TheEBow, short forelectronic bow orenergy bow,[1] is an electronic device used for playing string instruments, most often theelectric guitar. It is manufactured byHeet Sound Products of Los Angeles, California. It was invented by Greg Heet in 1969, introduced in 1976 and patented in 1978.[2]
The EBow uses apickup in an inductive string driver feedback circuit, including a sensor coil, driver coil and amplifier, to vibrate strings, producing a sound reminiscent of using abow on the strings.
The EBow was introduced in 1976 atNAMM, and has remained in continuous production since.[3][4] The first version was activated by plucking theguitar string. The second, introduced in 1983, added an on/off switch and a more powerful drive. The third, introduced in 1989, had improved sensitivity and fasterattack. The EBow Plus, introduced in 1998, adds a blueLED and a switch to allow users to move between normal andharmonic modes (which sounds oneoctave higher).[4] It is powered by anine-volt battery.[5]
The EBow uses apickup and amagnetic feedback circuit to vibrate strings without touching them. Whereas guitars traditionally havefast 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.[4] The EBow can only play one string at a time, but can be moved across the strings to playarpeggios.[5] It can produce sounds similar to cello or violin.[4]
The EBow was particularly popular in 1980s music, used by acts such asBig Country,Tones on Tail,Love and Rockets andBill Nelson.[4] The Love and Rockets guitaristDaniel Ash said the EBow "changed everything for me ... [It] basically turns the guitar into a keyboard ... It completely opened up the sound of the guitar."[6]
The EBow has been used to create background textures or sustained notes similar toguitar feedback, as in "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (1976) byBlue Öyster Cult and "Heaven Beside You" (1996) byAlice in Chains.[4] It was used bythe Edge on the 1983 U2 albumThe Unforgettable Fire and byNoel Gallagher on the 1996 Oasis song "Don't Look Back in Anger".[4]
The EBow was prominently used by theSiouxsie and the Banshees guitaristJohn McGeoch on "Sin in My Heart", from the 1981 albumJuju.[7] The EBow is used by theRadiohead guitaristEd 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".[3] Other users includeDuran Duran, theRed Hot Chili Peppers,Van Halen,Metallica and theFoo Fighters.[4]
In the 1980s,the Bongos used the EBow in the intro of their song "Numbers With Wings" and in "River To River", "Miss Jean", "Glow", "Flew A Falcon" and "Sweet Blue Cage". FrontmanRichard Barone continues to use an EBow on his subsequent solo recordings and much of his production work including his songs "Love is a Wind that Screams" and his cover ofT. Rex's "The Visit".[8]
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