Electric Guitar Secrets | My Studio, Mics, Guitars and Gear Revealed | Tim Pierce | Learn To Play

[@royerlabs]

Doing this video with Tim was a dream - he's a brilliant player and he has the technology down AND he's one of the most fun people to hang with in the industry! Royer's new R-10 ribbon microphone is $499.00 and is a great alternative to Tim's R-121 and R-122V if you can't swing those mic's price tags. It sounds great in front of a guitar cab and it's as good on live cabs as it in in the studio - Foo Fighters and a few other bands are using them for live guitars.

[@lance134679]

The R-10 seems pretty versatile. Do you recommend using a high gain preamp or cloudlifter with it? My current ribbon microphones need a lot of gain or they get really noisy.

[@royerlabs]

Lawrence Gillespie Yes, for lower SPL instruments and vocals you'll definitely want a pre with high gain or a Cloudlifter.

[@powd3rdayz]

That's awesome info, thank you! I have been looking into finally getting a mic, the R-10 might just be the one I pick up now. Cheers!

[@erick1913]

Can confirm: R-10 is great

[@michaeleaster1815]

re: most fun. I've never met Tim but he seems like a fundamentally kind-hearted soul, which I appreciate. I wish I had his masterclass 35 years ago when I was starting out!

[@pieteytrenton2747]

I love you tim, you can really tell you made you bones in the 80's, all your guitar tones drip of it.

[@natehine8541]

a humble genius..Thank you

[@snoolee7950]

I think you're right. Def some kind of savant

[@johnbarber3499]

Tim you are the Man, not only a great player, sound engineer, and composer. Wow, just when you know enough to do it all, you get old. Ain't that Life. Hopefully you'll be around for sum time, so us mere mortals will be amazed by all that talent.

[@markbratton111]

Talk about taking control of your own sound! Love it. I have been in many a "discussion" with producers and engineers about my guitar tone and often they cannot agree about it. Everybody has an opinion. I just have come to the point where I give them the sounds that I love and let them hammer out mastering and final tone. I have learned a lot here today. Keep these videos coming!

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

He described the Royer blend EXACTLY as I felt in the second example. Amazing video, genius musicianship, amazing gear.

[@ryananthony4840]

I really like how you describe tones

[@alexbarcic]

The smile at 8:40 says everything about your passion for music

[@michaelgleason-music]

Who else is here rewatching this yet again? 👀♻ Always a great reference. 🎸🔊🎤🎛

[@Gilyslas]

"It's all language". Couldn't of been said better. We love you Tim. You are an inspiration:)

[@LDSouthSession]

Hi Tim. Your tone tip on clean is actually dirty setup really gave a new life to my bedroom rig. I can see it translating well to a backline on any small bars. It also drove me to play more dynamically and get more from my rig. Thank you and much love from Philippines.

[@Skypie61]

Never stop learning with Tim...Unbelievable, the knowledge he shares. Thank you, thank you Tim.👍🎶🎼🎵🎸🎸🎸

[@guitarlusteuphoria4507]

That's the ultimate man cave. Drool.

[@williamj1813]

Tim, thanks for sharing this. Incredibly interesting and informative. Great stuff.... Keep up the great work. Take care!

[@NLTBCAKMALSAWMZUALA]

Mr. Tim, thank God you are here... Please keep teaching for the young like us.. Every video of you are Gold.. But free

[@EytschPi42]

Brilliant as always! thanks Tim!

[@brivington2011]

This is the best video I've ever seen on how Mics compliment each other. Very educational thank you Tim.

[@jdj62464]

How about a video on "How you get In and Out of your Studio Area" 🤣🤣

[@BigFatCock0]

"I don't."

[@allansmith5894]

LOL!!!

[@davidfriesen7748]

Thats Funny

[@johnvcougar]

The only way out is over the camera guy. Do valve amps tan your complexion?

[@CalvinEdmonson]

2:11 "so there's not that much going on". To a guy with one guitar, one tiny amp and limited skills, you my friend, have a lot going on. lol Great stuff Tim. Thanks for sharing.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

The best drum kit I have yet heard was a guy on a tiny, simple jazz kit. I could be that what you have is all you need - no room for error! Don't put yourself down :o)

[@visual33]

I could watch and listen to Tim all day - the consummate professional.

[@ronnysrecords]

Those two mic work together so sweetly.

[@minkorrh]

Every video is a freaking masterclass. Thanks Tim........GOAT.

[@rockostiffredi4276]

The Royer 122-V definitely has a growling authority I could listen to all day long, and the 57 adds that 5K presence you need for guitar tracks

[@oldgittarist]

What really helps is that (unlike most of us), Tim can just nail the style to go with the sound!!

[@dr7246]

Blimey O’Reilly Timothy Elsterbraghen Chegenflodger Ohmenhalf Pierce, you are a pleasure to listen to!!

[@hiramserna5035]

Wow Tim I like the way you make sound as a language (like when you it adds a nose). It makes it more easier to understand what you mean. I'ma start looking in that perspective!

[@ronnysrecords]

Tim, your songs are the best.

[@lpjbird]

Interesting only way more than I could ever imagine, your rig is like the cockpit of a small airliner.

[@milestrevelyan]

thats quite disrespectful Jr Bondy........his rig is like the bridge of an intergalatic starship....please apologise to Tim. 😜

[@lpjbird]

Miles Trevelyan-Johnson Well on second thought I agree with you. And I sincerely apologize Tim...

[@johnvcougar]

Yeah, a small Boeing 787.

[@MrDavemiley]

I am a huge fan Mr. Pierce ! Great tasteful playing as always !

[@cnsengineer]

Thanks! Really appreciate the step-by-step breakdown of each tone.

[@daveandrew7014]

I love the Orange Tortex. I think that's what your using? I use it as my first EQ tool.

[@audioarboleda6961]

A tri- dimensional virtuoso: height, length, width. If I’d watched these lessons 20 years ago it could have saved me a lot of money. I had to discover by myself and music stores had a blast with my curiosity. Most of the gear I got was sold for rubbish, and some rests in my mother’s house yet. What went wrong? Don’t let it happen to you people.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

*"If you add something and it gets louder, you're gonna like it automatically."* I love this guy. :-)

[@leohernandezcolonful]

You are the man Tim! Just sold me a Royer.

[@KevinRussellSpaceSimSTEAMphony]

Tim, That's was the best guitar and mic blending and A /B production video I've ever seen on KZbin period. Thank you so much. Now having watched 5 of vids, (thks @rickbeato); your channel both takes me back, while rekindling the love of this exciting work, allowing access (and re-access), to a wonderful world of guitar and the recording arts. Your wonderful work will keep the best aspects of going forward for future generations.

[@tommc49]

That was interesting to watch a pro at work. Did he ever say what speakers he was using in the cab? If so, I missed it. He has so much equipment, I'm sure he could make an speaker combo sound good. A master at work.

[@jakemitchell1671]

I"ve been putting together a home studio for years. I have an older home and I wind up with hum and buzz in everything. There's something wonky with the electricity and I can't fix it. It's enough to drive a man stark raving mad. I see Tim's setup and want to cry.

[@jakemitchell1671]

@@tomcoryell It's not ungrounded, but something is wrong, and the electrician I paid to come out can't figure it out. All i know to do is hire another and another because it's significant and affects everything I try to do. It really does seem like a grounding issue, but when the electrician examines your breaker boxes and confirms grounding to a large metal rod at the east end of our house, I'm not sure what to do.

[@e2jw]

Awesome job with this Tim! Love how you think about the soundscape and how your ears/brain can articulate the different dynamic responses and equalization of the blended mix - one word... Masterful.

[@AnalogOpher]

That Royer is magical.

[@edbernardmusic3599]

I just checked out you website and saw Elegant Gypsy prominently. Bravo! We used to play Elegant Gypsy Suite and Egyptian danza in our band years ago. I think I better have a listen now. Thanks!

[@jeffmarchant4312]

All this sound equipment was had back in 1979... you have compacted the size of it....that's incredible electronics changes since then....

[@brettshawver2983]

Hey Tim! Thanks for taking the time to share this info with us man! You know it's so easy to just get into doing what you've always done & know it's gonna sound good & just stop there & get into a rut season. I always throw the 57 on whatever speaker & get my levels & on with the show. I think that using something like this where you're blending mic's to create a different color than you're used to will feel fresh & inspire you in a new way. I mean it's so easy to again, just do what you know gets you through & the monotony of same ole same ole can really suck you dry & even cause you to think you're on a plateau that's flat & just seems to go on forever. But experimenting with different approaches can really be a rut buster & end the plateau to get you back to ascending the mountain. Thanks again! Keep doing the good stuff!!🤘😁🤘

[@RiotHomeRecording]

Sounds great!! I love Tims videos. I want to mention that the chandler line mixer he’s using is definitely adding color. As a console would.

[@thespinalchords5726]

just a very, very clever and talented man. Hats off

[@Swizzenator]

Anyone else hear "Goodnight Song" from Tears For Fears? Fabulous playing Tim.

[@SebastienZunino]

Thanks Tim ! You re such an inspiration

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Omg that Diezel lead tone, so good to hear you shred on that thing!

[@rudolphgaroa1960]

Hi Tim, I downloaded some of your music from Spotify about three or four weeks ago without listening to them ...yet... till now. I was amazed by two things, .. your tunes that you were playing ... and your tones... so Iooked you up on youtube. (for the first time) ... and in this video, you described the tones you're after. .. Just fantastic. The album I downloaded was Guitarland. The first thing I noticed on this video was seing only part of the amp name behind you.... ..CITY.... then found out it was a Sound City amp head. ... This really surprised me as we had two of these at one time... I still regretted not knowing about utulizing the four input jacks to bi-amp the amp when we had them.... and why I just had to write this... (3 years late).. But your playing is fantastic... your music is fantastic and so is your tone. .. : ) Best.

[@drummerjeroensimons]

As a drummer I really enjoyed your video, because music= music...I wish you all good for 2019 Mr Pierce!!!

[@MattWarnick]

Very sweet TIm!...love your blending sensibilities...Bravo!

[@johnmac8084]

Thanks again Tim, good stuff as always.

[@bwall615]

Great video. Love mixing my Ribbon Mics with a 57 or similar mic. The Royers just add that fullness that I don't get with the 57's. Then blend them to taste in Pro Tools. Love your setup.

[@abradfordajb]

Hey Tim ..... you're an okay kinda guy! LUV your guitars. Very nice, simple straightforward demo. Guess what? I owned your Rockett Tim Pierce OD pedal for a while, but i SOLD it (omg) .... i paid the electric & gas bills with the proceeds. The pedal's Boost circuit (the "Power Amp" dial) is one of THE best boosts i've ever used. Best rgds !

[@marksr12]

I wonder if you recorded on a mono track....sounds so stereo from here! Beautifully done! Thanks Tim.

[@jamesnewlyn1803]

I noticed the cab appears to have at least two different kinds of speakers. The cork gasket frames could indicate the famed Greenback type with the smaller 1 3/4" voice coils which will nicely give up that early breakup. But the one he was using the SM-57 and Royer on had a foam gasket. Not likely a greenback style. Would like to know more about his speaker selections. Also noticed speakers were front mounted. Not like a Marshall where you have to remove the back to mount from inside. Cool stuff. Love the videos from this guy. Top shelf player and a class act.

[@pekkalaaksonen8384]

Awesome! Thank you Tim!

[@tomaspavelka6469]

220/5000 I'm astonished ... so many amplifiers ... all sounds good ... and so many guitars are all well tuned ... the sound of the two microphones to the stereo is fantastic ... well good amazing ... your channel I didn't know ... subscribed Send feedback History Saved Community

[@kenboi169]

Tim, how about an overhead picture someday of your setup? How do you get into the captain's chair?

[@steverivera419]

Wonderful video,, thanks Tim!!!!!

[@lkb3rd]

I've never seen you mention your studio monitors, and am curious. Awesome sounds and well put together video!

[@overdraftband5298]

2nd vote to know more about the monitors!

[@johnmac8084]

I was just thinking the same thing, 3rd vote for that

[@bobross5580]

Vote number 4... the sound I hear through my monitors is rich and full so it must sound really good in your room.

[@lpjbird]

I’ll 5 in that vote. I was thinking of asking the same but thought a while back he showed us them. I was going to backtrack to see.

[@northof50now]

Adams A77 - He uses a pair of them, but do not believe there is a subwoofer. Tim has referenced, "the big speakers" in videos, but do not know if the Adams are those to which he refers. I asked him about using monitors rather than the actual sound from the speakers in regards to all his work being for recorded music rather than live. He stated it was easier to judge tone for recording purposes. It's definitely a cools set-up. Funny, most people recognize the cost of the amps or guitars. It would guess that his recording set-up was more expensive than his guitars and amps. The monitors alone will run you a cool $2500.

[@antesmolcic4354]

That Strat sounds ridiculously good! :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Absolutely fantastic video.. thanks so much!

[@JaysonSantos]

I am learning a lot. Thanks, Tim!

[@martinheath5947]

I love the dedicated mic mixer! So simple and ergonomic like an organic stand alone eq/tone shaper. Perfect.

[@fiddlefolk]

It's awesome to hear the scrutiny...what to listen for and what you don't want. I'd like to hear what the engineer strategies are. Thank you so much for the tips...

[@georgekelly9797]

Great seeing Your equipment and behind the Scenes of your studio..love theses videos. G

[@Eventual420]

Great video! I started with just a 57 into interface digital preamps. There was some strange coloring from them, so I added two channels of Great River for a much more clear example. I still had the digital preamps connected, searching for a good use. I added two more channels of Phoenix Audio, and discovered they're also clear with EQ. Still using the digital pre's, but found them to work well on cleans. I run low on channels so I added 4 more digital pre's, and continue to mull their use. Fabfilter as a plug in can almost rescue them, but clarity is always compromised. Clarity only comes from a good mic preamp. The Royers are a substantial investment, so I'm back looking for more channels, this time considering Crane Song or Dave Hill Europa. Fabfilter on a good preamp is my current best option. Of course, I'm a mere hobbyist, but exceedingly grateful for this demonstration from a professional such as Tim. Thank you!! Maybe one day!

[@rickdixontn]

Tim is using a super sophisticated and expensive setup that he's cultivated over many years of playing and recording. But truth is, someone as good as Tim Pierce could play his favorite guitar into a quality amp, mic with an SM57, into a simple pre-amp with a $150 Focusrite connected to his Pro-Tools, and the final sound would still be incredible.

[@briancoyne6700]

Tim, can you give us a tour of your speaker bunker? I want to see the space you’ve designed for the cabinet. My speaker bunker is a closet but I’m getting a boxy sound. Would love to see the space around your cab. Thanks!

[@ransbarger]

The Diezel sounds great!

[@howarddesigngroup3186]

Great Video Tim, You're a total Gear GEEK and I love you for that. Brilliant!

[@craig9802]

I have not often used the phrase, "Holy Fu@%balls" on it's own, but when you first switched to the Royer, I did. The subsequent several minutes only confirmed that assertion.

[@cpfs936]

Wow! I live just a few miles from Bill Skibbe's studio. Had NO idea he made gear!

[@elvagabundovatti]

Best video so far about good guitar tones. I need a basement. Thanks and greetz!

[@LionBronstein]

Fascinating!

[@velcroroachman7965]

On a light note meaning no harm.... youve got 3 2,000 dollar Eventide boxes sitting there.... gotta say.... they look like theyre all "ON" to me... having the same privilige (sorry cant spell and too lazy to google the correct spelling) to own an Eclipse and 2 pcm 80's and a pcm 90.... ...at this point i dont think the mic setup is going to contribute much to the sound I'm hearing on my macbook... I absolutely love you and the way you present yourself is absolutely proffessional .. you have a beautiful smile and genuine love for music... I have been all over the world since 2000... GnR, Shania Twain (with Mutt, and that blond haired guy... Bob Rock... sorry.... it just took me 20 minutes to remember his name only because im old) KISS.. Paul McCartney, Brittney, GAGA, and BTS... as theyre pyro guy... oh... Rihanna too... trying to find a quiet place to practice for 4 hours after load in before the show is hard... a stadium hallway out at center field... a hockey arena starwell is cool... until they bring the VIP package people through... lol... I know your never gonna read this... the sad thing is.... Im a guy who needed to play guitar and had to find a way to have 7-8 hours a day available... and found a gig blowing shit up for rock (pop) stars that lets me do it... on the road for 6 months... at home for 6 months..... until I run out of money lol..... God I hope you read this... Playing guitar because you "have" to... not because you think its cool... but playing because you "HAVE" to... well... its cost me two wives ... ... and I'd give up 3 more lol... Stay safe my friend and safe travals... sorry for the spelling... I live in Japan now... with a woman I met in Inchen airport 7 years ago...... Only because I followed my dream by any means i could... P.S. I could show you the back hallways at Budokan... and tell you why they cover the floor with the green tarp!

[@arfoe]

That was fantastic Tim.

[@zacharyariasmusic]

love your set up man! inspirational and great content

[@cwilson8083]

thanks for the video Tim

[@kenselcer]

Thanks. Great playing and sounds. And to think, I never heard of you until an hour ago thru an old video with Warren Huart. Amazing!

[@aarontaylor2265]

Hi Tim I found your videos through guitar. But you seem more decent than just a guitar hero.. all the best. Ill watch some more of your vids and see if I a novice intermediate can learn something that works for me. cheers man

[@sebasplazam]

Thanks Tim!!, amazing vídeo!!

[@davespaulding9602]

Thanks for all the great info sharing that you do. I have to think it helps a lot of people get better at what they do. I owned a studio for many years so I appreciate the mic combinations. I would love to get your take on combining a mic some distance away from the cab. Also would like to get your take on the e609 for close mic. Thanks again for what you do and for your infecteous smile when you play. You can tell you have a real joy when you are playing.

[@BrandonSantamariamusic]

2years ago but still Great Video!! 🔥

[@dinadams]

What an awesome vid!

[@nacienlos70]

We have heard it a 1000 times, but a strat neck pick pickup sound is the most pronounced, personal, distinguished sound there is. I catch myself again and again being surprised as if it was my first listen.

[@JoshuaC923]

Love the setup! Awesome

[@Planetgonenuts]

Where is the full rendition of that last, smooth and amazing song?!

[@michaelthomas4156]

Excellent!! Thanks

[@sailisi]

True gentleman !

[@marmaladecream2233]

Thanks for the in depth walkthrough Tim! I'm really curious about your iso room/closet downstairs. How big is it? How much absorption does it have inside? I'd love to build something similar for a 4x12 sometime, but seems like it needs to be pretty big and you need lots of bass trapping and absorption to avoid comb filtering.

[@Jason-cm6uh]

it would've been cool to see your Pro Tools screen. You showed everything but that Thanks Tim!

[@TheJTish]

I am also curious about your monitor setup. I would also like to ask about the cable lengths to the amp cab enclosure (I've seen that vid that shows the isolation chamber in your garage). Very cool.. that Royer does have a tone of fidelity.

[@christiaandemarezoyens4720]

Thanks for sharing this fantastic information. Loved the sounds and playing. If I was the producer, I would discard the Billie Jean style clean guitar. It was fighting a bit with all the great reverbs and phrases you created. 👏🏼👍🏼

[@ericruddphotography]

Love the t-shirt, Tim.

[@ImYourOverlord]

In demonstrations like this, I notice that the guitarist doesn't often mention how the guitar's controls are set, and that interests me (and I hope it interests others as well).

[@fixbridge5456]

I truly enjoyed watching this video.... now I forgot to do my chores... blimey!

[@abiegreyvenstein5427]

But I love your playing and creativity.

[@jdubbs9655]

Brother Tim, First and foremost, wishing you a very happy, safe and healthy New Year to you , your family and friends! Thank you for all you share with us! One question, how are you managing phase with your microphone cluster? Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do!

[@rgbrin]

how about showing us what software you use and how you use it,,,,,I have learned so much you my friend,,,,you are an awesome player and you seem like one hell of a nice guy...