"Today's featured setup spotlight": Seal, a self-proclaimed enthusiast of guitar pedals, unveils the hidden treasures of his pedalboard - chock-full of unexpected boutique stompboxes
In a recent interview, Seal opened up about his passion for blending analog effects with digital modelers, showcasing his impressive collection of boutique and specialized pedals on his "revised big board du jour."
The staples in Seal's setup are the Origin Effects' Cali76 Compact Deluxe (compressor) and Walrus Audio's Canvas Tuner. These essentials are joined by an impressive array of pedals that reflect his deep passion for guitar tone and gear craftsmanship.
Key pedals on his board include the Imperial All-Tube Preamp pedal by Tone King, which emulates vintage British rock, '60s black-panel, and '50s tweed amp tones in a pedal format. The Neunaber Audio Illumine Reverb, prized for its high-quality ambient sounds, offers 20 different reverbs, 50 presets, MIDI, and expression control.
Seal also uses the Eventide TriceraChorus, providing lush modulation effects, and the CopperSound Foxcatcher Overdrive and Boost pedals, adding classic overdrive and boost functionality. A standout pedal in his collection is the Bennett Custom Audio Lighthouse Amplitude Modulating Amplifier, a boutique modulation pedal Seal highly regards.
Seal emphasizes his preference for boutique and small builders, noting how each pedal requires time to explore its unique responses and find its sweet spots, effectively acting as artist interpretations of amp circuits. He has also expressed interest in integrating pedals from Browne Amplification soon, showing his ongoing commitment to boutique gear.
In addition to his pedalboard, Seal uses the Quad Cortex and Fender Tone Master Pro in his setup. The singer-songwriter, known for his crooning, has impressive guitar skills, as evidenced by the breakthrough hit Crazy he wrote after learning two basic chord shapes on a borrowed guitar.
Seal has recommended several pedals on social media, including the Neunaber Audio Illumine Reverb, Keeley Electronics HALO Andy Timmons Dual Echo, and Kingsley Minstrel V3 pedals. The Kingsley Minstrel V3 is a tube overdrive with a single 12AX7 tube running at high voltage and a "More" footswitch for higher-gain mode.
Interestingly, Seal prefers interacting with physical analogue pedals during the creative process rather than menu diving on modelers or multi-effects processors. This hands-on approach reflects his dedication to the art of music and his appreciation for the unique sound each pedal offers.
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- Seal's pedalboard showcases a Fender Tone Master Pro and a revised big board du jour.
- The Origin Effects' Cali76 Compact Deluxe and Walrus Audio's Canvas Tuner are essentials in Seal's pedal collection.
- The Imperial All-Tube Preamp pedal by Tone King is a key component of Seal's pedalboard.
- Neunaber Audio Illumine Reverb, Eventide TriceraChorus, CopperSound Foxcatcher Overdrive and Boost pedals, and Bennett Custom Audio Lighthouse Amplitude Modulating Amplifier are some of the pedals Seal uses.
- Seal is interested in integrating pedals from Browne Amplification into his setup.
- Seal emphasizes his preference for boutique and small builders when it comes to choosing his pedals.
- Seal prefers interacting with physical analogue pedals during the creative process.
- Seal has recommended several pedals on social media, such as the Neunaber Audio Illumine Reverb, Keeley Electronics HALO Andy Timmons Dual Echo, and Kingsley Minstrel V3 pedals.
- Seal, known for his impressive guitar skills, uses guitars from brands like Fender (Stratocaster, Telecaster) and Gibson (Les Paul), alongside various amps and gadgets, in his music and entertainment on social media.
