Sonicsiblings.net

It was just a matter of time until we got around to this one.  Ron and I learned this song just the other day, so take it as an early version.  Again, one take on vocals, guitar and mandolin, and then another by way of afterthought (some percussion) as we listened back.  I still feel hampered recording with the M-Audio Firewire 410.  The quality is comparatively good (as Todd would say…better specs than many other devices), but I need more simultaneous tracks so…. MOTU here I come, and it may be time for the dual processor Mac as well. As for this recording, I always wondered what this old traditional english folk song would sound like with middle-eastern dumbeg behind it.  Ron’s voice is perfect for it,  and I will continue to practice this one on the mandolin until I get more crisp on the leads.  Oh, and one lesson learned here, I upgraded to a better mandolin and had a luthier set it up for me just right, but notice how it does not sound as good on this recording compared to my others?  That’s because it has a fishman pickup system in it and I am recording jack to jack for the first time.  Previous mando recordings were done with a fairly high quality condensor mic.  From now on, I will go with the mic in the studio…or maybe both the jack and the mic and see what I get.  The lesson for me….the fidelity with good microphones will almost always get you a better recording with acoustic instruments.  I am still pleased with the upgrade though as the pickup gives me much more mobility to move around and enjoy performing.  We are just about ready for that open mic!   John Barleycorn