Hi, I’m Andy Ferris
a YouTuber Guitarist Singer Songwriter Creator

Top New Guitar Gear Releases This Week (TWIG 70)

Black Sabbath: The Grit Behind Heavy Metal’s Sound

Welcome to a deep dive into the origins of heavy metal, a genre that has shaped music history in profound ways. Today, we explore the unique circumstances surrounding the birth of Black Sabbath, a band that revolutionized the music scene from their industrial roots in the Black Country of Birmingham, UK. Along with insights from James Laney of Laney Amplifiers, we’ll uncover how the environment, personal experiences, and innovative gear contributed to the distinctive sound of metal. Let’s get started!

The Black Country: A Historical Perspective

To truly understand the essence of Black Sabbath, we must first look at the place they called home. The Black Country, adjacent to Birmingham, was known as the industrial heartland of Britain. It earned its name due to the soot-filled skies from the factories that dominated the landscape. This harsh environment shaped the lives of those who grew up there, including Tony Iommi and other members of Black Sabbath.

James Laney highlights the significance of this region, explaining, “The Black Country is right adjacent to Birmingham. It was called the Black Country because the sky was black because of soot.” This gritty backdrop played a crucial role in the band’s music, influencing their themes and sound.

The Struggles of a Working-Class Environment

The Black Country was not just a geographical location but a testament to the struggles faced by its inhabitants. Laney reflects on conversations with his parents, who described wrapping scarves around their faces to shield themselves from the smog as they walked to school. This tough upbringing infused a sense of resilience and grit into the music that would later emerge from the area.

“If Tony and Geezer and the other guys lived in California at the same time, they would not have made the same music,” Laney asserts. It was this specific context that gave rise to the heavy, dark sounds that would define metal.

The Accidental Innovators: Tony Iommi’s Journey

Tony Iommi’s story is one of perseverance and innovation. After suffering an accident at work that left him with damaged fingers, Iommi refused to let this setback deter him from his passion for guitar. As Laney recounts, “He melted the tops of fairy liquid bottles and stuck them over his fingers to create these thimbles.” This resourcefulness allowed him to relearn how to play guitar, using a modified technique that would contribute to his unique sound.

This determination to overcome adversity is a hallmark of Black Sabbath’s legacy. Iommi’s innovative approach to guitar playing, combined with his choice of light string gauges, created a sound that was both heavy and distinct. It’s fascinating to think that the very elements that seemed counterintuitive—like using light strings for heavy music—were key to the alchemy that made their sound resonate so profoundly.

The Gear Behind the Sound

When discussing the birth of metal, one cannot overlook the importance of the gear used to create that iconic sound. Laney explains that Iommi often plugged into the bass input of amplifiers, using a modified treble booster to achieve a sound that was different from anything else at the time. “It’s like an alchemy,” he says, highlighting how various elements of gear and technique came together to create something groundbreaking.

Today, it’s easier than ever to access high-quality gear and create impressive sounds. However, Laney warns that with this ease comes the risk of becoming derivative. The industry must continue to innovate and push boundaries, rather than resting on past successes. “We’re all kinda hungry for the next different combination of things,” he asserts.

The Evolution of Gear

As technology has progressed, the options for guitarists have expanded tremendously. From digital modelers to analog amps, the variety of gear available allows musicians to explore new sounds and styles. Laney’s new product, the Lionheart loud pedal, is an example of this evolution, offering a unique sound that appeals to modern guitarists while honoring the legacy of past innovations.

The Creative Journey: Embracing Individuality

One of the most intriguing aspects of being a musician is the personal connection to the gear you use. Laney emphasizes that there is no definitive right or wrong approach when it comes to gear. “What’s right is what you feel like doing that day that inspires you,” he notes. This sentiment captures the essence of creativity in music.

For many musicians, the gear they choose to play with can evoke specific feelings and inspirations. “When you’ve got that particular green pedal or that particular amp, it makes you feel a certain way,” Laney explains. This emotional connection to gear is what makes the creative process so rewarding.

The Restlessness of Creativity

Creativity is often marked by a sense of restlessness—a desire to explore, experiment, and evolve. Iommi’s ongoing search for new sounds exemplifies this restlessness. Even after achieving legendary status, he continues to pursue innovation in his music. Laney remarks, “Tony’s still trying different sounds. The guy who invented the whole damn lot is still creative.”

This continuous quest for creativity is what keeps the music industry vibrant and alive. Musicians and gear enthusiasts alike should embrace this journey, rather than settling for the status quo. The happiness found in music is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit.

The Legacy of Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath’s influence on heavy metal is undeniable. Their music not only defined a genre but also inspired generations of musicians. As we reflect on their legacy, it’s crucial to recognize the unique blend of personal experiences, environmental factors, and innovative gear that contributed to their iconic sound.

Laney invites listeners to engage with the community, asking, “What do you think Black Sabbath’s best album was?” This question serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue within the music community, allowing fans to share their opinions and celebrate the legacy of a band that changed music forever.

Conclusion: Embracing New Guitar Gear and Creativity

As we conclude this exploration of the roots of metal and the legacy of Black Sabbath, let’s remember the importance of innovation, individuality, and community in music. The journey of creativity is what drives us forward, inspiring us to explore new guitar gear and sounds. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting, embrace the restlessness of creativity and let it guide you on your musical journey.

For those looking to enhance their sound, consider checking out Laney gear from Sweetwater, where you can enjoy easy payments, free shipping, and free product support. Let’s keep the spirit of innovation alive!

The Week in Gear 68

Welcome back, gear enthusiasts! It’s that time again where we dive into the latest and greatest in new guitar gear. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this week’s lineup. We’ll be exploring everything from fuzz pedals that’ll make your heart race to acoustic guitars perfect for the stage. Let’s jump right in!

IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK!

Prepare to get gas because it’s time for the week in gear! I have missed doing this show, and I am very glad to be back. We have lots of sparkly new gear to discover from vintage-inspired fuzzes to modern rock machines. This week is sponsored by Henry’s Music. More about that in a little bit. Let’s kick off this week’s most exciting guitar gear releases!

5: EARTHQUAKER DEVICES CHELSEA

First up, we’ve got the Earthquaker Devices Chelsea, a low-end fuzz driver born out of LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy’s favorite heavily modded fuzz circuit, which I believe is a color sound bass fuzz. Please correct me in the comments if you know any different!

The Chelsea takes that iconic gritty bass-heavy fuzz and distills it into a small, powerful package. It offers a straightforward interface with three primary knobs: tone, level, and sustain—pretty basic for a fuzz. However, it also has a toggle for bypassing the tone circuit, giving you a more mid-focused sound. Judging by the official video, this works equally well on bass and guitar, but I am very curious about putting it on a baritone, of course.

Whether you’re looking for a little bit of subtle grit or full-on sonic destruction, the Chelsea does seem to deliver in a kind of Big Muff way. The only thing missing, in my opinion, is a blend knob to give you some of that clean if you’re using it on a bass. I always appreciate a clean blend when using fuzz and lower ranged instruments. It’s priced at around two hundred notes, and it’s available now.

4: GIBSON ACOUSTIC SPECIALS

Next up, Gibson has unveiled one, two, three new acoustic specials: the J-45 Special, the Hummingbird Special, and the L-00 Special. These USA-made guitars all feature solid Sitka spruce tops, solid mahogany backs and sides, and a satin nitro finish for a more vintage feel. Plus, they all come loaded with LR Baggs element bronze pickups, so they are ready for the stage right out of the case. And yes, they do come with a case!

So, what makes the special special, you ask? Well, Gibson has introduced these at a lower price point. Compared to the standard series, these are significantly more affordable, but not budget. There are a few trade-offs, however:

• 1. The special series is less ornate than the standards, with simpler artwork on the Hummingbird pickguard and single-ply binding instead of multi-ply binding found on the standard models.
• 2. The necks of the special series are made of Yutile, a cheaper, more sustainable alternative to mahogany.
• 3. The J-45 Special and Hummingbird Special are concert depth, meaning they are not quite as deep as the standards, which may reduce some bass response compared to the standard versions.

This special acoustic series is definitely aimed at the gigging musician who wants the Gibson name on the headstock but at a more accessible price. Pricing starts at just under two thousand notes for the J-45 and the L-00, while the Hummingbird comes in at just over two thousand notes compared to just under three thousand for their standard counterparts. So yes, it is a lot of money, but it is cheaper than alternatives if you still want Gibson on the headstock.

SPONSORED BY HENRY’S!

Now, let’s talk about butt tone! Henry’s Music offers a wide range of instruments and accessories, including their butt tone guitar picks. These picks are meticulously handcrafted to create a rich and full tone. Available in various shapes and sizes, including the Crusher, inspired by the jazz three pick, and the Baser for bass players, these picks are designed to enhance your playing experience.

If you need butt tone now, check out the link in the video description to Henry’s Music, where you’ll find nothing but tone. By the way, if you enjoy this show, why not tell a friend? Or even better, tell a stranger and gain a friend or a restraining order. It’s a win-win!

3: WAMPLER CRYPTID FUZZ

If you thought there was just one fuzz this week, you’d be wrong! Let’s talk about the beastly Wampler Cryptid. Pedal genius Brian Wampler set out to create a pedal that captures elements of the fuzz face, the tone bender, and Big Muff while still allowing players to sculpt their own signature sonic sound.

The Cryptid features controls for volume, fuzz, and tone, as well as a character control that can take you from predictable, nice fuzz to glitchy, crazy, out-there rippey Velcro fuzz. There’s also a chime switch, adding extra harmonic content to the high end for more clarity and presence without sounding harsh, and a tight switch for controlling the low-end response.

Brian emphasized that you can really clean up your fuzz sound using the guitar volume and the settings of the pedal. So if you’ve never found a fuzz that you like, this could change that. The Cryptid is coming in at a very respectable two hundred notes, which for a Wampler pedal is a pretty good deal, assuming that you like the sounds, of course.

2: HARLEY BENTON ST-MODERN HH

Finally, we have the Harley Benton ST-Modern HH, a budget-friendly high-output Strat-style guitar. Harley Benton has stripped some frills in this model but left enough to make it an exciting guitar. The ST Modern HH features a poplar body, roasted maple neck, two high-output HBZ humbuckers, locking tuners, and a compound 12 to 16-inch Laurel fretboard.

This model is priced around one hundred and eighty euros, making it a fantastic option for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. It’s available in seafoam green, daphne blue, and black. Interestingly, the seafoam green is also available as a lefty, which is weirdly cheaper than the right-handed version!

If you’re into punk rock or rock of any kind, Harley Benton might just be delivering the best bang-for-buck high output fixed bridge Strat-style guitar under two hundred bucks that looks a bit like Tom DeLonge’s guitar.

ANDY’S PICK OF THE WEEK: ACLAM GUITARS GO ROCKY GO

Have you ever wanted the tones of The Beatles’ magical mystery tour era? Well, my pick of the week is the Aclam Go Rocky Go pedal, which recreates the sounds of the Vox Conqueror amp used by George Harrison and John Lennon during that period.

This pedal offers controls for volume, treble, and bass, along with a distortion level and attack sustain knob for that fuzziness. It features a three-mode mid-range boost for the nasally tone and two foot switches for toggling distortion on and off. Plus, it has stunning artwork inspired by Harrison’s legendary Rocky Stratocaster.

At around three hundred notes, it’s not a budget pedal, but it’s compact and beautifully designed. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and I can’t wait to try it out!

THANK YOU AND GOODBYEEEE

Thank you to all the wonderful people who support the show on Patreon. If you’d like your name up in digital lights, click the join button or visit my Patreon link in the description. I’m genuinely happy to be back in the studio, and I have some great videos coming up in the next seven days. Let’s hope for more exciting new guitar gear!

If I don’t see you in those seven days, I’ll see you next week for another gear roundup. Until then, keep playing and let me know your thoughts on these new releases!