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We Answer Your Gear Questions – Q&A

Welcome to the 2nd exclusive MLT Club Q&A video!

A few weeks ago, we asked you all to submit questions regarding our instruments, gear and all the more technical aspects of what we do audio-visually.

Today we answer a lot of them!

Neither of us are big ‘gear heads’ but with a producer, music engineer, hobby electrician and aeronautical engineer for a father, we have learned over the years not to underestimate the importance of technical knowhow and the right equipment and gear in any endeavour 😉

So we do our best to answer all question in a way that is hopefully fun and interesting for everyone.

We will pick a new Q&A theme next week already so that you guys can start thinking up and submitting new questions. If you have any ideas on what overall topic you’d like us to talk about just let us know in the comments!

We hope you are all well and groovy,
Mona & Lisa

39 thoughts on “We Answer Your Gear Questions – Q&A

  1. Just found this! Learned a great deal about your guitars and your preferences. Thank you Mona and Lisa!

  2. To Jung: My wife plays violin, viola, and cello. And it is a simple progression from one to the other as I understand it. Mike

  3. Take heart Mona, John Lennon managed to strum a lot of the finish off of his J-160E guitar also. Both above and below the strings.

  4. I really enjoyed this! I can’t wait for the next one. One topic I am very interested in, but know almost nothing about, is the modern music business and how artists can make money these days? What are the alternative business models available? What are the pro’s and con’s of each? Would seeing MLT show up on You Tube’s Home page “Recommended List” be a good thing for you? What would it take to make a live tour make sense? What are the most helpful things that MLT fans can do to help you along your journey?

  5. I love the music and I’m not a technical guy so I really enjoyed this. Seeing Some of your guitars and equipment sorta adds to the enjoyment of watching your videos. Thanks for the “behind the scenes” peek!

  6. Oooohhhh.. The Cajon… Now yer talking my instrument kinda language… Lol… I believe I could learn to play that without too much grief…. Yes… I’m liking that instrument more and more…. ??

  7. What a great Q&A. Loved every minute of it. It’s interesting how all great artists make their magic on instruments that are not top of the line. MLT are not an exception.
    Thank you! ??

  8. I had been struck by the guitar tones on “Wish You Were Here,” half of which turn out to be from a Roland COSM Martin. Cool to know. Those COSM guitars seem to have become rarities with nary even a used one for sale online now. Meanwhile, it’s just inexplicably great hanging across time and space with sounds and images of you guys from a slightly earlier time and a distant place almost like we were all together now. You do it so generously and beautifully. Thank you!

    1. Hi Greg, Just want to clarify that we didn’t use the built in pickups for “Wish You Were Here” or any of the Duo Session. Whenever possible we ALWAYS use a microphone to pick up acoustic guitars as that always sounds the best, no matter how great the built-in system is 🙂

      The reason this isn’t always possible, especially if you are playing on stage with other musicians is that microphones feedback WAY quicker than using the built in pickup. Feedback is that loud booming noise that kills everyone’s eardrum 😉

      So for Wish You Were Here we simply used two AKG C 460 B condenser microphones to record our guitars (you can see the mics in the video).
      And thanks for your lovely and spot-on comment, regarding space and time and “when we’re together”

      1. Thanks for that detailed explanation Lisa. Always wondered about how you recorded the guitar sounds, mic vs plug in and why. The explanation of the feedback making mic impractical for live performances on stage is great. All the non musicians and newbies here are going to be music tech savvy in no time thanks to all the stuff you share with us! 🙂

  9. Thank you Ladies for this Q and A Session. So as a drummer? Can I ask Mona what set you use? And why you use your set? I use Gretch like Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones. I started with a Ludwig set but switched over.

  10. Hi girls…I loved your thoughts on the various guitars and strings and all that but I really found the Cajon interesting because I’ve wondered what it was Mona was beating on in the Rolling Stone song Paint it Black and I haven’t seen a video on The Who “Kids Are Alright” but Mona but beating the daylights of something… now I know it was a Cajon…and I damned near died laughing ? when Lisa said her favorite thing about the Cajon is that she uses it as a chair…one other thing…that “drum with strings” that Lisa referred to in an instagram would be great for a Hollies “Stop stop stop” cover…or have you got a banjo sound coming up in a new original ..??…I thank our Lord Jesus Christ everyday for the MonaLisa Twins because you girls bring me entertainment that keeps me smiling….❤️?????

    1. I think you’re right, Rick. Looking forward to The Kids are Alright too. I first thought that Mona was playing bongos, but listening carefully it’s clearly the cajon. You can hear the lower tones and the rattling of the springs. Also looking forward to “I’m Looking Through You” as it seems Lisa is playing percussion, and it seems to be the pair of bongos we’ve seen lying about.

    2. Rick, I believe their 6 string banjo will appear on their I’m Looking Through You video. Can’t wait!

  11. I really enjoyed your Q&A on the instruments and gear. Thanks for sharing.

  12. Thank you Mona & Lisa for posting yet another informative, fun & engaging video. I learnt some interesting things like what a pick guard is & what a pickup is. Seeing Mona kissing her guitar, well how can you not be moved? Hearing Lisa being self effacing about her cello playing; I loved her cello playing on If I Fell. I’m looking forward to seeing your next Q&A what ever you decide to do, I know it will be fun & informative.

    1. Agree David. Love her cello playing.

  13. These are great. Love the tech talk. I am starting to think the Baby Mine video is not much of an exaggeration. Mona kisses her guitar before she sets it down – a true musician
    Thanks for answering my question. I was also thinking that a wireless set up might not always look right when playing vintage songs.
    Be careful on the tennis courts, protect those hands.
    Have a great weekend!
    JP

    1. JP, well said, they are true musicians indeed! Mona’s Epiphone reminds me of Tommy Emmanuel’s beat up beauty the Maton!

      1. Yes, it is starting to look a bit like Tommy’s Maton. Of course it is like that because Tommy uses it for percussive effects while he plays. Maybe Mona will start doing that too now that her 160 is showing its battle scars. Go for it Mona! But be careful, cause if you start using it more for percussive effects Lisa might want to use it for a chair!

  14. That was fabulous. You are both such warm and natural presenters.
    I think Lisa is a bit too self-effacing as far as her cello playing. While you may only learn parts to serve a song, your tone is beautiful.
    Good luck with the tennis. It can be a fun way to exercise as a family – unless it becomes too competitive !

  15. That was fun. I enjoyed learning about the technical aspects of your work. I also think having a theme for your Q&A is a great idea. I am looking forward to the next one. If I may add, I like how you have a mix of videos. for the club. While your music videos are my favorite and why I am here, including the “What’s the Table” and Q&A videos are a fun addition.

  16. “We have not yet messed around with different tuning for the ukes. I didn’t know that was a thing.” – you are not alone.

  17. Enjoyed the Q and A immensely!! I missed the request for questions and thought of one while you were talking. It is to Lisa and I noticed you used the mandolin during the intro to L-O-L-A. What type of mandy was it and did you ever get the teeny, tiny capo for it? I have a Fender E/A mandy and a shub. I also have a 6-stringed banjo. It is a Dean and is tuned like a guitar. My wife has the usual 5-stringed banjo and gives me a rough time about the 6 stringed. But, I don’t used it very often……so I might as well make it as easy as possible. Again……loved the Q and A and I hope you are doing well. Mike.

  18. Thoroughly enjoyed learning and understanding better, with your explanations , instruments handy to visualize what you’re referring to. Excellent Qs asked. Thankyou for doing this, though I’m somewhat technical-illiterate slow minded, I was able to easily grasp the basics of what was said, much appreciated ?????

  19. Loved the Q & A. It kind of shocked me to hear my name mentioned! I would love to see some themed Q & As in the future. It’s so wonderful to see you two talking to us. It’s like being there with you. You are the grooviest!

  20. Fantastic set of question and answers, really interesting to me personally as a musician, however off the topic I must say how beautiful you both look, your dresses look amazing and suit you both perfectly, did you get them custom made ? They look perfect on you both.

  21. Love the tech talk ladies! A little surprised Mona didn’t pick her Rick to save in an emergency. That’s the one I would have grabbed! In my house I’d grab my Tele.

  22. That sounds great and fun you all got out to play some tennis. I’ve played tennis a lot in high school with friends and practicing hitting the ball against a wall like racquetball, but it’s been too long. I still have my Wilson racquet somewhere. Had a few work interviews over Zoom, wearing shirt and tie for the parts they could see , and pyjama pants or shorts underneath, 🙂 but they all seem to be looking for junior engineers, not seasoned ones like me so much, but I got time, and I’m enjoying the time off these days indulging in music, practicing my piano, exercising and enjoying the peace and serenity of my neighbourhood.

    Wow, I so enjoyed the Q and A, the time flies by so fast, I could watch them endlessly they are so informative and fascinating. Love hearing about the details of your craft, and how you do what you do, my music heroes! I never knew how a pickguard worked, until Mona demonstrated how the EJ-160 got scratched and poor placement of the pickguard as pointed out by Lisa, or pro/cons of the Gretsch Duo Jet and comparison to the Stratocaster and Telecasters. So heartwarming to hear about Mona’s sentimental favorite Epiphone EJ-160. I think one day the EJ-160 and Gretsch Duo Jet is going to be priceless and famous, well they are already for your fans! And love hearing about how you customized your guitars to make them perfect for your use, and all the techniques around your video editing and camera hard ware used. I was so certain you guys used the drone in Hamburg until the one scene we see Rudolph holding this huge stick with a camera on it going to the Fish Market. Seeing you play the Cello in Yesterday Lisa, you certainly played the part like a pro! Never knew what a Cajun was that you used in Paint It Black, what a cool instrument.

    I think a themed Q and A sounds like a great idea. That would help the fans think more specifically about question topics to ask. Themes around specific albums, videos, live playing, time at the Cavern, touring with Steve Harley etc for example would be a lot of fun. Thanks so much for this, was super fun and enjoyable to watch. 🙂

    1. Hey Jung, I thought they were using a drone in Hamburg, too. I thought it looked dangerous with all of those people around. The behind the scenes pics gave it away. What did Lisa say in the Finland video? “Modern technology? It’s a camera on a stick”

  23. What a delightful Q&A. I still don’t get some of the tech explanations ( probably repetition would help?)
    Thats ok though, to me I enjoy hearing and trying to comprehend things.
    The cameras I actually understand as I have shot environmental portraits a lot. ( shooting portraits, but using the environment as a background)
    Thank you so much Ladies fir selecting my question about Mona’s Cajon!? I found it very interesting and Actually understood the explanation quite well. Who knew there were bells and guitar strings inside. I knew about the snare set up, so that makes quite a lot of sense.
    As for the next Q&A, how about equipment and gear you have been able to get with the fees for the club, and perhaps some aspirations you might have for future gear and what not. ( other things)
    Thanks again Ladies for taking the time and detailed explanations.
    I promise never to call you
    Blondie and Red??????
    Best always.

    1. By the way Ladies, I Absolutely love the colors of your hair. ( glad to see Lisa didn’t murder her family. Whew!) Mona, your style really, really suits you. Lisa as always your red hair looks great.
      I see Lisa had a booster on her chair, so that she could be in the cleaner and fresher air like Mona. ????????????????

  24. Very interesting information from you. The late Joe Osborne studio musician who Played Bass. played On many, many hit songs of the 60’s 70’s, Mamas & Papas, Monkees, Beach Boys, The Association, Rickey Nelson, Elvis, Sonny & Cher and the list goes on & on….Joe Osborne was asked How often he changed the strings on his bass. Over 20 years in the recording studio he never changed out the strings. He said nobody ever told him he had to. ?? Famous studio guitarists of many different string instruments, the late Tommy Tedesco tuned the different instruments like a guitar not according to the instrument specs. If you hear the 60’s & 70’s music, movies, TV shows you most likely hear the guitar of Tommy Tedesco. The behind the music just like you shared are wonderful to hear about the nuts and bolts of your wonderful music.

  25. Incidentally, back in the 90’s, this was my favorite poster. Thanks to Mona, I now have a new current favorite 😀

  26. OMG Lisa. “I like to use it as a chair.” LMAO!!!

  27. Does Lisa have two gretsch guitars or one because I have noticed in some videos her gretsch has a white pick guard
    -Mavry Driggers

    1. It’s the same guitar 🙂 I removed the pick guard a few years ago because I wanted to change things up a bit. Maybe it’s time to put it back on again, I like both.

    2. I thought the same for the longest time too. 🙂 What is that all black Gretsch guitar on stage, but it’s Lisa keeping us on our toes! 🙂

  28. Nice! And very interesting. What you are doing definitely works. Your musical sounds are always outstanding, vocals are always fantastic and videos are very professional. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love what you are doing and how you are doing it. Very Groovy!!

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