How To Get The Rockabilly Sound - Slapback Delay - Reverb - Tremolo

How To Get The 'Rockabilly' Sound

I get a lot of people asking me on this channel what gear I use, and how to get the sound I use, I'm no expert, but In this video I will share what I think on the matter.

I have been playing in bands in this style for years and you can check some of the stuff out here:

X Ray Cat Trio :

Howlin' Ric & The Rocketeers:

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Intro / Example: (0:00​​)
Disclaimer / 3 kinds of effects: (0:22​)
RE20 / Space Echo : (2:19)
Other Delay Pedals: (6:49​)
Reverb: (10:04​)
Tremolo: (10:58​)
Support The DEATHRAYCAT: (12:27​)

#rockabilly​ #gretsch​​​ #learnguitar​​​​

[iancoward]

I never cared much about living to a good age, But havin finally bought my first Gretsch at the ripe old age of 56, Now I've found this Guy I am hoping that I live to to be 102... Just so I might stand a chance of being able to play like this... 👍🎶😎

[mralman]

Again, I don't even play the guitar, but I love just sitting in the dark watching these videos, ....makes me feel like I'm hangin' with a very cool friend!

[ShaneStoneOfficial]

Just bought a carbon copy for the delay tone yet ended up using it mostly as a slap back pedal because it sound phenomenal

[wittvonwitt]

Love this channel! Ive been a rockabilly guitarist for a while...and this is just a great channel. Wish I had it when I was 13 and just learning.

[vinceleone]

So fantastic to have somebody tell it like is.The most important thing you need is Rock and Roll Spirit.This man has it.Love it.Fabulous.

[Theweeze]

I travel down the “Rockabilly Highway” every day on the way to work. From Selmer Tennessee, to Corinth Mississippi… Which is just north of Tupelo.
I tuned into your channel just to find out about how to use my Boss DD-2 delay to get a decent slap back. This was a wonderful video, and made me really appreciate living on this particular patch of ground, here in the South!

[JohnnyRebKy]

So that’s the secret lol. I knew something was missing from my sound. I’ve always been a acoustic bluegrass kind of guy so not much experience with electrics. But I bought a American Telecaster recently and been playing around with it. I’ve played guitar for 25 years but never ventured into how electric guys achieve all those sounds. I’m learning 👍🏻😎. Thanks ! Cheers from the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky USA 🇺🇸

[LloydVilliger]

Thanks mate. Simple and not too costly. Very helpful!

[guyguyguyjean]

one of a kind!!i could watch this dude all day!!cheers!!

[johnw]

I bought a demo Keeley Memphis Sun pedal from Sweetwater and it's great but very lo-fi tone specific. Mostly I use an old 80's Ibanez analog delay. Thanks for another great video!

[modee]

Thanx Nico, i got me a Wasabi rock-a bye after your video.

[gringogreen]

Cool video! You are right on not having to buy a certain amp or guitar. I have been going to Rockabilly and Psychobilly shows for over 20 years, everyone plays all sorts of stuff. Even lets say a Fender amp and a Gretsch. I've seen players play all different models of Fender and Gretsch amps and guitars. But honestly I have seen all sorts of guitars and amps. Mainly Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Surf, its more HOW you play than WHAT you play.

I've played guitar for years and I have played out with Curse of The Pink Hearse with Ibanez Artcore guitars and a stock Vox VT30. It sounded great, not the end all tone but definitely better than expected. Since those shows I have played out (one with Curse and others around town) I have upgraded the speaker on the Vox and put my Gretschbuckers in my Ibanez AK 86 (it's in my pic and I did upgrade the guitar with a Ibanez Vintage vibrato and roller bridge).

A big influence on my approach to guitar was Boz Boorer from The Polecats and Morrissey and he was playing loads of guitars that were nonwhere near retro guitars. Like I said its how you play vs what you play. I will say that active pickup guitars are a bit harder to get a vintage tone.

If you look at the original Psychobilly bands they played all sorts of amps and guitars. For the amp you want a clean signal, so not a whole lot of Gain. If it has Reverb on it find that sweet spot. For guitar most Rockabilly players use both pickups, its something that Brian Setzer said in a 90s Guitar Player interview, mainly he is rocking both pickups on.

For the effects, everything he said was right. If you need a stop gap or are on a budget, the cheapo $30-50 mini pedals on Amazon could work. Keep in mind they will be digital and they are just copies so do not expect them to be as good as a Boss pedal or a boutique pedal. I dont think they will hold up if you play out a lot or tour. Overall you are better off and will spend less money if you buy what you want vs constantly upgrading.

[rgerwin.]

I got a donner delay on ebay for $27 delivered. An old school reverb from artist guitars for $79. Sounds great through my gretsch. You are so correct. One does not have to spend major $ to get a great sound.

[necrodogs]

Noice, man. For the record, the Surfy Bear isn't an emulation. It's a Fender 6G15 implemented with FET transistors instead of tubes and transformers. Well worth the money, especially the new version with the more vintage correct surfy pan spring tank 😎

[leonardcanter]

Good Demo ! Never paid attention to Roland outside my Roland Cube StreetEX Amp. Now I will look at the Space Echo. Thanks !! 😁🌴🎸

[sopasbluesman]

Hey! Thanks for the recommendations on Delay! I picked up a Se-20 used at G.C. Going to try to dial it in when I get it. May be asking

[ferrariboy]

Hey Nico. Just wanted to say here thank you so much for your channel! I play, and I’ve introduced your channel to my two young sons who picked up the guitar a couple of years ago. You are an inspiration to all that watch I’m sure with your clear and concise approach. Your content is unique and hits the spot for many who love these sounds, style and tones. Keep em’ coming. I wish you all the best. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[johnschutt]

You are right. "You don't need to spend alot of $ to sound good"
I run Schecter solid bodies, DV Mark amps and a Caline Delay.
The only thing I lack is the Bigsby.

[howardmaryon]

Something that I see discussed in the YouTube guitar channels is “pedal stacking”, putting your pedals together in a certain order for best effect. What order do you use? Delay-trem-reverb? There are 9 possible combinations, and I bet they all sound subtly different. Right at the beginning you played a brilliant improv, lots of really useful riffs in there to practice.

[michaelnicholls]

Mate you always give good info love your guitar playing learnt lots of tips your finger style playing is the best