I think You should Stop Complaining

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About Spectre Sound Studios:
I'm Glenn Fricker, engineer here at Spectre Sound Studios. I love making records, and after doing it for sixteen years, I want to pass on what I've learned. On my channel you can find tutorials on how to record guitar, bass, real drums and vocals. There's reviews and demos of tube amps, amp sims, drums, mics, preamps, outboard gear, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, and plugin effects.
We've covered Moon on the Water, played Bias FX, given you the absolute best in Stupid Musician Texts, ranted & raved about bass guitar, and this channel is where The Eagle has Landed.
Everything you've wanted to learn about recording Hard Rock & Heavy Metal can be found right here on this channel!
I also respond to your comments & questions: The best make it into the SMG Viewer's Comments series of videos. Loads of fun, lots of laughs.
Thanks for checking out my channel & please subscribe!

[@efa666]

Glenn posing in front of a Halfords is unusually hilarious to me.

[@TheConfusionalCat]

lmfao it is funny

[@DaveDaveson]

Ironically theyre realy tight on shoplifting there... they really don't like it when you Rob Halfords

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

@@DaveDaveson Harhar! :D :D :D :D

[@TheConfusionalCat]

Lmao

[@latheofheaven1017]

Come to the United Kingdom with its world-famous... err... umm... service industry?

[@mayatmaot]

Most "guitar store" channels will push you to buy the stuff and talk a whole lot about the minute differences in tone etc. But they never tell me how the stuff sounds like in a mix, which is more important to me. But glenn calls it as it is. That's why i love this show. Thanks glenn.

[@C0nnie]

I’ve had my eye on basically my dream guitar, an FGN mythic 6, but for about ~$1300 usd I wasn’t just gonna buy one straight up. Well turns out Andertons had a good deal on the last one in stock, and I just got my first real job and decided to celebrate. Absolute beautiful instrument! A tiny tiny chip in the wood finish, but other than that I’d buy another for sure. Can wait to write music no one will listen to on it

[@natrixxvision6997]

7:28 The audio engineer…this is the person who uses a flashlight even in the best lit rooms to place a microphone in exactly the right place on a speaker or drum head. I’ve seen them do it many times. They know how to manipulate sound. If they’re talking and making sales people and corporate chain stores nervous, we should listen.

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

Speaking of the topic of "value" i recently put together an evh partscaster and a studded dog leash strap for around 1500 USD. that included the drill bit jig for drilling 90 degrees into the body, a cheap model airbrush for painting the body, a leather rivet kit, leather belt etc. But i learned tons about the process and picked up several new crafting and carpentry skills; the final guitar is a custom reliced swamp ash evh made to higher specs than the fender striped series i made in my apartment over a few months studying everything about the guitar and the man who made it. its value is much more than the monetary price i paid, because i put myself into the process.

[@felipebuzelin]

I'm a 39 years old and trying to learn to play guitar. I love your content, because it help me to sound better. Also, you are a fun guy. Greetings from Brazil

[@sgt.grinch3299]

The chair review was the best review you have done in a while.

[@gilbertspader7974]

I'm glad you found a way to boost your numbers without changing your show. I love what you do and wish you nothing but the Great Golden Gig in the Sky !!!!!

[@rhythmguru1]

You mentioned in passing (around the 14:00 mark) skipping over a guitar that didn't have a truss rod in order to get stuff "that works". However, I actually have been interested in the carbon fiber reinforced necks, a lot of them I've seen are also coming with some type of maple bake, which are said to be basically bullet proof and never require any changes. The general concept is the "shouldn't" need adjustment, and some companies are doing hybrid where they add the truss rod so us old fogies who struggle with change can have the adjustment available. Anything that moves the guitar industry forward I think is worth a look. Love the vids, keep it up!

[@StaticYonder]

My guitarist and I are from Hertfordshire (right next to London), and we play in Camden often (Fiddlers Elbow 2 weeks ago ftw), and we saw your post Infront of a Halford's while we were sitting at our local pub, COMPLETELY unawares you were at The Dev (Devonshire arms to non-locals) at that very moment! Hope we don't miss you next time, keep doing what you do Glenn!

[@xenogear88]

Little reminder: Don't focus on the gear, focus on practice.

[@raytorvalds3699]

Now THAT is good advice!

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

“Adam’s got an amazing show” - he truly did, RIP his channel.

[@jeffreymorreale7223]

Your equipment reviews are so great and generally we can take your recommendations to the bank. I find you videos on tweaking setups to be pure gold. So often we are tempted to cure a sound or playability issue by buying something new when the answer was just a few turns of a screw or quarter twist of a knob. I've wasted more money than i care to admit trying to buy a solution when simply learning my gear would have paid more dividends.

[@darkonation]

Glenn..... you are such a breath of fresh NO-BULLSHIT air. I enjoy joy your videos and rants...... but above all that, THE KNOWLEDGE WE LEARN FROM THIS CHANNEL.......PRICELESS. 🤘

[@TheNuttybrewer]

Glenn, you need a "that's for sure!" tagline and merch?! Love your content!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I just tried the ToneX plugin after something happened to my main rig, and I AM IMPRESSED! Was never blown away by a plugin before and was never blown away by a modeler like that since I tried a Kemper almost 5 years ago. I'll definitely get the physical version, took a long time but thank you Glenn!

[@Joybuzzard]

High end equipment can be rented for a weekend when needed. Also, in most major cities in Canada, professional level studios are available for free somewhere. In Regina, it's the public library, you have to book months in advance with a library card and the staff only help with set up so you have to find someone who knows what they're doing to help, but the room and the gear is top notch. In Toronto and Vancouver there are various 'cooperatives' and 'collectives' that have free studio space for musicians, you just have to join and volunteer to help other people on their own projects and be polite and friendly.

[@ryanshinermusic]

6:04 I legit saw an ad for a Gibson on Facebook doing this (I can’t remember if it was Gibson running it or a third-party retailer). I just laughed and kept scrolling.

[@natrixxvision6997]

2:44 I sat on the idea of getting a 7 string for years. Then I got COVID not once but TWICE. That’s when I knew it was time. And I’m a happy guy.

[@pstudio4096]

16:31 yay Montreal !! I recommend as well. I'm not from MTL but I live 130 KM from it. My favorite place in the world. I was there this week to see Mr Bungle. They are really metal now, with Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo. You can't go wrong with Mike Patton's voice for metal! Was a great show. 🤘

[@fallenshallrise]

Great to hear musicians ask about and talk about when to buy stuff, whether to by stuff and how to get what you need to get sounds to "tape" and not waste a bunch of money. I work in marketing and the numbers say that all the people out there (not you guys of course) will click on anything that is NEW and improved or comes in a limited colourway and ignores all the other stuff that doesn't need to be redesigned because it's already good (until it becomes vintage).

[@mrcl_]

excellent Video! i sit on the desire for a modeler unit for half a year now, i could get one right now, but i am still not sure what to get that really improves my workflow. And until i know what unit fits my needs best i will wait and just keep the money so when it is time it will be worth it and not another shit purchase like i did in the past a lot with impulsive buying... i can really approve this kind of thinking when it comes to more gear! great advice!

[@James-kj9hw]

I’m actually excited for the harley benton v30 video. My dad just surprised me with a broken jcm 900 thats hes going to fix up and mod for me. It will be cool to see a good cab i can actually afford

[@manupbritain5232]

I'm pretty sure that's the Halfords near Ashton Moss?? Awesome dude! You must love it these ways, it's one hell of a place to be!

[@user-hx8zj8vj6b]

As always refreshingly on point. You magnificent mammoth.

[@ElliotDelgado]

Great video Gleen! cheers from México!

[@davids2629]

The only time I would buy aftermarket pickups is if they are noisy or faulty. Other then that it’s solved with a speaker or an eq pedal.

[@a.wagner6225]

Regarding the guys making new gear purchases: The rule that has served me well is "If you can't afford to purchase 5 of something, you can't afford 1."

[@DeepThinkingGPU]

I thought it was a comment to me "I think You should Stop Complaining" when i seen it in my BELL icon, i was ready to go off on who was telling me that. hahah

[@jacksybicki7330]

Glenn is the most underated genious of sound and engineering. yall better be hitting the like or I'll fart in your guitar case

[@blammo5823]

I was about to blow 2k on a uf8 & uc1 at the beginning of the year. I had the first responsible thought of my adult life and decided to wait until it wouldn't impact my bank account. I got laid off the next week. The tech industry took a drive and just barely got to with this last month. Now I'm waiting until whatever i want to buy is no more than 10% of my bank account balance. Can't feed my dogs faders and knobs....

[@wvc5150]

Hey Glenn, just want to thank you for what you provide for us Neanderthal Gen Xer’s. I’ve learned more in the past couple of years watching you than I did the past couple of decades caught in the corporate never ending buying cycle chasing perfect tone by doing things that only waste money. And my wife thanks you too by the way. Keep it up, love what you do brother. 👍

[@justsomedude5727]

I can swear by the Kali Lp 6's, I bought them before Glenn ever mentioned them

[@rbb04]

Another solid video well done Glenn and thanks for all the helpful info.

[@TheShrike616]

That Chinese guitar was probably made in the same factory as well regarded mid priced models branded by big names.

[@mr-iz8cx]

I read the blurb and thought "oh no, not Glenn too." Haha, then he made me very happy😁

[@neoncyber2001]

Dud I found a pair of studio jbl studio monitors at the ARC thrift store for $15(us). Always keep your eyes open for unexpected gear!

[@MarbsMusic]

LOL Thank you Glenn, this always makes my day to watch!

[@algrundau9441]

"Edmonton is always good????"....Holy Shit Glenn!!!....I am from Edmonton and live here too.. I would have sworn a Line 6 style , Hammer of Justice beating have been swung our way......Instead, PURE LOVE AND POSITIVE COSMIC ENERGY???? ....Glenn, You never cease to amaze. I am deeply moved and speechless.....In this spirit of giving I would also highly recommend Banff and Jasper in our Rockies, and Drumheller if you are into Dinosaur fossil's......Actually Glenn, your positive aura has left me in such a positive mood and at one with the Universe,.....I will even say Calgary!!!......Glenn, .......Your powers exceed my comprehension. YOU are a national unity gift.

[@paradigmshiftz7]

I can't believe you did a thumbnail-worthy pose outside a Halfords, Glenn said "fuck Wembley Stadium, this random Halfords is where it's at"

[@davidt9513]

I think you just solved a problem I haven't been able to figure out with an HX Stomp I use for bass! I could never get it to sound right in my Cab, even with switching speakers. I never thought to turn off the IR's. I need to give that a try. Thanks Glenn!

[@lameguitarist7264]

I have been considering getting a pair of studio monitors. Not gonna lie it was hard to justify spending money on this rather than yet another pedal or amp. Your videos pushed me over the edge so i sold my MX-5 that i did not use much and scored a deal on a pair of HS7 with stands. Got into a fight with my wife about amount of space i need to occupy in our laundry room. Setup is far from ideal but god almighty i can now hear stuff. I am rediscovering songs that i know since my childhood. So if any of you is considering getting monitors, i will quote Palpatine: DO IT!

[@jackhamr1035]

For the guy who's looking for a cabinet for his Kemper, I recommend just buying a good old PA speaker. You can use the cab and pulses without any issue and they're loud as fuck not to mention they're easy to transport depending on which one you get. I have a line 6 Helix LT paired up with an alto ts312 2000-watt PA speaker and I'm honestly very happy with it. It's just as loud if not louder than some drum sets even. Don't mean to come off as a gear snob but trust me it works.

[@pentagonoenllamas]

2:26 I remember that one time when I was a couple clicks away from buying an acoustic baritone, and then I was like "what am I going to use this for really???"

[@artistlovepeace]

I love that you are honest and truthful.

[@bassplayer137]

to add to the comment on sitting on a purchase for x-amount of time: my parents taught me to also save for an item instead of using your life-savings. Bacause most of it is essentially nothing that you need for day-to-day survival like food or housing. Whilst saving you get to sit on the purchase, and maybe you end up saving some more money for a similar but more expensive piece of gear that suits the job better.

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Awesome show

[@transitoryrecords9045]

I'm from Michigan and I get the same meal too when I go to the EU. Coke and a Gyro))) Glad your home safe bro \m/

[@denniskielton2447]

On pickups: Between different modern high quality hum buckers , yeah not much difference they are all going for essentially the same thing. But I think it's pretttttttty damn clear if you have a Strat with single coils and you can't get that fat clean metal tone like everyone else, there's about a 100% chance its the fact you're not running hum buckers like EVERYONE ELSE haha. And when I went from the stock cheap hum buckers in my JS22-7 Jackson, to Fishman moderns, the first time I heard the clean tone (through the same speakers and rig I've used for years) I about fell over in shock because it sounded SO good. My solos tone went from crunched out sounding way too intense (either too much gain to be clear or too little to sustain pinch's) to instantly having "that" sound. I went from endless tweaking to never having to play with it. Because pretty much all my favorite artists use fishermen moderns. And I've tested this with a few different sets, ALL through the same exact rig with huge tonal differences and most importantly, differences in feel/playing response. So maybe between different sets of metal hum buckers, yeah just about no meaningful difference. Want to REALLY piss people off? Show them how little the amp tone itself matters to a mix. You can change amps repeatedly, it gets no better or worse just different (supposing you're using similar amps.) That's not something you can do with drums, bass, or even really vocals they're all integral and work together. EXCEPT guitar amps haha just a different flavor of crunch but again, all those companies are more or less trying to achieve the same thing. So duh

[@FernandoLemusDrums]

I always throught you we're being over the top regarding the Gibsons. But I had one come into the studio recently and I kid you not, the thing wouldnt stay in tune for a single take over a verse. Not to mention that anything above the 12th fret was unplayable, and it was noisy as hell. Needless to say, we swapped over to a Yamaha RGX-520FZR I have in the studio and cut the rest of the guitars with it

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

I'm currently doing the Harbor Freight strategy. Buy cheap-ass stuff to see if it makes a difference (Donner and Azor pedals for a mic) before I even think about buying more expensive (Harbor Freight strat usually it's use the tool until it breaks, and THEN replace it with a more-expensive one). I might invest into a reverb/delay pedal but don't use a few of the others often enough to justify more expensive ones. That being said, I'm not sure if upgrading from the Donner and Azor pedals might actually give me much. Then there's multi-FX pedals. The advantage of Donnor and Azor is that they are cheap pedals, not like the $150-500 pedal that just does reverb. I want something usable live, which is why I want hardware

[@KarenBasset]

Welcome back, Glenn!

[@bizzski]

Sitting on a purchase for a while before buying something. Stellar idea.

[@KC-bi9jw]

You gotta put “VC” in the title! I never miss a VC lol 7:40 we’ll then, never mind 😅

[@bobmartino8073]

Being from Buffalo and a hockey player I spent 10 days in Quebec for a tournament when I was in my early teens. Montreal is nice but to me, Quebec is the most beautiful city I've ever seen. At least it was in the early 80s.

[@riccardocuoghi2071]

Quick tip for the Kemper, you can use the normal output with the cab engaged for the p.a. And use the monitor output where you can turn-off the ir without change the main output so you can use it for real cabinet

[@WillCareyisfunny]

I'm not from Canada but I've visited St John's and enjoyed my time there. Smaller city but had some great good and scenery. In Montreal don't skip La Banquise for Poutine and Schwartz's Deli for Montreal smoked meat.

[@sixtiviris]

I have to THANK you for your honest reviews on gear and guitars ! I obviously don’t know you, but from what you’re saying, I believe you all the time, regardless, you need haters! 😂 haters are the best proof you’re doing great ? ( that sucks )

[@PingeMusic]

Thanks again for a great video. Be safe and skilful. Pinge

[@shauncrissc]

Glen Honestly ive been at it for almost 50 years. and you actually me taught that it's The *SPEAKERS" !!! .,.. been the owner of studio in the early 80s in back of a Music store and I had the choice of anything I wanted to use...... Sometimes its staring ya in the face and then someone tells ya Thx Bro

[@Snowness]

ELE 2.0? Consider me excited! 🤘 ELE is by far the best sounding drum plugin I have right now, and I've also purchased NI Komplete. This still smashed Battery, Drum Lab and many others for out of the box sounds. 🔥

[@bitesizecrayons9187]

Since FRFRs were mentioned, I'll talk about my first experience. I recently bought an Atomic CLR, and starting with the sound of the thing (I'm using Axe FX 3).. well.. it's flat as advertised. Full range? Hell if I know, but it does sound punchier at lower volumes and much better at higher volumes than 8" Eris E8s, which aren't shabby studio monitors, but don't expect a much different feel overall. I find the biggest upgrades to be that it's much more feasible to take it around to jam with others, and that my monitors are free for other purposes. They're a good option, but I don't want to over or under-sell them. One CLR costs more than twice a pair of 8" studio monitors, and I don't think sound alone actually makes the difference, but I'm still glad to have the kit and I'd buy another.

[@djsusan00]

I filmed a band that used a Behringer Europower EPQ304 for a poweramp for the bass, and guitar running a couple hotone pedalboards for the amp modeling and effects. they go to each of their cabs and works great. one rack for everything to through.

[@greevar]

Thanks for putting my comment in the show! Seymour Duncan has done a pickup tone "test".

[@mickdebergerac1143]

2 great quotes, "Mistakes are the stepping stones to success" "Repetition is the mother of retention"

[@MOTORHEADGASKET]

I noticed i did not get your videos in my recommended section for the last week. I guess the algorythm is acting weird about the VC name like you said. Either way keep going love the show. Fu Glenn

[@ThePatcore]

Still waiting to hear about that killer bass plugin you promised us youd unveil this month :D

[@dogbiscuits752]

Springdale, Newfoundland is a great town in eastern Canada. Lovely people, and lots of places to go. Just don’t move there; the grocery prices are ridiculous, though fast food prices appear to be the same as central Canada, as far as I saw.

[@deadi9rs]

Gonna need a link to that chair glen!! Thank you!

[@Jagdpz5]

The thing with Bathory early albums (and most of early black metal) is that it needs "bad" production. Without it atmosphere is gone. What I would recomend is to try doing a modern take on old school sound.

[@pascualcorrea2052]

Hey Glen, love the channel and I love your passion. I feel that today’s music totally sucks. What’s your take? Will it improve? What needs to happen? Peace!

[@benjammin105123]

I remember listening to the half assed sound sample of boss pedals on the internet trying to pick pedals. Good times.

[@ThomasFrank93]

Hey Glenn, how do you approach mixing a full length album? Do you start by making a mix template with one of the songs and then through the tracks of the rest of the album? Or do you mix each song separately? Thank you for all the great videos. Cheers from Argentina

[@Jodelautomat01]

I missed you at Brauhund. I hope you return...

[@alrecks619]

even if you mainly mix on headphones, having a pair of monitor speakers can help you make the overall balance, midrange, panning, and effects work better if you somehow managed to nail the low end of the mix with the headphones.

[@Rebar77_real]

Welcome back!

[@jeremythornton433]

Another great video! Kaotica Eyeball, fact or fiction?

[@shadowcop75]

I've also been to Devonshire Arms when it used to be a goth hangout in the late 90s.

[@sarniaguitarguy9405]

I haven't seen much in the way of retailers pushing more 'tone-wood' or pick-ups - but I did see an interesting video on the Anderton's channel recently; "Cheap pedals and expensive amps, Expensive pedals and cheap amps. What matters more?" I think you might already know which element was not necessarily 'said' but heard.

[@pump1442]

Personally I'd recommend an FRFR cab for live settings with a digital setup. Cheaper, not as likely to have stolen by other guitarists, and ultimately you'll get a more correct representation of what the audience hears.

[@jaakkolamminpaa7959]

I had a tonewood discussion few weeks ago. I was stating that when it comes to recording, the mic and the speaker have more impact than the wood of the guitar - not even saying that the wood doesn't really matter. After first being called deaf and then an ignorant idiot, I got a scientific explanation how more dense wood creates a fuller tone because it does not damp the resonance frequencies. I asked if he meant like springs attached to the bridge would kill the resonance. His eyes lit up and he said I finally understood. Oh boy did he turn sour when I told him how floyd roses are attached to the body.

[@Furiora]

Just caught this gem on a Twitter replay to a post from Jackson asking what inlays you'd have on your custom guitar "The smallest pearl dots possible. Big , fancy (and needlessly expensive) inlays create harsh sonic interference, upsetting the delicate balance between the fundamental, odd and even harmonic overtones." So now we have tone inlays, they really are clutching at straws aren't they lmao?

[@rondorn4331]

See you on 70K man!

[@prsenthusiast262]

After using my Helix LT for the last year it honestly baffles me how much money most guitarists will blow on pedal boards! Between that, Neural DSP, and Kemper, you get very solid effects all in one package as opposed to spending hundreds on each individual effect

[@Podcastforthewin]

As a greedy landlord myself, i like to show off my 2007 rusty 4 runner sport. Ya, i told the bank, you better increase that interest rate, so my mortgage payment is higher and i can charge just enough rent to pay it! Ya, us greedy people

[@Htbaa]

I agree with the person talking about missing the VC part in the title. Maybe stick it in the thumbnail instead?

[@MulletHead87]

I use my Semi Truck speakers to play my backing tracks I use my Galaxy phone and record with a Voice recorder app Prop that bad boy right up to my amp and jam.... All in an idling semi truck with a reefer screaming right behind me. For mixing I use Wondershare Filmora. Its just for me to listen back on and improve my playing Switching over to all recording recommendations when I get the Money

[@nathanielmabis5803]

Been a tube guy for a while and recently tried my buddy's orange crush and I'm seriously about to switch, the tone was fuzzy enough that I wouldn't need a pedal, and there was way less clank noises as a result.

[@nobrakes3765]

You're "piss the shit outta me, Glenn" (thanks Peter Criss). Never change.

[@djtreyboogie1476]

Hello Glenn I have a CBS Audimax from the 1960's. This was used as a broadcast ducker is there a way to make this back into a limiter. Love the channel keep it up.

[@thomasalderman2399]

There is always going to be Whiners and Complainers when someone tells the Truth. There are enough shows on KZbin that caters to what people like to play. Instruments,Amps,Pedals,Drum Kits on and on and on. You tell it like it is. Honesty. People cant stand Honesty. Be truly Honest with someone. I bet they get pissed. Keep on doing what you are doing. The real people will catch on and you wont have to deal with the P#ssies because you will have an intelligent fan base.

[@massapower]

From another fellow Canadian GLENN, keep on the insults on the Weishnemers 😛🤘

[@FAFetus]

i havent been watching lately cause VC isnt in the title. i guess i just miss it

[@Lukeee91]

Montreal isn't in eastern Canada? Seems my geographic knowledge is worse than I thought. Btw, do you like Trailer Park Boys? Probably my favorite series ever! And great episode as always, much love from Finland!

[@GL-iy7mj]

Whenever I think of getting some new gear, the first thing I ask myself is: What do I want to do with it? Can I use something I already have? That being said, I have 2 basses and 1 guitar, and some fun amps, happy with what I've got but I'd love a Squier Bass VI aswell :p

[@ThatGuysGuitars]

Everything has an impact on your sound to varying degrees. But, people often spend more time on the sound, than the stability and playability of their instrument. Amps/speakers, “tone wood”, pickups and all that are great, but like Glenn says, If your guitar won’t keep tune, isn’t properly intonated, and has an awful setup - you’re falling down at the start of the race. Priorities, people!

[@deathcrush79]

Hey Glenn, how do you go about recording guitar FX. Do you do it through mic or later in the mix, or does that depend on the context? Need some advice because for stuff like wah-pedals, phasers, flangers etc

[@mikecraig684]

Waken would be cool, Roadburn is on my bucket list!

[@youenigma-games8197]

Hey Glen !!! I Think it’s time !!. Write a BOOK on Recording !!

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

Yay! Adam's channel is good, but he posted his latest vid yesterday, saying he was leaving KZbin, because he'd been offered a job by Audient. That's one short subscription