What gear was used on Tesseract’s “Altered State” album is a topic that has intrigued fans and musicians alike. This album, released in 1995, marked a significant milestone in the band’s career and showcased their evolution as a band. The gear used played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive sound that Tesseract is known for today.
The recording of “Altered State” took place at The Warehouse Studio in Cambridgeshire, England, under the guidance of producer Tim Palmer. The studio itself was well-equipped with state-of-the-art gear, which allowed the band to experiment with various sounds and techniques. One of the key pieces of gear used was the EMI TG12345 desk, a classic mixing console that has been used by numerous famous bands and producers.
Guitarist Jon Mitchell was at the forefront of the band’s sound, and he utilized a variety of high-quality guitars and amplifiers during the recording process. His main guitar of choice was a custom-built Fender Stratocaster, which he paired with a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. This combination provided a rich, warm tone that was perfect for the album’s intricate guitar work. In addition to his Strat, Mitchell also used a Gibson Les Paul and a custom-made guitar with a 7-string neck to explore the lower registers.
Drummer Patrick Juvet was another crucial component of the band’s sound, and he relied on a set of Yamaha drums. His kit featured a 22-inch bass drum, 16-inch floor tom, 14-inch mounted tom, and a 13-inch snare drum. The drums were tuned to produce a deep, resonant sound that complemented the album’s atmospheric and ambient elements.
The bass guitar was handled by Paul Congreave, who used a Fender Precision Bass. He paired this with a Mesa/Boogie bass amplifier to achieve a powerful and punchy tone. Congreave’s playing was pivotal in bringing the album’s bass lines to life, and his use of the Fender Precision and Mesa/Boogie combination helped to define the album’s distinctive bass sound.
The keyboards and synthesizers were another important aspect of the album’s sound, and Tesseract’s keyboardist, Russell Russell, played a crucial role in crafting the intricate melodies and textures. He used a combination of Moog synthesizers, including the Minimoog Model D and the Moog Voyager, as well as a Yamaha CS-80. These instruments provided a wide range of sounds, from warm, analog textures to sharp, digital tones.
Lastly, the album’s production was a significant factor in shaping its sound. Tim Palmer’s expertise as a producer and engineer played a crucial role in capturing the band’s vision. He employed various techniques, including the use of effects processors and reverb units, to create a rich, immersive sound that has stood the test of time.
In conclusion, the gear used on Tesseract’s “Altered State” album was instrumental in shaping the band’s distinctive sound. From the guitars and amplifiers to the drums, bass, keyboards, and production techniques, each element contributed to the album’s atmospheric and ambient sound. The band’s careful selection and use of gear allowed them to create a timeless piece of music that continues to captivate listeners to this day.
