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For All Ya'll that Scratch
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For All Ya'll that Scratch

kalibhakta 4:23 AM - 14 May, 2008
My musical background is essentially percussion based, so I have a good sense of rhythm and it is something I am rather obsessed with.

I have been practicing mixing for almost a year and want to get into scratching.

Recently, I purchased two of DJ Qberts DVD's, Scratchlopedia and Do it Yourself Scratching: Volume II

Both are a little beyond me. Since I know every few people into this sort of thing, I may have to learn a lot on my own. Like magicians, I have noticed few are willing to shoe me how their 'tricks' work!

So I am going to buy Qbert's Do it Yourself: Volume I and get my basics down.

I wanted to ask those scratch-heads out there about calibration. How do I calibrate my decks and SSL for scratch optimization?

Please share any tips you may have.

I wanna go nuts with this! Even a little skills would help because DJing has also brought me back to my Hip Hop roots and I am a full on addict! If I could throw in some scratching, I feel my Hip Hop mixes will sound a lot better!

Thanks in advance.

One thing I heard was that the control vinyl itself has some issues with timing and can be tweaked to get maximum response when using turntablist techniques.

Peace
a DJ 4:42 AM - 14 May, 2008
I don't think there's much you can do, other than having the buffer at the lowest setting. If you're worried about all the calibration and tweaking, just learn on vinyl. You only need one record to learn how to scratch.
DJ Overpour 7:03 AM - 14 May, 2008
Practice practice practice.....and when your done with that, practice some more :p
djskiggz 7:30 AM - 14 May, 2008
^what he said...its tuff man

as far as calibration, a little more weight helps from skipping but dont put too much or u will tear your needles up and records. While your learning, try to learn with a light hand. Do not mash the record. You wanna have a good grip but at the same time you dont wanna be smashing the record down as it will pop your needle up and down. Also, if you dont have turntable that has a straight tonearm..you might wanna turn your headshell slightly so it grabs the grooves better...I think sixxx had a thread explaining how to do it, try searching.

go to djforums.com there are a lot of tutorials about scratching which are very helpful.
BattleFunk 9:11 AM - 14 May, 2008
once diy volume 1 comes through the door, it will explain a lot of what you think you might be missing - there's a lot of useless shit on there for noobs :p

volume 2 was really just useful for sessions imo and the latest one will not help you at all as the descriptions are rubbish - im not hating, just saying how i think it is, q is still the boss!
Maskrider 9:46 AM - 14 May, 2008
Quote:
Practice practice practice.....and when your done with that, practice some more :p


This is the Best Advice that you can get. If you can practice all day do it.
s3kn0tr0n1c 11:33 AM - 14 May, 2008
get the first skratchy seal record with the best locked ahhh freshh ther is and use this for practising..

also read this -

levarismi.net

and for cutting on serato you NEED the latency tight as it goes espesh for fast chirps etc.
s3kn0tr0n1c 11:35 AM - 14 May, 2008
get shure m44-7s, set to 2.5 grams weight with no anti -skate and turn the hight of the tone arm adjust right down as low as it goes then lock em.
kalibhakta 11:55 AM - 14 May, 2008
Thanks everyone! I will try calibrating as you said s3kn0tr0n1c!

I agree with what homey said about the scratchlopedia descriptions being bunk! The second volume is a fun watch, but I think volume I is what I need to get.

I already have my cartridges tilted for the extra tracking. I am using Technics 1200's.
sixxx 1:15 PM - 14 May, 2008
With Serato, you need the buffer at its lowest setting BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE IT'S CALIBRATED.... so the response on the vinyl is more accurate.

Don't let your percussion based experience hinder you... and it will, cause a lot of scratches are actually 'designed' to be off time.

... and practice, practice, practice.
DeezNotes 1:43 PM - 14 May, 2008
If you're in philly, you should come down to session when/if we have the east coast jam. We session from time to time on stickam.com as well across the globe. I'll help where I can.
DJ.ReFRESH 7:20 PM - 14 May, 2008
Quote:
get shure m44-7s, set to 2.5 grams weight with no anti -skate and turn the hight of the tone arm adjust right down as low as it goes then lock em.


Aside from the anti-skate setting, everything else concerning the needle and tonearm will just have to be figured out through trial and error.

There is no universal needle and tonearm setting that works for everyone. Some DJs tend to be more heavy handed than others so this needs to be taken into account.

Experiment with different settings and see what works best for you.
sixxx 7:37 PM - 14 May, 2008
There are recommended settings for each and every cartridge.... follow those and go from there.
a DJ 3:46 AM - 15 May, 2008
Quote:
Quote:
get shure m44-7s, set to 2.5 grams weight with no anti -skate and turn the hight of the tone arm adjust right down as low as it goes then lock em.


Aside from the anti-skate setting, everything else concerning the needle and tonearm will just have to be figured out through trial and error.

There is no universal needle and tonearm setting that works for everyone. Some DJs tend to be more heavy handed than others so this needs to be taken into account.

Experiment with different settings and see what works best for you.

So how do you change the weight and height?
a DJ 3:47 AM - 15 May, 2008
^ I worded that wrong.. I mean.. you change it based on what? more weight will do what? more height does what? thx
sixxx 3:57 AM - 15 May, 2008
I almost smacked you a DJ.. lol


OK... Weight is moved forward or backwards (more or less weight) depending on how light or heavy the cartridge is. On Shure 44's... without the weight thingy on the cartridge, the setting should be ZERO.

The height once again is set depending on the cartridge. I forgot what Shure recommends... but mine is at 3.5 and it works great.
Low Rider 3:58 AM - 15 May, 2008
where can i get scratch loops like acapellas for free? anyone got any links?
s3kn0tr0n1c 7:57 AM - 15 May, 2008
to set the weight-

turn the weight at the back till the tone arm and tone arm weight are balanced- like to kids the same weight sitting on a see-saw. then tun the bit with the number till "0" line up with the line...then you are "zero-ed"....now rotate the weight till 2.5 grams ie 2.5 lines up with line.

this i would reccomed for shures....any more and i think it is too much force on the needle and it jumps more with me, burns records and yer needle done last as long.....

the height adjust is meant to be adjusted so the tonearm is parallel with record..with shures you cant quite get it low enuf....and LOCK IT
Dj Sparky 1:27 PM - 15 May, 2008
i recommend learning on real vinyl, and if your going to use the qbert dvd's, just use them to know what the scratches are and then ditch the dvd, so you can develop your own style, you dont want to end up a qbert clone (or maby you do)
kalibhakta 2:02 PM - 15 May, 2008
Actually if I ended up sounding at all like QBert, I don't think that is so bad. Besides...those DVDs are way to overpriced to go throwing out!

It seemed like it would be good for the basics which is what I need right now.

I was thinking of grabbing a Dirt Style vinyl to practice with, but with Serato it would be easy to make my own scratch samples.

Maybe for the feel though, I could start with the vinyl and then at least when I try messing with SSL I can know what I am looking for in regards to settings and whatnot.
dirtbag filthy 3:43 PM - 15 May, 2008
start with real vinyl...i think shure recommends a height of 3 on your tonearm
s3kn0tr0n1c 8:40 AM - 16 May, 2008
www.shure.com

figure7 shows you want your tonearm level for skratch dj style....i use that- it works really well.

i dont angle my styles at 23degrees- never felt the need as my needles dont skip much to but i may try it at sompoint.....although my decks dont skip much(only when i make mistakes) and with serato on rel mode, no need.

also in the table it says 1-3 grams of weight....2.5g being what i use normally but in a club or on shaky table i use 3gramzzzzzzz
s3kn0tr0n1c 8:41 AM - 16 May, 2008
^^^^^^styles=stylus
s3kn0tr0n1c 8:43 AM - 16 May, 2008
oh defo read the ever skracth tutorial i posted above....use the audio from that aswell..

learn babys, chirps, 1 click flare and transformer......also read the tempo catching section to start with....
TheMightyThor 8:55 PM - 20 May, 2008
i would learn to scratch on real vinyl before serato.
just my $0.02
DJ.ReFRESH 9:45 PM - 20 May, 2008
^^

Minor latency issues aside, why?
djcrxxx 5:32 AM - 21 May, 2008
I think most of Qbert's DIY vol 1 is on Youtube.It's got all the foundation scratches you wanna learn!
DJ Vinyl V 7:15 PM - 21 May, 2008
Buy some classic Dirt Style wax, buy some wax paper (less drag from the slip mats, and practice every night for the next three years. I started out using vinyl--and usually keep some handy, the serato records feel heavier. You might find that your cuts are quicker on regular vinyl.
.:DjDECiPHA:. 7:48 PM - 21 May, 2008
Quote:
^^

Minor latency issues aside, why?


I'd say the main reason to learn to scratch on real vinyl is to learn record control and how to be smooth with your cuts so the needle doesnt skip... even though it wont skip in Serato REL mode... if your not smooth or have control, scratches wont sound as clean with Serato if the needles jumping around... IMO
D J L.P. 1:40 AM - 25 May, 2008
walk on left side of street ....o.k.
walk on right side of street.... o.k.

walk middle of street.... quish... just like grape.

Now danielson wax on left side, wax off right side circular motion. o.k.

I go catch fly with chop stick.
AmphetaMarinE 9:31 AM - 25 May, 2008
Quote:
walk on left side of street ....o.k.
walk on right side of street.... o.k.

walk middle of street.... quish... just like grape.

Now danielson wax on left side, wax off right side circular motion. o.k.

I go catch fly with chop stick.

hehehe... i need to rip some samples like those....
*off to buy some karate kid dvd's
soon-2-be-ex-FS2user 3:58 PM - 25 May, 2008
Quote:
My musical background is essentially percussion based, so I have a good sense of rhythm and it is something I am rather obsessed with.

I have been practicing mixing for almost a year and want to get into scratching.

Recently, I purchased two of DJ Qberts DVD's, Scratchlopedia and Do it Yourself Scratching: Volume II

Both are a little beyond me. Since I know every few people into this sort of thing, I may have to learn a lot on my own. Like magicians, I have noticed few are willing to shoe me how their 'tricks' work!

So I am going to buy Qbert's Do it Yourself: Volume I and get my basics down.

I wanted to ask those scratch-heads out there about calibration. How do I calibrate my decks and SSL for scratch optimization?

Please share any tips you may have.

I wanna go nuts with this! Even a little skills would help because DJing has also brought me back to my Hip Hop roots and I am a full on addict! If I could throw in some scratching, I feel my Hip Hop mixes will sound a lot better!

Thanks in advance.

One thing I heard was that the control vinyl itself has some issues with timing and can be tweaked to get maximum response when using turntablist techniques.

Peace


mine's mum said nots 2 scratching a rash gets wurst
cappinkirk 8:50 PM - 28 May, 2008
turn off the pitch lock when you skratch (if you use it)...i think skratches sound a lot better without it (personal preference)
cappinkirk 8:32 PM - 30 May, 2008
use wav files for your skratch tracks too (and use the A side of your CV near the center for skratching if you can)
djcrxxx 9:41 PM - 30 May, 2008
Anyone know any cool slow beats to scratch to around the 70-80 bpm range.Ive been scratching to some slow Trip Hop on youtube that is sort what im looking for!?..any suggestions??

Watchwww.youtube.com
kalibhakta 11:42 PM - 30 May, 2008
djcrxxx: Find instrumental versions of Hip Hop tracks--that's easy. Or, make your own beats.


Well my plan is to buy some Dirt Style records this week and learn to scratch using vinyl. Once I start getting the feel of that will mess about with Serato. Serato is nice because I can use my own samples. I already jacked the original Fab FIve Freddy Ahhhhhh and Fresh sounds to play with.

I just think I can better gage the discrepencies between vinyl scratching and Serato if I start using the vinyl. I hear there is a buffer issue which slows Serato for fast scratching--I think sixxx said that. Anyway, I need to see for myself.

Also I wanna pick up QBerts first how to DVD that ought to help me get the basic faster. Just practice the same scratches over and over.
D J L.P. 11:40 PM - 31 May, 2008
I cant tell any difference between scracthing on soreto and original vinyl. Plus if your gonna be spinning on soreto than just scratch with it.
dj buterd hams 11:01 PM - 2 June, 2008
there a difference i can feel it and hear it . problum i have is i lowered my buffer size and didnt help much
djcrxxx 1:11 AM - 3 June, 2008
yeah lil delay but can DEF stil fux wit it!
djcrxxx 1:14 AM - 3 June, 2008
anyone got ant beats i can scratch to??selfmade or otherwise!
I'm lookin for that slow futuristic turntablistic shit!
dj buterd hams 2:38 AM - 3 June, 2008
get up on thumprecords site i heared qberts selling mp3 of his battle recs
kalibhakta 5:25 AM - 3 June, 2008
Dude, worse case scenario--make a loop! I'm sure you could loop a part of any song you have for tempo...that's mostly what beats are anyways.

Well, I get paid this week and am getting 2 D Styles LPs to get started. I wanna see the difference for myself.

So... I'll get back to you in this thread in like 2 years and we'll go from there!

The nice thing about serato is you can scratch whatever, but I respect the root aspects of DJing, so fu** it.
bandoma 12:46 AM - 4 June, 2008
Quote:
(and use the A side of your CV near the center for skratching if you can)


cappinkirk, what's your reasoning behind this?

personally, i like using side a, more than b. ive noticed that my cuts sound more genuine on side a, than b.

btw, if you're looking for beats there's a website where you could dl a ton of skratch beat wav files. the beats are a few bars long but all you gotta do is loop them and you're good to go.

i dont have the link on me. someone posted it in J0be's skratch thread. i have it bookmarked on my laptop at home. ill post the link when i find it.
bandoma 2:43 AM - 4 June, 2008
Quote:
This page is for all the skratch heads out there. The loops are cropped in .wav format and ready to destroy.Right click and save as to copy to your computer or click to stream it.


www.sirness.net

*i don't remember who posted this link in J0be's skratch thread but thank him.
cappinkirk 3:38 AM - 4 June, 2008
well I think the center grooves are more economical motionwise than the outer grooves...i was thinking the "a side" groove would also be fatter but I'm probably thinking of real pressed vinyl where the 10 minute singles are better quality (fatter) than the 15 minute lp grooves. it probably doesn't matter at all for time code vinyl but it might...anybody know about this?
djcrxxx 9:23 AM - 4 June, 2008
Hey TNX for the link bandoma exactly what i was looking for and FREE!!! tnx again.

now time to murder these beats!
cappinkirk 3:03 PM - 4 June, 2008
here's a skratch track for ya...got some samples at the front too

www.cappinkirk.com
cappinkirk 3:04 PM - 4 June, 2008
made by Cappin' Kirk & Top Speed in 2006 for all y'all skratch fiends
Maskrider 8:47 PM - 6 June, 2008
Tnx for the link Bandoma and for CV Rane should make it 2 side A's
DJ Vinyl V 9:08 PM - 6 June, 2008
New Super Seal Breaks due to drop in July! Now that sound Freshhhhhh
www.thudrumble.com
kalibhakta 1:53 PM - 30 June, 2008
Thanks cap'n, I missed that before.

Alright so now I am scratching for breakfast. I wake up, drink caffeine and get 1-1/2 hours in. I see how easy it aint, but I am in no rush. Basically I am mostly practicing chirps, 1-click flares and cutting to get my hands in shape.

I can see crabs and other fun things might take a minute!

Anyway, I wanted to ask what you guys think of the Hamster Switch. Should I practice hamster? What are the benefits?
dj shadow from detroit 4:38 PM - 30 June, 2008
hampster is overrated :) lol!
djcrxxx 11:18 PM - 30 June, 2008
I thought about switching to hamster after i got a decent mixer to get flares a bit easier,but im glad i didn't. But hey if it's good enough for QBert DStyles and so on...F it!!! One thing that helped me was switching my scratch hand to my left...got my good hand on the fader.
kalibhakta 1:25 AM - 1 July, 2008
I was wondering about that too. Since I am right handed I went for having my dminant hand on the record and my left on the fader, but I could see how reversing this might be better. I'll have to try it out and relearn everything i just got down!
AMF 2:36 PM - 2 July, 2008
Quote:
Practice practice practice.....and when your done with that, practice some more :p


... and once you finish this... practice even more!
kalibhakta 2:58 PM - 2 July, 2008
I can dig it. In fact, was just checking this thread before I stared my practice session!

I'm right handed and am going to try manipulating the vinyl with my left to see how that feels.

What are your preferences?
s3kn0tr0n1c 3:10 PM - 2 July, 2008
right handed------i use right hand on the fader
AMF 3:30 PM - 2 July, 2008
I'm right handed and keep my right hand on the fader.
kalibhakta 3:56 PM - 2 July, 2008
Thanks...I wasn't asking what TO do, but what YOU do.

Had to say that before people busted my gnuts! :P

Logically I would assume that the hands should be oriented according to precision: the more precise work being done with your dominant hand.

You think the fader requires more precision, or the vinyl itself? I would guess the vinyl because the fader is essentially getting opened and closed. Although I do understand that training my dominant hand for crabs and such would he a heckuva lot easier...

I'll mess with both approaches, but thanks for your input.

Honestly, I just tried switching and sw how clumsy I was after practicing the other way so much!
kalibhakta 3:56 PM - 2 July, 2008
Oh yeah, anyone that gives me advice has to provide a link proving they can scratch lol.
shiestO! 8:09 PM - 2 July, 2008
i do better with my dominant hand on the vinyl and my non-dominant (left) hand on the fader.

i suck mostly anyway. but my chirps are dope. haha.
kalibhakta 6:50 PM - 10 July, 2008
Man...this is such a N00B thread I am almost embarrassed that it is my handiwork;-)

I'm high man. Not high off the Ganja weed but high off of seeing my progress. I am practicing every day 1-2 hours and I changed my hands.

Dominate (my right) on the fader, curves all the way up, and the hamster switch in effect. it is moving so much faster then when I was doing it the other way.

So far I got chirps, 1-click flares, and 2 clicks down. It is enough to jam with my homemade hip hop beats! I am loving this!!!


Alright, so I noticed something....whenever I scribble or scratch really fast I am getting some funkiness with Serato.

I made my own scratch track sampling things like the "AHHH" sound from Fab Fie Freddy's "Change The Beat" track. Basically I am just working with one sound for now.

Does anybody else have this issue with fast scratching funking up in Serato? Can I do anything to help alleviate this?

Also I was thinking about buying some Vinyl to practice with. There is a company called Dirt Style that puts out records. Should I buy them? What should I expect?

Their album art is sick!!! I think I am gonna grab STD Breaks just for the cover!
dj shadow from detroit 8:47 PM - 10 July, 2008
to be honest serato does not keep up with fast scratching as good as it should.just make sure your calibrated right and you have some butter rugs underneath them time code vinyls :)

get the super seal vinyl ( dirt syle ) its my favorite.using real vinyl does pick up faster scratches.
kalibhakta 11:13 PM - 10 July, 2008
I check out the super seal man, thanks. Im shopping for toys next weeks.

Love you guys and thanks for all the help.
cappinkirk 8:01 PM - 13 August, 2008
when using the SL records for skratching,

use the inner rings for faster chirp style skratches

use the outer rings for when you want to get better note style skratches

always turn off pitch lock

also use aiff of wav format for your skratch tracks and you won't know the difference between them and real records. mp3's suck as skratch pieces.