Gorgeous Ambient Soundscape

[todd richman]

I discovered TGP member "tubescreamer's" ambient textural demos yesterday. Along with member, DemoColorScheme, these 2 guys are making some beautiful sounds that have begun to get me thinking that maybe it is time to head in a more ambient direction and away from the roots rock/americana stuff I play. I am so taken with the lushnes of these sounds. Here is a really good one from tubescreamer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZALeg1GATH8&feature=channel

[NetStar]

You should get his two albums, they're great.

[Pale Rider]

imagine if you combine your two passions....

[todd richman]

That's what I'm thinking but then I may as they said in Jaws-"Need a Bigger Board"!! Well it was boat in the movie, lol.

[RocksOff]

For me, The Verve have always been masters of ambience inside the structure of a song. Nick McCabe has so much stuff going on, it always amazes me that it's one guy on guitar.

[DemoColorScheme]

Yeah, Andy's stuff is great. Him and I are actually doing a collab soon. :)

[todd richman]

I was thinking how cool it would be for you to do a collab with him! Please let us now. Where is Andy anyway-I am obsessed with his rig.

[DemoColorScheme]

Will do! And Andy is here on the board. :) He posted his board a few days ago and he also uploaded a video of his music room a few days ago.

[andyothling]

Whoa, hey guys! Thanks for all the kind words!! You rock!

[todd richman]

There you are! Great stuff. Love the use of multiple delays. I am trying to figure out a way to combine some of your textureal delays with a rootsy/americana/delta blues base music now-I think the combination of rustic raw guitar tones and those delay textures will be unique and magical. I plan to use your VMSD settings-those sound great and I am gonna add an EQD Disaster Transport Delay for some more modulated delays to work with my EQD Ghost Echo, probably in parallel via my X-Blender. Trying to finish up the L.A. Sound Design board revamp now.

[jfromel]

hey Todd,

Have you checked out the Srymon BSR yet? It has a shimmer setting that can do some pretty cool textures.

[andyothling]

Thgere you are! Great stuff. Love the use of multiple delays. I am trying to figure out a way to combine some of your textureal delays with a rootsy/americana/delta blues base music now-I think the combination of rustic raw guitar tones and those delay textures will be unique and magical. I plan to use your VMSD settings-those sound great and I am gonna add an EQD Disaster Transport Delay for some more modulated delays to work with my EQD Ghost Echo, probably in parallel via my X-Blender. Trying to finish up the L.A. Sound Design board revamp now.

Very cool man! I have a v.1 Disaster Transport that I love (but don't have the board space for). I imagine the newer one sounds even better!

[andyothling]

And just a little spam for good measure... if anyone is interested in my music you can check out two of my albums (one of which you can download for free) here: http://lowercasenoises.bandcamp.com

:aok

[todd richman]

Hey John Fromel, the Strymon BSR is amazing. Don't have the room for one!

[amp boy]

todd,
you did just use the term lushness.
how un roots.
hahahahhaa.........
: )

[todd richman]

I wanna be the first lush/roots/textural player! Mainly it's about some delays with modulation and some reverb. I am actually gonna ditch the leslie simulator and just stick with tremolo for standalone modulation so that I can run the VMSD and EQD Disaster Transport plus Ghost Echo Reverb. Still running the Klon, Colorsound Power Boost from Lumpy's Tone Shop, couple of clean boosts from EQD and an upcoming Delta pedal. Plus volume pedal for swells and X-Blender to run the reverb and maybe modulated delay (EQD) in parallel. Picture The Edge meets GregV and David Grissom-that would be cool.

[Rabidclam]

Andy Othling. He's quite a bro of mine. We talk often on FB and such. He apparently liked my new ambient single which is FREE btw, right here. Check it out

theveldt.bandcamp.com

[Rabidclam]

Yeah, Andy's stuff is great. Him and I are actually doing a collab soon. :)



You guys are my two biggest influences!! I can't wait to hear that one!!!!!

[Philly Fuzz]

I wanna be the first lush/roots/textural player!

Do you listen to Sparklehorse, Mazzy Star, or Cowboy Junkies? Their stuff often mixes textural with roots-y influences....

Go for it! I think it sounds like a great mix -- get yourself a fuzz pedal too... :)

[todd richman]

The Delta pedal is gonna be part fuzz-basically designed to capture the essence of Lance Keltner's slide demos with that Cardinal guitar and Grease Monkey amp.

Mazzy Star is phenomenal as is Sparklehorse. Gotta check out Cowboy Junkies too.

[eschoendorff]

I discovered TGP member "tubescreamer's" ambient textural demos yesterday. Along with member, DemoColorScheme, these 2 guys are making some beautiful sounds that have begun to get me thinking that maybe it is time to head in a more ambient direction and away from the roots rock/americana stuff I play. I am so taken with the lushnes of these sounds. Here is a really good one from tubescreamer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZALeg1GATH8&feature=channel

That was really cool. Makes me want to try something like that.

[Franklin]

I am actually gonna ditch the leslie simulator
oh yeah? Whatcha got and watcha gonna do with it? :)

[amarr1]

I'm glad some people here aren't just your run-of-the-mill bl00z or fusion player. Great work DCS and Andy.

[DemoColorScheme]

You guys are my two biggest influences!! I can't wait to hear that one!!!!!
Thanks, bud! I'm finishing up my board and then starting on some recordings! So, hopefully, it won't take too long.

[DemoColorScheme]

I'm glad some people here aren't just your run-of-the-mill bl00z or fusion player. Great work DCS and Andy.
Appreciated! I can't speak for Andy, of course, but having other people enjoying your work is definitely motivating and gives me, personally, some huge inspiration to keep going.

[DemoColorScheme]

Just for the sake of it, I'll put some vids on here for people to enjoy:
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Enjoy! :)

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[deeohgee]

[QUOTE=todd richman;8457475]I wanna be the first lush/roots/textural player!QUOTE]
I'm pretty sure that's Bill Frisell.

[todd richman]

That's true!

[Pale Rider]

You guys have never heard the soundtracks to Paris, Texas or The Hired Hand, huh?

Les Paul had us all beat right out of the gate
rITJyZVTfy4

[todd richman]

Looks like Lester beat the Grateful Dead with the Wall of Sound also!

[todd richman]

Just realized that Passenger95 is another great textural player who makes use of multiple delays. I think he is also a member here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElKOfL8wgrA&feature=related

[todd richman]

Another from Andy that is stunning-sort of reminds me of a Spanish Mediterranean sunset via David Gilmour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7EdB-P7VMA&feature=related

Andy-I presume that having stereo capability is necessary to really do this sort of panoramic/textural music?

[carljoensson]

I wanna be the first lush/roots/textural player! Mainly it's about some delays with modulation and some reverb. I am actually gonna ditch the leslie simulator and just stick with tremolo for standalone modulation so that I can run the VMSD and EQD Disaster Transport plus Ghost Echo Reverb. Still running the Klon, Colorsound Power Boost from Lumpy's Tone Shop, couple of clean boosts from EQD and an upcoming Delta pedal. Plus volume pedal for swells and X-Blender to run the reverb and maybe modulated delay (EQD) in parallel. Picture The Edge meets GregV and David Grissom-that would be cool.

Buddy Miller with Emmylou Harris in the band Spyboy does pretty much that. After all he filled the spot when Daniel Lanois left.

Todd, the Vmsd is pretty inspiring, isn't it? So many sounds suddenly available... /c

[DemoColorScheme]

Just realized that Passenger95 is antoher great textural player who makes use of multiple delays. I think he is also a member here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElKOfL8wgrA&feature=related
I don't think Karl is on here. :)

[Rabidclam]

I don't think Karl is on here. :)

This is so weird...

I was gonna start a thread called "The top 3 TGPrs you would want to jam with" but all three of mine have now been mentioned. I love Karls blog guitarforworship.com, the guy is hilarious and super nice but his videos seriously lack in the sound quality department...

[DemoColorScheme]

This is so weird...

I was gonna start a thread called "The top 3 TGPrs you would want to jam with" but all three of mine have now been mentioned. I love Karls blog guitarforworship.com, the guy is hilarious and super nice but his videos seriously lack in the sound quality department...
Oh, that sounds like a fun topic! Open it anyways! :D

[Rabidclam]

Oh, that sounds like a fun topic! Open it anyways! :D

Done, bud

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=8460313#post8460313

[todd richman]

Can we invite him to join us?

carljoensson-care to share a few VMSD settings?

[carljoensson]

Can we invite him to join us?

carljoensson-care to share a few VMSD settings?

I'd love to. But really I have only scratched the surface. Tape mode C with LP filter and fast modulation is all I'm doing for now. I haven't even stored a single preset yet. /c

[todd richman]

Carl-I am still not sure how to set the delay time in Tape Mode C-do you have to use the tap footswitch or can you dial it in with the time knob?

[andyothling]

Another from Andy that is stunning-sort of reminds me of a Spanish Mediterranean sunset via David Gilmour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7EdB-P7VMA&feature=related

Andy-I presume that having stereo capability is necessary to really do this sort of panoramic/textural music?

I wouldn't say it's necessary, but it definitely does bring things up to another level. You can still get some very nice "lush" sounds with just a mono signal. :)

[todd richman]

Thanks Andy.

[Echoes]

1VP2BQnjL0I

[tatoi]

1VP2BQnjL0I

Although I do love EITS, I don't think they're music is that ambient. More like post-rock.

[ChaseTMP]

True that. I saw their first US show at The Whiskey (92', maybe?) in Los Angeles and was just blown away. Nick, IMO, is the master of delay and reverb usage. I hope he gets The Black Ships sailing soon. BTW: really beautiful stuff Andy and DCS.

For me, The Verve have always been masters of ambience inside the structure of a song. Nick McCabe has so much stuff going on, it always amazes me that it's one guy on guitar.

[andyothling]

Although I do love EITS, I don't think they're music is that ambient. More like post-rock.

Agreed. Great stuff though.

[carljoensson]

Carl-I am still not sure how to set the delay time in Tape Mode C-do you have to use the tap footswitch or can you dial it in with the time knob?

You have to use tap. Pretty stupid if you want to dialin some tape slapback. /c

[andyothling]

You have to use tap. Pretty stupid if you want to dialin some tape slapback. /c

Not really... in that mode, the time knob becomes a multiplier/ratio knob. All the way to the right, it is 1:1, so the tempo you tap is what you get. Turn it to the left and you start multiplying, 1:2, 1:4 etc so you get 2x or 4x the tempo you tapped in. Should be easy to get some slapback that way.

[carljoensson]

Not really... in that mode, the time knob becomes a multiplier/ratio knob. All the way to the right, it is 1:1, so the tempo you tap is what you get. Turn it to the left and you start multiplying, 1:2, 1:4 etc so you get 2x or 4x the tempo you tapped in. Should be easy to get some slapback that way.

Sure, I use it for multiplying. But it is still harder than turning a knob. Normally I would know that at X o'clock I get a good slapback. It takes some trial and error to dial in the right amount of slap with tap IMO.

In the end, I'll of course make a preset for slapback and be done with it. But to dial it in on the fly, a knob would be easier.

/C

[DemoColorScheme]

Although I do love EITS, I don't think they're music is that ambient. More like post-rock.
Agreed. I never got the whole ambient thing. People often think using a delay pedal and a little reverb pedal is ambient .. ;)
I used to listen to them a lot, 'way' back. They're still good though, I just don't listen to them that often anymore.

[todd richman]

carl and andy-I think that is a good idea-set it and forget it for slap. I may pick up a Disaster Transport Jr or Sr, not sure yet, for more simple delay sounds as an alternate and use the VMSD for the more textural stuff.

[Top Geezer]

that was beautiful playing. what would you recommend to get those landscaped loopes on the cheap? I have a boss DM-2, I need a lopper and more delays?

[Rabidclam]

Delay delay delay delay delay. And reverb. And volume. Thems the basics.

[todd richman]

This is awesome-combines rootsy Tele with ambience-Bill Frissell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svzv-YkUzdk

[Rabidclam]

...bump?

[greenlander]

Delay delay delay delay delay. And reverb. And volume. Thems the basics.

Actually, you want reverb reverb reverb. And delay. And more reverb.

[andyothling]

Actually, you want reverb reverb reverb. And delay. And more reverb.

disagree-but-it-doesn't-really-matter-because-you-can-do-it-however-you-want'd

[todd richman]

Well thanks to Andy and Demo (I still don't know your real name!!) and after speaking with my rig builder at L.A. Sound Design last evening, we have a plan for a hybrid americana meets ambient/textural rig. Gonna go with the Klon, Black Eye Boost, Colorsound Power Boost replica and custom americana/rootsy sounding drive pedal(Brian at Farndurk is working on something special for me), may add a compressor also or substitute the AM Comprossor for the Colorsound alltogether, and run those plus my Empress Tremolo for vintage trem and hard choppy Reverborocket sounds into a small mini 4 channel mixer that will enable me to run the delay/reverb efx in parallel and blend them with an expression pedal. The delays/reverbs will be the Vintage Modified Superdelay which I just received last week and it is so versatile, a new version Earthquaker Devices Disaster Transport (full size or senior version with modulation), Earthquaker Devices Ghost Echo Reverb for more traditional hall ambience and the Boss RV-5 set exactly like Andy in his pedalboard demo for the modulated reverb that is just mesmerizing more and more everytime I watch it. Demo did something similar and for a reasonably priced pedal, it is incomparable for that wash of trailing slow decaying vapour trail. I also have a master volume pedal for swells and silent tuning mute. Buffering at various stages via the custom L.A. Sound interface I already have on my board and output buffering. Thinking of selling the Victoria tweed Super and going with a 5E3 style tweed Deluxe-either Blankenship Fat Boy or Tungsten Crema Wheat-I need the sound of a 12" Celestion style speaker rather than the 2x10" alnicos of the Super. May pair that up eventually with a blackface Princeton for a bit of Mike Campbell sort of vibe. Lookling forward to this rig coming together and finally being able to find the sounds I hear on your demos and in my head.

[Pale Rider]

So, is this guy putting together a board for you, supplying the pedals, or using your own gear?

[mjm59]

I've owned an Eventide GTR4000 for 15 years now, and aside from being one of the most transparent effects processors, there are oodles of patches in there that were designed specifically for atmospherics; think Robert Fripp soundscapes. That being said, Eventide is now offering $1200 trade-in on these older units for new products, so if you can find something like a GTR/DSP4000, H-3000/3500 in the just over $1K price range on the used market, you'll have quite the arsenal for your projects for the cost of an Empress and a couple other things (the GTR series also has some fuzz patches, but you need to play them through the front of your amp, they don't work in the effects loop).

Looper's Delight is a wonderful resource site for all things ambient. Here is their information on the Eventide DSP4000.

http://www.loopers-delight.com/tools/eventide/dsp4000.html

Here, also, is a website for a very nice looper (pretty essential for creating those soundscapes). Good luck.
http://www.looperlative.com/


Mike

[todd richman]

Pale Rider-I already have an L.A. Sound Design custom pedalboard that was built 2 years ago. Here is the old pic:

http://www.hugeracksinc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=50024&hilit=textosterone

Scroll down to see the board. Almost everything is gone now except the Volume Pedal, Empress Trem and the power supplies and interface custom made by L.A.S.D. There is also an A&S road case. Best investment I ever made. We will retrofit the new pedals, most which I already have onto this board and they will rewire and set everything back up. Once finished, it is simply a plug and play board. The interface on the top right corner, under the bypass box is the brain that has the buffers in it and routing so we come back midway for add'l buffering before going to time based pedals.

[todd richman]

mjm59-the GTR and Looperlative stuff is great. Another favorite player of mine and also friend and TGP member, Simeon Harris, is another example of an amazing textural player. Here is his website:

http://www.simeonharris.co.uk/

[mjm59]

Hey Todd,
I almost forgot, there is a monster player that's a member of this board and a big contibutor of tutorials on Looper's Delight, named Andre LaFosse. Perhaps you can get some information from his tutorials or he might be inclined to answer some questions for you directly.
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/member.php?u=15111

Here is a tutorial Andre wrote based on the Echoplex Digital Pro (out of production) but might be applicable to the Looperlative products.
http://www.altruistmusic.com/EDP/

BTW, your buddy in England seems to have good taste in equipment.


Mike

[todd richman]

Thanks mjm. Yeah, Simeon has some amazing gear and his programming skills are incredible. It os my dream to someday work with him and Andy and DemoColor in a collaboration.

[DemoColorScheme]

Well thanks to Andy and Demo (I still don't know your real name!!) and after speaking with my rig builder at L.A. Sound Design last evening, we have a plan for a hybrid americana meets ambient/textural rig. Gonna go with the Klon, Black Eye Boost, Colorsound Power Boost replica and custom americana/rootsy sounding drive pedal(Brian at Farndurk is working on something special for me), may add a compressor also or substitute the AM Comprossor for the Colorsound alltogether, and run those plus my Empress Tremolo for vintage trem and hard choppy Reverborocket sounds into a small mini 4 channel mixer that will enable me to run the delay/reverb efx in parallel and blend them with an expression pedal. The delays/reverbs will be the Vintage Modified Superdelay which I just received last week and it is so versatile, a new version Earthquaker Devices Disaster Transport (full size or senior version with modulation), Earthquaker Devices Ghost Echo Reverb for more traditional hall ambience and the Boss RV-5 set exactly like Andy in his pedalboard demo for the modulated reverb that is just mesmerizing more and more everytime I watch it. Demo did something similar and for a reasonably priced pedal, it is incomparable for that wash of trailing slow decaying vapour trail. I also have a master volume pedal for swells and silent tuning mute. Buffering at various stages via the custom L.A. Sound interface I already have on my board and output buffering. Thinking of selling the Victoria tweed Super and going with a 5E3 style tweed Deluxe-either Blankenship Fat Boy or Tungsten Crema Wheat-I need the sound of a 12" Celestion style speaker rather than the 2x10" alnicos of the Super. May pair that up eventually with a blackface Princeton for a bit of Mike Campbell sort of vibe. Lookling forward to this rig coming together and finally being able to find the sounds I hear on your demos and in my head.
Interesting! The name is Michel, by the way.
A little fact: did you know Andy bought a RV-5 on my recommendation? ;) I think that's how he and I got in contact, some time ago.

I'll definitely be interested to hear your new rig, Todd. You always seem like such a nice guy, so I don't mind keeping my spotlight on you!
Keep me updated, if you like!

[todd richman]

Thanks, I will. You and Andy are the inspiration for the textural side of the board. We just have to get the parallel mixer/blender figured out and should be good to go. I am going to go Comprossor instead of Colorsound Boost I believe after watching Andy use the Keeley-sounds so Gilmouresque with some modulated delay and RV-5 mod reverb after it. I think I like the Analog Man Comprossor better than the Keeley and it fits a bigger slot that I have for it on the board.

[DemoColorScheme]

Thanks, I will. You and Andy are the inspiration for the textural side of the board. We just have to get the parallel mixer/blender figured out and should be good to go. I am going to go Comprossor instead of Colorsound Boost I believe after watching Andy use the Keeley-sounds so Gilmouresque with some modulated delay and RV-5 mod reverb after it. I think I like the Analog Man Comprossor better than the Keeley and it fits a bigger slot that I have for it on the board.
Thanks! I'm honored. And yeah, a compressor is highly recommend. Both Andy and I used Keeley Compressors, if I'm not mistaken. His is a two knob, I think, mine a 4 knob. It does the job great. All of my demo's and vids and tracks feature the Keeley - it's a BIG part of my rig, in all honesty.
I'm still interested myself to try out an AM Mini Bi-Comp, not sure if it's gonna kick the Keeley C4 out of the rack, but it might kick the modded Dyna Comp '76 Script RI off of the board.

[musictoyz.com]

Loved that clip !! just textures and fripptronics !

Awesome

[todd richman]

I liked the Bi-Comp I had years ago but I am gonna go with the large box Comprossor-to get those glistening sounds Andy and you get, the Ross is more useful. The Orange Squeezer side is great for slide and grit but I have other pedals I can use for occasional slide work.

[Passenger84]

Was just invited on youtube, but I think I'm joining the party a little late. :) But Todd, thank you for the kind words. And I also absolutely enjoy Andy's (tubescreamer316) and Michel's (DemoColorScheme) work. Just beautiful.

[DemoColorScheme]

Thanks, Karl! Your stuff is gorgeous too! My all-time jam would definitely be you, Andy and me in 1 room!
Oh, by the way, keep an eye out on new vids of:
- WET Reverb (Black) (which I think you'll like a LOT - even with its simplicity, it's voiced gorgeously!)
- BJFE Model H

[todd richman]

There you are Karl-welcome aboard! Your work is stunning. Hope to hear much more of it.

[Passenger84]

Thanks, Todd! And I'd love to jam with you and Demo and Andy as well!

And since this thread is about soundscapes, here's my latest offering. :)

Za9rJfJm_rs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za9rJfJm_rs)

[todd richman]

Karl that is sumptuous! With the graphics of the video it is almost like being inside a space cathedral. Beautiful work.

[Passenger84]

Thanks. Can't wait to hear your new board in action! :D

[blood5150]

You guys have never heard the soundtracks to Paris, Texas or The Hired Hand, huh?

Les Paul had us all beat right out of the gate
rITJyZVTfy4



What a voice she had.....

[Animule]

I'm a little late to this thread, but Andy/tubescreamer316, thanks for this stuff. It's really fantastic (and inspiring and daunting)! I'm not even sure how to start down this road. I'm more of a turn it up loud and see what kinds of noises we can make kind of guy, but in the back of my mind I always want to create these kinds of soundscapes. Where the hell do I start? Delays, reverb and a looper are the basics, right? I'll take a look at your board and start taking notes. Thanks again.

[andyothling]

I'm a little late to this thread, but Andy/tubescreamer316, thanks for this stuff. It's really fantastic (and inspiring and daunting)! I'm not even sure how to start down this road. I'm more of a turn it up loud and see what kinds of noises we can make kind of guy, but in the back of my mind I always want to create these kinds of soundscapes. Where the hell do I start? Delays, reverb and a looper are the basics, right? I'll take a look at your board and start taking notes. Thanks again.

You're welcome! Yes, delays and reverbs are the way to start (loopers aren't that necessary, I don't use one in a few of my videos), but I've found the hardest thing is to have a mindset of simplicity and not try to fill space with a bunch of notes. I really want to play as few notes as possible, but have each note/phrase crafted to succinctly express the musical idea I want to come across. Maybe this is easier for some people, but I started my guitar career being a blues/rock guitarist, and now I'm trying to reverse some the ideas I got from that.

[HurricaneJesus]

I'm confused as hell. How are these sounds being made with a guitar? I could entertain myself for days with this stuff. My neighbors, not so much.

[DemoColorScheme]

I'm confused as hell. How are these sounds being made with a guitar? I could entertain myself for days with this stuff. My neighbors, not so much.
It's not that complicated. It just takes a little logical understanding of what certain effects do and how they (can) influence each other.

[HurricaneJesus]

It's not that complicated. It just takes a little logical understanding of what certain effects do and how they (can) influence each other.

You guys should totally do some sort of ambient tutorial, if you haven't already. I'd look but I'm late for work as it is!:hide2

[DemoColorScheme]

You guys should totally do some sort of ambient tutorial, if you haven't already. I'd look but I'm late for work as it is!:hide2
I would, though I think very few people would really need it in the worlds of stompbox effects. It's actually quite logical in a way, like, when you know how to remove the attack of a guitar, how analog delays sounds when almost-oscillating-but-aren't-which-results-in-a-floaty-reverb-cloud, what certain mixtures can be made when applying a form of modulation to make it 'move'.
Now, racks and software, etc - that's a whole different story.

[andyothling]

You guys should totally do some sort of ambient tutorial, if you haven't already. I'd look but I'm late for work as it is!:hide2

I've been thinking about doing one. I might try tomorrow.

[DemoColorScheme]

I've been thinking about doing one. I might try tomorrow.
Okay. :) I'm curious to see the outcome, Andy.

[andyothling]

Okay. :) I'm curious to see the outcome, Andy.

Yeah, I've gotten that question from a lot of people. It seems straightforward to me, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to go through settings and show exactly what each pedal is doing, etc...

[DemoColorScheme]

Yeah, I've gotten that question from a lot of people. It seems straightforward to me, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to go through settings and show exactly what each pedal is doing, etc...
Yeah, I STILL get messages every week from people asking for my advice on pedals, functions, types, guitars, amps, whatever.
I guess making a vid with what each pedal does can be handy for some beginners, though, I know that might sounds snobby, I'd advice them to start of with a multi-FX to learn what certain effects do and what takes their fancy. This way they can learn what THEY like instead of me saying how they should do it - and which combinations of pedals I use to get some of the sounds they here on a video or clip. The dangers of advice that is based on your own rig is that people will blatantly copy it because, especially beginners, are of the mindset that THAT certain pedal will give them THAT sort of sound, whereas it's really important for them to develop their own taste.

[andyothling]

Yeah, I STILL get messages every week from people asking for my advice on pedals, functions, types, guitars, amps, whatever.
I guess making a vid with what each pedal does can be handy for some beginners, though, I know that might sounds snobby, I'd advice them to start of with a multi-FX to learn what certain effects do and what takes their fancy. This way they can learn what THEY like instead of me saying how they should do it. The dangers of advice that is based on your own rig is that people will blatantly copy it because, especially beginners, are of the mindset that THAT certain pedal will give them THAT sort of sound, whereas it's really important for them to develop their own taste.

Yeah, I agree with you there. That's why I always try to preface stuff by saying "This is what I do, feel free to use it as a starting block and find your sound" kind of thing. But I feel there are some general guidelines that I can offer in the video that might be helpful that aren't attached to specific pieces of gear.

It frustrates me to get the "give me your settings please" comments, because I know that person would be much happier with their sound if they sat down and tweaked a little themselves rather than if they just plugged in my settings.

[DemoColorScheme]

Yeah, I agree with you there. That's why I always try to preface stuff by saying "This is what I do, feel free to use it as a starting block and find your sound" kind of thing. But I feel there are some general guidelines that I can offer in the video that might be helpful that aren't attached to specific pieces of gear.

It frustrates me to get the "give me your settings please" comments, because I know that person would be much happier with their sound if they sat down and tweaked a little themselves rather than if they just plugged in my settings.
Exactly. This is how I answer as well. And let's be honest:
FINDING your own sound is the whole fun thing about it. The feeling of accomplishment can be really rewarding!

[todd richman]

Please do that tutorial Andy. I know a lot of people, me included would enjoy it. Demo-you too!

[DemoColorScheme]

Please do that tutorial Andy. I know a lot of people, me included would enjoy it. Demo-you too!
I'll think about it ..
It kinda makes me feel really geeky and redundant from my part on doing a demo like that. It's like saying; "Hey, guys, I know everything! Come polish my balls into new shiny territory and worship me!"
But on the other hand, if you guys think it would benefit the world .. then, yes, maybe.
Oh, and the name was Michel, Todd. ;)

[HurricaneJesus]

Now wait just one second. You mean balls can be polished to a brilliant shine? I'm learning so much in this thread.

[andyothling]

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Miscellaneous/ChineseExercise%20balls.jpg

[travisvwright]

Well today is yesterday's tomorrow. What I'm looking for in a tutorial is not settings but effects. I tried this using just delay for a long time before I learned about reverb. So I want a very basic,


"Swell(volume pedal or otherwise) into Delay(analog/analog with mod) with feedback above 80%, into reverb set to 100%. To get a dark sound try.... to get more shimmer try... if you mix a wet and dry signal you get..."

Type of thing. Of course list other effects and what you think they do to the sound. (If possible. I liked the sound of adding a flanger but cannot describe what it did in any useful way)

[HurricaneJesus]

Touche, in all seriousness, though I'm understanding a little more how these sounds are happening after fiddling with my delays a bit yesterday and today (and the reverb on my amp).
One question, though. I know there's no rules, per se, in music but would a traditional guitar solo in the context of one of these Ambient jams be off limits?

[andyothling]

would a traditional guitar solo in the context of one of these Ambient jams be off limits?

For me, yes. I did the guitar solo thing for a long time (and still do in my other band) and want to stay clear of that when I'm doing this kind of music. It goes against what I am trying to accomplish with trying to play more simply. Plus, after playing/hearing it for so long, it just gets old. Maybe it's the rebel in me, but if everyone is interested in playing as many notes as possible, then I want to play as few as possible.

Again, that's just a personal thing. But I think DCS would agree with me.

[HurricaneJesus]

I figured as much, just from my listening over the past few days. Seems kinda liberating, actually.

[DemoColorScheme]

For me, yes. I did the guitar solo thing for a long time (and still do in my other band) and want to stay clear of that when I'm doing this kind of music. It goes against what I am trying to accomplish with trying to play more simply. Plus, after playing/hearing it for so long, it just gets old. Maybe it's the rebel in me, but if everyone is interested in playing as many notes as possible, then I want to play as few as possible.

Again, that's just a personal thing. But I think DCS would agree with me.
*shakes head in agreement!*

[TDJMB]

Also include Robert Fripp: http://www.dgmlive.com/archive.htm?artist=14&show=925
Less roots, more out there.

[DemoColorScheme]

Here's a new bit I've been working on. I'm not sure if I'm gonna keep the crackles/bleeps/particles, but thought I'd share it anyways:
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KPNvESq3HPc&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KPNvESq3HPc&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>

Here's the intro to Hyperlexia (note: not the final version)
I just wanted to throw this out there. I'm not sure if I'm gonna keep the bleep/particle-like sounds, or change them / whatever.

Anyways, this is merely the intro to the track ..

[PanicProne]

Demo/Michel! Where d'you get that picture from? took it yourself? Either way, it's awesome and so is the music! (as always).

[DemoColorScheme]

Demo/Michel! Where d'you get that picture from? took it yourself? Either way, it's awesome and so is the music! (as always).
Thanks! And I just browsed the internet for certain pictures that fit the mood.

[PanicProne]

Thanks! And I just browsed the internet for certain pictures that fit the mood.
Cool. It fits nicely. When the music fades in in the beginning you can almost sense some movement in the picture. the clouds etc. :D Nice job.

[DemoColorScheme]

Cool. It fits nicely. When the music fades in in the beginning you can almost sense some movement in the picture. the clouds etc. :D Nice job.
Ha, that's awesome! :D

[Rabidclam]

*shakes head in agreement!*

You two are way too freakin awesome :-)

if Andy and Michel don't do that collab soon I'm gonna freak out! Lol. But i have to restrain myself from trying to be a part of it somehow. Haha

[DemoColorScheme]

You two are way too freakin awesome :-)

if Andy and Michel don't do that collab soon I'm gonna freak out! Lol. But i have to restrain myself from trying to be a part of it somehow. Haha
haha, lol! Well, I'm game! So, I should get started on it soon!

[Rabidclam]

Indeed! And if I may be so bold, i would love to contribute something, anything!!

[DemoColorScheme]

Indeed! And if I may be so bold, i would love to contribute something, anything!!
Oh sure! :) We can always see if that works out!

[amarr1]

This thread is awesome.

[Rabidclam]

Oh sure! :) We can always see if that works out!

Alright. Now I don't want to sound obnoxious, but you guys are my biggest inspirations as a musician and helping you create soundscapes and textures is kind of like, my dream. Haha. So I have that one single posted online in my signature there, but now that it's summer I have some time to actually do the rest of the EP. That single was one track, one take. Used my DD-7 as a looper. For the EP I plan on rerecording it with bass and other means.

So if I can contribute anything at all, please oh please let me know :)

and if not I completely understand. It's kind of an unrealistic expectation I suppose... :P

[DemoColorScheme]

We'll see, mate. I don't mind sending you some tracks along the way for you to jam out on. I'll just do the mixing after that. :)
Oh, and thanks for the huge compliment! It's rather flattering, really ..

[DemoColorScheme]

This thread is awesome.
It actually is! I love threads like this. Makes me feel at home! :cool:

[Rabidclam]

We'll see, mate. I don't mind sending you some tracks along the way for you to jam out on. I'll just do the mixing after that. :)
Oh, and thanks for the huge compliment! It's rather flattering, really ..


That would be amazing!!!!

And if you decide you like it, and end up using it on an album or EP or what have you, don't worry lol I don't want any money. At all. Ever. :) I don't come anywhere near matching you guys in talent and am unworthy as it is hahaha

but seriously jamming for a day with you, Andy, and Karl (passenger95) is like my ultimate dream as a musician haha. So being able to contribute to any of your work would totally blow me away. :)

ok sorry I'll stop buggin you now lol

[DemoColorScheme]

haha, this is actually quite cute!
And yeah, I'd love to jam with those guys as well, but sadly, I live in the Netherlands .. :(

[Rabidclam]

haha, this is actually quite cute!
And yeah, I'd love to jam with those guys as well, but sadly, I live in the Netherlands .. :(

Indeed you do. Forgive my American ignorance but your English is better than most Americans/Brits here. Lol! Hmmm my vote is you sell all your non guitar related belongings to somolian pirates and move out to America somewhere for the sole purpose of jamming. :) I'm kidding of course, but through the magic of the Internet we can send and edit tracks from anywhere!

[DemoColorScheme]

Indeed you do. Forgive my American ignorance but your English is better than most Americans/Brits here. Lol!
Why, thank you, man! That's mighty kind, really!

Hmmm my vote is you sell all your non guitar related belongings to somolian pirates and move out to America somewhere for the sole purpose of jamming. :) I'm kidding of course, but through the magic of the Internet we can send and edit tracks from anywhere!
haha, I couldn't leave my girlfriend - I love her way too much! (3 years filled with love and .. well, hard times as well).
A funny fact: 3 years ago, I kinda fell in love with a woman living in Olympia, and I was planning on just dropping everything to go to the States. Funny, huh?

[Rabidclam]

Why, thank you, man! That's mighty kind, really!


haha, I couldn't leave my girlfriend - I love her way too much! (3 years filled with love and .. well, hard times as well).
A funny fact: 3 years ago, I kinda fell in love with a woman living in Olympia, and I was planning on just dropping everything to go to the States. Funny, huh?

Shoot man I lived in Olympia for five years! 98 to 2003

[DemoColorScheme]

What a small word!

[Rabidclam]

What a small word!

Seriously! Olympia Washington right? But yeah, PM me and I'll give you an email address to send some tracks my way to tinker with and I'll send em back to ye :)

[DemoColorScheme]

Seriously! Olympia Washington right? But yeah, PM me and I'll give you an email address to send some tracks my way to tinker with and I'll send em back to ye :)
Yeah, Olympia - Washington. I'll PM you right now!

[Rabidclam]

Awesome! Response = sent

[NetStar]

I'd sit and watch an ambient tutorial.

I play similar, but I'd enjoy learning some tricks I might be missing.

[TopBoost323]

This is an ambient/swirly sound I'm working with at the moment.

Your thoughts?

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[DemoColorScheme]

This is an ambient/swirly sound I'm working with at the moment.

Your thoughts?

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Pretty funny, it's the EXACT progression of hammock's 'this kind of life keeps breaking your heart' - but I guess that was on purpose. ;)
And I like the sound, though it could use some more 'verb to smoothen out the repeats of the delay.

[TopBoost323]

That's exactly the lick! :phones I use it as my measuring stick.

More reverb, you say? I can handle that. Thanks for the input.

[TopBoost323]

And speaking of input, I'll take whatever coaching I can get...That's the only way to really get any better.

[DemoColorScheme]

And speaking of input, I'll take whatever coaching I can get...That's the only way to really get any better.
Huh? Did you change your username? :D

[Rabidclam]

Huh? Did you change your username? :D

I'm so confused too...?!

[TopBoost323]

I did. my apologies for any confusion. :hide2

[abergdahl]

Hey some LOOPING, cool..
Getting a EDP (Echoplex Digital Pro) was the best gear investment EVER (perhaps besides my great cougar amps) i t made me change the way a percive music..
Lots of clips in mis SIG.. nut always "ambient" in the standard sense.. almost all strange sound are just inserting and messign with the loop, some clips also use a KP3 for secondary looping and effects..

[abergdahl]

This is an ambient/swirly sound I'm working with at the moment.

Your thoughts?

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2-bIubNhymg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Cool sound, what effects are used?

[travisvwright]

Well today is yesterday's tomorrow. What I'm looking for in a tutorial is not settings but effects. I tried this using just delay for a long time before I learned about reverb. So I want a very basic,

Quote:
"Swell(volume pedal or otherwise) into Delay(analog/analog with mod) with feedback above 80%, into reverb set to 100%. To get a dark sound try.... to get more shimmer try... if you mix a wet and dry signal you get..."

Type of thing. Of course list other effects and what you think they do to the sound. (If possible. I liked the sound of adding a flanger but cannot describe what it did in any useful way)


Does something like this exist out there yet?

[TopBoost323]

Cool sound, what effects are used?

I tried to keep it simple:

Line 6 Verbzilla, SpikeyBear CleanHitCrunch, Line 6 DL4, Ibanez DE7
Running Stereo to Gabriel V18 & Vox AC30

[todd richman]

TopBoost-that sounds fantastic-huge spatial atmosphere. What is a SpikeyBear CleanHitCrunch?

[TopBoost323]

TopBoost-that sounds fantastic-huge spatial atmosphere. What is a SpikeyBear CleanHitCrunch?

Thanks! :)

It's just a mild OD.

Edit: I was actually using an Xotic EP Booster. :facepalm

[luke_duke]

I'd pay to see that...did you pick up your Strymon BSR yet? I'd love to see that bad boy incorporated into your stuff!

I've been thinking about doing one. I might try tomorrow.

[PanicProne]

Shoot man I lived in Olympia for five years! 98 to 2003
I'm pretty sure last time I checked 98 to 2003 is a liiittle bit more than five years. And also, no one has ever been that old. There is a liar among us! :hide

[amp boy]

RNoWXbzk9ak

[andyothling]

RNoWXbzk9ak

I fail to see how this relates to the thread.

Also, I really don't like Grails that much. I've tried on a few occasions, I just don't dig it.

[DemoColorScheme]

Agreed. Grails is okay, but definitely not ambient by any means.

[amp boy]

fail away.

I figure this might be something Todd would like to hear, since some of his sound descriptions flow along with my thought on achieving a certain sounds as well.

[NetStar]

It's not blooze, it must be what you kids call ambient!