Cesar Diaz was a legendary guitar tech and amp technician who worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Ray Vaughan & Eric Clapton. Diaz was born in the United States in 1956, but spent most of his childhood in Costa Rica. He developed a love for music at an early age, and began playing guitar in his teens.
Diaz moved back to the United States in the 1970s, and quickly became involved in the Los Angeles music scene. He worked as a roadie and guitar tech for a number of bands, but it was his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan that would put him on the map.
Diaz first met Vaughan in 1984, when he was working as a guitar tech for Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Diaz and Vaughan hit it off, and soon Diaz was working for Vaughan full-time. Diaz was responsible for setting up Vaughan's amps and guitars, and his meticulous attention to detail helped to create the iconic "Texas" sound that Vaughan was known for.
One of the key components of Vaughan's sound was the "Texas Square Face" effects pedal, which Diaz designed and built specifically for Vaughan when his stock Fuzz Faces kept failing live. The "Texas Square Face" had a unique glassy tone when rolled back with the guitars volume knob & then a thick and punchy midrange once dimed. Original units are starting to fetch hefty 4 figure price tags now! We've tried to capture this tone with our Pedal Pawn Fuzz in a humble attempt to deliver this iconic sound, at an affordable price. We wanted to offer guitarists a chance to explore the Glassy to FAT Fuzz tones that made the "Texas Square Face" such a beloved pedal. Here's a shootout of the Pedal Pawn Fuzz VS a Texas Square Face:
Diaz was also responsible for creating the "Texas Ranger" treble booster pedal, which was based on a modified Dallas Rangemaster circuit. The "Texas Ranger" was designed to send your amp into insane tubey overdrive tones, while similarly giving you that immensely glassy clean-up with your Guitars volume knob. Prices for these original units are also out of reach to most, thus making the Pedal Pawn Texan Twang a good alternative, offering guitarists a chance to explore the rich, juicy tones that made the "Texas Ranger" such a prestigious pedal. With its authentic, vintage-style tones and versatile Lo/Mid/Hi EQ settings, the Texan Twang is a great way for guitarists to capture the spirit of Texas blues:
The "Tremodillo" was one of the innovative pedals that Cesar Diaz designed to create a unique, swirling blackface style Tremolo effect. With rate control, dwell control, and dual-speed footswitch operation, you were able to create the perfect tremolo pulse for any song. Plus, the pulsing LED indicator light will keep you on beat all night long. Unfortunately, these pedals are now unobtainable, and if you do manage to find one, the prices are often unfeasible due to their rarity and high demand among collectors. Our Pedal Pawn Chicken Quiff also has rich, swirling modulation, the Chicken Quiff is similar in spirit to the "Tremodillo", offering a modern take on an iconic sound that has inspired countless guitarists over the years:
After Stevie Ray Vaughan's untimely death in 1990, Cesar Diaz's career continued to flourish as he worked with some of the biggest names in music. Diaz's expertise in guitar and amp technology made him a highly sought-after technician, and he went on to work with legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan.
Cesar Diaz, sadly passed away on April 17, 2002, at the age of 49. Diaz had been battling cancer for some time before his untimely death. His passing was a great loss to the music industry, as he had worked with many renowned artists over the years and was widely respected for his innovative and high-quality gear. Diaz was known for his passion for music and his dedication to his craft, and his contributions to the world of guitar amplification and effects continue to be felt to this day. Though he may be gone, his impact on the music industry and the guitar community will never be forgotten.
Diaz's impact on the music world cannot be overstated. His attention to detail and passion for innovation helped to create some of the most iconic guitar tones in history. Even years after his passing, Diaz's legacy lives on through the countless musicians who continue to use his amplifiers and pedals to create their own unique sounds.
If you're a fan of Cesar Diaz tones and want to see his legacy kept alive, be sure to check out Philip Sayce. As a devoted user of Diaz pedals, Sayce continues to carry the torch for Diaz's iconic sound and push the boundaries of blues rock with his incredible music.