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dr. fletch v 5.2 ......ask me a question (the most recent questions are nearest the top of page) |
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| what strings? | On the "Shot at Glory" soundtrack CD, track 9, "Sons of Scotland - Quiet Theme, what guitar did Mark play? The sound is unbelievably rich and clear. Secondly what strings does Mark use on that guitar and what type does he use on his Les Paul?? I spend many enjoyable hours playing along with his CDs. | I asked mark this one as I couldn't remember. He says it was the Gibson Advanced jumbo acoustic. I would imagine the strings are Da'ddario's, probably 12's |
| Synth Brass | Regarding
MK's use of brass sounds, specifically on El Macho and Coyote, is there
any reason why MK didn't opt to use real brass
instruments but instead chose what is in my opinion a tacky sounding synthesized
brass? Just a-wonderin'... |
Good question this....there most definitely was a reason. I played the brass part on the original El Macho track (live with the band) and the intent was to replace it with real trumpet. When the day came, the real instrument just didn't have it. Everybody preferred the tacky synth. Which just goes to illustrate that it's really all to do with what goes best with the SONG. As far as Coyote goes. We just liked the samples |
| Emmylou | I'm really looking forward to the Emmylou/Mark duets-album, 'cause I think the songs for the Hank Williams record were fantastic. Are Emmylou and Mark (and you) going to do some TV-shows to promote this album? | Not sure, I guess something will happen along those lines. At the moment, it looks like we'll finish up the album in the Summer 2004. |
| Old Pigweed | Just wondered if you could tell me about the recording process of this song ( if you can remember)? It's probably my favorite track from TRD album. It's a very good mix, and very warm sounding song with no reverb at all ? I can hear one or two acoustics and a dobro? no keyboard on this song ? How much overdubbing on this song ? I also think Mark's vocal is great on this one. Very relaxed and "old fashioned". |
Old Pigweed really benefited from Chuck's recording talent. The warmth of the analog and the hi fidelity of the 96k dig. I recall the 2 acoustics were tracked live. Mark added the National (yes, that one) afterwards which in my opinion really 'made' the track. Great song. |
| bass in da mix | I
have a question again..this time regarding the bass guitar. When you
mix a
track, when do you know when the Bass is right ? ( bottom
end , brightness and the LEVEL of it !!! ) And remember, we can't
afford to record analog... I actually find this, one of the most difficult
things to do in the mix. It can sound great in the studio-monitors, but
sounds crap on stereo system at home.. And the clue is... it has to sound
good on a crappy stereosystem !! Do you have any main-rules, or advice
regarding this ? |
The
simple answer to this is you have to judge for yourself if the bass is
too loud. It's nothing to do with analog vs. digital It sounds to me that you're not really hearing the full picture in your studio monitors...or your hi-fi room is VERY bass heavy. As with any studio, It's a simple matter of trial and error. Take the mixes somewhere you 'know' and judge from that. Assuming your monitors are 'flat', You have to judge the bass level for yourself. If it sounds too loud...it IS too loud. Are you using compressors? I strongly urge you to do so in the mix.... this will help the bottom end. I can thoroughly recommend TF Pro (he he). Good luck |
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recording process 26/11/03 |
Hello Guy / Dr. Fletch... Some questions again.. I'm very interested in the songwriting progress, and how that develops into the band. I always wondered, when Mark brings a new song to you and the band, is he well prepared and gives out the lyrics and notes with the chords to the band ? Or does he simply play the song to you ? Do you decide the recording technique after you've heard the songs? I understand you record live. Does Mark usually plays rhytmguitar when tracking, and overdub the leadguitar later? I guess you try to keep most of the instruments from the tracking | Mark nearly always has the song written by the time we get
to the studio. He simply plays the song to us and we then bounce ideas
off each other and try-out different things. MK will play whatever the
song requires for the tracking but usually the vocal is what's most important
at that time. Lead guitars are overdubbed later. GF |
|
New Album 26/11/03 |
Hi Guy...I have just read on your site that you will start the recordings of a new MK studio album next year, and THAT IS EXCELLENT NEWS ! You talked about "you and the band to get together..." Who will be the others musicians with you ? Will they be the 96ers or will they be, for example, the musicians chosen for the cancelled tour (I'm thinking of Danny Cummings on the drums, who was excellent during the 2002 London Shows...) ? | The exact musician line-up is not confirmed yet but I can say that the recording will start EARLY in 2004. Right now, I can't say where. I WILL be operating a studio diary as soon as we start so you can follow it's progress. |
|
SACD 22/11/03 |
Hi
Guy, the last decade we've seen a lot of developments in the music industry
concerning
sound
formats and quality. For example 5.1 surround
sound on DVD and Super Audio (surround) sound on CD. To me these definitely
seem exiting possibilities/opportunities for musicians, producers and engineers.
Do you think SACD will become a standard for studio recordings in the future?
How come there aren't any 5.1 surround or SACD recordings
available of DS/MK? Will the next MK album be SACD? |
Surely SACD or multi-channel mastering will become a standard. For some, it is already. Of course it's usually budget restricted. I certainly would mix everything in surround if there was sufficient time and demand. It does take a little longer. As far as 5.1 mixes of MK, there are releases planned for the future but it all depends on everything else that is being planned at the moment. The good news is, there will be a lot of activity both in the studio and live in the coming few years. |
| freebies | 1.What was the most important thing learned from making soundtracks with
MK,that helped you on TOOTH? 2.When you buy new instruments or equipment,do you normally get money off when they know who you are? Thanks |
1.
The importance of melodic themes. 2. Sometimes I'm quite happy to accept an 'extended loan', other times I'm happy paying full price because I remember when I couldn't afford the gear myself. And always thought it unfair that the rich'n'famous guys always got the freebies. |
| guitars again | Hi
Doc, Nice guitar collection! Just curious, I can't recognize these 3,
what are they? 1) The acoustic flat-top on the right, shaped a bit like a jumbo, but smaller 2) The Epiphone, what model and year is it? On the pic it looks like it has small humbuckers - are these different than regular humbuckers? Ever thought of fitting a Bigsby on it? 3) The beauty on the far right hand side, what kind of guitar's that? Is it meant to be played as a lap steel? |
1. It's a Taylor acoustic 2.The Epiphone is a beautiful 1959 Zephyr with roundwounds on it 3. As mentioned below it's a copy of an old Hawaiian guitar called a Weissenbourn. They were originally made by Hermann the German in the 20's and 30's. Click here to learn more. My copy is a 'Canopus'. |
| guitar q's | Hello Guy, 1)just wondered if the guitar on the right (the photo) was a weissenborn? 2)Do you play all the instruments when you're recording movie scores or other stuff? |
1. It's actually a copy of one called a Canopus 2. Yes, I do play them myself, Unless Mk or RB are in town. |
| good q's | A few things here...just in case you get the time : 1- Did you ever tried to play some Pedal Steel Guitar ? If so, how did you find this FANTASTIC instrument ? (I've no doubt that you're a master of lap steel...;-)). Do you own such a guitar and what about MK ? (it would be quite funny to see him playing this intsrument !) 2-What sort of guitar amp do you use ? 3-Is the national on the photo an original one ? (surely..) 4-During studio sessions (for example with Mk or others) what sort of Mics ar used to record a guitar amp ? Rodes ? Neuman ? Shure ? Does Mk have the habit ot record his electric guitar with a large number of mics ? And on stage ? Thank you for making us dreaming dear doc ! |
1.
Yes, I tried, once. It was a disaster. Maybe some day. dream on |
| joe meek/TF Pro | Hi, I like your studio pics and was wondering about the "new" joe meek dual channel preamp and compressors. Are they as good as the old SC2.2's? And have you used the Mackie UAD-1 board? Thanks |
The
new Joe Meeks are not quite as good as the early originals..... BUT the
new 'TFPro' analog compressors are BETTER. This is simply because
my dad (who
founded the Joe Meek co.) has refined and improved the design. hope this helps GF |
| impressed | 1. bands: Which bands (which have been starting to make music for the last 3 years) impress(ed) you most? 2. album realising: The realises of STP and TRD were in autumn and I heard on a site that the new MK-solo album will be realised in autumn, too. Why that? Is that a question of business? And do you think the forthcoming albums will be realised in autumn, too? 3. maybe a new charity: Do you think MK will be doing a new charity (with NHB/DS)? Maybe in Summer 2004? |
1.White Stripes, the Darkness, the Coral, Blur, Tenacious D, Linkin Park 2. I've lno idea anymore as to why albums are released when they are. It's all to do with scheduling I guess. 3. No, not another charity!! just kiddin' who knows. |
| tooth | Hey Doc, A few things, if you get the time in your hectic life; 1. Tooth. When's it out? 2. MK and Emilou album. Any update? Is it finished? 3. New MK album. Any news? 4. MK's injuries. Back to full health? 5. The long hair. Intentional or the result of weeks spent locked in your new studio? |
1. 13th Feb. I believe |
| Party on dude | HELLO GUY, A STUPID QUESTION AS ALWAYS! WHATS THE MOST ROCK AND ROLL OR MOST SPINAL TAPIAN PARTY YOU EVER ATTENDED, IM TALKIN DWARVES SERVING M/MS, BOWLS FULL OF JOHNSONS BABY TALC, WITH ROXY OR D/S YOU MUST HAVE BEEN TO A FEW, COME ON SPILL THE BEANS!! - A MUSIC FAN WITH TOO MUCH TIME AGAIN! |
You won't catch me out like that! My memory is Fog! I like 'Spinal Tapian'. The Darkness rule |
| new q's | 1/ which venues do you like more in europe? 2/ in France? 3/ what do you think of the HALL TONY GARNIER in Lyon? (personnally, it reminds me of THE POINT in Dublin). Didn't you find the architecture special? you know what, one of my dreams is to play in it one day (so if you come to lyon soon or late, call out my name and i'll come to play with the band on stage - kidding!) 4/what's your favorite songs of Mark's (dire straits included)? 5/in your opinion, only yours, do you think gathering dire straits together again would be a good musical experience, and artistically interesting? would you see it big or intimate in the way to come back? 6/did Mark let you have a glimpse yet at the new songs? if he did, how do you feel about them? 7/ is the album with Emmylou Harris to come out very soon, or is MK's oncoming album's preparation the priority? 8/ nothing new about Madrid's DVD? 9/ no plans for any "MK and Friends at Shepherds 2002" DVD? 10/ do you have contacts with David Knopfler? i'm asking cos' i saw other dire straits members (A. Clark and Chris White) participated on his latest album. did you listen to his latest album WISHBONES? |
1. The ones with good acoustics. Bercy was good. The bullrings are always fab as are all outdoor amphitheaters. 2.Yes 3.The hall in Lyon is acoustically challenging, shall we say. But a great vibe. 4. oh, I love them all. 5. Definitely Not. Why dwell on the past. It would only be good financially, not a good enough reason for me. 6. Not yet. 7. The Emmy album should be out sometime next year. I'm not sure if they have worked all that out yet. 8. No news...sorry. I tried. 9. No plans for any shows for a while. 10. no contact at all. No I didn't, was it any good? |
| spots | Well, here is a good one... I've been watching recently de Knebworth 1990 show, and I found something funny. Chris Whitten is playing drums for Paul McCartney, and he wears a black shirt with white dots. I've noticed that Mark wears a black shirt with white dots in the Calling Elvis' video, but it goes a little bit further... in the "On The Night" video, Danny Cummings wears... A BLACK SHIRT WITH WHITE DOTS!. Is the shirt always the same?. I'm sure there's a good story about it. P.S: Tell Mark to get well soon | You are quite right my astute friend! It hadn't occurred to me but now that you mention it......the spotty shirt WAS never far from the stage. I in fact wore one during the 85/86 tour (but it had smaller spots!) oh, and it was red. Or was it pink.. who knows..or cares. Your mail did make me laugh though..cheers. |
| collaboration | Hi Guy, Still gutted about the tour :( Anyways, who has been the best song/person collabaration mark has done in your opinion?? Mine has to be Sailing to Philidelphia with James Taylor. Was it as good live, with the pair of them on stage?? And.... do you spend any time together laying down the track or is it sent to them to add their bit...... | In
my opinion, Randy Newman and MK together was a very special thing. Even
though we only recorded a few songs on Randy's 'Land of dreams' album,
it was some of the most enjoyable sessions I've ever done... Of course James was great to have on stage....He was with us all the time in the studio when we cut the record so that was pretty much the way it was from the beginning. |
| memory test | I
have a technical question. I was wondering about the equipment you and
Alan were using during the On Every Street tour back in 1992/1993, what
brands were the keyboards? I guess it was Yamaha and Hammond in general,
right? We're you using many external sound modules? Or did the sounds
came straight out of the keyboards? |
Alan used a Korg SG-1D piano keyboard, a Roland D70 and a Hammond B3. I used (if memory serves) a Korg SG-1D, a Hammond XB2, a DX7, 2 x Akai S1100's, a Roland JD800, a Roland MKS-80 and a Korg Wavestation. |
| various | 1) Why did Mark never take a saxophone player
(like Chris White) with him on his solo tours? 2) Which tour with Mark/DS was the best/funniest for you? 3) Which soundtrack of Mark do you like best? 4) And which soundtrack of yours do you think is the best? |
There's not really enough sax on Mark's solo endeavors to warrant taking a player who would end up playing tambourine most of the time, much as I'd really love to have CW around...he's a fine chap. The last MK tour was probably the best. Soundtrack-Cal. My best effort is probably the one I'm doing right now...'Tooth'. |
| Emmylou | I heard that Mark was (is) in the process of recording a duet CD with EmmyLou Harris and that it was already 1/2 finished. Any truth to this info? And if it is true, any idea when it may be completed? | We are indeed putting the final touches to the EH/MK record. There is currently no release date but any news will be posted on this site. |
| Fantasy league | I
would like to know who you would like to have in your 'fantasy band'
and why ... if you could pick any musician on any
instrument? I take it you'd be on the guitar, sorry I mean keyboards -
so who on lead guitar (is this onetoo obvious maybe?), or on 2nd/3rd,4th
guitar, on 2nd/3rd
keybaords, drums, bass, bouzouki and what not ... and maybe even who as
singer! ps there is no need whatsoever to be diplomatic Doc and pls let us know why would you have such and such muso in your fantasy band! |
Good idea this...one which requires much thought. I'll fill in later.... |
