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Friday, January 29, 2010

Boss ME-70 Review - Multi-Effects Madness!

By R. S. Rasnick

For quite a while I have used a Boss ME-50 multi-effects system as a substitute pedalboard in case I have an issue with my main board or if I need something light and non-complicated to take to a gig. My main pedalboard is great, but it's huge, heavy, and complicated.

For quick gigs, practices, or other occasions where I need to be mobile, a 50 pound pedalboard can be quite a hassle. The ME-50 has been a godsend in saving me both time and trouble. Just when I though it couldn't get any better, Boss introduced the ME-70. Suffice it to say, it's gotten better...a lot better.

To start, I think the new ME-70 looks a lot cooler than the ME-50. While you shouldn't judge a pedalboard by its color, it's hard not to notice that the all-black ME-70 looks a lot sharper than the all-blue ME-50. It just plain looks bad-ass, but there's more to this pedalboard than its different color.

Of course, looks don't affect the sound, so what's different under the hood? Well, that's where the ME-70 really sets itself apart from its predecessor. In a relatively small bundle you've got what amounts to 40 different Boss effects pedals. Yep, these are the same classic Boss sounds that we've come to rely upon for so many years. All of your favorites are here - the distortions, overdrives, delays, choruses - from both the ME-50 and your old Boss pedals. It's amazing what the ME-70 packs under the hood. It's a virtual history of Boss effects pedals!

But the ME-70 has a few tricks of its own. I used to avoid multi-effects boards with built-in preamps because I never used the preamp section. Then, one day I had a gig where my amp died, and I had to go direct from my pedalboard into the P.A. Ugh! It sounded terrible.

Luckily, the ME-70 has a built-in COSM preamp that is easily bypassed if you don't need the preamp sound, but if you're ever in a situation where you need to go direct, the ME-70 could be a lifesaver. It could even be the only item you take for some gigs.

Another great addition to the new Boss ME-70 is the looper. Boss is known for making some killer looping pedals (I've used a Loop Station for years), and it's actually cool that they've added looping functionality to the ME-70. It's the same high quality that Boss loopers are known for. It includes 38 seconds of loop time which is very nice since it's not a dedicated looping pedal.

One of my preferred effects is compression, and that was always a shortcoming of the ME-50. The compressor didn't have its own pedal, and the controls were really meager. Fortunately, the engineers at Boss saw fit to add a dedicated compressor section to the ME-70. Wise move!

Of course, all the great things about the ME-50 are still here. There's adjustable reverb and noise suppression as well as the rocker pedal where you can get wah, volume, and pitch-shifting effects control.

So, if you're looking for a world-class multi-effects pedal that won't break the bank, you should definitely check out the Boss ME-70, a valued successor to the ME-50. - 18424

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Why You Should Seriously Think About Hiring A Party Band

By Katherine Clark

It like so many others, you're in a position where you need to choose a party band but you have no idea as to how you should go about it, then you'll be glad to know that this article can be a great stepping stone. Obviously, if you're responsible for coordinating a special event, whether it's a wedding reception, or whether it's a corporate function, you need to ensure that the band you hire is capable of providing entertainment which the majority of people will find appealing.

The main goal and priority when it comes to a social gathering is to ensure that everyone that attends is entertained and has a wonderful time. By choosing the right band for your social event, your guests will have a memorable experience. In this how to guide, you will learn the steps to discovering the perfect party band!

The first step to choosing a party band that your guests are really going to enjoy watching and listening to is to ask some of your guests in advance of the event what they want. Many event coordinators forget that it is the interests and likes of the guests that matter and not just their own interests and likes.

You want to keep the guests excited about what is happening at the party and one of the best ways to do this is to do a little interviewing and discover what types of music that they enjoy. You will typically have guests that enjoy one type of music over another. If you find, after doing a little research, that your guests enjoy a variety of music, then the band that you choose should be able to play an assortment of tunes.

Now the next consideration that you need to pay attention to is whether the party band will be the highlight of your entertainment or if they will simply provide some soft background music. For examples, if you are planning a party for your company, you may look to hire a band that simply plays in the background.

If you are looking to have a wedding or birthday party, the band may act as the main source of entertainment. By knowing what purpose the party band will serve, you will be able to make a choice on what type of band will prove to be the most appealing overall for the audience. Also ask the band if they can play recorded music during the intervals.

The next thing you need to pay attention to is the level of expertise concerning the band of your choice. This is something you can do simply by asking for references or testimonials from previous clients. You could also ask them for a sample CD or DVD highlighting their level of professionalism.

It is important to know, right up front, what level of expertise that a music group has prior to putting them to work for you. How professional are they? How long have they been together? Most bands have individual and group biographies in their written information or on their website. This will give you an idea of the calibre of the party band as a whole.

When choosing a party band, it is in your best interest to ensure that the performers that you elect to use sign a detailed contract which covers the time, date, and location of the performance as well as the music selections that are considered to be appropriate for the event. You should also highlight the dress code, code of conduct, and other similar items of interest. By doing this, you can rest assured that you are making a deal with a professional party band that knows and understands the expectations that you have for them. - 18424

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Epiphone G-400 Review - Giving the Gibson SG a Run for the Money

By R. S. Rasnick

Although possibly not as popular as its iconic Les Paul body shape, the Gibson SG is nonetheless a symbol of rock and roll power. If you don't trust me, go ask Angus Young.

A number of guitarists, from rock to blues to jazz, have played the Gibson SG at one time or another. While the Gibson SG is a powerful guitar and certainly worth the purchase cost, not everyone can fork out the $1,200 it costs for a brand new Gibson SG. Fortunately, Epiphone makes an affordable SG-style guitar, the G-400.

So, we have to ask ourselves, then, how good the Epiphone G-400 stands up to a "real" Gibson SG?

The cherry finish is extremely well done and classy looking. It highlights the mahogany finish very well. Similarly, the SG body shape of the G-400 is identical to a "real" SG.

We discovered the construction to be exceptional for a guitar in this price range. There was some modest glue residue here and there, but nothing to get nervous about. We discovered the mother-of-pearl inlays to be particularly appealing.

The tuners kept the instrument's tune well, though some perfectionists might hope for the locking variety. We were able to set the action good and low, and the guitar intonated well, though the bridge saddle corners were a bit too sharp for our appreciation.

The Epiphone G-400 has extremely nice action with hardly any discernible buzzing whatsoever.

Even unplugged, the G-400 has a superb, resonant sound. It's a very alive guitar, which is welcome seeing how lightweight the instrument is.

The positive characteristics are only heightened by plugging the instrument into our test amp, a Dr. Z MAZ-18 NR. The G-400 pickups provided a well balanced but not terribly aggressive sound.

We tried the pickups in all three toggle settings and determined the tones usable in all settings using both clean and distorted amp/pedal sounds. When we truly went for a metal sound (using a Visual Sound Jekyll and Hyde pedal), we thought the guitar was a bit muddy sounding, but this is not really a criticism, seeing how wonderfully warm this guitar is overall.

If you want to gig with the G-400 in a metal or shred setting, a change of pickups might be justified.

In The End, we think the Epiphone G-400 is a outstanding guitar for people looking for classic rock, blues, and even hard rock tones, and who don't want to spend a ton of money on their purchase. It's a fun instrument with several usable tones and one we highly advocate. - 18424

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Oddly Favorable Movies For Your Amusement Delight

By Cory Vang

Films can actually be a enormous benefit for our lives. When we sit down and settle down to observe a wonderful motion picture it permits us to escape from our everyday concerns, difficulties and uncertainties. We tend to get caught up in the lives that are happening in the film and it allows us to disregard about our own troubles for a while. Below are some of the greatest films of all time. Choose a fantastic film to view tonight.

Knocked Up is about a drunken, one-night-stand encounter between young, pretty go-getter Allison,, and a slovenly slacker, Ben, modifies the tracks their lives are on. It turns out he did not utilize the condom, and she's pregnant. Can these two really become a couple and raise a child together?

Prince of Darkness came out in 1987. The anti-Christ entombs the evil child of Satan in a cannister of a deserted L.A. temple. It's up to pastor Pleasence and the grad students of Prof Wong to clear up the mess. They must stop the religious sect trying to free this child named the "Brotherhood of Rest." Cast includes Donald Pleasence, Lisa Blount, Jameson Parker, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, Susan Blanchard, Anne Howard and Alice Cooper Panavision.

The Encino Man is about two dudes, Stoney and Dave, they are digging a hole in Dave's backyard for a swimming pool. When they come across, a primitive man, frozen in a block of ice. When the ice thaws, the primitive man, they name Link, comes to life. Can Link find out to live in the modern world?

The movie "Juno" is a great film. Juno is a intelligent adolescent girl facing a tremendous quandary. She is pregnant. Hoping the best for the child she strives to find a appropriate set of parents for her infant. With the support of loving parents, Juno attempts to deal with coming of age before her time.

From 2005 came the 40 Year Old Virgin, Andy Sitzer is 40 years old, and is still a virgin. When his co-workers find out about his condition, they are right away on a assignment to get him laid. Mishaps and adventures happen next, with love just around the corner. Good movie, not recommended for kids. Starring Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan.

Vertical Limit is all about Peter Garett, an ex mountain climber who gave the sport up after his father died wretchedly while climbing, finds himself in a demanding situation. His sister and climbing partner have been trapped in a deep ravine while attempting to climb the famous K2 peak. He is one of the only people capable of even attempting a near impossible rescue. Time is of the essence, as the trapped climbers will soon freeze to death.

In 1992 Aladdin hit the theaters, Disney's animated Arabian Days account is refined through the sensibility of an old Warner Bros. animation, as Aladdin summons up a Genie who is exploding with shtick. Williams' comical fast fire chatter forms the centerpiece of this otherwise conventional tale, colorfully (and tunefully) shown. Cast includes Voices of Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale and the harmonizing voices of Brad Kand and Lea Salonga. - 18424

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Oddly Remarkable Movies For Your Entertainment Enjoyment

By Julie Rocha

Movies are good entertainment but they can also be very advantageous for our mental health. Films allow us to take some time to unwind and get away from our day after day problems and anxieties. We are able to let go of our day after day cares as we get caught up in the lives we are watching on film.

Below are some of the best movies of all time. Choose a great film to watch tonight.

Frequency was about John Sullivan who lost his father thirty years back. He is still affected by the loss. Somehow with the use of his dad's old ham radio, he can talk with his dad, when his father was still living. He warns his father of the fire that would kill him. This saves his dad but sets off new actions that now must be resolved, or John's mom will now pass on.

In 1973 we saw "Hootenanny Hoot" a predictable comedy about college hootenanny show carried to TV is made bearable only by presence of Money and other nation/people actors. This is one of Sam Katzman's "characteristic" low-budget movies. Cast includes Gene Nelson, Peter Breck, Joby Baker, Rita Lee, Pam Austin, Johnny Money, Sheb Wooley, The Brothers 4, and Judy Henske.

In 1999 Light It Up hit the big screen. Well-intentioned although preachy rant in reference to a group of N.Y.C. scholars who cover their high school after their top choice professor is unduly belated and a patrol officer is accidentally shot. He tries to handle a number of challenging issues but outcomes are strained and melodramatic. Cast includes Usher Raymond, Forest Whitaker, Marcello Robinson, Rosario Dawson, Robert Richard, Judd Nelson, Fredro Starr, Sara Gilbert, Glynn Turman, and Vanessa L. Williams.

Knocked Up is about a drunken, one-night-stand encounter between young, attractive go-getter Allison,, and a slovenly slacker, Ben, changes the tracks their lives are on. It turns out he didn't utilize the condom, and she is pregnant. Can these two really become a couple and raise a child together?

The Encino Man is about two dudes, Stoney and Dave, they are digging a hole in Dave's backyard for a swimming pool. When they come across, a prehistoric man, frozen in a block of ice. When the ice thaws, the prehistoric man, they name Link, comes to life. Can Link be taught to live in the contemporary world?

The Facts of Life came out in 1960. Excellent comedy with Bob and Lucy leaving their partners for an interlude together. The 2 megastars make a team worth observing. Cast includes Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Ruth Hussey, and Don DeFore.

Vertical Limit is all about Peter Garett, an ex mountain climber who gave the sport up after his father died disastrously while climbing, discovers himself in a difficult situation. His sister and climbing partner have been trapped in a deep chasm while attempting to climb the famous K2 peak. He is one of the few people capable of even trying a near impossible rescue. Time is of the essence, as the trapped climbers will soon freeze to death. - 18424

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