"Interviews with Ty Segall reveal his unconventional guitar approaches, such as modifying an SG, damaging a vintage Gibson, and his reverence for a 'nearing extinction' fuzz pedal."
In the world of indie rock, Ty Segall's latest album, 'Possession', has made quite a splash. Released via Drag City, the album showcases Segall's unique sound, marked by a deliberate toning-down of his guitar work, inspired by the "golden era of studio layering" and the late-'60s work of the Beach Boys and Love.
At the heart of 'Possession' is Segall's prized collection of gear. Among his most cherished possessions are a customised 1962 Gibson SG, fitted with late-'60s humbuckers, and a Les Paul studio guitar that he's used for close to 10 years. It's the former that takes centre stage on the album, while the Les Paul makes an appearance on just one track.
The switch from P-90 pickups to humbuckers in Segall's SG has given it a dirtier, higher-gain sound that's cleaner than his Les Paul but still retains that signature "nasty" edge. This change perfectly complements the album's overall tone.
In the studio, Segall's main amplifier is a modified 1972 Fender Quad Reverb, equipped with a Peavey power transformer. This unusual setup lends a distinct, slightly "fried" sound to the recordings on 'Possession'.
Several tracks on the album were inspired by quintessentially American stories. For instance, 'Alive' was inspired by the infamously cannibalistic Donner Party case, while 'Shoplifter' empathises with a character going through economic turmoil.
The harmony section in 'Another California Song' was created using a Univox Super-Fuzz pedal, one of Segall's three favourite pedals in his studio. Interestingly, the songs 'Hotel' and 'Buildings', driven by electric piano and bass, were not originally written on guitar.
Segall moved his home studio, Harmonizer, to a smaller location for the recording of 'Possession'. Despite the smaller size, he managed to maximise the sound for the album. The short ceilings in the new studio caused some harshness for drums but allowed for cool guitar sounds.
In live performances, Segall may electrify the sax lines on 'Shoplifter' due to difficulty in replicating them. It remains to be seen how these additions will enhance the already compelling sound of 'Possession'.
[1] Source: Interview with Ty Segall
In conclusion, Ty Segall's 'Possession' is a testament to his unique sound, crafted with his prized possessions - a customised 1962 Gibson SG, a Les Paul studio guitar, and a modified 1972 Fender Quad Reverb amp. The album's sound is characterised by the dirtier, higher-gain tone of the SG and the distinct, slightly "fried" sound of the amp.
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