Nick Tydeski

Cyrus

October 2010

Nick, can you start by telling about your guitars? I've seen you play both a Strat and a Les Paul. What do you see as the tonal benefits of one or the other?

The Les Paul I use is a 79 Custom, no mods, and the Strat is just a home made 70's style vintage, single coils. Well, I think both guitars have that classic sound you need to have when playing in band like Cyrus.  I tend to prefer the Les paul just because of the "low end" and the pickups just have great mid-range sound. But the Strat is great for getting that Blackmore, Trower sound! I use them both to get just the right sound.

Do you have a preference for Cyrus's music?

Cyrus's music is like the music I like to listen to. I'm just blessed to know musicians, and friends that help make it happen.  We feel every note, and I think you can hear it. I love this style of music! 

Do you think certain guitars sound better with certain amps, or are you able to get the sound you want no matter what you're playing?

Everyone has his own option on what sounds good. If you're a good musician, I feel you can make any guitar and amp combination sound good. Even some low end amps and guitars can have a great tone. 

Have you modified your guitars in any way?

My guitars are all stock vintage...The only way to go!

What amplifiers are you using these days? I've seen you with the Univox head (which sounded great!). Do you still play through that? What cabinets and speakers do you prefer, if any?

I haven't used the Univox in years! I really don't play through that anymore. For the past few years, I have been using a 1971 Fender Twin reverb. It has vintage RCA 6L6 tubes with original Eminence speakers. Also, I use a 67 2-12 bandmaster cabinet with original Jenson speakers. I like the power and the simplicity of the amp. It's just a classic tone.

Is there an amp sound you're chasing? If money were no object, what amp and cabinet set-up would you want?

Great question.Well at one point I had an early 70s Laney Klipp head that I got shipped in from England. I was running it through a late 70s Marshall cabinet with original 30 watts black-back speakers. That was the sound I was chasing! Haha.  But the damn amp kept breaking--not very reliable. So, I sold it to Karl Simon (The Gates Of Slumber) and I think he sold it because it always broke down, too. Great sounding amp!

I don't think I've seen you play with any effects pedals. It's such a great classic rock sound! Have you chosen the guitar-into-amp sound for a reason?

The only effects pedal I use is a Rat Deucetone. I rarely play without a distortion pedal. When I don't, it really depends on the amp.

Where do you think your guitar tone fits within the sound palette of Cyrus?

I didn't want the tone of the guitar to take way the power of the organ. The organ is the heart of the band. I'm just trying to keep that classic rare tone. 
 

Thanks, Nick, for chatting with me about your gear.

Cyrus's 2-song demo is available through Bland Hand Records. Everyone needs to hear this!