Yes, there are people out there who actually think my opinion is worth something. In fact, Home Depot has given me tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise to review. ( Thanks, Home Depot. Really love the kayak !!! And of course, the cutting board. ) Lately, I’ve started receiving items from Amazon sellers as well.
General International 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Flex Shaft LED Work Light
This is another piece that I got for free for review. Normally it is about $90. I would have soldiered on forever with my ancient Craftsman saw because I am cheap, but free is free and even better than cheap, and this is a nice upgrade. Compared to my antique model, this saw is variable speed, easier to change blades and takes both kinds, adds a work light, dust blower and dust port, and is lighter with a bigger table.
Today I got my set of Alice bass strings, 105-85-65-45. They were packed in individual sealed plastic sleeves, similar to every other kind of string. The diameters are all within 0.001" of spec. The lengths are as follows:
My verdict on active tone controls for a guitar is that they are not worth it. There is already plenty of treble, and not enough bass that boosting it will make much difference. If you want to try an active control on a guitar, try an onboard distortion instead.
But the Artec EXP tone control is a funny thing. In the middle, it gives a flat clean boost. Turn it forward, and you get a high/low boost, or what amounts to a mid-scoop. Turn it back, and it gives a mid-boost. Sounds interesting, so I decided to try one.
Well, I ordered up one of these headless bridges for about $60 shipped, and after three weeks, here it is:
As you can see, I disassembled one of the gear mechanisms. The one-piece gear and spool appear to be solid brass, held in the bracket with a c-clip. The gears actually work surprisingly well, smooth, with just a little slop that would disappear under string tension. Everything is also lubricated, which I did not expect from China. I am surprised, the quality of materials and design of this unit is much better than I expected. You can see how the knobs pull out on the shafts for easier adjustment.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
This is pedal #4 since I started reviewing these for KMise, and I must say, I am very pleased with all of them. I started with the tremolo, then the phase and the "US Dream" overdrive, and now this "Crunch" distortion. All these pedals are well built, great-sounding, attractive, quiet, compact, and true bypass.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
This is the third one of these little pedals that KMise has sent me for review, after the Tremolo and Phase, and I am more than pleased with all three. These KMise pedals are well-built, very quiet, and great sounding. I'm sure there are pedal-snobs out there who will say that nothing under $200 could possibly sound good, but these do. With this line of pedals, you can build up a nice arsenal of effects without going broke!
First, I am bound to state that I received this product at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way ...
This is a 2-amp negative-tip 9-volt power supply for guitar effects pedals. This supply has more than enough power to drive multiple effects pedals, and the 8-way split "Daisy Chain" cable lets you do just that. You can neatly power up your entire pedal board with a single connection.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
What is a tremolo? As relates to electric guitar, tremolo is a modulation in the volume of the sound. That's all. Back in the way early days, this was an effect that could be implemented very inexpensively using the often-unused half of a pre-amp tube in an amp. This made it a popular feature for amp manufacturers, which in turn led to its use by musicians, especially back when there were basically no other effects.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
A phaser is a fairly simple device. It adds a swirling effect to the sound. Most 'classic' phasers have just a single control for the speed or rate of the effect. The only other control on this pedal is a mechanical true-bypass switch. This effect cannot take a battery, you will need a 9v power supply, I recommend a 1Spot. Batteries today are expensive and very poorly made anyway.
There are two components to intonation. The first is simple - locating the bridge at the right spot. You'd think that would be obvious, you'd be surprised how often it is gotten wrong. Like my Rickenbacker. The second part is the additional length or 'compensation' needed for each string beyond the scale length. That derives from the string's mechanical resistance to bending, or its stiffness, which is proportional to its diameter. That's why the low fat strings need more compensation than the thinner ones - shortening the string increases its relative stiffness, or the ratio of diameter to length, and causes it to go sharp as you go up the neck. I have never seen a negative compensation, I think theoretically it should not exist.
