thanks ace! i really needed the reference point, and because of the notation differences you described, i could never seem to get a straight answer, until now. :)
leedogg, i've wondered about the same thing, it's a good question(s).
i was working on an eagles song, and thought i had it pretty good, recorded it, and when i played it back the tone was horrible.
so i just don't record myself anymore. lol, just kidding. i think if a person is honest with themselves, and objective, with the goal of improvement, a bad tone could probably be worked on. i hope :)