THE DRILL

**Wolfgang_'99** · 11.12.06, 02:15 PM

Does anyone here know the origin of the drill that eddie uses on pound cake. How did he ever get the idea to use a drill on his guitars to get sutch a wicked effect?

**wolfgangvh** · 11.12.06, 02:29 PM

As the story goes, Ed's guitar tech at the time, Matthew Bruck, was a big part of the drill effect on Poundcake. Matthew had been fixing/restoring some guitars and amps at 5150. He took a break and left a cordless drill that he was using on a bench, near one of the guitars that he was tinkering with (I believe he was fixing or replacing a pickup). When he came back, he was welcomed by the sound of Edddie playing with the drill and the pickup. Eddie was amazed at how the pickup would grab different textures of sound dependent upon drill speed, distance, etc. Basically, another random discovery that led to great music!

**wham bam will rock** · 11.12.06, 03:36 PM

I remember Paul Gilbert comin' out n sayin' that 'he' was the one who did it first. (He being Gilbert) Gilbert used a pick on the end of some kinda drill. Not exactly sure how he used it. Maybe someone can help out with that story.

**fast98dodge** · 11.12.06, 06:37 PM

PG had three picks on the end of the drill like a propeller... He had the drill bit in line with the strings and used it that way...

I believe you need a 60 cycle drill to make it work properly... I'm not sure if it's a single phase or not... Whatever that means...

AT · 11.12.06, 09:27 PM

Eddie eventually needed to use a specific drill at a specific RPM to match the 'e' of the opening chord of "Poundcake." I'm sure that info is search-able, as I know I've read interviews with him on the Net somewhere.

**tommywho5150** · 11.13.06, 06:47 AM

the drill he used was made by makita tools im not sure of the model number or what voltage it was, i once got pretty close with one of my wifes "toys" but she wouldnt let me use it on stage (wonder why) u can use a variety of thing though try a dremel but make sure you use a cordless whatever it is, you dont want any nasty accidents.

**Mikey Metalhead** · 11.13.06, 06:52 AM

anything with a magentic motor will make a simular sound
I used several different wireless drills over time and they all work pretty good.

even if not in key, the intro always sounded good. I just wouldnt add it to the lead.

I even used a battery operated toothbrush one night for the fun of it.
very high pitched, but worked ok and got a good laugh.

**PassingBy** · 11.13.06, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by fast98dodge

PG had three picks on the end of the drill like a propeller... He had the drill bit in line with the strings and used it that way...

I believe you need a 60 cycle drill to make it work properly... I'm not sure if it's a single phase or not... Whatever that means...

At the end of this solo you can see Maestro Gilberto employing the pick drill.

Also check out 5:59, where he actually completely screws up. You don't see that often

He is mortal after all.

**Otis5150** · 11.13.06, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mikey Metalhead

anything with a magentic motor will make a simular sound
I used several different wireless drills over time and they all work pretty good.

even if not in key, the intro always sounded good. I just wouldnt add it to the lead.

I even used a battery operated toothbrush one night for the fun of it.
very high pitched, but worked ok and got a good laugh.

He's right. Cordless screwdrivers work well too.

**MF5150** · 11.14.06, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by AndrewThomas.net

Eddie eventually needed to use a specific drill at a specific RPM to match the 'e' of the opening chord of "Poundcake." I'm sure that info is search-able, as I know I've read interviews with him on the Net somewhere.

He uses a Makita. I do know that as a fact. I don't know the exact model but I have one and it sounds exactly the same.

**VanBlu** · 11.14.06, 04:49 PM

It seems Paul uses it to tremolo pick at a high speed whilst Sir Edward uses it for a noise maker; however I prefer Poundcake, both song and innuendo.

**J_Alexander** · 11.15.06, 04:12 PM

makita 6012 hd

**hagarme** · 11.18.06, 03:01 AM

The original "Red" Makita drill is a perfect match.

**Hulk5150** · 08.15.09, 11:03 PM

So, let's say that someone was looking for a painted replica of the Poundcake drill...does anyone know where that someone might acquire said drill...?

**hotforteacher921** · 08.15.09, 11:20 PM

I left this drill on for a month and it did not give out, it was still humming. This drill is the culmination of about 20 years of finding what I like about drills.

This is what I use.