Pedalboard Break Down of Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie has been one of those bands that I’ve struggled with.. and when I say struggle, I think I mean that in a good way. I personally like bands and especially albums that on initial listen.. you hate. After giving it a few listens you begin to appreciate it until, you eventually love it. Some bands have come to mind – Silkworm, Shellac, Pavement. I swear, every album I hated initially, but ended up loving them today. I think it because it stimulates you deeper than typical songs. Death Cab for Cutie affects me similarly. There are times when I hate that band, but then there are times, when the songs are soooo good they blow my mind. I haven’t necessarily cracked the code, but they definitely scratch an itch and I continually give ’em a listen.

Ben Gibbard vocals could be one of those love/hate components, but more often than not, I really dig his vocal style.. and appreciate his song writing.. for sure. That’s why when Premier Guitar pumped out another Rig Rundown on him, I perked up and wanted to learn more.

I was psyched to see Ben is playing Fender Mustangs. Over the last 4 to 5 years, I’ve been on a series offset guitar kick. Loving the Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Mustangs, etc. They definitely have a charm and quirkiness.. especially the vintage style guitars (without the modern *improvements*).

Ben has two pedalboards. One for guitar (electric and acoustic) and the other for vocals. Let’s break ’em down!

Guitar Board:

Signal Patch Pedal
ZVex Super Duper Hard On
ZVex Box of Rock
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG
MXR M-134 Stereo Chorus
Eventide Time Factor
Eventide Space Reverb
Boss TU-2 Tuner for Electric
Boss TU-2 Tuner for Acoustic
Radial J48 Active DI

Vox Board:

Unknown Black Pedal
ProCo Power Mute
Line6 DL4 Delay

If you can help identify the black pedal on the right side of the vocal board, please let me know. If you see anything incorrect, also let me know. What do you think of Death Cab for Cutie? Comment below!