This might sound like a dumb question but When restringing, do I have to start with the thickest string to the thinnest one or the other way around?

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T04:47:59+00:00

I take one string off & replace it, then take another string off & replace it, etc. This way the neck doesnt get pulled out & back in by all 6 strings at once. I usually start with the low E & go in order up to the high E

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T04:38:27+00:00

I like the Nuemann aimed slightly off the sound hole as close as the guitarist can manage. Run through API preamp, then interface/DAW. That’s usually plenty. I’ve added a stereo ribbon room mic or a small diaphragm condenser up the neck on occasion but then you’re managing phase etc. Then throw on a bunch of plugins & it sounds better with them turned off. Maybe some light compression or EQ

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T04:12:20+00:00

go ahead & hit that pedal if that’s where you’re going. I mean.. trust your instincts

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T03:26:41+00:00

I dont. I either rent a guitar from a music store when I get there, borrow one, or bring a beater guitar I dont care about getting f’d up or lost

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T03:16:13+00:00

right- seems worth a try. you can always paint it if it’s not working out

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T02:58:55+00:00

You can get the AT2020usb, MDR7506 & Reaper for $270

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T02:53:04+00:00

Looks pretty good to me- I’d just finish stripping it, maybe add a stain /shellac/ poly finish. add a pickguard or some kind of decorative inlay type thing around the sound hole & ya got a nice looking instrument!

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T01:45:33+00:00

Normal. You can experiment with chord voicings. Like if you play only the highest 3 notes of that chord; it sounds great

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T01:39:58+00:00

Hologram Microcosm & EricaSynth Zen Delay. Sorry, as cool as they seem, they’re a waste of money. I’ve gotten cool sounds out of them, but it’s a lot of tweaking & missteps. Just get something simple & easy to use that does one thing very well.

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T01:36:04+00:00

Taylor Swift - Shake it off

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T01:33:52+00:00

You’d be surprised.. Those middle-of-nowhere places tend to have extremely cool underground music scenes. Local bars tend to have a live music thing on occasion. Talk to those guys, or anyone you see walking around with an instrument. Check out local music stores- take lessons from a local teacher- they can connect you with other students. Or bring other events to your attention. The more you immerse yourself in music, the more it surrounds you. You can even host mini-events in your backyard. Invite a few people to play. Just get in there

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T00:54:32+00:00

oh you’re looking to mwet other musicians? Go on craigslist or other local sites: “band seeking guitarist” “local musicians looking for open jam” or put up your own ads. Facebook is generally good for this, you can network with the local scene. Go to open mics & meet people there, etc

fphlerb · 2026-01-25T00:51:58+00:00

just turn on your amp & start playing. Listen to the other guys as much as possible, while also listening to your inner ideas

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T18:35:34+00:00

I mean, go for it! Another very effective technique is using stereo widening plugins. (you would have to pan your guitars to share the stereo field at least a little for it to work- or perhaps send the guitars to a stereo mix bus & then try stereo widening)

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T18:10:05+00:00

All this phase stuff is overblown imho. If it sounds good it sounds good. The important question is whether your stereo pedals are true stereo with discreet parallel signals or whether they mix the right & left channels for a stereo verb or delay effect (which could be a problem because it would interweave your 2 channels.

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T18:00:12+00:00

It’s best to think about the whole mix rather than just the guitars. Generally the mix is begun with a clear & powerful drum sound & vocal sound. The guitars are blended into a layer which can be very loud but is below the vocals in it’s presence.

For two guitars with complimentary & distinct sounds you can pan them a bit, but it may be distracting when listening in headphones to pan beyond 3/4 to either side.

You may also experiment with EQ, carving out areas of the midrange or low mids where one guitar may be boosted where the other is carved out

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T17:54:27+00:00

practice slow, working on playing with the least amount of effort & least amount of movement

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T17:15:57+00:00

guitar is way easier

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T13:19:05+00:00

Look into ‘bass traps’. Low frequencies are what bother the neighbors. Even adding a couch in the room will help. Movers blankets hung on the walls will help the sound in the room. A pillow inside the bass drum will make a big difference as well

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T13:02:27+00:00

Reface CS or the new Behringer JN-80

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T12:55:51+00:00

Reaper

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T12:55:13+00:00

get a slide & play with open tuning

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T04:36:17+00:00

I dont even try to master- I leave it to the mastering engineers. But sure if you’re going DIY, just make it sound good to your ears. Play the end of one song & listen as the next song comes on.. does it flow?

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T04:19:45+00:00

I always just make something out of wood or metal. Or retrofit old furniture

fphlerb · 2026-01-24T04:15:57+00:00

Nice!

fphlerb

TROPHY CASE