Re: Do all modern CGists sound alike?

I'm not gonna say much except to say that Andrew's amplification system
is about as true sounding as I've ever heard. He is correct in what he
says. Amplification out of the AI system he uses is purely amplification,
without perceptible distortion, in any way, of the original sound of the
guitar. It really was quite good.
I picked up an old Roland Cube Keyboard Amp, which allows me the full
range of highs to lows. This is also quite good. I still like the down
woofer of Andrew's AI system, but this one sounds real good. Note, it's
not a guitar amp, it's a "keyboard" amp. It was also significantly cheaper
than the AI system. :-)

Best...and stop fighting boys - "go sit timeout" LOL

Rich


"Andrew Schulman" <abacaprd@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:5651a3a5-5170-4019-983c-3588cdf1a037@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Apr 1, 3:09 am, Richard Spross <rcspr...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
My take on "individuality" is based upon the idea that real sound
waves emanate from a wooden box. Sound waves that activate the air
as the box is designed to do.


Richard, it may surprise you to learn that "real sound waves" emanate
from an amplifier or stereo speaker as well. In fact in most settings
I play in people don't even realize I am amplified. This is why the
people who design high-end amplification equipment strive for what is
called "sound enhancement", the creation of a sound that is natural -
meaning that it sounds like the source. The sound mix of my acoustic
instrument and the Acoustic Image amp is just as "real" as the guitar
alone, and just as beautiful.* And, with an amplifier I can be heard
well in large settings like the InterContinental steady engagement I
play, or on a large stage with my quintet - guitar, mandolin, violin,
double bass. In other words, it is a big factor in my being able to
make a full-time living as a performing musician.


Whatever means you are using it interfaces with what the guitar is putting
out, reassembles
the sound information and repeats it in a different format.
Now what people will be hearing is interpreted by the technology, not
what the actual guitar is exuding.


The amplifier amplifies the actual sound, that's why I just mentioned
that the fact that often people don't even realize I am being
amplified unless I am in a situation where I have to increase the
volume to the point where it is evident amplification is being used,
but with top quality equipment even that is a beautiful sound. And I
say this not just because I think it's beautiful but because every
night I play I have many people telling me that, including musicians
and very musically sophisticated non-musicians.


If anything happens when using modern technology, it is a heightening
of the sound of the guitar, much as one would expect if one placed
one's ear up to the sound hole while the player was playing.


No, I can assure you that is not the affect! In fact that is a
ridiculous analogy easily proved wrong. Someone can place their ear
next to the soundhole of my guitar while I am playing and then walk 30
feet away and listen; not remotely the same experience.


I really don't want to hear music that way.


Your prerogative!


When music is heightened, and played as described previously, people turn
off their 'ears', heart and mind.


I and many others prove that statement to be false every time we play.


The music becomes objectified and listened to without great concern.
As if it were an amusement. This is why I refrain from playing out.


You continue to demean the work I and may other musicians do. As for
your refraining to play out, there may be good reason for you to
refrain from playing out other than amplifying.


I find it wearying to play beautiful music, for uncaring, indifferent
people as a side show to their more important concerns, which revolve
around socializing, doing business, eating, celebrating some ones
birthday you name it.


That may well be the reaction people have to your playing, but whether
I am playing a concert or at the InterContinental I love the
experience of bringing beautiful LIVE music into peoples lives and
experiencing the warmth and joy for them that it provides.


Now if I were into popular music, and enjoyed reving people up at
their celebration or event, and merely played some kind of music
that didn't require the work that classical guitar does, then perhaps
I would have pursued an entertainers life.


Spross, what an absolute snob you are! I can assure you that whether
I am playing Bach's BWV 1001, V-L's Prelude #3, , "Satin Doll" by Duke
Ellington, or "In My Life" by Lennon-McCartney, I am using all the
concentration and skills that a lifetime of hard work as a musician
has created.


I think I'm running out of rant for now. heh heh. I hope that I haven't
tired too many of you out, and Andrew if we still disagree, it's okay
by me.


Yes, rant is a good description.

Andrew



*I think this is in the archives, although I may have posted it
elsewhere. About 7-8 years ago I was invited to a listening test
along with Ben Verdery, David Tanenbaum, and Tom Humphrey. We had
several high-end guitars and sound systems. Everyone assumed that the
unamplified sound would be best. At the end of the session we all
agreed that with the guitars and amps we were testing the sound was a
little better with sound enhancement. We were surprised but convinced
by what we heard.


.

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