Gear Box
On the road, I always use the Audix VX 10 microphone for my vocals. Its got a really rich velvety mid/low range, but still has a lot of power on the top. If that doesn't work in the particular room, the true road dog sure fire mic is the Sure Beta 87.
I usually record with the CAD Equitek 300. For the money its the most wicked chick singer microphone. My vocals on Ten Cent Wings, most of Steady Pull, and all of Back in the Circus were recorded on my Equitek. A Neumann 49 is always a smooth, luxurious option, but they are often hard to find, and hard to maintain.
For guitars, Ive got a fabulous blue telecaster re-issue from my pal Knud at Fender in Denmark. My Guild Valencia from the custom shop in Nashville courtesy of Billy Siegle and Al and Ed!! I had the most precious little guild F-30 that was stolen two summers ago in Portland, OR by a drug addict, and a 52 telecaster re-issue too, (both courtesy of Billy Siegle) may they at least be bringing someone some beautiful music. My oldest road warrior is a Maple, Guild Jumbo. Always sounds amazing. The acoustics all have the Fishman Matrix saddle pick-up. Lately, I've taken the way less can be way more approach. I bring a cable and a tuner..I do a lot of touring solo, just so I can bring home some bacon, so the less I carry, the quicker I can get around!
My other beloved guitars are two custom made Olsons. Made by James Olson, Circle Pines, Minnesota. Just stunning, lovely forever guitars. Cedar top, rosewood backs.
I have a road Wurlitzer... Its a 200 B model. Lovingly restored by Mark Ross in Los Angeles,
and a beat up old Student Wurlitzer, 50's green, speakers intact!!
I mostly work and write now with a CASIO Celviano. So versatile, great sounds, great feel. And for my Kitchen Covid Concerts, I use a brand new cherry red CASIO Privia. Awesome new sounds...
I've got a fretless and a normal Fender Bass, a recorder, kalimbas, spoons, I'm in love with my mandolin these days - I just love the open intervals that lead me to different places harmonically.
Tune the bottom two strings down a half step? And the mandolin becomes a little more mournful... Heaven.
I've been using the SPIRE app for when I wake up at 4 in the morning with an idea. (Often I'm disappointed the next day with what I thought at the time was a HIT!) But it has 8 tracks immediately and user friendily available. So I can try multiple basics, melodies and harmonies quickly if i need to. ON MY PHONE!
And I have a little pro-tools rig I can record with right here at Bad Dog Headquarters.
Danish fan Thomas Edinger took the time to create a guitar tutorial of "Blood From a Stone." Watch it here.
If you're interested in Guitar Tabs, Marian Russell has generously done quite a few. You can find them here, to the right, along with most of the tunings.
I've also been posting "Songs from the Attic" lately on Youtube. Acoustic versions with the tunings listed. In some of them, you can get a visual on the chord shapes.
ENJOY!
