tech
The Guitar Sounds New Again
The grungy, extraterrestrial “Mk.gee tone” is everywhere and depends on a decades-old device.
TL;DR
- The Roland VG-8, a digital guitar effects processor from 1995, is seeing a resurgence in popularity.
- Artist Mk.gee's use of the VG-8 has created a distinctive "Mk.gee tone" that has captivated musicians and fans.
- Demand for the VG-8 has increased dramatically, driving up its price significantly since Mk.gee's debut album.
- The VG-8's "lo-fi" sound and imperfections are considered a key part of its appeal, offering a character that contrasts with modern digital audio.
- The device was originally designed to simulate various guitar models, amplifiers, and environments, and also included synth sounds and effects.
- Notable musicians like Joni Mitchell, Reeves Gabrels, and Sting previously used the VG-8, though its high price and complex manual limited its adoption.
- The current trend represents a nostalgia for early digital technology, rather than a rejection of digitization itself.