Canadian Guitar Player Gear Shop Interview With Dee Curtis--How To Use Effects Pedals To Your Advantage Playing Live Or In The Studio

with Thee Horizon Frontman 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 there craft first. chords and scales. 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 & 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.


Mark Grove-Canadian Guitar Player

Dee Curtis-Independent Canadian Blues Musician

deecurtis@rock.com send him a question on effects