Category: Tools Of The Trade

Reverb, short for reverberation, is the effect of sound reflecting off surfaces in an environment, creating a sense of space and depth. The invention and development of reverb as an audio effect in recording and electric musical instruments is a fascinating journey that spans decades and involves numerous technological advancements. Let's take a look at the history of reverb, along with some examples of its use.

Early Beginnings

Natural Reverb

Before electronic reverb units were invented, early recording engineers and musicians utilized natural reverb. Recording in spaces with desirable acoustics, such as concert halls and churches, allowed them to capture the natural reverberation of the environment.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel (1970) Recorded in Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York, known for its natural reverberation, the title track of this album features lush, natural reverb that enhances its grand, emotional impact.

Chamber Reverb

One of the earliest artificial reverb methods was the use of echo chambers. These were specially designed rooms with reflective surfaces where a sound source would be played through a speaker and then re-recorded with the natural reverb created in the room. The Abbey Road Studios in London famously used echo chambers in their recordings during the 1950s and 1960s.

"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys (1966) The Beach Boys utilized Capitol Studios' echo chambers to create a rich, immersive sound. Chamber reverb added a unique spatial dimension to their complex vocal harmonies and instrumentation.

Plate Reverb

In the late 1950s, the EMT 140 plate reverb was introduced by Elektro-Mess-Technik (EMT). This device used a large metal plate suspended in a frame. Sound was sent to the plate through a transducer, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations were then picked up by contact microphones attached to the plate, creating a reverb effect. Plate reverbs became popular due to their lush and smooth sound, and they were more practical than using large echo chambers.

"When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin (1971) The iconic drum sound on this track was achieved using an EMT 140 plate reverb. The dense and smooth reverb contributes to the track's powerful, cavernous feel.

Spring Reverb

In 1939, Laurens Hammond, inventor of the Hammond organ, patented the spring reverb unit, a device that would become a standard feature in many electric musical instruments and amplifiers. The spring reverb worked by sending an audio signal through one or more metal springs, which would vibrate in response. These vibrations were then converted back into an audio signal, creating a reverberation effect.

The spring reverb unit offered several advantages:

• Compact Size: Unlike large echo chambers or plate reverb units, the spring reverb was relatively small and could be easily integrated into amplifiers and other equipment.
• Affordability: Spring reverb units were less expensive to produce than other types of reverb, making them accessible to a broader range of musicians and engineers.
• Unique Sound: The characteristic sound of spring reverb, with its distinctive "boingy" quality, became a defining feature of many recordings, particularly in genres like surf rock and early rock and roll.

Spring reverb became a popular choice, especially in guitar amplifiers. Leo Fender's use of spring reverb in the Fender Twin Reverb amplifier is but one notable example.

"Misirlou" by Dick Dale (1962) A surf rock classic, "Misirlou" showcases spring reverb's distinctive effect, integral to the genre's energetic and reverberant guitar sound.

"Pipeline" by The Chantays (1963) Another surf rock staple, "Pipeline" features the distinctive "boingy" sound of spring reverb, which was a hallmark of the genre.

The use of spring reverb in guitar amplifiers gave surf rock its characteristic spacious and vibrant sound.

Keyboardist Jon Lord, of the rock group Deep Purple, was known to rock his Hammond B-3 organ during performances in order to disrupt the springs in its reverb tank into making distorted crashing sounds.

Digital Reverb

The advent of digital technology in the 1970s and 1980s revolutionized reverb effects. Digital reverb units use algorithms to simulate the reflections of sound in different environments. This allowed for a much greater variety of reverb types and settings, including the simulation of rooms, halls, plates, and more.

One of the earliest digital reverb units was the EMT 250, introduced in 1976. It was expensive and bulky but set the stage for more affordable and practical units that followed. The Lexicon 224, released in 1978, became particularly influential, offering high-quality digital reverb that became a standard in recording studios.

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson (1982) The use of digital reverb on this iconic album, particularly the Lexicon 224, helped create the spacious, polished sound that defined many of its tracks, including the title track "Thriller."

"Let's Dance" by David Bowie (1983) Produced by Nile Rodgers, this track features the Lexicon 224 digital reverb, providing a polished and expansive sound that was characteristic of 1980s pop music.

Software Reverb

With the rise of computer-based recording in the 1990s and 2000s, software reverb plugins became common. These plugins emulate both classic hardware reverbs and entirely new reverb algorithms. They offer flexibility and ease of use, allowing musicians and engineers to apply reverb effects directly within digital audio workstations (DAWs).

"Bury a Friend" by Billie Eilish (2019) Modern software reverb plugins, such as Valhalla VintageVerb, are used extensively in Billie Eilish's music. The reverb effects contribute to the eerie, atmospheric quality of her sound.

Shimmer Reverb

Shimmer reverb is a modern reverb effect that adds an ethereal, otherworldly quality to sound by incorporating pitch-shifted reflections. This effect is often used in ambient and atmospheric music to create a sense of vastness and depth. Shimmer reverb works by combining traditional reverb with an octave-up pitch shift on the reverb tail, resulting in a lush, sparkling sound.

Shimmer reverb was popularized by ambient music pioneers like Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois in the 1980s. They used the effect extensively in their productions to add a celestial quality to their soundscapes. Eno's work on albums such as "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks" and U2's "The Joshua Tree," co-produced with Lanois, are notable examples of early shimmer reverb use.

Shimmer reverb combines a few key processes:

1. Traditional Reverb: Provides the initial spacious and ambient quality.
2. Pitch Shifting: Adds an octave-up (or sometimes other intervals) pitch shift to the reverb tail.
3. Feedback Loop: The pitch-shifted reverb tail is fed back into the reverb, creating cascading, harmonically rich overtones.

"Deep Blue Day" by Brian Eno (1983) From the album "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks," this track showcases the shimmer reverb effect, contributing to its dreamy, floating ambiance.

"With or Without You" by U2 (1987) Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, this track features subtle use of shimmer reverb on The Edge's guitar parts, adding a haunting, ethereal quality to the song's atmosphere.

"You Won't Know Where You Stand" by Aquilo (2018) This track uses shimmer reverb on the vocals and synths to create a spacious and uplifting sound that enhances the emotional impact of the music.

Modern Use and Popularity

Shimmer reverb has become more accessible with the advent of digital signal processing and software plugins. Today, many reverb plugins offer shimmer effects, allowing musicians and producers to easily incorporate this sound into their productions. Some popular shimmer reverb plugins and units include:

• Eventide Blackhole: Known for its vast, modulating reverb sounds, including shimmer effects.
• Valhalla Shimmer: A dedicated plugin for creating shimmering reverbs with extensive control over pitch shifting and feedback.
• Strymon BigSky: A hardware reverb pedal favored by guitarists, which includes a shimmer reverb mode among its many features.

Modern Developments

Today, reverb continues to evolve with advancements in digital signal processing and machine learning.

Convolution reverb, which uses impulse responses recorded from real spaces to create highly realistic reverb effects, has become popular. This technology allows users to apply the acoustic characteristics of famous concert halls, studios, and other spaces to their recordings.

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay (2008) Utilizing convolution reverb, this track incorporates the acoustics of real spaces, adding depth and realism to the orchestral and vocal elements. Convolution reverb allowed the producers to replicate the sound of famous recording spaces.

Impact on Music and Recording

The development of reverb has had a profound impact on music and audio production. Reverb effects help create a sense of space and depth, enhancing the emotional and aesthetic qualities of music. Different types of reverb are used creatively across genres, from the lush, expansive sounds in ambient music to the tight, controlled reverb in pop and rock recordings.

Rock and Roll

• The use of spring reverb in guitar amplifiers by artists like The Ventures and The Shadows helped define the rock and roll sound of the 1960s.

Pop and Electronic

• Digital reverb units like the Lexicon 224 were essential in shaping the sounds of pop and electronic music in the 1980s and 1990s, with artists like Madonna and Depeche Mode utilizing these effects.

Hip-Hop and R&B

• Producers in hip-hop and R&B often use software reverb plugins to add depth and space to vocals and beats. For example, the lush reverbs in Frank Ocean's "Blonde" (2016) album create a dreamlike, intimate atmosphere.

Conclusion

Reverb technology has evolved significantly over the decades, from natural and chamber reverb to plate, spring, digital, convolution, and software reverb. Each advancement has enabled artists and producers to explore new sonic landscapes and has contributed to the distinct sounds of various musical eras and genres. By understanding the application of these technologies in popular music, we can appreciate the profound impact of reverb on the way we experience recorded sound.

The Leslie speaker is a unique and iconic sound device primarily associated with the Hammond organ. Invented in the early 1940s, it has become synonymous with the distinctive swirling, rotating speaker effect heard in many classic rock, jazz, and blues recordings.

The Leslie speaker was invented by Don Leslie, an engineer and inventor, in 1941. Leslie was initially inspired by the desire to enhance the sound of the Hammond organ, which was becoming increasingly popular at the time. The goal was to create a speaker system that could replicate the rich, full-bodied sound of a pipe organ within a smaller, more portable instrument.

Leslie experimented with different speaker designs and configurations until he developed a system that used rotating speakers to create a unique modulation effect. His invention utilized a system of rotating horns and baffles to spread the sound around the room, producing a swirling, Doppler-like effect that enriched the sound of the organ.

Leslie's invention quickly gained popularity, especially among musicians playing Hammond organs, as it added a dynamic, spacious quality to their performances.

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In the late 1950s, a groundbreaking invention emerged in the world of music— the Maestro Echoplex. Conceived by Mike Battle and released by the Maestro company in 1959, this tape delay effect unit swiftly became a trailblazer in shaping the sonic landscape.

Operating on tape delay technology, the Echoplex utilized a loop of magnetic tape to craft mesmerizing echo effects. Its mechanism involved recording the signal onto the tape and playing it back after a brief delay, resulting in a warm and distinctive sound. This innovation quickly found favor among musicians, particularly guitarists seeking to experiment with novel delay effects.

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The Gibson Flying V is a distinctive electric guitar known for its V-shaped body design. The design was the brainchild of then-Gibson president Ted McCarty, in an effort to update, modernize and generate interest in Gibson electric guitars. In the late 1950s, futuristic styling abounded and Gibson looked for ways to capitalize on it. In this article we cover the history of the Gibson Flying V.

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The Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier is considered one of the most sought-after and iconic guitar amplifiers in the history of rock music. Created by Howard Alexander Dumble, a reclusive amp builder based in California, the Dumble Overdrive Special has gained legendary status due to its unique tonal characteristics and its association with some of the world's most renowned guitarists. Let's delve into the history of this remarkable amplifier and the guitarists who have embraced it.

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The Melody Maker is a popular model of electric guitar produced by Gibson. It has a long history dating back to its introduction in 1959. The Melody Maker was initially designed as an affordable option for beginners and students, but it gained popularity among professional musicians as well due to its unique sound and simplicity.

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The Gibson EDS-1275 is a unique and iconic double-neck electric guitar produced by Gibson Guitar Corporation. It gained popularity for its distinctive design and versatility, allowing guitarists to switch between six-string and twelve-string configurations on a single instrument.

The EDS-1275 was introduced by Gibson in 1958. The "EDS" in the name stands for "Electric Double Spanish." Catalogs called it the "Double 12". The guitar was intended to cater to the needs of guitarists seeking a versatile instrument capable of producing a wide range of sounds.

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The Korg ARP 2600 is a legendary analog synthesizer that has made a significant impact on the history of electronic music. It was developed in the early 1970s by the American company ARP Instruments in collaboration with Alan R. Pearlman, and later it was reissued by Korg in 2019.

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The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic and revered electric guitar models in history. Its rich history spans over several decades, beginning in the early 1950s. Here's a brief overview of the Les Paul's history:

Development and Introduction (1950-1952):
The Les Paul model was developed by Gibson in collaboration with renowned guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. The initial prototype, known as "The Log," was created by Les Paul himself in the late 1940s, named for the pine block running through the middle of the guitar. Hollow guitar sides or "wings" were added to achieve a conventional shape. Paul had brought his prototype to Gibson, but it was rejected.

In 1951, Gibson president Ted McCarty and his team began work on what would eventually become the Les Paul model. The intent in developing the guitar was not so much to compete with Fender's solid body electric as it was to outshine it; Gibson's would be a well-made-- and expensive-- guitar. McCarty's intent in approaching Les Paul for the right to imprint the musician's name on the headstock was mainly with an eye toward increased sales.

In 1952, Gibson officially introduced the Les Paul Goldtop model. It featured a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top, a glued-in mahogany neck, two P-90 single-coil pickups, and a trapeze tailpiece.

The Gibson Les Paul Custom (1954-1960):
In 1954, Gibson introduced the Les Paul Custom, also known as the "Black Beauty." It featured an all-black finish, multiple binding on the body and headstock, gold hardware, and an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlays. The original Customs were fitted with a P-90 pickup in the bridge position and an Alnico V "staple" pickup in the neck. In 1957, the Custom was fitted with Gibson's new PAF humbucker pickups, and later became available with three pickups instead of the usual two.

When the original Les Pauls were discontinued in 1960, the Custom model's features and designation were transferred to a new SG Custom model.

Evolution and Innovations (Late 1950s-1960):
Gibson continued to refine and evolve the Les Paul model throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s. In 1957, Gibson introduced the PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups, which provided a warmer and thicker tone compared to the original P-90 pickups. The Les Paul Standard was introduced in 1958, featuring a sunburst finish, a tune-o-matic bridge, and a stop tailpiece.

For all its innovations, the Les Paul Standard didn't sell well. The guitar was heavy, and Gibson was still marketing primarily to an older, jazz-oriented audience. As a result, fewer than 2000 of the model were sold 1958-1960.

In 1961, Gibson made some design changes to the Les Paul, giving it a thinner body and a double-cutaway shape. These models are commonly referred to as the "SG" (Solid Guitar) series. Les Paul did not approve of the changes, and asked his name be removed from the guitars. Even so, many press and promotional photos, and even album covers exist showing both Paul and his wife Mary Ford with 1961 SG Custom model guitars. And, for a period of time, some were still sold with "Les Paul" inscribed on the truss rod covers.

Discontinuation (1960) and Reintroduction (Late 1960s-1970s):
Despite its initial success, sales of the Les Paul declined during the late 1950s due to competition from other guitar manufacturers. As a result, Gibson decided to discontinue the Les Paul model in 1961 and replaced it with the aforementioned SG series.

In the mid-1960s, seeking to emulate their American blues guitar heroes, British rock guitarists began to embrace the original Les Paul models. Subsequently, popular demand prompted Gibson to reintroduce the Les Paul in 1968. This reintroduction included both the "Standard" and "Custom" models, featuring the original single-cutaway design and a range of finishes.

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (Late 1960s-1985):
In the late 1960s, Gibson also released the Les Paul Deluxe, which had mini-humbuckers instead of full-sized humbuckers. The pickups were surplus Epiphone inventory, and were fitted into pre-carved P-90 size cavities by means of an adapter ring. Several notable guitarists used Deluxes over the years, although many opted to switch the pickups to full-size humbuckers. The Deluxe went through multiple neck and body construction changes over the years, but was eventually discontinued in 1985.

Professional (1969-1971) and Recording (1971-1979) Models:
In 1969, the Les Paul Professional was introduced. The model forewent the cosmetic embellishments of the Standard and Custom and was aimed at the studio musician. Low impedance pickups replaced standard humbuckers, and two toggle switches provided additional tonal controls. The model was not popular, however, and was discontinued after selling less than 120 units. It would be replaced by the "Recording" model.

The Les Paul Recording differed from the Professional in only minor ways, primarily the controls layout. It was, however, the model Les Paul himself preferred.

Les Paul Studio (1983-present):
The Studio followed the Recording as a model designed to appeal to those who wanted the classic Les Paul sound at a lower cost than Standard or Custom models, again primarily studio musicians. Unlike the Professional and Recording, the Studio was basically a stripped-down Standard with a slightly thinner body. Features such as body binding, neck binding, and headstock inlays were not available.

Over time, revisions were made to the Studio to improve playability and reduce weight, a complaint often lodged against the Standard and Custom. Ironically, Studio models gradually began to be offered with most of the cosmetic features the model was originally intended to eschew.

Modern Era and Variations (1980s-Present):
Since the 1980s, Gibson has continued to produce various Les Paul models, offering different finishes, pickups, and features to cater to the preferences of modern guitarists. Some notable variations include the Les Paul Classic, Les Paul Traditional, Les Paul Custom Lite, and Les Paul Custom Pro. Gibson has also collaborated with famous guitarists to create signature Les Paul models, such as the Jimmy Page Signature and the Slash Signature Les Pauls. Gibson also offers Les Paul models under their more economical Epiphone brand.

The Gibson Les Paul's timeless design, powerful tone, and notable association with legendary guitarists have made it a highly sought-after instrument, securing its place in music history as an iconic electric guitar model.

The invention of the humbucking electric guitar pickup revolutionized the world of electric guitars by eliminating unwanted electrical interference and producing a rich, noise-free tone.

In the early days of electric guitars, single-coil pickups were commonly used. While these pickups were effective in converting string vibrations into electrical signals, they were also susceptible to external electromagnetic interference, commonly known as hum. This interference caused an audible hum or buzz in the signal, particularly in environments with electrical equipment or strong radio waves.

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