Dave Hill Gear Guide
Slade guitarist Dave Hill’s John Birch Superyob, custom guitars, Hiwatt backline and glam-rock stage setup.
A period-by-period quick reference to guitars, amplification, effects and songs. Specific gear may vary by recording, tour and year.
Guitars
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| John Birch Superyob | Custom guitar built in 1973, with a distinctive mirrored finish and performance-ready hardware. | Slade classic era |
| Gibson SG-3 | Three-pickup Gibson used among Slade’s early stage guitars. | 1970s |
| Fender Telecaster | Alternative guitar in the band’s period backline. | Selected touring |
| John Birch custom guitars | Hill used several custom-built instruments, not only the famous Superyob. | Slade touring |
| Superyob replicas | Later recreations preserve the iconic silhouette for stage use. | Later career |
| Custom strap and balance setup | Guitars were built and adjusted around Hill’s energetic glam-stage movement. | Live |
Amplifiers
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Hiwatt 200-watt heads | High-powered backline amps used for Slade’s lead and rhythm guitars. | 1970s touring |
| Hiwatt slave amplifiers | Multiple slave units expanded the stage system. | 1970s touring |
| 4x12 speaker cabinets | Several cabinets supplied projection for the two-guitar band. | Live |
| WEM Audiomaster | Additional top-end reinforcement in the reported period backline. | Selected touring |
| Marshall amplifiers | Alternative British amp sound in later and studio setups. | Selected periods |
Effects and signal chain
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| High stage volume | Large Hiwatt system supplied sustain and cut in the live mix. | 1970s |
| Guitar harmonies with Jim Lea | Slade’s multi-guitar arrangements combine Hill’s attack with Lea’s parts. | Studio/live |
| Distortion from amplifier | Driven amp sound supports the blunt, direct glam-rock riffs. | Classic recordings |
| Stage guitar changes | Distinctive guitar shapes were part of the visual performance as well as the sound. | Live |
| Minimal documented pedal chain | Surviving period descriptions emphasize guitars and high-powered backline. | Classic era |
Song and era references
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Cum On Feel the Noize | Superyob-era glam-rock guitar attack and layered rhythm sound. | 1973 |
| Mama Weer All Crazee Now | High-volume guitars and tight, punchy riffing. | Slayed? |
| Gudbuy T’Jane | Bright electric guitar and anthemic chord arrangement. | Slayed? |
| Far Far Away | More melodic guitar texture within the band’s arena sound. | 1974 |
| Merry Xmas Everybody | Layered guitar arrangement and unmistakable glam-rock production. | 1973 |