Tone Profile

A clean, bright, and articulate single-coil guitar tone with a smooth plate reverb and subtle tape slapback, defining the early instrumental rock sound.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The 1960 version was recorded at Joe Boles' home studio in Seattle, Washington, which was a relatively simple setup.
• Likely recorded to an Ampex 350 mono or stereo tape recorder.
• The reverb heard on the original single was likely an EMT plate reverb added during mastering, or from a studio echo chamber, rather than an onboard amp or pedal effect, as the Fender Reverb Unit wasn't released until 1961.
• The recording captures a live band feel with minimal overdubs for the core instrumentation.
• Bob Bogle played lead guitar, and Don Wilson played rhythm guitar (Fender Stratocaster through a Fender Bassman).

Recreation Tips

• Use a Fender Jazzmaster or Stratocaster, primarily on the bridge pickup.
• Equip the guitar with flatwound strings for the authentic percussive attack and round tone.
• Play through a clean Fender-style amplifier (e.g., Bassman, Deluxe Reverb, Twin Reverb). Keep the amp settings relatively clean with good treble response.
• For reverb, aim for a plate reverb emulation. If unavailable, a bright spring reverb with a shorter decay can work.
• Add a subtle slapback delay with a single repeat, timed around 80-120ms.
• Use a heavy pick and pick firmly, often close to the bridge, to emphasize the attack.
• Master the use of the vibrato arm for smooth dips and expressive vibrato, a key element of The Ventures' style.
• Listen closely to Bob Bogle's phrasing and articulation.

Recommended Gear

• Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster(guitar)
• Fender '59 Bassman LTD(amp)
• Source Audio True Spring Reverb (Plate Setting)(pedal)
• Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• D'Addario ECG24 Chromes Jazz Light Flatwound Strings(guitar)