Why is Gold Star of such interest to modern guitarists?
A. For many reasons, but most importantly because many of the electric guitar effects most modern guitarists take for granted were actually either innovated at, or received their first popular exposure on Gold Star recordings (phasing, flanging, controlled distortion, chorusing; etc.) In addition, early jazz artists such as Oscar Moore (generally regarded as the father of modern jazz guitar combos) cut his seminal guitar recordings there. Secondly, Gold Star was the studio of choice for such innovative Rock & Roll guitarists as Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, Sneeky Pete Kleinow, Dewey Terry of Don and Dewey, Ritchie Valens (who issued what may be the first Surf guitar instrumental as Arvee Allens just weeks prior to his death) and the Godfather of Heavy Metal Dick Dales early instrumental and vocal performances. Gold Star was the epicenter of what later became the hallmark of the “L.A. Sound” – The Wrecking Crew or “the clique” which mixed established jazz greats like Barney Kessell, Carol
