After years of thinking about it, I finally succumbed the other day and picked up a seven string guitar. After some shopping around I decided that the Ibanez APEX 2 was the one for me. The APEX series features the APEX 1 and 2, which are both Munky (from Korn) signature guitars. The APEX 2 is the cheaper, ’simpler’ model.

The first thing I noticed about the Ibanez APEX 2 was the neck. Not having played a seven string before, I was surprised that the neck, whilst obviously wider, was also quite thin. This made the transition from 6 to 7 strings relatively easy.

The other thing I liked out of the box was the Ibanez APEX 2’s simple features. It has one volume knob, two pickups, a three way selector switch, and a tone pros 7 fixed bridge. Personally I don’t need any more than that. The pickups, DiMarzio PAF-7 in the neck and bridge, don’t strike me as being particularly hot, but provide enough kick to get the job done.

I also love the simple “Green Shadow Flat” finish, but then, I’ve always liked green.

The Ibanez APEX 2 is a good buy for the money. You can find them new from around $600+ US if you look around. If you’re after the full spec list, here you are:

Features:

* Neck: 5pc Wizard II-7 neck
* NeckType: Wizard II-7
* Body: Mahogany body
* Frets: Jumbo frets
* Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood
* Inlay: APEX on 12th fret
* Bridge: Tone Pros 7
* NeckPU: DiMarzio PAF-7 neck pu
* MiddlePU: DiMarzio PAF-7 bridge pu
* HWcolor: PC
* GSF: GREEN SHADOW FLAT

If you’re interested in checking out Munky’s guitar rig in great detail, check out Guitar FX Depot.

There haven’t been a lot of updates here lately. Why is that? Because I picked up an Akai MPD32 and have been toying around with it since it has arrived.

Originally I’d been tossing up between the Akai MPD24 and the M-Audio Trigger Finger. In the end, I opted to go for the MPD32 due to it featuring MPC trigger pads. I’m glad I did. The MPD32 is very responsive to the touch, and handles velocity well. In terms of coming up with drum parts it is a useful tool, and allows for a far more natural approach as opposed to entering things in via mouse and keyboard.

Set up was quick and easy. My only issue was getting it working with Reason 4, however this was mostly caused by “user inability to read instructions”. After some head scratching, I ran the latest Reason update patch and things worked straight away.

In other news, Killswitch Engage fans can find the complete guide to Adam Dutkiewicz’s guitar gear here.

If you’re in the market for a new guitar you may be interested to know that Musicians Friend are having a big April 2008 sale, with up to 50% off stuff.

Up to 50% off at the April Guitar Extravaganza at MusiciansFriend.com

If you’ve been thinking of picking up that Gibson Les Paul Custom in Alpine White that you’ve always dreamed of, then now is the time!

This post is for Tom, who left a comment on the Tom Morello’s Guitar Gear post.

Tom asked if it was possible for me to type out the details of his gear, because it was difficult to read from my scan. Short answer is no, I’m far too lazy to type it out, so instead I’ve used my uber mad photoshop skills and zeroed in on the info.

While my search for a USB midi drum pad/controller continues, I think I’ve narrowed down my options to one.

I’m strongly leaning toward the new Akai MPD32. Why? It’s modelled on the Akai MPC series, which I’ve always wanted to own. The pads are the genuine MPC style pads. It also has a grand total of 75 assignable controller options, which is more than enough for me.

They’ve just started popping up on eBay so I’m definitely going to keep a look out for the lowest price and snap one up when the time is right.

The MPD32 is Akai Professional’s ultimate velocity-sensitive pad controller for musicians and DJs. Modeled after the industry-standard MPC series, the MPD32 delivers the most expressive software beat control available. Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive genuine MPC pads provide the industry’s finest feel and expression.

Four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads, eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches and eight assignable, knobs for transmitting MIDI Control Change data, all combine for unprecedented creative freedom. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons and knobs to 24 each. Two assignable footswitch inputs and an expression pedal input takes the total assignable controller count to 75 – the most by far in any pad controller.

The MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications. The MPD32 is a fully programmable controller and multi-functional control surface that fits perfectly within any production or performance environment.

Specs & Features

• MIDI synced note-repeat with MPC swing
• 16 full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
• Assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
• 2 assignable Foot Switch inputs
• 1 assignable Foot Pedal controller input
• Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
• 30 user-definable Presets for various DAW and software applications
• MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons

Reason is one of the coolest, user friendly, bits of software available for song creation. Even so, the number of features available can make it a little daunting to get started.

Here’s a tutorial that should help you get the ball rolling.

It’s called “How to create a song in Reason in 20 mins” and is presented in two parts… for the record, the combined running time is a little under 20 mins, but that’s splitting hairs.

Part 1.

Part 2.

I’m currently considering picking up a midi controller for programming drums and beats to use with Reason. I’ve narrowed it down to two, the Akai MPD24 and the M-Audio Trigger Finger. Price wise (according to ZZSounds) the Akai is around $50USD more expensive than the M-Audio, however the Akai seems to have a couple more features that are adding to its appeal. I like the fact it supports REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC buttons that would theoretically work with Reason.

At the moment I’m leaning toward the Akai. What do you think?

Here are the feature lists for both units.

AKAI MPD24 Features:

• 16 MPC-style velocity and pressure sensitive pads
• 4 selectable pad banks for a total of 64 pads
• 6 assignable Faders for transmitting MIDI Control Change data
• 8 assignable 360 degree knobs
• REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC buttons that transmit MMC (MIDI Machine Control) messages to DAW/Sequencing applications
• Backlit, easy to read LCD display
• MIDI and/or USB operation
• USB powered (or powered via optional AC adaptor)
• Included Editor Librarian software (Mac and PC)
• MPC 16 Levels and Full Level feature
• Includes a customized version of Fxpansion’s BFD Lite

M-Audio Trigger Finger Features:

• 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads
• individual assignable pressure on each pad
• 8 assignable knobs, 4 assignable faders
• pre-programmed maps for Live, Reason, GM Drum, XG Drum, and iDrum
• powered from USB connection or optional DC power supply
• includes Ableton Live Lite music production software

Fender have recently released a few new ’signature’ model guitars. The one that really caught my eye was the Jim Root Telecaster. Jim Root is the guitarist from both Slipknot and Stone Sour, both hard and heavy rocking bands. The Jim Root Signature model Tele features a mahogany body, maple neck and fingerboard, EMG pickups and a single simple, but effective, volume control.

Another release could be filed under “What were Fender thinking?” Proving that you don’t need to be a recognized guitarist to have your own signature model, Fender have released the Avril Lavigne Telecaster. Highlights include Avril’s signature on the head stock, the star logo inlay on the fingerboard, and the checkerboard pickguard. Why Fender? Why?

Here’s a quick deal that popped up in my inbox this morning.

If you’re looking to buy anything from Guitar Center, now is the time to do it. Follow the link below and get 10% off any qualifying order over $300 until 3/8/2008. I would love a PRS CU24!

Save 10% off any qualifying order over $300 with Code: SAVE10. Expires 3/8/2008

It’s been a while since I posted a useful tip on this blog, that’s largely due to me not being able to spend enough time with my music related stuff, as well as not finding anything useful enough to post! :p

In any case, this ‘How to’ clip for Reason 4.0 should go some way toward making up for that. The snare roll is something you’ll hear quite often in electronic dance based music, and when it’s done properly it can sound awesome. Truth be told, it’s something I’ve been wanting to learn for quite a while, and I have to say the following clip was quite useful!

So, here it is, How to program a snare roll in Reason 4.0.