Take it Easy - Eagles by des0free - UPDATE with new 12 string!

[des0free]

Update: I redid with my new Fender 12 string CD-60SCE acoustic, which makes it sound more like the record - see photo of the guitar in my post below.

Update 2: I redid the intro strum pattern per "Justin guitar" on youtube... it was hard because there is not supposed to be any strum on beat 1, which for me is very hard, and the chord changes are on "4-and"


This is one of my favorite songs, by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, 1972. It is the essence of the country rock sound. It was hard to sing the lead and an approximation of the backing vocals - I did many takes and tried to pick the best. It was a worthy exercise!

- 2 Acoustic Guitars (panned L/R) - Fender 12 string CD-60SCE recorded with AT4040 mic and Onyx Blackjack USB into Reaper
- 1 Electric Guitar (beginning chords) - Fender Tele into Amplitube 5 Fender Twin amp plugin
- 1 Lead Vocal - recorded with AT4040 mic, Onyx Blackjack or Tascam US-2x2hr USB into Reaper, CLA vocals plugin
- 1 Doubled vocal (in verse 2)
- 4 Backing vocals, Waves Ultra-pitch plugin applied to some
- Rest of the instruments are virtual instruments: Sampletank 3/4, MODO Drums (studio kit) and MODO Bass (70s P Bass) played by MIDI transcriptions
- Mixed and mastered in Reaper using Waves Q2 eq, API-2500 compressor, J37 Tape, and L1+ ultramaximizer

[Jean Pierre]

very well done .. mastering excellent
this plug ins

[Waves Q2 eq, API-2500 compressor, J37 Tape, and L1+ ultramaximizer/quote]
are you satisfied with this combination? do you think it's better than TG Mastering ?

[T.C. Elliott]

I loved the sound of this right from the start. Listening gives me a good feeling so I think you nailed the vibe.

[StephenM]

I tell you what Doug, I wouldn't hesitate to hire you to record me.  Crystal clear and really good mix.

This is a great song, from a great group of artists.  This stuff was on everyones radio and people loved it.  That early Eagles stuff was the best.  You did a fantastic job covering it.

The real greatness is that recording... your playing is perfect and so is the recording.  You sing it well too...

[Rene Asologuitar]

This is one of my favorite songs, by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, 1972. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi des0free,
I really love the guitar solo in the middle, really good!!!
The song is a personal fav, and your version is lovely!!!
The overall production is very good, and the mix is perfectly laid!!!
Thanks for this beauty!
Rene

[des0free]

Update: I redid the acoustic guitar parts with my new Fender 12 string CD-60SCE Dreadnought acoustic (new MP3 in original post), since that makes it sound more like the record I think - see photo below (was only $200 new on sale, really! and has a solid spruce top and Fishman pickup/electronics!)  One thing I will say is it is harder to play the 12 string - my fingers need to be positioned much more accurately and press harder to not have muted or buzzing strings!  And this is a full scale length dreadnaught, so is harder to stretch my hand to make chords than my short scale Taylor GS mini. But it was a worthy challenge!   
 

[TPB]

Love. The 12 string and yes you are right it makes you play precisely great cover
Tim

[des0free]

very well done .. mastering excellent
this plug ins

[Waves Q2 eq, API-2500 compressor, J37 Tape, and L1+ ultramaximizer/quote]
are you satisfied with this combination? do you think it's better than TG Mastering ?

Hi JP - I have not tried the TG Mastering (Waves), though I have tried the other Abbey Roads plugins and ended up not using them; not because they are bad, but I have other favorites.  But my approach to mastering (also when I wrote my own software) is to use a compressor followed by a limiter.  It looks like TG Mastering just has EQ and limiter, so you might consider using a compressor such as API-2500 before it.

[StephenM]

as they say Doug, the devil is in the details.  This is such a great song and you did a fantastic job on it.  the music is stellar. 

[kenny mac]

An excellent performance, the guitars sound excellent.
I was thinking about a 12 string acoustic recently.
This may have opened up that thought again.
Nice one.