Peter Buck, the iconic guitarist from R.E.M., crafted a distinctive and influential sound that became synonymous with alternative rock. For guitar enthusiasts and R.E.M. fans alike, understanding the equipment Peter Buck used is key to appreciating his unique style. This exploration delves into the guitars, strings, amplifiers, and effects that shaped his sound, offering insights for those looking to emulate or simply understand the sonic landscape of R.E.M.
Guitars: The Rickenbacker and Telecaster Foundation
Buck’s guitar arsenal is centered around two primary instruments: the Rickenbacker and the Telecaster. His favored Rickenbacker is the 360 model, a semi-hollow body guitar known for its jangly and bright tones, which became a hallmark of R.E.M.’s early sound. He also utilizes the Rickenbacker 330, another hollow-body, for rhythm work and heavier rock sounds. Complementing the Rickenbackers is a custom black Telecaster, and a Fender Telecaster Thinline with an f-hole, adding a different sonic texture to his palette. Beyond these staples, Buck has also been known to employ a Guild electric-acoustic and a Rickenbacker 360 twelve-string, expanding his sonic possibilities in the studio.
Strings and Picks: Heavy Gauge for Resonant Tone
Peter Buck’s preference for heavy gauge strings is a crucial element in achieving his resonant guitar tone. He famously uses Dean Markley strings, opting for a custom set starting with a .013 gauge for the high E string and going up to a .056 for the low E. This heavier gauge, as Buck himself notes, contributes to a more resonant and acoustic-like tone. Coupled with high action on his guitars, these strings are essential to his signature sound. For picks, Buck is known to use red Dunlop nylon .73 mm picks, and has also been seen using yellow picks of unknown thickness. This choice of thicker picks likely further contributes to the robust and defined attack heard in his playing.
Amplifiers: Fender and Mesa Boogie Power
In terms of amplification, Peter Buck’s setup includes both classic and powerful choices. For studio recordings, he often relies on a Fender Twin Reverb, a legendary amplifier known for its clean and bright sound, providing a perfect platform for his Rickenbacker’s inherent chime. Live performances, however, call for more power and projection. For stage use, Buck employs a Simul-Class Mesa Boogie amplifier paired with a Sa/Boo 4×12” speaker cabinet. This combination delivers the necessary volume and punch for live settings, while retaining clarity and definition. He also mentioned using a Marshall amp borrowed from producer Mitch Easter for heavier sounds, showcasing his adaptability to different sonic textures.
Dean Markley NickelSteel Electric Guitar Strings, similar to Peter Buck’s preferred heavy gauge set.
Effects and Pedals: Subtle Textures and Enhancements
While not known for extensive use of effects, Peter Buck incorporates subtle sonic enhancements into his guitar sound. He has mentioned using an Ibanez UE400 multi-effects unit, although not consistently. Effects he does utilize include fuzz, notably heard on “Feeling Gravitys Pull,” and chorus, which he occasionally adds for a “ringy sound.” A compressor is also part of his toolkit, primarily used to create feedback and controlled noise when desired. Examining images of his pedalboard reveals a selection of pedals, likely including overdrive, delay, and possibly modulation effects, used to add depth and texture without overpowering the core guitar tone.
Conclusion: Crafting the R.E.M. Sound
Peter Buck’s guitar sound is a product of carefully selected equipment and a distinctive playing approach. From his signature Rickenbacker guitars and heavy gauge strings to his Fender and Mesa Boogie amplifiers, each element contributes to the unique sonic tapestry of R.E.M. His understated use of effects further emphasizes the core tone of his instruments and playing style, making his gear choices a fascinating study for guitarists and fans seeking to understand and appreciate the R.E.M. sound.
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