NAD...

 

New Amp Day.  You're glad I'm not talking about testicles, aren't ya?

It wasn't like I needed any new music gear.  But, the opportunity to get 12 amps and 13 effects pedals... and not break the bank... nor my back carrying all that.

12 amps?  Where do you find room for all that gear?  Thanks for asking.  Here they are...

 

A Fender Mustang Micro.  Yes, that is small.  It packs a big punch, though.  The all-time favorite amp I had over the years is a Fender Twin Reverb.  Yep, there's a Twin Reverb in there.  Second favorite: a Marshall stack; yep, that, too.  A bunch of others, as well.  Reverb, chorus, flanger, tremolo, high gain.  The Mustang Micro is designed to be a "headphone amp" - you plug your headphone into it, and it sounds like you are standing in front of that variety of amps.  Switchable between them and all the effects.  It uses modeling technology to sound like each of those iconic amps.  Fender has a line of Mustang amplifiers that use this technology - they already know how to do the modeling stuff.  This Mustang Micro makes it easy to have the sounds and practice anywhere.  And, no one else has to hear it.

Another usage: by using an 1/8" to 1/4" adapter, you can plug this little wonder into any amp or PA, allowing as much volume as that equipment can handle.  All that from something small enough to put in your pocket.

When I was a young rock 'n roller, equipment needed to be big to be impressive.  If it wasn't hard on your back to move it around, it wasn't big enough.  Over time, the technology got better, and some of us musicians got smarter: better to have equipment that is easy on your back and sounds just as good as those old huge cabinets.  I found that out about 10 years ago when switching from a big heavy PA system to a Bose L1c - great sound and the whole thing only weighs 29 pounds.  Sets up in about 2 minutes.  Two years ago, I added a Bose S1; even smaller, weighs only 15 pounds, sounds good, and can run on an internal battery as well as being plugged in.  Last year, a Yamaha THR30ii guitar amp that offers impressive variety and only weighs about 10 pounds.

And now, this little wonder.  It really is designed for electric guitars; I tried one of my acoustics that also has a humbucking pickup, and it is OK.  But, it really shines with an electric guitar plugged into it.  To use it where others would hear, you still need something to plug it into - like a PA or a powered speaker.  But, to use it for yourself or to record, just a set of headphones or that connecting cord.

It's an interesting time to be a guitar player.

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Now, I'm really excited!  Nothing to do with the boat or music gear... we made our first reservation for a stay at Hart Ranch this summer.  Members can only book 60 days in advance, so we had this marked on our calendar to call today.  Rufus loves all the grassy areas at Hart Ranch, and Joan and I like all the great motorcycle roads there, our favorite place to ride.

As a member, you kind of take it for granted that you'll be able to stay at Hart Ranch anytime you want.  And, really, that has been the case.  This year, however, I expect that to be different: because of Covid, RV sales have skyrocketed; people understand that RVing is a great way to get out and about, but still be able to distance.  With more people being able to work remotely, they can work from anywhere with a decent data connection.  This has led to more families working and schooling from their RV as they travel around.  Hart Ranch told members in their latest newsletter that bookings are way ahead of last year.  That looks like it will be the situation with RV parks all over the country.

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We dropped the boat off to get fresh bottom paint.  Joan suggested that I do a video "walk-around" to show that there are no dents, no dings, and everything is in good shape.  Smart Idea.  I visited with my new best friend, Angel, and he expects to have the boat done next week, Tuesday or Wednesday.  He pointed at another pontoon that is in dire need of bottom paint - lots of barnacles and crud on the bottom.  Ours is clean.  All he will have to do is a light sanding (for the new paint to adhere), wipe down, and start painting.  That other boat is going to need a LOT of clean up before they can start painting.  Angel noted I have a barrier coat and that it is in good shape (as I told him).  Truly, it should be an easy job.  I have refreshed it myself a couple times; I'm good with letting someone younger than me crawl under there now.