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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I'm trying to assemble a list of ultra common questions we see here and the answers. If you have a Q and A that you've seen a lot and your think should be on this list, just add it like the one below to this thread. PLEASE, lets try to keep this thread on track/subject. Thanks.. it will make it easier to use the info later.
EXAMPLE:
Q:What is my Ovation guitar worth?
A: This is probably the most frequently asked question, and the hardest to answer. There are so many factors involved in pricing a musical instrument. Is is collectable? Is it rare? Is it popular? It is highly recommended that you check some online resources such as www.ebay.com. To find out how much an instrument, similar to yours, has recently sold for. Check "completed items." Other online resources include www.gbase.com and www.guitarlist.com. Your best bet, unless you need it appraised for insurance or other reasons, is to try and ask yourself "How much is this instrument worth to me?" More value related resources include the "The Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars" and "The Blue Book of Electric Guitars" both edited by S. P. Fjestad and available in paperback by Gurney Brown. There is also the software version "The Book of Guitars" by S. P. Fjestad. from Blue Book Publishing, Inc. |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Q: What Strings Do You Use/ Sound Best?
A: Go to the 'Search' function and type in "Strings". You'll be busy with hours of commentary.
Like this:
by Lisa Sharken
"As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the string, the bigger the sound."
No question, strings are an essential part of the sound of a guitar. With the exception of a rare few, the majority of players will agree that their guitars sound noticeably better with new strings. Though it's no secret, this fact is frequently overlooked and taken for granted. Changing strings is probably the cheapest and simplest way to improve your tone. So if you're not entirely happy with the sound of your guitar you may want to consider trying another type of string before replacing pickups, or blaming the amp or your new bass player, since different strings may give your guitar an entirely new sound and feel. Remember, the string is really where the sound of your guitar begins. It's the vibration of the string that initiates everything else.
A string is constructed of a core, the center around which the windings of the string are wrapped, and the windings, the wrap of wire around the center core. The core is usually either round or hexagonal in shape, while the windings come in three shapes: round-wound, half-round (which are also known as polished or ground-round wound), and flatwound. Roundwound is the most common of all string types and produces the brightest and clearest sound. A half-round string is constructed from a round-wound string that has had the outer round wrap ground or burnished down to create a more even and flatter surface. The smoother surface allows the hand to glide more freely with less squeaking as it moves across the string, and are generally not quite as bright as round-wounds. Flatwound strings have a completely smooth outer wrap to provide the sleekest and most fluid surface for effortless sliding without squeaks. Flat-wounds produce a flat and dark sound and are most frequently used by traditional jazz players.
Let's take a look at the differences between some of the materials used to manufacture guitar strings and the characteristics of their tone. What are some factors about the string that affect tone? The first is the alloy, which is the type of metal used in the string's construction. Material used for the windings on electric guitar strings must have stronger magnetic properties to be capable of working in conjunction with the guitar's pickups. For plain strings, Swedish steel is the most commonly used alloy for both electric and acoustic. However, strings made for acoustic guitar do not need magnetic properties since the tone is not created with a magnetic pickup. They do however, require strong resonant properties to project the tone and work in conjunction with the wood of the guitar.
Here's a general run-down of some of the most commonly used alloys. I've already mentioned nickel plated steel, which produces a bright and warm sound and is favored by players of acoustic and electric guitar since it has excellent magnetic properties. Pure nickel is another alloy which is experiencing a bit of a "come back" as of late. It is not quite as bright as the NPS. Pure nickel is what most strings were made of back in the 60's. The resurgence of surf music and 50-60's music is causing the come back of the pure nickel. Stainless steel is an alloy commonly used for electric guitar strings since it has good magnetic properties and produces a very clear and bright sound. One advantage of stainless steel is that it's more resistant to oxidation than NPS or nickel. It's a favorite of pedal-steel players. Chrome is much flatter sounding than nickel or stainless steel and is commonly used for flatwound electric guitar strings since it also has good magnetic properties. It's also often preferred by jazz and blues players. For acoustic guitar, the most popular alloy used for wound strings is bronze, which produces a bright, crisp sound. Phosphor bronze is the second most popular choice and produces a bright, but is slightly warmer and darker sound than bronze. Another common material is brass, which is brighter and more metallic sounding than bronze. Brass seems to work well to brighten up characteristically dark and muddy sounding acoustics.
Of course, we can't forget about the gauge of the string, the actual thickness, which is measured to 1/1000th of an inch. The gauge of a string affects the amount of tension the string creates and how difficult it will be to press down or bend. Heavier strings have more tension and are somewhat harder to play on, however they do produce a stronger and fatter tone than thinner strings. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the string, the bigger the sound.
As you can see, there are several factors about strings themselves that effect their sound. It's the result of those characteristics of the strings working together with the qualities of the guitar's wood, and the magnetic properties and tonal qualities of a guitar's pickups that truly define the instrument's voice. But it all begins with the string. Experiment with different kinds of strings; it's the simplest modification you can do. And remember, if you change strings, you may have to readjust the setup of your guitar to accommodate for the differences, especially if you change your string gauge. Happy stringin'. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | For an FAQ section the answer should go something like...
"Ovations leave the factory with xxxxx brand strings. Members have their own personal choice which they will be glad to share with you if asked. The best way to find your brand fits your style and ears is by trial an error. Hopefully by the fifth change out you'll have your answer." |
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Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | example...different lables and headstock designs,what years had witch |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | What are string tubes?
Read all about them by using the search function and then contact Tupperware directly for purchasing, pricing, and shipping information. |
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October 2005
Posts: 803
Location: Avondale, AZ | "Have you ever killed a thread?"
Don't ask. |
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March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | "Are the newer OP series preamps interchangeable without changing the can?"
:D |
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Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | Q:What's the difference between a center-sound hole, multi-sound hole, and Adamas in voice?
A: Early center-sound hole Ovations (Balladeers and Legends) were modelled after early dreadnaughts of famous manufacture. Ovation was the first guitar company to mechanically model and graphically record the frequency spectrum of a guitar, then, ask people what they liked about the sound, and make guitars that people said sounded good based on scientific and mechanical principals. The Adamas multi-sound hole guitars were the first to use a composite soundboard and truley different bracing patterns previously unavailable to further enhance the voicing of a guitar. These improvments led to the multi-soundhole wood topped Elite Models. Where the center sound hole guitars have a typical reverse bell-curved frequency map, the the Elites have a much more balanced map. Much like a mic'd guitar run through a very good compressor. The Adamas guitars simply have a broader frequency response, with allot of audible harmonics.
For my next trick..
Q:What's the difference between a CVT, SMT, textured top, and unidirectional top Adamas? |
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Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by mtnbikerfred:
Q:What's the difference between a CVT, SMT, textured top, and unidirectional top Adamas? A: Textured tops sound better. |
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Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Why does Ovation xxxx?
or Why doesn't Ovation xxxx?
A: This board has no affiliation with Kaman Music, the makers of Ovation and Adamas guitars. Therefore we haven't a clue why they do the things they do. May we suggest that you contact Kaman Music directly and let us know what you find out.
_____
gh1 |
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Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Q- I see a lot of different round backed guitars around from different places in the world. Are they all Ovations?
A-? |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | What are the pros and cons of the different bowl depths?
Which string gauge is recommended for Ovation guitars?
How is it that Ovation guitars are so much more inexpensive than other "top" brand named guitars, but play and sound as good or better?
How can I eliminate fret buzzing?
How should I store my Ovation Guitar?
Where can I get good repairs done on my Ovation guitar?
What is this "GAS" that everyone refers to on this site? |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | ... What are the recommended ways to clean and perform maintenance on my guitar?
Is a humidifier recommended for my guitar? |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | ... What is a good price to ask for my ____ model guitar?
What is considered a good price for a ___ model guitar?
These could be linked to a used instrument price list. |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Q: How do I adjust the action on my Ovation?
A: First, check the action as recommended in the Ovation Owner's Manual. If you want to lower the action, remove the strings and carefully remove the saddle. If you have a model with a preamp, reach inside and gently push up on the wire under the bridge to push up on the saddle. If you have more than one shim under the saddle, remove one and try the action. If you want it lower, remove all the shims. If you get string buzz, put a shim back in.
See other questions and answers on string guage for related issues.
That's an attempt at one that I asked and a summary of some of the answers. |
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Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Q: How do I adjust the action on my Ovation?
A: First, check the action as recommended in the Ovation Owner's Manual. Actually, 1st would be to take it out of the case :p
Sorry, in one of my moods again :D |
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Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by stephent28:
What are string tubes?
Read all about them by using the search function and then contact Tupperware directly for purchasing, pricing, and shipping information. This is what I found while looking for string tubes. Think I'll look some more!
web page " target="_blank" title="http://images.marketworks.com/fullView.asp?id=10127388&fc=0&img=http://images.marketworks.com/hi/54/54351/d.jpg">">http://images.marketworks.com/fullView.asp?id=10127388&fc=0&img=htt... |
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Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Q: How do I upload pictures to my Photo Gallery?
A:
1. Click on "Member Access" on the left side of your screen (if you don't see "member access", you need to click on the "Ovation Fan Club" link at the bottom of your screen, or type http://www.ovationfanclub.com in your browser).
2. Click on "Photo Gallery".
3. Click on "Gallery Utility".
4. Click on "Upload Photo".
5. Fill in the fields.
6. Pick the photo you want to upload (When you click "browse" you are looking at the files on YOUR computer).
7. Click "Upload".
NOTE: File size is limited to 100k. Larger images will be rejected. Maximum pixel width is 500. Images wider than 500 pixels and smaller than 100k in size will be resized.
Q: How do I post pictures in a thread?
A: The image needs to be hosted somewhere on the internet. Your OFC photo gallery qualifies.
1. Right click on the image you wish to post, choose 'copy image location'.
2. In the position in your post where you wish to place the image, type , then type ) . (If using 'Full Reply Form" you can position the cursor and click on the "Image" button, then paste the image location in the box. This will insert the  )
To get the location of an image in your gallery,
1. Go to your gallery.
2. Click on the thumbnail of the picture you want to post.
3. Right-click on the large version, choose "Copy Image Location". |
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Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Good one, Waskel - that one truly needs to be on the top 20. |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | At least now I know where to find it next time someone asks. I should write one on how to do quotes... for Schroeder.
Oh, and one on how to do links as well. |
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December 2001
Posts: 7225
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | This is working out good. If people know the answers to some of the unanswered questions, please feel free. I will eventually take this stack of Q & A and put it into it's own forum category so it's all searchable. Also try to cover as much as possible of the topic if you can. As example the "How do I adjust the action" question... although straight forward, if someone is actually asking that question, the first part of the response should be.. "Insure the action is what needs adjusting" You'd want to check the neck relief and angle BEFORE making ANY adjustments. |
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Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | How do I check the neck relief and angle before making any adjustments? |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Q: I'm in the rough, 150 yards from the green with a large tree blocking the way. If I hit a high fade I may be able to clear the greenside bunker and make the green without going off the back.
What Ovation should I use to sing about this? |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | any black one. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Q How and when do I humidify my guitar?
A First get a hygrometer to test the humidity of your guitar case. You can look at places like first quality music or musicians friend to find a hygrometer to your liking, plus searching the internet.
If the hygrometer reveals that the humidity is less than 40% you need to put in a humidifier. Again visit a place like first quality music or musicians friend, plus other places to find one to your liking. If possible, you want to keep the humidity under 60%, but this a harder varible to control, but is also less of a threat than not enough humidity. |
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Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | The Tiger Woods limited fan club edition - it's got a sound that can move rocks and branches. It's pure titanium with a neck wrapped in the finest leather. You have to get the stiff shaft though for the really tall trees. |
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Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | all depends on his next shot, thus either a chainsaw or a foot "mashie"
then, "sad" or "glad" |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Didn't Croce use a Legend for "Dreamin' Again"? I can only hit a high fade when there is out of bounds on the right. |
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Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Miles, add the "no XLR out" question to the list.. solution either dummy plug or an XLR cable with pin 1 bonded to the shield. |
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Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Q: I'm in the rough, 150 yards from the green with a large tree blocking the way. If I hit a high fade I may be able to clear the greenside bunker and make the green without going off the back.
What Ovation should I use to sing about this?
A green Balladeer. |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Dear Abby,
I've never written to you before, but I really need your advice on what could be a crucial decision. I've suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs..Phone rings but if I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with the girls a lot recently although when I ask their names she always says, "Just some friends from work, you don't know them." I always stay awake to look out for her taxi coming home, but she always walks down the drive, although I can hear a car setting off, as if she has gotten out of the car round the corner. Why? Maybe she wasn't in a taxi? I once picked her cell phone up just to see what time it was and she went berserk and screamed that I should never touch her phone again and why was I checking up on her. Anyway, I have never broached the subject with my wife. I think deep down I just didn't want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to really check on her. After returning from my nightly playing gig, I crouched down behind my Ovation guitar case on the side of the garage so I could get a good view of the whole street when she comes home. It was at that moment, hiding behind my guitar case, when I noticed that one of the four rivets holding the carrying handle were missing and two of the other three were loose.
Is this something I can fix myself or should I send it back to the Mothership?
Thanks,
Ovation Guy |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Seriously, there have been a number of requests for a recommendation on an acoustic amp. One is ongoing at this moment. The answer could be a list of several options within a variety of price categories based on the preferences and experiences of the members. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | How about....
What is the difference between a AA top and a AAA top? |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | I prefer a decent 'little' bass amp for acoustic guitar. It can handle the full spectrum sound that a normal electric guitar amp, pushing the mids as the smaller speakers do, miss.
'Course, as I play bass anyway, that just happens to suit my situation. I don't feel like owning a lot of gear I seldom use.
Though I did jsut buy this little 12 watt Kustom tube amp that's cute as all get out! |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by Slipkid:
the difference between a AA top and a AAA top? A?  |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | FAQ:
How do I explain to my wife I just purchased another guitar?
Answer:
Diamond Earrings. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...who has Cliff's meds? |
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Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Who's askin?
(I ain't touchin' the reds man!
Last time I woke up in a barn outside of Topeka!) |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Dude! That was you!?! |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
FAQ:
How do I explain to my wife I just purchased another guitar?
Answer:
Diamond Earrings. Jeff, weren't you divorced? I can't understand how someone who has such a profound knowledge of marriage and can express it in two words could ever have been divorced. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Never been down the isle... I spent the engagement ring money on the Lowden...
I'm trying to get a constitutional amendment passed banning marriage. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | They're trying to change the constitution to ban gay marriage here. As much as they screw up every other referendum or statute, they may end up banning marriage all together.
Marriage isn't really as bad as I make it sound. We're still waiting to see how the raising kids part turns out, though. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | FYI....
How do I get my photos small enough to post???
Sent them to yourself in an e-mail. Choose the "make my picture smaller" button when asked.
I know there are many other ways... for some, this one might be easier to accomplish than others. |
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March 2003
Posts: 195
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado | Question: What is the single biggest cause of divorce in America today?
Answer: Marriage.... |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | Here's a real question. Should we submit sets of pix to Miles from the recent gatherings? |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | Here's one I was thinking of:
In what order would you rank the models of Ovations, for quality and prestige?
1 Adamas
2 Ovation (US)
3 Celebrity Deluxe-ish
4 Pinnacle (US)
5 Ultra (Korean)
6 Celebrity
7 Applause
8 Matrix |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Honestly, I felt the 90's Ultras were superior to the current Celeries (of any ilk). And there's probably a few here who would rank the Matrix higher than the Applesauce. |
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Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | Yep, there never was a real concenus. Somebody smarter than I should finalize the list, but I think it's a good question. |
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February 2002
Posts: 83
Location: Columbus, OH | Some other FAQ's:
What's wrong with Alpep?
Or...
Is Alpep really that nuts?
;-)
Maybe:
How tall is Miles? |
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February 2002
Posts: 83
Location: Columbus, OH | Originally posted by Slipkid:
How about....
What is the difference between a AA top and a AAA top? Too easy. The answer is "A". |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by DavidE:
How tall is Miles? at least 10560 feet.. |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| ..didn't know there was ever a USA Pinnacle?.. |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Q: What's with the llama?
A: You don't wanna know. |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by DavidE:
How tall is Miles? Pretty darned. |
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February 2002
Posts: 83
Location: Columbus, OH | Who came up with the Thunderbolt? |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Question:
My preamp/tuner doesn't work when I plug-in the XLR
Answer:
-Use ground to shell XLR cable
-Use 1/4 inch dummy plug in 1/4 inch jack (activates tuner) |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Question:
My preamp/tuner doesn't work when I plug-in the XLR
Answer:
-Use ground to shell XLR cable
-Use 1/4 inch dummy plug in 1/4 inch jack (activates tuner) - Call your mommy, whine and get a little useless sympathy
- Turn on the switch marked "Phantom Power" |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | New Q: Where is the switch marked "Phantom Power"?
A: It's a Phantom, dummy. |
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OvationFanClub Top 20 Q & A