His tone is wonderful. His playing excellent. If only he lost 100 pounds, get a crew cut haircut, and a clean shave, I might consider hiring him. Question. When pointing a mic at a single speaker amp, I heard it should be off center, never aimed directly at the center of the speaker cone. If this is true, why?
George Martin was a producer of joke records. I do not think he was a recording engineer. Those engineers were the ones who captured the tone and sonically shaped and mixed it with their warm outdated analog boards and effects. George Martin could perhaps write a cello line for Yesterday, a sad, depressing song. The old early Rollings Stones albums had some good raw playing, such as Brian Jones’s lead guitar playing. But, all that old Stones stuff was drenched in way too much reverb. It was sickeningly too sweet.
@@BoulevardRecording Sorry to disagree, but I had a Country Gent in the 60/70's and I remember the sound a little bit fatter than that, perhaps the strings? Think it had a little more body, although my amp was a deluxe rev.
I've been listening to Beatles for Sale and the guitar sounds are pretty bad and leads are really weak, for the most part. The better ones I suspect were played by Paul. It was better on Help! but I was surprised at the guitar on B4S. Of course - - the songs and vocals are so amazing, they just carry the day.
John's rhythm part in 'All My Loving' was spot on! As a guitarist I know that it sounds fairly easy, but it's actually one of the most difficult rhythm guitar parts in Rock'n'Roll history - chapeau!
When you have this many beatle fans praising you on how close you got to these early guitar tones, you know you’re doing something right. Honestly you got George’s tones from with The Beatles right on the money
I’ve come to appreciate the Beatles more here lately, I’ve always looked at them as basic since EVERYONE knows them, but then I realized they’re the most popular band ever for a reason BECAUSE THEY’RE GOOD!!
@@Albatross_1823 So did tons of bands, the vast majority of which never even made enough to properly live on, until they gave up and wandered off back to the dead end jobs they had to get to keep their girlfriends, who had got tired of subbing them and not having holidays or a nice home like their friends but would soon lose interest anyway now that the skinny nonchalant muso up on stage is in his 30s stacking shelves in the supermarket where those friends do their shopping That’s the thing about music, hard work sometimes helps but it guarantees absolutely nothing, and those who ‘make it’ often do so with very little effort.
@1:04 Beautiful pic of Paul playing what appears to be his original Hofner, and look at the Beatles logo on the kick drum..WAY different. And all of them wearing a tie for a recording session or rehearsal. Absolutely classic.
Very cool, congrats. I've often thought that the EMI engineers were brilliant in the way that they dealt with such different technology in very creative ways. That's one reason those records sound so good, like Piper at the Gates of Dawn for example, apart from all the Beatles stuff. Those sound textures can't be recreated, but you get very, very close, sir.
Finally seeing those with the technical skills to show that the beatles were not just a foursome of blokes from Liverpool that could play instruments and sing songs.
It's been a long time since somebody have make me feel as intelligent as you can do. Wich is a damn good sign of interst for a guy very able to transmit that complicated things! You just maid my day as I am coughing my lungs from the fu***** Covid!!!!
Stumbled across you and absolutely love your style and what you're teaching. Such a lovely, refreshing change from so many of the full-of-themselves presenters you usually get on this type of video. Great stuff, many thanks for sharing.
These are by far my favourite engineering videos in a long time. Being an engineer and Beatles maniac, this is just pure gold! Thank you so much for doing this man. All the best.
Super job. It's obvious you put a lot of time into researching the sounds...and they are actually the 'CLOSEST' to the Beatle sounds of so many videos I've watched of this sort (ON emulating sounds of different players). Respect to you. my friend 👍👍
These videos are great, well done. I had the pleasure of working in Abbey Road year before last doing live sound for three bands in studio two. A totally surreal experience as it’s hardly changed at all. We had a lot less time to set up that I was told and I was amazed that when I threw up the faders, it all sounded great with no feedback issues… that is one amazing room. Got shown all the early valve preamps and mic cupboard. At one point I was gently leaning on a 24 track machine chatting to the engineer in the control room when he pointed out it was the machine used to record Dark Side of the Moon! 😳
I've played Ac30s and Ac15s for years and have always scratched my head as to how The Beatles made those amps sound the way they did. Mic on the baffle explains a lot. That may be the most important element in the sound, aside from the playing. It's interesting a/bing your sound with the latest stereo mixes. Listen to "It won't be long". Your sound is close but their mix is bolder. It's an incredible sound. Nothing beats The Beatles. Thanks so much for your video. Awesome.
Very well done. I have a mid 60s Ac30. The normal channel is the John Channel and the top boost channel is the George Channel. I love the way you use the flatwounds on the Gibson j160e
Loving this video! very close on tones. My dad passed down a 63' vox ac15 twin to my brother. We have played in bands for years and got the amp refurbished. Kept it as original as possible. It sounds like no other amp when cranked. I'm not a vintage amp guy as such but those amps have something.
Clay, I didn't know you were that accomplished on guitar...very impressive you have the guitar parts down pat......Very impressed from a guy that studied the recording and guitar/bass parts for years....! thanks again for turning me on to Jeff Z.
I admire your perseverance and commitment to the level of detailed information you’ve managed to learn and convey. Not useless but in fact very important information. Thanks so much!
What's also important to note is that in the early days, they usually sang and played at the same time while recording along with the drums and bass too so it was basically a live recording.
Great and super informative video. I'm a boomer and played bass back in the day, and like the fact that these videos go to the source -- the instruments, amps and mics in the room where the guys played. And your teaching style is spot on for me. Thank you. And very nice playing on the Gretsch and other guitars!
The more I find new videos on youtube like yours, I understand why I dont play guitar anymore, you are a great guitar player! Thanks for your great video of the best band ever!
Great insights, guitars, amps, mics, great job! Any good old pics of the amp settings anywhere? Was at Abbey Road Studio 2 a couple years ago. It was amazing.
I've watched two of these tonight, and I just gotta say thank you so much for making them. The depth of your research into the Beatles sessions is obvious and your playing with the songs is fantastic. I am fairly obsessed with having authentic Beatles gear available as much as I can afford: I've got 3 Gretsch guitars, a vintage 1965 Rickenbacker (albeit the 360 instead of John's mini guitar), an Epiphone Casino, and a VOX-AC 15 (fawn, with a Celestion Blue). My general feeling is that the VOX with a Celestion Blue will get you 85% of the way to a Beatles guitar sound, everything else is a bonus.
When I had an AC30 I always hung a mic in between the speakers because I drove the treble pretty hard to get more drive out of the amp and it always sounded surprisingly great. Glad to know I'm not totally insane
Interesting guitar tone change by George on It Won't Be Long. At around 59 seconds John sings "the tears" George strums the C chord with both pickups on and without missing a beat switches to the bridge pickup. In the stereo 2009 remastered recording it's heard in the left channel.
Hey Man, thanx for sharing those great videos . I was wondering if, to complete what we can learn in them about the mics placing, you were also planning to make a video about the amps settings ? Thank you !
Dude, you know your stuff! Crazy cool! The Beatles are why I love music. The Beatles will always be so special to my heart. Love them. Would love to jam and record some stuff with you. Ringo's sounds are the reason I play drums!
This is terrific! One of the major components of John's rhythm playing is the use of passing chords (essentially the six open strings) as he moved between chords in the song. One of the best examples of this is in 'Nowhere Man', but it's evident on pretty much all of his playing. You've absolutely nailed that aspect.
I would love to see a video on Ringo's drums for Abbey Road, if you can. I don't think that any recorded drums have sounded better than Ringo's on that album (and it wasn't just the fact that he actually splurged and bought new sheep-skin heads!). The new remix in surround sound really brings out the genius of that entire recording session. Keep up the good work. Amazing insights. Thanks so much.
Would love to see you cover Revolver drums next, I keep reading mixed things even from Geoff Emerick about whether they used a hi hat and tom mic or not, or just the OH Kick and Snare under mic.
My AC15 2x12 came with two ceramic blue speakers. Copper panel and has the thicker tolex rather than the thin black rexine so guessing it's post 62. I've since removed the ceramics and fitted a pair of original blue Alnicos. Pretty amazing amp.
Fantastic video man! You completely nailed all the tones. Really loved that accurate tone of that 325 and it's really neat to see a in depth video of this. Thanks for the video bud
This bloke is a pro.
His delivery isn't some polished scripted presented thing. He's telling you his job and that's it. No bulshit.
its so damn good man!
His tone is wonderful. His playing excellent. If only he lost 100 pounds, get a crew cut haircut, and a clean shave, I might consider hiring him. Question. When pointing a mic at a single speaker amp, I heard it should be off center, never aimed directly at the center of the speaker cone. If this is true, why?
George Martin was a producer of joke records. I do not think he was a recording engineer. Those engineers were the ones who captured the tone and sonically shaped and mixed it with their warm outdated analog boards and effects. George Martin could perhaps write a cello line for Yesterday, a sad, depressing song. The old early Rollings Stones albums had some good raw playing, such as Brian Jones’s lead guitar playing. But, all that old Stones stuff was drenched in way too much reverb. It was sickeningly too sweet.
@@thomaspick4123or maybe don’t be such a judgemental asshole?
That Gretsch sound is absolutely phenomenally close, the Roll Over Beethoven solo in particular was immaculate. Amazing work!
Thank you so much ! I love that guitar. It’s a new one made by Gretsch owned by Fender and they really knocked it out of the park
I second that compliment!!
Same goes for that J-160 sound, wasn't aware that they plugged them in on so many early songs like "Please Please Me". Good stuff, thanks.
@@BoulevardRecording Sorry to disagree, but I had a Country Gent in the 60/70's and I remember the sound a little bit fatter than that, perhaps the strings? Think it had a little more body, although my amp was a deluxe rev.
I'm more interested in the sound/tone of John's Rickenbacker.
Finally someone who seems to really understand the early Beatles Vox-sound: No distortion, just clean twangy notes. Thank You!
Unusual for a beatles fan, but i actually prefer early beatles over late, i'm a big tone guy and those rics and gretsches just sound so good
I've been listening to Beatles for Sale and the guitar sounds are pretty bad and leads are really weak, for the most part. The better ones I suspect were played by Paul. It was better on Help! but I was surprised at the guitar on B4S. Of course - - the songs and vocals are so amazing, they just carry the day.
@@harveycan5820Beatles for Sale is kinda notorious for being a huge dip in quality (relatively)
@@harveycan5820 I don't know if Paul played any lead guitar on Beatles For Sale
Never seen anyone get this close to the actual sound, both in engineering and playing. Great attention to detail.
For someone who has wondered how those guitar tones were recorded for the last 50 years, this is the holy grail. Thanks so much.
That Gretsch tone. A lot of people associate Ricks with early Beatles, but the descending “She Loves You” riff on the Gretsch is absolutely it.
Agree in every respect!!!
John's rhythm part in 'All My Loving' was spot on! As a guitarist I know that it sounds fairly easy, but it's actually one of the most difficult rhythm guitar parts in Rock'n'Roll history - chapeau!
As a child of the 60's and lifelong Beatles fan and musician this is so well done.
Big, big respect for a recording man who's also an accomplished musician! My hat's off to you, sir.
When you have this many beatle fans praising you on how close you got to these early guitar tones, you know you’re doing something right. Honestly you got George’s tones from with The Beatles right on the money
You got the touch, buddy. Well done !!!!! Not many people can play what you just played. Great job with the mics. Wow.
I’ve come to appreciate the Beatles more here lately, I’ve always looked at them as basic since EVERYONE knows them, but then I realized they’re the most popular band ever for a reason BECAUSE THEY’RE GOOD!!
Wow who knew?
Because they gigged relentlessly in the early day.
@@Albatross_1823 So did tons of bands, the vast majority of which never even made enough to properly live on, until they gave up and wandered off back to the dead end jobs they had to get to keep their girlfriends, who had got tired of subbing them and not having holidays or a nice home like their friends but would soon lose interest anyway now that the skinny nonchalant muso up on stage is in his 30s stacking shelves in the supermarket where those friends do their shopping That’s the thing about music, hard work sometimes helps but it guarantees absolutely nothing, and those who ‘make it’ often do so with very little effort.
@1:04 Beautiful pic of Paul playing what appears to be his original Hofner, and look at the Beatles logo on the kick drum..WAY different. And all of them wearing a tie for a recording session or rehearsal. Absolutely classic.
Very cool, congrats. I've often thought that the EMI engineers were brilliant in the way that they dealt with such different technology in very creative ways. That's one reason those records sound so good, like Piper at the Gates of Dawn for example, apart from all the Beatles stuff. Those sound textures can't be recreated, but you get very, very close, sir.
Finally seeing those with the technical skills to show that the beatles were not just a foursome of blokes from Liverpool that could play instruments and sing songs.
It's been a long time since somebody have make me feel as intelligent as you can do. Wich is a damn good sign of interst for a guy very able to transmit that complicated things!
You just maid my day as I am coughing my lungs from the fu***** Covid!!!!
Stumbled across you and absolutely love your style and what you're teaching. Such a lovely, refreshing change from so many of the full-of-themselves presenters you usually get on this type of video. Great stuff, many thanks for sharing.
Great video! Cheers!
These are by far my favourite engineering videos in a long time. Being an engineer and Beatles maniac, this is just pure gold! Thank you so much for doing this man. All the best.
Super job. It's obvious you put a lot of time into researching the sounds...and they are actually the 'CLOSEST' to the Beatle sounds of so many videos I've watched of this sort (ON emulating sounds of different players). Respect to you. my friend
👍👍
Just discovered this channel tonight, and man oh man is it a hidden treasure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
GD!!! That tone is spot on. Almost like listening to the master tapes or taking a time machine.
You're the man Clay! A wealth of knowledge here friends!
These videos are great, well done. I had the pleasure of working in Abbey Road year before last doing live sound for three bands in studio two. A totally surreal experience as it’s hardly changed at all.
We had a lot less time to set up that I was told and I was amazed that when I threw up the faders, it all sounded great with no feedback issues… that is one amazing room.
Got shown all the early valve preamps and mic cupboard. At one point I was gently leaning on a 24 track machine chatting to the engineer in the control room when he pointed out it was the machine used to record Dark Side of the Moon!
😳
Had seen you play bass before but didn't know you had such a nice touch on the guitar. Really nice playing!
I've played Ac30s and Ac15s for years and have always scratched my head as to how The Beatles made those amps sound the way they did. Mic on the baffle explains a lot. That may be the most important element in the sound, aside from the playing. It's interesting a/bing your sound with the latest stereo mixes. Listen to "It won't be long". Your sound is close but their mix is bolder. It's an incredible sound. Nothing beats The Beatles. Thanks so much for your video. Awesome.
Very well done. I have a mid 60s Ac30. The normal channel is the John Channel and the top boost channel is the George Channel. I love the way you use the flatwounds on the Gibson j160e
Loving this video! very close on tones. My dad passed down a 63' vox ac15 twin to my brother. We have played in bands for years and got the amp refurbished. Kept it as original as possible. It sounds like no other amp when cranked. I'm not a vintage amp guy as such but those amps have something.
Dig the Mike Viola sweater! Fantastic work man, your videos are a masterclass. ✌️
Thank you Mr. Clay Blair. Would love to have you record us some day when we are good enough.
Acoustic archaeology.
Clever stuff.
Fascinating.
Clay, I didn't know you were that accomplished on guitar...very impressive you have the guitar parts down pat......Very impressed from a guy that studied the recording and guitar/bass parts for years....! thanks again for turning me on to Jeff Z.
Hell yeah as a huge Beatles fan these are going to be so helpful when I’m recording my band thank you for making these.
I admire your perseverance and commitment to the level of detailed information you’ve managed to learn and convey. Not useless but in fact very important information. Thanks so much!
What's also important to note is that in the early days, they usually sang and played at the same time while recording along with the drums and bass too so it was basically a live recording.
I love that you also have the right guitars and techniques. Spot on. So cool to watch this.
Great and super informative video. I'm a boomer and played bass back in the day, and like the fact that these videos go to the source -- the instruments, amps and mics in the room where the guys played. And your teaching style is spot on for me. Thank you. And very nice playing on the Gretsch and other guitars!
I love all your videos, great playing chops, and engineering information. Your ears are incredible. Thanks for sharing your talents.
The more I find new videos on youtube like yours, I understand why I dont play guitar anymore, you are a great guitar player! Thanks for your great video of the best band ever!
That’s silly you should play guitar I’m not half the guitar player Harrison was ! Just a good copy cat
You did a very, very good Job. Congratulations!!!
Great insights, guitars, amps, mics, great job! Any good old pics of the amp settings anywhere? Was at Abbey Road Studio 2 a couple years ago. It was amazing.
I've watched two of these tonight, and I just gotta say thank you so much for making them. The depth of your research into the Beatles sessions is obvious and your playing with the songs is fantastic.
I am fairly obsessed with having authentic Beatles gear available as much as I can afford: I've got 3 Gretsch guitars, a vintage 1965 Rickenbacker (albeit the 360 instead of John's mini guitar), an Epiphone Casino, and a VOX-AC 15 (fawn, with a Celestion Blue).
My general feeling is that the VOX with a Celestion Blue will get you 85% of the way to a Beatles guitar sound, everything else is a bonus.
Holy crap. These tones are spot on. Well done. And what the hell, I am going to try my next session mic'ing between the speakers on the amp.
Wow love this a great insight into the Beatles recording sessions 🎸🥁
Right on - Such a joy to have all that killer gear to experiment with. Thanks a bunch - Cheers from Seattle!
This is what I needed
Incredible content to think we are receiving this amazing information for nothing, thank you sir
Those are some killer tones you got well done
When I had an AC30 I always hung a mic in between the speakers because I drove the treble pretty hard to get more drive out of the amp and it always sounded surprisingly great. Glad to know I'm not totally insane
Great videos/content! Hope you’ll be posting more videos soon!!
Holy cow! You captured that sound!
Interesting guitar tone change by George on It Won't Be Long. At around 59 seconds John sings "the tears" George strums the C chord with both pickups on and without missing a beat switches to the bridge pickup. In the stereo 2009 remastered recording it's heard in the left channel.
Hey Man, thanx for sharing those great videos .
I was wondering if, to complete what we can learn in them about the mics placing, you were also planning to make a video about the amps settings ?
Thank you !
Great to-the-point, no-frills video, man! Hooked on it!
Great info! Thanks for taking your time to post your videos!!!
This man is a legend! Love watching guys fawn over this stuff as much as me.
Honestly you’ve just earned a subscriber my man! I’ve never seen videos that got this detailed in the Beatles, until now. Keep it up man!
so informative, great information - and EXTRA "COOL POINTS" FOR THE MIKE VIOLA SHIRT!!! HELL YEAH!
Holy Moly - love this - great explanation & amazing guitar playing :-)
Dude, you know your stuff! Crazy cool! The Beatles are why I love music. The Beatles will always be so special to my heart. Love them. Would love to jam and record some stuff with you. Ringo's sounds are the reason I play drums!
very nice video! thanks for sharing and great to see the history of what they did still being studied and shared.
Just a fabulous analysis and demo. Thank you!
I would love a vid on the Revolver guitar sound! Especially the really bright fuzzy stuff.
And pepper bright chiming sounds too
Great playing. I would love to see the whole recording session. The playing and the sound are excellent. Thanks
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you
Really enjoy these vids Clay. Great info! Always something new to learn 🎤🎸🎧👍🏻
Finally a new beatles recording video! Please do more more beatles recording videos! A late beatles era mixing video would be amazing!
Thank you so much for that info excellent wish more folks did videos like this your amazing thank you so much
Awesome work and knowledge! Very interesting to hear about all the techniques used in the production of The Beatles. 👍
I bought your Abbey Road course a few months ago. Great stuff man!
great video..i am still learning beatles songs occasionally if time allows...keep on the great work!
That was fun and interesting! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
That tone at 5:20, the slightly out-of-intimated clucking hen sound, is spot on John Lennon rhythm tone.
These Beatles videos are fucking awesome. Very nice job, man.
thanks for the info, I glad I know how they got their sound. Bravo on your Beatles playing skills too. Outstanding video.
FAN-tastic job,and well explained video
Thanks Blair! I'm a nerd and a geek and appreciate all this info, very interesting!
You are knowledgeable be yond compare sir....we love your content and dedication...keep up the great work...cheers!
You, sir, are the man. I've been recording a track looking for this exact video, and better yet I've found a very reliable source!
Vox tone settings high boost? Treble, bass, reverb, tone cut? When using the 325 ? 🙏
Top guy. Great video. Keep 'em coming.
This is terrific! One of the major components of John's rhythm playing is the use of passing chords (essentially the six open strings) as he moved between chords in the song. One of the best examples of this is in 'Nowhere Man', but it's evident on pretty much all of his playing.
You've absolutely nailed that aspect.
AMAZING series! You have a great channel of treasures. Thank you!
Pretty damn good job, man!
Happy new year! 😉😊✌🏻
Great videos! Thanks.
What I don't like: strumming open strings every time between chord changes. Besides that: amazing!
I would love to see a video on Ringo's drums for Abbey Road, if you can. I don't think that any recorded drums have sounded better than Ringo's on that album (and it wasn't just the fact that he actually splurged and bought new sheep-skin heads!). The new remix in surround sound really brings out the genius of that entire recording session. Keep up the good work. Amazing insights. Thanks so much.
Here ya go ! promixacademy.com/course/re-recording-the-beatles-abbey-road/
Would love to see you cover Revolver drums next, I keep reading mixed things even from Geoff Emerick about whether they used a hi hat and tom mic or not, or just the OH Kick and Snare under mic.
My AC15 2x12 came with two ceramic blue speakers. Copper panel and has the thicker tolex rather than the thin black rexine so guessing it's post 62. I've since removed the ceramics and fitted a pair of original blue Alnicos. Pretty amazing amp.
Those sounds are absolutely ridiculous. Fair play mate, can literally close eyes and it sounds like you're in abbey road. Bravo
We need a guitar/drum/bass White Album sounds video!!
Will be doing those once we get some of the Let it Be stuff out of the way !
@@BoulevardRecording Killer, I'm really looking forward to the Let it be stuff too!
Great man you got the tune I will follow U
You are the real deal man! Great comprehensive video. Just subscribed.
This was great! Also, I dig the Mike V shirt!
These videos are great. Keep it up.
Fantastic video man! You completely nailed all the tones. Really loved that accurate tone of that 325 and it's really neat to see a in depth video of this. Thanks for the video bud
Great stuff, love it!!
Thanks for this great series and the nicest surprise was the Mike Viola Godmuffin sweatshirt. So nice to see a fellow Weirdo these days! Best, Gordon
Hell yea !
Fantastic. And nice Mike Viola shirt. He’s one of the greats.
Yes he is !!
YES! Love this, Clay!
Great work, man. You're awesome