STEVE’S GO-TO GEAR

“I’m playing acoustic guitar, mostly, so I have my two Martin models: the 000-18 and the D-28. I use a [Radial Engineering] Tone Bone, which is a preamp and a DI, and so I can run a line into my effects and then run a line direct into a PA. “In my effects, I have an Xotic EP clean boost and a compressor, the 2026 from Bondi Effects in Australia. I use their Art Van Delay, too, which is modelled on the Boss DM-2. For reverb and echo I have [Strymon’s] El Capistan. Since I finally muscled up the money to get it, it’s been such a great pedal for me, very versatile – it gives me that tape echo I like. I also have this really great overdrive pedal called the [Sarno Music Solutions] Earth Drive; I think it’s based on the old vintage Tube Screamer, it’s just perfect for me. I use a the Real McCoy RMC wah pedal, too, my favourite over the years – and I have tried many! “Electric guitar-wise, I have a T-style that my friend Rick Kelly made. I ordered it, it took two years to make and now I have this beautiful guitar. I’ve also got a Jazzmaster – not a vintage one but a special edition from the Chicago Music Exchange – and it’s really beautiful from head to toe.”