That usedReleased in 2002, ‘s self-titled debut album was an instant hit, going gold in the US and establishing the band as one of the most recognizable alt rock bands on the scene. Over the years, the band continued to release hit albums, including In love and death, lies for the liars, and last, heartwork.
Her style has evolved with each new release. Despite these changes, the band’s unique sound and emotional expression remain constant.
Since forming in the early 2000s, The Used have left an indelible mark on the music world. Their impressive records, raw performances and dedication to causes that matter have earned them a loyal following and cemented their place in the scene. It’s no surprise that fans are eagerly awaiting their latest releases. The Used have just released their latest single: “Humans are vomit” this week and her latest album, toxic positivity, is scheduled for release in May this year. Stream it Here.
This week we caught up with The Used guitarist and backing vocalist Joey Bradford!
Check it out below in this exclusive Q&A session.
How did you start playing used guitars?
Joey: I was a big fan as a kid. I vaguely knew the guys from touring. I had heard from a friend of a friend that they were looking for a new man and reached out to their manager.
I wasn’t expecting to get the job, just excited to jam with the guys. Management called me and asked if I wanted the job. And then, in the blink of an eye, it’s been five years in the band and I’m still stumbling. And it hasn’t worn a bit yet.
How did you start as a musician?
Joey: I started out in a classic rock band as a teenager and have filled in for a few metal bands here and there. That was sort of my first tour experience.
I’ve always been a touring bass player, although I played the guitar all the time. So when the opportunity to play on The Used came up I wasn’t in my element, but here we are!
WHAT OTHER BANDS HAVE YOU PLAYED IN?
Joey: I played in another band called Hell or High Water years ago. We were touring with The Used so I was able to meet the guys briefly. I filled in on bass for a Static Lullaby, played guitar for Atreyu for a while, and played guitar for Thrice for a couple of weeks.
That was my main gig before The Used; step in for anyone and everyone.
WHAT GUITARS DO YOU PLAY?
Joey: So I have everything Music man stingray. They are all built the same. They just have different moods. I also have EverTunes installed on all guitars.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CUSTOM ALL WHITE STING RAY GUITAR?
Joey: I’ve always wanted an all white guitar. I remember seeing Death Cab for Cutie had a tour where everything they had was completely white.
I turned to Music Man and said, “What do you think? All white headstock, I want the fretboard white, the whole thing.”
And they killed it. I mean this guitar is amazing. More than any other guitar I’ve ever owned in my life, this thing gets people absolutely blown away. They always want to play it and always compliment me on it. And I have to tell them the story and I’m like fretboard or no deal.
It’s such an iconic looking guitar. Totally excited about it.
DO YOU USE THE SAME STRINGS ON ALL YOUR GUITARS?
Joey: I actually do. It works fine. i use this Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottoms on all five of my guitars in different tunings and they hold up incredibly well. We’re playing a Drop A# song on another Stingray guitar, using a slightly heavier guitar, like a .54.
WHICH RIG DO YOU USE FOR LIVE SHOWS?
Joey: My live show runs on a Bad Cat Lynx-X. And that runs on a helix pedal.
I will tune the amps and all settings to match the guitars. And if I want to swap out a guitar, I don’t have to worry about swapping out an amp or anything like that. The Stingray is such a wide range guitar. So I can use it for literally everything we do.
BEST TOURING MEMORY?
Joey: That last tour we did with A Day To Remember was amazing. The slopes were just beautiful.
We just came out of the post covid tour where we didn’t really get to hang out with the other bands. The drummer practically became part of our band.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON OTHER PROJECTS BESIDE THE USED ONE?
Joey: I really have a million things I do. As for the guitar, I mostly play and write at The Used.
I have loads of other stuff, but mostly I produce and write with a lot of other artists. I manage 7 artists and run a recording studio that I rent out on my property.
We write and produce together 4 or 5 jams a week. And it’s me who plays most of the stuff using all my Music Man gear!
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Joey Bradford uses one Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray RS guitar and Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom strings.