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Back in Black
Robert Taylor
robert.j.taylor@hotmail.co.uk51 years old. AC/DC fan since I was 11, I live and breathe their music and first got a guitar because of Angus' playing. I'm an intermediate level Guitar player. Likes blues based Rock 'N' Roll bands. I'm easy going, interested in life, people and nature. Gear: 1970 Gibson SG, 1977 Ibanez Artist AR2622eq; 1979 Marshall 2203, 1971 Marshall 1960A Cab, Cetec Vega Diversity Dynex 2, and TSR No.36.
headwhop26
Posted at 18:02h, 01 AprilRob, you look so happy 🙂 Great video, everything is very well done
Kev
Posted at 16:16h, 18 Marchgreat performance, Rob! which settings did you use for this one??
Kev
Posted at 16:30h, 18 Marchsorry, didn’t read the comment down there =)
ar2619Rob
Posted at 17:53h, 18 MarchThanks Kev. Since doing this I’ve started using a THD Hotplate i.e. master volume up much higher, and a volume boost pedal which gives it a bit more life in the solo.
Kev
Posted at 18:18h, 18 Marchcool, I’m still waiting for my attenuator! can’t wait to unleash the beast=)
SoloDallas
Posted at 14:39h, 25 FebruaryI just had to watch again. The look of such guitar hooked to that amp and cabinet is always a beautiful sight. Love it
zaken
Posted at 03:40h, 25 FebruaryWow that was superb, I think its one of the gardest to get right and you have nailed it. An inspiration for me. Thanks.
rugster
Posted at 19:23h, 24 FebruaryGreat job again there Rob, nice to see another old boy having a go.:)
How do you find that amp/cab combination ? I’ve been thinking of going down this route but can you really get those tubes cooking at home-volume levels? I have been looking at lower watt heads & smaller cabs but have yet to make a decision :0
ar2619Rob
Posted at 14:34h, 25 FebruaryPrior to this I had an AVT100 which I thought was ok, and I suppose it is.
This however gives a much ‘bigger’ sound at similar volumes. I read what Fil and George have said about there being ‘a whole lot going on’ inside a 4×12, due to the volume(size) and type of wood and now appreciate that this is not an exaggeration. I have not tried an all valve combo though, so I don’t know.
It does need an attenuator (my next purchase) to get the best from it at home. I don’t have close neighbours but can’t really go above 2 on the MV as it’s just to loud after a while.
Something I’ve always assumed wrongly is this, big amp and cab = louder all around. Not so, I’m about the same volume as previous combo’s, there’s just so much more in the tone.
If you’ve got the space and can turn it up I’d go for it. The way I looked at it is this stuff has a consistent value/demand so I could always sell it if it turned out to be wrong for me. I’m very glad I bought it.
rugster
Posted at 15:58h, 25 FebruaryThanks Rob, It’s always hard to know what to go for where amps are concerned. I’ve been going round in circles reading reviews and most people seem to suggest smaller amps for home use, although I can’t deny your setup sounds great. Looks like I need to join club Marshall to get that roar 🙂
banane
Posted at 16:02h, 25 FebruaryYeah, definitely. It’s not only the amp itself, it’s also the 4×12″ cabinet. I have a 50W JMP 2204 too, together with a 4×12″ cabinet and an attenuator. That sound is just…unbeatable.
rugster
Posted at 16:05h, 25 FebruaryI’d better get saving then 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 16:17h, 25 Februaryhttp://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=marshall+the+haze&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GWYH_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14196276140105003804&sa=X&ei=48ZnTbCxF8m1hAeSg9jsDg&ved=0CD8Q8wIwBg#
These are getting good reviews but I don’t know myself. Maybe there are some second hand ones around already?
The trouble with buying new when you don’t know what you want is losing so much money if you don’t want it ,isn’t it?
Definitely get something all valve, EL 34’s.
rugster
Posted at 16:24h, 25 FebruaryThanks Rob. I think I may well go for the head/ amp combination. I have a habit of buying cheaper things and then regretting it 🙂
Regarding the cabinates, I’ve been looking around for whats available. Are the G12m 25w speakers the best to go for?
ar2619Rob
Posted at 16:41h, 25 FebruaryIt’s a personal preference thing, either G12H30’s or G12M25’s depending on your ear. are the most liked for classic rock.H is for heavy 50oz magnet, M medium 35oz
http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/products/classic/index.asp
See also Fil’s cab/amp try-outs elewhere here.
I watched eBay for month’s, at times getting frustrated and also missing out on the first few but by taking my time I then knew when a good ‘un had come along and went for it. I don’t think these old cabs come up to often though as people tend to hang on to them. Mine had the same owner for 30 years, I think I’ve been lucky.
rugster
Posted at 16:45h, 25 FebruaryThanks again Rob, apprecieate your time.
I’ve got my eye on this now, what do you think ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Marshall-1960AX-Cab-4x-25w-Celestion-Greenbacks-/260741644796?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL&hash=item3cb569c1fc#ht_621wt_1141
Damn you SD 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 17:04h, 25 FebruaryIt’s what I was going to buy if I couldn’t wait any longer for a decent vintage. I think this one is a bit pricey as a new one can be bought for £550 including delivery. The last one I was bidding on went to £385, I bid £351 as a max or I’d buy new.
Some say that these re-issues ain’t quite so good but I don’t think I am good enough or experienced enough to know.
What about this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Marshall-1960-AX-Vintage-Series-4×12-Speaker-Cabinet-/220744150486?pt=UK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL&hash=item3365606dd6
banane
Posted at 17:10h, 25 FebruaryI second this. I’ve read several tests on this cab and essence is “its almost as good as the old ones, but the speakers needs to be played in”. That would be totally ok for me.
rugster
Posted at 17:18h, 25 FebruaryLooks good. I’ll keep an eye on that one thanks. There are a few for sale nearer to me with the standard black cloth front, I know people say that the checked cloth makes a difference, I don’t know if thats the case. Thanks guys
banane
Posted at 17:25h, 25 FebruaryWatch out for the speakers. Normally, the ones with black cloth has different speakers in it, G12T75, 75 watt speakers which sounds more metal-like when I’m using a lot of preamp volume.
rugster
Posted at 17:30h, 25 FebruaryYeah, i noticed that. I’ll keep an eye on the one suggested, or something close. Cheers.
rugster
Posted at 17:41h, 01 MarchHey Rob I managed to buy that cab. Thanks for the heads-up.
BTW did you buy that 16ohm hotplate on Ebay? I had my eye on that too!
ar2619Rob
Posted at 18:12h, 01 MarchThe cab above for£305? I’ve been after one for a while and that is how much they go for, I saw one reach £385 recently, crazy. If you don’t like it you’ll get your money back but I think you’ll be happy. As for the THD, I can’t answer that, lol, but there might be a similar looking one in my next video he he.
Where are you from (or as my friends in the U.S. would say) where you outta dude?
rugster
Posted at 18:22h, 01 MarchHa! I thought it might have been you 🙂 look forward to your findings.
I’m in the Uk (Norwich) Yes, it was a good price, but I’ve got a long way to go to pick it up, it wouldn’t have been worth me paying much more TBH. At least it should be nicely broken in 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 18:34h, 01 MarchI went to Nottingham from Pontypool (home) for mine, about 380 mile round trip, your smile will soon help you forget about it. I angled the mirror down to the back so I could look at it on the way home, (says he rather embarassedly) better still, get your mate to drive so you can get in the back too and get to know it intimately, lol. Went to Peterborough! for my SG, I suppose if you want these things then you have to go to wherever they are. 🙂
rugster
Posted at 18:52h, 01 MarchAbsolutely. I now just need the amp. Hopefully not too long, I just need to find the right one. There is a 2203 for sale near me at the moment, but I’m really holding out for a 50w if possible- and an attenuator!
rpatzelt
Posted at 11:27h, 24 FebruaryBravissimo (it’s Fil’s place, right? 🙂 ) Rob! I’m so glad you finally get all of that gear. It sound great and your playing is flawless and passionate. Well done!
matirocker
Posted at 22:02h, 23 Februarynice tone!!! Man, you look like Messi! Do you know who Messi is?
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:20h, 23 FebruaryYeah, I know 🙂 better not let him hear you say that! Just gonna tell my missus,
thank you my new best friend, lol
SoloDallas
Posted at 21:54h, 23 FebruaryHoly cow Rob… this is good. It’s good. Yes, it’s good!
I just “loved” seeing you better, too. I consider you a friend. The tone is “to die for”. The G chord specifically, is “record like”. I can hear and see that you have definitely improved. Timing wise specifically, I was impressed. Your gear looks… marvelous. Just a straight, very good job. Proud to have you here. Yours, Fil 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:14h, 23 FebruaryI’m trying man I’m trying! Three years ago when I ‘found ‘ you (lol) I would have been happy to be at this level. I know I’m improving but for me it’s only ever going to be slow and I must be content with that. I doubt anyone practices more than I do.
What I do think though is that even though it ain’t brilliant, the older ones here (you know who you are!) are getting a real kick outta just doing the thing we’ve waited twenty or thirty years for however modest our talents may be. It’s encouraging to see how quickly some of the younger guys improve, that didn’t happen for me but …..whatever.
I have kept a slightly better played copy (outro) but in truth when I watched it back I was as stiff as a……….stiff and I didn’t wanna post it because it didn’t show how much I enjoy it as this one does, hell I even gave a back tooth!
banane
Posted at 22:31h, 23 FebruaryYeah, right, Rob. I know who you mean 🙂 Was the same thing here. Totally. Dreamed about playing for over 20 years.
And well, maybe I need one of these boxing tooth protectors before I start with a BiB video, hehe 😉
rjofig
Posted at 22:44h, 23 FebruaryRob, from a fellow older one’s perspective, 3 years to get to where you are – I don’t think it is slow, it’s pretty good. I hope to be at this level next year. I also hope to have all my teeth by then too, better boost my calcium intake meanwhile 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 23:11h, 23 FebruaryAt 42 I’m just happy to have any teeth, although I think it may be a while before I have steak again 🙁
Renato I started playing at about 14, (I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted to be Bon or Angus. So confusing when your favourite band has two front men eh?) but after a year or two of lessons and not getting very far it just slipped and I only played now and again as a real beginner for years. I have been practising daily now for about four years but I did have that head-start of fingers knowing where to go etc. You are improving faster and are better at the same age than I was.
Music, all music from Motown to Rock ( but God not country or rap, lol) is my true love, my life’s ambition is to be a guitar ‘player’ before I check out. 🙂
rjofig
Posted at 06:04h, 24 FebruaryRob, almost the same story here; I actually had classic guitar lessons a bit younger than that (11 or so). Then an electric but no lessons. Also got frustrated and quit. I have the same impression as you that at least it served as a bit of a head start with basics on hand/finger positioning and stuff.
I’ve been practicing almost daily now for about a year and a half (not much of a structured practice really, basically just playing stuff I like when there’s time). I’m past stress and frustration, so it’s all good now and I’m pretty sure I can get better bit by bit with patience and practice.
(Country – not my thing either, but one exception: Johnny Cash’s American Recordings series with Rick Rubin. Cash was off completely off my radar until a friend of mine pointed me to his music.)
Cheers,
banane
Posted at 08:49h, 24 FebruaryFor me, it was a different story. Until some years ago I either hadn’t the money nor the confidence to start playing. While I’m a AC/DC fan since 11 or 12 years old (being 40 now) I did always thought myself “ah, you can’t play, you don’t hear good enough.” But then, about a year ago, I got a guitar and a small amp as a bargain so I just took it home.
And while I’m in fact hearing impaired (almost deaf without hearing devices) it doesn’t seem to be a big problem. That’s a very great finding for me, wish I did this earlier, somehow.
And like you, Renato, I don’t do structurally practising most times, just playing and learning the stuff I currently like.
Most times, when Fil comes out with a new video, I try it out myself and here and there I go back to learn basics or solo playing. It’s really a pure fun and joy thing. No need for hard and frustrating practising, the new things come up almost by its own.
And yes, I don’t like Country either 🙂 But I’m a lot into Blues.
Tyler
Posted at 21:27h, 23 FebruarySounding good Rob, your getting there man. Maybe could use a little more drive to my ears.
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:01h, 23 FebruaryYeah probably Ty. If I went any more on the pre-amp it went too heavy, it needed a bit more M.V but the video camera mike wasn’t happy about it.
This was really loud at 1.75, my stereo is 60W/channel and was on No.8.
On Sunday I kept chasing the volume ( I don’t have close neighbours) and played for a couple of hours at 2.5 and it really is too loud, ears head e.t.c.
Basically it needs an attenuator for home use. cheers 🙂
banane
Posted at 22:17h, 23 FebruaryYeah, had the same problem here at home. Could turn up to MV 2.5, but more would make my neighbours coming up with torches and hay-forks to lynch me. Enough drive needs an attenuator.
banane
Posted at 20:19h, 23 FebruaryHehe, Rob, fantasic playing and very great sound! And I can see that you’re having a lot of fun there. Makes me happy to see 🙂 And greetings to your dentist too 🙂
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:17h, 23 FebruaryThanks Franz, yeah lotta fun. When you got one I thought deal me in
re: above comment You know who you are!
banane
Posted at 22:32h, 23 FebruaryHehe, right, exactly 🙂
rjofig
Posted at 19:46h, 23 FebruaryNice one, Rob! The best you are capable now is pretty good and I’m sure it will get better.
Getting so into the playing that you break a tooth – doesn’t get more AC/DC than that 🙂 Cool that you got it on tape, play it to your dentist. Cheers,
Renato
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:18h, 23 Februarythanks buddy 🙂
GoingDownOnTheWay
Posted at 19:20h, 23 FebruaryGreat stuff, one of the best BiB covers I have seen!
Impressive sound for a low-volume record, makes me want to get a JMP even more.
Devil'Fingers"
Posted at 15:21h, 23 FebruaryWhy I can’t view it??
ar2619Rob
Posted at 16:56h, 23 FebruaryI don’t know Pawel, you can also see it on YouTube channel ar2619.
Don’t worry, you’re not missing much. perhaps Polska censorship laws are better eh? 🙂
Devil'Fingers"
Posted at 19:01h, 23 FebruaryOk, I’ve just seen that, and the best comment here would be that, I liked it so much that I watched touch too much and shook me cover too, cause they were really really superb.
Im not professionalist definetely , but what I would say that when you make index finger vibrato, try to “swing” ( sorry I dont know how to say that) down and up, try to avoid left to right. 🙂
P.s I didn’t know that you have that fantastic vintage gear, shame on me… 😉
ar2619Rob
Posted at 19:28h, 23 FebruaryThank you, I have only got the amp and cab a few weeks ago.
TORVICK
Posted at 14:32h, 23 FebruaryMy favorite rock song…. Good tone man, but the lick doesn’t comes out very well to me. This song needs alot of work, because of the vibratos, timing…. I’m working on this solo (again…) and i think that it needs a very very strong right hand technique.
ar2619Rob
Posted at 22:17h, 23 Februaryyeah, you’re right.
Ant
Posted at 14:22h, 23 FebruaryGreat playing :), keep up the practice! envy your setup too ^^
unlucky about the teeth lol
Salute!
Ant
ar2619Rob
Posted at 11:47h, 23 FebruaryNot sure if I’m brave or stupid posting this so soon after Fil’s lesson in ‘how it’s done’ but it was that very video which got me playing this again. It wasn’t ’til I recorded it and played it back that I realised that I had always played the opening (Em) lick wrong. I tried a few times on Sunday but got progressively worse with the mistakes, then got this at first attempt yesterday and in truth it’s about the best that I am capable of at present.
Video highlights: 2.04 Gritted teeth as the roar of the JMP courses through the veins, 2.07 horrific realisation that upper right molar has shattered under the strain resulting in a gob full o’ broken bits, bugger! I’m still scared of the dentist too.
SGACE
Posted at 15:35h, 23 FebruaryVery good one, I really enjoyed it.. settings please?
ar2619Rob
Posted at 17:15h, 23 FebruaryGeorge, first I must say thank you for helping me to choose a good amp and cab. I gained enough knowledge from you to let others slip away before these. Re: speaker codes (dating) with the back off I cant see anymore than the lettering on the frames, I’ve shone a torch through the grill cloth but can’t see anything, but it is a poor view so I will have to take one or two speakers out from the rear I think. For now I’ve been more interested in playing it than f@ck*ng it up, lol as I have the house to myself for a week or two, (luv you Tracey if your spying on me!)
The guy was genuine when I collected it, about 55 years old, with a lifetimes worth of guitars and amps/cabs, a really nice bloke.
Anyway the settings:
Presence 0 (no surprise) Bass 7, Mid 6, Treble 2.5, M.V 1.75, Pre-amp 7.
With the M.V >1 I had to put the stereo speakers nearer to the video camera or the main track couldn’t be heard on playback. My right ear is now helping me forget about my tooth!
SGACE
Posted at 19:55h, 23 FebruaryFirst of all thanks for your good words, i will tell you a trick to find the cone codes if they are any. Take a camera and take pics with the flash on between the gaps of the speaker metal frame. four gabs- four pics. That’s what I did in my cab without touch the speakers…