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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Recording Corner »

Permalink Reverb... where do it go?

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So when recording tracks, do you put reverb on the rhythm, on the lead melody, or on both? And by reverb, I mean drippy, surfy reverb tank reverb (I know everyone probably applies a little bit of various other reverbs to just about everything). If both, what is your ratio? More on the lead, rhythm, or equal on both? I'm interested in capturing a pretty traditional, vintage surf vibe. Which leads me to lean towards all electric guitar components being drenched in reverb.

Guitarist for Black Valley Moon & Down By Law

I tend to keep rhythm pretty dry when there's a drippy lead. Listen to Glen Campbell's rhythm playing on Dick Dale's Capitol albums. The Wedge, for instance. It's really dry and thin--just enough there to establish the chord and a little back beat.

Then again, some songs that are a bit more open can accommodate more reverb on the rhythm. Look at the Astronauts; three guitar tracks and one of them is that "plunk" track just splashing away.

I guess my answer is that it all depends on the song. I say experiment with different sounds and see what you like. Variety is good!

Good advice Redfeather. In this day and age of unlimited tracks, try it different ways. Split your guitar signals into 2 and run dry and wet. Then mix in as much or little as you want.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

After experimentation, I tend to record the rhythm and drip guitars with a thicker reverb then the melody guitar. Especially if the melody is a bit more complex. I find it helps define the lead guitar a bit more. This may be backwards to some, but in my style of recording I am really interested in the "texture" of things and tend to have many layers.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBossNovas/

https://thebossnovas.bandcamp.com/releases

It's all about contrast, isn't it. (or not).
You'd want contrast, wouldn't you? (expect for when you don't).

Contrast defines the extents of the texture. It can be many things - dry/wet, loud/quiet, low/high etc. As well as melodic, and emotional contr...
There's more to the situation than guitar tracks and their respective reverb levels.

Moving from a scattered message to a concentrated peak (or the opposite) is an age old tool to create drama. Atlantics were so good at that (So was Beethoven, and EDM).
Madeira, of course, master that. Pre-Ritual and Ritual are insane examples of dense/airy transitions.

Use hard panning. Or don't.
Sometimes, a poor, one-dimensional mix will carry the emotion better than a full rich harmonic one. I don't want my Dick Dale any other way.
I love witnessing courage in a mix. On some Astronauts recordings you can hear everything drop for a lead, that's nuts Shock

Last edited: Aug 19, 2017 14:34:28

The short answer is that it depends on the song.

Personally, I prefer reverb on everything in some fashion, even if it’s light for surf music. But, I think it’s better to change the reverb for each guitar track you do, whether it’s the dwell, tone, or both. The differences should help the reverb not stack up too much if you use it in all the tracks. That’s just my two cents.

Another thing that’s kinda cool is reverb on the rhythm and a shorter delay on the lead.

Good thread. Perspective is important. You need to listen as the unfamiliar listener rather than with the ears of the guy who's been with that song since it was in diapers. Put it away for a couple of weeks and then listen.

mj
bent playing for benter results
Do not attempt to adjust your TV set.
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Cool

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