A big thread full of questions for Robin [Archive]

Phil Lawton

May-28-03, 8:30 AM

and how would they know what to sing? eh? :)

I'm sure any one of the CT freaks that circle the planet could have supplied a lyric sheet, mate.

I know what you mean when you say that it wouldn't have been a case of Liz saying "OK, Sharon....you just sing 'Yeah, baby, shake that thang' just after the guitar solo", but it would have been interesting to hear.

Liz didn't just make the stuff up on the spot in the studio, did she? Did she write it down (that would have screwed with Microsoft Word's spellchecker, by God) or just remember it all from take to take? And if she did write it all down, it'd have been easy to photocopy and hand out to the Fraserettes.

Sort of on the same subject, why did you opt for real guitarists and a live drummer in the latter days of gigging, rather than using the usual pre-recorded backing? And which did you think was better?

REPLICESS

May-28-03, 8:57 AM

I would give up an arm to sing with Liz *sigh*

......Mind you, prolly would heve been pissed off to hear it , were it someone else ! :p

etc etc

May-28-03, 2:03 PM

I have to say, that while Liz did her scat thing on the show I saw for FCC at Roseland (challenging me at times)..I found myself yearning for other vocalists or something closer to the main lead since Liz was so different than the album and the band was totally shining and capturing the glory of the songs with the live magic......I was rewarded for going, two years later, to M&K's 1996 shows at Boston's Avalon and NYC Roxy shows.....Liz and the Band and of course the guitar wizard himself Mr. G. were at top form...goosebumps all night for me...magic....Liz sung her heart and soul out and there was no need for backing vocals...it was all I had hoped for from a live performance...definitely on top of their game imho....magical.....Phil, you would have loved it....no need for other vocals in the least!

watchlar

May-28-03, 2:07 PM

ugh the FCC TOUR....nightmare!!!!!!!!

and it's such a shame....musically they sounded amazing...but the vocals....those poor bloody and blunt dolphins she murdered!

1996 made up for it though
almost...i'm still a little traumatized

E-Lo

May-28-03, 2:28 PM

roflmao
http://www.lawtonok.com/images/dolphin.jpg
Translation: "you're the match of Jericho that will burn this whole madhouse down!"

andylama

May-28-03, 3:56 PM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
...these were not just 'oohs,ahhs and doowops' type backing vocals...

roflmao

Pearly Dewdrops Drops, with session vox singing "doo...wop wop"

Actually, the thought of any CT song with "doowop" back vox = :2puke:

Robin, I didn't know you ever posted to this board. Hi. I'm enjoying Imperial.

Best wishes

andy

mmmender

May-28-03, 4:07 PM

Originally posted by E-Lo
roflmao
http://www.lawtonok.com/images/dolphin.jpg
Translation: "you're the match of Jericho that will burn this whole madhouse down!"

crying roflmao crying

Iwan

May-28-03, 4:09 PM

Originally posted by etc etc
I have to say, that while Liz did her scat thing on the show I saw for FCC at Roseland (challenging me at times)..

Now it makes sense! I only saw the Twins live in 1994 in the Netherlands and wasn't too impressed with Liz at all (sorry if I offend ANYONE here)... The 2 drummers in synch were great though :D

Also that gig introduced me to Seefeel and that has been worth every penny. My only regret would be not seeing Seefeel again after that....

mmmender

May-28-03, 4:19 PM

her vocal technique (or lack therof?) during the FCC left a lot to be desired. i have yet to meet a diehard fan who disagrees. there was so much incoherence, i know that sounds odd because this is fraser after all, but it was incoherent for her. she seemed very unsure of her voice and very out of control. i won't get into the psychology of it all, i just feel it was their weakest tour because of this factor.

aprilskies

May-28-03, 4:20 PM

Bliss is an empty tube train, my walkman and Heaven Or Las Vegas.

watchlar

May-28-03, 4:43 PM

ernie you are so damn funny

iceblink555

May-29-03, 1:28 AM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
difficult question : I don't really think anyone would have been up to the job : I mean, all those other vocals, these were not just 'oohs,ahhs and doowops' type backing vocals but liz kinda vocals 'cept in the background - if that makes sense.. and how would they know what to sing? eh? :)

I think you'd hafta get Liz clones to do the backup vocals. But hey, science has come a long way in this department since '96. (Compliments of Scottish scientists, no less!) So if the Twins ever have a reunion tour.... --Alan

jana

May-29-03, 12:25 PM

Liz did her scat thing

ha.

Brien

May-29-03, 6:47 PM

I remember thinking during the FCC tour at Roseland, "wow, this is great." (must have been the drugs).
Now hearing a 1994 live recording, "wow, this is weird."
Which is why I don't have many 1994 live recordings.

Clayton39

Mar-31-04, 3:34 AM

First off, let me express my gratitude for this site. Everyone seems to be nice and helpful, and I have some questions that I hope to get some help with.

I have been listening to The Cocteau Twins for a few months now. I'm 20, and I think I missed them the first time around :confused:. I grabbed Robin Guthrie's "Imperial", and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to actually listen to The Cocteau Twins... and I am just as happy, albeit in a different way, as I am with Guthrie's solo work. A friend told me that this site was a reliable source of information for all things, be it gear or dates, or anything like that, so here goes.

I have seen before that Robin said he uses no synths, I dont know if this is in general... or if this is in a certain song or album... but I am really floored by the opening to "I wear your ring". The notes have a very clean swell to them, and it seems to me like a synth... either that or Guthrie has an ungodly head on his shoulders. I make washy reverb swells all the time, and they are usually very gritty and well... washy. I just wanted to know if anyone had any information as to what Guthrie used on this song.

Anybody know what reverb unit he uses? I know he uses/used a Lexicon pitch shifter and a Boss/Roland Dimension C... but other than that I am pretty clueless. I have been clued into the Jazzmaster and the Paul Reed Smith from other sources. Any specific delay units? Also , if at all possible i would liek to know what he used on imperial too. The album is very loop friendly... and I was wondering if he used any looper/phrase samplers in the studio? Also, if anyone has attended live shows... does Robin use loopers live? Or does he have other musicians with him? If loopers... what kind?

Thanks for the time... I hope to stick around and make some more social posts in teh future... but I just had a few questions I needed to get off my chest. Thanks!

P.S. I picked Guthrie's avatar because I'm sure it must be funny/akward to have your picture as a means to identify another person.

mmmender

Mar-31-04, 4:03 AM

hi clayton (welcome to the forums btw)

robin himself answered some of your questions in a previous thread that you may find of use.........

http://www.cocteautwinsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=570

Clayton39

Mar-31-04, 4:38 AM

Thankyou for that link. everything seems a little more valid coming from Robin's mouth. Does he still visit the boards much?

Also, can you tell me when "Imperial" was released? A lot of the gear he mentions in that thread is very old(naturally) and hard to find. And the comment about eveything sounding so Cocteau Twins, makes me wonder what he uses nowadays in the modern disposable world of guitar effects.

Thanks for the link, your'e very beautiful.

mmmender

Mar-31-04, 4:56 AM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Thankyou for that link. everything seems a little more valid coming from Robin's mouth. Does he still visit the boards much?

robin visits the board quite regularly but doesn't always post. you can view a list of his posting history by following this link (http://www.cocteautwinsforums.com/search.php?=s&action=finduser&userid=160)

Originally posted by Clayton38
Also, can you tell me when "Imperial" was released?

march 17, 2003

Clayton39

Apr-1-04, 2:03 AM

Yeah, I might try the pm thing, but it seems like the poor guy gets mauled for questions when he comes on. Hopefully he will find the thread sooner or later. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Avninder

Apr-3-04, 2:54 AM

I think you are a little young to like the Cocteau Twins. Stop it right now and start listening to Linkin Park. J/K

icesore

Apr-3-04, 11:18 AM

someone told me the same thing. i am 23. haha...:tongue:

Clayton39

Apr-7-04, 3:35 AM

Originally posted by Avninder
I think you are a little young to like the Cocteau Twins. Stop it right now and start listening to Linkin Park. J/K

Oh Christ no... I may be young, but that doesn't mean I cant have taste now eh :guitar:

I like a lot slower stuff than The Cocteau Twins most of the time... but they have their charm. Just incase you would like to know, I listen to:

Clear Horizon
Low
Slowdive
Robin Guthrie
Deltron 3030
Mono(not the one the girl from VI is from, yuck!)
Manual
This Mortal Coil
Carissa's Weird

could go on and on, but I guess thats enough to show you that I dont really see eye to eye with my peers.

here are some links to some music I made:

http://fiveways.illogic.net/clayton/Find%20me%20a%20reason...%20in%20a%20mine.mp3

http://fiveways.illogic.net/clayton/Token%20Hope%20Song.mp3

I made them by myself using loops and 128mbs of flash storage... so I wouldnt say that I'm done with them, but I guess they are a nice thing to represent what I do.

mmmender

Apr-7-04, 4:59 AM

Originally posted by Avninder
I think you are a little young to like the Cocteau Twins. Stop it right now and start listening to Linkin Park. J/K

mom?

Phil Lawton

Apr-7-04, 5:16 AM

Originally posted by mmmender
mom?

Not mother.

willy

Apr-8-04, 7:08 AM

Originally posted by Avninder
I think you are a little young to like the Cocteau Twins. Stop it right now and start listening to Linkin Park. J/K

Nanna?

mmmender

Apr-8-04, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by willy
Nanna?

brother?

Phil Lawton

Apr-8-04, 2:13 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
brother?

Yes...his name is Ruprecht...he likes to run and run...he'll enjoy the wide open spaces of Oklahoma....

andylama

Apr-8-04, 3:22 PM

Originally posted by Phil Lawton
Yes...his name is Ruprecht...he likes to run and run...he'll enjoy the wide open spaces of Oklahoma....

Quite. His favorite utensil is a fork with a cork stuck on the end of it. You'll find out pretty quickly what the cork is for.

mmmender

Apr-8-04, 3:48 PM

Originally posted by andylama
Quite. His favorite utensil is a fork with a cork stuck on the end of it. You'll find out pretty quickly what the cork is for.

his sister gretchen?

Phil Lawton

Apr-8-04, 6:34 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
his sister gretchen?

Apple sauce.

Tinspur

Apr-8-04, 10:51 PM

Lady Fanny of Omaha

(One of my favorite movies of all time....)

Clayton39

Apr-9-04, 12:00 AM

I'm sorry... but what the hell is going on?

andylama

Apr-9-04, 12:35 AM

We don't know, but hey, grab the ball and run with it, man!

Don't hesitate! Dive in! Don't look back! and take your little dog with you!

andylama

Apr-9-04, 12:37 AM

Great, I've probably just sent another new member scrambling for the "unsubscribe" button. Tsk tsk.

Seriously, its nothing more than a free association game. Try it.

dynamine

Apr-9-04, 12:45 AM

Originally posted by Clayton38
I'm sorry... but what the hell is going on?
there's no place like home.
;)

mmmender

Apr-9-04, 1:24 AM

Originally posted by Tinspur
Lady Fanny of Omaha

Dario, the well-bred, custom tailor.

spanglemaker

Apr-9-04, 1:49 AM

and when you wake up, you'll have a size 7 poop shoot....

dynamine

Apr-9-04, 1:58 AM

roflmao

Lucibelle

Apr-9-04, 6:24 PM

Hey Clayton, I listened to your songs. Nice sounds! Could use some changes but I really like what you're doing. :)

Clayton39

Apr-10-04, 2:19 AM

Originally posted by Lucibelle
Hey Clayton, I listened to your songs. Nice sounds! Could use some changes but I really like what you're doing. :)

Thankyou! I hope your wound heals :(

Clayton39

Apr-10-04, 2:25 AM

Originally posted by andylama
Great, I've probably just sent another new member scrambling for the "unsubscribe" button. Tsk tsk.

Seriously, its nothing more than a free association game. Try it.

Nah, not yet anyways... I came for the Cocteau Twins, I stay for the smilies:1pimp:

... and the people I guess

Maneco

Apr-10-04, 6:26 PM

Funny,i've downloaded yesterday Token Hope song,but from your posting on guitargeek...it sounds incredible...which gear are you using now?

Clayton39

Apr-11-04, 5:25 AM

Originally posted by Maneco
Funny,i've downloaded yesterday Token Hope song,but from your posting on guitargeek...it sounds incredible...which gear are you using now?

Hey, thanks Maneco... means a lot coming from you. I basically used the looper on the line6 DL-4 at half speed to get the base loop... though the signal was already running through a double head tape delay simulator from the DD-20, set at about 450 ms I believe. From there I overdubbed the second part over the same DL-4 loop(Well, not in the recording, but this is how I play it live) and let that go ahead and run its course... and the final gritty parts are played with an OS-2 that was modded, and I just tried my best to get it to bleed a little... and the echo did the rest for me. Also, I think I have a backing track of the same riff strummed, with the same echo, and a 20-30 second hall reverb from the Yamaha Magicstomp that I just recently acquired.

I am seriously going to have to pick up a nanolooper when I get the money though... it would make it so much more fun :)

Maneco

Apr-11-04, 10:29 AM

oh,thanks for all that information...i see that you use your gear to the limit...congratulations again....i', G.A.S.ing for a magicstomp right now...but they can´t be found here,and import taxes make it impossible to me to have one...so,i'll continue using what i have ,and build what i need ...i'm working on a tap tempo,or "record play" looper,with variable pitch ,reverse and overdub,i hope is on the same price range of the nano32 or maybe more,so perhaps it's a better choice than the nano for what you're doing...

Clayton39

May-24-04, 11:47 PM

Robin... please answer my questions... please... pretty please. :blush:

1. Did you play any shows to support Imperial?

2. If you did... did you use loopers/phrase samplers live? Or did you get some pals to help you with the layering?

3. Did you use any looper/phrase samplers in the studio for Imperial? If so, what kind?

4. What unit did you use for your reverb while recording Imperial... also what delay units? What did you use for the piano sounds?

5. What gear are you using live for Violet Indiana?

6. Will you be coming to L.A. anytime soon in support of either Imperial(I know its late) or the new Violet Indiana record?

7. What current bands are you listening to if any?

8. Will you PLEASE tell me what you used for the intro to "I Wear Your Ring"?

Please dont make me bump for all eternity ;)

Adam

May-25-04, 7:12 AM

(Ad.1) H plays. June 5th in Warsaw. His "Lumieré" thing contains 3 tracks from "Imperial".

Lucibelle

May-25-04, 8:11 PM

I notice Robin logging on every once in a while, but he doesn't seem to post as much as he used to. :( Perhaps his fans are just too scary. ;) But seriously, I miss his participation.

Rad

May-25-04, 10:55 PM

He was here last night but didn't answer this thread. To me that seems a bit snobbish... but maybe those q's have been asked heaps or something.

Lucibelle

May-26-04, 1:43 AM

That's what I mean. He shows up, but rarely posts. He's become quite the lurker. ;)

Clayton39

May-26-04, 2:29 AM

Yeah, I dont know... I would just like a few answers and I figure maybe he could take some time, as I'm not sure where else to get this information. It seems like something people are baffled about, and guitar players dont generally go around spouting out what kind of gear they use... so I thought maybe by his good graces he would give me some insight. I know personally that when someone asks me about my gear, I can go on for hours. Its exciting to me to explain to people how I made the music I care so much about... maybe not for him?

Anyways, thanks for being supportive. :cheers:

robin guthrie

May-26-04, 6:30 AM

snobbish?
that's a little unfair...
just busy preparing for adams private concert in warsaw
oh, and particpating in the real world as well

so to answer these questions....

1/ no, not really, I mean I performed a few times but not really in support of the record, just one off events....

2/that seems to change everytime I play as I haven't really found the ideal unit - I use a jam-man, an electrix repeater or a boomerang depending what works...

3/no - just record lots of stuff and the sort of glue it all together

4/eventirde, echo-pro, and steinberg grand

5/flextoneII amp and blue and green line 6 stomp boxes

6/only if some kind soul invites me - I have no record company in the us and I guess that most people can't realise that for me to play a show I'd reallly have to have a promoter invite me....I don't really have an agent or manager who finds me work - wish I did....

7/n.p. Bruno Nicolai - Attesa Inutile

8/well. it's a mixture of my guitar and a roland JD-800, sort of.....

me, I can talk for hours about these things but I have no patience to type for hours about these things....

Adam

May-26-04, 9:36 AM

just busy preparing for adams private concert in warsaw

:blush:

mmmender

May-26-04, 9:41 AM

Originally posted by Radagast
He was here last night but didn't answer this thread. To me that seems a bit snobbish... but maybe those q's have been asked heaps or something.

yeah snobbish is a bit much. i'm just glad robin even bother's with us at all, i'm sure he's got much better things to do.

curetwins

May-26-04, 1:21 PM

well said.

curetwins

May-26-04, 1:26 PM

and i can still dream that The Cure will add VI to their Curiosa Festival Tour (US)........

petroldarling

May-26-04, 2:30 PM

my sentiments exactly, as curetwins and i were discussing

robin guthrie

May-26-04, 2:34 PM

Originally posted by curetwins
and i can still dream that The Cure will add VI to their Curiosa Festival Tour (US)........

why don't you ask them then?

mmmender

May-26-04, 2:54 PM

hey robin......have you ever met mr. smith?

andylama

May-26-04, 3:24 PM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
snobbish?
that's a little unfair...
just busy preparing for adams private concert in warsaw
oh, and particpating in the real world as well

so to answer these questions....

1/ no, not really, I mean I performed a few times but not really in support of the record, just one off events....

2/that seems to change everytime I play as I haven't really found the ideal unit - I use a jam-man, an electrix repeater or a boomerang depending what works...

3/no - just record lots of stuff and the sort of glue it all together

4/eventirde, echo-pro, and steinberg grand

5/flextoneII amp and blue and green line 6 stomp boxes

6/only if some kind soul invites me - I have no record company in the us and I guess that most people can't realise that for me to play a show I'd reallly have to have a promoter invite me....I don't really have an agent or manager who finds me work - wish I did....

7/n.p. Bruno Nicolai - Attesa Inutile

8/well. it's a mixture of my guitar and a roland JD-800, sort of.....

me, I can talk for hours about these things but I have no patience to type for hours about these things....

Thanks Robin.

Even tho I wasn't the one asking, I myself always wondered about that intro timbre in "I Wear Your Ring" (and a few others over the years!)

Andy

dynamine

May-26-04, 4:25 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
hey robin......have you ever met mr. smith?
considering Mr. Smith has been a fan of Cocteau Twins for ages.that would be a cool gig!

ScottL

May-26-04, 6:27 PM

Thanks for the answers Robin, always interesting to hear what stuff you use. Indeed this typing medium is more of a hindrince to Q&A and general discussion, glad you take some time to do so.

I was wondering....I just picked up an Eventide H3000 D/SE, that was about all I could afford on my budget, but I wonder, do you use the Orville or what? And do you still use something from the old H3000 line? Seems some folks who have the bigger stuff(Orville or DSP4000+) still keep around an H3000, nostalgia for the old algorithms or something...I wouldn't know as I have nothing to compare....I will say, with the one I got, I've been having some fun with the reverse delay...I guess the Boomerang can do that too...haven't tried that one...

mattadore

May-26-04, 8:50 PM

Originally posted by dynamine
considering Mr. Smith has been a fan of Cocteau Twins for ages.that would be a cool gig!

Just think of the possibilities for extracurricular jams on the Curiosa tour this could engender - Robin sitting in with Mogwai for a Post Rock multilayered shimmering Scottish guitar mindfuck excursion, for example...

Clayton39

May-27-04, 3:12 AM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
snobbish?
that's a little unfair...
just busy preparing for adams private concert in warsaw
oh, and particpating in the real world as well

so to answer these questions....

1/ no, not really, I mean I performed a few times but not really in support of the record, just one off events....

2/that seems to change everytime I play as I haven't really found the ideal unit - I use a jam-man, an electrix repeater or a boomerang depending what works...

3/no - just record lots of stuff and the sort of glue it all together

4/eventirde, echo-pro, and steinberg grand

5/flextoneII amp and blue and green line 6 stomp boxes

6/only if some kind soul invites me - I have no record company in the us and I guess that most people can't realise that for me to play a show I'd reallly have to have a promoter invite me....I don't really have an agent or manager who finds me work - wish I did....

7/n.p. Bruno Nicolai - Attesa Inutile

8/well. it's a mixture of my guitar and a roland JD-800, sort of.....

me, I can talk for hours about these things but I have no patience to type for hours about these things....

Robin... thankyou so much. Maybe sometime you will come down and play in L.A. and we can talk about gear. Until then... I am completely satisfied!

Clayton39

May-27-04, 3:14 AM

Originally posted by ScottL
Thanks for the answers Robin, always interesting to hear what stuff you use. Indeed this typing medium is more of a hindrince to Q&A and general discussion, glad you take some time to do so.

I was wondering....I just picked up an Eventide H3000 D/SE, that was about all I could afford on my budget, but I wonder, do you use the Orville or what? And do you still use something from the old H3000 line? Seems some folks who have the bigger stuff(Orville or DSP4000+) still keep around an H3000, nostalgia for the old algorithms or something...I wouldn't know as I have nothing to compare....I will say, with the one I got, I've been having some fun with the reverse delay...I guess the Boomerang can do that too...haven't tried that one...

As far as I understand... the Boomerang just does reverse looping... its not so much a delay pedal. You probably could if you really tried... but that would be A LOT of work.

Wow Scott... Eventide! Movin on up! Thats awesome.

etc etc

May-27-04, 9:41 AM

Well, Adam sure is a lucky guy with the upcoming private show!
Scott, nice to see you getting some top shelf gear...the price tag on that unit always kept it out of my reach, I hope you got a good deal on it. I lucked out on getting a Jamman in 1997 after Mr. G. tipped me off to the unit and Lexicon gear in general (and the Rockman Sustainor and some colorsound pedals, tonebender and wah)...all this gear has helped with guitar sounds......and the Rockman actually really fattens up direct bass recording into digital interface for hard disk recording, it's a nice cheap way to beef up your bass guitar in digital land, albeit an untraditional use of that unit. I have to say the jamman is great for loooooong deleays, echos, looping and reverse samples or forward samples..great unit and I only paid $200 bucks even after they were discontinued and the price went through the roof. I have had my eyes on that Electrix Repeater for a while and with the memory cards in there it looks like a jamman on steroids and that looks good to me, I think I will get a Repeater when the coin accumulates. Once again, thanks Robin for sharing your wisdom and treatments!

willy

May-27-04, 9:50 AM

Oh well that's it for now again I suppose... like the sun through the trees Robin came to love us... like a leaf on a breeze he blew away...

willy

May-27-04, 9:56 AM

Hey Robin, do people in Scotland really say things like 'jings', 'crivvens', 'help ma boab' and 'och ma breeks are drookit' and spend their weekends at a 'but an' ben', dunking for apples? Can you buy black bun in France?

mmmender

May-27-04, 9:57 AM

Originally posted by willy
Oh well that's it for now again I suppose... like the sun through the trees Robin came to love us... like a leaf on a breeze he blew away...

same thing happened to me knickers.

willy

May-27-04, 9:58 AM

Originally posted by mmmender
same thing happened to me knickers.

It was in fact I who removed them.

mmmender

May-27-04, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by willy
It was in fact I who removed them.

dirty bastard. well done. i hope you make a few bob on ebay.

willy

May-27-04, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by mmmender
dirty bastard. well done. i hope you make a few bob on ebay.

I shall put them with the others.

Baddy2shoos

May-27-04, 10:07 AM

you ain't got mine haha!

willy

May-27-04, 10:08 AM

No but I'm probably wearing something remarkably similar. Right now.

Baddy2shoos

May-27-04, 10:09 AM

that'll be the black lacey ones then

willy

May-27-04, 10:11 AM

Doh! No these are pink with Minnie Mouse on the front.

Baddy2shoos

May-27-04, 10:12 AM

what you doing with Phil's??

willy

May-27-04, 10:14 AM

He gives me his hand-me-downs when they start to perish.

mmmender

May-27-04, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by willy
He gives me his hand-me-downs when they start to perish.

traitor!

Pale Clouded

May-27-04, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by Baddy2shoes
what you doing with Phil's??

roflmao roflmao

mmmender

May-27-04, 10:23 AM

phil's are lovely - victoria's secret. good shit.

Pale Clouded

May-27-04, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by mmmender
phil's are lovely - victoria's secret. good shit.

OMG!

crying

Is it bad that I can picture this? I feel dirty......

curetwins

May-27-04, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
why don't you ask them then?

well, i have been trying and will continue.;)

-jeff

curetwins

May-27-04, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by dynamine
considering Mr. Smith has been a fan of Cocteau Twins for ages.that would be a cool gig!

:cheers: :guitar:

curetwins

May-27-04, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by allimart
my sentiments exactly, as curetwins and i were discussing

:) yeah, if this happened i would have to give up creating music... dramatic, aren't i?

ScottL

May-27-04, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by etc etc
Scott, nice to see you getting some top shelf gear...the price tag on that unit always kept it out of my reach, I hope you got a good deal on it. I lucked out on getting a Jamman in 1997 after Mr. G. tipped me off to the unit and Lexicon gear in general (and the Rockman Sustainor and some colorsound pedals, tonebender and wah)...all this gear has helped with guitar sounds......and the Rockman actually really fattens up direct bass recording into digital interface for hard disk recording, it's a nice cheap way to beef up your bass guitar in digital land, albeit an untraditional use of that unit. I have to say the jamman is great for loooooong deleays, echos, looping and reverse samples or forward samples..great unit and I only paid $200 bucks even after they were discontinued and the price went through the roof. I have had my eyes on that Electrix Repeater for a while and with the memory cards in there it looks like a jamman on steroids and that looks good to me, I think I will get a Repeater when the coin accumulates. Once again, thanks Robin for sharing your wisdom and treatments!

Originally posted by Clayton38
As far as I understand... the Boomerang just does reverse looping... its not so much a delay pedal. You probably could if you really tried... but that would be A LOT of work.

Thanks both. I'm pretty psyched, I've wanted to try it out for ages and pricewise for me it's always been borderline too much, but the way these things seem to hold their value, I figured if it wasn't what I hoped for, I could sell it(yeah right ;) )...I got that one for $840w/out a manual ebay, not a steal, but I've seen them fetch $950 w/ a manual. The manual was 35$, so I went for it, the next best unit would be the 3500 with a sampler and more delay time....but I didn't think I needed that. All in all, I'm happy. I have been wanting more spacious type effects more so than looper type stuff in general, maybe down the road I'll get some neater looper stuff. For now I have fun with that cheap Akai Headrush, mostly for trying to spark ideas...it has a pretty long delay, I can tap out a few bars on most tunes I do.

That rockman on the DI bass sounds good...I'm always looking for a way do that in budget range. Been doing DI/mic amp and trying various effects/compression. Those other items you mentioned look cool, I would like to try using more looper stuff, not for a while, for now what I have works great with digital editing I can do more manipulation at that level...

Re:boomerang, Ah ok, I figured if it did looping, delay was a given, but if it is designed to be a looper with more features, that makes sense...my friend had mentioned that unit when I was describing to him the reverse delay, which plays reversed samples up to the length of the delay time...it's kinda nifty, esp with some subtle pitch drifting or fluctuation. Time to play now...
err well back to work just now, lunch is over...

fragile

May-28-04, 1:50 AM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
why don't you ask them then?

Why you gotta break curetwins' balls?

Lucibelle

May-28-04, 2:05 AM

Robin, glad to see you come out of lurkdom, even if it's just briefly. We're ravenous fans, you know. ;)

Fragile, how's Boston?

paulr

May-28-04, 5:58 AM

Originally posted by willy
Hey Robin, do people in Scotland really say things like 'jings', 'crivvens', 'help ma boab' and 'och ma breeks are drookit' and spend their weekends at a 'but an' ben', dunking for apples? Can you buy black bun in France?

Nah - only in 'The Broons' and 'Oor Wullie' books (and maybe Forfar) - there used to be adult versions going about a few years back where for example Wullie, Eck and Fat Boab had a gang bang with Daphne down by the Stoorie Burn........ and we dont all sit on buckets either !!

willy

May-28-04, 6:05 AM

No but I'll wager you keep your breeks secured with Cowdenbeath Fishermans Twine™.

paulr

May-28-04, 6:12 AM

Rumbled...and I always thought Geordies were Scotsmen with no brains !!

willy

May-28-04, 6:14 AM

Scotsmen with willies...

curetwins

May-28-04, 1:50 PM

Originally posted by fragile
Why you gotta break curetwins' balls?

:cheers: gissakiss!

Rad

May-30-04, 6:27 AM

Originally posted by mmmender
yeah snobbish is a bit much. i'm just glad robin even bother's with us at all, i'm sure he's got much better things to do.

roflmao I mainly just said that to get a rise out of him. And I am fully aware he's got better things to do. I already know semi-famous people personally, and always wonder why they bother having anything to do with such lowly unimportant dipshits as myself anyway.

petroldarling

May-30-04, 2:15 PM

Originally posted by curetwins
:) yeah, if this happened i would have to give up creating music... dramatic, aren't i?

tch! i wouldn't let you. don't be a poo. heehee

Doomie

May-31-04, 1:54 AM

Originally posted by robin guthrie
6/only if some kind soul invites me - I have no record company in the us and I guess that most people can't realise that for me to play a show I'd reallly have to have a promoter invite me....I don't really have an agent or manager who finds me work - wish I did....

Hey Robin you're in luck! I'm a promoter and I'm inviting you. My club, Violaine, is having a special 3 year anniversary show here in Los Angeles on July 30. We have already booked three bands that all have (or will have) releases on Bella Union, Trespassers William, The Autumns, and Lisa Dewey & the Lotus Life. We're trying to make it a Bella Union themed show and you'd be great for it! Also it would be a good opportunity to promote for Imperial and Russian Doll. If you're interested, drop me an email at clubviolaine@hotmail.com and we can work out details for your flight, hotel, guarantee, tech ryder, etc.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Phil ~ Club Violaine

Markus

May-31-04, 2:18 AM

Robin and Robert Smith both used to live in Twickenham couple of years ago, and I remember a story in the German Rolling Stone that Robert showed up at the wonderful September Sound complex, just visiting.

And you know that Robin first had that wonderful hair (which is now stored in a garage...) and Mr Smith stole this from him, trying to looking cool. Do you remember pictures from around 1981/82 ?

How to organise shows of Luminere or Violet Indiana, what is the price of them to play, if everything else (travel,sleep and the catering)is sponsored ?

dynamine

May-31-04, 9:03 AM

:clap: :clap:

good one,Phil!
heck,i'll even throw in some 'paper' to have Robin come out to Violaine...ya' heard.

Doomie

Jun-3-04, 7:44 PM

Thanks Ross, but you can save your 'paper' for buying drinks at the club. Just in case anyone else in the LA area is overly excited at the prospect of having RG in town, I'll let you know right now that while it will hopefully happen some day soon, it will not be happening at Violaine's 3 year anniversary show. Robin contacted me via email to wish the event well, but to let me know that he already has prior obligations. I know that he's a busy man so I wanted to break the news here now, before his lack of response in this forum leads to accusations of "snobbish"-ness ;)
He's actually very nice, some might even say 'swell'.

Lucibelle

Jun-3-04, 9:26 PM

Where Robin needs to play is at COCTEAUFEST!!! ;)

Ian

Jul-3-04, 2:29 AM

Thanks for sharing some of your trade secrets Robin.Plenty of techie heads hear I imagine.

Now.....if I could just find out how you got that sumptuous sound on intro of Lazy Calm,I'd die a happy man.
We are not worthy.

kookaburra

Jul-3-04, 4:02 AM

I know! Don't you just hate grovelers?

kookaburra

Jul-3-04, 4:24 AM

I'm glad to see you've risen above, bts. Perhaps, Leesa will free you now.

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 2:04 PM

Originally posted by Ian
Thanks for sharing some of your trade secrets Robin.Plenty of techie heads hear I imagine.

Suprisingly, not really

Lucibelle

Jul-3-04, 2:11 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Suprisingly, not really
Speak for yourself.

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 2:22 PM

Originally posted by Lucibelle
Speak for yourself.

Hey... I asked the question! I didnt take you for a tech head...

mmmender

Jul-3-04, 2:50 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Hey... I asked the question! I didnt take you for a tech head...

....i can be.

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 2:59 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
....i can be.

I already said I have a crush on you... but you know your equipment too!?!?!

:jawdrop:

Lovely

mmmender

Jul-3-04, 3:19 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
... but you know your equipment too!?!?!

yeah it gets scary. now shut-up or i'll start talking about my vintage keyboards, reverb and delay units and my guitar pedals!

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 3:26 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
yeah it gets scary. now shut-up or i'll start talking about my vintage keyboards, reverb and delay units and my guitar pedals!

No please... this excites me :clap:

reverb and delay... I just snatch up every old rack delay I can find.

http://fiveways.illogic.net/clayton/Rack.jpg

http://fiveways.illogic.net/clayton/pedals.jpg

http://fiveways.illogic.net/clayton/Other.jpg

Theres more where that came from.:eek:

mmmender

Jul-3-04, 3:33 PM

a little tech porn....

http://www.unease.se/img/proone3mid.jpg

http://www.unease.se/img/proone2mid.jpg

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 3:41 PM

I just got one for $5

Do you own this Leesa? I play live improv with a synth player who uses an Ontes Martenot and a Microkorg... I play a Kurzweil KME-61 with all my guitar gear, a Korg Kaoss pad2, various vocoders anad a stack of old delay/holds and samplers.

http://www.vintagesynth.org/casio/sk1.jpg

I just got one for $5

Lucibelle

Jul-3-04, 3:46 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Hey... I asked the question! I didnt take you for a tech head...
Hey now, don't get all excited. Yeesh! What I get when I don't use a smiley. ;)

No vintage instruments for me. The closest would be a Chinese wind instrument that I never use, (a Sheng) a hammered dulcimer that I sometime use, and an autoharp that I can't really use until I get it restrung.

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 3:53 PM

http://www.vintagesynth.org/roland/images/jd800.jpg

For Robin

mmmender

Jul-3-04, 4:07 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Do you own this Leesa?

I DO!!

my kids play with it though.

;)

Ian

Jul-3-04, 10:02 PM

Originally posted by kookaburra
I know! Don't you just hate grovelers?

It certainly wasn't a grovel.There is alot of musicians who marvel at the sounds of Robin's music,that's all.The fact that he can shed some light is appreciated.

Lucibelle

Jul-3-04, 10:38 PM

Don't pay no attention to kook. ;)

Clayton39

Jul-3-04, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by mmmender
I DO!!

my kids play with it though.

;)

Do you ever find Gummy Bears in it?

Ian

Jul-9-04, 4:44 AM

Maybe a new thread can be started for the more music tech minded Cocteau fan where we can chat about things like Electro Harmonix Poly Chorus pedals etc etc.

etc etc

Jul-9-04, 9:32 AM

Ian, that's a very good idea....welcome.

Clayton39

Jul-9-04, 2:33 PM

Originally posted by Ian
Maybe a new thread can be started for the more music tech minded Cocteau fan where we can chat about things like Electro Harmonix Poly Chorus pedals etc etc.

Did you have a question about one Ian? I have used one quite a few times.

paulr

Jul-9-04, 2:37 PM

Originally posted by Ian
Maybe a new thread can be started for the more music tech minded Cocteau fan where we can chat about things like Electro Harmonix Poly Chorus pedals etc etc.

Already is one - here :

www.trainspottinganoraks.com

enjoy

Ian

Jul-9-04, 9:55 PM

Originally posted by Clayton38
Did you have a question about one Ian? I have used one quite a few times.
Didn't have a particular question,Clayton.I've never used one.They're far and few between.Might find one on ebay.I know Robin used one on Head Over Heels.Not sure which tracks though.

ScottL

Jul-10-04, 1:28 AM

Says $141 is the going rate on prepal.com:
http://www.prepal.com/data/ElectroHarmonix.htm

and they've tracked 105 so you ought wait I guess, as there are only a couple for $200+ on ebay at the moment.

Oughta be fun to try, I nabbed that Qtron for cheaper, if I find a deal on any EH gear in the future I'd likely try it out.

Clayton39

Jul-12-04, 12:28 AM

The general consensus is that that Polychorus isnt a particularly "good" chorus... but I guess it allows you the option of stepping a little over the edge with your sound. I hear its a great noisemaker, and has a limited looping function... but I personally wouldnt grab one without taking it for a spin first. ElectroHarmonix are extremely hit and miss.

ScottL

Jul-12-04, 1:57 AM

I see, have you tried the EH microsynth?

Clayton39

Jul-12-04, 2:31 AM

Originally posted by ScottL
I see, have you tried the EH microsynth?

To be perfectly honest, I havent... but I have heard mixed things about them. I'll get back to you on that one.

etc etc

Jul-12-04, 2:13 PM

Clayton, I'm not sure who you've been consulting on the Polychorus, but I strongly disagree with the opinions you've heard from others. The pedal is great (I wouldn't take it out on gigs though since it isn't built to get run over by a tank like the Boss pedals). It can do all types of chorus, even rotary sounding effects, not to mention great flange------it can really lift off into outerspace too----think Evangaline background "doppler lift-off"sounds floating all around--the Poly can do all those, modulated delays, doubling---all with an analog/stereo output. I strongly advise folks to get one for studio work, its warm and versatile and very rich sounding----I've been using the reissue for 4/5 years---I did have to send it back when the transformer crapped out, but they fixed it all for around $15 and its back up and running. Great pedal, but not for live beatings---it's a little sensitive for clubs, but other than that it is a great studio pedal for guitar players.

ScottL

Jul-12-04, 7:02 PM

Hmm...that's cool. I'd still likely nab most EH pedals if they were less than the going rate...since I could likely get my money out if not happy...

I was wanting to try out the microsynth in a scenario where something a little noisy won't be a problem...I just thought it might be fun to try

Clayton39

Jul-12-04, 10:47 PM

Originally posted by etc etc
Clayton, I'm not sure who you've been consulting on the Polychorus, but I strongly disagree with the opinions you've heard from others.

Well... I'm open to all opinions... and all this is extremely subjective, I was just stating what Ive heard from countless guitar players from my two years on Guitargeek... most people have been very displeased.

Thats cool though... I cant say much about the Polychorus, as I hate the chorus effect in general. Robin mostly used a pitch shifter to get a pseudo chorus sound as far as Ive heard, and it has always sounded so to me, as his "chorus" sounds less submerged and more vibrant.

As for the Mircosynth... I just remember hearing mixed reviews... though I have heard some amazing fuzz come out of those things. I think the biggest problem with calling something a "microsynth" is that people get a very skewed idea of what exactly it does... like they think its gonna give them string sounds or something of that sort... but I guess its just really good for the saw effects and playing around with different waveforms... though with so many sliders, it has to be a little versatile. I wouldnt say that most of the people I have heard bad reviews from, had the right idea going in.

ScottL

Jul-13-04, 9:39 AM

Indeed, I didn't have the wrong preconception on that, something to make interesting even raspy sounds then run it through other stuff...

Re: Pitch detune(eg. +/- 15 cents L/R), I've use that far more than chorus in recent times,but a rich submerged chorus effect sounds cool at times, if you use it all the time though I think you loose some dynamic range and it gets old. I've wanted to play with that TC Spatial Expander, but have no desire to buy it with the price tag...curious how that would sound.

Ian

Jul-15-04, 8:57 AM

Can anyone recommend a wicked Phaser Pedal/unit?

Clayton39

Jul-15-04, 2:50 PM

Originally posted by Ian
Can anyone recommend a wicked Phaser Pedal/unit?

You could get into a LOT of phasers my friend... but I have always loved the Electro Harmonix Small Stone. There are botiques phase shifters that will cost you an arm and a leg, but in my opinion, the Small Stone sounds as good if not better than all of them.

ScottL

Jul-20-04, 10:45 PM

I dunno, I enjoy that Mooger Fooger phaser alot, sure its more(I got mine for $200), but I wouldn't trade it up..if I did, though, I could easily get what I paid, that is a big feature for me...trying out different gear, if I don't like it, I can sell it and not lose much or any...anyway, I'm not a gear snob though, I would play with any unit cheap or expensive, if I can find a way it works where i find it pleasing. That said, I find most DOD pedals are crap. Anyway,as with other EH pedals, if I see that Small Stone for a deal, I may nab it.

Have you tried the EH Blackfinger(a photoelectric compressor)....I've wanted one to use on early stage guitar signal(pre distortion even)...that looks a little pricey, but I've heard they are good in a non-transparent way, color the sound abit..I may try to make one, since they are one of the easier things to make.

Recently I acquired a guitar with magnetic and piezo pickups, looking forward to the tonal variety from that. It's from the Ibanez Prestige line(RG)....I love the flat wide neck...so far I think it should be fun, 24 frets and can be tapped for single coil or dual humbuckers. It's really my first serious guitar purchase ever, long over due.

Clayton39

Jul-21-04, 3:42 AM

Originally posted by ScottL
I dunno, I enjoy that Mooger Fooger phaser alot, sure its more(I got mine for $200), but I wouldn't trade it up..if I did, though, I could easily get what I paid, that is a big feature for me...trying out different gear, if I don't like it, I can sell it and not lose much or any...anyway, I'm not a gear snob though, I would play with any unit cheap or expensive, if I can find a way it works where i find it pleasing. That said, I find most DOD pedals are crap. Anyway,as with other EH pedals, if I see that Small Stone for a deal, I may nab it.

Have you tried the EH Blackfinger(a photoelectric compressor)....I've wanted one to use on early stage guitar signal(pre distortion even)...that looks a little pricey, but I've heard they are good in a non-transparent way, color the sound abit..I may try to make one, since they are one of the easier things to make.

Recently I acquired a guitar with magnetic and piezo pickups, looking forward to the tonal variety from that. It's from the Ibanez Prestige line(RG)....I love the flat wide neck...so far I think it should be fun, 24 frets and can be tapped for single coil or dual humbuckers. It's really my first serious guitar purchase ever, long over due.

The Moog stuff is nice, but pretty expensive... though I may spring for the ring modulator soon. I need one thats tuneable. As far as phase goes... I hate most by nature, but I really love an extremely slow cycle... the warbly phase, I just cant stand. I dont like flanger much at all either. As far as DOD is concerned... most of the recent stuff that has been released sucks... but they have some beauties. I use a Death Metal(grainy distortion, great for gritting up samples), a Buzzbox( and octave/distortion that drops pitch at random), an FX-90(great analog delay), and a Gonkulator(ring modulator/distortion) and a Dimension12 sampler(GREAT sample/hold delay and drone machine)... I am impressed by all of them. They are just one of those companies that has some truly unique pieces of gear that get buried under the crap. Another one that I always thought was cool was the FX-94 delay/sampler, with a small four second loop capability... even pitch shifting!

Ive never been much of a compression guy... so I couldnt say much about the blackfinger, other than the fact that I dont hear much of anything about it from anyone else.

As far as guitars go, those prestige models from Ibanez are usually pretty nice... though the necks are pretty much the opposite of the ones I use... which are pretty fat necks... all Fender and Gibson(Jazzmaster, 60's Stratocaster, Les Paul, SG)... so the necks feel a bit odd to me. Even the cheaper hollowbody line that they are pushing still have incredibly thin necks... but I am not so anal about that. I can learn to live with it if I have to.

ScottL

Jul-21-04, 4:16 AM

One thing I've found with some nicer pedals, esp. like MoogerFooger, is that they can be very colorful and not always best for every sound. I sometimes use other units for more generic or transparant phaser effects....I like to have old/boutique/custom or whatever if I can to toy with, knowing it isn't what you'd pick for generic stuff.

Yeah, I'm excited about this guitar, the piezo outputs sound soo much like acoustic, may try to get that victorialand sound if I can...and it sustains well, good resonance with the mahogany body. But really I'm done buying guitars or effects for a while...unless a steal comes along...not likely.

About compression, I think it along with EQ can be useful at many stages in the signal path, regardless of style. Maybe EQ more so, but compression often as well...they help bring out the sounds you are trying to create, I think.

Clayton39

Jul-27-04, 10:48 PM

Originally posted by ScottL

About compression, I think it along with EQ can be useful at many stages in the signal path, regardless of style. Maybe EQ more so, but compression often as well...they help bring out the sounds you are trying to create, I think.

I just recieved a Boss GE-7 EQ that was modified by a company called "Tonejam". The mod is called the "Sniper" mod, and its used tor educe the noise and bump up the dynamics of the sliders.

Anyways, this has been a great tool. I have always relied on amp EQ heavily, because my current amp is an old non master volume Marshall Superlead that is extremely versatile when you jump(combine) the treble and bass channels. I wasnt expecting a whole hell of a lot, and this is a simple pedal 7 band EQ at that... and I really dont know why I went so long without a decent EQ. I am going to buy a nice rack EQ next I suppose, because I think that I could use more then one. Ive been looking into the Alesis digital rack EQ's... the ones where you can save multiple settings in a single rack space... genius if you ask me, as I constantly the the godawful bulky double rack units designed to give you a bit of versatility. I am salivating already... :headbang:

ScottL

Jul-27-04, 11:05 PM

That's cool, that gives me the idea of modifying the DOD EQ I have, even as is it helps. But that's cool to make one modified for tone coloration. Sharper bands(higher Q) tend to create more resonance, but in certain cases that is desirable if properly placed.

I think it'd be fun to have good EQ on multiple branches, running each in parallel through other effects. I do use the mixer eq, but if you are talking good rack eq like you mentioned, a stack of 12 would be just fine...

Clayton39

Jul-28-04, 7:26 AM

Originally posted by ScottL
That's cool, that gives me the idea of modifying the DOD EQ I have, even as is it helps. But that's cool to make one modified for tone coloration. Sharper bands(higher Q) tend to create more resonance, but in certain cases that is desirable if properly placed.

I think it'd be fun to have good EQ on multiple branches, running each in parallel through other effects. I do use the mixer eq, but if you are talking good rack eq like you mentioned, a stack of 12 would be just fine...

What model DOD do you have?... I am reconsidering my choices, as DOD's dual 31 band EQ(double rack) is running about $120... and the Alesis I was looking at is about $300. I'd rather not shell out money like that for anything that isnt a looper/delay at the moment..Yours works well? Is it noisy at all?