The Andrews Blues Commission

Musings Of A Muleskinner--Deke Dickerson's Blog

2011-09-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Musings Of A Muleskinner--Deke Dickerson's Blog

Great musician and historian. Read on!

Trios

2011-02-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

I love trios. Always have. They are dynamic and incredibly intimate musically. There are several that come to my mind's forefront as soon as I think of trio.
The Police, Cream, Band of Gypsies, more recently Wolfmother, Muse, and that's omitting the jazz trios of today and yesteryear. Here's some fab videos of these groups.
THE POLICE

Cream

Band Of Gypsies

WolfMother

MUSE

Violent Femmes

John Scofield Trio

Are they Listening?

2011-01-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

What's the difference?

I've been thinking a lot lately about how obsessive we as guitarists can be about our tone, sound and overall audible presentation. All of my guitar friends use pedals of some sort or the other to change the sound of their axe. We all seek out amps to give us the sound we hear in our minds. We buy guitars and pickups based on internet reviews, compressed video internet feeds and opinions. Then you've got the cats buying up the $2K plus road worn style instruments that are put together from new stock, stressed to show 40 years of wear and tear and then sold for a very pretty penny. It's like the new designer thing in guitars.If memory serves me right it all started back when Gibson made good instruments with a guy named Tom Murphy. He distressed by hand lots of Les Pauls and created a niche market for these prized axes. Now builders like Nash, Glendale, and Senn are making built to order "relic'd" guitars in addition to the big two having their main and import lines representing the market, too.
That brings me to my original reason for this rant. The money we sink into gear. At the end of your next show count on your hands how many folks come up to you and say- "man, I love the use of the (insert fave pedal in here) on that bridge section" or "that beat up looking guitar sounded rad" etc. You get the idea. Yes, these are tools I use myself. I have a populated pedalboard replete with two overdrives, a wah, two octave pedals, delay, tremolo, and reverb. I have a 20 year old Strat I take out that earned it's road worn status with every nick, paint chip, and busted tone knob intact. Sure, it's great to hear from attendees the show rocked but I can't recall the last time someone made a point to ask or see what made "that" sound. Something to think about the next time G.A.S.(gear acquisition syndrome) sets in. We all love the sound our gear gives us but I highly doubt anyone in fandom really cares.

strings and radii

2010-12-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

I've been playing guitar since 1987. Back then I knew nothing about string gauges, neck radius and their effect on playing. I didn't know anything about tube vs. solid state amps and my fascination was with making music. The gear was secondary. Sure, I knew what "good" instruments were but I didn't have the insight and research I've accumulated the past twenty years. That brings me to the point of this post.
My first acoustic had action that was akin to the telephone lines sagging from the poles in winter. Equally challenging was the mastering of chord shapes, nevermind barre chords. I learned on that axe and it served me well. The strings were probably .013-.056 like most standard acoustic strings. The action was about 1/2 inch off the board. Again, I didn't know better and just learned on the guitar.
Move ahead one year and I get my 1988 Fender Stratocaster Plus, an American made guitar that had "cutting edge" technology on a classic format. The Strat plus had locking tuners, the first version of the Wilkinson roller nut, a trem setter, and Lace Sensor pickups. These were all innovations at the time and still work. The only upgrade I've done since then was to put the second version of the LSR roller nut (which works better IMO) and re-wire the rear tone knob to blend the front/rear pups. The original wiring had the rear tone as a TBX tone control which now is the middle on my axe and the other tone is wired to blend the front/rear when twisted.
This guitar played (and still does) like a dream. The action was close enough to play chords without developing carpal tunnel but high enough to not fret out when playing. I've had every gauge string on there since my youth. I've had the action raised and lowered and have settled on a happy medium. The point is I didn't really notice any major difference between that and my ASAT Classic. I should have.
The neck's radii are different on each. The Strat's 9.5" and the ASAT's 7.5". My PRS has a radius of 10" and the Epiphone Alleykat is very Martin-esque for an electric at 12" (most acoustics are 16" or more). To reiterate I've been oblivious to these things since I was a kid and now as I type with a split fingernail on my left hand middle digit I can't help but think the combination of 3 hours of rehearsals on D'addario XL 10s and tonight's hour on the 12 string finger eater remind me that while we as musicians sweat the small stuff on our gear maybe in the long run we're better off just doing what feels right and recognizing our body's limits.
Sadly, I'm probably going to play my electric now - the G&L Legacy (9 inch radius) b/c it has light electric strings (.09-.042) and I really love the feel of that maple neck in my hands.
Truly, breathe and play what you feel.
If it works for you go for it.

Recording

2010-11-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

I've been busy the past day and a half learning songs for service and rehearsing with the Groove Motive. I've also demoed a few tunes we are working on for December's gigs. Since I've not really put any time in recording the Z-28 I decided to do some today.
I made a blind sound test for all my guitarfiend friends. The first sample is a redo of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" where I used each of the guitars for a different track. You, the listener are to figure out which one played what part.
I'm attaching the older POD rec'd version of it, too. Both have groovy sounds but in my ears the tube amp has a bit more character and vibe.
DISCLAIMER-I did use a Visual Sound Axle Grease Delay and a MODTONE Tremolo on two separate tracks for color. Thanks for listening. enjoy.

Pickup Preference

2010-10-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 45 minutes playing guitars through my Z-28 amp. It's a 6V6 based amp with an EF86 preamp. The characteristics it has as an amp are touch sensitive response and a very quick breakup if you crank the volume. It's spartan with regards to tone controls which from left to right are Volume, Bass, and Treble. These three knobs provide you with a plethora of tones depending on how you use them. Both of the tone knobs increase the gain when dialed past noon. The volume's pretty much how much gas you want on the sonic fire.
Like I mentioned I spent a bit playing different guitars through the amp. Maybe it's because I grew up playing a Strat but I like the snap and dynamic of single coils through this amp. I started out playing a humbucker equipped PRS and while the tones were definitely rock quality there wasn't that clean sparkle that single coils provide. I found an interesting setting that cleaned up the 'buckers nicely but for all means and purposes I had to chill my attack to keep the tone clean. If I were doing an all blues style of music this combination would rock. It'd also be good for most classic rock styles. For the dance and funk stuff though I prefer the sound of my ASAT Classic or Strats. They have that neatness and crispness I want to hear. Clarity may be the better word. Also, b/c the output of those two axes is different I think it keeps the EF86 from clipping as quickly as it does with the 'bucker equipped guitars. YMMV but for me it's all about the definition and I can't help but love the sounds I can get with a strat and my Dr. Z.

Dr. Z Z28 w/Humbuckers

2010-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

The last of the Z28 demos. This one showcases a Les Paul in open A tuning and an Epiphone Alleykat doing a variety of rockabilly, blues, and jazz. Thanks for listening. Enjoy!

DRZDemo2

2010-10-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

This is the second installment of Z-28 sound samples. In this clip I'm using a PRS with P90s and a G&L Legacy maple neck strat. The tones are from the instruments themselves and my playing. Signal chain is as follows- guitar-cable-amp.
Thanks for listening and sharing with your friends.

DRZ Demo

2010-10-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is a short sample of the incredible tones available in a Dr. Z 6V6 based amplifier. I really like the ability to get some drive with both my attack and pickup selection or clean it up using the same technique. Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy!

Blogger Pictures

2010-09-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is a shot from the last gig The Groove Motive did a few weeks ago. We're playing at the Capital Ale House Downtown next Friday evening. You should make it out!

Fall Guitar Classes at Andrews Music Studio

2010-08-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

Andrews Music Studio

Fall 2010 Classes

Intro to Reading Music on Guitar
- An 8 week class that teaches beginning students to read music in first position on guitar. (Book included with tuition)
- Class size is limited.
- Ages 10 and up
- Class meets for 45 minutes once/week
Intro to Chords and Styles
- An 8 week class that teaches open chords, barre chords, power chords and basic jazz chords.
- Class size is limited.
- Styles covered include: rock, blues, and jazz
- Students will learn contemporary and classic rock songs, jazz and blues standards
- Ages 13 and up
- Class meets for 45 minutes once/week
  
  All classes are first come first serve. A deposit of $50 will guarantee a student's spot in class. Each student should be prepared to practice to get the most out of these classes as performance is part of the class. Tuition is due in full at date of first class. Tuition for each class is $150. There are no makeup classes offered for absences. Classes begin the week of September 13^th and conclude the first week of November.
  
  We also offer private lessons on guitar and bass. Please contact Mr. Andrews for lesson time availability.
  Questions??? Call 530-0811 or email x24guitarman@comcast.net

Hip and Tasty

2010-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

I've added some decor to two of my fave guitars. The artwork can be found at Pin Ups Plus!
They have a great selection of pinups for adding to anything you wish to customize. I'm pleased with the results on my instruments. Whaddya think?

It's been a while

2010-04-21T07:33:00.001-07:00

Friends and natives-

Greetings from the home station. I've been busy the past few months with a new gig, teaching and tweaking the studio. I've joined the band- The Groove Motive and we've played a steady set of monthly gigs. The band's as hot as the summer sun and a heapload of fun. The group guitar class has finished and a new influx of students has me covering the basics weekly with instruction.
Updates on gear are as follows- The Rivera had a bad preamp tube that caused the reverb to squeal like a banshee. A quick replacement and it's good as new. The Jensen Neodymium 12 inside of it has made the amp's clean a useful tool for the TGM shows. The Elixir cable sample has been a staple of my live rig and has worked flawlessly. I have not had any issues with noise or interference with this cable. Thanks again to Elixir for providing a great product for players to try and use.
I'm trying to get permission to link to D'Addario's website for stringing how-to's and relative info for the studio and my students. Each of us has a responsibility to our instrument to play fresh good sounding strings. I have D'Addario's on all of my electrics (XL10s) and even have their chromes on the hollowbody.
I've been recording all of TGM's shows at Breakers. I've been using a condenser mic for the room and taking a direct feed off the mixer for the vocals/keys. We've been using the recordings to tweak our live shows and hear our performances. It's a wonderful way to hear what you're putting out and whether the energy of the performance carries through to the recording as well.
The C.A.T. has been on hold a while. With the busy schedule for TGM and the lack of a viable drummer there has been little motivation for working on my original material. I appreciate all of the listeners who continue to visit our reverbnation page and support my music.
As a player who has the good fortune to play with other great musicians I hope you will take the chance to support live music anyway possible. I hope to sit in with Chicago Cy this Sunday at the Positive Vibe Cafe. This should be a fun jazz filled event replete with hollowbodies and standards.
Check us out if you're in the neighborhood.
thanks for listening and play on.

Really?

2010-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

As we start the new year I"m astounded by the amount of idiocy present in our society. I for one am stupid for thinking I might find someone to fill the drummer spot via a response to a Craigslist ad. What I got in the following email is somewhat humorous yet still appalling to me that this is our future. I now present to you this resume of impeccable grammar and good taste (minus the picture of him holding money with nunchucks and knives in the background).
God help us one and all.

Craigslist Reply for drummer-

Hey bro, thanx 4 the reply 2 my ad. Some is dat links U sent is off the chain. I no I could blow up sum beats over alot of you songs. Some is a little weak but most it is allrite sound 2 me and when i rock sum fat beats on it u know its gonna go off the hook. lol i just knocked off a ferw 40s so my typeing sux but U get it. Anywya id b down with hooking up sumtime. let me know when u want 2 lay some off this shit down.

just as a fyi so U can see i am attaching a publicity pic i used in may last band and a link to a track we laid down for garageband.com (got sum wack reviews but w/e lol)

http://www.garageband.com/artist/ManHole link to song is on right side of screen in a box

L8r- J Mac

ps- i can bring some biches 2 the jam seshun. i no sum nasty wild freaks all about kickin it at jammz- lol lemme no. also plz dont joke on my kit. its a old kit from Sears and has alot of dings and dents and stuff but i got it sounding tight yo. i gots 2 use wood stirring spoons 4 sticks 4 now but when we start gettin paid i'll get that strate.

2010PresentsNewOpportunity

2009-12-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

As we close 2009 I want to thank everyone who read along this year. I am going to try to do a weekly update of this blog this year. Your comments/ideas help. I plan to share things I'm teaching in my group class and hope the info helps anyone who reads it. The YouTube video of the Elixir cable I mentioned in the last post is now available here:

Then there's a demo of the Parker P36 Santa left here.

ELIXIRCABLESample

2009-12-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

I received an Elixir 20 foot guitar cable in the mail yesterday as part of their promotion to have customers try them out. I am very impressed. I've had Spectraflex, Pro Co and handmade cables in my gear over the years, This cable does what it says. It really allows the true sound of an instrument to shine through. I will youtube a demo later this month comparing the sound of two cables.
Last night I used the cable with an Epiphone hollowbody and Fender Pro Junior. Usually these two are very dark and sound good but lack clarity. The sound last night was crisp and clear and I could hear my guitar much clearer. Chords and melodies came through cleanly and it was almost if my amp magically had more headroom b/c of the cable. More to come.
What a great Christmas gift!

Restringing How To

2009-12-11T12:22:00.001-08:00

I restrung two of my student's guitars today and thought I'd do a pictorial on how to for anyone interested in saving $30. Most shops charge that much to restring your guitar and it's a simple task anyone can do.
Let's start with the acoustic.
The fretboard was nasty and the strings were black when I started. I took off the strings by using a peghead winder and loosening the tension. I then removed them from the posts and used my left hand inside the cavity to push up on the bridge pins and remove the tails of the strings. This helps to keep the top from being scratched by using other tools to remove the pins. Even the puller on the winder can mar the surface of the guitar so reaching inside is a good thing.
After all the strings were clear of the instrument I proceeded to lightly run quad 0 steel wool over the frets and fingerboard. This polishes the tops of the frets and makes them feel slick when playing. It's important to blow off any debris that is leftover from this step to prevent scratching of the finish when you wipe the instrument down at the end of stringing.
I then proceeded to apply a very light coat of lemon oil on to a cloth baby diaper and then rub it into the fretboard and bridge. This replenishes the moisture in them both and makes the wood appear new. Check out the before and after of the bridge. The wood looks much nicer after the lemon oil.
I then string the guitar up by anchoring each string at the bridge pin and then keeping a light tension on it thread it onto it's peg. I use the winder then to wrap it taut. I should also mention I cut each string at the next peghead up to prevent overwrapping the tuner and to leave a nice tidy wrap.
Check that out in the following sequence for the electric.
When you restring a standard Strat/Tele style guitar you can take off all six strings and do the fretboard cleaning like I mentioned above. I also make sure that as I thread the strings they are fully seated in the bridge cavity and not hung on the lip of the tremolo cover before tightening. This prevents bends in the middle of the string when the string sets into it's slot if you did it incorrectly. The fretboard and strings were pretty raunchy on this axe. When I finished it and had it tuned up you'd of thought it was new. Fresh strings and diligent cleaning after playing will insure your instrument stays in performance shape.

ChristmasTunesAvailable

2009-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

I took the tunes down since Christmas has come and gone. Check for new ones next December!

GuitarDemo

2009-11-19T07:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a demo of a guitar with P90s.
Hope the link works.

Group Classes

2009-11-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

Starting in January Andrews Music Studios will provide a 10 week beginning guitar class. The group class meets for an hour once a week and tuition includes the method book. If anyone's interested email me.

Slow Blues Salvation

2009-04-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

Maybe that's a better title. It definitely allows me more freedom lyrically. Here's the alternate lead take that I feel is raunchier than the conversely soulful one in the previous link. It's abbreviated "slob". Slow blues.
Enjoy the tune:

Slowblues Salvation

Slowburn Salvation Sans Vox

2009-04-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

I had some time so I worked this song over again. I built it from the ground up laying out the drum loop, then the organ part, a rhythm guitar part, the second guitar part (which had a lead that's not on this mix) and the final lead part. I haven't committed to a vocal part yet. The verse/chorus sections are pretty easy to follow. The solo I used here is one that fits the spirit of the song better. The other solo (which I'll try to mix today and add as an alternate take) is more jazz sounding to my ears. Think of the solos on "I'm Old Fashioned" from the Blue Train record. It's very Coltrane influenced.
Thanks for listening.

Slowburn Salvation (take1)

2009-04-14T11:04:00.001-07:00

Dig That Modern Sound

2009-04-14T07:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.mediafire.com/?dtmjz25gz5j <---LINK TO SONG

An exercise in E with a rockabilly jump sound. Watch out for the minors. There's a simplicity to the recording. I set up the Princeton and the Strat. I put a Weber VST AlNiCo signature 10 in the cab to replace the drier Weber Ceramic that was in it.
I placed the mic the same height of my ears faced down towards the amp. Two takes and bruises later it was done. This is a demo I plan to chart and try with other musicians sometime. The form will be the hardest thing to convey and execute. Fun!
The last chord was an AFTERTHOUGHT...hence the delay.

Thanks for listening.

Chord Inversion

2009-03-22T18:37:00.001-07:00

There's a tune I like by Django Reinhardt called, "Minor Swing". It's in A minor.
I was jamming around on it for a bit tonight and decided to end with this chord. The voicing is close and warm to my ears. It's an A minor 6/9 voiced from low to high-
A-F#-C-E-B

Think of it as a D9 shape with a B on the high E at 7th fret and the D dropped in lieu of the open A string. It's a very rich chord.

Europa's Gravity

2009-01-27T08:04:00.002-08:00

Santana had a song called "Europa" on the Moonflower album. It was a live recording that I feel has emotive phrases and melodies. I drew from that with this song. There's a hint of the original melody in the song but the rest of it is pure distillation. I recorded all the parts myself.

Europa's Gravity

Thanks for listening!

An E for Your Effort

2009-01-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

Guitars, bass, and drums rough out.

The song is supposed to portray something to run to or maybe from. The energy is the purpose.

You'd Better Run

2008-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

A New One for Marianne

2008-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

I wrote this song last Friday. The progression came first and the melody was improvised. I need to add piano but haven't had the time to yet. Here's the rough out- first cut in the sonic hardwood of the mind.
There's a lot of contrast in spots. I hardly bent any notes if the binary audio speaks true. I used my strat direct into the MR-8HD. I used the cornball spatial device on the machine to augment time on the recording.
The sentiment of the song is how intimidatingly beautiful my wife is and how I find myself longing for her smile and touch. There's the playfulness of our family and the dynamic of life. The butterfly at the end breaking into harmonies is the sun on the shoulders during a memorable time spent together.
The First Time I Saw You