All in Guitars

Plucking Perfection: Chicken Picks Evolution of Guitar and Bass Picks

Plucking Perfection: Chicken Picks Evolution of Guitar and Bass Picks

Mark Marshall
Reviews, Guitars

I recently tested out a variety of guitar picks from a company called Chicken Picks. I had heard the name before but had yet to use any. I do have a variety of picks I keep around in case I need to swap a pick during recording to solve some tone issues. Picks act as an essential tone point when recording guitar or developing a sound. 

Changing a pick is not the first place I start when adjusting tone as guitarists get comfortable with their picks. But if there is an overtone I can't get rid of or I have exhausted my other options, I reach for guitar picks. I have picks from different materials, weights, shapes, and sizes. It's surprising the difference a pick can make. 

Capturing the Essence: A Deep Dive into the TUL G12 Microphone for Guitar Amps

Capturing the Essence: A Deep Dive into the TUL G12 Microphone for Guitar Amps

Mark Marshall
Amps, Reviews, Guitars, Recording

As a dedicated studio rat, I've spent countless hours composing and recording various music genres. Yet, one persistent challenge has been the limited microphone options that genuinely capture the natural sound when directed towards the center of the cone nearby.

My dissatisfaction extends to miking guitar amps on gigs. While some choices, like the long-standing favorite Shure SM57, have their merits, they always produce a harsh sound that I find myself battling within the mix.

The Shure SM57 has maintained its popularity for decades, and good reason. Its affordability, ease of replacement, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, such as those produced by high-wattage guitar amps, make it a practical choice. For instance, a Marshall non-master volume 100watt amp at full blast is too loud for a ribbon mic placed close to the speaker, but the Shure SM57 can withstand this level of intensity.

But the SM57 can sound harsh and brittle. I fight with its sound every time I use it, as it doesn't sound like how I hear the amp in the room. I always wish I could find a mic that wouldn't make me rush to an EQ in a state of emergency.

The Rush Pepbox: Unveiling the Holy Grail of Early Fuzz Tones

The Rush Pepbox: Unveiling the Holy Grail of Early Fuzz Tones

Mark Marshall
Pedals, Reviews, Guitars

I've dedicated considerable time delving into the intricacies of classic fuzz tones. To my discerning ears, one fuzz pedal doesn't cover all the sonic ground I seek. I'm meticulous about embracing the diverse characteristics inherent in each era and circuit of fuzz, strategically pairing them with the specific session or gig at hand.

What has captivated my attention is the void in the reproduction of early-era fuzz pedal circuits. In particular, the resonant allure of the original Maestro FZ-1 has enchanted me. My 90s Gibson reissue, crafted during a limited run, has become a rarity to procure.

Unbeknownst to me, amidst this quest, another early fuzz circuit has quietly continued production—the Rush Pepbox, conceived by the circuit designer Pep Rush's daughter, Lucy Rush.

A familial collaboration, Lucy worked alongside her father until his passing, making the Pepbox a testament to generational craftsmanship. In an industry where legacy businesses are a scarcity, this connection to the roots is noteworthy.

Flow State Guitar Practice

Flow State Guitar Practice

Mark Marshall
Tips, lessons, Guitars

Practicing in modern times is much more complex than in previous eras due to our many technological distractions. As a result, concentration is constantly being pulled from the present. 

The problem with so many distractions is that the human mind is not multitasking. We throw the term multi-taking around in modern times in the way of handling a lot at once. 

But, the reality is our minds don't adapt to multi-taking when trying to study information or practice. Our minds don't multitask as much as they switch channels. But, when switching channels, it takes a second or two to adjust to the change. We can only do one thing at a time and focus on each independently. 

How to play the Blues Scale

How to play the Blues Scale

Mark Marshall
Guitars, Tips, lessons

At some point, almost every guitar player asks how to play the blues scale. Discussing the notes of the scale is easy, but the fingering and position can become a point of contention for many guitarists.

Why is the position and fingering of the blues scale so controversial? Part of the problem lies in the design of the instrument. The guitar can play the same pitch in different neck positions, making learning music more challenging. Finding the pitch, listening to phrasing, and considering positioning is necessary when learning music for the guitar.

FSC 1960’s Strat Pickups

FSC 1960’s Strat Pickups

Mark Marshall
Guitars, Reviews

I recently wrote a blog about FSC Instruments '59 pickups. Well, I liked them so much I decided to ask Farhad Soheili to make me a set of 1960's style pickups. I have two Strats and thought it would be cool if they were both voiced differently.

Because I do so many sessions, small variances in tone can make a big difference. Plus, let's admit it, I'm a tone nerd.

FSC ‘59 Strat Pickups

FSC ‘59 Strat Pickups

Mark Marshall
Guitars, Reviews

When I was younger I didn't understand why people would swap out their guitar pickups. If you liked the way a guitar sounds when you buy it, I thought, why change it?

It wasn't until a friend showed up at my studio with a guitar that had some hand-wound pickups in it that I had a revelation. It was quite the eye opener. There were elements of my guitar tone I wasn’t happy with but I couldn't put my finger on. I certainly didn’t think to consider my pickups.

FSC Guitars

FSC Guitars

Mark Marshall
Reviews, Guitars

I recently paid a visit to F.S. Lutherie in Brooklyn, NY. They are a small guitar custom shop specializing in repairs and builds, based in the borough’s Greenpoint section. Owner Farhad Soheili met with me to discuss his new line of custom guitars, FSC Guitars. 

Tips For Touring Guitarists

Tips For Touring Guitarists

Mark Marshall
Guitars, Tips

Tips For Touring Guitarists  When on tour, there is often an illusion of time. If you look at the tour book (a document handed out right before a tour that details hotels, travel, load ins, sound checks, amenities, etc.), it often appears you’ll have more time to soundcheck or run songs.