Werchter 1981 HD VIDEO - CLEAR STEREO!!!

[Brunno Nunes]

Some considerations about the sound of that time

Throughout the On Location tour, Mark's equipment was: two Music Man HD 130s, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets

A big change came on the LOG tour 82/83, when he started using: Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets with Electro Voice speakers, we noticed the big difference in how Schecter sounds between the two tours 80/81 and 82/83, he found the ideal sound for Schecter through Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12, this is evident in the bootlegs, the tone of the guitars on Alchemy is much more defined and present than what is found on Dortmund 80 or Werchter 81, especially the 1980 shows. When Mark originally acquired a Schecter it had three original Schecter F500T pick ups, which later, in 1981, they were replaced by Seymour Duncan
Old (SSL1?) and later with Seymour Duncan Alnico Pros, this change was a quantum leap in the sound, it still has its distinct beauty in 81 with the presence of the two Music Man HD 130, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets, but, definitely, in 1982 things were on another level.

[Knut]

The 1980-81 guitar tone is that one thing I will never understand. Surely, he can't have been happy with it? I love the energy, especially in 1980, but I wish the guitar had more punch and bite. Personally, I find it very strange, as the guitar sound on the previous tour was very good IMO. The keys were also a bit... "weird" in the sense that they sound a bit thin in 1980-81 - on some songs (like ToL - compare with later versions if you like).

I should add that Romeo in 1980 was excellent.

[onceupon84]

[onceupon84]

[onceupon84]

[Barrow boy]

Some considerations about the sound of that time

Throughout the On Location tour, Mark's equipment was: two Music Man HD 130s, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets

A big change came on the LOG tour 82/83, when he started using: Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets with Electro Voice speakers, we noticed the big difference in how Schecter sounds between the two tours 80/81 and 82/83, he found the ideal sound for Schecter through Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12, this is evident in the bootlegs, the tone of the guitars on Alchemy is much more defined and present than what is found on Dortmund 80 or Werchter 81, especially the 1980 shows. When Mark originally acquired a Schecter it had three original Schecter F500T pick ups, which later, in 1981, they were replaced by Seymour Duncan
Old (SSL1?) and later with Seymour Duncan Alnico Pros, this change was a quantum leap in the sound, it still has its distinct beauty in 81 with the presence of the two Music Man HD 130, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets, but, definitely, in 1982 things were on another level.

Surely it must be something related to the amps or the way things where wired during the OL tour, new wireless systems... because the dream machine schecter used in ToL and TR remained the same with his F500T pickups

[Brunno Nunes]

Some considerations about the sound of that time

Throughout the On Location tour, Mark's equipment was: two Music Man HD 130s, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets

A big change came on the LOG tour 82/83, when he started using: Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets with Electro Voice speakers, we noticed the big difference in how Schecter sounds between the two tours 80/81 and 82/83, he found the ideal sound for Schecter through Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12, this is evident in the bootlegs, the tone of the guitars on Alchemy is much more defined and present than what is found on Dortmund 80 or Werchter 81, especially the 1980 shows. When Mark originally acquired a Schecter it had three original Schecter F500T pick ups, which later, in 1981, they were replaced by Seymour Duncan
Old (SSL1?) and later with Seymour Duncan Alnico Pros, this change was a quantum leap in the sound, it still has its distinct beauty in 81 with the presence of the two Music Man HD 130, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets, but, definitely, in 1982 things were on another level.

Surely it must be something related to the amps or the way things where wired during the OL tour, new wireless systems... because the dream machine schecter used in ToL and TR remained the same with his F500T pickups

It is clear to me that the reason is linked to the wireless Wi-Fi transmitters used on this tour, along with what I mentioned, the combination of Schecter and Musicman, and we have this result. Most likely, during the LOG tour, they acquired wireless Wi-Fi transmitters with better quality. It is curious that in September 1979 the band adopted this wireless equipment and it still worked very well with the Fenders and Musicman, although it made the sound thinner. The show at Rainbow 79 is a great example. Compare it with the sound of Rockpalast 79 or Chorus 78 when the band still used spiral cables. That creamy and warm tone is the sound I like most from MK's guitar, and this lasted until July 1979.

[JF]

Some considerations about the sound of that time

Throughout the On Location tour, Mark's equipment was: two Music Man HD 130s, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets

A big change came on the LOG tour 82/83, when he started using: Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets with Electro Voice speakers, we noticed the big difference in how Schecter sounds between the two tours 80/81 and 82/83, he found the ideal sound for Schecter through Mesa Boogie heads with Marshall 4 x 12, this is evident in the bootlegs, the tone of the guitars on Alchemy is much more defined and present than what is found on Dortmund 80 or Werchter 81, especially the 1980 shows. When Mark originally acquired a Schecter it had three original Schecter F500T pick ups, which later, in 1981, they were replaced by Seymour Duncan
Old (SSL1?) and later with Seymour Duncan Alnico Pros, this change was a quantum leap in the sound, it still has its distinct beauty in 81 with the presence of the two Music Man HD 130, 2 x 12", 130 Watts, with Marshall 4 x 12" cabinets, but, definitely, in 1982 things were on another level.

Surely it must be something related to the amps or the way things where wired during the OL tour, new wireless systems... because the dream machine schecter used in ToL and TR remained the same with his F500T pickups

It is clear to me that the reason is linked to the wireless Wi-Fi transmitters used on this tour, along with what I mentioned, the combination of Schecter and Musicman, and we have this result. Most likely, during the LOG tour, they acquired wireless Wi-Fi transmitters with better quality. It is curious that in September 1979 the band adopted this wireless equipment and it still worked very well with the Fenders and Musicman, although it made the sound thinner. The show at Rainbow 79 is a great example. Compare it with the sound of Rockpalast 79 or Chorus 78 when the band still used spiral cables. That creamy and warm tone is the sound I like most from MK's guitar, and this lasted until July 1979.

I agree. I love the tone on Chorus 78

[herlock]

And the tone on "live at the BBC" is so angry! the end solo of Lions is so much more powerful than Rainbow 79, and subsequent 80/81 versions, which I love for the change of rhythm of the song, but not for the end solo, going nowhere...

[Brunno Nunes]

And the tone on "live at the BBC" is so angry! the end solo of Lions is so much more powerful than Rainbow 79, and subsequent 80/81 versions, which I love for the change of rhythm of the song, but not for the end solo, going nowhere...

Yes, it's true, I love that BBC sound, it's accurate because it was used for a short period, between May and August of 78, they used Fender with Marshall cabinets, which resulted in that more aggressive tone. We can see that same set in the video for SOS and Wild West End, recorded on June 12, 78.

I love the Lions arrangement on the On Location tour 80/81, I love that atmosphere, but the versions with the original line-up have a unique mystique and are my favorites.

[herlock]

Yeah, most find BBC quite primitive, but I love it, more agressive. Maybe the bass is too loud in the mix...

Six Blade Knife is so different, more energy, a good complement to the studio version.