What if you could have the best of both—or multiple—worlds? Our columnist investigates.
This column is a fun and educational thought experiment: What if I took inspiration from the well-known Fender amps out there, combined the best from them, and applied a few of my own twists? After all, this is how amps developed. I read somewhere that “Fender made the first Marshall, and Marshall made the first reissue Fender.” It's funny, because it's true: The Marshall JTM45 was based on the narrow-panel tweed Fender Bassman 5F6-A.
Before we start, I’d like to share my respect for the real entrepreneurs who get into the gear industry. The financial and commercial challenges are of existential magnitude, and I can only imagine the complexity of scaling up production lines. For now, let’s start with the easy part: designing the amps of our dreams.
The Smarter Deluxe Reverb
The idea behind this amp is to enhance the black-panel Deluxe Reverb by making it simpler, yet more versatile. First, we’d need an extra 2 cm of cabinet height for better clearance between the output transformer and the magnet of a heavy-duty 12" speaker. The extra ambience and fullness from the slightly larger cabinet would be appreciated by many who find the Deluxe too small on larger stages. I’d offer both 2x10 and 1x12 speaker baffles of birch plywood that are more durable than MDF particle boards.
For the 2x10 version, there would be simple on/off switches on the lower back plate to disconnect the speaker wires. That way, players could disable one speaker to easily reduce volume and headroom, or select between two different sounding speakers. Also, these switches will enable super-easy speaker comparisons at home. There would be a 4- and 8-ohm impedance selector based on a multi-tap output transformer that is the size of a Vibrolux Reverb 125A6A transformer—one size bigger than the Deluxe´s 125A1A. This would tighten up the low-end response to accommodate the bigger cabinet.
Like the Princeton Reverb, the amp would be single-channel with reverb and tremolo, but with only one input jack. I would keep the Deluxe’s tone stack, and add a bright switch and a mid-control with a larger 20-25K mid-pot value instead of the Fender-default 10K. This would enable players to dial in many more tones between a scooped American sound and a British growl. The power amp section is 100 percent Deluxe Reverb, which would allow 6L6 tube swaps without the need to change anything else. The full power of the 6L6 will not be utilized due to the lower 6V6 plate voltages, but it gives you some extra headroom. To reduce costs and complexity, I would use a diode rectifier and transistors in the reverb circuitry, like the modern Blues Junior. This saves two tubes and creates less trouble down the road. The tremolo would be based on the Princeton Reverb’s bias-based tremolo circuit, since it sweeps deeper than the Deluxe Reverb’s optoisolator tremolo.
The Bassman Pro Reverb
My second amp would be a large, warm-sounding amp with preamp distortion abilities. I really like the Vibro-King and tweed Bassman 5F6-A circuit designs, where the volume control is placed alone before a 12AX7 preamp tube stage and then followed by the EQ section. This means that a high volume-knob setting allows a strong signal to enter the 12AX7, creating a distorted signal at the tube’s output. This distorted signal then enters the bass, mid, and treble pots afterward, which can lower the still-distorted signal amplitude before the phase inverter and power amp section. With this preamp design, you can achieve a heavily cranked tone at low volumes based on preamp distortion and clean power amp operation. This trick is not possible with the typical AB763 amps, where the volume and EQ work together at the same stage. If you set the volume high and the bass, mids, and treble low, they cancel each other before hitting the next tube stage.
“This amp could do it all: pleasant cleans and distortion at both moderate and loud levels.”
I would use a Pro Reverb-sized 2x12 cabinet for this amp, with the output impedance selector and speaker switches I mentioned earlier. The amp would have dual 6L6s in push/pull, and a Super Reverb-sized 125A9A output transformer for a firm low end at 40-watt power output. I would go for cathode bias in this amp, for a compressed, low-wattage, tweed-style response, to add even more dirt next after the hot preamp section. There is only one jack input into the single channel, with reverb, tremolo, and full EQ controls (bright switch, bass, mid, and treble). Since this would be a more costly amp, I’d use a tube rectifier and tube-driven reverb. This amp could do it all: pleasant cleans and distortion at both moderate and loud levels. It wouldn’t stay loud and clean, though. For that, we would need a third amp, which we will maybe get back to later.
I’d be excited to hear your thoughts about these amps, and if I should follow my dreams to build themI would use a Pro Reverb-sized 2x12 cabinet for this amp, with the output impedance selector and speaker switches I mentioned earlier. The amp would have dual 6L6s in push/pull, and a Super Reverb-sized 125A9A output transformer for a firm low end at 40-watt power output. I would go for cathode bias in this amp, for a compressed, low-wattage, tweed-style response, to add even more dirt next after the hot preamp section. There is only one jack input into the single channel, with reverb, tremolo, and full EQ controls (bright switch, bass, mid, and treble). Since this would be a more costly amp, I’d use a tube rectifier and tube-driven reverb. This amp could do it all: pleasant cleans and distortion at both moderate and loud levels. It wouldn’t stay loud and clean, though. For that, we would need a third amp, which we will maybe get back to later.
I’d be excited to hear your thoughts about these amps, and if I should follow my dreams to build them!
Be sure to locate your sample library where it can be quickly referenced on your DAW.
Improve your recordings using your own samples. Bryan Clark, house producer at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio, tells you how to take the final steps in building your own sample library.
Mastering the sample import process in your chosen DAW can significantly enhance your creativity and streamline your workflow. With a clear understanding of the tools and techniques available, you will be better equipped to bring your musical ideas to life and make your productions stand out.
This month, we finish up a three-part series on creating your own sample libraries. In this final installment, I’m going to give you the basic ways to import your samples into various popular DAWs. Each one has its unique workflow and user interface, but the fundamental process remains very similar. This Dojo guide will cover how to import samples into Ableton Live, LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Studio One.
Ableton Live
Steps to Import Samples
Drag and Drop: Simply locate the sample file in your computer’s file explorer, then drag and drop it directly into an audio track in the session or arrangement view.
Browser Window: Use Ableton’s built-in browser (on the left-hand side). Navigate to the sample’s location on your hard drive, then drag it into the workspace.
Create a Simpler or Sampler Instrument: Drag the sample into a MIDI track with Simpler or Sampler loaded. This allows you to trigger the sample using MIDI notes.
Tips: Use the warp feature for time-stretching and syncing samples to your project’s tempo.
Organize your samples into collections using the “Add Folder” option in the browser.
LUNA
Steps to Import Samples
Drag and Drop: Drag the sample from your file explorer directly into the timeline. Then hold the CTRL key down, click on the end of the loop, and drag it to the length it needs to be.
Browser/Workspace: Use the media browser to navigate to your sample’s location on your hard drive. Drag it into an audio track in your session.
Audio Track Import: Right-click on an empty area in the timeline or a track and select “Import Audio” to locate and add your sample.
Tips: Use LUNA’s built-in varispeed capabilities to match your sample to the session’s tempo.Logic Pro
Steps to Import Samples
Drag and Drop: Drag the sample from the Finder directly into an audio track in the workspace.
File Browser: Use the file browser (accessible via the media sidebar or “F” key) to locate and drag samples into the timeline.
Quick Sampler: Drag your sample onto a MIDI track with the Quick Sampler plugin loaded. This lets you play the sample chromatically.
Tips: Use Logic’s flex time feature to sync samples to your project’s tempo. Organize samples into Logic’s library for quick access.Pro Tools
Steps to Import Samples
Import Audio Dialog: Go to File > Import > Audio; then locate your sample and click “Convert” or “Add” to bring it into the session.
Drag and Drop: Drag the sample directly from your file explorer into an audio track.
Workspace Browser: Use the workspace (accessible via Window > New Workspace) to locate your sample. Drag it into your session.
Tips: Use the elastic audio feature for tempo matching and pitch adjustments.
Place your samples into playlists for efficient access during editing.
Studio One
Steps to Import Samples
Drag and Drop: Drag your sample directly from your file explorer into the timeline or browser.
Browser: Open Studio One’s browser (on the right-hand side), navigate to the folder containing your sample, and drag it into your project.
Sampler Track: Drag the sample onto a MIDI track, and use the Sample One sampler for additional manipulation.
Tips: Enable the “Stretch Audio Files to Song Tempo” option in the browser for automatic tempo synchronization. Create sample folders within Studio One’s browser for quick access.General Best Practices
Regardless of the DAW you use, it is important to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow. Organize your sample library with clear folder names and categories to make locating files easy (see last month’s installment for detailed strategies). Where possible, learn DAW-specific shortcuts for importing and editing samples to save time. Always check if your DAW offers a feature to sync the sample’s tempo to your project to ensure seamless integration. Finally, regularly back up your sample collection to avoid losing important audio files and preserve your creative assets! Seriously. Do it now.
Next month, we’re off to “console” land and I’ll be investigating console emulations (hype or not?), summing bus processors, and more to give you a more “studio” sound. Until then, blessings and namaste.
The author circa 1980 with his first guitar, an Epiphone Genesis.
Our Last Call columnist reflects on a big birthday with some thoughts about living one’s best life.
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” —Allen Saunders (via John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy”)
By the time this is published, I will be 60 years of age. I’ve been writing this bit of infotainment for nearly 18 years, so it feels like I should have some life lessons to share. Let me preface it by reminding you I’m not particularly wise, nor have I accomplished much. But I have been gigging for 44 years, and I’m still standing, so here are a few tips that might help fellow musicians on the long journey.
Although ageism is the last socially acceptable prejudice, I no longer sweat it. Because music is marketed primarily to kids, I worried I’d be aged out when my hair began transitioning from black to white in my 30s. I’d dyed it Elvis black for nearly two embarrassing decades to extend my imagined expiration date. By 50, the jig was up; I’d have to dye my hair every four minutes to maintain the illusion. That’s when I realized there are two options: grow old or look creepy.
Turns out, all the anxiety and wringing of hands fearing the inevitable was a huge waste of time and bad feelings. Sure, now I wake up every morning feeling like I have been beaten by a bag of doorknobs. And on a long gig, the weight of my guitar is more important than the tone. And my hearing, vision, and stamina are no longer at their peak. But honestly, life is, for the most part, better now.
I definitely am a better musician today than when I was younger. If you put in the time playing, you will inevitably improve. The key is, you have to work to push past what you already know. A lot of players hit their plateau early and never surpass it. They built a tool kit of riffs and tricks that got the job done, started working professionally, and then stopped working to improve beyond that. If you want to get to the next level in anything, you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone. Want to play better? Do something hard you’ve never done, like learning jazz, bluegrass, or metal tunes and practicing them with a metronome.
“The key is, you have to work to push past what you already know..”
Apply the same technique to other parts of your life. Want to feel better? Get off the couch and push your body with regular exercise, even if it’s just walking for 15 minutes. Want to be better off financially? Invest as much as you can, even if it means you will not be able to afford some creature comforts in the present. Or have that super uncomfortable conversation with your boss and ask for a raise. Want a better relationship? Be vulnerable. Nobody has ever improved their life without going through something uncomfortable. Life will pay you back for the work you put into it.
There’s a common fallacy about youth's fearlessness versus the wisdom of age. I was terrified through much of my youth. I was way too concerned about what other people thought about me. I was constantly comparing myself to others. I did not know what I was doing, and I was broke. I was always scheming and planning to improve life, and then was crestfallen when it never went as planned.
Life became much easier when I learned:
• Nobody is thinking about me. (People are generally thinking about themselves.)
• Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Nobody really knows what they are doing. (We are all just trying to figure it out.)
• If you work hard and live simply, the money thing works out.
• Plans lead to a betrayal of expectation. It’s good to have a plan to motivate you to work toward something, but be fluid. Failed plans will lead you to where you are supposed to be.
• Wisdom does not come with age unless you learn something along the way. If you live your entire life with a closed mind, too afraid or too lazy to think, you are missing out.
• Probably the biggest improvement that’s come with age is I’m learning to live in the moment. Most mental health professionals agree that depression often involves ruminating on the past, whereas anxiety is caused by spending a lot of time worrying about the future. But if you can stay in the eternal now, which really is all there is, then you’re living, not worrying.
I realize this reads like a string of cliché maxims, but that doesn’t make them less true. Let me leave you with a few more.
• Forgiveness is the gift you give yourself.
• It’s okay to not be okay. Life will inevitably hurt. Good or bad, this too shall pass.
Everybody has their theory of spirituality. Mine is, if there is a higher power, how we live our life is how God experiences his creation. I want to use up all my tickets and ride every ride at the carnival. If life has a point, the point is to live it. The Titanic sinks; we in the band play on.
