This section of the web site is about the tools I use to make music and consists of three section; Guitars, Rack Gear and Pedals. While I play ‘traditional guitar’ as well, this page focuses on my extensive use of guitar effects, guitar synthesizer, and real-time looping.

I have released 4 solo CDs, 2 with my improvisational band Hazard Factor, and 4 with my ethereal duo, Future Perfect. I have also released and sold more than 110 hours of Sonic Grimoire and Collectives my solo one-of-a-kind recordings. Sound clips and ordering information about my various releases can be found here.

I came upon this approach to guitar after abandoning the traditional guitar/bass/drums setup with my old band. While working with a vocalist, I did not want to abandon the electric guitar and go acoustic, since we would blend in with the thousands of other acoustic duos out there. I also didn’t want to be strumming big open D, G, & A chords all night. I started with just an electric guitar, but since that sounded thin by itself, I added effects. Lots of reverb, delay and chorus allowed me occupy a pretty large sonic space, but I was still stuck with the 3 octaves of the guitar. That is when I added the guitar synthesizer.

I started getting into guitar synthesis after many attempts at playing keyboards. Guitar synthesis is not for everyone, but I really do love it. It helps me extend the range of the guitar and forces me to study how other instruments are played. It is wonderful for recording too, since I can have a lot more sounds available to me than standard guitar sounds.

After over a year with the guitar and guitar synthesizer, I got into the looping of sound.  I hate the idea of using sequencers or pre-recorded backing tapes of any kind, and looping is a way to have a lot going on, but all done live.

With all this stuff, I keep both hands and both feet busy. My hands are on the guitar, and my feet are usually connected to a sustain pedal and a volume pedal. Yes, I sit when I play (on a drum throne).

GUITARS

RACK GEAR

PEDALS

Actually, I think I got all this stuff because I like to sit in front of flashing lights- I really want a space ship.

I also maintain a list of guitar students. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, send me an email.

Need custom music for a wedding, digital photo album, commercial, movie, or special event? Email me!

Current performances, solo and with my band, can be found here.

You can buy CDs that have me on 'em here. Come on, I gotta pay for this stuff somehow.

Read all about it in Dave's blog here.