Gear duh uh why-erduh wire dot umm... com?

[Sparky]

Ok guys time to step things up a bit here. I've been checking out your videos for a few months now and I figured I'd chime in with some constructive criticism.

I love the fact that you guys are going through all the trouble to keep us informed on the latest gear, offer tips, etc. Really appreciated.
So. please take this lightly, I'm really only trying to help you make things a little better.

First and foremost - you guys really need to work on your communication skills. Before you set up a video recorder, have at least a vague outline of what you want to say. I don't think I need to name names here, some of you are much better on camera than others, but often there are WAY too many ummms, ahhhs, even adding a little teeth sucking ummT-h at the end of your er, um pauses...

Try getting in the habit of simply pausing for a moment w/o saying ahhh, umm...

BTW- you can always do another take.

Nextly- it's a good idea to TUNE (or even intonate) the instruments before taping. Especially if you're gonna use it as an intro in front of a series of videos.

When interviewing, try to be a little more careful with mic placement. You're in a difficult environment with all the other noise going on - so make sure your cameraman has headphones, check your levels, and try to match the distance between you and the mic and the interviewee and the mic. Also- don't look over at the camera when the other person is talking. It looks unnatural and it appears you're not paying attention to your guest.

Try pumping up the energy a little bit. Try to make it seem a little more exciting. The energy you put out, your mood, excitement, etc. goes a long way.

I know it's not always easy doing what you do. I've been in the film/video business for a while so I can sympathize. However, you guys have a good thing going and I think with a little more effort you can make it great.

All the best, Sparky

[StNicholasCage]

I just registered a minute ago to also post up what my impressions also were, but then realized that this post already existed.

When I found GearWire I was thrilled to have found an up-to-the-minute guitar gear news site. Unfortunately, I have found a lot of reviews on this site to be mismanaged, and the equipment shown to be improperly represented.

For example, the review of the Gibson Blues King L-00, a very expensive Gibson acoustic. http://www.gearwire.com/gibson-blues-king-l-00-lab.html

First thing that stands out to me is that the reviewer doesnt actually play the guitar, especially in the way that it was meant to be played. Think: Who would be interested in the Blues King L-00? Probably somebody who'd like to hear a little slide, a lick, Something! This is what is making your reviews paper-thin.


I came across another review, either for a guitar or an effects pedal, where the guy doing the review said "of course they sent the keyboard guy to do a guitar review". It wasn't a bad review, but I'm guessing that a "guitar guy" might have done a better job.

I also think that you have mic problems, especially for an audio site. Sounds are tinny and weak at times. I cringed in the Bass Big Muff interview, but it wasn't your fault, the guy had his gear set up all wonky <PLANK PLANK>.

And what's the deal with the gearwire logo music? booot doo doo dooo da diit do

[StNicholasCage]

And another one. I watched the Hello Kitty Squire strat review by Patrick Ogle (for the lols) and found another mismanaged review. The guitar was not set up (he complained about the intonation), and was played with a sense of "whatever".

To truly test the capabilities and craftsmanship of the guitar, wouldn't it make sense to set up the guitar if it didn't already come set up (out of the box no less)?

I write this because I just came back from my neighborhood music instrument store, who just received a fresh shipment of Hello Kitty Squires - set up in shop and ready to play. And it played fine through a quality amp.

I haven't ever trolled through forums like this before, but I do this because of my disappointment; this site is cool, web two-point-ohish, and has nice high def content -- but the quality of reviews is spotty.