New Rye Room Session with country singer Jessie Leigh performing her brand new song “Storm In May”. Thanks to Nord Keyboards and ProAudioStar in Brooklyn for the Nord Electro 5D. The piano is on point in this one, getting a warm and soft touch out of it.
Much thanks to Vortex Music Magazine for the premier and AEA Ribbon Mics and Preamps for providing microphones for the session!
Read more about the Jessie Leigh and her song Storm in May, featured in Vortex Music Magazine.
A look of what’s inside the Korg SV-1
Years ago, I was able to get my hands on a limited edition Korg SV-1 73-key vintage stage piano with reverse keys. I wanted a go-to keyboard for vintage pianos, Rhodes, etc. and it sure delivered. In fact, it continues to do so without any problems.
A group of Korg artists recently published the chart you see in this article, which displays the editable effects available on the SV-1. Something we forget to realize is that we get such an amazing, tube driven sound without having to carry around 4+ different amps every night. The chart also helps SV-1 owners realize that their professional piano is much more valuable than just the price tag. It’s a timeless collection of all the gear you see, combined into an intuitive interface that continues to deliver unmatched sound and sexy retro stage appeal for musicians of all levels.
On stage at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Last weekend took me down the beautiful Oregon coast to play a show with Jessie Leigh at Blue Bills in the Three Rivers Casino & Resort. Blue Bills is a great spot in country singer Amy Clawson’s current hometown–great sound, great people, great response. Amy is such a wonderful person, and she kicks some serious butt with her band.
The Nord Electro 5D makes it so easy to dial in on B3 and piano parts no matter if you’re in a club-type venue or stadium. Lately, the set list feature and editing features have been key in playing the right notes “right.” Believe me, you can play the right notes “wrong.” Hammond players know what I’m talking about. It comes down to learning about your gear, knowing your drawbars and getting a feel for your instrument.
I’m still playing the Hammond XK-1 plenty, but with a lot more piano parts to play along with the organ, and a lot of traveling, the Nord Electro 5D has been a blessing.
A while ago I mentioned I would take a picture of my rotary setup. It’s been a long, long while now–but here it is. (Pay no attention to the sound guy’s rat’s nest… I didn’t do it!) For my money, I get the advantages that a quality Leslie sound provides in a low-price and portable setup. Of course you can always go out and spend more than $300 for all the newest gear, but I didn’t, and I sure get a better sound than others who did.
I paired a Motion Sound Pro 3 with an Acoustic B100 bass amp. Here’s why:
Price: Total amount spent = $300. I bought the MSP3 on Craigslist for $200. I found the Acoustic B100 at Guitar Center in Boise, Idaho, while on tour for $100.
Sounds Great This is a solid-state setup (the only bummer here). But, you are able to adjust the overdrive, bass tone, and level difference between treble and bass.
Real Rotary: The duo essentially recreates a sound similar to a Leslie 147 with the back off and turned around, but with no need for a 1/4″ adapter or any further hardware. Don’t worry about the bass not being a rotary speaker, our ears aren’t equipped enough to REALLY notice the difference at 700Hz frequencies and below.
Compliments I think we all want to get noticed with our gear, right? Making others point, say wow, or ask for tips make me feel proud to play an tonewheel clone. In fact, I’ve seen people who know nothing about musical instruments point and say, “Look at the thing inside there go!” I want to explain what it is, and why it’s doing that. But overall, I’m happy because they’re paying more attention to me than the guitar player. Mission accomplished 🙂
How I hook It Up:
Basic setup is easy…
1. Setup Hammond Xk-1.
2. Run a 1/4″ instrument cable from the Hammond Xk-1 left out to the input on the MSP3.
3. Run a 1/4″ instrument cable from the MSP3 mono out to the B100 input.
4. Plug a pedal into the 1/4″ rotor control jack on the MSP3.
5. Mic rotor with one or two Beta 57s.
6. Mic B100 with Beta 52A.
Setup Specs:
MSP3: 6.5″H x 20″W x 16.5″D and weighs 27 lbs.
30W solid state amplifier with 700Hz crossover. Everything 700Hz and below is routed to the bass amp.
B100: 100W amp 1 x 15″ bass cabinet. Passive and active inputs, can control gain, volume, lows, lo-mids, hi-mids, and highs.
Live recording of “Piece of Heaven” by Aces Up.
Aces Up and myself have been invited to participate in the 4th Annual Granger Smith Boot Walk.
The event is a benefit for the Boot Campaign, a national 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting patriotism, raising awareness, and providing assistance to military families.
The 100-mile march begins in Austin, and participants will spend five days wearing out combat boots on the way to Fort Hood, where a daylong concert sums up the event on May 8.
Aces Up is a firm supporter of our troops. Guitarist and Bonney Lake resident Jason Adams, served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Fallujah and Ramadi during the Iraq War.
“It’s a good thing to remember everyone who give their life in support of a greater cause.” Adams said.
As part of this event, I, along with Aces Up, have set up a sponsorship page with for those who want to help the band’s efforts toward the Boot Walk: http://www.crowdrise.com/AcesUp/fundraiser/brendanabshier.
“I know we all have heroes in our hearts in one way or another,” keyboard player Brendan Abshier said. “I think of my family, I remember friends, and appreciate how grateful I am for the life I have been granted through their actions.”
Other supporters for the Boot Campaign include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Dwayne Johnson “The Rock”, and more.
If you are interested in learning more about our special CORPORATE and HERO sponsorships, send an e-mail to me: brendan.abshier@gmail.com.
Further Info:
4th Annual Granger Smith Boot Walk | http://www.bootwalk.com
Boot Campaign | http://www.bootcampaign.com/
Aces Up | http://www.acesupcountry.com
Granger Smith | http://www.grangersmith.com
Earl Dibbles Jr. | http://www.earldibblesjr.com/
Hey! I just recorded a piano version of “Stay Until I’m Gone” for you to download and listen to for free. Remember to comment and follow.
Cheers!
Brendan
Brendan Keith 