Roger Mayer, guitar tone effects specialist, who invented the Octavia that Jimi Hendrix used, developed the fuzz box, guitar effects Pedals and other custom audio devices for Jimmy Page, bands like the Yardbirds and other musicians and including consoles for studios such as Olympic Studios and Electric Ladyland. Roger Mayer is taking a brake from the Press view of the 'Hendrix in Britain' Exhibition at Handel House Museum. Mayer sits for a moment at a harpsichord on the right can been seen a portrait of Handel the composer who seems to share a similar dress sense to Hendrix. Mayer originally worked on scientific acoustic research for the Royal Navy before he transferred his career skills over to the civilian field of pop music in the mid 60s. Hendrix in Britain exhibition takes place at Handel House Museum at 25 Brook Street, the former home of composer George Frideric Handel who died there in 1759. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix moved into the top floor flat next door 23 Brook Street, with his English girlfriend Kathy Etchingham. Hendrix former apartment is now used as the administrative offices of Handel House Museum. London, UK, 25/08/2010
”.. the secret of my sound is largely the electronic genius of our tame boffin, who is known to us as Roger the Valve 'Roger Mayer'. He is an electronics man working in a government department, and he would probably lose his job if it was known he was working with a pop group. Whatever incredible sounds we think up, he manages to create them.” Jimi Hendrix
Date: 25/08/2010
Location: Mayfair, London, UK
Photographer: Richard Keith Wolff
