BigWheeledWagon

Wow, I really like this one. On another note, I'm really getting a kick out of "Man, the new album is going to suck" talk out there. I remember the same talk when the songs for AGIB started circulating. The same is true for YHF. I guess there are those out there that wish Wilco would just make Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2: The Bravo Alpha Tango, or Summerteeth 2: Autumn Orthadonture, or A Ghost is Born 2: The Ghost Pottie Trains. Personlly, I enjoy seeing all the new directions the music takes, but I guess that when you make such great and distinctive albums, people are going to want more of

Sorry, nevermind.

You know, unlike other instruments, I've never really been able to tell the difference between most medium-priced harmonicas and more expensive ones. I mean, the cheapo ones sound inferior, but the difference between the rest is so subtle, I'm not sure it makes that much difference. Maybe it's just me, though. I'm only a so-so harp player.

I really like the Line 6 emulators. For the most part, it's like having a lot of little boutique pedals all rolled into one box (some pedals are emulated better than others, though).

Yeah, I've been using a heavy bullet bar, and I run the guitar through a tube amp and reverb it up pretty good -- it still sounds, I don't know, thin maybe? Like you, I suspect my playing may be what I'm less than happy about. You know, I can play almost any stringed instrument pretty well (guitar, bass, mandolin, even banjo) but when you introduce a slide/steel bar into the mix (or a bow -- forget about it) things get messy for me.

I have one as well, but have been less than happy with it. I mean, for the money, it's not bad, but the tone quality is not great.

How much money are you looking to spend? Do you have firewire? What kind of soundcard? These are all significant factors. If you're just looking for a cheap but reliable way to get it done, though, I like this product: M-Audio USB

The Tattered Remnants

Guitars: Fender Telecaster '52 reissue Fender Strat -- 80's Japanese made '67 Gibson Dove a cheap Peavey bass a very old banjo of unknown make (it was my great-grandfather's) Fender mandolin cheap steel guitar (non-pedal) Silverface Fender Bassman 10 amp I can't recall what kind of keyboard I have, but it needs upgrading Effects: Line 6 distortion emulator Line 6 modulation emulator Ibanez Tube Screamer Dynacomp Various and sundry other little pedals laying around though not much used Shure 57 and 58 mics Recording software -- SONAR 5

I read an article somewhere in which Jay said that he and Jeff both used a Line 6 emulating amp for a lot of the songs on Summerteeth. I was a little surprised, given his love for vintage gear.

For not much over $300, you should be able to find an old Fender Bassman 10. I absolutely love mine.