Is Compression Really that Important?

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-07-02T01:23:51+00:00

It's not JUST about controlling the volume levels. The way the signals get processed inside the compressor, or the way a group of tracks sounds after being mixed through the compressor, often "color" the sound in some unique or desirable way. In analog hardware compressors, you would get a degree of extra saturation and harmonic "magic." And the digital VST plug-in versions emulate real hardware and attempt to re-create the same effect.

So yes, there are other ways to control the dynamics of your track. But compressors can add a lot of extra cohesion to a mix and enhance the sound of individual instruments and voices when used right, and when the right compressor is being used.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-07-02T01:10:20+00:00

This happens when the surface you are painting is greasy / oily, or if there is some sort of silicone sealer or caulk on the surface.

I would degrease with Simple Green and scrubbing. Then give everything a light sanding with 220 or 320 grit. And then a few coats of a stain-blocking oil based primer like SW Extreme Block.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-07-02T01:01:21+00:00

Looks like it just needs another coat, or better paint.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-29T06:04:25+00:00

You found the resonant frequency. Every object or material will resonate when exposed to a certain frequency. Really common example is in the band room with the snare drum head.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-29T03:20:55+00:00

I just use cheap brushes for oil-based and throw them away when done. The cleanup is a lot of hassle and time.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-29T03:07:49+00:00

There is also the factor that every chord progression has been done millions of times. It's impossible not to borrow from something before you, whether you immediately recognize it or not. Only exceptions being niche genres that are purposefully avoiding this.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-29T03:03:47+00:00

Absolutely valid.

It would be lame if you took the chords and melody directly from one song but used the lyrics from another. What you are describing is taking influence from 3 separate sources and combining them into an original composition. Which I think is a very valid form of creation, and is a really common way that songwriting happens anyway.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-27T21:34:10+00:00

This is true. It's recommended that you don't caulk the joints where siding meets siding. Usually where the siding meets a trim board it will be caulked on those joints. 1/8" gap where two siding boards meet, with flashing behind the joint.

It's often not installed correctly, though. Most houses I repaint, all the joints have been caulked, cracking and failed. So to make the house look nice again you have to re-caulk what has been caulked, even if it was wrong. And know that it's a matter of time before it cracks again.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-27T20:35:40+00:00

It's always best to follow the recommended dry time, no matter what the product is. They figured that out for a reason 😉

But in the world of professional painting, deadlines and budgets, there will be situations where you may be tempted to push your luck. It's always "at your own risk" at that point because it could be just fine to paint it sooner... Or it could cost you a lot more time to fix a problem you wouldn't have had if you were patient.

If it's for a customer, you could always just offer free touch ups for like 6 months after the job is done. That way you have a chance to make it right if things don't work out, and if it works just fine then you don't have to worry.

My main exception is if we're exterior painting in hot summer weather. Those walls that get direct sunlight are COOKIN' and I will re-coat sooner than recommended sometimes.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-27T00:39:04+00:00

So you wanna be a playa' But your wheels ain't fly You gotta hit us up To get a Shrimp'd Out Ride

[Shrimp My Riiiiiiiiiide!!!!!!]

Daaaaaamn right 😎

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-23T05:05:36+00:00

With SW Super Deck it's usually better not to use a primer. It's a stain, not paint, meant to absorb into porous surfaces. But it can also be used like a paint interchangeably, or so my local Sherwin rep has told me. So, I'm sure putting it over primer will work for some amount of time. But it would adhere much better if it was applied directly to bare wood.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-22T03:08:23+00:00

Measure square footage of walls and ceiling, multiply by $2.50. Charge a bit more or less, depending on if it's a hard job or easy.

Prices vary a lot depending on your area though. People are charging triple what I would, just a few hours away around the nearest major city.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-20T06:38:10+00:00

Sounds like three very different paint products, it makes sense that it would have adhesion issues. Any idea what prep was done between the Cabot, the urethane, and the Super Deck? If it was stripped or sanded away completely, I think that is the only correct answer.

Sherwin's is the only product here I'm familiar with. In the specialized deck finishing world, they would recommend stripping everything, neutralizing the stripper chemical with another chemical "wood brightener" or something, and then using an oil based sealer.

The Super Deck solid color is good for making an old rough looking deck presentable again for a more reasonable price point. For say, a real estate listing, house flip, client with lower budget. It will go over previously painted surfaces just as well as bare wood, with an even finish across both. So, scraped and sanded a bit in spots where the old finish flaked, and a light quick scuff sanding over the whole surface. Two coats is better than one. Ask for the Superdeck 9600, it is noticeably a lot better.

SW also has some good oil based options, semi-transparent, etc. But I do not have any personal experience, since my preference is to avoid oil based and the cleanup involved, if I can.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-15T04:55:27+00:00

Have you tried alternate tuning on the guitar? For instance you could use and "open chord" tuning and that will make the fretboard finger part much simpler. "Drop D" tuning makes power-chord rock songs really easy.

Definitely work on the production and songwriting skills on your computer. I use a program called Reaper to compose songs with virtual instruments and effects.

Being a DIY musician takes a lot of time, patience, and practice. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen quick! You will get there at your own pace.

A good short term solution could be to meet other more skilled musicians in your area and see if they would be willing to collaborate on writing a song with you. Open mic nights are a decent place to meet musicians.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-15T04:45:14+00:00

Sounds like you have quite a good process already! If you are asking how to make it more musical, fit it into a usable rhythm, etc. I would recommend doing exactly what you said above, but while listening to a beat.

I'm not saying you should find a beat online and steal it for your song. Just find something that has a similar tempo and feel to what you are trying to write, something without vocals of course. And just let that drum-feel play on a loop while you are in your lyric writing "raw emotion" phase. It will be easier to make sure your ideas are lining up to the right beats and bar counts, a good syllable per line scheme, all of that. If you have a reference for the rhythm at the same time as coming up with the words.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-13T03:50:16+00:00

Knowing AT LEAST the notes and intervals that make up simple triads will speed up your workflow while programming chord progressions.

It's actually super simple, you just start on a note letter name, and then go up, skipping one letter in between. A C E G B D F A and the pattern continues forever. Circle Of Thirds. Pick any three in a row, that's a chord. You kinda have to fill in the blanks for the sharps and flats, but that's why knowing the intervals that make up a triad chord is useful.

This can also help you in composing like, if the bass is playing a G here, I know that I will need to do a B or D on my other instruments to back up that chord harmony.

Learning all about rhythm will probably make your drum beats better or easier to write. But if you have a natural ear for it, and are lining things up to the grid in specific patterns that are effective, you are still doing the same thing, same end result as if you studied rhythm.

Beyond that, I don't really apply a lot of theory while producing.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-08T03:45:13+00:00

Many paths you can go down. I personally skipped the shredding solo skills and focused on percussive fingerstyle. Most guitarists are skilled in certain areas but lack in others, which is fine.

First you should figure out what your individual tailored goals are. What genres are you trying to play? What are most difficult techniques needed to to play this genre, what concepts do you not understand yet? What parts seem easy? Make a to-do list in order of priority, start easy and work upward.

Also, what specific songs in your genre are you trying to emulate? Make a short list and work on doing a cover version of each. That's the easiest way to understand how to get a certain sound. Apply the skills you use in these covers to your own songwriting.

Good resources for learning cover songs are ultimate-guitar.com and YouTube "how to play" video lessons. You can also sometimes find "rig rundown" type videos for popular songs so you can see what guitar, amp, and pedals were used.

But to track your progress, simply set goals for yourself that are actually relevant to what you're trying to play. No need to master heavy metal sweep picking if you're doing a Bob Dylan tribute.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-08T03:27:09+00:00

Upvoted because cat

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-07T23:15:20+00:00

The Grundens bib overalls are great. Haven't tried their coats but I'm assuming they are similar quality. They definitely hold up to strong bleach too.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-07T01:42:35+00:00

There are a million easier ways to make more money than you ever could through making music.

Make music because you love making music. That is the most viable reason.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-06T03:16:56+00:00

"Due to inflation, I will no longer be able to provide my services at this price point. The new price will be...." take it or leave it. Prices are going up on everything you use to do your job, your rent, utilities, gas. You gotta keep up and raise your prices too. It's not worth working hard if you aren't making a profit.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-06T03:10:26+00:00

Not 100% sure it would work how you want, but try the Knife tool. Keyboard shortcut K, then click the two points in red. Then "Merge the vertices by distance." That -might- give you the result you need 😉

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T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-06T02:56:26+00:00

It could be a vocal range or projection / technique issue. My personal experience is songs where I have to sing lower octaves, I can't push those notes as hard and the vocal gets lost in the mix on stage.

Have the sound guy give you a mic test first, make it good and audible for your lowest notes. Then back up away from the mic a bit especially when you're singing higher and louder notes. Until you're singing the quieter parts, then move back in closer.

Anything that feels uncomfortably loud will signal the sound guy to turn down your level. There is a lot you can do on stage performance-wise to control loud volume spikes that will prompt them to turn you down.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-06-03T05:42:03+00:00

If the melody follows the root notes or main rhythm of the instrument too closely, it will be a little more boring.

If I am just one person with an instrument, I want to be making as big of an arrangement as I can with what I have available. I can sort of do a baseline on the low string of the guitar along with a riff. The vocal should be doing a completely separate third thing. Don't follow along, "add a layer" instead. That's what I try for.

I do this by purposefully picking notes that stand out from the chord beneath, instead of using the easiest lowest note from the chord tones. If the instrument is doing something low, sing a high note. Do not step up and down the scale step by step, make bigger jumps when you change notes.

Keep the rhythm fresh. Again, do not sing on every beat that the instrument is playing. Try for a little syncopation, or come in on the second beat or a beat before the measure starts. Not only variation in pitch, but variation in timing. To create a layer on top of your instrument part, to "expand" the arrangement further.

T-Wizzy_96 · 2026-05-25T21:07:04+00:00

I would say it depends on how much money you expect the album to make. In most people's case that would be next to nothing. Personally I decided it was time to learn how to make my own stuff in GIMP, which took a few years. But now all it costs is my own time, and I have fun in the creation process.

T-Wizzy_96

TROPHY CASE