Eastman AR403

**Tom Karol** · 03-19-2012, 05:20 PM

One more thing: I always forget which is which and have to figure it out again each time, but I think left (turning the screw counter-clockwise) is lower - because the screw doesn't actually move up and down; the pickup moves up and down on the screw. Of course, it's the opposite on the polepiece screws. I think ...

**Tom Karol** · 03-19-2012, 06:18 PM

I forgot still one more thing: It depends on the guitar and the pickups, but I usually do this adjustment with the tone and volume set on 8 and the amp set flat. That way, I have the most flexibility after the fact.

**Section Player** · 03-19-2012, 07:13 PM

Pole pieces on my GB10 work like ordinary screws: clockwise, they go in/down; counter clockwise out/up.

**Tom Karol** · 03-19-2012, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Section Player

Pole pieces on my GB10 work like ordinary screws: clockwise, they go in/down; counter clockwise out/up.

Yes, that's absolutely correct. Mine do, too. They all do. But if you want to raise or lower the entire pickup in the mounting ring at the bass and/or treble side, I believe it works the opposite way, because you're not raising or lowering the screw itself but rather the pickup's position on the (stationary) screw. I find raising or lowering the entire pickup first and then adjusting the polepieces for string-to-string balance is best the way do it ... for me.

Edit: Wait - your GB10 doesn't have set-in pickups; they're attached to the pickguard, right? So what I've said about setting overall pickup height wouldn't be applicable since all you've got adjustment-wise is polepiece screws. But it would (could) apply to your Guild. Sorry I missed that.

**Section Player** · 03-19-2012, 09:54 PM

Good to know, Tom. Mine are floating on the Ibanez but not on the Guild. I didn't realize I could adjust the Guild pickups like that. See attached picture of the Guild.

By the way, Tom, credit to you for your "sound" advice on the Henriksen amp!

**benjazzman82** · 07-10-2012, 01:40 PM

Hi Guys.

Had spare time this arvo so did a quick video.

Please, i dont profess to be a great player. I feel very untidy at the moment and need to clean up my style but it gives you an idea of both amp and guitar.

Thanks

Ben

**dtreeson** · 07-10-2012, 02:44 PM

Very good job on Green Dolphin Street. The 403 has a terrific amplified sound.

**hot ford coupe** · 07-10-2012, 03:15 PM

Heck if you don't consider yourself great, I must be a total disaster. I think what you played was really good. I like the tone you got out of the guitar and amp combination. In my ears, it was a very lively sound. I also listened to some other vids you put in. They were good also. Don;t put yourself down.

**jorgemg1984** · 07-10-2012, 03:19 PM

Ben I like your playing more than your tone to tell you the truth. The WT does not convince me... sorry!

Your playing is quite good. As an advice try to solo closer to the original melody and not just "blow the changes". Also try to play solo with a metronome, those play-alongs are terrible for dynamics, no (decent) rhythmic section would do that in real life. Well done!

**Tom Karol** · 07-10-2012, 03:44 PM

Ben -
Liked the playing, you know I love the guitar, but I don't think I'd be happy using that amp.

**tomassplatch** · 07-10-2012, 04:09 PM

Speaking only for myself and my subjective perception: There is a nice woody tone and the guitar is warm, but I find the sound to lack roundness. Maybe the problem of recording, attack, or not enough tone roll-off?
I liked your playing, some excellent melodic ideas! Thanks for sharing!

**Patrick2** · 07-10-2012, 04:35 PM

Ben; I'm not even sure you requested feed back on your vid . . . but, you seem to be getting some . . so, I'll offer my own as well.

Being more of a collector these days, than a player . . I feel kinda unworthy (as a player) of critiquing anyone's playing. But, I'm perfectly comfortable critiquing what I heard . . . . as a listener. I must agree with Tom Karol .. . I don't particularly care for the amp . . . and I'd like to hear the guitar's tone with the trebled rolled off just a tad. I also must agree with your own assessment as being . . . "untidy". I particularly did not like the quiver you employed in the head. Not sure if that is a style thing with you . . . or if it was just nerves working on you due to the recording going on as well as the uncertainty/untidyness. But, those lines in the head should be totally devoid of any quiver or finger vibrato (IMO). I liked the lines and melodic phrasing quite a bit.

In my opinion . . . better tone, less nerves, greater confidence (less uncertainty) and no quiver . . . would have made that a much better video performance.

**benjazzman82** · 07-10-2012, 05:27 PM

Hi guys.

Thanks for listening and also for the input. I think all points made are valid. the tone problem for me is on the wholetone...sorry for the typing....i on my phone..

The tone was actually rolled down about 40% on the guitar. I am ye.t to master the eq on rhe wt80. I started a thread a fw days back but i got little input. i will record again tomorowwith my cube 40xl. that sound is much more pleasing to my ears. As far as my playing goes....i have hit a rut. i have great nights and bad nights. i gig the same set 4 times a week basically. i have around 120 tunes but its never enough to keep my solos fresh and innovative.....if there is such a thing.

I have recently enrolled in andrras obergs online guitar shcool. maybe that will help.

if anyone has any advice on the wt80....pls fire away.

Again...thanks for reading and all the input...i never get funny about advice that is givn

...as long as its done tastfully. i am here to learn and get advice.

**Steve Z** · 07-10-2012, 05:34 PM

Nice playing. I checked out your other videos as well... I really like "Isn't She Lovely".

**benjazzman82** · 07-11-2012, 09:21 AM

Hi All.

Just done a quick video with the Cube instead and i much prefer the tone.

Any thoughts?

**rpguitar** · 07-11-2012, 09:56 AM

Much better than the last setup. Seems like you are mic'ing the amp with an SM58? It has a pronounced midrange emphasis for guitar IMHO, so that will affect the outcome of your recording and not necessarily sound as good as it does to you when you are there in person.

I would also experiment with putting the amp on the floor, as it helps to bring out a bit more bass (warmth) in the tone. You're getting plenty of crisp mids.

I agree on the dynamics comment FWIW. "Punch" out a few more of those lines by digging in for emphasis on certain notes.

**Jim Soloway** · 07-11-2012, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by benjazzman82

Hi All.

Just done a quick video with the Cube instead and i much prefer the tone.

Any thoughts?

The tone is much better but from the look of the setup I suspect we're still losing quite a bit in the way you're recording it.

As for the touch my only advise is to remain true to yourself and ignore a lot of what you hear from random advisers on the internet. You're the only one who knows what feelings you want to express and you don't need any guidance on that.

**gitrman** · 07-11-2012, 11:34 AM

Jim Soloway was right on with what he said. You already have a great feel for the instrument and a style that says "YOU". Why try to sound like someone else? Just keep doing what feels right and sounds good. Great sound.
"To Thine One Self Be True"
Oh yea, I have a 403 and a 371, love 'em both.

**edh** · 07-11-2012, 05:17 PM

Nice sound much better.

BTW, what is that object clamped to the head?

**Jazzman301** · 07-11-2012, 05:27 PM

I really dig the tone with the Cube. The guitar sounds more alive than before. The WT80 almost made it seem computer generated it was so sterile. Again some neat ideas in there. Would have been hip to shred a bit over some of those spaces rather than just wait it out...a little connective tissue from rep to the next

Thanks for sharing AND inspiring me to play a bit more today!

'Mike

**benjazzman82** · 07-12-2012, 07:51 AM

Thanks for all the comments guys. There was nothing clamped to the amp. There was a Mackie SRM 150 next to it. That had the backing track coming through it. I use that at gigs as a vocal monitor. I used 1 SM58 to record both at the same time.

The more time goes on, the more i like the Cube and am thinking of just getting an 80XL.

**benjazzman82** · 07-12-2012, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by edh

lol, I met the on the headstock of the guitar.

I should of been more clear.

Ah ha....no probs. Thats a "Snark". Its a tuner. Realy accurate one.

I have perfect pitch, but i now have an ear problem and this helps.

Looks bloody ugly though

Ben