Music + Technology = Pete Lacis

Charvel vs Suhr Guthrie Govan Models

Posted by in amplifiers, audio clips, guitar, music, musical instruments

Here’s a very quick comparison between two guitars that share similar DNA. The new Charvel Guthrie Govan signature model as well as the previous Guthrie Govan signature model from Suhr, namely the Antique Modern. Both guitars feature very similar specs, with basswood bodies and maple tops and “roasted” maple necks and fingerboards. While each features its own manufacturers’ respective pickups, the other notable difference is the bridge. The Suhr featured a Gotoh bridge with bent saddles, going for that vintage vibe whereas the Charvel incorporated a brand new bridge manufactured…read more

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Koa vs. Mahogany – Tone Demonstration Video

Posted by in amplifiers, audio clips, guitar, music, musical instruments, pete lacis

In response to my koa & pau ferro demonstration I received a number of questions about how koa compares to mahogany.  Since I think the tones should speak for themselves I decided to put together this comparison. The Gear: Guitars: Suhr Standard (natural finish) Koa Body, pau ferro neck and fingerboard Suhr Standard (tobacco burst) Mahogany body & neck, maple top and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard Both guitars have identical Suhr pickups: DSH – bridge, V60lp Middle, DSV neck Amp(s): CAA OD100 Classic + (all but final high gain clips) David…read more

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Koa and Pau Ferro Suhr Standard – Tone Demonstration Video

Posted by in amplifiers, audio clips, guitar, musical instruments, pete lacis

After trying to explain in words some of the inherent qualities of a guitar with a koa body and a pau ferro neck and fingerboard (similar to Reb Beach’s favorite instrument), I decided to put this video together demonstrating a guitar featuring these very tonewoods. This example covers clean, low and high gain scenarios to highlight how these woods work in different genres of music. Guitar: Suhr Standard, Solid Koa Body, Pau Ferro neck and fingerboard, Pickups: DSH – bridge , V60lp Middle, DSV neck Amp(s): CAA OD100 Classic +…read more

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Alder vs Swamp Ash, Maple vs Rosewood and a Neck Swap – The Definitive Comparison with Audio Clips

Posted by in audio clips, guitar, musical instruments

A while back I wrote this post concerning the differences between alder and swamp ash when used in a strat-style guitar and what tones/genres of music those combinations suited best. I originally wrote that post to satisfy my own curiosity, but also to share with others and participate in the discussion. Three years later it is still the most searched topic on this site and continues to bring in a steady stream of traffic. Apparently, I’m not the only one curious about these things…. Since I wrote the original post,…read more

OD100 Classic Plus vs. Friedman Modded Egnater Seminar Head

Posted by in amplifiers, audio clips, guitar, musical instruments

A while back I had the opportunity to attend Bruce Egnater’s amp building seminar at his shop in Berkley, Michigan.  During this class we learned about the basics of amp building and were taken through the step-by-step process of assembling our own amp – a Mojo Tone JTM45 kit who’s circuit was tweaked by Bruce Egnater to mirror his own design from his modular series (according to Jeff Hilligan its the “3” in the EG 3/4 module with more gain) .  Premier Guitar Magazine was on hand to cover the…read more

EVH Wolfgang vs. Ernie Ball Music Man EVH vs. Suhr

Posted by in guitar, musical instruments

Whenever I have the opportunity to play a new guitar, I opt to bring one of my own along to serve as a point of reference.  This held true earlier this week as I had the opportunity to play the new EVH Wolfgang and compare it to a few other guitars that, based on their specs, should  handle the “same chores.” Ernie Ball Muisc Man EVH – from the 1st run of the originals – Has a brass block on the floyd Suhr Standard – basswood body, maple top, one…read more

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People for a Compressed Trey

Posted by in amplifiers, guitar, music, musical instruments, musician

This is the sort of story that we gearheads just love.  Being that I was heavily influence by the music of Phish and its guitarist Trey Anastasio in the 90’s, I became a big fan of hollow body guitars used in conjunction with a compressor pedal to achieve loud and clear sustain with a clean, undistorted tone.  Well in the last few years of Phish’s existence, Trey ditched his long-used compressor and his tone took on a darker, edgier and grungier sound which was far removed from its pristine and…read more

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Les Paul Standards vs. Les Paul Customs

Posted by in guitar, music, musical instruments

As I’ve been finding myself lately really gravitating to the sound of my VOS 1960 plain top Les Paul Standard, I’ve become curious as to why folks chose Les Paul Standards over Les Paul Customs and vice-versa. Through my own observations, I’d say that most organic classic rock stuff (Allmans, Zeppelin, Skynard, Aerosmith, etc) tends to be played on Standards (with Fogarty & Framptom being the exceptions) while more metal tends to be played on Customs (John Sykes, Zakk Wylde, Adam Jones (Tool), Randy Rhodes, etc). I also realize that…read more

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