Premier Guitar Videos

Rig Rundown - Sigur Ros

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Jónsi’s main guitar was handcrafted by former tech Dan Johnson with a single Seymour Duncan ’59 pickup and built-in treble boost circuit. The guitar is called “Bird,” due to the bird inlays. The bird on the body (below the neck) was carved by Jónsi himself. He plays with a cello bow, bowing both in front of and behind the bridge, and is not particular about his rosin, which Ragnarsson says darkens the tone. He uses a ’60s Epiphone semi-hollow bass for "Hoppipolla."

Georg uses a ’90s Japanese Fender Jazz bass with flatwounds. The guitar has a distinctive wear pattern due to him playing with a drumstick onstage. He also uses a '75 Fender P bass strung with roundwound strings with a factory Jazz bridge pickup and DiMarzio neck pickups that bears the scars of being thrown each night during the performance and a recent-issue Jaguar bass that he uses with an EBow.

KD alternates between a recent-issue stock Jazzmaster, Jónsi’s old stock '76 Les Paul, and a recent-issue semi-hollow 335-style.

Amps
Jónsi uses a regular Marshall JCM2000 through the clean channel without much gain. He uses a first-generation Marshall Power Brake between the amp and 4x12 cab to attenuate the JCM2000 and keep stage volume down.

Georg uses a Mesa/Boogie Walkabout combo that's modded to power two cabs. It has a second 10" passive speaker inside for monitoring, and the signal to the house is blended between DI and an SM57.

KD uses a standard Vox AC30 with Celestion Greenbacks.

Effects
Jónsi uses a duo of TC Electronic M350 Reverb Processors (one for backup) for reverb only—he has no delay in his signal chain—in the effects loop of his amp. The reverb is set to Cathedral and is on all the time. In addition to a Boss RC-20XL looper, Keeley Katana used as a volume boost, and Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, Jónsi uses an EBS ValveDrive bass pedal to complement the darker tones achieved by the bowing technique.

Georg's pedalboard has an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal for swells, an EBS OctaBass, EBS ValveDrive set to just crunchy, EBS MultiComp, a second EBS ValveDrive set for modern drive, and an EBS MultiDrive.

KD also uses an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal for swells, an Electro-Harmonix Cathedral for short reverbs and a Strymon blueSky for longer reverb, a Strymon El Capistan, Boss EQ with the semi-hollow to take out low-mids, EBS Multi-Drive bass pedal, MXR Micro Amp booster, DigiTech Whammy used as an octave, and Electro-Harmonix Freeze for droning during the last song of the set. The reverbs are on most of the time. He also uses an EBow for one song.

Rig Rundown - Green Day

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Billie Joe Armstrong's Guitars
Armstrong brings a mixed bag of new and old guitars on tour with him. The mass majority of them are Gibson Les Paul Jr models, but the most iconic guitar dating back to the early-90s is the super-strat coined Blue. The stickered axe is a Fernandes Stratocaster copy that he got for his birthday when he was 11. Among the things BJA has changed on this axe was the bridge pickup, which he originally swapped out the stock single-coil for a Bill Lawrence humbucker, but eventually deciding in the late '90s to go with a Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB that is set at an EVH-inspired angle. In addition, the guitar's pickup selector is locked in the bridge position and the middle and neck pickups are disconnected. Armstrong uses Blue on primarily Green Day's earlier stuff like "Basket Case," "Longview," "Brain Stew," and "Hitching' a Ride," so the guitar is tuned to Eb and is strung with Ernie Ball Slinky .010--.046 strings (the rest of Armstrong's guitars are tuned to E standard with .010s, too). Other go-to guitars Armstrong uses during live performances includes the repaired TV-yellow Gibson Les Paul Jr doublecut that he busted during the Las Vegas I Heart Radio festival, and a silver-sparkle signature Gibson Les Paul Jr singlecut with a Seymour Duncan P-90 Antiquity in the bridge.

From his collection of vintage Jrs, BJA's brought a doublecut '59 TV yellow model and a '55 black singlecut both outfitted with a single P-90 in the bridge. New acquisitions to Armstrong's touring arsenal are a Rickenbacker 330, modified with only one volume control, and a late '60s Martin GT-70 has a bolt-on neck and original DeArmond pickups.

Billie Joe Armstrong's Amps and Effects
His two Marshall 100-watt 1959 SLP reissue heads were modified by Martin Golub at L.A. Sound Design. The top head (Pete) has a crunch mod (a.ka. “Dookie” mod or Bradshaw gain mod) and Meat (lower head) has Golub’s SE Lead mod, which adds another preamp tube for more gain. The two heads have been Armstrong's got-to amps since even before their iconic 'mud set' at Woodstock '94 performance. For his clean tone, BJA uses a rackmount Custom Audio Electronics 3+ SE guitar tube preamp. Both heads and the CAE 3+ SE run through two Marshall 1960B cabinets that are equipped with Celestion Vintage 30s.

The Shure R4D+ wireless units go into a RJM iS-8 allowing Buscher to switch between eight guitar inputs, which then splits off into either the CAE 3+ SE preamp or Marshall heads and the RJM RG-16 switcher and MasterMind MIDI controller that engage the four main presets that Billie uses. The controller’s presets are Clean and Mid (both settings bypass the Marshalls’ preamps in favor of a Custom Audio Electronics 3+ SE guitar tube preamp), Big (both Marshalls without the CAE preamp), and Big Effect (which kicks in a Boss BD-2 Blues Driver pedal for solos). BJA does have a MXR Carbon Copy Delay that is used for "Kill the DJ."

Jason White's Guitars
White's main guitar is a '50s Gibson Les Paul Jr doublecut with two P-90s (and a Gibson Les Paul goldtop with P-90s as its backup) that White uses on rhythm duties, while his Gibson Les Paul is used on any of the band's newer where White takes lead guitar duty. For thin-and-jangly tones, White leans on his Silvertone for "Kill the DJ" and "Stray Heart." For acoustic tones, he goes with one of his two Gibson ES-335s that are outfitted with a Fishman piezo pickup through a Fishman Aura preamp set to dreadnaught. For '90s material, White counts on his black Gibson Les Paul that is tuned to Eb.

Jason White's Amps and Effects
White uses the same 100-watt Marshall heads with the same Dookie mod (top) and SE Lead mod (bottom), and like Billie's two-headed monster, White's amps are always used in conjunction with each other for a full, rich, rounder sound with sustain and cut. Whereas BJA's Marshalls are set to noon, White scoops mids on the SE Lead head. Also, White's clean tones are coming from the CAE 3+ SE tube preamp. For White's Big Effect patch, he uses a Chandler Limited Little Devil Colored Boost. Also in his rack is a Dunlop Crybaby Rack Module (with remote foot controller onstage) and a rackmount Line 6 Echo Pro (set to a basic eighth note triplet), and both are used on White's solo for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Other pedals in his rack (but not used) are a MXR Phase 90 and a Boss PS-6 Harmonist. The Shure R4D+ wireless units go into a RJM iS-8 White's tech Chris Schleyer to switch between eight guitar inputs, which then splits off into either the CAE 3+ SE preamp or Marshall heads and the RJM RG-16 switcher and MasterMind MIDI controller that engage the four main presets that Jason uses.

Mike Dirnt's Basses
Dirnt's boat is overrun with various Fender P basses. He's playing two of his signature Precision models including a tobacco burst with a maple

Rig Rundown - Yes' Steve Howe and Chris Squire

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Steve Howe’s main guitar for the current Yes tour—on which the band is playing The Yes Album, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One albums in their entirety—is his No. 2 1964 Gibson ES-175 (which he only uses in the U.S.). For “Parallels” off of Going for the One, he uses a mid-’80s Fender Stratocaster modified to use just one volume and tone knob (the original volume-pot position is vacant). And for Close to the Edge tracks he uses this 1970 Gibson ES-345 with stereo wiring and a Gibson Byrdland tailpiece.

Also on tour is a 1955 Fender Telecaster with added neck humbucker and a 3-way upper-bout switch and individual string saddles (also for “Awaken”) and Portuguese 12-string acoustic tuned E–B–E–B–E–Ab (for “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Wonderous Stories”). Not pictured is a Gibson Steve Howe signature ES-175 with middle humbucker and ES-5 Switchmaster-style switching (functions as a standby to No. 2 and for Fragile tunes that originally featured a Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster), double-neck Fender steel guitar with one neck in E-major tuning and the 6th string tuned to the same pitch as the 4th and another neck in E9 tuning (used on “Going for the One,” “Awaken,” and “And You and I”), 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” (for “Turn of the Century”), and 24-fret Steinberger 12-string with EMG SA single-coils (for “Awaken”). Martin MC-38 Steve Howe signature model (for “Clap” and “Turn of the Century”)

Howe also uses a Line 6 Variax 600 (for Danelectro Sitar, Guild 12-string, and Martin 0-18 sounds).

Chris Squire brought a number of basses on this tour, including a Kid’s Guitars replica of a Bob Wal triple-neck bass (left), which he uses on “Awaken” from Going for the One. Its 6-string top neck is tuned A–D–G (with octave strings for each), while the middle neck is fretted, and the bottom neck is fretless. In the middle is Squire’s legendary 1964 Rickenbacker 4001, which has powered “Roundabout” and countless other Yes classics. The 8-string Ranney (right)—which Squire plays on “Going for the One”—has a 5-piece body and active electronics.

He also travels with a ’70s custom Jim Mouradian green bass with J-style pickups and dual volumes and tones for each, spare Rickenbacker 4001 with custom graphics from Squire’s 1975 Fish out of Water solo album, an early-’70s Fender Jazz bass (played on “Parallels” from Going for the One), and, not pictured, a custom Tobias 5-string normally tuned to B–E –A–D but tuned to C–E–A–D for “Turn of the Century,”

Amps
Squire has relied on the same two vintage Marshall heads for decades, though his main one—the 1965 JMP on bottom head—has never broken down so he’s rarely used the top one. (Wondering about those mods? For the 1978 Tormato tour, it was customized to work with a separate power amp feeding two custom 6x12 cabinets in which each driver was angled to fire in a different direction.)

Squire blends his Marshall signal with one from a pair of Ampeg SVT-2PRO heads (bottom). An SWR Bass 350 head (middle) amplifies the Moog Taurus bass-pedal tones generated by his E-Mu ESI 2000 (second from top).

Though he long famed for using two Fender Twin Reverbs, Howe is now relying on a Line 6 DT50 amp, which works in tandem with his painstakingly programmed Line 6 PODHD500.

Effects
Howe and his tech have spent many hours programming true-to-the-record tones into his Line 6 PODHD500—his only effects device. He uses the Morley A/B pedal to switch between acoustic and electric guitars.

Squire’s pedal drawer features an ancient vibrato pedal custom-built for him in the ’60s (top middle). Also on the top shelf are a 1960s Maestro Bass Brassmaster fuzz (front left), a TC Electronic Chorus+ (right), and a rarely used Boss OC-3 Super-Octave (back left). The bottom drawer is stocked with a TC Electronic

Rig Rundown - The Hives

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Nicholaus Arson's main guitar is a vintage Fender Telecaster Custom with a hot bridge pickup (he never uses neck pickups—there's not even a switch). While both guys have different rigs around the world, this is the guitar he travels with. His U.S. touring rig is rounded out with a newer custom Tele and a custom "Arsonette" with a Lace Sensor that's designed to be a cross between a Tele and a Firebird.

Vigilante Carlstroem's main guitar is a '59 Epiphone Coronet that he travels with and plays at all of his shows. It's stock, other than a replaced jack, and all of the wear was done by him. For his U.S. rig he also has a '90s Gibson Flying V with Lollar pickups that's been broken in half and beat up. He uses it for songs that require the neck pickup sound.

Amps
Arson uses a Fender Bandmaster and '76 Fender Vibrolux, both on all the time, through a vintage Hiwatt cab with Celestion Heritage Greenback speakers.

Carlstroem uses Divided by 13 amps in all of his backlines around the world. He usually uses the FTR 37, but was using a JJN 50/100 for the arena shows on this tour. The amps go through a vintage 4x12 cab with Celestion Heritage Greenback speakers. All of the amps' controls and circuitry are shielded with foil because the amps and the Epiphone are sensitive to interference. He also uses a Fender Vibro-King for a cleaner sound, in conjunction with the Divided by 13 head.

Effects
Arson's board is very simple—he usually just plays straight into his amps. He incorporates a Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard fuzz for songs like "Tick Tick Boom," Boss DD-3 Digital Delay for slapback echo on "Take Back the Toys" and "Bigger Hole to Fill," Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah used for the intro to "Hate to Say I Told You So," and a Electro-Harmonix Micro POG for a cover of The Jets' "Yeah," which is no longer in their setlist.

Carlstroem's board has a Divided by 13 Switchazel used as a boost, custom Frantone Vigilantron tremolo, Z.Vex Fuzz Factory (his favorite pedal), Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay usually set to slapback, and Electro-Harmonix POG2 used for an octave down or to make noise like imitating the saxophone on "Go Right Ahead" or organ on "My Time is Coming."

Rig Rundown - Pink's Justin Derrico and Eva Gardner

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Derrico brings about 10 axes on tour with Pink, sometimes traveling with a backup boat of 10 more. A majority of them are Gibson Les Pauls, along with a Fender Strat, Valley Arts Brent Mason, and a duo of Maton acoustics. His main LP (used for about 80 percent of the show) is 2006 Les Paul Standard that is totally stock—outside of a few repairs to the headstock and a piezo pickup. His Fender Custom Shop Strat Pro is used for the cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game." On the Valley Arts, he uses the neck pickup with the controls (including the middle pickup blend) all the way up.

Amps and Effects
For this leg, Derrico brings out two complete rigs, "A" and "B" both are exactly the same and are centered around Bogner and Friedman amps. For pedals, he has a Wampler Ego Compressor, Bogner Ecstasy Blue, Xotic BB Preamp, MXR Custom Badass Modified OD, Boss Giga-Delay, Foxrox Octron, Electro-Harmonix Micro Pog, Boss BF-3 Flanger, Boss TU-2 tuner, MXR EVH Phase 90, Fulltone Deja Vibe, and a Line 6 M5. Around the back he has a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus.

Up front, Derrico's pedalboard is designed around a Dave Friedman-designed rig. The heart of the on-stage setup is his Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro which is programmed with individual patches for each song along with direct access buttons to control the pedals in his rack. He also relies on a Dunlop Cry Baby wah, two Ernie Ball Volume pedals, a custom designed piezo signal splitter (which works with his stereo cable), a Boss TU-3 tuner, and a Fishman preamp.

Rig Rundown - Animals as Leaders' Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Tosin uses a prototype of his Ibanez signature model with DiMarzio Ionizers. The guitar has a wenge/bubinga neck and coil-tapping. Both Tosin and Javier tune their 8-strings standard, but drop the low string to E and use DR .009 –.074 strings. Both also use Planet Waves Black Ice picks.

He also has a Rick Toone-built "experiment" with an aluminum neck, fanned frets, Tortex fretboard, and Lace Alumitone and Bareknuckle Nailbomb pickups. The guitar has two additional lower frets for the two lower strings, giving it additional range, and is tuned standard through six strings, with the seventh tuned to A and 8th to C#.

Javier plays a Custom RG8 with an ash body, quilted-maple top, DiMarzio Ionizer pickups, and a stock RG8 neck.

Amps and Effects
Both Tosin and Javier use similar setups of a Fractal Audio Axe-FX II into a Mytek Digital/Analog converter, into a Port City Pearl head to a Port City 2x12 ported cabinet. The head is used as a power amp, with the tones coming from the Fractal models. Tosin has a Matrix 1000FX as a backup power amp in his rig as well.

Tosin uses the Shiver model for his clean, Cameron and Friedman BE for his slap, Friedman BE and Dizzy VH4 for rhythm, and Friedman BE and Plexi for his lead. Javier uses Dizzy VH4 and Friedman HBE for dirty and Dizzy VH4 and USA Clean for clean.

For effects, Tosin says he minimally uses the multi-tap delay, occasional reverb, and some compressions on cleans, while Javier employs the Plexi Shift delay and Crystals during the set.

Both guys control the rig with an MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller, and Tosin uses a Boomerang looper out of the effects loop of the Axe-FX. Javier controls the band's mix with a Line 6 StageScape M20d mixer.

Rig Rundown - Minus the Bear's Dave Knudson, Jake Snider, and Cory Murchy

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Dave Knudson's main guitar is a goldtop PRS McCarty with low action for his tapping parts. He also takes advantage of the coil tapping for more "noisy grit." He also uses a stock PRS Custom 24, a Fender Jaguar Baritone for "Secret Country" tuned standard with a low-B string. He uses an Ibanez acoustic for "Listing."

Frontman Jake Snider's go-to is a new custom Ibanez Roadcore Classic with a Seymour Duncan mini-humbucker and SD tele-style bridge pickup. He keeps the pickup selector taped to neck-only, however. In addition to his two Roadcores, Jake uses a '90s Japanese-built Gretsch Roundup with humbucker Filter'Trons.

Bassist Cory Murchy uses a Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass with P-style pickups, and a Japanese Fender Jazz Aerodyne bass. Murchy keeps everything on, full-up with all of his gear.

Amps
Dave uses a dual-amp rig with a Mesa/Boogie Lonestar combo and Fender Twin Reverb, which he calls his "main workhorse." Both are on all the time, not in stereo. He uses a Morley A/B Box to split his signal to the amps, and another to split to a vintage Omnichord synth for one song that he doesn't play guitar on.

Jake uses a standard Vox AC30 with Celestion Alnico Blues in it through the Normal channel. He prefers the cleanliness and simplicity of the circuit.

Cory plays a Verellen Meatsmoke dubbed the "Mrch Smoke," which he says, "sounds like bass," through an Ampeg 8x10.

Effects
Dave's pedalboard is famous for its four Line 6 DL4s, used for live looping and modulating samples saved in the two Boss RC-3 pedals. He uses the Barber Tone Press to smooth out his tapping segments and uses the Line 6 M5 in place of bulkier EHX HOG and DigiTech Whammy pedals. He also uses a Boss DD-20 Giga Delay, Boss CS-3 to bring down his volume, his favorite fuzz the Z.Vex Box of Rock, a Tube Screamer, and a wah.

Jake also uses a pair of Line 6 DL4s for sampling during the show, a Vox DelayLab for everything from quick slapback to tape-style delays, a BBE Green Screamer for distortion, a homemade clean boost, an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Jr. as a mute for sampling between songs, and his favorite pedal, a vintage Mu-Tron Phasor.

Cory keeps it simpler than his bandmates, using just a Greedtone Overdrive and a Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass DI on his board.

Rig Rundown - Between the Buried and Me's Dustie Waring and Paul Waggoner

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Dustie plays modified PRS Custom 22s built to be lighter weight with obeah wood, and loaded with his signature DiMarzio pickups and a Floyd Rose. Paul plays PRS Custom 24s with Bareknuckle Blackhawk pickups. Both guys tune to C# standard and used custom gauge D'Addario strings: .011, .014, .021 (wound), .032, .044, .056. They use Line 6 Relay G50 digital wireless units.

Amps and Effects
Paul and Dustie's setups are very similar: Fractal Axe-FX Ultras through Mesa/Boogie stereo power amps. Dustie uses a Stereo 2:100, while Paul uses a Simul-Class 2:90. Both have Stereo 2:50 units for backup. The Mesas power two Port City 212 cabs (each) that are running in stereo and have Celestion Vintage 30s.

Dustie controls his Fractal with an MFC-101 and sets his patches based on basic tones. His main "chunk" sound is based on a Mesa/Boogie with an Xotic BB+. His main clean is a Dr. Z and Fender Twin with Reverb and delay, while his clean lead adds in the Xotic BB+.

Paul controls his Fractal with a Rocktron All Access foot controller, but sets his patches up in song mode, with rhythms, leads, and other patches for each song—even using a banjo-sounding patch when necessary.

Both guys use Mission Expression pedals for volume and wah through the Axe-FX, use TC Electronic PolyTune tuners, and employ a Port City Salem boost on their board. Paul's board also has a Wampler Faux Tape Echo and Wampler Levithan.

Rig Rundown - Joe Robinson

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
During this run, Robinson brought out three guitars–a Fender Strat, a Fender Jazzmaster, and a Gretsch 6122 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman. The Strat was the first guitar Robinson bought for himself when he was around 14. He recently put a new neck on it–afters years of truss rod misuse when he was younger–and installed Mick Brierley pickups. The Gretsch is entirely stock with the exception of TV Jones pickups. All of his electrics are strung with a .010 set of Elixir strings with the high string replaced with a .012.

Amps
For his electric trio shows, Joe uses a dual amp setup consisting of a Laboga Alligator 30 and a Dr. Z Carmen Ghia. An avowed fan of Class A amps, Robinson runs both amps all the time with only his reverb (and occasionally the delay) run in stereo. Since both are run pretty hot he places a sheet of plexiglass in front to keep the front row happy.

Effects
For his main electric rig pedalboard, Robinson uses a T-Rex Octavius, Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 reissue, T-Rex Tremster, Eventide Time Factor, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, and a T-Rex Room-Mate all powered by a T-Rex Fuel Tank. Off to the right of this board he has a Crybaby Wah, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, and a Peterson StroboStomp 2.

On the acoustic side, he plugs into a Boss TU-2, another T-Rex Octavius, and a Boss RC-30 Loop Station. For amplification he goes into an AER Pocket Tools mixer and then into his Compact 60 (not shown).

Rig Rundown - Meshuggah's Fredrik Thordendal, Marten Hagstrom, & Dick Lovgren

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars & Basses
Fredrik Thordendal's main guitar for this tour is an 8-string Ibanez Custom Shop "Stone Man" 27" scale guitar built on his own design (pictured, left), incorporating elements of the Fireman, Firebrand, and Explorer guitars with Flying V knob placement. It has Lundgren M8 bridge and neck pickups with a coil split. He also uses the Japanese version of his signature Ibanez M8M, which is a 29.4" scale length. He uses a foam mute after the locking nut on all of his guitars. The 8-strings are tuned a half-step down, and he experiments with string gauges to get the feel that he's looking for.

Mårten Hagström's main guitar is a stock Japanese Ibanez M8M with alder body and Lundgren M8 pickups, also tuned a half-step down with a foam mute, as well as an Ibanez M8M with a swamp ash body (pictured, middle) for the first half of the set.

Dick Lövgren's main bass is nicknamed the Devil (pictured, right). It is a custom Warwick Dolphin Pro I 5-string with Bartolini pickups, an upside-down cross inlay, and is tuned Ab, Eb, Bb, F, Bb. He also uses a Warwick Dolphin Pro II 5-string, and a stock 4-string Warwick Stryker with black hardware tuned down 1.5 steps for "Bleed."

Amps & Effects
All three players use Shure ULXD1 wireless units that come into a single receiver. All three use Fractal Audio Ax-FX Ultras for their amps and effects, programmed with tempo for each song. The units are controlled by a laptop with Cubase, which automatically cycles through the patches throughout the show.

Rig Rundown - Coheed and Cambria's Claudio Sanchez & Travis Stever

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Claudio Sanchez' Guitars
Claudio prefers Gibson Explorers, and his number one is a 1980 Gibson E2 Explorer (left). It has a Bare Knuckle Nailbomb in the bridge and stock neck pickup. The finish is sanded off the neck for speed, the electronics are upgraded with sealed pots, and the headstock has been broken and fixed. His second, most-used Explorer is a 2005 '76 Reissue with a calibrated set of Bare Knuckle Nailbomb pickups and the same electronics mods.

In addition, Claudio uses a recent-issue Fender USA Tele dropped a half step for "The Afterman," a baritone Gibson Explorer (right) for "Sentry the Defiant" and "Hollywood the Cracked" (tuned B to B), and a double-neck SG with a Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup for "Welcome Home."

He has another Gibson Explorer he doesn't use as often with a Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup and a portrait of his father, as well as Martin HD-28 and Taylor GS8 acoustics that he uses on "Iron Fist" and "Wake Up."

Claudio uses DR Strings Drop-Down Tuning .010–.052, and his main guitars go back and forth between standard and dropped-D tuning.

Claudio Sanchez' Amps and Effects
Claudio uses a Whirlwind switcher and Audio-Technica wireless units into a Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra through a Matrix GT1000FX power amp to a cabinet onstage for monitoring. The house sound goes direct from the Axe-FX.

For patches, Claudio's main distortion tone is based on two Marshall Super Lead types, with a wah and pitch shifter set to expression pedals onstage. Medium gain is based on an old Orange head with various delays and effects, and his clean is modeled after a brownface Fender amp with delay and compressor.

The system is controlled with a Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro with two Mission expression pedals for octave up and wah. He uses a Mission Tap Tempo pedal as well.

Travis Stever's Guitars
Travis' go-to guitar is a Gibson Custom Black Beauty Les Paul with custom Coheed & Cambria inlay in the body that's used in standard and dropped-D tuning. He also uses a Gibson Traditional Les Paul goldtop with a Bigsby a half-step down for "The Afterman" and "Wake Up," a Gibson Les Paul with EMG 81 and 85 pickups tuned a half-step down for "Welcome Home" and a lot of early Coheed material, a Gibson Les Paul with a Bigsby tuned standard, and a Gibson SG with the low E tuned to B for "Sentry the Defiant." Travis' acoustic is a Taylor used for "Iron Fist" and the VIP acoustic performances. He also uses the DR Drop-Down Tuning Strings in .010-.052.

Travis Stever's Amps and Effects
Travis' rig is the same as Claudio's: a Whirlwind Multi Selector, Audio-Technica wireless, and Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra. He only uses a few presets, his heavier sounds modeled after his Mesa/Boogie Mark Vs, and lead tones are more of a Marshall kind of lead with delay and reverb.

On the floor, he uses a Mission expression pedal and Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro, as well as an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Jr.

Rig Rundown - Soundgarden's Kim Thayil, Chris Cornell, and Ben Shepherd

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Kim Thayil's Guitars
Kim's main guitar is a black '90s reissue Guild S-100 (left) that he's had since the early '90s. He prefers this model because of the distance between the tailpiece and bridge, as he plays and bends strings behind the bridge. The neck on the guitar is a little thicker than an SG, and everything is stock on the guitar. He uses GHS .009 - .046 strings with low action on the S-100. He has another S-100 used with heavier, doubled strings for lower tunings. The '79 Guild S-300 (middle) has hotter stock DiMarzio pickups and is used for heavier songs and songs where he is the only guitar player and doesn't need the space behind the bridge. Kim's Gibson Firebird is a current production model and has doubled strings in EEBBBE tuning ("My Wave," "Been Away Too Long"). He also travels with the same red Firebird he used in the '90s as a backup, a Tele for a lighter sound, and a thin-bodied Les Paul Custom.

Kim Thayil's Amps
Kim combines a Mesa/Boogie Trem-o-Verb combo and a Mesa/Boogie Electradyne head dialed in to complement each other. The Trem-o-Verb is set quiet with a lot of gain and compression for the midrange and drive. The Electradyne is also set with a lot of gain but has more lows and more sparkle on the top end. The amps blend and run through two 4x12 cabinets with Celestion Vintage 30s for a full, complete sound. The Hughes & Kettner Rotosphere is run through the effects loop of the Electradyne, so there's one wet amp and one dry amp with the effect.

Kim Thayil's Effects
Kim's board is controlled by a Providence PEC-2 Routing System to engage or disengage effects or combinations of effects. He uses an Electro-Harmonix Micro POG for songs like "Halfway There," Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Line Driver is almost always on, and the CAE Boost/Overdrive is kicked in for a little extra dirt. He has a Hughes & Kettner Roto-Sphere used for the Leslie sounds on "Black Hole Sun," an Ibanez Chorus used for darker chorus sounds for arpeggios and harmonics like in "Nothing to Say," "Beyond the Wheel," and other early songs in dropped tunings as well as in conjunction with his behind-the-bridge playing, a new T-Rex Tap Tone delay that he uses to spice up solos and change things up, and a Boss DD-5 set to a backward delay. Other pedals on his board include a Boss NS-3 and Dunlop CAE Wah.

Chris Cornell's Guitars
Chris uses his new Gibson signature ES-335 in army green with aged binding, Bigsby, clear knobs, brushed nickel hardware, and Lollartron pickups. He also uses a black version, which does not have a Bigsby. He also uses a red Gibson ES-335 with Lollar Imperials, black Gibson Les Paul patterned after Neil Young's Old Black guitar with a P-90 in the neck and Seymour Duncan mini-humbucker, a Gibson 1960 VOS with an aftermarket bridge and Micro Farad .02 capacitors, a couple of '90s Gretsch Duo Jets in black and gold sparkle, and a Duesenberg Starplayer TV. His go-to acoustic is a Martin D-28 Marquis with a slightly wider neck for fingerpicking. Chris generally strings his guitars .012 - .052, with some custom gauges based on tunings.

Chris Cornell's Amps
Chris uses a Divided by 13 FTR 37 run at 15 watts with the Volume pulled out for a mid gain boost with two Savage Amps Roar combos with two 10" speakers in each. He uses different amps for different tonal flavors—he usually uses all three at the same time, but one Savage is brighter than the other, so he switches them on or off depending upon his tonal preferences.

Chris Cornell's Effects
Chris uses an Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, two Dr. No Ultradrives (used as a transparent boost for more sustain), T-Rex Reptile, and a Menatone King of the Britains pedal.

Ben Shepherd's Basses
Ben's go-to bass is a MIM Fender P-bass nicknamed Baron. It has a Badass bridge and GHS heavy strings that are kept on the basses as long as possible to be as worn-in as possible—they're only changed when one breaks. Lena (middle) is a Fender '62 Reissue American P-bass, also with a Badass bridge.

Ben Shepherd's Amps
Ben uses an Ampeg SVT-VR and Mesa/Boogie Carbine M6. The Mesa is mostly used for stage volume and monitoring. There's an additional Mesa/Boogie combo on the side of the stage to monitor Kim's signal.

Rig Rundown - Keller Williams

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Keller's main workhorse is a Martin HD-28(L) from the early 2000s. It has "the low end of a beast" and is plugged direct into the PA. He also has another HD-28 that is used for more experimental purposes–such as adding a synth pickup or even cutting it in half. The thin-bodied guitar on the right caught Keller's eye online for $180 on Amazon when it was described as an "acoustic SG."

He also uses an electric guitar made by Tommy Rodriguez out of Richmond, Virignia and a Fender Road Worn bass. He strings it with flatwound strings and turns the tone control all the way down to take all the treble out of his sound.

Pedalboard
The heart of Keller's pedalboard rig is a Boss RC-300, which everything feeds into. His favorite effect–due to Jerry Garcia's influence–is the MuTron III. His other main effects include a Line 6 DL4, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Boss Digital Reverb, Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, and a TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb. Keller is able to blend the effects with his dry signal via an Ernie Ball VP Jr. Volume Pedal. He runs everything direct with no amps.

In addition, the Korg Kaossilator gives Keller access to some synth-style sounds–which are also run through the RC-300. The Roland HandSonic HPD-15 gives Keller all the drum sounds he needs to create his loops, and he also uses a Roland GR-55 for all of his synth sounds (with the Rodriguez electric).

Rig Rundown - Samantha Fish

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Samantha Fish's custom Delaney "Fish-o-caster" is a thinline T-style with Klein humbuckers and a fish-shaped soundhole. A self-proclaimed Tele girl, Fish’s custom Delaney has a swamp ash body with natural grain and tint and a rosewood fretboard. She replaced the initial miniature humbucker and single-coil with her current Klein humbuckers for a fatter sound. She uses D’Addario .011–.049 strings.

For her current tour, Fish keeps a Fender Blacktop Telecaster in dropped-D or open G tuning for playing slide during live shows. The Blacktop, which she acquired while on the Girls with Guitars Tour, also has Klein pickups and a rosewood fretboard.

Fish bought her Stogie Box Blues cigar box from a vendor while in Helena, Arkansas, playing at the 2012 King Biscuit Blues Festival. It has a P-90, is tuned to open G, and Fish uses one of her four slides—both glass and brass variations—to play it. Her newest guitar is a Dean chrome-on-brass engraved resonator dobro that she got as a Christmas gift. She’s still getting comfortable with playing it, but the plan is to use it for solo acoustic shows.

Amps
Category 5 Amplification’s owner Don Ritter worked with Fish on this custom Andrew 2x12 amp with a matching silver tolex extension cab. The amp and cab each have 10” and 12” speakers. Fish was turned on to Category 5 amps by some of her favorite blues players, such as Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, and Tab Benoit. She prefers a “monster amp” tone, and plays mostly on Channel 2.

Effects
Fish uses minimal effects, but has a Fulltone OCD for when she’s playing smaller clubs and can’t crank her amp but needs gain distortion. Mentor and producer Mike Zito gave Fish the MXR Custom Badass Modified O.D. as a present. “When I really wanna rock, I hit that pedal,” she says. She’s experimenting with effects from Mojo Hand FX and plans to add a Crosstown Fuzz and a tremolo to her board this year.

Rig Rundown - Dweezil Zappa

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
For the single-coil tones, Dweezil brings out a mostly stock Eric Johnson signature Strat. In order to quickly move to an acoustic sound, Dweezil installed a bridge with a piezo pickup. He's also playing a prototype of a (hopefully) forthcoming signature model from Gibson. Based off of Frank Zappa's "Roxy"-era SG, it sports a white headstock, a series/parallel switch, and a phase switch–both located on the lower bout.

Amps
The heart of Dweezil's tone comes from a Fractal Audio Systems Axe-FX II. In previous versions of his rig he actually ran two units simultaneously due to the CPU demand that his custom presets required. However, on this “Zappa Does Zappa” tour he runs everything through the top unit and the bottom is used as a backup or for any guests that might sit in. In order to recreate his father's famous tones, Dweezil goes back to the master tapes to study and cop every little detail in order to program the Axe-FX II presets.

In order to play incredibly intricate music, each musician in the band is able to control their own monitor mix via a touch-screen tablet along with a Behringer mixer. This allows everyone to adjust on the fly depending on the song and stage volume.

Effects
All of Dweezil's effects are run through the front of the Axe-FX II, rather than the effects loop. Along the top is a Bogner Ecstasy Blue, JAM Pedals Fuzz Phrase, SolidGoldFX Formula 76, TC Electronic PolyTune Mini, SolidGoldFX Electroman, JAM Pedals Big Chill Tremolo, and JAM Pedals Red Muck. Along the front of his board is the MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller for the Axe-FX II and four expression pedals–the first one is for volume and the other three change function depending on the preset.

On the far right side of his pedalboard, Dweezil uses a custom JAM Pedals wah along with an expression pedal to control different variables on his JAM Pedals Big Chill Tremolo. In addition to this wah, he also uses a wah within the Axe-FX II depending on if he wants it before or after his distortion pedals.

Rig Rundown - Lamb of God

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Guitarist Mark Morton plays his Signature Jackson Dominion models. This particular guitar (left) features a prototype "White Boy" finish and binding that will be available for shredders in 2013 (along with additional finishes/colors). The 24.75" scale length Jackson also is equipped with Morton's Signature DiMarzio Dominion pickups, which will come loaded in both of Morton's Japan-made and import-level signature Jackson guitars in 2013.

Willie Adler's #1 baby is a signature ESP Will Adler BC model (middle). It features Adler's go-to camo finish, Lamb of God flag inlay, mahogany body, maple neck, ebony fretboard, bone nut, TonePros hardware, and Seymour Duncan pickups (JB-bridge; '59-neck). The pickups have the Lamb of God flag and Adler's John Hancock engraved into the top of the pickup covers. Adler's tech says they were surprised how the covers improved his tone (clarity in single notes) so much so that they have requested Seymour Duncan to send him more covers for the rest of his ESP guitars. And since this is Adler's #1, he insisted on flying his Washington Redskins colors.

Bassist John Campbell's go-to bass is his Jackson signature 4-string with EMG-P and EMG 35DC pickups, a bolt-on neck, 3-band EQ, and Badass III bridge. This red model (right) is tuned to C# and features Warbird inlay.

Amps & Effects
Morton's rack sits off the side of the stage. When we caught up with him, he was using two Mesa/Boogie Mark IV heads (one for FOH and one that powers Stiletto 4x12 cabs onstage). Since the video, Morton has gotten two Mesa/Boogie RA-100 Royal Atlantic heads to match the current setup and mimic his recording tone used on Resolution. (The Mark IV amp sitting on top of the rack is a backup.)

The effects in Morton's chain include a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, MXR EVH Phase 90, MXR GT-OD, a rackmount Cry Baby Custom Shop wah unit, a rackmount dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate, and a Boss TU-2 Tuner.

Adler's offstage rack is controlled by his tech during shows. In the rack, Willie has two Mesa/Boogie Mark IV heads (one for powering the Mesa/Boogie Stiletto 4x12 cabs on stage and one that goes to FOH). A third Mark IV head sitting on top of the rack is a backup.

As for effects in Adler's signal path, he has a rackmount dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate, a Boss TU-2 Tuner, Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, and a MXR Stereo Chrous (that only comes on when Adler plays clean to "thicken up" the tone), and a custom-made (by Mesa/Boogie) amp switcher.

Campbell's rack holds two 500-watt, all-tube (Class A/B Power / 12x6L6, 4x12AX7) Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ amps (one is a backup).

Campbell's modest pedalboard (sitting on top of the rack) contains a Boss TU-2 Tuner, EBS MultiComp, and a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI, and is powered by a Jim Dunlop DC Brick power supply. (The compressor and bass driver are on all the time, and FOH takes a direct XLR signal from the Bass Driver.)

Rig Rundown - Journey's Neal Schon

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Schon primarily uses two prototypes for an upcoming PRS signature model. They are 15" semi-hollows with a spruce top, mahogany center, and curly maple back/sides. Both have a Floyd Rose, Seymour Duncan Custom Custom pickup, and old-style Fernandes Sustainer (which won't be in the production models). Additional tweaks by Gary Brawer include an octave above and below switch and a push/pull volume knob to single-coil mode, that can rolled off to a filter kind of effect. He also uses a Strat on "Lights" and a PRS McCarty in D-tuning on "Wheel."

Amps
Schon's guitar signal comes into his rack through Lectrosonics wireless units into a passive A/B box out to his pedalboard back into the Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra and stock Blackstar Series One 100 amps. The Fractal signal is a stereo out into a Roland mixer that blends the Echoplex looper onstage and a Roland Phantom guitar synth (not currently in use). The signal then goes to the FOH and Neal's in-ear monitors. The Blackstar head goes into a single 4x12 cabinet.

Effects
On the floor, Schon's signal goes through a Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby, Boss CS-3 Compressor, EWS Fuzzy Drive, Fulltone Fat Boost, and Wampler Nirvana Chorus. A MFC-101 controller controls the Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra and Blackstar channel switching, as well as the Roland Phantom Guitar synth. He also has expression pedals for the gain levels of the delay and reverb.

Rig Rundown - Madonna's Monte Pittman

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Pittman primarily uses Jarrell Guitars MPS Monte Pittman Signature Guitars, either with a Floyd Rose or stop tailpiece. His personal guitars use custom-wound Dimebucker, S7, and P-Rail pickups made by Maricela Juarez (MJ) at the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop. He uses the many available pickup configurations for both a variety of tones and output levels when he needs to be further back in the mix. His signature guitar also comes in "classic" with Jarrell pickups instead of Seymour Duncans. In addition to his signature guitars, Pittman uses a stock recent-issue Fender Jazzmaster for "Vogue," "Candy Shop," and "Human Nature," a Jerry Jones Electric Sitar for "I'm a Sinner," and a Gibson Melody Maker with a Bill Lawrence pickup and Swarovski crystals for "Like a Prayer." He uses Dunlop .88 picks and D'Addario .010s for strings.

His main acoustic is a Bourgeois OMS with Peruvian rosewood and Fishman electronics that's tuned down to C#. He also travels with a Bourgeois Ray LaMontagne model and an Alhambra nylon string that aren't used in the Madonna set but are used for solo shows Pittman does during the tour.

Madonna uses a 2002 Gibson Les Paul Standard with custom Seymour Duncan Alnico 2s overwound for Madonna's hands for more presence.

Amps
Pittman uses two Orange Rockerverb 100s with KT88s into two Orange 4x12s with Celestion Vintage 30s, run in stereo. He runs the Oranges' clean channel when using his Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II for amp tones, and the boost channel when he needs more gain or for feedback. He recreated his personal Marshall JCM800 sound in the Fractal, which he uses for his amp tone sometimes as well.

Madonna uses a Fractal Axe-FX II for her amps, triggered by her tech. She plays three songs, with three patches per song. "I Don't Give A" has a patch inspired by Meshuggah's Koloss album, "Turn Up the Radio" has a patch inspired by Allan Holdsworth based off a Dumble amp with volume swell chorus and doubled Mr. Mister sound, and "I'm a Sinner" has a raw, Patti Smith clean sound.

Pedals
For effects, Pittman uses the Fractal Axe-Fx II with an MFC-101 controller for traditional effects as well as atmospheric tones and sound effects, and a variety of synth tones for doubling or complimenting keyboard parts. On the floor he uses an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, Dunlop Jerry Cantrell Signature Wah, MXR Boost/Line Driver, MXR Dime Distortion, MXR Bass Octave Deluxe, MXR EQ (used for boost), MXR Carbon Copy, and a TC Electronic PolyTune. He explains that there's room for playing with different sounds during the set, so the pedals on the floor give him flexibility to do so. With his acoustic, he uses a Fishman Aura pedal that's stocked with models of his personal acoustics that he leaves at home.

Rig Rundown - Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's Judah Bauer

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars & Amps
Bauer uses Telecasters built from various Fender parts by Norio Imai of Imai Guitars. They source parts to replicate the tone and feel of Bauer's '65 Tele, which he leaves at home, and then Imai rerets and refinishes the instruments. Pictured is his newest model, which has a Seymour Duncan humbucker at the neck. The bridge pickup, like the pickups in his other Imai Teles, is hand-wound by Imai. Other special features include a capacitor in the volume circuit and a hidden kill switch. He uses two of these live, one in standard and one in open G tuning, strung with DR Strings Tite Fit .011 - .050.

Bauer's amps are a stock '61 Fender Twin and a '59 Fender Deluxe with a JBL E120 speaker for more headroom. The amps are run in stereo.

Effects
Bauer's go-to effect is an Audio Kitchen The Big Trees, a tube drive pedal that can also be used as an amp. He also has a Z.Vex Box of Rock that he uses for dirt when the Big Trees pedal is too big to travel with. He tries to keep it simple with just a Lehle 1at3 switcher, a delay pedal for short delays (the multicolored unit on the far right), an EHX Memory Toy for wilder delays, and an MXR Phase 90 which he uses for fuzz. He has a custom Audio Kitchen switcher that allows him to use modified vintage Fender footswitches to trigger his effects. He uses the Ebow on "Bear Trap," and combines it with a slide for siren-type sounds.

Rig Rundown: Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
J Mascis' main guitar is a sunburst '63 Fender Jazzmaster with original neck and pickups (left). He replaced the pickup covers, knobs, and added a Tune-o-matic-style bridge. His main backup is a sunburst '65 Jazzmaster with original neck and pickups, also with the bridge replaced. Other Jazzmasters in his arsenal include a refinished '58 with vintage pickups and gold hardware, a refinished '63 body with '59 neck and vintage Jazzmaster pickups, and the second prototype of his signature Squier Jazzmaster with Seymour Duncan Antiquities. Mascis disengages the top toggle switch and installs jumbo frets into most of his guitars.

Amps
Mascis’ four-amp setup includes two late-’60s Marshall Super Bass full-stacks, a vintage Hiwatt DR-103 head driving two Marshall 4x12s, and a Victoria 80212 tweed Twin clone. The head shown here sits atop an ancient and battle-scarred 4x12 that he proudly says he bought for $40, minus the speakers.

Effects
Mascis’ pedalboard is built around a Bob Bradshaw-built Custom Audio Electronics switcher that gives him a multitude of effect combinations. Among the notable boxes on the board are a ToneBender Mk I-clone/Rangemaster-clone combo pedal built by Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch (bottom right corner), Mascis’ first Electro-Harmonix “Ram’s Head” Big Muff (top right), an MC-FX clone of a Univox Super-Fuzz, a CAE Twin Tremolo (upper left), a Z.Vex Double Rock (two Box of Rocks in one, bottom left), and an Electro-Harmonix POG2 that he’s using to mimic Mellotron and organ sounds from Dino Jr.’s latest album.

Rig Rundown - Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
For most of the set, Corgan uses his Fender Billy Corgan Signature Strats with Billy Corgan DiMarzio pickups in them, tuned to E. For songs in E-flat, he uses his Mellon Collie-era, mid-'70s Strat (also with DiMarzios) that used to be his "I Love My Mom" guitar. For new Oceania songs, Corgan uses recent-issue Fender Jaguars, and he employs a few others on a song-by-song basis, including a Reverend tuned to G for "Violet Rays," a vintage Harmony with Alembic pickups for "Pinwheels," and a mid-'70s Strat with DiMarzios that he says is closest to his Gish-era Strat that was stolen in the '90s.

Amps
Corgan's rig consists of eight preamp modules custom built by Salvation Mods. He flew out the builder, who cloned his personal amps: a '60s Selmer, "Soul" Marshall 2203, Reeves Custom Jimmy (Jimmy Page Hiwatt clone), Marshall Super Lead 1959RR Limited Edition Randy Rhoads, VamPower amp with a fuzz mod (for Oceania material), Diezel VH4, and a '69 Marshall Super Tremolo. This allows him to recreate his classic tones throughout the night.

He uses Mesa/Boogie Strategy 500 power amps (from his Mellon Collie touring rig) modded with different tubes run at half power. A Palmer PDI-03 signal is mixed in with the live mic'd signal from a 1960 Marshall 4x12 cab (also from his Mellon Collie rig) with new Celestion 75-watt speakers.

Effects
Corgan uses a Rocktron All Access switcher (left, not pictured) to switch between his Salvation Mods modules. For pedals he uses a Skreddy Echo (the closest to his preferred vintage Binson Echorec), two MXR Phase 90s used for solos, a Fulltone Catalyst used as a preamp, a Chicago Iron Octavian, a Boss PS-2 Phase Shifter, and a Strymon El Capistan. The only other pedal on the board is a custom pedal he calls the Bloody Finger, which is made by a company that is now out of business. Corgan calls it the best solo pedal he has, saying it sounds like Brian May's Queen tone but with more gain. He uses Keeley loopers to take pedals in and out of the signal, explaining that 90 percent of the show is just the guitar and amps.

Rig Rundown - Blondie's Chris Stein and Tommy Kessler

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Tessa Jeffers is on location in Chicago, IL, at the Chicago Theatre where she catches up with Blondie's Chris Stein and Tommy Kessler.

Guitars
Blondie’s original guitarist, Chris Stein, uses one guitar only—his “very sexy” XOX Audio Tools Carbon-Fiber guitar (not pictured). Stein loves the lightness of this long-scale model and says he’s finding it hard to go back to hardwood guitars. The carbon fiber weighs only 4 lbs. and is unaffected by weather and temperature. Stein brings a gunmetal DBZ hollowbody on tour, but according to him, he plays one guitar and he never breaks strings. He plays his XOX with National metal fingerpicks and Dunlop plastic fingerpicks.

Kessler works extensively with Doug Kauer on made-to-order guitars. Kessler opens up the show with his custom sparkle blue Daylighter semi-hollow carved top with a Bigsby. It’s set up like a Les Paul with two tones and two volumes. But his number one guitar is his black Kauer, a single-cut solidbody Starliner prototype. All of his Kauers have WolfeTone humbuckers. For his extended solo on “Atomic,” Kessler uses a Schroeder equipped with Seymour Duncans and a 3-way toggle. He also has a goldtop Les Paul on hand but it’s his backup guitar used mostly only in the studio. In addition to his four electrics, he uses a nylon-string Taylor NS74ce for the song “Wipe Off My Sweat.” He strings his electrics with Ernie Ball .011s and uses Couch straps made out of old automobile material.

Amps
Stein plays through a 3-channel Mesa/Boogie Rectifier, but he mostly sticks to the middle channel for crunch, using the clean channel and distortion for only a few songs. Stein says it’s reliable, “doesn’t crap out,” and the house sound guy likes the tone. Kessler plays through a Soldano SLO100 on the clean channel on a crunch setting at 100 watts with two 2x12 Soldano cabs with Weber speakers on either side.

In addition, Kessler uses a Line 6 wireless system, Furman Power Conditioner and a THD Hot Plate, and also has a Weber MASS Attenuator onhand.

Effects
Kessler’s pedalboard for Blondie has been virtually the same for three years. He uses a Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone, Fulltone Clyde Standard wah, DigiTech Whammy 5, Pigtronix Envelope Phaser, Pigtronix Tremvelope, Pigtronix Aria, Boss DD-5 Digital Delay, Line 6 DL4, Cusack-modded Z.Vex Seek Wah, and an Ernie Ball Volume Jr.

Stein’s effects for this tour are very minimal. He says he really only uses the Seymour Duncan Deja Vu Tap Delay, an Ibanez Tube Screamer, and a Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer. When we talked to him he was trying out a DigiTech Hardwire Metal Distortion, and he also had a Hardwire Stereo Reverb, Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, Boss TU-2 Tuner, Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive, and Boss DD-5 Digital Delay on his board.

Rig Rundown - Jimmy Kimmel Live! Toshi Yanagi & Jimmy Earl

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location at Hollywood, CA, where she catches up with Jimmy Kimmel Live! guitarist Toshi Yanagi and bassist Jimmy Earl. In this segment, we learn what guitars, amps, basses, and effects pedals both Yanagi and Earl use every night during taping.

See more late night Rig Rundowns and read about the gig in our "TV Guitars: Inside the World of Late Night" article, featuring interviews and Rig Rundowns with the musicians for Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Rig Rundown - Saturday Night Live's Jared Scharff

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location at Studio 8H at 30 Rock in New York, NY, where she catches up with SNL house-band guitarist Jared Scharff. In this segment, Scharff talks using Fano Guitars, 65 Amps, and various pedals from boutique companies while working within the live show context every Saturday night.

Rig Rundown - Conan's Jimmy Vivino & Mike Merritt

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location at Hollywood, CA, where she catches up with Conan guitarist Jimmy Vivino and bassist Mike Merritt. In this segment, we learn what guitars, amps, basses, and effects pedals both Vivino and Merritt use every night during taping, as well as take a look into Vivino's back room collection of guitars.

Rig Rundown - Late Night With Jimmy Fallon's The Roots' "Captain" Kirk Douglas & Mark Kelley

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location in New York, NY where she catches up with Late Night with Jimmy Fallon guitarist "Captain" Kirk Douglas and bassist Mark Kelley. In this segment, we learn what guitars, amps, basses, and effects pedals both Douglas and Kelley use every night during taping.

Rig Rundown - The Late Show with David Letterman's Will Lee, Sid McGinnis, and Felicia Collins

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, NY, where she catches up with CBS Orchestra bassist Will Lee and guitarists Sid McGinnis and Felicia Collins. In this segment, the three discuss the guitars, amps, and effects used nightly on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Rig Rundown - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno's Rickey MInor, Paul Jackson Jr., and Dave Delhomme

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is on location in Los Angeles, CA where she catches up with The Tonight Show with Jay Leno bassist Rickey Minor and guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Dave Delhomme. In this segment, we learn what guitars, amps, basses, and effects pedals all three players use every night during taping.

Rig Rundown - Anthrax's Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Presented by:
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Guitars
Scott's main guitar for most of the show is his signature Jackson. This one is customized with his son's name inlayed on the neck. He uses custom .011 - 52 D'Addario strings and tunes down a half-step. He only uses the bridge pickup, but prefers the tone of the two-pickup models. Other guitars in the lineup include this parts guitar Scott lost track of this in the late '80s, and came across the body for sale on eBay recently. He had Fender put it back together with a Strat neck (EVH profile).

The third guitar pictured is a custom McSwain zombie guitar was built with wood from a church at the cemetery "Night of the Living Dead" was shot at. To add to the creep factor, the wood was buried in the cemetery for a month, the ribcage is a prop from The Walking Dead television show, and the side dots on the fretboard are old coffin nails.

Scott also uses a single-pickup version of his signature model, and various custom-painted versions.

Rob uses his signature ESP guitar, completely stock, and travels with just one backup.

Amps
Scott Ian uses his Randall signature modular amp, which is no longer in production. It has three modular channels which he cutsom designed. Channel 1 is his "clean" channel and is nicknamed "Malcom" for its AC/DC-style tone, Channel 2 is called "1987" and is modeled after his '80s JCM800s, and Channel 3 is nicknamed "Nuts" and is a modern gain channel that he kicks in sometimes for feedback at the end of a song.

Rob uses a Fryette Sig X head (with one for backup) running through two matching Fryette 412 cabinets.

Pedals
Scott uses minimal effects, employing the MXR Carbon Copy Delay, MXR EVH Phase 90, and TC Electronic Corona chorus for specific song parts. The CAE Boost/Overdrive and MXR Smart Gate are always on. In the back of the drawer are two additional MXR Smart Gates which are currently out of the loop. The effects are controlled with a Voodoo Lab Ground Control, launched by his guitar tech. On the floor, he uses a Dunlop CAE wah and a DigiTech Whammy that he just uses occasionally for fun.

Rob uses more effects than Scott, usually employing his Death by Audio Interstellar Overdriver Deluxe or the Devi Ever 90 Fuzz for dirt. He uses the MXR Custom Comp for solos and the MXR EVH Phase 90 and Micro Chorus come in for specific songs. The Boss DD-5 is set up with tap tempo, and the Tech 21 Boost R.V.B is a new addition to his board. The pedals are controlled through a Musicom EFX MK III switcher.

Rig Rundown - Devo

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Bob 1's Guitars
For the current tour, Bob 1’s main guitar is a Gibson Mike Bloomfield ’59 Les Paul Standard. It is completely stock and is strung up with .009 gauge strings. “This was the first time I picked up a Les Paul in a music store and thought it sounded really good,” says Bob 1.

Luthier Buzz Feiten created the T-style guitar for Bob 1. It is the third guitar that Feiten has made and outside of the humbucker/single-coil setup, it features a passive boost function that is controlled by a switch mounted near the volume knob. On previous tours Bob 1 has used this guitar for as much as half the set.

When things get a little sloppy near the end of the set, Bob 1 pulls out this Devo Spudocaster. It was made by Chopper Guitars and sports a basswood body and a copy of a Strat-style neck. Bob 1 asked them to replicate the sound of the old Gibson PAF pickups, so Chopper placed a SH-1B pickup in the guitar. The single knob is for master volume, but also contains a push/pull kill switch.

Bob 1 pulls out the La Baye 2x4 each night for “Mr. DNA.” He has swapped out the original pickups for a couple of G&L pickups (the G&L SC-2 had been his go-to guitar for quite a while) and taped up the selector switch. Over the years, he has gone through three of these guitars, but this one has been serving him well since ’94.

Bob 2's Guitars
Bob 2 keeps things simple and only brings two guitars on the road. His main guitar is a custom shop Ibanez Talman which he uses for the entire night, if possible. If he breaks a string or something goes wrong, he brings out a silver sparkle Ibanez Talman that features a Bigsby tailpiece.

Amps and Effects
Both guitarists use Fractal Audio units for their live sound. According to Bob 1, the sounds are “minorly modified” and highly confidential. Throughout the night, Bob 2 only has two different sounds, while Bob 1 uses “3 1/2.” The only other effect used is an Ibanez Tube Screamer on Bob 1’s guitar for the song Mr. DNA, which he uses the 2x4 guitar on. Both signals are routed through Shure wireless systems.

Rig Rundown - Neon Trees' Chris Allen and Branden Campbell

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Chris Allen's main guitar is a Fender Eric Johnson Strat that he's modified with a GraphTech Ghost Acousti-Phonic system and stereo output jack for the acoustic part of "Everybody Talks." The bridge pickup is a Lindy Fralin Split Blade to help cut noise and hum. He also uses a Fender Custom Shop model of his design with an Eric Johnson-profile neck, 12-string headstock, Jazzmaster body with Tele hardware and electronics, a NOS '63 Tele bridge pickup and a Jazzmaster neck pickup. He also uses a MIM Fender Jazzmaster in a custom tuning for "Sins of My Youth."

Bassist Branden Campbell's number one bass is his 1961 Fender P bass. It has Hanson NeoPunch pickups, which are wired like a classic Fender-style with an additional Neodynium magnet for more hair on the note, which he likes for how they break up with a natural compression. The bass also has a new pickguard and Babicz Full Contact bridge. He uses DR Fat Beams strings, gauges .045 - .105. He also uses a '66 Guild Starfire with original Hagstrom "Mickey Mouse" pickup that's tuned to Eb for "Everybody Talks." "It is the loudest but clearest of any of my basses," Camp told us. Other basses include a Rickenbacker tuned to Drop D, a Hofner Club Bass Limited Edition, a '74 Gibson Ripper bass, and a Fender Mike Dirnt P Bass.

Amps
Allen uses a Laney Lionheart LH-20 20-watt hand-wired amp. He told us, "Even though it's only 20 watts, it gets really loud. Sits well in the mix."

Campbell plugs into a Fender Super Bassman 300 with 6550s and two channels: vintage and modern.

Effects
On his board, Allen uses a Cusack Pedal Board Tamer to keep his tonal path as streamlined as possible. He’s arranged his effects switches song-specifically in order to minimize the “tap dancing” he was doing from song to song. He names his Ibanez TS808HW Hand-Wired Tube Screamer overdrive as a must-have, and his Malekko Trem and Vibrato and Z.Vex Fuzz Factory are also favorites. He’s also using: EHX Nano Holy Grail, Dunlop MXR Power Amp, Keeley Compressor, Fulltone GT-500 Boost/Distortion, Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo, A/B amp switch to control his Laneys and Roland JC-120, HardWire CR-7 Stereo Chorus, and a TC Electronic poly-chromatic tuner.

Campbell’s pedalboard is extensive for a bassist. He says his Aguilar Tone Hammer is his bread and butter, but he’s also proud of his homemade channel switcher for his one-of-a-kind white Fender Bassman amp rig (bottom right). Starting from the top left, Campbell’s pedals include: a JHS Bass Utility, Tech 21 VT Bass pedal, Aguilar Tone Hammer, Peterson StroboStomp tuner, EBS DPhaser, EBS UniChorus, EHX Nano Holy Grail, JHS Pandamonium 4 Wheeler Fuzz, TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay, Z.Vex Woolly Mammoth Bass Fuzz Pedal, EHX Bass Big Muff Pi, JHS Low Drive, EHX Bass Microsynth, EBS Octabass, homemade amp switch.

Rig Rundown - Lindsey Buckingham

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Lindsey still brings out his #1 Turner Model One that he has used since the '70s (pictured), as well as two other Model Ones set up with different tunings, and backups for each. On the back of the guitar is a control to adjust the angle of the pickup, which is adjusted to the sweet spot then set. He uses Taylor 814 acoustics with Fishman Prefix electronics, as well as Renaissance nylon-strings, both baritone and regular, with Roland GK pickups to trigger a synth that he wasn't using on this tour. All of his guitars are tuned slightly differently (as detailed in the video), and each is set up for a song or songs with a specific strap length depending upon the difficulty of the song.

Amps and Effects
Buckingham's backline is separated into three different signal paths: acoustic, electric, and nylon. For his acoustic sound, he uses a pair of SWR California Blonde amps with an extension cab. The two Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verbs are routed through a 2x12 cabinet for this electric sound. The Trace Elliot and Fishman amps power his nylon/synth sound.

He uses minimal effects, just a Boss SD-1 and Boss DD-3 Delay for his electric rig and a Boss DD-3 delay and Boss RC-30 looper with background vocals and a little bit of guitar for a few acoustic songs. For nylon-string, he uses chorus and reverb from the amps.

Rig Rundown - Jimmy Herring

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location at Manifold Recording in North Carolina talking gear with Jimmy Herring.

Track Breakdown - Jimmy Herring "Bilgewater Blues"

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick catches up with guitarist Jimmy Herring and talks with him about some of the licks and riffs featured in one of his new songs "Bilgewater Blues".

Rig Rundown - Cheap Trick

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Shawn Hammond is on location checking out Cheap Trick's live rigs. Watch our Rig Rundowns above and check out our photo gallery of all the gear.

Rig Rundown - Incubus' Mike Einzinger and Ben Kenney

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

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PG's Chris Kies is on location in Tinley Park, IL, where he catches up with Incubus' bassist Ben Kenney who talks about his current touring rig that includes Lakland Basses, Mesa/Boogie Amplifiers, and effects pedals from companies like Boss, Ernie Ball, and Fulltone.

Guitars and Basses
Mike uses exclusively Ernie Ball/Music Man Albert Lee model guitars on the road. He says that he chose those models about a year and a half ago because it's comfortable to play night after night, is well-made, and stays in tune. He had carpal tunnel syndrome and surgery on his left hand, so playability was a major concern when choosing a current touring guitar. He played 13s for a long time on his guitars, but gradually moved down to .009s to lighten up on his hand and wrist. Some guitars are strung to Drop D and one is capo'd on the second fret for "If Not Now, When" and one capo'd on the first fret for "Isador." He uses small Tortex picks because he plays with his picks and fingers. He also has a Chinese 4-string lute called the Pipa (far right) that was a gift from Steve Vai.

Ben uses custom Lakland basses. His go-to bass (not pictured) is a 34" scale with a Lakland body with a one-piece mahogany body, Joe Barden Jazz pickups, and gold hardware. His other main basses are also Lakland in different configurations: a blue 35"-scale, a 35" scale 5-string with roundwound strings, and a 30" scale J-style bass (pictured) with two single-coil Lakland pickups and a small neck with flatwounds.

Amps
Mke's using Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-o-Verb amp combos (pictured) on the road because they're versatile for all of their music. The amps are set with one relatively clean and one overdriven. Most of his overdriven tones come from the high gain setting of the amps. Ben uses Mesa/Boogie WalkAbout amps. They're 12" 300-watt combos, and he uses three of them with three 1x12 extension cabinets.

Effects
Mike's enormous pedalboard, which he actively tweaks during the show, has an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man, Danelectro Reel Echo (his favorite pedal), a Dunlop Cry Baby, a Hughes & Kettner Rotosphere, two Boss PH-2 Super Phasers (one set traditional phaser, the other more extreme, almost flanger-like), a DOD Gonkulator Ring Mod, Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay (which he considers his most important pedal), DOD Envelope Filter, Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer, Electro-Harmonix Nano Holy Grail Reverb, DigiTech Stereo Chorus, MXR EVH Phase 90, DigiTech Tone Driver, Electro-Harmonix Micro POG, and Boss OC-2 Octave. The massive board is powered by Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus units.

Ben's pedalboard has an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, Fulltone Bass-Drive, Boss OC-2 Octave, Ibanez CS-9 Chorus, and either an Emma TrasMORGrifier (pictured) or Aguilar TLC compressor, and a Boss TU-3 tuner. He keeps the compressor on most of the time and brings in the other effects as needed.

Rig Rundown - Ted Nugent

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Tessa Jeffers is on location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where she catches up with Motor City Madman Ted Nugent. In this segment, Nugent talks about his beloved Gibson Byrdlands, using the Peavey 6505 heads, and the few stompboxes from Jim Dunlop and Boss that he's currently using on tour.

Rig Rundown - Band of Horses

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rig Rundown - Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Brad Whitford

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Presented by:
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Guitars
Joe Perry travels with a ton of guitars, including recognizable favorites like the Billy 335, Dan Armstrong lucite, and BC Rich 10-string Bich, as well as a number of Custom Shop Teles and Strats from Fender and guitars from California-based boutique builder Echopark Guitars. See photos of each of Joe's guitars as well as the rest of his gear in our photo gallery.

Brad Whitford also has an impressive arsenal of guitars, including a variety of Gibson Custom Shop Tom Murphy reissue Les Pauls, Fender Custom Shop Strats, a Tele, an Epiphone Casino. He also uses guitars from Echopark.

Amps
Guitar tech Trace Foster wasn't exaggerating when he told us that Joe Perry has "20 feet of amps." All of them are on, but not all are used for live sound. Mic'd cabinets feed the live sound, while un-mic'd cabs are used for stage sound.

Brad Whitford, founder of 3 Monkeys Amplification, travels with an impressive stack of his own amps. However, the core of his tone is the PRS amp in the center. It is one of two of Paul Reed Smith's personal favorite amps that was loaned to Whitford for this tour. Whitford says it has a "dream Marshall" type of sound and calls it his "holy grail amp." The PRS is ran through one of the 412s, while the other 412 is powered by a second PRS amp behind the stack.

Pedals
In Joe Perry's rack drawer is a TC Electronic Vortex flanger set mildly for a bit of texture, a TC Electronic Flashback delay set for long delays, an MXR Carbon Copy delay, a TC Electronic Hall of Fame reverb, a Duesenberg Gold Boost set to about 15dB, an Option 5 Destination Bump Boost set to about 20 dB, and a Klon Centaur. Perry prefers boost effects to overdrive or distortion, but his Centaur is a core part of his tone that he's relied on for about 10 years. Tech Trace Foster says Perry uses the pedals differently every night, depending upon how they feel. He explains, "He likes to be inspired. I have about 200 pedals out with me."

Whitford's pedalboard is set up with a trio of Voodoo Lab pedal switchers with four loops each, which feed the Pedal Commander with preset pedal combinations. On the board is a Boss TU-2 Tuner, Framptone amp selector (though all three amps are always on), Mojo Hand Rook (which recently replaced Whitford's Klon Centaur on his board), Pigtronix Philosopher's Rock (used as a sustainer), Pigtronix Fat Boost, Xotic EP Booster, BK Butler Tube Driver (new issue), Eventide TimeFactor, Fulltone wah, Pigtronix Disnortion (one of Whitford's go-to effects he calls "Hendrix in a box"), TC Electronic VPD1 Vintage Pre-Drive, two TC Electronic Flashback delays (set similarly while he experiments with different sounds), TC Electronic Vortex flanger, TC Electronic Corona Chorus, TC Electronic Hall of Fame reverb, and Fulltone Supa-Trem. The Fender combos on each side are used as monitors.

Rig Rundown - Zac Brown Band

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Zac's Guitars
Zac's main guitar is a custom prototype Taylor nylon-string built to his specifications with a beefy neck and hex pickup. All of the band's guitars are tuned a half-step down and all of the band members use D'Addario strings. He plays his main guitar for about 70% of the show and switches for different tunings and capo positions.

His go-to electric is a Collings I-35 he uses on "Uncaged," "Who Knows," "Colder Weather," and "Whiskey's Gone." He also occasionally uses a Dunleavy Chief Strat-style guitar, and a Gibson Les Paul. He uses a Beard resonator guitar for the song "Annie."

Zac's Pedals
Zac's pedalboard features a Keeley Compressor, Boss tuner, two Port City Sahana boosts set for rhythm or lead overdrive, a new Strymon El Capistan, and two Boss GE-7 equalizers for acoustic. The EQ pedals are set flat and used as a 5-7 dB boost for hard picking parts.

Zac's Amps
Zac uses two Fender 65 Super Reverbs. The signal split between one with stock speakers for a midrange cut, and one with Tone Tubby speakers for more body.

Clay Cook's Rig

Clay's Guitars
Clay defines his parts by either single-coil or humbucker sounds. For his single-coil parts on songs like "The Wind," "As She's Waling Away," and "Keep Me in Mind," he uses either a new Bill Crook pink paisley T-style or a '61 Fender Strat with Curtis Novak pickups. For humbucker tones he's using a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (new issue) relic'd and modified by Bill Nash with coil-tapped pickups that he says are, "The most useful coil taps I've ever had on a guitar."

He also occasionally uses a stock '90s Gibson Firebird V, Bill Asher Electro Hawaiian lap steel with a vintage Rickenbacker horseshoe pickup, and piezo with blend knob, and a Collings MF mandolin with Fishman pickup in the saddle.

Clay's Amp
Clay uses a 50-watt Fuchs Overdrive Supreme set the same all show, engaging just a Bright switch for "Goodbye in Her Eyes."

Clay's Pedals
Clay uses a Fuchs Royal Plush compressor to aid in "that Tele spank," and recently incorporated a Boss DD-7 delay to recreate the studio sound for "Goodbye in Her Eyes." Other than those effects, he has tuners for his electrics and mandolin.

Coy Bowles's Rig

Coy's Guitars
Coy uses a variety of guitars, but has been favoring a USA-themed Tele-style build by Frank Verilli with Lollar pickups, including a mini-humbucker in the neck inspired by Brent Mason. He also uses a '69 Gibson ES-335 Custom, an Ibanez tuned to open E flat for slide, a '79 Les Paul Custom, and a Taylor 814ce for the acoustic sets.

Coy's Pedals
Coy has the largest pedalboard in the band, with a Fuchs Plush Replay Tube Delay (used for "Goodbye in Her Eyes"), MXR Super Comp (which is sometimes swapped with a Keeley Compressor), VVT X-Drive, Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive (his go-to pedal), Suhr Kokomo, Vox wah, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, Boss TR-2 Tremolo (sometimes swapped with a Monster Effects Swamp Thang), Lovepedal Pickle Vibe, and a tuner. He uses an ABY box for switching between electric and acoustic, and the board is set up with a switcher that has each pedal on their own loop.

Coy's Amp
Coy also uses a Fuchs Overdrive Supreme, but his is a 100-watt because he likes pushing his speakers hard. He runs it through a custom VVT 2x12 cabinet with one Tone Tubby and one Celestion G1265. He uses the amp's built-in reverb with the amp's footswitch.

Rig Rundown - Steve Vai

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

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Guitars
Steve's main guitars are his EVO (left), which he uses for about 60 to 70 percent of all live and studio work. The guitar holds a lot of emotional investment. "It's not even the easiest guitar to play, but it sounds great," he says, noting that the body and neck resonate at the same frequency. He uses a burnt Ibanez (middle) for his 7-string work, which he customized by literally taking a blow torch to it. He uses the 7-string for the songs "Weeping China Doll," "Velorum," and "The Story of Light." And he's recently been using a more recent issue Jem as well. For this one, Vai chose a seafoam green color after seeing it on a vintage Thunderbird car. This particular one has a Sustainer pickup, which he uses on occasion.

Amps
Though he has a number of different vintage amps on hand, Vai primarily uses his signature Carvin amps when recording. Vai uses his latest signature model, which was released at NAMM 2012, when recording and live. It features three channels, master volume, and master EQ. It's voiced like his original Legacy but with more flexibility. However, Vai still uses his original Legacy heads in the studio.

Effects
A recent discovery for Vai, the Axe-FX II provides nearly all of the effects for Steve's live rig. He doesn't use it much in the studio because he says he prefers to record dry and add effects later. Since the majority of Vai's effects come from the Fractal Audio Axe-FX II, his pedalboard is set up to control those. Vai says he has a select few pedals to use in conjunction, and he likes to experiment with new pedals all the time. When we caught up with him, he was experimenting with a Red Witch Titan Delay, Red Witch Pentavocal Tremolo, Red Witch Medusa Chorus, DigiTech Whammy DT, and MXR Phase 90. He uses an expression pedal to control the Axe-FX II's whammy effect, as well as both a Morley Bad Horsie Wah and a Dunlop Cry Baby Wah. One standby pedal on Vai's pedalboard is his signature Ibanez Jemini distortion, which has two channels of distortion, and hei has his Fractal MFC-101 foot controller set up as a pedalboard, with five presets per bank, and uses an expression pedal for whammy and volume.

Studio Tour - Steve Vai's Harmony Hut

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

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PG's Jason Shadrick is on location in Steve Vai's backyard inside his personal recording studio dubbed the Harmony Hut. In this segment, we get to check out all the gear, speakers, EQ devices, and rackmount gear guitarist Steve Vai used to record his newest album -- The Story of Light.

Rig Rundown - Unknown Hinson

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Hinson brings a duo of his Reverend signature model guitars on the road with him. The guitar is based off of the Reverend 290 Club King, a semi-hollow guitar with two P-90 pickups, Bass Contour control, maple neck and fretboard with bat inlay, and locking tuners. The two guitars are identical other than the headstock veneer. Hinson says he prefers the P-90s because they can clean up and twang or get fat for more rock tones.

Amps
He plugs into a Fender Super-Sonic 100 head and 2x12 cabinet.

Effects
For pedals, Hinson keeps it simple with a Vox ToneLab LE. He uses it as a Volume pedal as well as chorus, overdrive, and tremolo. He prefers this unit because it's all-in-one and easy to travel with.

Rig Rundown - Sonny Landreth

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
When we caught up with Sonny, he was doing fly-in dates, so he was working with his "survival" rig. For this rig, he uses two very similar '57 reissue Strats from the late '80s. They have soft V necks, Lindy Fralin Hot Vintage Pickups, and a Suhr Silent Single Coil system installed in the back to reduce the hum.

Amps
Though he's known for his Dumble amps, Landreth doesn't generally travel with them on tours that involve a lot of flying. His go-to setup is a Demeter TGA3 with 6L6 tubes run into the speakers of a Fender Twin '65 reissue backline. He uses the TGA3 exclusively on the yellow (clean) channel live, and has used the amp extensively on recordings as well.

Pedals
Landreth calls his pedalboard "the runway." It's set up so it can be folded and put into a suitcase for easy traveling. He has a larger pedalboard for other tour with a Voodoo Lab switching system. This pedalboard has a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner, Demeter Fuzzulator, Hermida Audio Zendrive modded for higher gain (his go-to pedal), Hermida Audio Mosferatu, Keeley Compressor, TC Electronic Chorus+, and T-Rex Replica Delay. It's powered by the Sanyo Pedal Juice rechargeable power supply.

Rig Rundown - Bush's Chris Traynor

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Chris Traynor prefers Les Pauls, but still tours with the first LP he ever bought 20 years ago, a 1973 Les Paul Custom that's been on every tour and album he's played on (left). The guitar had TonePros hardware, Gotoh tuners, and a Lollar bridge pickup. One of his current favorites is a Les Paul Standard that was stripped and refinished by his friend Dave Johnson and Area 59 Hysteric Parts (middle). The guitar was completely rebuilt from the knobs and switches to the binding, truss rod, and fretboard. The pickups are DiMarzio 35th Anniversary humbuckers. The guitar on the right is a Teye that he uses on occasion and not pictured is his dual-P-90 semi-hollow Cobra Cavehound.

Traynor uses Clayton 2.0mm picks and keeps his guitars set with higher action and heavier strings because he says, "I like a little bit of fight in my instrument."

Rack
Traynor uses a duo of Fractal Audio Axe-FX II units, which he's used since the company's very first iterations of the units. For part of his sound, he uses Atomic Reactors power amps to power the Axe-FX that go to custom Atomic cabinets. Another line from the Fractal systems goes out into the amps on top of his rack (see below).

Amps
He uses Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (first revision) with a Divided by 13 FTR 37 (not pictured), which he also relies upon heavily in the studio. He likes combining the characteristics of multiple amps to achieve his tone, also using a Marshall EL34 100/100 and a Marshall JMP-1 that was being modded for his rig by Voodoo Amplification. These amps go into Rivera Silent Sister isolation boxes loaded with Eminence speakers.

Floor
Traynor controls the Axe-FX with a Voodoo Lab Ground Control (the same one he's used on tour for 10 years). He also uses a Boss TU-2, a Dunlop Jerry Cantrell Signature Cry Baby, and an Ernie Ball VP JR Volume Pedal.

Rig Rundown - DragonForce

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Herman's main two guitars are a purple Ibanez Egen8, the very first version of his signature model, which is super thin and loaded with DiMarzio Herman Li custom pickups with coil-splitting, scalloped frets on the last four frets, and a knife-edge bridge with no trem stopper. He also uses a 7-string Ibanez for the song "Fallen World." Herman uses .9s - 46. and .9 - .59 strings, and everything is tuned standard. Sam uses an Ibanez RG 7-string, also for "Fallen World," but his primary guitar is his signature Ibanez STM-2, which is a neck-through-body construction with DiMarzio Evolution pickups.

Amps & Effects
Both guitarists' racks are nearly identical, with a power supply, tuner, Samson wireless units for the electric and acoustic guitars, Rocktron Prophesy II preamp programmed for all of their different tones, and Mesa/Boogie 2 Fifty Stereo power amps.

In addition, Herman also uses a Source Audio wah with Hot Hand ring controller, DigiTech Harmony Man, Boss CH-1 Super Chorus, Boss OC-3 Super Octave, Boss ST-3 Power Stack, and Boss AC-3 Acoustic Simulator. On the floor, Herman also uses a DigiTech Whammy. In the rack he also has a rackmounted Dunlop Cry Baby wah.

He uses a Rocktron Loop Mate to bring the pedals into the Prophesy when he uses them instead of the built-in Prophesy effects. He also uses a wireless MIDI controller programmed to automatically change his patches on the Prophesy and a Rocktron All Access switcher that his tech uses to toggle different tones.

Rig Rundown - Creed's Mark Tremonti

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Tremonti uses a slew of his signature model PRS single-cut guitars on the road. Other than some being outfitted with a whammy bar and others with a stop tailpiece, the guitars are all stock production models. His go-to guitar is a charcoal-burst signature model with a Dimebag Darrell sticker on it. Pictured in the front is another favorite with a beautiful one-piece top. He uses D'Addario strings with a hybrid gauge - 11s for EAD and 10s for GBE. He uses custom sets for the various tunings he uses as well. His picks are Dunlop 1mm nylon.

Amps
Tremonti uses a mutli-amp setup anchored by his Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, which runs through the two inside Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinets for rhythm and lead work. The Voodoo V-Rock atop the rack runs through the outside cabinets for rhythm, and he switches to the Bludodone Bludo-Drive on the outside cabs for leads. For cleans, Tremonti uses a duo of Fender 65 Twin Reissues with a TC Electronic G-Force for delay and reverb. The Bogner amp in the rack was not being used at the time we met up with him.

Also in the rack is a handful of effects: an Ibanez TS808 Hand Wired Tube Screamer, T-Rex Mark Tremonti Phaser, and T-Rex Replica Delay. The right side of the rack has a Bludotone Loop-a-Later for the effects, a Fractal Audio Axe-FX II used to thicken up his lead tones, and his monitor rig with a mixer he controls himself.

Floor
On the floor is a Voodoo Lab Ground Control for amp switching, Dunlop Uni-Vibe, Morley Signature Wah, and EHX Micro Pog that was used mainly on last Alter Bridge tour but he kicks in for fun during Creed shows. The board is powered by a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus.

Rig Rundown - Red Hot Chili Peppers' Josh Klinghoffer

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

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Guitars
Josh uses a core of Strats, starting with Chad Smith's '63 Tobacco Sunburst used for older songs like "Higher Ground" and anything with a whammy bar. His main Strat is a black '66 with a '68 neck and he also uses a black 1974 hardtail Strat as his backup. He uses a Gretsch White Penguin for Californication-era songs as a tip-of-the-hat to Frusciante, an early-70s Gibson ES-335 for "Universally Speaking" and a Neil Young song, a '67 Telecaster that was a gift from Frusciante long ago, a '64 custom-color Fender Jaguar used for lighter songs, a 12-string Gibson Firebird with some modifications to the pickguard and switching, a Fender Coronado 12-string in burnt orange (dropped a half step for "Breaking the Girl"), and a "Fools Telemaster" relic'd Tele/Jazzmaster-style hybrid. He uses D'Addario .010 - .046 on all of the guitars except the White Penguin, which is strung with .011 - .049. He uses Dunlop Tortex .60.

Amps
Josh Klinghoffer uses a three-amp setup. The vintage Marshall Major provides the basis for his tone with an emphasis on low-end, the Silvertone is run a bit quieter for midrange, and the Fender Super Six is set even quieter and provides top end. All three amps are on at the same time and the effects are run through all three.

Pedals
Josh changes his pedalboard setup constantly, but when we caught up with him, it'd been steady for a few shows. Certain pedals are on the board to capture the recognizable recorded tones, while others are used for fun as he feels in any given moment. The signal comes into a Boss TU-2 tuner, into an Ibanez WH10, Keeley-modded Boss DS-1, Marshall Guv'nor, Pigtronix PolySaturator, Wilson Effects Fuzz, Boss Analog Delay, Boss DD-3 (clipped repeats), Boss DD-3 (glitching Radiohead-style), Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man (short slapback), Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Tap Tempo (used with the expression pedal), Boss Vibrato ("Suck My Kiss"), Boss CE-2, Boss CE-2 (modded for wider sweep), Lastgasp Labs Cybertronic (high-end, whispy filter), Moog Moogerfooger Low-Pass Filter, Line 6 FM4 (synth sounds), Moog Moogerfooger 12-Stage Phaser (used for "Throw Away Television" in conjunction with the FM4's sequential synth), Boss SG-1 Slow Gear, Boss RV-5, Electro-Harmonix Cathedral, Electro-Harmonix Freeze, Boss DD-6 (cascading repeats), Electro-Harmonix Goly Grail, Xotic Effects EP Booster, Wilson Effects Haze, Lo-Tech-N-Fi-Bot Pocket Synth, Line 6 DL4 (used as a looper and phrase sampler between songs), Bright Onion looper (used as a kill switch), Boss CS-2 Compressor, and a Framptone 3-Banger amp switcher.

The pedals are wired into a Bright Onion Pedals switcher that allows Sheppard to bypass an entire board or each individual pedal in case of a problem, as Josh is fairly rough when kicking his pedals on and off.

Click here for a photo gallery wi

Rig Rundown - Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

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Basses
Flea relies on his main Modulus bass for the majority of the set. It's outfitted with a Modulus Lane Poor pickup, which is no longer in production, an Aguilar preamp, and a Leo Quan Badass bridge. He keeps his knobs taped at his preferred settings (bass almost full up, treble rolled off) and only uses his volume knob live. The Modulus has a graphite neck that allows Robar to set Flea's action very low and Flea uses his signature set of GHS Boomers (.105 - .145).

In addition, he uses (left to right) a Modulus bass with custom Aboriginal finish and a Seymour Duncan pickup that's tuned to Drop D for "By The Way," a Modulus bass with the Aboriginal national flag with the controls built into a cavity on the back (only an on/off switch on the face) tuned down a half-step for "Breaking the Girl," a Chinese-made Flea Bass with custom Damien Hirst spin-art finish, his main Modulus, a backup Damien Hirst-painted Flea Bass, and a Fender P-Bass that isn't used live. Far left is a Fender Bass VI used by Josh Klinghoffer on "Happiness Loves Company" while Flea plays piano. In the gig bag is a five-string Modulus used for "Funky Monks."

Amps
Flea uses three Gallien-Krueger 2001RB amps, one controls the other two as slaves. The amps run into three Gallien-Krueger 410 cabinets and three 115 cabs, all running. There are two additional 2001RB amps in the rack, one is used when Klinghoffer plays bass, and the other is simply a backup.

Effects
Flea doesn't use many effects, relying on these four for all of the tones he needs. Left-to-right he uses a Malekko Bassmaster for fuzz and distortion, MXR Micro Amp used as clean boost for slapping and leads, Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron used for "Sir Psycho Sexy," and a Moog Mooferfooger 12-Stage Phaser used just for fun. The board is powered by a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus.

Click here for a photo gallery with more detailed pictures of Flea and Josh's touring gear.

Rig Rundown - Johnny Winter

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Though best known for his Gibson Firebird (pictured), Winter's main axe is a Lazer from Erlewine Guitars. Winter says he prefers the Lazer because it stays in tune, sounds trebly like a Fender, but plays like a Gibson. The pictured Firebird is used primarily for slide and is kept in open D tuning. The bridge was modified before he purchased it.

Amps & Effects
Winter uses a Music Man 410 120-watt combo, which has been his amp of choice since the late '70s. He sets it with the bass and mids dialed completely out so it's all treble. The Boss CE-2 Chorus is kept on all night to add depth to his tone.

Rig Rundown - The Book of Mormon

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick hits Broadway where he catches up Jake Schwartz who talks about the gear that he uses in the award winning musical The Book of Mormon.

Rig Rundown - Rock of Ages

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick hits Broadway where he catches up Joel Hoekstra and Tommy Kessler who talk about the gear that they use on the hit musical Rock of Ages.

Rig Rundown - Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick hits Broadway where he catches up Matt Beck, Ben Butler, and Zane Carney who talk about the gear that they use on the new musical Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.

Rig Rundown - Nickelback's Chad Kroeger & Ryan Peake

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Moline, IL. at the iWireless Center where he catches up Nickelback Guitar tech Kris Dawson who shows us Chad Kroeger & Ryan Peake's gear and talks about their tour set up.

Rig Rundown - Every Time I Die's Jordan Buckley & Andy Williams

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Des Moines, IA, at People's Court where he catches up Every Time I Die's guitarist Jordan Buckley and Andy Williams who talk about their touring setup that includes ESP Guitars, Gibson, Marshall, Orange, Bison Amps, Boss, Line 6, EMG, and much more.

Rig Rundown - Jimmie Vaughan

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is on location in Riverside, Iowa where he talks to guitar tech Mark Weber about Jimmie Vaughan's gear.

Rig Rundown - John Jorgenson

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is on location in Cedar Rapids, IA, at CSPS where he meets up with former Elton John sideman and gypsy jazz guitarist John Jorgenson who walks us through the instruments, amps, and effects he uses on the road with his quintet.

Rig Rundown - Guns N' Roses DJ Ashba

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Tessa Jeffers is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where she meets up with Guns N' Roses guitarist DJ Ashba who gives us the scoop on all his touring guitars, amps, and effects that he's using on the current US tour in 2012.

Rig Rundown - Guns N' Roses Richard Fortus

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where he catches up with Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus. In this segment, we get to see what Fortus is currently using for guitars, amps, effects, and cabinets during the most recent GN'R US tour in early 2012.

Rig Rundown - Guns N' Roses Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where he catches up with Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal who shows and discusses all the guitars, amps, and effects pedals he's been using on the US Tour in early 2012.

Rig Rundown - Trivium's Corey Beaulieu & Matt Heafy

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at the House of Blues in Chicago, Ill, at the House of Blues where she catches up with Trivium's Corey Beaulieu to check out Corey and Matt's gear.

Rig Rundown - Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in West Des Moines, IA, at the Val Air Ballrom where she catches up with blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. In this Rig Rundown, Shepherd walks us through all his Stratocasters, Fender Amps, and Dumble custom combo, and his expansive pedalboard that includes a TS808HW Tube Screamer, a Tycobrahe fuzz, and Jim Dunlop Uni-Vibe among other stompboxes.

Rig Rundown - Brian Setzer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Shawn Hammond is On Location in Columbia, MO, where he catches up with Brian Setzer's tech Tyler Sweet who shows us all of Brian's Gretsch guitars, his Roland Chorus Echo RE-301, and Fender Bassman amps.

Rig Rundown - Wilco's Nels Cline

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in West Des Moines, IA, where she catches up with Wilco lead guitarist Nels Cline who walks us through his entire rig including Fender Jazzmasters, Schroeder Amps, and an expansive pedalboard.

Rig Rundown - Robert Randolph

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Iowa City, IA, at the Englert Theatre where he catches up with pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph who walks us through his current touring rig consisting of Fender amps, Fender guitars, Fuchs amplifiers, Electro-Harmonix effects, and various other products.

Rig Rundown - Yngwie Malmsteen

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Guitars
Ygnwie uses his Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Strats with a large headstock, Seymour Duncan YJM Fury pickups, scalloped fretboard with Dunlop frets, brass nut, standard tremolo, and 250K YJM pots, as well as one more important detail: "You have to have the Ferrari sticker on the back, otherwise it won't work." He tunes one Strat down, and uses a red version for the song, "Red Devil." The guitars are strung with Fender .008 - .048 strings.

For acoustic songs, Malmsteen uses his well-worn nylon-string Ovation Viper customized with different soundholes and large frets.

Amps
Yngwie's legendary wall of Marshalls features 36 heads and 22 cabinets. The wall is composed of vintage Marshall heads and cabinets, but his live amps and cabs are from his new Marshall YJM series. The YJM100 cabinets are loaded with Celestion 75-watt speakers. He runs one of his YJM heads at 50 watts and one at 100 watts. Though the amp has attenuation, noise gate, overdrive, and digital reverb, Malmsteen says he doesn't use those features live.

Effects
For pedals, Malmsteen uses a Boss NS-2 Noise Supressor and a Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble for clean sounds.

He also uses a vintage Roland Analog Echo, "to make noise," a Cry Baby wah, Taurus bass pedals (not pictured), and a DOD Yngwie Malmsteen YJM308 Preamp Overdrive.

He uses an RJM Mastermind MIDI Foot Controller to split the signal for stereo sound and to control the effects. The Fuzz Face to the left of the controller is not in use, he says, he just likes the way it looks ("like a landmine.") His picks are 1.5mm Dunlop.

Rig Rundown - Steely Dan's Walter Becker

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Milwaukee, WI, where he catches up with Steely Dan's guitarist Walter Becker. In this Rig Rundown video, we get to see what guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals he used during the band's Shuffle Diplomacy 2011 US tour.

Rig Rundown - Steely Dan's Jon Herington

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Milwaukee, WI, where he catches up with Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington, who shows us through his current arsenal of touring equipment including the guitars, amplifiers, and effects he played through the Shuffle Diplomacy US tour in 2011.

Rig Rundown - The Aristocrats' Bryan Beller

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Chicago, IL, where she catches up with The Aristocrats' bassist Bryan Beller who walks us through his current live rig that includes two Mike Lull basses, Gallien-Krueger amps, and various stompboxes from Suhr, DigiTech, Electro-Harmonix, Boss, MXR, and Dunlop.

Rig Rundown - The Aristocrats' Guthrie Govan

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Chicago, IL, where she catches up with The Aristocats' guitarist Guthrie Govan who walks us through his entire live rig on the band's US summer tour, which includes his Suhr signature guitar, Suhr amplifier and cab, and a pretty extensive pedalboard with stompboxes from TC Electronic, Providence, Dunlop, and Ernie Ball.

Rig Rundown - Mr. Big's Paul Gilbert

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where he catches up with Mr. Big's guitarist Paul Gilbert (also a Premier Guitar columnist) who walks us through his live rig containing his signature Ibanez guitars, Marshall amps and an expansive pedalboard.

Rig Rundown - Mr. Big's Billy Sheehan

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where he catches up with Mr. Big's bassist Billy Sheehan who walks us through his current live touring rig and setup including his Yamaha signature bass and his arsenal of Hartke bass amps and cabs.

Rig Rundown - Steel Panther's Satchel

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Chicago were we catch up with Steel Panther's lead guitarist Satchel.

Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Myung

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Rosemont, IL at the Dream Theater show. Here we catch up with Dream Theater tech John Zocco to see the bass rig of John Myung. Don't miss our John Petrucci Rig Rundown here: http://www.premierguitar.com/Video/20111025/1678/Rig_Rundown_Dream_Theaters_John_Petrucci.aspx

Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Petrucci

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Rosemont, IL at the Dream Theater show. Here we catch up with Dream Theater tech Maddi to see the guitar rig of John Petrucci. Don't miss our John Myung Rig Rundown here: http://www.premierguitar.com/Video/20111025/1677/Rig_Rundown_Dream_Theaters_John_Myung.aspx

Rig Rundown - Maroon 5's James Valentine

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with Maroon 5's guitarist James Valentine. In this video Valentine talks to Chris about the gear they use while out on the road on the 2011 Summer Tour with Train.

Rig Rundown - Umphrey's McGee

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location Des Moines where he catches up with Umphrey's McGee. In this video Brendan Bayliss, Jake Cinninger, and Ryan Stasik talk to Jason about the gear they use while out on the road.

Rig Rundown Los Lonely Boys' Henry Garza

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location Iowa City, Iowa with Los Lonely Boys. In this video Henry Garza and guitar tech Ish Flores talk to Rebecca about the gear they use while out on the road.

Rig Rundown Los Lonely Boys' Jojo Garza

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location Iowa City, Iowa with Los Lonely Boys. In this video Jojo Garza and guitar tech Ish Flores talk to Rebecca about the gear they use while out on the road.

Rig Rundown - Eric Johnson

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location at the Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with guitarist Eric Johnson.

Rig Rundown - The Mars Volta's Omar Rodriguez-Lopez

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Chicago with guitarist Omar Rodrigues-Lopez and check out his live rig

Rig Rundown - The Mars Volta's Juan Alderete

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Chicago with bass guitarist Juan Alderete, who talks to Chris about his bass guitars and demonstrates some of his favorite pedals.

Rig Rundown - Def Leppard's Phil Collen

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location backstage at a Def Leppard show to catch up with guitarist Phil Collen and check out his live rig. Phil details his many Jackson PC1 guitars, and later demonstrates how he uses the Floyd Rose and Sustainer pickup.

Rig Rundown - Lynyrd Skynyrd's Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke & Mark "Sparky" Matejka

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks caught up with guitar techs Louis Williams and Chris Rugulo who give us a look at Lynyrd Skynyrd's Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, and Mark "Sparky" Matejka's gear for their Rebels and Bandoleros tour.

Rig Rundown - Thin Lizzy's Vivian Campbell & Scott Gorham

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the Vic Theatre where he catches up with Thin Lizzy guitar tech Coty Allinson who walks us through guitarists Vivian Campbell and Scott Gorham's current touring rigs.

Rig Rundown - Keith Urban Pt. 1: Guitars

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jason Shadrick is On Location at the Mark in Moline, Ilinois. Guitar tech Chris Miller shows Jason a few of the guitars that Keith Urban uses on the Get Closer World Tour. Be sure to check out part 2 where Chris shows Jason around Keith Urban's ever changing array of amps and effects!

Rig Rundown - Keith Urban, Pt. 2: Amps and Effects

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jason Shadrick is On Location at the Mark in Moline, Ilinois. Guitar tech Chris Miller shows Jason a few of the amps and effects that Keith Urban uses on the Get Closer World Tour. Be sure to check out part 1 where Chris shows Jason around Keith Urban's ever changing array of guitars!

Rig Rundown - Stanley Clarke

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at the Northern Lights Theater in Milwaukee, WI, where she catches up with bass legend Stanley Clarke for a Rig Rundown segment that has Stanley showing off his Alembic basses, Ampeg amps, and various effects and stompboxes he is currently using on tour.

Rig Rundown - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Premier Guitar's Jason Shadrick is On Location at the House of Blues in Chicago, where he catches up with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Jason talks to Grace and bandmates Scott Tournet and Benny Yurco about their equipment on their 2011 Summer Tour.

Rig Rundown - Disturbed's Dan Donegan

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks caught up with guitar tech Trevor Cole who gives us a look at Disturbed's Dan Donegan's array of guitars and lets us in on how Dan has everything set up for their tour.

Rig Rundown - Buddy Guy

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Joliet, Illinois, where he catches up with blues guitarist Buddy Guy. His guitar tech Gilbert Garza talks about and shows off Buddy Guy's current equipment and signal chain that's being used on the Living Proof 2011 tour.

Rig Rundown - Victor Wooten & Regi Wooten

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at the Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee, WI, where she catches up with bassist Victor Wooten and his brother Regi Wooten (guitarist) to find out what they are currently using for guitars, amps, and effects during their tour with the Stanley Clarke Band.

Rig Rundown - Billy F. Gibbons - ZZ Top

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rebecca Dirks is On Location with Elwood Francis, guitar tech for Billy F. Gibbons to check out Billy's live rig. See the Gretsches and Les Pauls, check out the detailed settings on Billy's Marshal JMP-1s, and learn what strings, picks, and slides Reverend Willy G. uses night after night.

Rig Rundown - Luther Dickinson

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Charles Saufley is On Location at the Roxy in Hollywood, CA, where he catches up with North Mississippi Allstars and Black Crowes guitarist Luther Dickinson. In this segment, Luther Dickinson talks about the gear he's currently using on the North Mississippi Allstars' tour, which includes Fuch Amps, Gibson, Hagstrom, Epiphone, and Hofner hollowbody guitars, and Radial Engineering, Boss, and other guitar effects stompboxes.

Rig Rundown - G.Love

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location at the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI, where he catches up with guitarist G.Love. In this Rig Rundown, G.Love shows off his pedalboard (Electro-Harmonix Wiggler, EHX Q-Tron, RC Booster, Keeley Compressor, Boss Digital Delay, Boss Flanger), amps (Ampeg J-20 Jet and Fender Deluxe Reverb), and guitars (Gretsch G.Love Signature Corvette, Gretsch Black Penguin, Gretsch Black Falcon, Gretsch 60th Anniversary, and several Gibson acoustics).

Rig Rundown - Rush's Alex Lifeson

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the United Center where she talks with Rush's Alex Lifeson's tech Scott Appleton about the gear Lifeson is using on Rush's 2011 Time Machine tour. Appleton shows off all Lifeson's gear, including Gibson Les Paul Axcess Alex Lifeson Signature models, a ES-355, a Fender reissue '52 Tele, and two '90s PRS models. Lifeson uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MKII Alex Lifeson Signature heads, Steam Punk Statesman 2x12 Cabinets, and a Hughes & Kettner Coreblade.

Rig Rundown - The Roots' Captain Kirk Douglas & Owen Biddle

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at the IMU Lounge at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, where she talks with the Roots' guitarist Captain Kirk Douglas and bassist Owen Biddle.

Rig Rundown - Dropkick Murphys' Ken Casey, Tim Brennan & Jeff DaRosa

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location at the Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with the Dropkick Murphys before their show. In this Rig Rundown segment, we get to hear from Ken Casey (vocals, bass), Tim Brennan (guitar), Jeff DaRosa (acoustic guitar, banjo, flute, piano, mandolin), and James Lynch (guitar).

Rig Rundown - John McLaughlin

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jason Shadrick is On Location in Milwaukee, WI, where he catches up with guitarist John McLaughlin. In this Rig Rundown video segment, McLaughlin talks to us about using his Godin Freeway because of its tone and MIDI capabilities which are a big part of McLaughlin's current touring setup. In addition, McLaughlin talks about his use of effects: Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Classic, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, and a MXR Stereo Chorus. Even a guitar pick can't be overlooked, during his 2010 tour McLaughlin was using a Dunlop Jazz 3 picks, but he would scrap down the pick to get a better grip and playability.

Rig Rundown - Joe Satriani

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at the Chicago Theatre, in Chicago, IL, where she catches up with guitarist Joe Satriani before his 'Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards' Winter 2010 tour. In this Rig Rundown segment, Satriani walks us through all the gear and equipment he's using during the tour. Also, he talks about how this rig differs from the one he uses with supergroup Chickenfoot.

For his effects, Satriani uses a Vox Satriani Big Bad Wah Wah, Vox Satriani Ice 9 Overdrive, Vox Satriani Satchurator Distortion, two Vox Satriani Time Machine Delays, a Voodoo Lab Proctavia, a DigiTech Whammy, and a custom true bypass switch built by amp guru Ben Fargen (Fargen Amplification and Sonic Edge Effects).

For his amps, Satch is using three Marshall JVM410 heads that have been converted into working prototypes for a future signature Marshall head that should be released sometime in 2011. The heads are based on a JVM410 format, but each one has been tweaked and altered throughout his current tour.

And for his guitars, Satriani has been using two different Ibanez signature models--the JS1000 and the new JS2400. All of his Ibanez guitars are loaded with DiMarzio pickups.

Rig Rundown - Reverend Horton Heat

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location at RIBCO Brewing in Rock Island, IL, where he catches up with rockabilly guitar slinger Jim "Reverend Horton" Heath for another Rig Rundown installment.

In this Rig Rundown video segment, the Rev talks about his signature Gretsch G6120RHH Hollowbody electric guitar, switching from his tried-and-true 1978 Fender Deluxe Reverb amp to a Gretsch Executive combo, and why he uses a rackmount delay during his live shows. In addition to the gear talk, the Rev talks and show off some techniques and playing styles he uses on a nightly basis while performing.

Rig Rundown - Hank Williams III

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Des Moines, IA, at People's Court where he catches up with country/metal artist Hank Williams III.

In this Rig Rundown segment, Hank Williams III walks us through both his setups that he uses on a nightly basis--one for his traditional country set and another for his metal set. For the country set, Hank III uses Guild SB-37 acoustics through a Randall head and Port City 2x12 cabs. During the metal set, he uses Guild Nightbird solidbodies through an original VHT Pitbull 2x12. His current pedalboard includes a Dunlop wah, Electro-Harmonix POG 2, and an original ProCo Turbo Rat fuzz pedal.

Rig Rundown - Jason Mraz

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at Wrigley Field in September 2010 where she catches up with Jason Mraz's guitar tech JD who takes us through Mraz's current lineup of guitars, amps, and effects.

Currently, Mraz uses Taylor acoustics exclusively, including his signature model single cutaway acoustic/electric. In addition, Mraz plays through a '65 Fender Twin Reverb reissue 2x12 combo, and he uses a Moollon wah, overdrive and delay. Another effect Mraz leans on during his live sets is a Boss digital reverb pedal.

Rig Rundown - Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at in Iowa City, IA, where she catches up with Warren Hayne's guitar tech--Brian Farmer. In this segment, we get to see Warren's amps--Diaz, Soldano and PRS, which all run through Marshall 4x12--his guitars that include some Gibson Les Pauls, ES-335s, Firebirds and a very rare 12-string Les Paul.

Rig Rundown - Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location at the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE, where he catches up with Dave Matthews Band's lead guitarist Tim Reynolds. In this segment, Reynolds shows us his Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet, his pedalboard featuring a MXR Line Driver, Way Huge Swollen Pickle, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, and a Moogerfooger Ring Modulator pedal. His current lineup of guitars includes a Gibson Flying V, a Gibson Les Paul Standard, and two H-S-S Strats.

Rig Rundown - Dave Matthews

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL, where she catches up with Dave Matthews' guitar tech Craig Baker who gives a tour of Matthews' current US touring rig. Dave Matthews' current lineup of gear includes Fender Strats, Taylor acoustic models (6-string and 12) including his new signature model featuring 'Grux' inspired inlays. During songs Dave plays electric guitar, he runs his dual-humbucker Strats through an isolated 1x12 Matchless combo.

Rig Rundown-Social D Mike Ness & Jonny Wickersham

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Chris Kies is On Location in Council Bluffs, IA, where he catches up with Social Distortion's Mike Ness and Jonny Wickersham and they talk to us about their current live rigs and setups.

Ness' current live setup includes 70s Gibson Les Paul Deluxes (two-goldtops), a '67 Fender Bassman head going through two Marshall 1960B 4x10 cabs. The only pedal in his setup is a Boss SD-1 Overdrive. Wickersham's setup includes original '60s Les Paul Juniors and a '50s Telecaster that run through a Satellite head and two Marshall 4x12 cabs.

Rig Rundown - John Mayer

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rebecca Dirks is On Location at Tinley Park, IL, where she goes onstage and checks out John Mayer's current live setup with the help of legendary guitar tech Rene Martinez (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Prince, Mick Jones).

In this segment, Rene walks us through John's amps (Dumble Steel Stringer, Two-Rock John Mayer Signature, and Fender Bassman), his cabinets (Alessandro 2x12s with Celestions), his effects (including Eventide TimeFactor, a Boss GE-7 Equalizer, an Ibanez TS-10 Tube Screamer Classic, a Roger Linn AdrenaLinn III Beat-Synced Filter Effects Processor, a Korg Toneworks G4 Rotary Speaker Simulator, a Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive, a small Analog Man Comprossor, an original Marshall Bluesbreaker, a Keeley Electronics Katana Clean Boost, a MXR M-108 10-band EQ, a Roger Linn AdrenaLinn Groove Filter FX-Amp Modeling-Drum Box Processor, a Roger Linn AdrenaLinn II Beat-Synched Filter Effects Processor, a Way Huge Aqua Puss Analog Delay, and an additional Eventide TimeFactor), which is anchored by a custom Bob Bradshaw switching system and controller. Rene even shows off some of Mayer's 40 guitars he currently has on tour.

Rig Rundown - Brad Paisley's Guitars

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Moline, IL, where she catches up with Chad Weaver--Brad Paisley's guitar tech--and he walks us through Paisley's current lineup of guitars being used on the 2010 H2O World Tour. In this segment, you'll get to see various Bill Crook custom paisley telecasters, a few of Paisley's signature Gibson acoustics, and a newly purchased '65 refinished Stratocaster.

Rig Rundown - Brad Paisley's Amps & Effects

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Moline, IL, where she catches up with Chad Weaver--PG Columnist and Brad Paisley's guitar tech--and he walks us through the current selection of amps and effects Paisley is using during his 2010 H2O World Tour.

In this segment, we get to see four of Paisleys Dr. Z heads (Z-Verb, Z-Wrecks) and three Bruno heads. In addition to these heads, Paisley uses an Empress delay pedal, a Aqua Puss delay, a TS-808 Tube Screamer, a Wampler prototype designed for Paisley, and several others.

Rig Rundown - Valient Thorr's Eidan & Sadat

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Madison, WI, where he catches up with Valient Thorr's guitarists Eidan Thorr & Sadat Thorr. In this segment, both Eidan and Sadat walk us through their rigs which include Marshall JCM800 50 watt heads, Mesa Boogie 4x12 cabs loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s, and the few pedals they use are an Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer, Electro-Harmonix POG, and Creation Audio Labs Boost/Overdrive.

RIg Rundown - Melvins' King Buzzo

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up the Melvins guitarist King Buzzo. In this segment, Buzzo walks through his current live setup which includes a double-cutaway Electrical Guitar Company guitar (based on Les Paul specs), Sunn head, Carver power amps, MXR effects pedals and a Hiwatt 4x12.

Rig Rundown - Baroness' Peter Adams, John Baizley

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Madison, WI, where he catches up with Baroness' guitarists Peter Adams and John Baizley. They walk us through their rigs which include custom shop First Act guitars, Gibson Les Pauls, BadCat amplifiers, Emperor and Green guitar cabinets, and effects from companies like Electro-Harmonix, MXR, Boss, Dunlop, Ernie Ball, etc.

Rig Rundown - Deftones' Stephen Carpenter

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Madison, WI, where he catches up with Deftones' guitarist Stephen Carpenter and they chat about gear. In this segment, Stephen walks us through both his digital and his analog rig, which includes ZVex, MXR and Dunlop pedals running parallel with the computer program Guitar Rig. In addition, he shows off his two Marshall power amps and his collection of signature ESP guitars.

Rig Rundown - High On Fire's Matt Pike

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting is On Location in Madison, WI, where he catches up with High On Fire's guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike. In this segment, Pike walks us through his current live rig that includes a First Act Custom Shop 9-string guitar, a Marshall JCM800 Kerry King head and a Soldano SLO100 head running through 3 4x12 Emperor Cabs. For effects, Pike only relies on one pedal--a MXR Carbon Copy delay.

Rig Rundown - Exodus' Gary Holt

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Exodus guitarist, Gary Holt. In this segment, Gary Holt talks about his upcoming Schecter signature guitar, his current live setup, the new DVD - Shovel Headed Tour Machine - and their forthcoming album - Exhibit B: The Human Condition.

Rig Rundown - Exodus' Lee Altus

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Exodus guitarist, Lee Altus. In this segment, Lee Altus talks about his current live setup, the new DVD - Shovel Headed Tour Machine - and their forthcoming album - Exhibit B: The Human Condition.

Rig Rundown-Arch Enemy Christopher & Michael Amott

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Arch Enemy's guitarists Christopher Amott and Michael Amott. In this segment, the Amott brothers talk about this current live setup - guitars, amplifiers and effects - and how they recorded The Root of All Evil.

Rig Rundown:Megadeth-Dave Mustaine,Chris Broderick

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Davenport, IA, on 12/07/09 where he catches up with Megadeth's guitarists Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick. In this video segment, both Dave and Chris walk us through their thrash metal setups.

As we all know, Mr. Mustaine uses signature Dean Guitars (with 6-on-a-side) and Marshall power amps and cabs. To keep things simple and preventing from a lot of moving pieces that could break down, they both use DigiTech GSP1101 preamp. The only thing different in Chris Broderick's rig is his guitar, he currently is using a Ibanez Prestige. While Broderick preferes the RG series, he's rolling with the Prestige because of the trem system.

Rig Rundown - Joe Bonamassa: Guitars

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with blues guitarist powerhouse, Joe Bonamassa. In this video segment, we get to hear from Joe about his current slew of guitars for his current tour.

Joe walks us through several Gibsons, including his JB model # 001 (which he calms is his favorite), a "Gary Moore" Les Paul, another JB Goldtop model (with traditional white hardware), a cardinal red Firebird and an old Flying V. In addition, he shows off some Ernie Ball models like his Petrucci baritone and Steve Morse loaded with DiMarzios. To top it off, he breaks out a double-neck ... just for good measure!

Rig Rundown - Joe Bonamassa: Effects

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with blues guitar-slinger Joe Bonamassa. In this video segment, we catch up with Joe as he talks and plays us through the current line up of guitar effects on his pedalboard for the current tour.

He demos some of his favorite amp and effect setups including a Way Huge Pork Loin, a Fuzz Face (custom-made by George Tripps), a replica of an old Whirlwind phaser, a BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay, a TS-9 Tube Screamer, a Fulltone Tremolo and a rackmounted TC Electronic TC2290 delay.

Rig Rundown - Joe Bonamassa: Amplifiers

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with blues guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa. In this portion, Joe talks and demos his current lineup of amps for the ongoing tour.

In this video segment, Joe shows off his amplifier setup during the 2009 tour. The four amp collection includes a 20 year old custom Bogner Uberschall, a Marshall Jubilee, a JB-100 Carol-Ann (1 of 10) and a Van Weelden Twinkleland, which according to Joe is the only one in the US.

Rig Rundown - Rob Zombie's John 5

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Milwaukee, WI, on 11/19/09 during the Rob Zombie '09 tour where she caught up with guitarist and tele wizard, John 5.

In this segment, John 5 walks us through his current live rig used for the current tour, including his plethora of Fender Custom Shop teles and siganture models, which all feature Dimarzio pickups or a Twisted Tele for the neck spot. He rocks a MINIMAL pedalboard (3 pedals and a wah!) and runs all that through various Marshall heads.

Rig Rundown - GWAR's Mike Derks

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with GWAR's gore-tastic guitarist, Mike Derks - aka "Balsac the Jaws of Death."

In this segment, Derks walks us through his current live rig which includes his custom ESP EX which features a "Balsac-approved" GWAR decal on the body and on the fretboard. Its loaded with EMG 85 in the neck and 81 in the bridge. He runs the guitar through a Mesa Boogie TriAxis preamp, Lexicon MPX G2 effects processor, a Mesa Boogie Stereo Simul-Class 295 head, which runs through a custom Vader 4x12.

Rig Rundown-Mastodon's Brent Hinds & Bill Kelliher

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Des Moines, IA, at the Val Air Ballroom where he visits backstage with Mastodon's Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher about their current live rigs.

In this Rig Rundown, Brent talks about his vintage Fender silverface combo and Marshall JMP heads. Also, he talks about his love for Gibson Les Pauls and his newly acquired Electrical Guitar Company's lucite V.

Bill Kelliher talks to us about his vintage vintage Explorers and Silverbursts and trying to incorporate his First Act 9-string into the live set a little more. In addition, he talks about his two Marshall heads (JMC 800 reissue and Kerry King Signature), Marshall and Mills Acoustic Cabs and his love for the new Morpheus Droptune Polyphonic Pitch Drop and Octave pedal.

Rig Rundown - Dethklok's Brendon Small

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Des Moines, IA, at the Val Air Ballroom where he visits backstage with Dethklok's (Metalocalypse) Brendon Small about his current live rig setup.

In this Rig Rundown, Dethklok's Small talks about his Gibson E2 Explorer, Kerry King Signature Marshall head, Marshall 4x12 cabinet and the select few effects pedals he can handle while singing and playing lead/rhythm guitar. Also, Small talks about the upcoming Metalocalypse season, which features all new episodes that now run a full 1/2 hour.

Rig Rundown - Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Milwaukee, WI, at the Rave/Eagles Ballroom where he catches up with Alice in Chains' guitarist, singer/songwriter Jerry Cantrell. Jerry walks us through his current live rig for the ongoing Black Gives Way to Blue tour where he's using Bogner and Dave Friedman Marsha heads, G&L Rampages, Gibson Les Pauls and of course some effects including his original Dunlop Crybaby wah used on the epic "Man in the Box."

Rig Rundown - Clutch's Tim Sult & Dan Maines

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, at Kuma's Corner's 4th Anniversary Block Party where Clutch, Baroness and Lionize performed. In this video segment, Jordan catches up with Clutch's Tim Sult (guitarist) and Dan Maines (bassist) and talks all things gear and their new record, "Strange Cousins From the West". Tim's current rig includes an old JMP head, Orange Tiny Terror combo, JCM800 that all go through a 1960 Marshall cab loaded with Vintage 30s. For guitars, he sticks with a 70's LP. As for Dan Maines, he uses an Ampeg Classic Series SVT-VR head and alternates between a 4x10 or 8x10 cab depending on the stage/venue size. For a bass, he generally sticks with a Lakland P-style bass. Both guys keep the effects to a minimum as they only use the occasional wah pedals.

Rig Rundown - Black Label Society's Nick Catanese

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Black Label Society's guitarist, Nick Catanese. In this video segment, we talk all things gear, Nick's beliefs on effects and his big move from Washburn to PRS. Recently, Nick has started using PRS guitars and later this year they'll be coming out with his signature model that will feature a double-cutaway, a Floyd Rose trem and EMG pickups. For amps, in BLS he uses Marshall heads and cabs from Zakk Wylde's Wall of Doom and for his own project Speed X he uses Fuchs Viper 100 heads and Electro Voice cabinets. For effects, he uses his signature Fuchs distortion pedal, the Noxious, a Dunlop Rotovibe, BOSS Stereo Chorus, Dunlop wah wah and Morley Bad Horsey.

Rig Rundown - Dope's Virus

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Dope guitarist, Virus. In this video, they chat all things gear and run down Virus' rig. Virus plays DBZ Guitars-Bird of Prey and Cavallo models-through a Diamond Nitrox head that sits in a Phantom chasis... rockstars and their ways! For effects, Virus keeps it simple by only using a Digitech delay, phaser (that he only accidentally turns on) and whammy pedal.

Rig Rundown - Cycle of Pain's JD & Joe Taylor

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Chicago, IL, where he catches up with Cycle of Pain's Joe Taylor and John "JD" DeServio--who also plays bass for Black Label Society. In this video segment, we chat all things gear, pain and run down both their live rigs. Joe Taylor-guitarist-plays a Gibson Les Paul Standard that runs through a Framus Cobra head and Framus 4x12 cabinets. And the only pedals Joe uses are a Vox wah and Boss TU-2 tuner. JD uses Hartke 8x10 cabs, which split through a Hartke LH1000 and Zoom bass heads. For effects, he uses a ZOOM B.1UT bass effects unit.

Rig Rundown - Sevendust's Clint Lowery

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in Texas where he chats gear with Sevendust guitarist, Clint Lowery. In this video segment, they run down Clint's signal chain. For guitars, Clint uses various PRS models, but his go-to guitar is a standard PRS model he calls Bruce Lee. For amps, Clint uses Diamond Phantom heads (live) and has used a Mesa Boogie Mark IV for all his recordings. And to make things sound special he runs various pedals, including a Digitech whammy, MXR Phase 90, a volume pedal, TC Electronic delay, chorus pedal and envelope filter.

Rig Rundown - Testament's Eric Peterson

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, at the House of Blues where he catches up with Testament's Eric Peterson. In this Rig Rundown segment, we check out Eric's new signature Dean 'V' which features Testament's first logo (dating back to pre-Testament, when they were known as Legacy). In addition, Eric talks to us about scalloping his own guitar, the limited amount effects he uses and his latest amp choice for their most recent studio effort.

Rig Rundown - Testament's Alex Skolnick

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Jordan Wagner is On Location in Chicago, IL, backstage at the House of Blues where he catches up with one of Testament's guitarists, Alex Skolnick. In this video segment, we hear from Alex about his collaboration with Heritage Guitars out of Kalamazoo, MI, as they are in the final stages on completing his signature guitar, which features Skolnick's John Hancock on the headstock, mahogany body, maple top and Seymour Duncan '59 Jeff Beck humbuckers. In addition to talking about his ongoing relationship with Heritage, he walks us through his live rig for the current Testament tour, which includes a Marshall Mode 4 Head, MXR EVH Phase 90, Boss DD-20 Giga Delay and a Moollon signal boost.

Rig Rundown - 311's Tim Mahoney

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in Iowa City, IA, where she catches up with 311's guitarist, Tim Mahoney and they talk all things gear. In this video segment, Tim walks us through his live rig including, his various PRS, Gibson and Ibanez guitar models. In addition, we get to check out his Diamond amps and cabinets and his "party board," which includes over 15 effects (Mutron II, Boomerang phrase sampler, Memory Man).

Rig Rundown-Peter Mayer Coral Reefer(Jimmy Buffet)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Joe Coffey is On Location at the Alpine Music Valley Theatre where he caught up with Coral Reefer Band's (Jimmy Buffett) Peter Mayer. In this video, we get up close and personal tour of Peter's rig, including his amp, Fender '63 Strat and other guitars and effects. Watch to find out some of Peter's favorite settings and pedals that he uses on stage with Mr. Carefree, Jimmy Buffett.

Rig Rundown - Matt Roberts' Rig (3 Doors Down)

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Brett Petrusek walks through a rig rundown with 3 Doors Down's tech, Jeff Chase. They talk tone, live sound and switching while backstage at 3 Doors Down's tour stop in Minneapolis, MN.

Rig Rundown - Chris Henderson's Guitars

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PG's Brett Petrusek is conducting a Rig Rundown backstage with 3 Doors Down before they rocked Minneapolis, MN. Remember to quench that thirst for gear, visit premierguitar

Rig Rundown - Chris Henderson's Rig (3 Doors Down)

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Premier Guitar is backstage with 3 Doors Down, checking out Chris Henderson's rig. Remember - for your gear fix go to www.premierguitar.com