Line-level stereo recording

To capture a digital audio copy of a tape, record or any other line-level signal send the requirements are minimal. The cheapest and easiest configuration would be the Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 Audio Interface. This USB interface is used in conjunction with any personal computer and is priced at $70.

Electric or acoustic/electric guitar recording

If you’re wanting to record just a guitar signal, your best option would be the Behringer UCG102 USB Guitar to Computer Link. This interface lets you jam and record using modeling amps and effects without the need for any other gear except your guitar and computer.

Line-level, guitar & microphone recording

Recording a microphone input signal requires a slightly more sophisticated interface because we are dealing with a variety of factors. Some microphones require a power supply of 48 volts or less which is called “phantom power”. The entry level interface options we recommend start with either the ART Tube MP Project Series USB Mic Preamplifer or the Yamaha Audiogram3.

Both interfaces connect via a spare USB port on your computer and they also support any phantom powered microphones and/or standard dynamic microphones. These interfaces are also able to record line level signals from keyboards etc, as well as any guitar signal input. Each of these units have a maximum input of two channels. If you require more than two inputs at the one time then you may need to look at the Yamaha Audiogram6 listed below.

Multi-channel line-level, guitar & microphone recording

The Yamaha Audiogram6 is also a USB equipped interface with all the features of the Audiogram3 and more! This interface allows you to simultaneously record two microphone inputs/jack inputs as well as two stereo line-level inputs for a total of six tracks. It also features a built-in compressor to control input dynamics on any of the channels.

Fender American Standard Telecaster

American Standard (USA)

Body

• Made in USA
• 3-piece body
• Non-veneered
• Polyurethane finish

Neck

• Made in USA
• 1-piece maple neck
• Bi-flex truss rod
• 22 medium jumbo frets
• Vintage spaghetti logo

Hardware

• Schaller staggered machine heads
• “Easy Glider” string tree
• 4-bolt micro-tilt neck plate

Electronics

• USA pickups - Alnico V magnets
• USA 2-point high-mass tremolo
• Stamped vintage saddles

Extras

• SKB case
• Strap and cable

Fender Standard Stratocaster

Standard (Mexico)

Body

• Made in Mexico
• 5-7 piece body
• Veneer used on Sunburst
• Polyester finish

Neck

• Made in Mexico
• 1-piece maple neck
• Single truss rod
• 21 medium jumbo frets
• 70’s style logo

Hardware

• Import machine heads
• “Butterfly” string tree
• 4-bolt standard neck plate

Electronics

• Mexican pickups - Ceramic magnets
• Import 6-screw tremolo
• Stamped vintage saddles

Extras

• Standard gig bag

Tanglewood Guitars

Tanglewood have been voted the best selling acoustic guitar for 2009 by the MI PRO retail survey. The survey was conducted in the first week of January 2009 and consists of survey data from 75 dealers, which includes over 50 independents as well as major music retail chains.

Check out our entire range of Tanglewood Guitars here

ART Tube MP Preamp

We are now stocking computer recording accessories/interfaces and computer software titles from both Steinberg and PG Music. Steinberg’s Cubase is probably the most popular digital audio recording software available on the market today. Not only can it be seen in many professional recording studio’s across the globe, there are countless home studio’s using this software as well. Cubase is renown for it’s ease of use and world-class tonal quality. It is available in several versions starting from $199 for Cubase Essential.

Another very popular software title is PG Music’s Band in a Box. This program allows you to create instant accompaniment tracks in any style you choose, all with-in a matter of seconds. Forget fiddling around with programmed MIDI tracks and wasting precious time, use BIAB to speed up your backing track production process. Included are over 1500 styles covering Pop, Rock, Latin, Country, Classical, World, Blues, Bluegrass, New Age and Techno genres. Band in a Box is also priced at the incredibly low price of $199!

Check out our range of home recording options

Vox Satchurator Pedal

VOX Amplification have always aligned themselves with musicians of equal legendary status. The very first VOX evangelist’s were The Shadows followed years later by The Beatles, Brian May of Queen, The Edge of U2 and many more famous artists. Their latest collaboration effort involves another legendary guitarist by the name of “Joe Satriani”, you’ve been living under a rock if you’ve never heard of him! Joe Satriani is easily one of the most successful guitar instrumentalists of all time and has garnered many awards and accolades over the years. This dynamite “VOX/Satriani” duo have invested a lot of time and R&D into this particular range of pedals and in the process their collaboration has spawned several new and exciting products. Their ultimate goal was to create a series of pedals that exhibit “boutique” tone qualities, yet have added functionalities and increased reliability.

The very first pedal to be released in the VOX/Satriani series is appropriately called the “Satchurator”. I originally discovered the existence of this pedal online and I immediately ordered one to add to my current guitar rig. At that time I was desperately in need of a high-gain distortion pedal of some description, as my current overdrive tones were not cutting it for certain songs. The timing of the VOX Satchurator release could not have been any more perfect for me, from what I could gather the Satchurator would be an ideal solution to my distortion dilemma.

The first positive impression most people would have about the Satchurator is that it looks really good! The pedals design build is equally impressive and is sure to last many years of touring and stage abuse. Joe is apparently a huge fan of the “Chicken Head” style knobs, particularly the white coloured ones which are much easier to see in darker environments. These knobs basically control the pedals gain, tone and volume. The pedal has an on/off foot-switch and a “more” foot-switch which boosts your over-all gain just that little bit extra. I’m pretty certain this function would have the seal of approval from bands such as “Spinal Tap”. A unique pad switch is also included which is very useful if you have a “wah” or other pedal in the front of your pedals signal chain.

This pedal is also no slouch in the tone department, it can effortlessly deliver smooth bluesy over-driven tones right through to searing high-gain distortions. This wide variety of tone variations can be achieved by simply increasing or decreasing the guitars volume control accordingly. I really love the warm tone that this pedal is able to produce when used in combination with my Fender Telecaster and Peavey Classic 30 amplifier. The Classic 30 has a nice internal over-drive channel but it could never achieve the same gain stages that the Satchurator can. This pedal has instantly given me a broader spectrum of tones and added versatility that I never had before. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the other pedals in this range to be released!

Sound Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Performance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Value Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Yamaha Pocketrak CX Portable Recorder

Portable audio recording in the past could often be a difficult and awkward process. If you had the right microphone plugged into a particular recorder and if all the planet’s were in total planetary alignment you might have been able to actually record something! Those days are a thing of the past thanks to an incredible range of portable recorders released by respected manufacturers Yamaha, Roland/Boss and Zoom. The only problem of having so many choices available, is trying to decide on which one is best suited for your recording purposes. Listed below are some quick overviews of a few popular recorders, use this as a guide to help you narrow down your purchase options.

The Yamaha Pocketrak CX is very small in physical size but packs some serious technological clout. Yamaha have included a generous 2GB micro-SD memory card and a long lasting “eneloop” battery. It features a 90 degree X-Y microphone configuration which allows for a very realistic stereo capture. Another handy feature particularly for musicians is the speed adjustment function which allows you to adjust the playback speed from 70% to 150%. External microphones can be used with the CX, often resulting in higher quality recordings. The Pocketrak CX has an on-board speaker and is also stand mountable. A wind screen, microphone stand adaptor, micro SD (2GB) and carrying case are also included in the pack.

Zoom H2 Portable Recorder

Another very popular option which might meet your portable recording needs is the Zoom H2. The H2 features a pair of stereo X-Y microphones bringing it’s mic count to a total of four! The microphones are placed both front and back for logistical reasons and due to this design it allows for a pseudo surround sound capture. Zoom have included a measly 512MB SD memory card but since SD cards are so inexpensive these days it is not much of an issue. Overall the Zoom H2 represents excellent value for money and it should have a place on your final list of candidates.

Check out our detailed Zoom H2 review here

Zoom H4 Portable Recorder

The Zoom H4 has been superseded by the H4n which is scheduled to be released in Australia around April 2009. The H4n is set to be the premium pick of portable recorders judging by the comprehensive feature-set listed on Zoom’s website! What I really like about the H4n is it’s ability to use any type of microphone including phantom powered condenser mic’s. Another amazing feature of the H4n is it’s ability to capture four tracks at one time using the two internal microphones as well as the two built-in inputs. This is a first for any recorder of this type and it opens the door to a myriad of recording options and scenario’s. The H4n can also be used as a USB sound interface for your Mac or PC computer. There are way too many H4n features to list in this quick overview, look out for our full review when the product is finally released. From this round-up it is safe to say that my money will be on the Zoom H4n…literally!

Legacy Diamond Pro

Ever dreamed of owning a Gibson style guitar? Now is the time to take action, we have heavily discounted the entire range of Legacy Classic guitars by up to 25 percent off the retail price! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to purchase an extremely high quality instrument in a premium hard-shell case for as little as $589!!!

The current Legacy models available include the Les Paul, SG, Explorer and Jazz Hollow-body style guitars. All solid body models feature EMG pickups and the Emerald series has the incredible “N-tune” electronic tuner system built into the guitars circuitry. The Diamond Pro’s are the flagship models of the Legacy range and each feature Professional EMG pickups and stunning Flame Maple Top finishes. The recommended retail price for the Diamond Pro series is currently $999, we’ve slashed this price to a crazy $749! As mentioned earlier, all models include a plush velvet lined hard-shell case.

We must inform you that these reduced prices only apply to the current Legacy models available in-stock. Don’t waste anymore time dreaming and more importantly…don’t miss out!!!

Check out the entire range of Legacy guitars here

EleUke FTCJ100 Electric Ukulele

After so many years of being the laughing stock of the music industry, the Ukulele is back in style and it is more popular than ever! This miraculous rejuvenation has come about thanks to “Youtube” videos, movie soundtracks and popular artists playing this pint sized wanna-be guitar.

One of the biggest Ukulele ambassadors of recent times would have to be the Hawaiian born native, Jake Shimabukuro. I had the absolute honour of witnessing Jake perform at the Byron Bay Bluesfest last year and it was nothing short of jaw dropping! He attributes his current commercial success solely to Youtube, without this viral medium he would’ve never have been discovered. At last count his cover version of George Harrison’s “While my guitar gently weeps” has had 2,520,430 views worldwide! Jake lists Eddie Van Halen, George Harrison, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bruce Lee and Carlos Santana as his major musical influences, fortunately Tiny Tim failed to make the list.

Jake can’t take all the credit for the Ukulele’s recent revival, there are many more artists and personalities touting the wonders of this four-stringed beauty. Warren Buffet is not only America’s richest man, he is also a heavily devoted Ukulele player. Popular musician Jack Johnson regularly has a Ukulele at the helm for both live and studio duties. Another great ambassador is the Youtube sub-channel, Uketoob. This channel is solely dedicated to all things Ukulele and a great resource for Ukulele related video clips.

I personally love the Ukulele, mainly because it was the very first instrument I was able to play that sounded half decent! I started out by learning the chords to songs like “Little Brown Jug” and “Oh Susanna”. It was immensely enjoyable at the time and to this day it still brings back fond memories of my childhood. The Ukulele was my very first step into the wonderful world of music, and at that time I never dreamed that music would eventually become my profession! Moving from the Ukulele to the guitar was a very natural progression, the biggest difference was really just the two extra strings. Many of the Ukuklele chord shapes are very similar the standard guitar chords.

In my job as a guitar player, guitar teacher & guitar salesman, I am often asked what the ideal age is for a child to begin learning the guitar. In my professional experience I would highly recommend that all children seven years and under begin with the Ukulele. After at least two years of regular Ukulele practice they should be at a suitable age and skill level to handle the guitar. Stepping from the Ukulele to a 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar would be the best option, as a full-size instrument will be far too large and awkward for a small child to hold.

The bottom line is this…the Ukulele is not a toy! It is a serious instrument with which you can hone both your practical and theoretical music skills. I am forever grateful to Youtube and Jake for bringing back some credibility to this long lost musical treasure. For all you naysayers out there, do us a favour and check out some of Youtube’s more popular Ukulele video clips and maybe you will also see the light!!!

Check out our range of Ukulele’s here

Em’s 4 Kids Ear Muffs

Our children are very precious to us and we take whatever precautions we can to protect them from any harm. One area often overlooked is hearing protection, simply because we don’t realise the effect loud sounds can have on younger children. Loud concerts, airshows and racing events are certainly not a good place for your kids to be without any ear protection. There are several options available on the market to protect their precious ears and one of the best products around are the “Em’s 4 Kids” Ear Muffs.

Em’s for kids ear muffs are a “one size fits all” design suitable for use on babies right through to school age children. The ear muffs are extremely light-weight and compact and can easily fold down to fit into the palm of your hand. The ear muffs have adjustable sides which varies the length to suit each individual child. There are currently two colours available, pink and the very popular blue.

I highly recommend that you purchase at least one pair for each of your children under the age of six, you just never know when you’re going to need them!

Click here for more details

Sound Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Performance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Value Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Hearing Protection

With the advent of Apple’s iPod and the hugely popular iPhone, there is no doubt that we are living in a new and exciting generation of technology. I must confess that I am a child of the “Walkman” era which consisted of cassette tape players and Dolby noise reduction…so high tech! To transport my entire cassette tape collection I would have needed a fairly large sized crate. Just imagine how much fun that would’ve been to drag onto a bus! Thanks to Apple we can now take our entire CD collection with us wherever we go, in a device so small that it can easily slip into your shirt pocket. As of April 2008 there have been over 150,000,000 iPods sold around the world, factor in the iPhone sales and you will begin to understand just how successful this market is!

Unfortunately there are some down-sides to this “iPod phenomenon”, the worst of which would be the possible hearing damage. Over the years Apple have received a slew of law-suits regarding hearing loss and accidents as a result of iPod use. A standard iPod is capable of producing sound around the 115 dB mark which is equivalent to a jet taking off at 100m. Exposure to these kind of sound levels for more than 28 seconds per day can result in hearing damage.

I am personally very surprised that I don’t have any hearing damage after many years of loud guitar amplifier use and many rock concerts in between. This kind of behaviour is certainly not recommended, but it is nowhere near as dangerous as an innocent looking pair of headphones set at high continuous volumes. Many parents would have no idea of the potential hearing damage that can be caused from these devices. The entire range of  iPod’s and iPhone’s have volume restriction capabilities built-in and it is recommended that you utilize these features and lock them with a pass code to prevent your child from disabling them.

Here is a general rule that parents can follow…if you’re able to hear the music while the headphones are on your child then the over-all volume is definitely set too high. Protecting our children’s hearing has not been a priority, simply because many parents have no idea of the dangers that exist. With so many music/media players in the hands of our children we need to educate them and everyone else on the safe use of these devices and prevent any future hearing loss problems.