Gear Diary
From Blackstar to Helix
When I received my Helix last year, my first order of business was to mimic the channels of my Blackstar Stage 60, so I wouldn’t have to lug the amp to rehearsals anymore. I didn’t need to pass a double-blind accuracy test- I just wanted to reproduce the sound to my (and the band’s) satisfaction. It […]
Bye Bye Blackstar
I have loved playing through my Blackstar Stage 60, but it is time to let it go. I’m trying not to be sentimental about gear- if I’m not using it, it should go.
The Mysteriously Powerful Goof Off
In my recent post, I repaired the power switch on my Yamaha THR10 practice amp after it took a spill from the back of my car. Now, it’s time to deal with the road rash. These black scuff marks on the front panel are the last evidence of its run-in with the pavement.
Riviera P-93 Middle Pickup Mods
I’ve written before about the circuit challenges on the Epiphone Riviera P-93 – treble loss when turning down the volume, no way to use treble bleed caps, and the awkward always-on middle pickup.
Repairing Yamaha THR10 Switch
The Yamaha THR10 is a fun little practice amp which sounds surprisingly good (and loud!) for its size. It weighs just a few pounds and can run on batteries, so it’s easy to toss in the car for a travel amp. Unfortunately, it is just as easily tossed out of the car, as I learned […]
Busted OnStage Cup Holder
My OnStage Cup Holder has been attached to my mic stand for a few years, and has been host to all types of tasty-drink containers. Beer bottles, Solo cups, plastic water bottles- you name it. This is critical equipment! So, I was devastated after a recent gig to find it busted in two.
Mackie DL32R Mixer Channel Repair Fail
Ok, repair may be too strong a word. Maybe exploration and experimentation would be more accurate. At a recent rehearsal, channel 2 on our Mackie DL32R mixer cut out. Hey, that’s my mic!
Boss DR-770 Battery Replacement
Sometimes at rehearsal with my band, we’ll play with a click to focus on rhythm. We use an old BOSS DR-770 drum machine set to a simple accented rimshot pattern. This certainly works better than running a metronome app on the phone. All good, until the DR-770 battery dies…