Grant Wilson of Big Ear Pedals
Phase Out
If you had to narrow down your pedal collection to 5...which ones would make the cut?
I guess I would save the ones that are sentimental to me.. The Chicago Iron Octavian, because it was the first pedal Karen ever got for me. I would save my Klon, and I would save the Rat that that we based our WOODCUTTER on, I’d also save My Arion overdrive that was my first ever pedal. And I lost a friend last year, he was a pedal maker.. and I have an early pedal he made, too. I would save that.
Windfall
What unexpected piece of music gear has inspired you the most?
It’s weird, but a friend of mine got me an acoustic bass for my birthday several years ago, and it may be the instrument that gets picked up the most at our place. I’m a pedal nut, but I just play this thing unplugged on the couch and just make music with it. It’s really fun!
Pine Away
What piece of music gear do you wish you still had, and/or perhaps something you regret not buying when you had the opportunity?
I had a studio fire when I was younger. I lost a lot of gear, but the biggest loss was a custom color ’64 tele. It was the most beautiful guitar I’d ever seen or held, and it is now ashes in a field.
Wild Card
Is there one guitar that you favor or do you like to change it up?
I have quite a few guitars, but for the past several years I have had an infatuation with my PureSalem Guitars “La Flaca!” They’re made in Korea, but it is a ridiculously solid instrument. It out-plays my American guitars and just looks cool as hell! Bigsbys and Block Inlays are my jam!
Final Thoughts
Any shout outs, plugs, or random tidbits of advice?
I think the best advice I could give is “Don’t take advice from a guy that makes pedals for a living!” :P But seriously, thank you so much for asking us these questions! Thank you to the readers that made it this far. We really appreciate you!
