#514303 - 06/06/02 05:31 PM
tools of the trade
|
Brilliant
Gold Member
Registered: 05/06/02
Posts: 551
Loc: Port Arthur, TX, UNITED STATES
|
Offline
|
|
has anyone come across a particular tool that they find invaluable as a songwriter? I mean something they have got to have when they start writing. A tape recorder, or a particualr guitar. Maybe a computer program that helps them with the flow or something.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514304 - 06/07/02 01:14 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Dak Lander
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 01/10/02
Posts: 7728
Loc: Temecula, LoCal, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
A brain that works??? 
Oh Yeah! That's it... 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514305 - 06/07/02 02:43 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Salty Tonk
Senior Member
Registered: 03/21/02
Posts: 321
Loc: Texas
|
|
Offline
|
|
Most brains require periodical maintenance,I suggest a torx head screwdriver 2 1/2 turns in right ear.But on a serious note three things 1guitar,1 pen ,1 piece of paper.
_________________________
jgc2002 is not responsible for damages ,injuries and or death as result of above post.Side effects include nasuea,dizziness,dry mouth,vomiting,blurred vision,nervousness,loss of memory and in extreme cases sexual side effects. http://www.mp3.com/salt_creek
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514306 - 06/07/02 03:49 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Skip_dup1
Member
Registered: 03/21/01
Posts: 0
Loc: Griffin,GA,UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
pens (1)
piece of paper (1-2)
senses (5-6)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514307 - 06/07/02 04:34 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Anifa
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 03/26/02
Posts: 3572
Loc: Kansas City, Mo
|
|
Offline
|
|
Not only a brain that works, Hi Dak, but motivation!
Seriously, I keep a few things within an arms reach when I get serious about writing; a Thesaurus and a Rhyming Dictionary. I like having access to my keyboards, although not always feasible, and another nifty little item that I came across is a software program called Lyricist published by Virtual Studio Systems. This is not intended as a spam because I do have an affiliate program with the company, but for those who wish to learn more about the product, I've got a review that I wrote about it up on the site. It would be better for a guitar player since it actually prints fret chords, but it's nice even for a keyboardist. Lyricist Product Review
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514308 - 06/07/02 09:21 PM
Re: tools of the trade
|
D.B. Walker
Senior Member
Registered: 02/08/02
Posts: 36
Loc: ,,UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
Best tool: (As stated before) Creativity and Organization (Or, a brain if you like  ) But outside the body....
My Laptop: (Better than tape or MD for me) Helps me to:
1. Record anywhere
2. Organize songs
My Song List Spreadsheet: Each time I write/sketch a tune, I make a note of it, assign priorities, and organize which one I will review/revise/demo next.
For ideas/Inspiration:
My CD collection on mp3's (Just in case I need to "borrow" a cup of impetus) skipping arround 600 artists worth of ideas can kick start me.
My collection of beat peotry
My Project Studio:
Listed as a tool, because it is one. I spent several months focusing just on seting up so the Idea to Demo process is as fast as possible.
Specifically: Project templates, software sampler with drums bass and organs loaded in the template, all mixer inputs normaled to DAW inputs, with tracks setup, so I can just grab an axe, record arm and play. No Setup!
Speed in getting idea's out, and demoed once you know what to do is the best skill. Any tool to get you there helps ... those are mine.
BTW: Demoing rig: Logic Audio Platinum 5.0, EXS24, ES1, Dual head Mac g4/400, Motu 2408, 2 01V's, Drum kit (Miked all the time), k2500 and what not ..
Writing Rig: Powerbook g3/500, Mac audio in, Pro Tools Free, Little stereo mike, guitar
Advise: Keep your writing tool set as simple and small as possible, if Minicassette/Pen Paper works, use it.
With the demoing rig, make as powerfull as possible, but make it a simple as possible to use.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514309 - 06/08/02 03:14 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Dak Lander
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 01/10/02
Posts: 7728
Loc: Temecula, LoCal, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Hey Ani'Fa, good to see you here again. You must've been busy. I'll look at that Lyricist program. I'm trying to learn Finale Notepad. It'll be an interesting comparison.
D.B. What a list. In reality, for me, it's a pad, a pen & the geetar, tons of time & sweat & a whole lot of luck.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514310 - 06/10/02 03:25 AM
Re: tools of the trade
|
dondottcomm
Senior Member
Registered: 06/28/01
Posts: 261
Loc: Orlando Fl.
|
|
Offline
|
|
Sixpack and a relationship gone bad..
_________________________
What? you mean I can take this block of fine swiss and make a song??...COOL!
Don
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514311 - 06/10/02 06:27 PM
Re: tools of the trade
|
nteleky
Member
Registered: 06/07/02
Posts: 19
Loc: UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
Tundrkys,
I've found this little toy especially useful:
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/ps02frmst.html
If you get a larger size smart media card, 128 or 250MB, then it's great for a scratch pad. The effects processors aren't top notch but you can customize the sounds a little bit and get some decent recordings. I have a floppy disk converter for this as well so I can upload the tracks direct to my computer and tweak each track seperatly. It also has bounce and mixdown features, so you can blend many different tracks, including vocals (it has a built in mic with different settings for voice and acoutsic guitars). I think you can download new rhythm tracks from the zoom website too, so it's more versatile than you'd think for such a little thing. It also has a tuner, limited bass and keyboard effects, and auxilary input and output jacks.
Here's a funky track I made with it:
http://www.zentelekey.com/mp3/funkyz.mp3
nteleky
--
Pursue the pursuit regardless
_________________________
«········»
Pursue the pursuit regardless.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#514312 - 06/11/02 06:09 PM
Re: tools of the trade
|
Brilliant
Gold Member
Registered: 05/06/02
Posts: 551
Loc: Port Arthur, TX, UNITED STATES
|
|
Offline
|
|
Great replies.
Personally I use my Fostex vf-08 which I have set up with a cheap mic in front of my Amp. I basically fool around on my guitar, till I find something. Then I just hit record. I play with the riff idea, coming up with different variations and such.
I'll do this for like a week or so, then bring the recorder back to my computer and transfer the riffs I think are still cool and useful. Then build on it in the computer.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: nursers
|
|
|
