USB guitar lead

Out of the blues, I found again this USB guitar lead that I bought a couple of years ago where I was planning to record some guitar tracks on my laptop, and also thinking I can save some money because this gear is far more cheaper than other USB link or audio interface but I was wrong..... this one doesn't work or if ever it works, the sound is super delayed and there's nothing much you can do apart from adjusting your instrument's volume or tone knob. They are right in saying it is a Plug n Play because the computer instantly recognise the hardware and install it automatically in your laptop but then after it's installed and says Device is Ready to use, you plug in your guitar and then what?  Nothing.  Totally nothing because you won't even know what software to use although they mentioned Audacity and this one's free but it doesn't work the way it should be.  Latency is unbearable and you don't have monitors not even earphone input for this one because the ones in the laptop won't work with USB devices unless there's a separate soundcard or audio interface.

In conclusion, not all cheap products or gear can save you money. I don't know if it's just me or how I installed or used this thing but it didn't work on what it should as I expected it to be.

MIDI keyboard

This is a followup to my previous blog about Evolution MK249C2, which I bought from Carboot Sale. I was really lucky to buy this cheap keyboard. It was a bit of a gamble because there was no way to test it when I bought it so it was like buying what the seller was trying to tell you.

To cut the chase, in my previous blog regarding this MIDI keyboard Evolution MK249C2, I mentioned I was using Mixcraft, however, right now I am using EnergyXT as my software to write and record songs.  This is a very light, portable but versatile all-in-one recording software.

To give you an example of my song, here's my latest song titled 1 2 5 using the Evolution MK249C2 and EnergyXT plugged into Guitar Rig Session I/O as my USB audio interface to my HP mini Netbook.

Guitar Gig Bag

My old cheap gig bag had its time last Dec 2011 and I needed to replace it urgently as we have an upcoming gig.  Good thing there's Guitar Central in Southampton near Bargate just beside Maplin.  You can google map it if you're not familiar of the place.  Again as I've said before friendly atmosphere and all willing to help.

I tried and look around for a gig bag just a quick replacement and Guitar Central got a lot to choose from.  Mind you, just be careful coz there are bass gig bag, guitar gig bag and electric guitar gig bag so it is better to ask assistance.  I was also tempted to buy a hardcase one but apart from short of budget I just needed a replacement for my softcase gigbag.

The one I bought was a good one.  It has two pockets, one at the top where you can put your strap and/or guitar lead then a bigger one where you can put a multi-effects processor i.e. Digitech RP55.  Also you can put in some songbook or any music magazines, chord charts, DVD lessons, etc. in this big pocket.  Also apart from the back straps there is also a sort of handle at the side so you can easily carry your guitar when it becomes a little heavy on your back.  It is also worth mentioning that the padding for this gigbag is far better than the one I got where there's hardly no padding at all to protect or cushion the guitar.  Lastly, I got an extra Behringer sticker from my K450FX and put it on this new gigbag and it made a difference. I am now looking for more stickers to add some colour or art to this gigbag.

Thanks again Guitar Central...... BIG HELP.  Cheers guys!

Guitar Central post Boxing Day

I went to Southampton post Boxing Day because I was working long day during boxing day.  I went straight to Guitar Central and have a look what's on sale and it was a total BARGAIN.  I was drooling from guitar amps to effects pedal and most especially the electric guitars.  ESP, Dean, Washburn and one of my favorite brand, Gretsch.  There was a guy playing this semi-hollow Gretsch and I was with my son that time in his pushchair, I was really amazed by the sound of the guitar.  It was plugged in a Randall guitar amp stack, I am not sure but it looks like a tube amp.

The Randall KH-15, a Kirk Hammett's signature practise amp was on super sale and by the way, Kirk Hammett was born to a Filipino mother and an Irish American father, so technically Kirk is half Filipino.  Kirk is an avid ESP guitar user and was using Mesa/Boogie before he made his move to Randall Amplifiers.


There are junior electric guitar as well that was on sale, guitar books and DVDs, lessons and other music materials were on sale.  Have a go guys and try to visit Guitar Central if you got the chance or time.  Dimebag's guitar is waiting for you guys there. R.I.P.


Here's their facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/guitarcentralsouthampton