Cause and Effects

I enjoyed the recent issue on effects pedals [October 2012 Pedal Issue]. This was very timely for me, because I had recently dug out some of my old pedals from the 1970s to see if they still worked. I cleaned them up and took some pics (see at right). My first pedal, which I purchased in about 1970, was the original Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi. In the late ’70s, I added the Small Stone phase shifter, Electric Mistress flanger, Memory Man echo/analog delay, Zipper Envelope Follower, and the Attack Decay reverse tape simulator—all Electro-Harmonix.

My next purchase from EH was the rackmount Guitar Synthesizer model EH-8000 in about 1980. (Although this probably isn’t considered a pedal.) Apparently the EH-8000 is quite a rare piece of equipment. At the time, it was plagued with intermittent problems mostly due to some defective switches caused by a manufacturing snafu. In short, I recently did some repairs to the unit and it is now fully functional … I’m not sure if many people know it even exists. If you would like to know more about the EH-8000 and its features, I’d be happy to supply what information I can.

Thanks for your time and the great magazine.
—Nick Pelz
Lancaster, New York

Learning from the Big Dogs

Thank you PG for all the Rig Rundowns you’ve been presenting. It’s really a treat to see what the BIG GUYS use in making the songs we hear and the tidbits of info the techs tell us about the quirks/idiosyncrasies each has.
—ArtDonna84
via YouTube, “Joe Perry Rig Rundown”

I consider myself so lucky to be able to see these interviews. It’s cool to see what the pros actually use and it helps me with my own tiny rig. I’ve even seen other pros refer to these interviews, so they must be loving them too! Thanks to Premier Guitar for all of these.
—DukeStarbuckle
via YouTube, “Brad Whitford Rig Rundown”

The Nugent Factor

Great guitar player, total fascist idiot. It is possible to be both, and to admire one and not the other side of a person’s essence. Ted makes it pretty difficult just because he just can’t seem to hear enough of himself spewing his own idiotic musings and hate-fueled rants. But when he actually talks about gear and playing guitar—ostensibly the reason PG and this forum exist in the first place—he’s pretty great.
—Michael
via premierguitar.com

I started to type in a thoughtful response about “The Nuge” ... about how I used to love playing “Stranglehold” and “Hey Baby” and all that but, today, for me, it all boils down to a big “F-U” to his politics and love of killing living creatures. I would pay to see him compete with an animal or person that was as armed-to-the-teeth as he is, with half of his “intelligence.” That would be entertainment. Ted, baby, how ’bout a Groupon for that? Perhaps, obviously, I no longer give a sh*t about his gear or his music or anything else associated with “The Ted.”
—Dave B.
via premierguitar.com

I actually got to sit down with Ted and eat dinner with him during the Damn Yankees tour. While I don’t agree with a lot of his politics, I walked away with respect. He’s a man who has the balls to stand up for his convictions. He’s not afraid to mince words, unlike our politicians who only tell you what they think you want to hear. This isn’t the forum to debate politics. It’s a guitar site. Like his tone? Playing? Hate it? Fine.
—Danny G.
via premierguitar.com

[Ted Nugent] is a very mediocre guitar player. His writing is at 5th grade level and his albums were good to use as Frisbees. Totally forgotten in the music world, as he should be. Why the Premier Guitar staff would want to try to resurrect him is beyond me. Tried to resurrect his lack of musical talent with stupid comments and rants—same idea as Dennis Miller trying to revive his career in comedy. Problem is: When you suck, you suck.
—Ed Fleck
via premierguitar.com

Strum Over Shred

I have been meaning to write for several weeks now, to tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate John Bohlinger’s column. There were two pieces (in a row no less) that fueled my desire to write to you. They were “Playing for the People” [July 2012] and “If It Ain’t Got That Swing “ [August 2012]. Both of these columns spoke to me with a common message, which I think John summed up well in one of the writings: “It rarely takes a musical virtuoso to connect with me on an emotional level.”

I will admit that, like John, I am a man in my later 40s. Maybe this has something to do with it. When I was younger, I did enjoy some music that I would now describe as “widdley.” I was huge into jazz in my 20s, and listened to all kinds music that today sounds to me like someone just practicing scales endlessly, and with no point. I can’t do it anymore. In my advancing years, I really need some emotional connection to the music.

I honestly admire guitar players who have incredible technique. But I would rather listen to someone simply strumming an acoustic while delivering an impassioned vocal performance. In short ... I want to hear a song.

At one time or another, I have read many (if not all) of the guitar magazines available. It is so refreshing to experience a column like Mr. Bohlinger’s. So many guitar publications seem to focus solely on speed, or volume, or the outrageous behavior of its subjects. Premier Guitar has proven that they are the premier guitar magazine out there. You are simply put, a class act.

Thank you John Bohlinger, and thank you Premier Guitar.
Sincerely, Doug Booth