What Amateurs Don't Understand About Guitar Tone

Summary

In this engaging studio session, Tim Pierce joins the host to test a variety of musical equipment, including pedals, guitars, amplifiers, and microphones. As they build a custom pedalboard and select gear, Tim shares insights on studio etiquette and the importance of immediate sound adjustments. The duo tests several iconic amps and microphones, analyzing tonal differences and playing styles. Tim's thoughtful commentary on the gear, combined with his hands-on approach to adjusting settings, provides a fascinating glimpse into the studio workflow and the role of gear in shaping performance and creativity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tim Pierce, a well-known session guitarist, joins the host in the studio for a gear test and discussion.
• 😀 The first step involves building a pedalboard for Tim, which includes the Nobles ODR-1, a reverb, and a delay pedal with modulation.
• 😀 Tim’s preferred gear setup includes specific pedals for his sound: overdrive, reverb, and delay with modulation.
• 😀 The host selects various guitars and amps for the test, with Tim playing his favorite SG guitar.
• 😀 Studio etiquette is emphasized, including the need to act quickly and make adjustments in real time without long delays.
• 😀 When switching amps, Tim emphasizes the importance of setting up early and ensuring everything is patched in for immediate adjustments.
• 😀 Gear choice directly influences playing style, as different amps and pedals prompt Tim to play in different ways.
• 😀 Tim discusses the importance of making the right adjustments for the artist and ensuring smooth collaboration during recording sessions.
• 😀 Various microphones, including the Sennheiser 421 and its mini version, are tested, with insights into how each captures sound differently.
• 😀 The amps tested include vintage models such as the 1971 Marshall JMP, Orange Overdrive 2, Park P45, MIG 100H, and a Fender Deluxe, each contributing unique tonal qualities.
• 😀 The session illustrates the balance between technical setup and creative flexibility in a studio environment, highlighting the need for quick decision-making and adaptation.

Q & A

What are the three essential pedals Tim prefers to use in the studio?

Tim prefers the Noble’s ODR-1 overdrive, a reverb pedal, and a delay with modulation.

Why does Tim choose the Delver reverb pedal for his setup?

Tim chooses the Delver because it combines both reverb and modulated delay, offering a unique sound he appreciates.

What is Tim's favorite guitar, and why does he enjoy playing it?

Tim's favorite guitar is his SG Murphy Labs SG. He enjoys it because it plays easily and has a good connection with him from having seen it so many times.

How does Tim ensure a smooth setup in the studio when working with multiple amps?

Tim arrives early to patch everything in so he can easily switch amps by dialing a rotary knob without having to redo the setup during the session.

What is Tim's approach to positioning his equipment in the studio?

Tim sets up his equipment at a diagonal angle to ensure he is not in anyone’s way and can interact with the artist and the rest of the room comfortably.

What was Tim's observation about the difference between the original and mini Sennheiser 421 microphones?

Tim found that the mini 421 had too much top-end and added unwanted fizz to the sound, whereas the original 421 complemented the brighter 57 microphone with its darker tone.

What did Tim think about the 1971 JMP Marshall amp he tested?

Tim praised the 1971 JMP Marshall amp, noting it has a healthy tone with great clean-up when turning down the volume, making it suitable for creating a full record sound.

How does Tim adjust his playing based on the different amps tested during the session?

Tim adjusts his playing style based on the sound of the amp. Each amp pushes him to play in different ways, influencing his choice of notes, tone, and approach.

What role do effects, like delay, play in shaping Tim’s playing style in the studio?

Effects like delay push Tim to alter his playing style, either slowing down or adding more complexity to his performance, depending on the type of sound the effect creates.

How does Tim handle studio pressure when quick decisions need to be made regarding gear choices?

Tim emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having everything set up beforehand to ensure changes can be made instantly without wasting time, maintaining the flow of the session.