Instrumental Cover - Alter Bridge
Good day to you all!
Here is my latest cover: ALL ENDS WELL by ALTER BRIDGE
Amongst a lot of musical and podcast related activity (and general family life), I have been slowly piecing together a new cover to upload to Youtube. I really enjoy putting these covers together, because it challenges my ear, and develops my understanding of how different instruments interact with one another.
It is also helping me learn and improve my drumming skills. Furthermore the mixing and mastering process involved, plus all the videography to present the audio performance. Quite a task with a lot of spinning plates!
I chose to learn and record 'All Ends Well' by Alter Bridge. This band is regularly played in the Beardsley household. Luckily my wife and daughter both adore this band!
I started with an acoustic template to outline the song using my PRS SE P20, mic'd with a Rode NT1 microphone. From this I could add the bass and drums for a solid backbone to the song. I used the Roland kit into Logic Pro, and used the GGD Dry N Funky plugin to achieve the warm drum sound.
I recorded the bassline using my disgusting bass technique on a MusicMan Sub 5. I simulated the bass amp with my Fractal Audio FM3. An Ampeg SVT model basically, the industry standard.
All rhythm guitars were plugged into my Orange OR30. I took a direct feed from the amp into a Suhr Reactive Load IR unit. (This basically simulates a speaker cabinet plus a microphone, and provides safe impedence load for the amp to operate without a speaker cabinet plugged in. Silent recording!) This then runs straight into Logic Pro. I will do a detailled review of this unit very soon.
I cannot speak highly enough of this killer amp. Tone for days, so dynamic, and so much punch in the upper midrange.
Since having this amp, I have been really embracing the old school approach of cleaning up the guitar with the volume control on the guitar for a clean tone.
This amp features a presence control and a three way bright switch. This might not sound particularly exciting, but trust me...it is!
Check out my full demo here:
Guitar tunings
The turqouise PRS Singlecut was tuned half step down to Db, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, Db.
The tobacco PRS Singlecut was in standard tuning with a capo on the first fret.
The PRS CE24 Special was also in standard tuning.
The PRS SE P20 acoustic was in standard tuning.
What happened to the vocals?
Well then! Let's just say that despite a few months of vocal practice, this falls outside of my 'better sounding vocal range'. The notes were there, but the vocal tone wasn't pleasant at all. I decided to opt for an instrumental version of the song, and use the guitar to represent the vocal melodies.
Sometimes you have to admit that it just isn't going to work. Apologies to my neighbours!
The lead guitars were a real fun part of the process, trying to find every drop of expression within every note. The CE24 absolutely sings, and the PRS trem is so smooth, which helps with those vocal-esque vibrato indiosyncratic phrases. I was plugged in to the FM3 whilst developing the ideas. I planned to re-record, but the tones ending up being really complimentary to the mix. Plus I filmed everything as I was recording. The harmonies really lifted the chorus the way that I hoped it would.
Mixing, Mastering and video
I plan on going into more detail about my approach to audio production. I have often hesitated about sharing my approach, because I am still very much in the depths of learning. Results vary, especially since being self taught. That being said, I have discovered a few tricks that can speed up the process nicely. If you want me to share this in a future blog, please comment below to let me know.
Once the mix was ready, I then pieced together all the video clips in Final Cut Pro. Everything is filmed with an old iphone. Yes...the lighting could be better, but it is good enough for now.
That is the story behind my latest cover. I hope you've enjoyed reading this post, and I hope you have enjoyed the instrumental rendition of this beautiful ballad from such a brilliant band!
Thanks for reading, and have a splendid day 🧡
Comments