I get it but I'm not giving up! You'll soon see why things have been taking longer than expected. There's more to the story than just a long editing process.
Dweezil, this series is simply the best! I have already gotten so much out of your thoughtful discussion and analysis, and I look forward to everything you do in the future. This was money well spent for me even if you never release another ep—although I know you will! All the best. -JP
Hi Dweezil , its without question you are doing your best to try to create the RWTD episodes. I wanted to enquire if you still are planning to feature George Lynch ( I recall when I originally subscribed he was mentioned as an additional episode) only, he's the one guitar player who actually played gigs with, shared stages with VH in the early days ( before being signed and in 1988 - just thought he could have some unique insight ?? I've also re discovered The Inside Magazine I had boxed away in the loft ( U.K ) if your in the U.S.A I 'm referring to attic ... what an excellent publication it was too ?? and a certain Dweezil is featured in one edition.
Terry Kilgore actually spent a lot more time with Ed personally during the early days. Though he is ill currently, I’d love for him to share his memories here as well…
When I purchased this bundle, I was very excited. The first batch of episodes really delivered. While I am not enamored with the lack of content updates in recent months, I trust and have faith that Dweezil is a man of his word. Hoping the second Satriani episode is forthcoming soon, and that it will spark positive momentum.
I totally understand where you're coming from. I am working hard to get back on track. I've been overwhelmed with a huge workload beyond just the podcast so I'm trying my best to catch up for all of the RWTD community members. I've blocked out this entire week to give you all more content. I'm very sorry for the lengthy delay!
Thanks for the honest response can't wait for new episodes.
Dave's Wish list:
Take another pass but every album with blues saraceno!!!
Also how about Dweezil does Ozzy *(Randy/Jake), Ratt, Zeppelin
Would love if you could compile a list of what guitar ed used on which song for every album. I know you have discussed such in the podcasts but a list would be amazing.
QUESTION: EDDIE OVER HAND TECHNIQUE JUDGEMENT DAY? I have seen ed do the finger work for Judgement Day by putting his hands over top of guitar? But seems to me you can play with regular finger work not hand over top. knowing ed is not one for flash why does he do this??
Dweezil, thanks so much for the podcast the insights and laughs keep them coming!
Thanks for your support. I like the ideas you suggested as well. I'll definitely include Blues in another episode or 2!
As for Judgement Day, the section you're talking about was originally played in a piano-esque way. EVH had a fold out tray on the back of his guitar in 1984 and played the guitar like a piano for part of his live solo. Even though he could have played it in a less piano-esque way while holding the guitar normally, it's probably a hold over from that technique he used to compose it. It does look fun though when played over the top!
He sort of answered it in one of his updates. I forget exactly what he said, but the same chaos that slowed production of the episodes has prevented making the presets. If I recall properly he’s setting up a new studio or some such. Hopefully there’s another update soon. He knows all the tones so well, having a few VH a presets covering every era would be awesome. I kind of have that now, but I know dweezil’s stuff will be more accurate.
Yes, I have been setting up the studio which is quite an undertaking. It's been under construction for almost 7 years. Anyway, yes I am still working on getting the presets together and I will be doing the most accurate versions I possibly can. It's a bit of challenge too because I'm working across a few different platforms and I'd like to get them finished all at the same time.
It’s starting to feel like we’re not getting anymore. I realize that’s not the case, but it just seems that way because I want to hear all of the great commentary on these great VH records. With no disrespect to the other guests, I would be totally happy if it were Dweezil and Nuno talking about all of them. They both were like so super nerdy (IN A VERY AWESOME WAY) over the smallest of sounds of every song. Blues and Paul were also outstanding.
I know it's been very disappointing to wait for extended periods of time in between episodes. It was never foreseen that this would be the case. So many things have transpired in the last few months that have been adding to the gridlock. I know very well that people aren't happy about the circumstances and I'm not either because I really want everyone to be able to enjoy the content in a timely manner.
I won't bog you all down with details about the gridlock or list any other excuses because I am focused on creating the solution.
All I can do is apologize for falling behind and make up for it by getting the next few episodes out the door in a more expedited manner.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that there will be a very exciting announcement on the horizon which will most likely give everyone insight as to why (beyond technical problems) there has been such slow progress on the episodes.
As I finish writing this I am going back to the final touches on Joe Satriani epsiode 2. Andy Wood balance is well underway too so the pace will be quickening for once.
Sorry for all of the disappointing absence of communication and slow releases. As a single person in the position to create all of the content and also involve myself in other facets of my professional and personal life, I have become overwhelmed. I am climbing back up the mountain now and I'm looking forward to getting into a better flow for all of you.
You all deserve to have the best content I can deliver and I want to deliver on my commitment to all of you.
I know there's been a long wait. There's a lot of balls in the air and The Joe Satriani Episode has been a real struggle for me. Joe Satriani part 2 will reveal even more about that struggle. In any case, like Sisyphus, I am still committed to pushing the rock up the hill. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
Absolutely love this series and am SO GRATEFUL for it, but with how long it’s taking between episodes, I’m a little nervous that the Helix patches and the 8 bonus episodes won’t ever happen
Just an update about the patches. I've been building a recording studio for the last 5 years and it is finally being tested and made ready for service. The patches for all of the guitar tone content will be far better because of the monitoring environment in the studio. It has been on hold because of the contstruction but I'll be able to focus my attention on that stuff soon. Sorry for the wait!
I downloaded the first two episodes with Steve and finally made the time to listen to them. I am absolutely blown away at the love and detail that went into all of this. Incredible. I rode the emotional roller coaster on these. I'm ready to buy another ticket and get right back in line. Thanks DZ.
Happy Birthday Eddie! Couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than listening to Runnin' with the Dweezil today...and then Fair Warning turned all the way up to 11!!
I’m really looking forward to the break down of “A Different Kind of Truth.” I think that John Shanks figured out a way to put three gigantic titans of sound in the mix and still able to distinguish each. Alex’s snare, Eddie’s righteous guitar, and Wolf’s King Kong bass sound. I also love that the overall volume of the mix is LOUD. Unlike OU812, which I can never get loud enough with headphones. Even though I missed Michael Anthony, I was highly impressed with Wolfgangs bass playing. He definitely inherited the VH swing and swagger. The stuttered bass line on She’s the Woman he executed flawlessly. My only small complaint regarding Eddie is the overuse of the wah pedal, but that’s just me. I love to get Eddie’s notes as unfiltered as possible. His tone was heavy and I loved everything about his playing, but nothing will ever top the sound he got on “Fair Warning” and “Balance”
I can’t wait to hear Dweezil and John discuss this one. I’m also very curious to hear the VH 3 record thoughts!
I’m sure someone else has posted this here before, but I know I hadn’t seen this footage until very recently. I’m sure Dweezil will not soon forget all of this!
Ive been hoping to hear if Dweezil may have an inside story on why Eddie called his use of effects (particularly when recording) “Jape.” I remember hearing Eddie using this term years ago about effects. One of Eddies cool made up words. Dweezil if you happen to know anything about the origins of Eddie and “jape” I’d love to hear it! Thanks.
How funny! I TOTALLY remember when he used that term ( it was used in the July 88 Guitar World Magazine interview about the making of OU812 ). Never knew what effect he used that term for ( I always presumed it was for an earlier Eventide model ).
“Jape” was a general term he used for any effects on the dry “guitar-to-amp” tone. He did specifically refer to the Eventide detune chorus sound and echo as being among these, but really it was a “catch-all” term. He used that term to differentiate the “effects” from the meat of his sound which was of course his fingers, the guitar and the amp.
Best Christmas gift for me was seeing a new RWTD episode!! Since then, I've had that episode on repeat mode.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the episode I've DREAMED of. Since I'm more of a techy nerd guitar guy, I TOTALLY enjoyed this episode. Even though Edward was my primary influence for picking up the guitar, Satch is my main inspiration for all things music/legato/amp sounds/ to his interviews on his own albums.
Dweezil, I can't thank you enough for this episode. I've had the honor of having one lesson ( and a few meet/greets ) with Joe and I've always enjoyed his perspectives. The F.U.C.K. album was the disc that inspired me to work more on my own sound and the music on that album really jump started my own musical adventures. I cannot wait for part two. You have done stellar work here. Thank you again!
As always, it is great fun to listen to another great episode of ‘Runnin’ With the Dweezil’! Though my general interest in the band ends with the final performance in Honolulu on February 5,1989, it is interesting to hear the minute discussions about the Andy Johns production and the details of Eddie’s then “new” sound. I think you and Joe make excellent points about the neck pickup frequencies and amps and the increased presence of the stereo detune Eventide sound. One thing I must say about that small observation about the use of a chorus “pedal” on ‘Van Halen II’…there is no evidence that he actually used a chorus “pedal” anywhere on the album. I think that it is much more likely that the Eventide units were applied for the chorus sounds that we hear on the second album like what you hear on the intro and quiet parts from “Women In Love”, parts of “Dance the Night Away” and the solos on “Bottoms Up”. To the best of my knowledge, Eddie didn’t use a chorus pedal until 1982 on the ‘Diver Down’ album when he used a Roland DC-30 Chorus/Echo unit-and that technically even that wasn’t a “pedal” per se. A small point, but I think it is possibly a pretty salient one. Generally speaking, the Eventide often did the modulation in the studio with the exception of Ed’s use of the MXR Phase 90, MXR Flanger and the aforementioned Roland DC-30 on ‘Diver Down’.
As always, I enjoy your additions and insights. There is definitely a chorus used on the Women In Love intro. There's a direct guitar along with a clean amp which very well could have been a Roland Jazz Chorus. The clean overdubs in the verses also have the chorus on them. The outro solo on Bottoms Up! has a modulation sound that is delay modulated in the way that a chorus would behave and some early bootlegs show off this modulated sound. It's very different from any sound the phase 90 can make. Not sure what he used. Still also trying to figure out what octave divider he used on Fools. There's a low octave that appears to only react to the lowest notes, leaving the rest untouched. It's audible as part of the recorded guitar sound. Many more mysteries to uncover. Soon there will be answers though! Best, DZ
Excellent points Dweezil! I never even noticed a low octave effect on “Fools”-I’ll be sure to have a careful listen to that track again!
I agree that the sound on the “Women In Love” intro and the quiet parts of that recording do sound very much like a chorus sound and the “Bottoms Up!” outro solo undoubtedly has that unmistakeable delay modulated almost “ADT” sound. Interesting point about the possibility of a Roland Jazz Chorus or similar amp for this chorus sound. I have not seen any evidence of that, but it certainly is possible. There could also have been the DynoMyPiano Tri-Chorus or some other outboard effect that was popular among the session guitarists of the day. I theorize that the clean sounds might have been direct, but it’s always possible that he used an unknown clean amp rather than going direct. Here are a few reasons why I tend to veer away from Ed using a chorus floor pedal for these sounds. It’s not impossible that he did so, but I personally guesstimate that he possibly didn’t. The only pieces of evidence we have to work with (barring anything you may have heard from Donn?) which are our ears and the Sunset Sound Neil Zlozower studio photos (staged or not) from around the time of the recording of the album and photographic evidence of Ed’s stage gear of the time (which may or may not relate 100% to what he used in the studio). We see the Eventide H910 and Gotham Audio Delay System. I believe both of these units could achieve the almost “ADT” delay modulated sound on the outro solo from “Bottoms Up!”. The H910 could also be a candidate for the chorus sound on the “Women In Love” intro and quiet parts.
I hear something else happening on “Dance the Night Away”. It seems to be an Eventide sound and I had always assumed it was the H910. Obviously you can hear this effect best on the isolated track which features harmonic tapping, especially in the quiet “breakdown”. This had a slight phase or flanger sound to me, but it is one that differs from the MXR floor effects. This article https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/eventide-history-pt1?fbclid=IwAR0VzW5FDzpHkYp7i2SOZqfkHUPC94k7TkjG_ogxOgw0qLv28b80HJYkBHs mentions in passing that Van Halen used the early Eventide Instant Phaser at some point. I think that might be a possibility for the modulation in “Dance the Night Away”.
Again, this is slim evidence and I hope we see more coming at some point. And I must state the obvious…I hope against hope that Donn can weigh in…I always say that he is really the Geoff Emerick and sometimes the George Martin of Van Halen (with all due respect to Ted). Assuming his memory or any records he might have kept are intact, he is the last accurate word on what really happened on the recordings from 1977-1989.
Donn has quite a good memory but the recording did take place a long time ago so whenever I can I try to get tidbits of info so these types of nerdy details can be confirmed. It's a fun process of observation though isn't it?
I absolutely agree! And I hope that Donn sees some way to share his remembrances in any way that he can. I hope he understands that his contributions to Van Halen are highly valued by anyone that listens to the music, whether they know it or not!
To slip backward to “Women In Love” once again, I did a little experiment based on Eddie’s explanation of how he recorded the intro. When asked if he used an Eventide Harmonizer, he replied that he did not…but that he double-tracked it. I took this to mean that he did double-track it, and set the resulting tracks slightly apart to create that delay modulation sound that we hear on the album version of the intro. I did the same thing in this clip…I simply set the two tracks I recorded myself slightly apart by about .09 of a second. I included a simple chorus plug-in and compression from the Adobe Audition software I used at the time. I once again used my ‘68 Strat on the Middle/Bridge pickup selection. I think it resulted in a fairly faithful recreation of what he heard on the album:
I officially give up....lol
Hi John,
I get it but I'm not giving up! You'll soon see why things have been taking longer than expected. There's more to the story than just a long editing process.
Dweezil, this series is simply the best! I have already gotten so much out of your thoughtful discussion and analysis, and I look forward to everything you do in the future. This was money well spent for me even if you never release another ep—although I know you will! All the best. -JP
Hi Dweezil , its without question you are doing your best to try to create the RWTD episodes. I wanted to enquire if you still are planning to feature George Lynch ( I recall when I originally subscribed he was mentioned as an additional episode) only, he's the one guitar player who actually played gigs with, shared stages with VH in the early days ( before being signed and in 1988 - just thought he could have some unique insight ?? I've also re discovered The Inside Magazine I had boxed away in the loft ( U.K ) if your in the U.S.A I 'm referring to attic ... what an excellent publication it was too ?? and a certain Dweezil is featured in one edition.
Terry Kilgore actually spent a lot more time with Ed personally during the early days. Though he is ill currently, I’d love for him to share his memories here as well…
When I purchased this bundle, I was very excited. The first batch of episodes really delivered. While I am not enamored with the lack of content updates in recent months, I trust and have faith that Dweezil is a man of his word. Hoping the second Satriani episode is forthcoming soon, and that it will spark positive momentum.
Hi Timothy,
I totally understand where you're coming from. I am working hard to get back on track. I've been overwhelmed with a huge workload beyond just the podcast so I'm trying my best to catch up for all of the RWTD community members. I've blocked out this entire week to give you all more content. I'm very sorry for the lengthy delay!
Dweezil,
Thanks for the honest response can't wait for new episodes.
Dave's Wish list:
Take another pass but every album with blues saraceno!!!
Also how about Dweezil does Ozzy *(Randy/Jake), Ratt, Zeppelin
Would love if you could compile a list of what guitar ed used on which song for every album. I know you have discussed such in the podcasts but a list would be amazing.
QUESTION: EDDIE OVER HAND TECHNIQUE JUDGEMENT DAY? I have seen ed do the finger work for Judgement Day by putting his hands over top of guitar? But seems to me you can play with regular finger work not hand over top. knowing ed is not one for flash why does he do this??
Dweezil, thanks so much for the podcast the insights and laughs keep them coming!
Dave
Hi David,
Thanks for your support. I like the ideas you suggested as well. I'll definitely include Blues in another episode or 2!
As for Judgement Day, the section you're talking about was originally played in a piano-esque way. EVH had a fold out tray on the back of his guitar in 1984 and played the guitar like a piano for part of his live solo. Even though he could have played it in a less piano-esque way while holding the guitar normally, it's probably a hold over from that technique he used to compose it. It does look fun though when played over the top!
Ah I thought it might be something like that thanks for the insight.
Any word on the axe fx3 presets?
Same question here
He sort of answered it in one of his updates. I forget exactly what he said, but the same chaos that slowed production of the episodes has prevented making the presets. If I recall properly he’s setting up a new studio or some such. Hopefully there’s another update soon. He knows all the tones so well, having a few VH a presets covering every era would be awesome. I kind of have that now, but I know dweezil’s stuff will be more accurate.
Hey Guys,
Yes, I have been setting up the studio which is quite an undertaking. It's been under construction for almost 7 years. Anyway, yes I am still working on getting the presets together and I will be doing the most accurate versions I possibly can. It's a bit of challenge too because I'm working across a few different platforms and I'd like to get them finished all at the same time.
Best, DZ
Where's episode 16? I thought it was going to be released in January.
It’s starting to feel like we’re not getting anymore. I realize that’s not the case, but it just seems that way because I want to hear all of the great commentary on these great VH records. With no disrespect to the other guests, I would be totally happy if it were Dweezil and Nuno talking about all of them. They both were like so super nerdy (IN A VERY AWESOME WAY) over the smallest of sounds of every song. Blues and Paul were also outstanding.
Hi There,
I know it's been very disappointing to wait for extended periods of time in between episodes. It was never foreseen that this would be the case. So many things have transpired in the last few months that have been adding to the gridlock. I know very well that people aren't happy about the circumstances and I'm not either because I really want everyone to be able to enjoy the content in a timely manner.
I won't bog you all down with details about the gridlock or list any other excuses because I am focused on creating the solution.
All I can do is apologize for falling behind and make up for it by getting the next few episodes out the door in a more expedited manner.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that there will be a very exciting announcement on the horizon which will most likely give everyone insight as to why (beyond technical problems) there has been such slow progress on the episodes.
As I finish writing this I am going back to the final touches on Joe Satriani epsiode 2. Andy Wood balance is well underway too so the pace will be quickening for once.
Sorry for all of the disappointing absence of communication and slow releases. As a single person in the position to create all of the content and also involve myself in other facets of my professional and personal life, I have become overwhelmed. I am climbing back up the mountain now and I'm looking forward to getting into a better flow for all of you.
You all deserve to have the best content I can deliver and I want to deliver on my commitment to all of you.
Best, DZ
If we could get an update on when the Satch pt.2 is going to be would be awesome.
As someone who has edited his fair share of podcasts with noise problems, it can be a pain in the ass for sure, but not THIS much of a pain in the ass
Hi Lee,
I know there's been a long wait. There's a lot of balls in the air and The Joe Satriani Episode has been a real struggle for me. Joe Satriani part 2 will reveal even more about that struggle. In any case, like Sisyphus, I am still committed to pushing the rock up the hill. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
Absolutely love this series and am SO GRATEFUL for it, but with how long it’s taking between episodes, I’m a little nervous that the Helix patches and the 8 bonus episodes won’t ever happen
Hi Will,
Just an update about the patches. I've been building a recording studio for the last 5 years and it is finally being tested and made ready for service. The patches for all of the guitar tone content will be far better because of the monitoring environment in the studio. It has been on hold because of the contstruction but I'll be able to focus my attention on that stuff soon. Sorry for the wait!
I downloaded the first two episodes with Steve and finally made the time to listen to them. I am absolutely blown away at the love and detail that went into all of this. Incredible. I rode the emotional roller coaster on these. I'm ready to buy another ticket and get right back in line. Thanks DZ.
You rule Dweez! Looking forward to the satch episode part 2. Can’t wait for the presets too. Keep rockin
OMG the lead guitar emulations of DLR in E3 are LOOLZ OUTSTANDING ^^^^^^^^^^
It reminds of when I 1st saw EVH making animal noises with his fingers on his guitar on Mtv. It blew my mind up!
^
Ya - that was off the hook crazy awesome.
I’m a little late to the party, but I have brought a six pack. I really enjoyed the 1st 2 episodes of the podcast. Nice job, Dweezil Z^pp^.
^
Happy Birthday Eddie! Couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than listening to Runnin' with the Dweezil today...and then Fair Warning turned all the way up to 11!!
I’m really looking forward to the break down of “A Different Kind of Truth.” I think that John Shanks figured out a way to put three gigantic titans of sound in the mix and still able to distinguish each. Alex’s snare, Eddie’s righteous guitar, and Wolf’s King Kong bass sound. I also love that the overall volume of the mix is LOUD. Unlike OU812, which I can never get loud enough with headphones. Even though I missed Michael Anthony, I was highly impressed with Wolfgangs bass playing. He definitely inherited the VH swing and swagger. The stuttered bass line on She’s the Woman he executed flawlessly. My only small complaint regarding Eddie is the overuse of the wah pedal, but that’s just me. I love to get Eddie’s notes as unfiltered as possible. His tone was heavy and I loved everything about his playing, but nothing will ever top the sound he got on “Fair Warning” and “Balance”
I can’t wait to hear Dweezil and John discuss this one. I’m also very curious to hear the VH 3 record thoughts!
You don't really believe Wolfgang played a single note on that record, do you?
Wolfgang absolutely tearing it up on She's the Woman at the Cafe Wha? gig:
I’m wondering when to expect the next episode, does anyone know? Thanks.
Sometime between now and an eternity
I’m sure someone else has posted this here before, but I know I hadn’t seen this footage until very recently. I’m sure Dweezil will not soon forget all of this!
Ive been hoping to hear if Dweezil may have an inside story on why Eddie called his use of effects (particularly when recording) “Jape.” I remember hearing Eddie using this term years ago about effects. One of Eddies cool made up words. Dweezil if you happen to know anything about the origins of Eddie and “jape” I’d love to hear it! Thanks.
How funny! I TOTALLY remember when he used that term ( it was used in the July 88 Guitar World Magazine interview about the making of OU812 ). Never knew what effect he used that term for ( I always presumed it was for an earlier Eventide model ).
“Jape” was a general term he used for any effects on the dry “guitar-to-amp” tone. He did specifically refer to the Eventide detune chorus sound and echo as being among these, but really it was a “catch-all” term. He used that term to differentiate the “effects” from the meat of his sound which was of course his fingers, the guitar and the amp.
Best Christmas gift for me was seeing a new RWTD episode!! Since then, I've had that episode on repeat mode.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the episode I've DREAMED of. Since I'm more of a techy nerd guitar guy, I TOTALLY enjoyed this episode. Even though Edward was my primary influence for picking up the guitar, Satch is my main inspiration for all things music/legato/amp sounds/ to his interviews on his own albums.
Dweezil, I can't thank you enough for this episode. I've had the honor of having one lesson ( and a few meet/greets ) with Joe and I've always enjoyed his perspectives. The F.U.C.K. album was the disc that inspired me to work more on my own sound and the music on that album really jump started my own musical adventures. I cannot wait for part two. You have done stellar work here. Thank you again!
Best wishes and happy new year!
Can anyone tell me if the episode over the Cherone and Different Kind of Truth are available yet? Much thanks
Not yet, Dweezil just released the 1st episode regarding the FUCK album the other day.
As always, it is great fun to listen to another great episode of ‘Runnin’ With the Dweezil’! Though my general interest in the band ends with the final performance in Honolulu on February 5,1989, it is interesting to hear the minute discussions about the Andy Johns production and the details of Eddie’s then “new” sound. I think you and Joe make excellent points about the neck pickup frequencies and amps and the increased presence of the stereo detune Eventide sound. One thing I must say about that small observation about the use of a chorus “pedal” on ‘Van Halen II’…there is no evidence that he actually used a chorus “pedal” anywhere on the album. I think that it is much more likely that the Eventide units were applied for the chorus sounds that we hear on the second album like what you hear on the intro and quiet parts from “Women In Love”, parts of “Dance the Night Away” and the solos on “Bottoms Up”. To the best of my knowledge, Eddie didn’t use a chorus pedal until 1982 on the ‘Diver Down’ album when he used a Roland DC-30 Chorus/Echo unit-and that technically even that wasn’t a “pedal” per se. A small point, but I think it is possibly a pretty salient one. Generally speaking, the Eventide often did the modulation in the studio with the exception of Ed’s use of the MXR Phase 90, MXR Flanger and the aforementioned Roland DC-30 on ‘Diver Down’.
Hi Allen,
As always, I enjoy your additions and insights. There is definitely a chorus used on the Women In Love intro. There's a direct guitar along with a clean amp which very well could have been a Roland Jazz Chorus. The clean overdubs in the verses also have the chorus on them. The outro solo on Bottoms Up! has a modulation sound that is delay modulated in the way that a chorus would behave and some early bootlegs show off this modulated sound. It's very different from any sound the phase 90 can make. Not sure what he used. Still also trying to figure out what octave divider he used on Fools. There's a low octave that appears to only react to the lowest notes, leaving the rest untouched. It's audible as part of the recorded guitar sound. Many more mysteries to uncover. Soon there will be answers though! Best, DZ
Excellent points Dweezil! I never even noticed a low octave effect on “Fools”-I’ll be sure to have a careful listen to that track again!
I agree that the sound on the “Women In Love” intro and the quiet parts of that recording do sound very much like a chorus sound and the “Bottoms Up!” outro solo undoubtedly has that unmistakeable delay modulated almost “ADT” sound. Interesting point about the possibility of a Roland Jazz Chorus or similar amp for this chorus sound. I have not seen any evidence of that, but it certainly is possible. There could also have been the DynoMyPiano Tri-Chorus or some other outboard effect that was popular among the session guitarists of the day. I theorize that the clean sounds might have been direct, but it’s always possible that he used an unknown clean amp rather than going direct.
Here are a few reasons why I tend to veer away from Ed using a chorus floor pedal for these sounds. It’s not impossible that he did so, but I personally guesstimate that he possibly didn’t. The only pieces of evidence we have to work with (barring anything you may have heard from Donn?) which are our ears and the Sunset Sound Neil Zlozower studio photos (staged or not) from around the time of the recording of the album and photographic evidence of Ed’s stage gear of the time (which may or may not relate 100% to what he used in the studio). We see the Eventide H910 and Gotham Audio Delay System. I believe both of these units could achieve the almost “ADT” delay modulated sound on the outro solo from “Bottoms Up!”. The H910 could also be a candidate for the chorus sound on the “Women In Love” intro and quiet parts.
I hear something else happening on “Dance the Night Away”. It seems to be an Eventide sound and I had always assumed it was the H910. Obviously you can hear this effect best on the isolated track which features harmonic tapping, especially in the quiet “breakdown”. This had a slight phase or flanger sound to me, but it is one that differs from the MXR floor effects. This article https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/eventide-history-pt1?fbclid=IwAR0VzW5FDzpHkYp7i2SOZqfkHUPC94k7TkjG_ogxOgw0qLv28b80HJYkBHs mentions in passing that Van Halen used the early Eventide Instant Phaser at some point. I think that might be a possibility for the modulation in “Dance the Night Away”.
Again, this is slim evidence and I hope we see more coming at some point. And I must state the obvious…I hope against hope that Donn can weigh in…I always say that he is really the Geoff Emerick and sometimes the George Martin of Van Halen (with all due respect to Ted). Assuming his memory or any records he might have kept are intact, he is the last accurate word on what really happened on the recordings from 1977-1989.
Hi Allen,
Donn has quite a good memory but the recording did take place a long time ago so whenever I can I try to get tidbits of info so these types of nerdy details can be confirmed. It's a fun process of observation though isn't it?
I absolutely agree! And I hope that Donn sees some way to share his remembrances in any way that he can. I hope he understands that his contributions to Van Halen are highly valued by anyone that listens to the music, whether they know it or not!
To slip backward to “Women In Love” once again, I did a little experiment based on Eddie’s explanation of how he recorded the intro. When asked if he used an Eventide Harmonizer, he replied that he did not…but that he double-tracked it. I took this to mean that he did double-track it, and set the resulting tracks slightly apart to create that delay modulation sound that we hear on the album version of the intro. I did the same thing in this clip…I simply set the two tracks I recorded myself slightly apart by about .09 of a second. I included a simple chorus plug-in and compression from the Adobe Audition software I used at the time. I once again used my ‘68 Strat on the Middle/Bridge pickup selection. I think it resulted in a fairly faithful recreation of what he heard on the album: