Re: Looping acoustic instruments

["Greg & Sandee West" <gdwest@anc.ak.net>]

Hi to all my Looping brethen and sisters,

In my concerts, I incorporate acoustic guitar as well as electric and synth
guitar into my loops.  I use both magnetic and piezo pickups on my
acoustics and switch between them for different sounds.  I usually run the
piezo pickups through EQ and reverb for a natural sound, and I use the
magnetic pickup through the looping gear.  The piezo pickup can be hard to
control feedback, because it responds more readily to the body resonances
induced by the looped audio.  The magnetic pickup gets processed through my
pedalboard (Boss ME-X digital effector with a Metal Zone, Dual Overdrive,
and a Compressor).  I use that to get electrified sounds out of the
acoustic.  E-Bow is also a great addition and can be used in conjunction
with the magnetic pickup.  It's fun to watch the reactions of the audience
when you suddenly pull "Frippish" sustained notes out of an acoustic
12-string loop.

I have enjoyed the comments of the list members immensely.  I wish there
were other loopers in Alaska that I could jam with.  I haven't found any so
far!  The comments of the drummers on the list have been especially
interesting.  I've experimented using sequenced drums, but have found the
results to be too limiting.  I'd love to find a jazz drummer in the style
of Jon Christiansen (he recorded with Ralph Towner on the Solstice albums)
who can play very light textures with driving intensity.

Anyhow, take care all.  Happy looping!!

Greg West

Please reply to:  GregWest01@aol.com
Website:  http://users.aol.com/GregWest01/index.html