Guitar Effects Pedals: A Buying Guide

By R. S. Rasnick

Guitar effects pedals (or "stompboxes") have been a mainstay in guitarists' sound-palettes since the early 1960's when engineer Roger Mayer is purported to have built the first guitar effects pedals, the "fuzz" pedal (the precurser of the modern overdrive and distortion pedal) and the wah-pedal. Mayer's creations graced the stages of such rock luminaries as Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix (supposedly, Mayer created the first pedals for his friend Page in the early 1960's). Mayer's legacy lives on, as guitar effects are used by guitar players across the globe.

Guitarists use effects pedals to give themselves a wider variety of sound choices to use during recording or live performances. While different amplifiers can offer some of the alternatives, not many amplifiers have built-in effects. Besides, guitar players would have to go to their amplifiers every time they wanted to make a change. Effects pedals are much more convenient, especially since guitarists often change tones in the middle of a song.

Not unlike the electric guitar and amplifier itself, effects pedals contribute to guitarists having a broad range of tonal expression. Today, even classical and acoustic guitarists use these effects, though they tend to avoid the distortion, overdrive, and wah pedals used by electric guitarists.

After effects pedals became popular, rack-mounted effects saw more wide use amongst guitarists, especially during the 1980's. The Yamaha SPX-90 and Eventide Ultra Harmonizer were two of the most popular rack effects that guitarists used at this time. However, guitar players soon realized that effects pedals were far more convenient and useful than rack gear, especially since the sound quality of digital pedals increased dramatically and eliminated the need for much rack equipment.

In order to make storage and transport much easier, guitar players will usually affix their pedals to boards ("pedalboards") with velcro, so that it's easy to "stomp" on their desired effects pedals. Volume and Wah pedals are usually mounted in such a way that facilitates their usage, since those pedals have to be "rocked" back and forth to affect their sound.

Most pedals, though, have a simple on-off feature. For instance, the ubiquitous distortion tone of hard rock and metal guitar players can be instantly switched off and the guitar's "clean channel" allowed to be played, to give a different feel to different sections of a song. Another simple stomp, and the distorted tone comes roaring back.

It's safe to say that most guitarists expend a lot of effort to get the "perfect" sound, and this involves configuring their guitars, amps, and effects pedals in the right combination. There are many different types of effects for players to chose from today: delay, vibrato, tremolo, chorus, pitch-shifting, flanger, overdrive, distortion, and the list goes on and on. Such effects can have significant changes on a guitarist's sound, which explains their ever-increasing popularity.

If you are interested in broadening your sound or just trying something different, then you should give some of the above effects a try. Who knows? They may inspire your next killer solo! - 23815

About the Author:

Author R. S. Rasnick is the founder of JustEffectsPedals.com, where you can easily shop for all the effects devices mentioned in this article and hundreds more!

Online Streaming, You Don't Have To Miss Them

By Stephen Unato

We are fund of watching those shows on TV. We just cant help it but we are so addicted with these wonderful shows that make your day complete. They are just so good to watch.

But sadly, we cant watch all of them. They are good to watch but sometimes because of some circumstances, like work, power shortage, broken TVs etc, we miss one or two episodes.

Out of depression (because we missed many of these episodes) we stop watching these shows. We cant repeat an entire episode and there is no guarantee that there will be a DVD version of that show with complete episode. Or if there is one, the euphoria has already been gone.

But we don't have to be afraid, because we are just so lucky. We have this trend called the internet. With its technology, we can just face our computers and with just a few clicks, we can already watch our favorite shows, and its free.

Its the trend in the internet today. It is called online video streaming. There are sites in the internet that allows some shows or programs to be seen by surfers freely.

You can watch a shows pilot episode up to its end. With its help you can be updated with the latest episode and be entertained for limitless number if time. You can even finish an entire season without getting out of your seat or bed or whatever position you are in.

Non stop fun and excitement is all you can get with this new trend in the net. You will have no worries anymore if you miss a certain episode or if you want to start a certain series.

If we are tired of the days hustles, stressed of some problems we encounter, we need to be entertained. That is why we have our TV's so that we can get away from those and be recharged again. And by the help of the online video streaming, we can put all these things to its peak. Happy streaming. - 23815

About the Author:

You will enjoy more with Live Streaming through this site : http://justfourluck.com. Visit it now!

Here's The Easy Way To Burn Your DVDs

By Sam Lockwood

We read a lot emails from visitors inquiring if there's somehow to make copies of DVDs, so today we're gonna cover exactly this. There's a few different DVD burning programs available, but as you may know, some of these programs can't make copies of every type of DVD. Let's see what is needed to burn any DVD movie you desire.

The softwares that you ordinarily utilize to copy a music CD usually can't copy DVD movies. The reason for this is that most of the DVDs have some type of copyright guard or protection on them. Because of this protection, your computer isn't able to recognize the DVD disc.

This doesn't mean there's no other option! You just need to install the right kind of software. Once you get the right program, it's a snap to make a copy of any movie.

The copyright blocks that are present on DVD movies can be gotten around by certain specially programmed computer softwares. Since the software can get past the guards, your system can then understand the data that is on the movie.

A quick note, almost all DVDs are recorded on 8 gigabyte DVDs. However, most blank DVD discs are only 4.7 Gigabytes. However, you can get DVD copying computer programs that will burn movies on the smaller discs. They do this by condensing the data on the disc to fit the movie on the blank DVD.

You'll want to make sure that you choose a DVD burning program that comes with frequent software updates. The software package will need an update from time to time simply because the copyright protections on DVD movies will change.

Anytime I purchase any kind of computer program I like to be offered a moneyback guarantee with the purchase. This is just to give you some protection on the slim chance that the software program doesn't function on your PC.

If you love flicks, having a DVD burning computer program is a huge plus. You can produce copies of any movie you choose. Once it's installed, you can copy any DVD you choose right on your PC. I have to go - it's movie time! - 23815

About the Author:

Once you install the software to burn dvd on your system it's a snap to copy any movie you choose. Click here to discover how you can get a free trial of the leading DVD copying program on the internet!

Is Comcast Cable TV Available In My Town

By Abe Michaels

If you are in the market for an excellent phone, cable, or internet service, Comcast is the place for you. So where is Comcast Available? It is available in 40 states across the United States. The excellent service that is provided by Comcast has led them to become one of best providers in the United States.

In order to branch out further across America, Comcast has had to prove their worthiness. They have done this by providing extremely high quality products and very friendly customer service. Comcast services can be found in the north in states like Michigan and Ohio and in the south in states like Alabama and Florida.

Check Comcast Cable TV Availability Online

From the west it is available in California. From the East all the way to Rhode Island. No matter what time zone you are in or what area you live in, it is very likely that it is available in your area. Even if you live in a very rural area, the chances are good that you are just a phone call away from having the best cable, internet, and phone service available.

Comcast is offering bundling packages that make their service even more desirable to many people. They have taken advantage of the advances in high speed internet and in High Definition television.

Their phone service includes no extra charge local calling as well as no extra charge continental long distance. Stay in touch with your out of town friends and family members! Call your loved ones when they are on business trips out of the state! It can all be done with no additional charges.

The high speed internet that Comcast offers is an always on service. You will be instantly connected to the internet with just a click of the mouse. Comcast email is available from any computer that has an internet connection so you will be sure to stay connected even if you are not home.

Comcast is currently offering a bundle of high speed internet, telephone service, and digital cable for just $99 per month. Along with this super low price, they are offering $250 in perks when you sign up to join a rewards service that they provide.

If you are interested in hearing about more money saving opportunities and an excellent customer service, contact your local Comcast office. They can provide details about the services that they provide in your area.

So, where is Comcast located? Ask around! You are sure to find friends, associates, or family members that are already experiencing all that Comcast has to offer. - 23815

About the Author:

Order Comcast Cable Internet Specials Pittsburgh PA online and save more money.

Learning To Sing - Where To Start

By Charle Rivers

You might enjoy belting your favorite toons in the shower or crooning in your church choir. Regardless of where and when you like to sing, it is never too late to hone your skills if you are serious and passionate. Your beginning level does not matter. Perhaps you cannot hold a tune or are close to auditioning for the opera. Regardless, you need to dispel some common myths before you can reach your potential.

It is not uncommon for people to fail to learn to sing because they believe singing involves some unique, inborn abilities. We have all heard the term "tone-deaf" used to describe someone. It is true that some people are born with an innate ability (or talent) to control pitch or volume but nearly everyone can develop these abilities.

Truly done-deaf individuals cannot detect and identify pitches at all; very few people suffer from this. In fact, just about two percent of people worldwide suffer from this problem. Many people who struggle holding a tune just need some training to hit pitches and intervals correctly.

Do you know if you are a soprano or alto, bass or tenor? Figure out your range and you can pick songs hat will utilize it beautifully. An alto or tenor cannot hope to hit the high notes a soprano belts out, just like a trumpet sounds awkward trying to echo a flute's pitch. Should you take lessons, your teacher can certainly help you figure out your strengths and range. He or she will help you choose songs that make you sound great!

Another easily learned skill for improvement in singing is correct breathing techniques. Breathing from your diaphragm will improve range, volume and pitch accuracy. Find your diaphragm by taking a long, slow breath while letting your abdomen extend. Keep your shoulders still while breathing. When you are able to breath in and out in this way, you have learned diaphragmatic breathing.

Also, being able to sing with a big, full voice will help the amateur singer hone their singing skills. Many times people sing with a small, nasally voice, which is not the voices full potential. If you force yourself to just let go and let it all out you will be doing yourself and your audience a huge favor.

After practicing these first steps and discovering your best range, start singing your favorite songs. You will find that if you like the song you will sing more enthusiastically and pleasingly. Try projecting the emotion of the song through your face and vocal phrasing. People respond to a heartfelt delivery whether it is perfectly voiced or not.

Adults often think it is too late in their lives to learn how to sing beautifully. It is never too late! Many instructors do not like to work with children, as their voices still need years to develop. Adults can certainly benefit from teaching. With a good teacher and some solid practice, you will sound wonderful! - 23815

About the Author:

If you want to learn about singing then I encourage you to try an instrument. Try the Korg m50-61 Synthesizer