LANEY SUPERGROUP MK1 REVERBERATION UNIT 2

An original 60s mk1 Laney Supergroup Spring Reverb. We don’t see these very often

It is in excellent cosmetic condition and great working order for a 40 year-old unit. The pots and sockets have all been cleaned and are working well, though it’s possible that some crackle may occur when the unit’s not been used for a while – should disappear with use.

It sounds fabulous: classic quality 60s spring reverb.

As it is an EU 240v model, it will require a step-up transformer for use in countries with 100-120v mains supplies, though it may be possible to tap the transformer for 120v.

Spring reverbs are a great ‘secret weapon’ to have in the studio arsenal – not just for the ‘boingy’ effect as used by dub and reggae pioneers such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, but also for adding that unmistakable classic shimmery vibe to electric guitars. It’s a sound that lends itself well to modern production: the perfect treatment for overly-sterile digital delays and reverbs and it can be heard all over today’s music. Whether it’s cutting-edge dubstep from Rusko, or a top pop mix engineer like Tom Elmhirst (who used vintage spring reverb all over the last Adele album), the sound of springs is everywhere right now (check Alabama Shakes’ album, Boys & Girls).

Of course it sounds great with guitars – but we’ve found it really shines as a studio effect with whatever you put through it: keys, synths, vocals, loops, beats… it has a character that is very had to replicate digitally and sounds great in the mix – almost plate-like (and of course you can always give it a little kick if things are getting too polite during the mix…).

Try using a little tape delay before sending to a spring reverb, or use a digital/plug-in reverb and send the wet output from that to the spring to add character.