Acoustic guitar Archives - Metro Sound & Music Ltd.

Posted on June 30, 2022May 10, 2022 by Jasbir Kumar

How To Get Acoustic Sounds From Your Electric Guitar

We all have those songs that just need an acoustic touch. However, if you’re an electric guitar player, buying an acoustic axe just to achieve this tone is probably not a feasible option. Luckily, there are ways you can achieve an acoustic effect from your current guitar. Let’s go over how you can get acoustic sounds from your electric guitar using pedals.

Guitar Pedals That Will Give You An Acoustic Sound

1. Boss AC-3 Acoustic Simulator Guitar Effects Pedal

The BOSS AC-3 is a fan favourite for its immaculate acoustic emulation. With five controls, including Level, Reverb, Body, Top, and Mode, you can fine-tune your acoustic sound to fit your guitar and pickups. You also get four onboard modes, including Standard, Jumbo, Enhance, and Piezo. Many masters of this pedal use it in conjunction with other EQs and tone components like Treble Boosters or Fuzz Faces. To bring your electric guitar tone into the woody acoustic territory, plug into the Boss AC-3!

2. Boss GP-10GK Guitar Effects Processor Multi-Effects Pedal

The BOSS GP10-GK lets your axe harness the power of various guitar, bass, and synth tones, including acoustic guitar effects! You can also easily edit the MIDI guitar on your computer to remove any imperfections to a greater degree than recorded sounds. Get creative with the exciting potential of the BOSS GP-10GK multi-effects processor!

3. HOTONE OMP-5 OMNI Acoustic Simulator Guitar Effects Pedal

The HOTONE OMP-5 Omni acoustic simulator pedal looks simple but is incredibly versatile. The device itself has three controls – Master Volume, Function, and Ground Lift – and comes loaded with fifteen presets. You can further fine-tune your sound with the Omni Edit app, which includes a 4-band EQ and gain. Craft your acoustic tone with the HOTONE OMP-5!

As you can see, there are several ways you can get an acoustic tone from your electric guitar. Although it may take some crafting and experimentation, you’ll be able to dive into acoustic territory without buying another guitar!

If you would like to look at more guitar effects pedals, check out our extensive range:

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Posted on March 8, 2022July 15, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar

How To Learn Guitar: Tips For Beginners

So, you want to learn guitar. Welcome to the wonderful world of playing! Since you’re new, you want to get started on the right foot. There are many bad habits that you can pick up that will be difficult to shake off down the road, so here are our 5 best tips for beginners wanting to learn guitar.

Tip #1: Focus on Technique

If you look at any of your favourite guitarists, regardless of whether they play heavy metal or classical tunes, they all have one thing in common: good technique. They can achieve seemingly effortless solos and chord progressions because they mastered playing the guitar with good technique. A well-structured practice routine will help you build proper technique and motor skills. Now, you might be wondering – okay, but how do I start? We suggest that you download apps like Uberchord or Fretello and watch the best YouTube channels for guitar lessons. Nowadays, there is a vast treasure trove of knowledge online, and practically everything you could ever want to know about the guitar is easily accessible. However, we also strongly recommend getting a professional guitar teacher as well, as they can point out your gaps and personally guide you through your guitar journey.

Tip #2: Take It Slow

You may envision yourself as shredding riffs at lightning-fast speeds, but don’t even bother trying to learn how to play fast. First, you need to master good technique, and trying to go fast as a beginner is just going to frustrate you. Instead, concentrate on precise fingering and hitting the right notes. Once you achieve good technique, speed will happen on its own.

Tip 3# Learn Music Theory

If you’re like many, you’d rather skip music theory. It seems dry and bland when you’d rather be creatively expressing yourself. However, most guitarists who neglect to learn music theory all run into one major roadblock – they start to plateau. You can grow as a guitarist by disgesting small bits of music theory. If you feel like you’re not making any progress, learn a little theory, then explore what you’ve learned in your playing.

Tip #4: Play Covers

I cannot stress this enough: Playing covers is one of the best ways to learn the guitar. Not only do you get to cover your favourite songs, but you get to learn about the elements that make these songs successful. Luckily, you can learn songs easily online through YouTube videos and other resources.

Tip #5: Keep Learning

Your guitar journey doesn’t have an end to it. There are always new tricks and techniques to learn! Give it time, don’t give up, and soon enough, you’ll become a great guitar player. Happy playing!

Resources For Beginner Guitarists

If you would like more resources for playing the guitar, here are other posts we’ve made:

Posted on February 15, 2022July 15, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar

Best Guitar Effects Pedals For Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are renowned for their natural and organic sound. However, if you would like to add guitar effects like chorus, delay, and reverb, there are options out there that won’t muddle your core tone. Here are our suggestions for some of the best guitar pedals for acoustic guitars.

1. TC Electronic Corona Chorus Pedal

If you’re looking for a stereo chorus pedal for your acoustic guitar, check out the TC Electronic Corona Chorus. It includes four knobs for Speed, Depth, FX Level, and Tone, giving you enough control over the effects. You can also change between Chorus, TonePrint, or Tri-Chorus modes, letting you perfectly tweak your chorus to fit your acoustic tone.

2. TC Electronic Helix Phaser Pedal

Want control over how saturated your acoustic guitar tone is? The TC Electronic Helix Phaser pedal may be right for you! With four controls, including Speed, Depth, Feedback, and Mix, you get an incredible level of control over the phaser. You also have TonePrint capabilities and stereo inputs and outputs, making it perfect for acoustic guitars.

3. TC Electronic Flashback Delay Pedal

The TC Electronic Flashback Delay Guitar Effects Pedal features 6 seconds delay time of a great range of delay types. Since it is a stereo pedal, you can also experiment with different stereo delays. And of course, because it is from TC Electronic, you also have access to TonePrint, letting you transfer your favourite delay settings onto the pedal.

4. Electro-Harmonix Tone Corset Analog Compressor Pedal

The Tone Corset from Electro-Harmonix is an affordable and great-sounding analog compressor/sustainer pedal. Dial-in Attack, Sustain, and Blend to shape your guitar’s dynamics. You’ll love sounds you can shape with this impressive pedal!

5. Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Pedal

If you want an octave pedal to emulate a bass guitar, check out the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG. This compact pedal lets you easily mix between your dry signal, an octave down, and an octave up. You can then simulate bass guitars or even 12-string guitars.

6. TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Guitar Tuner

No pedal collection is complete without a great tuner. We recommend the TC Electronic PolyTune 2 due to its excellent display, ability to check the tuning of all of your strings at once, and ultra-precise chromatic strobe tuner.

Powering Your Pedals

You can power your pedals using several methods. Every guitar pedal has different requirements, so you will need to learn about power requirements before building your pedalboard.

However, one excellent recommendation we can make for powering your pedals is the Voodoo Lab Power Pedal 3. This power supply can feed your entire pedalboard and is a popular option amongst guitarists.

You can also get a pedalboard and power supply package from Voodoo Lab. Varying by the size of the pedalboard, there are small, medium, and large options available.

Plug And Play

Now you know the vast potential your acoustic guitar playing can have. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you would like to browse more guitar effects pedals and build your own unique sound, check out our vast range of guitar multi-effects.

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Posted on July 11, 2021April 8, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

5 Best Alvarez Acoustic Guitars

When you’re in the market for an acoustic guitar, you want to buy it from a reputable brand. One renowned and credible brand is Alvarez Guitars, which has been producing guitars since 1965.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing, including your skill level, budget, and what you want to get out of your guitar. Fortunately, Alvarez offers a wide range of guitars, so you will find a suitable instrument for you no matter your needs.

To help you narrow down the choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best guitars from Alvarez. Take a look and see if any of our picks are right for you.

Alvarez AD60 Artist Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Alvarez AD60 is an affordable, high-quality dreadnought guitar for newer players. As a mid-priced instrument, the AD60 delivers an exceptional playing experience. This guitar is made out of hand-selected Sitka spruce and other natural materials, so it not only looks great but plays great, too. For a guitar that you can’t help but be impressed with, pick up the Alvarez AD60 acoustic guitar.

Alvarez AJ80CE Artist Series Jumbo Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Another addition to the Artist Series is the Alvarez AJ80CE acoustic-electric guitar. Also constructed with Sitka Spruce and other natural materials, you can feel the build’s quality as soon as you pick it up. Not only does it look and feel sophisticated, but it also delivers a rich and warm tone. With robust construction, you can depend on this instrument for years to come. However, since it is jumbo-sized, this instrument may be better suited for those with some experience playing the guitar. If you are comfortable playing larger guitars and want an elegant and durable device, consider the Alvarez AJ80CE acoustic-electric guitar.

Alvarez AC65 Artist Series Classical Acoustic Guitar

The Alvarez AC65 is a beautiful and high-quality classical acoustic guitar. Optimized for warm and open sound, you’ll love strumming this instrument. The combination of the solid red cedar top and mahogany body and neck produces a lively tone. Also, since it is a classical guitar, it uses nylon strings and has a smaller body than its steel-string counterparts. For one of the finest classical acoustic guitars in the price range, order the Alvarez AC65 classical acoustic guitar today.

Alvarez AC65HCE Classical Hybrid Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new guitarist, you will enjoy the Alvarez AC65HCE classical acoustic-electric guitar. With thoughtful construction, this guitar sounds great and will last you for years. The sound it produces is warm, open, and powerful, and both the treble and bass registers are balanced. The solid cedar tops are stiff and strong to create tons of vibrations, and the nylon strings are comfortable to play on. For a stunning classical acoustic-electric guitar, get your hands on the Alvarez AC65HCE today.

Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB Masterworks Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar

For a truly stunning instrument that will make your jaw drop, take a look at the Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB acoustic-electric guitar. This guitar sounds as good as it looks with its shadow burst finish. This instrument is sculpted from premium, hand-selected all-solid woods to create the best sound possible. As a remarkable grand auditorium, the MGA70WCEARSHB has an open, powerful projection and excellent balance between the bass and treble frequencies. If you crave a luxurious guitar that will please your eyes and ears, choose the Alvarez MGA70WCEARSHB acoustic-electric guitar.

Choosing an acoustic guitar is an exciting, albeit overwhelming, task. Whichever instrument you choose, be sure to buy from a reputable brand for quality assurance. Want to do more browsing? Take a look at our extensive range of acoustic guitars.

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Posted on January 27, 2021January 28, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

7 Best Microphones For Home And Live Recordings

When recording your vocals or instruments, your microphone can make or break your production. There are many microphones on the market, and sorting through them is difficult and time-consuming. Worry not, we’ve got you covered with our list of some of the best microphones for home and live recordings.

Best Home Office Microphones

Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Mic

Connection: USB, Lightning
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

If you want a stylish retro microphone that delivers excellent sound quality, look no further than the Shure MV5. It is Apple MFi certified, meaning you can plug it into any iOS device with a Lightning port, and comes with both a USB cable and a Lightning cable. The microphone is also equipped with a headphone jack for real-time monitoring and three preset DSP modes. If you need a budget-friendly microphone for your home office, consider the Shure MV5.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Connection: USB
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

Audio-Technica is highly-regarded in the professional audio industry, and for good reason. They’ve produced many iconic microphones for users of all levels. The AT2020USB+ is the USB version of their popular AT2020 microphone. This microphone features a headphone jack for live monitoring and mix control to blend your microphone signal with pre-recorded audio. Compatible with most computers, this microphone is an excellent choice for audio recordings and Zoom meetings.

Best Microphones For Recording Vocals

Shure SM58

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

The Shure SM58 cardioid vocal microphone is one of the most popular microphones worldwide. In fact, famous singers use them worldwide in their performances every day. So, why are pro studios with massive budgets using this microphone? Well, it’s excellent at eliminating feedback, and its rugged construction makes it perfect for live performances. If you want a legendary vocal recording microphone that pros around the world trust, the Shure SM58 is the obvious choice.

Shure SM7B

Connection: XLR

Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

The Shure SM7B microphone has been used by music legends such as Michael Jackson over the years. It provides a rich, balanced tone and virtually eliminates feedback. Not only that, but its rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection mean you can rely on this legendary microphone for years to come.

Best Microphones For Recording Guitar

Shure SM57

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

Many regard the Shure SM57 as the industry standard for recording guitar amps. This microphone handles high sound pressure levels easily and picks up on high and low frequencies. It also has high feedback before gain functionality, making it perfect for stage use. The Shure SM57 is practical, cheap, and packs a punch, making it the standard microphone for many, including the President of the United States’ official podium.

Sennheiser e 609

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Supercardioid

Explicitly designed for miking guitar cabs close to the source, the Sennheiser e 609 has the features you need to record your electric guitar. First, the flat design of this microphone allows it to kiss your amp. Second, the supercardioid polar pattern isolates the instrument from other sounds, which is especially useful for on-stage performances. So, if you’re looking for one of the best microphones for recording your guitar, look no further than the Sennheiser e 609.

Shure SM81-LC

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

For isolating your acoustic guitar, the Shure SM81-LC microphone is a fantastic choice. The frequency response is flat; however, the selectable low-frequency response is an option if you wish. Since it is a condenser microphone, it does requires a phantom power source with a decent pre-amp to get an optimal sound level out of the mic. However, if you want a great microphone for recording live acoustic guitar, consider the Shure SM81-LC.

Pick up one of these great microphones to sound your best in your next recording session. Hopefully, our list helps you find the best microphone for home and live recording needs. Want to browse more microphones? Check out our wide range of recording devices!

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Posted on January 5, 2021April 21, 2021 by Jasbir Kumar — Leave a comment

How To Care For Your Acoustic Guitar

Your guitar requires proper care to preserve its sound and looks. This means you don’t just toss your guitar into your gig bag after performing and forget about it until the next session. Follow these care tips to ensure your acoustic guitar stays in tip-top shape.

Storing Your Acoustic Guitar

Keep It In A Case

When you’ve finished jamming, you need to make sure you store your guitar correctly until your next session. This means you should put it in its case, as it is much easier to control the humidity versus if you were to leave it exposed on a stand. You also want to make sure you’re not storing it in somewhere too hot or too cold, or the extreme temperatures will damage your guitar. So, you shouldn’t keep your guitar in your car overnight in winter (not that you should keep it there, anyway!).

Use A Humidification System

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning that your guitar will either release or absorb moisture from the air around it. To counteract this, you need to monitor and control the humidity. Ensure your guitar is kept at a constant humidity level of 45-50%. Humidity levels can fluctuate throughout the year, and cold Canadian winters are tough on your instrument. So, invest in a humidification system such as a hygrometer to keep in your guitar’s case. It’s an easy and important way to care for your guitar. If you neglect to do so, your guitar will likely end up cracked or warped.

Maintaining Your Acoustic Guitar

Keep Clean

Wash your hands before playing to make sure you don’t get dirt, oils, and sweat on your instrument. Doing this will keep your guitar clean of the grime that we carry on our hands. This will also help prolong the life of your strings.

Also, make sure you wipe down your guitar after every session. You don’t have to deep-clean it, but running a polishing cloth over it after practice will keep it clean. Use string cleaner to keep your strings free of built-up grime.

Change Your Strings

Learning to change your guitar strings is something every guitarist needs to do. You should change your strings at least once every six months, but every three months is the recommended minimum. If you don’t, you will likely find that your guitar loses its tuning quickly and your strings will eventually break.

Ensure you clean the fretboard every time you change strings with a fretboard conditioner (unless you have a maple fretboard). This will help prevent cracks and other damage. Only use a conditioner made for fretboards, as household cleaners and polishes will damage your fretboard.

Bring Your Guitar to a Technician

A guitar technician can help your guitar stay in shape by adjusting the action, checking for loose frets, amongst other things. Take your guitar to a technician for an annual tune-up. Your instrument will thank you for it.

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