Binders vs new technologie...

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Permalink Reply by Yvan Brouillette on October 1, 2012 at 8:30pm

No one has the same problem... I'm looking for solutions, please help !!!

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Permalink Reply by Phil Manuel on October 4, 2012 at 8:05pm

Yvan, I don't have quite that problem, but I understand.  Dude, 20 binders that's a lot of stuff.  At any rate, a few questions for you...

1) Are you going to scan them all in?

2) Do you have a pc with a lot of storage?

3) Do you have an iPad with a lot of storage?

I'd use a pc or mac to scan the docs into files you can assemble your collection in folders with the same content as each of you binders.  Then you could convert them into pdf files.  Once you have pdf files, you could transfer them to an iPad.  However, iPads never have enough internal storage, so you might consider using a cloud storage solution, which would allow you to access the files you want without having to store all of them on your iPad.

I've converted some of my arrangements to word documents, and pdf files.  I tried using an iPad to bring them with me to group jams, but I just find it so hard to read them and turn those digital pages.  Now, I just collect about a 100 of my favorites in a binder using protector sheets.  When I want to move a song into the binder or take one out, it's not that hard, and I can see them better printed on 81/2 by 11 sheets of paper.  Others use their iPads because there are a lot of other cool music apps for musicians.  My pref at this point is just to use my single binder with my current favorites.  If it drops, ain't nothing broken, and if it's stolen, I just print them out again.  I do like having them in a digital format to be able to edit and make changes, but keep the originals on my pc, and back them up (a must do task) to a portable storage device for archiving purposes.

Hope that helps a bit.

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Permalink Reply by J K F on October 8, 2012 at 8:31pm

I say,

1. Scan them all
2. Store in at least 2 places
3. Locate lessons/ official videos/ or good covers in YouTube or any website and download them
4. For new songs, try using WORDS document to create.

 

 

Scan them all.

• Use scanners that have a few option of scan results. Choose 'newspaper' and scan in grey scale or B&W with words enhancement if there's such an option. Save in jpg/jpeg format and this will reduce file size. Do not scan in photo or magazine mode. You do not need it if subject is to be B&W.
• Use Microsoft office picture manager to rotate and trim your scanned file. You can compress them later at the same edit mode. Rotation of subject can be done at 0.05 degree to your heart content. Try out all edit options. If you are new to this software, SAVE AS another file name before editing. BTW, once SAVED button is hit, it cannot be undone.

 

Store in at least 2 places

• It is better to store files in an external HD or you can partition you HD if it is a newer PC or laptop. Programmed files in drive C and media files in the new partition. If PC is infected with virus, chances are you still can retrieve your media files.
• Frequent updates or copy over is necessary if improvising had been don’t to a song in WORDS doc.

 

Locate lessons/ official videos/ or good covers in YouTube or any website and download them

• Categories your music. If you have very few genres, categorize by artiste or song title.
• Set YouTube downloader to download and convert to .flv files instead of other file types.
• Download a free version of VLC players to play and learn from the lessons/ official videos/ or good covers you downloaded earlier. VLC can play them in a slower speed of your choice so that you can figure out those notes and fingerings in those videos. It can also slow down those DVD lessons you bought from Hall Leonard, Homespun or Mel Bay etc.

 

For new songs, try using WORDS document to create.

• You can copy and paste a few version of the song you want by searching with IE or Mozilla or any search engine. Just type the songs and artist name followed by “guitar chords tabs or bass tabs” etc. Choose your pick and eliminate the rest into a new WORDS doc. And save it.
• Best font to use in this case is “COURIER NEW”. Its spacing is block like and when changing font size, chords that left above the lyrics do not float away too much.
• You can open up the new document and click and drag the lessons/ official videos/ or good covers files you down loaded so that you can always have a copy of the video for reference to the song you compiled just in case you have some senior moments like me. LOL. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nndS22Qda0

 

ipads are too small for my eyes but those who don’t need reading glasses it's quite handy. For ipads user, here’s some options.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrNeFhR139Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bBpBMbq-F4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ1mQnPuMI&feature=related

 

Hope this help. I’m still learning and hope that there’s more input to this that can help us to improve.

Thanks and just my 2 cents worth.

 

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