-electric. It helps me to hear my tone. And I can use all the help I can get!
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Old 06-05-2013, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Warrenaines View Post
Does anyone plug-in for purposes other than performing (or preparing for performing)? For example, does anyone use an amp simply to try to develop a smoother, lighter touch or quieter chord changes?
Hi Warren...

I play medium loud as my normal volume when not using an amp. My amp allows me to still play medium loud when I perform, and just turn up to match the volume to the room.

I never alter my style when playing through the amp, nor because I'm playing through an amp.


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Old 06-08-2013, 03:23 AM
SpiderTrap SpiderTrap is offline
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Default Amps

MY biggest GRIPE of Acoustic players WHO PLAY THRU PA's or AMPS have NO IDEA How to set an Acoustic guitar up to make it SOUND ACOUSTIC and not like some JANGLY TREBBLY EAR PEARCING Piece of ....Well U-NO - For EVERY Ten Acoustic amped players, I may have heard ONE WHO Knew how to set a system up to SOUND Pleasing to the ear ... THIS IS ESSENTIAL if you even want to begin to sound like you know what you're doing ... I Dont know if these folks have hearing problems , or dont know any better ....but my concentration is always on a sweet smooth enjoyable sound .... may take a few more minutes to obtain it ,,, but makes all the difference in the world . Maybe they're too much in a hurry ?? I CANT STAND HEARING AN AMPED ACOUSTIC SET UP THAT IS 99% TREBLE .
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Old 06-08-2013, 12:49 PM
muscmp muscmp is offline
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Originally Posted by SpiderTrap999 View Post
MY biggest GRIPE of Acoustic players WHO PLAY THRU PA's or AMPS have NO IDEA How to set an Acoustic guitar up to make it SOUND ACOUSTIC and not like some JANGLY TREBBLY EAR PEARCING Piece of ....Well U-NO - For EVERY Ten Acoustic amped players, I may have heard ONE WHO Knew how to set a system up to SOUND Pleasing to the ear ... THIS IS ESSENTIAL if you even want to begin to sound like you know what you're doing ... I Dont know if these folks have hearing problems , or dont know any better ....but my concentration is always on a sweet smooth enjoyable sound .... may take a few more minutes to obtain it ,,, but makes all the difference in the world . Maybe they're too much in a hurry ?? I CANT STAND HEARING AN AMPED ACOUSTIC SET UP THAT IS 99% TREBLE .
why don't you enlighten them?

play music!
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Old 06-08-2013, 04:11 PM
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....but my concentration is always on a sweet smooth enjoyable sound .... may take a few more minutes to obtain it
Hmm...what's your setup ?
I think, Larry's approach of matching the amplified sound to the room has validity. Although, if playing at an outside venue things can get a little more difficult to adjust to.
Larry, do you use monitors for larger rooms ?
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Old 06-08-2013, 07:12 PM
larryb larryb is offline
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Originally Posted by Warrenaines View Post
Does anyone plug-in for purposes other than performing (or preparing for performing)? For example, does anyone use an amp simply to try to develop a smoother, lighter touch or quieter chord changes?
Yes, I do, and I find it to be a valuable exercise in helping me develop a lighter touch and smoother transitions. It's hard to hide from my choppy-nes, rough transitions, squeeks and mistakes when I am plugged in. So it forces me to bring a greater level of attentiveness and care to my playing. But, I try not to do it for too long of a period because I don't want to get dependent on it. Then I return to unplugged to see if I can bring the same lighter touch without amplification. I do find it a useful exercise in measured doses from time to time.
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Old 06-08-2013, 07:27 PM
BluesBelly BluesBelly is offline
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Originally Posted by larryb View Post
Yes, I do, and I find it to be a valuable exercise in helping me develop a lighter touch and smoother transitions. It's hard to hide from my choppy-nes, rough transitions, squeeks and mistakes when I am plugged in. So it forces me to bring a greater level of attentiveness and care to my playing. But, I try not to do it for too long of a period because I don't want to get dependent on it. Then I return to unplugged to see if I can bring the same lighter touch without amplification. I do find it a useful exercise in measured doses from time to time.
Larry,

I agree with your assessment and use acoustic amplification in a similar manner. I love playing the Blues so I also try to develop techniques that work well with an amp but might be lacking with only acoustics. I play through both solid state and tube amps. I also play electric and transfer certain licks to acoustic, for instance, squealing the acoustic and double string bends seem to come to life when amplified. Peidmont blues sound pretty much the same when amplified but Acoustic Delta Blues take on a new life through tubes.

Blues
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Old 06-10-2013, 12:21 AM
SpiderTrap SpiderTrap is offline
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Why Dont I enlighten them ? well for several reasons. Number one , I usually dont feel like getting cussed out by some guitar player, who can likely play well but doesnt know how to set his equip up properly . Yeah That'd go over real well.....Best thing I do is walk away and not listen ......avoiding confrontation over bad sound ... the worst thing is people listening usually have NO idea and think it may sound good ?? That one really gets me ....I just shake my head and leave ...It's not my place to tell someone they sound like crap , as long as I Don't .
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