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Seth
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know what type of guitar effect Mr. Benson used on the "Give Me the Night" album? It's a very subtle thing, but it gives him a very smooth, modern jazz tone. Any info about his rig from that era (1980) would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Seth
Mark Munchenberg
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Seth,

I really don't know, but I'd guess he used a moderate amount of compression to smooth out the natural dynamic range in his playing. When you listen to that song the guitar lines are very even in volume from note to note. Compression works by softening the attack, or leading edge of a note, and boosting the tail end. Its a popular effect with country fingerpickers - all the nuances of fingerstyle come through. You get a detailed sound but it comes at the expense of natural dynamic range. For George, this would allow his guitar to occupy a consistant solid space in the mix and get a nice smooth flow in his guitar's voice.

Perhaps he also used a tiny bit of chorus, and I'm sure there's some reverb in there too.

Borrow someone's compression pedal and experiment. Don't expect to get a sound as good as George though, he would have used an outboard studio compressor - a very transparent effect. Pedals are not high fidelity and will add more than just compression to your sound.

Cheers,

Mark
Garry
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Seth,

l think Mark's on the money with this one, it's more than likely the effects were added later.

You'll notice George has more of a nasal quality in his voice on this track.
Apparently Quincy Jones (producer) made him do so many takes that G.B got a bit peeved and did the different voice in protest, and Quincy became elated and said "that's the one l'm after"


Did you manage to find an As200?

Cheers

Garry
Seth
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your input. Chorus may be the sound I'm after. I listened to the album again last night, and there's echo or delay on some of the guitar tracks as well. Would those effects have been added after the fact like the compression? I used a compressor/limiter extensively when I was playing bass in bands during college (a necessity when slapping and popping), but all of the guitar floor units I've tried affect the attack in an unnatural sounding way.

Benson's voice does sound odd and pinched on "Give Me the Night", Garry. I thought someone else was singing when I first heard that tune. Apparently GMTN was the only Q produced for Benson. I was surprised to learn that rhythm guitar work was covered by fellow Ibanez endorser Lee Ritenour! The guitar and bass work is tight from start to finish.

I did find an AS200, Garry, thanks for asking. It should arrive here in a couple of days.

Seth

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