Would you please attempt to address Ted Templeman’s report of how the famous drum intro to Hot For Teacher was made not with drums but by clever manipulation of a recording of Ed’s lamborghini exhaust? This comes from his recent biography (by Greg Renoff).
I just got the email about the upcoming 1984 podcast and I can’t wait to hear it! Absolutely love all of the episodes and all I can say is take your time to make these podcasts right for you - every episode and guest so far has been fantastic! Thank you for all you are doing! T
Finding this podcast has been instrumental in healing the hole in my heart and soul left by the tragic loss of Edward. Immense thank you for it! I've enjoyed listening to each episode multiple times. I know this is still in production but I'm wondering if there's a schedule for the release of new episodes? Sincerely...
Thanks! It's nice to hear that you are enjoying the episodes. I am really trying to get the episodes into a workable schedule since I know everyone wants to be able to keep up and continue this VH journey. Some episodes take longer than others and my desire to make them as good as I can isn't diminished by the impediments that can cause delays. I'm about to post a blog about the making of episode 10 and I've also made a video that I'll be sharing with info about the episode as well. So long story short, my goal is to get things back to a weekly production but since there is only one of me and there are many things happening all at once, I'm struggling to achieve that goal. Thanks for your patience.
I really enjoyed the discussion about thin picks and ed's attack on the strings, especially with his rhythm playing. One thing I've noticed is how much his thumb bends back when he plays. It naturally gives him a consistent pick-angle across the strings. Even if I try to hold the pick with thumb and middle finger, it's really hard to get that angle and that snap!
The thin picks also accentuate the fact that he hit the strings with such a light touch. It was a contributing factor in allowing him to play chord more in tune as well. Plus, he got the extra "scrape" for pick slides and "muted rakes" across strings.
It's such a simple idea, but I find it to be so profound. You mentioned being able to play chords more in tune (like Steve Vai mentioned in Ep. 1). One of the things that is so inspiring about Ed (for me) is how the notes blossom out of his set up. Not just in tune string-to-string in the chord, but in tune with the amp and the gain and the harmonics and everything that comes out. It's just so magical.
With a thin pick, how do you pick fast or is that just something you acquire with practice? Seems like by the time you get to the next note your pic is catching up to you if it’s thin. Also, are we talking 1970s era classic fender thin? Or medium? Everything is thin compared to the heavy pics I currently play
Definitely thinner than any medium pick. The lighter you hit, the less flex and resistance, so speed comes from a lighter touch with the thinner picks. Heavy picks are great for a lot of things but not so much for Van Halen songs if you're looking to get Ed's nuances. Sometimes that delayed feel and flex is helpful with certain sweep picking motions Ed used too.
On the discussion of Ed’s picks, to the best of my knowledge he used Fender Medium tortoise brown celluloid picks from at least the first world tour until the 1984 tour when he switched to D’Andrea Thin...same thickness as a standard Fender Thin. This continued through at least 1989. He experimented with different gauges, but he generally kept to Medium or Thin most of the time after 1989. I caught two picks from him in October of 1986 on the 5150 tour and they are the well known Thin variety. But again, to the best of my knowledge and photographic evidence, he used brown tortoise Fender Mediums during the 1977-1983 era.
It was so painful to watch. To be truthful, I couldn’t last 30 minutes watching it. I’m now that guy screaming from his porch “get off my lawn!”...seriously what has happened to Music?
Maybe it’s Hal we move from one Aera to another. These podcasts are so great and I can’t imagine them happening back in the day when we were hungry to stay here for a musician was up to or how they felt about the music they were making.
maybe it’s how we move from one era to another. These podcasts are so great and I can’t imagine them happening back in the day when we were hungry to hear what our favorite musicians were up to or how they felt about the music they were making.
Now that we have all these excellent platforms, the music has totally left and listening priorities have shifted so drastically. I mean, even being playing music is economically hazard to your health, but if the audience doesn’t have cultivated ears for those among us who can actually play at a high level all the time, it seems we’re entering the Smithsonian phase of art appreciation. I hope I’m around when it swings back somehow.
What are your thought on how the Grammy’s handled the EVH in memorium segment? So many people disappointed, as was I. The Grammy’s ignore rock music, so I’m not surprised.
I didn't even know the Grammys were on. I started seeing people talking about the lack of attention given to Ed. It doesn't surprise me that the Grammys would miss the opportunity to present a worthy tribute. That doesn't take the disappointment away though. They had since October to create a fitting tribute and apparently chose to throw something together as a mere afterthought instead of giving Edward the true recognition he still deserves to receive. It was a lame move and upsetting to all of his fans.
No. Premier guitar will need to add you into their system and get your preferred address. You will hear from them once you purchase the 5150 bundle. This link will put you in touch if you have any questions. Premier Guitar - (Register for your subscription)
It's an email link and takes you to the subscription department.
Love this podcast so much!! Thanks for all you're doing Dweezil. Question – are the Line6 Helix patches out yet or no? Couldn't find them on the site. Thanks so much!
Thanks! No, the presets aren't ready yet. I'll be putting the presets together along with the episode on the reverse engineering of the brown sound. That's coming up a bit further down the road.
Was Ed using wireless systems back in the day? I see him in 1983 running around the stage without a care and I didn’t even know wireless systems were happening then.
[TREMONTI] editing of this podcast is the best one yet. Really helps tell the story when the audio examples are on the heels of the comment. Thank you!
I'm working hard on "The Early Years" Season finale. That includes the Jennifer Batten episode where we discuss 1984 in detail as well as a wrap-up episode with special guests. I know it's taking longer to get this all done than I had anticipated, but it's coming!
I've also recorded a few new episodes for next season, "Right Here Right Now." I've spoken with Joe Satriani and Mark Lettieri.
Correct, Jersey! They'll all come out, one at a time. I also ordered the full package. It took a while for the magazine to be mailed out ( not DZ's fault at all). But, be prepared for a REALLY great time with these episodes!
Wow, that has to be the best Van Halen tribute band on the planet. Thanks for posting. The guy playing Roth has the same timbre as DLR which is awesome in itself.
I still can't believe that's a Kemper doing all that. Does it feel the same? I've never really played though a loud rig but digital used to be kind of painful.
Hola!! Dweez, I'm actually listening to Billy Corgan episode now, and yeah, it's good. I apologize to BC for bagging him out in an earlier post. I agree with a lot of his thoughts and ideas. Him not liking Hear About it Later? Totaly on acid with that sentiment. My fave episodes thus far are the two with you and Blues Saraceno. There's some silliness going on, and I need to be in on THAT. So funny, I laughed lots.
Okay, a few vids here..I was also stuck on the weird descending thing on One Foot Out the Door...I have a guy on youtube and he helps me when me I'm stuck. Anyways, I'll show his version and then some other dude who uses a delay, and that kinda works as well. Peace, I love Ed. DS
Hey man...I think that guy might be right about the delay for that part of “One Foot Out The Door”. He’s the only person I’ve ever heard where it sounds like the record.
Hi Dweezil. Quick question. For the testimonial we just upload a vid to our profile?? I did that and could not share it. I didn’t know if that was all we had to do.
Seriously the work your Doing here is truly amazing. I think as time passes and more people are exposed to this series the work your Doing is going to be invaluable to countless people. Not just musicians but lovers of music and VAN HALEN
[BETTENCOURT] another great interview. Well spoken and articulate about ineffable Eddie.
I think we have to be careful about the differences and distinctions between tuning down a half step versus the change(s) in the pitch standard mentioned (I.e. 443Hz; is one of them but not the only one). They are not the same thing and the connection to the overtone series affected by that superseded standard is not, either. However, I believe there is a psycho acoustical phenomenon that affects the spirit of humankind when you are tuned to both E flat (1/2 step below standard E tuning) as well as USING a 443 or 444 (better) pitch standard. The frequency of the Earth itself is C=528Hz (A=444Hz)
...and this is where Eddie’s is at. He’s on the upper side of the 444 pitch standard. Run a scope on any of that bands tuning and check it out.
Van Halen is (more often than not) in tune with the Universe itself!
I had my bands try this in two separate gigs and at the first gig, at Stanford Hospital, we got a lot of positive response from the patients where past bands were not as well attended. The second was at a gig where I had our electric band tune to the frequencies I’ve mentioned. We got way more tips than in previous gigs with standard tuning. People will feel better when they hear you.
Hi Dweezil!
Would you please attempt to address Ted Templeman’s report of how the famous drum intro to Hot For Teacher was made not with drums but by clever manipulation of a recording of Ed’s lamborghini exhaust? This comes from his recent biography (by Greg Renoff).
Thank you :)
Steve
That is definitely part of the 1984 episode! Part of the rabbit hole that extended the production. Best, DZ
Hey Dweezil,
I just got the email about the upcoming 1984 podcast and I can’t wait to hear it! Absolutely love all of the episodes and all I can say is take your time to make these podcasts right for you - every episode and guest so far has been fantastic! Thank you for all you are doing!
T
Finding this podcast has been instrumental in healing the hole in my heart and soul left by the tragic loss of Edward. Immense thank you for it! I've enjoyed listening to each episode multiple times. I know this is still in production but I'm wondering if there's a schedule for the release of new episodes? Sincerely...
Hi Todd,
Thanks! It's nice to hear that you are enjoying the episodes. I am really trying to get the episodes into a workable schedule since I know everyone wants to be able to keep up and continue this VH journey. Some episodes take longer than others and my desire to make them as good as I can isn't diminished by the impediments that can cause delays. I'm about to post a blog about the making of episode 10 and I've also made a video that I'll be sharing with info about the episode as well. So long story short, my goal is to get things back to a weekly production but since there is only one of me and there are many things happening all at once, I'm struggling to achieve that goal. Thanks for your patience.
I really enjoyed the discussion about thin picks and ed's attack on the strings, especially with his rhythm playing. One thing I've noticed is how much his thumb bends back when he plays. It naturally gives him a consistent pick-angle across the strings. Even if I try to hold the pick with thumb and middle finger, it's really hard to get that angle and that snap!
Hi Gilbert,
The thin picks also accentuate the fact that he hit the strings with such a light touch. It was a contributing factor in allowing him to play chord more in tune as well. Plus, he got the extra "scrape" for pick slides and "muted rakes" across strings.
Hi Dweezil - Thanks for the reply!
It's such a simple idea, but I find it to be so profound. You mentioned being able to play chords more in tune (like Steve Vai mentioned in Ep. 1). One of the things that is so inspiring about Ed (for me) is how the notes blossom out of his set up. Not just in tune string-to-string in the chord, but in tune with the amp and the gain and the harmonics and everything that comes out. It's just so magical.
With a thin pick, how do you pick fast or is that just something you acquire with practice? Seems like by the time you get to the next note your pic is catching up to you if it’s thin. Also, are we talking 1970s era classic fender thin? Or medium? Everything is thin compared to the heavy pics I currently play
Definitely thinner than any medium pick. The lighter you hit, the less flex and resistance, so speed comes from a lighter touch with the thinner picks. Heavy picks are great for a lot of things but not so much for Van Halen songs if you're looking to get Ed's nuances. Sometimes that delayed feel and flex is helpful with certain sweep picking motions Ed used too.
On the discussion of Ed’s picks, to the best of my knowledge he used Fender Medium tortoise brown celluloid picks from at least the first world tour until the 1984 tour when he switched to D’Andrea Thin...same thickness as a standard Fender Thin. This continued through at least 1989. He experimented with different gauges, but he generally kept to Medium or Thin most of the time after 1989. I caught two picks from him in October of 1986 on the 5150 tour and they are the well known Thin variety. But again, to the best of my knowledge and photographic evidence, he used brown tortoise Fender Mediums during the 1977-1983 era.
OMG, I hurt myself laughing at Blues' "paper bag" story. I think I broke something...
That was a fun moment for sure!
The Grammy’s have not been about “music” for a very long time...I don’t think I’ve watched in twenty plus years
Ditto.
It was so painful to watch. To be truthful, I couldn’t last 30 minutes watching it. I’m now that guy screaming from his porch “get off my lawn!”...seriously what has happened to Music?
Maybe it’s Hal we move from one Aera to another. These podcasts are so great and I can’t imagine them happening back in the day when we were hungry to stay here for a musician was up to or how they felt about the music they were making.
maybe it’s how we move from one era to another. These podcasts are so great and I can’t imagine them happening back in the day when we were hungry to hear what our favorite musicians were up to or how they felt about the music they were making.
Now that we have all these excellent platforms, the music has totally left and listening priorities have shifted so drastically. I mean, even being playing music is economically hazard to your health, but if the audience doesn’t have cultivated ears for those among us who can actually play at a high level all the time, it seems we’re entering the Smithsonian phase of art appreciation. I hope I’m around when it swings back somehow.
DZ,
What are your thought on how the Grammy’s handled the EVH in memorium segment? So many people disappointed, as was I. The Grammy’s ignore rock music, so I’m not surprised.
I didn't even know the Grammys were on. I started seeing people talking about the lack of attention given to Ed. It doesn't surprise me that the Grammys would miss the opportunity to present a worthy tribute. That doesn't take the disappointment away though. They had since October to create a fitting tribute and apparently chose to throw something together as a mere afterthought instead of giving Edward the true recognition he still deserves to receive. It was a lame move and upsetting to all of his fans.
Will the guitar magazine subscription automatically start coming to my home once I order the bundle?
Hi Jersey Frank,
No. Premier guitar will need to add you into their system and get your preferred address. You will hear from them once you purchase the 5150 bundle. This link will put you in touch if you have any questions. Premier Guitar - (Register for your subscription)
It's an email link and takes you to the subscription department.
Hey Dweez, love the podcast. Is the 1984 Jennifer batten episode going to drop soon? Keep rockin
Hi Joshua,
I'm still working on it. I have been doing some research about a few things that previously haven't been well documented.
Hey dz...what the heck happened to Steve vai’s hand/thumb?...I hope it’s nothing serious...dd
Love this podcast so much!! Thanks for all you're doing Dweezil. Question – are the Line6 Helix patches out yet or no? Couldn't find them on the site. Thanks so much!
Hi Will,
Thanks! No, the presets aren't ready yet. I'll be putting the presets together along with the episode on the reverse engineering of the brown sound. That's coming up a bit further down the road.
Sounds like a plan! Have a 2011 Wolfgang Made in Japan on the way and I plan on practicing up a storm while listening :) Thanks again.
Question. I never have received a primeur mag. I subscribed back in Nov. Any info appreciated
thanks
Hi Jim,
i will make sure they are aware that you are waiting for them to respond. I apologize for the delay. You should hear from them very soon.
Thank you !!!
Was Ed using wireless systems back in the day? I see him in 1983 running around the stage without a care and I didn’t even know wireless systems were happening then.
Yes, he was using wireless systems early on. They existed as far back as 1975.
[TREMONTI] editing of this podcast is the best one yet. Really helps tell the story when the audio examples are on the heels of the comment. Thank you!
I ordered the full package but I only see nine episodes. Are they not all available yet?
I believe so Frank...stuff to look forward to
Hi Guys,
I'm working hard on "The Early Years" Season finale. That includes the Jennifer Batten episode where we discuss 1984 in detail as well as a wrap-up episode with special guests. I know it's taking longer to get this all done than I had anticipated, but it's coming!
I've also recorded a few new episodes for next season, "Right Here Right Now." I've spoken with Joe Satriani and Mark Lettieri.
Correct, Jersey! They'll all come out, one at a time. I also ordered the full package. It took a while for the magazine to be mailed out ( not DZ's fault at all). But, be prepared for a REALLY great time with these episodes!
Has anyone seen this performance? Was totally blown away. Just came across it. Check it out if you haven’t. The guitarist nails Eddie’s sound.
Wow, that has to be the best Van Halen tribute band on the planet. Thanks for posting. The guy playing Roth has the same timbre as DLR which is awesome in itself.
I still can't believe that's a Kemper doing all that. Does it feel the same? I've never really played though a loud rig but digital used to be kind of painful.
I have seen it! Simon Hosford did an amazing job! He has also been listening to Runnin' With The Dweezil and is part of our community here.
Hola!! Dweez, I'm actually listening to Billy Corgan episode now, and yeah, it's good. I apologize to BC for bagging him out in an earlier post. I agree with a lot of his thoughts and ideas. Him not liking Hear About it Later? Totaly on acid with that sentiment. My fave episodes thus far are the two with you and Blues Saraceno. There's some silliness going on, and I need to be in on THAT. So funny, I laughed lots.
Okay, a few vids here..I was also stuck on the weird descending thing on One Foot Out the Door...I have a guy on youtube and he helps me when me I'm stuck. Anyways, I'll show his version and then some other dude who uses a delay, and that kinda works as well. Peace, I love Ed. DS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxP_v2qzic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZUE5iWJYWM&t=62s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2sI5gH-p_0
Last vid a playthrough I did of both solos years ago..As soon as I nailed the pinch harmonic divebomb, I knew I had better nail the rest!!!
Hey man...I think that guy might be right about the delay for that part of “One Foot Out The Door”. He’s the only person I’ve ever heard where it sounds like the record.
Hi Dweezil. Quick question. For the testimonial we just upload a vid to our profile?? I did that and could not share it. I didn’t know if that was all we had to do.
Seriously the work your Doing here is truly amazing. I think as time passes and more people are exposed to this series the work your Doing is going to be invaluable to countless people. Not just musicians but lovers of music and VAN HALEN
[BETTENCOURT] another great interview. Well spoken and articulate about ineffable Eddie.
I think we have to be careful about the differences and distinctions between tuning down a half step versus the change(s) in the pitch standard mentioned (I.e. 443Hz; is one of them but not the only one). They are not the same thing and the connection to the overtone series affected by that superseded standard is not, either. However, I believe there is a psycho acoustical phenomenon that affects the spirit of humankind when you are tuned to both E flat (1/2 step below standard E tuning) as well as USING a 443 or 444 (better) pitch standard. The frequency of the Earth itself is C=528Hz (A=444Hz)
...and this is where Eddie’s is at. He’s on the upper side of the 444 pitch standard. Run a scope on any of that bands tuning and check it out.
Van Halen is (more often than not) in tune with the Universe itself!
I had my bands try this in two separate gigs and at the first gig, at Stanford Hospital, we got a lot of positive response from the patients where past bands were not as well attended. The second was at a gig where I had our electric band tune to the frequencies I’ve mentioned. We got way more tips than in previous gigs with standard tuning. People will feel better when they hear you.
For more information on how Eddie actually tuned, please check out my forum post on the subject: https://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/threads/62695-Van-Halen-tunings-with-Peterson-strobe-tuner-reference
[SARACENO] this guy’s funny af. He’s having a good time. Loved this show
He's my fave thus far. All we need is a bar and a few beers.