The O-Port for acoustic guitars

July 30, 2010 by Chris

The O-Port for acoustic guitar seems like a interesting product to take a look at. The end result of this item is to enhance and sharpen the sound of ones’ acoustic guitar. The other neat improvement that come with using an O-Port is that it helps conquer feedback when performing live through a PA.

To understand how you can install this accessory on your guitar check out the video below. I found the way he uses the capo to keep the strings in place while taking the strings off is a neat little trick.

I first saw this thing in the July issue of Acoustic Guitar. At first I was skeptical. It comes in 2 sizes and comes in 2 colours, black or ivory. Most of the reviews that I’ve seen online about the O-Port states that it does enhance and adds clarity to your top end as well as the harmonic/sonic tones. The mids of your guitar seem to be brought to the forefront of your sound which I tend to focus on a lot when gigging through a PA.

The only drawback, which I found mentioned only once in my search for product reviews, is how the O-Port affects the bottom/bass end. It appears that it dampens the bass end sound that is created from the top or front of your guitar. See some, but not all, of your bottom levels comes from the vibrations that are created top of a acoustic guitar. The other way is from the sound bouncing around the insides of your guitar that comes out of your sound hole or port.

Sometimes too much bass from the guitar brings on more feedback in weird sized rooms through a PA. Considering that this device is attached directly to the top of your guitar, it makes sense that it would stop the top from vibrating.

This invention would fit into my Larrivee perfectly. The pickups that I use would not be affected at all. If your acoustic guitar uses a side mounted system like a Fishmen Ellipse Blend or something like a L.R. Baggs M1 SERIES – PASSIVE PICKUP, then this one is not for you!

I have to say that I’ve never used or seen the O-Port in action. The effects from this accessory appear to be interesting enough that I entered a contest to win one. If I win one, fingers crossed here, then I’ll tell you all what I think about it! So …

Keep on Jammin’

The Spider Capo By Creative Tunings

April 18, 2010 by Chris

The Spider Capo by Creative Tunings looks unlike any other capo that I have ever seen. It looks like a very sturdy device to use and it certainly has many applications at it’s finger tips. I myself have not used a partial guitar Capo before but I’d love to take the Spider Capo out for a spin. It may look like something that a band from the movie Mad Max uses, but it’s very functional.

I first came across the Spider Capo in my Acoustic Guitar(AG) May 2010 issue on pg. 29. They say that the six rotating levers (Creative Tunings refer to them as Fingers) maybe a little bit delicate to get use to, but it definitely appears to be worth getting use to. The Fingers are also fine tune adjusters as well.

The Spider Capo is made to support any type of guitar, either acoustic or electric, that you play on. The adjustable side arms accommodates any guitar neck width with dense leather pads that will save the finish on your guitar neck. There is also comes a banjo version as well, very cool!

The Spider Capo has the capability to capo each individual string as well as to used as a regular capo. Imagine being able to not only play in front of a capo but behind it as well! It offers the guitarist the selection of multiple tunings that can help you develop a big, full colourful sound. This is something that really gives me unlimited enthusiasm for this accessory.

My favorite example of what it can do for you is in the video from Brian Gore. It’s when he is performing Fringe Hinge. It has unmistakable echos of the Great Micheal Hedges to it. In this video Staffan uses 2 Spider Capos on his guitar at once.

Pay special attention near the end of this piece where you can see him adjusts his top capo on the fly while playing the tune. You can hear the chord changes that he shares with us during a difficult part in the song. Tell me you wouldn’t want to have that capability in one of your creations.

Being a guitarist who loves to provide a full tonal sound to the audience. If I had a Spider Capo, I would love to see what results I would have with it, particularly when playing certain melodies in concert with open string accompaniment!

Their site is just chalk full of video and audio examples on how to put this futuristic looking capo into play. They call this section Performance Examples. Creative Tunings provide us with tons of cases here that will enhance your own distinctive style of guitar performing.

If your not quite sure on how the Spider Capo works, then check out this link and go through the intro tutorial. It will help you in how to use it into proper perspective for ya. Creative Tunings also provides us with a nice informative downloadable PDG file for sample tuning starters.

This unique guitar accessory has made me want to go out and pick this thing up! When I do, I’ll give you all a hands on description on how it works, stay tuned!

Keep on Jammin’

Adjusting your guitar Tuning Heads

April 14, 2010 by Chris

Adjusting your guitar Tuning Heads/machines is another excellent way of keeping your guitar in tune. This is part of my ongoing series of posts that highlight how to troubleshoot what you can do to keep your guitar strings in tune and for good overall guitar maintenance.

Over the lifespan of your guitar, the tuning heads will vibrate and loose that snug fit they once had when they were brand new. This could be caused by many factors. For example putting your guitar into it’s case and carrying it around or accidentally dropping it from time to time could cause the tuning heads to loosen.

Just a side note here, one time I ran over my very old acoustic with my car! When I reluctantly opened it, it was fine and still in tune. Another great reason why you should always purchase a very strong guitar case!

One of the easiest way of rectifying the problem of loose tuning heads is by bringing out a pocket-sized screw driver, either a Flathead or a Philips will do, and tightening the screws that hold the tuning heads to the head stock. Sometimes companies use a hexagonal socket set or wrench. The most common size is 7/16 – 10 mm.

First tighten the Tuning Head mounting screws on the back of the headstock with your screwdriver, this is fairly simple. Remember righty tighty and lefty loosy! Now we can turn our attention to the front of the headstock.

This is when we bring out our socket or wrench set. By glancing down directly at it, locate the bolt which is on top of the grommet or washer at the base of the peg post on the front of the headstock. Now with either the wrench or socket set, find the right sized one that will fit tightly on the bolt. Here we will turn your tool very carefully to right. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. To make things easy for you, remove the string that you are working on first.

You may have completely different tuning heads then the ones that I have just covered. Some tuners may be adjusted by just pushing the grommets back into place. Once again, remove the string that you are working on first. If there is only one loose, then you might as well take the time to check the other ones while your at it.

If you’ve attempted to adjust your tuners and your instrument is still going out of tune too frequently, then maybe you should replace them all together. I have never ventured into doing this before so it maybe wise to contact your local luthier for advice on this one.

If you have a head stock that is made of wood, it sometimes shrinks and cracks due to lack of proper humidity inside the guitar case. This is a fantastic reason to get a acoustic guitar Dampits for your acoustic or classical guitar! It’s also a great gift you someone. I strongly insist that you purchase this product. It helps keep the humidity levels just right so that the wood on your acoustic guitar stays intact.

I hope this post has cleared up any questions that you may have about this very common topic and hope that you find it useful.

Keep on Jammin’

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