The Velvet Underground Members, Gear & Sound

Lou Reed’s seminal rock band

Genre

Rock Alternative rock Pop rock Blues rock Folk rock Art rock Psychedelic rock Experimental rock Garage rock Avant-garde music Protopunk Noise music Noise rock Classic rock Drone music permanent wave melancholia proto-punk

Members

Select a The Velvet Underground band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Lou Reed

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Artists United Against Apartheid Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground The Conspirators Metal Machine Trio The Roughnecks

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John Cale

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Groups:

The Theatre of Eternal Music

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Sterling Morrison

Roles:

Guitarist

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Doug Yule

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist

Needs more gear

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Moe Tucker

Roles:

Singer Drummer

Needs more gear

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Nico

Roles:

Singer

Needs more gear

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Maureen Tucker

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Walter Powers

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Groups:

Listening The Lost

No gear added

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Angus MacLise

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Theatre of Eternal Music

No gear added

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Billy Yule

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Willie Alexander

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

The Lost

No gear added

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About

The Velvet Underground is an American rock band standing as one of the most influential groups in music history, celebrated for their fearless exploration of sound and lyrical depth. Originating in New York City in 1964, the band consisted of Lou Reed (vocals, guitar), John Cale (bass, viola, keyboards), Sterling Morrison (guitar, bass), and Maureen Tucker (drums). Their music is a unique fusion of art rock, experimental rock, avant-garde music, and proto-punk, with an undercurrent of psychedelic and garage rock. Often collaborating with artist Andy Warhol, The Velvet Underground became a cornerstone of the counterculture movement, pushing the boundaries of rock music and influencing countless artists across genres.

How to Sound Like The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground's sound is characterized by its raw, gritty edge and experimental textures. Their music often features dissonant, droning guitars and a minimalist, yet potent rhythmic backbone, creating a soundscape that is both avant-garde and primal. Lou Reed's use of instruments like the Epiphone Riviera and the Gibson SG Standard contributes to this sound, producing rich, feedback-laden tones that are both haunting and compelling. John Cale's contribution with the electric viola adds an eerie, otherworldly layer, enhancing the band's experimental edge. The group's use of distorted amplification, as seen with gear like the Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve, delivers a gritty, lo-fi aesthetic that is both confrontational and captivating. This unique blend of elements offers a sound that mirrors the chaotic, vivid essence of urban life and artistic rebellion.

Discography

The Velvet Underground & Nico 45th Anniversary

1967

The Velvet Underground & Nico (45th Anniversary / Super Deluxe Edition)

1967

Loaded: Re-Loaded 45th Anniversary Edition

1970

Loaded (2015 Remaster)

1970

Live at Max's Kansas City (Deluxe Edition)

1972

Squeeze

1973

1969 Velvet Underground Live With Lou Reed

1974

1985

Another View

1986

MCMXCIII (Live)

1993

White Light / White Heat

2013

The Velvet Underground (45th Anniversary / Super Deluxe)

2014

Get the The Velvet Underground Sound

Want to sound like The Velvet Underground? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.