Staff Reviews to be hosted on RocknRollRentals.com

We will be posting all of our informative & entertaining staff reviews and blogs on our website. Read them now.  Read them later. Check back often.

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Dial in your vocal effects using the VOCO-LOCO!

Over the last few years, I have tried many different methods of using vocal effects in a live setting, from using basic impedance converters with guitar pedals, to plugging mics into guitar amplifiers. Some of these methods would sound good enough to keep using, but many were very problematic, and none of them were able to accomplish the type of effects I can get when I’m recording. Using vocal effects in a live setting is always complicated by gain structure, impedance issues, signal quality and lots, and lots of feedback. Over the years I kept seeing expensive, rack-mountable vocal effect processors out at gigs, and I was starting to think that purchasing one of those would be the only way I could get decent sounding saturation without losing clarity in my vocals...that was until Radial came out with the VOCO LOCO!

Radial Engineering describes the VOCO LOCO as an “Effects Switcher for Vocals or Instruments”, but this little magic box is SO MUCH MORE. Firstly, it is a very clean vocal pre-amp that is capable of providing phantom power (which is awesome if you are prefer using your own condenser mic, or if you just like to run your mic gain a little bit hotter than the sound guy would). Secondly, there is a two band EQ with a high and low shelf, which can make your typical dynamic mic have crisp highs, or more depth in low frequency. Thirdly, it has a transformer isolated hi-Z effect loop, where you can send your vocals through a series of guitar effect pedals without having impedance issues. Radial also provides you with parameters for how hot you send or receive your vocal signal into the loop, in addition to parameters controlling the tone and depth of the effects used with your vocal. These parameters are so useful for dialing in how the way you use the effect to saturate or color your vocal. For instance, say you have a Holy Grail reverb pedal that sounds great when you hit it with a really hot signal, but you wish it was brighter. The VOCO LOCO allows you to send a very hot signal to the pedal, take a lower signal back on return, and then you can change how the tone of mix that you are looping through the pedal!

Not only does the VOCO LOCO allow you to take total control over how your vocal interacts with different effects, it virtually eliminates feedback, impedance, and signal quality issues. Additionally, It also has two stomp buttons which allow you to control either MUTE/ALL WET, or DRY/WET signal. These can both be very handy for the live setting for a few different reasons. For instance, say you have a song where you only need vocal tremolo and reverb in the chorus. The stomp buttons would allow you to turn multiple effects on and off at once, or allow you to control how much of those effects are being implemented into the signal at once, or if you want your vocal to come through at all!

When I have used the VOCO LOCO with my band Shivery Shakes, I use a TC Electronics Hall of Fame Reverb (using the spring reverb setting), with a MXR Carbon Copy Delay for slapback, and occasionally I'll punch of a Maxon 808 Overdrive pedal for a little bit of grit. In my experience, using the VOCO LOCO is the only way to achieve vocal overdrive/distortion without crazy issues with gain structure and feedback. Being able to control my own vocal effects on stage adds a whole new element to putting on a live show, where previously I have felt like that was the one way the sound of the venue limited us.

For anyone who has experimented with using guitar pedals on your vocals, or anyone who is interested having some more control over how your vocals sound live, I couldn’t recommend this pedal more. Additionally, this product has the same terrific build quality and components that Radial is renowned for (this pedal will still work when your grandkids start a band!!!!!). Come get LOCO on it for only $8/weekend or $15/month, and if you want to rent some guitar effect pedals to use with it, try out our pedal of the month club ($9/1 pedal, $15/2 pedals, $20/3 pedals).

-William Glosup

Here is an another look at our Fender guitars that we have added to our inventory! Lot's of awesome signature models, in addition to some classic reissues

Up first is the JA-90, the signature model from Jimmy Eat World singer and guitarist, Jim Atkins. This guitar is fully loaded, with a "set" neck (as opposed to the common bolt-on), which makes for fantastic resonance and sustain. It also has a two fat black soap-bar P-90 pick-ups, which sound clear, fat and amazing. 

Up next is an old favorite, the Fender "Classic Player" Jazzmaster. This guitar has become legendary, especially in recent years. From Elvis Costello to J Mascis, or The Ventures to Stephen Malkmus, this is a quintessential axe that requires no introduction. Loaded with two soapbar P-90's and an a wide and long 22-fret neck, this is one of Fender's best.

Introducing a classic at a very affordable price, this is the Squire Vintage Modified Jazzmaster. All of the great aspects of a Jazzmaster, without breaking your bank. If you are interested in trying your hand at this classic, this guitar is a great way to start!

A revered player of the Jazzmaster gives his spin on the guitar - introducing the Squire J Mascis signature model Jazzmaster. All parts and hardware on this guitar are handpicked by the alt-rocker to maintain an amazing product at an incredibly affordable guitar.

If you want all the glitter and glam of My Chemical Romance, check out this Squire signature model from their bassist, Mikey Way. With a "large-flake" glitter finish, and black racing stripes, this bass is sure to catch some glances. It sounds fantastic, with a single semisonic Fender pick-up, and the very playable short-scale maple neck.

Check back for more updates soon!

New in stock from Fender

As we begin 2014, we are ecstatic start our first year full year as an official Fender dealer!  Opening up the boxes to uncover these beauties was a pleasure.   We want to share them with you.  Come in today to pick up a classic - for rental or for sale!!

This is a Fender "Pawn Shop" Stratocaster. An awesome 70's throwback, with a few modifications. This guitar has a classic look with the maple neck, and has a very versatile range with a telecaster "lipstick" single coil as the neck pick-up, and a wide-range humbucker for the bridge. 

 Back by popular demand....the Fender "Starcaster"!! This guitar was reissued from a 1970's classic, which was only in production for a few years. Many great guitar players have given this guitar a legendary status, including Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead (who played this guitar on most of the recordings of the albums OK Computer/Amnesiac). If you're looking for a new semi-hollow love interest, look no further.

 Introducing the Fender "Modern Player" Mustang - a retro classic suited up with two MP-90's in place of the classic Mustang single-coiled pick-ups, with a modern sunburst. This guitar has the classic feel of a short-scaled Mustang neck, with two of the most revered pick-ups ever added on! Custom style!

The Fender "Nashville" Tele...a country classic Telecaster with an additional "Stratocaster" single coil, and the mellow sound of an all maple neck. Fender did not fix what wasn't broken with this all-time southern classic.

Take off to the race-track with the Fender "Pawn-Shop" Mustang Bass! One fat (or phat, if you will) bass style humbucker pick-up with stripes to match it's radical tone! Short-scaled for a wide-appeal of playability. This is a fantastic bass for guitar players making the switch or with a growing interest in bass.

We'll have more new inventory to show you soon! Check back for great new Fender products that we carry for rental or sale.

Fender Coronado II

Fender Coronado

Originally released in the 60's, the Coronado was Fender's first attempt at the hollowbody electric guitar.  Fender recently released an improved version of the Coronado as part of their Modern Player series.  This guitar's semi-hollowbody is made of maple with an alder center block.  The rosewood fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets.  The Coronado is armed with Fender's Fideli'Tron humbuckers.  I like the sound of the guitar overall.  I was especially pleased with the Fideli'Trons; well rounded sound, not thin or twangy as I have come to expect of most Fender pickups.  I was amazed at their clarity.  My main "axe" is a Richmond Dorchester; the Dorchester has a chambered body and comes equipped with Lace Alumitone humbuckers.  Both of these guitars are not unlike each other, great sound and tone.  The big difference I quickly noticed was that Fideli'Tron remained very clear even at loud volumes, almost making it hard form my amp to break up on the clean channel.  On the gain channel, I was pleased to hear a good clean crisp distortion. If you're like most guitar players in Austin and love Fender and are looking for something refreshing to try, come by Rock n Roll Rentals and try out the Coronado.  Also available in a 4 string bass. 

Written by Oscar Reyna (Guitarist at Este Vato)