[jakeskylyr]

I wanna get some feedback on tones/playing/style, etc. No it's not a "Jake Ballad"

For those who don't know, I've been working with an AMAZING vocalist (Mike Blair, ex-Etheria frontman). We have a great writing/working chemistry and we are in the midst of working on a concept album (mostly his concept). I won't bore you just yet with the storyline. However, let's just say stylistically it will be all over the place, and it goes with the story.

We were working this weekend on one of the heavier songs, and I've been messing with it, as well as new software (Nuendo). So these are not final tracks, but more a tonal experiment, not to mention an excuse to start learning the program. I've also been able to record the raw direct guitar tracks with my setup now, so in theory I COULD save any of these takes and run them through plugins, or even amplifiers at a later time. You never know when you may stumble across that performance magic, so better safe than sorry!

Anyways, yes, these were recorded in Nuendo, through the inputs on my Soundblaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum (24bit / 48k). There are 4 rhythm guitar tracks, 2 panned 75% L/R that are my "Mesa Mark Series Simulation" tone. There are 2 more that are in the center, one being a bassier version of the tone (more MOP-ish), and one being a different more high mid/presence-ier tone. The "bass" is a clean patch with the G-Major pitch shifter down one octave. The *gulp* FIVE lead tracks were all done with a lead patch I have with Chorus/Delay/Reverb. Two of them I added a little high EQ to the recorded tracks. All other tracks are untouched. Sorry there are no drums, I'm still experimenting with drum software as well.

And yes, for those with a keen ear, I'm tuned down to dropped A tuning. It doesn't sound horrible for a measly .054!

So fire away, tell me what you all think good or bad.

Puppet On Strings (rough mix, beginning section)

[Shawn]

Jake, I liked the song, pretty cool riff and progression and your tone is pretty heavy and cruchy, nice melodies too, can't wait to hear how it'll sound with bass, drums and vocals and when it's complete. Sounds good so far though, thanks for sharing it.

[bostjan]

I like it. Especially those layered lead parts.



I had a rough time making out the bass parts. Do you have a bassist for when you go to record the demo?

Thanks for sharing.

[jakeskylyr]

Originally Posted by bostjan

I like it. Especially those layered lead parts.



I had a rough time making out the bass parts. Do you have a bassist for when you go to record the demo?

Thanks for sharing.

Most likely, I'll be playing bass on it when we record. I only didn't for now, because I only have a 4 string and it barely holds up tuned to B, much less A. I was already in A, and the octave drop preset was only a button push away I'll probably use my buddy's 6 string Carvin for the actual recording, as that bass kicks ass.

Thanks for the kind words guys! As I get more recorded, I'll update you all.

[Metal Ken]

Sounds cool, should sound badass when complete \m/