Gear Review: The Overseer Guitarist and Vocalist Darren King on His 1965 Fender Bassman Blackface

Bentonville, Arkansas experimental rock/metal quartet The Overseer are gearing up for the release of their new album Rest and Let Go, due out via Solid State Records on March 4, 2014 (pre-order this bad-boy right here). As we’re a curious bunch, we wanted to learn more about the recording, so naturally we bugged guitarist and vocalist Darren King for some time. Check out what he had to say about his 1965 Fender Bassman Blackface.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
King: 1965 Fender Bassman blackface.

What about it makes it so important to you?
King: Tone! Tone for days.

How was this gear used during the recording of your latest album, Rest and Let Go?
King: We actually used both my Bassman and my Orange Rockerverb, so this record definitely reflects my live tone very accurately.

How do you recreate your album (guitar/vocal/bass) tones in your live set?
King: With lots of practice and tinkering. I’m a gear nerd so I’ll spend all day screwing with pedals and stuff just to get the right tone, or effect for the part.

What are the major pros and cons?
King: Pros, it’s a solid 50 year old amp with lots of voice. Cons, I have to deal with others jealousy haha.

Do you have a backup for this gear, if so, what?
King: Yes, a Goodsell Black Dog 50. A great handwired boutique amp out of Atlanta.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
King: A few years now. Run it pretty clean with a Maxon 808 in front of it for some grit. Palmer Attenuator to quiet it down.

Give us your best “gear goes wrong” story.
King: Headstock broke off my Gibson 335 and broke strings on my Gretsch on the same night. Luckily a buddy lent me his SG so I was able to finish the set. Thanks Cody!

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
King: If you ever run across a Blackface Bassman don’t pass it up. I’ll take that amp to the grave.

Check out the song “Scarlet Wool”