Johnny Marr – Modest Mouse / Smiths – Pedal Board

I woke up today realizing that today felt a bit different. Just then my kids jump on the bed carrying various packages wrapped with various pieces of wrapping paper, cards affixed. Yep. It’s my birthday. One year older. I guess I should always thank my lucky stars that I got this far and everything feels like it’s going according to plan, but getting older sucks. Every year it’s a toss up on how I feel about being one year closer to death. This year I thought it was going to be a rough year, but it’s not too bad (maybe because I bought a new guitar as *my* birthday present). Who knows.

One thing that is fun is to look back at is the musical foundation you’ve created. You know what I’m talking about right? Every year, you *hopefully* find new artists and grow musically, while your foundation grows. This foundation defines who you are musically. They’re your influences. Some major influences.. some minor, but they’re all important. Some of these bands (or albums) are direct connection to your past, to your relationships to your milestones, etc. I like reviewing those every once and awhile.

Yesterday, I was talking with a friend about effects (imagine that), and the subject of Johnny Marr came up. Now here is a solid influence for me back in the late 80s. We’re talking The Smiths folks. Love or hate ’em they made some pretty great music. The discussion was about “How Soon is Now?” off Meat Is Murder. A classic classic Smiths’ song for sure with a great sounding effected guitar riff. Then that song discussion morphed into how Johnny went to play with Modest Mouse. A totally different direction years later. I definitely admire that ability from a musician. So today, I thought I would showcase a pedal board from Johnny Marr (Modest Mouse) circa 2007. I’m not sure if Johnny is still with Modest Mouse (I don’t think so, let me know otherwise).

Here is the break down:

Menatone King of the Britains
SIB Mr Vibromatic
Diamond Compressor
Boss GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor
Boss FS-5L Latching Footswitch x2

I might try to track down his board that he used in the Smiths as well… but that will be down the road.

On a unrelated note, this is my 999th post on EffectsBay.com! I think to celebrate number 1000, I’ll announce a give away. Please stay tuned!