Tony Levin's "can't leave home without them" effects

Antipodean · #1 08-27-2010, 07:52 AM

A few weeks back Tony was in New Zealand to play two shows with the California Guitar Trio, but was only here all of maybe 4 days. Long way to go for only a small show. So what effects does he not leave home without?

Looks to me like:
1) Ernie Ball VPJR Volume pedal
2) Analog Man Bi-Compressor
3) Tech 21 Red Ripper
4) EHX Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai
And a Peterson Strobe Tuner
The only instruments he brough with him was The Stick and his faithful pale orange 5 sting Stingray.

What did these sound like? I have no idea. Tony was mixed low, and at this demo he didn't even use the pedals (why he set them up, I don't know).
Would have loved to have heard how he uses these effects, but them's the breaks. I assume it was largely for the Stick rather than the Stingray, except maybe the compressor.

MNAirHead · #2 08-27-2010, 07:59 AM

he rotates all the time.. peterson tuner seems to be the only consistent thing.

cybersnyder · #3 08-27-2010, 09:22 AM

I think it's interesting that he doesn't use a pedal board. Probably wraps them in old Peter Gabriel t-shirts and throws them in a gym bag. Heh.

Antipodean · #4 08-27-2010, 08:59 PM

Actually, you're not far off. He took the pedals out of one of those carry-on luggage suitcases, which had a pillow in it for padding/protection. He acts like he's just a weekend gigging bassist, not one of the worlds greatest session bassists.

Swift713 · #5 08-27-2010, 09:08 PM

He wears a lot of hats. I'm sure the rigs he uses with Peter Gabriel, King Crimson and Stick Men are significantly more elaborate.

cybersnyder · #6 08-27-2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antipodean

Actually, you're not far off. He took the pedals out of one of those carry-on luggage suitcases, which had a pillow in it for padding/protection. He acts like he's just a weekend gigging bassist, not one of the worlds greatest session bassists.

Briefly met him after a Guitar Trio concert. You can tell that he truly enjoys what he's doing. Maybe that's why he does it so well.

GianGian · #7 08-27-2010, 09:18 PM

He is awesome. By the way, you are actually telling me that he went straight from the USA to New Zealand for these shows? Maybe he needs a new manager, because he is probably spending too much with these trips.

Antipodean · #8 08-27-2010, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GianGian

He is awesome. By the way, you are actually telling me that he went straight from the USA to New Zealand for these shows? Maybe he needs a new manager, because he is probably spending too much with these trips.

I understand he is recording at the moment... session work for someone. I don't know the details, but it was with an American producer... who was also in New Zealand for the same event. Hmmmm. I doubt any New Zealand musicians could afford him though.
Looking at Tony's website, it looks like he went from Europe to NZ, and is touring Europe again in October. He's a busy man.

Judging by the ticket prices, the organisers probably paid for the flights and we paid for it in the tickets!

JimmyM · #9 08-28-2010, 02:03 AM

sometimes they build the price of airline tix into the price, sometimes the promoter pays for them. all depends. and tony, for all his fame, is the definition of a regular gigging bassist, so i'm not surprised he carries his pedals as he does.

"T" · #10 08-28-2010, 02:59 AM

If you're just flying to a gig in a different country, there's no sense in bringing anything extra. It sounds like everything was "carry on" ready.