Dave Schools
Widespread Panic (Modulus Q-6 basses, D’Addario strings)
widespreadpanic.com
facebook.com/widespreadpanic
reddit.com/r/widespreadpanic
IG: @widespreadpanichq
IG: @dashole
Hard Working Americans (Modulus Jazz, G&L L-2000, Epiphone Jack Casady basses, D’Addario, LaBella tape wound strings)
thehardworkingamericans.com
facebook.com/hardworkingamericans
IG: @hwamericans
How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place?
Probably since before the birth experience, but seriously, I discovered the piano and it’s pleasing sounds as soon as I was able to sit up in my mom’s lap. Then I wanted to play drums because of Keith Moon but I wasn’t four-way coordinated at the age of 5. So back to piano but I was told by my piano teacher in 2nd grade that I had no talent. Then I wanted to play bass because it seems bands were always looking for them. So 12 years old I guess. I started taking lessons and was asked by my teacher if I wouldn’t rather play the piano. First paying gig at age 15.
Who have been some of your major musical influences, past or present?
Jack Casady, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, Phil Lesh, Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Sly Stone, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, etc
ANY DRUMMER I CAN ACHIEVE A POCKET WITH!
What drew you to using pedals initially? Have you been using them throughout your playing career? How have pedals helped to shape your sound, or influence the style that you’ve created?
I always wanted to know how Roger Waters got that bouncy springy sound on the Pink Floyd tune, ONE OF THESE DAYS. That’s what got me started down the pedal road.
I have a real weakness for delay and echo pedals. I use them for all kinds of reasons (gentle analog repeats that warm up the tone of the upper register and give it some sustain, wobbly oil can weirdness, slapback, and even that classic Gilmore ping pong sound…not to mention the completely out of control runaway cascade/flying saucer attack).
John Bell gave me my first delay pedal: a Boss DM-2 (very pink). I buy every one I come across (not so much now that the Wazu Craft ones are available. But ask my tech Paul what feats of electronic engineering he has resorted to in order to keep mine in working order).
What’s your current setup look like? Take us through your pedal rig (feel free to include amps and instruments as well if you’d like):
Changing all the time but here are the most often used:
Panic: Micro PA with Lab Gruppen amp, Avalon Compressor, SVT Cab loaded with Tone Tubby Hemp Cones
One the Floor: Aguilar Filter Twin > MXR Bass Octave Deluxe > Boss DM-2 Delay.
One the amp top and run through a switching box: Catalinbread Adiniko Oil Can Delay, Strymon Flint, EQD The Depths, Catalinbread EchoRec, Caroline Kilobyte.
Some other opt-ins depending on vibe and set list: Death By Audio Interstellar Overdriver, Catalinbread SFT, Catalinbread Belle Epoch, Strymon El Capistan, a second Boss DM-2, Chase Bliss Wombtone, EHX Bassballs, Moog Mooger Fooger Low Pass Filter, TomKat Ripper Octave Fuzz.
HWA: Tone Tubby SVT style 8×10 cab, 1969 Ampeg SVT
One the floor: MXR Bass Octave Deluxe, T-Rex Reptile, 3 Leaf Audio Octavbre.
On the amp top: Caroline Kilobyte, Catalinbread Belle Epoch.
Favorite type of pedal (drive, delay, fuzz, etc. – more than one answer is always acceptable!):
Delay Delay Delay, Octave Divide, Chorus/Phase
I think the Catalinbread family of delays are some of the best and warmest and most user friendly pedals I’ve yet used. Also that SFT by Catalinbread is a truly “leave it on all the time” pedal. EchoRec!!!
You’re stranded on a desert island – which three (3) of the following do you want to have?
Instruments: My Fender Jazz 1961 (aka Butcher Block), 1997 Modulus Q-6 (aka Home Team), 1989 G&L L-2000 (aka Pot Leaf).
Amps: Tone Tubby 4×10 cab or Ampeg B-15
Pedals: Boss Dm-2, Catalinbread EchoRec, MXR Bass Octave Deluxe
What’s up next for you/your band(s)?
Panic celebrating 30 years of touring celebrating and continuing to celebrate. And tour. And celebrate…..
New Hard Working Americans album, REST IN CHAOS, released May 13. Touring heavily this year and into next.
The Klon hype: Love it or Hate it?
Don’t know, don’t care. Ask Neal Casal…he’s a pedal freak and I totally trust him.
Any last comments, promos or anything you’d like to talk about?
To quote the aforementioned Neal Casal: We live in the golden age of boutique pedals!
As a producer I really love seeing how a cool pedal can break a creative player out of their box and inspire their mojo in a whole new way.
Thanks so much to Dave for taking the time to answer some questions!
Make sure to go check out http://www.widespreadpanic.com/ and http://www.thehardworkingamericans.com/, cheers!
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