Joe Perry and his Aerosmith peers recently went into the studio with Yungblud to lay down their newly released EP – and it turns out the electric guitar hero ended up relying on an affordable pedal amp for most of his parts.
Aerosmith and Yungblud’s collaborative EP, One More Time, was released off the back of the pair’s headline-making VMAs ceremony Ozzy Osbourne tribute. It drew plaudits from some, and derision from others – Justin and Dan Hawkins included.
One More Time was pieced together over a number of sessions across four or five separate studios, but one mainstay of Perry’s recording rig, which ended up displacing his Marshall stacks and Fender combos in some cases, was an Orange Terror Stamp – a humble pedal amp that costs just $219.
“Another thing that I used was called the Terror Stamp by Orange,” Perry explains. “It’s like a solid-state power amp, and it’s the size of a big foot pedal that you can put through a 10 or 12-inch speaker.
“I’ve been using it in my studio to practice, and I get all kinds of great sounds out of it, no matter what I plug into it. So, I ended up doing almost all of the guitars on those songs with that setup.”
There were exceptions to that, naturally, and while in a studio owned by a big-name Hollywood actor, Perry did dabble with an old Supro. Still, the Terror Stamp seemed to stand out above the rest.
Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD – My Only Angel (Official Visualizer) – YouTube
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“We were working at Johnny Depp’s studio, where I had a really nice old Supro, but it was basically the Orange Terror because those things sound ******* great, you know?” he says.
It’s the latest ringing endorsement for affordable gear, and yet another reminder that you needn’t fork out big money for top-tier tones. Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, St. Vincent and Dolly Parton are just some of the artists who have played cheap guitar over the years.
Mike Rutherford of Genesis has also played Squier Bullet Strats onstage, and guitarists have even been known to play $40 Harley Bentons every night of a 113-date arena tour.
Elsewhere in his new interview with Guitar World, Perry recalled how Aerosmith’s surprising collaboration with Yungblud came about.
“it’s the size of a big foot pedal. I get all kinds of grate sounds out of it, no matter what I plug into it”: Joe Perry Used a $219 Pedal Amp to Record Most of the Guitars on Aerosmith’s New EP with Yungblud
The Compact Pedal Amp Revolutionizing Guitar Recording
When iconic Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry chose a compact, affordable $219 pedal amp to record most of the guitars on their collaboration EP with Yungblud, the music world took notice. This pedal amp, roughly the size of a large foot pedal, is making waves for delivering professional-grade tones without the bulk or price tag of traditional amps.
Guitarists seeking versatility, portability, and a broad palette of sounds will find this kind of pedal amp especially appealing. Perry’s endorsement highlights a shift in recording trends where artists favor efficient gear that packs a sonic punch.
Key Features and Specs of the $219 Pedal Amp
| Feature | Description | Player Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact,roughly the size of a big foot pedal | Highly portable and easy to integrate into pedalboards |
| Power Output | Typically between 5W to 20W,ideal for recording and small venues | Low volume for practice,yet rich tone for studio use |
| Sound Variety | Wide range of tones achievable-clean,overdrive,distortion | Adaptability with different guitars and effects |
| Connectivity | FX loop,direct out,headphone jack | Enhanced recording options,silent practice |
| Price point | Affordable $219 price tag | Accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike |
Why Joe Perry’s Choice Matters to Guitarists
joe Perry’s decision to record most of the guitar parts on Aerosmith’s latest EP with Yungblud using this specific pedal amp shines a light on the evolving landscape of guitar gear in professional recording. Here are a few reasons why his choice is significant:
- Proof of Sound Quality: If a rock legend uses this amp, it clearly delivers the high-quality tones required for major studio recordings.
- Democratization of Gear: Affordable pricing without compromising tone means emerging artists can now access gear capable of professional sound.
- Simplifying the Setup: Compact size means less gear, quicker setups, and more focus on creativity rather than technical hassle.
- Versatility: Perry notes he “gets all kinds of great sounds no matter what I plug into it,” emphasizing its adaptable nature with different guitars and pedals.
Firsthand experience: Joe Perry on the Pedal amp
In interviews, Joe Perry described the pedal amp’s form factor as being “the size of a big foot pedal.” Despite its compact size, he emphasized the amp’s remarkable tonal versatility, stating:
“I get all kinds of great sounds out of it, no matter what I plug into it.”
This ability to produce diverse sounds allows Perry to seamlessly blend his signature blues-rock style with modern influences, particularly on the collaborative tracks with Yungblud.Whether producing crunchy rhythms,silky cleans,or gritty leads,the pedal amp handles everything with clarity and character.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Guitarists Considering a Pedal Amp
Benefits
- Portability: Easily fits on pedalboards or in a gig bag, perfect for traveling musicians.
- Cost-Effective: Professional-quality tone without breaking the bank.
- Versatility: Works well with multiple guitar types (electric, semi-hollow, etc.) and pedals.
- Recording-Friendly: Direct outputs enable easy integration with studio interfaces and recording rigs.
Practical Tips
- Experiment with Guitars: Try different guitars plugged into the amp - the tonal textures vary significantly.
- Use with Effects: Electric pedals for distortion, modulation, and delay can complement the pedal amp’s base tones wonderfully.
- Optimize Power Settings: Adjust wattage or volume controls to find the sweet spot for recording or practice.
- Record Directly: Use the direct box or line out for clean, isolated guitar tracks while preserving amp character.
Case Study: Recording Aerosmith’s New EP with Yungblud
The collaboration between Aerosmith and Yungblud brought new sonic elements and youthful energy. Joe Perry’s usage of the $219 pedal amp was integral to capturing the fresh, dynamic guitar sounds on the record. Here’s a snapshot of how the amp contributed:
| Recording Aspect | Pedal Amp Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Guitar Tones | Granular control of gain and tone controls on the pedal amp | Clear, expressive leads with a vintage edge |
| Rhythm Guitar Parts | Rich overdrive settings with consistent midrange warmth | Full-bodied, powerful rhythm tracks that cut through mixes |
| Recording Setup | Direct output into audio interface with minimal mic setup | Efficient and consistent capturing of guitar tones |
Choosing Your Own Pedal Amp: What to look For
If Joe perry’s experience inspires you to try a compact pedal amp for your own recordings or gigs, consider these critical factors:
- Sound Quality: Listen for clarity across clean and overdriven channels.
- Build Quality: Durable metal chassis and reliable controls ensure long-term use.
- Features: FX loop, headphone jack, and direct out increase versatility.
- Price Range: Aim for the sweet spot between budget and features – around $200 to $300 is ideal.
- Reviews & Endorsements: Look at endorsements from professionals for real-world credibility.
Summary table: What Makes a Pedal Amp Ideal for Professional Use
| Factor | Why It Matters | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| tonal Range | Versatility for different music styles and setups | 3+ distinct voicings (clean, crunch, distortion) |
| Output Options | Easy recording and stage integration | Line out and headphone jack |
| Portability | Convenience for gigging and travel | Foot pedal size or smaller |
| Power | Enough wattage for practice and recording | 10W or more recommended |
| Price | Balance between budget and features | $200-$300 sweet spot |
Final Thoughts on Joe Perry’s Pedal Amp Choice
Joe Perry’s use of a small, affordable pedal amp for a major Aerosmith recording project redefines expectations for guitar gear in professional music production. This approach proves that size and price don’t necessarily limit quality – and compact amp technology has reached a level where it genuinely empowers artists in their creative process.
For guitarists interested in replicating Perry’s success,investing in a similar pedal amp could open doors to diverse tones,portable setups,and studio-quality results. The $219 pedal amp isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway to sonic exploration and expression, as evidenced by one of rock’s greatest guitarists.
