Blog

Namm 2018 rumours and what would you like in 2018?

Adobe-Spark-2.jpg

So it is that time of year again!! Doesn't come around so quickly there days?? The NAMM show in January 2018. is a time to start thinking and dreaming of what might be coming out in this year. It seems like quite a few companies like Korg, Supro and various pedal companies (to name the two that I have seen) have done pre-release press releases, so we already know what is coming. A bit of a shame, as I love the excitement.So what am I hoping for this year? Well, I think I am going to be disappointed (as always it would seem), but one can dream. TC Electronic (now part of Music group i.e Behringer) seem to only be concentrating on single stomp boxes now, which is a real shame. My other wish is for Spectrsonics to update Stylus RMX, but given keyscape only just came out I doubt that they will. NAMM used to be big for them, but they seem to have gone very quite of late.Like most years, (if you have read any of my blog previously), really I am only looking for a couple of companies to do a couple of things (which are actually pretty much the same from year to year!!!), so I am guessing there must be a gap in the market, and one thing in particular, the TC Electronic Nova System is right up there. Given by just how popular my review and videos on the unit are, it would seem I am not alone. So for the fifth year running, this is what I am  hoping for.But, otherwise here are my NAMM 2018 wishesUnless you don’t fancy the video! (And very similar to last year!!)1) (This is the big one!) A new Nova System from TC Electronic. Well to be honest, I love the Nova System, I have been gigging mine for over five years now, but there are a few omissions and small things that would make it totally perfect. These are, a filter section (Autowah, envelope filter perhaps, I would have these over the pitch if I had to), and improved tuner (insert a polytune please!!!) and perhaps another way to access patch v presets. I would also love for it to be Toneprintable, how incredible would it be to be able to download Toneprints to the Nova System. Oh okay maybe one more, to make it the most perfect object of all time, perhaps adding in a few basic amp models (Fender, Marshall, Vox perhaps?), so that it could be used direct into a PA or as a basic modeller. That would make it perfection!! Particular on the last point that the TC Halicon Voice Channel can do this, and Tech 21 have introduced this concept with the FlyRig, it would be perfect. But sadly I don't think it is coming.2)Love to see an update to the Ibanez RG Prestige range, perhaps a natural finish guitar??3)Spectrasonics?? Where are you???????….maybe some new libraries for Stylus RMX?  and how about the next generation of awesome software that we know you are capable of!!4)Logic 11? 2013 was the year of Logic X, I am very cautious with Apple at the moment and their (what feels to me) move away from supporting the creatives that carried them through the bad times. They are a phone company now and not a computer company, evidenced by their latest update to the Mac Mini, a total backward step IMHO.I would be very interested to hear what you are waiting for/hoping for.Maybe I'll get my book there next year ;)

A lifetime of guitar knowledge for only £6.95Take the next step with your playing...

Or Kindle version....

So what is on your list?

PeaceNeilEnjoyPeaceNeil

How to become a better musician : Stop worrying and 2nd guessing

Worry.jpg

A video thesis on how worrying, 2nd guessing what others thinking will prevent you from being a better guitarist! Enjoy, create, strive to improve, but most importantly be yourself. That is the key, it is simple really when you think of it, but in practice it can be a lot harder. The video examines the issues around constant comparison with others (in particularly in light of the internet) and how this can impede your development as a musician, guitarist or actually in any profession.

How to become a better musician

Check out the video below! You won’t regret it!EnjoyPeaceNeil

Profile on mgrmusic.com

15392797_1846306405613481_5397026900315668821_o.jpg

https://mgrmusic.com/teacher/neil-bruce/I am really happy to say that I now have a profile on the fantastic mgrmusic.com website. So what is the website all about? Well, here is some blurb from the about section "MusicTeacher.co.uk is a network of professional musicians located throughout the UK and Ireland, tutoring students of all ages and abilities across a wide range of different instruments. Our database of active music teachers is maintained to ensure that students can locate suitable music teachers and have confidence that the information displayed about these teachers is accurate and up to date. To find a teacher simply enter your postcode on the homepage and select the instrument you are interested in learning. If you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via the Contact Us page or email info@mgrmusic.com."" It is a really honour to be on the site, so head on over and take a look at some of the great lessons and tutors who are on the site.EnjoyPeaceNeil  

Flare Audio Snoozers Full Review

snoozers.jpg

The time has come! My Flare Audio Snoozers have arrived!! Looking at the messages I get, there seems that this (so far) has been the most anticipated review I have every done! For some ear plugs!! Well I should have known! I mean I did spend a large part of my life studying the effects of sound in the environment and ‘noise’ for my PhD. But even I am overwhelmed at the interest in this market!What can I say?Well it seems that Flare Audio have taken on board the criticism that they got (and it seems to be ALOT) for the ISOLATES and how they can’t easily be used for sleeping it. I am not sure that they were marketed that way? They certainly weren’t to me, they were marketed as musicians earplugs, and you will have to check out my reviews on the ISOLATES in regards to what I thought about that. I digress, they have now produced the snoozers and I have produced a video review about them which I think highlights all of the questions one might have in relations to these ear plugs. In the video I also mention Doc’s Pro Plugs and there is a link to them below should you wish to check those out!EnjoyPeaceNeil

Secrets of Artificial Life | Initialisation Sequence - Music Video

Light-B4-Sound-Secrets-of-Artificial-Life.jpg

First video and track, 'Initialisation Sequence’, from the new Light B4 Sound album ‘Secrets of Artificial Life’ released on Monday. For more info https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/lightb4sound2The secrets of artificial life is an ambient electronic work by Light Before Sound, exploring the journey through the consciousness and manifestation of digital life coming alive. The album tracks through the journey from digital conception to the becoming whole. Ideally, the album should be listened to as one continuous piece, but each track features it's own unique message.The track listing is as follows...1 Awakenings2 Folded Paper Shapes3 Memory Allocation4 Defect5 Initialisation Sequence6 The Plot7 Interfacing8 Implanting9 Reflections10 Precinct 1311 FoundryEnjoyPeaceNeil

TC Electronic Nova System for the acoustic guitar

For a number of years now, I have been using my TC Nova system with my acoustic guitar for a duo gigs and some of my original material. I am only really using a few of the effects in this situation, the reverb, delay and compression, but the size of the box and the amazing quality of the effects is the prime reason for choosing it.

Much easier than building a small pedal board for a few pedals, plus it has an IEC power supply which again makes life much easier the live environment.Since then have had a few questions from both subscribers of my youtube channel and members of a Facebook group for Nova system users.

The questions tend to be focused on how I use the Nova and what settings I used. So to answer these questions, I produced a couple of short videos to help anyone and hopefully answer any questions. One of the videos also details all of the patch settings should you want to recreate me settings.andIf you have any more questions please let me know.

Request

I hope that you found this article useful and enjoy my blog, podcast and YouTube channel. I’m always happy to share my thoughts and to help others as much as I can and I will never charge for my blog content. Having said that, I truly appreciate when someone supports me in return for the time it takes to write articles, produce podcasts and videos, where I share my years of work and experience with you.

Here are some ways you can show your appreciation:


Peace

Neil