[Worship] acoustic guitar effects chain?

["Richard S. Huntrods" <huntrods@nucleus.com>]

Ken,

I play an acoustic/electric Ovation 12 string, and run it through a Korg
A-4 (foot pedal effects unit).  Mostly I run a setting that gives me a
decent amount of "flange" and "chorus" - it makes the guitar sound a lot
"fuller". The unit also has a built in tuner, and a "good enough"
distortion effect for the rockier songs <G>.  From the effects, I run
the guitar into a small mixer (which gives me some preamp plus the
ability to blend my own monitor mix), and from the pre-amp to the house
sound system.  I've never had poor sound with this setup.

Anecdote - the tuner setting is "flat" (no effects).  I've been in
settings with some very senior type professional sound persons.  While
I'm tuning, they are playing with the sound. Once I'm done tuning, I
fire up the effects and play an "E" chord ('cause it's the first chord
in "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "Jesus Lead On", and a host of
other great songs <G>).  On most occasions, the pre-warmup noise comes
to a complete halt, followed by the sound person yelling "I *LOVE* that
sound!  What did you DO?".  My experience is most folks (pun intended)
with 12 strings play "folk" style (see?<G>) (i.e. flat eq, no effects if
amplified at all).  I use mine more "aggressively", and the sound is
splendid.

The compressor is nonsense for most things.  A compressor alters the
signal, which is not always a good thing.  Compressors were designed to
limit the signal in situations where that signal would overdrive some
"downstream" component, OR where signal levels are dramitically
different. For example, someone who blasts "P's" into a mike can play
havok with sounds systems.  Compressors can reduce the effect
dramatically.  Likewise, I put a compressor on my bass IF I have to
amplify it through a house mixer (it sometimes happens <G>).  "Normal"
amps aren't always designed for the kind of signal a good bass can
generate, and a compressor can keep the house speaker coils from flying
out the back door!  A compressor also "evens out" the sound, bringing
everything nearer a common level.  This makes them great for inputs to
tape recorders.

As for a compressor "evening out the strum".  That's what guitar's do
(when they arent' being picked. No compressor needed (in my opinion).

Finally - reverb.  Depends entirely on the room.  I have used a small
bit of reverb to give the sound a bit of "life" in a flat acoustic
room.  However, if you mean "LOTS" of reverb as a vocal effect - no, I
don't do that (nor would I recommend it unless you are running sound for
a play and God has a speaking part <G>.

Cheers,

-Richard

Cheers,

-Richard
================================
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 02:02:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ken Liu <kenliu@acm.vt.edu>
To: worship@praise.net
Subject: [Worship] acoustic guitar effects chain?

I am curious what you acoustic-guitar slingin worship leaders
are using for effects.

I am running my guitar (Taylor 810) through an LR Baggs
Para Acoustic DI, with a Boss Tuner and Boss Chorus (CE-5)
pedals in the efx loop.

I am considering adding a compressor, I've heard someone
say that was really essential for acoustic guitar (evening
out the strums).  I'm not sure if I agree with that statement.

Also, anyone out there use reverb on their voices?

Ken


*******************************************************************
Looking for praise and worship music?  Visit our list sponsor at:
                   http://www.worshipmusic.com

Need help with your subscription? Contact worship-help@praise.net
*******************************************************************