Roger Mayer on Making Effects Pedals for Hendrix, Beck & Page (audio)
The Complete 1978 Interview
In this September 1978 interview, British guitar effects wizard Roger Mayer discusses his background and the guitar effects devices he created in the 1960s. The first guitarists to prominently feature his fuzz boxes were Big Jim Sullivan, Jimmy Page during his time as a studio musician, and Jeff Beck with the Yardbirds (“Heart Full of Soul”).
Then, in 1967, Roger met Jimi Hendrix and gave him his latest creation, the octave-producing Octavia heard on Jimi’s “Purple Haze” and “Fire.” As Roger describes, Hendrix invited him to attend recording sessions and to accompany him on part of an American tour. Jimi used his devices for the rest of his career.
During the ensuing years, Mayer’s effects devices helped shaped the tones of Ernie Isley with the Isley Brothers, Peter Frampton and Steve Marriott with Humble Pie, members of Bob Marley & The Wailers, and many others. Mayer is still producing effects pedals and studio electronics. For more details, check out his website: Roger Mayer Electronics.
Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 46-year-old master tape.
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Jas thank you so much for this very important interview. In particular Roger’s comments on the input of Eddie Kramer who has taken centre stage so often in the story of Jimi’s sound and production.