Shufflin' Noah Rockin' The 90's

  I’ve played to audiences of 1 person and I’ve played to audiences of 10,000 people over the course of my career in a live band. I’ve made some basic mistakes over the years and I’ve learned some good lessons from them. One mistake that I made early on in my career was not seizing the moment and giving an over-the-top show when I’ve played in front of very large audiences.

   I consider a large crowd to be anything over 1000 people. I have played to audiences of 1000 or more quite a few times over the course of my career as a live musician. It’s such a great feeling to look out and see a big crowd but it can also be quite intimidating and I’ve blown it a couple times.

   Let me give you an example. My band Shufflin’ Noah was working the all-original scene back in the mid 90’s and we were used to playing to audiences of 20 to 50 people. We were tight, had great songs and could put on a reliable show. We landed a 4th of July gig at the local lake opening for the headline act. It was a great day and around 2000 people showed up to the show.

   We were extremely well rehearsed and the music was spot on that day. But we made a mistake and we didn’t work the crowd like we should have. The crowd welcomed us to the stage with a large ovation and we proceeded to play very well but we didn’t talk to the crowd enough. We didn’t interact with the audience like we should have and the audience slowly lost interest in what we were doing up there.

   We really didn’t see much come from that gig in terms of more bookings. We got some good applause that day and had a lot of people come up and tell us we were really good. But we didn’t get any other gigs from that show and I believe it was because we didn’t seize the moment and take control of that crowd.

   Now, flash forward about 8 years and hundreds of gigs later. My band “In Stereo” landed two nights at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. We opened for Sheryl Crow on one night and Barenaked Ladies on the second night. When we hit the stage there were 10,000 people there and we knew not to let the opportunity pass.

   We worked the crowd like crazy those nights. We talked to them, pumped them up and even ran down off the stage with our wireless instruments and gave the crowd some high-fives while playing our show. It was very spontaneous and we seized the moment.

   After those shows we got opportunities to open for Little River Band, Joan Jett and Quiet Riot. We got a lot of bookings out of those Olympics shows and I believe it was because we made an impression working the crowd. Somebody saw that we were capable of carrying a crowd and we got bookings because of that.

   So my point in all this is, when it comes time to step up your game you need to do it. If you get a big crowd, don’t let a case of stage fright do you in. Make sure you’re well rehearsed and just let it rip! Use your stage banter and get talking to that crowd. Those big crowds are the best and you don’t want to regret letting a moment slip by. So seize the moment and make it count! -Matt-

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Seize The Moment If You’ve Got A Large Crowd

Related posts:

1. Get Your Band Focused By Scheduling A Gig    Nothing
2. Stage Banter, Speak To The Crowd! This is ju
3. The Crowd At Your Gigs    The oth

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

   While watching the following video clip, I couldn’t help but notice how similar Bernard Purdie sounds to Al Pacino. So, I’ve put a video clip of Al Pacino below so you can compare how Bernard and Al sound. It’s really pretty funny!

Bernard Purdie? Or Al Pacino?

Al Pacino? Or Bernard Purdie?

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Sunday Funnies – World Class Drummer Bernard Purdie Does His Al Pacino Impersonation

Related posts:

1. Sunday Funnies – Do You Like Waffles? This funny
2. Bernard Purdie Drum Solo Drum maste
3. Sunday Funnies – Guitar: Impossible This Sunda

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

   These songs are all proven in clubs to get people dancing and showing some love for the good old U.S.A. so play them loud and proud! It’s a good idea to have all these songs on your iPod or other portable music player so you can at least play them while your band is taking a break.

   I’m featuring download from Amazon.com MP3 service since they sound better than iTunes and they cost 33% less than iTunes. You can play Amazon.com MP3’s on any MP3 player including iPods and iPhones. They are also DRM free so you can put them on multiple players.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Weekend Set List For Your Live Band To Play 7-4-09 – Patriotic 1

Related posts:

1. Weekend Set List For Your Live Band To Play 5-30-09 – Metal Download t
2. Weekend Set List For Your Live Band To Play 5-16-09 – Dance 1 MP3 Dance
3. Weekend Set List For Your Live Band To Play 5-22-09 – Dance 2 MP3 Dance

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Fender Cyber-Twin SE Amplifier

   Just in time for the weekend, here’s another free Fender Cyber-Twin SE preset patch for you to check out and download. I call this preset “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″ and it’s very loosely based on a Fender Super Reverb ‘66 amplifier. I’ve made quite a few tweaks to this preset and I use it all the time in my live band. In fact, I like this preset so much that I put it in preset number P01 so that it’s the first sound that comes up when I turn on my Cyber-Twin SE.

   What I really love about the “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″ preset is how it lets the guitars true tone shine through. The sound of the guitar that you’re using will really determine how this preset patch will sound. It’s one of those special presets that will have guitarists naming the type of guitar you’re playing through the amplifier. A Stratocaster will sound like a Strat while a Les Paul will undeniably be a Les Paul. There are some presets that sound pretty much the same no matter what guitar you play through them but not “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″.

   The effects I’m using on this preset patch include a tiny touch of Reverb along with the “Delay + Chorus” effect. All of the effects are used to add very subtle color and depth to the sound. I didn’t want “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″ to be too heavily effected so it’s really the sound of the amplifier and not the effects unit.

   I assigned Chorus Depth to the Expression Pedal so you can add some heavier effects if the song calls for it. As usual, I assigned Gain to the Continuous Controller and I do crank the gain up to 10 a lot of the time using “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″.

   In the sound clip I am playing my 2006 Fender American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster which is equipped with the Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Pickups. I switch between the 3 pickups as the sound clip progresses. I start out on the bridge pickup, move the middle pickup and finally play on the neck pickup. For the blues section at the end of the soundclip I crank the gain up to 10 so you can hear how it sounds all the way up.

   I’ve posted both the MIDI System Exclusive data as well as a text file for you to load this preset patch into your Fender Cyber-Twin SE. Transferring presets to your Cyber-Twin SE is extremely easy using MIDI System Exclusive data. I’ve written an easy to follow tutorial called How To Save And Load Presets On Your Fender Cyber-Twin SE With MIDI Sysex that will help you learn how to use MIDI Sysex data. 

    To download my other custom programmed Fender Cyber-Twin SE Preset Patches just go to the Fender Cyber-Twin SE Amplifier Preset Downloads page. I hope you enjoy “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″ as much as I do. -Matt-

LMC Mid Grind ‘66

Click The Link -> Download LMC Mid Grind ‘66 MIDI Sysex

Click The Link -> Download LMD Mid Grind ‘66 Text File

Fender American Deluxe HSS Stratocaster Electric Guitar US $1,010.00 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 22:23:58 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

FENDER American Deluxe Stratocaster, 2001 Strat Sunburs US $895.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Jul-07-2009 9:00:05 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster US $750.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Jul-07-2009 12:52:53 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Fender® American Deluxe Stratocaster® HSS Strat AMBER US $1,195.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Jul-07-2009 13:45:41 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

2005 American Fender Stratocaster Strat DELUXE BODY USA US $116.50 (9 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Jul-07-2009 15:05:16 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Download Free Fender Cyber-Twin SE Preset Patch “LMC Mid Grind ‘66″

Related posts:

1. Download Free Fender Cyber-Twin SE Preset Patch “LMC Twang” Free prese
2. Download Free Fender Cyber-Twin SE Preset Patch “LMC Matt’s Noise” Listen to
3. Download Free Fender Cyber-Twin SE Preset Patch “LMC Stack Hot” Check out

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

   I found a great demo video of the Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone presented by http://www.proguitarshop.com on YouTube. They’ve done a good job highlighting the pedals various abilities and playing some very good sound demos. If you watch this video you’ll get a good feel for what the Philosopher’s Tone can do.

Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Pedal

NEW PIGTRONIX PHILOSOPHER'S TONE COMP, SUSTAIN PEDAL !! US $169.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-09-2009 12:14:43 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW PIGTRONIX PHILOSOPHER'S TONE COMP, SUSTAIN PEDAL !! US $169.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-09-2009 15:28:20 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Compressor / Sustainer US $169.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-09-2009 18:15:56 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW PIGTRONIX PHILOSOPHER'S TONE COMP, SUSTAIN PEDAL !! US $169.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-09-2009 21:14:54 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Compressor Sustainer NEW!! US $169.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-10-2009 9:56:34 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Compression Pedal Demo Video

Related posts:

1. Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Guitar Compressor/Sustainer Review Review of
2. Steve Vai Demo Video For The Jemini Distortion Pedal Steve Vai
3. Tips For Buying Used Musical Instruments On eBay You can fi

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

   The song “Dirty Diana” features the excellent guitar playing of Steve Stevens. Steve was at the height of his fame with Billy Idol at the time and Michael, being the genius marketer that he is, hired Steve to play on this song. I’m sure the decision was based on the great success Michael had using Eddie Van Halen to play on “Beat It”.

   What I love about this song is the dark sexiness it evokes. The video shows Michael busting off some of his sexier stage moves and the whole thing just rocks. I hope you enjoy it!

Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (Featuring Steve Stevens on Guitar)

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (video)

Related posts:

1. In Memoriam: Michael Jackson 1958-2009 A musician
2. Steve Vai Demo Video For The Jemini Distortion Pedal Steve Vai
3. Video clip of The Who playing a cover version of The Beatles song “Saw Her Standing There”. Video clip

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Behringer FCV100 Footcontroller

   In my live band, the guitar amp I use and love is the Fender Cyber-Twin SE amplifier. I’ve been using this amplifier for a couple years and it has never let me down. I program my own custom sound preset patches for the Cyber-Twin SE. The sounds the Cyber-Twin SE is capable of really are amazing! 

   I also love the MIDI capabilities the amp gives you with control over preset switching as well as control over many parameters in the amp controls and effects parameters. The MIDI controller I use is the Fender Cyber-Controller which has switches for controlling presets, the tuner, and effects on/off. The Cyber-Controller also has two controller pedals that I use to control various sound parameters such as Gain or effects levels.

   There is a jack on the back of the Fender Cyber-Twin SE labeled “EXP Pedal” that will allow you to plug in another expression pedal. I love to have as much real-time control over the sounds my amp can make so I went looking for an affordable expression controller that would work with the Cyber-Twin SE. Enter the Behringer FCV100 Dual Mode Foot Controller.  

   The Behringer FCV100 is a dual mode pedal with the two modes being a traditional volume control pedal and an expression pedal. The two modes are labeled “Norm” and “CV”. With the Fender Cyber-Twin SE I use the FCV100 set to “CV” mode which allows it to function as an expression pedal. The pedal uses a 9v battery but it doesn’t use the battery when you run the pedal in “CV” mode. I have been using the pedal for two years and have never had to change the battery! You may not even need to put a battery in the pedal if you’re only using the pedal in “CV” mode like I do.

   To use the Behringer FCV100 with your Cyber-Twin SE simply set the pedal to “CV” mode. Then plug a regular 1/4″ unbalanced TS guitar cable into Output 2 of the pedal. Finally, plug the other end of the cable into the “Exp Pedal” jack on the back of the Cyber-Twin SE. You now have a fully functioning expression pedal to give you more control of your amplifier!

   The other great thing about this pedal is the fact that’s it is very inexpensive. You can buy the Behringer FCV100 at the Live Musician Central Store for only $24.99. You just can’t beat that price! I have never had a problem with this pedal and it does it’s job very well. It’s coated with a heavy duty rubber that can really take a beating.

   The only thing that is a little funky is that the pedal is fully On in the rocked back position and fully Off in the rocked forward position. This hasn’t been a problem for me and at that low price, I’m not complaining. I suggest you pick up the Behringer FCV100 Expression Pedal today!

Behringer FCV100 Dual Mode Footcontroller The Behringer FCV100 Dual-Mode Footcontroller features volume control of one stereo or 2 mono individual musical instruments. Its dedicated modulation function provides a direct connection to a keyboard’s modulation control input. VCA controlled for utmost reliability and smooth audio performance. Adjustable minimal volume. Uses standard 9V battery. Low battery indicator. Ultracompact, road-suitable housing. High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life and durability.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Behringer FCV100 Dual Mode Foot Controller Expression Pedal

Related posts:

1. Foot Control Pedal For Fender Cyber-Twin – Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller The Behrin
2. My Stage Amp – The Fender Cyber-Twin SE My stage a
3. Beat The Fender Price Increase. Bid On Used Fender Cyber-Twin Amplifiers Save some

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster

   One question I get asked all the time is “How come this Stratocaster costs so much more than that Stratocaster? Aren’t they both Fender Stratocasters?”. I get asked the same questions about various Gibson Les Paul guitars as well. As a matter of fact, every instrument that you find used in a live band such as drums, bass, guitar or keyboards have huge price ranges for instruments, that on the surface, appear very similar.

   The biggest reason that instruments have such a large range of prices is the variation in build quality. The second biggest reason is the number of features or upgrades on an instrument. Other reasons for big price differences include limited edition instruments, general popularity of the instrument and overall collectibility of the instrument.

   Today I’m going to talk about the big price range on guitars but the same can be said about most other handcrafted instruments. Keyboards are a little different because their price ranges are based primarily on their capabilities although keyboard construction does play into keyboard pricing as well.

   A perfect example to use to illustrate the wide range of instrument pricing is the Fender Stratocaster (although this example could very well be the Gibson Les Paul line as well). Let’s take a look at the guitars that carry the Fender Stratocaster name. There are currently 13 models of the Fender Stratocaster listed on the Fender website. There are another 9 models of guitar carrying the name Stratocaster by Fender on the Squire guitar website. That’s 22 different models of authorized Fender Stratocaster guitars!

   The highest priced mass produced Fender Stratocasters are the Artist Series Fender Stratocasters such as the Jeff Beck Signature Stratocaster and the Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster. There are higher priced Fender Stratocasters but these are usually limited runs or custom shop guitars and they are not mass produced such as the Yngwie Malmsteen Tribute Stratocaster. All of the artist series guitars are made in America and have features that are unique to the artists that use them. That’s why they’re so expensive.

   The top of the line standard production Fender Stratocaster is the Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster which is my personal favorite Stratocaster guitar. It’s also the top of the price list for non-artist series guitars. The reason for this is again, because it’s made in America as well as having the best overall craftsmanship and components of any other American made Stratocaster.

   As you work your way down the Fender Stratocaster price list you will find that the lower priced guitars drop certain features such as noiseless pickups. The Fender American Standard Stratocaster, while still made in America, doesn’t have noiseless pickups or locking tuners. The price is lower but you lose the top-end features.

   As you move lower on the Stratocaster price list you will find that the guitars will be made in Mexico. These are still good guitars with one of the best Mexican made Stratocasters being the Fender Deluxe Player’s Stratocaster. This guitar is loaded with features but the price is low because of the fact it is made at the Mexican factory. Other factors that bring the price of the Deluxe Player’s Stratocaster down are the useage of older parts such as the original Vintage Noiseless pickups rather than the Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Pickups found on the newer American Deluxe Stratocasters. The Vintage Noiseless pickups are still an excellent pickup but they are an older design.

   As you get even lower in the price range for Fender Stratocaster you get into the Squire series with the Squire by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster being the lowest of the low. The Squire guitars are made in various Asian countries such as Korea, China and Indonesia. It’s been my experience that the Indonesian made guitars are the lowest build quality and I’ve had students that have had a lot of problems with the Indonesian built guitars. The main selling point is the low price of course and if you want a cheap Stratocaster then this is the way to go.

   It’s obvious when you type the word “Stratocaster” in the Musician’s Friend search box that there are tons of Stratocasters of every price range available. The thing to remember is that when it comes to buying guitars, you generally get what you pay for. That’s why I highly recommend buying the best and getting a Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster. It’s the guitar I use and the guitar I love. The same price vs. build quality and features breakdown occurs with the entire Gibson Les Paul lineup as well. So shop wisely and make sure you check each respective manufacturer’s model lineup for features before buying.

1982 Vintage Dan Smith Fender Strat Stratocaster Bridge US $52.50 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 17:45:01 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

Fender Stratocaster Strat DELUXE LOGO GUITAR STRAP NR! US $5.50 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 17:46:29 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

Vintage 71 RI Fender Stratocaster Strat BODY & HARDWARE US $379.99 Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 17:47:14 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR WITH HARD CASE US $349.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 17:52:51 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Cleveland Ohio Guitar Mania Fender Stratocaster Book US $4.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 17:56:54 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

1977 77 FENDER STRATOCASTER STRAT VINTAGE 70's OLYMPIC US $1,499.99 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 18:00:00 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Fender USA Stratocaster US $899.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 18:00:11 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Fender MIM Stratocaster Standard Body 2005 US $76.00 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 18:00:15 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Detailed Mini Fender Stratocaster Guitar Pin Bk/Wht US $15.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 18:04:00 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

07 FENDER CUSTOM SHOP 60's STRATOCASTER LIMITED ~ NAMM US $2,795.00 Auction Ends: Monday Jul-06-2009 18:05:45 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Why Are Some Guitars Priced So Low And Some Priced So High?

Related posts:

1. Tips For Buying Used Musical Instruments On eBay You can fi
2. Fender Deluxe Player’s Stratocaster Review The Fender
3. Beat The Fender Price Increase and Get Low Prices On A Jeff Beck Signature Stratocaster Beat the F

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

   The music ends at about 4:40 and the rest of the clip is an interview. I suggest just watching the song unless you’re a really big fan!

Spinal Tap/The Folksmen – Unwigged and Unplugged

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Sunday Funnies – Spinal Tap/The Folksmen “Unwigged and Unplugged”

Related posts:

1. Sunday Funnies, Spinal Tap – The Majesty Of Rock Spinal Tap
2. Sunday Funnies – World Class Drummer Bernard Purdie Does His Al Pacino Impersonation Drummer Be
3. Need A Change Of Pace? Go Unplugged and Play An Acoustic Gig    The

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Michael Jackson Top Album’s and Singles

Related posts:

1. In Memoriam: Michael Jackson 1958-2009 A musician
2. Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (video) Video of M
3. Live Musician Central – Weekend Album Picks 12-20-08 Every week

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.