EBow

The EBow was invented in 1969 by the American guitarist Greg Heet and introduced in 1976 at the NAMM trade show. It has remained in continuous production since. The EBow is powered by a nine-volt battery. ==Function==

The EBow uses a pickup and a magnetic feedback circuit to vibrate strings without touching them. Whereas guitars traditionally have fast attack and slow release, meaning notes ring immediately and then fade out, the EBow can sustain notes indefinitely and gives greater control over attack and decay. The EBow can only play one string at a time, but can be moved across the strings to play arpeggios. It can produce sounds similar to cello or violin. ==Use==

The EBow was particularly popular in 1980s music, used by acts such as Big Country, Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets and Bill Nelson. The EBow has been used to create background textures or sustained notes similar to guitar feedback, as in "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (1976) by Blue Öyster Cult and "Heaven Beside You" (1996) by Alice in Chains. The EBow is used by the Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien for performances of songs such as "My Iron Lung", "Talk Show Host", "Jigsaw Falling Into Place", "Where I End and You Begin" and "Nude". Other users include Duran Duran, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Metallica and the Foo Fighters. ==References==