In this article, we discuss the different types of guitar pedals. We explain what you should know about each type and how to find the right type for your needs.
They can have similar results, but the approach is different. A vocoder takes two inputs (ie. guitar and microphone) and harmonizes them, outputting a mixed electrical signal after combining. A talk box plays a single input audio (guitar) through a speaker and the sound travels up a tube to the performer’s mouth, which the performer uses to shape the sound. The audio is then captured by a microphone.
Is this how Steve Vai did the talking guitar on Yankee Rose?
Doesn’t a vocoder do something similar?
They can have similar results, but the approach is different. A vocoder takes two inputs (ie. guitar and microphone) and harmonizes them, outputting a mixed electrical signal after combining. A talk box plays a single input audio (guitar) through a speaker and the sound travels up a tube to the performer’s mouth, which the performer uses to shape the sound. The audio is then captured by a microphone.
Nah that’s just him being amazing. Peter Frampton has solid talk box examples
Around 2:30
A marginally more modern example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQDbr_3di7s
Can’t think of any from the 21st century though
Tool’s Jambi from 2006 has one in it:
https://youtu.be/9acDoDUnEdg
Slash uses one on the first Slash’s Snakepit album. I think on the track Lower.