Anatomy of Tone

In this episode of Anatomy of Tone, Mark Marshall discusses his experiences with various DAWs and audio interfaces, ultimately advocating for the simplicity and compatibility of Pro Tools. He shares insights from his teaching and professional recording experiences, emphasizing the importance of consistent, high-quality tools in the studio. Mark reviews Chicken Picks, noting their unique material, durability, and impact on guitar tone. Delving into guitar picks' role in sound shaping, he offers tips for choosing the right pick based on playing style and desired tone. Additionally, Mark shares his compositional techniques, including modulation and progression tactics, to help listeners enhance their music writing skills. The episode includes practical examples on bass and electric guitar, contrasting Chicken Picks with other picks to demonstrate tonal differences. Mark concludes with an invitation for lessons and feedback, promising more insightful content in upcoming episodes. 00:00 Welcome to Anatomy of Tone: Exploring Guitar Picks 00:25 Navigating the Recording World: A Personal Journey 05:34 Diving Into Chicken Picks: A Unique Guitar Pick Experience 18:27 Exploring Composition Techniques and Musical Examples 45:28 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

This episode of Anatomy of Tone offers a deep dive into the world of custom guitar craftsmanship through the lens of Farhad Sohaili, the founder of FSC Instruments. Farhad shares his comprehensive journey from his early music influences and moving from Iran to the United States to the establishment of his guitar-making business. The conversation explores the meticulous process behind creating handcrafted guitars, emphasizing the selection of materials like aged and roasted woods, the art of matching necks to bodies, and the importance of playability and design. Farhad discusses the transition from repair work to building guitars, the impact of the environment on the guitar , and the venture into boutique pedals and amps, illustrating his commitment to quality and the unique character of each piece. The episode also delves into the challenges of the guitar business, the shift from traditional sales to online platforms, and the value of a close-knit guitar community, offering insights into the passion and philosophy that define FSC Instruments. 00:00 Welcome to Anatomy of Tone: A Deep Dive with Farhad Sohaili 00:46 The Craftsmanship of FSC Instruments: Beyond Mass Production 02:27 Navigating Name Pronunciations and Immigrant Experiences 04:42 Musical Beginnings: From Classical Lessons to Punk Rock Passion 11:29 The Journey from Guitar Enthusiast to FSC Instruments Founder 15:06 Mastering Guitar Repair: A Self-Taught Success Story 20:36 The New York Hustle: Building a Business in the Big Apple 24:31 Seasonal Shifts and the Constant Grind of NYC Life 27:17 The Hustle of New York Musicians 28:08 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Having Support 28:56 Navigating the Challenges of Running a Small Business 30:46 The Evolution of Guitar Design and Production 33:18 The Art of Guitar Customization and Quality Control 34:42 Innovations and Changes in Guitar Features 45:01 The Craftsmanship Behind Fretwork and Nut Slots 49:14 Navigating Customer Expectations and Guitar Maintenance 55:33 The Unique Experience of Handbuilt Guitars 57:29 The Art of Selecting Wood for Guitars 58:26 Crafting Unique Guitars: A Personal Approach 01:00:02 The Importance of Thin Finishes and Vintage Aesthetics 01:02:24 Navigating the Boutique Guitar Market 01:04:08 The Future of Guitar Sales and Marketing 01:05:45 Collaborations and Innovations in Guitar Gear 01:08:31 Expanding the FSC Brand: Pedals, Amps, and More 01:19:18 Concluding Thoughts on the Guitar Industry Visit my website Anatomy of Guitar Tone

In this episode of 'Anatomy of Tone,' host Mork Marshall discusses the common issue of volume wars between guitarists and sound crews at live gigs. Mork explores both perspectives to find negotiation strategies and techniques for resolving these conflicts. He shares insights on managing amplifier tone and volume effectively in various venues, the role of amplifier wattage, and the use of gear like plexiglass barriers and volume pedals to achieve the desired guitar tone while maintaining harmony with sound engineers. Additionally, Mork provides updates on his latest blogs, touching on topics such as the FabFilter Pro Q 3 plugin, the toll g12 microphone, and the Sarno earth drive pedal. He also delves into his personal exploration of 20th-century harmony and polychords, offering lessons and insights on music theory, guitar playing, and production through his website anatomyofguitartone.com. 00:14 Welcome to Anatomy of Tone: Navigating Volume Wars 00:37 Diving into the FabFilter Pro Q 3 Plugin & More 01:47 Exploring 20th Century Harmony and Polychords 03:57 The Shift from Pre-Taped Lessons to Personalized Teaching 05:37 Understanding Volume Wars: Guitarists vs. Sound Crew 06:12 Navigating Amplifier Challenges in Live Settings 16:47 Strategies for Managing Guitar Volume on Stage 35:20 The Sound Person's Perspective and Building a Positive Relationship 40:53 Concluding Thoughts on Managing Amp Volume

Welcome to "Anatomy of Tone," the podcast that delves deep into the intricate world of musical soundscapes. In this episode, we unravel the secrets behind the revolutionary Tul G12 Dynamic Microphone, specially crafted for guitar amps. Join us on a sonic journey as we explore the essence of tone and the impact this cutting-edge microphone has on shaping your guitar sound.

Welcome to the 33rd thrilling episode of Anatomy of Tone. Join your host, Mark Marshall, as he delves into the vast tonal world of the Earth Drive pedal by Sarno Music Solutions. Through numerous experiments and meticulous exploration, Mark will share his process of identifying the perfect overdrive pedal saturation for diverse applications. Learn from his comprehensive walkthrough on how to maximize the pedal's effects and discover how slight adjustments in EQ settings can magnify your guitar's sound. Explore the numerous musical contexts in which the Earth Drive pedal excels, without compromising its distinct and captivating character. Marvel as Marshall unmasks the Earth Drive pedal in real-life musical situations, demonstrating its application in a variety of compositions, encompassing synthesizers, drum machines and guitar parts. Becoming a powerful tool, the pedal ensures a warm and rich harmonic texture, regardless of whether it's an '80s infused synth or a melodic bass part. In Episode 33, Mark Marshall exquisitely explores the craft of creating lush guitar tones. From the Earth Drive and Vox, gorgeously layered sound to the balanced work on minimalist composition inspired by Steve Reich. Anatomy of Tone transports you to an immersive experience unveiling the beauty of utilizing multiple elements, rather than relying on one, to create a richer, fuller sound. If you're a guitarist, an engineer, a producer or a composer, this episode brimming with hands-on experiences and practical advice is a must-listen. Dive into the fascinating realm of guitar tones today! Gear used in this episode: Tul G12 Microphone API 312 Mic Pres Purple Audio MC77 Rush Pepbox Headstrong Lil King Reverb Chase Blis CXM 1978 Analog Man Mini Chorus Solo Dallas Schaffer Replica Storm Gemini Mercury One Humbuckers Ampete 88S Amp Switcher Universal Audio OX Asterope Cables FSC '59 Pickups Valhalla Vintage Verb

In this week’s podcast, I’ll discuss the Rush Pepbox, one of the earliest fuzz pedals made. Pepe Rush started making the Pepbox in 1966 in London. The tone is reminiscent of the Maestro FZ-1 but with a few variations. Those of you who are into fuzz know we’ve been missing fuzz in this family. The Maestro isn’t being made anymore, and although there are a few copies of the Fuzzrite (another Maestro variant), they don’t sound quite right to my ears. Well, it turns out that Pepe’s daughter, Lucy, is still making the Pepbox, and it’s the real deal time machine fuzz. But don’t be fooled into thinking it only does psychedelic fuzz. I’ll discuss composition techniques and play examples using various guitars, amps, and effects combinations with the Pepbox. Context is crucial when choosing the right fuzz pedal. For me, that leads back to composition, production, and orchestration. In these examples, I’ll also use a new microphone I’m excited about- the Tul G12, designed just for guitar amps. The Tul G12 allows you to record guitar amps in the center of the cone without the fizziness often associated with this position. I'm available for private composition, guitar, and music theory lessons. Other gear used in this podcast: FSC 59’ Pickups Gemini Lipstick Pickups Teese Picture Wah Earth Drive Headstrong Lil’ King Reverb Chase Bliss CXM-1978 Marshall SV20H Purple Audio MC77

In Episode 31 of Anatomy of Tone, the host discusses crucial factors to consider when choosing a delay pedal and provides insightful tips on troubleshooting gear during a rehearsal or gig. They release new videos on their YouTube channel Anatomy of Tone which covers topics like using leading tones in solos and improvisations. A significant portion of the show presents an exhaustive exploration of different delay pedals and their unique sounds, including Fulltone Tube Tape Echo, El Capistan from Strymon, Analog Man ARDX20, and Korg SDD 3000, among others. The host also delves into tips to keep in mind when dealing with digital pedals and analog pedals. The episode wraps up with some samples using the various delay pedals discussed. 00:13 Introduction and Overview 00:55 Troubleshooting Gear on a Gig or Rehearsal 04:34 Choosing the Right Delay Pedal 05:18 Assessing Your Needs and Preferences 08:12 Considering the Size of the Pedal 09:53 Sound Style and Quality 11:16 Exploring Different Delay Pedals 23:57 Sound Examples and Demonstrations 38:50 Conclusion and Contact Information Check out my webpage https://www.anatomyofguitartone.com/ for more in-depth discussion and examples of each of these delays as well as the other effects mentioned such as the Seeker MKI, RMC Picture Wah, Effectrode Mercury, PC-2a, Delta Trem, Tube Drive, Gemini Mercury One pickup, and FSC '59s pickups.

In episode 30 of Anatomy of Tone, host Mark Marshall offers an in-depth discussion on the original Klon Centaur pedal. He explains its creator, Bill Finnegan's intent, how it was first received, and the subsequent controversy and 'Klon Wars.' He discusses manufacturing issues Finnegan faced and the impact of manufacturer changes on performance. Marshall also shares his opinions on Klon clones, dissecting their performance compared to an original Klon and presenting his favorite clones. He ends with a broader discussion on Klon use, inspiring listeners to see it as an ingredient in their sound, not a solution. Besides the Klon conversation, he announces his new YouTube channel and offers private guitar and music theory lessons. Gear used in this podcast: FSC KB-1 Analog Man Mini Chorus Analog Man ARDX20 Chase Bliss CXM-1978 Ampete 88S Amp Switcher Gemini Mercury One Pickups Headstrong Lil King Amp Marshall SV20H Amp 00:13 Introduction and Welcome 00:53 Promotion of New YouTube Channel and Request for Reviews 01:57 Introduction to the Original Clon Censure 02:09 The History and Controversy of the Clon Censure 02:52 Production Issues and Personal Experiences with the Clon Censure 06:57 The Impact of Famous Musicians on the Clon's Popularity 08:08 The Misconceptions and Misuse of the Clon Censure 08:51 The Market and Pricing of the Clon Censure 09:19 The Controversy of Clon Copies 16:23 The Varieties of Clon Copies 32:10 The Sound and Use of Different Clon Pedals 39:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Anatomy of Tone, Mark Marshall shares an overview of his recent YouTube videos on mastering chord progressions, practical strategies for soloing on guitar, and music theory. Additionally, he stresses the significance of understanding, identifying, and managing personality disorders to navigate through potential career obstacles. Lastly, Marshall emphasizes the necessity of financial literacy for musicians, suggesting resources and providing insights into budgeting and personal money management. As well as a review of Tune Utility handmade Staff and Tab Stencils for writing music. Visit my webpage Visit my Youtube Channel 00:00 Introduction to Anatomy of Tone 00:03 New YouTube Videos and Research Tools 00:43 Mastering Chord Progressions 02:05 Learning Music Theory Easily 03:11 Understanding Sequences Using Modes 05:16 Mastering Transposition and Harmonization 06:40 Note Tutor App for Learning Musical Staff 09:33 Importance of Research in Music 10:08 TuneUtility Stencils 17:23 Dealing with Personality Disorders 21:40 Conflict Resolution Skills 23:25 Learning to Apologize 26:18 The Art of Communication 28:07 Taking Criticism Positively 34:02 Building Confidence and Expertise 40:53 Understanding Finance and Budgeting 48:01 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

Anatomy of Tone: Episode 28 -Experience Pro-Level Mixing with PSP Plugins In episode 28 of Anatomy of Tone, the host shares insights on PSP Audioware plugins and how instrumental they have been over the years in shaping and refining sound in music production. The host emphasizes the versatility of the plugins in processing sound after recording, arguing that PSP Audioware plugins offer more character and depth to the sound. Features of several plugins are explored including the PSP Vintage Warmer, the PSP Lexicon 42, the PSP Binamp, the PSP Lottery, and the PSP Springbox, and different uses of these plugins to enhance different instruments are demonstrated. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:03 Exploring PSP Audio Plugins 00:54 Upcoming YouTube Videos and Learning Exercises 06:24 The Importance of Deliberate Practice 08:17 Private Lessons and Overcoming Musical Plateaus 08:55 Deep Dive into PSP Plugins 11:07 Exploring the PSP Binamp Plugin 21:21 The PSP Vintage Warmer Plugin 38:12 The Lexicon PSP 42 Plugin 43:22 The PSP L'otary Plugin 51:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

Exploring the Red Panda Tensor Pedal in this week's edition of Pedal Chemistry, we delve into the captivating world of the Red Panda Tensor pedal. This extraordinary piece of equipment opens up a realm of possibilities with its innovative reverse tape effects capabilities. But that's not all - the Tensor pedal also features pitch shifting, time stretching, hold functions, and loop functions that offer boundless creative potential. Seamlessly transitioning between modes, you can fully immerse yourself in experimentation and unearth unexpectedly fascinating results. With the Red Panda Tensor, you can manipulate your sound in ways that defy convention. As you engage its real-time rewind feature, time slows down as if caught in a temporal vortex. Conversely, you can accelerate your playing to dizzying speeds, leaving a trail of sonic exhilaration. The pitch-shifting option allows you to explore uncharted territories, blending reverse play with unique tonal variations. The ability to loop and overdub expands the Tensor pedal's artistic potential even further. You can effortlessly slice and rearrange phrases, creating intricate musical landscapes that defy temporal constraints. And let's not forget its impressive memory capacity, able to hold up to 9.4 seconds of audio in mono mode and 4.7 seconds in stereo. Furthermore, the pedal's stereo capabilities facilitate a wider sonic canvas, providing enhanced depth and spatial exploration. One of the most remarkable features of the Tensor pedal is its instantaneous response to your playing. The pedal is constantly listening, offering you the opportunity to instantly rewind and revisit your recent musical explorations. Switching effortlessly between forward and reverse playback allows you to navigate through an auditory labyrinth, immersing yourself in a world of infinite sonic possibilities. Discovering the Charm of Vertical Pedal Boards During a recent browsing session on Etsy, I stumbled upon an intriguing world of pedal boards. While searching for single pedal desktop stands, my curiosity led me to explore the realm of wooden vertical pedal boards. Personally, I've never been a fan of 3D printed products as they often lack the charm and durability that comes with something lovingly crafted by hand, from wood. And there I found Douglas Pedal Boards - a collection of unique, hand-built vertical pedal boards that immediately captured my attention. These meticulously constructed works of art exuded a sense of craftsmanship and authenticity rarely found in mass-produced alternatives. Each board possessed its own distinct characteristics, far from the uniformity of factory-made counterparts. In conclusion, the combination of artistry and functionality found in these handcrafted vertical pedal boards from Douglas Pedal Boards is truly captivating. They elevate the aesthetics of your pedal setup while offering a reliable foundation for your effects. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 27 00:04 Exploring Vertical Pedal Boards 00:47 Review of Douglas Pedal Boards 07:44 The Impact of Technology on Composition 12:56 Exploring the Red Panda Tensor Pedal 13:40 Review of Red Panda Tensor Pedal 19:54 Sound Experiments with Red Panda Tensor Pedal 43:58 Conclusion and Contact Information Check out my website for more gear reviews and lessons Anatomy of Guitar Tone

Anatomy of Tone: Episode 26 - The Art of Improvisation in Music In this episode, the relevance of sweepstakes run by Seeker Electric Effects is discussed alongside a plea for assistance for a member of the community. The host later dives into various methods for improvising effectively. Central to this are skills such as ear training, understanding forms, in-depth knowledge of one's instrument and integrating music theory. Technology is also touched upon in terms of its benefits and distractions, particularly in relation to practice, along with the value of various apps in improving music theory and rhythm reading skills. A highlight includes how research and music transcription can decode and understand music, and the importance of rhythm in a musical piece. There's also a note about an upcoming examination of the Red Panda Tensor pedal and a plug for a charity initiative by Sound Toys plugins. 00:00 Introduction and Sweepstakes Announcement 01:12 The Importance of Community Support 01:48 The Art of Improvisation: Essential Skills 02:10 The Power of Ear Training 04:30 Understanding Musical Forms 07:16 Knowledge of Your Instrument 09:06 The Role of Music Theory 11:28 The Value of Research in Music 17:36 The Importance of Reading Music 22:22 Inspiration from Bernard Herrmann and Learning Composition 23:10 The Power of Reading Music and Notation 23:49 Using Music as a Mnemonic Tool 24:54 The Importance of Encoding in Improvisation 25:39 The Art of Storytelling in Music 27:21 The Role of Reading Music in Improvisation 28:24 The Significance of Rhythm in Music 39:56 The Impact of Technology on Improvisation Practice 44:50 Useful Apps for Improvisation Practice 48:15 The Importance of Transcription in Learning Music 49:32 Learning Music Theory and Improvisation 50:52 Upcoming Podcast Topics Apps I mentioned: Tempo Music Tutor Itabla Relative Pitch Goodnotes #improvisation #musictheory #imporvisationforguitar #composer #composition #songwriting #musicinstruments #musictechnique #jamming #improvisationonpiano

In this week's podcast, I delved into the realm of the Universal Audio Del-Verb pedal. This pedal offers three classic UA reverbs and delays in a compact, user-friendly design. Such endeavors often sound too good to be true, but Universal Audio has proven their expertise by crafting a pedal that not only sounds fantastic but is also ideal for impromptu gigs and sonic exploration. Additionally, I share insights into my approach to an improvised solo performed during a recent gig with the Kevin Bents Situation. Tune in to discover the thoughts behind my musical decisions, my preparation process, and how I approached conveying emotional expression through my performance. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 25 00:03 Exploring Universal Audio's DelVerb Pedal 00:41 Recording Gigs and Self-Reflection 02:12 Guitar Solo Analysis 04:24 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Music 05:32 The Art of Improvisation 10:46 The Role of Tone in Musical Expression 14:14 Universal Audio Delverb Pedal Review 29:58 Exploring Different Sounds with Delverb 54:49 Conclusion and Contact Information Gear used in this episode: Universal Audio Del-Verb Ampete 88S amp switcher Seeker Electric Effects Tonebender MKI Gemini Mercury One Humbuckers FSC '59 Strat Pickups Headstrong Lil King Contact for guitar, bass, drum, recording, composition, synth programming, production lessons

In Episode 24 of Anatomy of Tone, I delve into the hidden gem responsible for the iconic "Back in Black" tone of Angus Young and others. The Schaffer Vega Diversity System, originally designed as the first wireless unit for guitarists, evolved into a pivotal tool for tone enhancement. The Schaffer Vega sound remained elusive and shrouded in mystery for many decades. However, thanks to Fil Olivieri's relentless research and collaboration with Ken Schaffer (the original designer), a modern incarnation of the original Schaffer Vega has emerged sans the wireless aspect. We now have at our disposal a pedal version of the Schaffer Vega sound, known as the Solo Dallas Storm, and I'll be embarking on some exciting experiments with it. Additionally, I'll discuss Elaine Gould's invaluable reference book, "Behind Bars," which provides comprehensive insights into music notation. For those eager to explore the gear I used in this podcast, you can find further information through the following links: Ampete Amp Switcher Headstrong Lil' King Reverb Marshall SV20H Universal Audio Del-Verb Purple Audio MC77 Vick Audio '73 Rams Head Retro Sonic Chorus FSC KB-1 Gemini Mercury 1 Humbuckers FSC '59 Strat Pickups

In this week's podcast, we talk about the healing value of music and its use in the mental health profession. Music therapist Sophie Woods came into the studio to discuss how she implements music into her therapy sessions, how different parts of the brain work, and the need to allow more people access to music therapy.

In this week’s podcast, I touch on etiquette for sessions, rehearsals, and gigs and the need to set good boundaries. I also deeply explore the sounds that can be created by using the Effectrode Phaseomatic, which uses vacuum tubes and photocells to create rich, lush vibrato and swirling phase-chorused effects with amazing presence and clarity. I use the Phaseomatic with diverse sources such as: Guitar: paired with an SG, Solo Dallas Storm, and Marshall Plexi. paired with a Guild Starfire III, Headstrong Lil King guitars recorded using the Ampete 88S amp switcher, Universal Audio OX, Purple Audio MC77, API 312 Mic Preamps, and Universal Audio Apollo Bass: paired with a P Bass and Ampeg V78 paired with a Warwick FMR 5 string Mellotron: paired with a Surfy Bear Metal Synth: paired with a Sequential Circuits Prophet 10, Chase Bliss CXM 1978, Seeker electric Effects MKI

This week, I talk about overcoming distractions on gigs and remembering the material. I give tips on preparing so you can maintain focus on a gig. There are ways you can practice to emulate stage conditions. I also provide tips on sitting in with musicians on a gig. Composers in the classical realm are masters of development, reusing, and reimagining parts. Techniques such as retrograde, inversion, augmentation, and diminution can also be helpful to songwriters in rock and pop genres. I touch on the subject to get you started in exploring these techniques.

This week, I interviewed Douglas Gibson, one of my most influential teachers/mentors, about his life. Doug is an award-winning composer, orchestrator, and educator with a deep understanding of music. Doug talks about his pathway to knowledge and musical interests, as well as his experience working in the business.

In episode 19 of Anatomy of Tone, I sit down to talk to the creative mind behind Henry Amps. JP Henry discusses his roots and philosophy of making guitar amps. I've been a long-time fan of Henry amps. I toured with two Henry amps for years and have used them in studios with fantastic results.

In episode 18 of Anatomy of Tone, I will discuss using the Strymon Iridium amp, cab modeler, and in-ear monitoring (IEM) for gigs and rehearsals. There are several reasons why players may not be able to use an amp on gigs in today's performance and studio world. There are also times when we need to hear ourselves more. But, with no monitors, this can be an issue when our volume is already loud for the room we’re playing. I provide some tips for these situations and look at where live sound is going. Gear discussed or used in this podcast: Strymon Iridium Rolls PM55P Personal Monitor Seeker Electric Effects MKI Analog Man CompRossor Ampete 88S Amp Switcher Headstrong Lil King Victoria 518