The Legacy of Randy Rhoads: The Custom Practice Pedalboard That Captivated Ozzy Osbourne
In late 1979, Ozzy Osbourne discovered a true talent in Randy Rhoads, who would soon become his iconic guitarist. Rhoads, a master of guitar techniques such as two-handed tapping and complex scale patterns, infused Osbourne’s early solo albums with the electrifying guitar work that defined the heavy metal sound of the early 1980s.
However, Rhoads’ relentless dedication to practice often tested Osbourne’s patience.The former Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away on July 22, found himself increasingly frustrated by rhoads’ late-night jam sessions during their tours.
A Custom Solution for a Unique Talent
As 1982 began, marking the final year of Rhoads’ life, he received a specially designed pedalboard aimed at addressing this very issue. Crafted by Jon Graves and Domenic Turlace of Zeus Audio Systems in Alhambra, California, this pedalboard was tailored to Rhoads’ specifications and was intended exclusively for his practice sessions. The board was gifted to him on New Year’s Eve, 1981, just two months into the tour for Ozzy’s second solo album, Diary of a Madman.
Fans of Rhoads got a rare glimpse of this pedalboard in a photograph taken by Neil Zlozower, featured in the November 1982 tribute issue of Guitar Player. The image showcased Rhoads practicing on a sofa, surrounded by his beloved guitars: a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom, a Jackson Concorde, and a Karl Sandoval Custom Polka Dot Flying V, with the compact pedalboard visible at his feet.
Inside the Pedalboard: Features and Innovations
Just two months after the photograph was published,Graves and Turlace elaborated on the pedalboard’s features in the January 1983 issue of Guitar Player. Despite its small size, the pedalboard was equipped with a Boss Dr. Rhythm drum machine, three MXR pedals (including a 6-Band graphic equalizer, a Commande Time Delay, and a Micro Chorus), and a Zeus 8401 Mini Amp. This mini amp, painted red and roughly the size of a brick, included controls for preamp, volume, and tone, along with outputs for both preamp and external speakers. Additionally, a second amp with a 4.5-inch speaker was included for the drum machine.
To accommodate Ozzy’s need for peace and quiet, the pedalboard featured a unique addition known as the “Ozzy Jacks,” which allowed for separate signals from the guitar amp and rhythm machine to be mixed for headphone use, effectively silencing the main speaker. Turlace noted that this feature was added at Osbourne’s request to help maintain harmony during their tours.
Interestingly, Graves mentioned that Osbourne had also suggested a remote switch to turn off the pedalboard from a distance, as Rhoads often played late into the night. Although this feature was never implemented, it highlighted the humorous dynamic between the two musicians.
A One-of-a-Kind Creation
The pedalboard was ingeniously housed in an ABS plastic case repurposed from a Casio keyboard, which some might argue is its most impressive use. The lid of the case included both a battery pack and an AC adapter, with a design that ensured the battery would deactivate when the lid was closed. A gold-plated plaque adorned the board,reading “Custom made by Zeus audio Systems for Randy Rhoads,” complete with Rhoads’ distinctive logo.
In their response to inquiries about replicating the pedalboard,the creators made it clear that they had no intention of producing another one,stating,”Anyone wishing to duplicate the pedalboard will have to build one themselves.”
Tragically, Rhoads would not have the opportunity to fully utilize this custom creation. he lost his life in a plane crash on March 19, 1982, during a tour stop in leesburg, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire guitarists around the world.
