key equipment used
TimeWorks M300 Vocal Effects unit
Yamaha MG8 /2FX Mixing desk
Fender Pro Junior Guitar Amplifier
Boss Blues Driver guitar effects stomp box
Fender Stratocaster guitar
I have found that the Mackie Speakers are perfect for all venues, regardless of size. They perform fantastically at low volumes and really come into their own on higher volumes with the low end bass smoothing out across the whole venue to create a warm sound.
The Timeworks effects unit has a slapback delay effect which is perfect for recreating the typical vocal effect used on rock and roll songs. For slower songs, it also has a very impressive range of reverbs that hold their own either on stage or in the studio.
The Yamaha MG8 2FX mixer is small and lightweight, ideal for fitting in the car when all the other space is taken up by the Mackie speakers!
For guitar amplification, the Fender Pro Junior is extremely powerful in spite of it’s small size and with only two controls to worry about, volume and tone, you don’t have to spend hours searching for the perfect rock and roll sound. At the larger venues, I put an SM58 microphone right in front of the amplifier in order to bring the guitar through the mix. This also allows me to add reverb to the guitar sound.
For the vocals, I use a Shure 55SH VIntage microphone. This mic has the performance of all the industry acclaimed Shure mics in a 1950s style look. It looks exactly like the sort of mic that Buddy would have used all those years ago.
For those songs requiring a bit of extra kick during guitar solos, such as during the solo in Peggy Sue, the Blues Driver, like the Fender amplifier, is designed to recreate the classic guitar sound of the 1950s. As for the guitar, the American Fender Stratocaster is the only real option for a Buddy Holly tribute act!
