How To Get The Rockabilly Sound - Slapback Delay - Reverb - Tremolo

How To Get The 'Rockabilly' Sound
I get a lot of people asking me on this channel what gear I use, and how to get the sound I use, I'm no expert, but In this video I will share what I think on the matter.
I have been playing in bands in this style for years and you can check some of the stuff out here:
X Ray Cat Trio :
• X Ray Cat Trio - Death...
• Only One
Howlin' Ric & The Rocketeers:
/ @howlinrictherocketeer...
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Intro / Example: (0:00​​)
Disclaimer / 3 kinds of effects: (0:22​)
RE20 / Space Echo : (2:19)
Other Delay Pedals: (6:49​)
Reverb: (10:04​)
Tremolo: (10:58​)
Support The DEATHRAYCAT: (12:27​)
#rockabilly​ #gretsch​​​ #learnguitar​​​​

[@iancoward4492]

I never cared much about living to a good age, But havin finally bought my first Gretsch at the ripe old age of 56, Now I've found this Guy I am hoping that I live to to be 102... Just so I might stand a chance of being able to play like this... 👍🎶😎

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

You are too kind sir! Keep on rockin’ 🍻 🙏🏻

[@jtfritchie]

Man oh man! I hear you! I’m 57, just got my first Gretsch, and I feel the same!

[@rgerwin.3378]

Rock on.

[@leonardcanter4596]

Don’t think about age. I’ll be 81 on 9/20/23 and still working on the early Sun Records Rockabilly. Was great in 1955 and it’s still my go to music on my 1992 Gretsch G7594DCT White Falcon & 2022 Gretsch G6229TG Turquoise Sparkle Let. Keep the music alive ! Hope you make 102. My home loan won’t be paid off until I hit 109. 😁🌴🎸@@rgerwin.3378

[@11mralman]

Again, I don't even play the guitar, but I love just sitting in the dark watching these videos,....makes me feel like I'm hangin' with a very cool friend!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Aww thanks pal!

[@modee5698]

Thanx Nico, i got me a Wasabi rock-a bye after your video.

[@wittvonwitt4403]

Love this channel! Ive been a rockabilly guitarist for a while...and this is just a great channel. Wish I had it when I was 13 and just learning.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Witt!

[@sammyers4561]

I second that

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

Great music. Ton of info. Patient instruction. Good humor. What’s not to like? Definitely one of the best guitar channels on KZbin.

[@vinceleone3952]

So fantastic to have somebody tell it like is.The most important thing you need is Rock and Roll Spirit.This man has it.Love it.Fabulous.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Vince 🍻

[@Theweeze100]

I travel down the “Rockabilly Highway” every day on the way to work. From Selmer Tennessee, to Corinth Mississippi… Which is just north of Tupelo. I tuned into your channel just to find out about how to use my Boss DD-2 delay to get a decent slap back. This was a wonderful video, and made me really appreciate living on this particular patch of ground, here in the South!

[@guyguyguyjean]

one of a kind!!i could watch this dude all day!!cheers!!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot !

[@LloydVilliger]

Thanks mate. Simple and not too costly. Very helpful!

[@michaelnicholls3169]

Mate you always give good info love your guitar playing learnt lots of tips your finger style playing is the best

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks so much! Glad to be of service 🍻

[@johnw4659]

I bought a demo Keeley Memphis Sun pedal from Sweetwater and it's great but very lo-fi tone specific. Mostly I use an old 80's Ibanez analog delay. Thanks for another great video!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

So that’s the secret lol. I knew something was missing from my sound. I’ve always been a acoustic bluegrass kind of guy so not much experience with electrics. But I bought a American Telecaster recently and been playing around with it. I’ve played guitar for 25 years but never ventured into how electric guys achieve all those sounds. I’m learning 👍🏻😎. Thanks ! Cheers from the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky USA 🇺🇸

[@gazb2069]

Recently subscribed, loving this channel.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Gaz, welcome to the gang!

[@gringogreen4719]

Cool video! You are right on not having to buy a certain amp or guitar. I have been going to Rockabilly and Psychobilly shows for over 20 years, everyone plays all sorts of stuff. Even lets say a Fender amp and a Gretsch. I've seen players play all different models of Fender and Gretsch amps and guitars. But honestly I have seen all sorts of guitars and amps. Mainly Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Surf, its more HOW you play than WHAT you play. I've played guitar for years and I have played out with Curse of The Pink Hearse with Ibanez Artcore guitars and a stock Vox VT30. It sounded great, not the end all tone but definitely better than expected. Since those shows I have played out (one with Curse and others around town) I have upgraded the speaker on the Vox and put my Gretschbuckers in my Ibanez AK 86 (it's in my pic and I did upgrade the guitar with a Ibanez Vintage vibrato and roller bridge). A big influence on my approach to guitar was Boz Boorer from The Polecats and Morrissey and he was playing loads of guitars that were nonwhere near retro guitars. Like I said its how you play vs what you play. I will say that active pickup guitars are a bit harder to get a vintage tone. If you look at the original Psychobilly bands they played all sorts of amps and guitars. For the amp you want a clean signal, so not a whole lot of Gain. If it has Reverb on it find that sweet spot. For guitar most Rockabilly players use both pickups, its something that Brian Setzer said in a 90s Guitar Player interview, mainly he is rocking both pickups on. For the effects, everything he said was right. If you need a stop gap or are on a budget, the cheapo $30-50 mini pedals on Amazon could work. Keep in mind they will be digital and they are just copies so do not expect them to be as good as a Boss pedal or a boutique pedal. I dont think they will hold up if you play out a lot or tour. Overall you are better off and will spend less money if you buy what you want vs constantly upgrading.

[@muis22221]

Great video, thanks

[@sopasbluesman]

Hey! Thanks for the recommendations on Delay! I picked up a Se-20 used at G.C. Going to try to dial it in when I get it. May be asking you............

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

Just bought a carbon copy for the delay tone yet ended up using it mostly as a slap back pedal because it sound phenomenal

[@rgerwin.3378]

I love it thanks!

[@leonardcanter4596]

Good Demo ! Never paid attention to Roland outside my Roland Cube StreetEX Amp. Now I will look at the Space Echo. Thanks !! 😁🌴🎸

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

They make smaller updated versions now, thanks for watching !

[@rgerwin.3378]

I got a donner delay on ebay for $27 delivered. An old school reverb from artist guitars for $79. Sounds great through my gretsch. You are so correct. One does not have to spend major $ to get a great sound.

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

Another fantastic video

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers!

[@ferrariboy7296]

Hey Nico. Just wanted to say here thank you so much for your channel! I play, and I’ve introduced your channel to my two young sons who picked up the guitar a couple of years ago. You are an inspiration to all that watch I’m sure with your clear and concise approach. Your content is unique and hits the spot for many who love these sounds, style and tones. Keep em’ coming. I wish you all the best. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ferrariboy7296]

In writing I forgot the purpose of the comment 😊 … I see behind you a Gibson. Is that a cabinet only or a combo? I own a 1965 Gibson GA-19RVT which I love so much that my Mom and Dad picked up in 1975 but I don’t recognize that Gibson behind you in this video

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks so much for the kind words, it means a lot! The amp in the back is a Gibson Mercury ii cab and head! It has built in tremolo and a kick back stand. Thanks again and all the best to you and your family, cheers! 🍻

[@bobeschism9426]

Eyup Nico, stumbled on your channel while researching Gretsch 5410 before pulling the trigger on one. Got my Rat Rod yesterday and working my way through your vids. Excellent stuff my man! Thanks for everything you put out. Bob

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Bob! Glad your digging it and congratulations on the rat rod! Which finish did you go with?

[@bobeschism9426]

@@DEATHRAYCAT Phantom Metallic: imgur.com/a/Pu6kSOg What a beaut!

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant, just subbed

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Just been checking out your channel, looking forward to getting stuck into that! Cheers pal! Nico

[@5150show]

@@DEATHRAYCAT I would really love to interview you live on a show !!

[@johnschutt9088]

You are right. "You don't need to spend alot of $ to sound good" I run Schecter solid bodies, DV Mark amps and a Caline Delay. The only thing I lack is the Bigsby.

[@danpugatch]

I've played expensive gear and cheap gear I used to play in a band with a Telecaster with Bigsby added later by my friend through a 58 Bassman Reissue (70 watts and 2 10" speakers) and pedals that cost more than I'd tell my wife. These days I play alone at home on the cheap. Unfortunately my 100 year old house makes all pedals turn into hum machines so I opt for amps with effects built in. I play a Gretsch Streamliner through a Fender Champion 20 on the 65 Deluxe Reverb setting with slapback mainly and Spring Reverb or Tremolo based on the song. As fo cheap pedals I'd recommend: Danelectro Fab Delay and Behringer Ultra Tremolo both are under $30 new. Reverb? Always on and nothing beats Fender Amp built in.

[@subvertsounds]

Dialed in now, thanks again buddy!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers ! 🍻

[@ZPX945]

Really helpful and cool 😎

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you

[@jackhildebrecht2872]

Motivation….. thank you…..

[@necrodogs]

Noice, man. For the record, the Surfy Bear isn't an emulation. It's a Fender 6G15 implemented with FET transistors instead of tubes and transformers. Well worth the money, especially the new version with the more vintage correct surfy pan spring tank 😎

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Ah thank you for the information! They are something I’ve seen and heard a lot about but haven’t fully checked em out so I appreciate it 🍻

[@shockomega]

Thanks. I'm looking to write a bassline that uses slapback for that old school sound.

[@williamd1891]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the new Boss re-202. I was thinking about getting a Mystery Brain but the Boss sounds better (based on YT vids) and it has reverb.

[@lanceheaslewood4121]

Great stuff Nico, those dynas sound great, got a mystery brain arriving next week, Fender tre verb and a surfrider 3 for reverb and trem, just sold a JHS milkman which was brilliant.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I’d live to try a mystery brain, I wonder if it’s much different from the RE20? I heard good thinks about the milkman too! Thanks Lance !

[@lanceheaslewood4121]

@@DEATHRAYCAT my brother's got one and swears by it, it's based on the space echo so should sound good, it's arriving next week and costing an arm and a leg!

[@kevintaylor8055]

Grate video mate I too have the RE20 had it for years and won't change it till it breaks and wise words about you don't need to spend a shed loads of money there's some cracking cheep units out there well done mate

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers Kevin!

[@sandrabecht4489]

Vielen Dank👍🇩🇪

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Prost! 🍻

[@chuckcarner4500]

Just found your channel. diggin' it! Rockabilly upright bass player (And a semi-hack on guitar. lol) Have you checked out the Nocturne Mystery Brain pedal? It's like rockabilly in a box. Great vids. keep up the good work!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Chuck! I’m aware of the mystery brain but have never tried one… maybe one day! I wanna try the JR barnyard pedal by the same guy

[@howardmaryon]

Something that I see discussed in the KZbin guitar channels is “pedal stacking”, putting your pedals together in a certain order for best effect. What order do you use? Delay-trem-reverb? There are 9 possible combinations, and I bet they all sound subtly different. Right at the beginning you played a brilliant improv, lots of really useful riffs in there to practice.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Excellent question! Well normally the reverb is on the amp so there’s no choice but to have that last. There is a ‘suggested order’ of pedal placement depending on type which is generally a good rule to stick by. Time stuff like delay and tremolo normally go towards the end. I have overdrive, then delay then tremolo then amp reverb. The effects to change when you swap stuff around! Thanks Howard!

[@otis7773]

This "Time Space/Echo Delay" sounds really original old. And this "Wasabi" with the Distortion Optionen, wich sounds very good. 2 in 1 ... is exactlley what i need. Most time something missing. Cable, Adabter Batterie..

[@ChimneyCricket-jimney]

we look like twins... ive never seen anyone else so close. perhaps only brothers. but it would make for an interesting project... keep on rocking the free world thanks @&^$

[@otis7773]

Brian Setzer use an Echolette, with often dont work right. But he loves it. Oh, this i read in aninterview 20 or 30 years ago. But there are rare and expensive. Vibrato is also important. Like Link Wray plays a lot. Im older and got the luck to see them ALL from the 77th (the Clash, my first concert) on... 🤠 And they all dont use a lot of effects. (Only for themselve 😉)

[@markgrimm3564]

could ya share with us what pickups your using in your gretsch

[@brunobrnr]

hi,how do you set your Fender deluxe? tnx

[@AthelstanEngland]

7:12 "Guess Things happen That Way" very cool. Nice to see a demo on the RE-20 with someone that actually plays rockabilly.... did you paint the nose on that? I'm sure that's a face :)

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Yeah that was me being stupid many years ago and it’s still there

[@johnschutt9088]

I've been playing for 40 years and just figured out you need to drop the bass, up the mids and adjust treble accordingly for Rockabilly

[@kerryfromaj9032]

I was just messing around with delay and reverb this morning to spice guitar practice up a bit and this got posted. 👍 I have simplified all my effects considerably the last while. For someone learning guitar like me the tendency was to keep piling effects on top of effects until now less is better. Palm muting with quick slapback really changed my tone and effects for the better. I have a Princeton Reverb but decided to try and build a couple different reverb tanks, I’ll see how the builds go and see… Anyone else building or built their own reverb tanks?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s something I didn’t go into in this video, the techniques used in rockabilly playing… that’s a good shout. I’ve never made a spring reverb but I’ve heard it’s not so complicated!

[@theking-dn3sv]

Can you do surf ride to oblivion by demented 😎🤘🏽

[@Mitch-6-Strings]

Great video, be interested to know your views on the new BOSS RE-2 space pedal ?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you, I haven't tried one or researched much, but I'm sure it'll be great. Would love to try them all out in a shootout

[@Mitch-6-Strings]

@@DEATHRAYCAT would be amazing.

[@otis7773]

Hi. Greatings to Leeds from germany. Good to see. I've got to much pedals. And reallyspend a lot of time with this f..buttons. sounds funny but you dont have to remember that you play guitar and not a synthy.with a lot off effects everthing sounds good. Delay must have. And a Looper if you alone. So...thx ✌🏻

[@AdrianWhyte]

But Nico, you ARE an expert!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Adrian, if you say so!

[@dtaboso]

¿Do you have dynasonic pickups?

[@rockitMiC]

The fourth pedal being of course Fuzz!!! (And historically the first one!)

[@richardc2803]

Where do you find backing tracks?

[@sidneiprado9131]

🇧🇷 Coollll

[@1957kwick]

They didn't have those style of pedals back in the fifties did they?

[@antithesespistopheles8112]

What is that tune at 8:10, my good man?

[@julientrez9262]

Speaking of not expensive gear, have you ever tried a Harley Benton Bigtone Trem? I'm very broke but I'd love to get a guitar like that. I think that it could be a cool thing to upgrade step by step.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I’ve never tried one but I found this video quite informative. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2qxdqGEZ9CqfrM They are known for making good quality stuff but this guy seems to give an honest review

[@MizTori]

I’m still starting out. I just got a Jay Turser “Colonel” JT 140 that is a Gretsch Falcon Copy. I’ve promised myself that if I progress to a good enough level I’ll buy a Gretsch.

[@therockerfoo2339]

Do you use Flatwound strings? If so, what kind and gauge?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I have used them in the past, I mean to get some for one of my guitars, so I will be experimenting with guages and makes!

[@sector13studios]

Picked up a dirt cheap Chinese Blue Ocean delay to use with my DeVille. Not too bad and 35 bucks delivered to my door.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Nice! Enjoy! 🍻

[@Denilson.Carreiro]

Any suggestions for 50's vocal effect?

[@AthelstanEngland]

Try BIt of plate reverb and maybe slapback delay (120ms or thereabouts)... although back in the Sun days that was normally applied to the whole mix rather than just vocals. Be careful though, it's easy to stray from Elvis into Vic Reeves pub singer territory (look him up if you aren't from UK)!

[@Denilson.Carreiro]

@@AthelstanEngland Thank you my friend!

[@AthelstanEngland]

@@Denilson.Carreiro welcome.

[@chrish725]

Roland space echo = Boss RE 20 space echo = Nocturne Mystery Brain

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I would love to get my hands on a mystery brain one day! 🧠 ⚡️

[@chrish725]

@@DEATHRAYCAT I drooled and dreamed for a few years before I was gifted mine🤤

[@wolfmoon6931]

Got a RE 20, Nocturne Brain and Flint. I'm in heaven. 😉

[@chrish725]

@@wolfmoon6931 saweeet!!🤘

[@ethanjoyce2810]

THANKS SO FUCKIN MUCH

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Glad you dig!

[@olssong7941]

Is your name Johnny B. Goode? Because you sure can make playing guitar look as easy as ringing a bell

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Very kind sir, cheers ! 🍻

[@bradh6185]

I am having the hardest time trying to get the alternating bass line down.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Its not easy! But if you try do a little bit every day and most importantly, take it nice and slow, you will get there eventually!

[@bradh6185]

@@DEATHRAYCAT Thanks!

[@Firedancer100]

Ethereum 🎸

[@drnerd]

Bias among guitar KZbinrs, wash you mouth out! 😂😂😂

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Did you just call me a guitar KZbinr?! How dare you 😂

[@drnerd]

@@DEATHRAYCAT ha, fair point! How about gigging guitarist with a KZbin channel? 🤔

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I’ll take it ! 😺

[@johncarlo7395]

Quite a reasonable rockabilly player, but in my opinion only, to many echo repeats, 120 to 150 BPM slapback, definitely no repeats, a very short reverb, and you might sound a bit like Scotty.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you 🙏