As a beginner, I have been playing surf, because I like the sound. I experiment, I just have trouble getting the surf tone. I have a Strat and a Frnder Twin Reverb(reissue) amp.
Can anyone out there suggest settings to use with this to get that sound?
Thanks.
Originally Posted by: theburpAs a beginner, I have been playing surf, because I like the sound. I experiment, I just have trouble getting the surf tone. I have a Strat and a Frnder Twin Reverb(reissue) amp.
Can anyone out there suggest settings to use with this to get that sound?
Henrik did a tutorial on that topic.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1094
He recommends rolling off some bass, turning up the reverb & picking near the bridge. Some vibrato bar wiggling will help too!
We also have a few tunes in that style.
https://www.guitartricks.com/songs/artist/the-ventures
https://www.guitartricks.com/songs/artist/jan-dean
https://www.guitartricks.com/songs/artist/the-beach-boys
Hope that helps. Have fun with it!
I did look at his lesson, but might be too advanced for me. My amp has these controls called intensity and speed, of which I haven't a clue.
I try to play near the bridge, but it is difficult.
Terms like rool off don't mean much to me either, I am guessing that it means to reduce the bass.
BTW, thanks for the swift reply
Originally Posted by: theburpI did look at his lesson, but might be too advanced for me.[/quote][p]Fair enough, but you got to start somewhere! :)[br][br]
Originally Posted by: theburpMy amp has these controls called intensity and speed, of which I haven't a clue.[/quote][p]That sounds like the vibrato channel. I'd have to know exactly which model to be sure. If it is a vibrato channel, then you can just turn that all to zero for now. Vibrato is a slighty to heavy warbling sound. It's not necessary or essential to surf style guitar. But it can add a nice effect if you like it. Check out this demo.
https://youtu.be/HTD-016tLpg?t=310
[quote=theburp]I try to play near the bridge, but it is difficult.
Yes, it is at first. But that's where the surf tone is! So it will be worth practicing & developing your technique in that area in order to get the sound you want.
It will also help to use the bridge pickup on your Strat.
[quote=theburp]Terms like rool off don't mean much to me either, I am guessing that it means to reduce the bass.
Yes, turn it down a little. Try to start with bass, mids, treble all at 5. Then start to experiment with adjusting them. Turn the bass down a little, try 3. Turn the mids & treble up a little, try 7. Adjust it according to how it sounds when you play it. Experiment!
Turn the reverb up to 5 & listen if that is too much or too little for your tastes & how close you are to getting a surf tone that you like.
For now turn the vibrato speed & intensity off.
Give it a try!
BTW, thanks for the numbers. Now at least I have a starting point.
In passing you said something else that I have overlooked. Do I have vibrato turned off. That certainly would affect tone. Need to check that.
Originally Posted by: theburpBTW, thanks for the numbers. Now at least I have a starting point.
In passing you said something else that I have overlooked. Do I have vibrato turned off. That certainly would affect tone. Need to check that.
You're welcome! Best of success with it.
Actually I had some success. The vidio link you provided didn't help much with tone but it did help with playing close to the bridge, I still have work to do, but after observing him do it, I changed my hand position and it isnot as hard as it was. Plus your starting numbers actually worked pretty well.
Maybe I'll take a 1 on 1 with Henrik to help with tone, and help me understand.
Originally Posted by: theburpActually I had some success.[/quote]Excellent!
Originally Posted by: theburpThe vidio link you provided didn't help much with tone ...[/quote]Bummer!
Originally Posted by: theburp...but it did help with playing close to the bridge, I still have work to do, but after observing him do it, I changed my hand position and it isnot as hard as it was.Good deal!
[quote=theburp]Plus your starting numbers actually worked pretty well.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad something helped. :)
[quote=theburp]Maybe I'll take a 1 on 1 with Henrik to help with tone, and help me understand.
That's a great idea. But you should definitely keep working on your technique so you can get the most out of the lesson. Have fun with it!
