ADA MP1 Preamp
This is the key to Vitos Sound in my opinion.
Well, this plus the sound of a GM series Steinberger which
is very distinct. The ADA MP1 is a preamp with 2 tube channels-
one clean and one dirty, as well as one solid state clean
channel. These aren't rare and they're actually pretty reasonably
priced second hand. Vito's studio settings were as follows...
Rhythm
[OD1- 4.0] [OD2- 5.5] [MAST- 7.5]
[BASS- 12] [MID- 6] [TREB- 6] [PRES- 12] [LOOP- OUT] [DEPTH-
20] [RATE- 0.5] [VOICING- DIST]
Lead
[OD1- 4.0] [OD2- 5.5] [MAST- 7.5]
[BASS- 12] [MID- 0] [TREB- 9] [PRES- 8] [LOOP- OUT] [DEPTH-
0] [RATE- 0.0] [VOICING- DIST]
For more info on the ADA MP1, check out our friends at ADADEPOT.com.
BBE 422A Sonic Maximizer
The BBE Sonic Maximizer is a nifty little
invention which isn't a "guitar" processor as
much as it is an overall sound processor. Here's how it
works: When a device such as a guitar and preamp create
a sound and push it through a power amp, the speakers usually
have a hard time actually reproducing the original sound
because of the shape of the cone and other physical characteristics
of speakers. What the BBE Sonic Maximizer does is manipulate
the sound signals so when they leave the speaker, the sound
wave is actually the way it's supposed to be, all sounds
arrive at your ear at the same time as opposed to different
frequencies arriving out of place. The 442a is a 2 channel
(stereo) version of the processor. They have changed a little
over time, but they've always sounded great, best described
as "high definition" for audio. The exact settings
Vito used are unknown to me, but there are only 2 knobs
per channel and it seems to sound good regardless of how
you set it.
Digitech DSP 256
The Digitech DSP 256 is the effects processor
used by Vito. This is a bit out of date as far as processors
go and from what I've been told they alter you tone a it,
but if you want to use what Vito used, you have to have
one. Vitos sound wasn't overly processed, a little reverb
should do.
Rocktron Hush IICX
The Rocktron Hush is a noise gate used
to squelch out static noise from an idle instrument. This
gate automatically engages and disengages when you start
and stop playing. The sensitivity is fully adjustable and
is a pretty easy device to use after you experiment a little
bit.
Carvin FET Series
The Carvin FET Series power amp is a piece
of equipment I know next to nothing about. Not only that,
but I haven't been able to locate any for sale either. I
do know it's one of the the power amps Vito used.
4x12 Marshall Cabs (1967)
Self explanatory, 4 12" Celestions,
what more could you want?
Steinberger M Series Guitars
To be more specific, the Steinberger GM2TA.
The GM2TA is designed with a Steinberger Blend composite
neck, a full size maple body, an EMG low impedance 85 bridge
pickup as well as an EMG neck position pickup, active EQ,
and Trans-Trem tremolo system. The neck/body combination
creates a very clear tight sound that's easily identified.
On top of that the Trans-Trem system allows for an entire
chord to raised or dropped while remaining in tune with
itself as well as being able to transpose tuning of the
guitar. Vito uses this feature for the song Little Fighter.
That's why every time you play tab for it they way it's
transcribed, it comes out a full step too low! Over all
the Steinberger M series guitar is a fabulous guitar, definitely
"state of the instrument."
ESP Custom Guitars
Vito had a few ESPs and his main ESPs were
Customs made for him. They were a copy of a Fender Strat
body with a DiMarzio HS-3 Single Coil pickup in the neck
position and a Seymour Duncan JB Humbucker in the bridge
position. They also had one volume knob and no tone knob,
Floyd Rose Tremolo and a copy of a 1962 Fender 22 fret Neck.
If you have any additional info on anything
listed here and would like to share, please send
it to us.
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