Just a question re: the effects used by Rod Richards (Cox) lead guitarist on the original studio recording of Get Ready. I have always been curious as to how the echo type effect in the first notes of the intro, and the first note of the guitar solo were acomplished back then, with what you had to work with? Along with what other effects and gear he used. With todays electronics its no problem to duplicate. I have been a fan of this song, and Rare Earth for many years. Wanting to play guitar at an early age way back then, I couldnt afford one. But hearing that guitar solo in Get Ready was the iceing on the cake... I saved all my paper route money and bought a cheap electric git (the amp came later) and I havnt put it down since . (dont have that cheapy any more, I did up-grade over the years). I was 12 years old at the time, so do the math. Thanks guys, you were a true inspiration.
Jim, Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately Rod doesn't participate on this forum so I don't think he'll be answering your question. However, we have a very knowledgeable membership including a number of musicians and one of them may be able to shed some light on the subject.
Thanks for the reply. I did not expect to hear from Rod, but was hopeing one of the orig band members or someone here may have the answer. That has (for some reason) been haunting me for years. I can dupe that effect in a studio with no problem. But I would really like to know how it was done originally.
The echo that you mentioned was most like an effects box called an "Echoplex". I can't be 100% certain but I've heard enough songs with echoplex used to recognize it. It also sounds like Rod used some sort of fuzz box at times too, as well as a wah wah pedal.
Mike, That may be, but I had an echoplex, and could not reproduce that exact sound. I always thought there must be more to it somehow. The fuzz, and wah I can here and dupe even with my old stuff. I'm using a vintage 69 Fender Jaguar to try to repro this in its original form, maybe its the guitar (but I doubt it, since In can repro the effect with modern stuff). I do it with a modified "Didgitech" TSR, and an old German (Klempt) tape echo.
Hi Jim, Pete Rivera and I stay in touch and he sent me the link to your question. I will give you the answer to your question on how the sound of my guitar effects on "Get Ready" were achieved but I'll have to get to it later this week. Right now I'm packing up all my gear to head into the recording studio where I will be recording five original songs I wrote recently that will be part of a new CD. As soon as I have the time I'll get back to you.
Great to see you on the forum and it's good to know you stay in contact with Peter. Your contribution towards putting Rare Earth on the map will never be forgotten here.
Hopefully you'll join Peter, Gil, Ray and Ralph by popping into the forum from time to time, even if only to keep us posted on your current projects.
Thank you for the reply, I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. Best of luck with your new material. And thanks to Peter for forwarding my request.
Rod, Welcome to the forum. Many of us are looking forward to your comments in regards to Jim's question. Thank you for contributing. I've read about Bitches Ghost and it sounds like you have a very tight outfit. If I ever make it down to Panama I'd love to catch a gig. Please keep us posted on your ongoing CD project. It would be great to have a follow up to the Road LP.
To Jim, Dave, Richard & Jocko, Thank you all for your kind words. I love to talk & communicate so this forum could be a lot of fun for me. I have much to discuss with all of you but for now I'll address Jim's question. I did use an Echoplex on "Get Ready", but many of the effects I was able to get with it were due to the way I had it wired. I had it set up so that when I stepped on the "on button" I could get a variety of sounds by using the volume control on my guitar at that moment. After it was on for a few seconds it was just a regular Echoplex. But by using my foot to turn it on & off as many times as I wanted in conjunction with how I used my volume control, I could get many different effects. Although I never used it after I left "Rare Earth" I still have it. Maybe I should dust it off and see if it still works, it could be interesting. I'll write more on what I'm doing now next time.
Rod, Thanks a million for the reply. Stupid me never thought of using the volume control in conjunction with the foot switch, (but i was only 13). You should certainly dust that thing off, and put it back in service. You dont hear effects like that anymore. Like I said, I could repro that effect with the modern stuff but it just didnt sound the same. (to mechanical) . If I remember correctly you did that playing a "Guild" guitar? I was doing it on a fender Jaguar (69). And to repeat myself, your the reason I blew all my paper route money on an electric guitar..LOL (but it was well worth it). All my best to you and yours. And thanks to all who had input on this thread... Rod, dont be a stranger, and keep us posted as to your latest work.
Hi to all, Ralph, sincere regards to you. Yes, it has been a long time. I hope you are well. Jim, the "Guild " guitar I used on "Get Ready" etc. is a 1968 Starfire. I still have it and am using it right now. Of all the guitars I have ever played it is my favorite, to me nothing sounds better. My back-up guitar is a 30 year old Les Paul Custom and becuse most people aren't as familiar with Guild products, they get an amusing look on their face when I tell them the Les Paul is my back-up axe. Just to let everyone know, I parted company with "Bitches Ghost". The talent pool here in Panama isn't very big and most of those guys had never been in a band before. I had some fun with the half dozen live gigs we did but I couldn't get the commitment from them that is necessary for any success. I am now rehearsing with a great drummer and bass player that are consummate professionals and I'm eagerly looking forward to Monday when we start recording.
It appears the chain on this discussion has stopped for some reason. For the first time in quite a while I have the opportunity to post something on the forum. My new CD is finally out and I'm currently getting my web site restored and updated. If anyone wants to check it out just use my old address, www.rodrichards.com
Ivan here. For what it's worth, I'd LOVE to find an old Guild to use for certain tones.. I've played a few of the old Guild electrics {Not sure which models} and they have a sound like no other.. Nice guitars and I think they've been largely over looked..
Best of luck with the new Music! Living in Panama sounds interesting.
It also sounds like Rod used some sort of fuzz box at times too, as well as a wah wah pedal. 
