Mark Allen's Busking setup...

Mark has had quite a few requests lately to convey what effects he uses to produce his sound whilst busking. This film explains how ...
video produced by Mark Allen... edit artfrob ...
If you want to send some money to Mark via PayPal his email is [e-mail]

[@NoFretts]

What a lovely guy...so genuine. Would love to meet one day. Many thanks for all the info.

[@terencebarrett2897]

Absolutely wonderful " brilliant mark,you so informative and you're a real honest decent guy"" you give people, KZbin's around the world extreme pleasure,,you take care mark" god bless you and your family

[@michaelmendillo7513]

You rock brother !!! Really cool of you to share your knowledge with us !!! A BIG TY BRO !!! 😎✌️✝️💕

[@markallen7804]

Hi . I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has made such kind comments about this video and my playing. I hope to make more and wish Good Health and Happiness to you all. Mark Allen.

[@Brandon-oi4fq]

What year is your strat

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Mark, I emailed you several days ago about purchasing your backing tracks.

[@AdriaanJABreukel]

Thank you Mark.

[@drfakoo]

TONE... You have it or you don´t ; and Mr Allen definitely has tons of if. Big hug from Barcelona !!!

[@markallen5483]

Hi, Thanks for all the feedback. I have changed my setup since I made this . I'll make a new video soon showing what I now use and answering some questions.

[@andrewbryan359]

Great player. Amazing sounds. Wish he busked round here!!!

[@user-xp3fp8kl6n]

How wonderful you are discribe the feeling, I can smell the different taste, you play wonderful opens my heart, thank you ❤😊 Best wishes Martina

[@hakimbouraki2604]

Sir , i have got all respect for you .

[@YachtEventHorizon]

I’ve spoken with Mark many times when he has played in Swansea. He is a very genuine guy with a huge talent.

[@stephenmcfarlane7961]

You are such an inspiration Mark , I thankyou very much for your honest post and amazing guitar playing . Gives an old guy much desire to pick up and play more .keep up the great work. I wish I could see you busking.all the best wishes to you.from Steve in Brisbane Australia.

[@Glenfiddich101]

This is only the third video (all in a row) which I have watched of Mark Allen and I'm hooked, I'm a keyboard player and not a guitarist but I know a good one from a bad one and Mark Allen is pretty damned good in my opinion, so I have just subscribed to your channel and given you a thumbs up. Incidentally Mark, I keep thinking I can hear some David Gilmour coming through in your playing, I'm pretty sure David would approve of your playing if he heard you playing Keep up the great work my friend Glen 👍

[@carmenskygazer]

I play Keyboard, Guitar and Bass and am hooked on the wonderful Music from Marc. @Gelnfiddich101 he does play David Gilmour kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIKqfp6pfr2leNksi=9ZPTpdYFeV30PV4T

[@PoppyPete45]

Thanks Mark you have spurred me on. I'm 75 And I'm just getting back into playing again. Love your music

[@markallen5483]

Thank you for your comment. Hope you are enjoying playing again.

[@greggladys7128]

I had a pleasure to busk with Mark once few years back in Cardiff :) Greetings

[@royhurley6088]

Mark !!!! So wonderful to see you're still rockin' ! Roy Hurley

[@markallen5483]

So good to hear from you. Brings back many happy memories of the time I was guitarist in your brilliant band... Elliot's Sleeping.

[@stephen25uk]

The tone you get on batteries in the street is amazing, now I know why. That little amp is incredible and you maximise its potential with those pedals. really nice video.

[@Herbo57]

Thanks for sharing Mark, and thanks to you artfrob for introducing Mark to us all, your videos are fantastic.Regards Ian

[@artfrob3754]

Thank you Ian for your comments on the videos...

[@artfrob3754]

@Darren RCS Thanks Darren, Mark is a rare talent. It was a special day when I first heard him play and was allowed to film him in Cardiff...

[@rob3918]

Hi Mark, I don't play , well my air guitar is spot on but no I don't play .. love to hear your playing and you certainly come across as a humble gentleman. Keep it up and stay safe buddy

[@logotrikes]

Watched a few of your videos Mark, and I wish you well. It can't be easy busking and I hope you make a decent enough living to keep going and to pay for your outgoings. You play with such emotion, wonderful to watch... Greetings from Australia...

[@thecatalunya1]

Listen to you a lot Mark up in the mountains of Catalunya Spain good luck my friend long time since i was in Cardiff maybe one day...

[@conorcoltman5756]

I bought the ZOOM G1 Four after watching your rundown and I gotta say for the money it awesome. Cost me 64 quid (cheaper than my pro co RAT). I can plug headphones straight into it... no need for an amp. And it runs on batteries.👍

[@joenvargas5931]

I’m your fan, Mark!! Tanks....

[@brianhennessy5166]

Mark, thank you. You are a gentleman. I'm a 74 year old classical music feller who is just beginning to appreciate your type of music. Better late than never eh?

[@markallen5483]

Hi and Thank you for your kind words. I was playing a modern classical piece, The wonderful Spiegel Im Spiegel by Arvo Part But my ebow broke and I can't play it any more.

[@wooddragon55]

Thanks Mark, hope to meet you on my return visit to Cardiff mate!

[@pedrotavares8691]

Perfect tone.....Rich and engaging. Thank you.

[@MacPakinga-gl8bu]

Beautiful 🎸👍🏼 nice & Clean 🎸🤘🏼

[@sreekumargopakumar10]

Thank a lot Mark! Learnt a lot from your overview of the gear!

[@J.Carter69]

Such a modest , super talented guitarist . Great stuff Mark , thank you.

[@robwilkguitar4458]

Excellent informative view on your equipment Mark. Always keeping an eye out for new stuff on your KZbin channel, keep it up your a fantastic musician.

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Lovely sound Mark and playing thanks for the run down of what you use love to no how old the strat is by the neck just got talent

[@markallen5483]

Hi, Thanks for your comment. The strat is a 1996 Eric Clapton model that I bought second hand quite a few years ago after some nice person stole my previous strat, again a used Eric Clapton model, from my little green van parked in Eastbourne while the Air display was on. I stupidly ignored my rule of NEVER leave your guitar in a car !

[@daveperrin9408]

Hi Mark. Nice to see how you have your setup. I've watched a few if your video's and you have an amazing talent and a really nice guy. Thank you for sharing with us. Top Man.

[@keithrichards8376]

Thank you again Mark you’re really a modest person 🤙

[@johntarr1168]

nice one Mark enjoyed you many times through artfrob and live in cardiff, cheers John

[@daviddrozario9923]

Thanks Mark.... Lovely setup. love it. Love your Music.. Keep it coming.......

[@markallen5483]

Thank You. I'll try !

[@cayugafutures]

Thank you for this!

[@williambeckett3245]

Just brilliant 🎸👍

[@timdoherty8099]

thanks Mark,much appreciated

[@johntarr1168]

hi Mark ,i,ve seen you many times and admired your talent . nice to see your gear, cheers John

[@Baggers_Corner]

ABSOLUTE LEGEND!!

[@douglasmuir70]

Nice guy trustworthy I’m only learning guitar but your an inspiration to me me great musician. Thanks for your help

[@Attitude-vk1vs]

Good job great MR

[@Omega-Phil]

Saw you today in Tenby, beautiful playing, great vibrato, my wife dropped some coins in for you and as I walked passed I gave you the thumbs up.

[@markallen5483]

Thank You !

[@6stringgunner511]

Hey, brother. I like your setup. I have a zoom 505 and I use it STILL. I enjoy your videos. Be safe out there. Thanks again, from Ohio USA

[@bb8715]

Thanks Mark Allen, this setup is simple and efficient！

[@stephenjones8730]

Awesome playing and a beautiful tone from such humble gear, goes to show you don’t need the best gear in the world to sound amazing, you need talent. 👍

[@MrBritishGent]

Look forward to seeing you back in Cardiff some day soon!

[@christahundchen8095]

I use not a lot of words, but you are great!

[@markallen5483]

Thank you.

[@alexhubertkollenda5805]

Thank You to show

[@mediacanarias]

Amazon mate. I love yoyr Chanel and your art. You are a good reference. I algo play on street in Canaries Islands.

[@mikeprzlomski2092]

You’re fantastic

[@markallen5483]

What can I say ? Thankyou .

[@glebbochkarev4097]

Thank you, Mark. I was really interested to know what processors and effects you use. I am inspired by your style of playing the guitar, I hope to see more conversational videos with you. I think a musician with so much experience has something to tell beginners like me.

[@markallen7804]

Hi, Thank you. I hope I'll make more and I'm open to suggestions about what to cover. Just don't ask me ANYTHING about theory or scales or even TAB . Because I never learnt any !

[@digitalbroadcaster]

Addendum: I like your playing so much, I’m even prepared to help fund you with new equipment. I have fingers in many pies too, so can source almost anything you need. I’m live in Winchester, UK. Message me (somehow) of you need assistance. Dave

[@markallen5483]

Hi. Thank you so much for your kind words about my playing. Sorry I haven't got round to replying sooner. As to the offer you mention . Even buying strings is a major outlay for me , let alone buying new equipment . I would of course welcome any help improving my setup . Please email me if you would like to talk. email is above in the description.

[@drummerdem50]

cheers Mark

[@deekos4578]

Thanks, Mark - if only all Strats sounded as good as yours - although I suspect they would If you were playing them! 😊

[@charlesrobinson7469]

I listen to Mark a lot during the fall-winter seasons, along with Genesis and Rush. In fact, Mark would've made a great replacement for Steve Hackett (no offense to Daryl).

[@moorjock]

Married to the music, never get divorced.

[@getexis8685]

Some guys have all the luck :) You rock.

[@11calman]

Nice one Mark,--- Nice edit "Artfrob"

[@markallen5483]

Thank you Gib, And a BIG Thank you to Artfrob, The man who made me what I am today ! I'd always meant to make/edit and publish videos but as with many other things, Just never got around to it. I never imagined I'd get the response I've been getting to these videos. I'm so touched by all the kind words about my playing from all of you. Thank You and Stay Safe out there. Mark.

[@11calman]

@@markallen5483 G'day mate, welcome to Auckland New Zealand, Covid Free I might add "&", we are just coming into our summer, You guys will soon freezing your balls off in your winter, But if you keep up your great guitar work, you won't need to think about it. Yes, For me, if it hadn't been for "Artfrob" & his sublime beautiful videos of you playing, Most of us would have never heard of you, & to me, that would have been a great Loss. I see things about to open up for you a bit more, (But as in everything in this world), One step at a time mate, Love your sound, regards, Gib

[@InspectoreFormBBC]

Great thanks

[@markallen5483]

Hi, Thank you for watching.

[@daveydoodle1916]

Mark maybe you could do “Adagio” I’m sure you would do it justice!

[@Nicolae8607]

You will love the Pod Go from Line6..🤟

[@blainetrain2299]

So.. Now I have your setup. lol. Now there is no stopping me from knockin out that wild horses and Mad World!

[@avecstudio1]

Hi Mark,I am a 'retired' electronics engineer,I played a modified 12 string in the group picture,DeArmond across the hole,Ibanez acoustic on the bridge,mixed on board by two active pre amps. I modified the white pre CBS strat the lead player is using to select any pick up ,in phase,out of phase,series,or parallel,just using the original pick ups to create 'ANY' tone.I also made fuzz boxes and wah wah's before VOX.If I can be of any help,please ask.xxx

[@harrywallington185]

Link doesn't seem to work?

[@avecstudio1]

ask xxx isn't a link ? Just ask ?

[@jeanlucchouteau1282]

Hi Mr Mark,thank you for your video,amazing sound!!please what the pickups do you use on your stratocaster.thank you so much

[@christineflanagan9719]

Hi Mark your the best thanks for the look at your setup. I noticed when you were busking you appeared to have a battery on the back of your guitar, I’m wondering what it’s for?

[@mikedingas9934]

I love your guitar tone so much I actually found an RP100. Seems to work okay even though it's old school, so to speak. I'm running it through a Fender Mustang LT 25 with a clean Fender Twin simulator. Now I just have to deduce what settings you use to get that wonderful tone.

[@gregpetre1225]

Thanks mate, would like to pit stop for a jam, but the pond prevails, cheers nevertheless hey!.....

[@cristianocollarin2236]

Thank you very much. Mark how do you learned to play guitar and which are your fav guitar players?

[@viktororavec384]

dear brodther thank you for gitar plays and your exactly languitch Iam with you thank you very much for your intelectualy work

[@SidBonkers51]

Hi Mark, did your Strat have the TBX control from factory, or was it fitted as an after market mod? ps. Im really enjoying going back through all your artfrob videos, when I get the the last one I guess Ill just start over again.

[@jllewellyn3776]

I'm a beginner. I can play some of the notes but am struggling with the facial expressions.

[@charleslewis219]

Hi Mark what pedal do I need to get thst sound you have when playing lead slos

[@antithesespistopheles8112]

Thanks mark! Could you show us how you make the backing tracks?

[@markallen5483]

Hi, thanks for your question. I will make a video soon to answer some of the questions I get asked, including yours ! But the main keyboard I use is a Korg pa1x , along with some other stuff.

[@spundyo9]

me too Pete Vicars ,my question to Mark is where do you get your backing tracks and how are you storing them?

[@markallen5483]

A lot are ones I've done. Some were bought and a friend gave me some. I'm hoping that in future they will all be done by me . I first record mine on my laptop using Reaper DAW. I store them on a Sony Mp3 player. If they are mine and you would like a copy, please email me for details. Thank you for your comment.

[@penfold7800]

I love your version of Cavatina. Thanks for this run down. What is that guitar? its really beautiful. lots of depth

[@markallen5483]

Thank you. It's a 1996 Eric Clapton Stratocaster. Just got it back after being restored . I will soon make a video about it.

[@dontransue9843]

Mark, how old is that Strat? Does that fret board have any issues with all the wear? I find your music fantastic. Over here outside Chicago I am a 39 yr guitar player and got my 9 yr old daughter playing guitar 3 yrs now. Thank you for all the videos.

[@markallen7804]

Hi, It's a 1996 Eric Clapton Strat and yes the wear on the fretboard eventually has made it so hard to play . Which is why it's now just about finished a complete restoration, including re finishing the neck along with a refret . It's taken about 3 months and after much searching for a replacement, I bought a Levinson Blade , which is what I've been playing since the Strat went in. Just got to find over £500 to get my Strat back ! Thanks for your kind comments about my music.

[@minstrelofMir]

@@markallen7804 i thought it was a deluxe type (i have one) has the locking tunners ect,,but dont see you using an S1 switch ;-)

[@raoulrojas7013]

How do you provide power to your system when you"re basking, and what is the AA battery behind your guitar for? I would like to purchase your CD when it's available. Thank you.

[@waynekieft4952]

It's to run an active pick up!

[@markallen5483]

Hi Raoul, I'm sorry I haven't replied to you sooner, But, if you are still interested . My pedals run off AA batteries . I try to buy the best rechargeable ones I can afford . The amp has a built in battery. There are SO MANY amps out there now that run on batteries. Wayne, who replied about the battery in the guitar nearly got it right ! The pickups themselves aren't active. They are fender noiseless ones, replacing gold lace sensors . The battery is for the TBX active tone boost fitted to this and some other models of Fender Stratocasters. It means you can dial in a whole load of midrange boost to the output, or something like that ! It's effectively like being able to go from a single coil sound to a humbucker using the bottom tone pot on the guitar. Well that's my unscientific understanding anyway ! My feeling is that it makes the Stratocaster a more versatile instrument without using pedals to add to your sound. Best to email me about a Cd. Apologies again for the late reply. Mark.

[@raoulrojas7013]

@@markallen5483 Thank you for your reply. Please advise me on how to get hold of your CD or MP3 recorded music. I did purchased your BT, original music and Tabs of “Secret Love”. With all these supplements, I still have a hard time to learn the song, it does require a lot of your playing style. I am still hopeful. Thanks! Raoul

[@digitalbroadcaster]

Blimey! You’re brilliant when you’re not even trying. A great character as well as an amazing musician who plays from deep within. You stirred some great memories in me this evening as I listened to you with my eyes closed. I can’t play guitar. I’ve tried and tried, so just stick to the synth/keyboards.

[@markallen5483]

Thanks for your kind words . I'd love to hear what you play on your synth/keyboards. I have a Korg PA1x arranger and a Roland JP8000. I'd love to try a Korg Minilogue XD . For the price they sound great.

[@williambeckett3245]

👍

[@johndakin9164]

what do you use to play your backing tracks

[@markallen5483]

Hi, mostly an older model 16gb Sony Walkman , Thanks for asking. New video up soon about changes in my setup and what I use to record.

[@hervebrunet3439]

Ref❤

[@frank1672]

Have you composed any songs?

[@markallen5483]

Hi. Yes a few, though most have never got past the demo stage ! Hoping to change that and soon have some new ones on KZbin. Check out We Never Saw It Coming on artfrob . That's one of mine . Thanks for your comment.

[@santellavision]

Tell us about the guitar and about the battery in the back.

[@artfrob3754]

try emailing Mark on his email in the description, he will have more accurate information for you....

[@markallen5483]

Hi, !996 Eric Clapton Stratocaster. Battery is for the Fender midrange boost, standard on this model. Guitar is back from a complete restoration and I'll do a video soon.

[@ronvalente65]

Hi Mark, do you record all your own backing tracks? keep safe and keep playing!

[@renodavid]

Ron Valente Yes, I’m wondering the same thing! Also, how does Mark play his backing tracks? Is he using a phone?

[@markallen5483]

Hi , No they aren't all mine, but many are . I do sell my backing tracks. Email me for details if you want. Sorry it's taken me so long to reply.

[@markallen5483]

@@renodavid Hi, I play them on a Sony Walkman Mp3 player .

[@tubebaler]

Thanks for that Mark, I was wondering what your setup was. Your neighbours must also be fans or at least very understanding when you crank it up!

[@markallen7804]

I am lucky that my neighbours are some distance from my "studio" . I do have a Peavey classic 30 amp, but never use it as it's just too loud at home. I tend to DI my guitar into my laptop as there's no way I could afford anything like a Kemper profiler or AXE- effects, I use software . Check out my Just Jammin video to hear what it sounds like. Thanks for your comment.

[@user-yb9nj6wz7t]

Mark Allen where are you?

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

@@markallen7804 Hi Mark. I emailed you several days ago requesting to purchase your backing tracks. [e-mail]

[@mikedingas9934]

Are the delays in series with each other or in parallel?

[@markallen5483]

Hi. I suppose the delays in the zoom must be in series , I only used one delay on the digitech which was I suppose in parallel to the zoom as it was going into a separate channel. Hope this helps and thanks for asking.

[@mikedingas9934]

@@markallen5483 Thanks for the reply. I use racks in Waveform. In this case, I included 3 delay plugins wired such that I can swap their connections but, honestly, I'm having a hard time telling any difference between series and parallel. I really love the character you put into your playing. I keep trying to emulate it but don't get anywhere close to it. Been playing for about 3 years now. At 75 I'm really trying hard to figure out how you make some of those notes sing.

[@markallen2776]

My name is also Mark Allen!...and I busk!! Cheers!!

[@vicferrari89]

WD40!!!? NO way! Try "Tone Finger Ease Guitar String" Lube. Doesn't smell so bad like WD and WD is NOT good for anything except taking stuck-on bolts off.....

[@markallen5483]

Hi, thanks for the info. I was told to use it by another guitarist . I've not looked into the science of whether it's good or not . I haven't used it recently but when I have used it , I'd spray a tiny amount onto a paper towel and just rub the grease, sweat and dirt off the strings with it. Then use a clean towel to finish. It was amazing how much dirt and grease would be on the strings after a day's busking , especially when it was hot. It did seem to prolong the life of the strings a bit and I never noticed anything bad after using it .

[@berusbogzniszczenia4359]

Hi Mark you are amazing player i love what you are doing. I leave in London let me know when you will be here 😊

[@chriscampbell9191]

WD40 is fine for cleaning strings. I've been spraying a bit of it on a paper towel and cleaning my strings that way for years, since the 1990s. Lengthens the life of your strings. Works fine. Cleans the gunk off them, lubes the windings slightly to that the strings vibrate better (cause the windings are cleaned of gunk). Keeps them from getting oxidized or rusted. The stuff you suggested is $7 to $12. WD40 is cheaper than that. I've also used other spray lubricants when I ran out of WD40. It's all petroleum distillates.

[@g8sbs944]

DANGER DANGER PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT USE WD-40 on your Guitar or Strings i have been playing Guitar for over 50 years and have seen a couple of my Band Mates get Really Shocked by using WD-40 Please only use string cleaner as you are putting your self in DANGER using WD-40

[@markallen7804]

Hi, Thanks for the info. It was another guitarist friend who recommended it. I only spray a tiny amount onto a cloth and wipe all the dirt and grease off the strings with it. The strings are dry after I've finished wiping them. I am interested to know why this is dangerous , please can you explain ?

[@g8sbs944]

@@markallen7804 yes i can tell you first WD-40 is very conductive and very easily create an earth loop second WD-40 is not a cleaner and leaves a fine film on the strings more so on the wire wound strings third dont forget that the strings connect to the bridge and and electronics that are also grounded to earth a better way to clean the strings is to use Alcohol wipes as the Alcohol evaporates very fast and dont leave any film on the strings hop you find this useful

[@paulcoalson7073]

@@markallen7804 Your string cleaning method works fine , just don't plug into faulty electrical wiring . I clean my strings all the time after playing using a 50/50 mixture of Naphtha ( lighter fluid ) and Mineral oil , same oil I use on fretboards when needed . Enjoy your videos .

[@jacko717]

​@@markallen7804bit late to the party here but I use Dr Ducks Ax Wax, you can clean absolutely everything with it Mark.

[@cayugafutures]

Thank you for this!