Gearbox - Bruce Davies

Gearbox

I have spent many years striving to be the best I possibly can be as a singer, guitarist, songwriter and entertainer. To help in these aims I have invested in what I believe are the most appropriate and best available tools of my trade. This is important to me as, on too many occasions, I have seen otherwise great performances spoiled by poor sound quality. I respect my audience and am too conscientious with my work to risk that.

Guitars

My main stage guitars are made by George Lowden Guitars Ltd., Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.

My 2010 Lowden O22 is a Jumbo sized, six string instrument with which blends the warmth given by its solid Cedar top with the clarity produced by the solid Mahogany back and sides. It is very much a "Fingerpicker's" guitar and Lowdens are generally regarded to be among the best acoustic "boutique" guitars in the world. Although I use this for amplified gigs, it really comes into its own in purely acoustic settings. Its volume and mellow sound that embraces, rather than hits you, garners compliments almost every time it's played in public.

My 2011 Lowden F32c is a "Small Jumbo" or "Grand Auditorium" sized, six string instrument with which blends the clarity and punch given by its solid Sitka Spruce top with the warmth produced by the solid Indian Rosewood back and sides. Again, it is very much a "Fingerpicker's" guitar and Lowdens are generally regarded to be among the best acoustic "boutique" guitars in the world. I had it specially customised to include a single saddle, rather than Lowden's normal two piece saddle, and Abalone rosette, instead of the standard wooden one. Although a beautiful acoustic guitar, I use this guitar primarily for my "plugged in" gigs.

My 1998 Lowden F10 is like a cross between my other six string guitars. It sounds best when played delicately, has a more focused sound than the O22 but a warmer sound than the F32c. It's used mainly at home and in "workshop" settings as it doesn't produce as much volume as the others.

My 2009 Lowden O32/12 is a Jumbo sized twelve string guitar. The brightness/clarity of the solid Sitka Spruce top is perfectly blended with the warmth of the solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides. Its huge sound at my gigs has been described as "an orchestra in a box".

When I play a venue for the first time, I usually take two of my six string guitars along and assess which suits the venue acoustics best at my sound check.

In addition, I occasionally use my wife's Taylor 812CE with Expression System, which I love. However, it's a bit small, physically and in sound for me, although, it records beautifully and responds perfectly to a light touch for lead playing and light picking. I used as the foundation guitar in my recording of "The Way You Look Tonight" and it sounds stunning.

Onboard electronics

My Lowden O22 is fitted with a Highlander under-saddle transducer which has been customised to work with the new LR Baggs Anthem SL system. In my opinion, this is the most realistic sounding system available, sounding remarkably smooth and natural.

My Lowden F32c is also fitted with the new LR Baggs Anthem SL system. In my opinion, this is the most realistic sounding system available, sounding remarkably smooth and natural.

My Lowden F10 is fitted with a Fishman Rare Earth Blend system. While I don't like the fact that the magnetic part of the pickup is visible, I cannot deny that the smooth, warm, natural sound is great and very practical in any given situation.

My Lowden O32/12 is fitted with the a Seymour Duncan Mag-Mic pickup. It's not one I like the look of as it's quite a large soundhole magnetic pickup but I have to admit, my twelve string has never sounded better when plugged in. As well as the magnetic component, it contains a microphione which is blended into the sound to make it sound very natural.

My wife's Taylor guitar is factory-fitted with the Taylor ES, which is the most user friendly system I've found for situations, such as festivals, where I have to rely on someone else for my sound. Sound engineers always rave about it!

I use Elixir Strings on all the guitars. Light gauge on the six strings and light on the twelve string, which is tuned to standard pitch.

Amplification

My main system is the Bose PS1 Mark 2, which delivers a sound that is natural and appropriate in any part of a room. It works exceptionally well in everything from the most intimate setting to a hall seating 500-600.

In smaller situations (up to around 100 of an audience) I use a Bose L1 Compact. This is the "little brother" of the PS1 system and is very new, but already attracting great comments for sound fidelity. It’s much lighter and even easier to use than the PS1 but with fewer features.

I use the "industry standard" Shure SM58 microphones. I believe they are still the most adaptable, road-worthy mics available for vocals.

I mix voice and guitars with a Mackie 1402-VLZ3 Mixer. What can I say about it? It's a Mackie, enough said. Although it includes many onboard effects, I only use a slight amount of reverb (which I control with a foot-switch).

Equipment you're less likely to see

Occasionally on my recordings, I play the bass guitar, although the most use that I normally get out of my bass these days is in our Church Praise Band. I have a Yamaha BB 604, which I love. It's a low-mid priced instrument, which they no longer make, and a great example of Yamaha's value for money. I play it through an Ashdown Electric Blue 180 Bass Combo.

The first instrument I played was the Recorder. I have various Descant, Sopranino and treble recorders made by Dolmetsch and Aulos.

In the early 1980's, I was given (on extended loan) a John Grey and Sons Banjo. I have recorded with it and it has occasionally been seen at gigs, but I've heard too many banjo jokes to be interested in using it too often!

I use a very basic Casio keyboard for connecting to the computer for arranging/sequencing using Cubase.