Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm in the process of recording "Words of Love" because I'm on a Buddy Holly fix, but like the Beatles version better. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that George double-tracked his Gretsch. I've been trying to double-track my Gretsch, but I'm having difficulties. I'm getting quite a "phase" problem and have been trying to remedy it. Changing EQ, panning(I didn't want to pan them out to far from each other). I put the original song on my computer and converted it to mono, George's guitar(s) sounded the same, so I know it's not stereo panning. Also getting the same problem double-tracking my vocals. Anyone have any advice???
I know this isn't a Rick question, but if it helps, I am playing my 4003 on the track...
Beatles rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't know if this helps much but best to check your inputs. In other words if you have a phasing problem your lines might be causing the sound to be 'out of phase'.

Nope, it's not that. Because, I'll record one part, go back to the beginning and do it again...So none of the lines were changed.

You got me then, but I don't pretend to be a technical wizard although I work with recording software and such everyday (radio)...also just as a note, according to Beatles Gear and other publications I've read it is likely the guitar(s) used on 'Words of Love' were 12 strings, thus the crisper ring. Might ask your question on one of the 'technical' threads on the forum.

Brian, what recorder are you using? I've had no problem double-tracking guitar and vocals on my Korg D16. Not that I'm an expert, to be sure.

STAN-I have the book, "Beatles Songs" and it tells who played what instrument. It said George played a Gretsch Tenneseean. Although the book could be wrong, I do get some of those twangy notes when I play just shy of the bridge.

GARY-I'm playing through a Boss BR-8 8-track for effects and record to my PC with Adobe Audition. D'ya think I should record it dry(No reverb, no EQ, no compression) and add the effets later???

Thank you both. Brian

Gary may have better know how on this but I would cut it 'cold', just going direct and add what effects if needed later. And it may be that George used his Gretsch but it certainly sounds like a 12 string (or two)...a lot of thier recording will always be up for debate though.

Stan and words of love seekers: I believe the the Gretsch nails it, using Filtertron alnico pups with the switch in the middle position and picking right next to the bridge. It sounds best to me through an AC-30 using the brilliant channel. It is a "sparkling" sound (sorry to be so technical) that we are looking for. Also, it is best achieved using flatwounds and a wound G. I do not hear a 12 string in the mix.

Peter, after listening to it (even more closely than the previous few hundred times) I think I hear it as you say....and through the AC-30. But it sure does have a slight flair of a 12.And so much for Andy Babiuk's take on it in Beatles Gear.

Final note for BRIAN...I can understand your Buddy fix. I live in Lubbock and needless to say the 'fix' for Buddy still goes on here.

Stan: Who knows for sure. It is a great subject matter, no matter what instruments, amplifiers and effects they used. Things certainly got more complicated as the years advanced and more technology entered the recording studio and control room. I think a double-tracked lead is likely on this recording which gives it the sound of the 12 string.

Peter, you are so right, it is great subject matter and who did what, played what etc will always make it interesting. We'll never know all of it but that's what makes it fun to talk about. But to only have been 'the fly on the wall'during those sessions.

Peter-Love Mr Holly and a lot of his fellow "students" from the 50's. Everyone tells me I was born in the wrong time. Can't say I know anyone my age(30)here on Cape Cod who has the entire collection of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Jerry Lee, etc.......Love 'em all.

Do you think I should take Stan's advice with dry recording? Don't have time to do it now, but it seems like it might work. Do you know of any good recording forums I should check out? I've got a lot of questions.

Thanks...............

Brian: As a first attempt, I would add the effects last.

Brian, I have always found in recording, it is always best to have a sound on tape and then manipulate it. If you have a great take with effects and then hear it placed in the mix, it might not sound how you think it will. If you add effects based on the complete track, and not the individual parts, it might make for a better sounding completed recording. Just my 2 cents.