"Guitar enthusiasts question Ty Segall's unconventional choices: his customized SG, destroying a vintage Gibson, and his admiration for a near-extinct fuzz pedal"
In the world of indie rock, Ty Segall has made a name for himself with his unique sound and eclectic gear collection. His latest album, Possession, is no exception.
Recorded in his downsized home studio, Harmonizer, Possession is a testament to Segall's ability to create a balanced sound mix, despite the room's short ceilings. The album was inspired by the "golden era of studio layering" and the late-'60s work of the Beach Boys and Love.
One of Segall's most prized possessions in his gear haul is a customized Gibson SG from 1962. This guitar, modified with late-'60s humbuckers, replacing the original P-90s, is a central element on Possession, providing a distinctive sound Segall describes as "dirtier" but also "cleaner" than his Les Paul. Another important piece of equipment is his 1966 Gibson Les Paul, which, although not featured heavily on Possession, has been his main studio guitar for nearly a decade and appears on one song[1].
Segall's guitar amp, a '72 Fender Quad Reverb, is a Frankenstein with a Peavey power transformer, making it weird and extra fried-sounding. This amp has been a consistent part of his setup for over 13 years[1]. While these are his primary gears discussed in relation to Possession, there is no mention of specific pedals or other instruments featured on the album in the provided information.
Possession is one of Segall's most purposefully toned-down guitar albums. The song Shoplifter, for instance, might have simplified horn arrangements in live performances. Another standout track, Another California Song, features gritty, vintage fuzz tones produced by a Univox Super-Fuzz pedal.
The album presents quintessentially American stories. Shoplifter empathizes with a character going through economic turmoil, while Alive was inspired by the infamously cannibalistic Donner Party case. The song Fantastic Tomb includes a line about someone's "last guitar just breaking."
Interestingly, the majority of the songs on Possession were written on the piano, not guitar. The Big Day, Shining, Alive and The Shoplifter were all written on the guitar, however, providing a diverse range of sounds throughout the album.
Possession is out now via Drag City. Subscribing may offer savings.
[1] Source: Artist's website
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