Re: [Worship] acoustic guitar effects chain?

["Fred Kohn" <fkohn@columbus.rr.com>]

Alan Wagner wrote:

> I generally use my Zoom processor with a patch programmed with EQ (largely
> bass boost), a light chorus and some reverb.

My setup is similar. I have a thin body acoustic which is really nasal
sounding so an EQ is necessary for a midrange cut. I think I also have a
moderate bass-low mid boost on my curve. Chorus seems to be "de rigeur"
these days for acoustic guitars.

Adding reverb in a live situation is tricky at best. Our room is pretty
reflective as it is and the more reverb you add the more it obscures the
rhythm.

> I'm not so sure about the compression theory either; I like to control the
> attack myself!

I'm not sure of the point of using compression on a guitar on stage. My
feelings are that is compression if used at all it should be at the
discretion of the sound man. Compression is really useful for instruments
with a wide dynamic range like drums or for cutting out sudden peaks in
vocal yellers or electric bass slappers. Compression on guitars is more
typically found in the studio.

> If you can use reverb on your voice do so, it really enriches the sound
and
> enhances intelligibility (but watch out that its not too strong or when
you
> speak you'll sound like you're in a bathroom...)

Again I have mixed feelings about the use of reverb in a live situation.
Since all rooms except anechoic chambers have some reverb care must be taken
to use electronic reverb that is natural to the room. The type of reverb
used is just as important as the quantity. We have a studio twin (pre studio
quad) and the plate reverbs don't seem too bad for live singing. The
cathedral reverbs are atrocious (but unfortunately they seem to be the
favorites of our sound men!). Reverb doesn't really improve intelligibility
though, it can just give more of a sense of presence. We don't use any
reverb at all on the pastor's speaking voice for maximum intelligibility.

Blessings!
Fred Kohn
http://www.pianomoods.com
\o/

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