A simple start
Live in Tokyo
I’m a Tokyo-based guitarist (not my day job) and I’ve been trying to simplify my set up. For a long time, I’ve been increasing the complexity of my set up, adding equipment like the Roland VG-99 V-Guitar system and GR-33 guitar synthesizer, an 11-string Warr Guitar, and other bits and bobs. Good kit, and I enjoy it all. But somehow, I found myself wanting to simplify things. For one, schlepping my gear to gigs and setting it all up is challenging here in Tokyo (I travel by subway or taxi and have no car). But also, I found it ironic that I was using ever more complex processors to approximate very simple and basic sounds, like a Telecaster through a tube amp.
So now I’m using a Telecaster through a tube amp. And surprise, surprise: it sounds great.
My current rig is an American Vintage ‘52 Reissue Telecaster through a Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue. On a few songs, I also use a Durham Electronics Crazy Horse pedal, but I mostly play straight into the amp. I find the built-in reverb and tremolo are all I need.
Anyway, I’ll be using this site to explore this quest for simplicity, touching on where I came from and seeing where the road takes me. For me, this quest extends to not just my rig and my playing, but also to my life and work. I’d love to hear how others are achieving simplicity in their rigs, their playing, and also in their lives and work.