How was this record made?
This record is what propelled Les Paul to invent multitrack recording (i.e. the process of layering/overdubbing instruments during different recording sessions, as opposed to recording all instruments together in one recording session). Before multitrack recording, it was only possible to record in one live take; so musicians would have to record a song perfectly altogether - which could take hundreds of takes and multiple recording sessions.
It was Les Paul who came up with the idea of the Disc Method, a very early and crude way of achieving multitracking. Seeking a way to play a song without any of his band members present, he first recorded the rhythm guitar and bass line before precisely putting down two pick up arms at the same time. It took him a few days to get the timing, but once successful, he was able to play over his previous recordings.
The real revolution came in the 50s', though, with the tape machine. With the Ampex Model 200A, Les Paul innovated adding a second tape head to the machine. By 1953, he accomplished what he set out to do and unveiled his 8-track tape machine.
Source: https://stringjoy.com/les-paul-multitrack-recording/
Les Paul - Inventor of the Electric Guitar?
Although Les Paul created a very popular and early electric guitar, he was not the original inventor. The roots of the electric guitar stretch back to 1931 (9 years before 'The Log' - Les Paul's electric guitar), as George Beauchamp designed the 'Frying Pan', a lap steel guitar. During the design process, George Beauchamp collaborated with Adolph Rickenbacker, creating the first electric pickups.
The first solid-body electric guitar was produced from 1931 by the Rickenbacker company by the name of the 'Electro Spanish'.
The Electro Spanish, 1931
It was only in 1940 that Les Paul built 'The Log', an operating solid-body electric guitar comprised of a wood block with a neck attached, and two hollow halves attached on either side purely for aesthetic purposes.
Notwithstanding Les Paul's innovation in 1940, he was unable to sell the model until after Fender released the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar (the Fender Broadcaster, in 1950), and would design the Gibson Les Paul in 1952.
A lot of conflicting information can be found on this topic, with the National Inventors Hall of Fame website stating Les Paul created the first solid-body electric guitar, while forum users debate Rickenbacker's contributions. Altogether, the inventor of the electric guitar really depends on who you ask, though the correct conclusion is likely the one with the most evidence - that the Rickenbacker company were the real inventors.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_body#History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_guitar#History
https://www.invent.org/inductees/les-paul#:~:text=Les%20Paul%20introduced%20the%20world,by%20the%20age%20of%2021.
The Truth Behind Multitrack Recording
There is no denying the intense impact Les Paul had in the development of multitrack recording - but did he really invent it?
Multitrack recording was used as early as 1943 by Germany during World War II. Only three of these stereo recordings remain, however it is approximated that over 250 were created. 'Stereo' recording simply meant that two channels were used.
Following World War II, John T. Mullin worked together with Ampex to popularise tape technology in the United States, eventually providing Les Paul with a platform to indulge in his experimentation.
The answer: Les Paul was the inventor of multitrack recording as we know it today. Stereo recording was not Les Paul's invention, however the possibility of overdubbing and the availability of more than two channels is now crucial to sound production worldwide.
Sources: https://www.soundrecordinghistory.net/history-of-sound-recording/multitrack-recording-history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_multitrack_recording#:~:text=Stereo%20sound%20recording%20on%20tape,end%20of%20World%20War%20II.
Comments
Post a Comment