Simon McBride: The Future of Deep Purple with Digital Innovation
Deep Purple stands as a legendary figure in the rock music scene,continuing to produce remarkable albums that resonate with fans. However,guitarist Simon McBride is not hesitant to usher the band into a new era by swapping conventional tube amplifiers for cutting-edge amp modelers in their latest work.
Joining the iconic band in 2022, the Irish guitarist took over from the esteemed Steve Morse, adding his name to a roster that includes rock legends like Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, and Joe Satriani, who briefly toured with the group.
Returning to Roots with a Modern Twist
with McBride on board, Deep Purple has revisited its blues rock origins. He describes their new album, SPLAT!, as akin to a “freight train,” marking a meaningful milestone as the first Deep Purple record to incorporate modelers into its sound.
“Steve [Morse] is an astonishing guitarist, but his style differs greatly from mine, which was a crucial factor for me in achieving that robust sound,” McBride shared with Guitarist. “While I own numerous amplifiers, I primarily rely on my live setup, which features the [Neural DSP] Quad Cortex.”
“I can already hear the outcry from Ritchie Blackmore enthusiasts, lamenting, ‘No! He’s using digital technology!’ But honestly, it’s fantastic,” he added, emphasizing the effectiveness of modern technology in enhancing their sound.
From Heavy Gear to Minimalist Setup
On his inaugural album with Deep purple, set to release in 2024, titled =1, McBride utilized Engl amplifiers to achieve the necesary powerful tone.However, just a year later, he streamlined his live rig to a Quad Cortex, complemented by a DigiTech Ricochet and a Formula B Vintage Vibe on his minimalist pedalboard, while retaining the Engl cabinets.
What prompted this shift in approach?
“I had to adapt my sound to complement Don Airey’s keyboard work, which includes the Hammond and Leslie, along with a Marshall head and cabinet,” McBride explained.”His sound occupies a similar frequency range to my guitar, so I needed to find a way to make my guitar stand out more.”
“I consulted with the team at Engl, who crafted Steve morse’s signature amp, and they provided me with an artist Edition head,” he continued, noting that he found Morse’s amplifiers overly complicated. “I requested modifications to enhance the lower mids and low-end power. I recognized that the Leslie and Hammond lacked that depth, allowing me to carve out my sonic space and deliver a powerful sound during our riffs.”
Embracing Digital Technology in Rock
While he doesn’t explicitly state it, it’s evident that McBride has integrated the essence of Engl into his Quad Cortex, a clever way to honor Deep Purple’s legacy while introducing fresh elements that allow him to navigate around Airey’s keyboard melodies seamlessly.
Though some fans may cling to traditional amplifier setups, the growing acceptance of digital tones, even by guitarists like Joe Bonamassa, underscores the legitimacy of modelers in the world of tone.
McBride also has a unique perspective on truss rod adjustments (yes, you read that right). Listening to SPLAT!, it seems he might be onto something significant.
for a deeper dive into McBride’s insights and more, grab a copy of Guitarist from Magazines Direct.
