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Artist / Heroes,

Wah Wah on Classic Rock Recordings

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Posted by: Source Audio | Posted in: Artist / Heroes,

Yesterday I was looking through my cd collection, and as I am sure is the case with you, certain titles seem to jump out and capture you - reminding you of the enormous influence that music has had on your life.

One in particular was David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust".

I just had to put the music on and become drawn into the alternate universe created in the songs. If you love this recording, you have got to visit http://www.5years.com.

What has always struck me about the music, is how subtleties create great nuance and depth. For instance, the drum beat to "Five Years" that fades in - imagine how different the song would be without that fade-in?

Or the huge and dramatic strum of the first chord? How different would the song be if if was JUST acoustic 12-string or piano? And don't forget about the clever use of autoharp on that strum, either.

There are so many reflections of brilliance on that album, I could have 500 questions about it. In fact, I wrote a few to the producer, Ken Scott (http://www.komosproductions.com/), who was extremely gracious in informing about the processes of a few sonic gems on the record. With a bio that contains work for the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Supertramp, Mahavishnu Orchestra and the Dixie Dregs, it's no accident that this record sounds as unique as it does.

One key element was the string arrangements, piano playing, and guitar playing of Mick Ronson. An essential aspect to his flavorful tone was his use of the wah wah - not only on this recording, but evidenced on "The Man Who Sold the World", "Hunky Dory", "Alladin Sane" and "Pin Ups", all touched by Ken Scott.

Setting the wah wah to a certain position is even easier and more exact on the Hot Hand than with a "pedal" wah wah - and you don't have to use the controller, as you are using the wah as a filter - similar to Michael Schenker with UFO. It's a great and unique sound that few have seemed to use. It really adds a great eq curve to your guitar tone.

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