We’re a curious bunch here at Silent Radio and decided it was time to start scratching that itch, so we asked Girls In Synthesis what their favourite pieces of music making equipment are. This is what they told us:
JOHN LINGER – BASSIST
What is it?
Phonic Stereo Echorder (2 channel BBD delay unit)
How long have you had it?
Maybe 5-6 years
How does it help shape your sound?
It enables me to manipulate Jim and I’s vocals onstage, from subtle echoes to heavy dub oscillation. We also use it as electronic noise on recordings.
Do you use it live?
Very much so… every time, in fact.
Do you use it in the studio?
Indeed… less for the actual delay aspect, more for migraine inducing electronic noise.
What can we hear it used on?
Everything we’ve done. Look out for the weird oscillating sounds on any of the records.
Is there anything you dislike about it or would like to change?
It’s a bit bulky, I guess. That’s about it. You can’t mess with perfection.
If the worst happened and it broke down, could you replace it?
Possibly, but at great cost.
Anything else you’d like to tell the world about it?
I think it was made for karaoke/pub singers. I hope it has some history.
Any honourable mentions of other items that didn’t make the top spot?
Yep, my two 1970’s Peavey bass heads. People think Peavey is shit made for metal knobheads, but their USA made stuff is cheap and sounds amazing.
JIM CUBITT – GUITARIST
What is it?
I had to go with the Behringer Super Fuzz Guitar pedal
How long have you had it?
Since our very first rehearsal
How does it help shape your sound?
This pedal has been an intrinsic part of the GiS guitar (and bass) sound from the very beginning. It was recommended by John. We both bought one when we started GiS and it built the foundations of our sound. It’s a very aggressive fuzz pedal. It has lots of character – a lot of crackling, spitting, feedbacking fuzz. And unlike quite a few other fuzz sounds – isn’t too smooth at all.
Do you use it live?
Yes, I have used it for every Girls in Synthesis show.
Do you use it in the studio?
Yep. It has featured on almost every single GiS recording to date as well.
What can we hear it used on?
Everything.
Is there anything you dislike about it or would like to change?
Not really. I suppose if I was stamping on it a lot, maybe a metal casing would be harder wearing than the plastic? But it doesn’t make much difference for us. I turn it on at the beginning of the gig, then I turn it off when we finish at the end.
If the worst happened and it broke down, could you replace it?
Yes. Easily. They cost about the same as 4 pints of lager.
Anything else you’d like to tell the world about it?
Don’t be put off by the price or the brand. It sounds incredible.
Any honourable mentions of other items that didn’t make the top spot?
I’m not a massive gear head (as you can probably tell) but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt is that ‘more money’ doesn’t necessarily equal ‘better’. I picked up an 80’s Peavey Backstage for about £50. That has also been everywhere with GiS, and has played a huge part in our sound. It also held its own on stage at Brixton Academy. Not bad hey?
NICOLE PINTO – DRUMMER
What is it?
Apart from my champagne sparkle Gretsch Catalina Club Rock 24″ acoustic kit you can often find me playing my Yamaha DTXPLORER Electronic kit.
How long have you had it?
I’ve had my electronic kit for 7 years
How does it help shape your sound?
It really helps to be able to spend time outside of the studio working on writing parts and working through new material. It’s a trustworthy kit allowing comfort with tracking and keeping time. It comes with a trusty groupie I can always count on, my dog, an affenpinscher. She pretty much sits under the kit so she has her special pillow. She’s CRAZY!! ?
Do you use it live?
I definitely don’t use it live therefore you won’t hear it on any recordings but it has shaped the drum parts starting from the ground up.
Is there anything you dislike about it or would like to change?
Nothing I dislike, reads like the tin.
If the worst happened and it broke down, could you replace it?
If it broke, I’d buy a more up to date one with mesh heads – lets not jinx it! I need it!
Any honourable mentions of other items that didn’t make the top spot?
My 1982 sunburst Rickenbacker bass with Rickosound is my pride & joy. I purchased it in 1992 in Boston MA and it resides here with me in the UK. This one I’ll only pass down to a nephew… maybe…
Girls In Synthesis debut album ‘Now Here’s An Echo From Your Future’ will be released on August 28th via Harbinger Sound. Three singles have been released from the album ahead of its release, ‘Pressure’, ‘The Images Agree’ and ‘They’re Not Listening’.
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