Roger Mayer on Making Pedals For Hendrix, Beck & Page

In this September 1978 interview, British guitar effects wizard Roger Mayer discusses the guitar effects devices he created in the 1960s. The first to prominently feature them were Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who used his fuzz boxes while they were in the Yardbirds (as heard on “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. Check out his website, which comes right up when you search his name.

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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