9 July 2006
Another short clip while composing continues...
A full-fledged project is inexcusably tardy; however, I do have another clip that I can share. It was created using the Yamaha S90ES Synth sounds and Reason sounds all sequenced through Logic. Please comment!
“Sueño despierto” | Stream | Download MP3
p.d. FORZA ITALIA
23 March 2006
Short clip from the S90ES
This is not a song, but a short clip quickly put together using sounds exclusively from the Yamaha S90ES Synth.
S90ES R1 | Stream | Download MP3
This short clip consists of the following tracks:
- drum track consisting of kick, snare, and hi-hat
- percussive track using conga sounds
- keyboard pad following V-I-III-II progression in D major
- electric bass sound
- acoustic piano patch
- overdriven guitar patch
Again, this was quickly put together without consideration for final mix balance and tonality, it is simply a progression using only the S90ES. Any comments are welcome.
2 March 2006
New track very soon!
Having the new S90ES synth has been a complete enjoyment but also a distraction from my current project that will most likely be titled “Hoja en blanco” or “Blank page”. This new song is ending the tracking stage and will then go into mixing. I anticipate the release for mid-late March. As you can see below, the path of the song is becoming more and more defined.
Stephany Rodriguez tracks the violin
While finishing up “Hoja en blanco” I am simultaneously tracking new ideas and hope to more readily publish tracks for Portafolio 1.
As always, questions, comments, and feedback is always welcome regarding the music and the site.
22 January 2006
The S90ES finally arrived
Guitar Center never again!
On December 15, 2005, after much saving and research, I went into GC to purchase the Yamaha S90ES 88-key synth, a great addition for the studio and for me as a composition and performance tool. Not surprisingly, the particular store location I went to was out of stock of the particular item I wanted; however, I was OK with it for then. While they offered the floor model, I emphasized that I wanted to pay for the synth today, and I wanted it absolutely brand new (GC is horrible about this “detail”). Other stores in my area had it, but not new, so the sales person told me that he could have a new one delivered and it would reach my apartment within a week! And for a great price I was able to bring it down. “Great!” I thought, right in time for Christmas. My only last request was a tracking number, the salesman told me he’d call me the next day with one.
The next day came and no call. I let one more day go and I called the store. The salesman told me he’d call me right back with the tracking number. Hours passed, no call. I called back, still didn’t have the tracking number. The 24th passed, and I was irritated. I went to the store and asked for an update. After a while, the salesman told me that the order had not even shipped and that he would have it out next thing next day. I again asked for the tracking number. On the day it supposedly shipped, I called and asked for a tracking number. Nothing. This cycle began to repeat itself.
Before long, I called Guitar Center again, this time I asked for a manager. This manager saw the error and forwarded me to the “keyboard” manager. The keyboard manager credited me $100 in store credit and assured me it would be sent out next day; I again asked for the tracking number… he would call me back. Next day, the manager did NOT call me back. I called him, and he told me that it “for sure” shipped, but b/c it was a store transfer, there was no tracking number. Hard for me to believe since almost every parcel carrier (except USPS) has a tracking number on everything by default. I waited a few more days for the package to arrive, called the manager for an update. He had no news for me, and no synth for me either. Almost 1 month had passed, and I had no synth and zero returned phone calls from GC regarding a synth I had already paid for.
Finally, I got the first call back explaining that the synth had been located and that there was a lot of confusion between the two store locations and it was promised to me next day. I was offered a piano bench for compensation. I waited all the next day at my apartment for the synth… nothing. It was not until the next day that the pleasant knocking of UPS arrived with my synth, but it was 31 days later, January 16th. Unbelievable!!! I was very happy to have the synth, but very upset with GC, and never will I ever buy anything from that store again if 1) it is not in the current store I’m inside & 2) not completely brand new… just a few tips from my experience. From now on, www.zzounds.com.
Although the wait was horrible, the synth is here, it is brand new, and I went that same day to claim my free stuff. In a fury, I put more on the counter than the value of credit I was promised (high end balanced Mogami cables + bench). The sales people didn’t dare tell me anything.
Regardless now, beyond the frustration, the SYNTH is here, and I’m excited to play, perform, and record with it.
13 January 2006
Site changes and new recording...
I am upgrading the look and feel to the Tinto Records site, to give it a more readable and “homey” feel. As soon as this News section is perfected, the whole site will have the changes applied. Keep visiting to see the new looks.
Also in development is a new song that will become part of Portafolio 1. The song features the new setup of the Telecaster as well as classical guitars, violins, electronic and acoustic percussions. If done on time, the song may be considered part of the next Stanford Soundtrack.
The Yamaha S90ES 88-key hammer-action synth is lost somewhere (hopefully on a UPS truck headed my way). Clips will be uploaded as soon as it is available.
Expect a new recording by the end of the month!
26 December 2005
Upgrades, great for holidays!
First, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. As the year winds down, I think about it and I’m thankful for the year… it was a great one.
Now to the studio, the holiday season has begun returning on the anticipated upgrades. First, here is my loyal and great Fender American Telecaster in its original form:
Two of the three changes are visible in this following pic, these are the old pickups and the old pickguard:
The finished product is more amazing than I could imagine. The guitar looks cleaner than the day I bought it, it looks brand new, and tone cannot get much better:
I tested the upgrade on both a Fender HotRod Deluxe amplifier, and through cans on my virtual rack, Guitar Rig. On both instances, the sound was much thicker, meatier, fuller, yet not muddy at all. I had to adjust the height of the neck pickup a little, and now it is perfect. It will be featured over-driven in my next published project, which I am hoping to have done by mid January.
The Yamaha S90ES Hammer-action synth has been ordered and is expected any day now. Depending on the arrival and the learning curve, I will try to include it in the next recording as well.
Tinto Records is almost in a “complete” state, in that all sections will have valuable content. The site will of course continue to be dynamic and include all developments.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
~Nico
14 December 2005
Telecaster in the shop
My main guitar, the tele, is in the shop, but thankfully not for a repair, rather, for an upgrade. The following is being updated on the guitar:
- AVn broadcaster single coil pickups from http://www.kinman.com/. These are supposed to be extremely noisless and recall the original telecaster tone of 1952.
- I am upgrading the string gauge from 9s to 10s. Appropriately the guitar needs a new setup, which will be completed with the pickup replacement.
- The last change is cosmetic, I am replacing the original white-egg shell pickguard for a white-pearl pickguard.
Additionally, the Yamaha S90ES 88-key synthesizer will very soon join Tinto Records. Pictures and clips will soon be posted.
6 December 2005
Studio section updated
Finally another update to the site and soon to the studio! By clicking “Studio” on the right, you will see the beginning of the studio section that lists the gear here to produce music. In addition, I have a small compilation of pictures of the studio, click here.
As an artist, I have enrolled myself in the Dallas School of Music where I will intensely study piano. The goal is to more fully understand music theory and develop complex styles like jazz piano. To complement this effort, as an additional instrument for me and an addition to the studio, soon I will be bringing home a YAMAHA S90ES! Expect clips of the new instrument soon!
You can alwas contact me: Email Nico
17 November 2005
Construction in the studio and the site
Tinto Records continues its shaping in the studio as well as on the web! The latest addition to the studio includes a new RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser microphone. When used in conjunction with a pop filter, it should provide ideal warmth and accuracy for vocals with the mic pre-amp of the Motu 828mkii. The mic should provide useful with the classical guitars and violins. With the more accurate and sensitive microphone, the acoustics of the room and how easily sound bounces off the walls needed to be considered. Under construction is a 3’x4’ panel that will have 2” wedge acoustic foam to absorb some of the sound waves that will be directed directly to it. The goal is to reduce the flutter echoes that could ruin acoustic takes.
The website will continue to expand with details of the studio configuration, and personal productions as the first artist of the studio. Later, watch for recording articles, musical reviews, and a hefty discussion about “tintos”.
7 November 2005
Tinto Records coming soon!
Tinto Records is currently under construction, please visit my artist site at the following link:
http://www.soundclick.com/nicosanchez/
You can hear the latest production of Tinto Records here: Mañana no existe
~Nico