with Dee Curtis
This innovative gear boy takes a minimal approach in regard to his effects and stomp box setup
By Dee Curtis
Co-writer: Mark Grove
03/16/03 Back Issue Article
Now Dee himself admits to being a bit of a gear hound and having a degree in electronics doesn't hurt either. Dee has "moded" everything from his guitar pickups and amps up to and including his stomps and effects boxes. But this co-writer feels it's too easy to ruin your original intentions and use too many effects that end up not being your sound at all.
MG: Should beginning guitarists use effects or stomps,or should they develop Their chops first?
Dee: They should develop their craft first.Chords and scales.
MG:What is better for an axeman to start with-a stomp or a pedal?
Dee: Start with an overdrive, it will become a part of most guitarist's sound.
MG: Does the type of guitar and pickups determine the type of stomp you should use, or is it the type of music?
Dee: I would say the type of music but there are no rules.
MG: What kind of stomps and pedals do you use?
Dee: Crybaby/TU-2 Chromatic Tuner/Octave Fuzz/Marshall Guv'nor.
MG: Is it necessary to use effects at some point or can the type of pickups and strings you use,and the way you use them have an effects sound?
Dee: As your playing gets better add some kind of FX. There are many brands of pickups and guitar strings that a guitarist can use. Over the years I have used many brands. Its up to the guitarist and the style of music he or she plays that will determine what they will use.
MG: Do you feel most musicians know how to use stomps and pedals to enhance their sound?
Dee: [Most Do ] Musician use FX pedals to bring to life the colors of sound we hear in our minds.
Dee's answer to this last question I tend to have reservations about. I find a lot of even good axemen tend to use pedals and stomps in a way that colors their original intentions and tones, a little too much. then they end up relying on their pedals as a crutch to help their sound. Not good.Just my silly opinion.
Mark Grove-Canadian Guitar Player
Dee Curtis-Independent Canadian Musician
deecurtis@rock.com send him a question on effects
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