F.B.I. STEREO MIX Gary Taylor

[Spike]

Hi Everyone
There are a number of different recorded versions of FBI, including the original mono version released in UK (and some mock stereo versions based upon this), a true stereo release in USA on the Surfing with the Shadows LP (which apparently also appeared on the 2002 French Magic Records CD "The Final 60's"), and a recent stereo mix based upon the original EMI UK stereo master tape recently uncovered by Tony Hoffman and available on his 2008 instrumental compilation album “Instro Beat-28 British Instrumentals of the 60’s” and now available on the new 6 CD boxed set of their complete studio recordings 1959- 1966 titled “The Shadows-the Early Years Expanded Edition”.

There are also recordings or videos of the various live performances from the early 60’s( in which Hank used to start on the middle pickup and the switch to the bridge for the lower register of the main melody), but they are all in mono and generally not very good quality.

Of all of these, the USA mix is by far the most dynamic but unfortunately it doesn’t lend itself to removal of the lead guitar by the usual means due to the way it is mixed. However, the new UK stereo version, though duller sounding, is a more straightforward stereo mix that does allow the lead to be removed, although the huge reverb remains spread as it is across both tracks. So we have used that version for the backing and matched the lead to that version as well. If there is enough interest we could provide a A-B comparison. But don’t be surprised if it doesn’t match up with the original mono or USA stereo versions, they are quite different!

A satisfying aspect of this sound file is that it sounds just the same as it came out of the recording chain: guitar-TVS3-AC15 clone (normal channel)–SM57 mic, and we only had to apply a small amount of top cut, though we could probably have achieved the same result with more “top cut” on the amp.

Have a listen to the FBI excerpts attached and then visit the TVS site at the link below for our latest Stereo Mix version.

http://www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv27/tv ... /index.htm
Click on the Juke Box button and scroll to the last tune!

Cheers
Spike

[George Lewis]

Hi Spike,
Did get a bit lost in all the different versions, until listening proved once again the TVS team are 'tops".
Even Bruce would approve this "outake".

I bet even Hank asks Gary and Paul for tips on how to play his early stuff ...
Regards
George

[Spike]

Nice to hear from you George and your comments are accepted as wonderful

PS: Gary, Hank and Nunzio had a very successful tour in New Zealand with standing ovations at every concert and venues packed out and fully booked.
I'm sure Hank will one day do a Django version of Apache

Hope Wagga isnt as hot as Perth these days.

Cheers
Spike

[littlelinnie]

Hi Spike and Gary
Brilliant version of F B I
Perfection

Regards Lynn

[Spike]

Hi Lynn

Your comments are always appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to listen and compare!

Cheers
Spike

[fullerton62strat]

Hi Spike,

Very interesting sound! A fantastic job by Gary as usual - early 60s sound coming through...

John

[Spike]

Hi John

Thanks for your comments mate....yes it is very interesting.

Spike

[bazmusicman]

Hi Spike,

Has Hank changed his name to Gary?!
Will the real Hank please stand up!! Its getting difficult to know who's who!

Best regards,
Baz.

[Spike]

Hi Bazza

Let me explain....Gary has been spotted wearing dark rimmed glasses during recordings.
There is also the case of drinking Shiraz or Cab Sav depending on the age

PS: Nice to hear from you mate!


Spike

[bazmusicman]

Thanks Spike,

Dark rimmed glasses 'eh, I thought so! And drinking Shiraz and Cab Sav, is this the missing ingredients for 'that sound'?

I keep telling Derek he needs to get over there and see you, but he keeps stalling!

Best regards,
Baz.