What’s the difference between overdrive and distortion? Learn the difference and how to get great tone with either stompbox.

Get Great Tone With OverDrive and Distortion

As guitar players, what are we all after? What do we struggle to describe, work to attain, but always know when we hear it? And what is all that gear out there for? The answer to all three of these questions is the same: great tone. With so much equipment available today to help in creating tone, how do we go about making it do what we want? Let’s take a look at some simple and effective ways to get killer tone with overdrive and distortion.

The first question is which should you use: an overdrive or distortion? The answer isn’t quite that simple. Like many things in the tone-quest world, there aren’t too many fixed rules here. The real answer is: it depends. Maybe an overdrive is what works for you; maybe it’s a distortion. So the next question is: What’s the difference between an overdrive and distortion?

Learn how to chain your guitar effects pedals.

BOSS OD-1 OverDrive

Generally, an overdrive is designed to work and sound like an old tube amp turned up loud. A good overdrive can produce the same overtones and harmonics that an overdriven tube amp produces, hence the name Overdrive. BOSS started the overdrive revolution with the legendary and very collectible OD-1.

Learn how to get great tone from an OVERDRIVE stompbox.

A distortion usually goes beyond the amount of gain and harmonic crunching typical of an overdrive. They tend to get more distorted, are usually (but not always) louder than typical overdrives, and often have multiple gain stages for abnormal amounts of sustain. The BOSS MT-2, probably the best selling distortion pedal ever, is a good example of a distortion pedal with those features. Now that we know what they are, let’s look at making them do what we want: getting great tone. First, let’s start with overdrive and after you’re finished reading that check out the distortion article.

Learn how to get great tone from a DISTORTION stompbox.

So there you have it, what is your preference? What do you use to get your tone? Leave us your comments.

Related links and articles:

• Get Great Tone With BOSS OverDrive
• Get Great Tone With BOSS Distortion
• Billy Duffy: The Cult of Tone
• 10 Original BOSS Stompbox Design Elements

BOSS Distortion

A distortion pedal usually goes beyond the amount of gain and harmonic crunching typical of an overdrive. They tend to get more distorted, are usually (but not always) louder than typical overdrives, and often have multiple gain stages for abnormal amounts of sustain. The BOSS MT-2, probably the best selling distortion pedal ever, is a good example of a distortion pedal with those features. Since distortion pedals tend to be louder and have more inherent distortion than overdrives, it is a little trickier to use them in conjunction with the amp’s own distortion sound. It might be what you want, especially if you’re after a nu-metal, super heavy, or very grungy sound. If you use your pedal this way, you are distorting distortion. This can get pretty ugly, but sometimes it’s just the thing. Set your pedal similarly to using an overdrive to use it this way: For example, set the BOSS DS-1 level up, the distortion somewhat down, and the tone for neutral.

What’s the difference between Overdrive and Distortion? Find out!

BOSS DS-1 Distortion

Distortions tend to be more effective when you use your amp set for a clean sound and let the pedal’s own tone sing through. Good distortion pedals, such as the BOSS Metal Zone, are quite sophisticated. Under the hood is some powerful circuitry that can create multi-stage distortion just like a high-end boutique tube amp. The MT-2 even has studio quality EQ: a 3-band tone section with parametric sweepable mids for duplicating pretty much any distortion tone you might want. For blazing metal tones, try this setting with a Metal Zone and your amp set for a clean and neutral sound.

BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone

Adaptive distortion does what?…

Another cool distortion pedal is the BOSS DA-2 Adaptive Distortion. Powered by Multi-Dimensional Processing technology (MDP), the DA-2 Adaptive Distortion delivers ideal distortion tones wherever you play on the guitar neck. Diverse guitarists like John 5 (Marilyn Manson / Rob Zombie) use the DA-2 to achieve amazing tones. Check out this video of John 5 and the DA-2 in action.

Just concepts…

To wrap up: These are not rules. They are concepts. Regardless of this post’s title, “Get Great Tone With BOSS Distortion” you can use these principles with any overdrive stompbox. The best way to incorporate them into your playing is to experiment. There are many pedals on the market, each with its own characteristic tone. One may be just the thing to make your tone what you’ve wanted it to be. Try some out, both with your own amp and guitar, and with others. The magic combination is out there. Do you have a favorite BOSS distortion pedal? Did you find this article useful? Leave your comments below.

Related links and articles:

• Overdrive Vs. Distortion: What’s the Difference?
• Get Great Tone With BOSS Overdrive
• 10 Original BOSS Stompbox Design Elements
• The VG-99 Inspires

BOSS OverDrive

There are two good ways to get tone from an overdrive. One is to use the overdrive in conjunction with your amp; that is, use the overdrive pedal to augment your amp’s inherent tone. Here’s how this works:

One of the things an overdrive can do is to hit your amp with a bit more level, without adding too much distortion. Sometimes all an amp needs to sing is more input gain than your guitar can put out. It’s like the difference between single coil and humbuckers; hums put out more level, so they tend to create more sustain and distortion from an amp. Stevie Ray Vaughan often used his overdrive pedal in this way. Not much additional distortion, just some additional gain to boost the level of his single coils. To do this, set the amount of overdrive fairly low on your pedal, but set the output volume a bit high. Set your amp for a mild amount of distortion. If your overdrive has a tone control, set it so it doesn’t alter your tone as it is before you turn the pedal on. This mode is also effective for boosting solos.

What’s the difference between Overdrive and Distortion? Find out!

How effective this is depends a lot on the amp. A good tube amp works in this way. Another way to use an overdrive is to set the amp for a clean sound with flat EQ, and let the overdrive’s inherent tone come through. In this case, try setting the overdrive for somewhat more drive (or crunch, or whatever your pedal calls the amount of distortion), and try to match to the output of the pedal so that your volume doesn’t change when you turn it on (unless you want it to, for soloing or just being louder). Remember, there are really no rules! If you like the sound, that’s all that matters. This method is less dependent on the tone of your amp, and players often use their pedals this way. The tone is based on their finger technique and the pedal’s characteristics; the amp is just making it louder.

Just concepts…

To wrap up: These are not rules. They are concepts. Regardless of this post’s title, “Get Great Tone With BOSS Overdrive” you can use these principles with any overdrive stompbox. The best way to incorporate them into your playing is to experiment. There are many pedals on the market, each with its own characteristic tone. One may be just the thing to make your tone what you’ve wanted it to be. Try some out, both with your own amp and guitar, and with others. The magic combination is out there.

Related links and articles:

• Overdrive Vs. Distortion: What’s the Difference?
• Get Great Tone With BOSS Distortion
• How to Chain Your Guitar Effects Pedals – Part 1
• BOSS Showcases at SXSW

BOSS RC-505 Loop Station

BOSS has just introduced the RC-505 Loop Station, a new breed of looper that’s perfect for beatboxers, singers, club performers, and DJs. With its compact, tabletop design and powerful yet simple interface, the RC-505 gives you fingertip control of five simultaneous stereo loop tracks, a variety of recording and playback options, amazing real-time effects, and much more.

The RC-505: A New Concept in Loop Stations

Fueled by BOSS’ industry leading Loop Station products and annual Loop Station World Championship competitions, the live looping movement has exploded over the last few years. From the start, Loop Stations have been incredibly popular with guitarists, singer/songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists. But recently, increasing numbers of solo vocalists have been discovering the amazing potential of live looping as well. With just a microphone and a Loop Station, beatboxers and singers can perform in a highly creative and dynamic new way, using the incredible expressive range of the human voice to deliver jaw-dropping soundscapes, intense rhythmic onslaughts, and beyond.

Until now, Loop Stations have been designed mainly for floor use, so that instrumentalists and vocalists can operate them with their feet while performing. However, most vocal loopers prefer to use them at table height so they can manipulate the controls with their hands. The RC-505 is ideal for these modern performers, offering a powerful, dedicated device built for easy fingertip operation and maximum expression.

With its five simultaneous stereo loop tracks and up to three hours of recording time, the RC-505 is also well suited for DJs and club performers. Via USB, you can load up the RC-505’s tracks with WAV audio files consisting of everything from sound effects to entire songs, then trigger, mix, and manipulate them sampler-style with the front-panel controls and effects.

BOSS RC-505 Loop Station—front view

Effects, External Control, and More

Powerful INPUT FX and TRACK FX make it easy to enhance or mangle live sounds and loops as you perform, with quick-access buttons for effects selection and dedicated knobs for real-time tweaking. Multiple inputs (all available simultaneously) include an XLR mic jack with phantom power, mono/stereo instrument jacks, and a mini-jack for hooking up a smart phone or music player. 99 phrase memories allow you to save your loop creations instantly, including all five tracks plus effects and playback settings.

BOSS RC-505 Loop Station—rear panel

The RC-505 can be operated externally via optional foot switches, an expression pedal, or MIDI devices, providing extended control for vocal performers and instrumentalists. The RC-505 also functions as a USB audio/MIDI interface, so you can integrate with your favorite DAW for audio recording, MIDI sync, and more.

Learn more about the amazing RC-505 Loop Station at RolandConnect.com.

Related links and articles:

• Roland Connect Main Page
• BOSS Loop Station World Championship 3: International Finals
• Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 1

Here’s what we shipped to Austin for you to play!

Going to SXSW? Our new pedals are, too! Join BOSS at SXSW this year during the the first edition of The Austin StompBox Exhibit hosted by The Deli and Delicious Audio. This free, interactive, in-the-headphones display of guitar effects pedals will take place Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at the Austin Clayworks Gallery on 1209 E 6th St. BOSS is showcasing the brand new line of Multi-Dimensional Processing pedals alongside some of the tried and true BOSS classics. Curious to see what a stompbox exhibit looks like? Here’s a picture of the 2012 StompBox Exhibit in Brooklyn, NY. Don’t forget to bring your guitar so you can test them out in person! Here’s a preview of the BOSS pedals on exhibit.

Download BOSS Compact Pedals PDF

TE-2 Tera Echo

Our 100th BOSS compact series model! Powered by our latest MDP technology, the TE-2 produces a dynamic new ambience effect that goes beyond traditional delay and reverb. Although any guitar sounds fine in John 5‘s hands, we dare to declare that any guitar is fun to play paired with this pedal.

Features:

• Proprietary Multi-Dimensional Processing technology separates incoming audio into several dimensions to provide optimum effect for any type of sound or playing.
• Unique ultra-dynamic stereo echo and ambient effects controllable by playing dynamics

DA-2 Adaptive Distortion

In a nut shell, this pedal employs musical distortion that plays well all over the neck, from tight, edgy low-string tones to fat, smooth highs for lead playing. In other words, this pedal creates the ideal tone for every register. Don’t want to take our word for it, read Sonic State’s Richard Beech’s DA-2 review.

Features:

• Uses BOSS’ Multi-Dimensional Processing technology (MDP) to deliver ideal distortion tones wherever you play on the guitar neck.
• Superb unique “clear” distortion; ultra-responsive to volume changes and playing dynamics.
• DA-2 “knows” where and what you are playing to produce optimum tone whether it’s screaming leads or heavy chords

MO-2 Multi Overtone

With shimmery multi-string resonance to flute-like transparency to powerful textures reminiscent of organs, the MO-2 is what Richard Beech also calls “an evil synth.” Read the review by Richard Beech.

Features:

• Uses BOSS MDP technology to produce unique polyphonic harmonic overtones for new unique sounds.
• Great for leads and chordal playing
• Combine with DA-2 and TE-2 for fantastic, huge tonal textures

RC-3 Loop Station

This pedal delivers a powerful looping ability in a small footprint. The RC series is preferred by many musicians the world over for practicing; many use it as a professional tool for playing live in a solo set-up. If you really want to get creative, see what this year’s Loop Station World Championship 3 (LSWC3) contestants pulled off during their showdown. Yes, there is a contest for such performances and it was amazing!

Enter for a chance to win an RC-3 Loop Station pedal autographed by John 5, Steve Stevens, Billy Duffy, Herman Li, and Darryl Jones. Contest ends April 5, 2013.

Features:

• Top of the line stereo compact pedal looper.
• Massive internal memory: 99 onboard loops, 3 hours of stereo looping.
• Built-in drums for perfect looping timing plus USB for easy connection to computers

DD-7 Digital Delay

The DD-7 takes the best features from its predecessors and expands the creative envelope with Modulation Delay mode, classic modeled Analog Delay mode, external pedal control option, longer delay time, and more. With this pedal you can take your delay up to 6.4 seconds and record up to 40 seconds in Hold mode for overdubs or solo rhythms.

Features:

• BOSS stereo digital delay with several modes, including Reverse, Modulation Delay and Analog Delay: models the famous BOSS DM-2 analog delay, beloved for its characteristic warm delay sound.
• 6400 ms delay time and built in 40 second looper (Hold mode).
• Built in tap tempo and external EXP pedal control for real time control of delay parameters.

MT-2 Metal Zone

Features:

• One of the most popular BOSS pedals; super long sustain and heavy mids and lows.
• Very wide range of distortion tones from mild to extreme.
• 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid controls provide ultra-wide tone range.

CH-1 Super Chorus

Features:

• Provides the famous BOSS original stereo chorus sound.
• Four controls make it super easy to dial in perfect chorus sounds.
• Sounds great in mono and stereo.

DS-1 Distortion

 Features:

• The best selling BOSS distortion: used by top pros everywhere.
• Responds to playing dynamics for authentic feel and sound.

BD-2 Blues Driver

Features:

• Classic tube tones with strong gain and output.
• Very responsive to dynamics and picking technique.
• Sounds and feels just like a vintage tube amp

TU-3 Chromatic Tuner

Features:

• World’s most popular pedal tuner; seen on pedalboards everywhere.
• Super accurate and easy to read in any environment.
• BOSS durability and quality: 5 year warranty!

Related links and articles:

• How to Chain Your Guitar Effects Pedals
• Billy Duffy: The Cult of Tone
• Play an Entire Live Set with Just the GT-100
• Download BOSS Compact Pedals PDF

Enter for a chance to win an RC-3 Loop Station pedal autographed by John-5, Steve Stevens, Billy Duffy, Herman Li, and Darryl Jones. Contest ends April 5, 2013.

On Friday evening, January 25, 2013, loop artists from 12 different countries gathered at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney to compete in the international finals for the BOSS Loop Station World Championship 3. Held as part of Roland Connect during the 2013 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, the finals event was an exciting conclusion to the BOSS global competition that began in the summer of 2012. Over 500 looping fans were in attendance, with another 8,000-plus viewing live on the web as the event was streamed online.

RC-3 giveaway ends April 5, 2013

The large audience enjoyed an entertaining evening of inspired and innovative performances, with all the loop artists delivering high-level musical presentations. Ultimately, Grison Beatbox of Spain claimed the looping title with a mesmerizing beatboxing performance that featured impressive technical skill with his RC-300 Loop Station and VE-20 Vocal Performer effects. For his efforts, he earned $3,000 in BOSS gear.

Now in its third year, the BOSS Loop Station World Championship spotlights artists around the globe that make fresh and inventive music with BOSS’ industry leading Loop Station products. This year’s international finals showed how the relatively new and wildly expressive art form of live looping continues to evolve at a lighting pace, with the artists performing an eclectic array of music styles with vocals, effects, a huge range of instruments, and full-throttle musical creativity.

All 12 loop artists were winners of BOSS Loop Station competitions held in their home countries throughout the latter part of 2012. Regions represented were the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Iberia, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Eastern Europe, and Central Europe.

Continue reading this article

Related links and articles:

• The Art of Looping
• Meet the Loop Station World Championship 3 Judges
• Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 1

Featuring shred-masters Herman Li and Sam Totman, the British power metal band DragonForce delivers a high-adrenaline, twin-guitar onslaught that takes no prisoners. Riffing together with incredible precision at dizzying speeds, the virtuoso duo were recently recognized for their skills by axe fans around the globe, earning the Number 11 spot in a Guitar World readers’ poll that chose “The 50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time.”

Playing with accuracy at such a blistering pace requires the mindset of a world-class sprinter, with the adoption of a tenacious workout ethic and disciplined practice regimen. What does Herman Li use to help keep his chops in shape for the rigors of the stage and studio? The eBand® JS-10 Audio Player with Guitar Effects, of course! Like an increasing number of pro players, Herman has found that eBand’s convenient, all-in-one approach and great sound makes his practice inspiring, productive, and fun.

We caught up with Herman before he hit the road again to support the latest DragonForce release, The Power Within. During our visit, he discussed how he uses eBand, his favorite BOSS pedals, his thoughts on tone, and much more.

Lots of pro players have discovered eBand. Why do you use it?

I use the eBand because for many years I looked for a solution so that I can practice easily when I’m on tour. It’s always been difficult to move an amp onto a tour bus—it takes so much space. Or backstage, people care more about putting their riders around. [Laughs.] The eBand is so small, and it has everything I need.

In the past, I’d have a little amp and it never sounded really good. And it didn’t have any effects, [and I’d have to] plug my phone into my computer to get some sort of backing track to jam with. With eBand, you basically get everything in one. I can tune my guitar. I have my backing tracks, which I can store, and copy across from my computer onto it.

What specific features do you like to use in eBand?

Continue reading on PowerOn BOSS Users Group iPad magazine (Free iTunes download)

Continue reading online

Related links and articles:

• Play an Entire Live Set with Just the GT-100
• Win a Steve Stevens Autographed G-5 Strat
• G-5 VG Stratocaster Review

Watch Roland Australia’s Joshua Munday take you through an entire set list of songs live on stage. Using the GT-100 Amp Effects Processor, Joshua is able to get the perfect tone for each of the songs with one easy tap of the foot. No need to bring an entire collection of guitar pedals, cables and power adapters to the gig,  just plug-in to the GT-100 and play!

Make sure to visit the GT-100 Tone Room to get 25 free tones from famous songs! Here is a preview.

BOSS GT-100 Amp Effects Processor

Lean more about the GT-100.

Darryl has played bass guitar for the Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Cher and Peter Gabriel. He also plays with an amazing trio, the Stone Raiders. Darryl uses BOSS effects and the Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer.

John 5

John plays guitar for Rob Zombie. He has also played with Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford, David Lee Roth and many others. John’s innovative and versatile guitar style has been featured on many projects. John plays BOSS compact pedals and the Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer. John is featured on the new BOSS compact pedal Connect videos.

Watch the Loop Station World Championship 3 live and vote

Steve Stevens

Steve is the guitarist for Billy Idol. He has performed with Michael Jackson, Vince Neil, Ric Ocasek, Robert Palmer, Tony Levin, Terry Bozzio, the Atomic Playboys and Flamenco a GoGo. He played guitar on the mega-selling soundtrack “Top Gun” which earned him a Grammy Award for Pop Instrumental Performance. Steve plays BOSS compact pedals, the Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer and Roland G-5 V-G Stratocaster.

Billy Duffy

Billy has played guitar with Johnny Marr, Morrissey and many others. He is best known for his work as guitarist for the Cult. His iconic guitar riffs are known to millions of music fans. Billy plays BOSS compact pedals and the Roland JC-120 amplifier.

Herman Li

Herman plays guitar for DragonForce. His blindingly fast and precise guitar playing has won the respect of many fans around the world. Herman is originally from Hong Kong and studied in the UK where he now lives. Herman uses BOSS compact pedals, BOSS eBand and the Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer.

Gary Lenaire

Gary Lenaire is the Product and Marketing Manager for BOSS and Roland Guitar Products. As a guitarist and composer and is mostly known for his work with the bands Tourniquet and Echo Hollow. He has released 12 records and has published over 90 songs worldwide, including those found in the Roland VS-2480, BOSS® MICRO BR and BOSS BR-800.

Watch the Loop Station World Championship 3 live and vote

Related Links and articles:

• Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 2
• Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 1
• 18 Exciting New Products For Winter NAMM

BOSS has just released three compact effects pedals equipped with an exciting new technology called Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP). A breakthrough in tone for guitarists, MDP delivers fresh, bold sounds with a previously unattainable range of expression.

DA-2 Adaptive Distortion
Unlike normal distortions pedals, the DA-2 creates distortion tones that adapt in real time to different registers and playing dynamics. The result is truly amazing—dialed-in distortion that sounds killer wherever you play on the neck, plus incredible clarity on chords, even with high-gain settings.

MO-2 Multi Overtone
The MO-2 uses your guitar’s rich harmonic characteristics to morph your sound into a wide range of unique and expressive tones. You’ve got to check it out—it’s truly an all-new voice for your axe.

TE-2 Tera Echo—The 100th BOSS Stomp!
With the power of MDP, the TE-2 produces a rich and dynamic new ambience effect that goes way beyond normal delay and reverb. In addition to its impressive sound, it holds the distinction of being the 100th model in the long history of BOSS compact pedals.

For more info about MDP and the incredible new BOSS stomps, visit RolandConnect.com.

Related links and articles:

• New Product: Add Triggering to Any Drum Set with the BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad
• 18 Exciting New Products For Winter NAMM
• New Product: STUDIO-CAPTURE 16×10 Audio Interface with 12 Mic Preamps

There are 12 contestants from all corners of the world that will be participating in this year’s Loop Station World Championship. Here are the six remaining contestants and the performances that got them to the finals.  Using a Loop Station, each finalist will compete with an original one-man song and will be critiqued by our celebrity judges as well as viewers around the world.

Watch the Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 1

The Prize:

• 1st Place – $3000 in BOSS Gear
• 2nd Place – $2000 in BOSS Gear
• 3rd Place – $1000 in BOSS Gear
• Social Loop Award (Viewer Vote) – Mystery Prize

Event details:

• When: January 25, 2013 during NAMM
  • Streaming begins at 6:45 p.m. PST
  • Follow @Roland_US for free ticket giveaways
• Where: House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
• Watch and Vote Live: BOSS Website

Vinh – Germany

Grison Beatbox – Spain

Jon Rosner – Canada

Super Tall Paul Newman – USA

Fair Phillis – Belgium

Jonathan Mendez – Costa Rica

Essential looper gear:

Related links and articles:

• Loop Station World Finalists 2013 Part 1

There are 12 contestants from all corners of the world that will be participating in this year’s Loop Station World Championship. Here are six of the contestants and the videos that got them to the finals. Each finalist will compete by creating a one-man song using a Loop Station and judged by our celebrity judges and the viewers around the world.

The Prize:

• 1st Place – $3000 in BOSS Gear
• 2nd Place – $2000 in BOSS Gear
• 3rd Place – $1000 in BOSS Gear
• Social Loop Award (Viewer Vote) – Mystery Prize

Event details:

• When: January 25, 2013 during NAMM
  • Streaming begins at 6:45 p.m. PST
  • Follow @Roland_US for free ticket giveaways
• Where: House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
• Watch and Vote Live: BOSS Website

Christian Zezza – Italy

Kalle Mathiesen – Denmark

Dawson – UK

Koukun – Japan

Agata Kurzyk – Poland

Thiago Ramalho – Brazil

Essential looper gear:

Related links and articles:

• Loop Station World Finalists Part 2
  

Tommy Walker stops by Roland studios to shoot an RC-300 Loop Station artist impressions video. We caught Tommy on break to discuss his history with BOSS and Roland products and also to catch up.

Tommy is a guitar player, composer, singer and overall a well rounded musician. Since the 90s, he has also been a worship leader at Christian Assembly, a church affiliated with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Tommy has taken his Christian Assembly Worship Band on domestic and overseas tours. Tommy recalls his most memorable performance with his band being at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with Promise Keepers. Tommy’s newest project, Generation Hymns Live is a cross-over album of hymns for all ages.

For over ten years, Tommy’s pedal of choice was the GT-5. This multi guitar effects processor featured COSM technology which allows guitarists to play entirely new, synth-like sounds with guitar-based dynamics. It also featured the world’s first Acoustic Guitar Simulator which was later separately released as it’s own unit, the AC-2 Acoustic Simulator according to The BOSS Book: The Ultimate Popular Compact Effects.

Do you have any videos with the products mentioned in this blog post? Share with us, we want to know how you use your BOSS or Roland product.

Related links and articles:

• The VG-99 Inspires
• Steve Stevens Demos the G-5 Strat
• LoopStation World Championship U.S. Finals

Check out the video from the Loop Station event last weekend (it starts about 35 seconds in).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Meet Michael “Nomad” Ripoll, our newest addition to the family. Michael is a music veteran with credits and experience that spans decades. As a professional guitarist, he has worked and played with many of the most respected artists in the music world. He remains committed to pushing the envelope and has broadened his career by seeking and securing opportunities in other facets of the industry such as operating as Musical Director for world renowned artists such as Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, composing for film & television, and teaching guitar.

Michael’s Website: iLikeNomad.com

Michael’s main instrument is the guitar and can play just about any incarnation; electric, acoustic, steel, nylon, 12-string, you name it, he can rock it! He is fluent in Pop, Rock, R&B, Flamenco, Latin, Country and pretty much any style that requires a guitar and even some that don’t with the help of guitar synths such as the VG-99 and GR-55, his pallet is endless.

Michael’s Credits

ARTIST COLLABORATION ROSTER

• American Idol
• Babyface
• Carrie Underwood
• The Pussy Cat Dolls
• Jennifer Hudson
• Leona Lewis
• Natalie Cole
• Randy Jackson
• Mary J. Blige
• Michael McDonald
• Stevie Wonder
• Trisha Yearwood
• Patti LaBelle
• Joss Stone
• Nick Lachey
• Travis Tritt
• Vanessa Williams
• Billy Ray Cyrus
• Brandy
• The Temptations
• Daniel Powter
• Donny Osmond
• Eric Benet
• India Arie
• KC & JoJo
• Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child)
• Mya
• Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
• Robert Randolph (And The Family
• Band)
• Sam Moore (Sam & Dave)
• Take 6
• Jaci Velasquez
• Natalie Grant
• Ayo
• CeCe Winans
• Bo Bice
• Dave Koz
• George Huff (American Idol)
• John Stoddart
• Johnny Gill
• Jonathan Butler
• Josh Groban
• Barbara Wheathers (Atlantic Starr)
• Candy Dulfer
• Cliff Richards
• Michael W. Smith
• Kelly Price
• Boney James
• Toby Mac
• Avalon
• Kimberly Locke (American Idol)
• Kirk Whalum
• LaChelle Griffin (Oprah Winfrey)
• Nicholas Payton
• Norman Brown
• Pat Boone
• Peter White
• Plus One
• Rick Braun
• RJ Helton (American Idol)
• Trick Daddy
• Wayman Tisdale

MOTION PICTURE SCORE COMPOSITIONS & CONTRIBUTIONS

• KNIGHT AND DAY (Flamenco guitar)
• LORAX (electric guitar)
• HAPPY FEET I (Flamenco and electric guitar)
• HAPPY FEET II (electric guitar/bass)
• KUNGFU PANDA (Chinese mandolin – pipa)
• MR. & MRS SMITH (Flamenco and electric guitar)
• PS I LOVE YOU (acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin)
• LILO & STITCH (ukulele)
• THE GAME PLAN (guitar)
• LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE (guitar)
• STOP LOSS (acoustic and electric guitar)
• CHICKEN LITTLE (electric guitar)
• PRINCE OF EGYPT (electric & acoustic guitar)
• CROSSOVER (composed song)

TELEVISION SCORE COMPOSITIONS

• AMERICAN IDOL
• THE TODAY SHOW
• DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
• ABC WORLD NEWS
• LIPSTICK JUNGLE
• SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
• TODDLERS AND TIARAS (TLC)
• CITIES OF THE UNDERWORLD (HISTORY CHANNEL)
• FUNNIEST PETS AND PEOPLE
• I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS PREGNANT (TLC)
• MAN MADE (DISCOVERY CHANNEL)
• MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER (BRAVO)
• PETER PERFECT
• PITBULLS AND PAROLEES
• RENOVATION NATION (HGTV)
• SECRET LIVES OF WOMAN (E!)
• TWINS BY SURPRISE
• UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING
• LOS NINOS EN SU CASA

ADVERTISING AND JINGLE CONTRIBUTIONS

• PENZOIL
• PRUDENTIAL
• DISNEY
• COCA-COLA

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

• AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: LEONA LEWIS
• OPRAH: BABYFACE
• TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO: BO BICE/RICHIE SAMBORA
• THE VIEW: JENNIFER HUDSON, BABYFACE
• JIMMY KIMMEL: JENNIFER HUDSON, LEONA LEWIS
• MIKE AND JULIET SHOW: DONNY OSMOND
• CROSSROADS: TRISHA YEARWOOD/BABYFACE
• LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON: AYO
• THE TODAY SHOW: PUSSYCAT DOLLS, DONNY OSMOND, JENNIFER HUDSON,
• BABYFACE
• GMA: JENNIFER HUDSON, BABYFACE, DONNY OSMOND, PUSSY CAT DOLLS
• REGIS AND KELLY: BABYFACE
• THE CBS EARLY SHOW: JENNIFER HUDSON, BABYFACE
• TYRA BANKS SHOW: JENNIFER HUDSON
• 106TH & PARK: JENNIFER HUDSON
• THE MEGAN MULLALLY SHOW: A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE BAND