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Rather Be Riffing
United States
Приєднався 17 сер 2011
Welcome to RatherBeRiffing! My name is Johnny Z and I'm all about chasing inspirational guitar tone from beautiful guitars. I’ll be posting regularly to demonstrate tone, writing, gear, influences, playing techniques, and more! Please subscribe, like, or comment. I’m just getting started and would love to hear from you!
Guitar Hang 3 | "The Saddest Key" with a Bigsby
Hang with me as I jam in the "saddest key" with some killer Filtertron tones an Bigsby action.
In this video I talk about how I got into Gretsch guitars and demonstrate some tones with my Gretsch Panther.
Happy to answer any questions in the comments!
Signal chain:
- Carr Telstar Amp
- Boss GE7 for mid-boost on intro lead
- Crazy Tube Circuits Time delay on intro lead
- Zendrive during high gain lead tone demo
- Recorded with iPhone
Rock on,
Jonathan Z
In this video I talk about how I got into Gretsch guitars and demonstrate some tones with my Gretsch Panther.
Happy to answer any questions in the comments!
Signal chain:
- Carr Telstar Amp
- Boss GE7 for mid-boost on intro lead
- Crazy Tube Circuits Time delay on intro lead
- Zendrive during high gain lead tone demo
- Recorded with iPhone
Rock on,
Jonathan Z
Переглядів: 434
Відео
Guitar Hang 2 | "Old Wood" & some french roast
Переглядів 77914 днів тому
Hang with me as I play some "old wood" guitars, talk about upcoming videos, and enjoy a pour over. In this video I demonstrate some tones from a Bartlett Retrospect and a vintage 1952 Martin D-18. Happy to answer any questions in the comments. Cool video of Bartlett build process: ua-cam.com/video/4idbfv1kpq0/v-deo.htmlsi=biBybr8soE-krpA4 Rock on, Jonathan Z
PRS Silver SKY SE | MAPLE or ROSEWOOD?
Переглядів 2 тис.21 день тому
#paulreedsmith #silversky #guitarcomparison In this video I compare the PRS Silver SE Rosewood fingerboard vs. Maple fingerboard guitars. I do several sound comparison, talk about differences in tone, differences in neck profiles, and do an AB shootout in the context of a mix. I hope the video can help you decide whether Rosewood or Maple is right for you. Happy to answer any questions in the c...
Epic PRS guitar COMPARISON | Which guitar is right for you?
Переглядів 3,7 тис.Місяць тому
In this video I share all of my guitar comparisons to date. The clips are taken from each of the deep dive comparison videos on my channel. If you want to hear more sounds from any of these guitar, check out the full comparison videos linked down below. Time Stamps 1. PRS 594 Double Cut vs. PRS 594 Single Cut 1:30 2. PRS 594 Double Cut vs. Gibson Les Paul 3:19 3. PRS 594 Single Cut vs. Gibson L...
Guitar Hang 1 | "Concert Beer" and some '59 guitars
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Місяць тому
Hang with me as I share some news, jam on some '59 style guitars, and enjoy an IPA. In this video I jam on my Gil Yaron Bone 59 and Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster '59. Let me know if you'd like to see an in depth review of either guitar on my channel! Tonight I'm enjoying a "Concert Beer" IPA from Tree House Brewing Company. In other news, I've scored tickets to see David Gilmour live as well as ...
Relaxing GUITAR music | VOYAGER SURREAL
Переглядів 381Місяць тому
#relaxingguitarmusic #guitarinstrumentalmusic #studymusic Here is a cinematic, hypnotic instrumental song with emotive guitar playing. I hope it takes you on a journey of reflection an relaxation. This is the second of five songs from my instrumental album titled, Forever Changes. This song is named, Voyager Surreal. All five songs will eventually be posted on my channel both individually and a...
Soaring STRAT LEAD tones | Behind the Track (Ep 2 of 5)
Переглядів 730Місяць тому
In this video I reveal the second of five songs from my upcoming instrumental EP titled, Forever Changes. I share my guitar production techniques including how I get my tones, what gear I use, and why. The song in this video is titled, Voyager Surreal. Full song listenable here: ua-cam.com/video/ySnw2XpG2Zk/v-deo.html When the series is complete, I will upload the full album here on UA-cam for ...
I bought another SILVER SKY SE | rosewood REVIEW
Переглядів 3,8 тис.Місяць тому
In this video I review the PRS SE Silver Sky Rosewood fingerboard guitar including several sound comparisons and observations about the examples I auditioned. In my next video I will directly compare PRS SE Silver Sky Rosewood vs. Maple fingerboards versions to help you decide which is the best fit for you. Happy to answer any questions in the comments! Rock on, Jonathan Z
Relaxing GUITAR music | IMPETUS
Переглядів 5472 місяці тому
#relaxingguitarmusic #guitarinstrumentalmusic #studymusic Here is a cinematic, hypnotic instrumental song with emotive guitar playing. I hope it takes you on a journey of reflection an relaxation. This is the first of five songs from my instrumental album titled, Forever Changes. This song is named, Impetus. All five songs will eventually be posted on my channel both individually and as a colle...
HIGH STRUNG guitar | Behind the Track (Ep 1 of 5)
Переглядів 4312 місяці тому
#producingmusic #guitartones #emotionalguitar In this video I reveal the first of five songs from my upcoming instrumental EP titled, Forever Changes. I share my guitar production techniques including how I get my tones, what gear I use, and why. The song in this video is titled, Impetus. Full song listenable here: ua-cam.com/video/C5y6YkMYBFY/v-deo.htmlsi=Yd5VIigRN0V8Cwh5 When the series is co...
Best 335 alternative? | PRS 594 Hollowbody vs Ron Thorn Grantura
Переглядів 5 тис.2 місяці тому
In this video I compare the Paul Reed Smith 594 Hollowly with a boutique ES-335 style guitar made by Ron Thorn. According to Guitar Player magazine, the Ron Thorn Grantura sounds like a great '58-'64 Gibson ES-335 so it will be a great benchmark! I'll do several sound comparisons, talk about specs, share background of Ron Thorn guitars, and provide my observations as to sound difference between...
PRS 594 HOLLOW vs SOLID body | which to choose?
Переглядів 4,2 тис.2 місяці тому
In this video I compare the Paul Reed Smith 594 hollow body guitar with the PRS 594 solid body. I do several sound comparison and share my observations in order to answer the following questions: 1. How similar or different do they sound? 2. What tradeoffs to consider when choosing between the two? 3. Is there a place for both the hollow body and solid body PRS 594 in the collection? 4. Ultimat...
A better LES PAUL? | GIBSON vs NIK HUBER ORCA 59
Переглядів 4,2 тис.3 місяці тому
#Gibsonlespaul #gibsonguitars #nikhuber How does the legendary single cut guitar design compare to a modern variant? In this video I compare my Gibson Les Paul 1959 60th anniversary wildwood spec to my Nik Huber Orca 59 to see if the Orca 59 can replace the Les Paul or whether it has a place in the collection in it's own right! Happy to answer questions in the comments below! Rock on! -Jonathan
Modern HOLY GRAIL guitar? | HUBER ORCA 59 Review
Переглядів 9 тис.5 місяців тому
Modern HOLY GRAIL guitar? | HUBER ORCA 59 Review
NOVO GUITAR REVIEW | What can it add to my collection?
Переглядів 11 тис.5 місяців тому
NOVO GUITAR REVIEW | What can it add to my collection?
PRS SILVER SKY SE as good as $8k STRAT?
Переглядів 6 тис.6 місяців тому
PRS SILVER SKY SE as good as $8k STRAT?
I played 50 SILVER SKY SE's and bought my favorite | PRS guitar REVIEW
Переглядів 47 тис.11 місяців тому
I played 50 SILVER SKY SE's and bought my favorite | PRS guitar REVIEW
One guitar for everything? | PRS DGT or HSS STRAT for Tele, Les Paul, Strat, and Gretsch tones
Переглядів 26 тис.Рік тому
One guitar for everything? | PRS DGT or HSS STRAT for Tele, Les Paul, Strat, and Gretsch tones
My guitar SIGNAL CHAIN and LEAD TONE breakdown
Переглядів 4,4 тис.Рік тому
My guitar SIGNAL CHAIN and LEAD TONE breakdown
PRS 594 SINGLECUT or DOUBLECUT? Which I chose and why
Переглядів 28 тис.Рік тому
PRS 594 SINGLECUT or DOUBLECUT? Which I chose and why
PRS vs Gibson | Les Paul vs 594 Singlecut sound comparison
Переглядів 52 тис.Рік тому
PRS vs Gibson | Les Paul vs 594 Singlecut sound comparison
PRS vs GIBSON | Les Paul vs 594 Doublecut sound comparison
Переглядів 189 тис.Рік тому
PRS vs GIBSON | Les Paul vs 594 Doublecut sound comparison
PRS Doublecut OR Singlecut? | Private Stock McCarty 594 Guitar Comparison
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
PRS Doublecut OR Singlecut? | Private Stock McCarty 594 Guitar Comparison
Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster 59 | Ambient Lead Guitar Improvisation
Переглядів 2,2 тис.Рік тому
Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster 59 | Ambient Lead Guitar Improvisation
TOP 10 DAVID GILMOUR GUITAR SOLOS (covered by Johnny Z)
Переглядів 2 тис.Рік тому
TOP 10 DAVID GILMOUR GUITAR SOLOS (covered by Johnny Z)
Sound more like ERIC JOHNSON? | two 1954 “VIRGINIA” Stratocaster BUILDS sound demo
Переглядів 3 тис.Рік тому
Sound more like ERIC JOHNSON? | two 1954 “VIRGINIA” Stratocaster BUILDS sound demo
Boutique guitars any better than a Gibson Les Paul? | High end guitar comparison
Переглядів 14 тис.2 роки тому
Boutique guitars any better than a Gibson Les Paul? | High end guitar comparison
ERIC JOHNSON guitar tone with PLUGINS | can I recreate my EJ inspired lead tone with software?
Переглядів 2 тис.2 роки тому
ERIC JOHNSON guitar tone with PLUGINS | can I recreate my EJ inspired lead tone with software?
Eric Johnson VIRGINIA stratocaster guitar build | Part 2 FINISHED guitar SOUND DEMO
Переглядів 2,9 тис.2 роки тому
Eric Johnson VIRGINIA stratocaster guitar build | Part 2 FINISHED guitar SOUND DEMO
❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Amazing🫶
Thank you!
The gibson sounds creamy
Thanks for the noise comparison. I get an LFO ticking sound with my 74 .. I don’t hear it with your one.
So many great guitars here with excellent comparisons! If you ever get a chance to have a PRS Core Studio on the channel, it would probably have a different enough vibe and still somewhere inbetween the 594, DGT and Xotic HSS.
Thank you! I hope to feature a Core 594 this summer.
Fabulous tone
Thank you!
Great comparison! Do both guitars do that controllable feedback swell thing when using gain and is one better than the other for it?
Thank you! I never tested in a loud enough environment. I assume they would and would love to try.
@@RatherBeRiffing Good to know… thanks!
Yes! I have a golden age roller bridge from stew Mac on it and a graph tech nut.
My main guitar is a gretsch g5220 I’ve modded with porters portertron pickups and a b7 bigsby with a Chet Atkinson wire arm. Tones are super good and bigsby is very expressive and hard to keep in tune very long especially depending on how rough you are with the vibrato.
Very cool! Have you tried a roller bridge? I put one on mine and it improved the tuning stability.
There’s not much out there if anything in this price range that would beat it. I love buying guitars like this and modding them to fit what I want in a guitar rather it be functionally and or esthetically both.
Agree. I’d love to mod one of mine with a humbucker in the bridge.
Honestly, I am not impressed with the SE line of the PRS strat style guitars. IMO, the wood used for the body is very cheap and all the SE's I have ever played have really thin necks. I am more of a soft V, mid 60's C, or an oval C kinda guy. IMO, these guitars do sound pretty good, but I have had five PRS guitars (two of them were very high end the others were SE's) and at first, I love them then... then about 3-4 months down the road (long after I can return them) I never like them or play them again. Sadly, I don't know what that is...Maybe it's me. Again, at first I just love the looks, feel and sound of them, but eventually I wind up hating them and then wind up selling them for almost nothing! Very frustrating. My last ditch attempt to be won over will be to purchase a decent John Mayer signature NON SE silver sky (it's been years and I have not seen one in any of the stores near me) and if that same thing happens...Well then I guess I am done with PRS. I really want to like these guitars as they are so well made. Maybe the bottom line is that I have to have a soft V neck. After all, that is what I have played on stage for the last thirty years. Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.
Strato→Custom24→McCarty→Singlecut→Les Paul→Telecaster Here's my sound chart. What do you think?
The difference between Nik Huber is like the difference between American and German cars. And it is quite high-end.
Nice Video! Very high quality content. In 3 months time I'll be able to get my SS SE as they releasing lefty versions! I think I'll go for grey with maple neck. But piano black is also tempting! Wondering how manufacturing process looks as some necks are quite dark (which I love BTW) but some of them are so bright!
Best review I've seen on this guitar. Very sweet melodic playing !
Thank you!
Excellent use of conciseness in your presentation!!
Thank you!
.? At what age did you begin playing guitar, sorry I’m just a big fan
Thank you! I started around 13
YES! Euphoria Morning is TOP TIER!
Indeed!!!
Great singing tone!
Thank you!
Love me a good Gretsch, nice. The history of Gretsch (both vintage and modern) is fascinating. Always inspiring and uniquely individual, every one should own at least one Gretsch guitar. The Gretsch pickups really set it a part, it has its very own think going on. My personal favorites are any Gretsch with the Dynasonic pickups, they are what Gibson based the design of their famous AlNiCo V Staple pickup.
I’d love to try Dynasonics or goldfoils. In fact, I’m realizing now that is long over due! I’ll have to read up on Gretsch’s history now. Thanks for the info!
@@RatherBeRiffing Gold Foil pickups are a strange design, they utilize rubberized magnets (similar to those used to place reminder notes on refrigerators). One of the strange properties of the rubber magnets, where as a traditional pickup will clean up when the guitar's volume control is rolled back, the gold foils will not, they are not dynamic in that characteristic. Joe Gore explains it much better than I. ua-cam.com/video/JNXDOPDjpkA/v-deo.htmlsi=BGQhjCYaRaOqlvAs
Fantastic performance and great playing my dear friend!! Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you for the kind words as always!
That solid body is the best looking 594 I've ever seen. This video was extremely insightful.
Thanks and glad to know! I remember seeing it land on the dealer website and was struck by its unique look. It sold fast. It later came up on the used market and I couldn’t resist. I think the wide reverse chevron flame really flatters the PRS DC design
I could do without beer intros, but I really like this channel. Playing is always great and the guitars are amazing.
Thank you for the kind words - much appreciated!
Exquisite music and a very moving explanation! More would be terrific - maybe vintage vs modern, taking into account a couple of Gretsch players - Brian Jones, Duane Eddy, Brian Setzer, Mike Campbell, Malcolm Young….
Thank you, Michael! Great suggestions - much appreciated!
Gretsch comparison please!
Noted!
Could you make a video comparing say single coil, humbucker and Gretch Filtertron pickups side by side to hear the difference? I’ve never heard a good comparison and I liked your Silver Sky and Les Paul vs McCarty video. I have SE silver sky, SE McCarty and SE custom and wanted a Gretch or D’Angelico with filtertrons but I wonder if I really want it or is it just G.A.S. 😂
Sounds good. What do you think about Duesenberg
7th is my lucky number
I got to play one of the Bernie Marsden limited edition Orcas recently and it was absolutely incredible. I never enjoy playing a Les Paul, they just don't feel right, but the moment I picked the Huber up it just felt like I could fly, it was honestly hard to believe! I really appreciate the choice to use wood for binding, it really elevates the feel and appearance, and its my main gripe with production Gibsons, they feel too cheap to charge what they do! I would definitely choose one a Orca '59 over any custom shop Gibson. P.S. Love that Danelectro you used in the intro!
Nice! The Huber's really are next level in terms of feel and playability. Appreciate the Dano mention - it's the Jimmy Page spec and is so much fun to play.
Wow! Liked and subbed. Great video!
I frickin love the playing
could you please share your pickup heights on this guitar?
Do you mind sharing your pickup heights?
...sometimes things don't go as planned But that's just the way it is... Digging the garage hang. That Martin is legendary.
… sometimes things turn out in the end … Thanks brother! You sounded great playing it!
Bartlett for me but with that much gain the difference is subtle between them all
I’m finally starting to figure out why guitarists have so many guitars. The sounds truly are different.
Very true!
Not much I can say that others haven't already, but I just needed to tell you that the looks and tones of all these instruments are stellar. You're clearly an expert at dialing in sounds. I'm not terribly acquainted with PRS, so your videos have helped me learn more about them. Much appreciated! But again, just WOW. All those maple caps are out of this world. Having a LP like that would be a dream come true for me, so I'm glad you're not considering getting rid of it. 😅 Subscribed!
Thanks for the kind words and sub, Chris! Glad it was helpful.
I have both Private Stock PRS and Custom Shop Les Paul’s and I wouldn’t part with either of them … as Heston once famously said “from my cold dead hands”
Hahaha - relatable!
You are a great player with amazing instruments. Do you play guitar for a living?
Thank you! Guitar is my main hobby/passion.
I like the Bartlett. Were you plugged straight into your amp? What amp are you using? The Martin sounds great. I agree about pickup swaps, almost never works. I also agree about old acoustics. I have a 1932 Martin OM28 and a 1932 Gibson L00 and they sound amazing. They don't always play as well as say a new Collings, but they have something else.
I used a Carr Telstar with a boss GE-7 as a mid boost in the intro. The demo was straight into amp initially then I kicked on a Zen Drive (red). Dream acoustics you have there! I bet they sound incredible.
We need a live version of the regular version… still love this!
I play electric guitar 99% of the time. Just my preference but my oh my that acoustic sounded amazing. And I'm assuming you were just using the camera mic or a single room mic. Of course your wonderful playing and composition really brings out the best of the guitar. Thanks for all that you do from Kansas City.
My pleasure and thanks for the kind words! I used an iPhone to record video and audio.
Excellent performance and sounds great of your guitar my dear friend!! Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you for the kind words as always!!
Amazing tone. Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing
My pleasure - thanks, Jorge!
As for the acoustics, IMHO, old is better. Acoustics can really take a beating as they are very vulnerable to heat/humidity, finding an old one that was well cared for will cost. Over the years I've owned many acoustic guitars, they just kind of came and went through my life, that is, until 2001. I was fortunate to find a freak of an acoustic that really sounded better than most every other acoustic I'd played. Its not really very expensive, it is a Martin JC-16 KWS, however it's tone and projection were such that I immediately decided to make it mine. 20+ years later that Martin is still one of the most beautiful sounding guitars I've ever played. Great Content, Thank You.
Glad you found the one! I’ve also been through many acoustics that have come and gone (vintage, modern, boutique, budget, etc). Acoustics vary so much from example to example. It’s the ultimate hunt. My ‘64 Gibson SJ is great under a mic, but not inspiring to write on for me. For some reason my Yamaha FG-180 has inspired many songs. I’ll see what the fate of this D-18 in due time!
@@RatherBeRiffing D-18s are wonderful, the unknown that waits ahead is all part of the love for music and guitar. I explained to my Son that, in some ways a different guitar can kind of be like a treasure map, as each instrument seems to inspire different play (and sometimes emotions). I'll be honest, I can't imagine a life without guitar. 👍
@@hkguitar1984 Beautifully said! I couldn’t agree more on all points.
Love this!!
Glad to know - thank you!
Amazing playing, amazing sound.
Thank you, Eugene!
Sounds like a guitar.
Fact!
@@RatherBeRiffing I will defend my position to the grave!
@@mooseymoose haha!
Johnny, another amazing video with great content and passion. Not only are you a great guitarist and content creator but Kudos to you for your video editing skills. The visuals of your videos keep the viewer engaged and wanting more. Keep um coming 🎸🤘🏼🔥
Thank you for the kind words - it’s a labor of love and glad to know it is appreciated!
The '74 sounds the best. I've got a '74 reissue analogman on the way. I wanted to be able to plug it in and not rely on batteries
Great build looking and sounding EJ1 . But you playing so well respect 👍