Have Guitar Will Travel

187 - Mason Marangella (Vertex Effects) In episode 187 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist and owner and founder of Vertex Effects Mason Marangella. Tom Bukovac calls him “Sweet Mason”. In their conversation Mason tells us about his studio where he has a wealth of classic amplifiers, pedals, pedalboards and a crazy guitar collection with one of just about every type of guitar you would want and Mason tells us about where he gets stuff repaired when it’s beyond what he can repair himself. Mason discusses his company Vertex Effects and what he does: buffers, boosts pedalboards all used by the top session guitarists as well as performing guitarists. Mason also talks about his YouTube channel and podcast “Chairmen of the Board” where Mason and his contemporaries discuss pedals, pedalboards and their components. Mason tells us how he initially got his pedals in to the hands of the top Nashville players and how ...

186 - Norman Greenbaum In episode 186 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with Norman Greenbaum aka the “Spirit in the Sky” guy. In our conversation Norman tells us about living in Northern California and his general health. Norman describes growing up outside of Boston, Mass and how that town has treated him since his success and his love of going on the Moody Blues cruise as a cruiser. Norman tells us about of the re-release of the record and his plans for performing and he dispels the rumors that he’s a goat farmer. Norman tells us about his move from Boston to Hollywood and his first band “Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band” and how that turned into a solo record deal. Norman tells us about his gear including the telecaster with the fuzz box built in to it that created the iconic guitar tone that you hear on the song “Spirit In the Sky” and his search to recreate that guitar. Norman takes us through the produc...