 |
Dr Fletch v.9 you
ask the questions |
|
| TC | Hi Guy, I need some serious help. I can handle finding nice distortion sounds, but for the life of me I can't find nice clean effects that don't compress the crap out of my guitar signal. What does mark use for the nice tremolo and delay effects he plays? Pedal Brands etc???? Can you help me? Thanks Doc. | Pedals
will generally affect your sound. If you're going to add a delay,
The
delays we use in the studio are usually something like a TC Electronics
2290. They are very clean. Compression...any
decent outboard compressor will work but we use Neve, Urei 1176,
Broadhurst Gardens, Joe Meeks, LA2A and Fairchild. Everything else
comes from the amp including tremolo. |
| Michaelangelo | Hi Guy, Maybe this question shouldn't be asked to you but since you've been involved in the production of the latest DVD maybe you know the reason why Emmylou's beautiful song - 'Michaelangelo' was dropped from the tracklist? Are there any copyright things being an issue or maybe you were not satisfied enough with the quality of the recording? I'm sure I am not the only person who is curious about that. Thank you very much for your help! |
For whatever reason, Emmylou simply requested that we leave that song off the dvd. It did sound beautiful. |
| it's over? | OK Dr Fletch.............. A question that has been asked time
and time again................ After hearing the announcement of "GENESIS" reforming again after a 15 year break. Could one ask the Doctor about a Dire Straits tour? NO ALBUM and just the tour like what Genesis are doing, and not for the money. Surely John and Alan, and you would be interested. What is the situation with band members, is it OVER or, is it a case of "Never say Never". It is us that bought the records and went to the gigs............... Is it fair to say Mark at this stage should at least say whether it is over.............or not Yes, you can wake up now, sorry to bore you Please place this one Guy in your web...........it may stop other asking you the same question. Especially as the last time Genesis were touring, so was Dire Straits........... |
The situation is this. As far as Mark is concerned, it IS over. He has absolutely no desire to re-from the band and tour the world in the same manner as Genesis, the Eagles, the Stones etc. etc. I know there are many many fans who would love for it to happen but right now we are enjoying making music more than ever. Having said that, you never knows what may happen in the future. |
| So far away | My Dear Doc, I just ran across a beautiful version of So far away,
recorded in Sydney.(it ended up in my I-pod) It starts as an accoustic
song and shifts into the electric version afterwards, to utter delight
of the Aussies, clapping and singing
along. It's really lovely, the way it was played altogether. remarkably
fresh. (including the synth sounds of course !) Was the Sydney concert
the only time where So far away was played in this arrangement ?
In other words : was it a unique version, or
did you play the accoustic intro on several occasions ? |
We played SFA like that for the whole tour so far as I can recall. We may have evolved that arrangement as we went though. I really can't remember. |
| chaps | Doc can you tell me what Jack Sony and Terry Wiliams are up to
and also will dire straits ever release the 1986 brothers in arms
tour which was shown on television from sydney Australia as l reckon
it would go through the roof more so l would love to have a copy
for myself l went to the melbourne concerts not just once but 4 times
just fantastic my most concert ever when l got married we used local
hero as our wedding song the acoustic version it was just so fitting
for the wedding thankyou a beautiful song |
Jack is in California and has had great success working for a major guitar effects company and Terry is in Wales and apparently runs a blues club although I'm not sure if it is still running. |
| no | dear doc, why doesn't chad don't play anymore with mark on his
tours? is he unable to fly just like Jim C. ? please let me no, thanks |
Chad don't play no more with Mark on this tour coz we got Danny now and we kinda like Danny. |
| support | Doc, Wondering if you could tell me who the support/warm up act was on the Shangri la tour at the Albert Hall last June (June 2005) wish I’d bought the CDs after the gig but didn’t now forgotten who they were. But remember liking the sound, Cheers Tom. PS like the web site | If memory serves me, which it usually doesn't, it was William Topley and band. |
| RJ | Dear doc, I´m sorry that my englisch is not so good as wel(I´m from holland and I´m 14 years old). Does mark don´t get inouf of the song romeo and juliet? So far I know he´s playing it sinds 1980! Can you tell me why? Is it a sentitif(?) song? thanks | Romeo and Juliet is a much requested song and one which is quite
strongly associated with Mark. It's the high point of the show for
a lot of people. Plus, we've recently discovered (Boothbay) it can
be performed without drums! |
| preliminary work | Hi
Doc! After having followed the interesting studio diaries from
the recordings
of the last two MK solo albums, it seems that there
is a new working procedure concerning the new album, Mark and Guy
working together before the band meet for the recording. Did Guy
join Mark for some preliminary work in Britain before the actual
recordings in the USA when making "RPD" and "Shangri-La"?
Or did Mark work alone with the songs before going to the USA? The
studio diaries gave the impression that Guy was not involved to the
same extent in the preliminary work with the last albums as he is
with the new album. Is the recording for the new album scheduled? |
In actual fact, Guy and Mark did a fair bit of preliminary work on some songs, not all, on the last few albums. The difference now is the environment. More info. as it happens... |
| Hammond spill | Hi Doc, I read the Hammond entry and I wonder : now that Guy plays
Hammond and piano on stage with Mark, even performs the BIA solo,
will he move to the right of Mark on the next tour? |
ha ha ha ha |
| ear bashing | Hello Dr. Fletch! My band just moved into a new rehearsal room, and wondered if you could give us some hints and tips on how to deal with acoustics etc. We have covered the floor with carpets, but the walls are still painted concrete. Do you have any tips on materials for covering or shaping the walls, or even the roof? The sound so far is not too bad, but any help on getting it better would be highly appreciated. | Carpet, underlay, egg boxes, foam, polystyrene, duvets, blankets,
laundry...underpants, anything to deaden the sound is good in rehearsal
rooms. You'll find that your ears will love you the more you deaden
the sound. Rehearsal rooms are generally quite small so ear damage
is all too easy to inflict. Unless the room is large and therefore
sound has time to dissipate, go for the soft walls. Carpet above
the drums can help the old cymbal damage too. |
| the wonderful world of the Hammond B3 | Hello
Doc. The Hammond B3 organ is in my opinion an essential part of
every concert with Mark Knopfler. I am wondering
if you have any
favourite
Hammond players who give you inspiration? Sadly some of the greatest
have left us recently, I am thinking about Jimmy Smith (his last
CD dot com blues is fantastic) and Billy "the fifth Beatle" Preston.
I am happy to see that this fantastic instrument is used more frequently
these days by you and others but is a very demanding instrument
which not everyone can master. Who do you think a young enthusiastic
Hammond player should study more closely? |
Kieth Emerson and Jon Lord were my early heroes, that is until I saw the incredible Jimmy Smith live in a club in Chicago performing with a drummer and a bass player and multiple leslie cabinets dotted around the room. Phew! I was also lucky enough to see Billy Preston before he passed away playing in Eric's band. He totally eclipsed everything else that was going on onstage...for me. I didn't know a B3 could sound like a choir. As Jimmy did, young enthusiastic hammond players should study all musicians, Coleman Hawkins, Art Tatum, Errol Garner, Fats Waller (who played organ before he played piano) and Larry Young are a good start. The fact that we use two B3's onstage now is nothing other than a testimony to their greatness. |
| STP | What happening with the STP Madrid DVD ? |
it died! |
| BG | Dear Doc, Just reading Q magazine and I see Razorlight have recorded
their new album at MK's Studio. I was just wondering how that works.
Does
MK scout round offering the studio to bands/ record co's, or is he
approached by them? Also does MK get involved at all? Is there a
resident team of staff for bands to use or are their own people drafted
in? Thanks, |
A chap
called David Stewart is the studio manager at British Grove and
all bookings go through him as in any other commercial facility.
Mark is kept informed of who wishes to use the studio. In Razorlight's
case, Chris Thomas their producer expressed a desire
to use this wonderful studio. As well
as being a nice chap, Chris is the type of producer who really
appreciates what is a unique combination of classic analog and ultra
high-end digital gear. |
| noload | Hi Dr. Fletch. Like for the Shangri-la tour, for the “All the roadrunning tour” there will be the possibility to buy and download live concerts from passalong.com? Thank you. | No, thankfully, for Mac owners. |
| oiled | Hello Dear Dr, I know you're working hard on the
outcoming DVD and on the new MK album. I hope you'll be pleased
with the result
of
the DVD. I read in a "guitar player " interview (jan 2005)
that Marks feels "a bit rusty" concerning is playing (because
he tends to use the guitar more for songwriting). I would like to
have your doctorial point of view ! How would you qualify the evolution
of his playing technique since the 92 era ? Do you think that the
new album will be an opportunity to work harder on his playing ?
Thanks a lot, |
No, I've finished the dvd. Back in with Mark working on the record now. I suppose back in January '05 Mark was a bit rusty. Two tours since and he's been playing a lot, he was certainly 'well oiled' at Boothbay. |
| live | 1. Did you guys tried any other tunes before that show (Boothbay)
that were not played ? They all sounded perfect! 2. Which concert is "All That Matters" version coming from, on the forthcoming Real Live Roadrunning DVD/CD? |
No, We didn't play any other tunes, just the ones on the setlist. We only played them ONCE in rehearsal so the gig remained 'exciting'. On the DVD, All that matters is a bonus track and it was recorded in Washington. |
| LOL | Dear Doc I heard
somewhere (don’t know where anymore) that
recording for the next MK album will take place in Montana, USA.
Hardly true,
is it? Kind regards and thanks for the wonderful Boothbay Harbor
show! |
LOL |
| soca far away | Dear Dr. Fletch,
I was listening to the amazing "Calypso" So
far away that you played in 1986 in Sidney, in the last show of the
BIA tour. Who
had the idea of playing it that way? Mark? Or it just happened while
you did rehearse for that show? Did you ever think to play it again
that way? The fans love it sooooooo much!! It's amazing, and so beautiful!
Thank you for the answer! |
It was probably Mark's idea. No, we never considered doing it like
that again. Maybe we should! |
| rock | Dear Doc. Are the new songs of MK album rock-MK style or country
style? Let`s hope is rock! Thanks. |
Even if I could answer that it would be over generalizing in the extreme. |
| no drums |
Hi Doc, It appears that the lineup for the Boothbay Harbor Opera
House Charity gig does not include a drummer. Does that mean Guy
plans to program
them in one of his wonderful electronic gizmos or will they be
playing complete sans-drums of any kind? |
I'm definately not doing drums live! It's supposed to be an acoustic set. |
| DVD | Hi
DR Fletch Happy to see that you still share your passion as well
as your job with all the fans. About the DVD : I was so upset when
I bought ON THE NIGHT
and A NIGHT IN LONDON to watch these poor DVDS (no bonus, no 5.1)
As a big fan, it was nevertheless official DVDS so I watch them but
nothing more. On the other hand,
the dvd audio of STP, SHANGRI LA and BIA are incredible (5.1 is so
great) So .. What about this new DVD ? will it be in 5.1 Doctor |
Yes, I've mixed the DVD in 5.1 so hopefully you won't be disappointed. This time I did the job of mixing myself which of course carries the added pressure of ensuring it's up to the high standards set by Chuck in the past. Fingers crossed. |
| sonics | So you're working in the mixing of the DVD and the new Mark's record,
I'm curious about the studio where you're doing this, in London,
in Mark's home studio or in a third party studio? Also, any plans
for
sessioning
at the USA with the rest of the guys? I can't
help myself from asking this, I don't know if you'll refuse to answer
but, anyway, what do you
think of Dylan's words saying that records produced during the last
years have a terrible sound? I myself am still trying to figure out
what he meant. |
Yes, It's MK's studio and fabulous it is. I know what Bob means. A huge number of records in the last 20 years DO sound sonically inferior, especially more recently. This can only be down to ignorance, budget constraints and carelessness. Unfortunately, Bob neglected to mention that there are also plenty that sound fantastic and there are lots of great engineers/producers and artists out there with the knowledge, sensibility and desire to make great records. |
| DVD | By
the way: please keep the upcoming DVD as live as possible. Not
too much
editing please….I prefer DVDs like Alchemy or A night
in London which are as live as possible. |
Don't worry. It's all totally live. No overdubs and all from the one night. |
| serious gtr | I am 34 years
old and 2 weeks ago I started playing guitar. Much too late to
learn it probably… You always were for me a great keyboard player. In 1996 I saw you playing guitar in Jools Holland show for the first time (I think) When did you started playing guitar seriously ? |
I haven't yet! |
| live remixes | Hi Doc, Being a strong fan of Mark I have noticed that the live
mix on CD greatly differ from what I experienced at venues. So I
dream to be able to mix the show myself. This could be a new thing,
to get special CD/DVD that would contain maybe one or two song but
with all instrument spread on different tracks. It is now easy with computer and free software to mix several track together and adjust each one to the desired level. This would be a different way to live his favourite music. And amateur musician would be able to play their part virtually with their favourite band! Ok it's time to wake up now but it would be so nice... JYB |
An idea often thought about and very easily done these days. Not something many artists would go with though as they have a distict idea of how a song should sound. After all the work and time involved in recording and production they are unlikely to release something that could be remixed badly and copies heard. I absolutely see the appeal for fans though. |
| tea? | Dear Doc, Can you put your finger on why, out of all the other
Straits members and other musicians MK has worked with, it is Guy
who has
endured? Thanks |
bribery and tea-making skills are all I can think of. |
| heroes | Hi Doc, Where
have all the guitar heroes gone? I’m
thankful we still have MK, EC Chris Rea, Brain May, Santana still
around but
I often fret (excuse the pun) that we have lost this rare breed forever. Do
you think the current music industry is anti guitar hero? Perhaps
I’m not exposed to the budding guitar heroes out there but
compared to the 80’s there don’t seem to many of them
making a name for themselves these days (maybe through no fault of
their own). Could you prescribe a cure? Maybe Knopfler junior
??? Cheers, |
I wouldn't say anti-heroes. There are so many great guitarists out there (including the juniors) and I'm sure many will be heroes to many fans for years to come. |
| Live | Hi Doc, first
of all I want to thank you and the band for the great tour! I´m
looking forward to get the dvd in autumn. I saw you again in Hamburg
and in Frankfurt this year. It was really really
great! Are you (and Mark) still in contact with the rest of the Straits like Alan Clark, John Ilsley and Chris White? What are they doing now? Do they play just for fun in other bands or are they involved in other business? I saw Chris on the live dvd of Robbie Williams, but what about Alan and John From reading posts on Guy’s site, my understanding is that when MK is recording a new studio tune often he plays the basic tune and outlines the songs structure leaving the rest of you guys “fill in the gaps” so to speak thus creating the complete track. My question is has there been any memorable instances where creating songs at this early stage you have thought would be a swine to play live, either technically or be difficult in a live situation for whatever reason? How did you get around these difficulties if these songs were played? Thanks for the consultation time!! |
I used to think certain songs would be challenging because of the many parts on the record, but these days no, I don't worry about all that as there's far more musical freedom now. Live should be different anyway, shouldn't it? |
| AC | Hi Dr. Fletch
in your last response, you have mentioned “…cool.
That was the great
Alan Clark…”. What is he doing, nowadays? Any CDs available from his solo career? Any plans for both of you working together, in a near future? |
I don't know. No plans |
| martin | Hi Doc, It is said on MK web site that the new MK signature Martin guit is the result of a project initiated by our hero. Is it true or is it more the Martin team that approached Mark? |
I'm afraid I don't have any info on this yet. I will make a point of asking. |
| a grand | Dr Fletch, I
started writing and recording with a friend last year. We have
been using a Zoom MRS 802 eight track digital
recorder, but we now find that we are limited with eight tracks and
are thinking
of investing in a laptop computer. Can you please suggest a good
laptop and recording software for a budget of about £1000. Thanks. |
I can recommend any MacBook and either Cubase SX, Pro Tools or Logic. You'll have to hunt around for the best deals though. |
| rush | Dear dr. Fletch, how do you feel about your own music once it's
written and recorded? My friend, who is quite an accomplished musician
and artist cannot stand to hear his own music once it's recorded
and on an album. I almost always enjoy rehearing my pieces (up to
a limit of course) and though I cringe at mistakes, I rarely want
to change them.Personally I clump together a piece once every two
years, but once they're recorded and out there, I feel like they
start a life of their own somehow. I find it terribly difficult,
nigh impossible to rerecord them, even when first rendition was less
then stellar. If I do get to rerecording, the new and improved version
usually gets scrapped because it's a mess and not really an improvement. Do you have any particular feelings about music you've composed or does the sheer volume of your work introduce too much variance of emotion to be considered leaning in any particular direction. |
When I finish stuff I tend not to listen to it for quite a while but I don't have any particular problems with listening later on. I actually find it quite pleasing. I suppose that suggests I'm happier with the product these days. The soundtrack stuff always amazes me as it was made in such a rush. Often the best way! |
| evolve | Hi Doc, just
found a nice Telegraph Road Intro with a much longer piano part
at the beginning. It´s from 1981…Dire Straits
- Stadio Comunale. San Remo, Italy, June 27th 1981 Maybe you should
talk to Guy to play this in future shows. It´s
really beautiful. Love it.. |
cool. That was the great Alan Clark. It's evolved a lot since then. |
| Lag | Hi Doc, As its the middle of the night and i've just got back from
L.A. Was wondering how you cope with this when on world tours cause
I find it hard work? |
If
it's the dreaded jetlag you mean, I just saty up really really
stupidly late on the first night so I'm so tired anyway the jetlag
pales into insignificance. If however you have to work, you've got
no chance. |
| life |
Hello Doc, the tour is now over and something is really missing. When back home every day in the evening, i ask to son Paul if there is something new on your website. Since a few days , it remains desperatly unchanged .As a doc i would recommand to focus attention on the world cup but it is over too now.( and as a french doc, i prefer to forget this really bad and not glorious end!) Any advice from you colleague to make time go faster til the next album release, the next tour and the next period of great pleasure when your website is updated daily ? Looking forward to reading from you All the best |
Sincerely, I wish I had time to furnish this site with daily updates but I somehow don't think you'd be interested in entries like 'took the kids to school, emptied the garbage, mowed the lawn, vacuumed the hallway, windsurfed for 5 hours in 30knots on the Goya wave board and a 4.7, etc, etc, very nice of you to say so
though |
| Nationals | Nice
pic of the headstocks (?) of the new and the old Nationals and
Les Pauls. Do you know why MK did get a new National? Is there
a big differents in sound and playability? Another guitar question:
Do you know/remember for what songs MK used the old Les Paul(s)
and for what he used the new one(s)? And at last:
The beautiful Pensa he played on Romeo And Juliet: Is that a new
one? |
National kindly made a replica specially for him with the intention of it being used on the road as a replacement. They do sound quite different and consequently Mark did play the original on Romeo and Juliet on the tour. I can't remember what the LP's were used on but I'm sure there's a fan site somewhere with that info. |
| pickin | 1) I noted on
Wikipedia that MK is left-handed, yet plays "right
handed" guitar. Do you know many musicians who share this seeming
contradiction? Does this contribute to a style, or is it just "how
it is?" A
follow up - are there many electric guitarists who finger-pick? |
No, I don't know any but I'm sure there are. It seems to me finger picking is an essential tool for any competent guitarist. |
| How "hard" is
it to get a decent mix in so many different arenas? The sound in
Boston this year was the best I've heard --
even better than last year. Yet I've been to similar sized venues
(featuring other bands) where it's either been brutally loud (too
loud to really discern anything), or distorted. I also imagine
the mix sounds totally different at a sound-check as opposed to
when it's washing over several hundred sound-absorbing bodies... Comments? |
It's very hard in most arenas simply because most places are designed with no consideration for acoustics which is why we employ Dave Dixon one of the best sound guys around. All venues are different and some change drastically when the punters are in. | |
| NHT's | How do you use your M-00 NHT monitors on the road and for listening
sessions? Since they are self powered do you use them with your MacBook
or Ipod, etc ? |
straight
out of the MacBook into the speakers is fine. I use their PVC passive
volume control box for the ultimate in control. They really are
the best loudspeakers of this size. |
| church | Is there any instrument Guy would like to have
a bash at that’s
a bit different from the norm – for example a Wurlitzer or
full scale church organ – complete with pedal-board and several
tier keyboard – perhaps a new addition to the next MK tour?? |
er no. I've used church organ samples in the past (tunnel of love) |
| alone | When on tour how do you guys manage to have any personal time,
just to spend some time on your own when you need some privacy and
time to relax and unwind. It seems with concert shedules, travelling
together, gym visits together, meals out, and promotional
activities etc, the opportunity to just get away from the other guys
and just have some alone time can be quite often hard to get? |
It's not an issue as we all get along quite nicely. It's easy to find time alone should we need some as we have our hotel rooms. The only drag is being away from our families. |
| Van | Hi Doc! Just got back to the US from Paris, where we saw the incredible
show you all put on at le Zenith! Believe me, those of us in the
audience
barely noticed the heat, we were so transported by Mark, Emmylou
and the band rocking out! Which brings me to my question: any chance
that Mark and Emmylou might team up for further collaborations?
Their voices, musical styles and personalities meshed so well together
on the cd and in concert, and it would be wonderful to be able
to look forward to more of that magic! In a related question, my
boyfriend remembers reading an interview with Mark done just before
the STP Tour, in which he mentions the
possibility of doing a blues duet cd with Van Morrison. Would that
be something in Mark's pipeline? It sure sounds like a great idea!
Many thanks for some amazing musical memories! |
Nothing along these lines is planned but one never knows. |
| album | Hey Doctor,
I almost continuously play that incredible Fletcher contraption "Steel
Blues". It brings me in a good vibe when listening, but how
about outdoors? Please Doctor, I beg you, adapt it to a download
for my iPod so I sustain that vibe everywhere. Guy won't mind, would
he? |
That's lovely to hear. I do plan to put together a few tracks otherwise known as an album, and make them available for download directly from this site. It will be the first time I've ever charged for anything on this site but it will be very cheap. |
| Lefty | Dear Dr. Fletch, I´ve just watched a video of your promo-gig
at Festival Bar in Naples. It´s very funny to see that Glenn
was playing left-handed, with the bass turned around 180 degrees.
Of course you were performing to a playback, but what was the cause
for doing this? And by the way, we all know that Glenn is a real
master of his instrument: Is he really able to play that way? Best
wishes, |
Glenn could play that instrument upside down, back to front, blindfolded etc. etc. etc. |
| twin techs | Hi Doc, Could you tell us more about the two guitar tech's schedule?
What do they do before and after the show with the stringed babies? |
As
you can guess there' squite a lot of cleaning, setting up, re-stringing,
line-checking going on before the show. They make it all look so
easy but as I found out when I was asked to do one guitar change
in the set, it requires a lot of concentration. |
| volume | Hello
Doc, I am also a doctor( born in 1960 and also able to fix a watch
or repair a bicycle but unfortunately with no talent for music)
and I can tell you that you do not have to confess to eating FAR
too much when you drink Chablis Premier Cru and Chateauneuf du
Pape. With such nectars, no cholesterol, no high blood pressure,
no Alzheimer syndrome and a long life for sure.
You probably heard about the South west of France paradox : you can
eat duck, foie gras and all these greasy stuffs , living for (very)long
without cholesterol and without becoming fat if you (moderately)
drink red wine and a small glass of Armagnac just before a revitalisating
20 minutes' nap.I give these advices to most of my patients and
many of them are more than 90, still cycling , playing the piano
and believe it or not , even base jumping! Apart of that , I have two questions: - I was with son Paul( whose dream is to become a famous keyboard player as Guy Fletcher) in the unacceptably non air conditioned Zenith in Paris and he told me that Mark was making signs to the right side of the stage during several songs. I am not a technician and I was unable to explain why to Paul . Ear phones level ? - The show was once again really great and all the band was fantastic but to be honest the sound level in the venue was really too high for most of the songs . As a doc , you must be aware that many young fans ( and you have plenty of them) will not be able to listen to you in less than ten years because of irreversible ear damages. It's a shame to have to wear ear protections during a so good show . Impossible to drop down the sound level by a few dBs? |
The wine certainly did help it all to go down. Mark was indeed requesting immediate changes in his in-ear mix. Because we wear earpieces which shut out 80% of the external noise, one is more reliant on the actual balance. I agree, sound levels can be unneccesarily high in most venues but compared to most, we are pretty quiet. Kids should always wear ear protection at concerts, indeed if we see kids near the front without earplugs someone on our crew is seen handing them out as recently happened. |
