Benji
2003-11-06 10:54:43 UTC
Posted this on the Iommi message board... thought some guitarplayers
here might like it too.
"Well Iommi's rig by then was getting more sophisticated, but not that
different from earlier years.
He used the Laney LA100 BL amps, otherwise called Supergroup, which
would surely have been modified to yield more gain, presence and
treble. Around the time of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath he started using JBL
speakers, instead of the original Fanes or Goodmans. The JBL's are
more similar to Jensen as used in Fender amps. They have a stiffer
tone with a more pronounced treble and bass, that doesn't break up so
easily. Reason for this could be that the original speakers kept
blowing up, perhaps he liked the sound, I don't know.
He also mentioned in an interview in 1974 that he uses Fender amps
just to record the solos (obviously more highs and clarity), he might
have used those on the Sabotage album.
He used a (by now) well-modded Rangemaster pedal, or Treblebooster.
The original was used by many players such as Brian May, Ritchie
Blackmore and Eric Clapton (Beano album), but Iommi's version boosted
both high and low frequencies, resulting in a more intense scooped
sound.
I think he was playing in stereo (was this even possible back then?)
on stage --- listen to the Sabotage songs on the Past Lives album.
He could be using an equalizer, boosting frequencies he liked most. I
don't think there is much chance of getting the studio sound, it was
tweaked for ages on the desk.
Most importantly, the guitar: he ditched the red Gibson on many
occasions, since his custom made John Birch was delivered to him!!
This is the black guitar with the crucifixes on the neck. Main
difference in sound:
- the Magnum (hyperflux) pickups with a much higher output
- the wood!! maple, not mahogany was introduced, and it really is very
different.
There you have it... should be about it really. Until Iommi himself
explains we won't know but this is what I managed to collect from
several sources.
here might like it too.
"Well Iommi's rig by then was getting more sophisticated, but not that
different from earlier years.
He used the Laney LA100 BL amps, otherwise called Supergroup, which
would surely have been modified to yield more gain, presence and
treble. Around the time of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath he started using JBL
speakers, instead of the original Fanes or Goodmans. The JBL's are
more similar to Jensen as used in Fender amps. They have a stiffer
tone with a more pronounced treble and bass, that doesn't break up so
easily. Reason for this could be that the original speakers kept
blowing up, perhaps he liked the sound, I don't know.
He also mentioned in an interview in 1974 that he uses Fender amps
just to record the solos (obviously more highs and clarity), he might
have used those on the Sabotage album.
He used a (by now) well-modded Rangemaster pedal, or Treblebooster.
The original was used by many players such as Brian May, Ritchie
Blackmore and Eric Clapton (Beano album), but Iommi's version boosted
both high and low frequencies, resulting in a more intense scooped
sound.
I think he was playing in stereo (was this even possible back then?)
on stage --- listen to the Sabotage songs on the Past Lives album.
He could be using an equalizer, boosting frequencies he liked most. I
don't think there is much chance of getting the studio sound, it was
tweaked for ages on the desk.
Most importantly, the guitar: he ditched the red Gibson on many
occasions, since his custom made John Birch was delivered to him!!
This is the black guitar with the crucifixes on the neck. Main
difference in sound:
- the Magnum (hyperflux) pickups with a much higher output
- the wood!! maple, not mahogany was introduced, and it really is very
different.
There you have it... should be about it really. Until Iommi himself
explains we won't know but this is what I managed to collect from
several sources.