Recent content by ColdSteelRain

+1 for the Monty Python/Holy Grail reference! As to the ring, always on for me. I might get a "click" against the frets if I don't pay attention, but that's infrequent.

Ibanez SR505 through a Peavey TNT-130.

Just my opinion, but once a month for mostly unpaid gigs would be plenty for folks who aren't trying to make a living from playing.

It's very cool to be in a position to give back so quickly. If I could make a suggestion: teach in smaller chunks. Show 'em something, tell 'em what you did, show 'em again, have them do it, correct their mistakes, do it together, tell 'em what they just did. Maybe repeat a few times if...

If you're not dead yet, you haven't ruined your life. At 17, you've barely even started your life. Get the education you need to get a job so you can afford to make music. Then, if you're talented, lucky, and work your tail off, you might be able to quit your job and not starve.

Musicians worry about getting the music right. Rockstars worry about getting "the look" right. Sometimes we get lucky and get to see Entertainers that can actually do both.

What are they going to do for you? What's it going to cost you (money, time, copyright on your music)? If the answers to those questions don't scare you off, then talk to some of the bands they've signed. I'd be suspicious of anyone that just walked up and offered a record deal of any kind.

Well, not really horrible enough to qualify for a "GFH" thread, but it's happened a few times: The bandleader plays keys, and occasionally does an auto-transpose for a song. And then forgets to switch it back. Him, me, and the rhythm guitar all start on the downbeat, and 2/3rds of us are in...

Carolyn Wonderland.

Yes. Either a stand-alone machine or software. I went with GuitarPro since I always practice at my computer anyway, and it was cheaper and more flexible than the drum machine (I can load whole songs, then mute the bass line, for example.)

This is a running joke at Trans Siberian Orchestra concerts, at least in Dallas.

I went from a GSR200 to a used SR505 and love it. I think it's a good quality instrument at a fair price, and I'm pretty sure it'll be a while before my playing ability gets to a point where I feel I need a better bass.

I play my SR505 10-12 hours a week and change the battery about every six months, just because I don't want to take a chance. Just be sure to unplug from the instrument when you aren't using it.

If you're moving around, you won't be locking your knees. If you suddenly pass out, however, there's a chance that's the reason. Kind of hard to diagnose over the Internet, but I'd guess you're sore because you were moving more up and down from the knees.

We go from about 6:30 to 8:15 once a week, more or less.