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Rig Rundown: Murder by Death

Down-tuned axes and a thirst for experimentation fuel the rootsy indie-rock band’s sound.

Perry Bean
By Perry BeanMar 25, 2015
Perry Bean

Perry Bean cut his teeth touring and playing in punk rock and hardcore bands, before he got his start in film. He worked his way up from lowly production assistant to become a producer, art director, and most recently, a music video director nominated for ACM, CMT, and CMA awards. Being Premier Guitar's Chief Videographer was a perfect fit for him, combining his two favorite things—guitars and cameras. Perry doesn't have free time, but his massive dog Beef pays his rent by being Perry's intern.

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Dave Lap Steel

Two signal chains are for mandolin and lap steel. Fountain switches between them using the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre. A stereo line out of a Nord Electro 3 runs into a Strymon Flint and a Radial Pro D2 DI mounted underneath the board. The Rogue lap steel goes into a Keeley 2-knob Compressor and a ZVEX Mastotron. The Eastman 315 mandolin includes a K&K pickup and is routed through a Mr. Black Supermoon reverb in the PZ-Pre's effects loop.  

Murder by Death’s bassist Matt Armstrong managed to squeeze in a quick interview and walk us through the band’s gear before their show in Nashville. The band’s spacey-meets-gothic vibe is powered by low-tuned axes, effect-laden cellos, and a unique approach to tone.

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