In part II of our conversation with Tim Schroeder we talk with him about his recent amp release, the DB7. It began as a prototype project but quickly found it’s way into the hands of Nels Cline. Take a listen as Tim talks about the amp’s design, construction, and history.
For more information about the DB7, please visit Tim’s website at: http://www.schroederguitarrepair.com/
We had several listeners report an apparent audio failure in Episode 31. Upon playback we realized that we left some ‘dead air’ between the buffer music and the interview with Andy Fuchs. Dead air is apparently just as disastrous in podcasts as it is in radio. Thanks for the heads up, here is the remixed episode dead air free.
In our final installment with Andy Fuchs we talk about his original design, the ODS. Take a listen as we talk with Andy about the history and evolution of a legendary platform.
We would also like to thank Andy for helping to sponsor our upcoming Gear Demo Day. Fuchs kindly donated several of his pedals for the event. The pedals will be available to demo and then be sold at special event pricing. All proceeds from the sales will go directly to the musicians in the supporting band. Thanks again Andy and the generous folks at Fuchs Audio Technology for supporting the music community.
If you are a fan of Blind Melon you know that Christopher Thorn and Rogers Stevens weave melodies that comfortably span the subtle to the supersonic. In our first episode featuring the guitarist of Blind Melon we talk with Christopher about gear past and present.
Blind Melon has recently released a new album. You can find out more about Blind Melon, the new album, and their current tour dates at: http://www.myspace.com/blindmelon
Tucked away in a back alley on the out skirts of Chicago is Tim Schroeder’s Guitar and Amp Repair. Tim has a very comprehensive skill set. He is a a triple threat in the world of boutique builders. As a luthier, effect designer, and amp builder Tim is equally comfortable crafting archtops as he is designing circuits. This summer, while exploring all the Chicago music scene had to offer, I was lucky enough to discover Tim’s shop where he introduced me to a very unique pedal design. In this first of two episodes with Tim take a listen as he talks about his background and his innovative pedal, the ‘Blister Agent’.
For more information about Schroeder’s guitar and amp repair, you can find him online at: http://www.schroederguitarrepair.com/
Galo Rivera is musician passionate about his tone. Take a listen as we talk with Galo about his personal philosophy on tone, his gear past and present, and his technique for dialing in an amplifier.
Galo is currently working on a new album due out this year. You can read more about Galo or purchase the first single from the album at: http://www.galorivera.com
A new line of pedals has been added to the lineup of Fuchs Audio Technology products. Take a listen as Andy talks about his newest offerings, how buffering cable runs improves your tone, his first effect pedal, and some new pedals to be looking out for this year.
You can find the complete lineup of Plush FX Pedals here: http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com/plush.htm
In part 2 of our conversation with Andy Fuchs of Fuchs Audio Technology we take a more in depth look at his new offering, The Clean Machine. Take a listen as Andy discusses the design inspirations, the enhanced reverb features, and everything else a great pedal platform would require. Again, we want to thank Andy for taking the time to talk with us. Check back in the upcoming weeks as we talk to Andy about the ODS platform and the new line of Plush FX pedals.
To find out more about Fuchs Audio Technology and their complete line of products check their website at: http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com
Over the month of March we will be talking with Andy Fuchs of Fuchs Audio Technology. We will be covering everything from the history of Fuchs amplifiers to their newly released line of pedals. Take a listen to our first conversation with Andy as he describes his beginnings as a guitarist, his inspirations for amplifier design, and the Fuchs production processes.
To find out more about Fuchs Audio Technology you can find them on the web at: http://www.fuchsaudiotechnology.com/
In our final installment with K & M Analog Designs we talk with Joe about the Two-Rock Classic platform. Take a listen as Joe talks about his experience of working with John Mayer in designing the Mayer Sig. He also gives us a great overview of both the Classic Reverb and the Classic Types I-III. Finally, Joe offers some insight into what we should listen for in 2008.
This being our final installment with K & M Analog Designs, we really want to take a second to thank Joe for being so generous with his time and knowledge. Over the last three weeks it became very apparent that when you consider a Two-Rock you really are buying equipment that both Joe and Bill will always stand behind. It wasn’t mentioned in the interviews, however K&M’s customer support is second to none. They will support their amps throughout their life cycle. Whether you own a new amp or a used amp, you can always pick up the phone and talk with the great folks of Two-Rock.
In part 2 of our 3 part series with K&M Analog Designs we talk with Joe about their flagship platform, the Custom Reverb. Take a listen as Joe Mloganoski talks about the evolution of the amp from its’ roots (the Custom) to the their latest model (the Custom Reverb Signature v2). Joe also takes us on a tour of the circuit and offers up some guidance for dialing in a Custom Reverb. Thanks again to Joe for taking the time to talk with us.
When surveying the landscape of tone, a company that stands out for it’s unyielding commitment to quality, innovation, and sonic capabilities is K&M Analog Designs. The makers of the Two-Rock line of amplifiers has been at it for close to a decade. We are happy to announce a three part series about Two-Rock amps past, present, and future. Take a listen as we talk with Joe Mloganowski about the early years of K&M, their partnership with Steve Kimock, and what Joe takes with him when he plays out. Check back next week for a comprehensive discussion about their Custom Reverb platform. Thanks again to Joe for taking the time to talk with us. You can find out more about Two-Rock amplifiers at: http://www.two-rock.com
OceanEFX is a relatively new company, but that doesn’t stop them from offering a comprehensive line of stomp-boxes. Take a listen as Corby LaCroix talks us through the history of the company and their complete line of pedals.
Note: At the time of this interview the OceanEFX Pearl Drive was not in production. As of the airing of the interview, it has been completed. Below is a photo of the new Pearl Drive.You can find OceanEFX online at: http://www.oceanefx.com/
When we discovered these wonderful picks we knew we had to get the word out. Take a listen as Vinni Smith talks about the very first V-Picks and the various models that he offers. If you haven’t tried one, you really should. To place an order contact Vinni through his website: www.v-picks.com
MI Audio also added two new pedals to their already impressive lineup. Both the EQ and Poly Octave look like a well planned release.
MI Audio wanted a valve amp to compete with the flexibility of a modeling amp, well, it looks like they have done it.
If you are looking for great portability coupled with incredible versatility, you need not look any further than the Burriss Royal Bluesman. Listen to amp designer Bob Burriss talk about this feature rich tube powerhouse.
Ben Fargen and Brian Mena teamed up to produce a great looking and sounding pedal platform. Here they are talking about their joint venture, the Black and Blue. 
Verry exciting news from the Diamond Effects camp. The Memory Lane 2 made its debut at NAMM 2008. As well as two other new additions to the Diamond Effects line up. 
One of the many surprising finds at NAMM 2008 was Glass Tone Amps. Brian Cross, the designer and builder is from our neighbors to the north. Me makes a very nice sounding and looking amp that is available in a multitude of configurations. Note: The amp mentioned in the interview does have a 1/2 power switch taking it from 30 to 15 watts.
TheToneCast Episode 40: Tim Schroeder's DB7: