Tom Araya's Gear Setup...

hellrazor213 · #1 02-09-2005, 05:18 PM

I was hoping someone here would know what gear Tom Araya uses in the studio and at live performances, from his stacks to his strings...and if you know of a website that lists these things, please type it below...thanks guys...

adam on bass · #2 02-09-2005, 05:53 PM

He uses Ampeg, ESP, and he use to use D'Addario not sure anymore.

bryan bailey · #3 02-09-2005, 06:06 PM

He used to play B.C. Rich's, but not anymore.

He has his signature ESP line, and he uses Ampeg stuff.

hellrazor213 · #4 02-09-2005, 08:12 PM

any clue on the effects?

odie · #5 02-10-2005, 08:44 AM

I doubt if he uses any. Compressor if anything.

dlloyd · #6 02-10-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazor213

I was hoping someone here would know what gear Tom Araya uses in the studio and at live performances, from his stacks to his strings...and if you know of a website that lists these things, please type it below...thanks guys...

There was an article on his setup in one of the magazines a couple of years ago... Guitar World's Bass Guitar (???) I think. I'm sure I have a copy at home that I should be able to dig out tonight, if nobody has done so already.

the ombudsman · #7 02-10-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazor213

any clue on the effects?

I think he uses some kind of fuzz.

hellrazor213 · #8 02-10-2005, 10:46 AM

yeah, I can hear the fuzz...hopefully dlloyd can find that article...

dlloyd · #9 02-10-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazor213

yeah, I can hear the fuzz...hopefully dlloyd can find that article...

Yup I found it. It was in the May 2002 Bass Player and is unfortunately not in their archive site. So I'll summarise.

This is his live setup.

ESP TA-500 and F-204 basses with EMGs and D'Addario strings, D'Andrea heavy picks.

The following tunings:
D#G#C#F# (standard tuning down 1/2 step) .055" to .110"
C#F#BE (standard down three half steps/minor third) .055" to .110"
BF#BE (drop D down three half steps/minor third) .055" to .110"
A#D#G#C# (standard tuning down six half steps/tritone) .065" to .130"

Nady 950GS wireless
dbx 160A compressor
two Ampeg SVT-4 Pro heads
two Ampeg 8x10"s
two Ampeg SVT-2 as spares
Juice Goose rack power 200
Whirlwind A/B selector + cable in case of wireless failure

Signal is miked and DI'ed to PA

That was nearly three years ago, but I can't see any real reason he'd go for anything else.

the ombudsman · #10 02-10-2005, 02:54 PM

So maybe he used the fuzz only in the studio...

hellrazor213 · #11 02-10-2005, 04:27 PM

thanks dlloyd...the fuzz must be just studio then, but I dont see why he wouldnt use it live as well...

Brendan · #12 02-10-2005, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazor213

thanks dlloyd...the fuzz must be just studio then, but I dont see why he wouldnt use it live as well...

Because he had two Ampeg heads cranked?

Selta · #13 02-10-2005, 04:32 PM

Or it could be from the Ampegs

Ray

hellrazor213 · #14 02-10-2005, 05:20 PM

thats true, I bet they do give out some pretty good fuzz...lol...

Selta · #15 02-10-2005, 05:25 PM

Being the SLAYER fan I am, I'm almost certain that it is the Ampegs. I saw them live twice, and I'd be willing to bet that's what it came from, though I'm not sure. It just had that "Ampeg" overdrive ring to it.

Ray

hellrazor213 · #16 02-10-2005, 05:34 PM

im a slayer fan as well...Ive been trying to get that sound for awhile now...looks like its gonna cost me a couple grand if i want it...I guess I will just be using the fuzz setting on my Digitech Bass Driver for now...

adam on bass · #17 02-10-2005, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad_Habit_Bassist

Being the SLAYER fan I am, I'm almost certain that it is the Ampegs. I saw them live twice, and I'd be willing to bet that's what it came from, though I'm not sure. It just had that "Ampeg" overdrive ring to it.

Ray

I knew someone that worked for their management on the Seasons in the Abyss tour and watched from the wings for the whole west coast leg of the tour and I saw no signs of pedals in Tom's rig. It was bare bones with a rack of heads. I have been bloodied and beaten in over 50 Slayer shows, you can't really tell how his rig sounds live when your in the pit! *Giggles* Real Slayer Fan. The best show ever was the Olympic Auditorium 86 (I believe) Reign in Blood tour. I broke my nose, and a finger. The whole floor was a pit.

Selta · #18 02-10-2005, 05:39 PM

Also know that even buying every piece of gear he has, wont get you his tone. A lot of it is how it's recorded as well as his style. I suggest you find your own tone, and on top of that, if you're cool with getting "close enough" to his tone, buy a similiar bass (wood/electronics wise) [not even neccessary] and just tweak your current amp to something that's suitable.

Ray

Selta · #19 02-10-2005, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firkinahsoul

I knew someone that worked for their management on the Seasons in the Abyss tour and watched from the wings for the whole west coast leg of the tour and I saw no signs of pedals in Tom's rig. It was bare bones with a rack of heads. I have been bloodied and beaten in over 50 Slayer shows, you can't really tell how his rig sounds live when your in the pit! *Giggles* Real Slayer Fan. The best show ever was the Olympic Auditorium 86 (I believe) Reign in Blood tour. I broke my nose, and a finger. The whole floor was a pit.

Eh, one show I was in the pit, the other I was about mid way back. I don't remember much of the first show, as it was loud, and I had beer all over me from the dude behind me who spilled THREE on me. The 2nd show though, I could focus on T.A.s tone though.

Ray
Edit: dude, when ya gonna GIVE me one of your not-used-as-often-as-the-others Spectors?

hellrazor213 · #20 02-10-2005, 05:52 PM

i havent been to a live concert of there's yet, but when I do, I know that the only thing I will be able to do is just stare in amazement...no banging my head, no moshing in the pit...just standing there eyes wide open trying to remember every single moment...