Gear Reviews

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So it’s goodbye Nova System

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As you may know (if you have followed my YouTube channel or blog for the last 5-6 years), I have put out a lot of content about the TC Electronic Nova system. I have been a massive advocate of this pedal and produced a ton of tutorials and video content on how to use it. But like all good things, this journey had to come to an end. Sadly I have sold my Nova system on to pastures new.I want to state outright that this is nothing to do with the quality of the unit or the sounds of the unit. It is just that after my recent pedalboard challenges and having a Line 6 Helix, I found that I was using the Nova less and less. I hate having good gear sitting around and not being used. So I thought it was time that it went to a good home. The Helix has amp modelling which means that I can get by with a more compact set up than having the Nova with a whole bunch of pedals and an amp. I like to travel light! You can read about my wishes for an updated Nova System here.For more reasons and explanation behind the sale, and some info on the recent CdBaby DIY Musicians conference I attended, it is all in the video...

Goodbye TC Electronic Nova System

Love to hear your thoughts and stories on the Nova system.EnjoyPeaceNeil

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Atomic Ampli-Firebox Review

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The one I have been asked for for quite a while now! Here is the review of the Atomic Amps Ampli-Firebox, featuring sounds for those of you who like that kind of thing. There is so much to say about this product, it is best summed up in a video I think! Like this one.....

Video review with sounds!!

Also featuring in the video are a little bit of the Mooer Rumble Drive and the Mooer WahterFor more in-depth information on maximising your practice time and finding your own voice on the instrument, check out my book Guitar Creativity - A new way of thinkingFollow me onTwitterFacebookInstragramLinkedInEnjoyPeaceNeil

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Brucie’s Pedalboard Challenge Video Series

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The premise is simple, can I make myself the smallest possible ‘giggable’ pedalboard? Also, can I make it versatile enough not only for gigging, but for teaching and recording as well??Now that is the question! So I have produced a series of videos which show the journey of my quest, culminating in a final video which demonstrates each of the sounds that board can produced. The heart (and brains) of the board is the Atomic Amps Amplifirebox (AFB or Ampli-firebox depending on where you read it’s name!). The whole challenge it to fit this on to a Pedaltrain Nano+ board.....can it be done??Sit back and enjoy....For more information.....Pedaltrain Nano http://amzn.to/2DqvYlAMooer Rumble Drive http://amzn.to/2DtW47vTC Flashback Mini http://amzn.to/2DRHjrKTC Polytune http://amzn.to/2DtrHgxIbanez TubeScreamer Mini http://amzn.to/2EXQNBiTrex Fuel Tank Jr http://amzn.to/2DxfUxuEnjoyPeaceNeil

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Bruce’s Q & A #6 : Getting the best tone from TC Nova System’s Drive and Distortion

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The sixth in a new series of subscribers questions, this one from Yoely about getting a decent sound from the TC overdrive and distortion. I have so many questions and comments about this, I thought it would be time to do a video and try and put the record straight! So here it is.....EnjoyPeaceNeilTC Nova system http://amzn.to/2AvxcGe

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Line 6 Helix Adding a guitar amp with bass amp : Getting a great tone

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Have you tried combining a bass amp with a guitar amp to get a great tone? Then you should!! It really works!!This works for both the Line 6 Helix and Helix LT.What I am doing here is adding a clean Fender style amp with a SVG Bass amp in parallel to it and blending the two together and then running them through the effects section. It can add a really nice depth and warmth (and ofcourse low end to the tone).Try it, what have you got to loose?EnjoyPeaceNeil

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Thank you YouTube - 1 Million+ views

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Some #mondayhappiness, so happy to achieved my goal of 1 Million+ Youtube views! It’s been a long journey, and thanks so much to you guys who read my blog for helping to make it happen!! Especially those who have been in for the long haul!! It means so much to me!!Not the biggest amount by any stretch, but I am pretty chuffed (and it is more viewers than Danny Dyer’s 'Run for your wife' #smallgoals)...onwards to the next million (and hitting 2000 subscribers).Thanks to everyone who has watched, shared, asked questions and subscribed....more to come!EnjoyPeaceNeil

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XVIVE T1 Golden Brownie Review

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The XVIVE T1 Golden Brownie is a pedal I have been hearing SO much about recently that I just had to bite the bullet and buy one to see if the hype was real, worst case scenario it goes back on Reverb.com! EVH’s Brown sound is something which has always appealed to me and something which currently I cover with my Suhr Riot pedal when need be. A pedal I really do love btw!

But having said that I am also working on a little challenge project at the moment, so I was also on the look out for a mini pedal to fill in for the Riot! Could this be the one? Check out my video reviewHere is the blurb from the product site!

Product Description Thomas Blug has been sought after artist on the German and International music scene for many years. A very accomplished guitarist, vocalist, composer and recording artist, Thomas has won many awards and his known for his soulful music, which Xvive can help deliver. Xvive are very excited to work him in the development of the Golden Brownie and Tube Squasher micro pedals. The Golden Brownie is like a vintage Marshall JCM800® in a box. If you want high gain hard rock ’80 tones then this is the pedal for you. It has an unbelievable (over) Drive range and is perfect for head-on heavy grind applications. The Pres (presence) knob adds versatile tweaking ability that transforms any amp into a fire breathing hellhound! The Tone knob is all about the blues and soul. Turned down, it is time to rock and turned up it is time to sing some blues. Controls TONE – shapes colour of distorted signal VOLUME – controls overall volume of effect DRIVE – controls amount of gain PRES – takes a sharp distortion and gives it some extra room Foot Switch toggle effects on/bypass (blue LED ‘on’ indicator)

Brown Sound?

Pros

  • Cost!!

  • SoundFlexibility

  • Build Quality

Cons

  • None that I can really think of!

Request

I hope that you found this article useful and enjoy my blog, podcast and YouTube channel. I’m always happy to share my thoughts and to help others as much as I can and I will never charge for my blog content. Having said that, I truly appreciate when someone supports me in return for the time it takes to write articles, produce podcasts and videos, where I share my years of work and experience with you.

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Peace

Neil