Final word on Mag-Lok and checking out Amplitube, Guitar Rig and TH2
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 25 окт 2024
- Yo!! What's up, dudes?! Just thought I'd check in again with the final word on the Mag-Lok. I've been loving the Strat all week with the new tuning stability. I also got a demo of Amplitube to check out some of their amps. It's limited, but I have the 150W amp in Amplitube and compare it to the Van51 in Guitar Rig and the Mr. Scary in TH2. I still think TH2 has the best amps models, but hey, don't let me sway ya.
Rock On!!
--Steve
Mag-Lok website: www.super-vee.com
Facebook: pixlix
Thanks, Leo!! Just trying to keep my music alive in some way. It's comments like yours that keep me motivated.
Yeah, it's a device by Super-Vee that stabilizes the bridge. I picked one up a week ago and put it in my Strat to stabilize the floating trem. It works, to say the least. I love it.
....loves your Strat! I still cant believe youre staying in tune, but seeing is believing! Your collection behind you is impressive, and glad you alternate freely depending on your mood and video...thanks so much for sharing your secrets ans findings and reviews....see you soon!
It will work on any bridge, but the acid test is to use it on a floating bridge, which is the least stable of all the setups. But absolutely you can use it on a bridge that's pulled to the face of the guitar. It will still help keep the bridge stable and prevent string sag.
Thanks! I think this one, too. I wish I had the matching Classic 60s model, with the rosewood fingerboard. I think I'm going to be ok. The storm is landing much farther south from my area and the rain prediction has gone from 6" to 2", which probably won't flood my basement. I also cleaned out all the gutters and flushed a couple of clogged downspouts, so that should keep the water away. With enough rain, the water table just lifts straight up through my floor with no way to stop it.
Thanks!! Greetings from Boston, MA!
another trick to relieve drag on the G string is to wind the string backwards..it reduces the angle
Instead of winding it toward the headstock..wind it up toward the top of the post.
Thanks! I'll check into that. I'm thinking of raising the bridge forward like Jeff Beck has his Strat set up. It is tuned to a minor third when pulled back, so that leaves a lot of room for slide-style trem antics.
Thanks! I love TH2, too. I'm hoping to see TH3 this Christmas, but that's just based on prior release schedules. I have no idea when the next one will be out.
Thanks! More on the way, for sure!!
Thanks!! Yeah, big win across the pond. I was a little worried when they hit for 7 with our secondary asleep at the wheel....again!! Grrr!!! But then it was an old fashioned beat down. They never scored again and we score 45 points. Works for me! ;)
3 pm in Shanghai China (12 hour difference) and you saved my afternoon. Just got finished practicing guitar and checkin' out the 'Tube. Thanks as always!
I'm using an old Tascam PCI-822 card in the PC and a Tascam TM-D1000 mixer. I agree, TH2 rocks! I hope they release TH3 this Christmas. That would be the best Christmas present of all.
Thanks, Tony!! I'm definitely got a rekindled love affair with the Strat lately. I'm loving the new stability. There's nothing like the twang of a nice Strat. Everyone needs at least one in their arsenal.
The magnet is self-contained, it doesn't snap to the block. So any block will work.
Check the input levels using the TH2 level checker in the settings panel. Make sure you are consistently hitting the yellow area and even the red (briefly) on the hardest hits. The biggest tone killer is low input levels.
Indeed! It does!
Thanks, Tony! I use D'Addario XL 110 (010's) and Xl 120 (009's) strings, depending on the guitar. I used to play 11's, but I switched to 10s about 12 years ago. Lately I've been thinking about completely switching to 9's, but I think I take a little hit on tone when I use the lighter strings. As for TH2, I think they still offer a demo for download. You'll have to check Overloud's site to see how it works. I bought mine on sale for $179 two years ago and been loving it ever since.
Thanks, Pierce!! I think these Japanese-made Strats are some of the best ever made. The V on this neck is just PERFECT! Only the Clapton model had a V shape as nice as those early Japanese vintage guitars. I really should have bought a 60s Classic, too. Now they're all made in Mexico, so finding a Japanese one won't be easy (or cheap!).
Thanks for the killer overview and followup on the Mag Lock. Sweet Strat!! Loved the comparisons of the software amps. Being to hear GR5 side by side with TH2 was great. Thanks!!
This is the amps from all three (Mr. Scary, Van51 and 150W) with delay and reverb on each. There's no distortion pedal or compression. That's all from the amp models.
Steve!! No way!! You did it again! (laughs). Yournplaying each time just gets better and fierce! LOL. Love the feel and facial expressions! Looks like everyone lovesn
Steve, my Mag-Lok is getting installed today. Thank you for the video!
Same here, as did the whole Nightmare on Elm Street movie series. That was probably the last big song by Dokken. I saw them on the Monster of Rock tour not too long after that and then Lynch was out of the band a year later.
HA! Yeah, once in a while I remember ones like this one, not too huge, but still was out there. I don't remember much from them other than this tune, Midnight Maniac, and their cover of American Woman.
It's "Lonely is the Night" by Billy Squier.
Thanks! The Holy Grails are a great set of pickups. The bridge is definitely a little hotter than a std Strat set. I also have a set of EMGs that I could put in it, but I think I like the Lace Sensors better.
Thank you!!
Steve, you're a badass player. I love hearing your licks!
It looks cool, but it's very different from the Mag-Lok. The tremel-no is a lock that locks the tremolo. I still want the benefits of a floating trem (dive and pull the bar), but reduce the annoying aspects, like string sag and flutter. That's why I like the Mag-Lok so much, it seems to address those issues without taking away the ability to use the trem.
I only have the demo, so I don't think they allow a demo of that model, which is obviously one of their premium ones. BUT, I'm pretty sure I can get a version of the Slash amp for my iPad that will cost around $15, so that's much more attractive. I already have an interface for the iPad, so that's probably my cheapest way to check it out.
Thanks, Peter!! Yeah, I'm loving that Strat. It was my main axe for many years. It was like catching up with an old friend.
Thanks!!
It's so funny, because that's just my wandering mind, but now I'm finding myself wanting to cover it, too. You did a great job on the cover, dude, so don't beat yourself up. lol
I ordered one today
After watching and hearing your demo I'm convinced this will do the trick
Thanks for the excellent review
It's a Tascam PCI-822. Don't bother looking for one new, they were discontinued in 2002. I see them on eBay every once in a while, but unless you want to be stuck with a 32-bit OS I'd recommend the Tascam US-2000 as an interface. The Line6 UX series is good, too, though not as robust as the Tascam.
Yeah, TH2 is the one to beat, but I like the sound of Amplitube through my computer speakers versus the headphones. It definitely sounded a little muddy in the headphones, but the computer speakers sounded smooth, like you say, not muddy at all. I don't have any major hearing losses, but my left ear has some high-end loss. A few years back I hurt my left ear after buying the new amp. It buzzed with any sound. I plugged it with an ear plug for a week to let it heal. It was fine after that.
Great tones and playing. Best looking guitar i've seen you play, looks beautiful. Hope you don't get flooded!
Also forgot to add, please make more videos (after the rain goes by or course). I love your videos!
Once again 2:20am, can't sleep and check YT, and here is a vid. Thanks Pix!
Yeah, bought that one new off the rack in '89. I should have bought the matching 60s one, too. Then I'd have the set.
Maybe at some point, but I do have some reference to it. My video "Some new TH2 by Overloud Patches" has a little lesson on the main riff of Bark at the Moon. It starts about 8mins in.
Amplitube has one of the best Fender Bassman emulations I have ever heard!
I do the same thing, spending a few weeks with a guitar and then losing interest in one and re-discovering another. But, you remind me that the one guitar I don't have in the collection is a Tele...and now I'm thinking I need to get one. lol
Yes!!
I just checked out BX_rockrack and it looks incredible. I like that they focus on really good models of just a few amps, rather that trying to be all things to all people. The S-Gear stuff looks nice, too, and very affordable compared to other products. I'll definitely check them out.
Another great vid. As usual. You should do one vid showing all of your equipment. That would be awesome. Cheers from a fellow New Englander in Europe.
GO PATS GO!!!! GREAT WIN AT WEMBLEY STADIUM IN LONDON!!!
Another thing you can do is remove the string trees altogether and put shims under the tuning pegs to stagger them.
Awesome! Thanks for the info! Sorry for the late reply.
I'm sure, but I don't think I can get the demo versions of the premium software. I see the Slash one is available for a 48 hour test drive. Maybe I can install it and get a video in before it expires. lol
I think the middle and neck pickups sound "Stratty," but the bridge pickup is extra hot and has a midrange boost, so yeah, it definitely sounds like a humbucker. That amp isn't helping, though. It's pretty hot, with a lot of mid boost.
We really lucked out. The winds were really strong and my fence took a little damage, but minimal water in the basement. It was the small amounts near the back that I get in any rain storm. But this one had the potential for serious flooding. Luckily, it was more of a wind event than a rain one. In fact, we got more rain last night and today than yesterday, even though the winds had died down by 9pm. How did you make out? And serious damage? The news reports look really bad.
Always love your tone!!
Great Vid as always!! Thanks for sharing!
Sounding good as always! 1:41 in the morning here--and I'm sitting in my basement trying to make some music as well! Hey--based on an earlier vid you did, I bought TH2. I love the snot out of it! My amps are getting lonely! So thanks for the heads up...
Your guitar brings back memories of 57 reissue fender jv, I once had and regret selling. Nice tones Dude! Digging your channel.
Steve it sounds really good here.Not muddy at all! Nice and full..I have a nice pair of powered monitors running of my laptop.
Awesome sound!!!
That's pretty much my take on it, too. TH2 has KILLER amp models, but GR5 is definitely has more features, especially the decks and riff digging features. And GR5 is no slouch when it comes to sound, but TH2 just has a few amps that are unparalleled. And GR5 needs more cpu horsepower than TH2, but a big amount. If you have a modern system, though (the latest Intel or AMD), you should be ok. I run an i3 with no problems at all and very low latency.
I've thought about a cover of Bark at the Moon, but the solo is big time trouble for me. My straight 16ths are abysmal, so that's why I've avoided it. But I've always loved that tune, so I should just spend the time and learn it once and for all. I can play the end solo, it's the middle one that's always killed me.
That is a Japanese-made Classic 50s Strat that I bought new in '89. It is all stock except the pickups and electronics are Lace Sensor Holy Grail (the kit with pots, etc). The Mag-Lok has definitely breathed new life into that axe. It's incredibly stable now, though the G string still gives me a little trouble. That may be as good as it gets, though, which is ok by me.
Nice one more fellow guitarist that fell in love with overlouds killer tone.My question is have you ever tried to use any of those soft amp sims in a live setup?i like minimalistic setups and i want an opinion for someone that tried something like that live....
Yeah, still loving it. Was playing it last night and the tuning stability can't be debated. The pickups are Lace Sensor Holy Grails. I've had them in there about 10 years now.
I put a Black Box tremolo stabilizer in mine, and modded it with neodymium magnets and E6000 adhesive by gluing one to the end of the Black Box and one to the trem block. I also put a D Tuna on my guitar and I can now drop D and still have no string sag on my Floyd Rose 1000 Trem.
Yup.
Yeah, it shows how much the speakers affect it. It sounded muddy in the headphones, but my computer speakers sounded much better.
PixxyLixxx, just wondering if you have tried the Super-vee Bladerunner tremolo system... It's drop in and supposedly more stable than the original Fender design.... just a thought. Thanks and Rock on!!!
Gearing up for the game right now!! Go Pats!!
HA! I hear ya, bro. The Strat is a fickle bitch. I dumped my '81 The Strat for an '84 Kramer Pacer Imperial and thought I'd never own a Strat again. But I have a soft spot for them, and with the extra stabilization of the Mag-Lok, it's not nearly as frustrating. Not as good as a Floyd, but vastly improved over stock.
I own 2..one is a TC90 with P 90s..and I just picked up a Blacktop Tele it has vintage humbuckers , they sound amazing going thru high gain amp settings,,,and of course I added the kill switch....It seems really cool to shred on a body style that came out 60 plus years ago...never thought id use one to rock out but its really sweat....I had to do some work on it ...came from the factory way out of intonation..and had some fret issues..but after all the work I did to it it plays really well!
one of the best expressionist guitarists on the web
Steve, I'm wondering if the Mag-lock will work with a with a bridge with a Tungsten block? Or only with 'magnetic'' steel blocks?
thanks man and keep rockin!
PixxyLixxx seal of approval!!
It works!
Nice! What strings do you use? If you don't mind me asking. And what can you tell me about the th2 demo before I try it out?
Love it Brother!!!
Take Care!!!
HA! Yeah, we used have this young chick with a huge rack take lessons at the store. The teacher used to always make G string jokes and, though she never said anything, we told him to knock it off or she's gonna be suing us. lol My Strat is definitely a LOT more stable than ever before, so the only thing left is that damn G string.
Another awesome video Steve that axe sure sounds great through both rigs you should play her more often.Thanks for reminding me how great Elliot Easton is it's time to move them back into the rotation while I'm at it maybe a little Constipated Duck lol GO GIANTS!!
Chapstick n graphite mixed (actually I used Carmex in the little pot with lid.) I melted the carmex in the microwave and simply added graphite and mixed it up.
I tried all the commercial stuff on the market and this works best of all of them...imo.
Last post supposed to say "mixed" but it would not save the corrected word
Those dam G strings are always a pain in the ass..lol!.
Before floyds came out I put a ton of graphite on the nut and open up the slot a micron. the only cure is the roller bridge. but I could live with the way that works.I have several axes with the locking trems anyway....
Hey.... Loving the vidoes from the basement, you sound East Coast USA, hope you didnt get too much hassle from "Sandy" recently. Anyway Ive been trying both TH2 & Guitar Rig 5 and have to say TH2 is nice but Im leaning towards Guitar Rig 5 simply because its all there with the tape decks etc for a guitarist that just wants to riff out and play along with stuff or make a few simple recordings, the slowing down feature without losing pitch is excellent... be interested in what you thought
We miss you Steve. Make a video tonight dannit
Cool Steve, I go thru phazes with my axes..Ill do Les Pauls....then go to my Carvins, ..Deans...etc.
Lately its been my BlackTop Tele?...this thing shreds has the humbuckers and I love the maple necks lately. I have a beautiful alpine white strat with the bridge locked down, this looks like a great product to bring this thing to life. dont get me wrong its great for rock and drop D tunings but im a trem guy and would love to float that baby!!
Strats rock for me, on my 94/95 hybrid I use graph-tech saddles and sperzel locking tuners, stays in tune for years, and I never break strings.. just sayin, great rifffs as usual PL... cheers.. :)
@pixxylixxx. good to see your vlog man!
Could you tell me what interface are you using? TH2 ROCKS! Greetings from Argentina Pixxy!!
Hey Steve... I gotta agree TH2 is pretty hard to beat, I kind of like Amplitube ( too my ears it sounds creamy rather than muddy,, but hell I'm half deaf ) GR5 is really good too, but TH2 is, as you put it, just more responsive and the preset patches for the most part don't require much tweaking. Great side by side demo of the sounds.
On a side note, any hearing problems after years of playing? Tinnitus or hearing loss?
Pats and Rams tomorrow.
ONE HELL OF A INTRO...AND THE REASON YOUR ONE OF THE BEST
I don't miss the flooding basement my house in Medford was really bad rock on brother be safe
Hey Steve, im def gonna order one for my Strat. Been wondering if they really work til now. Thanks...What pickups are in your Strat ?
Yeah, I love 'em, too. There's just something about a Strat that can't be beat. And it's pretty much the only axe for the SRV or Hendrix sound. That alone makes them worth it.
TH2 is pretty great but, you should demo BX_rockrack or Scuffham S-gear. Probably the most realistic sounding and feeling amp sims available.
Cool! I'm really digging it. I don't think the stability can be debated. It's definitely a more stable guitar with the Mag-Lok installed.
HA! Awesome! \m/
Utilizzare un software computer denominato TH2 da un business italiano di nome Overloud. Io uso anche "Guitar Rig" e "Amplitube", che sono anche il software. Sorry for my bad Italian....
How did you make out during Sandy, any water in basement?? I live on Long Islang' NY, not god!!
he said his G-string pinch at the nut and you can resolve it by giving it a little tug hehhe.
hahaha
HA! Thanks, Mike!! I'm definitely loving that Strat again. I'll probably set her up like Beck sets his Strat, with the bridge really tilted forward so it can be pulled way back when needed. I've been loving the first Cars album for the last couple of weeks, so this tune was on my mind. I should just learn the solo and do a proper cover. It looks like the Giants are gonna sweep!
Cool you started playing Bye Bye Love by the Cars. I just did a video on that a couple of weeks ago. (I just posted a video response) Of course your version is much better than mine. :) I really enjoy your videos.
excellent work rock on from England
Hope Sandy missed you after all you are in the basement!!!