Fortin Amps

Steven Ward’s journey in guitar content creation

In the vast landscape of online content creation, few realms are as dynamic and captivating as the world of guitar content. From tutorials to performances, reviews, to behind-the-scenes glimpses, guitar enthusiasts flock to platforms like YouTube for their daily dose of musical inspiration. In this engaging podcast episode, Mel Torres sits down with Steven Ward, a prolific guitar content creator, to uncover the secrets of his success and glean invaluable insights into the art of digital storytelling in the realm of music.

Mel and Steven met in URM Summit in 2018, setting the stage for a friendship grounded in a shared passion for music and digital media. Steven reflects on this serendipitous meeting, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in shaping his journey. "It's funny how life can lead you to unexpected places," he muses, encapsulating the essence of their chance encounter.

At the heart of Steven's content philosophy lies authenticity – a guiding principle that infuses every aspect of his creative process. "Authenticity is key," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and real stories. In a digital landscape often saturated with polished facades, Steven's commitment to authenticity sets him apart, fostering a deep sense of connection with his audience.

Delving into the intricacies of content creation, Steven offers a glimpse into his creative process, rooted in a keen observation of everyday moments. "I find inspiration in everyday moments," he shares. "It's about capturing those sparks and turning them into something meaningful." This disciplined approach ensures a steady stream of engaging content that resonates with his audience.

Yet, Steven's journey has not been without its challenges. Embracing imperfection, he views setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation. "Mistakes are just opportunities in disguise," he reflects. "They push us to evolve and innovate." This resilience in the face of adversity underscores Steven's unwavering commitment to his craft.

Central to Steven's success is his unwavering dedication to staying true to his vision. In a world of fleeting trends and external pressures, he advocates for artistic integrity and staying true to oneself. "Your authenticity is your greatest asset," he affirms, urging creators to remain steadfast in their artistic vision.

Beyond individual creativity, Steven acknowledges the power of community in fostering growth and collaboration. "Community is everything," he declares. "Together, we inspire, encourage, and uplift each other." Through collaborative projects and an inclusive online environment, Steven cultivates a vibrant community of like-minded individuals united by their passion for music.

Steven's journey reminds us of the enduring power of authenticity, resilience, and community in our creative endeavors.

Unveiling the Power of Splitters / Buffers: Elevating Your Pedalboard Experience

In the world of guitar effects and pedalboards, the often-underestimated piece of hear might just be the splitter / buffer. Here are the top reasons why incorporating a splitter buffer, such as the Roach or Spliff, can transform your pedalboard experience and take your sound to new heights.

  1. Keying Out Your Guitar Signal
    A splitter buffer opens up a realm of possibilities by allowing you to send a signal to trigger other pedals accurately. This capability is particularly handy for pedals like compressors or noise gates (like the ZUUL), ensuring that their effects are activated precisely.
  1. Preserving Tone
    Ever noticed your guitar tone slightly fading away across long cable runs or multiple pedals? That's where a buffer steps in. By maintaining a low-impedance drive, it prevents high-frequency roll-offs, preserving the true essence of your guitar's sound. Placing the buffer strategically—before and after your pedalboard—eliminates this tonal loss, ensuring consistency and clarity.
  1. Recording Flexibility
    For recording purposes, a splitter buffer empowers producers and engineers by providing signals before and after your pedalboard. This grants them greater control to edit, produce, and comprehend your guitar tone accurately, whether it's pre-amp or post-amp.
  1. Dual Toning Live
    Imagine having the ability to wield two distinct guitar tones on stage, even as a solo guitarist. With a splitter buffer at the end of your chain, you can connect two amplifiers and cabs, creating a massive, wide, and immersive sound, akin to having two guitarists on stage. This setup adds depth and richness to your live performances.

Additionally, in studio settings, splitter buffers facilitate the use of multiple pedalboard chains, perfect for preset chains and varied rigs.


Testing Your Setup

To check if a buffer is needed in your chain, a simple test can be performed. Compare your guitar's direct signal to the one passing through your pedalboard. If there's a noticeable loss or alteration in tone with the pedalboard setup, a splitter buffer might be the missing link to retain your guitar's true voice.

In summary, the four key advantages of integrating a splitter buffer into your pedalboard are: precise signal triggering, tone preservation, recording flexibility, and the ability to craft dual guitar tones live.

Experimentation is key, so feel free to explore diverse ways of leveraging splitter buffers like the Roach or Spliff in your guitar chain. Your creativity might unlock new sonic dimensions!

- Mel Torres



If you found this breakdown helpful, consider sharing it and share your innovative uses of 
splitter buffers in the comments below.


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