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Been digging more into playing electric violin, have been bugged for some time by a few close family members and now, GregW (thank you) - to get on with it!
I admit, I need to be bugged about it. (lol)
I will need to learn how to use PreSonus Studio One and all my Spark amp features.
Want to keep in mind info from some related threads.
Recently learned that Jesus Florido uses "Super Sensitive" for his lower strings and Larsen for the rest on his Glasser AE6 String, so will keep in mind with this other thread.
https://fiddlerman.com/forum/l.....n-strings/
I will also need to experiment here. (lol)
https://fiddlerman.com/forum/p.....n-a-a-v/
Right now, I need to tidy up some loose ends of music I'm currently working on. June is crazy with many Birthday celebrations, including Kevin's & mine (oh, no... Medicare paperwork!😖), and Fiddle Hell workshops & jams can't be viewed past July 18th (I have so much more to learn there). And... can't forget, there's always a lot going on with the Grandkids (they fight over who gets to spend the night)!
So realistically, looks like the latter half of July for my dive into electric violin.
...figured if I put it in writing I'd be more likely to commit to this endeavor & I'm apologizing, for dragging anyone who reads this to a boring, dead end - for now. (lol)
- Emily
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One warning about moving forward with what youve purchased is that, like most things techie, there is a
learning curve and it will take time away from practice on violin which is what brought us here. BUT, there is
some reward and things to gain from using a daw, looper, amp... you just have to get over the initial hump. Id put daw's down the list on items of importance.
you may not even really need/want presonus..it will depend on how you feel about your spark amp once you
start using it. Do that first and see if it is doing the things you thought it would for you..if that makes you
happy then forget about presonus. i dont have a spark so i cant say either way on that.
when you read or hear about an audio interface from what i read your spark can serve as that...keep that in mind.
If you decide to use presonus.. I would watch some installation videos first. also...the account you create on presonus website to download software....
DECIDE AHEAD OF TIME if you want it tied to your current email and such or if youd like to keep it seperate. i
think itsn handy to keep all that kinda stuff seperate from my normal house biz email account.
MAKE SURE your computer meets RECOMMENDED system requirements. minimum will not be fun down the
road and will geti n the way of your experience with the software.
here is a good step by step install video
like i said... playing around in a daw is fun but it can take away from violin if youre not careful. the trick will be how to use it with practice so it isnt just a hassel.
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...figured if I put it in writing I'd be more likely to commit to this endeavor & I'm apologizing, for dragging anyone who reads this to a boring, dead end - for now. (lol)
- Emily
Sounds like a good idea to me, and familiar, since that's why I started my blog. I'll be following this.
The old curmudgeon!
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@ABitRusty -
Thanx!
Great advice!
Will watch - only know it says my Spark comes with PreSonus Studio One -
don't know if that's all it was meant to work with, yet.
Will get Krack'n on the laptop, too.
...yep, looks like July/August. 🙄
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@elcbk he has the ol 5 string 'lectric out! darn good version here!
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We can turn an acoustic violin into an acoustic electric violin with hardly no notice of the addition. We build our own piezo into the bridge of your favorite violin. We can test and play some instruments of your choice and install the piezo when you are content with the instrument.
We have done this for many violinists and they love it.
Unfortunately we haven't put it up on the site because we are super busy but it will come. We currently have 9 full time luthiers and are more or less caught up with orders. Orders usually take a week to fulfill now. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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TRICK or TREAT?
Anyone want to change the way their playing sounds?
Because of the ability to change the way an instrument sounds AND all the amazing built-in features & apps available for 'Smart' amps today - WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE PLAYING E/Vs? ...especially 5-string violins & violas?
Mixing & editing software, for after the fact, has it's place - but what about WHILE YOU ARE PLAYING?
I need to catch up on what's available thru my Spark amp app, because there's some amazing features!
Talk about A.I. - one app feature will learn my playing and respond with bass & drum accompaniment!
They've even got a wireless foot controller that is capable of much more than you'd realize!
The Spark's got a built-in interface for recording, but I haven't learned about the 'Smart Video Capture' feature, yet - and a huge tone playground to explore!
After I update & get caught up on all the app features, I'm back to thinking it's about time I pull Mortimer out of the deep sleep he's been in, since Edgar came along, and actually have some fun with my Spark amp!
🤔... I had a quick look:
Spark is a powerhouse 40 Watt combo that packs some serious thunder. Get deep control with onboard bass, mid and treble tone stack controls, plus handy mod, delay and reverb effects knobs. With tone starter preset programs, a built-in tuner, tap tempo and more, you'll be blown away by Spark's versatility and authentic feel.
New GAME CHANGER!
The Spark MINI!!!
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Why not sound like you want - WHILE you are playing, instead of waiting to listen after mixing & editing?
I'm pretty fascinated that the SPARK MINI does everything the 40 can!
Getting MORE EXCITED!
Found an EXCELLENT video that really goes through more of the app, patch sections, backing tracks, 'Smart Jams' & RECORDING!
Little Amp: BIG Sound!! Spark MINI by Positive Grid by Steve from Boston.
...all sorts of possibilities!!!
Kevin's gonna kill me. 😳
- Emily
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"Kevin's gonna kill me"
Did you order one? That looks convenient in that you could sit it on a nightstand or table by the sofa. Are you planing on a full electric violin?
I can add pedals in the setup i have but i have to wear headphones. If I was to use the sm57 i may be able to turn on my monitors and play through speakers but Id still hear my acoustic. Even if I had a pickup Id still be hearing the acoustic and a split second later the amp sound. But with an electric violin I could see this being handy. Especially if busking or playing for an audience. plus I think you can still record to memory? so best of both worlds. very handy.
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@ABitRusty -
Yep, I done did it!
It definitely takes care of the physical immobility reasons why I haven't used my Spark 40.
You talked about hearing your acoustic sound over any amp and with delay - has me wondering how much I've been deceived by some of the videos I've seen about acoustic guitar with the Spark amp (?) Some videos I've seen have been mic'd in front of the amp & others have just been room mic'd.
I've read/watched so many warnings about choosing an amp for electric violins! It just about drove me crazy worrying about impedance differences because violins have higher frequencies - but the Spark Mini works well with Electric guitar AND Acoustic & Bass - there's so many patches available, I'm sure I'll find sound I like.
I haven't looked for possible 'acoustic violin' patches, yet, but here's a few videos showing how good this amp sounds for acoustic guitar. I'm sure the bounty of patches will continue to increase with time.
My other dilemma... special effects foot pedals! I've been so discouraged by being physically laid up - I'd about given up, then I saw THIS video where Maria uses her HAND with the distortion pedal controls!
"LUNE DE METAL" - Maria Zaharia lives in France and loves to play Romanian music. She's playing a 5 string violin & is using a Spark 40 amp!
Yep, I also bought the Positive Grid Wireless Controller - so I can easily switch custom presets! (demo in post #7) I'll find a way to use it.
I'm finally feeling much better about everything coming together & using Presonus Studio One with all this - so now, my last concern for the moment is about Wireless.
- Is there a limit to how many Wireless devices I can use in close proximity at the same time?
- Am I still going to be able to use my Oladance Wireless open earbuds along with everything else?
I can't wait to try the Video Capture!
Time to get serious with CHOPS!
...mine sound like little kisses! 😖
- Emily
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ELCBK said
Why not sound like you want - WHILE you are playing, instead of waiting to listen after mixing & editing?
I'm pretty fascinated that the SPARK MINI does everything the 40 can!
Getting MORE EXCITED!
Found an EXCELLENT video that really goes through more of the app, patch sections, backing tracks, 'Smart Jams' & RECORDING!
Little Amp: BIG Sound!! Spark MINI by Positive Grid by Steve from Boston.
...all sorts of possibilities!!!
Kevin's gonna kill me. 😳
- Emily
@elcbk. i watched some of the spark mini vids and this is gonna be handy. It will also act as an interface so thats good. very cool device. thanks..another gaget on the list
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@ABitRusty said -
@elcbk. i watched some of the spark mini vids and this is gonna be handy. It will also act as an interface so thats good. very cool device. thanks..another gaget on the list
This 'hobby'... addiction is a money pit, isn't it?
ETA for my Mini & controller is 2 weeks.
- Emily
Btw, anyone interested in gigging with their Violin, Viola or Cello - Fiddlershop carries some really serious amps & pedals!
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Well, I'm back to experimenting... again. (lol)
I'm going to be pulling my A/E 5-string Violin (Mortimer) out of the moth balls here shortly - can't remember the last time I put new strings on.
Figured since this will be the 1st time I play Mortimer as an Electric Violin, I'll be manipulating tone in the process, anyway - it might be a good time to experiment with strings.
I have to keep my favorite E string, Pirastro Gold Label, but decided to try a 'small scale' Viola set of Tonicas - just because I don't think my usual strings (much more expensive), will make any difference when I'm not playing acoustically. I've had great success with a short scale Viola C string, before I got Edgar.
...just for comparison, I'll leave my old strings on long enough to test out my new amp & effects, before switching to the Tonicas.
Wish I would've thought about doing all this a few months ago, so I could've prepared for Halloween - I'm finally in the mood & don't think the Grandkids will mind if I extend the Halloween season a little.
- Emily
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WOO HOO!
Mini Spark arrived today! 🤗 Wasn't expected for at least another week.
It's SOOO CUTE - about the size of a square box of kleenex! I can't tell you how tempting it is to start my deep dive - instead of finishing our last minute prep for family & friends that just invited themselves over for Halloween!!!
...looking forward to my metamorphosis!
- Emily
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Bummed out that I had to wait all week before I could get Kevin to help me with a bunch of phone & laptop stuff - one being the Spark app & Presonus Studio One. 😕
I was so excited...
Then, ran into a snag last night. My Spark is supposed to have a label with a serial no. - it doesn't exist. ...anywhere.
Now, I have to wait until Kevin gets home from work to live chat about it... y'all know I'm NOT computer or phone tech-friendly. 😖
Good thing I've got Misère to keep me company! (no, I don't know the lyrics)
- Emily
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sometimes they put them on or in the manual on a piece of plastic so you can put on the sticker yourself. It may be loose in the plastic bag where all yhe literature is...or on a warranty card..or on a CD if it came with it
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@ABitRusty -
Thank you, this has been crazy!
OMG!
This is why (well, one of the reasons why) I love Kevin - he jumped through hoops tonight, for something he has absolutely NO interest in! ...I was made aware of it, though. 😄
What a fiasco!
Kevin didn't find much help from the Spark app last night, they showed a photo of where to find the serial no. - where it wasn't. The Positive Grid Live Chat was NO help. Finally found a microscopic code (seriously?) on the bottom of the Mini Spark - didn't help cause phone couldn't read it, Kevin had to enlarge/use the numbers next to it (microscopic, also), then back & forth between websites and some other nonsense - finally got the PreSonus software downloaded, but he had quite a run-around getting the firmware to update. For some reason issues with both PreSonus & Positive Grid sites - had to repeatedly log in & reload the product key multiple times.
Needless to say, some expletives have been thrown around, in my direction, tonight. 🤭
Too much drama to actually play around with this tonight. Wish the process had been a little more user friendly... I wouldn't have asked for help on a work night if I'd had a clue.
...and the wind just blew the cap off the chimney - what a night!
- Emily
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