The Baroness Redecorates … Herself

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We’re All Going to Hell

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Trying Out Ribbon Wound Strings

Okay, it’s recommendation time. Last night I restrung my guitar. It was sorely needed and I thought it would be the perfect time to try out ribbon wound strings as I’m currently playing around with a new guitar slide. For those that don’t know, ribbon wound, or flat wound strings, are strings whose overwindings are made with a flattened wire rather than a round one. This eliminates the ridges you would normally find on guitar strings. (A more in-depth explanation)

The strings that I put on are D’Addario Chromes High Finish Ribbon Wound Electric Guitar Strings. That’s quite the mouthful. I’m impressed with the sound. Though they aren’t as bright as my usual strings they do offer a warm, clean tone devoid of finger squeaks. Admittedly the lack of ridges is somewhat odd to get used to. After 18 years of playing with strings that have some grip I need to adjust to how my fingers now glide around. In a way it’s better for noodling around the blues scales. I can move my fingers into position faster and more smoothly. My hand just slips around on the fretboard throwing in grace notes and glissandos where ever I please.

The extra cost has always stopped me from buying ribbon wound strings, but now I may reconsider my purchasing decisions. Maybe I’ll pick up string cleaner in order to make them last longer. If you’ve never tried flat wound strings before I suggest you don’t wait 18 years like I did. The way they alter your sound and playing is worth the few extra dollars to investigate.

Get some strings…

 

Give Me a Beat

I’ve tried all sorts of metronome software. Frankly, much of it is dreck, expensive dreck. I hate it when someone wants to charge as much for a metronome program as an actual metronome would be. Let’s be honest, having to have boot up my computer just to get a rhythmic click-click is a pain. If you’re charging $30 for that little bit of weekend coding you threw up on the web, then I’d rather get myself a small electronic box that fits in the palm of my hand and probably even has a tuner; much better value and convenience.

I was about to give up on the thought of a software metronome altogether when I got weird. Not only is it free, but it is much more usable and flexible that any other program I tried. With the ability to use nearly fifty sounds it’s like having a mini drumkit. I just pick out some of the many samples and go to town. If I’m just doing finger exercises then I use it straight up. But the real beauty of this is its ability to do arbitrary time signatures, a feature you don’t really find elsewhere. If you want to get the hang of playing in 5/4 then do yourself a favour and download this.

http://www.pinkandaint.com/weirdmet.shtml