Question: How important is an effect pedal’s looks?
Linnea Siggelkow (Ellis, Ethel Cain)
A: Ultimately, not important. I was just debating between two different overdrive pedals and ended up going with the less-cool-looking one, because it functioned the way I needed it to. But the truth is that if it had been really ugly, I probably wouldn't have bought it, so actually, ultimately kind of important.
Obsession: Though I’ve been playing guitar for most of my life, more recently I’ve mainly been playing bass. I’m currently obsessed with this Fender Vintera II ’60s P Bass that I’ve been lucky to get to play on tour this year!
Luke Viertel, Director of Digital Publishing
A: As the guitar-effect form factors and functions become more ubiquitous each year, I find that how an effect pedal looks and feels on your board is more important than ever. A proper and beautiful design indicates attention to detail and usually bodes well for the eventual quality of the product. Plus, music is art, and that should rightfully extend to the tools used to create it!
Obsession: After playing keyboards steadily in jam and improvisational bands for 15-plus years, a recent relocation has my gear in storage and cases while we get settled. So, I’m finally doing the Phish deep-dive I’ve been planning for ages. Call me weird, but at least go listen to ’97 at The Spectrum first.
Charles Saufley, Gear Editor
Obsession: Eeriness. It’s fog season where I live, and I’ve had a lot of run-ins with the uncanny of late. I keep waiting for special agents Mulder and Scully to appear out of the corner of my eye. It’s weird, but good for writing music!
