In terms of equipment I pretty much just use whatever is handy. But, I am particularly fond of one oddball old Gibson line called the RD Series. I picked up a new-off-the-rack ’77 Gibson RD Artist in 1980 and it has been my favorite guitar ever since. It has seen many modifications and repairs over the years. But it has been my companion all that time. I have other guitars and instruments that provide creative variety, and varied tonal color. But whenever I return to the RD it is like coming home.
Another frequent ingredient to my musical way of working is the technique of live looping. I have used it since the early ’80s (in one form or another) by using tape loops, analog and digital delay lines, and now software. There is something about repetition in music that I find compelling and useful. Others in the serious musical avant-garde have striven to avoid it (along with tonality). But it seems to be an essential element of rhythm, and rhythm is as organic and human as walking, breathing, or the sound of a beating heart.
I also love long sustaining tones and guitar feedback. I have been using a Heet Sounds Ebow since 1980 and a Maniac Music Model C acoustic sustainer since 1985. These are seldom out of my basic toolkit. Other pedals and FX come and go, but not the Ebow or the Sustainiac.
