Are You getting Your Daily Dose of Relaxation? Try TV Guitar!
(Title Image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Are you getting enough relaxation time in front of the TV? All work and no play can quickly lead to online marketing burnout. You need to work hard and play harder!
As a physician, I can tell you that stress makes every health problem worse, and the only thing better for it than the "boob tube is watching it while you play your favorite instrument!" Lol
Before you hit the close tab button, hear me out. No more boring medical stuff, I promise.
You may not realize it, but there is an overabundance of very talented musicians at Wealthy Affiliate. They ask me a lot of questions about my guitar equipment at home, especially playing guitar when I watch TV.
Yes, "couch guitar" is a thing! Lol 😎
The Couch Guitar
If you play guitar or any other instrument, do you have a comfortable place to relax with your instrument? Outside my music studio, I have guitars scattered throughout the house so I can play wherever I am.
However, one obligatory setup for all laidback players is the living room couch guitar, better known by my friends as my “TV Rig.” Lol
You probably guessed that my wife is a real gem, so she never makes a fuss. However, I only use it when I'm watching TV without her, otherwise we're usually in the home theater room together most every night, having a great time with lots of food and a show.
What Makes a Good Couch Guitar?
That's a difficult question to answer, but it's whatever works best for you. I used a Gibson SG for years until I started buying Parker guitars
The Parker Fly Deluxe guitar is great for any TV rig because it's so light (less than 4 pounds) and makes electric and acoustic sounds separately, which can also be mixed together to get a hybrid sound.
Parker Fly Deluxe Electric/Acoustic
Big Rooms Need Big Sound!
The living room is about 1,000 square feet with an 18-foot high ceiling, which comes with its own set of sonic challenges. To solve them, I came up with the electronics in the photo below.
It's a studio-quality, all-tube stereo setup that can easily handle electric and amplified acoustic guitars with massive power to spare.
There's nothing better than watching Godzilla destroy Tokyo while you crank out some ominous-sounding guitar riffs! Well, maybe eating a pizza with it, too! Lol
It has a DigiTech stereo tube (valve) preamp with built-effects, going into a Marshall stereo tube amp, going into a dedicated digital effects rack, going into a BBE Sonic Maximizer, going out to two Peavy 4x12 speaker cabinets with Sheffield speakers. The Fender Acoustic amp that sits below plugs into the rest of the system.
It doesn't really tip to one side like the leaning tower of Pisa; it only looks that way in the photo.
Big-Room "Couch" Setup on top of the acoustic amplifier
Here's what's in the photo: top to bottom - for all you "WA Gearheads":
Furman power conditioner
Marshall stereo tube (valve) amp - EL-84 tubes
BBE stereo 462 for acoustic guitar
BBE stereo 482 for electric guitar
ToneWorks digital tuner
Digitech Studio - Stereo digital effects processor
Digitech 2120 Artist Stereo Guitar Valve System with 12AX7 tubes
Fender Stereo Acoustisonic amp
The MIDI control panel for the rig can't be seen in the photo.
The BBE Sonic Maximizers allow me to parametrically adjust the output signal and contour to regulate the harmonics in the room and remove the out-out phase sound that comes from the electric and acoustic mix.
The Parker Fly Deluxe guitar allows me to put the electric (magnetic pickups) signal through the Marshall setup and the acoustic (Fishman piezoelectric) signal into the Fender amp, separately or mixed together.
The Delicate Sound of Thunder
You know where I stole that title from if you're a Pink Floyd fan, lol, but a big room needs big sound! This system is loud enough to bring the dead back to life.
I'm talkin' two Peavey cabinets, each with four 12-inch Sheffield speakers. I tried two Marshall 4x12 cabinets, but the sound was a bit too glassy-sounding for the room, which has windows and sliding doors everywhere, plus a big stone fireplace.
The two speakers cabinets are not positioned next to each other, like in the this photo. They are separated by about thirty feet along an opposite wall for excellent stereo sound.
Peavy 4x12 cabinets with eight Sheffield speakers
What About the Couch?
The cough needs to be large enough to sit comfortably with your favorite guitar but not too soft, or you will sink into an uncomfortable playing position! Luckily, the couch my wife likes works just fine. Whew!
Well, that should take care of all the PMs I get at WA about my TV rig, and if you got this far, then I'm probably talking to you! If not, it's time to go back to work; what are you waiting for?! Lol
This is a shorter version of the article already on my guitar site, so if you want more details, PM me, and I'll send you the link.
Now, go design your dream TV guitar rig and use it every day! Your brain will thank you for it in the long run! lol
Thanks for reading, let me know what you think in the comments (be nice), AND ...
Keep on Rockin! 😎 🤘
Frank 🎸
100% Human-written content (what else would ever write something like this? Lol)
Recent Comments
67
Hello Frank,
Thank you for your blog post, Frank. I meant to look the other day, but I kept the tab open as a reminder!
You must have a really interesting house, Frank; it really does sound exceptionally fascinating with lots of boys' toys! Well done to you for making it happen!
I remember when I first started learning the guitar, I wanted to learn bar chords. So, I would sit on the sofa and probably watch a video or something as I have never been a TV person. I would literally just sit there and try and exercise my fingers. I think after lots of manual work, my fingers were not as supple as a schoolboy's fingers!
It is interesting about the Parker Fly, as many guitars are quite bulky and uncomfortable to play in a chair. Or maybe that's just me being awkward!
Maybe you could do a video of your guitar at home; I appreciate, though, that you may not want the world to see it.
Have a great day.
Roy
Hi Roy
I already wrote an article on my website about the best couch guitar.
I usually grab the Parker Fly Deluxe guitar because it has electric (magnetic) and acoustic (piezoelectric) pickups, so it’s made to work with my TV room couch rig. Lol
The TV is typically too loud for me to play on the couch without an amp, but when I do, I usually mindlessly blow through scales and arpeggios all over the neck. Couch guitar also improves playing accuracy without looking.
Another excellent couch guitar is the Gibson or Epiphone SG, which light, thin-bodied, and has tremendous upper fret access.
I also favor short-scale cough guitars, like the Fender Jaguar.
I play on the couch in my music studio while I’m watching the WA classes, etc.
Big tip: never grab a couch guitar when you’re sitting with your significant other! Lol 😂🤣
I’m so lucky to have a great relationship with my wife, who is laid-back enough to tolerate my many musical eccentricities. Haha
We have electronic equipment all over the house, but in a very uncluttered and unobtrusive sort of way.
Of course, in my music studio, anything goes! Lol 😎😎
Have a fantastic weekend! 🥳🍻🎶
Frank 🤘🎸
Good morning Frank,
That's good to hear, Frank; I really think that lots of Musos would be interested to hear about your home setup! It really does sound like a fascinating house, but good for you for making it happen!
It looks like you have done your homework and know the exact right guitar for the job, especially when it comes to the couch!!🎸😃
I hear you, Frank! I must admit I didn't used to plug-in, it was more of a finger exercise when I sat on the couch.
I remember you mentioning about the Gibson SG and the amazing upper fret access, it definitely sounds like a good choice for the couch!
What what is a favour short scale cough guitar, Frank, I must admit, I have never heard that term before? I have heard of the Fender Jaguar, but I can't recall what it looks like, I'll have a look in a moment online.
That's a great idea, Frank, practising your guitar while watching Wealthy Affiliate classes! I like that! Doing two jobs in one! I listen to lots of training when I'm at work, but the issue is that I can't see the screen as my phone is in my pocket. Sometimes, it's okay, but sometimes, we do need to see the screen when it comes to training.
I hear you, Frank! It sounds like you have a great and understanding wife. I do understand there are certain rules that need to be adhered to when you are on the sofa with the other half!
Frank, I don't know why, but I have always imagined your house to be full of electronics, partly because you have discussed it. But also, I have imagined it to be 100% organised and tidy! Good for you.
Enjoy all your electronic gadgetry and have a great weekend, Frank!🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
Generally speaking, Gibson electric guitars tend to have a shorter scale (24 3/4 inches) than Fender electrics ( 25.5 inches). The Fender Jaguar and Mustang are an exception at 24 inches. However, the Jaguar is a nicer guitar than the Mustang; at least in my opinion, though some would disagree.
The shorter the neck scale, the lower the string tension for the same gauge strings (with exceptions), so shorter-scale necks are generally easier to bend strings.
The bottom line is whatever guitar is comfortable to play on your couch and sounds good is an excellent choice. 🤘
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
Thank you for clarifying my question, Frank, it's appreciated!
You certainly know your stuff, which is fantastic, Frank! I really think it's great when people have a passion for hobbies and life in general, etc.
I had never really thought about the neck length of the guitar. I would have guessed that there was an international standard length, but that's not so by the sound of it.
I just looked up the Fender Mustang and Fender Jaguar; it's interesting, Frank! I don't particularly recall seeing musicians use these two particular guitars. But maybe now I have seen photographs of them, I may be able to recognise them more.
Have a rocking great week!🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
The Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster are definitely their two most popular guitars, so I’m not surprised to hear you say that.
The Mustang was made to fit a lower budget market and the Jaguar was designed as an instrument that could shift between multiple genres such as jazz, rock, and surf.
Gibson electrics are typically preferred by jazz musicians.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
It's fascinating how different guitars have different sounds and abilities, etc.
I once had a Washburn electric guitar, which a friend of mine's wife gave me when her husband passed away. It had always had a problem staying in tune, though. I think it could have been a fault with the neck. It actually had some extra fine adjusters on the guitar, if I remember rightly. It did have a nice sound to it, though!
It's amazing how the Jaguar can be used for different types of music.
I also didn't know that Gibson electrics were preferred by jazz musicians! My guess, Frank, would have been that jazz musicians preferred something like a Fender Telecaster, but that's not from experience, that's from me guessing about something I don't know about!!
Have a great day, Frank.
Roy
Hi Roy
The Fender Telecaster has become the quintessential electric for Country music with it’s super twangy sound, although the are used a lot in Rock, Blues, Metal, and rarely used in Jazz.
Start noticing Country bands and you’ll see that most of the players have Teles.
Jazz players typically gravitate to Gibson semi-hollow and hollow bodies.
My guess is that the Washburn had a nut or intonation problem, although very cheap tuning machines can slip.
If the guitar had a whammy bar then that is a prime suspect, too.
However, Washburns are generally good guitars.
I have to adjust all my guitars seasonally or they will develop various tuning and playing issues.
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I had noticed that Fender Telecaster's I used a lot in country music, as I enjoy that style of music. The Fender Telecaster sounds like a very universal guitar.
I'm guessing if you're using a semi-hollow guitar, that may give more of an acoustic sound.
It was a shame that the Washburn guitar came out of tune so easily, as it felt like a nice guitar. I hear what you're saying.
That must be a full-time job seasonally adjusting your guitars, Frank!!
Enjoy your day and keep on rocking!🎸🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
It only takes me about 15 or 20 minutes to adjust a guitar because I have a workshop in my music room, and that includes a new set of strings. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Good morning Frank,
How fantastic, Frank! I don't really know anything about car repairs apart from replacing the strings. However, I know the importance of having a good workspace to work from, as in repairing machinery; I'm sure it's exactly the same with guitars! It sounds like you have a wonderful set-up, Frank; good for you!
Have a rocking good weekend.🎸🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
I did a three-year apprenticeship with a luthier, so I can build and repair guitars.
I built almost two dozen of them over the years.
These days, I just do setups, repairs, and mods.😎
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
But that must've been really interesting and in three years, I'm sure you learnt a terrific amount of interesting information etc.
What a wonderful thing to be able to build and repair guitars. Like everything, I'm sure there is much more than meets the eye.
I'm sure it makes a huge difference having a decent place to work from, as in a proper workshop as you have.
Have a fantastic Monday.
Roy
Hi Roy
The most difficult guitars to build are acoustic, followed by hollow-body and semi-hollow-body electric.
Solid-body guitars are just a "plank of wood," with or without a wooden cap.
My home guitar workshop is just equipped for repairs and mods. I do truss rod adjustments, nut work, fret re-crowns, pickup replacement, etc.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
Although I don't know anything about building guitars, I can imagine that to be the case. I would imagine electric guitars have fewer problems.
It's great that you have a workshop, Frank. You must have learned so much over the years from carrying out modifications and repairs, etc. It's wonderful when people have a passion for life and their hobbies!
Wishing you a very happy Tuesday.
Roy
Hi Roy
Yeah, you need very specialized equipment to build all-acoustic instruments, and you have to keep building them to make it profitable.
I never intended to go into the business of making and selling or repairing guitars. It was just something I did to augment my musical hobby. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I can believe you that building guitars is a very difficult business! There seem to be quite a few businesses like that, people have great ideas, but it's very difficult to make money sometimes.
I believe that it was a brilliant subject for you to learn, Frank, something that runs alongside your passion.
Wishing you a very rocking Wednesday!🎸🎸
Roy
Hi Roy
Aside from the fact that with the number of guitars I have it would cost a fortune to get them all setup seasonally, I do really enjoy working on them. 😎
It’s not just about keeping them in tune with the proper intonation, it’s about playability, too.
Frank 🎸
Good morning Frank,
I have to be honest with you, Frank. My first thought regarding your comment is that Frank is not only are you a real and genuine muso, but Frank breathes and lives for music!!😃 And there is nothing wrong with that!!👍🎸👍🎸
I think it's so good to know your instruments like you do, Frank! As I have said before, it's great when people have a passion for something, whether it's music, vintage tractors, cars, etc! It's good to see people's passion run over for their hobby or niche!
Have a fantastic day, Frank and keep on rocking.
Roy
Thanks, Roy! I really appreciate that! 🙏
Every guitar feels, sounds, and plays different in some way, even two guitars of the same brand and model.
Small adjustments can make a huge difference. Sometimes, just changing string brands of an identical gauge or a different pick type can cause unexpected consequences.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
It's a pleasure, Frank; it's good to have these little chats within the blog post, etc.
I can genuinely believe that Frank! Like many things, there is more to this subject than meets the eye!
I hope your day is going well.
Roy
Hi Roy
I can get a little obsessive with my guitars. Everything has to be adjusted just right or it bugs me. Lol 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Good morning Frank,
I do understand where you're coming from, Frank! I think when we have a passion for something, we want things to work correctly. If I have a machine, I like things to be working properly and efficiently; otherwise, it's just frustrating and unnecessary torment!
Keep on rocking and have a great day.
Roy
Hi there, Frank.
Thanks for shining a spotlight on the topic of stress. It can steal our time, joy, and everything in between. We get on the treadmill of affiliate marketing and it's sometimes hard to get off.
These are fantastic images, and I might have to put your TV guitar gig on my to-do list. However, I'll get Chichan (Scott's nephew) to set it up. He's interested in setting equipment up when we sing Karaoke. This is right down his ally.
Love your Big-Room "Couch" Setup pic. This reminds me of when I was hanging at my ex's place. Especially the speakers. Wow! This was like a flashback to the 90s.
You got it going on in the music department, kiddo!
Rockon 2024 rockon!
Rachele
Hi Rachele
That guitar with rack effects & processor units, plus amps, and speaker cabinets is about a $10,000 setup.
A little crazy for a “couch guitar,” but the room is too big for anything smaller. Lol 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Holy Mackerel Frank!
No, this is not crazy. This is a high-end set up, for sure. This is what passion looks like, my friend. Never knew equipment could be so expensive.
You are a collector and so you have the right of way. The thing is, this is what passion looks and sounds like. I have seen a couple of collectors who fill closets, rooms, and garages.
My friend Sunny from Philly had a humongous affinity for elephants. She had every color, size, shape, design, paintings of elephants in glass, wood, metal, bronze, porceline, stuffed, etc.
You name it.
However, you have the Grammy nomination for having a $10,000 set-up. Great way to get your daily dose of relaxation.
It's midnight here, so got to get my ZZs.
Talk soon.
Rachele
Hi Rachele
I’m more like a player than a collector. Guitar collectors buy investment pieces to enjoy and sell for a profit down the road.
They keep their guitars in display cases or only take them out of a guitar case to show off to others.
Some collectors can’t even play the guitar. They are strictly business people.
I do have a few rare collector pieces stashed away, but I use 90% of what I buy.
I put that couch guitar setup together from studio-grade equipment I already had in my music room, which I acquired over the years, so it didn’t seem like a lot of money.
I would have never bought all that stuff at once to use while watching TV with that kind of a budget! Lol 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank.
I am so glad that you use 90% of what you buy. You are a statisical anomaly, my friend. It always cease to amaze me of the things people accumulate over the years and hardly ever use what they buy.
So, if I wanted to, say, take a course in learning how to set-up a couch guitar, would they have this course at a community college? How long would it take to be certified, hypothetically?
Just curious.
Rachele
Thanks, Rachele
Musical equipment aside, I buy very little! Lol
All you need is a comfortable couch and a guitar that fits nicely on it; either an acoustic “parlor” size guitar or a lightweight electric with or without an amplifier.
You don’t need to spend a lot. I’d recommend you spend most of the money on a good couch! Haha 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Absolutely!
I love the reclining couches with all the works - massager, heater, zero gravity. Very relaxing after a long day. After workout and a shower, it's the closest thing to a home spa (lol), right? Coupled with the couch guitar, epic experience?
Happy Thursday
Rachele
Haha, yeah the couch guitar experience is the key that ties it all together, Rachele!! 😎😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Absolutely, Frank.
Okay, the midnight hour has entered my room.
Nice chat!
Talk soon.
Rachele(✿◡‿◡)
Hi Frank! Now that’s some setup you’ve got but no surprise! Good thing you have the space needed for all that incredible sound or…lol. Sounds like a fantastic spot to chill out.
Rock On!
Susan 🎸👍🏻😎
Thanks, Susan! 🙏
Haha, I like my music room best, but, yeah, not bad for a living room setup. 😎🎶
Keep On Rockin'! 🤘⚡️🤘
Frank 🎸
Love it Frank but.. if I had a set up like that here the French would be calling the boys in blue on me within minutes if not seconds my friend!!
Keep on Rockin' buddy and enjoy the rest of your week!!
🤣👍🍻😎🎸
Haha, Nick
In the old days, before I bought my home, surrounded by a good deal of land, I frequently encountered the "boys in blue!"
In fact, at one point in our very small hometown, they always thought it was my brother making all the noise because they knew I was in medical school. Lol 😂🤣
Keep on Rocking! 🤘🎸
See more comments
Holy moly, Frank!!
For the last 15 to 18 years, I've been in a 3 piece acoustic band and you have more gear in your living room than we took to a gig, Hahaha!
What an awesome set up!!
And I agree, only a pizza could make it better!
Rock on!
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Haha, I thought that would get a rise out if you. 👍👍😎
I’ve always been a little out of control with guitars, amps, and effects.
When I was in high school our priest asked me to play in the church’s folk mass. I showed up with a Strat and a Fender Quad Reverb amp.
I looked ridiculous softly strumming away sitting between two nuns, one with a small parlor acoustic guitar and the other with an auto harp! Lol 😂
I had to borrow an acoustic guitar to play the gig each week.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hey Frank,
With what I have learned about you here, I don't doubt that!! That is a great story!!
Keep rockin and don't go changing!
Tim 🎼
Lol, Thanks, Tim! 🙏
Happy Super Bowl Sunday & keep on Rockin'! 🏈 🤘
Frank 🎸