In an exclusive interview, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan opened up about the gear behind his iconic sound, including a surprising revelation about a high-end pedal with a familial connection.
Corgan, known for his innovative guitar work and expansive sonic landscapes, shared insights into his carefully curated pedalboard. The alt-rock legend discussed his approach to crafting tones, emphasizing the importance of each pedal in his signal chain.
"Every pedal serves a purpose," Corgan explained. "It's not about having the most expensive or rare gear, but about finding the right tools to express your musical vision."
However, the most intriguing part of Corgan's setup is a $1,000 boutique pedal that he admits to having "borrowed" from his father years ago. The pedal, which Corgan declined to name specifically, has become an integral part of his sound.
"I kind of... liberated it from my dad's gear," Corgan said with a mischievous grin. "He probably doesn't even remember he had it. But it's been on every Pumpkins record since 'Siamese Dream.'"
The pedal in question is rumored to be a rare, hand-wired overdrive unit from the 1970s. Corgan praised its unique tonal qualities and its ability to push his amplifiers into sweet spots of saturation.
Beyond this prized possession, Corgan's board features a mix of vintage classics and modern innovations. He emphasized the importance of balancing analog warmth with digital precision in his effects chain.
"I'm always experimenting," Corgan added. "The pedalboard is like a painter's palette. You need the right colors to create the picture in your head."
As for whether he plans to return the borrowed pedal to his father, Corgan laughed and said, "Maybe I'll write him a song instead. That's probably worth more than a thousand bucks, right?"
This glimpse into Corgan's gear offers fans and fellow musicians alike a deeper understanding of the sonic wizardry behind The Smashing Pumpkins' enduring sound.