One of the UK`s top product specialists, Taylor guitars clinician, Pete Smith took time out of his busy schedule to chat with Reverb about his influences, musical style and favourite equipment.
Tell me a bit about your musical background.
I started playing at around 13 or 14 and am entirely self taught, my first influences were country blues and ragtime players but I also loved the “English school” of folk guitarists. I discovered jazz in my late 20`s although along the way I`ve played just about every style, rock, folk, country, blues, funk, reggae, fusion etc. etc.
How would you describe your playing style?
That’s` a good question, It`s essentially “Finger style” but probably owing more to Joe Pass than Chet Atkins. A review in “Guitarist” once described me as playing ”thumb-picking-gypsy-bluegrass-jazz” .... whatever that means!
I regularly play at jazz, blues AND folk festivals and I play the same material at all three, the jazz audiences tell me they like the “folk tinge” whilst the folk audiences like the “jazz tinge”, it`s all very mixed up !!!
How did the connection with Taylor guitars come about?
As many will know, Doyle Dykes, Taylor`s world ambassador had a major health issue a while ago and although he was given the all clear he suffered a relapse while on tour over here. The duo I was in at the time was asked to open a show for him in case he didn`t make the gig, Bob Taylor saw the show and liked what we did and invited us to do the rest of the tour. After visiting the factory in California we started doing guitar clinics and shows for Sound Technology, who are the importers of Taylor guitars and although the duo didn`t endure my involvement has gone on from there.
My working title is UK Clinician / Product Specialist and as such I tour the UK regularly giving clinics and performances, I also train retail sales staff in the ethics and manufacturing procedures used by Taylor and I can usually be found on the Taylor / Sound Technology stands at all the major music shows.
What about Taylor's guitars appeals to you as a player?
I was drawn to them initially by their reputation, I`d been playing electric arch tops for a few years and didn`t in fact own a flat-top for quite a while, when I “rediscovered” acoustics I went out to try some and I was sold on Taylors the moment I picked one up. I loved not only the sound but the solidness of the build and comfort of the neck...and they just kind of “looked right” to me.
Which Taylor model do you use?
I have a customised presentation series (PS14CE) which I use for just about everything acoustic. The back and sides are made from Madagascan Rosewood and the top is Engelmann spruce, it has a short scale (24 7/8”), a custom headstock overlay and Goto 510 machine heads.
What amplification do you use?
I`ve used both AER and Fishman acoustic amps prior to using the L1.
...and effects units?
I like Digitech effects but I try not to use too much of anything, a little reverb and occasionally some sparse delay is about all I need. I have found the effects in the Bose ToneMatch to be really flexible and usefull and having scene memories to recall of the settings on the unit is great.
The Bose L1 is a unique product in terms of both concept and appearance. How has the L1 helped shape your sound and gigging experience?
I currently use a L1 model 2 with the T1 ToneMatch mixer/dsp engine and it has totally altered the way I play live, the clarity is just astounding. The lack of feedback and colouration of the L1 allows me play as I would acoustically which makes for a much better performance on stage. It`s also really quick to set up and break down and I love the portability for my solo gigs.
L1 units have started to pop up all over the place and often can cause curiosity from an audience. How do you think your audience has reacted to it? Have you had any comments about your sound?
Since using the L1 I`ve had more favourable comments about my guitar sound than I`ve ever had before, musician`s especially are knocked out by the sound I get, words like “airy” “wide open” “crystal clear” are often bandied about. I`ve had a few raised eyebrows from the “old school” when they see it but when they hear it they are immediately converted.
What projects are you working on now? ...and what gigs are coming up?
I`m currently recording a solo album which is taking much longer than I`d anticipated.
As for gigs, apart from my own festival and club gigs I`m looking forward to Music Live at the NEC and to my third year performing at the Acoustic Avalon show in November.
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