Hi,
I'm still struggling for studio time but I've had a chance to play with the new monitors. A selection of cables were supplied with the monitors but only one mono 5m cable I could use to connect the amplified monitor to the Tascam with; the Tascam has two outputs so I've ordered more cables then I can fully connect them. I'm delighted though so far just playing through a single monitor and I'm keen to learn what difference it will make once the new cables arrive.
I had problems and really struggled whilst trying to use the Laney guitar amp ending up thinking it wasn't suitable to connect to the Tascam because although I did get it to play by connecting the Tascam to the guitar input on the amp when I tried to increase volume it started shrieking very loudly and the volume control on the amp did nothing at all; connecting the new monitor up the problem remained and now it was obvious my ignorance was at fault and not my kit; the only reference to "Volume" I could find on the Tascam was at the back but now I know this relates to phones. Something wasn't right so I started playing around with the Tascam front panel controls and suddenly everything fell into place; I could play back at high volume and the volume control also worked on the mintor so at last I was happy. Out of interest I then connected the Laney amp and now this too works perfectly with AUX connected; I shouldn't be let loose on all this equipment without adult supervision; everything takes so much time especially when I'm forever busy trying to keep up with the bungalow and gardens maintenance.
I was out very early this morning doing exterior painting in what is forecast a breeze when in fact I should have nailed my cap on; I've just come indoors for a mug of tea and to get warm; it's perishing cold working in the wind on our exposed valley side. Yesterday I was doing more painting including 50' length of handrails (Mopstick); hedges needed trimming grass needed cutting and weeding too; there aren't enough hours in a day and having worked so hard I find it a struggle trying to play my violins whilst my fingers are stiff and my arms ache; at 74 and fully retired I'm running flat out just to stand still. The bench parts are fully painted and when the stainless steel screws arrive I can reassemble it; I've sealant to replace to exterior frames because our bungalow front is exposed to extremes of weather; it never lets up; I hope I'm not moaning but it's just the way my life is every day.
I gently used meths to clean the bow hair and violin strings then I applied the new Pirastro Gold Rosin; I immediately noticed a lot of difference; this new Gold seems to grab the strings better and playing back through the new monitor my playing even sounds better which pleases me no end; I'm working like mad to get on top of all the jobs around home in order to get some quality studio time.
I used a 2" foam roller to apply paint to the bench slats but had to use a brush to apply paint to the fancy heavy cast iron bench ends so now the bench is fully painted; the handrails are painted and I've been painting to the bungalow front this morning; I'm definitely spending some time in the studio later today whatever is thrown at me; here's a couple more pictures just for interest.
Handrail rubbed down and spot primed.
Handrail fully gloss painted; another job ticked off. This handrail is one of two I painted the other is to our rear garden.
Garden bench ends now fully gloss painted ready for final assembly then I can also tick this job off.
UPDATE,
Why do I bother; it's now pouring with rain; here is named West Yorkshire when in fact it should be more correctly named WET Yorkshire; every time I do exterior painting it rains. If I tried to shoot myself I'd miss. Yes trhis is a moan.
Kind regards, Colin.
