D'Addario NS Pro Capo demo review

Here is my video on a demo and review of D'Addario NS Pro Capo.

The D'Addario NS Pro Guitar Capo is a premium capo designed for serious musicians seeking both precision and ease of use. Its sleek, ergonomic design stands out with a lightweight aluminum construction, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary bulk. The capo features a unique, contoured shape that fits comfortably in hand, making it ideal for long playing sessions. The build quality feels solid, and the matte black finish offers a professional, stylish look. Unlike traditional capos, the NS Pro model uses a simple yet effective cam system for quick and easy application, providing accurate tension across all strings, regardless of the fretboard position.

One of the standout features of the D'Addario NS Pro is its micrometer adjustment, which allows for fine-tuning of the clamp pressure. This feature ensures that the strings maintain their clarity and tone without any buzzing or muted notes. The capo's spring tension is adjustable, enabling musicians to customize it to their preference and preventing overtightening that could affect the instrument's tuning. This attention to detail ensures the capo is versatile enough for a wide range of guitar types, from acoustic to electric, delivering consistent performance across different setups.

In terms of playability, the D'Addario NS Pro excels in both functionality and comfort. It provides a smooth, non-invasive clamping action, and its low-profile design ensures it doesn't interfere with playing technique. The capo holds securely without the need for excessive force, even during more aggressive strumming or rapid chord changes. Overall, the D'Addario NS Pro Guitar Capo offers exceptional value, combining precision, durability, and ease of use for guitarists looking for a reliable capo that enhances their performance. Its thoughtful design and customizable features make it a top choice for both professional and amateur players alike.

Hercules GS301B Travlite Acoustic Guitar Stand review

The Hercules GS301B Travlite Acoustic Guitar Stand is a compact, sturdy, and highly portable option designed for musicians who need a reliable stand for their acoustic guitars while on the go. As part of the reputable Hercules brand, known for producing durable music accessories, the GS301B delivers a combination of lightweight design and secure functionality, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional guitarists. The stand features a unique folding design that allows it to collapse down to a very small size, easily fitting into a gig bag or guitar case. This makes it particularly appealing for touring musicians or those who frequently transport their instruments. When set up, the stand provides a stable base with a strong, yet lightweight frame that ensures your guitar stays securely in place without tipping over or wobbling.

One of the standout features of the Hercules GS301B is its patented Auto Grip System (AGS), which is designed to securely hold your guitar by automatically locking the neck into place when it is placed on the stand. This mechanism not only ensures the safety of the guitar but also eliminates the need for manual adjustments, allowing musicians to quickly and efficiently set their instruments down without worrying about them falling off. The AGS arms are coated with soft, padded material that prevents any damage or scratches to the guitar’s finish, offering peace of mind when it comes to protecting your valuable instrument. Additionally, the stand's design is optimized to accommodate a wide variety of guitar shapes and sizes, including acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, further enhancing its versatility.

Despite its many advantages, the Hercules GS301B does have a few potential drawbacks. While the stand is very portable, some musicians may find that its small size leads to slightly less stability when used on uneven or slippery surfaces. It’s crucial to ensure that the stand is set up on solid ground to prevent any risk of the guitar tipping over, particularly if the stand is loaded with a heavier instrument like a bass guitar. Additionally, while the build quality is generally robust, the stand’s thin tubing may not offer the same level of ruggedness as larger, heavier-duty models intended for permanent studio setups. However, considering its intended use for portability and convenience, these minor issues are largely outweighed by the stand’s practicality and ease of use. For musicians seeking a reliable and compact solution for keeping their guitars safe and accessible, the Hercules GS301B Travlite Acoustic Guitar Stand remains a top choice for its combination of smart features, portability, and guitar protection.

Rode Video Micro II shotgun microphone demo on guitar recording

Here is my demo of Rode Vide Micro II shotgun microphone.  I used this microphone to record my guitar playing.  I also unboxed the microphone to show what are included inside the package.

Here is more information and other reviews about this microphone.

The Rode VideoMicro II is a compact and versatile shotgun microphone designed to elevate the audio quality of your videos without the bulk and complexity of professional gear. As a successor to the highly popular VideoMicro, this new model refines the original's design, making it even more appealing to content creators, vloggers, and filmmakers who need high-quality sound without breaking the bank. The VideoMicro II features a supercardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate your subject’s voice from ambient noise, making it ideal for interviews, vlogging, and outdoor shoots. With a weight of just 89 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable, ensuring that it won’t weigh down your camera rig while still delivering exceptional sound clarity.

One of the standout features of the VideoMicro II is its upgraded acoustic design. The microphone is equipped with a high-quality condenser capsule that provides clear and natural sound capture. Rode has also incorporated an improved shockmount system that reduces handling noise, which is a common issue with lightweight microphones. This makes the VideoMicro II an excellent choice for handheld shooting, as it ensures minimal disturbance from bumps or vibrations. The microphone’s all-metal construction enhances durability, while the included foam windscreen provides further protection against wind noise when shooting outdoors. Rode’s attention to detail in this regard makes the VideoMicro II a reliable option for a variety of environments.

Another key advantage of the VideoMicro II is its simple plug-and-play functionality. It features a 3.5mm TRS output, making it compatible with most cameras, smartphones, and audio recorders. There’s no need for batteries or external power sources, as it draws power directly from the connected device. This ease of use makes it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned content creators who don’t want to spend time configuring complex audio setups. While it’s not the most feature-packed microphone on the market, the Rode VideoMicro II strikes a perfect balance between affordability, portability, and sound quality, making it an excellent option for those looking to improve their audio on a budget. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, this microphone provides a significant upgrade over built-in camera mics, and its performance in real-world scenarios is consistently impressive for its price point.

Black Mountain Picks (thumb picks) - Variety Pack - demo and comparison

Here is my demo of the Black Mountain Pick variety pack.  This package includes Red/black - heavy,  Gray - medium, Light blue - light, and black - Jazz tip.  I used the picks one by one and compared the tone and playing comfort for each.  Check out the video above to learn more. 

Havendi acoustic guitar strings and picks demo

Havendi acoustic guitar strings have quickly gained popularity among players seeking a reliable and high-quality option for their instruments. Known for their exceptional clarity and resonance, these strings deliver a rich, balanced tone that enhances the natural sound of the guitar. Available in various gauges, Havendi strings cater to different playing styles and preferences, making them a versatile choice for musicians across genres. Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, these strings provide the responsiveness and warmth that acoustic players desire.

One of the standout features of Havendi acoustic strings is their durability. Crafted from high-quality materials, including phosphor bronze and coated options, they resist corrosion and wear, ensuring a longer lifespan without sacrificing tone quality. Many users have noted that these strings maintain their brightness and clarity even after extended play, reducing the need for frequent changes. This longevity not only saves time but also makes them a cost-effective choice for regular players.

Beyond their performance, Havendi acoustic guitar strings are praised for their ease of playability. They offer a smooth feel that allows for effortless bending and strumming, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. Additionally, their excellent tuning stability means less time spent adjusting after each session. Overall, Havendi acoustic guitar strings combine quality, durability, and playability, making them a sound investment for anyone looking to elevate their acoustic playing experience. Whether you're jamming at home or performing on stage, these strings are sure to impress.

Hanggang Ngayon (Ogie Alcasid) fingerstyle guitar cover

Here is my fingerstyle guitar cover of the song "Hanggang Ngayon".

About the song:

The duet "Hanggang Ngayon" featuring Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez is a stunning collaboration that brings together two of the Philippines' most celebrated artists. Released as part of Alcasid's repertoire, this rendition adds a new layer of depth and emotion to the already beloved song. The combination of Alcasid’s heartfelt vocals and Velasquez’s powerful, soaring voice creates a beautiful harmony that captures the essence of love, longing, and nostalgia. Their chemistry is palpable, making the performance even more compelling and memorable.

Lyrically, "Hanggang Ngayon" expresses the timeless theme of enduring love, reflecting feelings of heartache and devotion that many listeners can relate to. The duet format allows both artists to showcase their vocal strengths, with each verse shifting seamlessly between them. This dynamic interplay highlights their emotional delivery, bringing the story to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. The poignant lyrics and lush arrangement create an atmosphere of intimacy, inviting listeners to share in the vulnerability of the emotions being conveyed.

The enduring popularity of "Hanggang Ngayon" has made it a staple in Filipino music, often performed at significant events and gatherings. Its appeal spans generations, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Alcasid and Velasquez’s rendition not only revitalizes the original song but also reinforces its status as a classic. Through their collaboration, they remind us of the power of love and the lasting impact of cherished memories, ensuring that "Hanggang Ngayon" remains a timeless anthem of love in the hearts of many.

Havendi Phosphor Bronze guitar strings sound test

Havendi Medium Tension guitar strings offer a remarkable balance of playability and tone, making them a solid choice for guitarists who seek versatility without compromising on performance. These strings are crafted with precision, delivering a consistent medium tension that caters to a wide range of playing styles. The result is a set of strings that provides a comfortable feel under the fingers, whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate patterns. The moderate tension also helps in maintaining intonation and stability, which is crucial for both studio recordings and live performances.

In terms of tonal quality, Havendi Medium Tension strings shine with their clear, resonant sound. They produce a well-rounded tone with a pleasing blend of warmth and brightness, ensuring that every note is articulate and full-bodied. The strings are designed to enhance the natural characteristics of the guitar, whether it’s an acoustic or electric model. This makes them suitable for a variety of genres, from classical to contemporary, allowing musicians to express themselves with clarity and precision.

Durability is another strong point of these strings. Havendi has engineered them to withstand the rigors of regular play, offering extended lifespan without sacrificing their initial tonal qualities. They resist corrosion and maintain their tuning stability well over time, which is a testament to their high-quality construction. Overall, Havendi Medium Tension strings are a reliable choice for guitarists looking for a balanced, long-lasting, and versatile option that meets the demands of both practice and performance.