Ed O'Brien
Encyclopedia
Edward John O'Brien is an English musician, songwriter and guitarist for the rock band Radiohead
. He is also responsible for harmony
vocals during live concerts and on many tracks from the band's albums (occasionally with drummer
Phil Selway
). In addition, he has played guitar and provided backing vocals for the 7 Worlds Collide
project.
Citing his work with Radiohead, various lists and polls have ranked Ed O'Brien as one of the greatest guitarists in the modern era.
's keyboard playing (he and co-guitarist Jonny Greenwood
sample Yorke's piano and vocals, respectively, with the Korg Kaoss Pad
on live performances of "Everything In Its Right Place
"). As well as being a self-taught guitarist, he is an accomplished drummer; though his only drum contributions for Radiohead to date have been tom drums on live performances of Hail to the Thief
track "There There
", a task he shares with Greenwood (though the part they play is put together on a synthesizer on the studio version)., and additional drumming on the b-side Pearly*
.
Notable songwriting contributions to Radiohead include the opening riff on the songs "Go to Sleep
", and the riff that makes up the closing song on The Bends, "Street Spirit (Fade Out)
". He has also written the instrumental "Meeting in the Aisle
", "Lull
", and the music to "Big Boots".
He mainly helps to expand on the musical framework created by Thom Yorke, and is known for his contributions to "Karma Police
", (he created the effect that closes the song and his backing vocals during the chorus are an integral part of the song), "Lucky
" (creating the effect that opens the song) and "Treefingers" (his guitar chords were processed electronically to sound like ambient music).
drama series Eureka Street
before recording Kid A
. During sessions for Kid A and Amnesiac
, he kept fans up to date with an open diary posted on the band's website, providing the most in-depth look at how those experimental albums were recorded. His most recent collaboration outside Radiohead involved guitar work on an Asian Dub Foundation
album; he played on "1000 Mirrors" (with Sinéad O'Connor
), "Blowback" and "Enemy of the Enemy".
O'Brien has toured and recorded with Neil Finn
as part of the 7 Worlds Collide project. He provided guitar and backing vocals on their eponymous 2001 live album
, and reprised his role on their 2009 studio album, The Sun Came Out
, where he also co-wrote two tracks.
O'Brien and bandmate Phil Selway
had programming lessons with producer/engineer Phelan Kane
at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
in London in 2001, and the same two band members also joined the 7 Worlds Collide
project.
O’Brien is a founding director of the Featured Artists Coalition.
O'Brien appeared on the 16 April 2011 episode of BBC Radio 5 Live
's sports punditry programme Fighting Talk
in celebration of National Record Shop Day; also on the panel were Bob Mills
, Dion Dublin
, and Steve Lamacq
.
, in London. The couple have a son, Salvador, born in January 2004 and daughter, Oona, born in early 2006. O'Brien studied economics at the University of Manchester
. He is the tallest member of Radiohead
, standing at 6 inch (no other band members exceed 6 feet tall).
Effects
This list of pedals is incomplete, but are most of the ones identified over the years. Not all of these pedals were used at the same time. In 2006, a MIDI Controller took the place of many delay pedals.
He also frequently uses an EBow.
Amplifiers
Other
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
. He is also responsible for harmony
Harmony
In music, harmony is the use of simultaneous pitches , or chords. The study of harmony involves chords and their construction and chord progressions and the principles of connection that govern them. Harmony is often said to refer to the "vertical" aspect of music, as distinguished from melodic...
vocals during live concerts and on many tracks from the band's albums (occasionally with drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Phil Selway
Phil Selway
Philip James "Phil" "The Graf" Selway is an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of English rock group Radiohead. He also drums and provides backing vocals, along with occasional guitar and lead vocals, for 7 Worlds Collide...
). In addition, he has played guitar and provided backing vocals for the 7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
project.
Citing his work with Radiohead, various lists and polls have ranked Ed O'Brien as one of the greatest guitarists in the modern era.
Radiohead
O'Brien uses a large collection of effects pedals, to create Radiohead's distinct sound. Even on tracks that do not feature any guitar work, his pedals are put to use for other purposes, such as altering Thom YorkeThom Yorke
Thomas "Thom" Edward Yorke is an English musician who is the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for Radiohead. He mainly plays guitar and piano, but he has also played drums and bass guitar...
's keyboard playing (he and co-guitarist Jonny Greenwood
Jonny Greenwood
Jonathan Richard Guy "Jonny" Greenwood is an English musician and composer, best known as a member of the English rock band Radiohead. Greenwood is a multi-instrumentalist, but serves mainly as lead guitarist and keyboard player. In addition to guitar and keyboard, he plays viola, harmonica,...
sample Yorke's piano and vocals, respectively, with the Korg Kaoss Pad
Kaoss Pad
The Kaoss Pad is a touchpad MIDI controller, sampler, and effects processor for audio and musical instruments, made by Korg.The Kaoss Pad's touchpad can be used to control its internal effects engine, which can be applied to a line-in signal or to samples recorded from the line-in...
on live performances of "Everything In Its Right Place
Everything in Its Right Place
"Everything in Its Right Place" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, written by lead singer Thom Yorke in 1999. It was recorded with producer Nigel Godrich in Batsford later the same year...
"). As well as being a self-taught guitarist, he is an accomplished drummer; though his only drum contributions for Radiohead to date have been tom drums on live performances of Hail to the Thief
Hail to the Thief
Hail to the Thief is the sixth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in June 2003 through Parlophone Records. After two Radiohead albums that featured heavily processed vocals, less guitar, and strong influence from experimental electronica and jazz, Hail to the Thief was seen...
track "There There
There there
"There there." is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, featured on their album Hail to the Thief and released prior to the album as its first single. "There There" reached number four in the UK Singles Chart and number one in Canada...
", a task he shares with Greenwood (though the part they play is put together on a synthesizer on the studio version)., and additional drumming on the b-side Pearly*
Airbag/How Am I Driving?
Airbag / How Am I Driving? is the fifth extended play by English rock group Radiohead, released in April 1998 specifically to the North American market...
.
Notable songwriting contributions to Radiohead include the opening riff on the songs "Go to Sleep
Go to Sleep
"Go to Sleep" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released as the second single from their sixth album Hail to the Thief in 2003. The song has an initial time signature of 4/4, which alternates with 6/8 time throughout the duration of the song. The alternate title for the song as listed...
", and the riff that makes up the closing song on The Bends, "Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Street Spirit (Fade Out)
"Street Spirit " is a song by English alternative rock band Radiohead, featured on their second studio album The Bends, which was released in 1995...
". He has also written the instrumental "Meeting in the Aisle
Airbag/How Am I Driving?
Airbag / How Am I Driving? is the fifth extended play by English rock group Radiohead, released in April 1998 specifically to the North American market...
", "Lull
Karma Police
"Karma Police" is a song by English alternative rock band Radiohead from their 1997 third studio album OK Computer. The song's title and lyrics derive from an in-joke among the band, referring to the Hindu theory of retributive enforcement, known as karma....
", and the music to "Big Boots".
He mainly helps to expand on the musical framework created by Thom Yorke, and is known for his contributions to "Karma Police
Karma Police
"Karma Police" is a song by English alternative rock band Radiohead from their 1997 third studio album OK Computer. The song's title and lyrics derive from an in-joke among the band, referring to the Hindu theory of retributive enforcement, known as karma....
", (he created the effect that closes the song and his backing vocals during the chorus are an integral part of the song), "Lucky
Lucky (Radiohead song)
"Lucky" is a song by Radiohead. In December 1997, the song was released as a promotional single in France.- Recording and release :In 1995, Radiohead—singer Thom Yorke, guitarists Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien, bassist Colin Greenwood and drummer Phil Selway—were on tour in promotion of their...
" (creating the effect that opens the song) and "Treefingers" (his guitar chords were processed electronically to sound like ambient music).
Work outside Radiohead
O'Brien made contributions to a soundtrack project for the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
drama series Eureka Street
Eureka Street
Eureka Street is an Australian magazine concerned with public affairs, arts, and theology started in 1989 by Michael Kelly SJ, Morag Fraser, and Adrian Lyons SJ. It was published in paper format for 15 years and was an opinion-forming magazine for many of those years...
before recording Kid A
Kid A
Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in October 2000 by the Parlophone label. A commercial success worldwide, Kid A went platinum in its first week of release in the United Kingdom. Despite the lack of an official single or music video as publicity, Kid A...
. During sessions for Kid A and Amnesiac
Amnesiac
Amnesiac was generally well-received by critics. It was also ranked as one of the best albums of the year by several publications. The Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll ranked it number 6 on their top 10 albums of the year. Alternative Press declared it the #1 album of the year...
, he kept fans up to date with an open diary posted on the band's website, providing the most in-depth look at how those experimental albums were recorded. His most recent collaboration outside Radiohead involved guitar work on an Asian Dub Foundation
Asian Dub Foundation
Asian Dub Foundation are a British electronica band that plays a mix of rapcore, dub, dancehall and ragga, also using rock instruments, acknowledging a punk influence...
album; he played on "1000 Mirrors" (with Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U"....
), "Blowback" and "Enemy of the Enemy".
O'Brien has toured and recorded with Neil Finn
Neil Finn
Neil Mullane Finn, OBE is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Along with his brother Tim Finn, he was the co-frontman for Split Enz and is now frontman for Crowded House...
as part of the 7 Worlds Collide project. He provided guitar and backing vocals on their eponymous 2001 live album
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
, and reprised his role on their 2009 studio album, The Sun Came Out
The Sun Came Out
The Sun Came Out is a charity studio album released on 31 August 2009 by New Zealand singer/songwriter Neil Finn for the benefit of Oxfam. The album was recorded at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios and is a follow up to the 7 Worlds Collide live album of 2001...
, where he also co-wrote two tracks.
O'Brien and bandmate Phil Selway
Phil Selway
Philip James "Phil" "The Graf" Selway is an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of English rock group Radiohead. He also drums and provides backing vocals, along with occasional guitar and lead vocals, for 7 Worlds Collide...
had programming lessons with producer/engineer Phelan Kane
Phelan Kane
Phelan Kane is a London based Record Producer, Audio Engineer and Music Programmer. For over ten years he has been active in the music industry making tea, producing, programming, engineering, editing, mixing, assisting & teaching.-Credits:His credits and clients include sources as diverse as...
at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance , is an independent, specialist music education provider located in London, UK. They offer courses in guitar, bass, drums, vocals, music business and songwriting...
in London in 2001, and the same two band members also joined the 7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide
7 Worlds Collide is a musical project by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. The project brings together Finn and other musicians in support of charity....
project.
O’Brien is a founding director of the Featured Artists Coalition.
O'Brien appeared on the 16 April 2011 episode of BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
's sports punditry programme Fighting Talk
Fighting Talk
Fighting Talk is a topical sports show broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live during the English football season. Its first series aired in October 2003, and was presented by Johnny Vaughan. The second series featured Christian O'Connell. It is currently hosted by Colin Murray and is aired on Saturday...
in celebration of National Record Shop Day; also on the panel were Bob Mills
Bob Mills (comedian)
Robert Edward "Bob" Mills is a British comedian, notable for his appearances in cult TV series such as In Bed with Medinner and The Show, the latter an attempt to do a non-fictional British version of The Larry Sanders Show.Born in Chester, after a very short spell training for the Merchant Navy,...
, Dion Dublin
Dion Dublin
Dion Dublin , is a retired English footballer. He was capped four times for England. Dublin started his career as a centre back with Norwich City, but made his name at Cambridge United as a goal-scoring centre forward. However, in his later years he showed his versatility by becoming an...
, and Steve Lamacq
Steve Lamacq
Steve Lamacq , sometimes known by his nicknames Lammo or "The Cat" is an English disc jockey, currently working with the BBC radio stations BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2.-Early career:He was born in Basingstoke, Hampshire...
.
Personal life
O'Brien lives with his wife Susan Cobrin, who previously worked for Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
, in London. The couple have a son, Salvador, born in January 2004 and daughter, Oona, born in early 2006. O'Brien studied economics at the University of Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
. He is the tallest member of Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
, standing at 6 inch (no other band members exceed 6 feet tall).
Equipment
Guitars- "Plank" guitar (custom built to Ed's specifications)
- Rickenbacker 360Rickenbacker 360The Rickenbacker 360 is an electric, semi-acoustic guitar made by Rickenbacker, and part of the Rickenbacker 300 Series. The instrument incorporates many features standard on Rickenbacker guitars, including a three-ply maple/walnut neck, shallow headstock angle, a thick rosewood fretboard finished...
(x2) - Fender TelecasterFender TelecasterThe Fender Telecaster, colloquially known as the Tele , is typically a dual-pickup, solid-body electric guitar made by Fender.Its simple yet effective design and revolutionary sound broke ground and set trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music...
(x2) - Gibson ES-330Gibson ES-330The Gibson ES-330 is a thinline hollowbody electric guitar model produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation.Though similar in appearance to the popular Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow guitar, the ES-330 was a fairly different guitar in construction and sound...
(60s) - Gibson ES-335Gibson ES-335The Gibson ES-335 is the world's first commercial thinline arched-top semi-acoustic electric guitar. Released by the Gibson Guitar Corporation as part of its ES series in 1958, it is neither hollow nor solid; instead, a solid wood block runs through the center of its body...
(60s) - Fender StratocasterFender StratocasterThe Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as "Strat", is a model of electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top...
(white) - Fender Eric Clapton StratocasterEric Clapton StratocasterThe Eric Clapton Stratocaster is the signature model electric guitar of English guitarist Eric Clapton, and was the first signature model guitar ever released by Fender.-Background:...
(black) (x2) - FernandesFernandesFernandes is a Portuguese language surname. The name is a patronymic form of the Spanish and Portuguese personal name Fernando.People with the surname "Fernandes" include:*Aaron Fernandes, Canadian field hockey player...
Native Pro - GibsonGibson Guitar CorporationThe Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
Les PaulGibson Les PaulThe Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
Goldtop (belongs to Johnny MarrJohnny MarrJohnny Marr is an English musician and songwriter. Marr rose to fame in the 1980s as the guitarist in The Smiths, with whom he formed a prolific songwriting partnership with Morrissey. Marr has been a member of Electronic, The The, and Modest Mouse...
) - Line 6 Variax 700
- Epiphone CasinoEpiphone CasinoThe Epiphone Casino is a thinline hollow body electric guitar manufactured by Epiphone, a branch of Gibson. It is essentially Epiphone's version of the Gibson ES-330...
Effects
- AkaiAkaiAkai is a consumer electronics brand, founded by Saburo Akai as , a Japanese manufacturer in 1929. It is now headquartered in Singapore as a subsidiary of Grande Holdings, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, which also owns the formerly Japanese brands Nakamichi and Sansui. The Akai brand is now used...
Headrush E1 and E2 - AMSAMS (Advanced Music Systems)AMS were a manufacturer of professional studio equipment. The company later merged with Neve Electronics to form the award winning AMS Neve Ltd company, who received an Emmy in 1992 and a Grammy in 2000.-Background:...
Digital Delay - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
CE-1 Chorus Ensemble - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
DD-5 Digital Delay (x4) - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
DD-7 Digital Delay - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
FC-200 MIDI Foot Controller - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
FS-5U - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
FV-300L (now replaced with FV-500L) - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
GE-7 Equalizer - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
LS-2 Line Selector - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
OD-1 Over Drive (Analog Man modified) - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
PN-2 Tremolo/Pan - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
SD-1 SUPER OverDrive - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
TR-2 Tremolo - BOSSBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
TU-2 Chromatic Tuner - Catalinbread Super Chili Picoso
- Crowther HotCakeEmlyn CrowtherPaul Emlyn Crowther was the drummer of Split Enz from July 1974 to November 1976.Before joining the Enz, Crowther played trumpet in an air training corp band but swapped to drums later on. Moved to Auckland in 1969 and played drums in a couple of covers bands and Alastair Riddell's band, Orb...
- Demeter COMP-1 Compulator
- Diamond CPR-1 Compressor
- Diamond Memory Lane 2
- Diamond TRM-1 Tremolo
- DigiTech WhammyDigitech Whammy-Overview:The WH-1 Whammy pedal, the original whammy, first engineered and manufactured in 1989 by IVL Technologies and discontinued in 1993, remains the most sought-after.-Controls:...
IV - DOD 440 Envelope Filter
- Dunlop Cry BabyDunlop Cry BabyThe Dunlop Cry Baby is a popular wah-wah pedal, manufactured by Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. It is the best selling guitar pedal of all time. The name Cry Baby was from the original pedal from which it was copied, the Thomas Organ/Vox Cry Baby wah-wah. Thomas Organ/Vox failed to register the name as...
- DunlopDunlop ManufacturingDunlop Manufacturing, Inc., known colloquially as Jim Dunlop, is a manufacturer of musical accessories based in Benicia, California. Originally founded in 1965 by Jim Dunlop, Sr., the company has grown from a small home operation to being a large manufacturer of music gear for over 40 years.- Way...
Stereo Tremolo - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Deluxe Electric Mistress - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Deluxe Memory Man - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
HOG - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Holy Grail - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Small Stone - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Stereo Memory Man w/ Hazarai - Ernie BallErnie BallErnie Ball was an American entrepreneur, musician, and innovator, widely acclaimed as a revolutionary in the development of guitar-related products. He began as a club and local television musician and small business entrepreneur, building an international business in guitars and accessories that...
VP JR. - Ibanez Tube ScreamerIbanez Tube ScreamerThe Ibanez Tube Screamer is a guitar overdrive pedal, made by Ibanez. The pedal has a characteristic mid-boosted tone popular with blues players...
TS-808 - Klon Centaur
- KORGKorgis a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures electronic musical instruments, audio processors and guitar pedals, recording equipment, and electronic tuners...
A2 - Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
- Line 6 Pod PRO
- LovetoneLovetoneLovetone is the name of a manufacturer of analog effect pedals in England in the 1990s.The effects were created by Vlad Naslas and Daniel Coggins, and their pedals were noted for their tongue-in-cheek names like the "Big Cheese" and the "Ring Stinger"....
Big Cheese - LovetoneLovetoneLovetone is the name of a manufacturer of analog effect pedals in England in the 1990s.The effects were created by Vlad Naslas and Daniel Coggins, and their pedals were noted for their tongue-in-cheek names like the "Big Cheese" and the "Ring Stinger"....
Doppelganger - LovetoneLovetoneLovetone is the name of a manufacturer of analog effect pedals in England in the 1990s.The effects were created by Vlad Naslas and Daniel Coggins, and their pedals were noted for their tongue-in-cheek names like the "Big Cheese" and the "Ring Stinger"....
Meatball - LovetoneLovetoneLovetone is the name of a manufacturer of analog effect pedals in England in the 1990s.The effects were created by Vlad Naslas and Daniel Coggins, and their pedals were noted for their tongue-in-cheek names like the "Big Cheese" and the "Ring Stinger"....
Ring Stinger - LovetoneLovetoneLovetone is the name of a manufacturer of analog effect pedals in England in the 1990s.The effects were created by Vlad Naslas and Daniel Coggins, and their pedals were noted for their tongue-in-cheek names like the "Big Cheese" and the "Ring Stinger"....
Wobulator - Mesa BoogieMesa BoogieMesa/Boogie is a company in Petaluma, California that makes amplifiers for guitars and basses. It has been in operation since 1969....
Footswitch - MorleyMorley PedalsMorley Pedals is the name of a guitar effects pedal company, famous for manufacturing wah-wah pedals and other treadle type effects for guitar. Morley pedals use electro-optical circuitry rather than a potentiometer to control the effect. The foot treadle controls a shutter inside the pedal that...
Bad Horsie - MXR Dyna CompMXR Dyna CompThe MXR Dyna Comp is an effects unit produced by the MXR company intended for use with electric guitar. Made since the 1970s, the MXR Dyna Comp, which adds its own coloring to the tone, has become a frequently copied and widely used guitar effect, even a standard.-History:The MXR Dyna Comp was...
- MXRMXRMXR, also known as MXR Innovations, was a manufacturer of guitar effects units, co-founded in 1973 by Keith Barr and Terry Sherwood . MXR was based in the United States in Rochester, New York. MXR Innovations, Inc. was incorporated in 1974...
Micro Amp - MXR Phase 90MXR Phase 90The MXR Phase 90 is a phaser effects pedal originally designed in the 1970s by MXR.-History:The Phase 90 was released in 1972. It was the first pedal sold by MXR and helped launch the company. The original came in a simple orange enclosure with MXR's "script" logo. In 1977 MXR changed its logo to...
- Peterson StroboStomp 2
- Pro Co RATPro Co RatThe Pro Co "The RAT" is a guitar effects pedal produced by Pro Co Sound. The original RAT was developed in the basement of Pro Co's Kalamazoo, Michigan facility in 1978...
- Roger LinnRoger LinnRoger Linn is an industrial designer, mainly of electronic drum machines, and has recently branched out into guitar effects pedals. His products have become underground hits, being used on many famous recordings...
AdrenaLinn II - Roland SP-303Roland SP-303The Roland/Boss Dr. Sample SP-303 is a digital sampler from Roland based upon the Roland MS-1 Digital Sampler & Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample. The SP-303 was in 2005 revamped and redesigned and released as the SP-404....
Dr. Sample - Roland Space Echo (used pre-OK Computer)
- ToadWorksToadworksToadWorks is a guitar effect brand owned by Ryan Dunn and Doug Harrison based in Spokane, Washington. ToadWorks is primarily known manufacturing the Mr. Ed distortion pedal, which has been incorrectly identified with Eddie Van Halen.-History:...
True-Bypass Looper - Voodoo Lab Commander
- Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
- Voodoo Lab Pedal Switcher
- Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive
- WhirlwindWhirlwind USAWhirlwind USA is a manufacturer of audio interfacing equipment and custom audio interfacing, including digital products that employ the EtherSound standard. In addition, Whirlwind manufactures guitar effects pedals. Whirlwind was founded in 1975 by Michael Laiacona , and its headquarters are...
Selector A/B
This list of pedals is incomplete, but are most of the ones identified over the years. Not all of these pedals were used at the same time. In 2006, a MIDI Controller took the place of many delay pedals.
He also frequently uses an EBow.
Amplifiers
- Vox AC30Vox AC30The Vox AC30 is a guitar amplifier manufactured by Vox and known for its "jangly" high-end sound. First introduced in 1958 due to the growing demand for higher-wattage amplifiers, it became an iconic amplifier for British musicians and soon for others....
(x2) (used for clean, modulation and delay tones) - Mesa BoogieMesa BoogieMesa/Boogie is a company in Petaluma, California that makes amplifiers for guitars and basses. It has been in operation since 1969....
Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verb (x2) (used for distorted tones) - Line 6 VETTA II
- Fender Super-Sonic 112 combo, fed into a Super-Sonic 212 cabinet (seen used in the thumbs_down webcast)
- Fender Vibro-King (used since "The King of Limbs" live performances)
Other
- He plays the cabasaCabasaThe cabasa, similar to the shekere, is a percussion instrument that is constructed with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle....
on "Paranoid AndroidParanoid Android"Paranoid Android" is a song by English alternative rock band Radiohead, featured on their 1997 third studio album OK Computer. The lyrics of the darkly humorous song were written primarily by singer Thom Yorke, following an unpleasant experience in a Los Angeles bar...
". - Fender Rhodes on "In Limbo".
- A shaker (percussion)Shaker (percussion)The word shaker describes a large number of percussive musical instruments used for creating rhythm in music.They are so called because the method of creating sound involves shaking them—moving them back and forth rather than striking them. Most may also be struck for a greater accent on certain...
instrument on live performances of "IdiotequeIdioteque"Idioteque" is the eighth track from the British rock band Radiohead's 2000 album Kid A. It was seen as a departure for the rock band, as the song is driven by electronic beats. The song has been played at nearly every concert since 2000...
". - A tambourineTambourineThe tambourine or marine is a musical instrument of the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called "zils". Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, though some variants may not have a head at all....
during "ReckonerReckoner"Reckoner" is a song by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, and is the seventh track on their 2007 album In Rainbows. The song was released as the third and final single from In Rainbows on 23 September 2008. It was released through the Radiohead Remix website in the form of "stems",...
".
External links
- StringsReunited.com : Includes a regular blog by Plank, Radiohead technician, giving technical information.