Eric Gales: The Studio Interview
Video Summary
Eric Gales, the undeniable titan of tone, recently graced our hallowed halls, and it was a sonic revelation! Eric brought his full arsenal, offering a deep dive into the gear behind his unparalleled sound. At the core is his signature DV Mark "Raw Dog" amp – a beast engineered for a "fat and clean" sound that *refuses* to break up, even at earth-shattering volumes. This 250-watt hybrid marvel, combining tube preamps with a solid-state power section, delivers immense power and pristine clarity to dual 4-ohm 2x12 cabinets. Forget reverb; Eric’s always-on, quarter-note delay (a la Eric Johnson) provides his notes their signature decaying trail.
His pedalboard is a masterclass in purposeful sonic sculpting. The signal begins with a Shure wireless into a Jimmy Dunlap "Buddy Guy" wah, then a Boss Whammy for incredible, latency-free D-tune functionality – a game-changer for spontaneous key changes without "computer sound." For gain, he layers a Jimmy Dunlap "Raw Dog" (a souped-up Tube Screamer) with a PRS "Horsemeat" distortion for crunchy rhythm and solo boosts. His ultimate tonal weapon? The Mojo Hand "Colossus" fuzz or Allbrook Octavia, which, with his neck pickup and simple intervals, unleashes the "Darth Vader sound"—an impossibly deep, guttural roar. A Tech 21 delay and Kougu reverse delay complete his expansive palette.
Beyond the gear, Eric’s playing philosophy blends discipline and improvisation. His background in church music taught him to fill every sonic space, explaining his masterful chord melodies and percussive attack, a direct result of his drumming roots. He champions hybrid picking and fingerstyle, using "whatever it takes" to manifest the music he hears. This deep well of influences – from Albert King to Eric Johnson, jazz to shred – coupled with his unwavering commitment to his "DNA" solidifies Eric Gales as one of the most compelling voices in modern guitar. A true inspiration, and a pure shred machine!