Simon's search for perfect guitar tone
GUITARIST Simon Campbell will be holding a guitar tone workshop on Sunday, April 11, at 7pm at Peter Norris Music in Douglas. What Where When editor John Gregory caught up with Simon to find out more.
'I have spent 35 years searching for the perfect guitar tone.'
With that level of experience and knowledge behind him accomplished guitarist Simon Campbell seems the ideal candidate to talk about the subject.
We live in an Island jam-packed with musicians and music lovers and there will be many guitarists right across the Isle of Man who will be on their own tone quest as we speak.
Simon, who is the frontman of the Very Very Bad Men, explained what the workshop is all about.
'A lot about music and what people really appreciate is not actually the playing but more the sound of it, generally speaking,' he said.
'Over the years I have listened to great players and really it is not what they have played but the way it sounds. Someone like BB King can play one note or two notes and it sounds fantastic.
'Over the years I have tried to perfect what I think is a great guitar sound.
'I think a great guitar player really understands the sound and what they are going to get regardless of what amplifers and guitars they are using.'
The workshop will feature a section about Simon's own quest and the equipment he has spent tens of thousands of pounds on over the years during his search.
'What we are going to really look at is all the different elements that build up and affect the tone of your guitar, electric and acoustics, when you are playing and how really to optimise it,' he said.
'It's understanding what factors change the tone of the guitar and what you can do about it to make it how you want it. I have got one or two interesting little exercises which everyone is going to get involved in where they can try and detect what I am playing and how I am playing it. I am sure it could be quite interesting for any acoustic or electric guitar player.'
Asked about his influences he mentions Wishbone Ash in the 1970s plus players such as Larry Carlton and Robben Ford.
'Robben Ford has a great sound, No matter what he is playing it always sounds like him.
'I do think my playing is a cross between Gary Moore, a bit of Jeff Beck and a bit of Robben Ford,' Simon said.
Another issue that will be raised will be what to do if you are in a situation where you can't use your first choice amp.
Simon added: 'I honestly play a lot better when I am completely happy with my sound. I still am obsessed by it. If it doesn't sound quite right I am never fully focused on the gig and what I am playing but there are times when the Finger of God comes out of the clouds and touches you on the head and all of a sudden that song sounds fantastic and you think flippin 'eck, that's brilliant, where did that come from? To me it only happens once every 15 years,' he joked.
Simon has written three extensive articles about his search for the ultimate tone which can be found on his website.
The workshop is free. To register ring Peter Norris Music on 661794 or go to Simon's website:
www.simoncampbell.com
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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